Manila Standard - 2019 October 26 - Saturday

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ASF bleeds hog industry P1b monthly—DA

By Rio N. Araja and MJ Blancaflor

CALIFORNIA FLAMES. A building is engulfed in flames at a vineyard during the Kincade fire near Geyserville, California on Thursday (Friday in Manila), with the fast-moving wildfire roaring through California wine country, with authorities warning of the imminent danger of more fires across much of the Golden State. The Kincade fire in Sonoma County kicked up Wednesday night, quickly growing from a blaze of a few hundred hectares into an uncontained 4,000-hectare) inferno, say California fire and law enforcement officials. AFP

THE hog industry is losing P1 billion a month due to African swine fever, the Department of Agriculture said on Friday.

“There are opportunity losses for the hog industry estimated at about P1 billion a month,” department spokesman Noel Reyes said.

The Philippines is the world’s largest consumer of pork and the seventh biggest importer.

Since September, over 60,000 pigs died of the disease or were culled because of it, representing less than 1 percent of the country’s 12.7-million pigs as of July.

Prices of pork and other processed pork products have gone down due to the ASF scare, after pigs in Luzon and parts of Metro Manila tested positive for the virus.

“We strongly appeal to small backyard hog raisers not to sell their ASFinfected pigs to traders, and for traders not to sell infected hogs, and pork and Next page

Gov’t to lift sea research ban Opens PH-China oil exploration

By MJ Blancaflor

HE government is set to lift the ban on maritime scientific research conducted by foreign governments and institutions in Philippine waters, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Friday.

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This was in line with the government’s initiative to promote scientific research in the country’s maritime zones, Esperon said, even as it paves the way for joint exploration by the Philippines and China for oil and natural gas reserves in the

West Philippine Sea. “Maritime scientific research is good for us and for other research institutions simply because we get to know more of the maritime domain,” he told Next page

PRESIDENTIAL WELCOME.

President Rodrigo Duterte greets Thursday the members of Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China Hu Chunhua’s delegation as they pay a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace.

Malacañang Photo

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 254 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sandiganbayan throws out two high-profile cases Another forfeiture raps ‘Euro-generals’ cleared vs. Marcoses dismissed for graft, malversation

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE government lost another case of forfeiture against the Marcoses and their cronies after the Sandiganbayan dismissed the P267-million case against the couple Fe and Ignacio Gimenez.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division granted the demurrer to evidence filed by the Gimenezes. Its decision was promulgated on Oct. 14 but was made available to reporters only on Friday.

The court said the Presidential Commission on Good Government, through the Ombudsman were given mere photocopies of documents purporting to prove that the

ALMOST 11 years after he was charged at the Sandiganbayan after being subjected by senators to an investigation, retired Maj. Gen. Eliseo dela Paz, former comptroller of the Philippine National Police, and several other generals were acquitted by the court of the graft and technical malversation charges filed against them by the Ombudsman.

Citing insufficiency of evidence, the anti-graft court’s Second Division dismissed the charges filed in connection with the confiscation of thousands of euros equivalent to P10 million found on Dela Paz and his companions as they were returning from the International Police Organization

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Duque: ‘Limited benefits’ from drug firms’ offer of price cuts AN OFFER by multinational drug companies to cut their retail prices would bring limited benefits, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said Friday.

The companies, members of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, last week offered to cut prices of drugs

for rare disorders and major diseases, even as the Health department contemplates setting a price cap on 120 medicines.

But Duque said the proposal would not include mark-ups at pharmacies, hospitals and other retailers.

“What if you are a teacher, or a policeman

who falls seriously ill and when you go to those retailers, the price is high?” Duque said in Filipino on radio dzMM. “It will have no effect if they bring down the price on their end, but not at the end of the supply chain. That’s useless. Their proposal will have very limited benefits.”

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Rights body hits death threats vs. local health critics

Town mayor killed in ambush A MAYOR of a town in Misamis Occidental was gunned down in an ambush in Cebu City on Friday, a day after he was arrested for allegedly mauling a massage therapist who supposedly disrespected him.

By Rio N. Araja THE Commission on Human Rights on Friday denounced the death threats on a University of the Philippines official criticizing the country’s health situation.

It raised concern over the supposed harassment on Dr. Gene Nisperos, his wife Dr. Julie Caguiat and their children, after he expressed, at a news conference, that there was a ‘“health crisis” in the country.

“Vocal critics of government policies and action should not be responded (to) with any form of retaliation as everyone has the political right to express their (sic) opinion in Next page

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WEATHER Amihan on, cooler days up

By Rio N. Araja

CHROMATIC COSTUMES. Daycare students from different schools in Rizal wear chromatic costumes Thursday as they participate in a parade at SM City Taytay in celebration of United Nations Day. Norman Cruz

THE weather bureau on Friday announced the onset of the northeast monsoon season marked by cooler and drier days.

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News

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

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Du30 still riding bikes despite doc’s advice AFP chief nixes suspending PMA listup THE suspension of the recruitment of new cadets for the Philippine Military Academy will greatly affect the replacement of retiring officers and troops who become casualties in the line of duty, the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday.

“If we stop the recruitment of cadets for the PMA, it’s going to affect the profile of the armed forces in as far as all our officers are concerned,” Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said in a message to reporters.

“PMA produces the biggest bulk of the junior officers that we have. If we stop the recruitment at the PMA, our future projections and our replacement for those who retire and for our casualties will be affected.”

Clement was reacting to Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.’s call to suspend the PMA’s recruitment for a year after reports said at least 27 more cases of alleged maltreatment are being investigated at the academy.

Garbin said the alleged maltreatment cases were clear proof that “systemic, grave and moral flaws” existed in the institution.

“Halting the recruitment of PMA is a very drastic move. We have to sit down and think about all of these measures before we even consider implementing them,” Clement said.

He said he had instructed PMA Supt. Rear Adm. Allan Cusi to consider a third party―from the academe or former graduates of the PMA―for an outsider’s perspective and to determine how to resolve the maltreatment issue. PNA

Hog...

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processed products so as not to spread the ASF virus to other areas,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

He said some homemade processed pork products, such as tocino, hotdogs and longganiza, recently tested positive for ASF. ASF causes hemorrhagic fever in pigs that almost always ends in death, but cannot be transmitted to humans and other animals.

The Palace has ordered all government agencies to coordinate and adopt policies to control the spread of ASF, after some processed meat tested positive for the virus.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has also directed all concerned government offices to provide assistance, alternative livelihood and skills training to those affected by ASF, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Thursday.

The order came amid the confirmation from the Department of Agriculture that authorities caught a passenger at Mindoro port carrying tocino, hotdog, and other meat products from Central Luzon tainted with ASF. The Philippine Association of Meat Processors previously told lawmakers that the ASF virus can be killed after cooking but international experts noted that there have been many cases abroad that challenge this.

An outbreak of the virus in parts of Rizal and Bulacan provinces has prompted authorities to cull around 7,000 hogs.

Another...

From A1 subject matter of the case was really part of the Marcoses’ alleged ill-gotten wealth that were entrusted to the Gimenezes.

“Considering that the Republic is essentially seeking to prove the contents of the photocopied exhibits that it submitted, this Court finds the violation of the best evidence rule in the case at bar to be fatal to the Republic’s cause,” the court said.

Civil Case 0007 is one of the cases the PCGG and the Office of the Solicitor General filed in 1987.

In 2006, the Sandiganbayan granted the motions to dismiss the case filed by the Gimenez couple. However, the Supreme Court remanded the case back to the anti-graft court in 2016.

The court said while the government had argued that the documentary evidence it submitted should not be considered mere photocopies but rather “certified public records.”

“In several decisions, the high court has already held that the fact that these documents were collected by the PCGG in the course of its investigation does not make them per se public records,” the court said.

By MJ Blancaflor

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte rode a three-wheeled motorcycle past midnight on Friday despite his doctor’s advice to limit his physical activity following the muscle spasms that brought him “unbearable pain” early this week.

The 74-year-old President rode an allterrain vehicle at the Presidential Security Group compound in Malacañang for around 10 minutes, according to his long-time aide Christopher Go who also posted photos in his Facebook account.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said there was no need for Duterte to release a medical bulletin since he had “no serious illness.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters it was no longer necessary for Duterte, 74, to give reports on his health because he had been “very transparent” about his condition.

“No, there is no need for that. You know, the medical bulletin comes into

play only when the President is in serious illness. That is a constitutional requirement,” Panelo said when asked if there was a need to release a medical bulletin on the President’s health.

Duterte underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan on Wednesday after he complained of pain in the spinal and pelvic area of his body as doctors gave him pain relievers.

Doctors, according to the Palace, suggested that Duterte’s back pains were “aggravated” by his motorcycle mishap last week within Malacañang.

Asked if Duterte was permitted by his doctors to ride a motorcycle, Panelo said: “That’s nothing. It is as if you

just let it heat and you run it for a little while. Don’t think that is a deviation.”

The “spacing” of the President’s scheduled events would be adjusted so he could rest, Panelo said.

Some Asian leaders have also expressed their well wishes to President Duterte whose back pain prompted him to cut short his Japan trip for the enthronement rites of Emperor Naruhito.

Duterte returned to the country ahead of the schedule and missed the banquets hosted by the Emperor and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. His daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, represented him in both events.

The younger Duterte said Abe, Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, as well as Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko expressed their get-well greetings to the President.

Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi also told the presidential daughter that the President “must be re-

'Fairness, truth must characterize Supreme Court' PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte told Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta that the Supreme Court should be characterized by fairness and truth as the top magistrate took his oath on Thursday.

Peralta was appointed on Wednesday as the 26th Supreme Court Chief Justice, suceeding Lucas Bersamin who retired on Oct. 18.

During his oathtaking in Malacañang, Duterte told Peralta that the Supreme Court “under his watch should be characterized with fairness and truth” and “every citizen be treated equal before the law regardless of the status in life,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Peralta will serve the high tribunal until 2022, when he retires.

Malacañang earlier said the Supreme Court is in good hands.

“We are certain that with Chief Justice Peralta at the helm of the Supreme Court, the Judiciary will continue to

PH...

From A1 reporters in a press briefing.

His announcement came ahead of the upcoming National Marine Summit on Oct. 29 to 30 in Manila.

Esperon on Friday also said the government can get a bigger chunk from the 60-40 joint oil and gas exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea. “Sixty-forty is a desirable sharing but it is not final. It could even go up to 61 or more,” Esperon told Palace reporters.

“One percent is always substantial when you talk about such big investments,” he added.

Esperon, who also chairs the national task force on the West Philippine Sea, said the proposed 60-40 revenue split was “more than fair” since Beijing will “spend for all the extraction and other things.”

“It’s acceptable. That simply tells you that we have the upper hand on it,” he said.

But Esperon said the 60-40 scheme is still subject to change as the intergovernmental steering committee that will supervise the projects will start the first round of talks next week.

He said the Philippine committee will be chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Esperon also said the oil venture might be conducted on the west side of Palawan, including areas near Recto Bank.

In February 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the revocation of existing foreign research studies at the Philippine Rise to assert the country’s ownership of the area and directed the Navy to chase away any vessel violating his directive.

Duterte also said his order would give priority to Filipino researchers who want to explore the maritime zones.

Esperon said the government will begin again processing permits for marine scientific research.

“We are opening again the process-

Town mayor...

From A1 David Navarro, mayor of Clarin, a town about 17 kilometers north of Ozamiz City, was killed while he was being transported in a police vehicle to the City Prosecutor’s Office, Police Regional Office 7 spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Aurora Rayos confirmed.

A report on radio dzBB said Navarro was shot several times by at least four suspects armed with high-powered firearms on board a white van while he was still inside the police car.

Navarro was wearing a bulletproof vest and was with two police escorts, and was shot in the head at close range, witnesses said.

Major Eduardo Sanchez, chief of the Abellana Police Station, said they did

be well-managed as it strives to uphold the principles of judicial excellence, integrity and independence,” Panelo said.

Peralta bested Associate Justices Estela Perlas-Bernabe and Andres Reyes Jr., who were also in the shortlist of Chief Justice candidates submitted to Duterte by the Judicial and Bar Council.

A House leader said Friday Peralta’s appointment will strengthen the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, chairman of the House committee on public accounts, recalled that it was Peralta, then a Quezon City judge, who convicted 11 officers and members of the Station 9 in Anonas, Quezon City of the defunct Central Police District for accepting money to free the drugs suspects and

ing for permits for MSR since we believe academe has to be deployed and do research for us and for all of mankind to get to know more our maritime domain,” he said.

Filipino scientists must also be permitted to board such foreign research vessels, he said.

“Scientific research are open to institutions and countries and by provisions of the UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea]. They simply have to seek the permission of the host country,” Esperon said.

He said the foreign maritime research was suspended by the President last year after some entities conducted it without the government’s nod.

Some applicants also refused to allow Filipino scientists to board their research vessels, he added.

Esperon also said the government is eyeing state-of-the-art research and survey vessels for marine research and to improve sustainable development of the country’s resources.

The Philippines is considered as the “center of the center” of marine biodiversity since it is home to a diverse number of species.

Duterte earlier said Chinese leader Xi Jinping promised to give 60 percent of the revenues to the Philippines from a joint venture, if the country will set aside the 2016 arbitral ruling that affirmed Manila’s sovereign rights over its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

This comes at a time when the country’s gas resources in the Malampaya fields are set to run out by 2024.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that the Philippines had legal rights to exploit gas deposits that China also claims in the Recto Bank, about 85 miles off the Philippine coast.

The Palace, however, previously insisted that the government will not abandon the Philippines’ arbitral ruling and will continue to address maritime conflict through peaceful negotiations with Beijing. not notice the white van approaching and were taken by surprise by the ambush.

The ambush happened along M. Velez Street in Barangay Guadalupe at 2:10 p.m., police said. The suspects immediately escaped.

Four civilians and one policeman were also wounded in the ambush, said Police Major Edgar Sanchez, chief of the police station where the mayor was detained.

Navarro was arrested Thursday night for allegedly punching a male massage therapist, after allegedly asking a female therapist at the same spa in Cebu City to perform lewd acts.

Sanchez said they were preparing to file complaints of physical injury, acts of lasciviousness, and usurpation of authority against Navarro. Police investigation was still ongoing as of press time.

for recycling confiscated drugs.

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said Peralta’s appointment proves that academic honor is not the sole determinant in achieving greater success in any profession, but perseverance, professionalism and deep sense of public service.”

The Supreme Court on Friday revamped the membership of its three divisions following the promotion of Peralta as Chief Justice.

With the reorganization, the Court’s First Division is now composed of Peralta as chairman, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguoia as working chairman, and Associate Justices Jose C. Reyes Jr. and Amy C. Lazaro Javier as members. Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul B. Inting was designated temporary member to complete the division of five justices.

MJ Blancaflor and Rey E. Requejo

Rights body...

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a democracy,” the commission’s official statement read.

“People have the right to demand redress if there are legitimate human rights concerns that the government should look into,” it stated.

This developed as an epidemiologist said awareness of the risks, the right care and treatment of HIV/AIDS could help save lives especially now that they were seeing a change in the strain of the virus.

“We can keep people alive even if they have HIV as long as they stay on meds for a very long time. If you’re on treatment and your viral load is suppressed, you cannot give anyone HIV,” said Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvaña of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the National Institute of Health at the University of the Philippines.

Salvaña said the new strain, subtype AE, might progress to AIDS faster based on initial studies.

“We used to have something called Subtype B which is found more in the United States and now we have a hybrid type virus which is more common in Thailand and we think that may have contributed to the rising cases and also the transmissibility of the virus,” he said.

The CHR said any form of intimidation, harassment and threat to life is an assault on people’s freedom and dignity, it said.

Apart from the threats received by Nisperos and his family, there is a growing number of attacks and human rights violations committed against individuals and groups speaking out against injustices and government inaction, it added.

“The Commission continuously reminds the administration to provide protection and grievance mechanisms for human rights defenders who struggle to surface the plight of various marginalized and vulnerable population,” the agency said.

Nisperos is a UP College of Medicine faculty and president of the All UP Academic Employees Union-Manila Chapter, while Caguiat is the executive director of the health organization Community Medicine Development Foundation.

Amihan...

From A1 “For the past several days, strong to gale force northeasterly winds have prevailed over the seaboards of Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia,” said Vicente Malano, administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

minded that he is no longer a young lad and must avoid activities such as riding big motorbikes.”

“Mayor Sara acknowledged this and reiterated our country's open invitation for Madame Aung San Suu Kyi to visit the Philippines, Panelo said.

Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha also extended his well wishes to Duterte and even asked the Davao City mayor if she was joining the President’s trip to Thailand for the Asean Summit and Related Summits in November, Panelo said.

In a Palace briefing, Panelo confirmed the President’s attendance in the coming ASEAN and APEC Summits that will be held in Thailand and Chile, respectively.

Duterte will leave for the ASEAN Summit on Nov. 1.

Panelo also said the Chief Executive is now in his hometown in Davao and would be back in Manila on Monday.

With PNA

Duque:...

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The DOH earlier said it was considering asking President Rodrigo Duterte to sign an executive order to set a price ceiling for 120 drugs.

The proposal covers medicines for diabetes, hypertension, newborn diseases, cancer and psoriasis.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization hailed the eradication of wild polivirus type 3 as a “historic achievement for humanity” that leaves only one strain of the virus in transmission.

All three types of wildpolio can cause paralysis and death, but WHO categorizes them separately in terms of eradication because of certain virological differences.

The last confirmed case of WPV3 was recorded in northern Nigeria in 2012.

An independent panel, chaired by WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded that the required criteria have been met to “verify that this strain is truly gone,” the United Nations health agency said in a statement.

WPV2 was declared eradicated in 2015, but WPV1 continues to circulate in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Non-wild forms of polio—known as vaccine-derived polio—remain in transmission in parts of Africa and Asia, including the Philippines where a reemergence last month nearly two decades after the last case has triggered a mass vaccination campaign.

Vaccine-derived polio is caused by the weakened form of the virus used in vaccines, which is excreted by people for a time after they receive it. With AFP

'Euro-generals'...

From A1 conference in St. Petersburg, Russia in 2008.

Charged with Dela Paz were retired generals Jaime Garcia Caringal, Ismael Rafanan, Orlando Pestaño, Samuel Rodriguez, Tomas Rentoy, Romeo Ricardo, German Doria and Emmanuel Carta.

The Sandifganbayan said the Ombudsman’s evidence of Commission on Audit circulars stating how the intelligence fund should be used did not prove that Dela Paz and companions committed the offenses.

“Technical malversation happens when the one who uses the funds under his administration for public use other than what it was appropriated for. These pieces of evidence [from COA] do not prove that the use of CIF [confidential and intelligence funds] for the expenses incurred by the PNP in its participation to the Interpol Assembly is not a covered expense,” the Sandiganbayan said.

“The prosecution bears the burden to establish the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. It is the prosecution’s duty to prove each and every element of the sense charge in order to warrant a finding of guilt for the same. The prosecution failed to sufficiently establish the essential elements of the crimes charge and to overcome the presumption of innocence in favor of the accused. Accordingly, the case against the accused are hereby dismissed,” the anti-graft court added.

He said people must brace for cooler and drier days.

“With these developments, the northeast wind flow is expected to become dominant over most parts of the country, bringing cold and dry air,” Malano said.

“Surges of cold temperatures may also be expected in the coming days to months.”

The northeast monsoon commonly takes place from October to the middle of March.

News Daytime delivery of goods banned

By Joel E. Zurbano THE government will begin next month implementing the ban on daytime delivery of goods to shopping malls and other commercial centers in Metro Manila in line with the program to ease traffic in the metropolis as the Christmas season draws near.

General manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. of the Metro Manila Development Authority said mall owners agreed limiting deliveries of non-perishable goods only at nighttime or from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

He added the ban would be implemented from Nov. 11 until Jan. 10 next year.

Delivery trucks and container vans loaded with goods, imported items and other saleable merchandise, piled up the streets of Metro Manila, which the government claimed, add to the worsening traffic during “ber months”— in reference to the months of September, October, November and December.

Garcia, however, clarified that deliveries of perishable goods such as food and ice cream were exempted from the ban.

In a meeting with MMDA officials last Tuesday, mall operators also gave their nod to the plan to begin their operations by 11 a.m., an hour later from the usual 10 a.m. opening time, during weekdays; The shopping centers will also deploy additional security personnel to facilitate long lines of vehicles going inside mall parking areas which cause traffic gridlock.

Shopping malls and other commercial establishments are said to be traffic generators during the holiday season.

MMDA records showed that traffic volume rises 15 to 20 percent between November and December. It also showed that “midnight sales” or extended mall business hours contribute to the worsened traffic in the metropolis during this period.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

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House to exercise oversight function in business laws

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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OUSE Majority Leader Martin Romualdez on Friday said the House of Representatives would exercise its oversight function to ensure compliance with certain business laws enacted to make the economy more competitive.

Romualdez, Leyte representative and chairman of the House committee on rules, said Congress would see to it that Ease of Doing Business Law and the Anti-Red Tape Act were properly implemented.

“In the days to come, the House of Representatives will exercise its oversight function to ensure that these laws are being implemented faithfully,” said Romualdez, a former corporate executive.

In the Senate, Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri described as “noteworthy” the Philippine’s jumping over 29 other countries from 124th to 95th in the World Bank ranking because of the Ease of Doing Business law.

He said Congress had hurdled major stumbling blocks and “we are hoisting that as a challenge to the whole of government.”

Zubiri is the major author and sponsor of the Ease of Doing Business Act (R. A. No. 11032).

He noted the WB recognized the major legislative accomplishments which impacted immediately on starting a business, securing construction permits, protection of minority investors and paying taxes, but not necessarily on improved collection efficiency and administration.”

As of last year, the Bureau of Internal Revenue suffered from weak

interconnection to hardware meltdown during tax deadlines.

Zubiri stressed that “all government agencies have been tasked to improve and speed up delivery of services.

“We have even provided for stringent penalties for non-compliance.”

However, he said making a go of our economic and social aspirations calls on all government frontline and regulatory agencies, not just a few, to adhere to the framework of the EODB. “We have to erase all red tape to achieve economic growth and eliminate poverty.

That’s the basic step to push business activities and delivery of social goods to our people,” he said.

“While I note the enhanced Anti-Red Tape Authority as critical to our continued success, there remains much to be done,” he added.

At the same time, Romualdez said the House leadership would expedite the passage of bills intended to attract more foreign investments.

These included the proposed Public Service Act which is pending on second reading approval and Foreign Investment Act that was transmitted to the Senate.

Du30, Chinese official discuss key infra projects

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday met with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua during the latter’s courtesy call in Malacañang to discuss the implementation of key infrastructure projects funded by China.

Hu’s visit meant warmer relations between the two countries, Duterte said during the meeting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said Hu’s visit to the country included discussions on trade, investment, agriculture, and tourism.

Since he took office in 2016, President Duterte had sought friendlier ties with

China, who has become the Philippines’ major trading partner, the biggest source of imports and exports and the second largest source of tourists.

The members of the Chinese delegation present during the courtesy call were Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua, State Council Deputy Secretary-General Gao Yu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Zheng Zeguang, Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister and China International Trade Deputy Representative Wang Shouwen.

Also present were China International Development Cooperation Agency Vice Chairman Deng Boqing, Department

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of Asian Affairs Director General Peng Gang, Secretary to the Vice Premier Li Jialu and Department of Asian Affairs Director Lu Qinhong.

Filipino officials present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, National Economic and Development Authority Director General Ernesto Pernia, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre, DFA executive director Josel Ignacio, DFA acting director Ira Micheline Valdez, DOF chief of staff Anita Linda Aquino and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go.

Xmas rush post H’ween worries Sarmiento

By Maricel V. Cruz and Vito Barcelo A LEGISLATOR on Friday sounded a warning against transportation lines after the All Saints’ Day rush because of the onset of the Christmas season.

In a letter sent to the heads of 16 government agencies concerned with transportation, Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento reminded them of their commitment to implement various transportation plans and programs to address the anticipated influx of people and vehicles going out of Metro Manila for the Halloween break.

“The undersigned respectfully reminds your office to effectively implement your commitments involving the implementation of the various transportation plans and programs as discussed in the committee meeting. I trust that you will closely monitor the transportation and traffic situation and to properly attend to the concerns of the commuting public,” said Sarmiento, chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration will deploy additional personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in anticipation of influx of passengers this coming All Saints’ Day. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said newly trained BI personnel would be assigned to assist officers manning immigration booths at NAIA terminals 1,2 and 3.

The BI said another 200 BI personnel would be on standby to prevent long lines at immigration booths due to the rising number of air travelers during long vacations.

In a related development, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines is set to commence its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2019” which will be implemented from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

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Finally, my book!

EDITORIAL

With my book, I hope to inspire the next generation of journalists. Ours is a noble profession. I pass on the baton to the younger set, knowing that press freedom is as precious as the air we breathe. With all the risks we take, we often get sued or even kidnapped. All these experiences of mine are in my book.

The sad part of it is that when we grow old, we cannot expect to get retirement pay or a comfortable pension.

I have no regrets, though. I have been in this job for almost seven decades and I can proudly say I have fought and have finished the race. *** Last Tuesday, I lamented the fact that while I paid the fee for the registration of my car as required by law, I still have not gotten my license plate. For the past several years, I have been feeling as though my government has been swindling me.

Right now, we see motor vehicles sporting labels like “Registered,” or their conduction stickers, and white plates that are look-alikes of the real ones. Some have no plates at all. And yet traffic enforcers do not do anything about them. *** I have been wondering what has happened to Ateneo over the years. In my day, it was held in high regard.

Now its standard is far below that of the University of the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas in the world ranking of universities. Santa Banana, it is even below De La Salle University, its main rival. It seems that the only thing Ateneo excels in is basketball.

I have met some Ateneo graduates who cannot even speak straight English when Ateneans used to be known for their “Areneo” accent. I myself am a proud alumnus, graduating in 1950. I also taught English, literature and history there from 1953-1955.

I feel saddened by what is happening to Ateneo now, beset by allegations of sexual harassment. And yet, the university Marketing and Communications Office says it cannot reveal the

SANTA Banana, my book is done, at long last!

My memoirs, ‘The Road Never Ends,’ will be launched Nov. 26 at 6 in the evening. It will be held at the Manila Golf and Country Club, Forbes Park, Makati. House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez is my publisher.

‘The Road Never Ends’ will be launched Nov. 26.

I will be sending out invitations at the end of the month or the first week of November. There will be at least three past presidents who will be there. All three—Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo—wrote forewords or blurbs for my magnum opus.

My wife and I agonized on whether to come out with the book at all.

Publishing it would entail a lot of money—something we don’t have.

Fortunately, through Romualdez and Manila Standard publisher Rollie Estabillo, that is now possible. I would also like to thank opinion editor Adelle Chua and Palanca Award-winning writer Jenny Ortuoste for their help.

I thank my wife Trinidad Capistrano Jurado, who inspired me to write and many times helped me recall persons and events, and my children who put in the effort to have this book published.

My book is in itself a story worth telling. It was supposed to have been published last year, but I was not content with its draft. It used the word “periodista,” which I think is demeaning to journalists. Journalism is more than a profession. It is a calling.

Adelle Chua, Editor

A

A national spectacle

FAMILY turns what should be a solemn occasion of grieving their father’s passing into a national spectacle, and with the succeeding revelations and accusations, now it appears the people can talk about nothing else. And because it is trending, it fuels news cycles, making the law of demand and supply come truly alive.

Why are Filipinos so enamored of scandal?

It could be human nature. People are naturally curious about, and entertained with, what is happening around them.

Perhaps this is the same way we are glued to our favorite shows. This is more riveting, however, because it is true.

It could be schadenfreude, a perverse delight in witnessing the suffering, humiliation and downward spiral of others. This is especially so because while many Filipinos toil daily to earn a decent living, the main characters in this spectacle live in wealth and comfort without trying as hard. They have money, fame, good looks, and a boldness with their life choices—luxuries that many do not have.

It could be diversion. We face too many troubles in our individual and collective lives that sometimes it’s just good to take a breather.

Make no mistake about it, however: This show business saga, while mo-

mentarily compelling, is not the most scandalous we will ever come across.

All around us, just remember it is more egregious that: • The African Swine Fever endangers our common food and threatens our well-being; • The people around the President chorus that he is “okay”—at worst, “somewhat impaired”—and we are expected to take their word for it; • There are children whose health is endangered because their parents are too scared and distrustful of vaccines; • Metro Manila residents are threatened anew by interruption of water services even as the Supreme Court has said the provision of such utilities is a public trust, not just a business; • Our officials continue to dismiss the existence of a public transport crisis, which compromises people’s productivity and quality of life; • Young men whose education taxpay-

ers fund, and who will eventually become our military and police leaders and decision makers, engage in cruel, violent behavior toward their peers; • “Police protection” takes on a different meaning as cops who are supposed to protect the citizenry do them harm and engage in illegal activity for their own game; • The supply of drugs continues to flood the market despite the government’s aggressive, and sometimes bloody, campaign against it; and • The planet appears headed toward irreversible warming, because nations will not sacrifice economic gain by scaling back on coal dependence and by lowering their emission of greenhouse gases.

These, among others.

Given people’s short attention span, that show business scandal will eventually fizzle out in the next few days—unless the main characters somehow find a way to outdo themselves yet again. It is best to consign them to their private, inconsequential lives and not fuel any more demand for their stories.

Meanwhile, the other scandals mentioned above deserve to be raised, discussed and debated day after day, until we see the truly satisfying ending of concrete, sustainable solutions, and a better life for all.

Turn to A5

Pass the Carlos Celdran bill CARLOS Celdran passed early morning of Oct. 8, 2019 of cardiac respiratory arrest, according to Tesa Celdran.

There was no foul play. This answers the numerous queries and nasty gossip about Celdran’s demise. Carlos was so full of life, he filled every room he entered with his presence. He could not be ignored even if one wanted to.

Attention was not something people could deny him. Carlos Celdran was a star. Even when he was in Madrid, his presence was palpable. And as friends noted, his goodbye had to catch everyone’s attention. He had to be trending.

This is so Carlos.

He was always rushing. He was onto several projects at any given time that it was hard to keep up as he shifted from one to another, and yet another. Days before he passed, he was excited about his Camino Rizal tour which already had a very successful test run. He was going to retrace Jose Rizal’s footsteps in Madrid with people thirsty for a Celdran experience. The day before his untimely demise, he was even crowdsourcing for the Venice biennale which he was supposed to attend this month.

Thus, Carlos Celdran’s final curtain call was very hard to believe.

But as Tesa herself said, Carlos’ story does not end with his cremation and inurnment. His personality is so big that his presence will continue to be felt.

And many of us, his family, friends, and colleagues will make sure of this.

Carlos’ legacy will be protected and his work will continue in whatever way we can. I am particularly eager to help with his legacy in the fields of human rights and social justice, and Philippine heritage and history. These were our shared passion.

Among Celdran’s biggest unfinished businesses was the repeal of Art. 133 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the Offending the Religious Feelings law. We discussed this with him a few times. This Spanish-era law that made it to the RPC in 1932 must go. This law that nobody knew existed before it was used on Carlos because he dared (albeit spontaneously) to exercise his right to expression as he was being dragged

and brought outside of the Manila Cathedral, does not have a place in a modern and democratic society. This is no longer the age of conquistadores. Even Spain, under which this law was “enacted,” has repealed it many years ago.

Everyone knows that Celdran loved the Philippines and the city of Manila very much. You may not agree with his positions on issues and his forthright manner of saying things but nobody can question his love for country. Thus, the decision to go on exile in Madrid was a heartbreaking one. He would not have left if not for the (almost) certainty of serving prison time because of an ancient, unjust law.

Let no other person suffer from the unjust and unconstitutional law that favors religious feelings over the sacred rights of citizens.

It is no secret that he was very lonely in Madrid especially during his first months there. He was uprooted from his family, friends, and country. He was bitter especially in the beginning of his exile. He missed being in the thick of things in Manila. He expressed loneliness as things were beginning to move in the city that he loved most and there he was, unable to help in ways he knew only Carlos Celdran could.

Friends visited him in Madrid and this made him happy. But after the visits and the things that occupied him, I could imagine how the loneliness reemerged to engulf him. Not a few friends said that Carlos Celdran died of a broken heart. And it was because of this law that should have been repealed a long time ago.

It is just sad that Carlos is no longer with us as we work on this.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, the principal author of the then RH bill which was the subject of Carlos’ Manila Cathedral protest filed HB. No. 5170 in honor of Carlos Celdran. This bill will repeal the law ‘Offending the Religious Feelings’ under the RPC. Turn to A5

The real lotto jackpot winner NO, it’s not about the lucky bettor in the largely-popular Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office number—the lotto, which today, has several variations, from 6/42 to 6/55.

It’s about the lucky suppliers of the equipment which has been accepting bets in behalf of the PCSO for the past 24 years, which Ang Probinsyano Representative Ronnie Ong claims has put the government in a disadvantageous position.

And because of that, Ong is calling on his colleagues in Congress to initiate a probe into the contracts the PCSO entered into with the Philippine Gaming Management Corporation under Berjaya Corporation and the Pacific Online Systems Corporation for its National Online Lottery System.

Ong describes the Equipment Lease Agreements the PCSO has entered into with Berjaya and Pacific Online as beyond comprehension. The government can simply buy the equipment at $25 million compared to the cost of lease amounting to $148 million.

Ong adds that the anomalous contracts have already been uncovered in

the Senate inquiry way back in 2011, which recommended to the PSCO that it renegotiate the rental fee with both PGMC-Berjaya and Pacific Online.

It’s about time the PCSO got rid of these entities.

But despite the Senate recommendarecommenda tion to renegotiate the fee, the PGMCBerjaya refused to budge, triggering a string of litigation from the trial court, to the Court of Appeals, up to the International Court of Arbitration.

The bigger surprise was that even after dragging PCSO into a costly and expensive legal battle, the company’s

ELA was even extended by the PCSO from Aug. 22, 2015 to Aug. 21, 2018.

Even more ridiculous, Ong says, is the fact that while PCSO was paying millions to PGMC-Berjaya, the company still pressed on with its legal offensive and managed to secure another court injunction in 2017 to stop the gaming body from conducting a bidding for its P10.9-billion National Online Lottery System, which could have already improve the system. fi And while the Supreme Court finally issued a ruling on Aug. 15, 2018 that the PCSO can proceed with the bidding of the NOLS which was later renamed as the Philippine Lottery System and with a lesser budget of P8.3 billion, PCSO, instead getting rid of an PGMC-Berjaya was able to secure another extension of its ELA from Aug. 23, 2018 to Aug. 22, 2019 because of PCSO’s alleged failure to “timely procure” the said PLS. At the same time, Pacific Online’s ELA for Visayas and Mindanao operations was also extended for the same reason.

And in July this year, PCSO again Turn to A5

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Opinion Mistakes in dealing with sexual violence here.” Indeed, there are some cultures where it is still taboo to speak of such sexual crimes as child sexual abuse. But as Rossetti points out: “When we really begin to listen, the awful truth will eventually come to light: child abuse is a scourge in all parts of the globe. While A CONTROVERSY on sexual violence, it may take on different manifestations harassment and abuse is rocking Ateneo and different cultural adaptations dede Manila University (ADMU). How pending upon the culture, the abuse of the university deals with the issue is rel- children’s vulnerability is universal.” evant to many Philippine institutions. As We must have the courage to see that I point out in another article, all of us are sexual violence, harassment, and abuse challenged to set aside our personal loy- is happening in our university, schools, alties and even our own past actions and churches, and neighborhoods. We must in good faith find ways to move forward. acknowledge that there are abusers We can do this by fundamentally chang- among us, some of whom we know and ing existing processes and reorienting would never suspect. them to prevent all kinds of sexual vioAnother mistake is to believe that lence, abuse, and harassment. most allegations of abuse are false. Not Unfortunately, the university so far so, according to Rossetti, who observes has taken a business-as-usual approach that this is a form of denial: “We want —defensive, legalto believe that true istic, and victimcases of abuse are al blaming—to the rare and that alcomplaints that leged victims are Ateneo’s first response exaggerating and/ have been raised.

Initially, ADMU’s was good. The second, or not telling the President Fr. Jose truth. To be sure, T. Villarin had bad. there are false allea good response gations. They may especial apologizing to the be found especialcus community and ly in divorce cusmemo tody cases, disgruntled students getting promising change. But a second memorandum released this week went back to back at teachers, or “victims” seeking that business-as-usual approach. large cash settlements in some Western What is needed is absolute and full countries. But even in the latter scenartransparency of the cases in this cur- ios, over 90 percent of allegations are rent controversy. Partial accounts are founded. People rarely lie when they harmful; they only perpetuate this de- say they have been sexually abused as fensive approach. The first statement a minor. Victims have potentially much of Fr. Villarin was good; the second to lose by going public. They are often one is very bad. I would not go so far blamed and ostracized, especially if the as to conclude that there is malice here alleged perpetrator was a popular pubas I know the people in charge of this lic figure, such as a priest.”

It is also a mistake to say “the victim issue and I believe that they are trying hard to do the right things. But clearly, will get over it.”

Rossetti points out that “many people there is something broken in the processes within the university, including believed that child sexual abuse was not on gathering the facts of cases together a big deal”, “thought the children would and communicating them to the right get over it” and “that the best thing offices. For instance, the proposition to do was to ignore it and not make a that one professor has not been charged fuss.” On the contrary, “victims need to with any complaint was immediately be heard and cared for as soon as pospublicly contradicted by one of the sible.” According to Rossetti: “In the wake of child sexual abuse, complainants.

This is not right. What we are seeing many victims report significant sympis a repeat of the mistakes many Catho- toms, sometimes severe, lasting into lic Church institutions made and are adulthood. There is a large body of litmaking in dealing with child sex abuse, erature that speaks of the likelihood of putting forward responses that made serious psychological trauma as a result things worse instead of better for vic- of childhood sexual abuse. Rather than ignoring it, victims need to be heard and tims and for the institutions.

Monsignor Stephen Joseph Rossetti, believed.”

The one thing that changed my mind an American Catholic priest, author, educator, licensed psychologist and on how to approach this issue was seeexpert on psychological and spiritual ing many students post in social media wellness issues for Catholic priests, their experiences, many going back has listed mistakes Church institutions years, and seeing how the impact of has made in dealing with child sexual these experiences have affected them abuse issues. Some of these are relevant through the years.

This is as much a cultural as a leto Ateneo de Manila and to the Philippines. Although he speaks mostly about gal struggle. It is important to educate minors, his insights apply to vulnerable people about the red flags of sexual violence, abuse, and harassment. Exadults as well.

One mistake is to not listen to vic- perts say there are recognizable signs tims. According to Rossetti: “One of the and indicators of problematic behavreasons we have not heard from victims ior—grooming victims, manipulative of child sexual abuse until recently is actions, use of sexual language and imthat we have not been willing to listen. ages, meeting students alone at night, inVictims often want to tell their story. appropriate physical touching (in some They will first test us, in many subtle contexts, all physical touching can be ways, to see if we are willing to listen. inappropriate), etc. The common-sense When we are not open to hearing the rule is to respects boundaries and never upsetting truth, victims will not open cross them. Because of the power relathemselves in vulnerability, telling their tionship, it’s the teacher or superior that painful stories of betrayal and abuse. must set those boundaries. We should Thus, the tragedy of child sexual abuse not expect children and vulnerable has largely remained a cancerous secret adults to tell us what those boundaries, for centuries. The terrible truth must be it might actually be good for the school exposed to the healing light of day, but to formulate detailed guidance.

Personally, it has has taken me years it can only occur if we listen.”

Rossetti continues: “The remedy is to come to this point. I will be the first to establish a society and an institution to admit my own shortcomings as an that is willing to listen to victims. By administrator in dealing with similar isour words, our gestures, and our sensi- sues in the past. But I am comfortable tivity, we must build a listening culture with where I am now and totally comthat values its children and listens to mitted to support the Time’s Up Ateneo coalition. their heartfelt words.”

I am risking long-standing relationI know the Ateneo de Manila student who complained about how one case ships and friendships by taking this has been resolved. He is my student. radical stand. But the stakes are very Whether he filed a complaint is irrel- high for our students if the response of evant; the question is whether he in the university is ineffective. The stakes fact testified in the case in question and are also very high for the Ateneo de was he in fact sexually harassed as he Manila University and Catholic instituclaims? The statement on this student tions if this is not done right. Failure to not filing a charge has been correctly address the problem will only erode the faith of the youth and families and will described as gaslighting.

Another common mistake, according weaken the university and Church that I to Msgr. Rossetti, is to underestimate love very much. These are risks I do not the prevalence of child sexual abuse in want to take. one’s local area. People are often willing to admit that child sexual abuse oc- Facebook: deantonylavs curs, however they add, “But it’s rare Twitter: tonylavs

Pass...

From A4

The bill carries with it a provision on Retroactive Effect and says that ‘All pending criminal cases, and related civil cases, if any, for violation of Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code shall be dismissed upon the effectivity of this Act.’ It will be remembered that Celdran still has a pending appeal before the Supreme Court. He asked the Court to take his case up in an en banc session because he was questioning the constitutionality of the law and the case was only decided by one division. Carlos did this just before

he left for Madrid.

This provision is important because should the bill pass without the SC rendering final judgment, Carlos’ case will be dismissed.

Rep. Lagman called Celdran a patriot.

He said in the bill’s explanatory note, ‘It is now for the Congress of the Philippines to render justice and redress to Celdran by repealing the aforequoted archaic provision which is an odious remnant of the Dark Ages.

Article 133 is anathema to freedom of speech and expression which is guaranteed under the Bill of Rights in the 1935, 1973, and the present 1987 Constitution.

The repeal of Article 133… will for-

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Soaking the Supreme Court in mud

ASSESSING how things are going for the petition filed by Bongbong Marcos against the self-styled Vice President Leni Robredo, we could well say it has gone haywire. The issue is now badly affecting the Duterte administration.

No matter how one looks at the massive electoral fraud that transpired, one could not avoid pointing to it as indivisible to the issue of corruption which this government has sworn to eradicate.

What makes the case disheartening is that the unresolved issue is badly affecting the credibility of the President. The outcome of the protest is determinative whether the corrupt yellow hypocrites could just cut short the administration that promised to bring about change in our society.

One need not know how this doggone classmate of his appointing power messed up the Rules to resolve the electoral case. This is indicative that Justice Benjamin Caguioa wants to legalize his opprobrious decision by the expedient way of dismissing the petition outright. As we see it, the sitting President could not prevent the possible derailment of the constitutional process by the court’s possible affirmation of one who is a product of massive political swindle, and using that as her springboard to wrest power and to bring to naught the dream and aspiration of the Filipino people.

Robredo’s questionable assumption as vice president is now a blot in the Duterte administration that talked much of imposing swift justice to drug offenders and weeding out graft and corruption in government.

The indecisiveness of the President not to cut off the Comelec from its umbilical subservience to the US-controlled and operated election counting machine has drawn speculation, with some wildly suspecting the administration is using Smartmatic for its own political advantage. The greedy and overtly ambitious politicians in the Duterte administration are now hooting the candidacy of Sara Duterte for the presidency. They all blindly view she could inherit the presidency because of the popularity of the father anchoring on our paternalistic political system like the election of B.S. Aquino who took on the mantra as son of the liberator of our democracy.

When the Supreme Court decided to set aside the draft decision written by that abominable classmate of Aquino, the 11 justices practically conveyed that

The real...

From A4

had a failure of bidding for the PLS and had to resort to another extension of ELA with PGMC-Berjaya and Pacific Online until 2020.

With the foregoing instances, Ong says its about time congress steps in and ensure that proper procurement are observed and prevent rogue and abusive companies like PGMC-Berjaya in exploiting government agencies like the PCSO. Even Quezon Congressman Jay-Jay Suarez had joined the clamor to end Berjaya’s and Pacific Online’s hold on the PCSO’s popular lotto game.

As Berjaya is a Malaysian-owned corporation, Suarez says he suggested to PCSO to find a local player based in the Philippines so that Philippine money pouring into lotto would be revolving within the Philippines and not be brought outside the country.

Ong and Suarez are both right. Berjaya and Pacific Online have long been enjoying the fruits of an allegedly highly-anomalous contract it seem they have been hitting the jackpot every day and for as long they hold on to their contract.

ever foreclose similar prosecutions and travails of well-meaning critics which Carlos Celdran unjustifiably suffered and endured.’

There is an ongoing change.org online petition for the repeal of Art. 133 that people can sign. Please use the link chng. it/chsbMcYYgc and help remove Art. 133 from the RPC. The Carlos Celdran bill must be immediately passed by Congress. Let no other person suffer from the unjust and unconstitutional law that favors religious feelings over the sacred rights of citizens. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

what he wrote was outrageous, for he virtually ignored the evidence already submitted by the parties. He violated the rules of the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) for which he was given one year to decide the protest. More than that, he usurped the period for the Supreme Court to decide within two years as a collegial body by submitting his shabby draft after three years, which should have warranted his impeachment.

This is now a blot in the Duterte administration’s record.

other, one will be affected. But in this case of Robredo, her counsel were determined to revise that rule knowing and expecting that a recount would raise the number of votes cast in her favor. The alteration effectively benefited the self-styled vice president, such that when the recount was made, the votes cast in her favor incalculably weakened the purpose of the protest.

The classmate did not even bother to ask why so many votes cast in favor of the Robredo were shaded less than 25 percent? One could not help speculate the possibility of haste to fill in as many votes as if the cheaters wished to comply their quota. As one would put it, “kinaladkad nila ang mga boto to favor Robredo.”

The lawyer of Robredo failed to understand that her demand to reduce the shading requirement to 25 percent amounts to confirming their fraudulent cheating which the Classmate would now use to dismiss the case as moot and academic. The dumb bitch logic of Macalintal is indicative that he does not know that either filling up the ballots in haste could generate a disproportional number of votes in favor of her valued client that even simpletons would doubt.

On that basis, her lawyer now seeks to dismiss the petition of Bongbong because the recount accordingly indicates there was no substantial recovery of votes. But again, the issue is not about the number of votes cast but in the validity of the shading, and this is where his logic failed him.

It would be illogical for Bongbong to denounce the under shading rule to validate the votes, knowing it was principally his reason why he lodged a protest just as it would be illogical for Robredo to question the invalidity of the under shaded votes cast in her favor. This dumb-witted lawyer failed to put logic that the numbers only count when all the votes have been legally and validated as agreed by the rules before the election and not after the election.

Finally, the classmate was clever to submit his draft decision far beyond the period required of him. Expectedly, because his decision to dismiss without examining the evidence submitted was overwhelmingly rejected. In effect, it was back to square one for the Supreme Court to act in the reception of evidence and in examining them. The classmate is now hilariously laughing how he entrapped the High Court to do what was obligated to him as chairman of PET which means further delay of the case until the petition becomes stale with him blaming his colleagues for the lapse.

Due to slavish deference, litigants often accept the decision without much ado for fear that questioning that would only invite harsh retribution. People tend to accept the shabby decision by audacious judges for fear that questioning their psychological quirks would only invite retaliation.

In fact, Caguioa came out with a draft decision, without him considering that the protesting party was required to pay an exorbitant protest free of P36 million which, by legal implication, obligates his court to do its assignment of making a recount of the votes. Moreover, to dismiss amounts to prejudging the case and is frivolous, ever entertaining the thought that the Supreme Court has the plenary power to dismiss a case outright.

The PET should have considered serious the allegation of massive electoral fraud committed by the self-styled vice president or should we say, by one created by Smartmatic and by the disrespectful front organization of the reactionary Catholic Church that calls itself as Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). Common sense will tell that Caguioa should have refrained from dismissing the petition for the fact that he did not only consume the time allotted to him by law but extended the period to consume the privilege allotted to the Supreme Court to review his lackluster draft. He even tricked the parties by consuming their time arguing on the issue of shading of ballots to consider the vote valid only to arbitrarily amendment to change the rules that virtually made him a kingpin.

The lowering in the threshold in the shading of votes to 25 percent was a clear violation of the Rules. First, the arbiter cannot just change the rule on shading especially where there is already an issue raised before it. There is a saying that one cannot change the rules midstream, for one way or the rpkapunan@gmail.com

Maybe it’s about time PCSO got rid of them. *** Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is really doing a fine job in her department.

Just the other day, her agency reaped another accolade for its beefed-up drive to promote sustainable tourism practices in its destinations, this time receiving the Excellent Partner Award from the prestigious Japan Tourism Awards in recognition of the role of the DOT in the temporary closure of Boracay Island in order to rehabilitate the island from over-tourism.

The award-giving body cited the socially advanced initiatives of DOT by taking a high risk of closing and pursuing a cohesive effort to implement the physical, social, environmental and social recovery of the world-renowned resort island.

And last week, the Department of Tourism, and Ministry of Tourism Government of the Republic of India recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to encourage bilateral cooperation in the tourism, trade, and hospitality sector.

Romulo-Puyat and Ambassador of India to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar acted as signatories to the

MOU that seeks to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the two countries, realizing the importance of the tourism sector in economic development and employment generation.

Among the cooperation areas between the two countries include research and statistical exchange, education and training, and joint promotion and marketing.

For the first eight months of the year, India remains the 11th top source market of the country with 91,690 arrivals registering a 9.66 percent growth rate over the same period last year.

The five-year MoU addresses cooperation activities carried out through the following modalities: encouragement of mutual visits;, exchange of promotion, marketing, destination development and management experiences; exchange of official standards and certification practices; development of tour packages; and, closer cooperation between the respective public and private sectors.

With the way Romulo-Puyat is handling her agency, we won’t be surprised if the DOT reaches its target tourist arrivals of 8.2 million and tourism-related revenue of half-a-trillion pesos even before the year ends.

Finally,...

spinal cord near the pelvic bone.

Upon arriving here he underwent an MRI and was given medicine. He was advised to rest over the weekend.

At age 74, the President is an old man. While spokesman Salvador Panelo and Senator Bong Go insist he is fine, we need to hear it straight from the doctors.

The President is already suffering from a slipped disc, and Buerger’s disease. Lately, he admitted he also has myasthenia gravis.

But the Constitution says the people must be informed of the President’s condition. We cannot have a sick, incapacitated president for the next three years!

From A4

identities of the parties and the outcome of the probes due to confidentiality restrictions.

The office says measures are in place to protect students and employees.

What bothers me is the secrecy involved. What happened to the transparency and integrity of Jesuits?

I expect the Ateneo would do the right thing. It has to. *** Just how sick is President Duterte?

The President cut short his trip to Japan because of “unbearable pain” in his

News

A6

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Training on ‘raw vegan diet’ held TO CREATE awareness on the importance of good nutrition to boost growth and development using available vegetable and fruits that are in season, the Department of Health— CALABARZON held a four-day “Training on Raw Vegan Diet.”

Attendees to the training that would benefit scoolchildren were nutritionists of Department of Education and canteen managers and canteen owners.

“For our children to achieve their full potential, it is important that they eat healthy foods because it provides the building blocks for lifetime health and well-being,” said Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo.

He said rapid physical growth and development happened during school years. He noted that children need adequate intake of energy and nutrients including eating a nutritious breakfast at home and a healthy lunch provided by school canteens.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Calida’s plea to stop probe junked

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court has dismissed for mootness the petition of Solicitor General Jose Calida seeking to stop a Senate investigation into his family-owned Vigilant Investigative and Security Agency Inc., and the government contracts it acquired for alleged conflict of interest.

In the resolution dated Sept. 3, and released only on Friday, the SC ruled that the petition for certiorari filed

by Solicitor General Jose Calida, his wife Milagros, and children Josef, Michelle, and Mark Jorel could no longer be subject to judicial review

as the 17th Congress already ended.

Former opposition Senators Antonio Trillanes IV, Bam Aquino, and incumbent Senators Risa Hontiveros, Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan and Leila de Lima filed Senate Resolution No. 760 calling for an investigation into Calida’s

alleged conflict of interest when his family-owned security firm bagged several government contracts.

The resolution was filed during the 17th Congress, which adjourned on June 4. The proposed probe under the resolution “automatically ceased, rendering this case moot,” according to the court.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, who penned the 10-page decision, also noted that Trillanes' term has already ended.

In filing the petition for certiorari before the SC on Aug. 14, Calida and his kin claimed Trillanes acted without authority in inviting resource persons,

Ex-Comelec exec in ‘Hello Garci’ mess suspended

Go gives away goods, cash to indigents SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go distributed grocery packs and financial assistance to the fire victims in Barangay San Antonio, San Pedro City, Laguna, and Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

In San Pedro City, where 164 houses were razed by the fire and 169 families were affected, Go said that aside from the food and financial help, he will also take care of the school supplies and uniforms of the affected children so that they can immediately go back to school.

“Sino po rito ang mga estudyante?

Ako na rin po ang magbibigay sa inyo ng uniporme at mga supplies,” Go announced to the delight of the victims.

He also told those who want to return to their provinces that he will help provide financial assistance for their transportation expenses.

“Manila is too crowded. In the province, it’s not congested, the air is fresh....”Go said.

As for the families who lost their homes, Go said he had coordinated with the National Housing Authority regarding the relocation sites for them.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

DOH, USAID launch ‘e-learning’ platform THE Department of Health has partnered with the United States Agency for International Development for the implementation of its so-called “Academy’s e-learning platform” which will standardize core training content for health workers through online learning modules centralized in one location.

USAID Acting Deputy Mission Director Thomas Bayer and DOH Undersecretary Mario Villaverde led the launching of the e-learning platform, the first of its kind in the Philippines, in a ceremony held on Friday.

“The DOH e-learning platform can be accessed by health workers anytime and anywhere, which will save travel time and reduce absenteeism from workstations. This will enable trainers and health workers to spend more time attending to their patients,” Health Undersecretary Villaverde said.

“USAID believes that technological innovation presents new opportunities to respond to critical development challenges that impact millions of people around the world,” Acting Deputy Mission Director Bayer said, in a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila.

The USAID official lauded its partnership with the DOH to develop an e-learning platform that will bolster the competencies of Filipino health workers across the country. Rey E. Requejo

THE Supreme Court on Friday ordered the suspension of the controversial former election officer of Maguindanao from the practice of law for irregularities he committed during a local election in 2004.

In a six-page resolution dated Sept.

16, the SC’s Third Division, through now Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, ordered that lawyer Lintang Bedol be “suspended from the practice of law for a period of one year, with a stern warning that a repetition of the same or a similar offense will warrant the imposition of a more severe penalty.”

A disbarment complaint was filed NEW CHIEF JUSTICE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administers the oath to newly appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosagainst Bedol by Mike A. Fermin after dado Peralta during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on Oct. 24. Presidential Photo one of his opponents, Bai Susan Samad, a defeated candidate for the mayoralty post of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao filed a petition to declare a failure of elections in a precinct in the town’s Barangay Guiawa.

A Commission on Elections resoluBureau. Since November 2018, show-cause orders were issued tion dated July 27, 2004 declared a failBy Vito Barcelo against 119 customs employees for non-compliance with existing ure of election and the holding of the THE Bureau of Customs said it has submitted documents re- Customs rules and regulations,” Maronilla said. special election in the said precinct. lated to smuggling and unauthorized released of shipments to the He said the BOC has already filed 23 administrative and 25 Before the issuance of the resolution, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission of Customs personnel criminal complaints against erring Customs personnel under the Bedol, in his capacity as the provincial linked to smuggling activities at the Port of Manila and Manila administration of Guerrero. election supervisor of Maguindanao, International Container Port.

“Several Customs personnel were dismissed from the service had issued a notice dated July 23, 2004 BOC spokesperson and Assistant Commissioner Vincent this year, including a POM Customs guard which stemmed from to all candidates, informing them of the Philip Maronilla said the BOC is working closely with the a complaint received through text hotline 8484,” he said. scheduled special elections.

PACC as part of the agency’s commitment to stop corruption A “No Contact Policy” was likewise implemented which was On July 26, 2004, Bedol again issued and smuggling at the bureau. designed to combat red tape and promote transparency and a notice that the canvassing of votes shall He said documents related to smuggling involving a number efficiency in the delivery of Customs services. be held in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. of Customs personnel were already provided to the commission “Through this system, importers and Customs brokers may The complainant said Bedol commitfor evaluation and investigation. apply online for accreditation with BOC without face-to-face ted a “shameless disregard of the truth and “The BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Rey transactions with Customs personnel, adding “ at present, an Leonardo B. Guerrero, remains committed in putting policy estimated 17,500 importers and 2,200 Customs brokers are brazen disrespect for the rule of law” in reforms in order to address the problem of corruption in the actively transacting with BOC. handing down the premature notices.

The complainant added that the “false and illegal notices showed his [Bedol]'s dishonest ways and predilection to wrongdoings and his natural susceptibility to the culture of corruption and deception which renders him totally to take unfair advantage of her continued unaccusing her that she has benefi ted from the

By Macon Ramos-Araneta unfit to remain as an honorable member Good Conduct Time Allowance Law to bank- just detention for resentfully and irresponsibly of the Bar.” spreading false information against her withSENATOR Leila M. de Lima has lashed back roll her senatorial run in the 2016 elections.

Bedol’s disbarment, the complainant out offering a substantiated evidence.

De Lima, a former justice secretary, also anew at Senator Richard Gordon and ordered “I do not really know what Sen. Gordon’s said, is needed “to protect future clients him to stop defaming her and using her to re- told Gordon to shut up because she’s not capable of matching Gordon in the media beef with me is. He is the only source of the from falling prey to his corrupt and evil deem himself to President Rodrigo Duterte. supposed rumor that I used the GCTA IRR deeds.”

“Your track record as a public servant since she has been detained.

“Tigilan mo na ako Sen. Gordon. Nakaku- to shake down prisoners,” De Lima said.

In sanctioning Bedol, the high court shows that you are more than capable of being Earlier, Gordon had said that De Lima just a mere stool pigeon to this man presently long ako at walang kakayahan na makipagsaunderscored that “A government lawbayan sa publiko at media sa paninira mo sa crafted a vague Implementing Rules and ruling our country,” De Lima told Gordon. yer is a keeper of public faith and is Regulations for the GCTA Law to raise cam“All you have to do is to stand up to him, akin,” said the former jutice secretary. burdened with a high degree of social “I hope the next time you will hit me, it paign funds from the GCTA Law during her like I did. You have no secrets to hide anyresponsibility, higher than his brethren should be right in my face and we’re facing stint as justice secretary. way, right?” she told him. in private practice.”

He scored De Lima for expanding the Sec“Stop using me to earn “brownie points” each other so I will have the chance to deny “Members of the bar are reminded from Mr. Duterte and “redeem” yourself to your malicious accusations against me,” retary of Justice’s power over the release of that their first duty is to comply with the prisoners by supposedly tweaking the Law’s also said De Lima. the chief executive.” rules of procedure, rather than seek IRR as justice secretary, but ironically lauded Gordon is the chairman of the Senate The President had earlier castigated Gorexceptions as loopholes. don, even calling him names, to get back at Blue Ribbon and justice committee which her successor and now Supreme Court AsRespondent is expected to promote the senator for criticizing his appointment of conducted an investigation into the alleged sociate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa respect for the law and legal processes,” for issuing a department order mandating the sale of GCTA in the Bureau of Corrections. a Cabinet secretary.

Peralta said in the ruling. PNA De Lima lamented how Gordon continues SOJ’s review of releases of inmates.

De Lima also hit Gordon for maliciously CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

‘Docus’ on smuggling by BOC men sent to PACC

Stop defaming me, De Lima tells Gordon

LEGAL NOTICE Standard Notice is hereby given to the Manila

Patrol vessel project a gov’t-to-gov’t bid

TODAY

public that an Extra-Judicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late Luciano Tungol Sr., namely: Gloria G. Tungol, Maria Rosario Tungol Viejo, Maria Theresa Tungol Catedral, Maria Anna G. Tungol, Maria Cristina G. Tungol and Giovanni G. Tungol, all of legal age, over real properties, per deed executed on 18 October 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Raul V. Macatangay, per Doc. No. 16; Page No. 5; Book No. 32; Series of 2019.

(MS-OCT. 26, NOV. 2 & 9, 2019)

DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS Notice is hereby given to the public that an ExtraJudicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late CESAR C. VALDEZ, namely: Cesar Luis O. Valdez,; Cesar Antonio O. Valdez, Cesar Augusto O. Valdez, Cesar Julius O, Valdez, all of legal age, over personal and real properties, per deed executed on 23 September 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Jovino R. Angel Doc. No. 1; Page No. 2; Book No. 13; Series of 2019.

(MS-OCT. 19, 26 & NOV. 2, 2019)

including him.

The Solicitor General alleged that the investigation was “clearly intended merely to target and humiliate them.”

Trillanes countered the petitioners’ allegation, saying they were “never under any legal compulsion to attend” the hearings. He also insisted that Senate’s power and authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation are provided in the Constitution.

In the decision, the SC noted that such power of Congress is not absolute and that any legislative inquiry “must respect the individual rights of the persons invited to or affected by the legislative inquiry.”

READY FOR ‘UNDAS.’ A man starts cleaning and repainting the tomb of his loved

one at a public cemetery in Manila North Cemetery on Friday, Oct. 25 in preparation for All Saints and All Souls Days on Nov. 1 and 2. Norman Cruz

THE proposed offshore patrol vessel project, consisting of six ships worth P30 billion, will go through government-to-government procurement, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday.

“Yes, it will be on a G-2-G [Government-ToGovernment] mode of procurement,” Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency when sought for updates on the project.

Government-to-government is an advantage as it does not require a large capital outlay, has sovereign guarantee, and the equipment would be acquired easier and faster.

When asked if Australian defense contractor and shipbuilder Austal will be awarded the contract for the OPV project before the end of the year, the DND chief said negotiations are still ongoing.

“We have not yet finali(z)ed the negotiation. Both sides are still discussing the details. No definite decision yet as of today [Thursday],” he added.

The OPVs are part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and expected to replace the World War II corvettes and

minesweepers still in PN service as of this time.

Six OPVs are expected to be acquired for the Navy once the contract is approved. Austal plans to build the ships in its Balamban, Cebu shipyard.

The company is offering a larger version of its 80-meter Cape-class patrol vessels used by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

Earlier, the DND chief said he might ask President Rodrigo Duterte to exempt the DND from the suspension of loans and grants from 18 countries that supported the Iceland-sponsored United Nations Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation on the Philippines' illegal drugs campaign.

Of the 18 countries covered with the suspension of loans and grants memorandum issued by the Chief Executive through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last Aug. 27, the Philippines is known to source military equipment and items from Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

Items acquired from these countries include the AW-109 combat utility and AW-159 anti-submarine helicopters from Great Britain and Italy, and the C-295 medium transports from Spain. PNA

Sports

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Catantan rules Asian U-23 fencing

By Peter Atencio

S

AMANTHA Kyle Catantan claimed the gold medal in the women’s individual foil of the Asian Under 23 Fencing Championships in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday.

The 17-year-old Catantan dominated the event while preparing for the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be held in the Philippines.

Taking on the region’s best, the world no. 16 ranked Catantan first won over Korean Choi Minseo via priority point, 15-14, and after coming back from 1214 down in the last stretch of their semifinal match.

Then, she fought off hand cramps in the gold medal match to repulse another

Korean Choi Yu Min, 15-9.

Catantan, who is seeded second among the 39 entries, earlier won over Natnicha Woravijit, 15- 4, in the first round.

Then, she outplayed Chinese Taipeh’s Chin Man Yang with a come-from-behind 15-14 win in the quarterfinals.

She faced Malaysia’s Phillipa Ong Jiyi for a 14-4 triumph in the quarterfinals.

This gave Catantan her second Asian gold medal.

Last year, Catantan teamed up with Max-

ine Esteban, Justine Tinio and Wilhelmina Lozada to claim the women’s team foil gold medal when it was held in Pasig.

Later, Catantan and Nathaniel Perez settled for the bronze medals in the individual foil.

National coach Roland Canlas, in a statement, expressed his confidence that Catantan can make it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with her current world ranking.

Meanwhile, the Southeast Asia Games venues for athletics and swimming are now complete and ready for use.

International representatives for athletics and swimming in the coming 30th South East Asian Games (SEA Games) inspected the world-class Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center built in New Clark City.

In a meeting with officials of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, Ibrahim Fadil Naddeh, who is international representative for swimming and secretary of the Swimming Technical Committee of Asian Amateur Swimming Federation (AASF), gave his thumbs up to the pool area.

Naddeh praised the quick construction of the sports facilities in just 18 months.

“This took only one year and six months to complete from the time we started construction, and for me, this is Guinness Book of World Records quality,” said Naddeh.

The Aquatics Center has a 10-lane competition pool, eight-lane training pool, and a diving pool with a five-meter maximum depth.

Pagcor signs partnership with Phisgoc THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) formalized its partnership with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in a signing ceremony held recently at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who is concurrently the Phisgoc chief, sealed the deal in the presence of Senate Committee on Youth and Sports Chairman Bong Go and officials of the House of Representatives, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

The signing ceremony was highlighted by the officials’ tour of the P13 billion sports hub, which boasts of a world-class aquatics center, a 20,000-seater athletics stadium and seven-building athlete’s village that will accommodate SEA Games delegates and volunteers from November 30 to December 11.

The sports complex was built within 18 months since it broke ground in January 2018 and will serve as one of the key venues of the much-awaited athletic event that will draw top competitors from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Singapore and Vietnam.

“Pagcor is very proud to be part of this gigantic international sports spectacle. We hope that through our partnership with Phisgoc, the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th SEA Games will be a huge success and our athletes will reap major honors for the country,” Domingo said.

Apart from committing as one of the major sponsors of the event, the state-run gaming firm had earlier granted a total of P842.5 million to the PSC for the rehabilitation of facilities that will be utilized for the Games like the Philsports Complex Multipurpose Arena, Rizal Memorial Track and Football Stadium and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The said amount is separate from the monthly remittance of PAGCOR to the local sports governing agency.

Pagcor is mandated by law to remit five percent of its income to the PSC to finance the country’s sports development programs.

SUPPORT FOR FOOTBALL. Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte (center) was the special guest at the welcome dinner of the 1st Mindanao Cup held by the Football Associations in Mindanao and the Negros Occidental Football Association (Nofa) for over 200 boys ages 11 to 12 years old from 16 teams. Vice Mayor Duterte urged support for the ‘beautiful game’ which he said suits Filipinos. Nofa President Ricky Yanson paid tribute to the Mindanaoan athletes and football community who are ‘passionate about the sport in the midst of challenges.’ The Mindanao Cup is an extension of the highly successful Nofa Cup which seeks to develop and scout young footballers for possible inclusion in the national teams.

Austria stays on top after salvaging par JONAR Austria wobbled at the finish but salvaged an even par 72 and kept a one-stroke lead over titleholder Sean Ramos and Brunei’s AK MD Syakir at the start of the NGAP Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship yesterday, Oct. 25 at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.

Austria showed up the field with a two-birdie, one-bogey 35 start and went three-up over Ramos and Syakir with another birdie on the par-5 12th.

But the 25-year-old shotmaker, a former jungolfer, dropped a stroke on the last par-5 (No. 16) and bogeyed the difficult, long, water-laced par-3 17th to close out with a 37.

But his 72 proved enough to put him in the lead in the early going of the 54-hole championship organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines as Ramos also bogeyed Luisita’s signature hole for a 73.

Syakir bounced back from a two-over card with a birdie on the par-3 13th then parred the rest to match the defending champion’s 37-36 card.

Coby Rolida, Paolo Barro and Korean Tae Won Ha submitted identical 74s while Dan Cruz, winner of the recent Cangolf Am Open, settled down with a closing 36 after a 39 for a 75 for joint seventh with Andres Lorenzo, ensuring a fierce battle in the last two days of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, Cignal and Metro Pacific Investments and serving as part of PLDT Group National Amateur Tour.

Laurea Duque bogeyed No. 16 and signed for a 73 to seize a one-stroke lead over Sophia Blanco in women’s Elite side with last year’s winner Kim Seo Yun of Korea struggling with a 77 and another Korean Hee Yeon Bang turning in a 78.

Rianne Malixi, winner of two NGAP tournaements this year – the Philippine Junior Amateur Open and the Phl Amateur Open Match Play, failed to recover from a 39 start and limped with a 79 with Kayla Nocum also groping for form with an 80.

Pagunsan fires 64 to lead ICTSI Summit Point World 18 Challenge LIPA CITY—Juvic Pagunsan emerged from a crowded leaderboard in the last eight holes to seize control in pivotal day of the ICTSI Summit Point World 18 Challenge here, churning out a second straight 64 for a two-stroke lead over an equally hard-charging Tony Lascuña.

A crisp approach shot on the par-4 18th set up another birdie chance from six feet which he calmly knocked in to cap a brilliant backside 31 and firm up his lead at 17-under 199 that had appeared a bit shaky after Lascuña turned in his own version of a 33-31 that moved the veteran shotmaker from joint sixth to solo second at 201.

“It was a superb game and I hope I could sustain it to the finish,” said Pagunsan, who rushed to and hugged son PJ after holing out with that birdie feat, his 17th in the last two days marred by just one birdie in a brilliant show of shotmaking, iron game and putting on a well-kept course that features replicas of 18 of the world’s most renowned golf holes and which he calls home.

American Brett Munson, who started the day ahead by three over Pagunsan and Jhonnel Ababa, staved off the Filipinos’ charge by bucking an early bogey with an eagle on the ninth. But he bogeyed three of the first four holes at the back and fell with a thud to joint seventh at 205 with Aussie Jack LaneWeston, who rallied with a 66.

“Unlike in the second round, I had problem with my putter. But it happens in golf and I have to shoot a 64 to win. But of course, it’s quite tough to do it,” said Munson in jest.

Ababa also reeled back with a mediocre 35 start but almost matched Pagunsan’s backside attack with a four-birdie binge from No. 12 then rescued pars in the next two to shoot a 67 for third at 202.

That arranged a perfect all-Pinoy final grouping among Pagunsan, who posted a record four-winin-row feat to bag this year’s PGT Order of Merit title; Lascuña, the former three-time OOM winner who swept the last two legs of PGT’s milestone 10th season coming off a PGT Asia Taiwan victory last month; and Ababa, the winningest player on PGT Asia with four victories.

Despite his lead, Pagunsan remained wary of his chances for the top $17,500 prize and a second Philippine Golf Tour Asia crown after dominating the Riviera leg early this year, stressing “other players are capable of shooting a 64. No game plan and will just play my game.”

“I’m happy with my game, especially my putting.

Sana ganito uli bukas (today),” said Lascuña, also out to post a two-title PGT Asia feat in the third season of Asia’s newest circuit after his Taiwan escape.

Racasa rules Pattaya Chess Club age group chess ANTONELLA Berthe Racasa, country’s youngest Woman Fide Master, claimed the girls’ 12-Under title with 6.5 points in nine outings in the recently concluded 2nd Pattaya Chess Club Open 2019 age group chess championship held at the Bay Beach Resort in Pattaya, Thailand.

The 12-year-old Racasa scored victories over Tyrhone James Tabernilla of the Philippines (first round), Ray Pritish Burman of Singapore (second round), Ian Hon of South Korea (third round), Relghie Columna of the Philippines (sixth round), Agarwal Manan of Singapore (seventh round) and Adrian Klein Cantomayor of the Philippines (ninth round).

Racasa, a grade 6 pupil of Home School Global, agreed to a draw with Ruelle of the Philippines (eight round). She lost Sai Han Thiha of Myanmar (fourth round) and Wayne Ruiz of the Philippines (fifth round).

Ruiz from Santa Rosa, Laguna won over-all champion in the Under 12 division followed by 2nd placer Sai Han Thiha and 3rd placer Canino.

Racasa’s local and international chess campaign was supported by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos, councilor Charisse Abalos, Rotary Club past president Rogelio Lim of Boni Towers, Rose Montenegro, immediate past president/CEO of Makati Med. and president/CEO of the ALC Group of Companies, D. Edgard A. Cabangon.

Antonella Berthe Racasa, country’s youngest Woman Fide Master, display her championship trophy after winning the girls’ 12-U title in the 2nd Pattaya Chess Club Open 2019 age group chess in Pattaya, Thailand. Beside her is her father/coach International Memory Champion Robert Racasa.

Juvic Pagunsan acknowledges cheers from the gallery after firing a second straight 64 to lead the ICTSI Summit Point World 18 Challenge.

Chinese team caught cheating at Military World Games BEIJING, China—A cheating Chinese orienteering team was disqualified after losing its moral compass and using secret paths and markings during the Military World Games in China.

The home team bagged some of the top spots in a middle-distance competition, which sees runners navigating their way across unknown countryside using little more than a map.

But organizers later discovered the mixed-gender team—all of whom were serving soldiers— had strayed from the straight and narrow.

Spectators had helped them by pointing the way and a number of “markings and small paths (were) prepared for them, which only they were aware of,” the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) said.

The Military World Games bring together military athletes from around the world every four years.

China built an athletes’ village to host around 10,000 participating soldiers, coaches and officials for the games, which kicked off in Wuhan on October 18 with a ceremony attended

by President Xi Jinping.

China’s Ministry of Defense, whose People’s Liberation Army are joint organizers of the games, did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Orienteering is not the only sport to have been embroiled in scandal in China, with marathons also tainted by instances of cheating.

At one event in March a woman was caught using a bicycle for part of the course, while dozens of participants took shortcuts at the Shenzhen half-marathon in November.

Three Chinese runners were banned for life for breaking the rules at this year’s Boston Marathon. AFP

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

Giannis says his potential still untapped LOS ANGELES, United States—For Giannis Antetokounmpo, hearing people mentioning that he is the current NBA MVP is not to his liking—he wants to achieve so much more in the sport.

“I don’t like to hear that all the time. I am a man fighting for food, for his position. That’s what I learned since I was a little kid, fighting every day, that was and is my life,” Antetokounmpo said in an interview with the Greek sports website contra.gr posted on Thursday (Friday Philippine time).

The 24-year-old forward admitted that many elements of his game need improvement, “like my shooting and my dribbling. I’m still at 60 to 70 percent of my potential.”

Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo scored 30 points to propel the Bucks to a 117111 victory in Houston Thursday, spoiling the debut of newly formed Rockets star duo James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

In a battle featuring the last three NBA Most Valuable Players it was reigning MVP Antetokounmpo who emerged the winner, notching the first triple-double of the season before he fouled out with just over five minutes remaining.

By then, the Greek superstar had amassed a triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, scoring 20 points in the second half to help the Bucks rally from a 16-point third-quarter deficit.

Antetokounmpo became the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1966 to post a 30-plus point triple-double in his opening game of a season.

Antetokounmpo, born in Greece to Nigerian parents, has been a three-time NBA All-Star selection for the Milwaukee Bucks who he joined in 2013 after one year with Greek side Filathlitikos.

He trained with the men’s and sometimes even with the women’s team at Filathlitikos.

“I spent all day on the court. Many times I even slept there, on a blue mattress,” Antetokounmpo said, who grew up in poverty. AFP

Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against PJ Tucker (17) of the Houston Rockets in the first half of their game at Toyota Center. AFP

Dyip trips Phoenix, 106-104 P

HOENIX Pulse paraded a new import Alonzo Gee who exploded for 45 points against Columbian but it was not enough as the Dyip carved out a 106-104 victory in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Columbian import was not as spectacular but proved more effective with 30 points and 19 rebounds. Rookie standout CJ Perez added 25 points and eight rebounds for the Dyip which arrested a two-game slide.

With the victory the Dyip (4 wins, 4 losses) climbed into sixth place.

Leading the standings is the unbeaten TNT Katropa (7-0). Trailing closely are the NLEX Road Warriors (5-1), the San Miguel Beermen (5-2), the Meralco Bolts (4-2) and Barangay

Ginebra San Miguel (3-2).

The other teams include Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (3-4), the North Port Batang Pier (3-4), the Rain or Shine Elastopainters (2-5), the Blackwater Elite, Phoenix (2-6), Blackwater Elite (2-5) and the Alaska Aces (1-6).

Rashawn McCarthy, displayed his veteran leadership by converting clutch baskets in the fourth quarter to help the Dyip regain control of the match.

The Fuel Masters rode the coattails of the Gee to wrest the lead in the third quarters.

Gee, who played his first game for the Fuel Masters, replaced Eugene Phelps as the Phoenix import.

Gee is a product of University of Alabama and played for the Crimson Tide men’s basketball team for four seasons.

Gee was undrafted in the 2009 NBA draft but managed to join the San Antonio Spurs for the 2009 NBA Summer League. On September 27, 2009, he signed by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was later waived by the Timber wolves on October 6, 2009.

He is a journeyman player of the National Basketball Association. He

Langhammer looms as threat in Black Arrow Express 5150

By Reuel Vidal DON’T count out Jakub Langhammer.

While most experts have picked Sam Betten and defending champion Mitch Robins as the men to beat in the Black Arrow Express 5150 which reels off tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 27 in Subic Bay a victory by Langhammer certainly cannot be discounted.

The Czech blazed the road on his bike to rule the recent Penong’s 5150 last July and he is capable of pulling off the same feat in the Olympic distance race in Subic.

Tactics will be an important factor in determining who wins and who places in the coming race and Langhammer is well prepared.

“Tempo during Olympic distance race is always so fast. Faster than 70.3 or full IRONMAN. So you have to make sure to stay hydrated and cool your body much as possible. Racing in

heat is really hard especially during the run. My secret is not to run so fast during first half of the run and always take water or ice on each Aid station,” said Langhammer.

The Czech said he spent two weeks in Hawaii not only to watch the IRONMAN World Championship but to also train and prepare for the coming BAE 5150. He is confident and enters the race with winning as the only goal.

He confessed that the Philippines is one of his favorite places to race and joins as many races held here as he can.

“I like all triathlon races in Philippines because I always feel like home. There are so many friendly faces and the best cheering people in the world. And they always make best racing atmosphere,” said Langhammer.

Black Arrow Express is the title sponsor. Venue hosts are Subic Bay

Davao Occ. Tigers face Valenzuela Jakub Langhammer, third from left, is all smiles after winning the Penong’s 5150 last July.

With him are, from left: August Benedicto, Kieran McPherson and Mitch Robins. Photo from Penong’s FB page

and ACEA Subic Bay. Other backers are TYR (official swim brand), GU (official energy gel), David’s Salon and F2P Sportswear as major sponsors. Media partners are ONE Sports on Cignal, Crosstrain.ph, MBody.ph, Trilife, AsiaTri.com and FInisherPix with Alaska, AlcoPlus, Australia Harvest, Cetaphil, DeVant, Sanicare, Regent, Storck and Timex as marketing partners.

The Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint—a

short distance triathlon series featuring a 750m open-water swim, 20km bike ride and a 5km run put up by Go for Gold to help Filipino athletes achieve excellence in their sport – will be a companion race held on the same date.

For details, please contact the secretariat at blackarrowexpress@5150p hilippines.com. Pro athletes may contact preregistration@ironman.com.

Pacio wants knockout victory over veteran Catalan REIGNING ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio is ready to defend his title against Rene “The Challenger” Catalan at the Mall of Asia Arena in the Philippines on November 8.

Both Filipino athletes will headline ONE: Masters of Fate, and Pacio has already done his homework on “The Challenger.”

“Sir Rene (Catalan) has been doing this for a very long time, even before I started taking up the sport,” Pacio said.

“His greatest strength would be his wushu striking, and I would not consider his ground game to be his weakness as we have seen in his past bouts. In his tenure as a martial artist, he was able to develop his other skills, and that is why I have a huge level of respect for him.”

Pacio is adamant in looking for a decisive finish in his third title

played for the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans.

The scores: Columbian Dyip 106—Khapri Alston 30, CJ Perez 25, Jackson Corpuz 18, Rashawn McCarthy 16, Andreas Cahilig 7, Juami Tiongson 4, JP Calvo 4, Glen Khobuntin 2, Keith Agovida 0, Eric Camson 0, Reden Celda 0, Jiffy Faundo 0.

Phoenix Pulse Fuelmasters 104— Alonzo Gee 45, Jason Perkins 20, Alex Mallari 11, Mike Gamboa 8, Dave Marcelo 6, RJ Jazul 6, Jorey Napoles 3, Justin Chua 2, Doug Kramer 2, RR Garcia 1, Davon Potts 0, Quarter scores: 28-20, 54-42, 74-76, 106-104.

match this year. He knows that Catalan this chance at the world title. has the same intentions. After all, the “I mentioned before in an interview that 40-year-old is riding a six-bout winning I want to take him out in the first three streak and has waited a long time for rounds,” Pacio said.

ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio acknowledges fans as he enters the arena. ONE Championship

“It is something I am determined to accomplish, and I know that he plans to do the same. He has been working hard for this opportunity, and I am not willing to let go of this title.”

Team Lakay has been instrumental in Pacio’s growth as an athlete and as a human being. The team has instilled ethical values and taught Pacio everything he knows, eventually leading him to the golden strap.

The only way Pacio knows how to give back is by winning his bout against Catalan.

“I will do everything I can to defend my title and show the world the fighting spirit of Team Lakay,” Pacio said.

“We failed to have the same success as we had last year, but I am not going to fail my family in Team Lakay on November 8. This is my time and my title, and I am not going to lose it again.”

STREAKING Davao Occidental Tigers aim to add the Valenzuela Classic to their list of victims when they clash at 8:30 p.m. today Saturday, Oct. 26 as the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season visits Mindanao anew at Davao City Recreation Center.

The Bulacan Kuyas tangle with the Rizal Golden Coolers in the 6:30 p.m. opener.

On a six-game roll, the Tigers lead the 15-team South division with a 16-2 record and are favored over the Classic, who hold a 7-12 card in the 16team North division.

Veterans Mark Yee and Billy Robles, James Forrester, Chester Saldua, Marco Balagtas and Bonbon Custodio will banner the Cocolife-backed Tigers, who ruled the South division in the MPBL Datu Cup but bowed to the San Juan Knights, the North division titlists, in the National Finals.

Paolo Hubalde and Henryford Ruaya will spearhead the Classic being supported by SPV Top Marketplace.

Coming from a 75-70 victory over the Imus Bandera on Oct 14 and a better 10-7 slate, the Kuyas are picked over the Golden Coolers, who are on a five-game slide and are second to last in the North at 3-13.

Meanwhile, Makati Super Crunch and the Pampanga Giant Lanterns met stiff resistance before pulling off victories over the Iloilo United Royals and the Caloocan Supremos, respectively, last Thursday in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at Marikina Sports Complex.

Powered by the troika of Juneric Baloria, Cedric Ablaza and Mark Niel Cruz, the Super Crunch subdued the Royals, 78-71, while the Giant Lanterns wasted a 20-point lead (36-16) but recovered in time to down the Supremos, 76-70.

Cruz poured eight points, Joseph Sedurifa six and Jeckster Apinan five in the fourth quarter as the Super Crunch stretched their win run to five and raised their record to 15-3, tying the Manila Stars at second spot in the North division being paced by the San Juan Knights (17-2).

IN BRIEF

Dominguez welcomes additional mining tax

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III described as a “good idea” a congressional proposal to impose an additional tax on mining, with the proceeds to be placed in a sovereign wealth fund to benefit future generations of Filipinos.

Dominguez said in a statement the proposal, introduced by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, followed the principle of “intergenerational equity,” which ensures fairness among generations in the use and conservation of natural resources.

In this case, the concept of intergenerational equity applies to the use and conservation of the country’s rich mineral resources.

“The idea of a sovereign fund is actually a good idea,” said Dominguez in a recent press briefing. “It answers the question (of how) you’re using a nonrenewable resource and passing on the benefits to future generations.”

Salceda, who chairs the House committee on ways and means, said aside from raising the current excise taxes on mining, he would propose a new 2-percent tax on gross output for large-scale metallic mining that will form part of a “Natural Resource Trust Fund. Julito G. Rada

Business

Rockwell borrowing P15b from BDO, PNB

ROCKWELL Land Inc., the real estate unit of the Lopez Group, is borrowing P15 billion to fund capital expenditure program and finance maturing debt.

Rockwell Land said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday its board of directors approved a P10-billion long term loan facility of up to P10 billion with BDO Unibank Inc. of the Sy Group.

It also approved a P5-billion long-term loan facility of up to 10 years with Philippine National Bank.

Rockwell Land earlier reported that it would spend up to P14 billion in capital expenditures in 2019 primarily for project development and some land acquisitions.

It also lined up three project launched this year that will generate up to P16.7 billion in revenues.

Rockwell will launch an P8-billion high-end residential development in Bacolod City.

The 10.9-hectare development will feature eight mid-rise residential buildings plus retail and activity area.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. The Energy Regulatory Commission awards a certificate of compliance to the Alsons Power Group for the second 105-megawatt section of the 210-megawatt baseload coal-fired power plant of Sarangani Energy Corporation in Maasim Sarangani province. ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera (third from the right) presented the COC to Tomas Alcantara (third from the left), chairman and president of SEC and Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc.

BSP: ‘19 GDP growth to reach at least 6%

By Julito G. Rada

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas expects the full-year economic growth to hit near the lower end of the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent due to government’s accelerated spending and the slowdown in the inflation rate.

BSP Deputy Governor Francis Dakila said during a briefing held at the Bangko Sentral Friday that the government’s “catchup” spending scheme would support the growth momentum for the rest of 2019. “... With the recovery in government spending, we see an acceleration in liquidity growth towards the end of the year. The fourth quarter will be stronger because of the acceleration of government spending coupled with the [high seasonal] spending in during the Christmas season,” Dakila said.

“The Q4 GDP will be closer to the

midpoint of the 6-to-7 percent target range. We see the full-year growth close to the lower number of the target of 6 to 7 percent for the year,” Dakila said.

Data showed headline inflation declined further to 1.7 percent in third quarter 2019 from 3.0 percent in the previous quarter, bringing year-to-date inflation to 2.8 percent—well within the government’s target range of 2 to 4 percent.

Improved food supply, due mainly to the reforms in rice importation, as well as downward adjustments in generation charges contributed to easing price pressures. Moreover, weaker demand for oil amid uncertainties surrounding the external environment, particularly the protracted trade tensions between the US and China, dampened global oil prices.

Likewise, the official core inflation rate slowed to 2.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter from 3.4 percent in the second quarter, suggesting a continued easing in demand-side price pressures.

The results of the BSP’s latest survey of private sector economists in September 2019 showed generally lower and within-target inflation expectations for

2019 up to 2021.

BSP’s baseline projections continued to indicate that inflation would likely settle within the lower half of the inflation target range of 2 to 4 percent in 2019-2022. Inflation expectations have likewise settled firmly within the inflation target band.

Meanwhile, the balance of risks to the inflation outlook has shifted toward the upside for 2020, while it continued to tilt to the downside for 2021.

Over the near term, upside risks to inflation may emanate mainly from volatility in global oil prices and from the potential impact of the African Swine Fever outbreak on domestic food prices.

Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the government planned to spend around P1.14 trillion in the last quarter to reach the total program disbursement target of P3.769 trillion for 2019.

“To attain this target, the government needs to disburse P1.14 trillion or 30 percent this fourth quarter. Based on the updates of our main infrastructure agencies, we are confident that we are going to hit our spending target this year,” Dominguez said in a statement.

MOST OUTSTANDING.

Globe Telecom acquires majority stake in EC Pay

Jollibee Foods Corp. is named the “Most Outstanding Company in the PhilippinesConsumer Discretionary Sector” during the 2019 Asiamoney Asia’s Outstanding Companies Poll. The Asiamoney Outstanding Companies Poll acknowledges listed companies that have excelled in areas such as financial performance, management team excellence, IR activities and CSR initiatives. At the awarding ceremony are (from left) Asiamoney Asia bureau chief Matthew Thomas, JFC president and head of international business Dennis Flores, JFC chief executive Ernesto Tanmantiong and Euromoney Editor-inChief Clive Horwood.

By Darwin G. Amojelar GLOBE Telecom Inc. on Friday said it is acquiring a majority interest in Electronic Commerce Payment Inc. for P1.54 billion.

The telecommunications firm owned

by Ayala Corp. said its board approved the acquisition of a 77-percent equity interest in EC Pay equivalent to 49.28 million shares for P1.54 billion.

ECPay engaged in the provision of information technology and electronic commerce related solutions, and operates a multi-tiered platform that offers secure electronic solutions for various transactions such as load purchases.

“Integrating ECPay into Globe’s network of retailers will add value to our distribution channels, enabling them to offer a suite of products and services via a single platform,” said Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu. The ECPay platform will enable small business owners to offer more products and services, which in turn will stimulate the e-commerce industry and the digital economy. It will also future-proof Globe’s distribution network, bringing the company a step closer to its vision of a digitally-enabled Philippines.

BPI Capital acted as the exclusive financial adviser to Globe Telecom.

Globe in September re-acquired 51 percent of Yondu Inc. from Surpass Inc. for P501 million. Xurpas prior to the transaction held 51 percent of the shares in Yondu, while Globe owned 49 percent.

Yondu was a leading content developer and provider of mobile value-added services and information technology services back in 2015 when it was acquired

by Xurpas.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

B1

Banks back BSP move to trim reserve requirement

Group seeking probe of rice undervaluation

THE Federation of Free Farmers urged the government to immediately investigate the apparent undervaluation of and the wrong application of tariff rates on rice imports which may have resulted in the loss of tariff revenues of at least P1.6 billion as of July 2019.

Latest reports indicated total imports may have already reached 3 million tons as of September, while tariff collections since the import liberalization already breached P10 billion.

A detailed study conducted by the FFF indicated, however, that tariff collections could have been higher by P1.6 billion from January to July 2019 because of declaration of import values, understatement of freight costs and the erroneous application of tariff rates on rice imports.

FFF national manager Raul Montemayor claimed the tariffs on rice imports were based on the cost of imports from the point of origin, or the “freight on board” or FOB price, plus the cost of freight and insurance, to come up with the “cost, insurance and freight” or CIF price. Othel V. Campos

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

AC Energy, 3 others join rebidding of Pililla power plant FOUR companies expressed interest to participate in the rebidding of the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Pililla, Rizal, next month, state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. said Friday.

“There are four interested bidders that already secured bidding documents from PSALM. They are Panasia Energy Inc., Phinma Energy Corp. (new corporate name is AC Energy Philipines Inc.), Hill Trench Power Inc. and Therma Central Visayas Inc.,” PSALM president Irene Garcia said.

Garcia said the four companies sent representatives to participate at the pre-bid conference Thursday

afternoon.

“I am optimistic that we can privatize Malaya at this second round of bidding,” the official said.

The board of PSALM earlier approved the disclosure of the reserve price for the Malaya power plant bidding to increase investor interest.

PSALM will rebid the Malaya thermal power plant and its underlying land in Pililla, Rizal on November 22. PSALM declared the bidding on September 18 a failure after only one submitted a bid.

“For this second round, I was able to get board approval to disclose the reserve price at least 5 days before the bid submission deadline. You will recall that there is an old policy that

requires non-disclosure of the reserve price,” Garcia said.

“We feel that it increases the risk of another failed bidding. Hence, we proposed that we disclose the reserve price to the bidders once it has been set,” Garcia said.

She said another new provision in the rebidding was that in case only one submitted a bid in the second round of bidding, “PSALM can proceed to declare a failure of bidding of the said second round of bidding and then proceed to follow the rules on negotiated sale in opening and processing the lone bid so long as the bid is not below the reserve price set by the board.”

Alena Mae S. Flores

BANKERS expressed full support to the latest move of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to cut again the reserve requirement ratios of universal, commercial and thrift banks by 1 percent or 100 basis points, saying the development will result in added liquidity into the financial system and boost economic growth.

Bankers Association of the Philippines president Cezar Consing, who is also the president and chief executive of the Bank of the Philippine Islands, told the media the RRR cut was a welcome move, adding the Philippines was now inching closer to aligning the reserve ratios with the other countries in the region.

“It also reflects the governor’s confidence in the strength of the financial system that we can now reduce our reserve ratios closer to the rest of the region.

Even at the lower rates, it is still higher but I think the plan is gradually to bring it down to a single digit within his term,” Consing told reporters Thursday evening at the sidelines of the BPI’s inauguration of its new Makati main branch, the biggest in the Makati central business district.

The new branch aims to serve all client segments and will offer specialized banking services.

“The RRR cut is also going to make more available funds to be lent... that will increase the growth of lending that will foster economic growth,” Consing said, adding all banks would benefit from the lower reserve requirements.

He also expressed confidence that bank lending—which slowed a bit in August despite the previous RRR reduction—would pick up this time. “... Lending slowed down a little bit partly because the budget was a little late. But my sense is that the government is trying very hard to catch up on the spending side. What happens is when the government spends more money specially on infra, the private sector tends to follow,” Consing said.

The national budget of P3.7 trillion this year was approved only in April by President Rodrigo Duterte after months of impasse between the two houses of Congress. As a result, the government operated on a reenacted budget the entire first quarter which caused the economy to expand by just 5.5 percent in the first half, way slower than the target range of 6 to 7 percent for the entire year.

Julito G. Rada

Appellate court rejects PECO’s petition to stop expropriation

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Court of Appeals denied the bid of Panay Electric Co. to stop the expropriation of its distribution assets in Iloilo City by More Electric and Power Corp., the new franchise holder and distributor in the city.

In a resolution penned by CA Associate Justice Alfredo Ampuan, the 18th Division based in Cebu junked PECO’s petition for a temporary restraining order against the Iloilo City Regional Trial Court, and another petition for a writ of preliminary injunction against the same court, after it ordered the expropriation of PECO’s distribution assets by MORE. “The court does not see an urgent and paramount necessity for the preliminary injunctive writ to prevent serious damage,” the ruling said.

“PECO’s perception of bias on the part of the court a quo does not also give a clear and unmistakable right to have the proceedings suspended until the Supreme Court resolves the petition for transfer of venue,” it said.

PECO wanted the case to be transferred to any court in Manila.

The other members of the CA’s 18th Division, Associate Justices Edgardo Delos Santos and Marilyn Lagura-Yap. The CA justices said there was no damage to PECO’s business after Congress granted the DU franchise to MORE instead of to PECO. “And as long as MORE has a valid legislative franchise, it may exercise the power of eminent domain as provided for under Section 23 of the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001),” the court said.

B2

Business

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks fall; Manila Water drops T he stock market fell Friday in dull trading as investors look for a catalyst that could send the benchmark index above the 8,000-point mark.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index declined 28.48 points, or 0.4 percent, to 7,922.50 on a value turnover of nearly P7 billion. Losers beat gainers, 110 to 75, with 55 issues unchanged.

Manila Water Co. Inc. dropped 1.4 percent to P19.96, while parent Ayala Corp. lost 1.8 percent to P849. Two senators sought a review of the concession agreement of water companies with the government as the utilities again began rotational supply interruptions.

DMCI Holdings Inc., which owns 25 percent of Maynilad Water Holding Company Inc., the water distributor

in the western zone of Metro Manila, slumped 5.3 percent to P8.20, but Bank of the Philippine Islands, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, rose 1.9 percent to P99.

The sterling, meanwhile, extended losses Friday owing to renewed Brexit uncertainty after Boris Johnson proposed a general election to resolve the long-running saga, while Asian markets were mixed after a broadly positive week.

With the prime minister giving up on a pledge to leave the EU by his Halloween deadline, he called for a December 12 national vote that would likely give his Conservative party enough MPs to eventually pass the agreement.

However, opposition lawmakers have said they will only vote for a snap poll if they are guaranteed Britain will not leave the EU without a deal, meaning there is a good chance his election bid

will fail.

MPs will decide Monday on whether to agree to the election, just as the European Union is due to announce a threemonth extension to the deadline.

Shanghai rose 0.5 percent while Tokyo ended up 0.2 percent at a one-year high, with Sydney gaining 0.7 percent, Singapore adding 0.5 percent and Seoul 0.1 percent higher.

But Hong Kong dipped 0.2 percent, while there were also losses in Taipei, Wellington, Mumbai, Bangkok and Jakarta.

The pound, which this week broke $1.30 for the first time in five months on optimism a no-deal Brexit will be avoided, went into retreat Thursday and was stuck around $1.240 on Friday. It was also down against the euro.

“A sense of rational optimism around Brexit has given way to more uncertainty as to the pound, and UK risk mar-

kets were roiled” by the prospect of an election, said AxiTrader analyst Stephen Innes.

He added that a national vote would amount to a referendum on Johnson’s Brexit strategy.

But OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley said that while sterling was lower “the mild sell-off will probably give way to optimism that a hard Brexit is almost off the table, and that Parliament’s three-year impasse could soon be history”.

Equity markets were fluctuating through the morning as investors keep an eye on the events in Westminster, while also awaiting the latest developments in the China-US trade talks.

Optimism that the two economic superpowers will hammer out details for a mini agreement by next month have helped support equities this week.

With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Friday, octoBer 25, 2019

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

56.4 97.5 1.91 149.2 1.16 24.9 18.54 12.2 4.7 7.71 1.26 750 72.1 0.9 21.75 44.5 177 130.5 58.15 26.3 201 1,840 59.2 1.09

56.4 100.5 1.91 149.2 1.16 25.5 18.56 12.4 4.77 7.71 1.26 750 73 0.9 21.75 44.65 177 130.5 58.15 26.3 203 1,840 59.95 1.09

54.5 97.5 1.8 147.1 1.16 24.9 18.52 12.12 4.67 7.71 1.26 750 71.65 0.88 21.75 43.85 175 130.1 58.15 25.8 201 1,835 59.2 1.09

FINANCIALS 55.8 8,170 99 5,750,770 1.8 131,000 147.8 1,220,840 1.16 1,000 25 182,700 18.52 4,000 12.2 933,300 4.75 1,093,000 7.71 700 1.26 17,000 750 730 71.65 3,999,570 0.88 357,000 21.75 100 43.9 243,000 175 3,990 130.1 40 58.15 390 25.9 32,100 203 476,330 1,835 115 59.2 23,590 1.09 9,000

451,608 571,743,705.50 239,950 180,509,784 1,160 4,570,660 74,188 11,420,868 5,109,640 5,397 21,420 547,500 287,942,253 317,110 2,175 10,745,795 698,306 5,208 22,678.50 830,295 96,424,614 211,350 1,397,268 9,810

276,510 197,210,773 47,328,429 -2,992,840 -665,758 -3,855 -38,158,900 -229,850 -2,778,600 -167,900 5,238,270 -928,256 -

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

39 2.78 14.96 0.71 1.34 4.24 0.248 2.58 15.5 8.25 18.06 30.5 65.8 72 2.11 5.8 5.55 8.7 15.12 10.4 7 1.6 25.2 79.95 47.35 2.49 14.76 8.01 1.52 227.6 50 9.21 20.2 13.2 17.52 363.8 0.187 1.72 5.1 9.2 10.94 33.8 5.4 5.14 1.91 2.2 1.03 11.22 93.95 7.36 0.131 1.12 154 2.52 1.29 1.13

39 2.86 14.96 0.71 1.34 4.27 0.249 2.6 15.5 8.45 18.06 32 65.8 76.7 2.12 5.8 5.65 8.71 15.28 10.64 7.03 1.6 25.55 79.95 48.6 2.49 14.76 8.1 1.52 228 50 9.39 20.2 13.3 17.88 363.8 0.187 1.75 5.11 9.39 11 33.8 5.4 5.25 1.93 2.2 1.03 11.22 94 7.39 0.131 1.12 154 2.52 1.3 1.16

38.25 2.76 12.5 0.68 1.32 3.95 0.241 2.41 15.34 8.23 17.2 30.4 65.8 72 2.1 5.8 5.53 8.63 15.12 10.2 6.99 1.6 25 78.9 47.3 2.25 14.2 7.97 1.47 225.4 50 9.03 19.88 13.18 17.48 356.2 0.186 1.71 5.05 9.2 10.94 33.65 5.4 5.14 1.86 2.17 1 11.16 92.1 7.3 0.131 1.1 146.8 2.52 1.26 1.11

INDUSTRIAL 38.4 835,600 2.85 22,065,000 12.54 1,678,700 0.69 346,000 1.34 13,000 4.01 14,273,000 0.247 8,550,000 2.5 2,942,000 15.4 101,100 8.27 182,800 17.66 6,500 31 116,100 65.8 150 76.7 260 2.1 589,000 5.8 7,900 5.59 11,800 8.65 543,500 15.14 186,500 10.4 768,200 7 993,900 1.6 1,000 25.4 2,865,200 79 130,200 48.6 16,200 2.29 11,666,000 14.6 218,900 7.99 415,300 1.51 425,000 226.2 107,870 50 600 9.34 43,900 19.96 4,126,800 13.2 128,500 17.88 5,992,000 356.2 249,900 0.186 70,000 1.73 1,226,000 5.07 301,900 9.39 14,000 11 57,200 33.7 145,600 5.4 107,900 5.24 1,183,300 1.89 715,000 2.17 24,000 1 51,000 11.22 263,000 93 44,890 7.39 18,700 0.131 20,000 1.12 252,000 150 3,044,210 2.52 1,000 1.28 2,253,000 1.12 1,317,000

32,091,035 62,521,660 21,634,186 238,310 17,400 58,231,060 2,091,300 7,321,310 1,557,244 1,516,454 112,886 3,651,545 9,870 18,767 1,242,560 45,820 65,882 4,707,739 1 2,825,350 7,947,786 6,960,262 1,600 73,026,005 10,288,565.50 786,855 27,258,600 3,183,306 3,320,765 626,690 24,400,770 30,000 398,615 82,372,430 1,696,192 105,648,032 89,547,006 13,050 2,123,630 1,529,475 128,925 628,944 4,912,260 582,660 6,151,743 1,347,460 52,590 51,030 2,947,280 4,171,658 137,640 2,620 281,580 455,512,439 2,520 2,873,400 1,482,950

-14,715,460 5,053,600 -8,386,382 -465,830 -777,470 -61,274 -466,729 -949,310 ,994,045.9998 2,093,960 -6,447,522 -1,682,959 16,547,705 -5,623,826.50 247,750 396,820 562,020 -11,202,002 -1,557,528 661,320 -8,187,062 -59,918,868 13,050 131,110 -228,411 -805,950 -200,720 200 168,722 -1,172,479.50 -30,240 -88,984,201 261,580 -61,800

21,942,800 16,314,784.50 130,662,010 2,067,220 927,128 311,050 35,450 383,898,785 5,215,360 6,597,364 208,759,904 351,946 175,420 2,240 47,986,445 143,565 20,730,083 5,040 1,010 3,512,200 ( 686,055,698 34,370 153,216,840 326,800 521,150 83,889,686 1,157,214,190 61,520 12,600 92,000 117,598 2,200 67,900

-3,796,910 -10,397,178 3,704,994 2,300 -162,711,395 -396,920 3,608,927 -8,832,490 -22,236 -11,258,125 -135,120 590,445 570,580.0001) 2,541,464 -6,411,000 15,286,337 16,029,540 24,000 -

7,570,688 38,830 99,810 298,850 137,044,830 1,288,600(1, 1,584,180 8,510,020 120,740 302,040 3,304,150 24,555,503 447,995 3,531,550 10,865,070 1,055,070 111,960 58,708,430 1,938,900 4,100 1,674,800 3,900

-1,482,900 -57,355,850 140,589.9998) -23,000 -1,140 4,650 22,543,037 -2,025 -507,000 -7,058,550 -18,077,900 -14,500 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

2.02 26 2.26 3.3 38.95 2.7 1.24 7.73 5.6

2.05 26 2.26 3.3 39.05 2.72 1.36 7.73 5.7

2.01 25.65 2.25 3.22 38.5 2.66 1.17 7.67 5.4

2.05 25.75 2.25 3.22 38.85 2.69 1.25 7.69 5.4

167,000 873,700 442,000 31,000 5,776,100 164,000 97,481,000 4,268,800 147,600

337,830 22,482,845 997,800 100,360 224,307,705 439,940 121,735,020 32,835,242 808,951

4,993,060 83,389,120 42,545,250 -17,819,387 -

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 IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

10.34 18.48 11.52 0.54 0.042 18 2.33 10.36 95 6.8 5.5 9.2 1,902 5.25 430 1.57 1.75 122.9 0.108 5.04 2.54 3.01 0.94 18.64 0.42 3.4 2.39 12.52 3.37 2.8 8.2 4.86 144 3.08 1,119 0.69 0.51 40.4 77 8.71 2.58 0.68 0.325 0.67 16.56

10.34 18.8 11.52 0.54 0.042 18 2.36 10.58 95 6.93 5.5 9.41 1,915 5.25 475 1.6 1.75 123.2 0.108 5.06 2.65 3.01 0.94 18.64 0.42 3.4 2.45 12.52 3.5 2.8 8.2 5.14 144 3.1 1,119 0.69 0.52 40.4 79 9.22 2.6 0.69 0.33 0.67 16.58

10.3 18.4 11.48 0.51 0.042 17 2.32 10.18 92.7 6.78 5.5 9.08 1,891 5.2 430 1.56 1.74 121.7 0.108 4.96 2.5 2.99 0.91 18.58 0.41 3.4 2.39 12.52 3.28 2.8 8.2 4.86 144 3.01 1,099 0.67 0.5 39.4 75.6 8.71 2.56 0.68 0.325 0.66 16.44

SERVICES 10.3 18.5 11.5 0.52 0.042 17 2.32 10.2 93.2 6.78 5.5 9.1 1,915 5.22 430 1.6 1.74 122.7 0.108 4.99 2.5 3 0.91 18.6 0.41 3.4 2.42 12.52 3.29 2.8 8.2 5.13 144 3.06 1,099 0.68 0.51 40 79 9.22 2.59 0.69 0.325 0.66 16.46

6,100 400,100 5,806,300 9,928,000 3,300,000 100,300 489,000 6,149,700 103,700 282,900 10,000 103,800 35,130 77,300 42,780 225,000 24,000 1,154,970 20,000 1,100,400 115,000 276,000 445,000 105,000 150,000 10,000 109,000 400 10,661,000 1,000 400 6,100 60 498,000 47,465 2,165,000 4,715,000 367,700 327,700 4,000 1,191,000 1,131,000 1,030,000 1,452,000 297,000

62,918 7,449,650 66,750,864 5,196,410 138,600 1,732,840 1,134,570 62,969,322 9,687,794 1,924,776 55,000 949,718 66,967,200 402,897 19,119,680 355,850 41,830 141,757,702 2,160 5,493,080 297,790 827,070 410,450 1,953,080 61,700 34,000 262,450 5,008 35,963,240 2,800 3,280 31,024 8,640 1,514,010 52,507,005 1,453,600 2,384,920 14,556,450 25,867,316.50 36,280 3,072,840 769,280 334,950 969,430 4,896,530

-4,120 -5,915,888 73,800 1,727,740 -1,076,520 -25,734,084 -6,980,926 -522,763 4,631,420 1,750 -56,907,704 -89,780 27,000 -843,180 -9,748 -201,130 -15,722,700 -38,020 -83,640 -2,412,370 6,239,420 1,277,420 -408,200 1,006,304

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

0.0016 1.16 2.52 11.6 2.59 7.55 1.71 0.225 0.106 0.11 0.0092 1.16 3.9 1.05 0.85 0.012 0.011 0.011 10.02 3.64 12.74 23.5 0.006

0.0016 1.17 2.52 12.08 2.61 7.65 1.72 0.225 0.107 0.11 0.0092 1.17 4.03 1.07 0.85 0.012 0.011 0.011 10.46 3.65 13.16 23.8 0.0062

0.0016 1.14 2.52 11.54 2.59 7.55 1.68 0.204 0.106 0.108 0.0092 1.13 3.9 1.02 0.85 0.012 0.011 0.011 10 3.6 12.38 22.75 0.006

MINING & OIL 0.0016 100,000,000 1.14 1,549,000 2.52 10,000 12.08 18,500 2.6 387,000 7.65 200 1.72 12,635,000 0.205 970,000 0.106 2,990,000 0.11 320,000 0.0092 9,000,000 1.17 269,000 3.94 6,620,000 1.02 147,000 0.85 20,000 0.012 4,000,000 0.011 681,700,000 0.011 4,000,000 10.42 676,000 3.6 528,000 12.96 3,531,200 23.8 847,300 0.0062 40,000,000

160,000 1,782,600 ( 25,200 221,506 1,006,550 1,520 21,500,300 201,250 318,890 35,140 82,800 308,810 26,184,380 1 152,300 17,000 48,000 7,498,700 44,000 6,895,878 1,907,080 45,711,852 19,991,610 243,800

233,010.0001) -109,350 ,207,039.9997 -710,276 739,020 -3,220,700 14,304,820 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18 497.2 100.4 109.5 498 5.12 965 970 99.5 1 100.9 1,031 1,050 1,060 990 77.9 75 76.5 75.5 75.7

18 498 100.4 109.5 500 5.12 970 970 99.5 1 101 1,037 1,050 1,060 990 77.9 75.1 76.6 75.5 75.7

17.72 497.2 100.4 109.5 498 5.12 965 970 99.5 1 100.9 1,031 1,049 1,059 990 77.9 75 76.5 75.4 75.7

PREFERRED 17.74 145,900 498 110 100.4 1,000 109.5 450 500 1,050 5.12 100 970 1,830 970 120 99.5 100 1 2,229,000 101 5,190 1,037 300 1,050 7,045 1,059 10,000 990 100 77.9 1,200 75.1 7,130 76.6 9,320 75.5 8,030 75.7 66,500

2,588,708 54,772 100,400 49,275 524,880 512 1,771,400 116,400 9,950 2,229,000 524,189 310,665 7,397,170 10,599,305 99,000 93,480 535,450 713,049 606,226.50 5,034,050

LR WARRANT

1.6

1.6

1.55

WARRANTS 1.55 38,000

59,200

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

6.44 11.5 0.93

6.5 11.62 0.99

6.4 11.28 0.92

6.43 11.4 0.95

FIRST METRO ETF

119

119

118.5

MS

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A 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 SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.9 54.85 11.9 0.73 12.8 1.14 1.15 865 3.68 6.73 8.65 13.04 3.03 0.224 879 5.63 73.8 5.04 0.51 4.31 13.58 0.58 4.97 0.038 1.45 165.8 1,036 0.88 1.26 400 218.6 0.22 0.225

0.9 54.85 11.9 0.76 13.4 1.15 1.15 865 3.7 6.76 8.66 13.4 3.6 0.224 881.5 5.63 73.8 5.04 0.51 4.32 13.58 0.6 4.97 0.038 1.46 168.5 1,037 0.88 1.26 400 218.6 0.22 0.23

0.85 54.5 11.3 0.7 12.72 1.12 1.14 849 3.65 6.68 8.15 13 3.02 0.224 876 5.63 72.5 5.04 0.5 4.3 13.34 0.58 4.86 0.038 1.41 164.4 1,013 0.85 1.26 400 217 0.22 0.225

HOLDING FIRMS 0.86 25,271,000 54.7 298,380 11.7 11,287,900 0.74 2,773,000 13.4 70,900 1.13 275,000 1.15 31,000 849 447,560 3.7 1,413,000 6.75 980,900 8.2 25,171,400 13.4 26,500 3.6 53,000 0.224 10,000 880 54,550 5.63 25,500 73.2 283,400 5.04 1,000 0.5 2,000 4.3 815,000 13.36 50,948,600 0.6 59,000 4.9 31,243,000 0.038 8,600,000 1.41 366,000 166 505,680 1,027 1,126,825 0.88 72,000 1.26 10,000 400 230 217 540 0.22 10,000 0.23 300,000

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY

14.62 0.83 1.79 0.87 49.2 2.01 4.55 0.58 0.85 0.201 0.465 9.97 20.9 0.465 1.61 1.25 4.68 4.95 0.295 0.41 1.42 0.39

14.8 0.85 1.79 0.88 49.2 2.01 4.62 0.59 0.87 0.21 0.5 10.24 20.9 0.465 1.62 1.25 4.68 4.95 0.3 0.41 1.42 0.39

14.6 0.82 1.74 0.86 48.5 2 4.55 0.57 0.85 0.2 0.465 9.95 20.5 0.45 1.59 1.22 4.5 4.84 0.29 0.41 1.39 0.39

PROPERTY 14.62 517,600 0.84 47,000 1.79 57,000 0.86 345,000 48.5 2,815,900 2 644,000 4.58 346,000 0.58 14,573,000 0.85 142,000 0.21 1,470,000 0.48 6,790,000 10.2 2,408,800 20.55 21,800 0.45 7,760,000 1.6 6,775,000 1.22 861,000 4.5 24,000 4.86 12,026,000 0.295 6,590,000 0.41 10,000 1.39 1,200,000 0.39 10,000

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.1 0.97

10.28 10.1 0.97

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,143,337

INDUSTRIAL

92,580,549

HOLDING FIRMS

162,686,569

PROPERTY

175,653,138

SERVICES

57,160,752

MINING & OIL

870,628,622

GRAND TOTAL

1,388,462,498

10.1 10.1 0.97

SME

280,700 295,400 14,030,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.5 1,740 DDS 10.28 10.1 0.97

7,870 610 1,500

-2,552,708 -49,275 -

1,804,917 3,363,036 13,519,710

-24,567 4,850

206,834

10,699

79,920.80 6,161 1,455

-

VALUE 1,876.79 (up) 6.95 1,220,499,494.90 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,470.07 (down) 66.30 1,296,609,452.522 HOLDING FIRMS 7,745.04 (down) 39.72 2,985,249,745.56 PROPERTY 4,166.29 (down) 25.94 SERVICES 1,531.53 (up) 0.54 698,431,411.402 MINING & OIL 9,209.23 (up) 81.15 612,196,698.47 PSEI 7,922.50 (down) 28.48 134,359,969.5788 All Shares Index 4,767.03 (down) 13.13 6,966,242,834.18 Gainers: 75; Losers: 110; Unchanged: 55; Total: 240

Cemex swung to a net profit of P875m in 1st nine months

By Jenniffer B. Austria CEMEX Holdings Philippines Inc. booked a net income of P875 million in the first nine months of the year, a reversal from a loss of P663 million year-onyear, on higher operating earnings, foreign exchange gains and lower income tax expenses.

Cemex said in a disclosure to the stock exchange nine-month sales rose 2 percent to P18.2 billion from a year ago.

The company posed a profit of P72 million in the third quarter, a turnaround from a loss of P79 million on year. Third-quarter net sales decreased 3 percent on lower volumes.

Cemex said the domestic cement volumes declined 6 percent in the third quarter of the year due to lower construction activity, mainly related to public infrastructure.

The delays in infrastructure projects negatively impacted on private investment.

Cement prices, however, increased 3 percent in the third quarter as a result of the price adjustment implemented last year.

“We continued to face lower construction activity during the third quarter. Nevertheless, we are pleased with what we have achieved through the first nine months of the year, particularly with our own efforts to optimize costs, maintain efficiencies, and improve our customers’ experience,” said Cemexpresident and chief executive Ignacio Mijares.

“We continue to believe in the longterm growth prospects of the Philippines, as infrastructure remains a vital engine for growth in the country,” Mijares added.

Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, remained flat, at 59 percent, for the first nine months of the year.

Operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, were lower by 3 percentage points in the first nine months of 2019, with the reduction blamed on the distribution side.

Cemex expects to finalize a planned stock rights’ offering in the third quarter of 2020. The company plans to use the Proceeds from the rights offering to finance the expansion of its Solid Cement plant in Antipolo, Rizal.

Cemex is currently constructing a $235-million net cement production line capable of producing 1.5 million metric tons annually. The expansion will increase cement capacity by 26 percent.

Belle registered P2.18-b income in three quarters BELLE Corp. of the Sy Group registered a consolidated net profit of P2.18 billion in the first nine months of 2019, down 18 percent from P2.66 billion year-on-year, on lower contribution from unit Pacific Online Systems Corp.

Belle said in a disclosure to the stock exchange nine-month revenues fell 11 percent to P6.46 billion on year.

It said overall revenues were pulled down by weaker results of POSC, which leases online betting equipment to stateowned Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for their lottery and keno operations.

POSC, which is 51 percent owned

by Belle’s unit Premuim Leisure Corp., registered a 51-percent decline in revenues to P766 million from P1.56 billion.

“This was due to the competition from small town lottery and the temporary suspension of lottery and keno operations by PCSO in the third quarter of 2019,” Belle said.

“With the suspension since lifted, Pacific Online is working closely with PCSP and its network of agents to boost the attractiveness of the pari-mutuel games it offers and is also working to implement cost efficiency measures across its operations,” it added.

Real estate operations, meanwhile, remain stable. Real estate sales registered a 4-percent increase in the first nine months of the year to P2.63 billion from P2.52 billion a year ago.

About P2 billion of the sales came from leases of land and buildings comprising of City of Dream Manila to Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corp.

Share price of Belle on Friday gained 1 percent to P2. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

B3

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Japan police hunt stolen diamond TOKYO―Japanese police were on the hunt Friday for a stolen diamond worth more than $1.8 million after the pricey piece was discovered missing from a jewelery trade show outside Tokyo.

“The diamond stolen on Thursday was valued at 200 million yen. We believe it was stolen from a display case,” a police spokesman told AFP. The 50-carat loose diamond was on display at a three-day show in Yokohama city where companies from Japan, Russia, China and elsewhere are showcasing their sparkly wares.

According to public broadcaster NHK, the theft was noticed by an employee who noticed the item was missing and realized that the display case was unlocked.

The item, belonging to a Japanese firm, appeared to be the only piece taken from the show, which was not halted over the theft and wraps up Friday. AFP

PROTEST.

Iraqi protestors take part in antigovernment demonstrations in Baghdad on October 25, 2019.

Thousands of protesters massed near the highsecurity Green Zone in Iraq's capital in a resumption of antigovernment demonstrations that left more than 150 people dead earlier this month. AFP

Tourists flock to Australia’s Ayers Rock for last ever climb ULURU, Australia―Hundreds of tourists flocked to Uluru Friday for one last chance to scale the sacred red monolith ahead of a climbing ban long-sought by Aboriginal Australians.

A permanent ban on scaling Uluru― also known as Ayers Rock―comes into place Saturday in line with the long-held wishes of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the land, the Anangu.

This has led to a surge of climbers in recent months.

“I came here just to see it but it is the last day possible [to climb Uluru], so I have decided to try it,” Polish tourist Matt Oswiecimiki told AFP. The 29-year-old said it was “fair to stop it” tomorrow out of respect for the Anangu people, but said the one time opportunity meant he would still climb it given he was allowed on Friday.

Hundreds were left waiting for hours early Friday due to safety concerns over heavy winds, before rangers allowed climbers to head up the rock at 10:00 am local time.

Parks Australia said they would reassess the weather conditions throughout the day to determine if climbers could continue to mount the rock.

Tourists are still being encouraged to visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where they can take in the monolith from its base, walk around its perimeter and learn about its indigenous heritage at the cultural center.

“It’s enough for me to walk around and see the rock,” Japanese tourist Masahira Suda told AFP Friday from the base of the rock.

The 25-year-old said he did not judge fellow tourists for scaling Uluru but he was refraining at the request of the Aboriginal custodians.

“I really have respect for them,” he said.

More than 395,000 people visited the Uluru-Kata National Park in the 12 months to June 2019, according to Parks Australia, about 20 percent more than the previous year.

Around 13 percent of those who visited during that period made the climb, park authorities said.

Uluru has great spiritual and cultural significance to indigenous Australians, with their connection to the site dating back tens of thousands of years.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt likened the surge of people rushing to climb Uluru with “a rush of people wanting to climb over the Australian War Memorial”.

“Our sacred objects, community by community, are absolutely important in the story and the history of that nation of people,” he told national broadcaster ABC. AFP

Trump cancels Times, Post

Hundreds of thousands flee California wildfires L OS ANGELES― Some 50,000 people were ordered to flee their homes north of Los Angeles on Thursday as a fast-moving wildfire driven by high winds erupted and raged out of control.

The so-called Tick Fire near Santa Clarita, about 65 kilometers north of Los Angeles, broke out in the early afternoon and quickly consumed 2,023 hectares, fire officials said.

The blaze burned several homes and structures and forced the closure of a major highway and a number of roads, as some 500 firefighters backed by air tankers and helicopters battled the flames.

There were no immediate reports of injury.

“We are urging everybody to evacuate at this time,” a spokesman for the fire department said.

The fire erupted as much of the state was under a red flag warning because of gusty winds, high temperatures and low humidity which make for perfect condi-

tions for wildfires.

In northern California wine country, some 2,000 people were ordered to evacuate after a brush fire erupted late Wednesday, quickly growing from a blaze of a few hundred acres into a 16,000-acre inferno, California fire officials said.

About 500 responders battled the fire fed by wind gusts topping 70 113 kilometers per hour.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for the community of Geyserville and nearby vineyards after the fire started in a mountainous area and quickly spread, crossing a highway and moving toward homes, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office said.

“If you’re in Geyserville, leave now,” the sheriff’s office advised, citing an extraordinary threat to life and property.

Winds out of the north were driving the fire as firefighters struggled to save homes.

By early evening, the fire was five percent contained and several structures had burned, fire officials said.

The blaze―120 kilometers north of San Francisco―came amid official warnings that much of northern California and parts of the south were under imminent threat of fires into Friday be-

cause of blustery, dry weather and high temperatures.

Another brush fire in San Bernardino County, about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, also prompted evacuation orders as it quickly burned 75 acres.

Power was cut to some 180,000 customers in the northern part of the state Thursday and similar preemptive shutoffs affected thousands of customers further south due to conditions that are ripe for wildfires.

Power companies warned that additional power cuts could be ordered to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

The strong winds in the north were expected to subside Friday but are forecast to pick up again on Sunday, the National Weather Service warned.

Many residents of Geyserville said they barely had time to gather their belongings as the monster fire quickly approached the town, with embers igniting fires throughout the region.

“We thought we were a couple of miles from the fire,” Dwight Monson, 68, told the Los Angeles Times. “But guess what—the winds.”

He said by the time his family got in their cars and escaped to the valley below, the flames were on the edge of their ranch. AFP

LAST CLIMB. Tourists climb the Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, on a sunny day at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia's Northern Territory on October 25, 2019. Hundreds of tourists flocked to Uluru for one last chance to scale the sacred red monolith ahead of a climbing ban long-sought by Aboriginal Australians. AFP

November 9, 1989: the day that changed the world BERLIN―Guenter Schabowski scratches his head, puts on his glasses, hesitates, then fumbles with his handwritten notes.

He seems to be trying to understand what he is reading and haltingly responds to a question about when a measure giving East Germans more freedom to travel would take effect: “As far as I know... as of now.”

History’s train has left the station. It is around 7 pm on November 9, 1989.

A member of the Politburo of East Germany’s communist party, and its spokesman, this member of the inner ruling circle of the “workers’ and peasants’ state” as the German Democratic

Republic was known, just announced to a few flabbergasted journalists the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He seems to do it by accident, at the end of a press conference and in response to questions about the new rules for East German citizens leaving the country.

There was no going back.

But 30 years after the fact, the debate is still raging: was the sudden demise of the Berlin Wall, a prelude to that of the entire communist bloc, an accident of history, a slip of the tongue?

Was it the result of a misunderstanding in the communist hierarchy, caught flatfooted by events, or a calculated gesture

by the East German dictatorship which had reached the end of the line?

In the corridors of power in East Berlin, inside the opulent villas in the leafy northern suburb of Wandlitz which the apparatchiks called home, the mood has been on a knife-edge for weeks. How to salvage the situation?

The East German population, trapped behind the Iron Curtain since 1961, is “voting with its feet”. Since August 1989, Hungary and Czechoslovakia have been turning a blind eye to a flood of refugees escaping the east for West Germany.

Meanwhile since early September,

hundreds of thousands of East Germans have taken to city streets to protest each week, chanting against the regime “We are the people!” and “We want to leave!”.

The crisis has reached the tipping point. And the GDR can no longer count on the Soviet big brother to intervene.

In Moscow, the tone has changed and Mikhail Gorbachev is speaking of “perestroika” (change or reform) and “glasnost” (openness, transparency).

The Soviet leader had only just warned East German strongman Erich Honecker in early October that “life punishes those who are too late.” AFP

WASHINGTON―President Donald Trump doesn’t like what he reads in two of America’s biggest newspapers, The New York Times and Washington Post―so he won’t be getting them any longer.

“We did not renew our subscription, that is correct. This will be a significant cost savings to taxpayers,” White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham told AFP. Trump on Monday had told Fox News―the television network that he watches daily and relies on for largely friendly coverage―that he didn’t want to get the papers because they were “fake.”

Grisham also told The Wall Street Journal that the White House plans to require all federal agencies to cancel their subscriptions to the two newspapers.

“I have no doubt the hardworking reporters of The New York Times and Washington Post will continue to do quality journalism regardless of whether the president acknowledges he reads them,” White House Correspondents’ Association president Jonathan Karl told the WSJ. “Pretending to ignore the work of a free press won’t make the news go away, or stop reporters from informing the public and holding those in power accountable,” he added.

The Times and particularly the Post are not the biggest newspapers by circulation, but they have a big influence in national politics and especially in the coverage of the White House. AFP

Bribery retrial opens for Samsung heir SEOUL―The heir to the Samsung empire appeared in court Friday for a retrial over a sprawling corruption scandal that threatens to disrupt management at the world’s biggest smartphone and memory chip maker.

Lee Jae-yong is vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics―where profits have been falling for months―and was jailed for five years in 2017 for bribery, embezzlement and other offenses in connection with the scandal that brought down South Korean president Park Geun-hye.

The 51-year-old was released a year later after an appeals court dismissed most of his bribery convictions and gave him a suspended sentence, but that decision was set aside by the Supreme Court in August, which ordered a retrial.

Accompanied by his lawyers, Lee walked stony-faced into the Seoul High Court for the new proceedings, telling reporters: “I’m sorry for causing many people concern.

“I apologize,” he added, bowing as protesters shouted nearby.

In a court hearing that lasted less than an hour, he spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and job title.

The case centers on millions of dollars the Samsung group paid Park’s secret confidante Choi Soon-sil, allegedly for government favors such as ensuring a smooth transition for Lee to succeed his ailing father.

Prosecutors told the court they had “much evidence” to prove that link— the crucial issue before the court.

The Supreme Court’s decision does not bode well for Lee, as it ruled that 8.6 billion won ($7.3 million) paid

by Samsung should be considered as bribes―and suspended sentences are only possible in bribery cases if the amount is less than 5 billion won.

Lee’s lawyer Jang Sang-kyun said the defense “respects the Supreme Court’s ruling” and would defend him on that basis, adding: “The most important thing here is the weighting of punishment.” AFP

B4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

LIVING THE ‘BROAD’ LIFE IN BIÑAN Alveo unveils sprawling township south of Metro Manila

T

HE south of Metro Manila just became more interesting with the launch last week by Alveo Land of a sprawling, mixed-use district in Biñan, Laguna.

Broadfield, a 120-hectare, master planned estate in Laguna, is envisioned as an 80-hectare commercial and mixed-use district, complemented by 40 hectares for residential subdivisions.

In a media briefing in its office in Taguig City last Friday, the upscale unit of Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) presented its biggest commercial district project to date, which will be located four kilometers from development complex Nuvali and 21 kilometers from Alabang.

The company is targeting to raise P17.7-18 billion from selling the 36.6-hectare Phase 1 of the project.

LOCAL INVESTORS, It will have a total of 87 lots, of which ENTREPRENEURS TARGETED 35 lots have been offered last week for “Our target markets are local invesan average list price of P185 million.

Turnover of this segment is scheduled tors and local entrepreneurs,” Alveo Land chief operating officer Rufino S. in 2023.

Explore new construction technologies at 30th Philconstruct PHILCONSTRUCT, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will be held on November 7 to 10 at the SMX Convention Center Manila and the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCM).

Philconstruct will have three expansion tents in WTCMM and an outdoor display area for heavy equipment at the Ipil-ipil lot of the CCP Complex Grounds, making this the biggest edition of the show to date, with over 100,000 sq. meters of exhibition space.

FOREIGN EXHIBITORS TO SHOWCASE WARES “More than putting together sellers and buyers in one venue, Philconstruct is one of PCA’s ways of serving industry needs,” said Morris Agoncillo, president of the PCA. “This year, we have put special focus on getting foreign exhibitors to showcase new tech and solutions that our local practitioners should consider utilizing.

We have a new technology pavilion by the European Union. About 30 exhibitors from all over Europe are coming over to be part of this.”

Philconstruct will also showcase of the Philippine construction industry roadmap 2020 to 2030. The roadmap was crafted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) and the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA).

This project aims to spread knowledge about the four pillars of the industry, its direction for the coming decade, and the important role industry professionals play in turning this vision into reality.

BEING GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE IS KEY Philconstruct is no longer just a trade expo,” said Gerry Pancho, overall event chairman and first vice president of the PCA. “We have come a long way from simply being a showcase of products and machinery. This event is deeply grounded and rooted in PCA’s mission as nation builders to unify the industry and ensure that we are all playing our respective roles in not only making it globally competitive.”

Projections by industry experts indicate that the construction industry will further increase its contribution to the economy to

P130 trillion by 2030 under its roadmap.

Innovation in construction development is going to play a crucial role in the roadmap. The construction ecosystem now has focus on finding solutions to the many challenges faced by the industry.

CONNECTING ON A PERSONAL BASIS “This is where Philconstruct’s role as the industry sourcing show becomes very important,” said Pancho. “Philconstruct gives industry decision-makers and buyers the opportunity to connect with suppliers and manufacturers from both here and abroad in one convenient venue, cutting down on the time to connect with each company on a personal basis.”

The 30th Philconstruct will occupy both the SMX Convention Center Manila and the World Trade Center Metro Manila, featuring more than 2,500 brands from 23 countries. This will include its co-presenter Pacific Paint (Boysen) Philippines as well as major sponsors CW Home Depot, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Civic Merchandising, and Isuzu.

For more information, visit www.philconstructevents.com.

Gutierrez told the Manila Standard.

“They plan to either build their own building and have a commercial space under, or for the investors, sometimes they lease the land to other companies.”

UPCOMING INFRASTRUCTURE A BOON Guiterrez pointed to positive outlook for Broadfield due to upcoming infrastructure, specifically the CaviteLaguna Expressway and the proposed Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Express-

way, will help boost access to the commercial district once it opens.

“The surrounding immediate areas are thriving,” he explained. “These include mushrooming residential spaces and various companies, businesses and industries coming over to set up operations.”

Once completed, Broadfield will be equal to half the size of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig (240 hectares).

Its main roads will be designed similarly, with bike lanes, walkways and tree-lined streets.

Broadfield includes two previously launched Alveo residential subdivisions in the area, Venido on the northwestern portion, and Aveia just across it.

GREEN CITY Located behind Broadfield’s commercial district will be the 50-hectare Laguna campus of De La Salle University. The campus will also be the site of the Shrine of St. John Baptist de la Salle, patron saint of teachers. The sanctuary is expected to be a pilgrimage site for educators and will be completed in 2020.

The development will also be 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.

FIRST ON BASE IN BULACAN. Century Properties Group, Inc. in partnership with Japan’s global business enterprise Mitsubishi Corporation recently expanded to northern Luzon with the launch of PHirst Park Homes Pandi. The Pandi project unveiled last week 11 hectares out of the planned 18 hectares, with an initial Php1.6billion inventory of the planned Php2.9 billion in total sales revenues. It is a follow up to the success of PHirst’s first three communities in Tanza, Cavite; Lipa, Batangas; and San Pablo, Laguna which has sold 3,800 homes valued at Php6.4 billion as of August 2019.

PHirst Park Homes’ footprint now covers 75.2 hectares and 7,908 units, worth Php13.3 billion. PHirst Park Homes Pandi is accessible via the Santa Maria Pandi Road ,from the Bocaue or Balagtas exits of the North Luzon Expressway. The project offers two-storey modern designed homes, Unna single-attached and Calista townhouse cluster (Seen in photo), with floor areas of 40 sqm to 54 sqm, respectively. The price per house and lot starts at Php1.3 million. PPHI plans to roll out 11 more out of 15 master-planned communities in the next four years to address the country’s reported housing backlog of 6.6 million.

ACHIEVING ‘ENLIGHTENMENT’ IN PASIG. DMCI Homes recently launched Satori Residences, a five-building development along the bustling Santolan district in Pasig City, that offers exciting attractions, a great location and the ultimate lifestyle amenities that could be provided by a modern home. The resort-inspired sanctuary along F. Pasco Avenue, with its excellent proximity to mass transit and public transportation terminals, professionals and students alike a convenient take-off point going in and out of Eastwood and Ortigas business districts, learning institutions like UP and Ateneo, and recreational centers in the metro. Designed for start-up families and young professionals, the condominium’s surroundings, which occupies 70 percent of the land area, provides a much-needed breathing space in the urban jungle. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units ranging from 27.50 to 78 square meters (sq.m.) are now pre-selling at a starting price of P3.35 million. The units will be ready for occupancy starting with the Hacana building in February 2023.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

ARTS AND CULTURE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

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How memories

live on

Visit the underground cemetery in Nagcarlan

HERE LIES THE DEPARTED. The Baroque-style Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan, Laguna is the only underground cemetery in the Philippines that played a huge role during the 1896 Philippine Revolution.

By Diana B. Noche

F

UNERALS and rainbows do not reconcile. We think of death and we think of ventilated skeletons and ear-to-ear grins of eyeless skulls. We think of rainbows and we see a Lotus land with a charm of a fairy tale legend.

Until the early 20th century, however, funerals and rainbows were exactly like that—cemeteries were places to relax and reminisce beside a loved one’s grave. Picnics at cemeteries were popular; birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were reasons for merriment and perfect opportunity to get well out of the daily familiarity. The cemeteries were designed to be parks on rolling hills with landscaped grounds.

Family mausoleums, soaring monuments molded into angels, obelisks, and miscellaneous symbolic icons—anchor with a broken chain meant end of life, broken columns were lives cut short, a dove was a travel to heaven, candles symbolized spirits of the soul, a weeping willow tree meant sadness, hand with a finger pointed upward meant road to heaven—dotted the cemeteries.

There were graves that told of the dead one’s

The underground graveyard is located 15-feet below the chapel where 36 tombs are arranged in four walls.

Flowers bloom

on Manila North Cemetery wall RIGHT in time for Undas 2019, over 300 artists from different provinces gathered to bring life and colors to the wall of Manila North Cemetery.

Artists from Ilocos Sur, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Rizal painted a mural of flowers from all over the Philippines. Acclaimed artist Ferdie Montemayor organized the volunteers, together with other artists from the Pinto Art Museum.

Dubbed “Flores Para Los Muertos (Flowers For The Departed),” the project is a collaboration among Pinto Art Museum, Office of Mayor Isko Moreno, Office of Congressman Yul Servo Nieto, and Davies Paints Philippines, Inc. Demetrio “Demet” Dela Cruz, an awardwinning artist who also grew up in Manila, made the initial sketch together with fellow distinguished artist John Paul “Japs” Antido.

“The idea is a bouquet,” said Dela Cruz.

“The essence is unity; to produce an arrangement of native Filipino flowers as a non-political offering to Manila and to the departed who rest in the cemetery.”

“We offer flowers to the dead all the time as a way of paying homage to our loved ones,” said Dr. Joven Cuanang, founder of Pinto Art Museum. “As we are nearing All Over 300 volunteer artists from different parts of the country painting a 500-meter mural on the wall of the Manila North Cemetery.

A volunteer artist paint flowers on the wall.

Saints Day, this is also a celebration of our cherished tradition.”

Another award-winning artist, Jim Orencio recalled that when Dr. Cuanang told Turn to C2

personal identity or preference as grave markers—car, motorcycle, favorite toy, piano, and other objects.

In the 1830s, burial grounds were located out of town. Well-to-do families buried their dead in churchyards within the town proper; the poor got buried in public cemeteries, farmers were simply buried on their farms. Coffins were positioned atop each grave when the area filled up. The rains would make the ground weak and wash out the graves into the road.

Limited land areas to accommodate an increasing number of the dead necessitated measures to work out the problem. A crematorium was one solution where the ashes of the dead were sealed in an urn and kept in a vault or house altar, thus saving space. Others opted to have their dead one’s ashes dispersed by ocean winds for a burial at sea. Imaginative minds turned the ashes into wearable jewelry and pendants thus giving the sense of still being a virtual companion.

There are other ways to honor the dead and immortalize the memory of them and at the same time do something to preserve the Earth— through green burials. An unembalmed body is buried in the ground inside a wooden box or cardboard with a sapling on top of it. As the body decays and returns to nature, the sapling grows to be a tree, nurtured by a soil inter-blended with Turn to C2

Life

C2

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

REP’s 2020 season features diverse characters

T

HE 83rd season of the Repertory Philippines holds up a mirror to human life, highlighting stories and characters that are both unique and familiar.

In her first season as REP’s artistic director, Liesl Batucan assembles a brilliant and diverse core of creatives who will be making their debut in the REP director’s chair, celebrated thespians who will be treading the REP boards for the first time, and REP veterans who will be making their much-awaited theater comeback.

The 2020 season opens with The New York Times’ Critic’s Pick of 2014, “Stage Kiss” by American playwright Sarah Ruhl, which runs from Feb. 7 to March 1, 2020. This romantic comedy takes audiences backstage and introduces them to She and He, two stage actors who find themselves cast as lovers in a 1930s melodrama. But She and He have a romantic history together, and after sharing several stage kisses as their characters, they unintentionally rekindle their love.

A deliciously witty and insightful play about life imitating art and art imitating life, “Stage Kiss” stars Missy Maramara, Tarek El Tayech, Andres Borromeo, Justine Narciso, and Mica Pineda, among others, and is directed

by Carlos Siguion-Reyna, renowned and multi-awarded filmmaker of critically-acclaimed movies Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Ligaya ang Itawag Mo sa Akin, and Azucena.

From March 13 to April 5, the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Anna in the Tropics” by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz comes to the REP stage. When Juan Ju-

production “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, A Very Hairy Fairytale” comes this witty new take on a beloved classic. Running from September 12, 2020 to January 31, 2021, this play is directed by Joy Virata.

When Snow White meets her prince at the ball, they fall in love. But when the magic mirror tells the Evil Queen that Snow White is the fairest in all the land, she burns with jealousy. She vows to vanquish Snow White, but the young girl flees into the forest and befriends seven unusual miners.

For the first time in REP history, audiences will get to experience REP

‘Snow White and the Prince’ by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman

lian arrives in Tampa, Florida in 1929, he unwittingly heralds change in the Cuban cigar factory where he has been employed as a lector. As he reads aloud from Leo Tolstoy’s passionate Anna Karenina, the workers soon find the story creeping into their lives and informing their decisions.

Directed by New York-based noted production designer Joey Mendoza and starring Ana Abad Santos, Jake Macapagal, Paolo O’ Hara, Brian Sy, Gab Pangilinan, Gie Onida, and Madeleine Nicolas, “Anna in the Tropics” paints a sympathetic portrait of oppressed laborers and lovers who flout tradition, as it shows the transformative power of literature.

The universally loved and enduring favorite Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical “Carousel” caps off the season and runs from May 1 to 24.

Helmed by much lauded young director Toff de Venecia, the production show-

cases a star-studded cast led by the luminous pairing of Nikki Gil and Gian Magdangal, who will both be making their REP debut.

The musical follows a poor young couple, millhouse worker Julie Jordan and carousel barker Billy Bigelow.

When they both lose their jobs because of their whirlwind love affair, Billy is pressured into committing theft to provide for their unborn child. After everything goes tragically wrong, he is given a chance to make things right. Hailed as TIME magazine’s Best Musical of the 20th Century, “Carousel” explores the heartbreak and complexities that make its characters so tragically and wonderfully human.

REP 2020 ends with REP Theater for Young Audiences’ children’s musical “Snow White and the Prince” by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman. From the same writers of REP’s mega hit 2018

‘Anna in the Tropics’ by Cuban-American playwright Nilo Cruz

circular wall and a domed chapel, was intended as a burial place for rich Spanish families. After Jose Rizal’s death by firing squad in Bagumbayan, he was initially buried there. Others who were also buried at Paco Park Cemetery were Cavite’s martyr priests: Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, also known as “Gomburza.”

But for some authentic historical lesson about the exceptional, almost bizarre, peculiarity of spending some time in someone else’s culture and time, a visit to Nagcarlan’s underground cemetery brings a fresh insight into the pride-rich heritage and endurance of the Filipinos.

No one should come to Nagcarlan, Laguna without visiting Barangay Bambang where the Nagcarlan Underground Cem-

cated 15-feet below the chapel where 36 tombs are arranged in four walls.

From C1 To reach the crypt below, a visitor must take a flight of steps with inscriptions in the ashes of the dead. Imagine all the Spanish on each rung. robust trees to green the Earth!

“Go forth, mortal man, full of life/ ToWhile some cemeteries have become day you visit happily this shelter/ But after places of restful stillness and contemplayou have gone out/ Remember, you have a tion, other sites have become abandoned, resting place here/ Prepared for you.” creepy places, with twisted trees growing The cemetery has 240 apartmentout of cracks in open graves, emptied of type niches on the walls. Each side of human presence but full of ghosts. the chapel contains 120 niches. There In various parts of the Philippines, are a total of 276 niches in the cemetery. cemeteries that once thrived are now During the Philippine Revolution in hidden away forever.

1896, leaders of the Katipunan, together In Camiguin is a large cross marking the with Pedro Paterno and Gen. Severino site where a Spanish era graveyard in the Taino, used the cemetery as a meeting 1800s sank 20-feet below during a volcanic place where they planned and finalized eruption. Tombstones can be seen only by the Pact of Biak-na-Bato in 1897. snorkeling. Another cemetery by the shore During the Philippine-American War of Paras Beach Resort collapsed and World War II, the cemetery and sank in 1871 after another served as the townspeople shelvolcanic eruption. ter from the armed conflicts.

There are also cemeterThe Nagcarlan Underground ies which may be considered Cemetery and Museum was unique for their unusual details declared as a national landand historical importance. mark by PD No. 260, and The Manila Chinese Cemeamended by the Adm. Order tery is the second oldest in the #1505 in 1978. Thereafter, no country. The idea of a Chinese more burials were allowed in cemetery came from Don Carthe cemetery. The oldest tomb los Palanca during the Spanis dated 1886. ish times when the Catholic As you enter the chapel you Church would not allow Chi- The cemetery has 240 apartment-type niches on the walls, while can imagine priests mumbling nese people to be buried toprayers and choir boys chanteach side of the chapel contains 120 niches. gether with the Catholics. ing echoing off the walls, linkFor over 2,000 years, the ing the living and the dead in a Igorots have revered their dead by etery and Museum serenely rests. heavenly realm. The cemetery is richly keeping them in coffins hanging in the Founded centuries ago on a one-hectare green, warm when there is clear sunlight, limestone cliffs in Sagada with ropes land in the shadows of the brooding but and gloomy when the clouds get omiand wires. The bodies were placed in magnificent Mt. San Cristobal, under the nously dark. It continues to remind us of a fetal position. supervision of Franciscan priest Vicente the sad yet romantic air of a place that has The Familia Luzuriaga Cemetery is Velloc, it was intended for use exclu- once been of importance and exists today located at the intersection of two high- sively by Spanish friars, prominent town in the recollection of an illustrious past. ways in Bacolod—Lopez Jaena Street citizens, and members of elite Catholic We look at how well historic places and Burgos Street—and is known as families. It is a place waiting to be redis- have withstood mass tourism, people’s “Bangga Patyo” or cemetery corner. covered, it being the only cemetery in the remissness, wrack and ruin of nature, A deathly gravestone at Malabon Cem- country that is located underground. urbanization’s wrecking balls; and we etery is a popular site during All Saints The Baroque-style cemetery is owned see Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery Day. It is a sculpture depicting the battle by the Roman Catholic Diocese of San holding up impressively. It gets under between the devil and the Archangel Mi- Pablo, Laguna. It has a circular shape, sur- our skin, lets us acknowledge our own chael, with the devil surmounting the an- rounded by octagonal stone walls carved dead end, teaches us that family legends gel—a wish on Simeon Bernardo’s death- with intricate patterns, red tiles, wrought- and roots are important however misted bed who died of a heart attack in 1934. iron grills. Funeral masses are conducted they are by time.

The Paco Park Cemetery built in in the chapel which has a domed ceiling.

1822 by the Dominicans, enclosed by a The underground graveyard is loPhotos by Diana B. Noche

How memories...

Unplugged, an edgy and exciting new staging concept that is independent—or “unplugged”—from the rest of the season. Directed by theater wunderkind Ed Lacson Jr., REP Unplugged is alternative theater and will be performed in unconventional performance spaces. It will be launched in June 2020 during the interim between REP’s first three plays and its children’s production.

For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 8451-1474 or 0966-9054013. Or call Ticketworld at (02) 8919999 or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Creative crawl in Poblacion

POBLACION in Makati, with its gritty backstreets and flashy neon lights in the backdrop, has reemerged as one of the metro’s creative centrals.

With its streets spilling with high concept food and speakeasy bars, restaurants, and artist spaces, its city night lights are now complemented with the vibrance of artistry and creativity.

Design Week Philippines sees the old downtown area’s transformation a perfect fit to this edition’s theme of Design Kaleidoscope. Hence in its 11th edition, from Oct. 12 to 20, highlighted Poblacion as a Creative Environment.

“There is a different energy permeating in the backstreets and alleys of Poblacion that has really changed its urbanscape, and creativity is indeed a big part of it,” said Rhea Matute, executive director of Design Center of the Philippines.

She added, “The evolution of Poblacion can be seen as a celebration of individual talents and skills that complemented each other, thereby growing the community into a unique combination of cultural and business artistry.”

Design Center’s work in the recent years, according to Matute, focused on collaboration with numerous creative hubs as part of the agency’s advocacy to nurture a thriving creative economy in the Philippines.

Pineapple Lab, a gallery space in Poblacion, is one of the creative collaborators that Design Center is constantly working with in the recent years. In

fact, Matute said, their Fringe MNL festival is part of the Design Week calendar in the past editions.

As a creative space and gallery made especially for newbies, Pineapple Lab prides itself as a safe space for artistic experimentation. In this DWP edition, Pineapple Lab joins the Design Hub Hoppin’, a curated itinerary of Poblacion’s creative hubs, and is set to feature “Shorts and Briefs Cinco: A Theater Festival” of concise plays, and “WTF PH!,” an exhibit of artists bannering today’s youth spirit, creative resistance, and cultural expression of identity.

Meanwhile, a boutique design and manufacturing studio on Alfonso St., The Workshop offers local, sustainable, and handcrafted products like tote bags, wallets, aprons, and jewelry.

It also offers gin buko, a cocktail popular in the provinces, which is a mix of buko and the famous Ginebra San Miguel Kwatro Kantos.

Another thriving business in the area is the Pedro Tap House on Matilde St., run by husband-and-wife tandem Jaime and Nadine Fanlo, together with their friend Jill Borja. The establishment serves its freshly brewed crafted beers, the Pedro Brewcrafters.

In addition to the three aforementioned, more Poblacion-based creative hubs, and other creative entrepreneurs in the metro participated in Design Week Philippines, particularly during the one-day design fete on on Oct. 19.

Design Week Philippines features Pedro Tap House, located on Matilde Street in Poblacion, which is known for its locally crafted beers.

2019, when the company collaborated with Mandaluyong City government From C1 and artist group Ang Gerilya to paint pillars along Shaw Boulevard with muthem about the project, they happily rals depicting the city’s folklore. volunteered. With him were his children who are also artists, Shannah and Rex, who were assigned their own parts of the mural.

The volunteers managed to paint the 500-meter mural in just 10 hours.

Manila 3rd District Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, was present at the event. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa kanila (I’m very grateful to them),” he said.

Davies Paints has been contributing to beautifying communities. In 2016, it collaborated with the Tourism Department in the Cordillera Autonomous Region and with Tam-awan artists who painted 200 houses for the colorful Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap (STOBOSA) Hillside Homes Artwork in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Its most recent project prior to “Flores Para Los Muertos” was earlier in

Flowers...

The artists use Davies Paints to bring colors to the wall of the cemetery.

Entertainment

Suncity Group sponsored the 'Show Lo Creation Manila Concert,' jointly performed by Asian superstar Show Lo, Linda Chien, and C.T.O.

Promoting diversified entertainment and tourism

S

uncity Group expanded its business in Manila, Philippines in 2015, since then it has been adhering to the spirit of “innovation with diversity, strive for success,” while dedicated to achieve a flourishing development of ViP entertainment and expand its presence in key domestic and overseas market.

the group is dedicated to developing integrated ViP entertainment; the scope of the business covers six sectors: ViP services, entertainment, global tourism, food and beverage, luxury fashion, entertainment, and integrated resorts management. “combining tourism and entertainment” has always been the main direction of Suncity Group, based on the powerful booking service of the group’s subsidiary, Sun travel, and incorporating Sun Entertainment Culture’s film and concert business, the group is committed to launching a number of travel products worldwide to promote tourism and related industrial economic development. in order to promote the entertainment and tourism industry in the Philippines, Suncity Group sponsored the Show Lo Creation Manila Concert, jointly performed by Asian superstar Show Lo, Linda Chien, and C.T.O. to attract overseas visitors and customers to Manila. the concert was successfully held on Oct. 4 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila, and received a warm response. in the past, the Group has also supported a number of activities in the

Suncity Group hosting the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Republic of Korea.

Winners of Miss KoreaPhilippines pageant

Philippines, including sponsoring the ceremony of 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Republic of Korea and Miss Korea-Philippines coronation night.

Suncity Group hopes to contribute to the promotion of multicultural exchanges through sponsorship activities and will continue to support events in the Philippines, creating more imaginative entertainment and tourism products. to maintain sustainable development of the tourism industry, it is necessary to develop more supporting services. Apart from entertainment activities, the group is

also committed to the development of food and beverage business. the group’s L.y.K. was grandly opened this year at the city of Dreams, bringing traditional cantonese cuisine into Manila and links different cultures through gastronomy.

On the other hand, Suncity Group has always been committed to giving back to society by contributing to social service organizations and charitable causes. the group donated to a number of charities, and formed a volunteer team to provide social services for the needy, as a gesture of commitment to the future of the Philippines.

Get enchanted this Halloween in Araneta City ARAnetA city brings in an enchanted Halloween as enchantimals and magical creatures invade the city until Oct. 31. enchantimal invasion opens portals to everwilde Realm popping up in Gateway and Ali Mall Activity Areas. everwilde is a place where kids can do exciting activities like Adventure Hunt, magical cupcake decoration, and friendship bracelets making. Just present a single receipt worth P800.00 from any Araneta city merchants.

Warning though, sneaky enchantimal companions hi-jacked Araneta City celebrates the Halloween with event television cables in Araneta city children and adults alike can enjoy. wherein enchantimal episodes Kids will have the power to loot magical will be played during mall hours.

For today’s event, a magical fog calls treasure chests through trick and treat in on children, 0 to 12 years old, to be at their participating shops and stores around the best Enchantimal outfit to parade in the city. Just present a single receipt worth costume competition either in Gateway P800.00 from any Araneta city meror Ali Mall. choose one location only as chants. competition proper starts at 2:30 in the no two everwilde Realm will accept the afternoon. After every kid proves their same enchantimal. cash prizes of up to P5,000 and other worth to be an enchantimal creature, a gifts are in store for the winners of the cos- Hatchimal will be released in the Activity Areas to meet-and-greet with the kiddie tume contests.

Registration will be from 11:00 a.m. to participants. there will also be a Mystical Kiddie 1:30 p.m. only. Registered enchantimal

Salon, Food carts with majestic cotton candies, a photobooth as well as potion classes and fun-filled games to join within the Everwilde Realms. Raffle prices and anointing of enchantimal winners will be announced around 4:30 p.m..

Also happening today, Farmers Plaza will have a Ball pit in its activity area where kids can play. A Mystical Kiddie Salon, Food carts with majestic cotton candies as well as a magical Photo booth will likewise pop up at the activity area.

Halloween celebration in Araneta city started on Oct. 22 when Binibing Pilipinas 2019 first runner-up Aya Abesamis, together with the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), took some kids from Gawad Kalinga Munting Pamayanan Foundation to an exciting magical world with an adventure-filled day in Art in Island Museum. it will be recalled that during the Binibining Pilipinas competition earlier this year, Aya Abesamis spoke about her love for the arts and her belief that arts can empower, enable and inspire a lot of people specially the youth and the vulnerable sectors of our society. She still continues to uphold this advocacy to help the marginalized.

For more information and other Araneta City updates, follow @AranetaCity on Facebook and Twitter.

Kamuning...

and many modern bakery chains, also despite a destructive 2018 fire that heavily damaged it.

Realty entrepreneur and writer Wilson Lee Flores said although Kamuning Bakery café is just a small business which he bought and revived four years ago, he was inspired to start “World Pandesal Day” charities due to the Bible story of a humble boy who shared 5 loaves of breads and 2 fishes, which Jesus christ multiplied to feed over 5,000 men plus many women and children.

Oct. 16 is also World Bread Day. For inquiries, pls. text or Viber 09178481828 or 09188077777.

From C4

70,000 pandesal breads and other foods to the public with special guests Senator Cynthia Villar, Quezon city Mayor Joy Belmonte Regal Films founder Mother Lily Y. Monteverde, Santa Klaws and 80-yearold Joaquin Roces, Jr. (grandson of Kamuning Bakery Café’s first “suki” or loyal customer pre-war media tycoon and Quezon city co-founderAlejandro Roces, also eldest son of “suki” newspaper publisher/ activist Joaquin “Chino” Roces).

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Manuel “Manny” B. Villar, Sen. Bong Go, and GMA network, inc. chairman Atty.Felipe Gozon, among others, sent messages of support for this project.

“World Pandesal Day” is a unique civic and cultural project which hopes to h–onor the humble yet great Filipino bread pandesal and highlight the need to solve ageold problems of hunger and poverty. it is also Kamuning Bakery cafe’s thanksgiving for continuous public patronage since 1939, despite rise of giant bread factories

saturdaY, october 26, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

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Springsteen dives into his psyche with ‘Western Stars’ film tHOuGH Bruce Springsteen’s songs are a vibrant part of the contemporary American songbook, he regularly uses his lyrics to express his deep misgivings about the proverbial “American dream.”

With Western Stars, a full-length feature film out Friday that marks the Boss’s directorial debut, new Jersey’s favorite son is once again looking at a question he’s grappled with for decades: the struggle between transient freedom and communal life.

The meditative concert film features sweeping pans over california’s wide expanses -- think wild horses, a muscle car on the open road and cacti bathed in a rose sunrise--interspersed with Springsteen’s family home movie footage. it is effectively the 70-year-old icon’s replacement for a tour to promote his latest solo effort.

Springsteen plays his full Western Stars 13-track album in the film--it hearkens back to the 1970s-era golden age of the Laurel canyon music scene--with backing from band members including his wife Patti Scialfa as well as a 30-piece orchestra.

The recorded live performance, filmed in a barn on Springsteen’s property in new Jersey, features sweeping crescendos of strings that project a luxurious warmth--the aural equivalent of slipping into a hot tub in the middle of the desert at dusk.

But the music’s hazy glow contrasts with the edge of the artist’s piercing inner reflections, as Springsteen considers the demons he’s repressed and the aches he’s caused after nearly half a century in show business.

“It’s easy to lose yourself -or never find yourself,” his voiceover says in the film. “the older you get, the heavier the baggage becomes that you haven’t sorted.” considering the “destructive parts” of his character, Springsteen says that in his younger life, “if i loved you, i would try to hurt you.”

The hazy glow of the music in Bruce Springsteen's debut film 'Western Star' contrasts with the edge of the artist's piercing inner reflection.

“you run until you’ve left everything that you’ve loved and that loves you behind,” he says. “i’ve done a lot of that kind of running.”

Living in good faith Though his fame is rooted firmly in his skills as a musician, Springsteen as auteur is not necessarily a stretch: the performer has long imbued his lyrics with a cinematic quality. the brawny superstar burst onto the international stage in 1975 with “Born to Run,” taking his audiences into bleak small American towns that contained youthful desires for adventure.

Western Stars, his 19th album, marks a sharp turn from his signature hard-driving rock that recounted the mundanities of everyday life and blue-collar struggles, making him a working class hero.

But Springsteen maintains the character-driven storytelling element that has long shaped his work, centering on the tale of a lone, washed-up Western movie star adrift and in search of roots.

Springsteen considers Western Stars -which he co-directed with Thom Zimny -- the third installment in a trilogy that began with his acclaimed 2016 memoir and his wildly successful intimate show on Broadway. the rock star has been open about his battles with depression and self-loathing, saying publicly he’s been in therapy for decades and continues to aspire towards, as he puts it in the film, “living in good faith.” Maggy Donaldson, AFP

Ben & Ben treats lucky fans in ‘Wish Ko Lang’ WitH its hit songs “Maybe the night”, “Pagtingin”, and “Kathang isip”, it’s no wonder that Ben & Ben has become one of the most sought-after Pinoy bands today. today, a musical special awaits viewers as Wish Ko Lang! surprises five ultimate Ben & Ben fans and treats them to an exclusive concert with their idols.

Aspiring musician tony gets his inspiration from Ben & Ben—but with a twist.

He uses comedy in singing and playing songs. in fact, his parody of “Pagtingin” became viral online.

couple Kim and Jim, on the other hand, not only has Ben & Ben hit for their theme song, but actually refers to the band as the reason why their love story bloomed.

Ben & Ben also helped Mary Ann and her only daughter overcome the sorrow and emptiness they felt as they mourned the passing of her husband.

Discovering their stories, Ben & Ben agreed to surprise their fans and treat them to an exclusive concert.

Don’t miss this special episode of Wish Ko Lang! hosted by Vicky Morales after Tadhana on GMA 7.

Top OPM band Ben&Ben

Alden Richards...

From C4

PHirst Park Homes successfully redefined the affordable housing segment in the Philippines by integrating 4 virtues in all its developments. Also known as 4c’s, each PPHi project can be described as complete, conceptive, connected, and convenient. “PHirst Park Homes is becoming known in building communities that are a class of their own. Our homes are complete and move-in ready, we’ve introduced conceptive amenities that go beyond the basics, we are connected through WiFi zones and a community shuttle, and we offer convenient payment terms,” celis said.

As the-first-of-its-kind residential community in Pandi, the project offers twostorey modern designed homes, unna single-attached and calista townhouse cluster, with floor areas of 40sqm to 54sqm, respectively. the price per house

and lot starts at P1.3 million. in the heart of a serene and rustic ambiance of Bulacan, PHirst Park Homes Pandi will feature generous open spaces bike lanes, bicycle racks, and a jogging path. the central amenity area has free WiFi access, a clubhouse for events, lap pool, kiddie pool, shower room, outdoor basketball court, and parking area. the gated community will have 24/7 security with installed cctVs in public areas, a shuttle service going to and from key retail establishments and transport terminals, and activity nodes that include table and life-size versions of popular board games such as chess, checkers, chinese checkers, Snakes & Ladders, and Tic Tac Toe. As the fastest growing affordable homes developer outside of Metro Manila, PPHi aims to roll out 11 more out of 15 masterplanned communities in the next four years to address the country’s reported housing backlog of 6.6 million. this year, PPHi will further expand in the growth areas of cALABARZOn and central Luzon.

Entertainment

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

C4

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

Alden Richards hosts PHirst Park Homes launch in Bulacan PHIRST Park Homes Inc. (PPHI)–the affordable housing unit of listed developer Century Properties Group, Inc. in partnership with Japan’s global business enterprise Mitsubishi Corporation— expands to northern Luzon with the launch of PHirst Park Homes Pandi.

Kapuso actor and The Gift lead star Alden Richards delighted fans and unit buyers in Pandi, Bulacan as he hosted the grand launch of this latest development in the municipality on Oct. 19.

Apart from the being the event’s master of ceremonies, the 27-yearold TV actor also performed a medley of OPM songs like “Kung Di Ria Lang Ikaw” and “Sa Ngalan Ng Pagibig,” and Calum Scott’s hit ballad “You Are The Reason.” Thereafter, he accommodated a photo opportunity with a few lucky fans and some unit buyers.

The actor with PPHI and Mitsubishi Corporation executives pose for a photo op during the property's grand launch.

The Pandi project unveils today 11 hectares out of the planned 18 hectares, with an initial P1.6-billion inventory of the planned P2.9 billion in total sales revenues. It is a follow up to the success of

Sarah G banners

Coke Studio

Sarah Geronimo and This Band (inset) are today's Coke Studio's featured artists.

FOR many Filipinos, home is not a place. Home is family. Thus, for season 3 of Coke Studio episode that focuses on family feels, the artists featured feel a strong and particular resonance for the idea of family.

Sarah Geronimo has often been praised for her love and devotion to her family.

“I really love my family and all the sacrifices they have made for me. Whatever happens in life, wherever my career takes me, God gave me a gift that grounds me and keeps me humble, so that I know who I am,” she shares.

The pop superstar also adds that being invited to be part of Coke Studio Season 3 is like being invited to a family reunion of sorts.

“When I used to see the Coke Studio billboard, when I would get stuck in traffic, I found it so cool, and I really thought to myself, ‘Wow, I wish that I could be a part of that.’”

In today’s episode of Coke Studio, Sarah G collaborates with top music act This Band composed of Andrea Manzano (vocals), Euwie Von Loria (guitar), Miccael Galvan (bass), John Kenneth Macaranas (drums), Melvin Carson (keyboard) and Reymart Gu-

bat (lead guitar).

The members started their career jamming in the food parks around their neighborhood. They also consider Sarah part of their extended showbiz family because of their management group. Euwie says, “But at first, we couldn’t believe that this early in our career, we could be working with her. It’s as if our career will be fasttracked, things are going beyond what we imagined.”

Andrea adds, “And we’re so happy that we get to remake her song, because her music is really part of the soundtrack of our lives.”

And just like in a real family, Sarah feels like an older sister, and she can pass on some wisdom to her young colleagues.

Sarah reminisces, “When I was starting out, what was important, yung maging plakado. But now, the young ones, they’re so free. And that’s great because what really matters with any performance, is that you put your heart into it. So I would just remind them to always put your all into a performance.”

Watch how Sarah Geronimo and This Band collaborate for Coke Studio Season 3. Catch them today at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN or online atwww.youtube. com/CokeStudioPH .

SNAPSHOT

Fruitful, lasting partnership SEAFARERS’ welfare advocate and Worldwide Maritime Operations Company (WMOC) President Rachelle Orquiza posed with Panama Maritime Authority director Captain Juan Maltez at the conclusion of the latter’s five-day visit to the Philippines last September to inspect training centers for seamen, meet up with Manila Mayor Isko Domagoso, and reaffirm his support to the Philippine maritime industry. He described Filipino seafarers as hardworking and instrumental in the success of Panama’s fleet of ships, the largest in the world, as Filipino workers make up for 42 percent of its workforce.

PHirst’s first three communities in Tanza, Cavite; Lipa, Batangas; and San Pablo, Laguna which has sold 3,800 homes valued at P6.4 billion as of August 2019.

With the addition of the Pandi project,

PHirst Park Homes’ footprint now covers 75.2 hectares and 7,908 units, worth P13.3 billion.

Located near the Pandi Municipal Hall and Immaculate Conception Parish, PHirst Park Homes Pandi is also accessible via the Santa Maria Pandi Road from the Bocaue or Balagtas exits of the North Luzon Expressway. “ We are very excited to launch PHirst Park Homes Pandi in Bulacan, our maiden development north of Metro Manila and the fourth project under the PHirst brand.

This gated residential project adopts modern architecture with numerous outdoor amenities at attainable price points, upholding our commitment to provide top-notch homes to first-time Filipino homebuyers as we continue expanding our footprint in northern Luzon,” said Ricky Celis, President of PPHI. Continued on C3

TV and box office star Alden Richards hosts the grand launch of PHirst Park Homes‘ newest community in Pandi, Bulacan.

Jessy Mendiola’s immaculate beauty

Actress Jessy Mendiola wants to free herself from societal pressure by embracing her true and inner beauty.

“D

ID you know, once you’ve reached the age of 30, your skin starts to age as every year you would lose one percent of collagen in your body?” screen actress Jessy Mendiola asked a group of entertainment editors over an intimate lunch.

“That’s why even at 27, I took it upon myself to start taking care of my skin.

Prevention is better than cure sounds passé but there’s no other way to do it than taking care of your skin earlier before you notice the signs of aging,” she added.

The conversation about skincare ensued when a scribe complimented how beautiful Jessy’s skin was and how she looked immaculate that day with her radiant and flawless skin.

“I had a lot of insecurities before but I didn’t let them get the best of me. I work hard to stay in shape and look presentable,” the TV and movie actress enthused adding that she’s not preparing for anything like “a special event like my own wedding just to look good.”

Arriving at the venue wearing a teal dress, with her pixie locks neatly done, Jessy instantly stole everyone’s attention. We were mesmerized by her skin that gleamed whenever the camera flashes or the lights in the venue bounce on her face.

Jessy was unveiled as the newest face of Skincell in its biggest campaign to date called “Beauty in Progress.”

According to Skincell founder and lead dermatologist Dr. Clarissa V. Cellona, Jessy was selected for her “classic beauty that is both unforgettable and timeless.”

“Jessy is a breath of fresh air,” said Dr. Issa. “The ideal standard of beauty, youth, and exuberance. As her doctor, I am very honored that she chose Skincell in her journey to ageless beauty.”

Jessy shot the campaign with renowned photographer Pilar T. Bonnin, fashion designer Raoul Ramirez and creative director Alex S. Mendoza at

Jessy with Skincell founder and lead dermatologist Dr. Clarissa V. Cellona

FurnItalia in BGC. All throughout the shoot, Jessy exuded Audrey Hepburn-esque elegance and sophistication. The “Beauty in Progress” campaign was conceptualized by leading celebrity PR firm PublicityAsia.

Skincell Advanced Aesthetic Clinics are located in Manila, Makati, BGC, McKinley, Ayala Feliz, and SM City Clark. They are popular for being true experts in skincare. Each clinic is led by a boardcertified dermatologist.

Dr. Issa is a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society or the PDS. Check them out on FB and IG via @skincell.care or visit their website at www. skincell.care. ***

by Thea Tolentino and youngsters Rein Adriano and John Kenneth “Dekdek” Giducos in determining what color results by mixing fluids from broken glow sticks.

They also find out if gravity will overcome atmospheric pressure in making a Ping-Pong ball fall after it’s attached to an upside-down bottle filled with water.

Starstruck Season 7 avenger Dani Porter is the guest of “Bilibabols,” as she hosts the shower surprise challenge.

Meanwhile, the “Street Genius” team discovers which target is most effective in stopping a crossbow bolt/ arrow in motion, as well as which material is fastest in sealing a tire.

Lastly, in “Huling Hirit,” the gang goes the D.I.Y. route in outfitting themselves with horror prosthetics in time for Halloween.

All these on GMA tomorrow morning on I-Bilib!.

Spooky sciencefilled episode today on ‘I-Bilib!’

Today on I-Bilib, host Chris Tiu is joined

Kamuning Bakery partners with FFCCCII, entertainment editors group AS PART of the month-long celebration of Pandesal Month, Kamuning Bakery Café invites the public to Oct. 27 Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn for free medical, dental and optical missions at Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Brgy. Kamuning, Quezon City.

This civic project is in partnership with Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of

Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) led

by President Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong and Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors, Inc. (SPEEd) led by President Ian Fariñas.

Two successful events were recently held at the 80-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café: the first free medical, dental and optical mission on Oct. 6 with partner Chinese General

Hospital & Medical Center led by President Dr. James G. Dy, who is also known as the founder of Universal Records and Dyna Records. Pandesal Month’s highlight was the successful 5th World Pandesal Day on Oct. 16, when Kamuning Bakery Café led by owner Wilson Lee Flores gave away Continued on C3