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OMBUDSMAN STARTS PROBE TO WEED OUT CUSTOMS GRAFTERS By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered an investigation into graft and corruption within the Bureau of Customs. In a statement sent to the media, the Ombudsman said it would file criminal and administrative charges against erring Customs officials and employees, and order them suspended or dismissed if they are found guilty of any wrongdoing. Citing the law creating the Office of the Ombudsman, the agency said it is

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 161 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

empowered to investigate and prosecute a case on its own even without a complaint, and order any public officer or employee to go on preventive suspension if the evidence of guilty is strong. Moreover, the Ombudsman could file cases for dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty against erring public servants. The Ombudsman may also remove or dismiss employees from government service if they are found administratively Next page

‘Armed hostility’ at sea feared Palace sees risks over Hanoi, KL stand vs. Beijing By MJ Blancaﬂor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Palace said Wednesday that Vietnam and Malaysia’s stance against China over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea endangers the lives of their people. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the two countries risk “armed hostility” through their aggressive posture against Asia’s economic giant. Vietnamese and Chinese forces have an ongoing standoff within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone. Vietnam has accused China of “unlawful activities” for deploying a ship to conduct a mapping mission within their EEZ and continental shelf. China has challenged Vietnam’s ongoing oil and gas operations. The two countries, which are both claimants of islands in the disputed waters, are contesting the oil-rich Vanguard Bank. “It means that Vietnam is risking an armed hostility between the two

CBRN DRILL. The US Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army hold a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear full-scale exercise at the back of Manila Film Center in Pasay City. DTRA designed the drill to hone the response skills of the BFP, the officially mandated CBRN response agency within the Philippines’ government and allow Philippine agencies to practice responding to a simulated CBRN incident within Metro Manila. Ey Acasio

‘SolGen helped Dengue cases higher than DOH figure—senator By Macon Ramos-Araneta draft Bikoy’s raps vs. plotters’ House Minority By Rey E. Requejo THE Office of the Solicitor General on Wednesday admitted its role in the filing of criminal charges against the opposition personalities accused of involvement in the alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. A report from ABS-CBN News has also revealed that the OSG had a hand in drafting the affidavit of Peter Joemel Advincula alias Bikoy, the witness in the sedition raps filed against Vice President Leni Robredo and more than 30 other personalities. An examination of the affidavit’s soft copy showed that two individuals working in the OSG were the authors of the Microsoft Word document, according to the report. Next page

THE number of dengue cases may be higher than the Health Department is reporting if claims from the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. are any indication, Senator Ralph Recto said Wednesday. “If we use the PhilHealth data, then the

epidemic is graver than what is widely believed,” Recto said. While the Department of Health has reported 106,630 cases from January to June, PhilHealth has received 174,000 claims, or a difference of 70,000, he said. Even if the trajectory is lower in the second half, the country is looking at more than 300,000 cases by the end of

the year, Recto added. The senator said the disparity in figures could be explained by the fact that some dengue patients are admitted twice. “But whether it is the figure from DOH or from PhilHealth, the number is alarming,” he said. Dengue, he said, could have

for death penalty

By Maricel V. Cruz THE leader of the minority bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s wish to reimpose capital punishment for heinous crimes related to illegal drugs and plunder. “I have always supported the reimposition of the death penalty that was repealed during my time in the 13th Congress, but only on certain heinous crimes like massacre, terrorism, killing with rape, plunder,” Bienvenido Abante said. He made his statement after his election as minority leader of the House. Malacañang earlier said Duterte would likely certify as urgent the bills reimposing the death penalty for heiNext page nous crimes.

MM Council takes up EDSA bus ban By Rio N. Araja THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has amended the certificate of public convenience of all provincial buses with terminals along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue within the National Capital Region. MMDA EDSA Traffic chief Bong Nebrija said the latest LTFRB circular and the proposed bus ban are among the issues to be discussed by the Metro Manila Council in a meeting today (Thursday). Next page

JOLLIBEE SEALS $350-M DEAL TO BUY COFFEE BEAN BUSINESS B1

Robredo’s rating nosedives—SWS

REMINDER. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte interacts with local chief executives during a post-SONA meeting at The Manila Hotel on July 23, 2019 where he admonished them to stay out of trouble. Presidential Photo

Rody to mayors: Keep your nose clean, avoid drugs

By MJ Blancaﬂor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte warned mayors and other local officials to stay out of the illegal drugs trade Tuesday night, a day after his State of the Nation Address, where he promised he would pursue the anti-narcotics crack-

down relentlessly. President Duterte, in a meeting with local politicians Tuesday night, said he does not want any mayor or government official to be involved with drug syndicates, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said. Panelo also said the President also re-

British Empire fetes Filipino driver

minded them of the fate of the city mayors who were linked to illegal drugs and drug lords. Duterte has previously released a “narco-list” of politicians allegedly involved in illegal drugs, some of whom were later killed. Among them were former mayors Next page

THE net satisfaction rating of Vice President Robredo fell 14 points from good to moderate in the second quarter survey of poll firm Social Weather Stations. Robredo’s rating went down from +42 (good) in March to +28 (moderate) in June. More than half or 57 percent out of the 1,200 respondents said they were Next page

Nike sneakers fetch $437k at auction

QUEEN Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has awarded Roland Quitevis, a Filipino driver, the British Empire Medal for his 33 years of service at the UK Embassy in Manila. “I am delighted to announce that

NEW YORK—A new world record for a pair of sneakers was set at auction on Tuesday when an avid collector splashed out $437,500 on Nike’s 1972 “Moon Shoe,” Sotheby’s said. The sale smashed the previous record of

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‘Federal shift remains a priority’ By MJ Blancaflor and Maricel V. Cruz

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will continue the campaign for federalism, members of the Cabinet said, despite the admission of the Chief Executive that an overhaul of the government system is no longer possible under his term.

our country,” Año said. “The question is when are we ready? So, we will continue this because we have an Inter-Agency Task Force for federalism and constitutional reforms,” he added. Año leads the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the lead agency of the inter-agency task force which was formed by Duterte to raise public awareness on the proposed new system of government. Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also assured the public that funds allocated on the administration’s federal-

ism campaign will be utilized. “I think it will also be one of the topics to be discussed in the committee on Constitutional amendments both in the House of Representatives including in the Senate,” Nograles said. The government has allocated P100million budget to campaign nationwide for the federalism proposal. The DILG tapped other agencies such as the Presidential Communications Operations Office to carry out the information drive which produced the lewd video of its then former assistant secretary Mocha Uson.

In an interview after his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President conceded that his campaign promise of federalism will not push through in his administration. But Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Tuesday that a shift into a federal

form of government remains a priority of the administration, calling it the “solution” for the problems of the country. “Though the President did not mention it, in one of his talks in Mindanao, he mentioned that he is still for federalism. Ultimately, this is the solution for

Ombudsman...

Roque invokes 90-day rule on massacre case

From A1

liable for grave conduct, gross neglect of duty or conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service. Employees dismissed in this manner will also suffer perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and be barred from taking the civil service exam, the Ombudsman said. During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte told the 18th Congress to help abolish the Bureau of Customs, and to remove corrupt officials and employees. Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero on Wednesday vowed to go after erring Customs brokers and said he would file appropriate charges against those who violate Customs laws, rules and regulations. Guerrero said he met with the President and expressed his displeasure over unscrupulous Customs brokers who are involved in illegal activities, and vowed to have their accreditation and licenses revoked. “The bureau has initiated reforms in our systems to improve efficiency, promote transparency and remove opportunities to commit graft,” Guerrero said. In his fourth State of the Nation Address, the President called out Customs officials who were facing criminal and administrative charges for alleged corrupt activities. “If I cannot dismiss them for the reason that there is a security of tenure, I will just allow them to have their plantilla positions but they have to report to Congress everyday to help me in the huge paperwork that we have to do everyday. All of them will go out from the premises of the Customs area,” Duterte said.

House... From A1

The House sought to reimpose capital punishment in 2017 but the measure was rejected by the Senate. But some disagree with the views of Abante, a senior pastor at the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Ekklesia. Senior deputy minority leader Janette Garin of Iloilo City said she was opposed to the manner by which the death penalty will be carried out. “I hope Secretary Panelo was just joking. That method has been in obsolescence even among animals,” said Garin who is still facing a slew of criminal cases for the Dengvaxia disaster during the Aquino II administration where she was the Health secretary. Garin was referring to Panelo’s statement that “If you will ask him, death by hanging is cheaper. But I think lethal injection [is most likely].” “[It is] better to discuss the parameters of the proposed law. Hindi makakatulong sa pagpasa ng batas ‘yung statement ni Secretary Panelo,” Garin said.

called on the international community, including the claimant-nations in the disputed South China Sea, to openly rebuff the “aggressive behaviors” of China’s naval forces and its maritime militia that may threaten the region’s stability, peace and security. US Admiral Karl L. Schultz, commandant of the US Coast Guard, said that China had shown aggressive behavior in the SCS. Schultz suggested that the international community, the US and countries in the Southeast Asia, and China’s neighboring countries, including the claimant-nations, should voice out their objections to the aggressive behavior of the Chinese coast guards and maritime militia in the disputed waters. “I think we are seeing behaviors out of the Chinese Coast Guard, out of the Maritime Militia, that are not consistent with the rule-based order,” the US officials said, in an international teleconference. “I think there needs to be an international push-back to say… we reject the types of behaviors, the antagonistic, aggressive behaviors that are not consistent with the rule-based order,” Schultz said. Schultz said the United States will continue to assert freedom of navigation rights and open sea lines of communication in the Indo-Pacific Region, including in the South China Sea, noting that it is “critically important to US interests and to international interests.” Meanwhile, a pro-administration legislator on Wednesday said the government

must seriously pursue the development of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea as a tourist destination, as suggested by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. “With the ongoing rehabilitation of the runway on the island, [we] would do well to maximize the investment we are putting into the island to consider other productive activities on Pag-asa other than just an outpost,” said Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon. “If we are to assert our hold on the island in a non-military, non-confrontational way, it would be advantageous to open it up to visits by tourists, with sustainable, eco-friendly policies in place,” he added. Biazon said the economic activity would enable the government to somehow recover the expenditures for the rehabilitation of the runway and erection of facilities on the island and provide funding for future developments. Also on Wednesday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III rejected a call by Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio for the Senate to either ratify or repudiate Duterte’s verbal agreement with Xi. “We do not practice motu propio ratification or repudiation on something not submitted to us,” said Sotto. Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima warned Duterte to stop “clowing around with the country’s security and diplomatic relations” by invoking the country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States as a way to dramatize his opposition to a more aggressive stance against China. With Maricel V. Cruz

information has made it difficult for the Panel to cause service of the subpoenae to respondents,” Justice Undersecretary Mark Perete said Wednesday. The OSG said it assisted the PNP-CIDG in filing the charges against Robredo and several opposition personalities before the Justice department last week. However, the chief state lawyer said there was nothing wrong with this because providing legal services to government agencies like the PNP was part of its mandate under Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code. “The OSG is the principal lawyer of Republic of the Philippines and all its

agencies and departments which includes, among others, the PNP-CIDG. It is the OSG’s legal duty to serve its clients when they seek legal advice,” the OSG said in a statement. But the OSG did not say whether it indeed prepared the affidavit of Advincula in the “Ang Totoong Narco-list” videos who stands as a witness in the CIDG complaint as reported by ABS-CBN. “It is also the duty of the OSG to abide by the client-lawyer confidentiality imposed by law. Hence, as lawyers, we cannot divulge details or information about the specifics of this case,” the OSG said. With MJ Blancaflor

a “hemorrhagic effect” on the finances of both DOH and PhilHealth if the number of those affected hits epidemic proportions. In 2018, PhilHealth paid P2.44 billion to settle more than 252,000 dengue hospitalization claims. But for the first half of year, it has already processed P1.7 billion worth of claims, or 71 percent of what it paid out for the entire 2018. The state insurer has three “benefit” rates for dengue cases, with a maximum coverage of P10,000 for “Dengue I”; P16,000 for “Dengue II”; and P7,000 for “Non-Severe Dengue.” Recto said the DOH “might need some budgetary infusion” if the cost of preventive and curative protocols to contain the epidemic and treat patients prove beyond DOH’s financial capacity. He urged DOH to tap its P500-million Quick Response Fund in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund so it can “intensify its response to this public health emergency.” He added that the DOH should also impose a moratorium on nonessential and postponable meetings, training in hotels and redirect the funding for these to the dengue control effort. According to the Commission on Audit, the DOH spent about P2.2 billion for travel and training in 2017.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III kept his “very good” net satisfaction From A1 rating at +60 although it dropped by one point from the March survey results. satisfied with the Vice President’s perThe Senate as a whole likewise saw formance while 29 percent said they its net satisfaction rating increase to were dissatisfied. +63 (very good).

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, on the other hand, posted a “moderate” rating at +13 while the Supreme Court had a record-high net satisfaction rating of +54, up by four points from March. Former Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s “poor” net satisfaction rating

dropped further from -20 to -17 even as the House of Representatives posted a record-high “good” rating at +48. The President’s Cabinet as a whole also saw its satisfaction rating rise from “good” (+44) in March to “very good” (+51) in June.

FORMER Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque on Wednesday urged the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to resolve the Maguindanao multiple murder case this year. “I have said there should be a decision by September or October because of the 90-day rule,” private prosecutor Harry Roque told the Manila Standard. He was referring to the 90-day period for deciding the case that will start to

‘Armed... From A1

countries and risking the lives of their people,” Panelo said. A similar situation was monitored months ago in Malaysia. To prevent ongoing drilling operations, a Chinese vessel patrolled waters near Luconia Shoals off the coast, which is within Malaysia’s Sarawak State. Panelo said diplomatic negotiations remain the “best method” to address territorial disputes. “They [Vietnam and Malaysia] can do that, but there is always risk… [of] something disastrous. The President will not allow that. Rather than risk, the best method to solve the problem is through negotiation, diplomatic negotiations,” he said. President Rodrigo Duterte has been criticized for his handling of the issue even after the Philippines won its arbitral case against China in 2016 before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the The Hague, Netherlands. Shortly afterward, Duterte entered into verbal deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, granting access to the country’s EEZ to Chinese fishermen. Duterte says he puts a premium on the safety of the Filipinos by avoiding war with China, but critics say the government can assert sovereignty without necessarily going to war. On Tuesday, the US Coast Guard

‘SolGen... From A1

Meanwhile, the Justice department has ordered the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to provide the panel of prosecutors the missing information, particularly the addresses of all those named in the sedition case related to the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” series of videos. “The Panel noted that the complaint filed before it does not state the respondents’ complete addresses. The missing

Robredo’s rating...

Nike...

He also reminded local executives to be faithful to their oath of office, Panelo said. From A1 In his fourth State of the Nation Address, Duterte ordered Interior SecreAntonio Halili of Tanauan, Batangas; tary Eduardo Año to suspend mayors Ferdinand Bote of General Tinio, Nue- or governors who would not heed the va Ecija; and Rolando Espinosa of Al- order to reclaim all public roads. buera, Leyte. “Reclaim all public roads that are be-

ing used for private ends…. And again, I ask Secretary Año to see to it that it is enforced,” Duterte said. Año said the steps taken by Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in reclaiming public roads is a good example of ways to solve Metro Manila’s traffic woes. With PNA

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has honored Mr. Roland Quitevis with the British Empire Medal for his services to UK-Philippine Relations,” British Ambassador Daniel Pruce said in a statement dated July 23. “This is a thoroughly well-deserved recognition of Roland’s long service at

“This is the one that we’ve been waiting for. The guidelines that will set the wing on the implementation of bus terminal closures on EDSA because we cannot close it without any alternatives. So this is it,” he said. Under Memorandum Circular 2019031, all provincial buses from the north,

Rody...

THE Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Wednesday thumbed down National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon’s proposal to extend martial law in Mindanao for one more year, citing recent bombings in the island. Esperon said he would recommend the extension of martial law in Mindanao for another year. Mindanao has been under martial law since 2017. But Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate said extending martial law in Mindanao anew may result in what he described as “unlimited martial law.” “The government is using the Sulu bombing to justify the extension of martial law in Mindanao. If that is the case, should there is any bombing that may occur in every area of the country, the entire archipelago might end up being under martial rule,” Zarate said. Zarate, a Mindanaoan, said martial law was the reason for the continuing poverty in the region. ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro, agreed, saying that extending martial law in Mindanao, was bereft of any constitutional basis. “The government has enough power to respond to the so-called lawless violence in Mindanao,” she said. GabrielaWomen’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, also expressed opposition to extending martial law in Mindanao. “By citing the recent bombings in Mindanao, Esperon is removing the time element in extending the extraordinary use of state powers. He is practically saying that martial law in Mindanao should be declared based on circumstances that happened last month or even prior, not based on the actual situation come end of December,” Brosas said.

tos, earlier told the Manila Standard that Ampatuan was employing delaying tactics to derail the promulgation. The Justice secretary had previously said he would expect the case’s resolution in the first semester of 2019. Should Reyes dump Ampatuan’s motions, the accused could seek another legal remedy to appeal the judge’s decision before the Court of Appeals or eventually before the Supreme Court, Moral said. “We would also want the case to be resolved already,” he said.

ed terminal exchange, the LTFRB said. “The routes of all city buses are also deemed provisionally amended, extending their end point in the North to Valenzuela interim terminal and at Sta. Rosa interim terminal and Parañaque integrated terminal exchange in the South,” the memorandum circular read. The Metro Manila Development Authority is tasked to determine what provincial buses with window hours would be allowed to cross EDSA.

From A1

By Maricel V. Cruz, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

run from its submission. But because of the complexity of the multiple counts of murder, the alleged involvement of over 190 accused, and many pieces of evidence and witnesses, the case has dragged on for almost 10 years. Allan Moral Jr. of Branch 221 said one of the principal accused, former Unsay, Maguindanao Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., filed a motion on July 1 and a formal offer of evidence, which Judge Jocelyn Reyes had yet to resolve. Another private prosecutor, Nena San-

By Rio N. Araja

whose terminals are located on EDSA, shall temporarily stop at the Valenzuela City interim terminal. On the other hand, those coming from South Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao whose terminals can be found in Cubao, Quezon City must end their trip at the Sta. Rosa, Laguna interim terminal to load and unload passengers. Provincial buses with terminals along EDSA in Pasay City shall drop off passengers at the Parañaque City integrat-

MM Council...

Militants: No to martial law extension

From A1

$190,373 spent in 2017 on a pair of signed Converse worn by Michael Jordan in the 1984 Olympic basketball final, the New York-headquartered auc-

British Empire... From A1

Dengue... From A1

tion house said in a statement. It was also well above the pre-sale estimate of $160,000, Sotheby’s added. Canadian collector Miles Nadal was the successful bidder in the online action, adding to the 99 pairs of other hard-to-find shoes that he bought in a private sale last week. AFP the Embassy, mostly spent as the Ambassador’s driver.” Quitevis is the sixth of eight children in his family and was born in Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur. At the age of 22, he moved to Manila. “My first job was actually in the British Embassy where I started off as a messenger. After I was regularized, I obtained the necessary skills and was promoted to become the official driver of the Ambassador,” Quitevis said. PNA

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Du30 to sign bill increasing excise tax on tobacco products

CONSULTATION. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (second right) talks with Committee on Appropriations Chairman Rep. Isidro Ungab (center) during a consultation meeting at the Majority Office in Congress. With them are (from left) Surigao Del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay, Quezon Rep. David Suarez, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro. Romualdez vows to pass the legislative priorities of the President, especially the salary standardization law of teachers and nurses. Ver Noveno

Gov’t agencies reminded to provide PWD express lanes ALL government offices, especially those providing frontline services, are required to provide express lanes for persons with disabilities. The Civil Service Commission issued the reminder as the nation observed National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week from 17 to 23 July 2019. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 20, s. 2017, signed by Chairperson Alicia dela RosaBala, orders all government agencies to “provide express lanes for PWDs or in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to PWDs in all the transactions therein.” The circular is based on the provisions of Republic Act No. 10754, or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability, and its implementing rules and regulations. The CSC has also made the Career Service Examination more accessible to PWDs, as well as the elderly and pregnant women, as part of measures to promote equal employment opportunity in government. Under CSC Resolution No. 1701159 issued 31 July 2017 and circularized through CSC Memorandum Circular No. 31, s. 2017 dated Oct. 6, 2017, partially and totally blind examinees can take the examination using either the Dictation or the Braille system, with the help of a suitable room examiner and proctor. Those with low vision will be assigned test materials with increased font size. The deaf or hard of hearing will be guided by a room examiner and proctor with knowledge on sign language or by certified sign language interpreters. The CSC said that examinees who are PWDs, pregnant women, and senior citizens will be assigned to take the examination in a room located on the ground floor of the testing building for ease of movement. The time limit for the examination shall be extended for one hour for the visually impaired and the deaf or hard of hearing, thus, four hours and 10 minutes for the CSE-Pen and Paper Test Professional Level, and three hours and 40 minutes for the Subprofessional Level. However, the CSC said that the time limit for other PWDs covering examinees with both apparent and non-apparent disability, pregnant women, senior citizens, and the rest of individuals classified as regular examinees will remain at three hours and 10 minutes for the Professional Level, and two hours and 40 minutes for the Sub-Professional Level.

Zero % duty on capital equipment extended By MJ Blancaﬂor

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has extended by three years the grant of zero percent duty on capital equipment by enterprises registered under the Board of Investments.

The extension is contained in Executive Order No. 85 signed by the President on July 19, copies of which were sent to Palace reporters Wednesday. Based on the order, the grant of dutyfree importation of capital equipment is an important ﬁscal incentive in promoting investments in the country. The zero percent duty, as stated in the document, will be granted to capital equipment, spare parts and accessories

imported by new and expanding enterprises given that these were not manufactured domestically in sufﬁcient quantity, of comparable quality and at reasonable prices. The extension was given amid the global competition for foreign direct investments, according to the order. It is expected to enhance the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment destination and improve

industry competitiveness. Last year, the government has also granted zero percent duty on certain articles imported by BOI-registered new and expanding enterprises through EO No. 57. It lasted for one year from the date of its effectivity. The new order is valid for three years or until a law amending the investments code is enacted. The BOI-registered enterprise cannot sell, transfer or dispose of the equipment and articles within ﬁve years from the date of importation without prior approval of the BOI. Enterprises who fail to comply with the requirement will have to pay twice the amount of the duty foregone or P500,000 whichever is higher without prejudice to other applicable penalties.

Elevate standards of legal profession, Bersamin urges IBP execs, lawyers

the standard the standard the standard the standard

By Rey E. Requejo CHIEF Justice Lucas Bersamin has asked the members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to “elevate the standards of legal profession” and “discharge its public responsibility more effectively.” Bersamin also extolled the IBP members for playing diverse critical roles in society during the inaugural dinner and oathtaking of the appointed IBP National Officers at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday, July 23. Recognizing the pivotal role of lawyers in the effective administration of justice, the chief magistrate described the IBP members as “foot soldiers of the Constitution, sentinels of democracy, engineers of commerce, field levelers/ neutralizers, healers of the body politic, bridge builders, educators, and advocates.” “Gamitin ninyo ang inyong galing upang mabawasan ang aming kaso (Use your skills to decrease our caseload),” referring to the heavy dockets of the Court. The Chief Justice also urged the IBP to help “elevate the standards of legal profession, improve the administration of justice, and enable the Bar to discharge its public responsibility more effectively.” “For so long as every member of the Bar is guided by the Code of Professional Responsibility, the practice of law will continue to be a noble profession—this is its strength and its greatness,” he said. The top magistrate also reminded officials of the IBP officials to remain faithful in their sworn duty to uphold the Constitution and rule of law. Bersamin told the new set of IBP officials that they are under the administrative power of the high court. “We respect your autonomy but you will have to remember that you are not entirely independent of the Supreme Court,” the SC chief said. The chief justice cited the SC’s authority to discipline erring officials of the IBP.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will sign this week a proposed law that will increase excise taxes on tobacco products, a finance official said Wednesday. Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the Chief Executive will sign Senate Bill 2233 which seeks to increase the excise tax on cigarettes by P5 every year with the inclusion of heated tobacco products and vapor products in its coverage. “It is an enrolled bill that was transmitted last June 27 to Malacañang. That means it will lapse into law on July 27. And my understanding is it is ready for signature by the President,” Chua said to Malacañang reporters. “I was told it would be signed this week because that is a priority measure certified urgent by the President in the previous Congress and mentioned by the President in the SONA,” he added. Certified urgent by the President, the excise tax on cigarettes is expected to bring P15-billion revenue that will boost funding for the Universal Health Care Law and health programs that will be determined by the Department of Health. Revenues will also be allocated and divided among the tobacco-producing provinces. The increase in tobacco excise tax is part of the administration’s second tranche of tax reform. If signed, it will increase tax rates of cigarettes per pack from the current P35 to 45 next year, to P50 per pack in 2021, P55 per pack in 2022, and P60 per pack starting January 1, 2023. From zero excise tax, heated tobacco products or e-cigarettes will be levied P10 per pack beginning Jan. 1, 2020 and 5-percent yearly increase effective Jan. 1, 2021. For vapor products, individual cartridge, refill, pod or container of its liquid solutions or gel will be charged P10 per 10 milliliters. If the product being sold is more than 50 ml, it will be charged P50 excise tax plus P10 per additional 10 ml. The rates imposed on vapor products will also be increased by 5 percent every year effective Jan. 1, 2021. MJ Blancaflor

the standard the standard the standard the THE annual “Balikatan” exercises between the Philippines and the United States has helped maintain stability in the Pacific Region. “Exercise ‘Balikatan’ has become one of the premier military training events in the Pacific Hemisphere and has helped us to maintain regional stability, uphold international norms, combat violent extremism, alleviate human suffering, and much more,” said US Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Christopher McPhillips, also the American exercise director for the annual military maneuvers. This year’s “Balikatan” exercises formally opened in a ceremony at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Monday. “Balikatan”, which means “shoulderto-shoulder” in Filipino, symbolizes the partnership between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Forces. Around 4,000 Filipino, 3, 500 American troops

will be taking part in the exercises which will run from April 1 to 12. The exercise also includes the participation of 50 members of the Australian Defense Force for humanitarian and civic assistance projects and special operations forces training. Philippine and US forces will conduct counter-terrorism training, amphibious operations, live-ﬁre training, urban operations training, aviation operations, bilateral planning, subject matter expert exchanges, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects throughout Luzon. “The 35th iteration of Exercise Balikatan is aimed at improving both AFP and US Forces’ inter-operability through trainings that are focused on mutual defense operations and counterterrorism. The goal of such is to enhance both militaries’ employment of forces and assistance in the event of crises that

THERE will be no more auction of smuggled goods. The ban on auction of misdeclared and undeclared goods will be enforced immediately after President Rodrigo Duterte issued the order on Wednesday. The President’s new order followed the destruction of smuggled luxury cars and ‘supercars’ in the ports of Manila, Cebu and Davao last week. “So I said from now on, there will be no auction on smuggled goods. It will be destroyed once the period of redeeming it [ends] and I will take note of those people who are there,” Duterte said in a speech during the oath-taking of his appointees in Malacañang. Duterte said he will be enforcing the ban since personnel of the Bureau of Customs seem to be in cahoots with smugglers. The President said smuggled goods usually ends up in the hands of smugglers, who use fictitious consignee names. “The import, the consignee is fictitious. Then the corrupt office there in the Customs, the auction section and after a while, while they are being parked inside the warehouses, if the time comes for government to make the accounting, they would conduct the auction and sell it to the people who really, in the first place, were responsible [for] importing them. This

Opinion

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SONA 2019: The anti-corruption edition [earthquake] should come, he quipped, “‘Yan man ang sabi nila. ‘Philippines is so corrupt, it’s so lousy that if you kill all congressmen, senators and the president, we will have a new day.’ [laughter] So I pray that if the “CORRUPTION exasperates. It earthquake comes, it comes now. This frustrates. It is also exasperating that moment. [laughter] Kumpleto na tayo.” there are times when I think that perhaps If that isn’t an indictment, I don’t know it is blood that we need to cleanse and what is. rinse away the dirt and the muck that Duterte also called the “corruptionstick to the flesh like leeches.” ridden” Bureau of Customs to task. So said President Rodrigo Duterte He floated to Congress the idea of in his State of the Nation Address last abolishing the positions of 63 BoC Monday, July 22. He used the speech personnel “facing charges,” either that to call out the worst cancer afflicting or taking steps to prevent them from our society, that going to work at of the greed of the BOC. politicians and Cleaning the government BOC is like officials who use cleaning the ‘The enemy is us.’ their position to Augean stables, a line their pockets. job for Hercules. Corruption Is The Punisher in government Duterte up to was the running it? Previous theme throughout his speech. I don’t presidents have tried and failed, or know if anyone else noticed it, but it simply ignored the problem. Let’s hope was glaringly obvious that it’s on the Duterte is the one to finally reform President’s mind. He identifies it as one Customs. of the greatest constraints to national The President also reiterated development, saying that if all monies that government must ensure “our due government were collected fairly responsiveness to the people’s needs.” and properly, there would be enough to He scolded the top five agencies that fund necessary social programs. get the most Contact Center ng Bayan “For every transaction, a complaints-Land Transportation Office, commission,” he said. “For every Social Security System, Bureau of action, extortion; and a request that goes Internal Revenue, Land Registration on and on—endlessly and shamelessly.” Authority, and Pag-IBIG. Duterte called for an end to the For the public’s convenience, and also corruption that pervades government, because it’s in the myriad transactions saying, “Let me ask you: When will of the people with government that corruption end? Kailan ba talaga ‘to? corruption can take place, Duterte told Hanggang kailan?... It’s the entire all government bodies, “Simplify.” gamut of our system.” He emphasized that their duty is to Later on in his speech he made a make transactions easier for the public. pointed joke, acknowledging that “You can do it electronically. You do corruption runs up to the highest not have to go to the office….Simplify levels. Talking about if the Big One Turn to A5

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

A lasting legacy

HE split-decision victory of 40-yearold Manny Pacquiao over unbeaten welterweight champion Keith Thurman of the United States has lifted up for the Filipino boxing icon what many describe as properly a lasting legacy.

Pacquiao, 10 years Thurman’s senior, entered the ring Sunday (Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena), for his 71st professional ﬁght against Thurman’s 30th. Many have noted that Pacquiao, the only person to become an eight-division boxing champion, has fought almost as many ﬁghts in Las Vegas—21—as Thurman has fought anywhere. Former champion Shane Mosley, also of the United States, who lost to Pacquiao in a unanimous decision, also at the MGM Grand Garden ring eight years ago, had gone his way through the crush of family and friends, among others clogging Pacquiao’s dress-

ing room soon after the bout to congratulate the Filipino, said it pertinently with this line “Manny was just phenomenal tonight. This was great for boxing.” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, minutes after the victory, expressed the sentiments of many of the 106 plus million Filipinos when he said “Although his opponent, Thurman, is way younger than [he is], our poundfor-pound King did not show any signs of intimidation as he embodied what a Filipino spirit is all about—a ﬁghter.” Many are asking him, even dauntlessly suggesting, that Pacquiao should now consider retiring from the ring as Father Time

may soon unforgivingly catch up with him, which he courageously ridiculed when he exchanged jabs, straight rights, hooks and whatever against a much younger opponent earlier on this week. Freddie Roach himself, among boxing’s most open person, has talked on the record, the man who has seen Pacquiao enter the ring moving and boxing like a 25-year-old and leave it, while shufﬂing with the legs of a winner, displaying the frame of a breathless, bone-weary 50-yearold. Roach, who has been with Pacquiao for 18 years now, put it crisply, “Me and Manny, we’re going to have a long talk. I want to let everything settle down. But then we will talk. One on one. Being honest, completely honest, with each other.” A forkful indeed. After all, Pacquiao has shown determination, which is very Filipino, and, with his unrivaled record, a lasting legacy.

The fighting president that country shows that the illegal drug trade continues to grow. Furthermore, in this country, the death penalty is in fact already in effect considering that many drug suspects are already dying during the conduct of drug raids by the police and like in the US, the illegal THE State of the Nation address of drug trade is flourishing as the President President Duterte took a lot longer than himself has acknowledged. Admittedly, originally planned. From about 45 min- those suspects who are killed were not utes, the speech took an hour and 33 sentenced by a court of law. And if hisminutes and covered a lot of issues. tory will teach us anything, there was This is because he did not follow the a time when all crimes in England was script this year. There were a lot of ad punishable by death but this did not libs. stop crime. To many of us who watched and lisWhat is clear is that the punishment tened to his speech, he painted a some- imposed is not what brings crime down. what depressing picture of the country. It is the professionalism, support givIn his own words, he has seen the ene- en, and efficiency of the law enforcemy and it is us— ment agencies the Filipino. He that will bring seems to see crimes down. the country as Perhaps the a place riddled President should It is the quality with corruption consider the isof law enforcement and crime. The sue of reforming country I will law enforcement that will bring crimes admit could be and the judicial down. a lot better but process as an as it is, it is reequally imporally not such a tant step toward bad place as the reducing crime. President deI understand that scribed it in his speech. the President looks at crime fighting in While the Philippine National Police a different prism compared to others. continues to paint an improving peace As they say, man is time- and cultureand order situation because the crime bound. In other words, man is a product rate continues to go down, it would of his time. And with President spendseem that this is not enough to the ing most of his public life in Mindanao, President. He wants more to be done. it is understandable why he looks at His solution? Bring back the death pen- conflict resolution and other issues difalty for heinous crimes related to illegal ferently. But I agree with the President drugs and plunder which will surely re- completely that corruption is directly ignite the debate on the death penalty. correlated to crime. He admitted that the illegal drug trade But how can the government solve continues to flourish and that corruption a problem like corruption which is imcontinues to be the main reason why bedded in every nook and cranny of our poverty is still prevalent in the country. government bureaucracy? Corruption Although President Duterte also has now apparently become part of the spoke on other issues such as the West culture of doing business with governPhilippine Sea, the ROTC, midnight ment and therefore is now considered national curfew and others, I will just by many as acceptable. This makes it dwell on the issue of death penalty. The quite difficult to stop the practice. For appeal of the President to return the im- instance, it has become normal and cusposition of the death penalty will I am tomary to give something when transsure rekindle the debate on whether im- acting business in some agencies in the posing the death penalty will deter the government. commission of crime. The death penAnother is our politics. To run for alty is still imposed in the United States office, it is customary for a candidate but a look at illegal drug statistics in Turn to A5

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No harm, no foul I STRONGLY feel that the government should rethink or at least go slow in running after the leaders of the Kapa Community International Ministry given the constitutional guarantee on freedom of religion that separates the Church and the State. I advocate this because oddly enough, state prosecutors under the Department of Justice acting at the behest of the Securities and Exchange Commission have only come up with a handful of complainants from among the supposed thousand victims and Kapa’s members estimated at ﬁve million across the country. Presumably, the handful of complainants may have been pressured into doing so. Evident is the fact that it’s only

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

We don’t need religious persecution here. now that they presented the supposed complainants. Curiously enough, President Duterte in a knee-jerk reaction ordered that the Kapa leaders headed by Joel Apolinario be rounded up and incarcerated for alleged violation of the SEC law. The President was virtually shooting from the hip because there were no preliminaries yet to establish probable grounds that in turn would lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant. It appeared that Duterte made the move on the heels of his talk with an-

other Mindanao-based religious leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. We cannot speculate on what the two discussed, but we can surmise that Quiboloy felt threatened by Kapa’s phenomenal growth in membership. Duterte reportedly issued the arrest order during an interview with Quiboloy last June 8. Assuming my suspicion is correct, we have a case of unfriendly rivalry between two religious sects. Perhaps, it is to Kapa’s misfortune that Quiboloy is closer to the powers that be. There is also a need to establish that the ﬁnancial donations by the Kapa are in truth and in fact, investments and hence could potentially be a violation of the SEC law. Without proof that the donations were actually investments, I don’t think Apolinario et al. could be held criminally liable for receiving donations from the Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Gulle City Editor Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Baguio rehab can be done THE attempts of some Cabinet members to clarify the President’s words during Monday’s State of the Nation Address, specifically when he said that China was in possession on the West Philippine Sea, make the matter worse. They are saying Mr. Duterte meant “in position,” not “in possession.” The phrase would then have no meaning. That makes the President sound like he does not know what he is saying. With minions like these, who needs enemies, indeed? *** The rehabilitation of Baguio City must be taken in its entire context. The attempt of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and other agencies, must be taken in the right context. It must not be compared to the efforts in Boracay and other tourist destinations. Any rehabilitation plan for a city like Baguio must consider why it has deteriorated to such an extent. Today, Baguio City is overpopulated, with nightmarish traffic conditions. With so many vehicles coming from the lowlands, parking within the city limits is impossible. Clearly, there has been official neglect and corruption. There was a time when I loved going to Baguio if only smell the pine trees and experience the cool air. When I was a boy, my father used to take me there. From

Abra, we took the connecting Banguet Auto Line from La Union. My father used to take us to Teachers Village as he tried to earn credit to complete his BS in Education. When my own children were growing up, my wife and I took them to Baguio as well, staying at Pines Hotel and walking on Session Road. Now it’s almost impossible to wade through Session Road. There is even an SM mall, usually overcrowded.

The city has suffered from many years of neglect.

The only thing that can be done is to rehabilitate places where foreign and local tourists go. Burnham Park badly needs rehabilitation. The man-made lake is heavily silted, removing the fun in boat riding. There are still bikes and small cars, but parking is a nightmare. Would you believe that in the peak months, people park along the street and sleep in their vehicles? I wonder where they do what comes naturally. Wright Park is another place that needs rehabilitation. That’s the place where you go horseback-riding. When it rains, the place becomes muddy and riding is no longer fun.

Another sorry place is The Mansion. Access to it has become difﬁcult. There are many ambulant vendors around. Baguio ofﬁcials neglected urban planning indeed. The only place in Baguio where you can smell the pine trees is in Camp John Hay. But that, too, needs rehabilitation. There is Alphaland’s Baguio Mountain Lodges of international businessman Bobby Ongpin. It’s a short ride from the city proper. Baguio residents call it the Forbes Park of Baguio because its lodges are pricey. It was built some two years ago and is now being occupied by millionaires from the lowlands. It’s unfortunate that Baguio has suffered from neglect. The Tourism Department should also focus on the inviting and beautiful beach resorts of La Union. You do not need to go to Boracay if you want great beaches and affordable accommodations. From there you can go all the way to Ilocos region to experience Ilocano hospitality. Nothing can also compare to the churches in the region. How about it, Madame Bernadette Romulo Puyat? *** President Duterte no longer mentioned federalism in his SONA. That does not mean, however, that Congress should forget Charter change. It does not necessarily mean a shift to federalism. There remains the need to remove the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. Congress should realize that this is the reason the Philippines has been at the bottom of the totem pole. www.emiljurado.weebly.com

The struggle to regulate online giants like Facebook, Google, Amazon By Glenn Chapman INTERNET giants like Facebook, Google and Amazon have disrupted markets and culture in a lucrative rise to power that have regulators launching probes, imposing fines and even threatening to break the companies up. Government regulators are scrambling to collar the online giants, often having to update rules designed for an analog world as the digital behemoths grow in size and influence. The European Union kicked off the regulatory assault, with the United States following by launching a sweeping probe into the practices of leading online platforms, social networks, search engines and e-commerce services. While the US Department of Justice did not specify targets, it appeared certain that it would be investigating Amazon, Facebook and Google. Facebook Facebook boasts more than 2.7-billion users monthly at its family of apps that include Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp and the eponymous social network. The Silicon Valley-based company uses what it learns about users to target ads, raking in money from businesses with the promise of delivering ads that resonate with consumers. Critics say Facebook puts profit over privacy. The social media giant remains under intense scrutiny following revelations that personal data on tens of millions of users was hijacked by political consultancy Cambridge Analytica, which was working on the Donald Trump campaign in 2016. Lambasting by politicians and dents to its reputation seem to have failed to hurt its business. Fear of a multi-billion dollar fine however did drag down earnings in a recent quarter.

The fighting.... From A4

to spend 20 times more than what that candidate will legally earn if he wins. Given that, is it any surprise if many elected ofﬁcials will recoup their investments thru corruption? In Congress, the pork barrel is the principal piggy bank. This is the reason why even the President does not want to touch it. In the Judiciary, we read sometimes about judges being ﬁred or suspended due to corruption. Judicial proceedings have also become so expensive that it has become out of reach of ordinary

No harm,.... From A4

Kapa followers even if they receive some monetary returns from their contributions. A member of Kapa’s ﬂock posted on Twitter: “I am one of the benefactors of this so-called scam na pinaglalaban niyo. And yes, nakakapag-aral ako dahil din dito. With the small amount of money my father made from farming, I am now able to study a course I wanted sa isang university na hindi dapat kayanin ng konting salapi lang.” ‘‘I don’t know why but my blood

Facebook estimated that it will face a US Federal Trade Commission fine of $3 billion to $5 billion for “user data practices.” Analyst firm eMarketer expects Facebook this year to claim more than 20 percent of a $333.25-billion global digital ad market. The social network continues to innovate, betting on virtual reality with Oculus gear. Facebook also has a version tailored for businesses, and is backing a project to launch a digital currency called the Libra. The company’s efforts to better compete with Chinese virtual coin rivals could however be undermined by government regulators. Alphabet/Google Search engine Google remains the money-making engine for parent company Alphabet, routinely crushing any competition. Most of its revenue comes from digital ads, which accounted for $116 billion of the $136 billion the Silicon Valley-based company took in last year. Google dominates digital advertising, with 31 percent of the global total expected to go into its coffers this year, according to eMarketer. Google comes under fire for the way it protects—or fails to protect—user data, from online browsing histories to locations captured by software on smartphones. In January, France’s CNIL data watchdog slapped Google with a record 50-million-euro fine for failing to meet the EU’s tough General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force early last year. Google is appealing the fine. US regulators who say Google failed to protect children from harmful content and data collection on its YouTube platform could also fine the company.

Europe has imposed fines on Google tallying billions of dollars for anti-competitive activity. Alphabet continues to invest in advertising products as well as areas that include artificial intelligence, cloud computing, internet-linked household devices, and even a streaming video game service called Stadia. Google makes its Android mobile operating system available free to device makers, looking to make money from ads or offerings that users tap into. Alphabet’s subsidiary Waymo, which specializes in autonomous cars, is considered one of the most advanced companies in the field. Amazon Amazon is an online commerce powerhouse that is also considered a leader in computing, content and online services hosted at its internet cloud data centers. Brussels has launch an investigation into whether Amazon has violated EU competition rules by taking advantage of data from independent retailers that use its online storefront. Cloud unit Amazon Web Services continues to grow at a rate of 40 percent annually, said analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy. Amazon recorded historic sales this month for its “Prime Day” event. But eMarketer recently downgraded its assessment of Amazon’s share of the US e-commerce market to 37 percent from 50 percent. “The story of Amazon’s past few quarters has been continued supercharged growth in its more profitable business lines like cloud and advertising,” said eMarketer principal analyst Andrew Lipsman. Amazon has also been investing big in original content for streaming television offered as a perk for people who subscribe to its Prime service. AFP

citizens. This is also the reason why the drug lords who have so much money can get away with their crime. For local governments, there is the jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling like masiao that are good sources of extra income to support their life style. Sometimes, some public ofﬁcials do not try to hide what they are doing anymore and this is actually the scandal. All people who work in government especially those appointed in responsible positions are all exposed to the same temptations. Some I must say are able to maintain their perspective and are able to go through their careers with their integrity relatively intact. Many

however, fall along the way because it is difficult to be a saint in a room full of people who are corrupt. With the kind of money that is going around, it is indeed difficult not to be somehow infected by the disease. Yet, there are still many in government who are able to do it and they are the heroes. The battle cry of the administration is that the best is still to come in the remaining three years. Let us all wait, hope and pray that President Duterte wins this lonely and very tough fight. If in the end, he could indeed stop or reduce corruption significantly, then he will be considered as one of the most successful presidents of the country.

boils whenever I see the people of social media make fun of the people who invested in KAPA. Tell me, have you ever experienced poverty? Because clearly the government who you so much adore can’t even provide a decent job [for us],” she added. Some 50,000 Kapa followers turned out at a rally in General Santos City in support of their embattled leaders and took turns giving testimonies that they were beneficiaries of the group’s social and economic programs. During the rally, Apolinario asserted that Kapa is not a scam. “A scam is when you cannot fulfill what you promised. We have been able to fulfill our

promise, so there is no scam. It’s only their interpretation,” Apolinario said. “You can see here that these people here have supported me. Do you think I have scammed them? I am only supporting them so they can have better lives,” Apolinario said. He deﬁantly said he would face any case ﬁled against him or Kapa. “If there are any charges, we can see that the charges have no deep merit and we will face them and we are optimistic that KAPA would continue,” Apolinario said. As a predominantly Catholic country, religious persecution is the least that we need in the Philippines.

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Where were you on July 12, 2016? had no basis for claiming vast waters encompassed by its nine-dash claim. Although an UNCLOS signatory, China did not participate in The Hague proceedings. IT HAS become common for peoThe announcement of the PCA ple to pose the question “Where ruling should have been an occawere you on that day?” to indicate sion for celebration and rejoicing the importance that they attach to in this country. But that was not certain international or national what ensued because two adverse events. Thus, people ask their things happened. The first was friends and colleagues “Where China’s refusal to recognize the were you on July 21, 1969?” to PCA ruling, which meant that it show that they regard the first hu- likely would continue to pursue man landing on the moon as an its nine-dash claim; this, in fact, event of universe-shaking impor- is what has been happening since. tance. And they ask “Where were The other adverse development you on September 11, 2001?” to was newly installed President Romanifest their continuing horrifi- drigo Duterte’s refusal to enforce cation over the dastardly Al Qaida this country’s victory, justifying attack on New York City’s land- his position with the claim that mark Twin Towers. war with China was bound to folOver the years I have found low a Philippine attempt to enmyself asking the where-were- force the PCA ruling. you question more and more. The In the face of Philippine unobjects of willingness my question to enforce usually have its PCA been nationvictory, al or local China has That was the day in character, engaged in the Permanent Court of but from activities Arbitration ruled in our time to time not only I have asked violative of favor. “ W h e r e UNCLOS were you?” and the in relation to PCA ruling international but also inhappenings. During the last years imical to Philippine interests. The I have found myself asking with latest of these illegal activities has increasing frequency the ques- been the June 9 incident in which tion “Where were you on July 12, a Chinese fishing boat operating 2016?” in the Philippines’ EEZ—exploiWhy am I asking my friends tation of the resources of which is and colleagues where they were reserved exclusively for Filipinos on July 12, 2016, more than ex- by UNCLOS—rammed a Philipactly three years ago? And why pine fishing boat and left its 22 do I consider July 12, 2016 suf- crew members adrift at sea. Preficiently important for me to want dictably, the Duterte administrato know where they were on that tion’s response to that blatantly date? Because on July 12, 2016 illegal Chinese activity has been The Hague-based Permanent anemic and weak. Court of Arbitration, an institution The PCA ruling did two things recognized and supported by the for Philippine sovereignty and United Nations, issued its ruling pride. It confirmed this country’s on Philippine government’s peti- exclusive rights over the rich retion for the striking down of the sources of its UNCLOS-bestowed People’s Republic of China ‘nine- EEZ. More important, it definitely dash’ claim to virtually the whole laid to rest the specter of China’s of the South China Sea, including being able to advance history and the 337-kilometer exclusive eco- law as bases for its claim to ownnomic zone granted to the Philip- ership of one of the world’s most pines by UNCLOS (UN Conven- important seas, a claim it has for tion on the Law of the Sea). decades been pushing with bigIn clear and succinct language, country bully behavior. the PCA ruled that China’s nineThe day when the PCA handed dash claim had absolutely no ba- down its South China Sea rulsis either in history or law. For the ing is a very important date in Philippines the PCA ruling was a Philippine country. That’s why I magnificent victory; for China it want to know where my friends was a severe humiliation. An in- and colleagues were and what ternationally recognized arbitra- they were doing on that glorious tion body had just confirmed that day. the South China Sea, one of the Me? I was putting the finishing world’s most strategic waterways, touches to my column for the was mare nullus—a sea belonging following day’s edition of the to no one—and ruled that China Manila Standard.

SONA.... From A4

and make your services responsive to—client-friendly. Your client is the Filipino, our employer—from where the money in our pockets come from, from our salaries.” He added, “I’ve been asking that from you since three years ago. ‘Pag hindi pa ninyo nagawa ‘yan ngayon, papatayin ko talaga kayo. [applause] Nabubwisit na…” Now that’s something that the long-suffering public can get behind. The President also asked people to do their part in exposing corrupt ofﬁcials and their practices, with his support. “Be assertive,” he advised. “Pagka hiningian ka, sabihin mo, “’Tang ina mo. Sabi ni Duterte, the President told us, that if you extort money from me, I will slap you.” He brushed away qualms by instructing that if a person is required by government to pay more than they should, “Mag-eskandalo kayo sa opisina. Make a scene… At sampalin talaga ninyo. Hindi na bale magkaaway. I will defend you.” Duterte also implied that he ensures major government transactions are aboveboard. Speciﬁcally regarding the entry of the third telecommunications

provider, he said “Do not worry about this. There is no corruption at all. I guarantee you, upon the grave of my father.” While talking about other issues or touting accomplishments in his SONA, Duterte kept returning to the matter of corruption. Right after speaking about poverty reduction efforts, he said he needs the public’s help to curb dishonest and deceitful practices. He said, “And you know, as I said, corruption is everywhere. You are free to investigate. I don’t take offense. If there is anything wrong in my department, the Executive, you are free to open the investigation anytime. You do not have to call me. Call the idiots, expose them, and send them to jail. You are helping me.” Duterte’s words on corruption are bleak but honest: “I have identiﬁed the enemy who dumped us into this quagmire we are in. I have met the enemy face-to-face and sadly, the enemy is us.” I may not always agree with the President’s stand or action on issues, but on this I believe he’s spot on. May he continue to call out corruption, reform the unscrupulous, and drive all government agencies to serve the Filipino people as they ought. /FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

News

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

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BI: Don’t fall for ‘fixers,’ ‘escorts’ who charge fees By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration has called on the public not to patronize the services of “fixers” and “escorts” that offer to assist people going abroad for a fee. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente made the call after an alleged fixer, identified as Brigeda Quijano, was nabbed by operatives of the Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group after receiving P150,000 to facilitate the release of a German national. Morente said the public should not fall for offers of fixers who “sweet talk their victims and promise immediate results.” He reiterated to prospective overseas Filipino workers not to accept offers from so-called escorts who would facilitate their illegal departure from the country. Two female victims were recently intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 after presenting fake documents in a bid to work illegally in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. According to the victims, their documents were given to them at the NAIA by airport employees they met through Facebook. Morente said that they are currently investigating airport personnel that may be involved in escorting illegal migrant workers and have “sanitized” the immigration area at the airports to ensure that only authorized personnel may enter. “Do not fall into the trap set by fixers, escorts, and facilitators,” said Morente, as he urged the public to report them to authorities immediately. “We have streamlined our procedures to make it easier for the transacting public. Employing fixers is unnecessary, an added cost, and most probably [will] get you in trouble,” he added.

P20 daily wage hike for E. Visayas

ACLOBAN CITY—The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board has granted a P20 daily minimum wage hike to more than thre million workers in the private sector in Eastern Visayas, an officia announced on Wednesday. In a press briefing, RTWPB chairman Yahya Centi said they expect Wage Order No. 21 to be effective by mid-August after the body submits the document for confirmation to the National Wages and Productivity Commission on Tuesday. The increase will be implemented in two tranches—P10 for the six months upon the effectivity of the new wage order and additional P10 after seven months. From a minimum daily pay of P305 under the old wage order, workers in the non-agriculture sector including sugar

mills are entitled to a P325 daily wage under the new order, said Centi, the director of the Department of Labor and Employment regional ofﬁce here. The board ruled to increase the pay for those employed in the retail services (with 11 up to 30 workers) to P325 from P305. For workers in smaller retail businesses (with 10 employees and below), the new minimum daily pay is P295. Those employers in cottage and handicraft industries will receive a daily pay of P295.

Workers in the farming sector, the lowest income earners covered by the old directive, got a daily pay of P295 under Wage Order No. 21. “The increase will be implemented in two tranches as we considered the socio-economic indicators in the region and the capacity of the employers and other indicators that we have studied,” Centi told reporters. The RTWPB issued the new order after consultations in Ormoc City for the Western Leyte area, Maasin City for Southern Leyte province, Naval for Biliran province, Calbayog City for Samar province, Catarman for Northern Samar province, Borongan City for Eastern Samar area, and Tacloban City for Leyte province. Centi added that the board initiated the wage review in different areas “motu

‘Red’ couple nabbed by QC police By Rio N. Araja

FATEFUL END. A mini truck loaded with passengers and goods lies at the bottom of a ravine in Aguinaldo, Ifugao on

Wednesday morning. The accident killed seven persons and hurt three others, who are currently being treated at the Aguinaldo Provincial Hospital. Photos courtesy Aguinaldo PNP

Senators push P30k nurses’ Bill says 5-year split enough for annulment starting wage By Maricel V. Cruz

By Macon Ramos-Araneta TO DISCOURAGE Filipino nurses from flocking to higher-paying jobs abroad, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan seeks to raise the salaries of entrylevel government nurses in the country to P30,531. “In the end, the goal of this proposal is to improve the nursing profession and boost the quality of health care for all Filipinos,” Pangilinan said in his Senate Bill 260. As this developed, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go filed Senate Bill No. 395, or the Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2019. The neophyte senator cited the need to elevate the status of the country as a producer of leaders, experts, and authorities in the field of medicine, particularly nursing. Pangilinan noted that Filipino nurses in the Philippines “endure low salaries, long working hours, physical and mental burnout, and high nurse-patient ratio.” These factors force them to seek greener pastures and bring their expertise abroad, the senator said. “So, we have a situation of Filipinos taking care of the health of foreigners while our ‘kababayans’ hardly ever see a health professional,” Pangilinan said. Go’s measure, meanwhile, seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession “by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education, humane working conditions, better career prospects, and a dignified existence for our nurses.” Some current nursing programs in the country, Go said, emphasize on deploying Filipino nurses abroad. He said this situation drove him to work on the proposed measure to encourage these health workers to render their service in the country instead. SB 395 will also require the establishment of standard basic and graduate programs for nursing education, to be established in Commission on Higher Education-accredited institutions of higher learning. Under the basic program, students will be mandated to undergo community integration and immersion to encourage them to work in various communities. Meanwhile, a graduate program will be built on the experiences and skills of the nurses towards mastery, expertise and leadership in practice, research and education.

proprio” (on its own) starting last April, since there was no petition from workers to adjust the daily compensation. Under the law, the wage body is mandated to review the wage order one year after it took effect. Wage Order 20 has been implemented since June 25, 2018. Wage Order 20, signed on May 7, 2018, and took effect on June 25 the same year, raised the daily pay of minimum wage earners in Eastern Visayas from P20 to P30. The adjustments vary depending on the nature of the industry and the number of workers. The regional board in Eastern Visayas is a tripartite body composed of six members—three representatives from the government, two from the workers’ sector and one from the employers' sector. PNA

A LAWMAKER has filed a bill giving couples who want to void their marriage another potential remedy by prescribing five years of separation as an additional ground for annulment of their union. Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers filed House Bill 502 to amend Title I, Chapter 3, of Executive Order No. 209 or the Family Code of the Philippines by introducing Article 45-A, which provides that "a marriage may

also be annulled if the parties have been separated in fact for at least five years." In his explanatory note, Barbers said HB 502 seeks to acknowledge a factual and existing marital condition for many Filipinos. "Without dwelling on the deeper reasons behind the separation, this bill offers a remedy without opening a Pandora's box or a can of worms that are usually present during annulment proceedings," he said. Barbers said five years of actual separation would make the couples “es-

tranged enough that a possible reconciliation is nil.” Five years should have also made the parties adjust and move on with their individual lives without further straining the relationship, the Surigao solon added. "Thus, they should be granted the best relief that they can have, annulment. This way, they can go on their separate ways peacefully, as no other reason is needed to justify the annulment, thus avoiding opening old wounds," Barbers said.

POLICE have arrested a couple working for the communist New People’s Army in Quezon City for obstruction of justice and direct assault. Police Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., Quezon City Police District director, identified the suspects as Alexander Birondo, 67, and Winona Marie Oñate, 60, both living at Block 5 Lot 5 Strauss St., North Olympus Subdivision in Barangay Kaligayahan. The spouses yielded firearms, ammunition, and explosives after the search inside their safehouse. According to Esquivel, Oñate is the secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines/NPA's national propaganda commission. Birondo is a staff of the movement's National Education Commission, the police general added. On Tuesday at around 5:30 a.m., police officers went to Birondo’s safehouse at Unit 515 Archway Apartment, 53 Dagupan St. in Barangay Mariblo, San Francisco del Monte to serve an arrest warrant issued by a Northern Samar court against Rolando Caballero, alias “Jet,” for murder. Esquivel ordered police to pursue Caballero, who managed to evade arrest. The Birondo-Onate couple "interfered, assaulted, and physically prevented" authorities from arresting Caballero, the QC police chief said. Appropriate criminal charges have been filed against the couple before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office, he added. Also, on July 23 at about 10 p.m., operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP searched the couple’s safehouse on the strength of a search warrant, after receiving information that they were keeping firearms, explosives and ammunition.

‘Pasig-Marikina river viaduct best way to ease Metro traffic’

CPR TRAINING. Students of Neptali Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong City

conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR in a simulated emergency, part of a simultaneous learning session spearheaded by the Philippine Heart Association, Department of Health, and Department of Education during the 4th Nationwide Mass CPR Awareness Campaign. Ey Acasio

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte should consider the proposed construction of the Integrated Pasig River Viaduct Elevated Highway and Personal Rapid System as an ultimate solution to Metro Manila’s worsening traffic congestion. The Lilac Center for Public Interest, a policy research and advocacy organization, said the President’s directive in his 4th State of the Nation Address to undertake immediate action to ensure the speedy and smooth flow of vehicular traffic is “to reclaim all public roads being used for private ends and must be improved.” “The President should direct the DPWH, DOTC, and NEDA to fast-track their action to the proposal of the private sector for the realization of IPRVEH-PRS, a four-lane elevated highway or viaduct, a PneumaticWheeled Tranvia (PWT) and Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) traversing the Pasig and Marikina Rivers,” Lilac Center president Nikon Fameronag said Wednesday.

“Opening up the 41.6-kilometer integrated transport system—the Pasig River at 22.36 km. and Marikina River at 19.24 km.—would be the ultimate economic solution to Metro Manila’s perennial traffic woes,” he said. The river viaduct was proposed by Armando U. Khong Hun General Contractor Inc. and was conceived to mitigate and relieve the worsening traffic in the metropolis, which President Duterte admitted in his SONA was estimated to cause economic losses of P3.5 billion per day. The contractor said the waterway system, once completed, will reduce vehicular traffic along EDSA by 39 percent. Fameronag said the contractor proposes to construct a viaduct that will run through the lengths of both the Pasig and Marikina Rivers, both being the only open space available in Metro Manila, that will sustain both a vehicular freeway, a gondola-type people mover, and an elevated railway system. Vito Barcelo

MIAA officers cited for helping Japanese recover bag from P2P By Joel E. Zurbano ANOTHER foreigner on Wednesday expressed his gratitude to Manila International Airport Authority officials and personnel for the recovery of his bag containing cash and important documents. Japanese tourist Shota Shirakashi said on July 21, he boarded a Point-to-Point (P2P) bus from Baguio City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 and was supposed to take an airport loop bus to Terminal 1 for his scheduled

departure flight when he noticed his bag was missing. Shirakashi rushed to the Airport Police Department and told officers Mark Anthony Castillo, Jonel Basa, and Christian Galulu that he left his bag inside the bus he took from Baguio. The three officers and Shirakashi proceeded to the JOY bus terminal in Pasay City, where they found the bus. With the help of the bus driver, Shirakashi's bag was found where he was seated. The foreigner thanked the police of-

ficers and the bus driver for their efforts. He said his cash amounting to P3,000, assorted identification cards, credit cards and important documents remained intact and complete inside the bag when found. “I salute the effort exerted by the police officers who helped me recover my bag,” said Shirakashi, who posted his experience in his Facebook account. MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal thanked his men who helped Shirakashi. “The effort may be simple, but it means

a lot to someone who knows no one in a foreign land. They should serve as inspiration to the rest of our police force in NAIA. Kudos to these men,” he said. Monreal reiterated his appeal to the public to approach NAIA help desks for any need or assistance. On Monday, Monreal also commended an airport police officer and a Grab taxi driver who returned a bag containing foreign money worth more than P37,000 and important documents left behind by a Chinese tourist.

Sports

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Saso claims medal honors in US Girls’ Junior tourney

PBA GAMES AT BIG DOME. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial (seated second from right) and Irene Jose, COO,Uniprom Inc. (seated second from left) recently signed the contract of lease that will keep the PBA games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Also present during the contracting signing are (from left to right) Karen Nicasio, Ticketnet operation manager; Maricar Bernabe, asst. booking and event manager, Uniprom Inc.; Jo Francisco, PBAPI head; Odessa Encarnacion, PBA finance director; and Atty. Melvin Mendoza, PBA legal counsel.

YUKA Saso followed up her solid opening 65 with an eagle-spiked 67 to clinch medal honors after the 36-hole stroke play elims and the top seeding in the match play phase of the US Girls’ Junior Championship at SentryWorld in Stevens Point in Wisconsin Tuesday. Saso, 18, rode on the crest of her sevenbirdie binge Monday as she eagled the par5 No. 14, birdied the 17th then took two more strokes on Nos. 3 and 5 to finish with a 34-33 for a 12-under 132, five ahead of Aussie Maddison Hinson-Tolchard. The reigning Asian Games gold medalist, who has won a couple of pro titles on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour, also emerged as the only player to go bogeyfree in the 36-hole stroke play elims. As the No. 1 seed, Saso will take on either Ainsley Cowart of Georgia or Kayle Sakoda of California, who will be disputing the last and No. 64 slot in a

PH cagers complete ASEAN sweep TEAM Philippines capped its productive campaign with two gold, one silver and six bronze medals on Wednesday at the close of the 11th ASEAN School Games in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. The Philippine dribblers continued their dominance in regional meet for student athletes, completing another sweep in the sports closest to Filipinos’ heart at the jam-packed Sahabat Sport Hall. In the boys’ category, the Pinoy dribblers rode on the hot three-point shooting of Batang Gilas gunner Terrence Fortea, as the Philippines pounced host country Indonesia, 100-51, and bagged their second straight gold medal in the annual school-based meet. Fortea and teammates Carl Tamayo and Gerry Abadiano are coming from

their stint with Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the Fiba Under-19 World Cup in Greece. Also part of the roster are members of the 17-under team Harold Alarcon, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Aaron Buensalida, Kevin Quiambao, Jon Felicilda, Jeffrey Mailim, Reyland Torres, Menard Songcuya, and Nathaniel Tulabut. After a sluggish performance in the first three quarters and trailing by as much as 10, the girls’ team eked out an 84-72 win over a tall Thailand squad in the finals of the girls’ basketball competition and took home the gold for the third consecutive year. Kristine Cayabyab and Angelica Marie Surada led the team with 30 and 14 points, respectively. Last year, Filipinos also swept the basketball event. Both teams, as well

as volleyball squads are represented by National University. The Pinay spikers snatched a silver medal after vowing to Thailand in a thrilling five-set match, 20-25, 29-31, 25-19, 25-18, 9-15. Their counterpart, managed to claim the bronze after losing their semifinal duel with Thailand, 21-25, 20-25, 14-25. In table tennis, netter Elijah Yamson settled for the bronze medal as he bowed to Lim Dao Yi of Singapore, 3-0, in the boys’ singles category at the Badminton Hall Mugas. Moreover, two bronze medals were secured by the Philippines from the sepak takraw event held at the Unika Soegija Pranata Sport Hall. The team composed of Jessie Encomienda, Jason Dave Malijao, Stephen

Kilayco Jemlo Rafael and Marvin Escamillan struggled against the Malaysians and dropped a 0-2 (7-21, 9-21) beating for a third-place finish in the regu competition. In the doubles’ event, the group of Joshua Bullo, MC Oclarit and Arsyl Tupas bowed to the Thailand team, 0-2 (12-21, 13-21) and settled for the bronze medal. Meanwhile, in pencat silat, Denmark Abdurasad, Jessa Dela Cruz and Jerome Negapatan claimed bronze medals in boys’ Tanding Class F (Over 59-63 kg), girls’ Tanding Class D (Over 51-55 kg), and boys’ singles (seni) competition, respectively. The Philippines amassed 33 medals with 4 gold, 7 silver and 22 bronze to tie its last year’s campaign in sixth place in the medal standings.

Palace, sports execs, athletes call for unity UNITY. We win as one. Go for gold. This has been the battle cry of Team Philippines for the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games which will be hosted by the country from November 30 to December 11, 2019. Some 300 National Athletes and sports officials called for unity on Wednesday at the Heroes Hall, Malacañang Palace. “This meeting is called within the walls of Malacañang Palace to show that President Duterte is giving his 100% support to the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.” said Executive Director Salvador Medialdea during his speech this morning. He added: “The preparation for the hosting and the training of our athletes should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. We call all NSAs to support the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Loyal and true only to the Filipino athletes and loved for our sports.” Former Special Assistant to the President and now Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go also graced the occasion extending the support of PRRD to the Filipino athletes. “We must ensure that we’ll give our athletes and aspiring athletes the best support we can to achieve their goals. The future of Sports in the country is in your hands. Nakikiusap po ako sa inyo, one goal, one team, go for gold.” said Go. Also present during the gathering were Philippine Sports Commission Chairman and Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission William I. Ramirez and Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano.

Members of the girls’ basketball team display their medals at the podium.

playoff early Wednesday. “I really don’t play in match play except at USGA Championships,” said Saso. “So, to be honest, I’m a little nervous. But I’m trying to prepare and set myself up well.” “I’m definitely happy,” added the ICTSIbacked Saso, who is coming off a big victory in the Girls Juniior PGA Championship in Connecticut last week. “My goal over the first two days was to get into match play, so it feels good to accomplish that.” Hinson-Tolchard matched Saso’s opening 65 to finish No. 2 with a 137 with Sophia Bae of the US ending up third with a 139 after a 71 followed by Korean YoonMin Han (69-141), Jillian Bourdage of the US (72-141), American Sabrian Iqbal (72142), Chian’s Lei Ye (74-142), Korean Bohyun Park (69-143), and Americans Erica Shepherd (69-143), Erica Smith (72-143) and Briana Chacon (74-143).

F2, Foton put PH Superliga streaks on line Games Today

(FilOil Flying V Centre) 2:00 p.m. -- Marinerang Pilipina vs Sta. Lucia 4:15 p.m. -- PLDT Home Fibr vs Petron 7:00 p.m. -- Foton vs F2 Logistics

F2 Logistics and Foton put their respective winning streaks on the line when they collide in a highly anticipated second round battle in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference today at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Action fires off at 7 p.m. with the Cargo Movers and th Tornadoes riding the crest of their impressive winning streaks 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. Meanwhile, reigning champion Petron also guns for its seventh straight win when it tackles PLDT Home Fibr at 4:15 p.m. while struggling Sta. Lucia and Marinerang Pilipina seek to end their miseries when they clash in the 2 p.m. appetizer. After acquiring Filipino-American Kalei Mau in the off-season, the Cargo Movers have yet to drop a single game as they raced to an 8-0 start in this battle that also has ESPN5 and Kapatid TV5 as broadcast partners. Although the Blaze Spikers also have a winning streak of their own, the Tornadoes are still regarded as the hottest team behind the Cargo Movers with six straight victories after starting the season with a 1-3 win-loss card. In their first match, F2 Logistics greatly struggled before running away with a tough 25-9, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16 win, no thanks to the improved performance of towering sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat as well as the support crew of Elaine Kasilag, Maika Ortiz, Gyzelle Sy and Shaya Adorador.

PH SEA Games inks pact with Skyworth Group, Cignal TV THE Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee has received commitment of support from two new partners that will beef up the preparations for hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games. PHISGOC Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara represented PHISGOC in a signing ceremony held at Sofitel Manila during the Broadcast Conference that they organized on Tuesday. PHISGOC welcomed Skyworth Group Limited and Cignal TV Inc. to their grow-

ing list of private and international partners that will help boost the government’s efforts to stage a successful hosting of the SEA games this year. Skyworth, a leading supplier of uniquely advanced and affordable technology solutions was represented by their General Manager, Johnny Wang. Cignal TV, country’s premier Direct to Home satellite provider was represented by its President and CEO, Jane Basas. “We are confident that we can raise the standards of hosting to world-class

level given the support and trust given by numerous private and international partners,” said Ramon Suzara, PHISGOC chief. The Philippines recently received praise and commendation from the Chefs de Mission of the other participating countries, who visited two weeks ago in relation with the preparations for the SEA games. Suzara expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from local and international partners from the private

sector since last year. “The positive support that we get from the President as well as the entire Filipino nation boosts the morale of all the members of the organizing team,” Suzara added. Earlier this year, PHISGOC welcomed popular sport brands Mikasa, Marathon, Molten and Asics, represented by Sonak Corporation; national carrier Philippine Airlines; Ajinomoto and Pocari Sweat as partners for this year’s SEA games.

Lhuillier confident of PH netters’ chances in 2 meets UNIFIED Tennis Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier is confident of the chances of the 2019 National Juniors’ Tennis team which will compete in the coming tournaments of the Asian Tennis Federation and the International Tennis Federation. “We at UTP are proud to support some of the country’s youngest tennis players who have stepped up to the challenge of playing in the international tennis scene. I am confident that these tennis prodigies will make us all proud,” Lhuillier said. Lhuillier is hopeful that the members of the team will duplicate the feats of UTP national juniors players Alex and Miko Eala, who reached the finals of the AGSITF in Indonesia, as well as, the Sarawak 13th ATF 14-under series winners Johndy Velez in the Boys’ Singles category, Ru-

pert Tortal and Brent Cortes in the Boys’ Doubles category, and Alexa Milliam in the Girls’ Singles and Doubles categories in Malaysia last year. The UTP National Juniors’ Team is just one of the programs that Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier are supporting. Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier are also supporting the international campaign of Philippine top players and worldclass doubles’ specialists Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales while continuously organizing the more than a decade-long age-group tennis circuit. The new breed of UTP national juniors tennis players include Exequiel Jucutan, Joewyn Pascua, Alexa Milliam, and Marielle Jarata, who will represent the country in the ATF 14-under series from Sept. 2 to 8, in Sarawak, Malaysia.

National juniors’ tennis players John David Velez, Eric Tangub, Jose Antonio Tria, Matthew Garcia, Sydney Enriquez, Macie Carlos, Bliss Bayking, and Denise Bernardo will also compete in the ITF Grade 5 from Oct. 1 to 6, 2019 in Selangor, Malaysia. UTP announced that the selection for the 2020 National Team will end on May 31, 2020. The criteria are based on players, who will finish in the top two of the Boys and Girls 14-,16-, and 18-and-under categories. However, players are now required to have at least competed in five local UTP-sanctioned tournaments. UTP is supported by Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, Palawan Pawnshop, Dunlop, Unilab, STI, Navegar, Madison Galeries Life Style Mall, Chris Sports, and Toby’s.

Jean Henri Lhuillier welcomes the selection of National Juniors Tennis team for ATF, ITF tourneys.

Tokyo marks 1 year until 2020 Olympics

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@manilastandard.net sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Sports Medals for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are unveiled during a ceremony marking one year before the start of the games in Tokyo on July 24, 2019. Tokyo entered the final leg of its marathon Olympic preparations, marking a year until the 2020 Games open with officials promising a high-tech but eco-friendly event. AFP

Palace: Phisgoc still in charge By MJ Blancaflor THE Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation will remain on top of the hosting chores for the 30th SEA Games this year, a sports official said Wednesday. This was after President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement weeks ago that he no longer wants Phisgoc to organize the biennial multi-sport event which will be hosted by the Philippines from November to December. “As is. Nothing is changed. It’s still Phisgoc,” Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez told reporters during the unity call in Malacañang for the country’s hosting of the SEA Games. Headed by House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Phisgoc was marred by controversies over allegations of corruption and incompetence. This prompted the Chief Executive to declare that he wants Phisgoc out of the picture in the country’s hosting of the SEA Games. “I have to be responsible for this. Give (the SEA Games) to government,” Duterte said. In a separate interview, Senator Christopher “Bong’ Go, Duterte’s former long-time aide, explained that the government, through the PSC and Philippine Olympic Committee, will also share Sea Games organization duties. He said the POC will handle the technical aspects of running the games while PSC will release and manage the funds allocated for the county’s hosting. “Phisgoc is the organizing committee, but POC will run the games. And the PSC will release the budget, Go said. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, during a Palace briefing Wednesday afternoon, also dismissed the allegations of corruption against Phisgoc because it is “not involved” in the disbursement of funds for the regional games. “They agreed that there could be no corruption on the part of Phisgoc simply because it is not invovled in the disbursement of funds. The PSC and DBM [Department of Budget and Management] are responsible for that. No way could they be involved,” he told Palace reporters. Panelo said there is no need to probe if there was corruption in the handling of the SEA Games and expressed confidence in the leadership of Cayetano.

Beermen complete tough climb to reach semifinals By Jeric Lopez

O. 7 San Miguel has just defied the odds and completed its mission. Chris McCullough scored the game’s last three points to lift the Beermen to the semifinals after a pulsating 90-88 SMB squeaker over NorthPort in their knockout game in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Despite facing a twice-to-win disadvantage against the No. 2 seed Batang Pier, San Miguel Beer overcame the obstacles stacked against it for a return trip to the semis. Aside from his endgame heroics in the final 30 seconds, McCullough finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and four

blocks in a double-double performance to pull the Beermen to the next round. The versatile reinforcement sank the go-ahead bucket, a tough runner in traffic, with 25.9 seconds left to give San Miguel an 89-88 edge. After Mo Tautuaa missed on a triple at the other end, McCullough then split his

charities after getting fouled, making it 90-88 for the Beermen. Still with a chance to either tie or win, the Batang Pier went dry as Robert Bolick was unable to put up a decent shot as time expired, allowing San Miguel Beer to advance to the next round and complete a stunning upset after two straight wins. “We just made quality plays as a team and got good stops down the stretch and we came out with a win,” said McCullough. Priod to McCullough’s go-ahead bucket, Bolick dropped almost a similar kind of shot with 31.6 seconds to give NorthPort the lead, 88-87. San Miguel Beer was actually cruising in the game, having a sizeable 16-point lead, 79-63, with under nine minutes left, before allowing NorthPort to get back into the game.

Galedo leads ITT winners in national tilt JOHN Mark Lexer Galedo Lina and Go For Gold godfastayed on the Men’s Elite ther Jeremy Go in the wellthrone, Nichol Pareja drew the attended awarding ceremony spotlight in Men’s Under-23 at the Sambong Hall of the and the girls of Standard InTagaytay International Consurance wielded the broom vention Center. in the Women’s category But the day also belonged of the individual time trial to the Philippine Navy(ITT) races of the PhilCycling Standard Insurance women’s 2019 National Road Cycling team, which underscored its Championships on Tuesday in supremacy in the races servTagaytay City. ing as dry run for the 30th Galedo, 33 and,clocked 27 Southeast Asian Games set minutes and 26.12 seconds to November 30 to December 11. rule the 18-km Men Elite ITT Kate Yasmin Velasco topped that started at Sandari Batuthe Under-23 category, Marilao in Nasugbu, Batangas, and toni Krogg ruled the Women’s finished at the Praying Hands Junior race and Jermyn Prado Monument in Tagaytay City of was the fastest in Women’s the race presented by Standard Elite, gifting Standard InsurInsurance, MVP Sports Founance team owner Ernesto “Judation and Tagaytay City. des” Echauz, who watched his Go For Gold’s Jonel Car- Women Elite champion Jermyn Prado (right) and her riders vie in the championships, cueva clinched silver after Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance teammates (from left) three gold medals. finishing 9.75 seconds be- Marella Salamat (runner-up Women Elite), Kate Yasmin Velasco Velasco clocked 21:33.10 in hind than the 7-Eleven Cliqq (Under 23 titlist) and Maritoni Krogg (Junior winner) on stage. the 12-km ITT, shoving Mhay Air21 Roadbike Philippines Ann Linda (22:20.60) to the rider Galedo, while Marcelo Felipe (28.43 behind), the na- silver and Shagne Paola Yaoyao (22:59.70) to the bronze, tional champion’s teammate, bagged the bronze. while Krogg timed 20:14.19 to win gold and top Nicole Nichol Pareja, 19 and also of 7-Eleven, stunned the field Quinones (22:03.40) and Marlen Marasigan (22:29.00). with his gold medal-winning time of 26:57.60 in the Men’s Velasco also made her own statement with her winning Under-23 to finish atop the podium over Ismael Gorospe time of 19:24.50, edging 2015 SEA Games ITT chamJr. (Go For Gold, 28:24.20) and Daniel Ven Carino (Go For pion Marella Salamat (19:39.00) and Avegail Rombaon Gold, 28:28.30). (20:56.40) in the race that saw the Highway Patrol Group Tagaytay City Councilor Athena Tolentino welcomed the of the Philippine National Police Region 4A command athletes and officials and awarded the medals to the winners displaying their expertise in handling along with Ube Media Inc./Le Tour de Filipinas head Donna road cycling races.

Ikeda storms ahead by 5 strokes with 6-under 63 CHIHIRO Ikeda recalled the form that snapped a long title spell in Tagaytay last May, shooting a bogey-free six-under 63 to seize a huge five-stroke lead over Princess Superal at the start of the ICTSI Camp John Hay Ladies Championship in Baguio yesterday. Ikeda sizzled in hot but soft conditions with solid driving and superb iron play that produced six birdies, including four at the front of the up-and-down layout that stood out in the early going of the P1 million tournament serving as the ninth leg of the seventh Ladies Philippine Golf Tour put up by ICTSI. Though she slowed down a bit with just two birdies at the back, they proved

enough to put the former SEA Games gold medalist, who edged Pauline del Rosario in a playoff to win at Midlands, way ahead of the pack with nobody able to match Ikeda’s fiery start she anchored on steady putting. “I struggled with my putting during the pro-am (Tuesday) but it clicked today (yesterday) and that complemented my driving and iron game,” said Ikeda, whose scorching start actually carried the momentum of her strong finish at Pradera Verde last week where she closed out with a 71 to finish tied at 24th after barely making the 50-player cut. Unlike Ikeda, Superal struggled with her irons, bogeying half of the six par-

3s, although she birdied Nos. 8 and 14 then eagled the par-5 16th to move to solo second at 68 on a course where she reigned in the last stop of the fivestage LPGT inaugurals in 2013 as an amateur. Despite her shaky start, Superal said she was satisfied with her game, particularly off the tee, an aspect of her game that has been hampering her campaign especially against the long hitters on the international stage. “My game’s okay especially my driving where I’ve added some yardage, so I’m quite excited,” said Superal. “I will just focus on my game and won’t mind other players’.”

Chihiro Ikeda looking good with a fine start

TOKYO—Tokyo on Wednesday entered the final leg of its marathon Olympic preparations, marking a year until the 2020 Games open with officials promising a high-tech but ecofriendly event. Organizers have battled everything from fears over deadly heat to persistent questions about the cost of the Games and how Tokyo won its bid. But as the final countdown began, they were touting speedy progress on venue construction and pledging a Games that will be “a springboard for the creation of a new Tokyo.” “One year to go, all of the excitement is growing here,” John Coates, chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s coordination body, said on Tuesday. He added that “unprecedented” ticket sales and applications by 200,000 people for just 80,000 volunteer positions had shown the enthusiasm building for the 2020 Games. He praised Tokyo’s preparation as the sprint to the f inish line began. “We’re ver y pleased that the deliver y of the Games remains firmly on track,” he said. High-tech showcase Half of the new permanent venues have been completed, and organisers say construction of the rest is on track. An official year-to-go ceremony was due to reveal the Olympic medals design and organisers were hosting events allowing residents to try out Olympic sports. Twelve-year-old Yukimasa Nakahara queued from 5:30 am with his mother for the chance to try pitching baseballs. “We thought the earlier the better,” he said sporting a baseball cap. “I’m looking forward to the Olympics... We’ve won tickets for a baseball game for the Bronze medal,” he added with a big smile. While cooler weather this summer has assuaged fears raised by a deadly heatwave last year, organisers say they have a raft of safety measures planned in case temperatures soar. Tactics from misting towers to flower beds will be showcased from this week at a test event for beach volleyball. With the countdown under way, organisers have also been stepping up efforts to promote the Games as a showcase for Japan’s high-tech know-how. Japan’s reputation as an industrial innovator has flagged since the last time it hosted the Games, in Tokyo in 1964, when it wowed the world with bullet trains. But government and businesses are hoping to dazzle visitors with everything from driverless airport transport to robot greeters and mascots. AFP

Juico, Tolentino battle it out for POC presidency By Peter Atencio ATHLETICS’ chief Philip Ella Juico has finally made up his mind. The 71-year-old Juico will seek the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee. After days of hesitation, Juico filed his certificate of candidacy yesterday before the POC secretariat, along with his running mates Steve Hontiveros (handball), Lani Velasco (swimming) and Clint Aranas (archery). “Yes, I’m running,” said Juico, who will run against Tagaytay Congressman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines. “See you all on Sunday,” said Tolentino, who quit his position as chairman. Hontiveros is a candidate for chairman, while Velasco and Aranas are going for two vacant board member seats. Taekwondo’s Robert Aventajado is in the opposing party with gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion and judo’s Dave Carter. Aventajado will challenge Hontiveros for chairman, while Carrion and Carter are vying for board seats. The election committee of the POC has finalized the procedures for the coming polls last Wednesday, giving the candidates until Thursday afternoon to submit their applications. Arbitration lawyer Teodoro Kalaw IV forms part of the 3-man election panel, with Letran athletics’ moderator Fr. Vic Calvo, and Deputy House Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Conrad Estrella III. There are 46 of 47 qualified national sports associations which will have representatives who can cast their ballots. Secret balloting will be observed when elections are held during a POC Extraordinary General Assembly this Sunday at the Sheraton Hotel.

IN BRIEF PLDT introduces 8-digit numbers

PLDT Inc. said Wednesday its subscribers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces will have eightdigit landline numbers starting Oct. 6, 2019. The migration from the existing seven-digit format to eight digits is in compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission under Memorandum No. 10-10-2017, which ordered all telecom providers in the Metro Manila area to migrate all their customers to eightdigit telephone numbers “to address the insufﬁcient number of assignable exchange codes.” This change applies to telephone numbers with the area code “02”. This covers PLDT customers in Metro Manila and those in Rizal province; San Pedro, Laguna; and Bacoor, Cavite. “PLDT subscribers and those calling them will have no difﬁculty adjusting to this number change. All they have to do is add the number ‘8’ at the start of the existing landline number. So, if your existing number is, say 123-4567, then it will become 8123-4567,” PLDT and Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Pryce set to start Palawan oil drilling

CONSORTIUM members of Service Contract 55 located in the ultra-deepwater of southwest Palawan plan to drill an appraisal well at a cost of $3 million to explore the oil and gas potential of the area. Pryce Gases Inc. said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday that along with a consortium partner, it decided to enter subphase 5 of SC 55 which would become effective on Aug. 26. “This is without prejudice to the consortium exercising its option to enter the appraisal period on or before Aug. 26, 2019,” PGI said. The company’s entry into sub-phase 5 will mean the drilling of one ultra-deepwater well at the cost of at least $3 million. The ultra-deepwater well will be drilled at water depth beyond 1,500 meters in the second quarter of 2020. SC 55 is a deep-water block located in the southwest Palawan Basin, covering an area of 9,880 square kilometers. PGI acquired its interest in SC 55 in July 2015 via a farm-in agreement with Otto Energy Philippines Inc., the former operator and ex-consortium partner. Alena Mae S. Flores

Enactus to hold 2019 national finals

ENACTUS Philippines will hold its 2019 National Finals on July 27, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. Commission on Higher Education chairperson Dr. Prospero De Vera and US Embassy deputy chief of mission to the Philippines John Law were invited to be keynote speakers in the opening and closing ceremonies, respectively. Enactus chairman Jose Leviste Jr. said: “The National Finals is a great opportunity to present the active teams’ community development projects, and witness ﬁrst-hand the use of entrepreneurial action in empowering communities and improving people’s livelihoods.” Enactus Philippines country leader Atty. Leo Dominguez said that for this year’s National Finals, a special competition called Business Innovation Idea Challenge was introduced to align with the Enactus International’s objective of highlighting projects that use technology or innovation. “This Idea and Innovation Challenge aims to provide an avenue for new or existing teams to pitch their viable business innovation ideas that demonstrate entrepreneurial leadership and provide innovative solutions to pressing economic, social and environmental problems,” Dominguez said.

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

By Othel V. Campos

BSP EDUCATION PARTNER. BDO Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, is the first ever recipient of BSP’s Outstanding Financial Education Partner Award for its successful collaboration with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to promote financial inclusion and help raise the country’s financial literacy levels. BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito (second from right) and program director Rose Espinosa (second from left) receive the award from BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno (right) and Monetary Board member Bruce Tolentino (left) at the 2019 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP Stakeholders in Malate, Manila.

Jollibee seals $350-m deal to buy Coffee Bean By Jenniffer B. Austria

ESTAURANT operator Jollibee Foods Corp. said it is acquiring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a specialty coffee and tea chain based in Los Angeles, California, for $350 million.

The deal, JFC’s largest acquisition to date, will bring the country’s leading fast-food chain closer to its vision to become one of the ﬁve largest restaurant companies in the world in terms of market capitalization. “The acquisition of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand will be JFC’s largest and most multinational so far with business presence in 27 countries,” JFC chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said in a statement. “This will add 14 percent to its glob-

al system-wide sales, 26 percent to its total store network, will bring international business’ contribution to 36 percent of worldwide sales and will bring JFC closer to its vision to be one of the top 5 restaurant companies in the world in terms of market capitalization,” Tan Caktiong said. Combined with Highlands Coffee in Vietnam, JFC said the latest acquisition would enable it to become an important player in the large, fast-growing and proﬁtable coffee business. “CBTL will be JFC’s second-largest business after the Jollibee brand while the coffee business will account for 14 percent of JFC’s worldwide system sales. Our priority is to accelerate the growth of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf brand particularly in Asia, by strengthening its brand development, marketing and franchise support system,” Tan Caktiong said. JFC said wholly-owned subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte Ltd. would ini-

tially invest $100 million, representing an 80-percent equity interest in a new Singapore-based holding company that will acquire 100 percent stake in CBTL. The remaining $250 million will be made as advances to the new holding company. Meanwhile, the members of the family that owns Viet Thai International Joint Stock Company, JFC’s partner in the Superfoods Group of business, will subscribe to the remaining 20-percent interest in the new holding company. JFC said the new holding company planned to issue within six to nine months preferred shares of at least $250 million to repay the company’s advances. Founded in 1963, CBTL had 1,189 outlets as of end-2018, including 336 company-owned and 853 franchised stores. Of the total, 284 stores are in the US, 447 in Southeast Asia (Philippines 139, Indonesia 101, Malaysia 99, Singapore 61), 336 in other Asian countries (South Korea 292), and 122 in other regions (Kuwait 36, Qatar 28, India 27).

BALAMBAN, Cebu―Austal Philippines, the regional unit of global shipbuilder and defense prime contractor Austal Limited, said it completed the expansion of its shipbuilding facilities in Balamban, Cebu. The company said a key expansion was the John Rothwell Assembly Bay, which was designed to accommodate large vessels for hull assembly, final outfitting and painting capacity. The assembly bay is a huge structure measuring 120 meters long, 43 meters wide and 41 meters tall. “Our Balamban Shipyard is a showpiece. Here, we bring together Austal’s most advanced maritime technologies and the outstanding capabilities of our Filipino colleagues. The opening of the new JR Assembly Bay allows us to further strengthen the order book of the Austal Philippines shipyard, ushering in more projects and employment to the local workforce,” said Austal Philippines president Wayne Murray. The company invested more than P1 billion since 2012 until 2017 for the reclamation of an additional 20,000 square meters of waterfront and the development of new hardstand and mooring facilities that will allow a greater number of larger vessels to be designed, built and maintained in the Philippines. The largest vessel, by volume, ever to be built by Austal in 30 years –Hull 419, a 109-meter vehicle passenger ferry for Fjord Line Norway―is currently under construction in the John Rothwell Assembly Bay. More than 900 Filipino engineers, design staff, skilled laborers and production tradespersons are employed at the Balamban shipyard. Ninety-eight percent of Austal Philippines’ workforce from engineers to designers, fabricators to accountants were Filipinos and the expansion is seen to further boost employment opportunities in the area. “Since 2011, Austal Philippines has become an integral partner of the global Austal Group in building revolutionary high-speed ships for governments, navies and ferry and offshore operators around the world,” said Austal chief executive David Singleton.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

EXTENSION OF THE TENDER OFFER FOR SHARES OF MEDICAL DOCTORS, INC.

Govt urged to lower reliance on coal energy

Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (“MPHHI” or the “Offeror”), hereby announces that its offer to acquire up to 563,000 common shares of Medical Doctors, Inc. (“MDI”), owner and operator of Makati Medical Center, which represent approximately 16.6% of the total outstanding shares of MDI, is extended from its original deadline of 5:00 p.m. of July 26, 2019 to 5:00 pm of August 9, 2019. The foregoing extension of the Tender Offer Period was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission through its letter dated July 22, 2019 and received by MPHHI on July 23, 2019.

By Alena Mae S. Flores ENERGY and environmental think tank Center for Energy, Ecology and Development on Wednesday asked President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration to come up with an executive order on how to “fast-track” the development of renewable energy sources while “reducing” dependence on coal. Duterte cited during his State of the Nation Address the need to reduce coal dependence. “We welcome the positive remarks uttered by the president during his SONA, responding to the clamor of the public against dirty, deadly and costly energy from coal and fossil fuels,” said CEED executive director Gerry Arances. “His statements are signiﬁcant given that existing energy and power policies largely favor coal,” Arances said. Coal currently accounts for 39.4 percent of the country’s dependable capacity mix, followed by renewable energy at 31 percent, natural gas at 15.5 percent and oil-based at 14.1 percent. CEED said coal’s share in the mix would continue to grow given the 30 coal-ﬁred power plants still in the pipeline. The Department of Energy also predicted that coal would only increase for at least two decades more, according to the Philippine Energy Plan. “We urge the president to formalize in an executive order the marching orders he gave during his speech to provide clear policy directions to the DoE and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” said Arances.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Austal expands its shipbuilding facilities in Cebu

Megaworld expects P2b from Iloilo tower

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp. said it expects to raise up to P2 billion in revenues from a newly-launched office within Iloilo Business Park. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 19-story International Corporate Plaza would offer 301 prime office units with office spaces ranging from 26 square meters to 65 sq. m. with an average price of P155,000 per sqm. The tower is expected to be completed in 2024. Megaworld said the office tower is ideal for businesses, start-up companies and established enterprises that want to set up operations in Iloilo’s newest central business district. “So far, this will be the most modern and state-of-the-art office tower in Western Visayas where companies including entrepreneurs can own their office spaces and enjoy its generous facilities never been seen before in any office building in the region,” said Jennifer PalmaresFong, vice president for sales and marketing at Iloilo Business Park. Jenniffer B. Austria

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

ICTSI’S NEW EQUIPMENT. International Container Terminal Services Inc. takes delivery of another new quay crane and eight new hybrid rubber tired gantries for its flagship Manila International Container Terminal, establishing the terminal as having the largest fleet of modern container-handling equipment in the Philippines today with 18 QCs and 58 RTGs. Eight new hybrid rubber tired gantries at MICT’s Berth 5 arrived on July 5.

E-cigarettes effective in quitting smoking SMOKERS are three times more likely to succeed in quitting smoking with the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or e-cigarettes, compared to those prescribed with nicotine replacement therapy, based on a new study by University College London. The research involved close to 19,000 smokers in England over a 12-year period from 2006 to 2018, making it one of the largest to examine the success rates of all the commonly used methods people use to stop smoking. The study found that smokers who used ecigarettes were 95-percent more likely to quit smoking than those trying without, while those that used prescribed NRT such as nicotine gums, patches and lozenges were only 34 percent more likely to do so. Moreover, those buying NRT from shops were no more likely to succeed than those trying to quit without any help at all. Dr. Sarah Jackson, the lead author of the research, said: “Stopping smoking reduces the risk of chronic diseases and increases the quality of life and life expectancy. It is therefore

important that every quit attempt has the best possible chance of success. Our study adds to the growing evidence that the use of e-cigarettes can help smokers to quit.” Dr. Jamie Brown, a co-author of the study said that e-cigarettes appeared to be effective for smokers regardless of their social background. “Smoking is one of the biggest contributors to health inequality between rich and poor and the growth in e-cigarette use may ultimately start to reduce this gap,” he said. The study was published last month in “Addiction”, the ofﬁcial journal of the Society for the Study of Addiction that has been presenting peerreviewed research since 1884. To date, it registers one of the highest success rates between e-cigarettes and other smoking cessation aids. There are more than 16 million smokers in the Philippines, which has one of the highest incidences of smoking of any country in the Asia Paciﬁc region. Ten people die every hour due to tobacco-related illnesses, while smoking costs the country economic and productivity losses of up to P270 million.

The offer period is extended to give MDI shareholders more time to consider the offer and clarify some terms, and prepare the necessary documentary requirements. As of July 24, 2019, a total of 17,636 shares were actually tendered. Correspondingly, the start of the Settlement Date will also be moved to within ten (10)business days after the termination of theTender Offer period (from August 12, 2019 to August 23, 2019) or after obtaining the approval of the Philippine Competition Commission, whichever comes later. Except for the extension of the deadline of the Tender Offer and the corresponding adjustment of the start of the Settlement Date as indicated above, all the other terms and conditions of the Tender Offer as published remain unchanged, as of date. For more information and for inquiries regarding the tender you may contact the Tender Offer Agent as follows: Atty. Jane Catherine C. Rojo 10F MGO Building, Legazpi corner Dela Rosa Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City Telephone No : (+632) 804-2855 Mobile No : +63 949 9942305 Email Address: jcrojo@mpic.com.ph

Each stockholder of MDI is advised to read the full terms and conditions of the Tender Offer and SEC Form 19-1. Inquiries and requests for assistance and copies of SEC Form 19-1 may be directed to the Tender Offer Agent, whose address and telephone numbers are indicated above. (MS-JULY 25, 2019)

Business

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks tumble; Jollibee declines T HE stock market slumped Wednesday, weighed down by a warning from the International Monetary Fund that the world economy faces a “precarious” 2020.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index sank 89.97 points, or 1.1 percent, to 8,161.49 on a value turnover of P6.4 billion. Losers overwhelmed losers, 125 to 73, with 57 issues unchanged. Global trade tensions, continued uncertainty and rising prospects for a nodeal Brexit are sapping the strength of the world economy, the IMF said Tuesday. Trade conﬂicts are undercutting investment and weakening manufacturing, and the IMF urged countries to

avoid using tariffs to resolve their differences. In the quarterly update of its World Economic Outlook, the IMF trimmed the global forecast issued in April by 0.1 percentage point this year and next, with growth expected to hit 3.2 percent in 2019 and 3.5 percent in 2020. Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, fell 8 percent to P251, after disclosing that it was acquiring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a specialty coffee and tea chain based in Los Angeles, California, for $350 million. PLDT Inc., the largest telecommunications ﬁrm, declined 2.4 percent to P1,120, while BDO Unibank Inc., the biggest lender in terms of assets, lost 2.3 percent to P147.50. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-largest bank, slipped 1.4 percent to P75. Most Asian markets, meanwhile, enjoyed another day of gains Wednesday,

with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war. Hong Kong gained 0.6 percent in the afternoon and Shanghai ﬁnished 0.8 percent higher, while Tokyo ended up 0.4 percent. Sydney gained 0.8 percent and Singapore put on 0.1 percent while Bangkok was also higher. But Taipei slipped 0.1 percent and Mumbai shed 0.6 percent. Seoul was down 0.9 percent with market heavyweights Samsung and SK Hynix both sharply lower on worries about the impact of the simmering trade row with Japan that threatens to hit South Korea’s crucial tech industry. The pound was barely moved after Tuesday’s brief rally in reaction to Boris Johnson’s election to replace Theresa May as British prime minister, with investors keen to see whether the leading Brexiter pushes ahead with a no-deal di-

vorce from the European Union. While Federal Reserve officials are blocked from speaking on policy ahead of a crucial meeting next week, their decision on how far to cut interest rates is the big question on trading floors. However, investors are still keeping an eye on the corporate reporting season, which has been broadly positive. The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains. Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President Donald Trump’s Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks. The meeting would be the first headto-head since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump’s surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing’s backsliding. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2019

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

58.9 90 2.3 150 1.19 27.6 18.7 12.42 4.68 1.36 0.465 76 1.08 13.2 50.8 190 111.1 59.4 28.55 185 1,800 59.7

58.9 90.5 2.31 150.9 1.21 27.6 18.72 12.58 4.79 1.36 0.485 76.05 1.08 13.22 50.8 190 115.9 59.6 28.6 185.5 1,800 60.1

58 88.5 2.2 147 1.19 27.15 18.68 12.42 4.67 1.36 0.46 74.85 1.05 13.2 50.3 190 111.1 59.4 27.65 182 1,800 59.55

FINANCIALS 58.9 1,790 90 2,116,730 2.31 69,000 147.5 1,320,080 1.21 24,000 27.2 160,500 18.72 20,100 12.46 645,800 4.78 23,000 1.36 4,000 0.465 980,000 75 1,946,810 1.07 948,000 13.2 36,400 50.8 1,152,790 190 3,120 115.9 1,060 59.6 10,730 28 58,800 184.6 271,720 1,800 850 60 1,880

104,879 189,364,413.50 154,860 195,005,024 28,580 4,413,675 375,572 8,058,496 108,780 5,440 461,550 146,169,717 1,008,230 480,482 58,464,636 592,800 122,235 639,086 1,653,185 50,137,004 1,530,000 112,441.50

76,450 63,211,933 -70,676,404 -343,550 -1,122,324 -36,860,842 38,150 34,679,309.50 494,000 -210,984 -27,940 5,433,971 7,761

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR EUROMED FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LMG CHEMICALS 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 SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

37.4 14.12 0.8 1.31 0.265 2.6 15.2 116.9 18.18 86.2 97 2.09 5.19 6.2 10.4 14.72 11.14 7.52 1.69 27 89.1 58 2.29 13.98 9.3 1.74 272.6 4.28 9 24.25 14.22 18.5 381.4 5.76 1.74 4.8 5.71 9.1 2.81 11.96 39.3 5.4 5.08 1.48 2.23 1.12 14.06 101 6.51 0.128 1.15 170.1 2.48 1.27 1.36

37.4 14.2 0.83 1.32 0.27 2.69 15.2 116.9 18.46 86.2 98 2.1 5.19 6.45 10.42 14.92 11.2 7.59 1.69 27 89.15 59.4 2.32 14.3 9.4 1.75 272.6 4.28 9 24.25 14.44 18.5 384 5.76 1.78 4.89 5.74 9.1 2.85 12 39.3 5.9 5.1 1.58 2.23 1.14 14.14 103 6.59 0.13 1.15 172.6 2.49 1.28 1.36

36.9 14.04 0.79 1.31 0.265 2.6 14.9 116.9 17.1 80 91.05 2.09 5.19 6.2 10.34 14.7 10.82 7.52 1.69 26.7 89.1 57.1 2.27 13.98 9.1 1.7 251 4.28 9 23.9 14.22 18.44 378 5.7 1.73 4.73 5.63 9.07 2.5 11.8 37.9 5.3 5.02 1.46 2.2 1.09 13.66 100.9 6.5 0.128 1.13 170 2.47 1.26 1.3

INDUSTRIAL 37 1,602,200 14.1 779,500 0.79 739,000 1.31 717,000 0.265 350,000 2.66 4,293,000 14.9 1,364,300 116.9 30 17.6 594,100 84.7 5,040 91.8 3,700 2.1 576,000 5.19 16,300 6.33 185,800 10.42 1,525,600 14.7 221,100 10.94 575,200 7.52 711,400 1.69 4,000 26.9 1,940,300 89.1 94,360 58 51,740 2.27 4,281,000 14.04 267,100 9.26 731,700 1.73 81,000 251 5,746,140 4.28 500,000 9 3,200 24 855,100 14.4 888,000 18.5 282,600 378 143,880 5.7 45,000 1.73 2,619,000 4.81 153,000 5.63 6,881,000 9.1 3,008,400 2.52 80,511,000 12 36,700 38.1 566,600 5.36 529,900 5.1 199,600 1.52 5,829,000 2.2 10,000 1.09 361,000 13.68 422,700 103 150,310 6.59 473,500 0.13 750,000 1.13 325,000 171.8 966,820 2.49 5,000 1.27 3,037,000 1.31 4,926,000

59,265,740 10,994,098 591,400 944,260 93,150 11,447,380 20,454,420 3,507 10,561,832 416,767.50 341,593 1,209,030 84,597 1,192,256 15,867,398 3,259,608 6,310,060 5,357,648 6,760 52,191,095 8,408,576.50 3,007,287 9,835,360 3,743,984 6,752,148 138,980 1,500,886,250 2,140,000 28,800 20,552,770 12,784,404 5,224,154 54,601,220 256,800 4,587,820 735,540 38,932,175 27,286,347 216,350,400 439,172 21,572,205(14 2,980,765 1,012,359 8,823,540 22,030 401,870 5,847,292 15,390,611 3,093,277 97,420 368,440 165,700,702 12,400 3,852,410 6,542,080

-10,452,755 4,773,474 128,210 -21,120 -1,632,680 2,714,686 187,872 9,170.50 -215,490 7,089,538 -458,198 3,329,060 -2,301,634 -5,807,275 -4,864,637.50 -481,778.50 352,750 -626,828 -1,847,503 -423,439,448 -7,186,865 10,557,928 -1,459,632 -36,046,456 -237,910 -1,243,458 7,921,540 ,665,789.9996) 4,425 -607,510 30,000 17,248 2,536,596 -26,040 -1,831,380 4,940 475,210 -3,460

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

1.02 56 15.72 0.74 7 18 1.3 1.35 962 4.15 7.15 10.64 13.9 915 6.4 68.65 0.52 4.6 15.08 0.7 4.77 0.039 1.56 2.95 173.7 2.8 990 0.84 1.37 431.2 259 0.234 0.305

1.06 56.95 15.72 0.74 7.1 18.48 1.3 1.35 969.5 4.21 7.15 10.7 14.06 936.5 6.55 69.5 0.52 4.68 15.12 0.73 4.8 0.04 1.6 2.99 174 2.8 1,007 0.85 1.4 431.2 259 0.243 0.305

1.02 55.3 15.46 0.73 7 17.1 1.26 1.31 962 4.07 7 10.38 13.82 910 6.4 68.1 0.51 4.6 15.06 0.68 4.77 0.039 1.51 2.85 170.4 2.48 988 0.84 1.37 431.2 259 0.232 0.295

HOLDING FIRMS 1.02 48,285,000 56 483,360 15.6 3,183,700 0.73 1,131,000 7 553,000 17.1 314,700 1.28 5,758,000 1.32 1,023,000 967 302,550 4.21 5,816,000 7.05 687,600 10.38 3,406,300 14 65,000 924 256,130 6.55 67,100 68.1 1,106,470 0.51 2,000 4.64 8,425,000 15.08 1,459,500 0.7 11,966,000 4.79 10,486,000 0.04 800,000 1.51 3,515,000 2.98 69,000 170.4 129,390 2.48 6,000 990 174,615 0.84 128,000 1.4 2,000 431.2 20 259 500 0.232 770,000 0.295 770,000

50,016,350 27,098,855 49,647,588 833,710 3,871,104 5,510,376 7,370,150 1,354,560 292,187,905 24,174,900 4,828,553 35,804,010 908,336 236,535,635 435,940 76,095,390.5 11 1,030 39,139,470 22,003,040 8,426,140 50,206,660 31,400 5,394,610 203,250 22,246,211 16,260 173,526,850 107,840 2,770 8,624 129,500 180,490 230,900

777,170 -7,004,111 -6,913,030 -358,487 23,384 958,010 91,621,355 599,530 87,066 -8,179,890 -19,454 517,400 -155,600 ,063,202.0001 -10,124,010 -7,238,922 4,465,160 -15,700 3,745,404 44,179,155 -106,190 -

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 PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS

15.84 0.86 2.16 1.03 52.1 2.33 5.15 6.1 0.63 0.81 0.9 0.24 0.455 10.32 24.7 0.47 0.124 1.92 1.42 6.29 0.365 0.5 1.76 0.415 2.15 45 28 2.32 3.19 37.75 2.08 6.35

15.84 0.86 2.17 1.09 52.15 2.34 5.16 6.1 0.64 0.81 0.9 0.243 0.465 10.56 25 0.475 0.124 1.97 1.42 6.37 0.37 0.5 1.76 0.415 2.17 45 28.1 2.38 3.2 38.25 2.08 6.37

15.7 0.83 2.12 1.03 51.4 2.31 5.04 6.09 0.61 0.8 0.9 0.24 0.455 10.2 24.55 0.47 0.124 1.92 1.4 6.25 0.36 0.48 1.66 0.41 2.14 45 26.95 2.29 3.19 37.5 2 6.24

PROPERTY 15.8 107,100 0.84 3,729,000 2.17 67,000 1.09 19,318,000 52 9,303,770 2.32 141,000 5.04 1,773,400 6.09 96,800 0.62 34,033,000 0.8 7,000 0.9 10,000 0.24 910,000 0.465 280,000 10.46 693,600 24.9 213,700 0.475 180,000 0.124 20,000 1.92 20,316,000 1.4 1,937,000 6.25 11,078,600 0.36 20,190,000 0.48 762,000 1.68 10,201,000 0.415 40,000 2.15 439,000 45 500 27 2,148,700 2.38 1,457,000 3.2 715,000 37.5 7,293,500 2.04 70,000 6.24 105,500

1,683,996 3,143,090 142,970 20,557,840 482990579 327,560 9,040,103 589,722 21,006,740 5,630 9,000 218,430 127,500 7,248,490 5,311,160 84,800 2,480 39,420,510 2,715,570 69,896,871 7,322,350 371,780 17,400,450 16,550 948,120 22,500 58,771,290 3,427,550 2,287,850 275,030,405 143,930 661,505

-286,174 -247,770 -70663853.5 -41,750 348,933 -487,410 132,000 -9,000 24,000 3,060 2,089,210 12,489,380 -5,830,518 -18,000 -9,780 -62,760 16,951,755 44,800 -125,192,335 3,120

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.8 7.69

0.8 7.7

0.8 7.63

0.8 7.69

169,000 3,501,200

135,200 26,907,794

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS 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

11.2 18.56 1.5 0.52 0.049 19.92 2.74 11.66 0.063 96.2 7 7.83 6.04 10.2 2,180 5.42 415.2 2.16 1.93 135.3 9.6 0.114 5.66 2.95 14.14 3.71 0.92 19.72 0.53 3.56 2.76 1.5 14.2 2.56 2.95 9.21 2.91 5.3 148 4.15 1,155 0.76 0.83 46 79 9.45 3.38 0.78 0.365 5.45 0.81 16.2

11.2 20.5 1.5 0.53 0.05 19.92 2.8 11.74 0.064 96.45 7.19 7.84 6.04 10.24 2,200 5.42 420 2.16 1.94 138 9.6 0.115 5.66 2.95 14.6 3.83 0.94 19.98 0.53 3.56 2.81 1.5 14.2 2.61 2.96 9.35 3.06 5.3 164 4.25 1,165 0.77 0.84 46.5 79.2 9.49 3.41 0.79 0.365 5.52 0.83 16.26

11 18.5 1.47 0.52 0.048 19.9 2.7 11.66 0.062 94.95 7 7.56 6.04 9.96 2,174 5.34 415 2.11 1.93 131.8 9.59 0.114 5.51 2.94 14.14 3.69 0.91 19.72 0.51 3.43 2.69 1.5 14.2 2.42 2.93 9.18 2.91 5.2 148 4.15 1,120 0.75 0.81 45.4 78.5 9.27 3.37 0.78 0.355 5.44 0.81 15.62

SERVICES 11 19.7 1.47 0.52 0.05 19.9 2.7 11.74 0.062 96 7.19 7.57 6.04 9.96 2,190 5.35 420 2.15 1.94 135 9.59 0.114 5.51 2.94 14.18 3.71 0.93 19.92 0.51 3.49 2.69 1.5 14.2 2.43 2.96 9.18 3.06 5.21 163 4.18 1,120 0.76 0.81 45.7 79 9.49 3.38 0.78 0.36 5.49 0.82 15.98

17,100 1,471,100 18,000 6,439,000 15,160,000 600 663,000 1,064,500 19,000,000 346,730 47,200 2,978,300 126,000 35,100 32,240 221,000 630 1,363,000 15,000 1,077,580 500 3,160,000 5,134,600 20,000 1,200 1,115,000 44,000 385,100 530,000 241,000 5,576,000 8,000 1,200 3,557,000 88,000 28,200 5,000 108,900 9,440 1,813,000 123,975 3,175,000 29,268,000 1,048,200 1,060,330 13,900 2,433,000 2,059,000 4,150,000 2,908,900 3,663,000 4,848,800

189,154 29,097,810 26,600 3,348,300 733,180 11,950 1,818,940 12,470,080 1,193,550 33,194,967.50 330,438 22,795,065 761,040 351,409 70,583,500 1,182,734 261,572 2,897,280 29,090 144,322,932 4,798 360,260 28,627,726 58,820 17,432 4,164,910 40,140 7,662,036 275,310 834,090 15,131,240 12,000 17,040 8,939,590 259,670 261,177 14,700 567,908 1,416,120 7,612,500 140,719,100 2,425,580 23,903,820 47,968,310 83,724,865.50 130,472 8,235,020 1,617,250 1,497,100 15,953,056 2,994,200 77,340,622 254,800 4,092,950 5,400 1,672,912 1,220 13,750 1,465,530 17,121 2,159,640 296,010 160,060 1,210 75,000 148,000 1,181,750 19,355,060 117,440 374,980 635,480 89,300 25,129,500 93,500 36,392,551 1,466,920 18,810,306 85,180,565 45,500

-306,540 -53,120 -12,610.00 294,620 217,650.00 10,189,030 85,100 180,300 370,000 1,098,466 11,741,255 -12,748,866 -26,041,141 -50,500 -146,435 -

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

0.0017 1.24 2.7 13 1.22 1.15 2.8 7.62 1.5 0.245 0.108 0.121 0.0075 0.0074 1.16 2.6 1.08 0.54 0.88 0.011 0.013 0.011 7.1 3.7 8.6 24.55 0.0065

0.0017 1.24 2.7 14.5 1.22 1.15 2.8 7.93 1.54 0.245 0.11 0.121 0.0075 0.0074 1.2 2.64 1.08 0.54 0.89 0.012 0.013 0.011 7.46 3.71 8.65 24.6 0.0065

0.0016 1.21 2.7 12.6 1.22 1.14 2.78 7.62 1.49 0.231 0.108 0.121 0.0075 0.0074 1.13 2.55 1.05 0.51 0.87 0.011 0.011 0.011 5.9 3.6 8.3 24.4 0.0065

MINING & OIL 0.0017 150,000,000 1.21 3,347,000 2.7 2,000 12.88 126,400 1.22 1,000 1.14 12,000 2.78 525,000 7.64 2,200 1.5 1,438,000 0.236 1,260,000 0.108 1,470,000 0.121 10,000 0.0075 10,000,000 0.0074 20,000,000 1.13 1,028,000 2.61 7,457,000 1.07 111,000 0.51 718,000 0.89 723,000 0.012 7,700,000 0.012 2,093,200,000 0.011 8,500,000 6 5,456,000 3.65 398,000 8.3 2,239,200 24.55 3,472,100 0.0065 7,000,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF 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

17.56 487 495 100 99.5 420.4 490 5.3 970 944 98.85 1.04 993 1,010 1,012 100 1.4 989 75.05 76.85 73.55 75 75 75.45 74.95 75

19 487 495 100 100 481.2 490 5.37 970 944 99.7 1.05 993 1,011 1,015 100 1.4 989 75.75 76.85 73.65 75.5 75 75.45 74.95 75.2

17.56 486 495 100 99.5 418 485 5.3 970 944 98.85 1.04 993 1,010 1,010 100 1.4 970.5 75 76.5 73.5 75 74.9 75.25 74.9 75

PREFERRED 18 1,030,000 486 2,300 495 60 100 90 99.8 16,990 481.2 230 485 110 5.37 4,879,400 970 10 944 10 99.7 5,350 1.04 5,044,000 993 500 1,011 1,055 1,015 13,885 100 20,000 1.4 1,000 970.5 3,510 75.75 40,120 76.5 1,010 73.6 26,050 75.5 40,020 75 47,440 75.25 13,500 74.95 19,150 75 1,670

19,239,998 1,118,110 29,700 9,000 1,694,902 97,656 53,400 26,104,306 9,700 9,440 530,142 5,250,670 496,500 1,066,395 14,090,215 2,000,000 1,400 3,406,640 3,009,102.50 77,268.50 1,916,420 3,001,510 3,557,740 1,015,935 1,434,535 125,280

LR WARRANT

1.82

1.84

1.82

WARRANTS 1.84 126,000

231,370

ITALPINAS XURPAS

6.16 1.11

6.42 1.11

5.81 1.06

FIRST METRO ETF

123.8

122.8

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.28 0.99

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

10.28 0.99

SHARES 9,950,023

INDUSTRIAL

142,216,190

HOLDING FIRMS

111,768,026

PROPERTY

151,394,473

SERVICES

139,342,034

MINING & OIL

2,326,202,971

GRAND TOTAL

2,893,291,714

10.28 0.99

6.05 1.06

SME

4,949,500 7,465,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 122.8 3,030 DDS 10.28 0.99

3,470 10,000

30,376,440 8,027,730 372,998 35,671.60 9,900

1,993,525 1,102 -15,600 14,400 -1,948,684 12,199,310 20,300 257,598 -4,544,760 385,340 -2,765,158 162,178 -1,752,170 3,900,570 -61,880 350,430 -59,100 5,200 1,210,245 -89,940 -61,705,890 -191,610 571,180 19,395,845 45,726,749.50 3,161,010 491,510 -9,513,820 44,219,212

145,858 -1,737,900 -2,483 -

VALUE 1,842.69 (DOWN) 26.19 681,120,741.05 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,501.78 (DOWN) 218.36 2,396,797,445.366 HOLDING FIRMS 7,924.89 (DOWN) 71.31 1,176,898,816.33 PROPERTY 4,359.56 (DOWN) 29.57 SERVICES 1,660.34 (UP) 5.09 1,060,262,700.365 MINING & OIL 8,087.45 (DOWN) 43.24 884,950,498.98 PSEI 8,161.49 (DOWN) 89.97 199,249,435.765 All Shares Index 4,956.24 (DOWN) 34.71 6,438,060,106.70 Gainers: 73; Losers: 125; Unchanged: 57; Total: 255

Phinma set to increase capital base to P24.4b By Alena Mae S. Flores PHINMA Energy Corp., which will be renamed AC Energy Philippines Inc., said Wednesday it will increase its capital stock to P24.4 billion to finance planned investments and acquisitions. “The increase in the company’s authorized capital stock from P8.4 billion divided into 8.4 billion shares to P24.4 billion divided into 24.4 billion shares will be presented to the shareholders for approval,” Phinma Energy said. The change in corporate name and increase in the capital stock shall also be subject to the approval of the shareholders and the Securities and Exchange Commission. “In relation to the increase in authorized capital stock, the company plans to raise capital issue through a rights offering. Additional capital will be used for investments in greenfield projects and acquisitions of power assets, including part of AC Energy Inc.’s onshore power generation and development assets,” it said. Phinma Energy said any such purchase of AC Energy’s assets will be subjected to third party valuation and approval of the company’s board risk management and related party transactions committee. Meanwhile, the board of Phinma Energy elected Fernando Zobel de Ayala as chairman of the executive committee, and Jaime Zobel de Ayala as executive committee member to replace those who resigned on July 1, 2019. AC Energy, the energy platform of Ayala Corp., completed the acquisition of the combined 51.48-percent stake of Phinma Inc. and Phinma Corp. in Phinma Energy Corp., or PHEN, in June. AC Energy acquired the Phinma Group’s stake through a purchase of secondary shares for P3.669 billion. AC Energy also subscribed to 2.632 billion PHEN primary shares at par value. Meanwhile, the mandatory tender offer for PHEN shares ended in June 19, with a total of 156,476 shares tendered. AC Energy, thus, acquired a total of 7.5 billion shares of Phinma Energy corresponding to 68 percent for a total value of P6.3 billion. “We are pleased to complete this transaction, as we see PHINMA Energy as a platform for AC Energy’s domestic growth,” said AC Energy president and chief executive officer Eric Francia.

RFM registered income of P580m in first 6 months By Jenniffer B. Austria RFM Corp., the food and beverage company of the Concepcion family, posted a net income of P580 million in the first six months of 2019, up 10.5 percent from P525 million year-on-year RFM chief finance officer Enrique Oliver Rey-Matias said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting first half revenues rose 10.3 percent to P7 billion from P6.3 billion a year ago. Net income in the second quarter climbed 14.3 percent to P356 from P314 million a year ago, while secondquarter revenues rose 9.8 percent to P3.85 billion. Rey-Matias said three branded food products, namely Selecta Milk, Selecta Ice Cream, Fiesta and Royal Pasta and Sauces, drove the double digit revenue growth for six-month period ending June. “The Philippine economy’s growth trajectory has buoyed confidence of continued consumption expansion hence our heavy investment in new production capacities for RFM,” said RFM president and chief executive Jose Ma. A. Concepcion III in a statement. Concepcion noted that the slowdown in inflation and the recent strength of the peso would dampen cost and that RFM’s strong balance sheet and cash position made the food company wellpositioned to take advantage of growth opportunities in the food sector. The company’s ice cream joint venture with Unilever Philippines Inc. in 2018 invested over P1 billion to expand capacity, while RFM’s flour division completed a P240-million mill upgrade. The group this year is spending up to P400 million to expand the capacities of its spaghetti sauce and milk businesses. Meanwhile, RFM disclosed the board approved a cash dividend of P271 million, or P0.0774 per share, for shareholders of record as of August 7, 2019. It set the payment date on September 4, 2019.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World/Business

TODAY

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Scans on US envoys in Cuba show changes in their brains

BEFORE THE MEETING. This handout photo taken and released on July 24, 2019, by the presidential palace shows Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo watching as Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed greets children before their bilateral meeting at the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java province. AFP

IN BRIEF Nissan to cut over 10,000 jobs

TOKYO―Japanese car giant Nissan plans to cut more than 10,000 jobs worldwide, reports said Wednesday, as it works to turn its fortunes around after its former chief was arrested over financial misconduct. The cuts come after Nissan announced in May it would trim 4,800 posts from its global workforce of around 139,000. The decision reflects the firm’s struggles in the wake of the arrest of Carlos Ghosn and a fall in sales in the United States and Europe. In May, it reported net profit fell to a neardecade low and warned of “a difficult business environment” for the next 12 months. A Nissan spokesman had no comment on the job cuts reports, which came before the firm announces its first-quarter results on Thursday. “We’ve not decided yet what we’ll announce [at the Thursday earnings news conference], and we don’t comment on [media] speculation,” Nissan spokesman Koji Okuda told AFP. The Nikkei business daily said Wednesday that the firm would announce a 90 percent drop in operating profit for the first quarter owing to declining US sales. The company has struggled in the US and Europe as it works through the aftermath of Ghosn’s shock arrest.AFP

Potomac River hits record temperature

WASHINGTON―The Potomac River, which ﬂows through the US capital Washington, hit a record high temperature of 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) over the weekend―as warm as bathwater―following a major heat wave. The previous highs came in the summers of 2011 and 2012, though record keeping began only in 2007. On Sunday, the temperature exceeded previous records by half a degree Fahrenheit near the Little Falls rapids, upstream from the US capital, peaking at 93.7 degrees Fahrenheit at four feet from the shore, halfway between the surface and the bottom, according to the US Geological Survey. The United States sweltered in dangerously hot weather over the weekend, with major cities including New York, Philadelphia and Washington broiling in temperatures that rose into triple digits. US media blamed the heat wave for at least six deaths, including a hiker who had been found unconscious on a trail outside Washington on Saturday and two people who died earlier in the week in the eastern state of Maryland. AFP

WASHINGTON―The brain scans of about 40 US diplomats injured in mysterious circumstances in Cuba reveal visible differences compared to those in a control group, researchers who analyzed them said Tuesday. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and led by professors at the University of Pennsylvania, does not draw any conclusions about the cause of the symptoms suffered by the diplomats from late 2016 into May 2018. But the MRIs of the patients conﬁrm that “something happened to the brains of these people,” Ragini Verma, a professor of radiology at UPenn and coauthor of the study, told AFP. “It’s not imagined,” she said. “All I can say is that there is a truth to be found.” Verma added: “Whatever happened was not due to a pre-existing condition, because we test for that.” From late 2016, diplomats posted in Havana and some of their family members suffered unexplained symptoms ranging from poor balance and vertigo to lack of coordination, unusual eye movements, anxiety and what victims called a “cognitive fog.”

The United States recalled most of its diplomatic personnel from the Cuban capital in September 2017. Some of them have recovered and returned to work, but others are still undergoing rehab, according to Verma. The US government never publicly explained the cause of the mysterious illnesses. It neither conﬁrmed nor denied the possibility of attacks using some sort of acoustic weapon, as some US media reported, without offering proof. Cuba has denied all responsibility for the incidents, which also affected at least 14 Canadian citizens. Ottawa also ended up recalling most of its diplomats from Havana in January. At the request of the State Department, 44 diplomats and family members were sent from mid-2017 to UPenn’s brain trauma center to undergo MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exams. Researchers compared those results with scans from 48 comparable subjects in two control groups. The differences are statistically signiﬁcant and relate to the brain’s white matter as well as the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement. AFP

Pressure increases on Mueller to tell if Trump guilty of crime

ASHINGTON— Pressure mounted on Robert Mueller, who headed the probe investigating Russian meddling, to spell out clearly in Congressional testimony Wednesday if he believes President Donald Trump committed a crime.

Three months after releasing the ﬁnal report on his two-year investigation into the 2016 presidential election, much of the American public remains unclear about Special Counsel Mueller’s ﬁndings on whether Trump criminally obstructed justice and whether his campaign colluded with Russians. With Trump declaring he was “exonerated” in the probe and Democrats saying it supplied ample evidence for

impeachment, the notoriously taciturn Mueller will answer questions for the ﬁrst time in front of two separate, Democrat-run committees in the House of Representatives. No one was certain whether Mueller, who has resisted testifying, will go beyond the cryptic, heavily legalistic conclusions presented in his report, which allowed the president and his allies to claim the investigation was a politically charged witch hunt that found nothing of substance. “Highly conﬂicted Robert Mueller should not be given another bite at the apple. In the end it will be bad for him and the phony Democrats in Congress who have done nothing but waste time on this ridiculous Witch Hunt,” Trump tweeted on Monday. “Result of the Mueller Report, NO COLLUSION, NO OBSTRUCTION!” Democrats meanwhile hoped Mueller would make clear to the public why he did not bring charges despite damning evidence outlined in the 448-page report.

“There was enough corruption and criminality in the Trump campaign and Administration to fill a 448-page report. Every American deserves to know the crimes and corruption exposed in the Mueller Report,” said Democratic Representative Ted Lieu. On Tuesday, Democrats were rehearsing their tactics for the marathon hearings, both to find ways to get Mueller to elaborate on his findings and to prevent Republicans on the committees from derailing the questioning. Mueller’s report documents extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Russians, including attempts to cooperate or collude, neither of which is a specific crime. Mueller ruled in the end that there was not enough evidence to recommend charges of criminal conspiracy, the main legal charge he could make use of. The veteran prosecutor and former FBI director also laid out in detail 10 instances when Trump allegedly tried to obstruct the investigation.

But he said he was prevented from recommending charges against Trump because Justice Department rules prohibited him from lodging criminal charges against a sitting president. That left it to Congress to determine whether Trump committed a crime, and a minority of Democrats are pressing for the House to impeach the president. How Mueller describes the obstruction allegations could make his live testimony explosive, potentially damaging Trump as he ramps up his campaign for re-election next year. The expected six hours or more of questioning will be broadcast live nationally, allowing Americans to hear from the man behind the two-year investigation themselves. But Mueller, veteran of some 88 trips to Capitol Hill over a long career in government, is notorious for saying as little as possible and has already signaled that he does not want to expound on the investigation, despite the repeated attacks on his character and his work by Trump. AFP

Car boom brings gridlock misery to ‘happy’ Bhutan THIMPHU, Butan―Famed for valuing Gross National Happiness over economic growth, Bhutan is a poster child for sustainable development. But booming car sales may affect efforts to preserve its rare status as a carbon-negative country―and an increase in trafﬁc is testing the good humor of its citizens. Bhutan has seen a more than ﬁve-fold increase in cars, buses and trucks on its roads in the past two decades, according to transport authority director general Pemba Wangchuk with capital

Thimphu hardest hit by the influx of vehicles. Phuntsho Wangdi, a media consultant, says the congestion and lack of parking now makes driving stressful in the tiny Himalayan kingdom where there are no traffic lights. “I wish there were fewer cars. It wasn’t like this before,” he adds of life in Thimphu, which is home to half the cars in the country. The nation’s economy has grown 7.5 percent each year in the past decade, according to the World Bank. Officials estimate there is now one

car for every seven people in Bhutan, which has a total population of 750,000. But the nation’s narrow country lanes and outdated city roads can barely cope. A lack of infrastructure, along with poor driving etiquette― some simply leave their cars parked in the middle of the road―compounds the problem. “Every year the number of cars and the number of people are increasing, and the roads have remained the same, and it’s a problem for us,” Lhendup, a taxi driver, tells AFP. AFP

A chance to reduce power rates in PH EXTENDING electricity services to far and remote areas in the Philippines is always a challenge for every administration. Given the archipelagic nature of the country, bringing electricity to these unserved or underserved areas will require an enormous infrastructure set-up that may eventually raise the cost of power and bring further misery to those living in off-grid towns and barrios. A House bill ready for signing by President Rodrigo Duterte, however, seeks to overcome the formidable obstacles to rural electrification. House Bill 8179 aims to give Solar Para Sa Bayan a non-exclusive right to operate micro-grids in unserved or underserved areas in selected provinces at zero cost to government. Power generators, especially electric cooperatives, have opposed the bill, claiming it threatens their existing businesses. But inefficient cooperatives have no right to deprive consumers of their right to choose their own suppliers. It is not surprising then that the bill has received the support of over 20 million Filipinos, per Facebook postings. Several local government units have directly written President Duterte, attesting to the positive impact of SPSB’s projects in their towns and the further benefits that will come should the proposed bill become a law. Mayor Carl Pangilinan of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro wrote: “Mr. President, if this House Bill will be a law, this will give new choices for improved electricity. By granting franchise for Solar Para Sa Bayan, the unserved and underserved areas in the whole country will be just like our Municipality, having a reliable, efficient, sufficient and cheap electricity without compromising the environment.”

Misamis Occidental Governor and former Tangub City Mayor Phillip Tan agreed “With the advent of the Solar Para Sa Bayan Project and the timely approval of this law, the bane of extended power outages and exorbitant energy prices will now become a thing of the past,” he said. Many probinsyanos in our midst have long endured high electricity rates, power outages and unstable supply. They will be relieved to ﬁnd out what SPSB has already accomplished in some areas in the Philippines. Paluan Electric Consumers Association representative Jeffrey Huertas is another supporter of HB 8179. “We appeal to our leaders to look past the self-serving positions of electric cooperatives, who wish to prevent the entry of competition, and power companies, who do not even know what it is like to live in areas without adequate electricity. Towns like ours are already beneﬁting from the service of Solar Para Sa Bayan, and it is time other underserved towns across our country enjoy a new choice for electricity.” Critics of the bill are muddling the issue, labeling it as a “mega-franchise,” when it is not in reality. It is already a watered-down bill. They have conveniently omitted the fact that the SPSB franchise is non-exclusive, and has been extensively watered down by Senate and Congress, with the amended title, “An Act Granting Solar Para Sa Bayan Corporation a Franchise… [for] Microgrids in the Remote and Unviable, or Unserved, or Underserved Areas in Selected Provinces of the Philippines.” The latest version of the bill limited the scope to “remote and unviable, unserved, or underserved

NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the public that an ExtraJudicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late FERNANDO G. DE LEOS AND CLARITA LUNA DE LEOS, namely: Susana Luna de Leos Miller married to Mariano Lina Lucas, Jr., Virgilio Luna de Leos married to Janeth Abia Almero, Rosanno Luna de Leos married to Maricris Celomine, Divino Luna de Leos married to Arlizza Pabalan , Ma. Veronica D.L. Serranilla married to George Serranilla, Fernando Luna de Leos married to Maria Gina Go, all of legal age, over personal and real properties, per deed executed on 10 June 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Kaiser T. Cordero per Doc. No. 323; Page No. 66; Book No. 20; Series of 2019. (MS-JULY 11, 18 & 25, 2019)

N OTICE areas,” and only in selected provinces, comprising less than 2 percent of the total power demand of the Philippines. It requires the use of renewable energy technology, with the franchisee subject to regulation by the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy, pursuant to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. More importantly, the bill ensured that the franchisee would not be entitled to any government subsidy. Electric utilities that have been entrenched for over 100 years and have claimed that Solar Para Sa Bayan is anti-competitive should instead look at themselves in the mirror. They are ganging up on even the slightest threat that consumers may now ﬁnally have a new choice for electricity. SPSB’s franchise is necessary to energize unserved and underserved areas. SPSB is already operating in 12 towns in eight provinces, beneﬁting over 200,000 Filipinos with cheap electricity from solar resources. The approval of HB 8179 should serve as a wake-up call for utilities to improve their service and embrace new technologies, just as landline companies like PLDT Inc. adapted to the reality of mobile phones. This should be the model for the power industry. Disruptive technologies are for them to embrace, not resist, or risk obsolescence in the near future. E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or business@manilastandard.com.ph or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Notice is hereby given that ECOVERDE HOMES CORPORATIONS, with office address at 801 Richville Corporate Center, 1314 Commerce Ave., Ext., Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an Expanding Developer of Economic and Low-Cost Housing Project (Ecoverde Sierra Phase 2) with a capacity of 178 house and lot units on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy. Indahag, Cagayan De Oro City. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Officer-In-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-JULY 25, 2019)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP., with office address at 5th & 6th, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Boulevard, Kapitolyo, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as an new developer of economic and low-cost housing project (Green Meadows Residences) with a capacity of 136 house and lot units on a non-pioneer status, with project site located at Brgy. Calansayan, San Jose, Batangas. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication. (SGD.) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Officer-In-Charge Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-JULY 25, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

LGUs

QC Boy Scouts Council to hold Memorial Camp

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

‘Country poised for takeoff’ A

LAWMAKER from the Bicol region has predicted a strong Philippine economic takeoff in the next few years, backed by ambitious policy reforms and massive infrastructure projects worth trillions of pesos that will attract more investments to the country. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, a noted economist, told media the long desired economic surge will be pushed further by the confluence of factors. This includes the expansion of the country’s gross domestic product and the single-mindedness of President Rodrigo Duterte’s infrastructure team and its sound strategies, he said. He said a 5.5 percent infrastructure to GDP ratio (6.3 percent if all capital outlays are accounted for), should underpin a 9 to 11 percent GDP growth rate. “The ‘Build Build Build’ Philippines

projects alone will hike infrastructure spending to P1.84 trillion in 2022 from P858 billion in 2017, or from 5.4 percent to 7.3 percent of GDP under the ‘Dutertenomics’ model, which would have a simulated impact of 9 to 11 percent, much higher than the current official forecasts,” the solon said. Salceda pointed out that the GDP usually spikes in the third year of a President’s administration as reforms kick in and government programs gain traction. He noted that in 2004, the third year of then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s

first term, GDP reached 8.2%. GDP also expended by 7.9 percent in 2013, the third year of President Noynoy Aquino’s term. The economic takeoff in both cases, however, was thwarted by the global financial crisis during that period, which compelled the government to underspend, Salceda said. He noted, however, that the single-mindedness of Duterte’s infrastructure team to move infrastructure has ensured a creative a programming strategy characterized by phased operability, new alignments to reduce right-of-way (ROW) issues and greater resource employment. With the President’s political will and a cohesive team for project execution—the Department of Finance, on the financing side; the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and

Highways, on the investing side; and the Department of Trade and Industry, on the incentive and promotion side—infrastructures have become the vehicle for new investors, Salceda said. “It’s different this time with President Duterte poised to strongly push the second half of his administration,” he said, noting Duterte’s frustration over this year’s budget delay. Salceda said the economic takeoff will be sustained into 2022 by massive infrastructure projects worth over P24 trillion, among them: the ‘Build-Build-Build’ Philippines, implemented from 2017-2022 with P8.13 trillion budget; the Public-Private Partnership, P6.40 trillion, with P750 billion of which already approved; and the development of Clark Freeport Zone and its environs, P1.40 trillion.

NEW MANILA ‘BOSS’.

Nickel Asia’s ‘Lapis, papel’ aid for pupils

The city government of Manila launches its Bagong Maynila Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) that aims to eliminate red tape and lower the processing time of business permits and licenses from one week to one day. Leading the launching of BOSS on Monday are Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Domagoso (third from right) and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. Teddy Pelaez

Bataan provincial board welcomes, lauds Aeta IP representative to SP BALANGA, Bataan—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Cris Garcia, welcomed its newest member, indigenous people representative Rosita Sison, during its regular session on Monday. “This body recognizes our new member, Mrs. Rosita Sison,” the Vice Gover-

nor, as the provincial board’s presiding officer, said at the start of the session at the public library inside the capitol compound. Garcia asked Sison, as the ex-officio board member, to give her message to other members of the SP. “Please guide me given my inadequa-

cy in education so that I can fully serve the Aetas of Bataan,” Sison said in the vernacular, to which members of the board listened approvingly. The chairmanship of the SP Committee on Indigenous People was transferred to her, being the tribal chieftain of the Aeta community in Barangay Bangkal, Abucay.

Sultan Kudarat floods force 70 families to flee TACURONG CITY—Families have evacuated as overnight heavy downpour triggered flash floods and landslides in at least two villages of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday and Wednesday. A total of 70 families living near landslide-prone areas were forced to vacate their homes on Tuesday night amid the heavy rains that started 4 p.m. until 6 a.m. Wednesday. Knee-deep floods submerged houses in Purok Riverside, Barangay Blingkong starting at 1 a.m. Wednesday after the Blingkong River overflowed, forcing 20 families to move to the village chapel. Barangay Blingkong chairman Mariano Antonio Jr. said a large portion of the riverside collapsed and carried away some properties and cows, goats and carabaos. Banana plantations and vegetable gardens were also flooded, with an undetermined worth of agricultural crops destroyed. In Barangay Tananzang, also in Lutayan, the municipal disaster workers implemented forced evacuation for about 50 families following landslides and soil erosion in their communities. Alryan Limbo, Lutayan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM) officer, said the local government unit is still studying when the displaced families will be allowed to return home. “It is still dangerous to let them go back home,” he said. PNA

TO COMMEMORATE the 56th Death Anniversary of the 24 Scout Heroes who perished on their way to attend the 11th World Scout Jamboree, the Quezon City Council will hold a Memorial Camp on July 26 to 28. With the theme “Commitment to Excellence,” the event, endorsed by the Division of City Schools-Quezon City and spearheaded by Dr. Antonio C. Merino, QC BSP Council Scout Executive, will be conducted in designated venues. Schools from the First District will have their activity at Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School; District II scouts have their venue at Commonwealth High School; while District III scouts will be at Pura Kalaw Elementary School. Scouters from District IV will have their event at Water Wonder Resort in Antipolo City; District V scouts will be billeted at Our Lady of Asuncion School, while Ismael Mathay Sr. High School serves as venue for the delegates from District VI. Teachers and scouters who will take part in the activity on official time are entitled to service credits following the guidelines issued by the Department of Education. Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II

Prior to her recognition, she submitted documents from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples to the provincial board as her credentials. Sison took her oath before Gov. Abet Garcia last week. Butch Gunio

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. To level

the playing field for both large and small enterprises, Senator Cynthia Villar urged financial institutions to cater to the needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The senator urged the Land Bank of the Philippines to put up a facility to help farmers and fisherfolks, as she was one of the panelists in the MSME Summit 2019 on Inclusive and Sustainable Innovation for Globally Competitive MSMEs held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Lino Santos

RECOGNIZING that the smell of new pads of papers and the feel of new pencils can bring excitement and enthusiasm to any young student, employees of Nickel Asia Corp. and its subsidiaries pooled their personal resources to gift some 3,000 students of Malimono town in Surigao del Norte with “lapis at papel.” The activity is part of the mining company’s yearly Personal Social Responsibility program, where NAC employees take it as their civic duty to contribute to the betterment of the communities in their own personal capacity. Malimono, a 5th class municipality outside the mining communities and a coastal town in Surigao del Norte, was chosen as beneficiary this year. Last year, NAC employees contributed to give two pads of papers and three pencils to all 900 elementary students of all four elementary schools in Dinapigue, Isabela. This year, NAC employees brought joy to students from 16 schools in Malimono’s 14 barangays, gifting each student two pads of paper and two pencils. Some kindergarten kids even received coloring books, crayons and sharpeners. “It was a pleasant surprise. The children were very happy, the teachers were almost emotional. NAC employees went to all our elementary schools even in those farthest areas accessible only by boat and habal-habal [motorcycle taxi]. We are all very thankful to NAC employees for the very sweet gesture,” says Dr. Alicia Amalia, district supervisor of DepEd Malimono. The “lapis at papel” contributions were gathered from NAC employees in its mining operations in CARAGA Region and Dinagat Islands—Cagdianao Mining, Hinatuan Mining, and Taganito Mining; also in Rio Tuba in Palawan—Rio Tuba Nickel Mining; in Isabela—Dinapigue Mining; as well as employees of Cordillera Explorations and Emerging Powers Inc. All are subsidiaries of NAC. “The NAC PSR in Malimono showed the communities that people from the mining companies of NAC are one with us and are very much part of the very society we live in,” said Jay Ronald L. Becina, Principal at Malimono Central School.

Mobile science bus, homegrown apps wow visitors at NSTW fair (Continued from yesterday)

By Rex Arcadio R. San Diego II AMONG the most popular exhibits during the 2019 National Science and Technology Week exhibit last weekend is the “nuLab,” a customized mobile science bus that features modern audio-visual and educational tools and equipment, laboratory facilities, and various learning materials useful in introducing concepts and developing skills. According to the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), nuLab “would allow the Filipino youth to discover their potential in the various fields of Science, Technology, Education, and Mathematics (STEM) and eventually pursue courses and careers along these lines.”

The DOST has in fact recommended to the Department of Education that there should be at least one nuLab Bus per region, as S&T enthusiasts young and old braved the inclement weather and visited the NSTW exhibits at the World Trade Center in Pasay City from July 17 to 21. The DOST- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology HazardHunterPH app, which is designed to provide information to help people prepare for possible earthquake, volcanic and hydrometeorological hazards, to provide initial hazard assessment with explanation and recommendation from mandated government agencies is also a popular exhibit. De La Salle University’s newly developed software, dubbed CATCH-ALL or Contactless Apprehension of Traffic Violators on a 24-Hour Basis and All-Vehicle

Detection System, enables authorities to better identify traffic violators. The software can identify and track vehicles, recognize plate numbers, and profile vehicles. It can also detect several breaches such as number coding violation, beating the red light, and swerving. Different forums also marked the NSTW. To address the increasing prevalence of HIV among young Filipinos, the DOSTNational Research Council of the Philippines spearheaded a forum titled “Enhancing Gen Z’s level of awareness on HIV/AIDS through digitized arts.” The program targets students from Grade 10 to second year college to boost their awareness on HIV/AIDS and help them avoid infection. A Resiliency Summit for Kids that focused on weather and earthquake les-

sons was also conducted by the DOSTPAGASA, PHIVOLCS and NRCP. The Science and Technology Information Institute sponsored a seminar workshop on writing science articles and shooting vlogs (video blogs) about science and technology. For Vianca Jazmin Alzaga of Ismael Mathay Sr. High School, the NSTW is a great learning source for students, because “the exhibits give new knowledge and improve awareness of surroundings through discoveries that can benefit the people.” “The DOST has never failed to amaze students and professionals with their technology and experiments, inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science and technology,” said Aaron Paul Blay, a teacher from Quezon City.

ALL IN ONE PLACE.

Residents at Galleria Residences Cebu are afforded various leisure facilities and access to urban conveniences, such as a hotel and a shopping mall, as it is located within a mixed-use township.

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Condo living in Cebu

Life HOUSEHOLD

ISCERNING locals and expats in Cebu who are seeking a life of leisure and convenience are offered a home right within the city’s emerging district.

The three-tower, resort-inspired Galleria Residences features a modern design, well-suited to its surrounding as it’s fully integrated within Robinsons Galleria Cebu Complex, a mixed-used lifestyle destination that includes the four-level Robinsons Galleria Cebu mall, the 221-room Summit Galleria Cebu hotel, and the Cybergate Galleria office building. The condominium community stands within 6,600-square-meter of prime space. Residents are provided with various amenities at the 177-meter amenity deck and at the retail area on the tower ground floor. To provide a truly premium living, the property developer said Towers 1 to 3 house over 30 leisure facilities, ranging from the usual condo facilities such as fitness gym, swimming pool, lounges, and function rooms, to uncommon ones like aerobics and yoga room, boxing room, multipurpose hall that can be converted into a badminton court, game room, private theater, spa and sauna, health bar, virtual golf, and bar lounge, among others. All 725 units—configured into studio, one-bedroom, executive one-bed-

APPLIANCES are made to make life more convenient. Need to store leftovers so they won’t get bad? Put them in the fridge. Need to reheat them? Use the microwave oven. Home is hot and uncomfortable? Turn on the air conditioner. No more clean clothes? Go wash some in the washing machine. If they fail to provide everyday ease and comfort, homeowners may find themselves wondering whether or not it’s time to replace their units. Read through this list to see if now’s the perfect time to take the plunge and upgrade the home appliances. 1. Appliances are cracked and stained Using tape to hold it together? Or maybe, the appliance is already showing signs of age as in discoloration? Then it’s time to consider letting them go. These red flags are commonly seen in refrigerators and air conditioners. Replace the appliance before they bring any hygienic or hazardous issues to the home.

All units—configured into studio, one-bedroom, executive one-bedroom, and two-bedroom—feature natural lighting and ventilation, in keeping with the eco-friendly features of the township.

room, and two-bedroom—feature natural lighting and ventilation, in keeping with the eco-friendly features of the township. Living spaces range from 25.5 to 75 square meters. The soon-to-be completed Tower 3 has 22 floors with 14-19 units per floor, ensuring ample space and privacy. “The third tower will complete the last element of the condominium

chase a new one. Choose products that are durable and can provide features that fit the family’s lifestyle. Samsung’s Top Mount Freezer, for instance, has five conversion modes that offer f lexible storage solutions. If there is no need to store frozen goods, then the freezer area can be converted to have the same temperature as the fridge. This provides more space needed for special occasions and family gatherings.

community that provides a continuum of lifestyle choices for discerning home-seekers,” the developer said in a statement. Galleria Residences is a testament to the Robinsons Residences brand mantra that blends the amazing facets of city living and a well-balanced lifestyle through comfortable living spaces situated in coveted locations.

The residential projects of Robinsons Residences are supported by customized services that make everyday living more convenient for residents. The proprietary Ring Rob Concierge, an exclusive online service platform for homeowners, offers easy access to housekeeping, and business and maintenance services, among others, with just a few clicks on a mobile device.

Accessibility and ease of transportation is guaranteed as the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Complex is bounded by major thoroughfares: Sergio Osmeña Boulevard, General Maxilom Avenue Extension, Commerce Street, and E. Benedicto Street. It has won the award for Best Mixed-Use Development for Asia Pacific 2018-2019 from the Asia Pacific Property Awards.

5 signs its time to upgrade appliances at home

3. The electricity bill is higher When there’s an unusual electricity surge, check if some appliances are too old for the house. Old models consume more electricity over time, which is one of the top reasons to buy new models. Consider investing in appliances that have energy-saving features. The brand’s Wind-Free Air conditioner has a Digital 8-Pole Inverter Compressor that only consumes 32 percent of the energy consumed by Conventional 4-Pole models. It maintains the desired temperature without needing to frequently switch off and on, so it’s quieter, more durable, and efficient.

2. Cooking has become a hassle Cooking at home would be limited if the home refrigerator doesn’t have enough space. If one can only cook a few recipe options and in small quan4. Appliances don’t function well tities because the fridge is short on If the microwave oven takes longer storage, then it’s definitely time to pur- than usual to heat up meals or defrost frozen goods, that might be a sign that something is malfunctioning. When The microwave oven needs to be upgraded if it takes longer than usual to heat up meals or defrost frozen goods. upgrading home appliances, choose products with multi-function features Samsung to make the most out of the purchase. offers smart The Samsung Smart Oven functions appliances as a microwave and convection oven such as (clockwise) Top that can be used for baking, grillMount Freezer, ing, slim frying, defrosting, steamWind-Free Air ing, and even making yogurt. Its Hot conditioner, Blast technology blows powerful hot Activ air through multiple air holes, thereby DualWash, and cooking food faster. Smart Oven that provide convenience at home.

5. The family is growing If the current home appliances take multiple batches of work to cater to the family’s needs then consider replacing it with a much bigger and durable appliance that allows more efficiency. The size of the family be-

comes more apparent when it comes to washing dirty laundry. Samsung’s Top Load Washer with Activ DualWash has a capacity size of up to 16 kilograms, hence it quickly washes more laundry in a single load. It also has a built-in sink for a convenient place to hand-wash delicate items and pre-treat heavily soiled clothes. To encourage homeowners to finally upgrade, Samsung has an ongoing Flexideal promo which offers convenient payment options from straight cash payment. Get a 0 percent interest on credit card installment, and a low monthly interest via Home Credit and in-house financing. The promo runs until Sept. 30.

Life

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Convention to tackle breastfeeding, parenting in the digital age

N A bid to support moms and dads in their parenting journey, Phi Lambda Delta Society on August 3 stages Mommy Matters convention at Bayview Park Hotel Manila. The parenting convention, organized in cooperation with the Breastfeeding Committee of the Philippine General Hospital, chaired by Dr. Stella Marie L. Jose, will serve as a comprehensive resource of non-traditional knowledge that will empower parents, whether they’re first-time or experienced ones. Mommy Matters will discuss vital aspects of parenting through its plenary talks on breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care, led by Dr. Maria Estrelita Uy; and child immunization, to be discussed by Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim. There will also be a talk on parenting in the digital age. Further, the convention will tackle the emotional aspects of parenting such as handling postpartum depression, to be discussed by Dr. Victoria dela Llana, as well as issues like infertility, to be discussed by Dr. Maria Jesusa Banal-Silao. A talk on mommy fitness will also be given by Dr. Maria Lora GarciaTansengco. In addition to PGH physicians, other esteemed personalities such as Chef Michelle Adrillana will address issues on proper nutrition for mothers, along with teacher Patricia Franco-Velasco, who will talk about providing responsive care for infants and children. Mommy Matters is an event under Phi Lambda Delta Sorority’s flagship project Milk Matters. The organization has, through Milk Matters, organized milk drives and public health lectures, established

Dr. Maria Jesusa Banal-Silao will talk about infertility.

community-based milk storage facilities in partner communities, and served as a source of breastmilk for the Philippine General Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit patients. It also aims to involve itself in the development of health policies that support sustainable and community-based milk banks. Milk Matters has so far collected over 330 liters of breastmilk, reached out to over 500 mothers, and established partnerships with four communities in its five fruitful years. Ticket for Mommy Matters parenting convention is priced at P1,000. Visit tinyurl. Infant and toddler specialist and consultant Patricia Franco-Velasco will lead a discussion on providing responsive care for infants and com/MommyMattersReg to register. children during the Mommy Matters parenting convention on August 3.

Each purchase of Phoenix SUPER LPG comes with a high-quality SRG regulator with a safety valve that stops fuel flow in case of a leak.

WHEN it comes to infant care, ensuring their skin’s health is an important part. A brand of baby products shares the following tips to help parents protect and keep their young one’s largest organ clean, soft, and healthy.

3 tips for caring baby’s skin

Buy the right diapers

Picking the right diaper is important for baby’s comfort. Looking for the right size is a must; it should not be too loose that it easily falls nor too tight that the baby’s skin can easily get irritated. To prevent diaper rash, apply Babyflo Petroleum Jelly which is proven mild and safe for babies’ delicate and sensitive skin.

Keep it hydrated and moisturized

Keeping kitchen safe OUR country has quite the reputation for being the second deadliest nation in the Asia Pacific for indoor pollution, according to the World Health Organization. The problem, which has been linked to women and children mortality, is caused by cooking using solid fuels and kerosene in open fires and inefficient stoves. Households that utilize LPG (liquified petroleum gas) in cooking are strongly advised to ensure the safety of the tanks they’re using. The Department of Trade and Industry warns consumers against LPG tanks that are unscrupulously refilled and compromised in terms of integrity. Likewise, regulators and connectors should be free from leaks and defects. To address the need for safe tanks, Phoenix Petroleum has launched SU-

An infant’s skin is vulnerable to dryness which may become sore and scratchy. Giving a sponge bath and a baby bath will refresh and hydrate Pick the right diaper that fits well and does not cause skin rash or any irritation.

PER LPG which comes with a highquality, Germany-made SRG regulator with a safety valve that stops fuel flow in case of a leak. A tight and secured connecting system also ensures accuracy and reliability of the tank’s switching mechanism. As an added safety and convenience feature, the SRG regulator has a reserve indicator that lets users know if fuel is running out, which means there’s no need to manually or physically check the tank’s contents through its weight. The regulator is easy to install with a snap-on mechanism and a rotating design that allows the hose to easily follow the tank’s position. This is useful in safely transporting or moving the tank around the kitchen as needed. Go to www.phoenixfuels.ph/lpg or call #78737 (#SUPER) to order.

their skin, as well as get rid of any residues that may cause rashes and skin irritation. Light massage during and after bath time helps in soothing and relieving them as it boosts circulation in the body, which promotes relaxation.

Use products with gentle ingredients

Massaging while giving babies a bath helps soften their skin and improve blood circulation.

iPhoto Lighting manufacturer sponsors PIID general meeting

Households that use LPG in cooking are strongly advised to ensure the tanks they are using are safe.

LANDLITE Philippines Corporation organized a Mamma Mia-themed event for the general monthly meeting of Philippine Institute of Interior Designers. Interior designers gathered at Lux Décor showroom in BGC where they had a tour on LPC’s latest lineup of products. Present during the event were (from left) PIID national president Lilia de Jesus, Landlite Philippines Corporation chief executive officer Jocelyn Li, brand ambassador Marc Nelson, and PIID vice president for internal affairs Marcelo Alonzo.

Since babies have sensitive skin, it is best to stray away from perfumed or strong scented products laden with chemicals that may be absorbed by their skin. Parents are advised to be wary of ingredients used in each product they use on their babies. Babyflo’s Soap-Free Bath Wash, for instance, is mild and gentle because its formula is fragrance- and bubble-free. It is also doctor-recommended as it is hypoallergenic and paraben-free.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Kapamilya stars celebrate triumphs of Filipinos with cheer song M

EDIA giant ABS-CBN launched a song in celebration of the string of victories that Filipinos have achieved in the international arena, showing the greatness of our people to the world. Titled “Galing Natin Ito!” and sang by 27 Kapamilya and OPM artists, the song highlights the heart, wisdom, and strength of Filipinos that enable them to triumph over challenges in life. The song’s recording music video premiered during the fight of Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Keith Thurman that exclusively aired on ABS-CBN platforms including Channel 2, SKY Sports PPV, S+A, and iWant. It features Angeline Quinto, Bamboo, Billy Crawford, Daniel Padilla, Darren Espanto, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Gloc 9, Iñigo Pascual, Jason Dy, Jed Madela, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Martin Nievera, Moira Dela Torre, Morissette Amon, Ogie Alcasid, Piolo Pascual, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo, Shanti Dope, Toni Gonzaga, TNT Boys Mackie Empuerto, Francis Concepcion, Keifer Sanchez, Yeng Constantino, and ZsaZsa Padilla. “Galing Natin Ito!” aims to unite Filipinos in showing support to our fellowmen who are raising the flag of the Philippines and bringing glory to the country in their respective fields and professions. They include athletes like Pacquiao, who continues to make history in boxing, beauty queens like Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray who were named Miss Universe because of their beauty, wit, and advocacy, and thousands other of Filipinos making their mark around the globe. The song is the official theme of ABSCBN’s National Cheer Campaign that celebrates the success of Filipinos to inspire the nation to unite and help unleash each other’s potential for greatness. With its catchy lyrics and melody,

“Galing Natin Ito!” can be used to cheer on Filipinos during international competitions to boost their morale and make our presence felt in the world just like how it is done in basketball, volleyball, boxing, and football events. A full music video will be released soon featuring more cheerleading and dancing from the JRU Pep Squad, Mapua Cheerping Cardinals, Arellano Chief Squad, UPHSD Altas Perpsquad, and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, as well as dance crews Precom, Aces PH, and Prime, who were all performing together for the ﬁrst time. The song’s lyrics were written by Jerome Clavio, Jan Dormyl Espinosa, and Tiny Corpuz from the ABS-CBN Creative Communications Management, with Gloc9 and Shanti Dope, while the music was composed by Thyro Alfaro. Behind the music videos are directors Paolo Ramos, Peewee Gonzales, and Lorenz Morales as directors with Elirose Borja and Patrick de Leon as creative directors, DJ San Jose, Jerome Clavio, and Lara Allardo as producers and Ruf Rosario as choreographer. Watch the “Galing Natin Ito!” recording music video on the ofﬁcial account of ABS-CBN on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/ABSCBNnetwork/ videos/375334770056002/) and ABS-CBN Entertainment on YouTube (https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=yE7W9eneQF4).

Darren Espanto (left) and Inigo Pascual

Regine Velasquez (left) and the TNT Boys

Catriona raises country’s flag for Pacman By Eton Concepcion

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray with people's champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao

Philippines' Sharmaine Magdasoc wins the inaugural Miss Fashion World pageant held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MISS Universe 2018 Catriona Gray ﬂew from her New York residence to Las Vegas’ Grand Garden Arena as part of Filipino boxing legend and Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s entourage for his WBA Super Welterweight bout against dethroned reigning champion Keith Thurman on Sunday. Gray, in a pink pantsuit, was wildly cheered by thousands of Filipino boxing fans at MGA Grand, as she walked Pacquiao down to the ring, climbed into the ring before the singing of the Philippine national anthem and raised the national colors. Gray arrived at the Arena in a vehicle with Pacquiao and wife Jinkee. Gray also met with Pacquiao’s rising boxer-son Jimuel and two younger daughters, Princess and Queenie, who only watched their father’s ﬁght on TV. “The legend inspiring the dreams of a generation. Laban Manny Pacquiao! Laban Pilipinas!” Gray posted later on Instagram with her photo standing beside Pacquiao. Gray screamed her heart out along with the Filipinos when Pacquiao was declared winner. Pacquiao’s latest victory was his 62nd and made him the oldest Welterweight Super World Champion in boxing history. Pacquiao served as one of the judges in the 2014 Miss Universe pageant with Philippine representative MJ Lastimosa. However, while most Filipinos liked Gray’s show of support for the Filipino boxing great, some posted their displeasure asking why Gray, an LGBT-supporter, would go out of her way to be with Pacquiao, who is well-known for his anti-gay stand. *** Pinay crowned Miss Fashion World 2019 in Malaysia Another title has been added to the country’s

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, July 25, 2019

ACROSS 1 Windy day fliers 6 Scheme 10 Inform 14 Torpid 15 Theater box 16 — vera lotion 17 Ross or Rigg 18 Ranch segment 19 Head covers 20 Fortify 22 Part of MIT 23 Alphabet enders 24 Invoice no. 26 Privileged ones (2 wds.) 30 Opposed 34 Curly coifs 35 Sandwich cookie 36 Famous numero 37 Contended 38 More secure 40 Little chirper 41 Zoologists’ mouths 42 Lugosi of “Dracula” 43 — Stengel 44 Back off 46 Black eyes 48 Shakespearean prince 49 Estate recipient 50 Noisy fight

53 Annoying ringer (2 wds.) 59 Hoist 60 Wheel hub 61 Malign unjustly 62 Calcutta nanny 63 Not bumpy 64 Novelist — Zola 65 Disease causer 66 Rational 67 Likes and dislikes DOWN 1 Moppets 2 J in JFK 3 Split apart 4 Fish-eating flier 5 Ballad parts 6 Auto tags 7 Lomond and Ness 8 Fairy-tale heavy 9 Prom date 10 Gauguin’s island 11 High spirits 12 Parcels of land 13 For fear that 21 Catch on 25 “Little Red Book” author 26 Small gift 27 Like a house — 28 Pick up the tab 29 Not prepaid 30 How — things? 31 Hospital worker

32 Look of disdain 33 Broadway awards 35 Two — — kind 38 Navigational channels (hyph.) 39 Elev. 40 Ashen 42 Maude of TV 43 Ring-shaped ornament 45 Musical beat 46 Calm 47 That guy 49 Place of shelter

50 Subside 51 Frosty coating 52 Out of range 54 Volcano’s output 55 Kind of bean 56 Ginza purchases 57 Roman foe 58 “Fish Magic” artist

harvest of victories in international competitions. Sharmaine Rose Magdasoc, a 23-year-old model and graphic artETON ist from Pasig City, bested 11 naCONCEPCION tional delegates from around the world and was crowned Miss Fashion World 2019 at the glittering finals held at the Palace of Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 20. Possessing a stunning, beautiful face, the native of Libon, Albay and Information Technology graduate at Asian Summit College, won the judges over with her amazing catwalk skills and professional attitude. “It was a very tough competition. It was very hectic as the contest was scheduled for only a week. I guess my perseverance and good behavior throughout the contest paid off. Some of the girls were already complaining,” Magdasoc told reporters at her arrival in Manila on Monday. Miss Belgium was named first runner-up in the inaugural competition, which also gave away special awards including Most Elegant, Best Catwalk, Most Charming, Most Photogenic, Most Fashionistas, Most Popular and Best Skin. The founder and organizers of Miss Fashion World 2019, Isabelle Liow and Dato Sri Dr Warren Eu, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, promised to expand the competition the next years. Magdasoc, a consistent honor student and a breadwinner for her family, also won the inaugural Turismo Filipina pageant in December last year. She was a semi-finalist in Miss Global Philippines 2017. The beauty queen, who will return to Malaysia to fulfill her obligation as Miss Fashion World 2019, said that she is open to joining other major national pageants when her reign is finished.

PAGEANT CONCEPT

The launch of the 'Into the Jungle' exhibit at SM North EDSA The Block was filled with festivities with theatre performances giving joy to mallgoers as they danced to iconic 'The Lion King' songs.

Exhibit transports mallgoers to the World of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ CEMENTING itself as a much-loved classic, Disney’s The Lion King first touched our hearts and made us sing along to its phenomenal songs back in 1994. Twenty-five years after the release of the animated film, come and feel the love again as Disney’s The Lion King finds its way back to the theaters. To prepare for the return of Disney’s The Lion King, SM Cinema invited moviegoers to “Into the Jungle,” a mall set up taking inspiration from the film that is full of fun activities and interactive displays. The magic of Disney’s The Lion King was brought from reel to real life with exciting activities such as rock and rope climbing and animal face painting, transporting kids and kids-at-heart into the jungle. The exhibit was on display in SM North EDSA The Block Atrium until July 18, with a festive kick-off that treated mallgoers with a special performance of Disney’s The Lion King’s beloved songs. Disney’s The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy, and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s The Lion King roars into SM Cinemas available in IMAX, Director’s Club Cinema and regular cinemas nationwide. Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2019

Beautéderm fever hits Bataan IN LINE with the upcoming 10thanniversary celebration of Beautéderm Corporation, the brand’s new breed of young ambassadors came in full force for the grand opening of Alicia Malasa’s BeautéChick located at the ground floor of Vista Mall in Bataan. Present at the opening were Beautéderm Corporation President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan, BeautéEscape By Beautéderm owner Myla Tiatco, brand ambassadors Carlo Aquino, Ejay Falcon, Hashtag Ryle, Pauline Mendoza, and Jane Oineza along with Boobay and Kris Lawrence. Founded in 2009 by Rhea AnicocheTan, Beautéderm embodies her guiding principle that beauty begins by taking care of one’s self, and by doing so, a person will become healthier, and shall exude beauty not only in the outside but in the inside as well. As one of today’s top leaders in the beauty and wellness industry, Beautederm prioritizes safety and effectiveness above all with its FDA Notified products, which only use plantbased ingredients that are perfectly synergized to deliver the fastest and most effective long-term and sustainable results. A consistent Superbrands awardee, some of the flagship brands of Beautederm include Beautederm Skin Care Sets for both the face and body, Reverie by Beautederm Home which includes a collection soy candles and room sprays, and Beautederm’s perfume collection which includes Origin Senses perfumes for men among many others – all top-selling products in the market today. Currently, Beautederm has over a hundred resellers both locally and internationally; and has almost 40 brand ambassadors which include actors and actresses, TV personalities, singers, beauty queens, politicians, comedians, and social media personalities. For more exciting news and cool updates on Beautéderm Corporation, follow @beautédermcorporation on Instagram and like Beautéderm on Facebook.

A scene from Viva Films' latest potboiler, 'Indak'

NADINE and SAM

groove at the tills with ‘INDAK’

RESH from her VERY back to back WANG win as best NICKIE actress in Famas and WANG Gawad Urian, Nadine Lustre portrays another intricate role in Indak, Viva Film’s epic dance movie that also stars Sam Concepcion.

The film revolves around the story of a simple island girl named Jen (Nadine), who loves dancing, but never showed her true talent to anyone. Not until a video of her dancing went viral online and Vin (Sam Concepcion), leader of Indak Pinas invites her to come to Manila and join them. Not confident with her own talent, Jen hesitated to accept Vin’s invitation at first. But Vin finally convinces Jen when he mentioned that their group is going to compete at the World Dance Championship in South Korea, and that her presence in the group will have a great impact. In Manila, Vin helps out Jen in improving her dancing, as well as adjusting living in the city. The two not only find their groove but also slowly fall for each other. With the rest of the crew, they must work together to bring out their best performance. But with struggles, dilemmas and past issues getting in the way, can they bring out a performance that will wow the whole world? “It’s a new challenge for me because dance movie is difficult to make. We had to undergo a lot of training for our production numbers. The choreography was meant for a dance competition so it’s not easy. After the shoot, masakit talaga ang katawan mo. But it’s good I really enjoy dancing,” Nadine said of her experience doing the film. She added that it was a conscious effort to undergo rigid dance training because she didn’t want a double to do the

dance routines for her. Meanwhile, Sam appreciates the fact that he’s friends with Nadine. It allowed them to work smoothly apart from the fact that his co-star has been known for being professional and easy to work with especially when on the set. “I really enjoyed it. I love working with friends that I know. I love that I get to work with Nadz and you know, it’s a pretty good, pretty whole experience to work with her. I can’t wait for him to watch it,” Sam said. Apart from the amazing choreography, Indak also features great soundtracks like “Sumayaw Sa Indak” by Nadine featuring Pio Balbuena and Shehyee, Sam’s soulful version of “Ikot-Ikot,” and Janine Teñoso’s heart-wrenching version of “Hindi Tayo Pwede.” Directed by the number one concert director, Paul Alexei Basinillo, Indak was shot in the beautiful island of Bantayan in Cebu, and scenic South Korea, making the whole movie a feast for the senses. Indak unspools in cinemas nationwide on Aug. 7.

'Gone with the Wind,' regarded as the most successful film of all time, is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell.

Why ‘Gone With the Wind’ eclipses both ‘Avengers’and ‘Avatar’ EVEN as Disney confirmed Sunday that Avengers: Endgame had become the top-grossing movie ever, film historians noted that Gone With the Wind still has a strong case for being the most successful film of all time. The $402 million taken in by Gone with the Wind after its 1939 release places it in a paltry 285th position in raw dollar terms. But that ignores the huge role of price inflation over time. The epic historic romance, set during and after the US Civil War, sold the enormous 215 million tickets in the United States, far and away the record in that category, according to the Internet Movie Database. Its box office was boosted by seven national releases between 1939 and

1974. Gone with the Wind would have sold $1.958 billion worth of tickets today in the US market alone, based on what the National Association of Theatre Owners says was an average US ticket price in 2018 of $9.11. Worldwide, and with inﬂation taken into account, the ﬁlm would have taken in a stunning $3.44 billion, the Guinness Book of World Records has estimated. That compares to $2.7902 billion for Avengers: Endgame, which this weekend just squeaked past the Avatar total of $2.7897. Consider also that the US population in 1939 was a mere 130 million, roughly 200 million less than today. AFP

From left: Boobay, Ejay Falcon, Jane Oineza, Hashtag Ryle, Rei Tan, Pauline Mendoza, Alicia Malasa, Carlo Aquino, and Myla Tiatco at the opening of BeautéChick at Vista Mall in Bataan.

All for originals IF YOU are a musical artist with original songs to showcase but finding yourself being asked to do covers apparently to YUGEL keep up with audience LOSORATA attention span, do not get slighted for that is not an isolated case. Be rather surprised when you’re obliged to do only originals. And rejoice with such privilege. That’s what the DZRH Sunday radio show Tambayan Sessions has to offer for singing souls and rocking bands, especially the ones in need of exposure on a nationwide scale. Radio anchor Sherwin Bata Alfaro is clear about his advocacy to provide deserving artists with considerable airtime for their mostly unheard song creations and artistic individuality which other programs may only dismiss as not being too attractive for mainstream listeners, in particular, those locked in with cover versions of songs already familiar to them. “I just wanted to help out those music artists and give them the exposure through DZRH,” said the radio reporter who got his first big break after he competently handled a bank robbery hostage drama almost a decade ago. True to his word, Alfaro often tries his best to extend help to what he calls the “future shakers of the industry” even beyond radio guesting. He linked a band of young long hairs to the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) as the latter eventually took the group’s song “Uniporme” as its rallying tune. He regularly accommodates gifted yet faceless songwriters to perform their songs on his program airing weekly from 12:00 nn to 1:00 p.m.. DZRH (666 kHz) is the 80-year-old flagship station of Manila Broadcasting Corporation. Its wide reach makes Tambayan Sessions a significant slot for artists in the midst of heavy artist competition and sellout approach employed by certain quarters in marketing musicians. Besides, Alfaro,

Radio anchor Sherwin Bata Alfaro (left) with his DZRH’s Tambayan Sessions co-host Jake Lanting (center) and celebrity guest Gino Padilla (right) who appeared on the program last July 14.

who has been with DZRH since 1999, envisioned the show to basically spread hope for “tambays” incapacitated by self-pity and lack of self-esteem. A strong singing enthusiast himself, he expressed, “Ako na lang na hinangad din maging singer, nilalaban ko ang karapatan kong kumanta kapag may pagkakataon.” The masscom graduate at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila has partnered with singer-songwriter Jake Lanting in bringing on-air the program promoting more established acts likeOrange & Lemons, Gino Padilla, Archie D., among others. They have patterned the Sessions to the classic BBC live performances. “Almost all of us want to have that free time to perform and make the audience happy, o kaya maghintay lang sa kawalan,” he remarked with a telling smile. Tambayan Sessions serves as an on-air watering hole for those with worth-noting talents and deﬁned purposes in their musically enlivening journey. Alfaro’s deep background in producing stories for news programs makes him a keen observer of what is newsworthy. In the case of musicians, the ones worth-hearing by those tuning-in on DZRH on their Sunday hour.