Manila Standard - 2019 October 18 - Friday

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5 dead in Mindanao quake • 89 injured in North Cotabato and Soccsksargen areas

By Francisco Tuyay and Rio N. Araja

• Power supply back to normal

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MAGNITUDE 6.3 earthquake centered in Kidapawan City, in Mindanao left five persons dead, injured dozens of others, damaged several public and commercial buildings and caused power outages in some areas Wednesday night.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the fatalities include three in Davao del Sur, one in Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao and one in North Cotabato.

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CHILDREN VICTIMS. At least three

children are among five people killed in the Wednesday 6.3-magnitude quake which rumbled underneath Mindanao with (clockwise) firemen trying to put out a fire inside a mall in Gensan; a resident standing near a huge road crack in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, while kin mourn the deaths of Argel Lakay and nine-month-old son Jayjay.

Patients and residents rest outside a hospital in Makilala, North Cotabato. AFP

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 246 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Gordon: Senate report on Albayalde, ninja cops on hold

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

DUE to some “vital changes,” the Senate deferred Thursday night the release of the report of its investigation into the illicit drug trade of the “ninja cops,”

which triggered the resignation of Philippine National Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde, who was tagged as their protector.

Senate justice and Blue Ribbon committees chairman Senator Richard

Gordon described as “hard hitting” the commitee report, which detailed the recycling of confiscated drugs and switching of arrested drug suspects by the “ninja cops.”

Gordon earlier said the panel would

recommend charges against Albayalde but did not elaborate.

At least three senators believe there is sufficient evidence to charge Albayalde for corruption in the ninja cops case.

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By Macon Ramos-Araneta and MJ Blancaflor

Solons urge Speaker: Honor term-sharing

By Maricel V. Cruz and MJ Blancaflor TWO members of the Makabayan Bloc on Thursday urged Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to abide by the term-sharing agreement with Rep. Lord Allan Velasco of Marinduque, after expressing serious doubts about his intent to step down after 15 months in office.

Party-list Representatives Arlene Brosas of Gabriela and France Castro of ACT Teachers said that the agreement will be a sham if Cayetano stays on and will not give way to Velasco as part of the agreement that was brokered

by President Rodrigo Duterte shortly before the 18th Congress opened.

President Duterte earlier said Cayetano will serve as Speaker in the first 15 months, while Velasco will occupy the post in the remaining 21 months.

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Duterte fumes over rogue cops, chides PNP brass

TULAGI ISLAND LEASED? Documents obtained by AFP show a Chinese firm has signed an agreement to lease Solomon’sTulagi island, the pact mentioning developing a refinery on the Pacific nation island, which has a population of 1,200—the site of a former Japanese naval base and the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.

China enlists new Pacific ally, leases entire island

A CHINESE company signed an agree- ally in the strategically important re- Solomons’ Central Province made a ment to lease an entire island in the gion, according to documents obtained “strategic cooperation agreement” on Solomon Islands a day after Beijing by AFP Thursday.

Tulagi island, which has the type of recruited the Pacific nation as its latest The leaked papers reveal that the Turn to A3

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte dressed down police officials during a joint command conference at the Palace Tuesday night for being part of the drug problem instead of being the solution, Senator Christopher Go said Thursday.

Go, a close aide of the President, quoted him as saying to them in Filipino: “How can I complete my campaign against drugs if you are the problem?”

Go said the President expressed his disappointment over the latest scandal in which crooked police officers—the so-called ninja cops--sold confiscated drugs, even though he had doubled policemen’s salaries.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President did not mention who would replace Oscar Albayalde as chief of the Philippine National Police, after he abruptly resigned in the wake of the ninja cops scandal.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said he was ready for the challenge, even though his appointment is temporary.

“It’s a challenge [to] my leadership, even if I am just the OIC, that I should do something about the impression of the President,” Gamboa said in an interview with radio dzMM. Next page

Rody’s hip hurting after motorbike crash PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte hurt his hip and suffered scratches in a motorcycle accident, senior aides of the 74-year-old leader said Thursday.

President Duterte, whose health has been the subject of intense public speculation, suffered the mishap in Malacañang late Wednesday, according to his

spokesman Salvador Panelo.

The crash came 10 days after Duterte-the oldest person to be elected Philippine president―disclosed he is suffering from myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that could potentially have serious complications.

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Cayetano: Traffic a sign of progress, worse to come

By Maricel V. Cruz

FUN FOR JUAN. SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Tourism, has launched ‘Juan Fun Adventure,’ IG-worthy ‘Travel Pods’ promoting the country’s tourism through various fun initiatives in SM Malls nationwide. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat and SM Supermalls COO Steven Tan grace the launching.

SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday the horrendous traffic in Metro Manila is a sign that the Philippines is progressing and that the economy is on the right track.

He justified the gridlock by saying there is traffic all over the world.

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WEATHER ‘Perla’ may hit N. Luzon

By Rio N. Araja TROPICAL depression “Perla” is expected to make landfall over Northern Luzon over the weekend.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Perla” could Turn to A3

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News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

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Ex-CJ weighs in on VP poll protest T HE Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, must call for a special election if it grants former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s motion to annul the votes for the 2016 vice presidential election in three Mindanao provinces, a former chief justice said Thursday.

Speaking to ANC’s Headstart, Artemio Panganiban said the Marcos camp’s omnibus motion for the Presidential Electoral Tribunal to “investigate the alleged substituted-voting in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan” was unprecedented.

Marcos, in his motion filed in December, cited the findings of a Comelec Voters Identification Division that the 2016 elections were marked by electoral fraud based on a technical examination of the precincts in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan.

“There are many problems there, and that is why it is prudential to say ‘Just a minute, let’s have comments first.’ This time, important ang comment ni [Vice President] Leni [Robredo],” Pangani-

Gordon:...

From A1

Gordon and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the evidence was strong enough to warrant the filing of charges against Albayalde.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the additional testimony and documents, particularly from former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deputy chief Rudy Lacadin reinforced the other circumstantial evidence from previous hearings.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo denied Thursday Gordon’s statement that he was acting as Albayalde’s “de facto counsel” and spokesperson.

Gordon said Panelo’s remarks that the hearings produced only hearsay disrespected the Senate.

“I precisely made clear that I was not lawyering for General Albayalde but was only expressing my personal views as a lawyer on a particular subject that I was queried about,” Panelo said.

“I stated at the outset that I was doing so with all due respect to the resource persons who were accusing General Albayalde of wrongdoings, as well as to my government colleagues in the Senate,” he added.

He also said that his remark was an “honest assessment of a public proceeding” and was an exercise of free speech.

“I categorically explained on national television that it is within the Senate’s mandate, as well as its duty to conduct investigations to ferret out the truth of a controversy ...to aid them in legislating and crafting instrumental laws of our land,” he added.

Albayalde stepped down as chief of the 190,000-strong police force on Monday as he fought off allegations that he had protected his men accused of selling seized narcotics.

Retired generals Benjamin Magalong and Rudy Lacadin alleged that Albayalde tried to stop their dismissal on charges filed against his men, who conducted a 2013 drug raid in Pampanga, then kept 160 kilos of seized shabu to resell.

Albayalde denied the allegations but later stepped down as PNP chief four weeks ahead of his retirement. With MJ Blancaflor

Solons...

From A1 “It’s a gentleman’s agreement, I hope they will abide by it,” Brosas said.

Castro said the pronouncement of Cayetano that he will have to consult with the President is an indication that he will not step down after his 15-month term.

Nevertheless she said she personally believes that a continuity of leadership at the chamber is important to ensure the passage of measures that will benefit the Filipino people.

Brosas agreed, adding that the change of leadership at the House will not matter most to the bloc.

What matters to them, she said, is for the House to work on the passage of propoor measures.

Earlier, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, chairman of the House committee on natural resources, floated the idea of extending Cayetano’s term, citing his 64-percent approval rating in a recent Pulse Asia survey.

Barzaga said the ratings of Cayetano

ban said.

“Why is it difficult to go into that?

Firstly, there has been no precedent and the rules of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal do not cover them.”

Panganiban said PET rules cover only quo warranto and election protests, not failure of election.

“There is no part in the rule that says the Presidential Electoral Tribunal has the power to declare an election void,” Panganiban said.

“In legal parlance that is what Marcos is doing: To declare a failure of election. The election failed because the voters were coerced, there was massive province-wide fraud.”

Panganiban said declaring a failure of election is a power given by the Election Code to the Commission on

Elections.

In the absence of rules, the PET can say it is within its jurisdiction to act on Marcos’ third cause of action, he said.

“Yes. It’s within our jurisdiction and they will say since there are no rules, we will make rules, but that will take time.

Even if these three provinces are excluded due allegedly to terrorism, etcetera, that’s not the end of the ball game either.

There should be a new election because the electorate in those three provinces must be heard.

“The proof will take time. There are witnesses you have to present. Let us assume he [Marcos] is able to prove that.

The question is, when you annul the election, what is the solution? Proclaim him winner? Not yet, new election.

That’s what is provided in the election code.

“If there is a failure of election, call for a new election.”

Former COMELEC Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal earlier warned that the nullification of votes in entire provinces had never been done before, adding that doing so would have consequences.

“The wholesale annulment of votes is

very scary. Once you go down that path it opens the door for so many potential problems in electoral exercises in the Philippines,” Larrazabal said.

If allowed, he said, politicians would simply file an election protest and seek to nullify votes instead of a vote recount.

“What will happen is, a particular individual will simply file a protest.

No more revision of ballots, only vote nullification. And that’s wrong because if you wanna do that, you have to file a petition for failure of elections,” Larrazabal said.

Robredo’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal earlier said Marcos’ claim of electoral fraud in the three Mindanao provinces was misleading because the COMELEC Voters Identification Division only examined 200 out of 2,834 clustered precincts in the ARMM. Technical examination by the COMELEC was different from that of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos spokesman Vic Rodriguez said the high court could tackle both courses of action at the same time as he claimed the Supreme Court had earlier ruled that the two were “separate and distinct.”

ASF DUMP. The Quezon City government prepares a graveyard for hundreds of pigs stricken with the African swine fever which has Mayor Joy Belmonte declaring that some barangays are still to be certified ASFfree. Manny Palmero

5Fromdead...

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The quake victims in Davao del Sur were pinned to death by a landslide in Barangay Malawanit, Magsaysay town, where 18 others were injured.

The Office of Civil Defense-Davao region identified them as Argen Abundo, 22, nine-month-old Jay Lakay, and two-yearold Chris Joy Roda.

NDRRMC spokesman Mark Timbal identified the other fatalities as Jhonavie Sendad who was pinned down in a collapsed wall in M’lang, North Cotabato and Tony Panangulon, 50 who suffered cardiac arrest in Maguindanao.

Fields reports said at least 89 persons were injured—21 of them in the landslide in Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur and 68 in SOCCSKSARGEN. The tremor also damaged a number of buildings including the Gaisano mall in General Santos City, which caught fire few minutes after the shaking, said Bong Dacera, the city’s provincial disaster risk reduction officer.

At least eight commercial buildings, including SM General Santos and Veransa Mall, three hospitals and 17 houses were also damaged.

Jorimae Balmediano, information officer of the Office of Civil Defense-SOCCSKSARGEN said hospital staffs evacuated patients to open spaces for safety, while patients in serious condition had been transferred to another hospital for continued medical attention.

Government buildings—the Sangguniang Bayan in M’lang, the municipal hall of Carmen, and Makilala Fire Station, all in North Cotabato, were also damaged.

In Davao del Sur, the Magsaysay town hall and four schools in Magsaysay and Digos City were damaged. Fifteen houses were also damaged in Magsaysay.

The epicenter of the quake, of tectonic origin, was located at 22 km southeast of Tulunan, North Cotabato. It had a depth of eight kilometers.

Intensity VII shaking was felt in Tulu“are remarkable if we consider the low marks the House received in previous Congresses.”

“If Speaker Cayetano sustains his good performance as shown by his high trust and approval ratings in the latest Pulse Asia quarterly report, there would be a groundswell among House members and the public for him to stay on,” Barzaga said.

On Tuesday, Cayetano said Tuesday he will let Duterte decide if he stays in his post after his 15-month term under the agreement expires.

He said Duterte as the titular head of the supermajority will decide his fate.

But Cayetano assured Velasco that he has nothing to worry about and that what is important is for them to pass the President’s legislative agenda.

Observers said Cayetano may have agreed to a mere 15-month term to have time to prepare for a presidential run in 2022.

As Speaker, the observers said, Cayetano will be able to win supporters who will finance his presidential campaign.

Thus the need for him to first be a speaker.

Bersamin vows to deal with SC rating drop head-on

By Rey E. Requejo CHIEF Justice Lucas Bersamin shrugged off the decline in the Supreme Court’s net satisfactory rating for the third quarter of 2019.

“Don’t be angry,” he told reporters.

He made the statement after a Social Weather Station survey showed the high court’s net satisfaction rating going down to +41 from +54 in June.

Bersamin’s net satisfaction rating remained moderate at +16 in September from +13 in June. He is set to retire on Oct. 18.

“When you have a negative rating we always look for the causes why we had negative ratings,” Bersamin said.

He said there was no point in being angry at the results of surveys because it was “everybody’s right to have a survey.”

He said the best way to deal with negative survey results was to deal with those head-on.

“When people tell you oh may muta ka, siyempre aalisin mo yung muta ‘di ba?” Bersamin said. “’Di naman pwedeng O, wala akong muta, aawayin mo na ngayon yan.

Maghilamos ka muna. Di ba? Baka malaglag ‘yung muta.

“That’s just putting it bluntly, but that is what we do when we have negative publicity.”

Duterte...

From A1

“I should have the initiative and I am preparing for it,” he added.

Albayalde, four weeks away from retirement, resigned after former police officers testified before the Senate that he had intervened in the dismissal of 13 of his subordinates, who reportedly kept 160 kilos of shabu from a drug bust in 2013 to resell.

nan, M’lang, and Kidapawan.

Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola said the powerful earthquake has badly affected the Mount Apo Geothermal Plant in Kidapawan City.

“All electric utilities connected at Mt. Apo Geothermal—Kidapawan, part of North and South Cotabato and even Davao Region have been badly affected with other areas experiencing power outages,” Delola said.

Few minutes after the quake, a strong aftershock of intensity 5 hit Kidapawan for few seconds, prompting residents to stay outside of their homes.

All affected residents were told to temporarily stay in four open spaces to protect [them] from potential aftershocks,” said Digos City Mayor Joseph Cagas Authorities said three children were among those killed in the earthquake.

Two of them were reported killed were in houses that collapsed, while a mother and her five-year-old son died after being buried in a landslide, local authorities said.

Residents evacuated homes and buildings across the Mindanao region.

Rescue and local officials said there were no immediate reports of deaths elsewhere in Mindanao, and rescue official Anthony Allada told local television that 20 people were treated for injuries in the town of Magsaysay, near the epicenter.

The quake was 14 kilometers deep and was followed by at least two aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey.

“It was the most powerful earthquake I have ever experienced,” Sara Duterte, mayor of the largest Mindanao city of Davao, and daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, told local television.

An elderly man was treated for injuries after being struck by a falling object during the evacuation of a Davao mall, local TV reported.

Jerome Barranco, civil defense officer for the region, said several people were also injured in the city of Kidapawan as a result of falling debris.

In General Santos, television footage showed firemen battling a blaze that engulfed the three-storey Gaisano shopping If Cayetano wins the presidency, he will post two firsts—the first politician to run for vice president and lose to become president and the first former Speaker to be elected president.

Under the term sharing agreement, Duterte said Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, who was a top contender, would serve as majority leader for both, thus keeping the post for the duration of the 18th Congress.

But the Palace said Thursday the President would not meddle in House affairs.

“In the first place, the agreement was among themselves. Malacañang has nothing to do with that. He only proposed it because his suggestion was sought,” Duterte’s spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“And remember what the President said, ‘The ultimate approval is yours, not mine,’” Panelo added.

Cayetano on Wednesday said a reenacted budget will not happen under his watch.

He said he sees no reason for the government not to have a national budget for 2020.

mall.

It was not known if there were still people inside the building, which was evacuated as the quake struck.

The blaze was still raging more than three hours later despite the efforts of nearly 100 firemen, fire officer Redentor Batulan said.

Coastal residents of Davao fled their homes in fear of a tsunami, but rescue workers were trying to convince them to return as no warning was issued, city civil defense chief Rodrigo Bustillo told local television.

“Our volunteers are out to calm the people and tell them there is no tsunami,” Bustillo added.

Chief Philippine government seismologist Renato Solidum said there was no risk of a tsunami because the quake occurred inland, but he advised residents to check their homes for possible damage.

“We ran out of the police station, and we also let the inmates at the municipal jail out,” patrolwoman Celina Sarte said by telephone from the town of Bansalan.

She said the 10 prisoners were put in handcuffs outside moments later.

The Palace has tasked all government agencies to respond and provide immediate assistance to those affected by the strong earthquake.

“We ask the public to remain calm but vigilant and we urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, said the power situation in Mindanao was back to normal.

The National Electrification Administration reported that as of 8 a.m. Thursday, all electric cooperatives that experienced power interruptions due to the tremor were back to normal operations.

“The power transmission backbone in Mindanao remains intact,” the Energy Department said.

Authorities reported a second 5.2 magnitude termor in Davao Oriental on Thursday, but said the two quakes were not related.

With MJ Blancaflor, AFP, PNA

Cayetano...

From A1 “It’s no excuse, but the irony is that traffic is also a product of your own success,” Cayetano said.

“First of all, not only the Philippines has heavy traffic but there is traffic all over the world.”

He said when the economy is good the people will have money to buy motor vehicles, and in the Philippines more than half of these will end up in Metro Manila.

That is why the government is investing in a subway system, a new railway system, a monorail and a Bus Rapid Transport system, he said.

In the Senate, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said he wants to legalize motorcycles for hire to address Metro Manila’s chaotic traffic.

He said the traffic in Metro Manila is getting worse by the day, and that the mass transit systems are constantly breaking down and many commuters are left with no

Rody’s hip...

From A1

“The President was reaching for his shoe when he fell off his motorycle, and that resulted in a minor injury, particularly light bruises and slight scratches, to his elbow and knee,” Panelo said in a statement.

Senator Christopher Go, his former assistant and close aide, earlier told reporters Duterte had “crashed” and complained of hip pain after the accident, but was not hospitalized.

Panelo, citing Duterte’s girlfriend Cielito “Honeylet” Avancena, said the President’s injury would not require a major treatment and “there is nothing to worry about.”

Duterte was trying to park the vehicle after driving around a courtyard, Panelo said, adding the leader was now resting at the palace.

Go later shared a video showing Duterte, wearing formal clothes―without a helmet or other protective gear―driving on a paved drive at night. The actual accident was not shown in the clip.

Panelo declined to explain why there were two versions of the accident, stressing: “Whatever the story is, what is important is he is in good hands―no major injury.”

Questions about his health have swirled since he took office in 2016, with Duterte at times skipping events and meetings or discussing his various ailments during long and rambling speeches.

The Constitution requires the handover of power to the vice president if the leader dies or is incapacitated.

Duterte revealed in 2016 that he used to take fentanyl, a powerful pain killer, because of a spinal injury from motorcycle accidents.

MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta with AFP choice but to use motorcycles for hire to get from point A to point B. “Commuting in Metro Manila has become very challenging,” Angara said.

Cayetano said while the government is investing in several transport systems in Metro Manila to ease the horrendous traffic, worse traffic is to be expected with the influx of workers hired to build infrastructure projects.

Speaking to reporters at the New Clark City in Clark Field, Pampanga, Cayetano said many of the Build, Build, Build projects scheduled for implementation are in the metropolis, so the influx of workers should be expected.

“The Build, Build, Build is a work in progress now in Metro Manila,” he said.

“Unfortunately, most of these projects have to be planned from scratch by this administration [like the] subway, [if there is already a plan]… remember that the C-5, by the time it was implemented by President Cory Aquino, it was 10 to 15 years in the making.”

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

News

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Habeas suit dismissed after 3 Bucor officials freed

Mom files murder charges vs.

39 cops

By Rey E. Requejo

THE mother of three-year-old Myca Ulpina filed Thursday criminal charges against police of Rodriguez, Rizal and the CALABARZON regional police office for the death of her husband and their daughter.

The mother, speaking on condition she would not be identified, filed murder and obstruction of justice charges with the Office of the Ombudsman against the 39 police.

At the same time, the woman, represented by lawyers from the Metro Manila chapter of the National Union of People’s Lawyers or NUPL, filed administrative complaints of gross misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct unbecoming of a public official against the same cops.

On June 29, police reported they launched a buy-bust operation against Myca’s father, Renato Ulpina. Instead of surrendering, according to the police, Ulpina resisted arrest, fired his gun at the cops, and used his daughter as a “human shield.”

Myca was injured in the crossfire and rushed to a hospital, where she died the next day. Renato also died in the incident.

Myca’s mother, however, disputed the police’s narrative, saying Renato loved their daughter dearly.

She said the police operation happened when they were asleep, and that her partner and her daughter were defenseless when killed.

Senator Risa Hontiveros has called for a Senate investigation.

But this has been unacted upon by the Senate justice and human rights committee chairman Senator Ronald dela Rosa―a former police chief.

THE Court of Appeals has dismissed for being “moot” the petition for habeas corpus filed by three officials from the Bureau of Corrections seeking their release from Senate detention after they were cited in contempt by the senators.

In its three-page resolution released on Thursday, the CA’s Sixth Division ruled that the petition for habeas corpus filed by BuCor medical officer Dr. Ursicio Cenas, lawyer Fredric Anthony Santos, and documents processing chief Ramoncito Roque was “dismissed and considered terminated.”

The BuCor officials filed a petition for habeas corpus asking the appellate court to nullify the order of the Senate citing them in contempt and order their detention.

According to them, their detention was unlawful and a violation of their rights.

In its ruling, the CA said they were informed by Major General Rene Samonte Jr., of the Senate Office sergeant-at-arms, that the petitioners had been released by virtue of a release order issued by Senator Richard Gordon, the chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Justice and Human Rights.

“In their comment dated October 3, 2019, signed by Senate Legal Counsel Maria Valentina Santana-Cruz, respondents pointed out that the instant petition for habeas corpus had been rendered ‘moot and academic with the release of petitioners voluntarily by respondents on September 19, 2019, or even before the Honorable Court’s issuance of its Preliminary Citation on September 20, 2019.’ Accordingly, they prayed for the dismissal of the instant petition for being moot and academic,” the appellate court stressed.

The three BuCor officials were detained by the Senate for eight days or from Sept. 12 until 5:10 p.m. of Sept.

19 for reportedly being evasive when asked about the anomalies inside the New Bilibid Prison, particularly on the sale of the good conduct time allowance in the BuCor.

PCUP wants IS families relocated

By Rio N. Araja THE Presidential Commission on Urban Poor wants the National Housing Authority to find relocation sites for informal settler families who have been evicted from private lots through court decisions.

In an interview, PCUP president and chief executive officer Alvin Feliciano said he recently wrote NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr., seeking help on behalf of the evictees.

He lamented informal settlers occupying private lands were not protected by the law to an entitlement of a relocation once their homes are demolished through administrative and judicial evictions.

“With this, the undersigned respectfully appeals to your office for the provision of available relocation slots for the said affected underprivileged families. In particular, the Commission is in need of 2,000 relocation slots (1,000 in the National Capital Region and Luzon, 500 in the Visayas and 500 in Mindanao),” the one-page letter read.

“I approached NHA to ask for help for those affected by private demolitions. NHA told me there was no such provision for them,” he told the Manila Standard.

However, NHA and the PCUP would still help one another to conduct a study as to how the “underprivileged families who are left homeless and hopeless” could possibly avail themselves of a relocation program.

RISING FROM DEVASTATION. Representatives from Coca Cola Philippines and the US Agency for International Development, along with STAR program trainees, visit the Piagapo Training Center in Piagapo City, Lanao del Sur, while it was under construction.

Two years after the city’s liberation, displaced families are slowly rising from devastation.

For Ground Zero IDPs, there’s no going back M

By Luz Rimban

ARAWI CITY—Construction workers are clearing the area which was the main battleground between government forces and extremist rebels, carting away the debris of a war that hogged international headlines two years ago.

The city’s described Most Affected Area, also known as Ground Zero, was the arena of battle between government and Maute/Abu Sayyaf forces in 2017.

It is now nothing but empty spaces littered with gigantic coils of copper wire, concrete slabs, and patches of GI sheets.

The landscape has changed.

There is no restoring the landmarks of the bustling Marawi city center of old, its commercial area called Padian, and houses, mosques and schools.

For 127,309 of the people of MAA— by count of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees—who fled the city in May 2017, leaving everything behind, there is no going back.

Since President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi liberated on Oct.17, 2017, the government rhetoric has been

that the people would be able to return to their homes in the MAA based on a persector schedule in the coming months.

The reality is that it is unlikely to happen in the near future, if it will happen at all.

For Marawi’s internally displaced persons, it has been a struggle complying with the requirements, mostly in the form of documents, that government has asked of them in exchange for relief and aid, for livelihood assistance, and for a chance to visit the land where their homes or shops once stood.

In an ordinary place, these requirements would be standard procedure as a disaster response.

But Marawi and the Meranaw who are the majority here are different, their identities inseparable from a long history

of resistance against raiders of their land.

For Task Force Bangon Marawi, the agency on top of the Marawi rehabilitation, this is all part of a plan for the country’s only Islamic city to start over and finally enforce laws.

“We would like to make things right,” TFBM chairman Eduardo del Rosario said, referring to the reality that the Meranaw exist outside national laws, among them land, water, tax and registration laws, as a consequence of which they lack documents to prove ownership and sometimes even identity.

Government is planning to rehabilitate MAA and to turn it into a modern urban center.

Part of the rehabilitation program is making the IDPs undergo profiling and biometric registration, and for the entire MAA to be surveyed and tagged, the better to identify who owns what property.

“Once they go back, they have the right titles, and we have established the right ownership,” Del Rosario said.

But residents at the Sagonsongan shelter site just want to go home, even if home is now a mere memory.

Some of them were still seething at the long delays when they spoke to a research team from the Ateneo de Manila University last March.

Belgica sees nothing wrong with CSC spot-checking THERE is nothing wrong with the spotchecking conducted by the Civil Service Comission in any government office, including the Senate of the Philippines, the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s top official said Thursday.

ARTA Director General Jeremiah Belgica dismissed the issues surrounding the factchecking done by the CSC in the Senate, as well as in any government office.

This was after Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the CSC had no jurisdiction over the lawmaking body due to the

separation of powers of the Legislative and Executive branches of government under the Constitution.

Belgica said that if even an ordinary individual or taxpayer had a right to inquire about a certain government agency, what more can the CSC, which ensures that services are provided adequately and accordingly by that agency.

In a press statement, Belgica said: “I think the issue about the fact-checking being done by the Civil Service lies with the surprise visits. I’m not familiar with

the [Senate’s] issues or problem there, but I believe, if the question is whether the Civil Service has the jurisdiction or authority, [they can do it]. I think even ordinary citizens can check government agencies if they are doing their jobs.”

If government agencies are not hiding anything, they should be open to spot checking, Belgica added. He urged all government regulatory agencies and disciplining bodies like the CSC to conduct inspections in other government offices as warranted.

China...

The agreement with China Sam mentions developing a refinery on the island, but its potential for dual use as a Chinese military base is certain to raise concerns with the United States and Australia.

“Party A (Central Province) is willing to first lease the whole Tulagi island and the surrounding islands to Party B (China Sam) for the development of the special economic zone,” the agreement says.

It goes on to say the deal covers “any other industry that is suitable for development, including oil and gas development.”

China Sam said in a statement issued Thursday that it was committed to cooperating with the Solomons in a number of areas, including trade,

infrastructure, fisheries and tourism.

Strategic motives Jonathan Pryke, director of Sydneybased foreign policy think tank the Lowy Institute’s Pacific program, said it was not unusual for China to promise such special economic zones to developing nations that were desperate for investment.

“The fear is that these zones can in turn create enclaves of Chinese operations that could then grow over time into some kind of permanent strategic facility,” he told AFP. “The island in question in Solomon Islands has deep water anchorage so could have such strategic uses down the road.” AFP

From A1

deep-water harbor coveted by the military, with the state-owned China Sam Group on Sept. 22.

A day previously, China and the Solomons officially established diplomatic relations after Beijing persuaded the impoverished Pacific nation to sever ties with arch-rival Taiwan and become its ally.

Tulagi, an island about two square kilometers (0.8 square miles) with a population of 1,200, is the site of a former Japanese naval base and was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II.

‘Perla’...

From A1

weaken into a low pressure area while approaching the landmass.

The center of the tropical depression was estimated at 840 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan as of Thursday.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kms per hour and gustiness of up to 70 kph, it was moving north northwest at 15 kph.

“Perla” is expected to spawn scattered rains and thunderstorms in Babuyan Island, Batanes, Cagayan and Apayao over the weekend.

QUAKE DEBRIS. A resident walks past the

debris of a partially damaged building after a 6.4-magnitude earthquake hit the city of Digos, Davao del Sur Wednesday night. A child was killed, with houses collapsing, power being knocked out and a shopping mall emitting raging flames in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. AFP

Taiwan urges PH to help Taipei’s bid THE Taiwanese government has urged the Philippines to endorse or help it obtain membership or observer status in the International Criminal Police Organization and in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Ambassador Michael Peiyung Hsu, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, made the call after the Interpol earlier rejected its request to be allowed to participate in the ongoing 88th General Assembly of Interpol in Santiago, Chile from Oct. 15 to 18.

“Taiwan is willing and able to make the world safer. I hereby call on the Philippine government and its people to voice your endorsement of Taiwan’s participation in the annual Interpol General Assembly as an Observer, as well as meetings, mechanisms and training activities organized by the Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,” Peiyung Hsu said, in a statement.

“Only by doing so will the gap and breach in the global security network be filled and a safer world be created,” he added.

Peiyung Hsu lamented that the Taiwanese police force were disallowed from accessing key intelligence information from Interpol’s I-24/7, a global police communication system and stolen and lost travel documents database, when it can help the global fight against transnational crimes.

“However, Taiwan’s efforts in fighting cross-border crime are seriously hampered due to its exclusion from the Interpol. Although Taiwan seeks to acquire updated criminal information through bilateral channels, countries are often reluctant to cooperate because of political factors,” he said.

“Interpol is the world’s largest international police organization, enabling police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place. Regrettably, Taiwan is not invited to attend the 88th General Assembly, and has been barred from accessing key intelligence information instantly shared through the I-24/7, a global police communications system and stolen and lost travel documents database,” the TECO official added.

“Taiwanese police could not connect to the I-24/7 system to provide timely criminal information to other countries, creating a gap in the global law enforcement network, hampering efforts to capture members of the transnational crime syndicate, and causing financial losses to people in numerous countries,” he further said.

Peiyung Hsu noted that Article 2 of Interpol’s Constitution states the organization’s aim, which is “to ensure and promote the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities…” Rey E. Requejo

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Opinion

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TOWNS 2019

EDITORIAL

data gathered from accident and flood reports per square kilometer, Thinking Machines innovates and experiments with new technology to help solve problems, helping its corporate clients operate more efficiently and implement smarter systems The science and technology awardee, Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez specializes in remote sensing for weather, fish mapping, drought and crop assessment forecasting, site suitability for mussels, and soil moisture estimation.

The scientist has led seven projects using remote sensing for improving agri and aquaculture yield, in partnership with PhilRice and UP Los Baños.

Using her experience in NASA, she led the development of a ground receiving station that can directly send and receive data to and from the DIWATA satellite.

Carmina F. Bayombong, awardee for entrepreneurship, founded and currently leads InvestEd, an award-winning financial technology (FinTech) startup which gives loans to college students deemed unqualified for loans by the banking system.

Some 2.6-million youth of college age need tuition money for college.

Her software can predict if a borrower won’t pay the loan.

The winner for education is a Maranao who grew up in conservative Riyadh. Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman witnessed the ravages of war.

Rohaniza Usman is a child educator, and founder of the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization that aims to make every Filipino youth live in a culture of peace and harmony in both conflict and non-conflict zones, using a holistic approach through music, the arts, games and sports, and community service.

The other Muslim awardee is Samira A. Gutoc, for peace advocacy. She has worked with a wide variety of

THIS year’s winners of the coveted The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service award is one of the best batches ever and among the most diversified.

The fields represented are most relevant and cutting edge at a time of great conflict and in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Technology, science, Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, peace advocacy, medicine, education, law and of course, journalism and the arts.

Here are the best of the best.

The awardee for science and technology, Ma. Regina Justina Estuar, has deployed her knowledge of computer science, mobile telephony, and social psychology to develop software, uses, and projects to monitor floods, disaster, and gender violence, as well as promote innovation in education, health, and agriculture to benefit the public and the nation.

The awardee for entrepreneurship, Stephanie L. Sy, 30, is a math and science wizard. She has turned her own consultancy, Thinking Machines, into a data science powerhouse that shows no signs of stopping. Its goal is make the Philippines a global hub for data science.

From using artificial intelligence models to monitor brand visibility of pharmaceuticals in retail locations, to identifying the most traffic and floodprone areas in the country using the

Adelle Chua, Editor

S

The research question ENATOR Cynthia Villar qualified the statement she made last week during the budget hearing for the Department of Agriculture.

“Parang lahat ng inyong budget puro research. Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin niyo ba yung research? (It appears all of your budget goes to research. You are crazy about research. What will you do with research?).” Villar told agriculture officials on Oct. 9, referring to the proposed P150-million allocation for research under the the National Corn Program.

She said she herself, a smart person, could not understand the DA’s research—the farmer, less likely so. “Gusto ba ng farmer yung research? Hindi ba gusto nila tulungan nyo sila (Does the farmer want your research? Don’t they want your help instead?”)

If she were a farmer, she said, she would prefer to receive help in the form of seeds or machinery over

“kung ano-ano (whatnot).”

This week, however, after receiving flak for her statements during the hearing, Villar claimed she was not anti-research. “I want a research that could be applied,” she said.

To show her frustration, she said dairy production has remained at just 1 percent of demand despite research being conducted for the past 26 years.

It is easy to understand how Villar could have been, as she insists, misunderstood. She spoke with such contempt of research, making out to be the polar opposite of practical help to farmers—which the DA has been doing anyway. The oversimplification is hardly typical of any “smart” person. Whoever thinks of conducting research for research’s sake?

Certainly not, for instance, Ricardo Lantican, named National Scientist in 2005, for developing more than 20 varieties of mungbean, soybean and peanut. With his team, he also studied the Southern maize leaf blight—a fungal disease—which affected crops in the cornfield of UP Los Banos.

Science website FlipScience says that Lantican’s research initially did not gain much attention or acceptance. After a decade, however, the same fungal disease affected US corn, and if the US only paid attention to the study, it could have saved billions of dollars it had spent to arrest the disease.

The Philippines’ agricultural challenges require greater study and innovation. Our leaders should be the last people to discourage and discount research.

On the contrary, they must be the first to recognize its potential and lend it their support.

Turn to A5

China sojourn IN OUR Oct. 1 column, we talked about the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China and how it evolved from 1949 up to the present.

Another column last Friday touched on the insights shared by Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana on China's rise from rags to riches in 70 years.

As we indicated last week, we were fortunate to have been part of a media delegation that traveled to China last month. The trip was organized by their embassy here in Manila. This was my fourth visit to China in as many years, and I have seen first-hand many facets of our next-door neighbor's rapid economic development in the past four decades.

And certainly, the Philippines can draw lessons from the Chinese experience that we can apply in our own path toward economic progress.

We set out from NAIA going to Beijing on board Air China early in the morning of Sept. 21. About two hours into the flight, we began to discern the scenery below alternating between vast greenery in the countryside and dense clusters of high-rise office and residential buildings and factories in cities. We were already flying over the mainland with less than two hours to go before touching down in Beijing.

Our hosts had prepared an itinerary that showcased both tourist attractions and government initiatives in various fields. Thus, right after arrival in China's capital city, we marveled at the death-defying stunts by an acrobatic troupe capped by eight motorcycles swirling at high speed inside a steel globe and deftly avoiding any collision. The next day, it was on to visit a section of the Great Wall in the outskirts of Beijing where our group negotiated steep stairways for a while but decided to turn back after about an hour as the seniors found it difficult to go farther due to weak knees and fatigue. This was followed by a tour of the sprawling Summer Palace built by successions of Chinese Emperors and preserved as a heritage site for both foreign and domestic tourists.

The Beijing leg of our visit was capped by a one-hour meeting at the Ministry

of Foreign Affairs with Counselor Sun Yi, who had returned to China just this year after serving as a leading officer of the Chinese Embassy in Manila. Sun gave a warm welcome to the delegation, reminisced about his experiences as a diplomat in Manila and expressed the hope that bilateral ties would be further enhanced in the years ahead.

From Beijing, we took a high-speed train to Changsha, capital of Hunan province in central China. We visited the Changsha Planning Exhibition Hall where we were briefed on the local government's plans to further develop the city, which left us wondering whether our own cities and towns have clear, comprehensive plans to improve infrastructures and enhance connectivity. In a visit to the Broad Group, a private man-

While we should continue to assert our sovereign rights, we should strive to settle differences through dialogue and negotiation. ufacturing enterprise involved in energy conservation and clean air technology as well as construction building, we learned that it now has 3,000 employees and products sold in more than 80 countries.

But one of its many accomplishments stood out. In 2015, it built a 57-floor Mini Sky City within 19 days—or 3 floors per day—using its own especially designed two stainless steel plates held together in honeycomb pattern by thin core tubes similar to the ones used in spacecraft.

From Changsha, we flew to Xiamen City in Fujian province. In our visits to the Xiamen Planning Exhibition Hall and Foreign Affairs Office of the Xiamen Municipal People's Government, we learned that Xiamen has been a bustling trading port since ancient times and was one of the first economic zones in China.

Today, it is a charming garden city with easy access to the world by air, land and sea, and a showcase of China's entrepreneurship and innovation, in addition to being a thriving center of trade and comTurn to A5

‘China propaganda app fraught with security issues’

By Eva Xiao A WIDELY downloaded Chinese propaganda app that quizzes users on Communist Party heroes and military achievements may be "studying them right back" through data collection and potential security breaches, an internet freedom campaign group says.

The app—called "Xuexi Qiangguo" or "Study to make China strong"— has accumulated 130 million users since its launch by the Communist Party's propaganda arm in January, according to state media in August.

Marketed as an education tool, it awards points for sharing articles and watching videos such as speeches by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But the Open Technology Fund—a US government-funded group that campaigns for internet freedom—says users also provide a plethora of data to the app, includ-

ing location and e-mails.

OTF contracted the independent German tech firm Cure53 to study the app.

While the Communist Party advertises it as "a way for citizens to prove their loyalty and study their country, the app's maintainers are studying them right back," OTF wrote on its website.

The app's terms and conditions also say users may have to hand over more personal information—such as fingerprints and ID numbers—depending on the features or third-party tools they want to access.

The Chinese government has come under increasing scrutiny for hightech surveillance—from facial recognition-enabled security cameras to apps used by police to extract personal information from smartphones at checkpoints.

And though "Study to make China strong" is an education app, Cure53

said it contains code that could run "arbitrary commands"—reminiscent of a backdoor—on certain phones.

The app "maintains a level of access that no app would normally have over a user's device," said OTF. Intrusive app The investigation, which was conducted in August, only looked at the Android version of the app, partly because of its market dominance, said Sarah Aoun, the group's director of technology.

OTF is considering tackling the iOS version—which runs on Apple iPhones—next, Aoun told AFP. "This is just another way of expanding that digital control through a very intrusive app that is being pushed onto its citizens," said Aoun.

The Communist Party's propaganda arm, which is responsible for the app, did not respond to AFP's request Turn to A5

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Reinventing the Filipino nation

By Ernesto G. Banawis WE LIVE today in an atmosphere of gripping anxiety and uncertainty.

The serious problems of the country are getting worse and are spinning out of control.

Graft and corruption are no longer a crime—they are now embedded in our culture. Plunder is now pardonable.

Trading in illegal drugs has become enormously profitable and unstoppable. Most of the dug suppliers are so wealthy and powerful that they just bribe law enforcement agents to remain free and untouchable. Even those imprisoned enjoy luxurious lifestyles and still conduct their business from inside the penitentiary.

As of the last count, the campaign against illegal drugs has cost the lives of over 36,000 drug suspects, some of whom are innocent. Law enforcement agencies have raided laboratories and drug dens which netted millions of kilos of shabu and cocaine, but some of their agents made money by freeing the culprits or recycling some of the drugs they confiscated.

President Rodrigo Duterte admits that he has not gained much headway in his war against illegal drugs.

He appears disappointed that in spite of his best efforts, for which he enjoys a high acceptance and performance rating, the drug trade has become more widespread and pervasive.

What is sad and disturbing is that while our economy is improving, its benefits have not trickled down to the poorest and downtrodden. Which means that whatever modest economic progress we are making, our democratic institutions are more porous, brittle, and vulnerable.

If the haves continue to have more while the have-nots get much less or none at all, another revolutionary situation will arise and bring in disorder, anarchy and chaos. Either the military will take over or the Communist Party and the New People’s Army will be on the saddle. Both will be a disaster.

President Duterte, even with barely a little over two years left of his term, can prevent this tragedy if he manifests his admirable and strong political will to exorcise the ailments tearing apart the fabric of our polity.

What is clearly needed to address this explosive situation is to raise he income of the preponderant majority of the people, erase the income gap between the rich and the poor, unify the Filipino people and make them enjoy a life of dignity and honor.

Thirty percent or over 30-million Filipinos today live below the poverty line, living in abject poverty and perpetual penury. Some are experiencing hunger occasionally. Another 30 percent live just a little above the poverty threshold engaged in subsistence occupations which hardly provide subsistence and whose income is

TOWNS 2019 From A4

stakeholders as a journalist, manager, consultant, environmentalist, trainor, peace activist and organizer.

Bridging Muslim and Western cultures, Samira has tapped tri-media, film and the internet to advocate for cultural minorities, peace, human rights, environmental issues and inter-cultural understanding. Raised in conservative Saudi Arabia, Gutoc has been involved in interfaith movements throughout her life, helping her develop a more liberal view compared to other Moros.

The awardee for the performing arts, Karla Patricia T. Gutierrez is a UP-educated soprano who trained in Italy.

As the artistic and managing director of the Philippine Opera Company, Karla sought the revival and popularization of classic Filipino compositions, many of which had been forgotten as Filipinos came to appreciate more and more western music.

POC’s outreach programs have removed opera from its elitist pedestal,

China sojourn From A4

merce.

We visited two other heritage sites— Gulangyu Island and Nanjing County, the latter the home of tulou or "earth build-

not enough to buy presentable clothing, modest dwellings and other nonfood needs.

The middle income sector, comprising another 30 percent of the population, are the most educated, knowledgeable, and are gainfully employed in government and in private business enterprises. They live in relative comfort but are envious of he lifestyle of the rich and well-to-do.

The 10 percent at the top of the totem pole constitute the rich and powerful. They live in palatial mansions, in high-end subdivisions, enjoying luxurious conveniences and expensive pleasures, Fifty Filipino are listed in Forbes magazine as among the richest people in the world.

Redistribute opportunities to create wealth without disturbing the social order.

This gaping disparity or inequalinequal ity in earnings is what sharpens social differences and class struggles, promotes graft and corruption, and induces lawlessness and criminal behavior.

Most of those in prison come from poor families. They have been forced to commit crimes out of despondency and anger for lack of money to send a child to school. Some are victims of injustices; languishing in jail for failure to hire a lawyer to prove his innocence.

Many take to drugs to ease their anguish and desperation at being too poor.

Some of those in government service or in profitable business occupations become corrupt in their desire to enjoy the lifestyles of the rich and powerful. Many of them are successful professionals, politicians, high officials in government and end celebrities in entertainment and sports.

Since some of the richest persons shun politics, they simply contribute campaign funds to all the candidaes to enjoy immunity from harassment or buttress their connections. While most of them built their fortunes through ingenuity and hard work, some employed chicanery, dubious business practices, and political connections to earn more money and evade their tax obligations.

Pesident Duterte can end economic slavery, raise the income of all sectors, promote national unity, reduce graft and corruption, win in his crusade against illicit drugs and restore peace, civility, and sanity in the country.

Mr. Duerte’s problem is where to get the money to finance the projects he must undertake to realize his noble mission.

The President will have to generate

massive employment and livelihood opportunities. Agriculture and tourism would have to be given priority for development as primary economic growth sectors. The salaries of all government officials and employees should be made at par with the salary levels in developed countries to make them less susceptible to graft and corruption. A new constitution must be drafted to strengthen our democratic institutions and to make the country attractive to foreign direct investors. The entire educational curriculum has to be revised to meet the challenges of the radical and rapid advances in science and technology and the digital century.

We don’t need to get loans from China or from international credit couninstitutions. It will just put our coun try in perpetual penury and debt.

The money can come from the richest families in he country, the titans of business and industry.

President Duterte should challenge and appeal to the richest Filipinos to set aside a fraction of their revolutionwealth to finance this revolution revolutionary means to defuse a revolution ary situation.

The collective wealth of the 50 richest families is estimated at about $7.8 billion or P4.4 trillion. If 10 to 20 percent of this vast holdings are employed to address the country’s serious problems, the Philippines will be the richest Asean country and among the most developed in the world.

The donors have no valid reason not to embrace the challenge and to join the government in a noble endeavor.

First, their donation will not be given and entrusted to the government but to a foundation which they will own. The government will just support and provide the incentives or requirements needed for the projects’ smooth implementation.

Second, the donations will be, in fact, an investment since they will promote consumer spending and generate brisk business for the projects of the foundation.

Third, their donations will be their collective insurance from a calamity far worse than an earthquake or a supertyphoon. If a revolution takes place, the most vulnerable and primary victims are the rich people.

Fourth, in funding this economic rescue operation, the most successful businessmen will be manifesting their individual and collective patriotism, compassion and philanthropy.

Fifth, they will be fulfilling their corporate social responsibility and obligations.

This will be the first time that a government will be redistributing opportunities to create wealth, without disturbing the social order.

President Duterte will be enriching his vast political capital and legacy in successfully reinventing Philippine society and reincarnating the nobility of the Filipino people.

and brought it to the broad masses, with performances in malls, churches, community centers, parks and schools all over the country.

The awardee for education, Clarissa Isabelle L. Delgado founded Teach for the Philippines which trains teachers, both non-education and education majors, who are not yet “licensed,” to teach in public schools.

This facilitates their acquiring their government license to teach with a permanent position. It also helps prepare teachers to handle stress inherent in the teaching profession.

From a pool of 21,000 applicants from 191 countries, Clarissa was one of 20 inaugural Obama Foundation fellows from 11 countries. She was one of only two Asian fellows and the only fellow who was running a program in Asia.

The awardee for medicine, Geraldine Zamora, combines professional excellence, humility, leadership, and selfless passion in her work.

She has spearheaded concerts of dance/song/art for the benefit of cancer patients; helped generate millions of pesos to help subsidize life-saving diagnostic exams and medications for

indigent patients in the medical wards/ ICU as board member of the Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation; and staged benefit fashion shows.

The awardee in law, Patricia Ann T. Prodigalidad topped the bar in 1997.

After more than 20 years in law practice, she has developed a reputation for being a tough litigator. She commended by the association of in-house lawyers for three straight years, and named one of the Philippines’ Top 100 Lawyers in 2018 and 2019, in an independent survey conducted by the Asia Business Law Journal.

Covering disasters, crime, conflict, corruption, and consumer issues is the forte of Chiara Zambrano, awardee for journalism. She began her journalism career, with “The Correspondents”, ABS-CBN’s premiere documentary program in 2004.

The awardee for humanities, Xyza Dela Cruz Bacani, is documentary photographer based in Hong Kong and the daughter of a domestic worker. She uses her work to raise awareness about under-reported stories involving overseas Filipino workers.

ing," a unique architecture found only in the mountainous areas bordering Fujian and Guangdong in southern China. The "earth building" is an enclosed structure buildings, usually square or circular in shape, with a very thick earth wall and framework, from three to five storeys high and housing up to 80 families.

Our last stop was a tour of Jinjiang

County where they have erected a monument to our national hero Jose Rizal in recognition of his Chinese roots dating back so many generations. Jinjiang is also famous as home to many Chinese who migrated to other countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, to improve their lives. In fact, six out of 10 richest business tycoons

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A5

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Greenland’s tourism boost poses development dilemma

By Tom Little KAYAKING past blue-white icebergs drifting along near a pristine harbor, wandering around colorful houses or trekking in the snow-capped wilderness: July and August are high season for tourists in eastern Greenland.

Many of the 85,000 tourists who visit each year head to the west coast, but eastern Greenland, with its glaciers, wilderness and wildlife starring whales and polar bears, is also drawing visitors.

Sarah Bovet, a 29-year-old Swiss artist, said it's hard to know what to expect.

"Thinking you're going to be surprised, you are even more so in reality," she said standing outside a hostel in the tiny village of Kulusuk.

Bovet was on an artistic residency in Greenland when she visited Kulusuk and its 250 souls.

Although she had imagined a small village before arriving, its stunning views and bright colors still came as a surprise.

With just one supermarket, an airport built in the 1950s by the US military to serve a Cold War radar base, and a harbor surrounded by brightly painted wooden houses, most of the villagers appreciate the extra revenue from tourism.

Justus Atuaq, a young hunter in Kulusuk, takes tourists out on sled tours in March and April—the spring high season—earning money that helps him feed and care for the dogs he uses for racing and hunting.

"Now I can take dogsleds for hunting, and sometimes tourists coming from other countries also want to dogsled," he said outside his wooden house.

Tourists also take boat trips during the summer high season from July to August.

Arrivals to the island grew 10 percent year-on-year from 2014 to 2017, and 3 percent in 2018, according to the tourist board, Visit Greenland.

Many adventure seekers and nature lovers arrive by plane, but cruise ships also bring admirers, hugging the picture perfect coastline.

Growing strategic importance

But they are not alone in taking an interest in the world's largest island.

The Danish territory's rich natural resources and growing strategic importance as the Arctic ice sheet melts have attracted the attention of US President Donald Trump.

The Arctic region has untapped reserves of oil, gas and minerals, as well as abundant stocks of fish and shrimp.

In August, Trump offered to buy Greenland, then called off a visit to Copenhagen over its refusal to sell.

Denmark colonized Greenland in the 1700s, granting it autonomy in 1979.

Today, many Greenlandic political parties advocate full independence.

‘China propaganda...

From A4

for comment.

Dozens of provincial and county governments across the country reportedly held workshops to promote the app earlier this year.

Chinese journalists will also have to use the app for online press accreditation exams later this month and November, said a notice last week from the State Council, China's cabinet.

"It is unusual to see so much data gathered for an education app," said Jane Manchun Wong, who reverse-engineers apps for security vulnerabilities and unreleased features.

"It's like reading a book about the great nation but the book somehow searches your home," she told AFP. The app also scans for 960 applications—including gaming, travel and chat apps—appearing as if "attempting to find which popular apps are installed on the phone," said Cure53's report. in Philippines can trace their ancestry back to Jinjiang.

Over all, this last visit to China further convinced us that we can derive much benefit from expanded bilateral ties in the areas of trade and investment, official development assistance, scientific and technological advances, and cultural and people-to people exchanges, among oth-

The territory still receives an annual subsidy from Copenhagen, which was 4.3 billion Danish kroner (576 million euros) in 2017, and tourism could help it to become economically self-reliant.

Like many parts of Greenland, Kulusuk has no tarmac roads and visitors must travel by plane or boat.

The growth in tourism could put a strain on the village's infrastructure, and the sector faces unique challenges given Greenland's location, weather and the cost of travelling there.

Day tours of Kulusuk with flights from the Icelandic capital Reykjavik are 97,000 Icelandic kronur ($780, 700 euros).

Jakob Ipsen, a 48-year-old who grew up between Denmark and Greenland's west coast, runs Kulusuk's sole hotel.

The 32-room hotel stands beside a fjord, and from its dining room, guests can watch icebergs drift by during the summer.

But the region's isolation can be problematic, Ipsen admits.

"We have to get all our supplies in with the first ship for the whole summer season, and for the winter season when everything is frozen over, we have to get all our supplies in with the last ship for the whole winter," he said.

‘They go back as different people’

Greenland must tackle its infrastructure challenges if it wants to develop tourism, Visit Greenland says.

Government-funded work is under way to extend runways at the capital Nuuk and Ilulissat, both on the west coast, and a new airport is planned in the south.

The tourist body said it would weigh the environmental impact of boosting infrastructure, both on the environment and on local communities.

Ipsen worries about the effects of uncontrolled tourism to the region.

"We want to try to maintain it as it is, so it's not exploding," he said.

Already, said Johanna Bjork Sveinbjornsdottir, who runs tours in Kulusuk for an Iceland-based company, the rise in visitor numbers is making itself felt.

"In the campsites here out in nature where you used to be alone, there's two, three groups at a time," she said.

Like Ipsen, she is also concerned about the effect that rising visitor numbers could have on the wilderness around the village.

"If you want nature to survive that, you have to build up the infrastructure," she said, pointing to the lack of officially designated campsites around Kulusuk, with no rubbish bins or toilets for travelers outdoors and no one supervising the sites.

Despite the concerns, Sveinbjornsdottir hopes visitors will keep coming.

"They go back as different people," she said. "Everything is beyond what you ever imagined." AFP

Creepy code A spokesperson at DingTalk, an enterprise chat platform that was used to build the app, told AFP that it had "no 'backdoor code' or scanning issues."

But OTF said users' data and their phones could be further jeopardised if the code that "amounts to a backdoor" runs successfully.

Currently, this code only affects phones where users have installed software that gives them "superuser" privileges—such as the ability to modify the device's code.

But apps can also abuse this level of privilege to take over a user's device.

"The code they found is creepy," Baptiste Robert, a French security researcher, told AFP—but cautioned against the use of the word backdoor.

The investigation also found "no evidence" that the code was used during testing, with Cure53 concluding that "further investigation" was needed to determine how it was used.

The code "can raise suspicion," Robert said, but to conclude that there is "vast espionage from China is complicated." AFP

ers. While we should continue to assert our sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we should strive to settle differences, particularly the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, through dialogue and negotiation. ernhil@yahoo.com

A6

News

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Provide affordable energy, Du30 tells power operators

By MJ Blancaflor

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has urged power operators to provide affordable energy and protect the environment, as he asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Energy to monitor the compliance of power generation companies with existing laws and regulations.

He said this Wednesday night during the ceremonial launch of the San Buenaventura 500-megawatt coal-fired power plant.

“Let me therefore take this opportunity to encourage everyone, especially the people behind San Buenaventura Power, to look especially behind the aspect of power

generation,” Duterte said.

“And always keep in mind that beyond profits, your primary objective is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our people,” he added.

In his speech, Duterte said he was pleased with the construction of the environment-

friendly power generation facility which is seen to help in the development of communities in Mauban, Quezon, and augment the power supply demand in Luzon.

He said the success of the facility is a “testament” to the potential of the private sector to help the government in addressing deficiencies in energy generation and distribution across the country.

Duterte also assured private businesses that they can pursue more effective and efficient business strategies as long as they commit to protecting the environment and ensuring the welfare of host communities.

The power plant is the first of its kind in the country as it utilizes a high-efficiency, low-emissions coal technology.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

computed in accordance with the relevant formula prescribed by the RTWR. A copy of the FMTA Computation is hereto attached as Annex ‘’’G-1’’.

16. Also, NGCP considered the NFAV of the transmission assets and facilities damaged by Typhoon “Ompong” in the FME claim, given that NGCP would have normally fully recovered the return of capital on said assets for the duration of their economic lives had these assets not been damaged or destroyed by said FME. A copy of the Details of the NFAV in relation to the assets affected by FME Typhoon “Ompong”, is attached hereto as Annex “H”.

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR THE APPROVAL OF FORCE MAJEURE EVENT REGULATED FM PASS-THROUGH FOR TYPHOON “OMPONG” IN LUZON, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES FOR SETTING TRANSMISSION WHEELING RATES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ERC CASE NO. 2019-071 RC

17. NGCP respectfully moves for the issuance of a provisional authority for the immediate recovery of the FM Pass-Through Amounts pursuant to Section 3, Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP), Applicant. x--------------------------------------------------x

18. NGCP seeks to immediately recover the actual expenses incurred for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and facilities. It must be emphasized that the rehabilitation of the assets damaged by the FME required capital infusion, the recovery of which should be allowed immediately in order to avoid any financial strain in the operation of NGCP and to allow the continuous provision of transmission services, to the grid customers.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 13 September 2019, Applicant National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed an Application dated 06 September 2019, seeking the Commission’s approval of its claim for Force Majeure Event (FME) due to Typhoon Ompong in Luzon through an FM Pass-Through amount, with prayer for the issuance of a provisional authority.

19. In addition, the timely implementation of the FM Pass-Through Amounts will allow the equal or even spread of the increases or decreases in tariffs from the initial implementation of the recovery of the cost.

The pertinent allegations of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows: 1.

2.

3.

20. A copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Agnes F. Dela Cruz, Manager, Tariff Design and Billing Management Division, Revenue and Regulatory Affairs, in support of !the instant Application, is hereto attached as Annex “I”.

NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the concessionaire that operates and maintains the nationwide transmission system pursuant to Republic Act No. (RA) 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).1

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission to:

Under RA 9511,2 NGCP was granted a franchise to construct, install, finance, manage, improve, expand, operate, maintain, rehabilitate, repair, and refurbish the present nationwide transmission system of the Republic of the Philippines.

Pursuant to Section 10.1.1 of the Rules for Setting Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR), NGCP is allowed to recover the cost incurred for the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged as a result of a force majeure event (FME), as defined in Article I, Section 1.3 of the RTWR.

1.

DECLARE the occurrence of Typhoon “Ompong” in Luzon which resulted in an increase in costs incurred by the NGCP to restore, repair and rehabilitate various . affected transmission assets and facilities in the NGCP North Luzon Operations and Maintenance District 4 and NGCP North Luzon System Operations, as a Force Majeure Event (FME);

2.

Immediately GRANT Provisional Authority to implement and bill the following FM Pass-Through Amounts to Luzon customers starting the billing month of November 2019 to 2020, or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered:

STATEMENT OF FACTS 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

In September 2018, Typhoon “Ompong” was prevailing in Luzon and affected provinces within the service areas of the NGCP North Luzon Operations and Maintenance (NLOM) and NGCP Luzon System Operations (LSO).

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed, among others, that Typhoon “Ompong” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 12 September 2018 and exited on 16 September 2018; that PAGASA raised tropical cyclone warning signal no. 3 and no. 4 in some Luzon provinces within the same period; that Typhoon “Ompong” recorded maximum winds of 205 kilometers per hour (km/hr) and gustiness of 330km/hr, which affected Northern, Southern and Central Luzon; and, Typhoon “Ompong” made a landfall in Cagayan on 15 September 2018. A copy of the PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Summary of Typhoon Ompong’ of 2018, is attached hereto as Annex “A”.

Due to the intensity of Typhoon “Ompong”, its subsequent landfall in Cagayan, and its tail-end effects upon its exit from PAR, some of NGCP’s transmission assets and facilities in Luzon were damaged, which occurred from 14 September to 17 September 2018. As a result, operations of NLOM-District 4 and LSO were interrupted within the said period, and even after “Ompong” has left PAR, due to toppled and broken transmission lines/structures and damaged telecom equipment.

After the occurrence of the foregoing, NGCP immediately started the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of its damaged transmission assets and facilities in order to fully restore transmission service to its customers.

Attached hereto is the Before and After Rehabilitation Pictures of Affected Assets FME Typhoon Ompong-NLOM District 4, as Annex “B”; and the Before and After Rehabilitation Pictures of Affected Assets FME OmpongSO as Annex “C” The total cost incurred by NGCP for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the transmission assets and facilities damaged by Typhoon “Ompong”, including the recoverable values of the damaged assets (Net Fixed Asset Value) is Thirty Three Million Eight Hundred Ninety Eight Thousand One Hundred Thirty Six Pesos; and One Centavo (Php33,898,136.01), breakdown of which is shown in the table below: AMOUNT 12,739,405.50 6,905,351.35 14,253,379.16 33,898,136.01

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Operating Expenditure (OPEX) Net Fixed Asset Value (NFAV) Total

*Capital Expenditures/Operating Expenditures, exclusive of VAT (pursuant to TRAIN law) and Permit Fees

9.

Under Section 10.1.1 of the RTWR, NGCP is allowed to recover the cost for such repair, restoration, and rehabilitation. Thus, pursuant to Article X, Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 of the RTWR, NGCP filed with , the Honorable Commission within three (3) months from the occurrence of the FME Typhoon “Ompong”, its FME Notice,. dated 03 December 2018, and was received on 07 December 2018, copy is attached hereto as Annex “D”.

Receipt, of said Notice was acknowledged by the Honorable Commission in its Letter dated 19 December 2018, copy is attached hereto as Annex “E”.

10. Within twelve (12) months after the occurrence of Typhoon “Ompong” causing damage to NGCP transmission assets and facilities in Luzon, NGCP hereby files the instant FME Application, in accordance with Article X, Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.3 of the RTWR. FM PASS-THROUGH AMOUNT COMPUTATION 11. NGCP has not recovered the cost incurred in the repair and restoration of its affected transmission assets and facilities from its Industrial All-Risk (IAR) Insurance Policy procured from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), because regardless of the distance of the damaged assets and facilities from the nearest substation perimeter fence, the total repair and rehabilitation cost is still within the policy’s deductible amount of One (1) Million US Dollars ($1,000,000.00). Attached hereto is a copy of the Certification of the NGCP Trade and Insurance Manager, as Annex “F”.

12. Thus, it is but proper for NGCP to file the instant FME Application to recover the cost it incurred for . the repair; restoration and rehabilitation of the transmission assets and facilities in Luzon which were damaged by the FME above-described, pursuant to the RTWR. 13. NGCP proposes the FM Pass-Through Amounts, in P/kWmonth, as additional network charges for Luzon starting the billing month of November 2019 until December 2020, or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered, computed in the table below: Luzon

2019

2020

P/kW-mo.

1.22

0.02

P/kWh

0.00243

0.00003

14. NGCP proposes the FM Pass-Through Amounts for the years 2019 to 2020 to allow the recovery of the expenditures incurred by NGCP relative to the FME Typhoon ”Ompong”, pending the reset process for the next Regulatory Period .. A copy of the proposed FM Pass-Through Amounts computation is attached hereto as Annex “G” 15. Further, the FM Pass-Through Amounts in this Application do not breach the Force Majeure Threshold Amount (FMTA) of PhP0.0366/kWh, as

Luzon

2019

P/kW-mo.

1.22

2020 0.02

P/kWh

0.00243

0.00003

3.

APPROVE the FME CAPEX and OPEX amounting to Nineteen Million Six Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-Six Pesos and Eighty-Five Centavos (Php19,644,756.85) incurred by NGCP for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and facilities due to FME Typhoon “Ompong”;

4.

APPROVE and ALLOW the recovery of the Net Fixed Asset Value of the transmission assets and facilities damaged by the FME Typhoon “Ompong” amounting to, Fourteen Million Two Hundred Fifty Three Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Nine Pesos and Sixteen Centavos (Php14,253,379.16), given that it would have been fully recovered by NGCP if these transmission assets and facilities have not been damaged or destroyed by the said FME;

5.

APPROVE, after due notice and hearing, the proposed FM Pass-Through Amounts to be collected from the Luzon customers starting November 2019 billing month to December 2020, or until such time that the amounts incurred are fully recovered, as follows:

6.

Luzon

2019

2020

P/kW-mo.

1.22

0.02

P/kWh

0.00243

0.00003

EXCLUDE the proposed Pass-Through Amounts from the side constraint calculation.

NGCP prays for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, pre-trial conference, and evidentiary hearing on 06 November 2019 (Wednesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at 15th Floor, ERC Hearing Room, Pacific Center Building, San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding;and

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements, under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and CEO AGNES VST DEVANADERA and the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA, and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 26th day of September 2019 in Pasig City.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal Service

2

facilities to use proper codes for designating vaping-related disDUE to an increase in vaping-re- orders.

This would allow existing health lated illnesses in the United States information systems to capture data in recent months, mostly afflicting healthy young people, the on vaping-related disorders.

Information on the potential World Health Organization has introduced International Classifi- harm of novel and emerging cation of Diseases 10 code U07.0, nicotine products can guide fuan international tool for classifying ture policy directions for electronic cigarettes. and monitoring diseases.

All health and allied health Health Secretary Francisco professionals are urged to be Duque III said the tool would be used immediately for reporting of vigilant in identifying risks during acutely ill patients who have used routine clinical evaluations by electronic cigarettes in the last taking the history of tobacco use 90 days, with no other plausible and use of e-cigarettes or vapes in all patients. DOH also calls on causes for illness.

With 1,299 cases and 26 the medical community, parents deaths reported, the US Centers and teachers to help address the for Disease Control and Preven- widespread use of electronic cigarettes, particularly CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK among tion and the US Food and Drug Administration are currently the youth and young adults.

Duque called on users, espeinvestigating the reports.

In support of WHO’s efforts, cially pregnant women and young Duque said the DOH urges all adults, to stop immediately and government and private hos- refrain from vaping and using all pitals, clinics and other health forms of e-cigarettes.

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

Cebu set to launch new HK-Puerto Princesa flight

By Joel E. Zurbano CEBU Pacific Air announced on Thursday it was set to launch its first direct flight service between Puerto Princesa, Palawan and Hong Kong on Nov. 17.

Seats on CEB's newest route are up for grabs for the introductory fare of P1 (base fare) from Oct. 15-17, 2019 and the travel period will be on Nov. 11, 2019 until March 28, 2020.

Air travelers can choose from the new four times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) flight service.

Flight 5J 5306 departs Puerto Princesa at 3:35 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and at 4:05 p.m. on Saturdays while the return flight, 5J 5307 departs Hong Kong at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and at 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

On the same day, CEB will launch its previously announced Clark-Puerto Princesa flight. Together, these two new routes increase capacity to Puerto Princesa by 7 percent.

CEB vice president for Commercial Alex Reyes said the new route aims to better connect Palawan to a wider market for tourists through a key international hub.

“Travelers from Hong Kong can now conveniently fly directly to Palawan, and enjoy their island vacation much sooner, saving them time and a connecting flight via Manila,” said Reyes.

“We also enable tourists to enjoy more of the Philippines with options for easy connections between other key domestic destinations. We look forward to flying more tourists to one of the best islands in the world,” he added.

Palawan has consistently made the lists compiled by renowned travel publications of the world’s best and most beautiful islands.

Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage; as well as pristine beaches and other natural attractions such as El Nido, San Vicente and Port Barton.

With the new Puerto Princesa-Hong Kong service, CEB connects Hong Kong to five destinations in the Philippines, more than any other carrier. Currently, Cebu Pacific flies 55 times weekly between the Philippines and Hong Kong, with direct flights to and from four of the airline’s major hubs—Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo. Cebu Pacific also flies direct between Puerto Princesa and Manila, Iloilo and Cebu.

House survey on controversial bills set THE leadership of the House of Representatives will conduct a survey to determine the views of lawmakers in navigating the fate of controversial measures, including the proposed law legalizing absolute divorce and the death penalty, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said Thursday.

“The House will be conducting, during the break and the first week of November, a survey to ask the members of the House, ‘Ano sa tingin ninyo ang divorce? Ano tingin n’yo ang death penalty? Ano ang tingin n’yo sa federalism? Ano ang tingin niyo sa Charter change? But as I've said, maraming controversial diyan (What are your views on divorce, death penalty, federalism and Charter change? There are a lot of controversial bills out there),” Cayetano said in a media interview.

“We have to act depending on our conscience, pero babalansehin din

natin ‘yun sa priorities ng administrasyon (but we also have to balance it with the priorities of the administration). Kung ‘yung konsensya natin at gusto ng administrasyon ay pareho, wala tayong problema (If our conscience and the priorities of the administration are similar, there is no problem),” he said.

Cayetano said bills that enjoy wide support or consensus from the majority of House members will be prioritized.

“I will not stop [the process], but we will act with caution on bills that have no consensus,” he said, citing the issue of divorce, as an example.

Cayetano said he is personally against divorce, but assured the public that he would not block the free flow of intelligent debates on the issue, which ironically is being pushed by his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, who is separated from her husband. PNA

Korean detainee escapes prison guards

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing.

Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

1

WHO to help classify vape-related illnesses

Republic Act No. 9136 entitled, “An Act Ordaining Reforms in the Electric Power Industry, Amending for the Purpose Certain Laws and for Other Purposes”; and Republic Act No. 9511 entitled “An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise to Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage Back-bone System or Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for Other Purposes”.

(MS-OCT. 18 & 25, 2019)

TARLAC CITY—A 41-year-old Korean with standing double murder and illegal drugs cases in Pampanga and Tarlac “mysteriously” vanished into thin air from his provincial jail guard escorts minutes after attending to a call of nature at Julia’s Kambingan situated along MacArthur Highway at Barangay San Rafael here Wednesday.

This develops as Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda ordered a massive manhunt against Park Wang Yeol as he coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration to include the Korean in the hold order departure list.

Police Lt. Colonel Joel Mendoza, Tarlac City police chief, said Yeol, of Seoul, South Korea, was nowhere to be found inside the comfort room when checked by provincial jail guards led by PG1 Randy Sibug, Danilo Gonzales, Carlo Layag, Clarito Mendoza and Danilo Aragon, all of Pampanga Provincial Jail past 10 a.m.

Mendoza said Yeol and his escorts were on their way back to Pampanga after the scheduled arraignment of illegal drugs offense at Yarlac City Regional Trial Court branch 64, was postponed for unavailability of the government prosecutor.

The group, Mendoza said decided to have a brief stop over at the restaurant for refreshment. He said the Korean asked to be left inside the comfort room for personal neccessities which the escorts nodded. Jesus Malabanan

Sports Huge field vies in PPS Buglasan tilt OVER 200 players, including 32 in the centerpiece Open division, slug it out for top honors, prizes and ranking points as the local aces and rising stars take center stage in the PPS-PEPP Buglasan Tennis Festival, which got going yesterday (Thursday) at the Praxevilla Tennis Courts in Dumaguete City.

Roel Capangpangan and Maclean Barraquias headline the field that also includes Keane Barraquias and Nikko Salas, all geared up for the week-long battle of power and styles in the men’s singles event also serving as part of the “Festivals of Festivals,” one of the most awaited festivals in Negros Oriental.

Hostilities in the juniors division, meanwhile, starts today (Friday) with Lorenz Celis and Randy Tatoy II and Ellaine Bahonsua and Ashley McKenzie bannering the field in the premier 18-and-under category of the Group I tournament put up annually by Gov. Roel Degamo in tie-up with Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala.

“The huge turnout guarantees another exciting week, especially for those wanting to prove their worth against the established stars,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro. “It’s inspiring to see these young players go out there and take the challenge in pursuit of honors and ranking points.”

Aside from the men’s singles Open and juniors play of the event presented

by Dunlop and backed by MCF Global, other titles to be disputed are the men’s doubles Open and the Legends 40s, 50s and 60s, along with women’s doubles which will be held this weekend.

Hans Cabellon, Simon Anqui, Blake Solon and Tatoy and the McKenzie siblings Ashley and Khymberly are tipped to dispute the 16-U crowns in the event sanctioned by the Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg with Cabellon also shooting for the boys’ 14-U diadem along with Jhovian Oracion, Paul Silmaro and Kirby Ramacho.

For details, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

A7

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Keoninh, Stewart storm ahead

T

ARLAC—merican Lexus Keoninh unleashed superb iron play and solid putting and came away with a solid seven-under 65 then watched Aussie Tim Stewart fumble with a late bogey to grab a share of the lead halfway through the ICTSI Azucarera de Tarlac Open at Luisita Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

The duo virtually slugged it out shot-for-shot and puttfor-putt in separate flights in afternoon play with Keoninh emerging from the day-long battle in the heat and light wind with six birdies, including three straight from No. 11, to get to 10-under 134 first, including an opening 69.

“I hit it close and made a lot Keoninh of putts,” said Keoninh, who has had a number of cracks at a championship on both the Philippine Golf Tour and PGT Asia but just couldn’t pull it off in the end.

Two flights behind, Stewart had held sway with his own birdie-binge, seven in

all against a lone bogey after 15 holes. But the long-hitting shotmaker, who placed second to Angelo Que in PGT Asia Manila Southwoods last July, bogeyed Luisita’s signature hole No. 17 and settled for a 67 and a share of the lead.

The duo stood three strokes ahead of PGT Cebu leg titlist Dutch Guido Van der Valk and reigning Philippine Open champion Clyde Mondilla, who assembled identical 137s after a 68 and 70, respectively, not a big cushion on a tough, challenging course and over a slew of aces all primed up for an assault in the last two days of the

$100,000 event serving as the sixth leg of the third season of the region’s emerging circuit put up by ICTSI. Mondilla, whose game took a downswing after nailing his first Phl Open crown last April, failed to match his blistering opening 67 but scrambled just good enough for five birdies against two bogeys to stay within striking distance of the joint leaders.

As first round leader Ira Alido floundered with a disastrous backside start of 41 and limped with a 76 after a bogeyfree 66, diminutive Rupert Zaragosa sneaked into the title picture with a 70 for joint fifth with Rufino Bayron, who also carded a two-under card, and American Brett Munson, who closed out with three straight birdies at the front to save a 72, for 139s.

Clubhouse leader Reymon Jaraula dropped to joint seventh at 140 after a 67 with Aussie Simon Vitakangas and Korean-American Micah Shin, who fired a 68 and 72, respectively.

Jerry Lumongsod (right) is expected to deliver anew for the AFP Cavaliers when they clash with the Department of Agriculture Food Masters on Sunday in the UNTV Cup.

Cavaliers, Food Masters dispute UNTV Cup lead Games Sunday

(Pasig City Sports Center) 2 p.m. – PITC vs SSS 3:30 p.m. – AFP vs Agriculture 5 p.m. – Malacañang-PSC vs PNP

DEFENDING champion Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of Agriculture dispute Group A lead, while Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission goes for its fourth straight Group B win on Sunday in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The AFP Cavaliers and the DA Food Masters clash at 3:30 p.m. with the former staking their 3-0 record while the latter hope to extend their winning run to three games in the event organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon for public servants.

The Kamao of Malacañang-PSC, on the other hand, intend to add the Philippine National Police Responders to their growing list of victims in their 5 p.m. encounter.

Meantime, the PITC Global Traders try to get back on winning track and improve their 1-2 mark when they collide with the SSS Kabalikat at 2 p.m.

The chosen charity of the champion team will receive P4 million, the runnerup’s own charity gets P2 million while the third and fourth placers shall take P1 million each.

Even without their leading scorer Erick dela Cuesta, the Kamao easily beat the GSIS Furies, 102-69, last Sunday— thanks to the team’s well-balanced attack.

Despite the runaway win the last time, the Kamao are not taking the Responders lightly since the former champions are eager to nail their first win in three starts.

Fierce battle is also expected in the AFP-Agriculture showdown with the reigning titlists—bannered by Eugene Tan, Jerry Lumongsod, Boye Bautista, and Alvin Zuniga—out to keep their clean record intact against a team that has former collegiate stars Emerson Oreta and Henry Fernandez in its fold.

Seiko relaunches sports collection

VELODROME TALKS UP. Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino discusses with International Cycling Union President David Lappartient the construction of a modern velodrome in the country on Thursday in Doha, Qatar.

Tolentino, also the PhilCycling president, is in Doha for the XXIV Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly that coincides with the World Beach Games.

HD Spikers power way to S Turf finals MARCK Espejo dished out top form, firing 14 hits as he powered Cignal HD to a 25-15, 25-18, 25-17 repeat romp over Perpetual Help to clinch the first finals berth in the 2019 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila recently.

The four-time MVP Espejo spiked his another solid performance with 11 kills and a pair of kill blocks and 12 excellent receptions

and six digs as the HD Spikers followed up their 25-17, 25-23, 25-15 victory in Game One to sweep their best-of-three semis series.

The victory was also Cignal HD’s eighth straight.

Go for Gold-Air Force, meanwhile, banked on Ranran Abdilla to stop Sta. Elena-National U, 26-24, 25-23, 19-25, 25-18, to force a sudden death in their side of the Final Four.

SEIKO celebrated the grand relaunch of the Seiko 5 Sports collection at the SMX Convention Center Aura, SM Aura Premier, McKinley Parkway, Taguig City on Wednesday.

Seiko 5’s distinctive appearance and strength is attributed to the company’s commitment to quality and its promise to deliver its five key attributes; an automatic movement, a day-date display at the three o’clock position, water resistance, a recessed crown at the four o’clock position and a case and bracelet built for durability.

“In addition to the fundamental values of Seiko 5, Seiko 5 Sports offered enhanced water resistance, a strengthened crystal and luminous hands and hour markers. Throughout the next decades, Seiko 5 Sports found great international favor as a ‘’go-anywhere’’ watch that offered a unique look and extraordinary value,” said Yasuki Fujita, Senior Manager for Management Planning Department (Asia II) of Seiko Watch Corporation.

Seiko 5 Ambassadors were revealed during the exclusive launch, namely Rodjun Cruz, Diane Medina, Khalil Ramos, Chu Calleja and Ben&Ben representing the 5 Seiko personas: Street, Sense, Suits,

Seiko 5 Ambassadors were revealed during the exclusive launch, namely Rodjun Cruz, Diane Medina, Khalil Ramos, Chu Calleja and Ben&Ben representing the 5 Seiko personas: Street, Sense, Suits, Sports, and Specialist.

Sports, and Specialist, respectively.

Visitors enjoyed a 20% discount for all Seiko 5 Sports watches and 15% off on other Seiko watches through the Seiko Ambassadors promo codes which are still valid until October 19, 2019.

DJ Javi Vargas and DJ Tobi Panlilio pumped up the venue as guests engaged in five different booth activities giving a unique Seiko 5 Sports experience.

Ben&Ben proved that they are truly a “Specialist” in the field of Music as the

TM Sports Para sa Bayan cage clinics unfolds in Bohol on Oct. 20 AFTER holdding events in Albay and Cebu, the Republika ng TM Sports Para sa Bayan will move to Panglao in Bohol to bring its highly-anticipated basketball clinics on Oct. 20.

Globe in partnership with Community Basketball Association, a regional-based basketball group that champions the development of the sport in the grassroots level all over the country, held the TM Sports Para sa Bayan event in Sto. Domingo in Albay and Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu recently. The two activities drew the participation of hundreds of budding players and fans for two weekends of learning the rudiments of the most popular game in the country.

Along with top officials of CBA, some volunteer players from the University of Sto. Tomas and top notch colleges and universities in Cebu, more than two hundred kids showed up in the clinics. And despite the unpredictable weather conditions, the participants played their hearts

Former national player and current PBA head coach Pido Jarencio joined the participants for a group photo after the successful TM Para sa Bayan Basketball Clinic held recently in Albay.

out during the two day sessions.

“We were very surprised with the Albay turnout because so many kids wanted to be part of it. We also didn’t anticipate that some participants were a little bit older than the usual kids who show up in our previous events. It only goes to show that when it comes to learning the game of basketball, there is no age limit and shortage of aspiring basketball players

who dream of playing for the country or to the professional leagues someday.

The kids are very fortunate that we have Globe as a strong partner in this project,” said Carlo Maceda, director of CBA. Participants received important sessions on how to further improve their skills such as dribbling,passing, shooting and defending They also learned the value of playing as a team and how to improve their stami-

na, physically and mentally.

Inspired by the warm reception in Albay, the TM Sports Para sa Bayan moved to Lapu-Lapu City last Sunday.

“We all know that Cebu is one of the hotbeds of basketball in the country. It has produced so outstanding basketball players who have played for the country and in the Philippine Basketball Association including the reigning league Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the last five years June Mar Fajardo. But just the same, we were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and discipline of the kids who joined the clinics,” said Miguel Bermundo, Head for Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing for Globe.

Organizers are looking forward to more participants in the Bohol leg that will be conducted at the Panglao Cultural Centre in Poblacion, Panglao from 1 to 5 p.m. Plans are also in the works to bring the basketball clinics Masbate in the next few weeks.

band delivered a soulful performance of their popular hits, including their latest single, Pagtingin.

DJ Crwn brought party in the house as the audience danced to the vivifying beat.

For more information on the Seiko 5 Sports watches, visit https://www.seiko5sports.com/en/. To know more about the campaign, follow Seiko Philippines on Facebook and Instagram (@seikophilippines).

US boxer Day dies from brain injuries LOS ANGELES—American boxer Patrick Day died Wednesday after suffering a serious brain injury during his knockout defeat to Charles Conwell last weekend, promoter Lou DiBella said in a statement.

The 27-year-old super welterweight had undergone emergency surgery after being knocked out by Conwell on Saturday at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena.

“On behalf of Patrick’s family, team, and those closest to him, we are grateful for the prayers, expressions of support and outpouring of love for Pat that have been so obvious since his injury,” DiBella said.

Day, who had been in a coma following surgery at Northwestern Memorial hospital, died surrounded by family and friends.

The American fighter had been carried unconscious from the ring on a stretcher on Saturday following his 10th round knockout. AFP

Sports

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

A8

Controversial Tiger Abando back for UST vs NU on Sunday

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

By Peter Atencio

Cignal settles for 3rd place in Superliga CIGNAL settled for the bronze medal following an emphatic 25-22, 25-15, 25-17 win over Foton in the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference yesterday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Roselyn Doria spearheaded a wellbalanced attack for the HD Spikers, who came up with another impressive finish in this prestigious women’s club tournament.

Doria, who got ample training with the national women’s team that will see action in the 30th Southeast Asian Games, delivered six attacks, three blocks and two aces while skipper Rachel Anne Daquis and Mylene Paat had 10 and nine points, respectively, for Cignal, who were relegated to the bronze-medal match after dropping a four-set decision to F2 Logistics in the semifinals.

Filipino-American setter Alohi RobinsHardy also shone, finishing with 14 excellent sets with 10 markers built around four kills, three blocks and three aces.

“They really wanted to bounce back from their heart-breaking semis loss last Tuesday,” said Cignal coach Edgar Barroga, whose wards were looking good in the early part of this short, but very competitive conference, until they ran into powerhouse Petron and F2 Logistics in the crucial stretch.

“They wanted to prove that this is a championship-caliber team. That’s why they played like this.”

Foton’s Elaine Casilag (left) is foiled by Cignal’s Janine Marciano.

WORLD-CLASS FILIPINO ATHLETES. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with the Filipino athletes who have brought home medals from various international competitions during their meeting at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang.

The athletes, shown here kneeling are (from left) pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, boxer Nesthy Petecio, gymnast Carlos Yulo, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and boxer Eumir Marcial.

Knights whip Generals to earn place in Final 4 T

HE Letran Knights made sure that they will get their rightful spot in the Final Four.

Larry Muyang led four teammates in a balanced show of scoring prowess, helping propel the Letran Knights to an 89-79 beating of the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals yesterday in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center.

Muyang showed the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Knights, who ended their elimination-round campaign in third place with a 12-6 win-loss record.

The Knights, who drew 20 points from Jerrick Balanza, have joined top-seeded San Beda University and Lyceum of the Philippines University in the Final Four.

The San Sebastian Stags (10-7) and the Mapua Cardinals (9-8) are still contesting the fourth seeding.

An 11-0 run in the opening minutes

of the fourth period, which Balanza triggered with his triple, came after the Knights broke past a 58-all deadlock.

With Edson Batiller and Fran Yu firing 15 and 10 points, respectively, the Knights went on to grab a 73-60 edge at the sixth-minute mark.

“Lahat sila gusto mag-Top 2. Pero iba iyung napuntahan namin. I told them this is not about the standings, but about how we finish,” said Knights’ coach Bonnie Tan. Earlier, Jay Ynot had 18 points for the top-seeded San Beda Red Cubs in their 111-82 demolition of the Lyceum Junior Pirates in the Junior Division.

Slightly ahead, 42-38, at halftime, the Red Cubs clamped down on their defense against Junior Pirates McLaude Guadana and John Barba, who were held to just five and four points, respectively, in the third as San Beda went on to take a 76-53 edge at the end of the period.

The Red Cubs (17-1) have formally earned the top seeding, while the Junior Pirates (11-7) could still lose the no. 2 spot to the Arellano Braves (10-7), the San Sebastian Staglets (10-7)and the La

Salle Greenhills Greenies (10-7).

The Letran Squires (8-10), with Joshua Ramirez making 18 points, won over EAC-ICA, 92-74.

“Sabi ko kanila, kahit no-bearing na ang game, kailangan ay pang-playoff na ang mindset natin. Kaya ‘di nila inisip na no-bearing ang game,” said Red Cubs’ Manu Inigo.

Justin Sanchez eked out 16 points for the Red Cubs, while Rhayyan Amsali added 14 points and 12 rebounds.Donald Tankoua delivered 26 points for the defending champion San Beda Red Lions, who turned back the Lyceum Pirates, 8562, and completed an 18-game sweep of the elimination round.

Calvin Oftana banged in 18 points for the Red Lions, who matched the 18-0 sweep of the Pirates at the end of the eliminations in Season 93 and claimed an automatic finals’ slot.

The Red Lions last took an outright championship berth back in Season 86, with a 16-0 sweep of the elims with Frankie Lim coaching the team.

Peter Atencio

RHENZ Abando, one of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers’ key players, will be back when Tigers go up against the National University Bulldogs on Sunday.

UST coach Aldin Ayo has cleared him to play in their 1 p.m. encounter with the Bulldogs at the Ynares gym, Antipolo.

Ayo benched Abando last Wednesday when they played against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and won, 84-78.

This was after the team got distracted by reported offers for Abando to transfer to rival schools.

Abando, who is from La Union, told Ayo in a one-on-one meeting that he had no plans to transfer to another school.

The players told Ayo that he “was merely getting persistent offers from other UAAP schools.”

“Kasi may mga UAAP teams na, siguro, strategy nila, they’re going against us on and off the court. They do things para madistract ‘yong team,” Ayo said in a statement.

Following their win over UP, the Tigers are at solo third with a 6-5 winloss card, and can overtake the Fighting Maroons if they win against NU. Ayo believes in the potency of the outside shooting of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, and this is said to be the team’s most reliable weapon.

“We don’t have a dominant bigs.

Our foreigner (Soulemane Chabi Yo) is a three guy. So if we don’t run, the whole UAAP knows it na ang liliit namin eh, so ‘yun ang tinitira namin,” said Ayo. UST was behind by two points with 53 seconds left when Brent Paraiso and Renz Subido drained two threepointers to give the Growling Tigers a four-point advantage.

And the Fighting Maroons struggled to come back after UST established an 82-78 edge with 26.7 ticks left.

“Natural na sa amin ‘yon. Lots of people are asking and actually criticizing us [na] why are we taking lots of three-point shots,” added Ayo. Because of this UST, picked up their sixth win in 11 games.

UP’s loss endangered the Fighting Maroons’ place at second spot with their 6-4 win-loss record.

Phoenix players, led

by Eugene Phelps and Calvin Abueva, entertain their fans during a meet-andgreet session in the PBA Open Team Practice Event at the Technological Institute of the PhilippinesManila.

KaTropa seek quarterfinals’ berth

By Jeric Lopez UNBEATEN league-leader TNT KaTropa looks to be the first team through to the quarterfinals as it shoots for a seventh straight win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup. The Tropang Texters (6-0) are favored when they go toe-to-toe with cellar-dweller Alaska (1-5) at 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City today.

Meralco (3-2) and Blackwater (2-3) figure in a critical tiff at 4:30 p.m. in the opener.

TNT can be the first team to clinch a berth in the quarters should it notch another win.

With import KJ McDaniels continuing his offensive exploits, the Tropang Texters are cruising thus far with their slate still unblemished.

McDaniels showed the entire repertoire by

dropping 51 huge points in TNT’s 116-113 win over Meralco last Saturday.

“I just go out there and do what I have to do to help our team keep winning,” said McDaniels.

The Aces, who finally listed a win the last time out, will have their hands full as they try to contain McDaniels and the Texters.

After failing to list a win in its first five tries, Alaska finally had a breakthrough, topping Rain or Shine, 78-71, last Sunday.

Alaska needs more wins if it wishes to stay in the hunt for a spot in the top eight.

Both in the middle of the pack, the Bolts and the Elite are hoping to get a needed win to move up the ranks.

While Meralco lost its last assignment, Blackwater scored a morale-boosting 95-89 upset of defending champion Magnolia just last Wednesday to get itself in the thick of the race.

PH batters fail to earn Olympic berth THE Philippines bowed to South Korea, 2-12, Wednesday in the 29th 2019 Asian Baseball Championship in Taichung, Taiwan, This ended the Philippines’ bid to earn a slot to Olympic Final Qualifying Tournament next year.

The Filipinos finished with a 2-1 win-loss record to share the 1-2-3 positions in the team standings of Group B with South Korea and China.

But a better tie-break record put South Korea and China in super round, with Japan and host Chinese Taipei.

In its earlier games, the Filipino batters won over Pakistan, 11-0, and China, 1-0.

The top two finishers excluding Japan

will qualify to Olympic Final Qualifying Tournament which will take place in March or April, 2020.

Philippine Amateur Baseball Association president Chito Loyzaga said the Philippines will meet Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the consolation phase.

During their game against Korea, the Koreans were already ahead, 3-1, after three innings when they erupted with seven runs in the fourth.

Lee Ju Chun, Kim Gyu Min and Park Min showed the way for the Koreans with two RBIs each.

Pitcher Francis Michael Gesmundo struck out two for Team Philippines.

IN BRIEF

Bocaue Interchange nears completion

THE Department of Public Works and Highway expects to complete the construction of an interchange with road access connected to the North Luzon Expressway in Bocaue, Bulacan in time for the country’s hosting of the 30th edition of Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, 2019.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the agency was pushing for the completion of the Ciudad De Victoria Interchange Overpass Bridge and Bypass Road to provide direct access to the Philippine Arena.

He said a huge turnout of visitors was expected at the opening ceremony of the biennial regional multi-sport event on Nov. 30, 2019.

“With all girders for the 80-lineal-meter overpass bridge crossing NLEX completely installed and the round-the-clock construction works for a 1.12 kilometer 4-lane bypass road connecting the Manila North Road and the Sta. Maria to Bocaue By-pass Road as part of the Ciudad De Victoria Interchange Project Phase 1, we will have better accessibility to Philippine Arena come SEA Games grand opening in November,” Villar said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Tourism Malaysia launches VM2020 bid

TOURISM Malaysia launched its VM2020 Campaign for the Philippines at Shangri-La Makati Hotel on Oct. 9, 2019.

VM2020 promises an abundance of excitement with a long line-up of cultural themed events, family fun activities, shopping festivals and lots more.

Tourism Malaysia led a delegation of 18 Malaysian travel trade and industry players, consisting of 10 travel agents, two hotels, four product owners and two airlines.

The Philippines travel industry was given an update on the VM2020 campaign and a gala dinner was also held at Shangri-La Makati for all participants.

To boost Philippines arrivals, Tourism Malaysia encouraged tour operators to develop and sell holiday packages to Malaysia with a focus on niche products like luxury travel, shopping and sports tourism.

A discussion was carried out with the Philippines Travel Agents Association, National Association of Independent Travel Agents and the Philippine Tour Operators Association.

Tourism Malaysia’s promotional efforts in Philippines is expected to increase the number of Filipino tourists in Malaysia. It aims to promote greater awareness of Malaysia as an ideal holiday destination, besides fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity.

This is in line with Malaysia’s efforts to boost arrivals from Philippines, with as many as 510,650 Filipino tourists visiting Malaysia in 2020.

MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY. PayMaya Philippines is recognized at the Asia CEO Awards 2019 as the Most Innovative Company of the Year for its relentless drive to spread financial inclusion in the country through it game-changing platforms.

Receiving the awards are (from left) PayMaya head of enterprise IT Ulysses Naguit, chief product officer Mitch Padua, head of growth and brand marketing Raymund Villanueva, business head for government sector Marvin Santos, head of enterprise business Mar Lazaro, head of wallets business Kenneth Palacios and enterprise sales head Rhea Matute.

ADB unveils $9.1-b loan program for PH

By Julito G. Rada

T

he Asian Development Bank said Thursday it is ready to lend a record $9.1 billion to the Philippines over the next three years as the government seeks to invest in major infrastructure and pro-poor projects.

ADB said that under the Philippines Country Operations Business Plan 2020–2022, it would invest 59.5 percent of the three-year sovereign lending program in transportation projects such as railways, bridges, road networks and elevated pedestrian walkways.

The rest of the financial support will be devoted to the social sector, agriculture, public sector management and sus-

tainable water and urban development.

“This latest Country Operations Business Plan reflects ADB’s strong commitment to supporting the Philippines’ efforts to sustain inclusive economic growth, create business and job opportunities in the regions and widen the reach of the government’s education, health and social protection programs,“ ADB country director for the Philippines Kelly Bird said.

ADB plans to finance projects and programs worth at least $2.5 billion annually in 2020 and 2021, matching the record high of $2.5 billion in sovereign lending to the Philippines expected by the end of the year. In comparison, ADB’s annual lending from 2008 to 2018 averaged only $800 million.

Half of ADB’s 2019 assistance program will fund the first tranche of the Malolos–Clark Railway Project, one of the government’s big-ticket infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program.

It is also the largest ADB project fi-

Security agency files case against 4 Yanson siblings A MANAGER of the agency that provides security to Vallacar Transit Inc., the country’s largest bus line operator, has filed a criminal case against the four Yanson siblings and their accomplices for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Jerome Seballos, a resident of Bacolod City and the admin manager of Armored Guard Negros Security Agency, filed the complaint before the Office of Bacolod City Prosecutor on Aug. 30, 2019 against Ricardo Yanson Jr., Roy Yanson, Emily Yanson and Ma. Lourdes Celina Yanson Lopez along with Police BGen. Noli Romana, PCol. Jomil John Trio and their accomplices.

The complaint is a part of the unresolved dispute over the ownership of VTI between the camp of the four Yanson siblings and their brother VTI president Leo Rey Yanson who is supported by his mother Olivia Yanson and sister Ginnette Yanson Dumancas.

Seballos filed the case against the respondents for allegedly conspiring, cooperating and confederating with each other in the violation of Republic Act No. 9516 or illegal/unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives.

The complainant said the case arose from the discovery of 10 Molotov incendiary bombs, 10 wooden sticks and 69 assorted steel pipe on Aug. 10 in the premises of VTI Main Office in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City while AGNSA personnel were conducting clearing operations after being reinstalled as the authorized security guards of VTI.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

B1

BIR closes Parañaque POGO with 1,000 workers

FamilyDOC ready to open biggest clinic

FAMILYDOC, the country’s largest retail clinic chain owned by the Ayala group under AC Healthcare Holdings Inc., is set to open its 70th and largest clinic along Earnshaw St. in Sampaloc, Manila.

AC Health president and chief executive Paolo Borromeo said FamilyDOC was eager to expand into more areas in Metro Manila in line with its target to have 100 clinics by 2020.

“We’ve been extremely encouraged by the positive feedback of our patients, many of whom have become our regular customers, returning about two to three times in a year. This is a big improvement, considering that most Filipinos see a doctor only once every two years. We’re excited to finally offer our services in the heart of Manila. The bigger format will allow us to accommodate more patients, while still maintaining the affordable, quality care that FamilyDOC stands for,” Borromeo said.

FamilyDOC offers primary healthcare services, including consultations, diagnostics tests and a pharmacy.

FamilyDOC general manager Paul Darroca said they were on-track to reach their goal of 100 clinics by 2020. FamilyDOC has served more than 450,000 unique patients since it opened in December 2015.

Jennifer B. Austria

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

nancing to date, worth $2.75 billion in total. Contracts for civil works for the project are expected to be awarded before the end of the year and construction works may begin in the second quarter of 2020.

ADB is preparing additional financing this year for the Infrastructure Preparation and Innovation Facility to support detailed engineering designs and feasibility studies for the government’s priority projects under the BBB program.

This will ensure a steady flow of investments into much-needed infrastructure projects that are viable and innovative.

In 2020, transportation and infrastructure will still make up the majority of ADB’s financial support to the Philippines. These include the South Commuter Railway Project that will connect Manila to Calamba and the EDSA Greenways Project, which will construct elevated walkways in four high density traffic locations along the main EDSA highway in Metro Manila.

AYALA LAND’S AWARDS. For the second

year in a row, Ayala Land Inc. is named Institutional Investor’s Most Honored Company in the Philippines in its 2019 All-Asia Executive Team survey. The awards cite the top companies around the world for their corporate leadership and investor relations expertise, as voted on by the buy and sell-side analyst community.

Shown is Ayala Land senior vice president, CFO, chief compliance officer and treasurer Augusto Bengzon (right) receiving the Best CFO in the Philippines award from Institutional Investor Magazine during the 2019 All-Asia Executive Team-ASEAN Most Honored Companies Awards held at the SGX Auditorium in Singapore on Oct. 11.

Alveo expects to raise P18b from 120-hectare Laguna project

By Jennifer B. Austria ALVEO Land, the high-end residential brand of property developer Ayala Land Inc., expects to generate up to P18 billion in sales of commercial lots within the newly-launched 120-hectare mixeduse district in Laguna.

Alveo Land chief operating officer Rufino Gutierrez said in a news briefing the Broadfield project consists of 80 hectares of commercial and mixed-use segment and 40 hectares of residential subdivisions.

Gutierrez said phase one of the Broadfield commercial development would cover 36 hectares divided into 87 commercial lots. He said of the 87 commercial lots, 36 hectares were already launched with sizes ranging from 1,324 square meters to 2,915 sq.m., with an average list price of P185 million.

About P2.8 billion of these lots were sold on the first day of the launch. “The market basically wants this product,” Gutierrez said.

He said the target market for the commercial lots are local investors and entrepreneurs who plan to build offices and commercial developments.

Phase 1 of Broadfield is expected to be completed by 2023. “Broadfield’s location sets it at the heart of South Luzon’s thriving residential, leisure, industrial and manufacturing center. We have a well-designed master plan that applies the best practices of Ayala Land in property development. This district will be innovative, sustainable and progressive,” Gutierrez said.

Alveo Land already developed two residential communities in Broadfield including Venido on the northwestern

portion and Aveia just across it. Venido is a 22-hectare residential community currently under construction.

Gutierrez said the land values of Ayala Land-owned projects in the south of Metro Manila increased significantly over the last 12 years because of the large infrastructure developments taking place in the area.

Broadfield is just 4 kilometers from Nuvali and 21 km. from Alabang. It is accessible by the South Luzon Expressway through the main roads of Governor’s Drive and the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road.

Broadfield is also near the Laguna Technopark and the Laguna International Industrial Park.

Other established commercial and retail options in the area are Nuvali’s Ayala Malls Solenad, Laguna Central Mall and Paseo Sta. Rosa outlets.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue on Thursday shut down a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) service provider in Parañaque City that employs nearly 1,000 Chinese nationals for violating tax laws.

BIR deputy commissioner Arnel Guballa said that Altech Innovations Business Outsourcing operated by a certain Jan Erick Lavarias Altavas “neglected and/ or failed” to comply with the requirements under Section 236 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 as amended, specifically its non-payment of value-added tax and incomplete payment of the withholding tax of its employees.

Its head office is located at Aseana City, Parañaque. The BIR also closed its branch at the sixth floor, Tower Four of Double Dragon Plaza, DD Meridian Park, EDSA extension corner Macapagal Avenue, Bay Area in Pasay City.

The closure was based on the recommendatory report of the BIR POGO Task Force.

“The firm is not registered as a VAT taxpayer... This closure is part of our sustained campaign and enforcement against non-compliant firms,” Guballa said.

Guballa did not say the exact figure but he said Altech’s tax deficiencies might reach hundreds of millions of pesos.

“They are employing around 700 to 1,000 Chinese workers.... and these workers’ withholding tax are not complete,” Guballa said.

Guballa said Altech could resume its operations once it settled its tax obligations with the government.

“Once they pay, we will lift the closure order so that they can resume operations,” Guballa said.

BIR commissioner Caesar Dulay earlier warned tax-delinquent POGO operators, saying they should be ready to face the harsh consequences of their actions if they continued to be non-compliant with the country’s tax laws. Julito G. Rada

Foreign fund managers pulled out $231 million in September FOREIGN fund managers pulled out their investments from the local financial markets in September 2019, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show.

Foreign portfolio investments or “hot money” posted a net outflow of $231 million in September. Including the first week of October, hot money resulted to a net outflow of $1.3 billion since the start of the year, a turnaround from the $75-million net inflow a year ago.

“Domestic and international developments for the month included the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, attacks on Saudi Aramco’s oil facilities that triggered the increase in oil prices, the US Fed’s decision to cut rates and the BSP’s decision to cut interest rates a and reserve requirements,” the BSP said in a statement.

About 80.2 percent of investments in September were in securities listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange pertaining to property companies, holding firms, banks, food and beverages and tobacco firms and transportation companies. The balance of 19.8 percent went into peso government securities.

The United Kingdom, the US, Singapore, Malaysia and Luxembourg were the top five investor countries last month, with a combined share of 72.3 percent.

Foreign portfolio investments are called hot money because of the ease they are invested in and taken out of the financial markets.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is optional under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions.

Hot money posted a net inflow of $1.2 billion in 2018, a turnaround from the $195-million net outflow in 2017, buoyed partly by the passage into law of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market advances; Phinma Energy up

S

TOCKS rose for a second day in line with other Asian markets amid speculation about a possible US rate cut.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, picked up 15 points, or 0.2 percent, to close at 7,930.55 Thursday. The bellwether was also up 6.2 percent since the start of the year.

The broader all-share index gained 7 points, or 0.2 percent, to settle at 4,770.93 on a value turnover of P5.7 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 93 to 79, while 57 issues were unchanged.

Fourteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by

Globe Telecom Inc. which rose 1.6 percent to P1,870.00 and Phinma Energy Corp. which added 1.4 percent to close at P2.81.

Meanwhile, Asian markets were mixed, with traders unable to take advantage of weak US retail data that raised the chances of another Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

Comments in the Fed’s Beige Book update on the economy also pointed to a slowdown.

Hong Kong rose 0.5 percent but Shanghai finished 0.1 percent lower and Tokyo lost 0.1 percent.

Sydney sank 0.8 percent, Singapore shed 0.7 percent and Seoul retreated 0.2 percent, with Wellington also off.

There were gains in Taipei, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Speculation about a possible US

rate cut provided support to higheryielding currencies against the dollar, with the Australian dollar 0.6 percent up and the South Korean won 0.1 percent stronger. The Thai baht, the Mexican peso and the South African rand also posted healthy gains.

Oil prices fell after data pointed to a sharp rise in US stockpiles that reinforced worries about the impact on demand from the China-US trade war and the global economic slowdown.

In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday that Brexit talks with London were heading in a positive direction, but stressed that the two sides had yet to reach a deal.

Negotiations are “progressing but still not at the goal,” Merkel

told German MPs hours before a crunch summit in Brussels to secure an accord before the October 31 deadline for Britain to leave the EU. She noted that London had “shown readiness to negotiate, including by putting very concrete proposals on the table”.

But Merkel said she could not give a prognosis on how talks in Brussels starting later Thursday would end.

Underlining the difficulty of securing a deal, she said that “finding a good solution is like squaring the circle”.

She insisted that the remaining EU 27 member states would not allow a “hard border that could inflame hate and violence again” to return to the frontier separating Ireland and Northern Ireland. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review thurSday, octoBer 17, 2019

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

95 2.05 148.5 1.26 25.05 18.62 12.14 4.79 0.53 1.26 750 0.405 68.55 0.9 12.8 22.55 43 178.8 114 58 26 196.5 1,790 59.95

95.3 2.05 149.5 1.26 25.05 18.62 12.26 4.79 0.53 1.28 750.5 0.405 69 0.9 12.8 22.55 43.85 178.8 116.1 58.45 26.1 200 1,835 60

94.8 2 147.3 1.26 24.95 18.52 12 4.6 0.53 1.26 750 0.405 68.2 0.88 12.8 22.55 43 178.8 114 57.9 25.85 194.5 1,790 59

FINANCIALS 95 4,782,500 2 5,000 149.5 711,180 1.26 1,000 24.95 90,500 18.52 90,600 12.14 292,800 4.79 328,000 0.53 36,000 1.27 108,000 750 790 0.405 30,000 68.8 2,544,160 0.88 19,000 12.8 900 22.55 100 43.55 51,800 178.8 2,170 116.1 4,380 57.9 2,060 26 24,600 200 985,680 1,835 30 59 3,690

454,399,208.50 10,050 105,997,031 1,260 2,260,860 1,680,030 3,548,438 1,529,310 19,080 137,000 592,650 12,150 174,442,590 16,760 11,520 2,255 2,250,370 387,996 499,435 119,606.50 639,560 196,403,157 54,740 218,822

188,894,342 36,745,613 -1,121,420 170,092 -255,150 -80,469,104.50 222,050 357,600 7,800 12,218,392 -157,634.50

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

38.5 15.8 0.71 1.29 4.34 0.25 2.46 15.16 119 8.86 17.54 32.35 2.05 5.52 8.4 15.42 10.44 7 1.6 25 79.1 48.5 2.42 14.88 8.16 1.5 233.4 41 5.2 3.4 8.69 20 13.1 18 367 0.184 1.76 4.13 5.06 9.42 2.75 10.82 34 5.4 5.1 1.96 2.19 1 11.18 90.75 7.34 1.1 159.9 2.61 1.24 1.17

39.5 15.9 0.71 1.29 4.48 0.255 2.5 15.2 120 9.02 18.38 32.35 2.05 5.6 8.53 15.42 10.52 7.03 1.6 25.4 79.2 48.5 2.47 14.88 8.16 1.54 235 53 5.25 3.51 10.32 20.2 13.36 18 369 0.198 1.84 4.2 5.09 9.42 2.84 11 34.1 5.41 5.1 2.08 2.22 1 11.2 90.95 7.35 1.1 160.3 2.61 1.3 1.17

38.5 15.8 0.68 1.29 4.34 0.25 2.43 15.16 119 8.86 17.44 32 2.05 5.4 8.4 15.16 10.32 6.95 1.6 25 79.05 47.5 2.38 14.7 8.04 1.47 232.4 41 5.2 3.25 8.04 20 13.08 17.94 363.2 0.184 1.76 4.1 5.05 9.36 2.7 10.82 33.75 5.4 5 1.96 2.19 1 11.14 90.1 7.28 1.06 158.1 2.61 1.24 1.15

INDUSTRIAL 39.4 763,000 15.9 302,400 0.7 858,000 1.29 40,000 4.43 7,897,000 0.255 2,150,000 2.5 1,363,000 15.18 502,100 120 210 8.89 467,300 18.26 3,000 32 22,200 2.05 20,000 5.51 33,900 8.5 7,016,000 15.16 11,500 10.32 77,700 7 1,688,100 1.6 2,382,000 25 678,100 79.05 24,570 47.5 36,600 2.47 12,430,000 14.88 258,900 8.05 535,500 1.53 210,000 235 327,640 50 3,600 5.25 28,800 3.51 15,000 9.5 93,900 20.2 149,000 13.3 1,145,300 17.96 2,342,800 369 112,880 0.198 140,000 1.83 8,966,000 4.12 52,000 5.06 241,700 9.41 2,900 2.81 65,908,000 11 12,500 33.75 113,000 5.4 364,700 5.09 38,000 1.98 4,384,000 2.22 8,000 1 5,000 11.18 58,500 90.5 318,780 7.3 129,600 1.09 320,000 160 1,153,200 2.61 2,000 1.28 15,584,000 1.16 643,000

29,834,920 4,804,692 597,120 51,600 34,842,050 544,100 3,374,860 7,622,866 25,040 4,174,390 52,680 717,435 41,000 188,500 59,633,131 174,854 806,680 11,825,538 3,811,200 17,045,610 1,942,648 1,743,725 30,034,110 3,846,542 4,322,042 314,840 76,769,142 171,200 149,895 49,430 880,855 3,003,905 15,027,652 42,084,786 41,475,804 26,040 16,210,740 215,380 1,225,053 27,302 183,682,230 137,050 3,835,490 1,969,430 193,205 8,834,900 17,670 5,000 654,086 28,848,887 945,939 348,500 184,501,723 5,220 19,929,250 742,900

-5,455,560 1,767,610 4,887,720 -358,820 4,643,604 -406,789 -219,245 -161,300.00 -6,366,927 25,842 -358,484 -6,887,772 5,808,310 -1,602,570.00 1,262,925 337,280 380,514 1,472,476.00 14,343,504 1,925,860 593,728 -28,957,210 18,379,310 2,800,370 49,220 -12,863,600 -1,911,050 -92,948 16,698,990.50 365,728 55,000 -5,360,759 661,220 -8,120.00

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

0.88 53.95 11.72 0.72 6.72 12.78 1.15 1.17 872.5 3.66 6.82 8.88 13.2 0.218 862 5.67 73.9 5.06 0.51 4.38 14.1 0.6 5.01 0.038 1.35 166 1,004 0.85 404.2 219.6 0.231

0.91 54.3 11.78 0.73 6.72 13 1.15 1.19 875.5 3.68 6.82 8.9 13.4 0.227 862.5 5.67 73.95 5.06 0.51 4.38 14.16 0.6 5.01 0.038 1.39 168 1,009 0.85 404.2 219.6 0.231

0.87 53.3 11.52 0.7 6.62 12.6 1.13 1.16 861.5 3.6 6.71 8.68 13.04 0.216 855.5 5.67 73 5.06 0.485 4.31 13.72 0.58 4.87 0.038 1.35 166 997.5 0.84 403 218 0.231

HOLDING FIRMS 0.91 21,791,000 54.3 506,460 11.78 2,970,600 0.72 449,000 6.62 5,700 12.8 14,300 1.14 674,000 1.17 361,000 865 400,740 3.65 1,583,000 6.72 355,600 8.78 6,187,300 13.38 32,100 0.227 210,000 862 152,000 5.67 130,000 73.85 1,200,530 5.06 900 0.5 4,000 4.36 344,000 13.72 1,412,000 0.6 333,000 4.91 24,193,000 0.038 500,000 1.38 172,000 167.7 72,100 1,006 1,113,685 0.85 82,000 403 140 218 620 0.231 100,000

19,588,230 27,353,252.50 34,720,586 318,190 37,780 182,440 769,240 423,380 346,997,840 5,744,270 2,390,450 54,261,680 422,478 45,670 130,947,160 737,100 88,481,483 4,554 2,005 1,484,170 19,596,520 195,880 118,949,410 19,000 235,730 12,082,867 1,119,265,310 69,100 56,488 135,434 23,100

-2,235,410 6,823,498 15,688,716 410,490 -130,244,465 -101,420 187,658 -35,260,372 -20,882 3,447,635 -691,740 48,050,634.50 -1,340,910 6,929,586 -84,181,090 -17,940 -920,656 1,017,565,220 45,792 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD

15 0.83 0.86 49.1 2.03 4.75 6.28 0.56 0.86 0.39 9.8 20.7 0.44 0.122 1.62 1.2 4.78

15.02 0.83 0.86 49.2 2.05 4.75 6.28 0.58 0.87 0.4 9.81 20.7 0.44 0.122 1.62 1.22 4.82

15 0.82 0.85 48.5 1.99 4.68 6.28 0.56 0.86 0.39 9.74 20.3 0.44 0.122 1.59 1.2 4.75

PROPERTY 15 600,700 0.82 292,000 0.86 961,000 49.2 4,017,900 2.01 7,804,000 4.68 52,000 6.28 200 0.58 39,716,000 0.87 208,000 0.4 970,000 9.8 56,400 20.3 134,500 0.44 120,000 0.122 60,000 1.62 9,798,000 1.2 374,000 4.8 8,513,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

MRC ALLIED PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

0.305 1.38 0.38 2.04 45.15 25.55 2.25 3.24 38.55 2.64 0.92 7.68 5.65

0.305 1.38 0.38 2.04 53 25.55 2.34 3.27 38.95 2.66 0.93 7.7 5.69

0.295 1.35 0.37 2.01 45.15 24.95 2.24 3.24 38.3 2.56 0.89 7.63 5.58

0.305 1.37 0.38 2.04 52.95 24.95 2.25 3.27 38.95 2.64 0.93 7.7 5.67

4,250,000 1,097,000 210,000 45,000 320 1,230,000 191,000 35,000 6,492,300 1,935,000 38,000 5,910,700 119,000

1,271,600 1,494,660 79,700 90,860 16,498 30,965,905 430,050 114,290 251,547,800 5,067,120 34,670 45,377,254 668,605

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

10.1 19 11.54 0.57 0.042 17 2.33 10.7 96.45 7.03 5.5 9.05 1,840 5.18 431.2 1.56 121.3 8.15 3.61 0.107 4.94 2.57 2.98 18.3 3.35 2.45 1.1 3.04 2.88 8.1 4.85 134 3.17 1,105 0.68 0.52 39.8 77.65 9.14 2.6 0.67 0.32 0.66 16.86

10.26 19.16 11.56 0.58 0.042 17 2.41 10.9 97 7.03 5.5 9.2 1,875 5.27 439 1.59 123.4 8.15 3.61 0.107 4.99 2.63 2.98 18.8 3.38 2.45 1.1 3.06 2.88 8.29 5.18 136.5 3.22 1,117 0.7 0.53 40 77.65 9.2 2.63 0.68 0.33 0.69 16.86

10.1 18.8 11.48 0.56 0.042 17 2.33 10.56 96.2 6.81 5.5 9.05 1,840 5.18 431.2 1.56 120.6 8.15 3.61 0.107 4.78 2.51 2.97 18.3 3.35 2.4 1.09 2.95 2.84 8.1 4.81 134 3.15 1,105 0.68 0.51 39.75 76.6 9.11 2.56 0.67 0.315 0.66 16.22

SERVICES 10.26 19 11.5 0.57 0.042 17 2.41 10.62 97 6.88 5.5 9.05 1,870 5.23 438 1.57 122 8.15 3.61 0.107 4.82 2.51 2.98 18.8 3.38 2.41 1.09 3 2.86 8.29 5.18 136.5 3.22 1,106 0.68 0.53 40 76.9 9.11 2.57 0.67 0.32 0.69 16.36

5,300 26,800 15,173,100 6,647,000 400,000 800 58,000 2,636,900 472,880 680,100 6,000 20,300 40,030 21,400 380 173,000 1,475,030 600 1,000 100,000 3,928,000 558,000 42,000 42,800 37,000 413,000 48,000 2,582,000 105,000 700 56,000 195,290 695,000 87,545 1,360,000 2,182,000 2,426,000 343,480 83,400 1,233,000 229,000 3,930,000 302,000 1,222,800

54,266 509,872 174,547,824 3,753,270 16,800 13,600 139,240 28,140,896 45,767,157.50 4,687,363 33,000 184,107 74,697,690 111,892 165,272 270,960 179,869,466 4,890 3,610 10,700 19,048,270 1,408,330 124,990 789,844 124,450 996,980 52,520 7,731,820 300,400 5,768 279,380 26,169,008 2,226,520 97,184,210 927,860 1,133,670 96,950,030 26,428,865 761,748 3,196,740 154,770 1,266,650 205,990 20,010,392

-115,165,768 367,330 -4,550,612 30,043,251 -120,062 -33,000 8,387,275 77,002,121 294,770 -24,040 -503,410 5,720 -56,610 6,825 -44,270 -12,606,745 -8,080,530 -4,012,558 -272,240 -28,140 -6,253,366

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATOK CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A PHILODRILL PHINMA PETRO PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0017 1.14 12.44 2.6 0.28 7.69 1.73 0.211 0.105 0.109 1.16 4.03 1.07 0.86 0.012 0.012 10.8 3.59 12.3 22.95 0.0062

0.0017 1.14 12.44 2.62 0.28 7.69 1.73 0.212 0.107 0.11 1.16 4.06 1.07 0.87 0.012 0.012 11.18 3.65 12.42 22.95 0.0062

0.0016 1.12 12 2.6 0.28 7.45 1.66 0.204 0.105 0.108 1.1 3.84 1.02 0.85 0.011 0.011 10.52 3.59 12.1 22.7 0.0062

MINING & OIL 0.0016 146,000,000 1.12 450,000 12.4 41,800 2.62 230,000 0.28 50,000 7.69 1,500 1.66 8,102,000 0.211 460,000 0.106 1,980,000 0.11 930,000 1.14 125,000 3.87 12,431,000 1.06 277,000 0.87 294,000 0.012 18,900,000 0.011 4,400,000 11 919,800 3.64 205,000 12.16 507,800 22.95 34,300 0.0062 2,000,000

246,200 508,580 515,682 602,500 14,000 11,439 13,601,940 95,610 209,940 101,880 141,640 48,691,780 282,790 252,840 219,900 52,700 10,100,732 745,190 6,202,370 785,380 12,400

-181,930.00 125,970 30,380 35,200 2,473,370 14,450 46,878 90,920 -20,570 -244,710 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18 506 101 971 98.15 1.01 101.2 1,030 1,055 108 78 75.6 77 75.6 75.5 76

18.78 506 101 971 98.15 1.01 101.2 1,030 1,055 108 78.25 75.6 77 75.6 75.5 76

18 500 101 971 98.15 1.01 101.2 1,025 1,055 108 78 75 77 75.5 75.1 75

PREFERRED 18.76 148,600 500 2,360 101 86,250 971 30 98.15 10 1.01 1,000 101.2 2,500 1,025 20 1,055 2,595 108 200 78.25 11,550 75 33,550 77 390 75.5 5,000 75.5 18,400 75.5 171,380

2,675,276 1,181,240 8,711,250 29,130 981.5 1,010 253,000 20,550 2,737,725 21,600 901,312.50 2,526,950 30,030 377,780 1,387,280 12,942,081

0 -

LR WARRANT

1.56

1.6

1.56

WARRANTS 1.6 25,000

39,800

-

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

6.61 11.8 2.5 0.89

6.94 12.86 2.5 0.91

6.6 11.62 2.48 0.88

6.93 12.8 2.48 0.91

FIRST METRO ETF

118.4

118.8

118

MS 9,015,746 239,660 817,030 197,206,370 15,800,270 243,980 1,256 22,598,560 180,880 380,500 552,497 2,753,980 52,800 7,320 15,762,610 449,360 40,756,370

-373,518 74,188,635 -161,800.00 -47,130 195,930 59,799.00 -2,293,595 7,970,900 5,873,230

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

USD DMPL A1

10

10

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

10,116,863

INDUSTRIAL

142,662,907

HOLDING FIRMS

80,622,404

PROPERTY

97,447,653

SERVICES

53,610,566

MINING & OIL

198,352,878

GRAND TOTAL

587,986,495

10

SME

576,900 3,779,100 10,000 803,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.8 3,150 10

DDS

4,420

3,933,836 47,213,772 24,820 717,820

135,000 -8,544,060 26,040 71,438,575 7,950 -9,662,372 -

38,718 -239,664 -

372,813

-

44,200

-

VALUE 1,848.34 (up) 12.45 945,262,928.06 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,787.09 (up) 37.03 912,975,083.974 HOLDING FIRMS 7,724.01 (down) 12.77 2,109,557,982.88 PROPERTY 4,185.98 (up) 10.59 SERVICES 1,525.74 (up) 1.39 706,404,010.89 MINING & OIL 8,956.66 (down) 129.40 895,191,969.94 PSEI 7,930.55 (up) 15.25 83,409,096.22 All Shares Index 4,770.93 (up) 7.24 5,705,065,473.36 Gainers: 93; Losers: 79; Unchanged: 57; Total: 229

RCBC sees double-digit expansion of consumer loans

By Julito G. Rada RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp., the ninth-largest lender in terms of assets, said it expects to sustain the growth of its consumer lending business by double digit by yearend following the merger with thrift bank unit RCBC Savings Bank.

RCBC consumer lending head Rommel Latinazo said in a news briefing in Makati City Thursday that consumers loans grew by 14 percent in 2018.

“We at least have to sustain the 2018 numbers. We don’t want to grow slower than that,” Latinazo said.

“The merger took effect July 2019.

After that, our consumer lending remained intact. It is now the major business group of the bank,” Latinazo said.

“Consumer lending and SME lending will be our main pillars of growth going forward. We will continue our expansion plans and introduction of new products in auto, home, personal and salary loans,” Latinazo said.

He said RCBC saw a lot of opportunities after the merger. RCBC currently has 486 branches spread nationwide.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved in June 2019 the consolidation of RCBC Savings Bank into RCBC, a move that is seen to improve the latter’s financing and operational cost efficiencies.

RCBC obtained the BSP approval on June 17, 2019. RCBC Savings Bank is a thrift bank that is fully owned by RCBC. RCBC is one of the leading banks in the country that offers a wide range of banking and financial products and services. RCBC’s net income jumped 23 percent in the first half to P2.7 billion from P2.2 billion a year ago on the sustained strength of core businesses.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the strong growth in net income resulted from sustained efforts in strengthening the bank’s core business with double-digit growth in net interest income by 10 percent and feebased income by 23 percent.

RCBC president and chief executive Eugene Acevedo said the first-half performance was a testament of how RCBC had re-established its presence and became stronger through the years.

Cebu Pacific to mount flights between Palawan and Hong Kong

By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said Thursday it will mount direct flights between Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Hong Kong, one of the largest global aviation hubs,

by Nov. 17, 2019.

The low-cost carrier controlled by the Gokongwei family will also proceed with the previously announced ClarkPuerto Princesa flights by Nov, 17.

These two new routes will increase capacity to Puerto Princesa by 7 percent.

Alex Reyes, vice president for commercial at Cebu Pacific, said the Hong Kong route aimed to better connect Palawan to a wider market for tourists through a key international hub.

“Travelers from Hong Kong can now conveniently fly directly to Palawan, and enjoy their island vacation much sooner, saving them time and a connecting flight via Manila,” he said.

“We also enable tourists to enjoy more of the Philippines with options for easy connections between other key domestic destinations. We look forward to flying more tourists to one of the best islands in the world,” Reyes said.

Seats on Cebu Pacific’s newest route are up for grabs for the introductory base fare of P1 from Oct. 15 to 17, 2019. Travel period will be on Nov. 11, 2019 to March 28, 2020.

Palawan has consistently made the lists compiled by renowned travel publications of the world’s best and most beautiful islands. Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage as well as pristine beaches and other natural attractions such as El Nido, San Vicente and Port Barton.

World

Manila Manila

Standard Standard TODAY TODAY

B3

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2019 CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW18, BLACK CYAN YELLOW BLACK CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US demands ceasefire in Syria but Turkey’s Erdogan is defiant

TOKYO FASHION WEEK. Models display creations from fashion brand TOKUKO 1er VOL by Japanese designer Tokuko Maeda for the 2020 Spring/Summer collection at Tokyo Fashion Week in Tokyo on October 17, 2019. AFP

IN BRIEF Turkey ‘s Syria assault displaced 300,000

BEIRUT―Turkey’s week-old offensive against Kurdish-controlled areas of northeastern Syria has displaced more than 300,000 people, a war monitor said Thursday.

“More than 300,000 civilians have been displaced since the start of the offensive,” Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

He said the jump in the number of people forced to flee was due to a fresh wave of displacement over the past few days from areas around Tal Abyad and Kobane and in Hasakeh province.

Most displaced people tried to move in with relatives in safer areas, some were sleeping rough in orchards and others in some of the 40 schools that have been turned into emergency shelters, Abdel Rahman said.

Turkey and its Syrian proxies launched a broad assault on Kurdishcontrolled areas on October 9, after US troops pulled back from the border and started withdrawing from the northeast altogether.

Dozens of civilians―mostly on the Kurdish side―have been killed since the start of the offensive, which Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has refused to halt despite mounting international pressure. AFP

CEYLANPINAR, Turkey―US President Donald Trump has dispatched his deputy Mike Pence to Turkey to demand a ceasefire in Syria, as Ankara rebuffed international pressure to curb its deadly offensive against Kurdish forces.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Wednesday that Turkey’s operation―which has been facilitated by the withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria―would continue.

That came as an extraordinary letter emerged in which Trump warned Erdogan: “Don’t be a fool”.

Sent the day Turkey launched its incursion into northeastern Syria, Trump said history risked branding him a “devil”.

On Wednesday, Kurdish forces struck a desperate deal with Damascus and stepped aside to allow Syrian regime troops and allied Russian soldiers enter the border town of Kobane, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Kobane is a highly symbolic town for Syria’s Kurds, whose forces had in

US House slams pullout in Syria W ASHINGTON―President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended as “strategically brilliant” his decision to pull US troops out of Syria as the House of Representatives overwhelmingly condemned the move in a rare bipartisan rebuke.

A total of 129 members of Trump’s Republican Party joined Democrats as the House denounced the withdrawal of US troops from northern Syria in a 354-60 vote.

The joint resolution called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to immediately halt military operations against Kurdish militants in Syria.

In a sign of Trump’s deteriorating relationship with Congress, where the House is conducting an impeachment inquiry, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Charles Schumer walked out of what they said was an acrimonious White House meeting with Trump.

Schumer said Trump had called Pelosi a “third-rate politician” while the speaker said the president had experienced a “meltdown.”

Trump then took to Twitter, accusing Pelosi of having her own “meltdown,” while adding that the Democratic leader “needs help fast!”

“There is either something wrong with her ‘upstairs,’ or she just plain doesn’t like our great Country,” the president wrote.

Faced with mounting bipartisan criticism in Washington over the abrupt pullout of US forces from Syria, Trump denied he had given Erdogan a “green light” to launch operations against the Kurds.

“History will look upon you favorably “President Erdogan’s decision didn’t surprise me because he’s wanted to do if you get this done the right and humane that for a long time,” Trump told report- way,” Trump wrote.

Trump emphasized to reporters that ers earlier in the day at the White House.

“He’s been building up troops on the US troops were out of harm’s way and that the fallout from the US withdrawborder with Syria for a long time.”

The US president disparaged the al was for Syria, Turkey and Russia to Kurdish allies he abandoned in the face work out among themselves.

“I view the situation on the Turkish of the Turkish offensive, saying they were “not angels,” as well as his Repub- border with Syria to be, for the United States, strategically brilliant,” Trump lican critics at home.

“I didn’t give him a green light,” said. “Our soldiers are out of there, our Trump said of a telephone conversation soldiers are totally safe. They’ve got to he held with Erdogan prior to the Turk- work it out. AFP ish incursion. “Just the opposite of Republic of the Philippines a green light.

Republic of the Philippines Regional Trial Court Regional Court National CapitalTrial Judicial Region “I wrote a letter right after that National Capital Judicial Region Branch 229, Quezon City Branch 229, Quezon City conversation, a very powerful letELMER D. CRISOSTOMO, ELMER D. CRISOSTOMO, ter,” he said.

Petitioner, Petitioner, In the letter dated October 9, CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-17-05391-CV CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-17-05391-CV FOR: Declaration of Nullity of Trump told Erdogan “you don’t want FOR: Declaration Marriage of Nullity of Marriage to be responsible for slaughtering -versus-versusthousands” of people and urged him ROSARIO O. LOPEZ-CRISOSTOMO ROSARIO O. Respondent.

LOPEZ-CRISOSTOMO not to be a “tough guy” or a “fool.”

Respondent. x------------------------------------------------x x------------------------------------------------x

DECISION DECISION

WHEREFORE, the instant Petition is GRANTED. The marriage WHEREFORE, instant Petition is GRANTED. The marriage between Elmer D.the Crisostomo and Rosario O. Lopez-Crisostomo between Elmer D.ab Crisostomo Rosario O. Lopez-Crisostomo is declared void initio dueand to the psychological incapacity of is declared void ab initio due to psychological Elmer D. Crisostomo to perform thethe essential marital incapacity obligations.of Elmer D. Crisostomo to perform the essential marital obligations.

Serve with copies of this Decision personally or by registered Serve copies the of this Decision Counsel, personallythe or by registered mail the with Petitioner, Petitioner’s Office of the mail the General, Petitioner, the Office of the Solicitor andthe thePetitioner’s Office of theCounsel, City Prosecutor.

Solicitor General, and the Office of the City Prosecutor.

As the Respondent was summoned by publication, the As the Respondent was summoned publication, the dispositive part of this Decision shall be by published once in a dispositive of thiscirculation.

Decision shall be published once in a newspaper part of general newspaper of general circulation.

This Decision becomes final upon the expiration of fifteen days Thisnotice Decision becomes final upon the expirationthe of fifteen days from to the Petitioner, the Respondent, Petitioner’s from notice the Petitioner, the Respondent, thethePetitioner’s Counsel, thetoOffice of the Solicitor General and Office of Counsel, the Office of thefrom Solicitor General and the Office of the City Prosecutor, and the last publication date of the the City Prosecutor, andDecision, from thewhichever last publication of the dispositive part of this is later.dateEntry of dispositive part of this Decision, whichever is later.

Entry of judgment shall be made if no motion for reconsideration or new judgment shall be made if no motion for reconsideration or new trial, or appeal is filed by any of the parties, the Office of the City trial, or appeal is filed by of any the parties, the Office of the City Prosecutor, or the Office theofSolicitor General.

Prosecutor, or the Office of the Solicitor General.

Upon the finality of this Decision, this Court shall forthwith issue the finality ofDecree this Decision, this which Court shall theUpon corresponding of Nullity, shallforthwith quote inissue the the corresponding Decree of of Nullity, which shall quote in Decree the dispositive portion this Decision as entered in the the Decree the dispositive portion of this Decision as entered in the entry of judgment. entry of judgment.

The Civil Registry in Manila City and the Civil Registry in Quezon The Civil Registry in Manila City andofthe Civil Registry Quezon City are ordered to register the entry judgment of thisinDecision.

City are ordered to register the entry of judgment of this Decision.

This Court shall issue the Decree of Nullity after the registration issue theof Decree of Nullity granting after the registration of This the Court entry shall of judgment the Decision the instant of the entry of judgment of the Decision granting the instant Petition for declaration of nullity in the Civil Registry in Manila City Petition for declaration of nullity in the Civil Registry in Manila City and the Civil Registry in Quezon City. and the Civil Registry in Quezon City.

US bans Spanish dance company

LOS ANGELES―An award-winning Spanish dance company has been barred from entering the United States for an 11-day performance in Los Angeles despite having visas to enter the country.

The Barcelona-based Marta Carrasco Companyia―led by Carrasco, an acclaimed Catalan artist―was to perform between October 10 and 20 at The Los Angeles Theater Center.

On arrival at the airport in Seattle, Washington, last week, Carrasco and three colleagues were detained by US Customs and Border Patrol and interrogated for five hours before being deported, Carrasco said in a social media post.

She said the group was told by border patrol agents that their visas were not valid even though they were issued by the US Embassy in Spain and the group had all the proper documentation.

“In a very humiliating way, our dance company of four were accompanied, like criminals by five immigration officers all the way to the airplane door,” she wrote in Spanish in an Instagram post.

“This is sadly what happened,” she said.

She noted that she and her colleagues were flying to LA from Colombia, where they had attended a festival, and had a stopover in Seattle. AFP

Trump’s Twitter attack backfires

WASHINGTON―President Donald Trump’s Twitter attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi following an acrimonious White House meeting appears to have backfired spectacularly.

Trump tweeted a picture of the encounter Wednesday showing a standing Pelosi pointing at the president while he and everyone else in the room was seated, with the caption “Nervous Nancy’s unhinged meltdown!”

However, far from being upset at the picture, Pelosi posted it as her Twitter banner, and her supporters said it showed her literally standing up to Trump.

“Can a woman beat Donald Trump?

Yes. Speaker Pelosi does it every day,” Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said as she retweeted the picture.

“Thanks for the new cover photo @ realDonaldTrump!,” tweeted Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill.

Others pointed out that several members of Trump’s cabinet looked as if they would rather be somewhere else.

“The men on your right reflect the embarrassment we all feel,” tweeted actress Mia Farrow.

Pelosi has previously gone viral with her apparent trolling of Trump, with her slow clapping of his last State of the Union speech becoming an instant meme. AFP

2015 wrested it from the Islamic State (IS) group in an epic battle backed by the US-led coalition.

Days after American troops abruptly began withdrawing, clashes continued across the region, with Kurdish fighters in the border town of Ras al-Ain burning tires in a bid to blind Ankara’s warplanes and digging in against a ground offensive by Turkish-backed Syrian rebels.

The Turkish operation, now in its second week, has triggered a flurry of diplomacy among major powers.

Trump sent Pence along with his top diplomat Mike Pompeo to Turkey amid the greatest crisis in relations for decades between the NATO allies, with talks due in Ankara early Thursday.

Facing a barrage of criticism in Washington for abandoning the Kurds, Trump has imposed sanctions on three Turkish ministers and raised tariffs on its steel industry.

Pence’s office said the US would pursue “punishing economic sanctions” unless there was “an immediate ceasefire”. AFP

SO ORDERED. August 30, 2019, Quezon City.

SO ORDERED. August 30, 2019, Quezon City.

(Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III (Sgd.) CLETO R. VILLACORTA III Presiding Judge Presiding Judge Copy Furnished:

Copy -SACPFurnished: Mariesther Vedaña – OCP, Quezon City -SACP Mariesther Vedaña – OCP, Quezon CitySt., Legazpi -Office of the Solicitor General – 134 Amorsolo -Office the Solicitor Village,ofMakati City General – 134 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City (MStandard-Oct. 18, 2019)

(MStandard-Oct. 18, 2019)

REPUBLIC OF OF THE THE PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES REPUBLIC TARIFF COMMISSION TARIFF COMMISSION

VISIT. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima are welcomed by Maharashtra Governor

Bhagat Singh Koshyari during their visit in Mumbai on October 17, 2019. AFP

HK’s lawmakers dragged from chamber HONG KONG―Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong’s legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city’s pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancor in the strife-torn city.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents since the legislature opened its doors for a new session on Wednesday, three months after the building was trashed by masked protesters.

Lam was unable to give a State of the Unionstyle policy speech on Wednesday after pro-democracy lawmakers, who form a minority on the pro-Beijing-stacked legislature, repeatedly interrupted her.

Instead, she was forced to deliver the address in a pre-recorded video.

Lam returned to the Legislative Council on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers about the content of that policy speech.

But chaos erupted once again as her political opponents chanted slogans and were dragged one by one from the chamber.

Hong Kong has been rocked by the worst political unrest in decades.

Millions have taken to the streets, initially

against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Violence has escalated on both sides of the political divide with hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and stones, and police responding with ever-increasing amounts of tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds in recent weeks.

Vigilante attacks have also flourished.

A leading figure within Hong Kong’s democracy movement said Thursday he was recovering after being set upon by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs, the latest assault on Beijing critics in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Sham, one of the protest movement’s most recognizable faces, was left lying in a pool of his own blood late Wednesday after he was jumped by around five men in the district of Mong Kok. “I will continue to fight for the five demands in a peaceful, rational and non-violent manner,” Sham wrote on Facebook from his hospital bed.AFP

IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORMAL INVESTIGATION FORMAL INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPOSITION OF ON THE IMPOSITION OF SAFEGUARD MEASURE SAFEGUARD MEASURE AGAINST IMPORTATIONS AGAINST IMPORTATIONS OF CERAMIC FLOOR OF CERAMIC AND WALL TILESFLOOR FROM AND WALL TILES FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES VARIOUS COUNTRIES HARMONIZED SYSTEM HARMONIZED SYSTEM (HS) 2017 HEADING 6907 (HS) 2017 HEADING 6907 FOR : SAFEGUARD MEASURE FOR : (Republic SAFEGUARD Act MEASURE No. (RA) 8800) (Republic Act No. No.SG-2019-00(RA) 8800) Investigation Investigation No. SG-2019-00Ceramic Tiles Ceramic Tiles NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to Section 712 of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff to Section 712 of RA 10863Measures (Customs Act) Modernization andofTariff Act) Pursuant which adopts RA 8800 (Safeguard and in view the Act) which adopts aRA 8800Hearing (Safeguard Act) and view of the Motion to Conduct Public filed Measures by the Ceramic Tile in Manufacturers’ Motion to Conduct a Public Hearing filed by the Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines, notice is hereby given that a public hearing on Association of the Philippines, is hereby given that a public hearing on the issue of determination of likenotice or directly competitive product to the imported the issueunder of determination of will likebe or held directly competitive to the imported product consideration on 7 Novemberproduct 2019, 9:00 a.m., at the product under consideration willRoom, be held4F onWest 7 November 2019, 9:00 a.m., the Tariff Commission Conference Insula Condominium, No.at135 Tariff Commission Conference Room, 4F West Insula Condominium, No. 135 West Avenue, Quezon City.

West Avenue, Quezon City.

Parties are required to submit affidavits of their witnesses on or before 30 Parties arecopy required to submit affidavits of their witnesses on or before 30 October 2019, furnished the other parties.

October 2019, copy furnished the other parties.

For inquiries, Director Ma. Lourdes M. Saluta, Head of the Task Force on For inquiries, Director Ma. Lourdes M. Saluta, Head of the Task Force on Ceramic Tiles, may be reached at Telephone Numbers 8926-7476 or 8928Ceramic be reached at Telephone Numbers 8926-7476 or 89288419 or atTiles, emailmay address TC.Assist@mail.tariffcommission.gov.ph.

8419 or at email address TC.Assist@mail.tariffcommission.gov.ph.

Issued this 16th day of October 2019 in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Issued this 16th day of October 2019 in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

MARILOU P. MENDOZA MARILOU P. MENDOZA Chairperson Chairperson (MS-OCT.18, 2019) (MS-OCT.18, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

B4

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Isabela farmers to gain from RCEF

By Jessica M. Bacud

R

OXAS, Isabela—True to their commitment to strengthen support to the agriculture sector, the Provincial Government of Isabela with the Department of Agriculture and other stakeholders recently kicked off the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund campaign at the Roxas Astrodome here.

Senator Cynthia Villar, guest of honor, said the Rice Tariffication Bill was a certified priority bill as endorsed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Villar explained that with this measure, the government can fully achieve rice security, specifically the availability and accessibility of safe rice at affordable prices and the key features of Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, citing the creation of RCEF. The law also created the RCEF to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amid the liberalization of the rice trade as it aims to protect the rice industry from sudden price fluctuations, she said.

RCEF consists of an initial appropriation of P10 billion of the tariff collections on rice imports, and shall be appropriated annually for rice farmers.

RCEF will support greater farm mechanization, distribution of high-yield inbred seed, expanded rice credit assistance, and rice extension services or education in the rice industry, Villar emphasized.

The senator explained that another P1 billion is also available in the form of credit with minimal interest to rice farmers and cooperatives to be managed by

Senator Cynthia Villar (center, in white) is surrounded by local executives of Isabela led by Gov. Rodolfo ‘Rodito’ Albano III and Vice Governor Faustino G. Dy III, who later hold up a certificate of support from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (inset).

Jessica M. Bacud

LandBank and the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar lauded the leadership of the provincial government of Isabela for coming up with a program through the Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Isabela Agricultural Cooperative to buy the palay harvest of Isabela farmers.

Dar echoed the senator’s declaration: “We need your help in solving the emerging issues after the passing of the

law,” he said.

“I am pleased to announce that Isabela will be our model province across the country as far as implementing measures that will ease farmers’ burden and help them rise up in their present situation.”

Dar cited the creation of the Nagkakaisang Magsasakang Isabelino, a super cooperative with initial members of 6,000 farmers’ provincewide.

Isabela Gov. Rodolfo “Rodito” T. Albano III expressed gratitude for the

efforts DA headed by Regional Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo and other agencies involved in the implementation of projects under the RCEF. Albano said the primary beneficiaries are the rice and tobacco farmers in Isabela and the NMIAC as program partners.

“This initiative supplements the hardships of the farmers across the province and improve their production and competitiveness since it will provide financial services in support with their liveli-

hood,” Albano said.

DBP president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Herbosa assured the support of DBP in uplifting the lives of Filipinos through providing low interests to its borrowers especially the LGUs’ implementation of Rice Competetiveness Enhancement Program in the country during the launching.

The DBP has partnered with NMIAC and PayMaya Inc. for financial services to farmers in the form of e-wallet cards.

Ex-UP Regent among top 15 citizens of QC THE Quezon City Government is set to recognize former University of the Philippines Regent and College of Mass Communications Dean Georgina Encanto as one of the recipients of the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal for Outstanding Citizens of the city this Saturday at the Arete Museum’s Hyundai Hall inside the Ateneo de Manila University.

Encanto, 15 other individuals and five institutions will be awarded Quezon City’s highest citation in this year’s Gawad Parangal, which aims to recognize the extensive

Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. and Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion (from left) join Janis L. Racpan, director for Business Development and Marketing for GoWiFi, and Joanna Marie Santiago, Industry head, Enterprise Group at Globe in marking the partnership.

GoWiFi fires up services in Naga City GLOBE GoWiFi recently sealed a partnership with the Local Government of Naga and University of Nueva Caseres to provide the city’s residents and students with free, high quality data connectivity.

Officials of Naga City government led by Mayor Nelson S. Legacion joined Globe executives in signing a landmark agreement to put up GoWiFi services for employees and constituents at Naga City Hall.

The services are also available at University of Nueva Caceres, one of the city’s top institutions for higher education.

By having GoWiFi available inside the university, students and teachers alike are assured of free, high-quality data connectivity they can access any time of the day, whether for studying, research, or even for leisure purposes and inter-

SARANGANI HYDRO PROJECT. The Alsons

Power Group has begun preliminary work on the construction of the P4.5-billion 14.5-megawatt run-ofriver hydroelectric power plant at the Siguil River basin in Maasim, Sarangani.

At the power plant’s dam site, a composite team from Alsons Energy Development Corp., Sta. Clara International Corp., and ATI Consultores, Siguil Hydro’s Madrid-based design consultant, conduct geophysical studies to help finalize the plant’s final structural design.

action with co-students and faculty peers.

“We are very excited in pursuing this partnership with the local government of Naga City and University of Nueva Caseres as this marks another milestone in GoWiFi’s mission of helping drive digital transformation in the country,” said Janis Nathalie Racpan, director of Marketing and Business Development at GoWiFi. “This is in line with our enduring commitment to serve more Filipinos with reliable, high-quality and affordable internet connectivity,” she added.

Other key areas currently fired up by GoWiFi are Bicol Central Station and Naga Civic Station.

The partnership looks to extend GoWiFi services to more areas within the city such as Plaza Rizal, Plaza Quezon, Plaza Quince Martires, Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary, Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum and Naga City Hospital by next year.

contribution of selected city residents and institutions to national development through their excellent work in their respective fields of expertise and advocacy.

The awarding ceremony is part of Quezon City’s month-long 80th Foundation Day celebration.

As a professor of journalism and administrator from the country’s sole national university, Encanto has been noted for launching several important programs and reforms that has produced generations of high-caliber media practitioners and communication scholars from

Pueblo de Oro, Science Park support women’s training

all over the archipelago.

As the dean of one of the country’s top communication schools from 1985-1991, the young Encanto facilitated the elevation of the UP Institute of Mass Communication to college status, the institution of new academic programs, the revival of the Philippine Communication Journal, the establishment of the prestigious Lopez Jaena Community Journalism Workshop, and the reactivation of the DZUP Radio Station as a laboratory station for broadcast communication students.

IN BRIEF

‘NavoRegalo’ aid for grandparents STARTING next year, senior citizens in Navotas will celebrate their birthday with a little present from the city government.

Mayor Toby Tiangco on Monday signed City Ordinance 2019-15, granting the ₱500 “NavoRegalo Para sa mga Lola at Lolo” on their birthday.

“This is our way of thanking and showing our appreciation to our senior citizens for all that they have done for Navotas. We hope the cash gift would make their birthday celebration extra joyful or would help them with their medication needs,” he said.

To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a registered voter of Navotas and must have a senior citizen’s ID issued by the City Social Welfare and Development Office on or before July 31, 2019. Jun David

Alicia town passes road clearing check Through the ICCP Group Foundation, Pueblo de Oro and Science Park of the Philippines partnered with the Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. to teach women, such as this group in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, basic skills in cosmetology and micro-enterprise development.

BEAUTY is in the eye of the beholder. People around the globe have always aspired to be beautiful. Through ways big or small, the pursuit of ‘beauty’ not only enhances one’s appearance but also boosts an individual’s selfconfidence.

The demand for beauty products and services has provided Pueblo De Oro Development Corporation and Science Park of the Philippines, Inc., companies under the ICCP Group, an opportunity to help the communities they operate in.

Through the ICCP Group Foundation, PDO and SPPI partnered with the Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Inc. for the project dubbed “Ganda Mo, Hanapbuhay Ko.” “Ganda Mo, Hanapbuhay Ko” is a five-day training program that equips trainees with basic skills in cosmetology as well as micro-enterprise development.

Local government units, government agencies, and NGOs work with PDO and SPPI to recruit possible trainees for a minimum of 25 up to 60 trainees per session.

ALICIA, Isabela—The road clearing operations in this town have passed the recent evaluation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Mayor Joel Amos Alejandro said the success of their road clearing operations can be attributed to the cooperation and understanding of villagers affected by the law.

“We will continue on with the clearing operations and we are appealing to our villagers to comply with our implementation.

We are appealing for your understanding,” he said during his 100 Days message.

Alejandro also reiterated his plan to ease traffic within the municipality through the continuing road clearing and rerouting schemes to maximize the use of municipal and barangay roads.

He said he local government unit also deployed “Dancing Traffic Enforcers” in the town’s major traffic routes to ensure its proper flow and secure the pedestrians for public use. Ben Moses Ebreo

Life

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

YOUNG LIFE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

C1

FIRST LOOK

BDJ, Navi and more 2020 planners IT’S that time of the year again when we shop—or collect stickers—for planners and journals. The Manila Standard Life team got first hands on the 2020 edition of the bestselling Belle de Jour power planner and its other sisters made by Viviamo! Inc.

Belle de Jour Power Planner

The BDJ 2020 edition features monthly activities that challenge every “power planner” to live life to the fullest. It also comes with weekly spreads for lists, schedules, and even personal mantras such as “The Universe is in Me,” this edition’s theme. It also includes 2020 Goals Pages, a Dream Board, a gratitude grid, and a daily Law of Attraction schedule. It comes in four covers.

'AN ENEMY HAS BEEN SLAIN.' Packing a powerful processor and battery, the newly launched realme 5 series of devices is suitable for

Power of 5

multiple rounds of Mobile Legends or other games.

Navi Planner

Built for the adventurer, the Navi 2020 includes stories from 12 travel bloggers who candidly talked about the places they consider their second home. Each journal comes with a bucket list page, itinerary spread, and several checklists made for traveling.

Things you can do with a budget smartphone

By Bernadette Lunas

S

OME tech-savvy folk once said: “Great power comes with a hefty price tag.”

Makes sense, really, especially when it comes to electronic devices. But an emerging smartphone manufacturer intends to challenge this fact with a range of products that combines features and price accessibility.

Despite being a young mobile phone brand, as it was only officially established in May 2018 in China, realme has successfully penetrated the budget smartphone market in the Philippines. In a mere 10 months here in the country, the brand’s products are already present in 4,500 stores nationwide, 200 kiosks, and 20 concept stores.

According to realme Philippines officials, it is currently the fastest growing brand in the Philippines, owing the achievement to innovative products and competitive pricing.

To further cement its position, the Chinese smartphone brand has recently launched its entries to the quad camera market—the realme 5 Pro and realme 5 both come with exciting features but not one costs more than P15,000, yes, that’s not a typo.

Those who wonder what one can do with a quad camera smartphone at this price point, realme offers this list:

Game on

“Form a band of heroes with your squad and get ready to launch attacks in high-definition graphics with zero lags,” says realme. The realme 5 sports a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 AIE while the realme 5 Pro is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 712 AIE processor to deliver good gaming experience with a smooth frame rate, rapid operation, surround sound, and HD true image.

Everything is Possible Planner

Every goal-taker’s companion, its 2020 edition features two 2020 Goals spreads where planners can list down tangible and actionable steps while setting deadlines for each. Its cover features water-like elements, alluding to the ripple effect that one small action makes across a large body of water.

Powerful lenses and Nightscape mode that uses a night scene algorithm combined with AI technology bring life to the night—and images shot at night, obvs.

The realme 5 Pro also packs Hyper Night photo shoots Boost 2.0, which supports two powerful Going on a pub crawl with the gang? engines: Frame Boost and Touch Boost Or just want to capture bright night that improve the performance and stabil- lights? The Nightscape mode in realme ity of the mobile phone during game.

5 harnesses the power of night scene algorithm combined with AI technology with multi-frame engine to optimize ‘PROtography’ Harnessing the power of their four camera performance in extremely lowlenses, both smartphones boast clear and lit scenarios. Handheld stabilization, refined images. The devices have four highlight suppression, and improved lenses: an ultra-wide angle lens, a main dynamic range further make night phocamera, a portrait lens, and an ultra- tography even more fun. macro lens, which, together, allow users Stream your heart out to capture beauty from afar or up close.

Movie and TV series marathons are The realme 5 Pro even packs a 48MP main camera optimized with a Sony immersive as both phones pack a display with 89 percent and 90.8 percent IMX 586 sensor.

The newly launched devices also screen ratio, respectively. Juice is not a come with the Chroma Boost, a favorite problem, the brand claims. realme 5 is feature from the smartphone brand, packed with 5,000mAh battery, while which enables the device to optimally realme 5 Pro features a 20W VOOC 3.0 use its AI engine in recognizing scene Flash Charge Technology, which cominformation, restoring real details, and plements its 4,030mAh battery. enhancing brightness and colors.

Essentials Planner

Its clean and no-nonsense dotted spreads are specially designed for bullet journaling and creative journaling. The planner comes in two covers: classic and pattern.

These planners and journals are now available at crazyaboutpaper.com and major bookstores nationwide.

BULLETIN BOARD

Vlog it

Aspiring YouTube stars can start building their careers using the new devices as realme 5 series record up to 4K videos.

The devices’ front and rear cameras both feature Electric Image Stabilization to prevent unnecessary shakes. realme 5’s video function supports recording slow-motion videos in 240fps and 720p while the 5 Pro enables slowmotion video recordings in 960fps and 720p, allowing users to smoothly capture moments frame by frame. Both support video editing so users can add and adjust video speed, add filters, texts, and soundtrack effects or render edited videos through the theme function.

Both realme 5 and realme 5 Pro's large display offers an immersive viewing experience, perfect for movie and TV series marathons.

Focus Journal

Made for the perennially busy folk, it comes with monthly spreads that feature eye-catching and thought-provoking typography. Monthly check-ups offer space for reflection on different aspects of life. The spacious weekly layout, on the other hand, is designed for schedules and other events.

The realme 5 Pro 4GB+128GB and 8GB+128GB are priced at P11,990 and P13,990, respectively, while the realme 5 is available in 3GB+32GB, 4GB+64GB, and 6GB+128GB variants for P6,990, P7,990, and P9,900, respectively.

The first batch of CGSP takers from FEU's Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management

FEU-ITHM offers students international certification

FAR Eastern University’s Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management, through its partnership with Asia World Hospitality Philippines, offered its graduating students Certified Guest Service Professional certification workshop from American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute.

Facilitated by Asia World Hospitality Philippines, the CGSP is an

international certification program globally recognized by the industry to develop guest and service-oriented working professionals.

The first batch of takers successfully passed the certification exam.

FEU-ITHM is now gearing up for the next batch of workshop for its faculty, graduating students, and alumni on Nov. 27-29.

C2

Entertainment

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

Instant connection between Al James, Lola Amour in ‘Coke Studio Season 3’ R APPER Al James and indie band Lola Amour felt an instant rapport when they met to discuss their Coke Studio Season 3 collaboration.

‘Coke Studio Season 3’ performers Rapper Al James (center, seated) and indie band Lola Amour

“Match yung energy namin! They’re all so young so you feel that youthful vibe from them,” Al James said of their first meeting.

On Lola Amour’s part, lead singer Pio Dumayas has this to say on working with a hip-hop artist, “We really believe that there is strength in numbers and so adding one more genre to the music can only be good. For us, we were just thinking of what could make a great song.”

Lola Amour is composed of eight musicians, seven of whom were part of a marching band in De La Salle Zobel and the youngest member is from the Philippine High School of the Arts. Joining Pio are backing vocalist and keyboardist Martin Kim, backing vocalist and bassist Raymond King, guitarist Mico Fernandez, guitarist Zoe Gonzales, trumpeter Angelo Messina, saxophonist Joxx Perez, and drummer Renzo Santos.

Raymond speaks for the band when he says, “Music is what keeps us sane…especially at this stage when we’re starting to face responsibilities… adulting na kami!”

And Al echoes this sentiment. “Early on, from childhood, music started as an escape from reality until it became a kind of therapy, especially ngayon sa life and career ko…”

Pio puts it this way—”Music is what helps us to see, to see each other and who we really are.”

And who they are is a unique combination of verve, spunk and swag, all rising to the challenge of adulting under the spotlight.

Watch Al James and Lola Amour as they collaborate on Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them tomorrow, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. on ABS-CBN or on https://www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

‘Grease’ to come back as TV show

GREASE is about to come roaring back with a small screen ver- s i o n called Grease: Rydell High, named after the high school in which the 1978 movie was based.

With Summer Loving, a big screen prequel to the musical also in the pipeline, WarnerMedia Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt revealed Tuesday that a spin-off series based on the musical is in the making.

Like the original, the updated story will explore teenage angst and peer pressure, the horrors of puberty and life in Middle America.

It will also feature some of the original songs as well as hits from the 1950s, Greenblatt told delegates at MIPCOM, the world’s biggest entertainment market in Cannes, France.

“We’re going to reinvent it as a musical series, with some of the music of the show, some of the characters. We’re going to build out the world of the show that everybody loves... into a big, fun rock ‘n’ roll musical,” he added. AFP

Rock Hall of Famer eche Mode, Dave Matthews Band, Motorhead, PatBenatar, and The Doobie Brothers.

This year’s field is marked by three legendary artists who died young.

The new class of inductees will be announced in January 2020, with the annual star-powered ceremony set for May 2 in the hall of fame’s home city of Cleveland, Ohio.

Germany’s electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk are also up for the honor, with Nine Inch Nails, Judas Priest, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, MC5, Todd Rundgren, T.Rex, and Thin Lizzyrounding out the pack.

Inductees are chosen following a survey of more than 1,000 musicians, historians and industry members, who consider an act’s career work, innovation, skill and Rapper Biggie, Whitney Houston among influence in voting in new memRock Hall of Fame potentials bers. AFP

FIRST time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees Whitney Houston and the Notorious B.I.G. topped this year’s short-list of potential inductees, the institution announced Tuesday.

The late music icons are among 16 acts vying for a coveted spot, joined by performers and groups including Soundgarden, Dep-

J-pop idol Yamashita stars in bloody Antarctic chiller

JAPANESE idol Tomohisa Yamashita is to star in a chilling new thriller set in the Antarctic called “The Head”.

A clip from the series—co-created

by Ran Tellem of Homeland fame -was shown Tuesday at MIPCOM, the world’s biggest entertainment market in Cannes.

The show’s international cast includes Irish actor John Lynch, who is one of two survivors of 10 people left to “winter” at a research base.

When scientists return in the spring they find the walls covered in blood and the two survivors blaming each other for the murders.

Yamashita, a 35-year-old singer and actor who is widely known as Yamapi, plays an investigator.

He said “this story shows the core of human emotions” as he appeared in Cannes with co-stars including Spain’s Alvaro Morte—the “Profes-

sor” in Money Heist—to promote the show.

Shooting is still going on in Iceland and Canary Islands backed by the Catalan giant, Mediapro—the co-producers of the hit The Young Pope—Hulu Japan and HBO Asia.

The show is written by Spanish brothers Alex and David Pastor. AFP Japanese artist, actor, singer and dancer Tomohisa Yamashita will star in the TV thriller series ‘The Head’

YUGEL LOSORATA THE ongoing 40th graduation exhibit mounted by the Philippine School of Interior Design showcases innovative, inspired interiors highlighting the extent of its young pool’s ingenuity. It is open public-free this whole of October at the 5th floor of Greenfield Tower, Mayflower St. in Mandaluyong City.

Staged in celebration of PSID’s 52nd anniversary, the exhibit titled HUGIS, ATBP displays 12 different design spaces under 30-sqm in three habitat styles. The first booth dubbed Making Spaces quickly caught my attention for its acoustic ceiling panel.

Joy Delos Reyes, one of the Design Divs behind it, informed that the 28-square home she and teammate Regine Gapasin created had originally been set as a musician’s pad.

“Good acoustic in our home spaces is very important in our well-being, specially if you’re a musician,” she pointed out.

While designers are often geared towards satisfying the sense of sight, the duo wants to address a more wholistic design appealing to as much human senses as possible, including, of course, the sense of hearing. Joy herself is a singer so sound matters to her a lot.

She related, “Based on research, food actually tastes better when there is better acoustic environment. Good environmental acoustics promote better physical health, as well as one’s mental and psychological well-being, while noisy environment enhances stress, fatigue, hearing damage, and even mental illness.”

Their booth welcomes visitors as part

Good acoustic

of the Parisukat at Parihaba gallery which boasts designs appropriate for the urban setting. HUGIS ATBP actually stands for Homes Using Geometrically Inspired Spaces for Alternative Types of Built Spaces. Two other galleries deal with serene suburbs and restful retreats.

Victor Ruel Pambid, PSID Vice President for Academic Affairs, stated, “This exhibit aims to inspire people to utilize spaces they have no matter what shape or size. In this time of rapidly increasing property values, design and practicality make a huge difference.”

Music can still be made even in bad atmosphere but it won’t hurt if a place is conducive for music-making. Even in professional recording, a mic set-up is done to capture the sound of the room.

Joy elaborated, “Our approach was to apply the sense of sustainable home

Design Divas Joy Delos Reyes (right) and Regine Gapasin posed at their Making Spaces booth, one of the 12 design spaces to welcome visitors at the ongoing PSID’s 40th graduation exhibit HUGIS ATBP in Greenfield Tower in Mandaluyong.

The exhibit runs up to Oct. 31.

while designing for the future. It hopes to maintain a condition without harming the environment. The design should be functional, transformable, practical, and realistic.”

Apart from being a graduating interior design student, this eloquent lady is a former Bb.Pilipinas candidate and courtside reporter for the PBA. She also did newscasting for UNTV and anchored for sports as well as dabbled in TV acting. Her track record puts her in the league of PSID celebrity alumni Carmi Martin and Nikki Gil. “In this day and age of evolving residential needs, it is important that we push our visionary students to keep thinking outside the norms of design and explore beyond the limits of traditional spaces,” Pambid added.

This PSID exhibit simply rocks!

Kapuso Milyonation KrisMasaya awaits new millionaires this holiday season where the store owners can receive GMA Network ushers in the special prizes too! Participants must holiday season with over simply include the store details by P10 million worth of prizes writing the name and complete to be given away via Kapuso address of a valid sari-sari store, Milyonation KrisMasaya 2019. as well as the contact details of the Now on its 15th season, the store owner.

Network’s longest-running and Entries can be submitted successful promo has enabled its at designated drop boxes previous winners from various in GMA TV and Radio stations, parts of the country to set up their and select Mercury Drug and own small businesses, invest Cebuana Lhuillier branches and grow their first million, and nationwide. Sending of entries is even help their family with their until Jan. 3, 2020. immediate needs.

The lucky winners will This year’s Kapuso Milyonation be announced on-air within KrisMasaya will draw five grand winners of P1 million cash each GMA Network awaits new lucky millionaires this holiday season GMA-7 and will be posted via Kapuso Milyonation KrisMasaya promo. at www.gmanetwork.com/ from the participating sponsors, GMAPromos and www. weekly appliance prizes, and facebook.com/GMAPromos. weekly cash prizes which are all tax-free.

Meanwhile, the public is reminded to be careful of scam texts using Participants must simply enclose a proof-of-purchase in a plain white envelope from any of the participating brands for this season’s Kapuso the names of GMA Network and GMA Kapuso Milyonation in order Milyonation KrisMasaya: Milo, Bear Brand, Nescafe, and Ajinomoto. to solicit money. GMA Kapuso Milyonation notifies winners via voice On a piece of paper, participants must write their complete name, age, call and SMS using its official numbers, and will not ask for money or address, contact number, and handwritten signature. At the back of the anything in exchange to claim prizes.

For inquiries and other details, call Kapuso Milyonation’s Official envelope, participants must write Kapuso Milyonation KrisMasaya, the brand of the enclosed proof-of-purchase, and their region of residence. Promo Hotline: 8-922-7372 (Metro Manila) or 1800-10-922-7372 For a merrier Christmas, participants can get a chance to win (Outside Metro Manila).

Per DOH-FDA CFRR Permit No. 1212 s. 2019. additional prizes if they include a sari-sari store partner in their entry,

Motoring

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

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CLASS ACT: The H-100 Class 1 (left) and Class 2 HD 50S are certified as roadworthy.

READY TO SERVE FILIPINOS

• Hyundai Modern Jeepneys Receive DOTr Certification

J

UST a few days after reiterating support for the government’s PUV modernization efforts at the recently concluded Roads & Traffic Expo, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo announced that Hyundai’s Modern Jeepney Class 1 and 2 are officially ready to serve the public after receiving Certificates of Compliance (COC) from the Department of Transportation.

King of the Road: Hyundai H-100 Class 1 Modern Jeepney The Hyundai H-100 Class 1 Modern Jeepney, displayed at the Roads & Traffic Expo which was held at the SMX Convention Center, has also been showcased at several motor shows and PUJ caravans nationwide over the past year.

This is truly a fusion of cutting-edge Korean technology and the Filipino’s legendary ingenuity.

The Hyundai H-100 Class 1, a fresh take on the iconic “King of the Road,” is proudly people-centric, fuel efficient, and innovative, received its COC after undergoing dimensional testing by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The long wheelbase is engineered to comfortably seat 12 passengers and the driver. Loading cargo puts less stress on the vehicle, translating to increased fuel economy as well as a steadier drive.

Powered by a 2.5L CRDi diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Hyundai Modern Jeepney Class 1 is

packed with enough power (maximum output of 130ps) and torque (26 kg-m at 1,500 rpm) to efficiently move people and cargo on a daily basis. The engine also complies with international Euro 4 emissions standards. The King of the Road has never been this environmentally friendly!

Keeping to its promise of smart mobility, Hyundai is offering the H-100 Class1 Modern Jeepney with features such as CCTV, digital signboard, optional Wi-Fi router, and two automated fare collection systems (AFCS) for convenient payment.

Big Brother: Hyundai HD50S Class 2 Modern Jeepney Also receiving its COC and being judged roadworthy is Hyundai’s Class 2 HD50S Modern Jeepney.

The Class 2 Modern Jeepney is built on Hyundai’s HD50S platform and is powered by a 2.9-liter Euro 4-compliant CRDi engine for better fuel efficiency, reliability, and cleaner emissions. Like its little brother, it is designed for enhanced stability and power-to-weight ratio,

We are eager to bring more of the awardwinning Suzuki vehicles to more parts of the country so we hope to gain more partners to team up with and together achieve success,” Suzuki Philippines Director and General Manager for Automobile Division Keiichi Suzuki shares.

Suzuki Auto dealership opportunity open in select areas SPH invites investor-partners interested to venture in the car dealership business to take advantage of this opportunity to open a Suzuki Auto dealership in the country. Interested parties may submit a letter of intent to sph_auto.dd@suzuki. com.ph.

The following areas are currently available for opening a Suzuki Auto dealership: Luzon: Bulacan, Camarines Norte, Oriental Mindoro, Cagayan, Cavite, Ilocos Sur, Las Piñas, Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, Sorsogon, Taguig, Zambales

Toyota clear-out sale extended VIOS, Innova, Hilux, and other bestselling Toyota models in all 70 dealerships nationwide are up for grabs in the Great October sale.

Toyota Motor Philippines said its much-anticipated inventory clear-out sale has been extended During this special weekend, Toyota customers can avail the brand’s best and biggest deals on ten (10) of its iconic nameplates. Register online at www.toyota.com.ph, or through any of Toyota’s 70 dealer outlets nationwide.

The Great Toyota Sale includes select variants of the locally-made Vios and Innova, alongside segment

best-sellers Fortuner, Hilux, Hiace, Avanza, Wigo, Corolla Altis, RAV4, and Yaris.

“The Great Toyota Sale offers irresistible deals for limited stocks, available only this weekend,” said TMP First Vice President Cristina Arevalo. “We highly encourage everyone to come and visit their preferred Toyota dealership, and experience the joys of hassle-free car ownership.”

No special requirements are needed to avail and reserve the 10 participating models, with discounts as much P 230,000.

Petron Car Care Center spreads wings HARI president/CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo

boasting a 3415-milimeter wheelbase.

The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Class 2 Jeepney also features roof-mounted air conditioning, AFCS, Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, CCTV cameras, 7-inch monitor, and speed limiter.

Both Class 1 and Class 2 Modern Jeepneys enjoy Hyundai’s award-winning After-Sales support offered by Hyundai’s 14 commercial vehicle dealerships across the country.

“Hyundai innovation does not stop adapting to the call of the times,” Agudo stressed. “We are not only in the business of cars—we’re in the business of mobility. More than just delivering innovative products, we continue to rethink our business model, connect with people and institutions, and are open to new perspectives and new ways of thinking and doing things.”

Suzuki PH seeking partners in car dealership DRIVEN to further expand its presence in the country and riding on its growing business momentum, Suzuki Philippines Inc. continues its Dealer Expansion Program and invites more investors across the country into the car dealership business.

The program aims to open more dealerships in the country, in particular in areas with growth potential. The dealership partnership covers the construction and operation of new dealerships.

“With the milestones Suzuki Philippines has reaped, including the ones we’ve achieved so far this year, we believe we are more equipped to grow the business further and spread to more areas in the country. We consider that now is the best time to work with more potential investors, and so we are looking for more business partners who share our vision, believe in our products and see the great possibilities in growing with the brand.

FASTLANE

Visayas: Antique, Lanao Del Norte, Masbate Mindanao: Agusan Del Sur, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Lanao Del Norte, Surigao Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Norte Business momentum As it climbs up the industry ranking with its continuous positive growth throughout the years, SPH drives its goal of reaching more Filipinos through various marketing initiatives. SPH brings quality driving experience to local and provincial markets with its passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

“It has always been the brand’s commitment to introduce innovative vehicles and deliver quality service that is accessible and convenient. It is our pleasure to offer our products and services to motorists in every major urban areas and provinces in the country so that we can share the Suzuki Way of Life with more Filipinos,” added Keiichi Suzuki.

INDUSTRY leader Petron Corporation has been providing Filipino motorists not just world-class products through its line-up of fuels and lubricants, but also ‘casa-like’ automotive services through its PETRON CAR CARE CENTER (CCC).

Offering affordable packages for a complete line of professional maintenance and repair services, PETRON CCC outlets have well-trained technicians who use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to keep your car in tip-top condition.

Six new PETRON CCCs opened this year to bring quality car care services to more locations nationwide.

These include: PETRON CCC Express Molino, located at Molino Blvd., Bacoor, Cavite (mobile 927-2854922) PETRON CCC Pagadian at F.S. Pajares Ave., San Jose, Pagadian City (mobile 932-8875007) PETRON CCC Express SM Center-Pasig at Frontera Verde, along C5, Pasig City, is the first in-mall car care center (mobile 917-5309791) PETRON CCC Express Rodriguez is a new in-station car care center located Mabini St., Burgos, Rodriguez, Rizal (mobile 956-7087838) PETRON CCC Xavierville is the third CCC in Quezon City. It is located along Xavierville Avenue (mobile 945-9949861/landline 7719-7670)

PETRON CCC Calasiao in Nalsian, Calasiao Pangasinan (mobile 933 8292073).

The new additions bring the total PETRON CCC to 39 outlets nationwide, with 26 in Luzon, 4 in the Visayas, and 9 in Mindanao.

Every PETRON CCC carries the full range of technologicallyadvanced Petron lubricants and specialty products such as the Petron Blaze Racing with Thermal Stress Stabilizing System (TS3) line for gasoline engines, the Petron Rev-X with Dynamic Cleaning Technology (DCT) for diesel engines, as well as the High Temperature Protection (HTP) line of automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, gear oil, and grease, among others.

PETRON CCC offers different Change Oil Value Packages (COVP) for the oil change requirements of budget-conscious motorists. In addition, car owners can avail of various car repair and maintenance services such as engine works and chassis repair. Certain PETRON CCCs also offer tire services, washing and undercoating, radiator repair and replacement, aircon repair and maintenance, etc. The PETRON CCC EXPRESS, a scaled down 2-bay shop, meanwhile offers busy motorists quick services especially for their changeoil requirements.

ISUZU PH WARNS VS. ILLEGAL SALE OF IPC VEHICLES ISUZU Philippines Corporation has warned the public about the unauthorized sale or trade of the Isuzu trademark and Isuzu-branded vehicles.

In a legal notice issued by the Ortega Bacorro Odulio Calma & Carbonell law firm on October 14, IPC reiterates that Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) of Japan “is the registered owner of the trademark Isuzu and related marks

worldwide and in the Philippines,” and that “IPC is the duly authorized distributor and assembler of Isuzu products in the Philippines by virtue of a valid Assembler Distributor Agreement The notice stresses that “IML and IPC have not authorized other individuals/entities to conduct distribution, marketing, or sales activities outside of the IPC dealership network.”

The notice comes after the discovery of recent business activities involving entities offering brand-new Isuzu vehicles in the Philippines, allegedly without proper authorization.

IPC warned that “any unauthorized use or infringement of the trademark Isuzu and related marks, or adopting any confusingly similar mark, will be dealt with and prosecuted to the full-

est extent of the law. All violators must cease and desist from conducting such unlawful acts, which include unauthorized sale, offering for sale, distribution, importation, advertising, and other preparatory steps necessary to carry out the sale of goods or services.”

Taking stock of its long-standing good reputation among Filipino buyers, IPC reiterated that its brand-new

vehicles strictly follow specifications of IML in Japan, are fitted with genuine Isuzu parts, and comes with aftersales services. It guarantees that only the latest components and the best care and maintenance will be given to each vehicle rolling out of the IPC-authorized dealers. The same cannot be guaranteed

by IPC with respect to brand-new vehicles purchased through other channels.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2019

Motoring

DMAX LS-A

on a scenic spin around Camiguin

Camiguin with is rich heritage and mountainous in its general terrain ,becomes the proving ground for the D-MAX LS-A that showcases its “tough-enoughfor-anything” functionality.

A

FTER its grand introduction to the Philippine market last August, the latest and most stylish modern iteration of the Isuzu D-MAX pick-up, the LS-A, demonstrated its power, capability, and efficiency to members of the country’s motoring media during a fun-filled two-day road trip around ruggedly beautiful Camiguin Island on October 10 and 11.

Dubbed the “New Isuzu D-MAX LS-A Media Test Drive“, the event gathered 20 motoring scribes, along with Isuzu Philippines Corporation executives and officers and representatives from the Isuzu Cagayan de Oro dealership, for a lifestyle tour to the island’s well-known and most picturesque spots on board the New D-MAX LS-A pickups.

Camiguin, the country’s second smallest island province (next only to Batanes), is nevertheless mountainous in its general terrain--ideal for a diesel utility workhorse such as the D-MAX LS-A to showcase its “tough-enough-for-anything” functionality. Camiguin also offers a rich mix of natural attractions and cultural treasures, which perfectly complements the pick-up’s unique combination of modern design, timeless heritage, and world-class engineering.

Day One of the New D-MAX LS-A

media test drive saw the participants take a 30-minute drive from the provincial capital Mambajao to Taguines Lagoon, followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch at the nearby J&A Fishpen Resort and Restaurant. From there, a 40-minute drive to the island’s interior brought the group to the Tres Marias Hill, a trio of domes dotting the island’s most prominent geological feature, the towering and still active stratovolcano Mount HibokHibok. A 10-minute drive on unpaved roads then led to the cold yet refreshing Tuasan Falls.

Merienda time for the group was well spent, gorging on the province’s most popular fruit at the Lanzones Farm 25 minutes from the falls, and a mere 2 minutes from the next stop in the itinerary, the Sunken Cemetery, where the remnants of a graveyard and a town destroyed and sunk into the sea by the ex-

plosive birth of nearby Mt. Vulcan in the 1870s provided the solemn foreground to a magnificent sunset.

Day Two of the trip saw the group spend the morning on the powder white Sand Bar, a mere 15-minute speedboat ride on the clear blue Bohol Sea. IPC President Hajime Koso, in his welcome remarks on the night of Day One at the Paras Beach Resort, proudly introduced the New Isuzu D-MAX LS-A, “The Isuzu D-MAX LS-A with Blue Power Diesel engine is our answer to the clamor of our customers for reliable, hardworking but fuel-efficient vehicles. This represents nearly a century of Isuzu’s experience and innovation in the design, engineering, and workmanship of diesel-powered utility vehicles.

The D-MAX LS-A is infused, as well, with features that address the demands of a market that value both hard work and play, business with leisure.”

Robert Carlos, IPC Product Planning Department Head, then enumerated the highlights of the D-MAX LS-A. Participants to the media test drive of the D-MAX LS-A doubled their enjoyment of the tour around Camiguin, as the pickup provided the power, comfort, and confidence to take on the island province’s various road conditions. The D-MAX LS-A is powered by the powerful and fuel-efficient 4JJ1-TCX 3.0-liter 4-cylinder In-line Blue Power Diesel

engine with VGS turbo intercooler that generates 177 PS @ 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 380 Nm @ 1,8002,800rpm. Available in the 4x2 and 4x4 MT and AT variants, the D-MAX LS-A drivetrain consists of either the 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift or the 6-speed manual transmission with gear shift indicator.

Comfortable, stable and confident handling is achieved with the rack-andpinion power assist and tilt adjust steering, independent double wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer for the front suspension, and semi-elliptical leaf spring for the rear.

For its exterior, the D-MAX LS-A is distinctive with the aggressive-looking very dark gray radiator grille with engine hood garnish, front bumper guard and one step type black rear bumper, power folding side view mirrors in dark gray finish with LED integrated turn signal, and LED rear combination lamp.

The under-rail bedliner, cargo extender, roof rail, fender lip-type over fender, and side molding all come standard.

The stylish and functional character of the D-MAX LS-A continues in the interior’s electroluminescent-type instrument meters with Multi-Information Display (MID), 8-inch full-touch monitor/ CD/ DVD/Tuner/Bluetooth and iPod connectivity/Aux-in/USB/MP3 Compatible/ AV-in/TPMS ready/USB-link/WiFi display, navigation system, and three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with hands-free function and audio controls.

The bucket seats with adjustable headrest, back pockets and convenience hook (1st row) and the 60/40 split cushion 2nd row seats with two adjustable headrests and center arm rest are all wrapped in leather.

The D-MAX LS-A is equipped with numerous safety features: Dual SRS airbags, child seat tethers for the 2nd row, side door impact beams, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Brake Override System (BOS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Child-proof rear door locks and reverse camera.

For occupant comfort and convenience, the D-MAX LS-A is equipped with the auto-climate control air conditioning system, passive entry/push start-stop system, 12V accessory socket, three USB charging ports, 15 storage compartments and 10 cup holders, and tow hooks for the front-driver and passenger side and one at the rear (for the LS-A 4x4 variants).

Prospects brighten for automakers THINGS are looking up in the automotive industry.

Car manufacturers are seeing modest growth in sales as they cap off the third quarter of the year with a 2.3 percent increase. Not exactly marginal considering that in terms of pesos and cents, the figures represent hundreds of millions from an industry which is proving to be one of the major drivers of the Philippine economy.

Combined truck and car sales for the third quarter chalked up 267, 364 uunits as against 261, 161 units for the same period last year.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA posted steady increases in removals.

CAMPI President Rommel Gutierrez said that the sales growth ushered in the uptrend in sales for the last quarter.

“September is traditionally the start of an upward trend in sales as the public begin to spend for the holiday season,” Gutierrez said.

“Indeed, we welcome this positive growth as this is a good indicator of the increasing and widening demand for vehicles that has been the trademark of our industry,” Gutierrez said.

Sales of passenger cars however came as a dampener with an 1.1 percent decline to 83,317 units sold compared to the 81,182 units in 2018.

The sales slide was offset by the strong sales performance of the commercial vehicle segment—delivering 187,407 units, a 3.9 percent increase from 179,979 units posted for the same timeline last year.

Toyota Motor Philippines kepts its dominant position, carving out a hefty slice of the market with sales reaching 42.68 percent or 114,117 units sold from 2018’s 109,402 units.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines eked out 46,007 units for the first nine months this year, while Nissan Philippines sold 32,980 units for a 34.6 percent increase in sales.

Suzuki Philippines and Ford Philippines round off the top five performers with sales at 17,442 and 16,380 units.