Manila Standard - 2019 November 19 - Tuesday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 278 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

12TH BELENISMO SA TARLAC. The Capas town entry for 2019 features the Holy Family in the Belenismo, a yearly display of colorful dioramas portraying the biblical story on the birth of the Christians’ Redeemer, after his parents Mary and Joseph were turned away by an innkeeper in Bethlehem. Passersby raise their eyes to the high-tech giant 8.5-meter tall angel, made of old X-ray films discarded by Ospital ning Capas, with cattle bones used to form the angel’s wings for the tourist-drawing Belenismo organized by the Tarlac Heritage Foundation. Lino Santos

Rice tariff law stays—Rody Sets meeting with farmers

Probe of ninjas, Albayalde ends; verdict up in air

By MJ Blancaflor and Rio N. Araja

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By Rey E. Requejo

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has apologized to rice farmers over the drop in palay prices but said he is not keen on repealing the Rice Tariffication Law which makes it easier to import rice.

The Palace also said the President did not order the suspension of rice imports, contrary to some reports.

“What I am saying to our people is that, do not despair, we can always correct a wrong. I apologize to you if the result you wanted to get during the early days of my administration has been well delayed or not good, not to your expectations,” President Duterte said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Saturday night.

“If I can’t help you, then I have no business being here, I have the goal, I will immediately do something about it,” he added.

Duterte said he is ready to meet with farmers’ groups to address their concerns.

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Term-sharing deal must hold—Du30

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has warned House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano there will be a “problem” if he will not honor the term-sharing agreement with Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

“I was there when we agreed—three of us—and I announced it after. He does not want to honor it? That’s his problem,” President Duterte said in an exclusive interview with GMA News on Monday.

“It is going to be a problem so we will solve the problem when we are there,” the President added.

Under the term-sharing agreement brokered by the President, Cayetano is supposed to step down after 15 months to give way to Velasco, who will hold the Speakership until the end of the Next page

PRESIDENTIAL PITY. President Rodrigo Duterte condoles Sunday night with the Gokongwei family at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City after the passing of their matriarch, Elizabeth Yu, a week after her business tycoon husband John Gokongwei Jr. passed away. Malacañang hailed the Gokongwei matriarch, who died aged 85, as the ‘other half who helped in realizing the vision and dream of one of the greatest business leaders of our time.’ The Gokongwei’s JG Summit Holdings has expanded their business in transportation, food and beverage, retail, real estate and banking among others. According to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, Elizabeth, who died Saturday, ‘supported’ the views of one of the country’s billionaires and businessmen.

Malacañang Photo

THE Department of Justice on Monday ended its reinvestigation of the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police against 14 policemen led by former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde for allegedly pilfering and reselling P648 million worth of illegal drugs during a raid in Pampanga in 2013.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez said the complaint filed by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group against the 14 policemen has already been submitted for resolution.

Suarez expressed confidence that the DOJ panel could come up with a resolution soon, well before the 90 days it has to do so.

PNP-CIDG Lt. Dennis Wagas expressed hope that the panel of prosecutors would find merit in the complaint filed against Albayalde and 13 so-called “ninja cops.”

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Tax on POGOs Drug list for Leni’s eyes only—PNP gets House okay Grab price hike

By Maricel V. Cruz, capped at 22.5% Julito G. Rada and Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE House of Representatives’ ways and means committee on Monday approved a bill imposing taxes on companies and workers engaged in Philippine offshore gaming operations.

The committee, chaired by Rep. Joey Salceda of Albay, unanimously approved House Bill 5267 directly imposes a 5-percent franchise tax on POGOs on top of the existing 2 percent regulatory fee.

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THE Philippine National Police on Monday agreed with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that they would disclose the contents of intelligence reports on high-value targets in the war on drugs to vice president and anti-drug czar Leni Robredo, only in a closeddoor meeting.

“Remember, the PDEA is the head of the law enforcement cluster… whatever the head says, I will always respect it,” said PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa.

Gamboa said the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs has four clusters and the vice president should focus on the drug war’s aspect of advocacy and rehabilitation.

He said since the vice president

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday clarified the appointment of Vice President Leni Robredo as the administration’s anti-drug czar does not carry a Cabinet rank. “She is not a member of the Cabinet. I have not appointed her as a Cabinet member,” Duterte said in an exclusive interview with GMA-7.

sees illegal drugs as a health problem, she could focus on advocacy and rehabilitation.

“Would it really matter who are on the list?” he said, after Robredo had asked for a roster of high-value targets.

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Pinoys improve world talent ranking WEATHER

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippines improved its ranking in the 2019 World Talent Ranking by six notches to 49th place out of 63 countries.

In 2018, the Philippine placed 55th, 45th in 2017, 55th in 2016 and 57th in 2015.

The WTR is a publication of

the International Institute for Management Development with the Asian Institute of Management R.S.N. Policy Center for Competitiveness as its Philippine partner. It is an offshoot publication of the World Competitiveness Yearbook.

Among the ASEAN countries in Nest page

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission is keeping the cap on Grab’s price increase to 22.5 percent in December 2019, despite the anticipated hours-long traffic, as it fined the ride-hailing app P5 million for the excessive fare it charged riders during the previous months.

Competition Commission chairman Arsenio Balisacan said the refund, known as the “disgorgement mechanism,” was par t of the new set of Next page

‘Ramon’ still a threat

By Rio N. Araja

TROPICAL Storm “Ramon” intensified into a severe tropical storm yesterday afternoon.

The weather bureau said “Ramon” will continue to pose a threat to the northern part of Cagayan.

In yesterday’s 5 p.m. bulletin, the

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News

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Drilon stews over Games cauldron

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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ENATE Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday questioned the P50-million estimated cost of the stadium cauldron that will be lit during the opening ceremonies for the Southeast Asian Games.

Drilon said the money could have been used to build 50 classrooms.

“A P50-million kaldero [cauldron]. Do you realize that at P1 million per classroom this can build 50 classrooms?”

Drilon asked during the deliberations for the proposed 2020 budget of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

“In other words, we did away with 50 classrooms in exchange for one kaldero.

Is this a correct conclusion?

“Is that reasonable? Is that a correct prioritization? We will spend P50 million for the kaldero that will be used only once?”

Earlier, Drilon pressed the BCDA over the cost of the stadium cauldron that would be used during the 30th SEA Games, which will be hosted by the Philippines from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

Senator Sonny Angara, who was defending the BCDA’s 2020 budget, said the design cost of the cauldron amount-

ed to P4.4 million while its foundation cost P13.4 million.

He said the production of the cauldron was under the Philippine Sports Commission and was designed by the late Filipino architect Bobby Mañosa.

Drilon then asked if the total cost of building the cauldron was P32 million, and to which Angara said yes.

Drilon then computed a round figure of P50 million for the stadium cauldron, which included the cost of the design and the foundation.

“A classroom costs P1 million, so we could have built 56 classrooms if the money of the people was not abused,” he said.

Angara defended the cost.

“I think what the government is really envisioning was to do a really impressive hosting of the games and showcase Philippine ingenuity by using Philippine creative designers and performers,”

Police OIC fires three cops for extortion

Rice...

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PHILIPPINE National Police officer-incharge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday ordered the dismissal of three police officers from the service for allegedly extorting money from bidders for the procurement of P334-million body cameras for the police force.

Gamboa officially signed the dismissal order against Majors Emerson Sales and Rholly Caraggayan, now both AWOL (Absent Without Official Leave) and Angel Beros, who is still in active service.

“Today I will sign their dismissal from service, of course, they have 10 days to appeal my decision to me, but what do you expect? After that, they can appeal at the national appellate board,” Gamboa told reporters on the sidelines of a blessing ceremony for newly procured police equipment at the PNP Grandstand, Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Gamboa said this measure proves that the PNP would swiftly dismiss those involved in corruption.

“But of course, we also award those who did good in the service,” he added.

Gamboa said the alleged illegal activities of the three officers were exposed by one of the losing bidders in the project.

As the chairman of the PNP Bids and Awards Committee, Gamboa said he uncovered said irregularity when one of the eight initial bidders who were disqualified complained to him.

He said the proponent had paid at least P5 million to the policemen, who were members of the technical working group, only to find out later on that they were disqualified from the bidding.

Criminal charges will also be filed against the three cops, Gamboa said.

Meanwhile, Gamboa wants to finish the bidding process of body cameras by the end of this year.

He previously said that the PNP was eyeing to use 3,000 units of body cameras in anti-illegal drug operations by the second or third quarter of next year.

The five suppliers are currently undergoing post-qualification to meet the requirements.

The PNP procurement includes accessories, video management software, computer servers, and storage and connectivity systems for the body cameras.

“The PNP will not only procure body cameras but a sophisticated, reliable, and secure system which will allow complete system management, real-time, live streaming, data storage, and backup and overall connectivity and monitoring,” Gamboa said.

He added that a central data center, a National Management and Monitoring Center, 17 Regional Monitoring Centers and 81 Provincial Monitoring Centers will be built to support the systems of body cameras. PNA

Pinoys...

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the report, Singapore ranked 10th followed

by Malaysia at 22nd, Indonesia at 41st and Thailand at 43rd.

Overall, the highest ranked country was Switzerland followed by Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Luxembourg.

The WTR ranks countries based on their ability to attract, develop and retain a talented pool of human resources that businesses can employ.

The 2019 edition ranked countries using 32 criteria grouped into three factors: Investment and development, appeal and readiness.

More than half of the criteria were based on an executive opinion survey while the remaining half were based on statistics.

The investment and development factor measures the level of investment in and development of domestic, home-grown human resources.

The appeal factor measures the ability of a country to attract and retain high-quality human resources from abroad.

The final factor, readiness, looks at the quality and growth of the existing talent pool in the economy.

“I will ask my office to arrange for a meeting with them, if it’s possible to get them to one place so I will listen and I will resolve the problem,” he added.

Signed in February, the Rice Tariffication Law allows private firms to import rice as long as they secure permits from the Bureau of Plant Industry.

The law establishes a P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to protect the livelihood of farmers, but some groups criticized the measure for bringing in cheap rice, which forced farmers to sell their produce at lower prices.

The Philippine Statistics Authority recorded that the average farmgate price of unmilled rice dropped 0.4 percent in the fourth week of October to P15.43 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the average wholesale price of well-milled rice also fell 0.4 percent week-on-week to P37.60 per kg, while retail prices fell 0.3 percent to P41.

The average wholesale price of regularmilled rice fell 0.03 percent to P33.69 per kg, while retail prices decreased 0.2 percent to P37.02, according to the PSA. The United States’ Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Services has also projected the country’s rice imports will reach a record 3 million metric tons by year-end, making the Philippines the

An artist’s sketch of the SEA Games cauldron

Angara said.

“I think this is what other Southeast Asian countries have also done when it was their turn to host [the games].”

He said the facilities would be made available for rent after the games.

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson sponsored the proposed PP553.661million budget of the Dangerous Drugs Board, which is lower than the world’s biggest importer of rice this year, surpassing China.

GMA News reported Sunday that President Duterte had ordered the suspension of the rice importation, but Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo denied it.

In a text message to reporters, Panelo said Agriculture Secretary William Dar had told him there is no suspension of rice importation.

Duterte, in the interview, also said repealing the law might result in a “food crisis.”

“I am not about ready to do that, I do not want to have a food crisis again, because we have a problem, it is just a serious problem, but if you do not have food for the people, that is different,” he said.

The President also said the Philippines, despite being an agricultural countr y, could not be selfsuff icient in rice because of climate change and population growth.

“I will see to it that we can strike a happy balance between rice importation and the production of rice by the farmers. But if you ask me if we can be rice [self-]sufficient, I don’t think so,” he added.

Duterte said he would ask the National Irrigation Administration chief Ricardo Visaya to explain the delays in more than P20 billion worth of irrigation projects.

The Commission on Audit recently noted that a total of 229 irrigation projects remain

Probe...

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and that in the absence of conspiracy, one cannot be held criminally liable for the act... of another,” Albayalde said.

He argued that the allegation against him was insufficient in form and substance and failed to satisfy the stringent requirements under the Constitution, the Rules of Court, and prevailing jurisprudence for the filing of a complaint.

He said that even the Department of Interior and Local Government and the National Police Commission, in its investigation over the incident, found that there was lack of substantial evidence to administratively charge him for any offense related to the 2013 operation.

During the anti-drug operation that took place at the house being rented out by large-scale Korean drug trafficker Johnson Lee at Woodbridge Subdivision, Lakeshore, Mexico, Pampanga, the PNP raiding team allegedly released Lee in exchange for 160 kilograms of shabu worth P648 million, P50 million, and new sports utility vehicles. In Lee’s stead, they presented Chinese national Ding Wengkun as the suspect.

Tax...

From A1

rendered in the country.

“Codifying the tax regime for POGOs will provide the government a broader set of levers with which to monitor and oversee the industry and to stabilize the gyrations in tax revenue intake and enforcement,” Salceda said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Monday said POGOs should be taxed, a position that runs counter to an earlier opinion of the Office of the Solicitor General, which said this kind of business cannot be taxed.

In a statement to reporters, Dominguez said the primary jurisdiction to interpret the Tax Code provisions lies with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“The BIR issued an opinion to this effect months ago saying that the situs of income is where the services are rendered,” Dominguez said.

“Thus, since POGOs are providing services to their counterparts in the Philippines, they are subject to income tax,” he said.

He said the same was true for VAT, which also “was imposed on services rendered in the Philippines.”

But in an opinion given to the state-run PAGCOR and BIR, the Office of the Solicitor General said POGO operators could not be taxed based on the source of income principle under the country’s tax code.

Solicitor General Jose Calida said the test of taxability “is the source and correspondingly, the source of an income is that activity which produced the income.”

Calida said an offshore gaming operator, even if employing a Philippine-based service provider, earns “from bets placed by its registered foreign subscribers.”

During Monday’s hearing, all of the respondents submitted their rejoinderaffidavits except for SPO1 Ronald Santos, who waived his right to take part in the preliminary investigation.

In his affidavit, Albayalde denied that he had direct control and supervision over the questionable drug raid conducted by the team led by Police Supt. Rodney Raymundo Baloyo IV and his 12 men on Nov. 23, 2013.

The former PNP chief said the CIDG even contradicted itself because in its reply-affidavit it said it was Baloyo who had direct control and supervision over the anti-illegal drugs operation.

“Complainant again attempts to implicate me, by mere association, and by merely jumping to the conclusion without any factual basis that I had ‘direct control and supervision over PSupt. Baloyo and his team’ and make me answer for the purported acts of other individuals, which is contrary to the fundamental principle that criminal responsibility is personal

The committee will have the approved bill readied for plenary action.

The 5 percent covers all offshore gaming companies on gross receipts derived from gaming operations covered by the law granting the franchise, on top of the taxes already imposed under the National Internal Revenue Code.

Salceda added that the measure provides that foreign employees working for POGOs who earn a minimum annual salary of P600,000 will be slapped a 25 percent tax on their salaries, wages, annuities, compensation, remuneration, honoraria, and allowances.

He said taxing POGOs will result in the collection of P45 billion in additional revenues for the government, with the state-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. being the lead agency tasked to collect the taxes and remit these to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Salceda, in the bill’s explanatory note, said it is necessary to determine the taxability of POGOs given their proliferation in the country in recent years.

“While the Bureau of Internal Revenue [BIR] has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 102-2017 which clarified the tax treatment for these facilities and associated services, a law that settles questions of taxability, through amendments in the National Revenue Code, will once and for all address confusion on the taxation of this emerging industry,” he said.

Salceda added that the measure seeks to definitively answer that POGOs indeed do business in the country, as the services are

2019 budget.

The lower budget was due to many factors, including the non-recurring funding for the nationwide survey on the extent of drug abuse in the Philippines.

Lacson also sponsored the PP2.480billion budget of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, which is higher than the current year’s budget. incomplete.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes said without an amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law, the Department of Agriculture cannot stop the importation of rice.

“A law is a law,” he said. “If there is a need to revise [it], that has to be reviewed by both houses of Congress.”

According to the Agriculture department, 80,000 metric tons of imported rice entered the country, down from 200,000 metric tons two months ago.

Based on the records of the Bureau of Customs, Reyes said 3 million metric tons of rice have been imported so far this year.

A week ago during the World Rice Conference, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said the government was not inclined to repeal, revise or suspend RA 11203 authored by Senator Cynthia Villar.

Reyes said DA shared the same opinion.

“It’s too early. It has not yet been year since its implementation... It is likened to a child who has not yet learned to wake, and yet here we are saying “Hey, stop’,” he said.

He said the government is adopting interventions to ease the burden of the rice farmers who are suffering from low farmgate prices for palay.

“We’re propping up the price of palay by encouraging NFA to do surgical procurement. Where there is low price, the agency should be there,” he said.

Drug list...

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Gamboa added that the law enforcement and prosecution aspect of the government’s anti-illegal drugs should be left to the PNP, PDEA as well as the National Bureau of Investigation.

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino has said the list of high-value targets is considered classified information, which should not be disclosed to just anybody.

“The simplest explanation is that if we give the list to VP Robredo, we won’t know who would have access to the list,” Aquino said.

Aquino also cited the “need to know the rule” in law enforcement where not everybody is given access to sensitive and classified information.

“I myself have no copy of the list in my possession,” he said.

Aquino also clarified that this is not an act of resistance or disrespect toward the vice president but just a standard operation procedure.

“Imagine what will happen to the efforts of law enforcement if that list landed on the wrong hands,” Aquino said.

Robredo on Monday vowed not to leak classified information with the United Nations and other foreign investigators should she be provided a copy of the list of high-value targets in the anti-drug war.

She said she would not insist on obtaining the list of high-value target if the members of ICAD decline to furnish her a copy.

Robredo was appointed as cochairperson of ICAD. The Palace warned Robredo that access to documents with classified information was not within her authority.

Also on Monday, Senator Panfilo Lacson described as a “fair warning” the threat of President Rodrigo Duterte to remove Robredo from ICAD. “Nobody, not even the second highest official of the land should be allowed to share with anybody, much less foreign country classified information that could compromise national security,” he said.

“I’m sure the vice president or any responsible high government official is aware of that basic rule in the handling of classified materials,” he said.

“Violators are liable for the crime of espionage,” Lacson added.

Meanwhile, a leader of the House of Representatives called on Robredo to exercise prudence in her job as cochairperson of ICAD by respecting the processes in place that aim to protect the confidentiality of the government’s list of high-value targets in the anti-drug war.

Rep. Robert Ace Barbers of Surigao del Norte said that while Aquino has already expressed willingness to provide Robredo the list, he believes that this is unnecessary given the confidential nature of the information, which could fall into the wrong hands. Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz, with PNA

PAO wants Dengvaxia cases unified into QC court

By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja THE Public Attorney’s Office on Monday urged the Supreme Court―and the Office of the Court Administrator―to act on its petition to consolidate all eight Dengvaxia-related cases into one Family Court in Quezon City.

In an 11-page manifestation with a motion for early resolution, PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta appealed to the SC-OCA “that this manifestation be duly noted [so that an] early resolution could be granted.”

“The general aim of procedural law is to facilitate the application of justice to the rival claims of contending parties, bearing always in mind that procedural rules are created not to hinder or delay but to facilitate and promote the administration of justice,” the manifestation says.

“I love the state prosecutors, but why dribble the cases?” Acosta told reporters.

“We sent this fourth motion to Court Administrator Midas Marquez.”

Acosta wants the eight criminal cases under the first batch of dengue-vaccine Dengvaxia-related cases, which are pending before different courts in Quezon City, Laguna, Muntinlupa, Bataan and Caloocan, consolidated and transferred to a single Family Court in Quezon City.

She proposed that the cases be referred to the Office of the Clerk of Court-Regional Trial Court in Quezon City and raffled off to one Supreme Court-designated Family Court for further proceedings and disposition.

The PAO filed on April 4 a petition for Extremely Urgent Petition to Transfer the Venue and Consolidated Cases to One Regional Trial Court before the SC-OCA because the conflicting orders of a court in Caloocan and Laguna would contribute to the delay in the prosecution of the case.

The court in Muntinlupa said the Sandiganbayan had jurisdiction over the case, while the court in Muntinlupa said a Regional Trial Court had jurisdiction.

Grab...

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commitments in the extended undertaking between the two entities.

“This effectively extends the PCC’s hold on Grab to conditions that prevent it from behaving like a monopolist to the detriment of the riding public,” Balisacan told reporters.

The extended undertaking put in place more streamlined commitments and metrics on pricing, service quality and non-exclusivity, which Grab is compelled to abide by to address competition concerns.

On Nov. 1, 2019, Grab’s extended undertaking took effect and will be enforced for one year, with an extended lookout for exclusivity deals for three more years to give way for new players to effectively compete on a level playing field.

The disgorgement mechanism is a tool that will keep Grab’s pricing behavior in check and continue the PCC’s monitoring authority over Grab’s pricing behavior.

In the first undertaking, excess pricing was absorbed by the commission as overcharging penalties, but the new undertaking provided the penalties to be reverted back to consumers as a refund instead of going to the Commission and eventually to the national coffers.

Consumers may expect the refund anytime in March 2020, with the assumption that Grab will not file for a motion for reconsideration that it is entitled to exercise 15 days after the notification sent by the PCC on Nov. 12, 2019.

The Commission did not have the volume of riders using the app, but it assured consumers that the refund will be “disgorged” or Grab will face another violation that will subject it to another penalty.

The refund will be credited automatically to the user’s GrabPay account.

Term-sharing...

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Duterte administration.

Cayetano earlier hinted he would like to retain his post until 2022, and that he will consult the President on whether or not to relinquish the post to Velasco.

He also said it would be in the best interest of Congress to concentrate on making good laws for the benefit of millions of Filipinos, rather than talk about who the next Speaker will be.

Velasco, for his part, expressed confidence that Cayetano would step down after his 15-month tenure expires.

“As far as I know, an agreement is an agreement. And based on the gentleman’s agreement, I will see you next year as the Speaker,” he said.

Velasco is supposed to assume the Speakership in October 2020.

‘Ramon’...

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Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Ramon” was estimated at 125 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 125 kph, it was moving north northwest at 10 kph.

“Ramon” is forecast to make landfall in the northern part of Cagayan between Monday night and Tuesday morning.

News ‘P22-b tax lost due to fake cigarettes’

By Jess Malabanan CLARK FREEPORT—The government lost P22 billion in terms of revenues from 2014 to 2017 alone due to proliferation of counterfeit cigarettes being manufactured in different warehouses situated in Central Luzon, key official of the Japan Tobacco International bared Monday.

Citing a study, JTI external lawyer Maria Rona Vergara said this was why our company negotiated with the Department of Finance and law enforcement authorities to intensify campaign against fake cirgarettes flourishing in the market across the archipelago.

“This has greatly affected the production of legitimate cigarette manufacturers and a big loss to the Philippine government tax,” said Vergara on the sidelines of the ceremonial condemnation of multimillion worth of counterfeit cigarette-making machines held at the Bureau of Customs Port of Clark.

Vergara said thousands of master cases of cigarettes with unknown brands have been seized in different areas during recent raids conducted by line government agencies including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, BOC, and the police.

“The prevailing price of tax stamp is P45 per pack of cigarettes and for thousands of master cases (one master case or big box carry 50 reams) so, just multiply P45 times the number of packs in every ream. That’s a big revenue for the government,” she added.

Port of Clark district collector lawyer Ruby Claudia Alameda said the biggest counterfiet cigarette-making machines were seized at Barangay San Isidro, San Simon, Pampanga where seven units accounted by the BIR, JTI and BOC following raid at the Global Asian Park early this year. The machines were sneaked into the country and was consigned to a Kevin Esguerra.

She said several machines were discovered in Guguinto, Bulacan specifically in one of the warehouses at RIS Industrial Park situated along Guiguinto Road sometime on 2018 consigned to a certain Eduard Ang.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 seeks to end communist in PH

By MJ Blancaflor

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night met with key officials of the government in Malacañang in a bid to strengthen the administration’s efforts to combat the communist insurgency and other armed conflicts.

President Duterte convened the meeting of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Cabinet members and the security sector to discuss the continuing anti-insur-

gency campaign.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the meeting served as a platform for the President “to provide guidance on strengthening convergence

efforts among all instrumentalities of the government.”

The President had ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to end the local communist insurgency.

The President also said he will arm former rebels with high-end guns and tanks if members of the Communist Party of the Philippines “really want trouble.”

Last year, Duterte signed Executive Order 70 to institutionalize the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the communists through a na-

tional task force.

A whole-of-nation approach refers to the delivery of basic services and social development, societal inclusivity, and active participation of all sectors to achieve peace.

“In his ongoing directive to enhance existing mechanisms of good governance, the President had repeatedly called on members of his administration to address the economic and security concerns in conflict-prone and conflict-affected areas,” Esperon said.

With PNA

DOTr to inspect all motor vehicles

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HEART FOR CHILDREN. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and his wife Tingog Party-List Rep Yedda

Marie K. Romualdez (center) join students and children from Batasan Hills Quezon City during the opening ceremony of the National Children’s Month and the 30th Anniversary of the International Convention of the Right of the Child at the South Wing Lobby of the House of Representatives. Martin and Yedda assured the children to push for the legislations for the welfare and well-being of children. Ver Noveno

Romualdez bats for okay on Magna Carta for children

By Maricel V. Cruz TINGOG Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Kittilstvedt Romualdez on Monday appealed to her colleagues in Congress to prioritize the approval of the Magna Carta for Children, that aims to strengthen economic and social protection for Filipino minors who comprise almost half of the nation’s population.

Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on the Welfare of Children, made the statement during the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“Unlike other sectors of society, children are inherently vulnerable. They cannot, on their own, participate in nation-building. They need their families,

House approves on final reading bills of ‘national importance’ THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill resolution extending until Dec. 31, 2020 the validity of the budget for maintenance and other operating expenses and capital outlay of this year’s P3.757-trillion national budget.

The House, in plenary session with Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., unanimously passed on final reading House Bill 5437. A total of 190 lawmakers voted for the measure.

Congress moves to extend the validity of this year’s budget, citing the delays in the enactment of the 2019 General Appropriations Bill early this year and the election ban on the implementation of infrastructure projects and social services.

At the same time, voting 185-1-7, the House passed on third and final reading House Bill 5744 or the bill institutionalizing “Malasakit Centers” that were used by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go to launch his candidacy in the May elections.

House leaders, led by House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Deputy Speakers Luis Raymund Villafuerte and Raneo Abu of Batangas, hailed the bill’s passage.

The House approved version was a replica of what was filed at the Senate by Go. The bill proposes to create Makasakit Centers in all DOH hospitals and the PGH to serve as a one-stop-shop for medical and financial assistance. The centers would also provide patient navigation and refer them to a health care provider network.

Villafuerte of Camarines Sur’s Second District said these centers will be “health system enablers” designed to improve patient assistance and referral and provide additional non-medical support to poor Filipinos in need of medical treatment.

“The establishment of Malasakit Centers will complement the UHC (Universal Health Care) program,” said Villafuerte, one of the co-authors of the consolidated measure endorsed by the committee. Maricel V. Cruz

Solon wants to regulate e-cigarettes A PARTY-LIST lawmaker has filed a bill that regulates the use of electronic cigarettes.

House Bill 5099 filed by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWA mandates the regulation of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems/Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS), HeatNot-Burn devices, and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).

Otherwise known as the ENDS/ENNDS and HTPs Regulation Act of 2019, the bill is anchored on the concept of harm reduction, which refers to policies, regulations, and actions focusing on reducing health risks, usually by providing safer norms of hazardous products.

Proponents of harm reduction argue that people smoke for the nicotine but die from the tar and gases.

“While there is a need to introduce safer alternatives to smoking tobacco, it must also be regulated to protect all the stakeholders

involved,” Garin said in the bill’s explanatory note.

However, Garin sought to soften the impact of the tobacco-use reduction policy on tobacco farmers by way of improving access to credit, establishing well-developed supply chains, and helping them shift to viable alternative means of income.

Citing a study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Garin said that smallholder tobacco farmers remain the most vulnerable in the rise of electronic cigarettes and the shifting economic landscape.

“Aside from the rising health concerns, regulation is imperative to balance factors such as revenue generation, trade and commerce, job creation, the protection of minors and non-smokers, and the interest of tobacco farmers. There are a number of other factors to consider,” she said. Maricel V. Cruz

the government and the wider community, to provide the requisite care, guidance, health and education services especially in their early formative years,” Romualdez said.

This, she said, was the reason why the House Committee on the Welfare of Children has taken as its utmost priority the crafting and passage of the Magna Carta of Children.

TO ENSURE the safety, efficiency, roadworthiness and environmental compliance of vehicles on the road, Department of Transportation, through the Land Transportation Office, will implement the mandatory automated inspection of all private light vehicles and motorcycles next year.

As a leading global innovator of vehicle inspection solutions utilizing Chinese and German state-of-the-art technologies, Cosber-China expressed its support of the Philippine government’s vehicle inspection program.

The company is China’s largest exporter of vehicle inspection equipment, supplying to more than 30 countries worldwide.

Distributed in the Philippines by Platinum Legacy Vortex Corp., a premier supplier and maintenance provider of vehicle inspection testing equipment used for Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, Cosber has an outstanding line of testing equipment that ensures the safety and roadworthiness of key components of vehicles including the brakes, smoke emission, speedometer, and headlights.

“We laud the Philippine government for mandating this vehicle inspection testing because vehicle roadworthiness leads to public road safety. The less problematic vehicles we have on the road means less traffic, less headache for motorists and public safety for all,” emphasizes Ken Wang, director for International Sales of Cosber-China.

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Opinion

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

My book launch THIS made me laugh. An American couple visited a friend at the penthouse of a high-rise building. They took the elevator to go from the 54th to the ground floor. On the 50th floor, the elevator door opened and a couple told the operator: “Bababa.” The elevator girl replied: “Bababa.”

Further down, on the 40th, the same thing happened—a gentleman said: “Bababa” to which the elevator girl replied: “Bababa.”

On the 30th floor, a woman said, “Bababa” and the operator said “Bababa.”

On the 10th floor, a man and a boy asked: “Bababa?” The elevator girl gave her answer: “Bababa.”

On the ground floor, everybody alighted. The American couple looked at each other, amazed. “Can you beat that,” the man said. “All they said was 'Bababa' and they understood each other!” *** This is a correction. At my age of 92, I often make a mistake. The definite date of the launching of my memoirs is Jan. 30, a Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., courtesy of House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, who is also president of the Philippine Constitution Association and my boss at Manila Standard.

Invitations are forthcoming. *** In my book, I said that journalism is more than a profession. It is a calling.

As a professional journalist, I never expected to become a millionaire.

At my age of 92, I still pound on my typewriter three times a week to meet my deadline. Santa Banana, this has been the story of my life—meeting deadlines!

I am now at the pre-departure area waiting to board that last flight to meet my God. But I do not have a retirement pay or pension plan. When we journalists get sick, we cannot even count on health insurance. Even now, with my wife at the hospital, I

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

have to use our savings!

This is the sad part of being a journalist. In the public and private sector, workers become regular employees after six months. They enjoy the usual perks. It's a different story for journalists.

I am a lawyer, and yet I chose to be a professional journalist. It is because of my belief that as a journalist, I can fulfill my dream of achieving change and making a difference, no matter how small.

Save the date— January 30.

Those who own and manage news organizations should for their part also think of ways to make journalism an honest-to-goodness profession. Imagine the danger that journalists face just to be able to bring the facts to the public. And yet we are harassed with libel suits and even get death threats, my gulay!

If there are budding journalists who think this career is a life of fascinating adventure, they better think again.

This is not for the faint of heart! *** Retired former Customs Commissioner Titus Villanueva, who worked at the Bureau of Customs where he rose from the ranks, has a proposal to stop smuggling and graft and corruption at the bureau.

He has seen corruption at its worst.

He was my friend when I covered Customs in the 60s and 70s. He used to say that it was a daily cat-and-mouse game for the Customs chief. Smugglers always thought of innovative ways to do their thing.

It was his incumbency as Customs chief when the government hired the Swiss-based Societe Generale de Surveilance or SGS to pre-inspect imports and exports at source. The SGS method was also adopted by Indonesia to curb smuggling and corruption.

My gulay, this was from 1991 to 2000 until the government decided to

Dangerous territory

R

EVELATIONS during the ongoing impeachment hearings against US President Donald Trump highlight how unreliable—and unpredictable—American foreign policy has become in an era in which rightwing populism throws out logic and facts in favor of fringe conspiracy theories and meaningless slogans.

What we are learning in the hearings goes beyond Mr. Trump’s misadventures in the Ukraine, where he pressured a foreign ally to dig up dirt on his political rival. It casts doubt, as well, on the nature of the US relationship with other countries, including the Philippines.

So far, professional, career diplomats in the service of the US State Department have testified how Mr. Trump’s agents—including his personal lawyer—conspired to pressure the newly elected Ukrainian government to dig up dirt on his political rival, Vice President Joe Biden. The lever that Mr. Trump used was the withholding of US military assistance to the Ukrainians, who needed it to

fight off a Russian invasion.

Mr. Trump’s efforts also included besmirching the reputation of a career US ambassador, whose service to her country has spanned over three decades, simply because Mr. Trump and his cohorts felt she stood in the way of their Ukranian machinations.

The basis of Mr. Trump’s pressure campaign in the Ukraine was a now-discredited conspiracy theory that it was the Ukranians, not the Russians, who meddled in the 2016 US election. Mr. Trump, who lost the popular vote but won the count in the US Electoral College, continues to bristle at the widely held view that his election victory was helped by Russians who mounted a massive online disin-

formation campaign on social media to destroy his rival Hilary Clinton, as well as Russian government hackers who electronically stole documents and emails from Clinton’s presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

The calm testimony last week of former ambassador to the Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, was both credible and chilling, showing how stated US foreign policy and practice can easily be subverted by presidential whim.

We have already seen how Mr. Trump precipitously pulled out American troops from Syria in October after a phone conversation with Turkish strongman Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a move that enabled Turkey to invade the northern part of the country to the detriment of the Kurds, the US allies who battled the Islamic State.

Will other US allies such as the Philippines suffer a similar fate? It is dangerous territory that Mr. Trump is treading. Sadly, he is taking the rest of the world along with him.

Turn to A5

The grossest injustice TOMORROW, Nov. 20, Senator Leila de Lima, would have been unjustly in jail for 1,000 days—that’s 24,000 hours or 1,440,000 if counted in minutes and 86,400,000 if we reckon her illegal detention in second. For the grossest injustice, a phrase I borrow from Justice Antonio Carpio, that’s one second too many.

Senator Leila de Lima should not be in jail.

In any criminal justice system, miscarriage of justice happens when an individual is punished for a crime he or she did not commit. Worse still is when miscarriage of justice is done deliberately, and in a gross and blatant manner—this type of injustice is what may be termed “travesty of justice.”

Thankfully, the world is morally convinced of her innocence. Human rights groups have been clamoring for her release and the dismissal of what mostly believe are trumped-up charges against her. Amnesty International regards De Lima as a “Prisoner of Conscience.” She topped Asian Correspondent's list of five prominent Southeast Asian leaders and human rights defenders who are facing charges for defying the norm. The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) cited her heroism against corruption and autocracy.

Since her detention, De Lima has been the recipient of numerous honors and recognition by local and foreign bodies—on one hand a testament of her innocence from the point of view of the world, but also an indictment of the system and personalities that continue to persecute her. That her arrest and detention is tainted with injustice has been decried by Justice Leonen in his dissenting opinion to the Supreme Court majority decision upholding the warrant of arrest, saying that “it reflected a failure of the prevalence of good justice x x x it unsettles established doctrine, misapplies unrelated canons,

and most importantly, fails to render a good judgement: law deployed with sound reasons taking the full context of the case as presented.”

The number one thousand (1,000) in the bible often symbolizes an “immensity or fullness of quantity.” Surely, a thousand days in prison is a lifetime, more so when one is unjustly deprived of liberty. One can only imagine the psychological and emotional pain that a victim of injustice goes through. But in the context of the Holy Scripture, one thousand also means “the perfection of the life.” Believe it or not, prolonged days of solitude and silence, even in the direst of conditions, may have some benefits. It can be viewed as an opportunity to reinvigorate one’s spiritual life, to listen more intently to God’s whisperings which we often do not hear amid the din of this world.

The Lord himself on many occasions sought the silence and solitude of the desert and in every opportunity he got during his earthly ministry. And for centuries, untold number of Christian men and women purposely choose the solitude of the desert, living in monasteries and convents, to seek perfection of life in Christ. Visiting Senator Leila in her prison cell a few months ago during her birthday, I could not help but sense that she is at peace. She is not destroyed at all; in fact, she is stronger.

That is why she continues to speak out against the Duterte government. She is even more courageous now than when she was free.

This is not to say that one must assume a fatalistic attitude and willingly embrace injustice and persecution. On the contrary, De Lima and the victims of injustice and persecution like her must fight tooth and nail to obtain justice for themselves and others. Edmund Burke said: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Yet while alone in the cell, surely there is a God waiting, always ready to listen and more than willing to console and give hope. In the end, the people who cause this travesty of justice will inevitably be judged by the God of history.

To end this column, I lend my voice to a statement released by the Committee for the Freedom of Leila M. de Lima, of which I am a convenor, and which has been signed by hundreds of supporters all over the world: “We condemn the wrongful and indefinite imprisonment of Senator Leila de Lima whose cases are on protracted Turn to A5

This time, it’s Bello facing graft charges WILL the Duterte administration's declared all-out war on even just a "whiff of corruption" catch a big fish?

That possibility looms with the filing of graft charges against Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III last week before the Office of the Ombudsman.

The complaint-affidavit was filed by Adolfo Paglinawan, a radio commentator who claims to be a "crusader and advocate in exposing the shenanigans and wrongdoing of government officials and private persons."

Bello is alleged to have committed grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and abuse of power in making at least 40 nonessential travels abroad and causing the government to spend at least P4 million for the trips that "did not redound to the benefit of the government."

While Bello made it appear that his travels abroad were all intended to check on the situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East and other countries, the complaint said, these were in fact "in defiance

and disobedience to the President's guidelines on foreign travel." It cited as precedents Duterte's earlier move to dismiss two government officials for non-essential, excessive and costly foreign travels.

Will the Office of the Ombudsman agree with him?

The complaint pointed out: "Were these travels necessary and essential?

It should be emphasized that as Secretary of Labor and Employment, Bello has so many responsibilities in manag-

ing the affairs and operation of a very large Department. He cannot just entrust his job to an OIC which he often does as he is out of the country half a month of every month of the year. How could he run efficiently and effectively the affairs of his office. As a matter of fact, his office is in disarray, such that he keeps changing the clusters, thereby confusing his subordinates. Furthermore, there are so many pending cases for decision in his office that have not been acted upon for months...Anyway, no matter how you look at them, these foreign trips of Bello gave him unwarranted benefits as he spent government money for airfare, hotels and food. If indeed he spent millions on these travels, he has caused undue injury to the government and prejudiced the Filipino people. Hence, Bello has committed the crime of graft and corruption, under RA 3019 and RA 6713 and also, under Article 208 of the Revised Penal Code for Abuse of Power."

The complaint also charged Bello Turn to A5

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Opinion Uphill reforms REFORM is never as easy to do as it sounds. While very few will dispute the idea of reform itself, it becomes quite another matter when you go ahead and try to RE-FORM something or someone, to reshape “what is” into “what ought to be,” especially after years, or centuries, of having been “what was.”

This is especially true in our country, where changing “what was” is burdened not only by natural human aversion to risk and uncertainty, but also by our own Filipino habit of clinging to what is traditional and familiar. This is fed to a large extent by our manana mentality—“what will be, will be”—but also by the innate conservatism of the Catholic faith that unites so many of us.

Unfortunately for us, the secular world is not—yet—the kingdom of heaven on earth. We are continually called to remake the old into the new, burdened in this task by our own scarcity of resources and good will to each other. But tarrying, not changing, can be even more dangerous, because it deters us from—in the process of changing the world—becoming better persons ourselves. *** A case in point is the current uproar over rice imports and tariffication. How easily we’ve forgotten those bad old days when we often had to line up for rice that was available only at exorbitant prices, or when millions of tons of rice spoiled inside government warehouses because of poor procurement and stocking, or when stories came out about rice hoarding by traders or corruption inside the NFA. It got to the point where rice malnutrition had become a real threat to the children of the poor. If only for that reason, one simply can’t fault the decision by this administration to finally open up the industry and make cheap imported rice readily available to all those malnourished poor children, while at the same time raising tariff

revenues from those imports that could fund safety nets for affected poor rice farmers.

Unfortunately, every reform must deal with its counter-reformers. A recent initiative, supported by a coalition of leftist party-listers, NFA employees, and rich rice farmers—no surprises there!—wants to repeal the rice tariffication law and put all those malnourished children at risk again. It’s a vocal coalition, loud enough to provoke the President into suspending, for now, the operation of that law.

Tarrying, not changing, can be even more dangerous, because it deters us from—in the process of changing the world— becoming better persons ourselves.

We trust that Duterte will stand his ground on not repealing the law outright, which he correctly points out could lead to a “food crisis.” His common-sense position also reflects his very democratic respect for the rule of the majority—millions of rice consumers—over the complaints of a minority—who certainly deserve to be heard, or even cushioned by special arrangements, but certainly not to overrule the good of the majority. *** Less spectacular—though just as innovative—is the appointment by the DENR of a thousand “estero rangers” who will patrol some 279 waterways traversing 711 barangays of Metro Manila. Their remit is to clean the trash traps, prevent more trash dumping especially by the informal settlers who live by these esteros, and hopefully inculcate more responsible behavior by these communities.

We’ve all seen those embarrassing photos of Manila’s waterways clogged by trash, mostly plastic items. I remember a story told me, years ago, by green activist Orly Mercado about how he

had once ordered the military to clean up the esteros during his stint as Defense secretary under former President Erap. Well, cleaned up they were, but after six months they were again just as trash-clogged as before.

Changing the culture of the communities concerned is clearly the only permanent solution. It seems that the new estero rangers won’t be armed, nor will they have the power to arrest.

But we hope that their mere presence along the esteros, by dint of example and reminders, will persuade offenders to mend their ways.

It's the same story with clearing the roads, or no smoking or drinking in public, or obeying traffic rules, or clearing the barangays of drugs, one by one. These are reforms on the ground, day to day, that the Duterte administration might be more profitably remembered for. We can only wish the best of luck to DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu—a former AFP chief of staff—with his new army of rangers and missionaries of better behavior. *** Today’s readings present us with two exemplars of faith, although quite different from each other. In the first reading (2 Mc 6: 18-31), we meet the venerable Eleazar, who is being forced by the king to demean his faith by agreeing to eat pork. Even to save his own life, he will not simply pretend to eat the meat, but instead chooses martyrdom in order to set a noble example for the young.

In the Gospel (Lk 19: 1-10), the despised tax collector Zacchaeus receives Jesus into his house and promises the Lord to give half his wealth to the poor as well as compensate, four times over, those whom he extorted. Jesus declares in response that “salvation has come to this house,” reminding us that a great act of faith and charity is redemptive no matter how well or how poorly one has lived life before.

In the runup this week to the celebration of Christ the King on the last Sunday of ordinary time in the Church calendar, it is good to look to these two models of faith in a Lord whose Advent lies around the corner.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

Game over for Panay Electric

THE Iloilo City government is set to auction off on Dec. 12 the distribution assets of Panay Electric Co. (PECO) for failing to settle its realty tax that has accumulated over the years. The assets are worth P89 million.

Sources at the Iloilo City Hall claim PECO’s realty tax woes began in 2006 when the city treasurer demanded that they pay the taxes for the lots where their 30,000 electricity poles were erected.

With the company facing final closure for failing to get Congress’ approval to renew its 95-year-old franchise, the city government likewise disapproved PECO’s request for an extension in settling its tax delinquency.

Failing to get an extension for the payment of its tax liabilities, PECO reportedly questioned, a few days ago, the legality and accuracy of the tax assessment by the city before the Local Assessment Board.

Sources say Mayor Jerry Trenas,

This time,...

From A4

with grave misconduct and serious dishonesty for authorizing the travel abroad of two subordinates which it deemed "excessive, not essential and not beneficial to the government."

Bello is also charged with grave misconduct and serious dishonesty for alleged usurpation of legislative powers by issuing Administrative Order No. 443, Series of 2018 that allowed him to retain the power to regulate private sector participation in the recruitment and overseas placement of workers by designating the POEA Administrator to be his authorized representative, "when in fact he does not have such power."

Bello is also alleged to have committed the crime of usurpation of authority or official functions when he exercised the powers of the President under Section 17 of EO 292, Series

already enraged by PECO’s refusal to heed his earlier call to settle their tax debt, was fuming mad after learning that Marcelo Cacho, PECO administrator, reportedly shunned the mayor’s complaints regarding the alarming number of PECO’s electricity poles catching fires based on the official report of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Cacho, a former legislator who practically grew up in the wings of his father, also former mayor of Iloilo City, will definitely find it hard to swallow losing one of the family’s businesses.

To the amazement of many, the embarrassment of losing their prime business through a congressional act, which they never lost even during the Marcos years, was apparently too much to take that the Cacho family launched a legal fight to block businessman Ricky Razon’s takeover of its power distribution company.

But the saying “you can’t fight City Hall” appears to be true, as the said LGU is set to auction PECO’s distribution assets next month. This would definitely shut down the lifeline of its operations.

One wonders: If PECO loses its dis-

of 1987 by designating an Assistant Secretary as an OIC Undersecretary through the issuance of Administrative Order No. 408, Series of 2019, "despite his knowledge, being a lawyer and former Secretary of Justice, that the power and function to designate or appoint a high official of a Department under the Executive Branch solely belongs to the President of the Philippines."

The complaint also charged Bello for the illegal designation of a DOLE Director's OIC Assistant Secretary to fill the office left vacant due to the appointment of an Assistant Secretary as a Labor Attachè. Again, the complaint emphasized, only the President of the Philippines has the power and authority to designate temporarily a certain high official of a department in the Executive Branch to another office or position.

On top of all this, the complaint accuses Bello of treason for making a secret trip to the Netherlands to meet with Jose Maria Sison, founder of the

tribution assets but the Energy Regulatory Commission does not revoke its provisional license, what kind of permit or business license would it use to distribute electricity to its customers if the local government wants it closed?

The Ilonggos are waiting.

If it loses ownership and control of the distribution assets in the Dec. 12 auction, including the 30,000 electric poles in the city’s streets, what would PECO’s next move be? I say “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata!”

Only if a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a settlement is reached between the city government and PECO, or if it redeems its distribution assets by paying its tax arrears, could PECO prevent this eventuality.

If not, the company can only watch as its distribution assets are sold to the highest bidder within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Ilonggos are waiting.

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Bello has defended his trips abroad by saying that all these are official travels authorized by no less than President Duterte: “All of my travels have presidential authority. I cannot go out without presidential authority,” Bello said, adding that as Labor Secretary, it is part of his job to know the actual situation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

As to his meeting with Sison, Bello said, all his meetings with Sison have President Duterte’s blessing.

“These are all with the authority of the President. I never go out of the country to talk to them without authorization. It is only upon the instructions of the President,” he said.

That may be so, but will the Office of the Ombudsman agree with him? Let's wait and see. ernhil@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

China and Taiwan: Different paths to development TWO countries were born on Oct. 1, 1949. One was the People's Republic of China; the other was Taiwan (then called Republic of China). The two countries should have been accorded equal treatment on the occasion of their 70th birthdays. Yet on Oct. 1, 2019 PROC—now simply called China—received more attention in this country, official and otherwise, than Taiwan, which tenaciously clings to the name Republic of China. There were two reasons for this.

The latter should have received as much attention on its 70th birthday.

The first was the difference in world status between the two countries.

PROC is one of the world’s largest countries, has the largest population on this planet and has the world’s second-largest economy. Taiwan is far smaller on all these counts. The second reason was the Duterte administration’s extremely differential attitude toward China and its disinclination to do anything that might offend Chinese president Xi Jin-ping. The paths to power of PROC’s and Taiwan’s leaders—Mao Tse-tung and Chiang Kaishek, respectively—were different.

Chairman Mao’s path was the path of conquest: his communist forces, having recovered from the Long March, had vanquished the Nationalist forces of Generalissimo Chiang. The Generalissimo’s path was the path of invasion and occupation. Until the Nationalists streamed in from the mainland, Taiwan was a neglected and underdeveloped part of the Middle Kingdom.

Likewise were the paths to development taken by Mao government and the Chiang government. The Mao government pursued the classic com-

The grossest...

From A4

trial and are prosecuted with the use of dubious testimonies of inmates. Six (6) judges have withdrawn from the cases.

The indictments were changed (from drug trading to conspiracy to trade in drugs) after more than a year from her arrest and without the benefit of a new investigation. These circumstances occur in the same judicial environment that has enabled the politically charged ouster of a Chief Justice, and the arrests of other political dissenters and activists.

We denounce the relentless political persecution of Senator Leila de Lima whose detention resulted from her personal convictions and public statements against human rights abuses in the Philippines, as found by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD). She launched the Senate investigation into the spate of extrajudicial killings in the “war on drugs”. Even in

My book...

From A4

scrap the SGS contract for being too expensive.

I also know, having covered Customs, that the reason the SGS contract was terminated was the strong lobby of Customs brokers and officials, as well as political patrons.

Since the SGS pre-inspection contract also covered exports from source, Customs officials and employees were complaining because smuggling was at zero level. The pre-inspection mechanism also ended port congestion, which is happening today.

I believe that the best way to stop anomalies at Customs, especially of shabu (crystal meth), is to restore the SGS pre-inspection contract. Yes, it is expensive, but price does not matter if it means an end to smuggling and corruption at the notorious bureau. *** Whether Vice President Leni Robredo likes it or not, it's actually President Duterte who is running the war on illegal drugs.

If we come right down to it, the position of Robredo as drug czarina and cochair of the Inter-agency Committee Against Drugs is only a policy-making post without powers to command the police and other agencies. This is why her role needs to be clarified.

Note the warning of President Duterte that if Robredo were to make

munist approach to development— collectivization, State ownership of all factors of production and command-type economic decisionmaking.

In contrast, the Chiang administration put in place a hybrid developmental approach—dictatorial politics and democratic economics.

Which approach to development was more successful is shown by the fact that, whereas Taiwan had achieved high middle status for two decades after the arrival of the Nationalist forces, it was not until the early 1980s that China, now led by pragmatic Chairman Deng Xiao-ping, undertook the policy reversal that gradually led to China’s having the fourth-largest, then the third-largest and, finally, the second-largest economy. By the late Sixties Taiwan had already achieved the economic success that China would attain in the late Eighties.

What is notable about this comparison of Taiwan’s economic achievement with China’s is that Taiwan in time was able to switch to democratic governance whereas today, 70 years later, free political activity remains prohibited and political power still rests with the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee and, ultimately the 3-million-strong PLA (People’s Liberation Army). Taiwan continues to score economic gains in a political environment in which lawmakers punctuate their parliamentary discussions with chair-throwing and insult-exchanging.

Moreover, Taiwan is generally regarded as a well-behaved citizen of the international community and a fair-minded participant in the world marketplace. By contrast, China has been the object of complaints from some of its trading partners, including the US, for such bad trading practices as currency manipulation and export subsidization. And of course China has behaved in bully fashion where it has been able to; witness its conduct in the South China Sea. All in all, Taiwan’s achievements during the last 70 years in virtually every aspect of human endeavor— economic, political and social—are more impressive than those of its co-birthday celebrant, China. It should have received as much attention and acclaim on the occasion of their joint 70th birthday.

detention, she remains vocal in her political beliefs and advocacies.

We decry the unabated public vilification of Senator Leila de Lima by Duterte and his political allies, including their supporters in media and social media, who have targetted her as an object of verbal assault, sexist tirade, false information and hate speech. She is discriminated against as a woman and a human rights defender. *** Given the dubiousness of the charges against Senator Leila de Lima and the indubitable violations of her rights, we urge the Government of the Philippines to immediately free Senator Leila de Lima, and to drop the charges against her. Remedying Senator de Lima’s situation without delay is a demonstration to the Filipino people and the international community that the Philippines can still stand with the rest of the world in defense of freedom and human rights.”

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public sensitive information relating to the war on drugs, she would be fired.

Why, it's not even a Cabinet position!

She can only attend Cabinet meetings if she is called—specifically, when the agenda is about drugs! She cannot even look at Duterte's list of narco-politicians. So how can she know the extent of the problem?

This is exactly why I believe that Robredo is bound to fail. The President knows that if Robredo enjoys all the powers, she might even do better than he can. The President is not that stupid.

He knows that the moment Robredo is given information about the drug war, she would relay this to the United States and the United Nations. *** Whether President Duterte likes it or not, his time-sharing formula for the House Speakership will be dependent on the lawmakers themselves. It's not about what Cayetano or Velasco wants.

The Speakership will be decided by the House members themselves.

At this point, it looks like Cayetano is doing well. Continuity is the name of the game. *** On Nov. 25, Monday, Tony Lopez will mark 50 years as a professional journalist. It will also mark his 70th birthday, and the 18th anniversary of BizNews Asia, the largest circulating business news magazine.

Congratulations to Tony, whom I first met when he was a correspondent of Asiaweek. He is a compleat journalist.

A6

News

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PCSO’s P1b to fund program A

ROUND P1-billion unclaimed sweepstakes prizes were forfeited and will be transferred to fund the Individual Medical Assistance Program of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Speaking with reporters on Monday, PCSO General Manager Royina Garma said the IMAP was given more allocation after the PCSO’s Charity Fund increased due to the forfeiture of the unclaimed prizes.

She said the forfeited prizes were from traditional sweepstakes—lotto, Keno and six-digit games.

“The unclaimed winnings are automatically forfeited a year after the winners failed to claim their prizes. This is in accordance with our Charter. All the forfeited prizes immediately go to our Charity Fund, where we get the allocation for IMAP,” Garma told reporters covering Manila

Standard

the PCSO during a courtesy call in her office in Mandaluyong City.

According to Garma, some bettors just buy lotto tickets for charity purposes.

“Most of our bettors buy lotto tickets because they just want to help. It is because they know that PCSO’s charity program helps a lot of our poor kababayans who do not have money to buy medicines or get confined in hospitals,” she said.

A large chunk of PCSO’s earnings go directly to charity as mandated by law.

She explained that at least 85 percent of agency earnings go to charity as it mandated by law to assist the public who is in

Republic of the Philippines

Final Determination for any regulatory period, the proposes the FM PassThrough Amount can be recovered pursuant to Section 10.1.1 of the RTWR where NGCP is allowed to recover the cost incurred for the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of damage sustained by its transmission assets and other related facilities as a result of the FME. A copy of the FM Pass-Through Amount Computation is hereto attached as Annex “C.”

TODAYENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF THE NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE APPROVAL OF FORCE MAJEURE EVENT REGULATED FM PASS THROUGH FOR TYPHOON INENG IN LUZON, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES FOR SETTING TRANSMISSION WHEELING RATES, WITH PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

18. Further, the FM Pass-Through Amount under this Application did not breach the Force Majeure Threshold Amount (FMTA) of PhP0.0341/kWh in accordance with the RTWR. A copy of the FMTA Computation is hereto attached as Annex “D.”

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NGCP),

19. Also, NGCP considered the NFAV of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FME Typhoon Ineng given that NGCP would have normally fully recovered the return of capital on said assets for the duration of their economic lives had these assets not been damaged or destroyed by Typhoon Ineng.

ERC CASE NO. 2016-163 RC

Applicant. x------------------------------------------------------------x

JUSTIFICATION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

21. NGCP needs to immediately recover the actual expenses incurred for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and other related facilities. It must be emphasized that the occurrence of the aforementioned FME in Luzon required capital infusion, the recovery of which should be allowed immediately in order to avoid any financial strain in the operation of NGCP and to allow the continuous provision of transmission service to the grid customers.

The pertinent provisions of the said Application are hereunder quoted as follows:

2.

3.

NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It is the concessionaire which assumed the power transmission functions of the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) pursuant to Republic Act No. (RA) 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).1

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

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

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

24. Lastly, in compliance with Rule 6 of this Honorable Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, NGCP’s compliance with pre-filing requirements for the instant application is attached herewith as Annex “F” and series.

On 15 January 2009, NGCP assumed the transmission functions of TRANSCO, including the operation, management and maintenance of the nationwide electrical grid.

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

STATEMENT OF FACTS 4.

5.

6.

On or about 18 - 23 August 2015, Typhoon Ineng entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with maximum winds of 180 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 215 kph. Due to its rains and gusty winds, NGCP’s transmission assets and other related facilities in the Luzon area were damaged causing widespread power interruption over the area. A copy of the Certification dated 17 October 2015 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is attached hereto as Annex “A”.

1.

DECLARE Typhoon Ineng as Force Majeure Event (FME);

2.

Immediately GRANT Provisional Approval to implement and bill the FM Pass-Through Amount to Luzon customers starting September 2016 billing month to December 2020 billing month or until such time that the amount incurred is fully recovered; Luzon

In compliance with Article X of the Rules for the setting of Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR), NGCP filed with this Honorable Commission a Force Majeure Event (FME) Notice dated 2 October 2015, a copy of which is attached hereto as Annex “B.” Immediately after the devastation of Typhoon Ineng in Luzon, NGCP started the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its damaged transmission assets and other related facilities in order to restore transmission service to its customers and the public. As a result, NGCP incurred additional costs for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the said damaged transmission assets.

Ineng was categorized by PAGASA as a “Typhoon” in its Certification dated 17 October 2015. Therefore, Typhoon Ineng falls within the definition of an FME in accordance with Section 1.3 of the RTWR.

9.

Pursuant to Section 10.1.1 of the same RTWR, NGCP is allowed to recover the cost it incurred in the repair, restoration, Republic Act No. 9136 entitled, “An Act Ordaining Reforms in the Electric Power Industry, Amending for the Purpose Certain Laws and for Other Purposes” Republic Act No. 9511 entitled “An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise to Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage Back-bone System or Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for Other Purposes” and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by Typhoon Ineng through an FM Pass-Through Amount.

11. Thereafter, within twelve (12) months after the occurrence of the FME Typhoon Ineng in Luzon, NGCP hereby files the instant FME Application, in accordance with Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.3 of the RTWR. FM PASS-THROUGH AMOUNT COMPUTATION

14. Further, the recoverable value or the Net Fixed Asset Value (NFAV) of the assets destroyed by Typhoon Ineng is One Million Five Hundred Seventy Eight Thousand Two Hundred Nine and 42/100 Pesos (PhP1,578,209.42).

The summary of the expenses4 is shown in the table below: Total

Typhoon Ineng

1,561,298.74

1,578,209.42

3,139,508.16

Luzon

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

0.055

0.002

0.002

0.002

0.002

P/kWh

0.000106

0.000005

0.000004

0.000004

0.000004

16. NGCP proposes the FM Pass-Through Amount for the years 2016 to 2020 to allow the recovery of the CAPEX incurred relative to the FME Typhon Ineng pending the reset process for the Transmission Services for the Fourth Regulatory Period.

0.055

0.002

0.002

0.002

0.002

P/kWh

0.000106

0.000005

0.000004

0.000004

0.000004

4.

APPROVE, after due notice and hearing, the proposed FM Pass-Through Amount to be collected from the Luzon customers starting September 2016 billing month to December 2020 billing month or until such time that the amount incurred is fully recovered, as follows; Luzon

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

P/kW-mo.

0.055

0.002

0.002

0.002

0.002

P/kWh

0.000106

0.000005

0.000004

0.000004

0.000004

5.

APPROVE and ALLOW the recovery of the Net Fixed Asset Value of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FME Typhoon Ineng amounting to PhP1,578,209.42, given that it would have been fully recovered by NGCP if these transmission assets and other related facilities have not been damaged or destroyed by FME Typhoon Ineng; and

6.

EXCLUDE the proposed Pass-Through Amount from the side constraint calculation. NGCP prays for other relief deemed just and equitable under the premises.

1)

The petitioner’s name and address;

2)

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

3)

A statement of the relief desired.

1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

WITNESS,, the Honorable Commissioners ALEXIS M. LUMBATAN, CATHERINE P. MACEDA, and PAUL CHRISTIAN M. CERVANTES, CERVANTES Energy Regulatory Commission, this 30th day of October 2019 in Pasig City.

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

1 2 3

17. Considering that a FM Pass-Through Amount is not included in NGCP’s

P/kW-mo.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

15. NGCP proposes the Force Majeure (FM) Pass- Through Amount, in P/kW -month, as additional network charges in Luzon starting the billing period of September 2016 to December 2020, or until such time that the amount incurred is fully recovered, computed as shown in the table below: P/kW-mo.

2020

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

13. The total cost NGCP incurred as additional FME Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by Typhoon Ineng is One Million Five Hundred Sixty - One Thousand Two Hundred Ninety - Eight and 74/100 Pesos (PhP1,561,298.74).

NFAV

2019

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

12. It must be noted that NGCP has not recovered any amount from its Industrial All-Risk (IAR) Insurance Policy procured from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for the year 2015 as compensation for the damage and cost it incurred in the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FME Typhoon Ineng. Thus, it is but proper for NGCP to file the instant FME Claim Application to recover the cost it incurred for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and other related facilities damaged by the FME Typhoon Ineng pursuant to the RTWR.

FME CAPEX (in PhP)

2018

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 02 December 2019 (Monday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) at the ERC Main Office, at 15th Floor, ERC Hearing Room, Pacific Center Bldg., San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

10. Within three (3) months after the occurrence of Typhoon Ineng, NGCP filed before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) FME Notice dated 2 October 2015, pursuant to Sections 10.2.1 and 10.2.2 of the RTWR3.

FME/REGION

2017

APPROVE the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) amounting to PhP1,561,298.74 incurred by NGCP for the repair, restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged transmission assets and other related facilities due to Typhoon Ineng as FME;

Under Section 1.3(a) of the RTWR, an FME is defined as a “typhoon, storm, tropical depression, flood, drought, volcanic eruption, earthquake, tidal wave or landslide.”

8.

2016

3.

FORCE MAJEURE EVENT CLAIM 7.

accredited recruitment agencies.

“Do not deal with unliIMMIGRATION Commis- censed recruiters as they cansioner Jaime Morente on Mon- not guarantee your safety, good day warned Filipinos wanting working conditions, and salaries to work abroad against unscru- according to industry standards. pulous persons using the Internet Chances are you will be interand social media to recruit over- cepted at our ports if you avail the services of fraudsters and illegal seas workers.

Morente issued the warning recruiters,” Morente added.

Only recently, the BI interfollowing reports that many human trafficking and illegal re- cepted eight overseas Filipino cruitment victims intercepted at workers who were allegedly rethe Ninoy Aquino International cruited to work as household serAirport were recruited by syn- vice workers in Dubai and techdicates offering their services nicians in Libya who attempted via Facebook and social net- to depart disguised as tourists bound for Singapore, Malaysia working sites.

“We reiterate our warning to and UAE at the NAIA. BI Travel Control and Enforceour kababayan that they should ment YELLOW Unit HeadBLACK Ma. Timotea CYAN MAGENTA avoid transacting with strangers online offering high paying jobs Barizo said the victims were inin foreign lands without the ben- tercepted last week and admitefit of protection from govern- ted that they met their recruiters ment. You will only be putting through Facebook and that it was yourselves in harm’s way,” the BI the latter who processed their visas and employment papers in chief said in a statement.

Morente said overseas job the United Arab Emirates.

“As in the case of many ‘tourseekers could always access the website of the Philippine ist’ workers intercepted at our Overseas Employment Ad- ports, these Filipino workers all ministration or visit its of- had valid visas in their possesfice to look for legitimate job sion which they hid in their bags openings and avail themselves as instructed by their handlers,” of the services of licensed or Barizo said.

By Vito Barcelo

20. NGCP respectfully moves for the issuance of a provisional approval for the immediate recovery of the FM Pass-through Amount pursuant to Section 3, Rule 14 of the ERC Rules of Practice and Procedure.

Notice is hereby given that on 22 August 2016, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) filed an Application seeking the Commission’s approval of Force Majeure pass-through cost it incurred in the repair, restoration, and rehabilitation of its transmission assets and related facilities damaged by Typhoon Ineng in Luzon during the month of August 2015.

1.

dire need of help.

Garma said the agency increased the allocation for IMAP for November and December with the forfeiture of more or less P1 billion worth of unclaimed prizes—including major prizes and consolation prizes or “balik taya” in lotto.

“More Filipinos in dire need of medical help will be aided by PCSO, because of the increase in the Charity Fund,” she said in Filipino.

Garma urged the public to keep on patronizing PCSO products for it would surely help those in need.

IMAP is the flagship project of PCSO that include services such as financial assistance for hospital bills, chemotherapy/ radiation and dialysis treatments and other medical services to patients that need immediate financial assistance. PNA

Morente: Beware of people using social media to recruit

4

Republic Act No. (RA) 9136, entitled, “An Act Ordaining Reforms in the Electric Power Industry, Amending for the purpose certain laws and for other purposes”; An Act granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise to Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity tthrough High Voltage Back-bone System of Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for other Purposes”; Please see Annexes “B”; Exclusive of Permit Fees; (MS-NOV. 19 & 26, 2019, 2019)

CHECKING THE PRICES. Trade Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (second from right) leads the inspection of prices of Noche Buena products at a grocery store in Divisoria, Manila on Monday.

Norman Cruz

PAL registers ‘highest on-time’ performance

By Joel E. Zurbano LEGACY carrier Philippine Airlines announced on Monday it has registered the highest ontime performance among Filipino air carriers for flight departures out of Manila in the second half of 2019.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said the airline’s mainline services achieved an all-time high of 92 percent on-time flights in October 2019, for international and domestic flights combined.

For the months of July, August and September 2019, she added, the flag carrier’s flights posted a steadily increasing OTP of 80 percent, 82 percent and 89 percent, respectively.

In all months, PAL also performed seven percentage points higher than its closest competitors.

“Over the entire year, month by month, the PAL Group consistently maintained a lead of five to 15 percentage points in on-time departures from the Manila hub, including flights operated by PAL Express,” said Villaluna.

She also said PAL’s surge in OTP since July is the result of concerted initiatives by PAL and PAL Express network and operations teams to achieve more

efficient aircraft movement and schedule management, pre-flight passenger and ground handling processes, post-flight evaluation designed to refine and improve all action steps, and closer coordination with the airport and aviation authorities.

Together with other Philippine carriers, PAL signed a pledge of commitment in late July vowing to work towards improved ontime performance through effective management of flight operations and usage of airport slots.

Signatories also committed to accept accountability for causes of flight delays and cancellations within their control, as well as support the development of mechanisms of discipline for the entire industry.

While many delays are a result of airport infrastructure constraints beyond the control of airlines, PAL lauds the Department of Transportation and its agencies, including the Manila International Airport Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Civil Aeronautics Board, for taking decisive steps to optimize the capacity and upgrade the efficiency of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport along with other airports and aviation facilities nationwide.

Postponement of vaccines lauded ACT–CIS Party-list lauded the Department of Health after deciding to postpone the bidding for pneumococcal conjugal vaccines which was initially participated in by a lone bidder.

Speaking for the party-list, Rep. Niña Taduran says that an open competitive bidding procedure will give better options for the government in procuring the said vaccines.

“We don’t want to have another rushed procurement of vaccines which could be a source of corruption. It is also vital to study the technical aspects of the procurement before proceeding with the purchase,” says Taduran.

The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV protects against several types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause infection.

The vaccine also stops the infection from spreading to other people.

This is recommended for children six weeks, and its succeeding doses up to five years of age.

Sports SEA Games to be broadcast over 5, Cignal FOR the fourth time in history, the Philippines will play host to the prestigious Southeast Asian Games, a biennial multi-sport event with the goal of “promoting cooperation, understanding, and relations” among the 11-member countries in the Southeast Asian region.

This year’s event, officially known as the 30th Southeast Asian Games, will be the largest in history with 56 sporting events, and esports debuting as an official medal event.

To make this historic sporting event accessible to more Filipinos, 5, the No. 1 Sports Channel in the Country, and Cignal, the Country’s Premier DTH Satellite Provider, join together as the Official Broadcasters of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Under the umbrella campaign “Sama-Sama sa SEA Games”, 5 and Cignal hope to unite Filipinos locally and abroad to rally behind the Filipino athletes, and support them in the games. Likewise, the campaign is a battle cry for the MVP Group that’s working tirelessly together to provide audiences with the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and in-depth coverage on free-to-air, pay TV, and digital.

Come November 30 to December 11, everyone can catch all the SEA Games sporting action both on TV and online: • For free-to-air, there’s 5 and 5 Plus • For Cignal, there’s One Sports plus three new channels: SEA Games Channel, Team Pilipinas, and SEA Games News Channel all exclusive for Cignal and SatLite subscribers • For digital, there’s ESPN5.com, the Cignal Play app plus three SEA Games-dedicated YouTube channels that will be available 24/7 “Sama-Sama sa SEA Games” is supported by SMART Communications Inc.

Princess remains LPGT queen D

ESPITE missing three tournaments, Princess Superal still kept her Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit crown, anchoring her latest feat on a victory, two runner-up finishes and four top 10 efforts in the just concluded seventh season of the country’s premier ladies circuit.

The former US Girls’ Junior champion actually needed to endure a long winless run before finally hitting paydirt at John Hay where she also reigned, then as an amateur, in the circuit’s inaugurals in 2013 in record fashion.

But before recording her first and only win last July, Superal had placed second at Splendido and Manila Southwoods, turned in fourth and fifth place finishes at The Country Club Ladies Invitational and Beverly Place, respectively, and ended up seventh at Pradera Verde and Mt. Malarayat.

Counting her joint 21st place stint at

Manila Golf, Superal earned P1,164.604, edging 2017 OOM winner Pauline del Rosario, who also missed a number of events but still finished second with P955,082, including a runaway victory at Royal Northwoods.

Former Junior World champion Daniella Uy, who rallied to salvage joint fourth in the closing leg at the Party Golfers in Taiwan, placed third with P920,644 in winnings followed by 2016 OOM titlist Chihiro Ikeda (P836,745) and Southwoods leg winner Thai Thanutra Boonraksasat (P613.744).

“This is sweet and it means a lot to me,” said Superal, adding that she actually didn’t expect to score a repeat given the quality of competition where the Thais reigned at Manila Golf (Arpichaya Yubol), Mt. Malarayat (Nemittra Juntanaket) and Boonraksasat (Southwoods) with Korean Hwang Min Jeong winning at Splendido and Summit Point.

“It was really surprising but I promised to do better and try to win more tournaments next season,” added Superal, who will be trying to match Cyna Rodriguez’s three-peat feat from 2013-15.

AGM Suelo rules KIMMA Open Chess Tournament

Back-to-back Order of Merit champion Princess Superal (second from right) holds her trophy as she stands beside fellow awardees and organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano (right) during the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT annual awards at The Country Club in Laguna yesterday. They are, from left: Colo Ventosa, general manager of best host venue TCC, Mario Pagunsan, who represented brother and PGT OOM winner and Player of Year Juvic, and top amateur Eagle Ace Superal.

Judiciary, PITC subdue UNTV hoops rivals JUDICIARY and Philippine International Trading Corporation bested their respective rivals and advanced to the crossover second round of the 8th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The two-time champions Judiciary Magis leaned on the solid all-around game of former PBA player Warren Ybanez to beat the Philippine National Police Responders, 78-72, and took the fourth and last 2nd round berth in Groub

B elims with a 2-3 record.

With the win, the Magis joined unbeaten Department of Environment and Natural Resources (5-0), MalacañangPhilippine Sports Commission (4-1) and National Housing Authority (3-2) into the second round of the tournament organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants.

The PITC Global Traders, on the other hand, clobbered the Ombudsman Graftbusters, 87-70, in Group A to likewise march

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates victory against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men’s singles round-robin match on day six of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London. AFP

Nadal, Murray to play in Davis Cup Finals MADRID, Spain—Spain captain Sergi Bruguera said on Sunday (Monday Philippine time) that Rafael Nadal is “doing well” and wants to play at the inaugural Davis Cup Finals, despite his exertions at the ATP Finals this week.

Hosts Spain play their first tie against Russia in Madrid on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old Nadal was knocked out at the pool stage in London, but did secure the year-end world number one ranking ahead of Novak Djokovic.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray will do a “great job” when he continues his comeback from injury at next week’s inaugural Davis Cup Finals in Madrid, British captain Leon Smith said.

The former world number one claimed his first ATP title since 2017 last month in Antwerp to raise hopes that he could return to the top of the game despite needing career-saving hip surgery earlier this year.

Nadal was a fitness doubt for the season-ending event at the O2 Arena after pulling out of the Paris Masters with an abdominal injury, but managed to produce rousing comebacks in wins over Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“The truth is that he’s in a great moment,” said Bruguera on the eve of the tournament. “He is doing well and is eager to compete.”

Five-time champions Spain have been handed a difficult draw in Group B with ties against reigning champions Croatia and Russia.

Bruguera said that Spain would not be favorites to progress from the group.

“On clay, I can’t remember the last time Spain lost a Davis Cup tie,” he said. AFP

A7

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

PITC Global Traders’ Aloysius Taplah (left) attempts a three-pointer in UNTV action.

into the second round with a 3-2 mark.

Advancing earlier from Group A are defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines (5-0), Dept. of Agriculture and the PhilHealth Plus.

Five Judiciary players scored in double figures with Regilito Malinao knocking in 13 while Ybanez and two others chipped in 12 points each. The PBA veteran also had six rebounds and five assists.

Leading PITC was former Letran player Aloysius Taplah who scattered 26 points apart from pulling down three rebounds.

In the second round, Group A teams face Group B teams in a single round with the top two teams claiming outright semis berths while the bottom two will be eliminated.

The third to sixth finishers play another round with the best two placers marching into the semis.

The scores: First Game PITC 87—Taplah 26, Vasallo 17, Juan 12, Regalado 11, Martin 10, Lopez 8, Gecale 3.

OMBUDSMAN 70—Ignacio 21, Franco 17, Sanchez 8, Del Rosario 7, Palacio 5, Casidsid 4, Ojerio 4, Lasam 4.

Quarter scores: 21-23, 45-39, 69-54, 87-70 Second Game JUDICIARY 78—Malinao 13, Serrano 12, Ybañez 12, Tolomia 12, Salamat 10, Dela Cruz 9, Dionisio 6, Puno 4.

PNP 72—Tolentino 21, Omiping 17, Serrano 10, Cabrera 7, Elopre 3, Misola 5, Decema 2, Abaya 2.

Quarter scores: 19-16, 39-34, 55-51, 78-72

FILIPINO Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Robert Suelo won the 3rd KIMMA Open Chess Tournament 2019 Open Chess title after holding off countryman National Master (NM) Ian Cris Udani to a draw during the final round in Metro Mall PUDU, Fraser Business Park, Jalan PUDU 2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday, November 17.

Suelo finished with 5 wins, 2 draws for a total of 6.0 points, the same output of Udani and another PH bet Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva.

Suelo, the former top player of Rizal Technological University, Barangay Malamig, Mandaluyong City chess team, however, was proclaimed champion due to better tie break points.

Suelo became the meet’s top finisher and after gaining a tiebreak 3 score of 27.75 against Udani and Villanueva’s 27.0.

The 1996 Philippine Junior Champion Suelo pocketed the top prize of 1,500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus trophy and a medal, Udani received runner-up prize of 1,000 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal while Villanueva went home third prize of 500 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) plus medal for his effort.

“Hindi ko na pinilit ‘yung last game ko. Nanigurado na lang ako ng magandang placing,” said Suelo, whose stint was supported by Jaime “Bong” and Jane Tiburcio.

“Kasi alam ko in case mag-tie, sa akin pa din ang title kasi alam kong mas mataas ang tie break points ko.” added Suelo, an active member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in Singapore.

At 4th to 6th place with 5.5 points were FM Lik Zang Lye, FM Sumant Subramaniam and Kamaluddin Yusof of Malaysia. The 7 Round Swiss system tournament is attracted by 83 players.

Meanwhile, Don Tyrone Delos Santos ruled via tiebreak the Raymond Transportation Open rapid chess championship at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the Barangay Tagbakin, Atimonan, Quezon last weekend.

Delos Santos, tied for first to third place with Sherwin Tiu and Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr. with 6.0 points apiece in seven outings in this oneday event, hosted by Atimonan Chess Club, backed by Raymond M. Escobar in cooperation with twins Sancho and Pancho Cochangco and Bishop Ruben Belmonte.

Catterall leads rumble in Dubai WBO world super-lightweight No. 1 Jack Catterall, India’s highly-ranked icon Vijender Singh, Pakistani boxing hero Muhammad Waseem, WBO world bantamweight No. 4 Thomas Patrick Ward and many more highlight #MTKFightNight, promoted by D4G Promotions in association with MTK Global and Round 10 Boxing Club in Dubai on November 22.

With a stunning undefeated record of 24-0, 13 KOs, Catterall is already seen as a super-lightweight world champion in waiting. He battles Timo Schwarzkopf in a 10-round bout.

As the No. 1 challenger in the world to WBO and WBC world champion Jose Ramirez, Catterall is in line for a career-defining world title shot in 2020 but standing in his way is the high-class Schwarzkopf.

Germany’s Schwarzkopf (20-3, 12 KOs) is a former IBF International welterweight and EBU European superlightweight champion and is likely to push Catterall into producing his very best on the night.

A busy undercard kicks off with two local debutants in Fahad Al-Bloushi and Sultan Al-Nuaimi – moments of history

for the sport in Dubai.

Fighters from 15 countries make up a lengthy bill ready to delight a packed audience at the luxurious Caesars Palace, Bluewaters as well as those tuning in on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and on iFL TV. Undefeated Vijender Singh (11-0, 8 KOs) faces Charles Adamu. Singh is a sporting icon in his home country and regularly rubs shoulders with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar.

Having already picked up the WBO super-middleweight Asia Pacific super-middleweight title and the WBO Oriental crown, Singh continues to gather an entire nation behind him on his quest to reach world champion status.

In Ghana’s vastly-experienced Adamu (33-14, 26 KOs), Singh takes on a man who has been in with the likes of Billy Joe Saunders, Rocky Fielding, George Groves and Carl Froch.

Singh said: “For me these fights are going to be a build up to the world title which I am aiming for in 2020. I am sure my debut fight in Dubai is going to be an exciting one and I’m looking forward to a knockout win in the early rounds.”

PSC PARTNER. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez signs the memorandum of agreement (MOA) making Pocari Sweat the ‘Official Drink’ of the sports agency and members of the Philippine Team set to compete in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in Manila. With him, are from right: Otsuka-Solar Philippines Incorporated president Kohei Oyamada, Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHI-NADO) president Dr. Alejandro Pineda, Pocari Manager Razhel Inoue and Pocari Events and Ethical Marketing Manager Nelia Ramos on hand to witness the signing.

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

Caram named PBA Player of the Week ANJO Caram’s career game in the PBA couldn’t have come at a better time for Meralco.

The wily guard came through with a career-high 30 points in the Bolts’ 10389 win over NorthPort Batang Pier that solidified their bid to finish as the no. 1 seeded team heading to the playoffs of the Governors Cup. Coach Norman Black described Caram’s performance as “awesome” after going 11-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range. He scored 16 points in the fourth quarter alone to match his previous career-best of 16.

“He really gave us a big lift and pretty much guided us to the victory,” said Black of his prized-guard out of San Beda. “So I gave him a lot of credit for leading the team. He knew going to the game that Baser (Amer) was not 100 percent and Anjo came and really stepped up and made big shots for us.”

Not to be denied, Caram emerged as the PBA Press Corps-Cignal Player of the Week last week.

The 28-year-old pride of Iloilo City did the feat by becoming the shortest PBA player at 5-foot-6 to score 30 points in a game as per league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III. Caram’s offensive explosion helped the Bolts keep their winning streak at five and improved at 8-2 overall for a tie with NLEX on top of the standings with a week to go before the end of the eliminations.

The Meralco guard won the weekly citation over NLEX’s Jericho Cruz, who also received a vote for scoring the game-winning basket as the Road Warriors rallied from 26-points down to nip defending champion Magnolia, 86-85.

Other players considered for the honor were Caram’s Meralco teammates Raymond Almazan and Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine’s Javee Mocon, JR Quinahan of NLEX, the San Miguel Beer duo of June Mar Fajardo and Arwind Santos, along with Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang and Paul Lee.

Christian Balagasay (15) of Letran Knights and Clint Dolinguez of defending Champion San Beda Red Lions race to get the ball during the 3rd quarter of their Game Two finals last Friday, November 15. The two teams will meet again for the winner-take all Game Three of NCAA Season 95 Men’s Basketball Championship at Mall of Asia Arena. Dennis Abrina

NCAA hoop titles up for grabs

By Peter Atencio

T

HE San Beda Red Lions battle the Letran Knights in the deciding Game 3 of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball finals 4 p.m., today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Earlier, the San Beda Red Cubs and Lyceum Junior Pirates play a do-ordie clash for the junior division crown at 1 p.m.

The Red Lions will try to start strong again to gain an early advan-

tage. Taking a sizeable lead very early in the game may help the defending champion Their title series is now tied at 1-all after the Red Lions ruled Game 2 with a 79-76 win over the Knights.

“We really have to start really strong. And we have been changing our matchups. We studied them in Game 1. They have different starters and rotations,” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.

This time, Knights coach Bonnie Tan could keep Fer nandez guessing on who will be his starters, which were different in Game 1 and 2.

Endurance will be the key this time when the Knights try to pull off an-

other win against the Red Lions.

The sudden absence of point guard Fran Yu due to cramps in the last four minutes of game somehow ruined Letran’s rotation the last time around.

“Breaks of the game. Bawi na lang sa Tuesday” said Letran head coach Bonnie Tan. Forward Calvin Oftana, who was hailed as the season MVP, shot 17 points with Clint Doliguez, and put the Red Lions in front for the last time, 77-76, with his three-point play off Edson Batiller’s fifth foul.

“Tiwala na lang sa plays ni coach.

Kasi, sa Game 1, wala talaga. Kanyakanya kami. Di namin sinunod yun (game plan),” said Oftana.

Cray favored to prevail in men’s 400-m hurdles

RIDE FOR LIFE. Paola Lorenzo rides 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding, Rubis

Landais, to win the 1.20 meter category, the top class of Ride for Life, the 2nd leg of Equestrian Philippines Indoor Championship Series 2019 and the 6th Manila Polo Club Show Jumping Competition.

ERIC Cray is expected to rule the men’s 400-meter hurdles of the 30th Southeast Asian Games athletics meet.

The 31-year-old Fil-American sprinter has gone up in ranking since June, and after seeing action in the Hong Kong Summer Invitational.

His time of 50.34 seconds, according to the latest Southeast Asian rankings, makes him the top ranked athlete in the region.

And he will be in close competition with Malaysian Munusamy Ramachandran and Vietnamese sprinter Cong Lich Quach when action begins on Dec. 6 at the New Clark City athletics stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Cray’s performance allowed him to improve on his 51.13 seconds showing that placed him seventh in the Asian Championships.

Ramachandran ranks second in Southeast Asia after submitting a time of 50.57 seconds during a meet in India last March.

Quach, a silver medalist in the Games two years ago, is currently in third at 50.71 seconds, a time he submitted in a Ho Chi Minh City competition last September.

With their times are very close, Phil-

ippine Athletics Track and Field chief Philip Ella Juico feel that Cray could clinch it.

“Sa hurdles, technique counts a lot.

Puede may ma-injury, may madidisgrasya at may tsamba itong is Eric Cray,” said Juico.

While training and competing in the United States, Cray had a clocking of 51.23 seconds in Chula Vista, California, and 50.6 seconds in San Diego.

Cray may be able to win the silver medal in the men’s 100 meters behind Khairul Hafiz Jantan of Malaysia.

But his time of 10.56 seconds that he clocked in a Doha meet last April Doha puts him at no. 16th in the region with five others.

Jantan, who has a seed time of 10.5 seconds with Indonesia’s Had Sudirman, is ranked 11th.

The gold medal could go to Lalu Muhammad Zohri, a 19-year old sprinter from Indonesia if he is fielded in.

Zohri is considered as the fastest at 10.03 seconds this season, while Jeerapong Minapra of Thai is in contention for the silver because of his 10.34 second performance. Peter Atencio

NU Pep Squad rules UAAP cheerdance competition AFTER its title conquest a year ago, the National University Pep Squad defended its throne and reigned supreme in the UAAP Season 82 Cheerdance Competition on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Performing last among the participants, the Sampaloc-based cheerdancers mesmerized the crowd with their Pinoy-inspired routine.

They garnered a total of 722 points to snare their sixth overall diadem in the last seven years.

“There’s no such thing as an easy journey. So for NU Pep Squad, isang mahirap at exciting journey. Lahat siguro ng mga bata is worth it ‘yung pinagpaguran,” NU head coach Ghicka Bernabe said.

“Marami kaming occassions na na-miss dahil sa pagta-training, marami kaming sinacrifice na events with our family. And ang sabi ko lang sa kanila ay kailangan maging worth it ‘yung lahat ng mga araw na na-miss niyo with your families kasi mas masarap umuwi ng champion ka,” she added.

On the other hand, the Far Eastern University Cheering Squad channeled its inner Michael Jackson with a thrilling performance to notch 706 points and clinch another first runner-up finish.

The Adamson University Pep Squad pulled off a Caribbean-inspired routine that amassed 658.5 points to complete the podium finishers.

University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe fell short of barging into the top three once again, settling at fourth place with 650 points.

Kings snap Boston Celtics’ 10-game win streak LOS ANGELES, United States—Guard Buddy Hield scored a season-high 35 points and the Sacramento Kings snapped the Boston Celtics’ 10-game NBA win streak with a 100-99 home triumph on Sunday (Monday Philippine time).

Sacramento center Richaun Holmes sank two decisive free throws with 13 seconds remaining to give the Kings their fifth win in seven games after an 0-5 start.

“Thank God we were able to pull off this win. Definitely needed this win,” Hield said.

“We’ve got to stay locked in and stay focused and be ready for every challenge every night.

“We know what we’re doing. We’re going to try to take it one game at a time and we’ll be fine.”

Boston fell to 10-2, having not lost since their season opener 3 1/2 weeks ago at Philadelphia.

The Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown’s 18 points, saw the end of their longest win streak since taking 16 in a row early in the 2017-18 campaign.

Hield’s 3-pointer with 1:52 remaining gave the Kings a 96-95 lead.

Boston’s Jayson Tatum answered with a jumper but Hield, who went 14-of-24 from the

floor, struck again with a fadeaway only for Boston to answer on a Daniel Theis dunk, giving the Celtics a 99-98 edge with 52 seconds remaining.

Holmes was fouled going for a rebound by Boston’s Marcus Smart and sank two free throws to put the Kings ahead by the final margin.

Smart missed a jumper for the win at the final buzzer and Sacramento had the victory.

Serbian swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic had 12 points and 10 assists for the Kings while Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) glides to the hoop Serbian forward Nemanja Bjelica added 12 against Sacramento Kings defender Richaun Holmes (22) at points and 14 rebounds for Sacramento. AFP Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. AFP

IN BRIEF PSALM sets floor price of Malaya at P4.48b

STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. announced a floor price of P4.481 billion on the 650-megawatt Malaya thermal power plant in Pililla, Rizal a few days ahead of its rebidding.

“The Privatization, Bids and Awards Committee hereby informs all qualified bidders of the reserve price set by the PSALM board for the sale of the 650 MW Malaya thermal power plant and its underlying land in Pililla, Rizal (of) P4,481,796, 017,” PSALM president Irene Garcia said.

The PSALM board 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 Pililia, Rizal on November 22. PSALM declared the bidding on September 18 a failure after only one submitted an offer.

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

Four companies earlier expressed interest to participate in the Malaya power plant rebidding, namely Panasia Energy Inc., Phinma Energy Corp. (AC Energy Philippines Inc.), Hill Trench Power Inc. and Therma Central Visayas Inc. Alena Mae S. Flores

Phoenix offering P3b in bonds on Dec. 11

PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. filed a notice of offering for the third tranche of its commercial paper program amounting to P3 billion tentatively scheduled on December 11.

“Please be advised that the corporation intends to offer to the public in the Philippines the third series of the commercial paper program with an aggregate principal amount of P3 billion,” Phoenix disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday.

It said the commercial paper Series C would have a tenor of 360 days from the tentative issue date.

The company engaged PNB Capital as underwriter/arranger of the offering.

Phoenix expects to raise net proceeds of P2.817 billion from the offering, which it intends to use to refinance short-term loans that financed working capital requirements in relation to the regular importation of fuels and lubricants. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

Vaping groups laud breakthrough report from CDC E-CIGARETTE groups in the country called for sobriety amid alarming statements from government officials bent on banning vaping products following the outbreak of vaping-related illnesses in the United States.

“Let’s face it. Vaping is not completely safe but it is a much better alternative to smoking. If we ban e-cigarettes, thousands of vapers might go back to cigarettes,” The Vapers PH said.

Vaping products have been found to have 90 percent to 95 percent less toxins found in cigarette smoke.

The group said reports of a 16-yearold girl from Central Visayas being the country’s first vaping-injury patient was not yet conclusive. Even the Department of Health said it would take weeks and several more tests before it could be concluded that the victim suffered from ecigarette related lung-infection.

The Vapers PH and the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates cited the breakthrough report of the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention which found vitamin E acetate “as the chemical of concern” found in the lung fluids of 29 people who fell seriously ill or died in the outbreak in the United States.

The CDC report, although not yet final, said vitamin E acetate “might be used as an additive, most notably as a thickening agent in THC-containing e-cigarettes.

THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is a crystalline compound that is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis or marijuana.

“The CDC breakthrough report provides much-needed answers and clarity to the lung disease epidemic in the US. With the report’s findings, ‘misinformed groups’ should immediately stop blaming legal vaping products for this unfortunate situation. Spreading misinformation will dissuade smokers looking to quit from switching to vaping and current vapers going back to smoking cigarettes,” said Mark Czerwin Erana, president of The Vapers PH.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

B1

MWSS clears Wawa water project S

By Jenniffer B. Austria

tate regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said Monday it approved the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project proposed by WawaJVCO―the joint venture of tycoon Enrique Razon and businessman Oscar Violago.

MWSS said in a statement the proposed Wawa Dam Project, which aims to supply 80 million liters per day of potable water in 2021 and more than 500 MLD in 2025, was approved during the meeting of the MWSS board of trustees on Nov. 14.

“As promised to the public, the board has already given its final approval for

the Wawa Bulk Water Project. This is good news for everyone, not only for the proponents and stakeholders, but more importantly for the MWSS consumers. This will ensure water security for the greater Metro Manila area in the coming years,” MWSS chairman Velasco said.

The approval came in the light of the

favorable opinion given by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel on Nov. 7 on the remaining conditions precedent. The approval was the remaining document to make the project fully effective and enable the project proponent to proceed in the development work.

“I would like to assure the public that MWSS is doing everything in its power to address the current water crisis. We are committed to make sure that we have enough supply to meet the demands of the growing population in Metro Manila,” Velasco said.

“I am sure the other government agencies who are mandated to issue permits will follow suit as this is a pri-

ority project to solve the water crisis,” he said.

WawaJVCo, a joint venture of Razon’s Prime Infra and businessman Violago’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group, early this month signed a P20billion term loan facility with BDO Unibank Inc. to jumpstart the development of the project.

BDO Capital and Investments Corp. acted as the sole arranger and book runner for the deal.

The Wawa Dam Project is expected to help address the recurring water supply problem in Metro Manila.

WawaJVCo already signed an offtake agreement with Manila Water Co. Inc., the water concessionaire for the east zone of Metro Manila, on Aug. 6.

ICTSI gets PPA nod to build Iloilo 2 ports for P8.7b

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP launching QR code standard today

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will launch on Wednesday the National Quick Response (QR) Code Standard, which is necessary to ensure the interoperability of QR-enabled payment and financial services.

Bangko Sentral Governor Benjamin Diokno said during the Financial Inclusion Forum for the Labor Sector on Monday that the launch “envisions to have more people accepting digital payments thru the QR Code.”

He said the process would help reduce the risks of theft which could happen when financial transactions involved cash or checks.

Diokno further said the use of QR Code would be beneficial to all sectors, including the country’s labor force who are instrumental in stimulating the further growth of the economy.

“There are 25.5 million strong workforce in the country, a massive client base that is hard to ignore (in the financial inclusion agenda),” Diokno said.

The latest survey show that of the 69 million aged 16- to 64-year old Filipinos, 91 percent search online for a brand and 62 percent make online purchases.

Julito G. Rada

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

NAT RE’S AWARD. National Reinsurance Corporation of the Philippines receives an award for Top Investment House in Asian Local Currency Bonds during The Asset Benchmark Research Awards 2019. Nat Re is ranked fourth in the insurance industry in the Philippines. Receiving the award in Singapore on behalf of Nat Re are vice president and head of investments Daisy Salonga (left) and fixed-income portfolio manager Francisco Lagman.

ERC rejects Meralco’s bid to extend supply deal

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission denied the application of power retailer Manila Electric Co. to extend its power supply agreement with Therma Luzon Inc. of the Aboitiz Group.

ERC ordered Meralco to instead conduct a competitive selection process in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling directing distribution utilities to bid out their supply requirements.

“Pursuant to the Supreme Court decision, Meralco must comply with the competitive selection process requirements provided under the Department of Energy Circular No. DC 2018-0020003,” the regular said.

The DOE circular stated that all PSAs signed by DUs should be a result of a CSP, except as provided in Section 2 where a DU might be exempted from conducting a CSP in case of negotiated procurement of emergency power supply.

ERC said Meralco failed to substantiate that its situation fell under the CSP

exemption.

Meralco filed a motion with the ERC to extend the contract with TMI for three years or until December 25, 2022.

Meralco and TMI signed a PSA in 2012 for the purchase of 350 megawatts of capacity from the Pagbilao power plant, a coal-fired facility in Quezon province.

Meanwhile, ERC also rejected calls for its representative to be present as an observer during the CSP of power generation companies.

“Considering that the PSA that will be signed following the CSP proceedings will be eventually filed with the ERC, the presence of our representative might give the impression that the commission has given its stamp of approval on the resulting PSA,” ERC chairperson and chief executive Agnes Devanadera said.

The regulator made its position clear that was not prudent for its representative to be an observer during the CSP process in a recent letter to the Depart-

IMF retains 2019 GDP growth forecast at 5.7% following strong Q3 expansion

By Julito G. Rada THE International Monetary Fund on Monday maintained its 2019 growth forecast for the Philippines at 5.7 percent, saying the economy is “recovering” after a sluggish 5.5-percent expansion in the first half.

IMF mission chief Thomas Helbling said in a news briefing at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that the Philippines remained one of the best-performing economies in the region.

“After a soft patch in the first half of the year, economic growth is recovering.

Inflation has declined, reflecting lower oil prices, rice tariffication and a decisive monetary policy response to the inflation spike in 2018,” Helbling said.

“We see the 5.7 percent a very strong forecast,” Helbling said, adding that the fourth-quarter growth could still be robust on faster government spending.

Helbling said the 6.2-percent

third-quarter economic expansion was considered by IMF in its decision to keep the 5.7-percent forecast for 2019. The same figure was announced in the October 2019 World Economic Outlook.

The IMF team visited Manila, Clark City and New Clark City from Nov. 5 to 18, 2019 for the Article IV consultation.

Helbling economic growth would accelerate to 6.3 percent in 2020, driven by an increase in government spending and the recent monetary policy easing.

“The medium-term economic outlook remains favorable, especially if the strong structural reform momentum continues,” Helbling said.

He said the inflationary pressures of 2018 dissipated this year. He said with the current projections of global commodity prices and domestic policy trajectories, inflation was expected at 1.6 percent by yearend and at 3 percent by the end of 2020.

ment of Energy.

ERC expressed concern that the presence of an agency representative would create a perception that the entire CSP proceedings were done in compliance to all applicable rules and might no longer be assailed during the hearing for the application for the PSA approval.

It said this perception would put ERC’s impartiality in the conduct of the hearings and eventual resolution of the case in question.

The DOE circular on the CSP required the third-party bids and awards committees of distribution utilities to invite observers in their respective CSP, including the ERC. It said the presence of an ERC representative as an observer was a concern which was repeatedly raised during public hearings, particularly for adoption of the proposed rules governing the execution, review, and evaluation of power supply agreements entered into by distribution utilities for the supply of their captive market.

STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority cleared the proposal of International Container Terminal Services Inc. to develop Iloilo ports for P8.7 billion.

ICTSI secured a letter of acceptance for completeness from PPA in accordance with the Revised Guidelines and Procedures for Entering into Joint Venture Agreement between Government and Private Entities (2013 NEDA JV Guidelines).

PPA will now begin to evaluate the legal, financial and technical merits of ICTSI’s proposal to modernize the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas within 60 days.

“We are excited about this development as we know we submitted a fully compliant proposal that will be the most beneficial for Iloilo. We are fully committed to working with the PPA on this project, and are hopeful to be granted original proponent status,” ICTSI global corporate head Christian Gonzalez said.

“With the Transportation Department’s recent directive to fast track unsolicited bids for port projects, we are confident that we will be able to assist the Philippine government more in its goals of upgrading the country’s port network; and help Iloilo attain its full potential in facilitating even greater trade facilitation that will improve connectivity for cargo movement within the country,” Gonzales said.

ICTSI said that once it received the OPS, the proposal would be turned over to the National Economic and Development Authority for evaluation. If it was approved

by NEDA, the proposal would go through a Swiss challenge.

Over the life of the concession that will be agreed on with the PPA, ICTSI said it would invest more than P8.7 billion to fully develop the Iloilo Port Complex, including dredging and deepening of the drafts and channel to allow the direct entry of new generation, international vessels; and purchase of modern quayside crane handling equipment estimated to cost around P1.35 billion.

BEST COLIVING SPACE.

MyTown, the coliving brand under Philippines Urban Living Solutions, is awarded the best co-living space in the Philippines at Lamudi’s The Outlook awards.

Founded by a group of Dutch and Filipino entrepreneurs in 2012, MyTown is the first and largest coliving company in the Philippines. It counts among its investors SM Investments Corp. and Franklin Templeton.

Receiving the award on behalf of MyTown is head of marketing Revianne Sesante (right).

B2

Business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market drops; Aboitiz Power slips S TOCKS fell Monday in thin trading as investors wait for a catalyst that could get the market out of its current doldrums.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 52.02 points, or 0.7 percent, to 7,880.94 on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 128 to 52, with 51 issues unchanged.

Aboitiz Power Corp. of the Aboitiz Group declined 2.8 percent to P35.90, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. lost 2.3 percent to P44.90.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, fell 1.7 percent to P4.70, while Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. slipped 1.2 percent to P32.

The rest of Asian markets were

mixed Monday on broad optimism that China and the United States are close to a mini trade deal, while Hong Kong rallied after last week’s hefty losses but investors remain on edge over violent protests that have wracked the city.

US traders sent the Dow above 28,000 for the first time on Friday after top White House officials played up the progress of negotiations with Beijing.

Donald Trump’s economic adviser Larry Kudlow said the first part of a wider pact was on track, while Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said that there’ll be a deal “in all likelihood.”

Then on Saturday, China said Vice Premier Liu He had spoken to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and had “constructive discussion on each side’s core concerns regarding the phase-one agreement.”

It added that the two sides

will “continue to maintain close communication.”

The comments provided a muchneeded fillip after differences over whether, when and by how much to reduce tariffs on each other’s goods spilled out into the open.

Trump this month denied the Chinese commerce ministry’s claim that the two sides had agreed to roll back existing tariffs as part of the deal, details of which have not been released.

Shanghai rose 0.6 percent and Tokyo ended 0.5 percent higher, while Taipei added 0.6 percent and Bangkok put on 0.1 percent.

“Renewed optimism about US-China trade negotiations seems to have been the main initial driver of improved risk sentiment,” said Patrik Schowitz at JP Morgan Asset Management.

“In the current round of talks, more than in previous rounds, we see momentum toward reaching at least

a limited trade deal, and certainly a mini-deal would remove some of the negative sentiment overhang for the real economy and markets.”

However, AxiTrader’s Stephen Innes said investors were beginning to see a bottoming-out of the global slowdown.

“Much of this view is dependent on a phase-one deal with China getting signed, auto tariffs put aside, and (as) hard Brexit risks subside,” he said.

“Yet should an agreement not be reached and tariffs are raised further, it’s conceivable the global economy will continue to slide, very possibly into a recession in the quarters ahead.”

Hong Kong climbed more than one percent, having lost almost five percent last week, with traders keeping tabs on events after another weekend of street clashes but with the city’s transport network avoiding the disruption that characterized last week.With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Monday, noveMBer 18, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

FINANCIALS 95.5 665,380 2 1,000 155 871,030 25.25 89,900 13.28 547,900 4.33 52,000 0.395 530,000 67.3 1,872,610 0.86 50,000 12.7 11,300 42.9 312,300 173.1 240 58 5,120 25.45 111,700 200.6 357,920 1,795 330 59 16,690 1.09 100,000

63,260,984 2,000 135,153,401 2,271,460 7,276,594 225,160 209,500 126,173,939.50 43,000 144,132 13,434,995 41,556 309,021 2,849,010 71,729,538 597,625 988,324 109,000

-5,620,896.50 9,790,970 15,190 -604,048 19,926,272 -38,700 -1,704,930 2,962.50 -2,353,650 5,775,078 3,000 -

35.75 2.6 14.24 0.57 1.21 3.69 0.238 2.51 15.1 6.71 18.6 31 65 68.05 2.08 5.34 5.1 8.75 15.02 10.3 7.19 23.15 78.25 43.65 1.91 14.22 7.92 1.45 202 41.55 5.1 3.58 8.7 19 12.46 16.6 334.6 1.39 4.78 9.4 10.9 31.9 5.03 5.4 1.86 1.97 1.04 11.46 89.75 7.8 0.125 1.1 149.3 2.46 1.19 0.99

INDUSTRIAL 35.9 2,463,100 2.6 2,322,000 14.48 171,300 0.59 1,199,000 1.21 169,000 3.77 6,645,000 0.242 50,000 2.55 5,492,000 15.14 462,600 6.8 1,207,200 18.88 29,000 31 1,700 65 210 68.1 190 2.1 44,000 5.34 10,300 5.1 1,900 8.8 2,638,700 15.08 30,300 10.4 106,100 7.25 571,200 23.3 1,217,300 78.4 42,580 44 15,000 2.04 13,987,000 14.22 42,100 7.99 60,100 1.45 38,000 202 796,290 47.65 400 5.1 67,000 3.58 2,000 8.7 31,100 19.1 1,576,600 12.5 63,400 16.84 379,700 335 195,290 1.45 4,497,000 4.79 1,863,000 9.5 137,200 11.08 22,600 32 1,331,900 5.03 60,000 5.45 114,000 2 5,496,000 1.97 1,000 1.05 182,000 11.52 143,700 91 266,850 7.8 55,300 0.125 7,800,000 1.13 1,047,000 151.3 629,900 2.46 51,000 1.2 3,970,000 0.99 8,870,000

89,132,635 6,089,540 2,479,418 697,280 206,350 24,882,780 11,940 13,849,570 7,000,178 8,439,297 546,428 52,700 13,735.50 12,937 92,000 55,102 9,875 23,300,772 456,200 1,093,510 4,132,361 28,444,305 3,334,996 662,275 28,843,120 598,980 479,502 55,100 161,358,082 17,230 341,700 7,160 271,480 30,117,930 795,366 6,390,744 65,442,178 6,480,010 8,996,590 1,295,710 248,244 42,710,215 302,650 617,912 10,904,290 1,970 191,190 1,655,080 24,249,489 434,884 984,990 1,174,530 95,223,749 125,460 4,778,830 8,906,070

-19,364,885 -618,250 321,082 2,900 -11,360 -257,170 12,796,560 1,526,142 -92,612 -21,700 -31,500 -1,914,620 70,864 -380,980 -2,078,468 -17,961,645 -1,155,021 -106,410 -9,222,930 -196,432 113,356 43,500 -89,648,120 35,042 -46,170 -4,532,772 -7,923,270 -627,080 -1,209,120 -10,618,675.00 -465,548 -39,800 113,848 9,480,509 23,400 -12,700 -42,336,670 123,000 -181,520 149,000

0.83 54.5 11.58 0.73 6.8 12.56 1.03 1.08 832 3.62 6.97 7.68 13.4 900 77.9 5.7 0.51 4.18 12.16 0.56 4.69 0.036 1.32 3.12 162.5 1,075 0.84 1.31 225.6 0.24

0.82 51.2 11.3 0.71 6.66 12.22 0.85 0.88 820.5 3.51 6.88 7.5 13.14 876 76.25 5.67 0.495 4.15 11.5 0.54 4.62 0.036 1.26 2.66 158 1,060 0.84 1.23 225 0.226

HOLDING FIRMS 0.82 3,937,000 51.2 665,800 11.4 6,499,200 0.73 44,000 6.66 800 12.5 8,500 0.9 13,695,000 1 1,046,000 823.5 129,150 3.51 1,052,000 6.94 2,173,500 7.51 12,376,700 13.38 39,800 890 20,230 77.6 361,180 5.67 3,100 0.51 20,000 4.16 368,000 11.64 889,000 0.56 479,000 4.63 6,465,000 0.036 5,800,000 1.3 255,000 3.12 216,000 158 131,100 1,068 856,040 0.84 115,000 1.23 141,000 225 260 0.235 190,000

3,231,450 34,575,170.50 74,150,660 31,660 5,398 104,750 12,522,740 971,330 106,344,620 3,716,300 15,098,689 93,138,536 531,958 17,955,540 28,057,829 17,652 9,940 1,532,030 10,410,060 259,370 30,120,900 208,800 327,530 626,620 21,029,243 913,281,135 96,600 175,580 58,506 44,380

-530,850 226,919.50 -25,647,064 236,720 -17,589,765 -17,740 4,566,352 -49,179,069 -36,840 -3,215,660 7,807,778 -1,002,560 -4,194,806 -1,685,900.00 -9,360 -10,547,482 628,387,345 58,506 -

14.84 0.81 1.7 0.93 46 2.01 4.84 6.7 0.59 0.76 0.87 0.202 0.44 10.24 20 0.46 1.57 1.26 4.79 0.275 1.44 0.375 2.04 26.5 2.22

14.84 0.79 1.64 0.9 44.8 2.01 4.8 6.47 0.57 0.76 0.84 0.197 0.435 10.18 19.82 0.45 1.52 1.24 4.67 0.231 1.36 0.365 2.02 25.8 2.2

PROPERTY 14.84 12,400 0.81 134,000 1.7 11,000 0.92 2,296,000 44.9 9,939,500 2.01 40,000 4.82 180,000 6.47 80,600 0.58 17,029,000 0.76 1,000 0.87 22,000 0.197 190,000 0.435 630,000 10.18 39,000 19.92 119,300 0.45 350,000 1.54 6,737,000 1.24 138,000 4.7 11,945,000 0.255 24,230,000 1.4 2,119,000 0.375 750,000 2.03 111,000 26 574,800 2.2 119,000

184,016 107,200 18,160 2,096,910 447,224,405 80,400 868,450 533,283 9,812,540 760 18,690 37,480 274,150 397,740 2,379,274 157,600 10,399,580 171,140 56,302,440 6,121,710 2,963,130 273,950 225,380 14,958,915 262,800

-106,848 17,670 -170,613,000 -4,020.00 437,118 30,820.00 195,206 -2,289,280 -6,606,450 4,900 -5,853,490 52,800

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

95.5 2 155.2 25.4 13.42 4.33 0.395 67.9 0.86 13.16 43.25 173.2 62.95 25.85 200 1,825 60 1.09

96 2 155.9 25.4 13.5 4.33 0.4 67.9 0.86 13.16 43.25 173.2 62.95 25.85 202.8 1,825 60.3 1.09

93.85 2 154.3 25.1 13.1 4.33 0.395 67.2 0.86 12.7 42.9 173.1 58 25.45 198.2 1,795 59 1.09

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 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO 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

36.85 2.6 14.98 0.62 1.33 3.69 0.238 2.55 15.18 7.13 18.6 31 67.85 68.1 2.08 5.35 5.35 8.88 15.04 10.3 7.19 23.95 78.35 44 2.16 14.22 8.01 1.45 202 41.55 5.1 3.58 9.13 19.26 12.74 17 337 1.47 4.9 9.55 10.9 32.4 5.1 5.47 1.86 1.97 1.06 11.52 90.1 7.87 0.127 1.17 151 2.46 1.2 1.04

36.95 2.65 15 0.62 1.33 3.8 0.242 2.56 15.18 7.27 18.88 31 67.85 68.1 2.1 5.35 5.35 8.89 15.3 10.4 7.26 24 78.4 45 2.16 14.4 8.01 1.45 206 47.65 5.1 3.58 9.13 19.34 12.74 17 337.2 1.5 4.92 9.55 11.08 32.5 5.1 5.47 2.05 1.97 1.07 11.52 91 7.89 0.13 1.17 154.3 2.46 1.22 1.05

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

0.83 52.95 11.54 0.71 6.8 12.46 1.01 1.08 831 3.62 6.95 7.62 13.38 900 77.9 5.7 0.5 4.15 12.16 0.54 4.65 0.036 1.31 2.66 162.5 1,060 0.84 1.28 225.6 0.226

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

14.84 0.8 1.64 0.91 45.95 2.01 4.83 6.48 0.59 0.76 0.87 0.197 0.44 10.24 19.82 0.46 1.56 1.26 4.78 0.27 1.44 0.365 2.03 26.5 2.22

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

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

3.14 39.7 2.49 1.5 7.63 5.49

3.21 39.9 2.5 1.52 7.69 5.49

3.1 39.1 2.44 1.46 7.59 5.31

3.2 39.9 2.49 1.5 7.69 5.34

300,000 4,391,300 234,000 6,548,000 4,547,500 21,100

936,210 174,518,740 576,030 9,744,360 34,826,197 112,706

-686,210 23,340,315 4,980 -19,985,126 2,675

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

10.12 17.62 1.67 11.48 0.49 0.04 17.5 2.6 11.3 91.95 7.18 6.53 2.04 9 1,917 5.25 420.4 1.45 123 8.3 3.2 0.106 4.67 13.98 3.02 0.91 18.6 0.41 2.36 1.03 3.08 2.69 8.18 5.09 149.8 2.91 1,102 0.67 0.45 39.6 75.5 8.96 2.8 0.67 0.32 0.63 18.36

10.12 17.62 1.67 11.54 0.495 0.04 17.5 2.6 11.3 94.3 7.18 6.59 2.04 9 1,919 5.3 429.4 1.5 123 8.3 3.2 0.107 4.7 13.98 3.07 0.91 19.3 0.41 2.36 1.05 3.15 2.69 8.18 5.09 150 2.91 1,110 0.67 0.45 40 75.95 9 2.84 0.68 0.32 0.64 18.4

10.12 17.44 1.6 11.46 0.47 0.039 17.5 2.58 11.14 90.7 7.18 6.41 2.04 8.84 1,881 5.25 419 1.45 119.6 8.3 3.2 0.105 4.62 13.54 2.96 0.91 18.3 0.405 2.35 1.03 3.03 2.68 7.85 5.09 149.8 2.84 1,101 0.65 0.42 39 75.1 8.85 2.75 0.67 0.305 0.61 18.1

SERVICES 10.12 17.5 1.6 11.52 0.475 0.039 17.5 2.6 11.28 91 7.18 6.48 2.04 8.84 1,910 5.27 425 1.49 122.3 8.3 3.2 0.105 4.69 13.54 2.96 0.91 18.7 0.405 2.35 1.05 3.1 2.68 7.9 5.09 150 2.84 1,102 0.65 0.425 39.5 75.1 8.85 2.8 0.68 0.31 0.63 18.3

600 97,000 5,000 8,934,900 7,123,000 4,400,000 500 256,000 1,033,500 106,320 200 232,700 3,000 29,500 20,495 130,600 690 264,000 589,820 2,000 1,000 30,000 816,000 800 716,000 106,000 265,400 90,000 329,000 18,000 1,611,000 13,000 4,400 5,000 750 369,000 123,840 1,801,000 7,820,000 437,500 368,640 20,300 1,172,000 781,000 20,980,000 3,311,000 1,752,800

6,072 1,699,408 8,070 102,786,484 3,414,050 175,600 8,750 663,560 11,620,064 9,698,718.50 1,436 1,502,398 6,120 261,737 39,073,905 690,442 290,300 386,660 71,851,617 16,600 3,200 3,180 3,818,940 10,876 2,161,170 96,460 4,931,016 36,550 774,520 18,560 4,977,830 34,850 35,078 25,450 112,400 1,055,120 136,670,495 1,174,530 3,333,400 17,272,410 27,907,798.50 180,780 3,284,160 528,350 6,572,300 2,072,870 32,080,500

15,481,364 458,010 -129,000 2,906,902 -3,141,435.50 -169,783 -8,712,000 -1,793,420 23,130 -1,456,216.00 -485,580 74,900 -74,240 -360,770 -240,100 -765,900 331,710 -766,686.50 -191,410.00 -133,800 193,200 9,118,114

57,600 1,077,960 72,250 67,066 1,976,500 3,668 11,680,890 196,150 303,200 300,330 55,950 21,476,300 9,540 1,500 62,380 153,000 247,800 130,400 34,249,566 1,866,610 3,737,802 3,565,370

-185,420 82,620 -257,280 -1,958,880 356,968 330,000 -89,806 1,766,315

NAME

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

0.0016 1.11 2.56 11.96 2.53 7.23 1.81 0.207 0.104 0.105 1.02 3.32 1.06 0.495 0.81 0.011 0.013 0.011 12.62 3.36 12.38 23.9

0.0017 1.11 2.59 11.96 2.55 7.76 1.84 0.215 0.105 0.106 1.04 3.4 1.07 0.51 0.82 0.012 0.013 0.011 13.28 3.36 12.38 23.9

0.0016 1.1 2.56 11.5 2.53 7.23 1.76 0.207 0.103 0.105 1.02 3.11 1.03 0.495 0.81 0.011 0.012 0.01 12.4 3.3 12.08 23.55

MINING & OIL 0.0017 34,000,000 1.11 976,000 2.59 28,000 11.94 5,800 2.53 779,000 7.76 500 1.79 6,525,000 0.21 930,000 0.104 2,920,000 0.106 2,860,000 1.04 54,000 3.11 6,667,000 1.07 9,000 0.51 3,000 0.82 77,000 0.012 13,000,000 0.012 20,600,000 0.01 12,000,000 13.14 2,653,300 3.3 561,000 12.26 305,400 23.65 150,300

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 ALCO PREF C DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17.06 508 103 101 112.5 5.09 98 1.01 1,030 1,065 102 109 1,024 1.4 997 78.4 76.5 75.3 75.1 75.05

17.06 508 103 101 112.5 5.2 98 1.01 1,030 1,065 102 109 1,024 1.72 997 78.45 76.55 75.3 75.1 75.05

17 508 103 100.5 112.5 5.09 97.5 1.01 1,030 1,065 102 109 1,023 1.4 982 78 76.5 75.25 75.05 75.05

PREFERRED 17 56,700 508 20 103 110 101 261,000 112.5 150 5.2 58,100 97.5 420 1.01 64,000 1,030 1,105 1,065 150 102 8,360 109 10 1,023 1,800 1.72 2,000 982 50 78 15,120 76.55 7,250 75.25 19,080 75.05 9,800 75.05 37,000

964,020 10,160 11,330 26,360,500 16,875 302,109 41,100 64,640 1,138,150 159,750 852,720 1,090 1,842,920 3,120 49,450 1,179,553 554,637.50 1,435,870 735,740 2,776,850

-794,020 -51,480 -532,480 -

LR WARRANT

1.52

1.52

1.51

WARRANTS 1.51 19,000

28,750

-

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

5.54 13.34 0.97

5.54 13.76 0.98

5.25 12.3 0.94

SME 5.32 12.62 0.95

3,037,344 24,894,538 5,025,960

97,573 571,072 -1,900

FIRST METRO ETF

118.8

118.8

118

455,202

82,960

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.06 0.95

10.28 0.95

10.06 0.95

143,040 33,250

-

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

6,295,820

INDUSTRIAL

79,730,470

HOLDING FIRMS

68,497,051

PROPERTY

96,683,164

SERVICES

66,415,770

MINING & OIL

105,144,241

GRAND TOTAL

430,553,568

568,700 1,939,000 5,275,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.1 3,850 DDS 10.28 0.95

14,000 35,000

VALUE 1,909.94 (DOWN) 10.91 490,549,743.05 FINANCIAL 10,016.15 (DOWN) 66.19 INDUSTRIAL 768,559,414.02 7,772.28 (DOWN) 38.14 HOLDING FIRMS 1,549,943,428.94 PROPERTY 4,073.54 (DOWN) 46.30 1,543.85 (DOWN) 3.62 SERVICES 903,750,003.565 8,550.09 (DOWN) 192.05 MINING & OIL 494,757,050.67 7,880.94 (DOWN) 52.02 PSEI 81,309,428.38 All Shares Index 4,720.26 (DOWN) 31.55 4,322,282,772.43 Gainers:52; Losers: 128; Unchanged: 51; Total: 231

Vista Land’s P10-b bonds obtain high credit rating

By Jenniffer B. Austria VISTA Land & Lifescapes Inc. of billionaire Manuel Villar Jr. obtained a top credit rating for its planned issuance of up to P10 billion in fixed rate bonds to fund expansion plans.

Philippine Rating Services Corp.

(PhilRatings) assigned a credit rating of PRS Aaa with a stable outlook on Vista Land’s bonds offering scheduled next month.

PRS Aaa is the highest credit rating on PhilRatings’ long-term issue credit rating scale. Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk.

PhilRatings in assigning the rating said it considered Vista Land’s well-diversified portfolio, growing profitability with strong margins and its ability to generate cash flows from operations.

“PhilRatings based its assessment on available information and projections at the time that the rating review was performed. PhilRatings shall continuously monitor developments relating to VLL, and may change the rating and outlook at any time, should circumstances warrant a change,” it said.

Vista Land plans to use the the proceeds from the bond offering to partially fund the construction and completion of various malls, redevelopment of existing ones, construction of condominium projects and general corporate purposes.

Of the P10 billion bonds, P5 billion will be issued as the last tranche of the P20-billion shelf program of the company while another P5 billion out of the new shelf bond program.

The company in October filed a new P30-billion bond shelf registration program with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The property firm tapped China Bank Capital, PNB Capital and SB Capital as underwriters of the first tranche of the bond offering.

Vista Land reported a 12-percent increase in net income to P9 billion in the first nine months of the year from P8.1 billion year-on-year, boosted by higher residential and rental revenues.

8990 Holdings sells P5b worth of receivables

MASS housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. sold P5 billion worth of receivables to Dearborne Resources and Holdings Inc., a local financial holding company.

8990 Holdings said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the purchase price was based on the outstanding principal balance of the receivables. The sale of receivables is on a non-recourse basis. China Banking Corp. funded the transaction.

8990 Holdings has sold P15 billion worth of receivables in the past two years and liquidated P10 billion worth of of contract-to-sell receivables (CTS).

CTS is the company’s in-house financing program for potential homebuyers.

8990 has been accelerating the sale of receivables at it focuses on funding several projects through internally generated cash, and lessening its reliance on debt.

The company’s receivables portfolio as of end September 2019 stood at P20.9 billion. This is expected to decline following the sale of P5 billion worth of CTS receivables and upon the completion of the company’s P2.5-billion securitization deal by the end of 2019.

The company has earmarked P4 billion in capital expenditures this year to fund various projects nationwide.

It plans to double capital expenditure to P8 billion next year to support its goal of hitting P20 billion in revenues by the end of next year. Its largest project, Urban Deca Homes Ortigas, will start contributing to 8990’s top line.

8990 Holdings in the first nine months of the year reported a 23-percent increase in net income to P4.2 billion from P3.4 billion year-on-year. Revenues jumped 22 percent to P10.5 billion from P8.6 billion a year ago.

“Our results this quarter and for the year demonstrate the strong demand for housing. But, more importantly, it underlines the importance of not only building houses but developing new communities like what we accomplished at Urban Deca Homes Manila,” said 8990 Holdings acting president and chief executive Alexander Ace Sotto.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

B3

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Four killed in California shooting outdoors

LOS ANGELES―Four people were shot dead and six others wounded while watching a football game in the backyard of a central California home on Sunday, police said.

Police were called to the scene after at least one person opened fire into a crowd of about 35 people gathered outside the house in Fresno, around 200 miles north of Los Angeles.

“Three people died on the scene,” Fresno deputy police chief Michael Reed told reporters, adding that a fourth was rushed to a hospital in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries there.

All four of the dead and the six treated for “non life-threatening” gunshot wounds were men aged between 25 and 35, Reed said.

“Our heart goes out to the families of the victims... this is senseless violence, he added.

“We are doing everything we can to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Reed said it was unclear how many perpetrators had been involved in the shooting and that there was “no indication” the incident was gang-related. AFP

China defends troop deployment

EIGHT-DAY TOUR. Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visit the Wesley Community Center in Auckland on November 18, 2019. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are on an eight-day tour of New Zealand. AFP

China admits aircraft carrier sailed through Taiwan Strait Chile’s president condemns police violence SANTIAGO―President Sebastian Pinera condemned on Sunday for the first time what he called abuses committed by police in dealing with four weeks of violent unrest that have rocked Chile.

“There was excessive use of force.

Abuses and crimes were committed, and the rights of all were not respected,” the president said in a speech to the nation as it marked a month of turmoil that has left 22 people dead and more than 2,000 injured.

Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the country, among other issues.

Accusations of police brutality and human rights violations have been leveled since the protests broke out, prompting the United Nations to send a team to investigate. Amnesty International has also sent a mission.

“There will be no impunity, not for those who committed acts of unusual violence, nor for those who committed excesses and abuses. We will do what is best for the victims,” he said, referring to protesters first and then the security forces.

The crisis is Chile’s biggest since its return to democracy in 1990 when long time dictator General Augusto Pinochet yielded to democracy.

More than 200 of those injured have sustained serious eye injuries, some even going blind in one eye, after being shot by police.

Pinera praised an agreement reached last week under which Chile will draft a new constitution to replace the current one that dates back to the dictatorship of Pinochet, who ruled from 1973 to 1990.

Many in Chile see this step -- getting rid of a charter that smacks of a dark, repressive chapter in the country’s past -- as a way to help end the crisis. It is a key demand of the thousands of protesters that have been taking to the streets in Santiago and elsewhere almost daily for a month.

The current constitution has been changed numerous times but does not establish the state’s responsibility to provide education and health care.

“If the people want it, we will move toward a new constitution, the first under democracy,” Pinera said in a speech from the presidential palace.

The spasm of anger began with a rise in metro fares but quickly swelled into a broader outcry against the status quo in what is traditionally considered one of South America’s most stable countries. AFP

B

EIJING―China confirmed on Monday that its first domestically built aircraft carrier had sailed through the Taiwan Strait for “routine” training and tests after Taipei accused Beijing of intimidation around upcoming elections.

The ship, which has yet to be named, is Beijing’s second carrier and will add massive firepower to its navy once it is officially put into service, as the country faces tensions with self-ruled Taiwan and regional neighbors around the disputed South China Sea. The carrier crossed the sensitive waters on Sunday before entering the South China Sea for “scientific research tests and routine training”, navy spokesman Cheng Dewei said on an official social media account.

Cheng said it was “normal practice”

for carriers that are under testing to conduct cross-regional trials.

“It is not aimed at any specific target and has nothing to do with the current situation,” Cheng said without elaborating.

The sail-by comes as Taiwan gears up for presidential elections in January.

Taipei’s foreign minister Joseph Wu tweeted on Sunday that China “intends to intervene in #Taiwan’s elections”, adding: “Voters won’t be intimidated!”

Taiwan’s defense ministry said it had dispatched ships and planes to track and closely monitor the carrier’s movements, and that US and Japanese vessels trailed it in the strait.

China, which sees democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, has stepped up military drills around the island since Beijing-skeptic President Tsai Ing-wen, who is seeking re-election, came to power in 2016.

Tsai―who has voiced support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement―has described the elections as a fight for Taiwan’s freedom and de-

mocracy.

Her challenger favors much warmer relations with China.

On the same day as the sail-by, Tsai announced that former premier William Lai, who has styled himself as a “Taiwan independence worker”, would be her running mate in a move likely to irritate Beijing.

Eric Hundman, assistant professor of political science at NYU Shanghai, said that the sail-by was a “continuation of Beijing’s consistent efforts to pressure Taipei”.

“The choice to sail through the Taiwan Strait was undoubtedly deliberate and probably intended as a signal to both Taiwan and the US of China’s increasing naval capabilities,” he said.

The “Type 001A” carrier was launched in 2017 and sea trials began the following year, but it has yet to be officially put into service.

The state-run Global Times, a nationalist tabloid, cited an anonymous military expert as saying the ship likely sailed through the strait to dock at its possible home base in south China’s Hainan island. AFP

BANGKOK―China’s military on Monday defended a brief deployment of soldiers onto Hong Kong’s streets, as it warned ending violence was the “most pressing task” in the city.

Dozens of soldiers emerged from their barracks in Hong Kong on Saturday to help clean up nearby streets of debris and barricades strewn out by pro-democracy protesters.

The brief clean-up operation came at the end of a week of particularly intense clashes between police and protesters that had caused chaos across Hong Kong.

“There were some Hong Kong citizens clearing roadblocks near the PLA Hong Kong garrison,” Chinese defense ministry spokesman Wu Qian told reporters at a security event in Bangkok when asked about the brief deployment.

“The soldiers from the PLA Hong Kong garrison joined these citizens in clearing these roadblocks and their efforts were welcomed

by Hong Kong citizens.”

Throughout the crisis, China has repeatedly warned that it will not give in to any of the protesters’ demands, and that it will not tolerate enduring violence in the city. AFP

Anti-mask law ‘unconstitutional’

HONG KONG―A government ban on demonstrators wearing face masks, aimed at helping to quell months of pro-democracy unrest in Hong Kong, is unconstitutional, the territory’s high court ruled Monday.

“The restrictions it imposes on fundamental rights... go further than is reasonably necessary... and therefore fail to meet the proportionality test,” the court said, according to a press summary.

The ban on face-covering came into force in October, when the city’s unelected proBeijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than 50 years.

The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China―but has been largely symbolic.

Demonstrators―most of them wearing masks―have continued to clash with police, often violently, as they press their demands for greater democracy for Hong Kong, as well as an independent inquiry into alleged brutality by the increasingly unpopular police force.

AFP REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY BLESILDA GADITANO, Plaintiff, -versus-

CASE NO. R-QZN-19-02417-CV For: Collection of Sum of Money MELINDA LAHOM Defendant. x---------------------------------------x

ORDER

In today’s hearing on the Motion for Leave of Court to Effect Service of Summons by Publication, the representative of Blesilda Gaditano in the person of Elizabeth is present. Likewise, Atty.

John Thomas S. Alferos III, counsel for the plaintiff, is present.

Finding the motion to be well-taken, the same is herby GRANTED. The plaintiff is hereby given leave to effect the service of the Summons to the defendant Melinda Lahom by publication in a newspaper of general circulation once a week.

SO ORDERED. In open court, 13 September 2019.

GALA. Actress Madison Beer attends the 2019 TrevorLive Los Angeles Gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 17, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California.

AFP

(Sgd.) MARIA GILDA T. LOJA-PANGILINAN Presiding Judge Copy furnished: Atty. John Thomas S. Alferos III ALFEROS ARMAS & ASSOCIATES LAW OFFICE Counsel for the Plaintiff Unit K, No. 1143 San Francisco Del Monte Ave., Barangay Paltok 1105, Quezon City Blesilda Gaditano Plaintiff 107 Antique St., Bago Bantay Quezon City Melinda Lahom Defendant No. 3 Dangay Street Veterans Village, Project 7, Quezon City 102 Road 18 Extension Project 8, Quezon City

Protesters set fire to hold off the police at HK campus HONG KONG―Pro-democracy demonstrators holed up in a Hong Kong university campus set the main entrance ablaze Monday after police surrounding the building warned they may use live rounds, deepening fears over how nearly six months of unrest across the city will end.

The violence extended a dangerous new phase of the crisis, which over the past week has seen schools shut down, roads barricaded and Chinese soldiers briefly leave their local barracks to clean up streets.

China has refused to budge on any of the protesters’ key demands, which include free elections for the city of 7.5 million people.

China has instead repeatedly

warned it will not tolerate any dissent, and concerns are growing it could intervene militarily to quell the unrest.

On Monday several loud blasts were heard around dawn before a wall of fire lit up an entrance to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), AFP reporters said, as what appeared to be a police attempt to enter the campus was repelled by protesters determined to hold their ground.

Police said they had fired three live rounds in the early hours of Monday at a protest site near the university but that no one appeared to have been hit.

Intense clashes on Sunday, which saw a police officer hit in the leg by an arrow and protesters meet police

tear gas with volleys of petrol bombs, rolled overnight across the Kowloon district, as a call went out to defend the besieged campus.

There, protesters had hunkered down under umbrellas from occasional fire from police water cannon and hurled Molotov cocktails at an armored vehicle, leaving it ablaze on a flyover near the campus.

Police declared the campus a “riot” scene―rioting is punishable by up to 10 years in jail―and blocked exits as spokesman Louis Lau issued a stark warning in a Facebook live broadcast.

“I hereby warn rioters not to use petrol bombs, arrows, cars or any deadly weapons to attack police officers,” he said.AFP

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 230, QUEZON CITY BLESILDA GADITANO, Plaintiff, -versus-

CASE NO. R-QZN-19-02417-CV For: Collection of Sum of Money

MELINDA LAHOM Defendant. x---------------------------------------x

SUMMONS

To: MELINDA LAHOM No. 3 Dangay Street Veterans Village, Project 7, Quezon City 102 Road 18 Extension, Project 8, Quezon City GREETINGS: You are required within fifteen (15) days after service of this summons upon you to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBPOCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated 12 March 2002, to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer. If you fail to file answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the reliefs applied for in the complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 13th February 2019.

(Sgd.) ATTY. GENELOU L. SAMPAGA Branch Clerk of Court (MStandard-Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

CL cops arrest 594, take guns ahead of SEAG

By Jess Malabanan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga—Close to 600 suspected crimnals, including 21 Most Wanted persons in Central Luzon have been put behind bars after police operations over three days.

Thousands of firearms, mostly handguns and assault rifles, were also confiscated in the three-day operations in prime cities and municipalities across the region, said Region 3 Police Director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia.

Sermonia said in the operations, PNP Central Luzon operatives arrested a total of 594 individuals, 158 with standing warrants of arrest for various crimes. About 189 were arrested for illegal drugs, and 247 were arrested for violation of other special laws and local ordinances.

The arrests and confiscated firearms are part of the anti-criminality operations as directed by police higher-ups ahead of the Southeast Asia Games to be held on Nov. 30, Sermonia said.

Several SEA Games events will be played at Clark Field in Pampanga and the Philippine Arena complex in Bulacan.

“These recent accomplishments, particularly the arrest of dangerous fugitives, people involved in illegal drugs, terrorism and street crimes were the results of the strong support of all local chief executives in the anti-criminality and anti-insurgency campaigns of the PNP-PRO3,” the general said.

3K Navoteños run to support city’s scholars

By Jun David

THE Navotas City Government on Sunday held the “Takbo ni Juan para sa Iskolar ng Bayan” as some 3,000 residents and non-residents joined the cause.

Running on its tenth year, the annual activity continues to help raise funds for the NavotaAs Scholarship Program.

Rep. John Rey Tiangco, together with Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, the city council, and barangay officials, led the annual fun run with 3- and 5-kilometer distances.

“We are fortunate to have constituents who are active stakeholders of education. Their support and contribution makes our goal of providing quality, holistic and inclusive learning for all Navoteños more doable and sustainable,” Tiangco said.

“Education is and will always be a priority in Navotas because we believe that it is one of the solid foundations of the present generation’s bright future,” he added.

Navotas offers scholarships to students who excel in academics, sports, and arts, as well as to children or chosen family members of the Top Ten Outstanding Fisherfolk awardees.

Scholars receive allowance for tuition, books, and food and transportation. Athletic and art scholars also receive financial assistance for their trainings and workshops.

The city also offers scholarships to teachers who wish to pursue higher studies. As of October 2019, Navotas has 499 scholars, including 173 academic scholars, 135 athletic scholars, 24 art scholars, and 11 fisherfolk scholars.

BIG ATTRACTIONS. A young mall-goer watches gigantic papier-mâché mascots called Higantes and Higantitos as they parade around SM Center Angono in Rizal, as the town celebrates the Higantes Festival in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen. Manny Palmero

Cotabato City int’l airport, seaport to be built in 2020

By Ayunan Gunting

A

NEW international airport, a seaport, and a technical school will be built in Cotabato City next year to be backstopped

by China, which is confident about the city’s progress

The three infrastructure projects are a joint venture by the China Engineering and Construction Company, Inc (CECC) in Shenzhen and the city government through a public-private partnership scheme.

The P176-billion international airport will rise in Barangays Tamontaka 3,4 and 5, the city government said in a statement.

The budget covers the structure, terminal facilities, runway, access roads, drainage system, and flood control structures.

The groundbreaking will be held before the yearend and is targeted for completion in 2022, Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani said.

Meanwhile, the seaport will be built in Timaco Hill, and the China-Cotabato Friendship Technical School will be a four-story building on a four-hectare lot in Barangay Timaco Mother.

The proposed school, funded by a donation from CECC, will provide train-

ing for airport and seaport operations.

Yibin Liu, senior representative of CECC, and his team visited Cotabato City recently to reaffirm their pledge to complete the three infrastructures.

The Chinese official pointed out that the city’s improved peace and order situation and the progressive business climate were the reasons for their commitment.

CECC sent engineers and other experts to Cotabato City to survey the project sites. They also presented the designs to the city government Guiani said these projects are the fruit of the Cotabateños enduring relationship with the Chinese. She said their ties go beyond business and are rooted in history.

Antipolo bags ATOP national tourism awards

THE City of Antipolo bagged major awards in the recent Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) annual national convention held in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

Antipolo was adjudged the grand winner in the Best Tourism Week/ Month Celebration (City Category) and first runner-up in the Best Tourism Promotional Materials (Collaterals) with its interactive brochure in the prestigious Pearl Awards.

Meanwhile, the Association of Tourism Officers of Rizal was voted Most Outstanding Tourism Organization.

One of the country’s earliest resort towns, Antipolo registered 7,194,182 same-day arrivals in 2018, tenth among domestic destinations.

The capital of Rizal province, the mountain city is known for the iconic Hinulugang Taktak and the Shrine of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, home to a centuries-old May-time religious pilgrimage, and is immortalized in the folk song “Tayo na sa Antipolo.”

Today, the city is known for its farm and garden lodging, inland pool resorts, home-grown gourmet restaurants, hotels with an overlooking view of Metro Manila and Laguna Lake, wellness spas, art galleries, and special interest attractions.

Pictured are Antipolo tourism officer Marino Bacani (center), ATOP officers led by national president Minda Vargas-Regis (fifth from left), and Department of Tourism regional directors led by host Martin Valera of Ilocos Region (ninth from left) during the Pearl Awards night at the St. Augustine Church in Paoay, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

DTI Central Luzon lists 15 legal firework makers ahead of holidays

By Romeo Dizon

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga―The Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon has released the names of 15 certified manufacturers of fireworks and firecrackers for the joyous celebration of the holidays in the country.

Judith Angeles, DTI Central Luzon regional director, said the different products of the manufacturers are safe because these underwent audit by the Bureau of Product Standard (BPS) for a safe and accident-free Christmas season.

During the DTI media forum here, Norlito Tiglao, supervising trade industry spe-

cialist of the regional office, said the manufacturers not included in the list but selling fireworks are “fly by night” operators.

The authorized and safe manufactures are located in Bocaue, Sta. Maria, Malolos City, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, Baliuag, Angat and other municipalities of Bulacan.

The manufacturers are A.G.E. Pyrotechnic Enterprises,Diamond Fireworks, Double I Fireworks, Dragon Fireworks Inc., Global Lions Fireworks Inc., Golden Leopard King Fireworks Manufacturers, Legendary Fireworks, Inc, MADZ Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic-Vista Alegre;

Yamang Bukid boosts IP farmers in Palawan

Bro. George Maria, Yamang Bukid Farm Palawan vice president for community affairs, chats with farmer Henry Umayao on a rice paddy in Narra, Palawan. Dianne Kathryn Datu

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—A fast-emerging farm tourism destination here has partnered with the local government of Narra, Palawan to buy palay from farmers affected by plummeting prices of the staple grain.

Bro. George Maria, Yamang Bukid Farm Palawan vice president for community affairs, said the farm would buy at least P100,000 worth of ready to mill palay at P25 per kilo, way above the prevailing buying price of the state-run National Food Authority of P19.

Maria and other officials of Barangay Bacunganbased farm met with officials of Narra municipality and expressed their intention to procure palay from impoverished farmers there.

“This is a great opportunity for the farmers of Narra because you will buy the palay at a higher price and give back a portion of the rice to them,” Vice Mayor Crispin Lumba Jr. told Bro. Maria at the official’s office last Oct. 29.

Hope Alas, YBF vice president for tourism affairs, said the amount to be used was net proceeds of last month’s run for the farmers staged by the farm tourism destination.

“This is our commitment to the farmers and to those who joined and believed in our cause,” said Maria, a former seminarian.

Eugene Sumaydeng, municipal agriculturist, recommended YBF to consider buying from indigenous peoples (IP) communities who are cultivating organic upland palay.

“Your help will be hugely felt in these far-flung areas,” Sumaydeng said.

As part of their commitment, Lumba said the local government will shoulder the drying and milling of the palay and assist in the transportation of the grains from the upland down to the town proper.

Maria, the YBF official, said they expected to help dozens of impoverished IP farmers.

Life

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

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

to reduce carbon footprint

The sweet (and bitter) truth about the effects of sugar OU don’t necessarily have to eat something sweet to consume sugar, experts reveal.

Spaghetti sauce, sports drinks, catsup, barbecue sauce, yoghurt, and flavored coffees are among the food and drinks that are high in sugar. Even non-sweet carbohydrates like pasta, bread, rice, oatmeal, corn, peas, and potatoes become glucose once they are processed by the body.

Sugar sources are everywhere.

At optimal levels, glucose is excellent fuel for the body.

In addition to the energy it gives a person to perform a wide range of movements, red blood cells depend on it to produce energy; the liver stores glucose then distributes it to the muscles and cells to maintain ideal blood sugar levels; and the brain’s neurons require glucose constantly to do their job—from thinking and remembering to absorbing information.

But what happens when an individual has too much—or too little—glucose?

During a meal, eaten food travels from esophagus to stomach, where acids and enzymes break it down, and glucose is produced. From there, glucose is absorbed by intestines then goes straight to the bloodstream. Insulin released from the pancreas helps glucose enter the cells in our body.

“Blood sugar is at its lowest before a meal. It increases during a meal then dips once insulin transports glucose to the cells,” says May Sison, MD, head doctor of the Diabetes Care Center of Makati Medical Center. “When you’re not eating, normal blood sugar is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).”

Hunger, the doctor says, is not the only sign of low blood sugar, which is around 70 mg/dl or less. “Cold sweat, dizziness, nervousness, and in extreme cases, confusion, are other telltale signs.”

Conversely, high blood sugar (for a person without diabetes, it’s more than 100 mg/dl when fasting and more than 140 mg/dl two hours after eating) manifests in excessive urination, frequent hunger and thirst, weight loss, and the tingling “pins and needles” sensation on the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

“High blood sugar also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, eye disease, and nerve damage,” informs Dr. Sison.

THE effects of global warming are more apparent now than ever. According to NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies, the last five years were the warmest in the modern record.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that without significant course corrections, we might face worsening risks of drought, floods, and other natural disasters that may directly impact millions of people around the world. The timeline to ensure that we do not face this dire pos-

sibility is impossibly short—11 years according to the IPCC. Addressing the threat of climate change will need coordination and unprecedented multilateral action from various developed and developing countries. But small contributions of individuals to help stem a worsening climate problem cannot be discounted.

The Philippine Wood Producers Association shares the following tips people can do to reduce their carbon footprint.

Be smarter with your commute

Carbon emissions from vehicles are large contributors to people’s overall carbon footprint. Those who live close to their workplace, biking or walking to the office is a great alternative—it reduces carbon footprint and helps keep body active. Those who need to get on a ride to reach the office, on the other hand, carpooling or taking public transportation is better than bringing a car individually.

Biking to work is beneficial to both the environment and body.

Unplug appliances and devices not in use.

Be more efficient in using electricity

Eating too much sugar may result in high blood sugar level which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Choosing to set air conditioning unit to 25°C, for example, helps a lot in decreasing energy consumption. Some other sensible steps one can take is ensuring to unplug devices after use and investing in appliances that are certified energy-efficient.

Choose ecofriendly packaging

How to maintain ideal blood sugar levels

Plastic is not just a problem in terms of the amount of waste, producing it also entails tons of carbon released into the atmosphere. When shopping, it’s best to bring reusable containers and bags, and refraining to purchase items such as fresh produce packaged in plastic.

Aside from keeping tabs on blood sugar levels through regular checkups, healthy lifestyle practices also help manage doctor-recommended levels.

“Consume a diet of fruits and vegetables, schedule daily moderate exercise, and stick to your ideal weight,” advises Dr. Sison.

She adds, “Practicing good food choices also keeps your blood sugar levels within an acceptable range. Don’t skip meals. Drink water instead of juice or soft drinks. Eat fruits instead of candy. And watch not only how much you eat but what you put on your plate: make sure it contains proteinrich food and non-starchy vegetables, too.”

Bring canvas bags when shopping.

Guilt-free sweetness Celebrity moms and other personalities grace the launch of Santé’s new healthy sweetener SweetVia, made of stevia and inulin.

By Clarence Marie Pangilinan

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Simple steps

SWEET TALK

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

dicinal properties that are anti-diarrheal, anti-tumor, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory actions. Scientific evidence also shows that Stevia is best for indications, such as reducing high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure.

Inulin, on the other hand, is a natural soluble dietary fiber from a chicory plant that promotes better digestive health. It acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in the colon. Studies suggest that inulin relieves constipation, promotes weight loss, and helps control blood sugar levels.

“It is hard to stay healthy these days, especially with the influx of sweeteners everywhere. Made from natural ingredients, SweetVia does not only sweeten your beverage, it also provides benefits to your health,” said Minette Carag, chief product officer of Santé.

According to the brand, SweetVia is ideal for weight management and does not increase sugar levels, hence its tagline, “Treat without the guilt.”

TOO much sugar raises the risk of weight gain and various health problems including heart disease, according to the World Health Organization.

To lower, if prevent, these health problems, the WHO recommends adults and children to reduce their daily intake of free sugars to less than 10 percent of their total energy intake. A further reduction to below five percent, or roughly 25 grams or six teaspoons for women per day and 38 grams or nine teaspoons for men, would provide additional health benefits.

To allow those with sweet tooth to indulge in their favorite treats without suffering the effects of high blood sugar level, organic health and wellness brand Santé launches an alternative sweetener.

SweetVia is made of stevia and inulin sweetener.

Stevia is a natural substitute for sugar, derived from the leaves of a small perennial green shrub. This plant has shown me- It is available at supermarkets and other retail stores nationwide.

Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Be more conscious about your food

Choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables can also help reduce carbon footprint, as meat and dairy production is responsible for 14.5 percent of manmade global greenhouse gas emissions. Being more mindful about the food we put inside our body directly helps in improving our environment.

Use eco-friendly construction materials

PWPA says wood, being a natural material, is the most eco-friendly construction material. It needs little resources to be harvested and utilized. It is also proven to be renewable and sustainable. And among all of the existing construction materials, only wood is able to store and retain carbon dioxide throughout its life cycle unless it is burned or allowed to decompose, said the organization.

Wood is an eco-friendly construction material.

Life

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Detoxifying with infrared sauna T

HE Finnish, who are believed to have invented the first sauna, has an adage that says “the sauna is the most liberating space in the world.”

The heat from a sauna helps relax the body’s muscles, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the release of the feel-good hormone endorphin.

To provide innovative sauna experience, equipment supplier Technolux brings to the country the Red Sauna, a mobile redwood machine that uses infrared lamps with electromagnetic radiation to warm the whole body to achieve optimal benefits.

While conventional saunas use heat to warm the air, which in turn, warms the body, Red Sauna heats up the body directly without warming the air around, making it the most natural way of heating without any adverse effect. An infrared sauna uses light to create heat and is usually called a farinfrared sauna (“far” describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum).

Red Sauna uses the infratherapy system to help the body release a number of toxins, including heavy metals like mercury and lead, as well as environmental chemicals.

A session with the infrared sauna technology, Technolux said, increases the metabolism, helps in weight loss, relaxes and relieves the body of aches, aids in better sleep, and purifies the skin.

It also offers maximum relaxation and balances the level of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. The heat from the infrared bulbs helps relieve tension, thus allowing the body to immediately de-stress.

Moreover, infratherapy relieves the muscle and joint aches and inflammations. The machine also helps remove excess weight by heating the core temperature of the body which then increases the

heart rate—the same experience a person gets when doing an exercise routine— thereby burning more calories, and eventually losing those extra pounds.

When infrared lights increase tem-cir perature, blood circulation and flow will be stimulated and improved. It also helps purify skin by eradicating toxins and pollutants from the pores, resulting in clearer, more supple, and healthier-looking skin.

A session also helps heal wound faster Using infratherapy and boost immune system, the Red Sauna function, accordrids the body of toxins, ing to Technolux. relieves pains, increases “Our Red metobolism, and Sauna has a purifies skin, among built-in Wi-Fi, other benefits. a r o m a t h e r a p y, and its own pipein music to let you But achieve total relaxation. perhaps one of the biggest advantages of this system is its mobility. It’s portable and doesn’t take too much floor space so you

may place it or move it anywhere around your house or your clinic,” said Norell Ortega, vice president of Medical-Aesthetic Division at Technolux.

Red Sauna is available at the Medical-Aesthetic showroom, located on the 5th floor of Technolux headquarters at 2176, Primo Rivera Street, La Paz, Makati City. Call 0917-8081453, 09178673910, or 0927-6125577 for inquiries.

Amway launches sugar-free energy drink AMWAY Philippines launches its first energy drink under its sports and nutrition brand XS. Created in Laguna Beach in 2001, XS represents the effortless California coast lifestyle. “It’s about getting that extra kick to go out and ‘Experience More’ every day: on the trail, in their communities, and in their business,” said XS co-founder Scott Coon.

Amway acquired XS in 2015 as a $150 million investment. It has since grown to a $400 million value across 56 markets.

Each 250ml can of XS Energy Drink contains zero sugar and only 10 calories per serving. It contains 50mg of caffeine, six B vitamins, L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine, and Taurine.

This lightly carbonated drink comes in two natural flavors: Cranberry Grape and Citrus.

Amway Philippines said it was the first exclusively sugar-free drink brand sold globally.

“With XS, Amway competes with and raises the bar on the staples found in every Millennial’s bag,” said Amway Philippines country manager Leni Olmedo.

XS Energy Drink is now available in the country until supplies last. Its products are sold exclusively through a network of Amway Business Owners worldwide. Call #26929 to locate an ABO.

The Leprosy Alert and Response Network System (LEARNS) is the Philippines’ first mobile phone-based leprosy detection system that allows frontline healthcare providers send images of suspect leprosy lesions and symptoms via SMS or an app to a specialist.

(Photo from novartisfoundation.org)

Global partnership to stop leprosy Sugar-free XS Energy Drink comes in Citrus and Cranberry Grape flavors.

Students of Sto. Niño Elementary School learn how to make healthy versions of fruit salad and noodles.

Wellness campus teaches kids how to eat healthy

IN CELEBRATION of International Chefs Day, Nestlé Philippines partnered with Le Toque Blanche Philippines Chefs Association and the Philippine Young Chefs Club to teach healthy recipes to students of Sto. Niño Elementary School in Bagong Silang, Caloocan.

As part of the Nestlé Wellness Campus program, a key initiative under Nestlé for Healthier Kids corporate program, the company connects with public schools nationwide to incorporate healthier eating habits and active lifestyle into their curriculum.

Events such as the International Chefs Day, which brings students and their families together each year, are opportunities to spread the advocacy. This year’s event theme was “How Healthy Food Works.”

The importance of choosing varied and nutritious options was the focus of the event’s opening remarks from Nestlé Professionals’ Chef Reg Mendoza.

Meanwhile, LTB Philippines Chefs Association’s Chef J Gamboa took the students through common ingredients and how they help

keep a person healthy. The students then broke off into several groups, where chefs from the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, PYCC, and Nestlé Professionals taught them how to make healthy versions of fruit salad and noodles.

“You have to teach kids the right habits early on so that they can make healthy eating and healthy living a habit,” said Chef J Gamboa. “As chefs and culinary professionals, we feel that it is very important at the onset that people develop these habits.”

THE Novartis Foundation and Novartis Healthcare Philippines joined key stakeholders from around the world in pledging to foster a global partnership to stop leprosy.

The major leprosy control stakeholders made their pledge during the 20th International Leprosy Congress held recently at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

During the congress, the Leprosy Alert and Response Network System or LEARNS, the Philippines’ first mobile phone-based leprosy detection system, was recognized as a valuable tool for leprosy case finding, diagnosis, and surveillance.

Dr. Arturo Cunanan, Jr., chief of the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital in Palawan, highlighted the role of LEARNS in accelerating diagnosis and treatment.

The Department of Health Center for Health Development VI team’s poster presentation featured LEARNS as a systematic active contract tracing approach using data collected for the past five years. Several countries including India and Nepal have expressed interest in replicating the system.

In his message, Yohei Sasakawa, Nippon Foundation of Japan chairman and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, stressed that leprosy is not only a medical issue but also a human rights issue, lamenting that in some countries leprosy patients are denied treatment because of prejudice and discrimination. He also acknowledged the Multi-Drug Therapy medicines donated by Novartis to the WHO. “Since 2000, thanks to Novartis, MDT medicines are continuously being supplied for free today,” said Sasakawa.

MDT is a combination of three antibiotics and is considered the most effective treatment for leprosy. Two of the antibiotics used in MDT were developed by Novartis.

“The Novartis Foundation is privileged to be part of a global partnership to advance our common goal of making leprosy history. Our involvement in the partnership builds on three decades of experience in the area, and a long-standing commitment to exploring innovative ways to interrupt the transmission of leprosy,” said Mark Alexandre Rogers, senior global program head of Novartis Foundation.

As part of this long-standing commitment, the foundation has pioneered approaches in leprosy diagnostics, and approaches to leprosy screening using digital technology. One of these innovative approaches is LEARNS. The Novartis Foundation worked with DOH, Department of Science and Technology, local IT company Metahelix, and Novartis Healthcare Philippines in developing the system.

LEARNS allows frontline healthcare providers to send images of suspect leprosy lesions and symptoms via SMS or via an app to a specialist, who can decide on further diagnostic actions to verify the diagnosis. It currently covers 14 provinces in five regions.

To date, close to 5,000 healthcare providers have been trained in LEARNS across the nation. A technical toolkit is being prepared, so that this validated digital health solution can be transferred to other locations and replicated in other countries.

“Novartis will continue to work with partner stakeholders around the world in implementing the Novartis Foundation’s four-pillar strategy to interrupt the transmission of leprosy,” said Christine Fajardo, corporate affairs head of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

She continued, “This strategy includes early diagnosis and prompt treatment for all leprosy patients, screening and post-exposure prophylaxis for people who have contact with newly diagnosed patients, and development of new diagnostic tools and surveillance systems that trigger swift intervention.”

Entertainment

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

C3

SNAPSHOT

‘The Annulment’ on its way to blockbuster success ACTRESS Love Poe was the picture of glamour as she attended the red carpet premiere of The Annulment, with her costar Joem Bascon, held at Cinema 7 of SM Megamall last Tuesday.

The star Kapuso - who plays Gari, a woman born with a silver spoon in her mouth, in the sexy romantic movie - commanded attention as she graced the red carpet in a sultry black cocktail dress. She was in good company as she arrived arm-in-arm with Bascon.

Gari is a woman of ambition, who strives to achieve her dreams and succeed in life. Meantime, Joem is

Sherwin. He is a simple guy and is a college dropout, who has no big dreams and simply wants to build a family.

Fate leads Gari and Sherwin on the same path and they instantly feel the attraction. Eventually, their lives get entangled in a whirlwind romance and passion.

Deeply elated by these feelings, they eventually decide to tie the knot.

A couple of years in the marriage, problems in the relationship come to the surface. Gari’s frustrations and Sherwin’s unfulfilled promises for a better relationship and better life urges

her to come to a decision.

The film is a timely movie that tackles the challenges and trials that relationships go through along the process. It is a highly relatable film that resonates with people in relationships. It explores the joys, pleasures, pains, and hardships that committed people experience within the commitment.

The sexy romantic movie, which opened on Nov. 13, is graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board. The Regal Entertainment feature has earned P9 million on its first three days at the tills. Clay Moreno

DJ LUANE is a

Singapore hosts inaugural film fest for Filipino movies

social climber

IN CELEBRATION of the 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, as well as the 100 Years of Philippine Cinema, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore has mounted the inaugural Philippine Film Festival.

Pinoy and foreign cinephiles were in for a treat as there was a special screening of Mr. and Mrs. Cruz as well as free screenings of Seven Sundays, Bakwit Boys, and Siargao at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House of National University of Singapore (NUS) on Nov. 12 to 15.

The Philippine Embassy in Singapore, headed by Ambassador Joseph Del Mar Yap Yap, has partnered with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), NUS Office of Alumni Relations, and film production company Star Cinema to make the maiden film event happen.

The lineup of the Philippine Film Festival 2019 was specially curated with the assistance of FDCP to capture the Filipino way of life. Other Philippine Embassies that have partnered with FDCP to hold full-fledged Filipino film festivals this year are Portugal and Rome, Italy.

Holding Philippine Embassy-led film fests has helped propagate the richness and uniqueness of Filipino culture to Pinoys and foreigners alike. This is made possible through FDCP’s Philippine Embassies Assistance Program (PEAP) which has been running for over two years. Through PEAP, the FDCP helps Philippine Embassies and Consulates

DJ Luane with Croatian model-singer Marija Debelic (left) and Hero Bautista.

By Robbie Pangilinan

B

RAZIL-BORN Luane De Lima is a certified social climber—but only in her most recent role in an upcoming movie.

The #28 Top Female DJs in the World

by FDJ List auditioned for the role of the social-climbing girlfriend number two of Hero Bautista’s billionaire character and got it unanimously. She is joined

by Croatian model and singer Marija Debelic as Hero’s original girlfriend.

“My role is a total social climber. I like Vito (Hero) just because he is so rich, but afterwards I fell in love with him,” DJ Luane gives a sneak peek into the movie Fusion, a movie with a culinary angle.

In the culinary masterpiece, Marija wanted to have a Croatian restaurant so Hero bought one for her. But, a Brazilian restaurant owned by Luane was put up beside her resto so the ladies started fighting, eventually even over Hero.

“I am very excited about the movie.

It’s funny and I enjoyed doing it, so I hope everyone will enjoy it as well. Fusion will be submitted to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival,” she adds.

Luane says she enjoyed doing the film because they were always eating, as the

movie revolves around good food. She admits she eats a lot, does not stick to any strict diet, yet she does not gain much weight. She also says she is trying to be a good cook, mastering Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and her favorites binagoongan and monggo with talbos ng kamote.

“Brazilian and Filipino food are similar because we both mix rice with everything,” says Luane who has tried and liked many Filipino delicacies especially kalderetang kambing.

Luane has traveled the world as a professional model, then decided to become a full-time DJ in 2014. She came to the Philippines seven years ago and has stayed here since then. She chose the Philippines to be her second home because of “the people who are very kind, nice and generous.”

Her music teachers are also the top Filipino DJs in the country. Luane has performed for big brands and in 2015, in the biggest festival shows all over the Philippines and in Asia, playing mostly hip-hop

Extra International...

From C4

She implied Big Machine—which has rebuffed the accusations—was reacting to her plans to re-record her early albums, by saying that performing on television “would be rerecording my music before I’m allowed to next year.”

This summer Swift began publicly sparring with industry mogul Scooter Braun over his company’s purchase of her previous label of a decade, which gave him a majority stake in the master recordings of her first six albums.

Swift vowed to regain command of those albums by making her own new masters, which she says she’s contractually allowed to start on in November 2020.

In her post pleading for support from fans and fellow artists, Swift alluded to bullying from Braun and Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta.

Both parties have referenced a dispute over millions of dollars but voiced disagreement over who owes what.

“The message being sent to me is very clear.

Basically, be a good little girl and shut up,” Swift wrote in her post. “Or you’ll be punished.”

Swift is now at Universal, with a contract under which she owns her work. Maggy Donaldson, AFP ***

Banderas opens his Malaga theatre with ‘A Chorus Line’

HOLLYWOOD star Antonio Banderas throws open the doors of his own theatre in his hometown of Malaga in southern Spain

hold film-related activities in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DFA Cultural Diplomacy Unit.

FDCP Chairperson and CEO Liza Diño shared, “In the Philippines, FDCP supports around 25 foreign embassy film festivals each year through our Film Cultural Exchange Program. This includes the Korean Film Festival, Spanish Film Festival, Cine Europa, Eiga Sai Japan Film Festival, and French Film Festival which are some of the longest-running and most successful foreign embassy-led festivals in the country and have captured thousands of local audiences who are getting more exposed to their cinemas and their culture.”

Diño continued, “In the same vein and this time for our own Cinema, through PEAP, we are encouraging our own Philippine embassies to do the same in their respective posts. Through Filipino film festivals, these countries get to experience our culture and our stories, and discover our commonalities.”

All Embassies and Consulates can apply for the PEAP at least two months before the event by contacting the FDCP International Relations Division.

The all-out support that FDCP gives via PEAP involves the sending of film ambassadors to give lectures, coordination with producers, securing of discounted screening fees, coverage of subtitling fees, and curation of films.

DJ Luane was born in Brazil and has been traveling around the world as a professional model and disk jockey.

Ryza Cenon and JC Santos in a scene from 'Mr. and Mrs. Cruz.'

and EDM. This year, she started producing original tracks alongside performing and modeling and wishes that Filipinos enjoy more house music that she produces.

Soon, Luane wants to perform all over the world to share her music, particularly in Hollywood.

on Friday, with an inaugural performance of A Chorus Line.

When the curtain goes up, the musical will be the first work shown at the Teatro del Soho, a former cinema which has been completely revamped by the 59-year-old actor, who like Picasso, was born and raised in Malaga.

The musical, which will be performed entirely in Spanish, was specially chosen by Banderas, who in May won best actor at the Cannes film festival for his role in Pedro Almodovar’s Pain and Glory in which he played the celebrated director’s alter ego.

A Broadway hit dating back to 1975, the story focuses on a group of aspiring dancers as they audition for a role in a new musical, putting the focus on the unsung heroes working in the industry.

“There are no stars, the focus is on those people who really sustain the musical theatre industry but who don’t have their name in lights and who are unknown,” Banderas told reporters earlier this week.

Describing the musical as “a classic”, Banderas said it told a story about “those involved in performing arts and all the suffering that goes on behind the scenes”.

On accepting his award at Cannes, Banderas admitted he himself had struggled over the years, saying: “There is a lot of sacrifice and... pain behind being an actor or being an actress, but also there are nights of glory.”

The Andalusian actor, who began acting in the early 1980s, will also take part in Friday’s show, playing choreographer Zack who auditions the other artists in a performance involving 26 actors and accompanied by a 22-piece orchestra.

The musical will play to a full house when it opens on Friday with every ticket sold in the newly-revamped theatre, which has more than 800 seats. Jorge Guerrero, AFP

Love..

From C4

Netizens share their thoughts on the new station ID upon watching it on GMA’s official social media accounts.

Dawud Ben Olivar Oliquiano commented, “It will shine worldwide, not only this season but forever. Kudos GMA for this brilliant and amazing festive kind of a heartfelt storytelling of real life survivors and heroes.”

Honey May Lobedica, on the other hand, shared how the CSID made her miss her family in the Philippines and at the same time felt assured that love definitely shines wherever she may be. “When I watched the CSID of GMA I cried. I miss my family in the Philippines so much. This is my first Christmas away from home. Saan ka man lupalop ng mundo, don’t forget that #LoveShines in all of us. Thanks GMA for this heartwarming message.”

“You can feel GMA’s sincerity in reaching out to the needy. It is not only for publicity or ratings, they truly wanted to make a difference. And their artists reflect the values they hold dearly. Kapuso forever!” Bo Mason wrote.

Very Wang...

From C4

Jex De Castro of Team Sinag and Tuko Delos Reyes of Team Bagsik were the first ones to grab a seat of power after receiving the highest average scores from the judges on the first day of the competition, kicking out Team Alab member Marlo Mortel, who competed in the Celebrity Champions edition, The two grand resbakers in the seat

Susan Ocampo also commended the CSID’s storytelling. “Simple but touching. I love that GMA focused on the stories. Almost all of thesenapanood ko sa KMJS or sa social media kaya familiar sila. Maligayang Pasko mga Kapuso!”

Indeed, the Kapuso Network reminds us that we all have the capacity to be bearers of light in the lives of others.

Catch GMA Network’s Christmas Station ID on GMA-7 and online on www.GMANetwork.com or on GMA Network’s official social media accounts.

Alden Richards

of power, meanwhile, have the privilege to decide whether they will compete the next day or choose a teammate who will defend their seat.

In the end, only the two strongest and most strategic groups will remain for the final showdown.

Which team will win “Tawag ng Tanghalan’s” grandest all-star showdown?

“Tawag ng Tanghalan All-Star Grand Resbak” is part of It’s Showtime’s yearlong tenth anniversary celebration. Watch out for more surprises from It’s Showtime, which airs from Mondays to Saturdays on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN HD (Sky Cable ch 167).

Entertainment

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

C4

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2019

LEADING media network, GMA, sets ablaze the light of love this Holiday Season with its newest Christmas station ID (CSID) “Love Shines” released two Sundays ago.

Following the network’s grand tradition of heartwarming campaigns namely “PasaLove” (2009), “Share the Love” (2014), “MaGMAhalan Tayo Ngayong Pasko” (2015), and “Buong Pusong MaGMAhalan” (2017), the 2019 CSID once again hits close to home with its inspiring message of love.

The brightest Kapuso stars and the most respected news and public affairs personalities came together to meet and honor individuals who embody and deliver His love to the people around them-unforgettable get-togethers that were filled with love, warmth, and joy.

Among them, a mother who patiently carries her 22-year-old, differently-abled son every single day for the past 15 years for him to go to school, the proud son of a father who works hard as a garbage collector to provide for his and his siblings’ education, an earthquake survivor from Pampanga and her rescuers, and many more.

This uplifting showcase of real-life stories of compassion, resilience, and faith brings forth the powerful idea

Love shines in GMA Network’s 2019 CHRISTMAS STATION ID

Sandra Aguinaldo, Heart Evangelista, Janine Gutierrez, Tina Panganiban-Perez with Pampanga Earthquake survivor Lourdes Martin (center) and her saviors

The energetic ‘Eat Bulaga’ Dabarkads making the joyful season even brighter

that everyone can be an agent of love to #LoveShines instantly became a launch on Nov. 10. Netizens lauded the share happiness, bring hope, and spread anyone, in any form. trending topic worldwide and breached CSID for highlighting the true essence love, especially to those who need it The Kapuso Christmas campaign the one-million-views mark after its of the season and encouraging all to most. Continued on C3

The brand that unites Kapuso and Kapamilya 'U2 The Joshua Tree Tour' is the first-ever concert of the iconic Irish rock band in Manila

U2’s much anticipated ‘Joshua Tree Tour’ arrives in December

G

MA artist Ken Chan was all animated while sharing his experience joining Beautederm’s outof-town tours. He said that the brand is just one of those companies that’s able to gather the stars of rival networks in one venue and one event.

“It doesn’t happen all the time. And when we are together, we don’t feel like we’re from different networks. It’s like we’re one big happy family,” the young actor shared.

Beautederm Corporation continues to captivate the hearts of countless of Filipinos as it officially partners with GMA Artist Center with the formal launch Ken and other Kapuso stars as brand ambassadors. He is joined by Camille Prats, Pauline Mendoza, Rita Daniella, and Sanya Lopez.

Ken is one of the Kapuso Network’s top leading men as he starred in the network’s top-rating and critically acclaimed series such as Destiny Rose, Meant To Be, My Special Tatay, and the current primetime top-rater One Of The Baes. Ken is also part of the ensemble of stars featured in the second season of reality competition show The Clash.

His onscreen partner, Rita Daniella, on the other hand, is an accomplished singer and actress who starred in numerous critically acclaimed movies and top-rating TV series. She starred opposite Ken Chan on My Special Tatay and is currently one of the hosts of The Clash and one of the main stars of One Of The Baes.

Camille is a dramatic actress who has starred in some of GMA-7’s successful series such as Munting Heredera, The Borrowed Wife, Second Chances, and Wish I May. Camille is also a major influencer amongst women as she is one of the hosts of the daily magazine talk show Mars Pa More.

Pauline Mendoza is one the network’s fastest rising young actresses with superb performances in such series as Little Nanay, That’s My Amboy, and Kambal, Karibal to her credit. Pauline was also part of the ensemble cast of Love You Two where she starred opposite Gabby Concepcion and Jennylyn Mercado.

Sanya Lopez gained massive mainstream recognition after playing the role of Hara Danaya in the TV remake of Encantadia in 2016. Sanya recently starred on the crime drama series Dahil Sa Pag-ibig and continues to be a top and strong online influencer in the digital world.

“My Beautéderm babies are increasing and I am so pleased and proud to welcome my GMA Artist Center brand

Beautéderm X GMA Artist Center stars (from left) Sanya Lopez, Camille Prats, Ken Chan, Rita Daniella, Pauline Mendoza

ambassadors to our growing family,” said Rhea Anicoche-Tan, Beautéderm Corporation’s President and CEO. “Camille, Ken, Pauline, Rita, and Sanya are five of the most amazing artists I have ever met and I am at awe with what they have accomplished in their individual careers. Beautéderm is so blessed to have them onboard.”

For 10 fruitful years and counting, Beautéderm Corporation has been at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry here in the country as one of its most solid and most trusted leaders.

In 2009 Anicoche-Tan established the company with her burning desire to beautéfy the country one person at a time through a line of products that boasts of the highest quality that delivers the fastest, most effective, and most sustainable results.

Beautéderm prioritizes safety and effectiveness above all with its FDA Notified products, which only uses plant-based ingredients that are perfectly synergized to deliver its promise of not only physical beauty to each and every one of its loyal users but also a more flourishing life to its resellers and distributors.

As a consistent Superbrands awardee, some of the flagship brands under Beautéderm include the famed Beautéderm Skin Care Sets for both the face and body; Reverie by Beautéderm Home which consists of room and linen sprays as well as scented soy candles; and Beautéderm’s perfume collection which includes Origin Senses perfumes

for men as well as a new set of fabulous products such as Beauté Balm, Au Revoir Skin Soothing Oil, and Cristaux Gold Elixir Serum—all of which are top-selling products in the market today.

Currently, Beautéderm has over a thousand resellers and distributors both locally and internationally as it ships products every day both here and abroad with its strong partnership with the best shipping company in the country. The brand also has physical stores throughout the country and one in Singapore; and the company has almost 40 brand ambassadors which include actors and actresses, TV personalities, singers, beauty queens, politicians, comedians, and social media influencers. ***

U2 THE Joshua Tree Tour is the first-ever concert of the iconic Irish rock band in Manila and is expected to bring together music fans across generations with their anthemic hits including “Where The Streets Have No Name,” “Pride (In The Name of Love),” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “With or Without You” and a lot more at the Philippine Arena on Dec 11.

The U2 Joshua Tree Tour is the latest addition to Smart Music Live’s starstudded lineup of world-class international artists. Smart continues to empower Filipinos and their passion for music and concerts by giving everyone awesome perks and amazing music experiences for subscribers.

Last Sept. 4, Smart rewarded subscribers with a nationwide U2 ticket pre-sale before the public.

Smart subscribers can expect more unforgettable experiences to #LiveTheirAnthem as the day of the concert draws near.

Smart is giving subscribers the opportunity of a lifetime with a chance to attend the biggest concert of 2019. Here’s how you can score free tickets via the new Smart MVP Rewards program:

60 TNT singers return for ‘Grand Resbak’ showdown

Some sixty singers from the past three years of “Tawag ng Tanghalan” are making a blazing comeback to the It’s Showtime stage as they come together for a special edition called “All-Star Grand Resbak” that kicked off on Nov. 11.

In this new edition, the 60 “grand resbakers” have teamed up to form three groups with 20 members each—Team Alab, Team Bagsik, and Team Sinag—and compete with each other, survival-of-thefittest style.

Each episode will pit three team representatives against each other in two rounds in a bid to occupy one of the two seats of power. Continued on C3

A swift move UNLEASH the Swifties: Taylor Swift has tapped her millions-strong social media fan base to pressure the heads of her former label, who she says are wielding “tyrannical control” over her music.

The global superstar’s latest chess move has reignited her months-long public feud with Big Machine Label Group, spotlighting the music industry’s age-old issue of who keeps the keys to an artist’s work.

The 29-year-old pop singer known for her calculating social media strategy dropped a Tumblr post late Thursday accusing the Big Machine heads of blocking her from performing on television—she’s set to do a career-spanning medley at this month’s American Music Awards, where she’ll receive an Artist of the Decade honor—and releasing a Netflix documentary. Continued on C3 Taylor Swift's online airing of the contentious dealings that for decades mostly happened behind closed doors highlights the schism between artists adamant about holding the reins to their work and members of music's old guard.

Grand 'Resbakers' are up for another TNT title

1. Download the MVP Rewards app in the App Store or Play Store and register your details.

Enroll your Smart account to start earning stars (open to all Smart subscribers, prepaid and postpaid).

Click on your stars to visit the Marketplace to click on the U2 raffle icon and participate for FREE. All Customers who click on the U2 raffle icon will only have one e-raffle ticket for the entire promo duration.

Entering the free Smart MVP Rewards U2 Raffle Promo gives patrons a chance to win two tickets to the U2 The Joshua Tree Tour plus access to the Smart Music Live VIP Lounge during the concert proper.

Promo runs until Dec. 5. Winners will be drawn on Dec. 6 and Smart subscriber can only win once.

Stay tuned for more updates and ticket giveaways by following Smart’s official accounts on Facebook (fb.com/ SmartCommunications), Instagram (@ liveSmart and @ReimaginePH) and follow the hashtag #SmartMusicLive and #SmartU2TourPH; or check out smart. com.ph/smartmusiclive

Byx Almacen of BYX BUZZ