Manila Standard - 2019 November 21 - Thursday

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BAN ON VAPING: DU30 ORDERS COPS TO ARREST VAPERS

By MJ Blancaflor, Francisco Tuyay and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HEALTH RISKS. President Rodrigo Duterte has warned users of vape they would be arrested if caught in public places, after ordering the ban on the use and importation of e-cigarettes, days after the health department confirmed the case of vaping-associated lung injury in the Philippines. Norman Cruz

JUST hours after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would ban ecigarette use, police were ordered on Wednesday to begin arresting people caught vaping in public and to confiscate the devices.

The abrupt prohibition, revealed by President Duterte late Tuesday, adds to a growing global backlash against a product once promoted as less harmful than smoking.

“I will ban it. I will ban it, the use and the importation. I hope everybody is listening... You know why? Because it is toxic. And the government has the power to issue measures to protect public health and public interest,” Duterte told Palace reporters.

“Better stop it because I will order your arrest if you do it in a room. I am now ordering the law enforcement agencies to arrest anybody vaping in public. That is like smoking,” Duterte added.

Duterte called the devices “toxic” and said vaping introduced “chemicals” into the user’s body.

He also spoke of the dangers of secondNext page hand vapors.

PH 9th most affected by terrorism

By Joyce Babe P. Pañares THE Philippines emerged as the ninth—and the only Southeast Asian— country most affected by extremist violence in 2018, up by one notch in the 2019 Global Terrorism Index.

The index, published by the Sydney-based Institute for Economics

& Peace, defined terrorism as “the threatened or actual use of illegal force and violence by a non-state actor to attain a political, economic, religious, or social goal through fear, coercion, or intimidation.”

The Philippines, with a “high” score of 7.137, posted 424 terror-related Next page

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 280 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Leni wavers on ICAD role

Seeks clarification of mandate after Rody’s stinging remark

Martial law lifting depends on PNP, military—Rody

By Rio N. Araja and MJ Blancaflor

V

ICE President Leni Robredo on Wednesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to simply let her know if he no longer wants her to co-chair the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, after he said he could not even trust her.

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he would heed the recommendation of the military and the police on whether he should lift martial law in Mindanao, where it has been in force since 2017.

“I will leave it to the military and the police to make the recommendation.

Martial law is a military thing and it’s their assessment or their evaluation of the Mindanao situation,” President Duterte told Palace reporters in a press conference Tuesday night.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said he was not inclined to recommend another extension of martial law in Mindanao ,which would expire on Dec. 31.

Next page

2 Cabinet men face Du30’s ax

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday night he would fire the two Cabinet secretaries purportedly linked to corruption if allegations against them would be proven true.

President Duterte said he had already seen the report submitted by the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission in late October on the complaint against sitting Cabinet officials he refused to name.

“I should know, actually, if you are corrupt, because I will summon you to Next page

WEATHER

‘Sarah’ gains pace, ‘Ramon’ weakens

By Rio N. Araja TROPICAL Storm “Sarah” accelerated and maintained its strength on Wednesday.

But Typhoon “Ramon” weakened significantly after making landfall in Santa Ana, Cagayan, at 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Next page

COLLISION COURSE. Tuesday night, President Rodrigo Duterte criticizes Vice President Leni Robredo for discussing her work with UN officials. The next day, she meets up with representatives of church groups and the Council of the Laity to discuss initiatives that can be undertaken in relation to the country’s campaign against illegal drugs. AFP, OVP

“If he does not want me here, just tell me directly. I am easy to talk to. If he thinks that he has erred in appointing me and wanted to revoke it, just say so,” Robredo said.

She said she wrote the President to clarify her mandate as ICAD co-chairperson.

She said she was surprised that the President would say he did not trust her enough to join Cabinet meetings.

“I really do not understand,” she said.

These statements notwithstanding, she said she would still be willing to work wholeheartedly.

“I believe I can contribute something Next page

Senators question Faeldon motive SOME P1 billion allocated for the improvement of at least four regional correctional facilities were not released after former Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon tried to realign the funds to his home province, Senate Finance Committee chairman Sonny Angara said Wednesday.

The fund was originally earmarked for the prisons in Palawan, Davao, Leyte and Zamboanga, but Faeldon

wrote to the committee to “transfer” the money to Sablayan, Mindoro, Angara said.

“He even wrote the committee asking for the realignment. We told him it was improper to do that,” Angara said when asked about the delayed disbursement during the Justice department’s budget deliberation in the Senate.

“That’s the reason why the P1 billion was not released right away.” Next page

ATENEO SWEEPS WAY TO UAAP TITLE SPORTS A8

DISASTER BILLS. Tingog Party-List Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez (left) submits her reports on Consolidated Bills on Disaster Bills to the Joint Committee on Government Reorganization and Disaster Management chaired by Rep. Mario Vitorio Marino (center) and Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez during the Joint Committee meeting at the House of Representatives Wednesday. Ver Noveno

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Busan summit: Security top item R

By MJ Blancaflor

EGIONAL security will be the top concern of President Rodrigo Duterte when he attends next week’s commemorative summit of the partnership between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Korea.

done so far, China is not the only country that has building activity on these islands on these reef flats on the West Philippine Sea. Vietnam does, the Philippines does, and Malaysia also has some activity out here," Carpenter said.

"But the bulk of the damage is being done by the People’s Republic of China as 14 square kilometers were destroyed by its island-building activities."

Duterte also said the government was buying corvettes from South Korea to boost the country’s naval defenses, adding that the trip there would allow him to have a first-hand look at the equipment.

Duterte met with Korean Ambassador Han Dong-man in Malacañang on Monday and received an album of the BTS, a South Korean boy group.

“When I met President Duterte, I gave him one BTS album. BTS is one of the very famous idols. This will give a good

impact to have a better relationship between Korea and the Philippines,” Han said.

Recently, the South Korean envoy pitched for the creation of a “Korean town” in Malate, Manila, in coordination with the city government.

Han also said Duterte’s visit to South Korea this year would strengthen the ties between the two countries.

“Korea and the Philippines have been strengthening ties since the Korean war,” Han said in a virtual press conference.

“I hope we can reach a trading agreement beneficial for both Korea and the Philippines."

Duterte last visited South Korea in June 2018, where he said the two countries were committed to “significantly strengthen” their partnership, especially in defense and security, trade and investments and infrastructure.

Duterte said he would have a bilateral meeting with other ASEAN leaders during the summit in Busan, South Korea, on Nov. 25 to 27.

The “equilibrium of geopolitics” will be on the agenda, as well as the tension in the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, Duterte told reporters.

“It's really security, and it's obvious. It is now the equilibrium of geopolitics. You know, North Korea and then the Spratly Islands. The South Koreans are also against

the occupation of the South China Sea and the claim of China."

Meanwhile, an American scientists told House lawmakers on Tuesday that China is responsible for most of the destruction in the West Philippine Sea. Marine biologist Kent Carpenter, of the US-based Old Dominion University, told House members that China alone accounted for most of the destruction in the disputed waters.

“If you look at the total damage that's

Ban...

From A1

’China trust rating worsens from poor to bad’

“You contaminate people who are not yet ready to die,” Duterte said.

He then threatened to arrest anyone vaping publicly in a country that already has some of Asia’s toughest antismoking rules.

The President, a former smoker, is notorious internationally for his deadly anti-narcotics crackdown, but he has also targeted tobacco with a wideranging ban on smoking in public.

Citing “the order of the President”, the head of the Philippine National Police ordered “effective today, all police units nationwide to enforce the ban on use of vapes; ensure that all violators will be arrested,” a statement said.

Duterte’s order came days after Health officials reported the nation’s first vaping-related lung injury, which resulted in a 16-year-old girl being hospitalized.

About 24 percent of Filipinos were tobacco users according to a 2015 World Health Organization study, the most recent available.

E-cigarettes do not “burn” but instead heat up a liquid—tasting of anything from bourbon to bubble gum, and which usually contains nicotine— that turns into vapor and is inhaled.

The vapor is missing the estimated 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke but does contain a number of substances that could potentially be harmful.

However, critics say that apart from being harmful in themselves, the flavors of e-cigarette liquids appeal particularly to children and risk getting them addicted to nicotine.

E-cigarettes have become hugely popular in the past decade but a rash of vaping-linked deaths and illnesses in the United States is feeding caution about the product, already banned in some places.

In September 2019, India became the latest country to ban the import, sale, production and advertising of ecigarettes, citing in particular concerns about its youth.

The devices are already banned in several places such as Brazil, Singapore, Thailand and the US state of Massachusetts. With AFP

Martial law...

From A1 “If the Defense secretary says that it’s no longer needed, I’ll wait also for the statement of the military and the police. Then I will decide,” Duterte said.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao in May 2017 after the Islamic-State inspired Maute group overran parts of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Even after the city was liberated on Oct. 17, 2017, Duterte sought an extension for the whole 2018, and another until the end of 2019.

'Sarah'...

From A1 prompting the weather bureau to downgrade it to a tropical depression.

“Ramon” is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility within the next 24 hours.

The center of “Sarah” was estimated at 540 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph, Sarah was moving north-northwest at 30 kph.

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 remained in effect over Batanes, the northeastern portion of Cagayan, Lailo, Buguey, Gonzaga, Santa Ana, and the Calayan group of islands including Babuyan Islands.

THE net trust rating of Filipinos for China dropped to -33 points as it went from, "poor" to "bad," the Social Weather Stations said Wednesday.

From -24 points in June, China’s net trust rating decreased by nine percentage points in September, according to the polling firm.

Since SWS first surveyed it in August 1994, net trust in China has been positive in only 9 out of 51 polls.

It reached as high as a “moderate” (+17) in June 2010 and as low as a “bad” (-46) in September 2015.

Leni...

From A1 to the campaign against illegal drugs,” she said. “I never turn my back on the kind of work that is given to me whether it be big or small.”

She also said she had no intention of usurping the mandates of the other ICAD members.

On Wednesday, the Vice President met with Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Catalino Cuy at the DDB headquarters in Quezon City to harmonize efforts of ICAD. She declined, however, to attend the scheduled classified briefing with the chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Aaron Aquino.

“I refused because I wanted first to wait for the response of the President about my clarification of the limits of my mandate,” she said.

Earlier, Robredo met with representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, United States Embassy and other foreign organizations in connection with her role as ICAD cochairperson.

The President said Robredo invited a UN prosecutor to come to the Philippines to end the campaign against drugs.

“I do not know any UN prosecutor.

I have not written anyone. I have not invited anyone. If such information has reached him that I have invited someone, that’s fake news. And I hope the President would not just believe in fake news,” Robredo said.

Duterte on Tuesday threatened to slap a human rights advocate in front of Robredo if she brought him to the Philippines.

The President appeared to have been incensed over a Nov. 11 tweet by Phelim Kine, formerly of Human Rights Watch who had told Robredo: “My bags are packed and I’m ready to come to the #Philippines to help advise how to end this murderous ‘drug war.’”

“Meanwhile here is my Recommendation No. 1: Arrest #Duterte and his henchmen for inciting & instigating mass murder,” Kine said in the same tweet.

In a late night press conference Tuesday, Duterte railed against the vice president.

“I dare you, if you are that dedicated,

Senators...

From A1 Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday questioned Faeldon’s motive for requesting to realign P1 billion for the regional correctional facilities in his home province of Mindoro, where he had previously intended to run for public office.

“There is nothing illegal there in his request for realignment. But at that time, before the last elections, we heard that he was interested in running for an election post in Mindoro,” Drilon said.

While the request was not illegal, Drilon said, it was considered “improper” and “suspect.”

Faeldon, who was born in Batanes,

President Rodrigo Duterte’s independent foreign policy drove the Philippines closer to the Asian economic giant, but China has been aggressive in the South China Sea. On June 9, a Chinese trawler rammed and damaged a Filipino fishing vessel that was anchored at Recto Bank, which sparked anti-China sentiments among Filipinos.

Of the six specific countries tested

by SWS, China got the lowest net trust ratings.

The United States maintained an “ex-

cellent” rating with +72 points, while Australia and Japan had “good” with +37 and +35, respectively.

Net trust in the United States, the country’s longtime ally, has been positive since SWS first surveyed it in December 1994.

A “moderate” rating was recorded by Singapore (+26) and “neutral” for Vietnam (0).

The poll was conducted from Sept. 27 to 30 using face-to-face interviews of 1,800 adults nationwide with sampling error margins of ±2.3 percent. MJ Blancaflor

bring that person here. I will slap him in front of you,” he said in Filipino.

Earlier, Duterte also said he could not trust Robredo with a Cabinet position and confidential information about the drug trade because she is part of the opposition and would likely “jeopardize” state secrets.

This ran counter to his original offer for her to join ICAD as its co-chairperson with Cabinet rank.

“You can give the directions, you can give the guidance. But you do not have to go there and waggle inside the law enforcement process,” Duterte said.

The President said he disliked it that Robredo had talked with groups and individuals critical of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“Right after she was appointed, she began talking publicly about inviting the Human Rights Commission. She was talking to the United Nations. She wants to talk to the European...and she said so many things. If that’s the case, I said, I cannot appoint her as a Cabinet member,” Duterte said.

“She’s with the opposition and she would be attending Cabinet meetings.

In that (sic) Cabinet meetings, we discuss mundane matters, we discuss dayto-day matters, we discuss security matters, we discuss critical issues. If she was there, I don’t really know her and the way she behaved right after I appointed her does not inspire...it’s not inspiring,” he added.

Duterte also accused Robredo of “grandstanding” and called her a “scatterbrain” for talking to different government agencies, local stakeholders, and international partners as anti-drug czar.

“If that is the way her mouth behaves, that is the way...scatterbrain,” Duterte said.

“She was grandstanding. It was, it was like a carnival after. She was talking right and left,” he added.

Duterte said he is not firing Robredo, but merely setting the “parameters” of her tasks in the ICAD. Former Benigno Aquino III took a dig at the President for appointing Robredo as ICAD co-chairperson if he really did not trust her.

“You appointed her, then you do not trust her. It seems confusing. Normally, you appoint someone whom you trust,” he said.

PH...

From A1

has been residing in Mindoro, the home province of his wife. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the sacked BuCor chief wanted to run for Mindoro governor in the 2019 elections.

Faeldon, a former Marine captain who once led uprisings against government, was earlier linked to corruption during his time as Bureau of Customs chief but denied the allegations.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon slammed Faeldon for his “terrible” attempt to maneuver the budget.

“That is terrible... Mr. Faeldon has absolutely no business asking for a realignment. A bureau director has no business asking the realignment of a program,” he said.

Drilon asked Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to “officially withdraw”

Faeldon’s letter to Congress as the request was “totally improper.”

The improvement of regional prisons could have been the “starting point” of decongestion at the crowded national penitentiary, Drilon said.

The occupancy rate in the prison facilities in the country has reached 612 percent, the Commission on Audit noted in its 2017 report.

Duterte sacked Faeldon in September after the former soldier approved the release of several prisoners convicted of heinous crimes.

Prior to his BuCor appointment, Faeldon headed the Bureau of Customs. Under his watch, about P6.4 billion worth of shabu slipped past the agency, triggering a Senate investigation. Macon Ramos-Araneta

attacks, down from 486 in 2017 resulting in 297 deaths.

“Terrorist activity in the Philippines was dominated by the communist New People’s Army. The NPA was responsible over 36 percent of deaths and 39 percent of terror-related incidents, at 107 and 179 respectively,” the report showed.

“The NPA has engaged in an insurgency against the Filipino government for five decades and has been the Philippines’ deadliest terror group, causing 2,387 deaths since 1970,” it added.

IEP recorded NPA attacks across 39 provinces last year, with most casualties in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

The second deadliest terror group in the Philippines, the report said, was the Mindanao-based separatist organization Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF or the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement) followed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (also known as IS) which has affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf, the BIFF and the Maute Group.

“Both ISIL and ASG claimed responsibility for the only suicide bombing of 2018 that killed 12 people. This was the first recorded suicide bombing by ISIL in the Philippines, highlighting the spread of ISIL’s tactics in the region,” IEP said in its report.

Afghanistan, where the Taliban succeeded IS as the world’s deadliest terror group, topped the index with 1,443 attacks, killing 7,379 people, followed by Iraq with 1,131 attacks that left 1,054 dead, Nigeria with 562 attacks that killed 2,040 people, and Syria, which counted 131 incidents that claimed 662 lives.

Rounding up the top 10 countries most impacted by terrorism are Pakistan, Somalia, India, Yemen, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The number of global deaths from terrorism fell 15.2 percent in 2018 even as the number of countries affected by extremist violence continued to grow.

From a high of 33,555 deaths in 2014, when the Islamic State group lured tens of thousands of jihadists to the Middle East, the number of terrorism deaths has more than halved to 15,952 in 2018, the index showed. With AFP

Justice chief nominated to SC post

By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra has been nominated for the post of Supreme Court associate justice, which was left vacant following the promotion of Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta as the 26th Chief Justice on Oct. 23.

In a Nov. 20, 2019 endorsement letter filed with the Judicial and Bar Council, retired Sandiganbayan Justice and former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raoul Victorino nominated Guevarra for the post at the 15-member bench.

Victorino, who once served as a member of the JBC, said it was high time Guevarra joined the Supreme Court because he was a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence.

“In my decade number of public service until today, I have known the incumbent DOJ Secretary Guevarra as a dedicated public servant with an unblemished record,” Victorino said.

"I believe that he possesses the necessary credentials, professional experience and the motivation to discharge the duties as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. I have known Secretary Guevarra to be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence and his sense of patriotism through his socio-civic engagements."

Victorino said Guevarra was qualified for the post on the basis of his good track record in government service, including his being second honor at the Ateneo College of Law and second placer in the 1985 Bar examinations.

"Having in mind the best interest of the Supreme Court and the Judiciary, I highly recommend and nominate Secretary Menardo Guevarra as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court," Victorino said.

Victorino said Guevarra’s sterling performance as Justice secretary and his experience in Malacañang as Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs had proven his worth for the highest court of the land.

When sought for his comment on Victorino’s nomination, Guevarra said he had not yet thought about it, but he was not shutting his door from being nominated as a magistrate of the Supreme Court.

“Thank you for the endorsement. I will think about it very, very seriously, but I still have a lot of work to do at the DOJ,” Guevarra said.

“I am not hesitating, it's just that I have lots of things to do pa at the DOJ. So I'll think about it. I have not really thought about it because I am busy with the work at the DOJ. But at a proper time, I will consider it.”

Guevarra is 65 years old. He is a native of Malhacan, Meycauayan, Bulacan, and graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University as magna cum laude after finishing his Political Science degree in 1974. Afterwards, he finished his masters degree in Economics at University of the Philippines in 1977.

He is an ex-officio member of the JBC, but is expected to inhibit himself from the vetting process once he accepts the nomination.

2FromCabinet...

A1 my office and we will have a one-onone talk,” Duterte said.

“If proven true, I’ll fire you. That’s for sure…But let us observe due process,” he added.

PACC Greco Belgica earlier said the two sitting Cabinet officials have been accused of violating Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act based on the complaints filed.

He also said one of the complaints was filed by an official from the Cabinet secretary’s department while the other was submitted by a private citizen.

The two unidentified Cabinet members, Belgica said, have been cooperating with PACC investigators as the commission conducted a lifestyle check and probe on them which began in February.

Duterte has repeatedly said he would not tolerate even a “whiff” of corruption from any government employee, but he was also criticized for reappointing sacked officials to other government posts.

This year, Duterte fired Bureau of Corrections Chief Nicanor Faeldon and Jose Antonio Goitia, former chief of the now defunct Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, over allegations of corruption.

News

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THURSDAY, NOVERMBER 21, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 still to pick next PNP chief

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte remained undecided about who should be his third Philippine National Police chief despite his confidence in the character of the officials recommended to him.

Speaking to Palace reporters Tuesday, Duterte said he has not yet chosen the next leader of the 40,000 strong police force who would pick officials in key positions.

The PNP is currently led only by an officer in charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has recommended the PNP’s top three officials as possible successors: Gamboa; Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan; and Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

The first two belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, while Eleazar belongs to the 1987 class.

“They’re all good. They’re soldiers.

They came from the Academy. I have no doubt about their integrity but I am taking my time appointing one,” Duterte said.

Asked about what hinders him from appointing the new PNP chief, he said: “Because he would be appointing the heads of every department there especially the controller and the finance people.”

The PNP’s former chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde quit his post over a drugrelated scandal.

Allegations that he protected the so-called “ninja cops” he had worked with when he was Pampanga police chief in 2013 prompted Albayalde to relinquish his post and go into nonduty status last Oct. 14.

Albayalde quietly retired on Nov. 8, as he traded the traditional full-dress parade and review for a prayer service.

He faces a criminal complaint filed by the PNP itself over the “ninja cops” incident.

IN BRIEF Court to hear cyberlibel case vs. Ressa, reporter THE trial of the cyberlibel case filed against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and a former reporter will proceed after a Manila City regional trial court denied the plea of the accused to dismiss the case for lack of evidence.

This came after the Manila RTC Branch 46 denied Ressa and Reynaldo Santos, Jr.’s demurrer to evidence for lack of merit and set the continuation of trial for December 6 for the presentation of defense evidence.

A demurrer to evidence seeks the dismissal of a charge based on insufficient prosecution evidence. The granting of this pleading means junking a case without the defense presenting its own evidence. Rey E. Requejo

SOFT LAUNCH. The Philippine National Police, with Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies, conducted the soft launching of the Security Licensing data integration and generation system online LESP registration at the one-stop shop in Camp Crame. Photo shows security guard line up to register in the newly data system of SOSIA. Manny Palmero

House committee okays ‘disaster resilience’ entity T

By Maricel V. Cruz

HE House of Representatives’ Committee on Reorganization on Wednesday passed the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience.

The panel, chaired by Batangas Rep. Mario Vittorio Mariño, approved the bill that carries ‘joint operational supervision’ clause over four agencies vital to DDR, namely Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, PAGASA, Phivolcs, Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Environment department and Bureau of Fire Protection in lieu of attaching them.

Marked as an urgent bill by President Rodrigo Duterte himself, this was the second time the Lower House has passed the DDR proposal after it was overran by the 2018 national elections in the 17th

Congress. Public clamor for the measure ensued following a series of earthquake devastations in Mindanao, according to the bill’s principal author, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

Salceda said the DDR is envisioned to be the primary government agency that is “responsible, accountable, and liable for leading, managing, and organizing national efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks; prepare for and respond to disasters; and recover, rehabilitate, and build forward better after the destruction.”

He said the DDR will be a fullblown department headed by a Secretary, supported by undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and directors with an initial budget of P10 billion.

The proposal initially required taking under DDR’s wings, from their mother departments, the PHIVOLCS and the PAGASA, the Geo-Hazard Assessment and Engineering Geology Section of the MGB, and the BFP, said Salceda.

But the House-approved version has settled for a new provision that preferred the “joint supervision” of these vital government bureaus, which the DDR needed for unity of command during disasters.

BARMM joins 30th year of UN Session for children COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government commits greater focus on children’s issues in a landmark Special Parliamentary Session to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world.

The Bangsamoro Government responded to the BARMM Children’s Declaration advocating for better education, an end to poverty and hunger, lasting peace, more parenting programs and increased participation in finding solutions to issues that affect them.

Sotto eyes 2020 budget okay before the holiday break DESPITE the unpredictable debates during the bicameral conference meetings, Senate President Vicente Sotto said Congress is eyeing to have the proposed 2020 General Appropriations Act enacted and signed into law before lawmakers go on a break for the holidays on Dec. 20.

“We expect healthy debates among members of the bicameral panel as they thresh out and reconcile the differences in our respective versions of the measure,” said Sotto.

But he hopes the senators and House members will remain levelheaded and open-minded during the discussions. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘China can paralyze PH energy supply’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta CHINA is capable of paralyzing the energy supply in the entire country through a remote control, according to National Transmission Company President Atty. Melvin Matibag.

Matibag made thee disclosure during the Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of Energy.

He said China and other possible hackers can do this due to the newlyinstalled remote monitoring and control system in the transmission lines of electricity being run by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Matibag said the transmission line is the lone ‘daluyan’ ng kuryente’ coming from different plants nationwide going to the distribution facilities like Meralco. It was in 2009 when this was sold to the government.

The State Grid of China purchased 40 percent of the shares which has used remote monitoring and control system.

In the budget deliberations, Senator Risa Hontiveros directly asked if China can tap the system via remote control and if the Chinese or foreigners will operate this.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian who defended the DOE budget said he was informed by the Transco President that this can be done due to the modern technology and software in communication.

At this point, Hontiveros warned of the dangers in the national security especially since Transco officials admitted they were not given regular and full access in the transmission lines.

3 more polio cases confirmed—DOH

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

COMFORT WOMEN. Former “comfort women” Narcisa Claveria (left) and Estelita Dy of the Philippines, who were forced to serve as sex slaves for Japanese troops during World War II, participate in a weekly demonstration demanding the Japanese government’s formal apology, near the Japanese embassy in Seoul on Nov. 20, 2019 —Mainstream historians say up to 200,000 women—mostly from Korea, but also other parts of Asia including China—were forced to become sex slaves, so-called “comfort women”, for Japanese soldiers during World War II. AFP

Solon quizzes Drilon’s timing on criticism of SEAG cauldron

By Maricel V. Cruz A PARTY-LIST congressman on Wednesday questioned the timing of Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s criticism on the construction of a P50-million South East Asian Games cauldron, even as he warned that the controversy may cause demoralization and create an atmosphere of discontent among Filipino athletes.

Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor, chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts, said any issue against the cauldron should have been raised after

the SEA Games.

“That is bad timing, wrong for country and wrong for the athletes,” Defensor said at a news forum.

“If there is any issue, it should have been raised after the SEA Games because it will only cause demoralization to our athletes whom for sure have their own concerns during their trainings,” Defensor said.

As far as Defensor is concerned, the controversy hounding the P55-million stadium cauldron should be put to rest “for the greater good of the nation.”

He echoed an earlier statement of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano that the

controversial cauldron is even cheaper compared to the P62 million cauldron of Singapore in 2015 and P85 million cauldron of Malaysia in 2017.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the cost of the cauldron could have gone to building 50 classrooms.

Meanwhile, following the call of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go to rally behind Filipino athletes in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Sen. Imee Marcos said she hopes that the athletes would reap the most number of gold medals due to the huge expenses incurred for the country’s hosting of the said event.

THE Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed three more cases of poliovirus, which were all reported from Mindanao, bringing to seven the total of new polio cases this year.

Samples from the three new cases that were sent to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases-Japan came out positive for poliovirus.

All three cases were admitted to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center.

The first case is a two year-old female from Maguindanao who complained of fever and weakness in both legs The second case is a one year-old male from Cotabato City who had fever, cough, and weakness in both legs.

The third case is a four year-old female from North Cotabato who exhibited fever, weakness of the right leg, neck, and facial muscles.

The first two cases were unvaccinated with the polio vaccine, while the third received incomplete doses.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said it is unacceptable that more children are falling victims to this vaccine-preventable disease.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Professionalize journalism SOMETIME in 1996 when President Fidel Ramos went on a state visit to Moscow, I joined the business delegation. being the chairman of a travel agency—Metrolink Travel and Tours.

We—including Mr. Ramos—were all booked at a gated government building with surrounding walls eight feet high. I learned that it used to be the KGB headquarters.

Journalism is a calling, and this is the least we can do for workers who face risk and hardship.

It could be my imagination, but late at night when our lights were off, I heard strange sounds—people moaning and screaming. Later, my companions told me I was not the only one who heard these!

That building was used by the Russian government to house foreign visitors. In any case, we survived it.

On our way back from Moscow, the President and the business delegation made a stopover in Prague, in the Czech Republic. At that time, there were demonstrations and rallies in Metro Manila against a People’s Initiative Movement to extend the term of Ramos. The rallies were being led by Jose Concepcion, a former Cabinet member of President Cory Aquino. Curiously, JoeCon’s brother Rene, president of their air-conditioning and appliance company, was with

us in the group.

The trip gave me the opportunity to consult with the President, and Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo. I had a plan to counter the People’s Initiative movement by having the entire business delegation form itself into a team aimed at supporting President Ramos, and more importantly to be a core group that accompanies the President in his foreign trips, helping him attract foreign investments.

Ramos and Romulo approved of my plan. They gave me the go-signal to form the group which we called Team Philippines.

Eventually, the People’s Initiative Movement died a natural death. Team Philippines continued. When Joseph Estrada became president, I continued to accompany him in his foreign trips. I was then chairman of the Board of Advisers since I was the one who founded the organization.

During Erap’s incumbency, we realized Team Philippines sounded like a sports group so we changed the name to Philippines Inc. Philippines Inc. continued on to the Arroyo and Noynoy Aquino presidencies. Tonyboy Cojuangco was made chairman and Tony Lopa, my former student, became president. The group was even invited to Washington.

I resigned my role as chairman because I did not want to be identified with BS Aquino. Besides, I can also no longer afford paying P100,000 for the membership. Annie Tan Yee continues to be both secretary and treasurer.

It’s unfortunate that President Rodrigo Duterte has not used Philippines Inc. It is now a moribund organization. Still, I think it served its

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Costly cauldron, cheap shots

S

ENATOR Franklin Drilon has been scoring political points by questioning the cost of an elevated cauldron to be used in the torch lighting ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted this year by the Philippines.

This he has done by juxtaposing the Filipino term for a lowly kitchen implement, the kaldero, with its cost, P50 million, and observing that for the same amount, the country could have gained 50 more classrooms.

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

Drilon pointed out during deliberations on the proposed 2020 budget for 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?”

The math is right, but the conclusion—maybe not so simple.

We do not imagine, for instance, that members of the SEA Games organizers sitting down one day and deciding

to forgo 50 classrooms in favor of the torch lighting tower.

The budget for the SEA Games, after all, was a lump sum in the 2019 national budget, so the decision to build a torch tower in favor of 50 classrooms had already been made

by Congress, when it approved the allocation for this year’s regional sports event.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who chairs the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, notes that the cauldron, designed by national artist for architecture Bobby Mañosa, is not just a large casserole, but a towering structure that would keep the SEA Games’ symbolic flame burning for 11 days.

The cauldron itself amounts to P7 million, but an P18-million mecha-

nism is required to keep the flame lit for about 264 straight hours, he said, and another P17 million is allocated for development of the monument’s site at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. The government will need another P5 million to keep the flame burning for 11 days, he added.

Seen from this perspective, the cauldron may be expensive, but not unreasonable. Certainly, we cannot put a price tag on our national pride.

After all, it is not every year that the country hosts the prestigious biennial multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia. The last time it did was in 2005, and before that in 1991.

Besides, all these expenses can be audited after the games are over, and the responsible officials may be made to answer for any anomalies found. In the meantime, equating the SEA Games torch to a P50-million kaldero that cost us 50 classrooms— that’s just taking cheap pot shots at an easy target.

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A probe is in order

NOW that Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza has already filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the proliferation of unregulated couriers, the House of Representatives could finally come up with legislation to regulate the activities of these delivery services outfits which are allegedly being used by unscrupulous individuals for illicit activities.

In his House Resolution No. 481 entitled “A Resolution Urging the House of Representatives of the Philippines to Call for an Inquiry in Aid of Legislation, Into The Proliferation of Unregulated Courier Operators,” Atienza urged his colleagues to look into unregistered couriers which could pose dangers to the public.

These unlicensed couriers include small players like those catering to on-demand delivery, like Grab Delivery and Grab Food, Transportify, Angkas Delivery and Lalamove which can be availed by simply downloading apps on smartphones.

Big-time players which lack the necessary requisites to operate in the Philippines also include the Ninja Express Tech Philippines, or Ninja Van; the PH Global Jet Express, Inc or J&T Express and the AAI Logistics Cargo Express, Inc. or Black Arrow Express.

A check with the list of couriers accredited by the Department of Information and Communications Technology reveals not one of the aforementioned couriers are among the 113 couriers accredited by the Postal Regulations Division of the DICT. Lacking the needed training and qualifications, these unlicensed couriers and forwarders are reportedly prone to exploitation by unscrupulous individuals to apply, and later on steal, lose or damage the property of customers.

Worse, customers are left uncertain with regard to whom to run after the value of their lost, damaged, or pilfered shipments. There there is no clear identity of the liable party, as these operators claim their drivers are simply independent contractors, which means these operators are simply facilitators.

Thus, in cases when problems arises, like pilfered packages or even food poisoning, these couriers could simply pass the blame on their independent contractors.

Where is the accountability here?

Instances of these couriers being used by unscrupulous individuals including drug traffickers and even terrorists have been documented and reported in the media.

The Quiapo explosion in May 2017, for one, was traced to a package sent and carried by a Grab driver to its consignee.

In another instance, a TNVS driver was arrested while delivering another drug package to a consignee.

A news report aired on television detailed how a package delivered by J&T Express to an online customer was pilfered. Months passed before the customer was reimbursed by the courier company for her loss.

“There is indeed a need to craft a law in order to regulate the couriers services in the country to protect the consumers and the legitimate players of the industry. They maybe helping fill the void in the delivery services created by the sudden surge of e-commerce, but still they cannot be left uncheck and unregulated.” *** It seems the National Bureau of Investigation has no full grasp of the concept of computerization.

For a while, NBI officials have prided themselves in claiming they are alTurn to A5

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‘Magtanim ay ‘di biro’ THE President has ordered the suspension of rice importation, in line with the continuing losses suffered by many of our local farmers. These losses were brought about by the decreasing prices of palay, reaching as low as P10 per kilo in some areas according to reports.

On average, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that farmgate prices dropped to P15.43 per kilogram last month, that is, 24.2 percent lower than that of same period in 2018. Correspondingly, the volume of production of palay from July to September 2019 also went down to 3.05 million metric tons, 4.7 percent significantly lower than that in 2018.

The PSA also released its report on the costs and returns for selected commodities for 2018. Palay production costs per hectare reached up to P47,675 in 2018. Gross returns per hectare were estimated at P81,024.

However, net returns per hectare were

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

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

only at P33,349 average for both irrigated and non-irrigated land.

The numbers above reflect the hardship experienced by our local palay farmers. While we welcome the

If the trend persists, we might as well see our rice industry dying a natural death. suspension order from the President, this is merely a band-aid solution to a deeply-entrenched problem in our agricultural sector. As I have said in

my previous articles, our agricultural industry suffers from the lack of natural irrigation and modernized farming techniques and equipment which leads to higher production costs. We are also prone to typhoons which flood our rice fields. These unfortunate circumstances lead to a domino effect of high market prices of produce suffered by the consuming population and, consequently, food crisis.

The Rice Tariffication Law intends to reduce market prices by easing restrictions on rice importation, thereby allowing the influx of imported rice in the market to augment the thinning supply of local rice. Based on the October 2019 Philippine Statistics Authority Inventory, total rice stocks are at 2.279 million metric tons, higher by 43.4 percent than last year. While rice importation helped fulfill rice demands in the country, the net effect still puts our local farmers at a disadvantage.

Turn to A5

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

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

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

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

Searching for an honest cop IT HAS been 11 days since the retirement of PGeneral Oscar Albayalde and President Duterte has not yet made up his mind on whom to appoint as PNP chief.

Ordinarily, there should have been already a turnover ceremony. There are reports though that the President is finding it difficult to find an honest cop to replace Albayalde. We do not know exactly what “honest cop” means as far as the President is concerned. If he is looking for a cop without sin, then I am afraid he will never find one. But if he is looking for one whose service record is relatively free of involvement in controversial or serious cases, then there should be many around from whom he can choose a PNP chief.

Based from his own admission, he was blindsided about the controversial Pampanga anti-drug raid in 2013.

This admission could be interpreted to mean that had he known about it, he might not have appointed Albayalde as PNP chief in the first place.

This is the most likely reason he is taking his own sweet time to appoint a replacement. He does not want to get burned again. From what I have been informed, the selection of General Albayalde was largely due to the recommendation of Senator Bato dela Rosa. Before Albayalde’s appointment, there was an announcement that PLt General Ramon Apolinario, an officer who served in Davao City and who is known personally by the President was going to take over the reins of the PNP. It seems, however, that the lobby of PMA class of 1986 and that of Senator Dela Rosa was stronger and Apolinario eventually lost out to Albayalde. This is one of the few instances wherein the President appointed a Chief PNP whom he did not know.

In all my years in the uniformed

Professionalize...

From A4

purpose, and well. *** In my column last Friday, I lamented the fact that despite my 70 years as a journalist, I still have to pound on my typewriter and beat my deadline three times a week because I still have to earn a living. As a journalist, I cannot look forward to a pension or retirement pay. If any of my immediate family members, or I, get hospitalized, I do not even have health insurance.

This is why I say journalism is a calling rather than a profession.

When I went to Australia many years ago, I learned that journalists there are co-owners of the news organization where they work. They are part of a cooperative. This cooperative gives them loans and health insurance. When they retire, they can look forward to retirement pay and a pension. The co-op even puts up a trust fund for them, tax-free!

This is a good formula for rewarding professional journalists for all the risks and hardships they face on the job. Sometimes they get sued for libel, or receive death threats. Indeed,

‘Magtanim...

From A4

We cannot be oblivious to the fact that many of our rice farmers are suffering due to the continuous decrease in the prices of rice and market saturation of imported rice. If such a trend persists, time will come when our local rice industry will die a natural death.

So, where do we go from here? With the suspension of rice importation, the government needs to provide urgent support to our local farmers whom we will rely on for our rice supply in the coming months. However, if this administration decides to continue with the importation of rice after the harvest season, adequate and effective safeguards must be established.

Aside from the threats imposed on

service, the appointment of the Chief, PNP has always been largely a political decision. This means that the officer appointed may not necessarily be the best there is because other considerations come into play in the selection process. Political reliability, loyalty or friendship with the President—like former PNP Chief Alan Purisima and President Noynoy Aquino—could take precedence in the selection process.

Purisima and Noynoy Aquino were shooting buddies.

Primarily, what does “honest” mean, anyway?

It could also be that an officer spends an inordinate amount of time in making himself look good in front of the appointing authority instead of doing his official duties. In fact, an officer was appointed just doing exactly that.

This is not to say, however, that no Chief PNP was ever appointed solely based on his proven qualifications and track record. There were such cases.

It simply means that the selection process is complicated and that not reaching the top does not mean failure. No matter what position an officer eventually reaches, the PNP is rich with work and experiences that could be as satisfying to an officer who simply wants to serve his or her country as a professional law enforcer.

If the President is indeed taking his time to pick a new PNP Chief, it could mean that there is a possibility that the three recommended top contenders for the post may not be appointed. It could be that we will see another onestar officer being appointed to the post like what happened to Senator Dela Rosa.

This deep selection process is of course perfectly legal but will disrupt many careers especially if the one

selected belongs to a much younger class like 1989. If this happens, the PMA class where the Chief PNP is chosen becomes the ruling class.

What will happen next is that those officers who belong to earlier classes will then be side lined to no-performing assignments which is a shame because a lot of these officers are capable and well-trained. A lot of talent will be wasted. Some senior officers will of course survive the reshuffle and hold on to some command and staff positions, but most of them will be side lined. That in essence is what the term ruling class means.

Let us hope, however, that this will not happen and that the President will eventually pick someone from the class of 1986 and 87 so that the selection will not be so disruptive. This, considering that by 2023, there will be no longer any PMA graduate left in the PNP. There is of course another way and that is for the President to broaden the field of search to include nonPMA graduates and officers who were commissioned into the regular force in the dying years of the Philippine Constabulary, if there are still any of them left in the police service. Surely, there must be some of these officers who can fit into what the President is looking for to be the new PNP Chief. And since the bulk of the PNP officer corps are now composed of graduates from the PNPA, they could start running the show earlier than 2023 when all PMA graduates are gone.

If this happens, this would be a seismic change in the police organization.

This depends entirely on the President, although I for one do not see this happening at all. Because the President is somewhat a creature of habit, it is most likely that if he is not comfortable with the three recommended officers, he might go deeper in the selection process and appoint a one-star officer whom he knows personally or just leave the current arrangement as is until all PMA 1986 people have retired and then appoint a new chief.

journalism is not your ordinary profession.

I make this suggestion for serious study. It will benefit media institutions because their workers would have a stake in their success, and of course journalists will be justly compensated for their efforts.

Maybe press organizations can take a look at this as a way of solving the problem, not really for me or my contemporaries, but for the next generation of journalists. *** House Bill 5267, sponsored by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, promises to resolve the debate on whether or not to tax Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations.

The Salceda bill will make POGOs pay a 5-percent franchise tax and 25-percent withholding tax for foreign workers earning at least P600,000 monthly. The measure is expected to earn for the country taxes of around P45 billion a year.

HB 5267 seeks to amend Presidential Decree 1869, the law covering PAGCOR by directly imposing a franchise tax on the P200-billion POGO industry.

Currently, PAGCOR collects only a regulatory fee of 2 percent, or P8 billion per year, and plans to remit only

P400 million to the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

This House bill also seeks to regulate POGOs. Imagine, out of some 100 POGOs operating here, only 60 have been given a license by Pagcor!

our local rice production, liberalization of rice importation also poses a risk to consumers. To attain food security, we should not only concern ourselves with the numbers but also the quality of the products imported and sold in local markets. This may be done through strict enforcement of regulatory mechanisms that will also serve as effective quality control measures. We cannot disregard the possibility that rice importers would take advantage of this situation and overship or undervalue imported products.

We cannot let this supplemental system established by the Rice Tariffication Law be rigged by corrupt practices which thwart our economic growth.

Hence, I repeat my call to the government, particularly to the agencies concerned with rice production and distribution, to strike a balance be-

tween importation and local production. While we aim to address food crisis and achieve food security by seeking external help, let us not forget to provide the necessary support to our local agricultural industry and make it sustainable in the long run.

Let us move forward with more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable measures that will increase economic opportunities for our local farmers.

I reiterate my call for the study and eventual utilization of modern farming techniques and equipment. Moreover, let us examine other alternative crops for planting that will expand the livelihood of our farmers.

As we near the Christmas season, a meaningful celebration should recognize the difficult situation of our farmers, and a work toward a firm resolve to improve their conditions.

Solicitor General Jose Calida said POGOs cannot be taxed because the law imposes tax from source, and since POGOs get their earnings not in the country in which they operate but from outside bettors, they cannot be taxed. But why is he giving his opinion at all? Isn’t that the function of the Department of Finance through the BIR? *** There is a strong move to have Senator Leila de Lima released from detention. She has spent 1,000 days in prison, on charges of drug trafficking.

The movement is obviously led by the Yellows, which has been quoting the dissenting opinions to the majority decision thumbing down the move to release her.

I have also read portions of these dissenting opinions. Still, I know that it is the majority opinion that counts and they must bow to that decision.

Now, whether or not President Duterte committed an injustice by prosecuting De Lima is another matter.

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

The likely legacy of President Duterte ALTHOUGH President Duterte is not quite at the mid-point of his six-year term, it’s probably correct to say that he has already displayed everything that the Filipino people can expect from him as President and that he will spring no surprises during the remaining period of his presidency. Thus, it is possible to speak of the legacy of Mr. Duterte’s first two and a half years in office.

It does not look good.

It is not a good legacy. Every one of the four major elements of the Duterte program of government— the four major things that he promised the Filipino people during the 2016 electoral campaign—has not been crowned with success. Those things were the eradication of the illegal drug problem, a shift to a truly independent foreign policy, a Golden Age of Infrastructure and the termination of the communist insurgency. Let’s examine them in turn.

First, Mr. Duterte’s war against illegal drugs. A few months after his assumption of the presidency, Rodrigo Duterte declared that he did not think he could solve the illegal-drugs problem within the six-month period that he promised during the electoral campaign. He said that he would need more time. In the meantime, thousands of Filipinos—around 6,000 according to the PNP (Philippine National Police), more than 20,000 according to domestic and international human-rights watchdogs—have lost their lives in relentless PNP forays into the nation’s poor neighborhoods. In the great majority of instances, the official explanation was that the gunneddown individuals resisted arrest.

In contrast, not a single drug lord has been tried and convicted. To make matters a whole lot worse, high officials of the PNP and the Bureau of Customs have been suspected of involvement in the smuggling of illegal drugs and in the recycling of confiscated illegal drugs.

Recently, an exasperated Rodrigo Duterte declared that the war on illegal drugs was unwinnable.

Stung by criticism from Leni Robredo, he dared the Vice President to accept the position of co-chairperson of ICAD (Inter-Agency Committee Against Illegal Drugs).

To his surprise, and the surprise of many others, Vice President Ro-

A probe...

From A4

ready wired and all their records can easily be accessed in a click of the button. But it seems they have no idea of updating one’s record.

While this was brought to my attention to my friend, I actually had my own experience concerning the NBI’s failure to update its database.

I ignored it then, thinking it was just an isolated case.

My friend, who also happens to be a journalist, had his libel case dismissed about three decades ago.

But when he applied for a US Visa January this year, his case appeared in the database of the US Embassy and he was advised to clear himself with the NBI which he did.

But when he went again to renew his clearance recently, his “hit” once again appeared in the NBI database.

I had a similar experience. About two years ago, I was asked to secure an NBI clearance as a requirement for my LTOPF. It was then that I

bredo accepted the presidential offer.

The shift to an independent foreign policy that Mr. Duterte promised in 2016 has proven to be not exactly that; it has proven to be a shift away from traditional allies—especially the US and the European Union—and toward traditional non-allies, namely China and Russia. From the start of his presidency, Mr. Duterte declared that his administration would at first be more interested in obtaining loans and investments from China than in enforcing the Philippines’ hard-won victory in the case it filed in the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) against China regarding China’s extravagant claim over the waters of the South China Sea. Nearly halfway into his presidency, Mr. Duterte cannot claim great success in his administration’s quest for Chinese economic goodies. What he can be certain of is that he has not won the Filipino people’s support for his new foreign policy; a recent survey showed that 95 percent of Filipinos wants President Duterte to enforce the PCA judgment.

At the outset Mr. Duterte boasted that he could sweet-talk CPP-NDF chairman Jose Ma. Sison into agreeing to end one of the world’s longest-running communist insurgencies. After several negotiating sessions with the CPP-NDF leadership, the sweet talk turned to insults and threats of worse things to come. In recent months the military arm of CPPNDF, the New People’s Army (NPA), has returned to its warlike ways, attacking government forces and inflicting damage on the nation’s rural economy. Another truce with the communists in the near future is unlikely; an end to their insurgency is an even dimmer prospect.

When it was first announced in 2016, the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build program—a program that would usher in a Golden Age of Infrastructure—was greeted with skepticism and disbelief in many knowledgeable quarters. Seventy-nine “flagship projects” costing P8 billion were regarded as too ambitious, too costly and too taxing for the Philippine economy’s absorptive capacity. The recent revelation that only nine of the 79 projects had been completed validated the doubts and fears regarding the Build, Build, Build program’s realism. It definitely looks like the Golden Age of Infrastructure’s time has not yet come.

This is the legacy of Rodrigo Duterte at the end of his first two and a half years in office. Barring a dramatic turnaround during the next three and half years of his term, it is likely to be the legacy of his entire presidency.

found out that my case, which was already dismissed in 1990, was still not cleared by the NBI. So I had to go to the Manila RTC to get a court clearance and eventually secured my NBI clearance.

However, when it again tried to secure a clearance around April this year, the same case again flashed in the monitor of the NBI personnel processing my papers.

So, what’s wrong with their records? When my friend asked the NBI personnel who attended to him, he was told they cannot do anything to expunge his record regarding his case even though it was already dismissed because it was in their database. What’s the problem with that? All they have to do is update their database.

Do we need to undergo the same process every time we renew our clearance? Clearly, that is incompetence on the NBI’s part and they are not doing anything to address the issue. And we, the public, are the ones made to suffer.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Regional Trial Court NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Branch 93, Quezon City VICTOR NIÑO G. BUENA, Plaintiff -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-18-14532 For: Annulment of Deed of Sale Annulment of Transfer Certificate of Title Reconveyance and Damages ANTONIO BERNABE G. BUENA, JOHANNI MARIE RACELA BUENA, REGISTRY OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x--------------------------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO : ANTONIO BERNABE G. BUENA JOHANNI MARIE RACELA BUENA, No. 10 Fernandez Street, Brgy. San Antonio, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City GREETINGS: You are required, within sixty (60) days after service of this summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your ANSWER to the verified Complaint, copy of which is attached, together with the annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 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 answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and may be granted the relief applied for in the verified Complaint.

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 23rd day of September 2019.

(Sgd.) PHILIPSON A. DOCABO Officer-In-Charge

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Regional Trial Court Quezon City Branch 93, VICTOR NIÑO G. BUENA, Plaintiff -versusCivil Case No. R-QZN-18-14532 For: Annulment of Deed of Sale Annulment of Transfer Certificate of Title Reconveyance and Damages ANTONIO BERNABE G. BUENA, JOHANNI MARIE RACELA BUENA, REGISTRY OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x--------------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF, by undersigned counsel, to the Honorable Court most respectfully pleads: 1. Plaintiff Victor Niño G. Buena (“plaintiff”) is a Filipino citizen, of legal age, married, and a resident of 10 Fernandez St., Brgy. San Antonio, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City 1105. Plaintiff may be served with processes of the Honorable Court through the undersigned counsel.

2. Defendant Antonio Bernabe G. Buena (“defendant Antonio”) is a Filipino Citizen, of legal age, married Johanni Marie Racela, and a resident of 3019 Ashbury Dr., Naperville, Illinois, United States of America where he may be served with summons and other court processes.

3. Defendant Johanni Marie Racela (“Defendant Johanni”) is a Filipino Citizen, of legal age, married to Antonio Bernabe G. Buena, and a resident of 3019 Ashbury Dr., Naperville, Illinois, United States of America where she may be served with summons and other court processes.

4. Defendant Registry of Deeds of Quezon City (“defendant RD”) is the government agency mandated to register real property, transfer, issue land titles or certified copies thereof in accordance with the Land Registration Act, with address at Quezon City Hall, is impleaded as a necessary party and represented by Register of Deeds, Quezon City.

ALLEGATIONS COMMON TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION 5. The Spouses Mariano L. Buena and Elisa P. Gozun-Buena were the registered owners of a parcel o f land, with all improvements thereof, containing an area of ONE HUNDRED NINE (109) SQUARE METERS more or less covered

by TCT No. RT-101090 (373472) located in 10 Fernandez St., Barangay San Antonio, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City and particularly described as: Attached as Annex “A” is a copy of TCT No. RT-101090 (373472) and made integral part of this Complaint. All other annexes are made integral parts of this Complaint.

6. The Spouses Mariano L. Buena and Elisa P. Gozun had two sons, plaintiff and defendant Antonio.

7. On 23 January 2017, defendant Antonio informed plaintiff via a Viber message that the former’s sister-in-law Ditas Racela will take over the management of the house situated in the lot covered by TCR-No. RT-101090 (“Fernandez house”).

7.1 Since his sister-in-law is not new to the plaintiff, he accepted the arrangement without any knowledge that the defendant Antonio intended to transfer the title of the Fernandez house under his name.

8. On 1 July 2018, defendant Antonio informed the plaintiff via a Viber message that the property covered by TCT No. RT101090 has already been transferred to his name.

Attached as Annex “B” is a certified true copy of TCT No. 004-2018005949. Also attached as Annex “C” is a copy of the Deed of Absolute Sale executed on 29 May 2004.

9. When the plaintiff learned that the title of the Fernandez house was already transferred to Defendant Antonio and he was planning to sell it, plaintiff informed Defendant Antonio that he wanted to preserve the property due to its sentimental value.

Thus, Defendant Antonio offered to sell the lot covered by TCT No. RT101090 to plaintiff at the amount of Php 3,200,000.00 with a 10% discount when paid in cash. Plaintiff was given one (1) month to decide on the said offer.

10. On 27 July 2018, plaintiff informed defendant Antonio that his selling price of P3.2M was too high. Based on plaintiff’s inquiry from the Assessor’s Office of Quezon City, the market value per square meter in the area of the lot is only Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00).

11. Thus, plaintiff offered to buy the said property at P15,000.00 per sq/m. or P5,000.00 higher than its prevailing market value) which will total to Php1,635,000.

12. The total price of the property amounting to P1,935,000 including the value of the house at Php 300,000.00, less 10% discount if paid in cash, the net price will be Php 1,741,500. Plaintiff told defendant Antonio to consider the sentimental value of the property and the sacrifices made by the parties’ parents in acquiring it.

13. On 7 August 2018, defendant Antonio rejected the counter proposal of plaintiff.

14. Sensing some irregularity, plaintiff inquired how defendant Antonio was able to transfer the property under the latter’s name, via a Deed of Absolute Sale dated 29 May 2004, without settlement of the estate their mother Elisa Buena, who died on 10 July 2002.

A copy of the Death Certificate of Elisa Buena is attached as Annex “D”.

15. On 9 August 2018, plaintiff and his wife went to defendant RD to request for copies of TCT No. 004-2018005949 that was registered under defendant Antonio’s name and relevant documents to the title. Plaintiff and his wife obtained copies of the TCT, Deed of Absolute Sale and BIR Certificate Authorizing Registration / Tax Clearance Certificate.

16. On 11 September 2018, defendant Antonio told plaintiff that there is no need for extrajudicial settlement of the estate of their late parents since defendant Antonio had already caused the transfer of the title of the property under his name.

17. On 12 October 2018, plaintiff filed an Affidavit of Adverse Claim with the Registry of Deeds, Quezon City.

18. On 29 October 2018, defendant Antonio informed plaintiff that the former had sold the property and by reason of said sale, whatever is left in the house, defendant Anthony will hire a mover to take them out from the house and send a surveyor to put markers on the borders of the property.

Attached as Annex “E” is a copy of the Affidavit of Adverse Claim.

FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION ANNULMENT OF SALE 19. Plaintiff re-pleads by reference all the foregoing allegations.

20. Article 1409 of the Civil Code provides: “Art. 1409. The following contracts are inexistent and void from the beginning: (1) Those whose cause, object or purpose is contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy; (2) Those which are absolutely simulated or fictitious; (3) Those whose cause or object did not exist at the time of the transaction; (4) Those whose object is outside the commerce of men; (5) Those which contemplate an impossible service; (6) Those where the intention of the parties relative to the principal object of the contract cannot be ascertained; (7) Those expressly prohibited or declared void by law.

Those contracts cannot be ratified. Neither can the right to set up the defense of illegality be waived.”

21. Moreover, Article 1410 of the Civil Code provides that the action of defense for the declaration of the inexistence of a contract does not prescribe.

22. In the instant case, the transfer of the property under the defendant Antonio’s name, via a Deed of Absolute Sale dated 29 May 2004 is void for being absolutely simulated or fictitious.

Aside from the fact that the estate their mother Elisa Buena has yet to be settled, the Deed of Absolute Sale was a forgery. Appearing as one of the signatories therein was Elisa Buena, who died on 10 July 2002.

23. The forgery and absolute simulation of the Deed of Sale is a foregone conclusion. The signature of a person who has died two (2) years prior to the date of the instrument only proves that it is a forgery and the contract does not produce any legal effect. Neither will any person derive rights from such forged instrument.

SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION ANNULMENT OF TITLE 24. Plaintiff re-pleads by reference all the foregoing allegations.

25. The forged Deed of Absolute Sale is null and does not convey any title to defendant Spouses Buena.

26. The ruling of the Supreme Court in Spouses Patricio and Myrna Bernales v. Heirs of Julian Sambaan (G.R. 163271, January 15, 2010) is instructive: Having affirmed the findings of fact of both the CA and trial court that the signatures of Julian and Guillerma are forgeries, we now come to the question of the validity of the transfer of title to the petitioners.

In Sps. Solivel v. Judge Francisco, we held that: xxx in order that the holder of a certificate for value issued by virtue of the registration of a voluntary instrument may be considered a holder in good faith for value, the instrument registered should not be forged. When the instrument presented is forged, even if accompanied by the owners duplicate certificate of title, the registered owner does not thereby lose his title, and neither does the assignee in the forged deed acquire any right of title to the property. xxx The innocent purchaser for value protected by law is one who purchases a titled land by virtue of a deed executed by the registered owner himself, not by a forged deed, as the law expressly states. xxx In Instrade, Inc. vs. Court of Appeals, we reiterated the said ruling maintaining that [A]s early as Joaquin v. Madrid, x x x, we said that in order that the holder of a certificate for value issued by virtue of the registration of a voluntary instrument may be considered a holder in good faith and for value, the instrument registered should not be forged. Indubitably, therefore, the questioned Deed of Absolute Sale did not convey any title to herein petitioners. Consequently, they cannot take refuge in the protection accorded by the Torrens system on titled lands.

Thus, we hold that with the presentation of the forged deed, even if accompanied by the owners duplicate certificate of title, the registered owner did not thereby lose his title, and neither does the assignee in the forged deed acquire any right or title to the said property. (Emphasis supplied) 27. As a result, not title should be issued in favor of defendant spouses Buena. Thus, TCT No. 004-2018005949 should be cancelled and the previous title be reinstated.

A6

Standard Manila

News

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TODAY

Panel probes ‘lost’ money

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE House of Representatives on Wednesday started the inquiry into the disbursement of the P35-million reward money offered to speed up the solution of the Batocabe killing.

The House committee on public accounts, chaired by Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, is looking into reports that a bulk, or about P30 million of the reward money, has disappeared.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, 52, and his security escort, Senior Police Officer 2 Orlando Diaz, who were shot dead by unidentified assailants shortly be-

fore Christmas in 2018.

Of the P35-million bounty, P13 million comes from the House of Representatives; P20 million from the Office of President Rodrigo Duterte; and the provincial government of Albay, P2 million.

Brig. Gen. Joel Napoleon Coronel, acting chief of the National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, told congressmen that P6 million had been given to one witness and another P7 million had been shared with each other by seven other witnesses, leaving only P13 million accounted for.

Coronel also said the P2 million from the Albay government had been remitted to the province’s police provincial director.

Coronel said the PNP did not have any record of the disbursement and liquidation of the remaining P20-million reward money.

“I think this will relate to the amount re-

leased by the Office of the President. Records on the distribution and liquidation of which were submitted directly to the OP and I do not have the records... it did not pass through the CIDG,” Coronel said.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel proposed to the panel that the police provincial director of Albay be invited to the next committee hearing to render a report on the disbursement of the P2 million.

He also called for a full-blown congressional inquiry into the matter.

“We should conduct an inquiry on where the P20 million went because this is taxpayers’ money. We have every right to know where this went. We should know where the P20 million plus P2 million went,” Pimentel said.

He also proposed that former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde be invited in the next hearing.

Monreal: Observe discipline

THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION DAMAGES 28. In order to protect their rights and interest, plaintiff was compelled to litigate, engage the services of counsel for a fee, and incur expenses thereby entitling them to damages in the amount of at least P 100,000.00 as attorney’s fees, and costs of suit.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, plaintiff respectfully prays that, after due notice and hearing, a judgment be rendered: a) Annulling the Deed of Sale dated 29 May 2004; b) Declaring TCT No. 004-2018005949 as an absolute nullity; c) Ordering Defendants Antonio Bernabe G. Buena and Johanni Marie Racela Buena to reconvey and/or return the subject property to Spouses Mariano L. Buena and (estate of) Eliza P. Gozun; d) Declaring the Register of Deed of Quezon City to cancel TCT No. 004-2018005949 and reinstate TCT No. RT-101090 in its records; e) Ordering Defendants Antonio Bernabe G. Buena and Johanni Marie Racela Buena to pay One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) by way of moral damages. f) Ordering Defendants Antonio Bernabe G. Buena and Johanni Marie Racela Buena to pay One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) by way of exemplary damages as a warning to those similarly inclined; g) Ordering Defendants Antonio Bernabe G. Buena and Johanni Marie Racela Buena to pay One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000.00) for attorney’s fees and cost of suit.

Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for.

Pasig City for Quezon City, 12 November 2018.

Counsel for Plaintiff 2nd Floor, # 9 K-8th Street Brgy. West Kamias Quezon City VERA SHAYNE G. SALCEDO PTR No. 6637611 11/17/18 Makati City IBP No. 027920 1/16/18 Makati City Roll No. 57859 MCLE Compliance No. V-0016812; 3/08/2016 salcedoverashayne@gmail.com (Sgd.) AYRA PATRI C. LAVADIA PTR No. 6637616 1/17/18 Makati City IBP Lifetime No. 016682 5/11/17 Roll No. 69166 Admitted to the Bar: 30 May 2017 ayralavadia@gmail.com REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) QUEZON CITY ) VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, VICTOR NIÑO GOZUN BUENA, of legal age, Filipino, and with address at 10 Fernandez St., Brgy. San Antonio, SFDM, Quezon City, after being duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: 1. I am the plaintiff in the above-entitled case.

2. I have caused the preparation of, and read the foregoing complaint, the factual allegations of which are true and correct of my own personal knowledge and based on authentic records.

3. I have not commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues as in the instant case in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency; 4. To the best of my knowledge, no such action or proceeding is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or the different divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency; 5. If I should thereafter learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or different divisions thereof, or any other tribunal or agency, I undertake to promptly inform this Honorable Court and the other aforesaid Courts and such other tribunal or agency of the fact within five (5) days therefrom.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this November 12, 2018.

(Sgd.) VICTOR NIÑO GOZUN BUENA SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this NOV 12, 2018 day of October 2018, affiant exhibiting to me his Unified Multi-Purpose ID CRN-0003-6455462-9, bearing is photograph.

Doc. No. 220; Page No. 45; Book No. VIII; Series of 2018.

ANNEXES ANNEX “A”

ANNEX “B”

ANNEX “B-1”

ANNEX “B-2”

ANNEX “C”

ANNEX “C-1”

ANNEX “C-2”

ANNEX “D-1”

ANNEX “D”

ANNEX “E”

(MStandard-Nov. 21 & 28, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

By Joel E. Zurbano

SCHOLARSHIP RUN. The Navotas City Government held Takbo ni Juan para sa Iskolar ng Bayan. Some

3,000 Navotas residents and non-residents joined the cause. Now 10 years old, the annual activity continues to help raise funds for the Navotas Scholarship Program. Rep. John Rey Tiangco, Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, the city council, and barangay officials, led the annual 3- and 5-kilometer fun run. Andrew Rabulan

BI agents arrest 2 Chinese fugitives

By Vito Barcelo TWO Chinese fugitives wanted in their home country for defrauding several of their compatriots amounting to more than 10 million yuan (more than P700 million) were arrested by Bureau of Immigration agents in Parañaque city.

One of the suspects, identified as 56-year-old Chen Yanhua, was arrested at a five-star hotel in Parañaque City by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit, while Xu Xiaojun was nabbed in a restaurant in Baclaran, also in Parañaque.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said he issued a deportation warrant for Chen’s arrest after informants tipped off the bureau on her whereabouts.

“We will deport her immediately as her passport was already canceled by the Chinese government,

making her an undocumented alien,” the BI chief said. “She is also an undesirable alien due to her record as a wanted fugitive.”

Sources said Chen was one of seven Chinese fugitives whose arrest and deportation was sought by their government in September last year for alleged involvement in economic crimes.

Morente said the aliens’ presence in the Philippines poses a risk to public interest.

According to the Chinese embassy, Chen and her cohorts defrauded 13 of their compatriots who were enticed to invest their money amounting to seven million yuan or roughly a million dollars on the promise that their deposits would earn profits and interest.

On the other hand, Xu is wanted by authorities in China for allegedly engaging in bank card fraud in his country, making an illegal profit amounting to millions of Yuans in damages.

IN BRIEF DOLE: Do away with manual cash payment

THE Department of Labor and Employment is encouraging private establishments and employers to do away with manual cash payment and instead open accounts to financial institutions for easy electronic payment of salaries.

Labor Undersecretary Claro Arellano said electronic salary payment would foster financial inclusion of workers and would effectively monitor proper payment of wages.

Arellano said there was a need to do away with manual cash disbursements and instead open formal accounts for payment of wages to enable easier verification and validation.

Citing the 2017 Global Findex Report, Arellano said that only 6.6 percent of the country’s private sector wage earners receive their salaries through a formal account, which is a deposit or e-money account held in a supervised financial institution.

“A low financial inclusion among the wage earners may be a source of abuses against the workers and violations of labor laws as there can be difficulty in verifying and validating the payment of correct wages and other mandatory benefits,” he added.

He said the DOLE and BSP partnered to promote financial inclusion through the electronic payment of wages and benefits. Vito Barcelo

Court convicts businessman in Sytin slay

THE Olongapo City Regional Trial Court on Wednesday convicted the gunman who confessed to the killing of businessman Dominic Sytin inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone last November 18 and sentenced him to suffer imprisonment of reclusion perpetua or life.

Olongapo City RTC Branch 72 Judge Richard Paradeza found Edgardo Luib guilty of the murder of Sytin.

“Accused Edgardo Luib is hereby found guilty of the crime of murder, defined and penalized under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 29 of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Act, and is hereby meted the supreme penalty of reclusion perpetua,” the court said, in its decision.

The court also found Luib guilty for frustrated murder for the injuries sustained by Sytin’s bodyguard, Efren Espartero, during the attack and sentenced him to a minimum prison term of between six to 12 years.

“In the service of the sentence, accused shall be credited with the duration of his preventive imprisonment under conditions of Article 29 of the Revised Penal Code,” the court said.

During his arraignment, Luib pleaded guilty for murdering Sytin and for frustrated murder for injuring Espartero.

OBSERVE discipline, even when nobody is watching and without people telling us what to do.

This was the message of Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal to air travelers and airport workers during the launching of a civility campaign dubbed #DisipliNAIA to combat unacceptable behavior at the airport.

“We are going back to basics. Basic in a sense that this is the right thing to do,” said Monreal.

The campaign, according to Monreal, aims to encourage people to become good airport citizens and to raise awareness about good manners and right conduct among all airport users—from MIAA employees and third party partners to passengers, transport services, and even to well-wishers.

“It’s a small thing, but it’s become so commonplace that we don’t think about it too much. But this begs the question of whether there is still civility in our workplace, our roads, our public spaces, and most important to us here in NAIA, our airport,” said Monreal.

On social media, the Authority observed a huge clamor for order and discipline at the airport.

“It is not unusual that netizens post photos of bad airport behaviour, all asking in unison “Wala na ba tayong respeto? Kailangan natin ng disiplina,” said Monreal.

“There are cases where people feel like they can do anything they want—cut lines, put up their feet on the chairs, put their bags on their chair, leave their trash around, violating the yellow line. Perhaps even without them knowing it, this sense of entitlement makes them uncivilized or undisciplined.

This misuse of one’s privileged position is more commonplace than you think,” he said.

PMSEA nixes House OKd bill THE Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association is optimistic of a more competitive fiscal regime as it nixes a proposed measure approved by the House of Representatives’ committee on ways and means recently.

The committee has approved on third and final reading a new fiscal regime that will, among others, impose a 3-percent tax royalty on top of the 4-percent excise tax, whether the company operates inside or outside a mineral reservation area.

A consolidation of the mining fiscal regime bills filed in the House of Representatives, the new fiscal regime approved by the ways and means committee led by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda also exempts non-metallic mines from royalty tax.

While the Salceda-sponsored bill imposes a lower royalty tax for companies that operate within a mineral reservation area, all other companies that operate outside declared mineral reservations will no longer be exempted from royalty tax under the proposed measure.

The current fiscal regime imposes a 4percent excise tax plus a 5-percent royalty on mining companies that operate within de-

clared mineral reservation areas.

While the non-metallic mining companies —which include stone, sand, rock or similar materials from natural deposits welcome the House committee-approved version, gold, copper, silver, and other metallic mineral companies strongly oppose the proposed measure.

The proposed measure exempts smallscale mining from royalty, whether they operate in mineral reservation areas or not, PMSEA said in a statement.

Speaking during a press conference at the kick-off ceremonies of the 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City Tuesday afternoon, Walter Brown, Chairman Emiritus of Apex Mining Co., Inc. and president of the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association said the House committee-approved version is “unfair” and will the metallic minerals industry.

The approval of the new tax regime was announced by Mines and Geosciences Bureau Director Wilfredo Moncano during press conference during the kick-off ceremonies of the 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference in Baguio City on Tuesday.

US, PH dialogue on child trafficking

By Rey E. Requejo THE dialogues between the United States and the Philippines in Manila and Cebu this week marked progress in the implementation of the both countries commitment to achieve the objectives of the four-year US-Philippines Child Protection Compact Partnership signed in 2017.

The US Embassy in the Manila said the dialogues between senior US and Philippine officials focused on the progress on efforts to prosecute and convict child traffickers and provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for child victims of online child sexual exploitation in the country.

“The dialogues also focused on the progress made in the Philippines to educate communities on how to identify and prevent OSEC and child labor trafficking from occurring,” the embassy said, in a statement.

The dialogues represent the ongoing commitment of the two nations to achieving the objectives of the US-Philippines CPC Partnership inaugurated in 2017.

The US delegation was led by United States Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons John Cotton Richmond, who provided the keynote address on behalf of the United States during the dialogue in Manila and Cebu.

Sports PVF-Tanduay Girls’Y18 ‘Series in UR Cities’ goes to Basilan THE Basilan Leg of the Philippine Volleyball Federation- Tanduay Athletics Girls Y18 ‘Series In UR Cities’ Volleyball gets underway on Nov. 23 at the Isabela City Gymnasium in Isabela City, Basilan.

Coordinated by PVF officer Dr. Arnel Hajan, the event is supported by the Office of the Isabela City Mayor Dadah Turabin~Hataman, the Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, Claude M. Ramos II of the City Tourism Council, City Administrator Joel Basilan Zanoria and the Sitti Auna Riverland Resort and Hotel.

The winner of the Basilan Leg will earn the right to vie for two slots allotted to represent Mindanao in the National Finals to be held in Manila.

The national champion will go to Singapore (all expenses paid) to compete in a tournament and/or play local high school teams in friendly matches.

There are no entry fees and complimentary drinks and lunch will be served to all participants and officials.

PVF President Edgardo “Tito Boy” Cantada will be on hand as in almost all the legs of the “Series,” accompanied by PVF Secretary General Gerard Cantada, PVF Managing Director Dr. Otie Camangian and PVF officer Weng Caparas.

“This is to show everyone that Basilan Province and Isabela City in particular are as safe as any place in the country and just as beautiful with their numerous beaches, landmarks and, of course, its friendly and lovely people,” said Cantada.

A7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Asia’s best riders join FIM Supercross

T

HE region’s best and brightest stars on two wheels go up against each other as Speedworld Circuit, located at the SM Bicutan Open Grounds, Doña Soledad Avenue, Bicutan, Parañaque City, Philippines, hosts the FIM Asia Supercross Championship starting today (Thursday) until Sunday.

Led by defending champion Takase Tanaka of Japan, the motocross field is practically a who’s who of the best motocross aces in the Asian continental championship, which is one step away from the world championship level of the FIM competition program.

Standing in the way of Tanaka will be Guam’s motocross great Sean Lipanovich, Thailand ace Thanarat Penjan, wildcard riders from Russia and the Philippines’ very own reigning Rider of the Year Kenneth San Andres in the motocross spectacle backed by Foilacar, Karcher, Monark Cat, Shell Advance,

Shell V-Power, SM Bicutan, ICTSI, Maynilad, Asia Brewery, KYT, Alpinestar, Partas Bus, YSS, Shakey’s and 4 BROS Racing.

Shooting for Asian supremacy and bragging rights are national motocross champions from Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, India, China, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

The annual Asian motocross series is organized by the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association, the sole governing body for the sport in the Philippines, duly affiliated with the Philippine Olympic Committee, FIM Asia and

the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme of Suisse. It is headed by Stephan Macky Carapiet, who is also the FIM Asia president.

Carapiet also announced that there will be an FIM Asia Officials License Seminar to be held for international officials today, to go with the FIM Asia Supercross Advance Riding Academy.

Riders from various parts of the country are also expected to join the event in their quest for individual supremacy and the trophies with cash prizes up for grabs.

“The Supercross track in Manila is of international standards and surely, the FIM championship will be the most exciting motorsports’ event to hit Manila this year, with high thrilling jumps and aerial maneuvers from the top Asian MX riders,” said Carapiet. “It will be a fierce battle for Asian supremacy and bragging rights. Motocross enthusiasts will be in for a treat.”

Qualifier steals show in PPS Trenas tourney

Top celebrities boost Sun Life Cycle PH roster PIOLO Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli, along with a number of Star Magic artists and other celebrities, gear up for another ride with beginners and bike enthusiasts as they spice up the Sun Like Cycle PH on Saturday (Nov. 23) at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Around 1,200 bikers aged two and above are setting out for the friendly ride in various categories, including the tricycle ride (100-m distance for two- to three years olds), kids’ ride (500-m for 4-5 years old) and the family ride (30-minute ride for 6-15 with adult companion).

The event was launched last year by Sun Life and Sunrise Events, Inc., now part of the IRONMAN Group, with Pascual as one of the spearheads.

Participants will also get the chance to ride with three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen.

The entire family will also be kept entertained during the weekend with a wide range of fun activities lined up in the cycling and lifestyle expo.

Other categories on tap are the solo ride (30-minute ride for 6-15), short distance ride (20-km for 10 and above) and long distance ride (40-km for 10 and above) where riders will pedal alongside McEwen, Pascual and Guidicelli, among others.

Pascual and Guidecelli are two of showbiz’s most active participants in sports, having competed in various Ironman races, their presence expected to help draw more participants, particularly the families, to the event also aimed at promoting family bonding and encouraging people to live healthier lives.

Meanwhile, the event, also held to promote awareness on diabetes prevention and help less-privileged kids sustain their education, this being staged as a fund-raiser, will be launched in a press conference tomorrow (Friday) at 4 p.m. at the SEDA BGC Hotel.

Also joining the fray in the Asian tournament are Guam’s Stanley Yasuhiro, Frank Rios and Raymond Obermeyer; China’s Yukun Wang, and Ke Wang; India’s Sandeep Kondedeshmukh, Yuvrajsinh Kondedeshmukh, Rustom Patel, Shrikant Chavan, Sarthak Chavan, Sankhet Shanbag and Ikshan Shanbag; Indonesia’s Frans Tanujaya, Fernandy Maulana and Donny Siswoko; Sri Lanka’s Makawitage Perera, Fernando Nveenka, Fernando Beno, Godage Kesara Thinod, Godage Dammika, Karagoda Gayani, Atpaththu Sumanasekara, Hithanadura Rumesh De Silva, Hithanadura Shantha De Silva, Devaraja Dilitha Kalhara and Devaraja Sugath Devaraja; Thailand’s Chaiyanan Tingpatana and Thanan Tingpatana, Krittapat Keankum and Jithpum Sirivechapun (Feem); Russia’s Gleb Shevchenko, Peter Shevchenko, Arkadiy Sviridov; and Japan’s Akira Goto.

SGD Omega is crowned as the winning team for the Pro Division of the ARC Refreshments Corporation’s Juicy Legends Tournament.

ARC takes esports phenom to new heights WITH an enormous and still growing player base, e-sports in the Philippines is thriving with the Philippine government recognizing the sector as a potential key contributor to national development, especially in this disruptive age of digital transformation.

Being an advocate of sports development and the values it promotes among the youth, ARC Refreshments Corporation continues its Juicy Legends Tournament, which crowned season underdogs SGD Omega as the winning team for the Pro Division, and Finesse Titans for the Amateur Division.

ARC Refreshments Corp.’s Juicy Lemon brand keeps up with its commitment to rally gamers to fight in the popular Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which is now solidifying its position as an e-sport acknowledged at the Southeast Asian Games.

ULVL Gaming led by founder Roadfill from the popular comic duo Moymoy Palaboy has again partnered with Juicy Legends for this second round of championship tournament this year which was held at Fisher Mall in Quezon City last October 12.

Team SGD Omega took home a whopping P150,000 cash price while Finesse Titans received a total of P70,000 in winnings, along with Mobile Legends diamonds and Juicy Lemon merchandise.

The “Juicy Legends 2 Tournament” aims to take Filipino e-sports gamers to

greater heights by providing them an avenue to hone their skills and to learn from other teams. It also opens up the opportunity for players to form professional gaming teams that can potentially rise in the international scene.

“Filipino e-gamers have tremendous talent and potential, and they have a good chance in making it in the global gaming arena,” expressed by ARC Refreshments Corporation’s Head of Marketing James Loverio. “But one of the challenges we face is exposure. The local e-sports sector has to grow large enough to get on the radar of international e-sports organizations, and this is why we’re hosting these kinds of events.”

Loverio shared that the time is ripe to professionalize e-sports in the country.

“The industry is growing by millions in revenue, and in this age of digital transformation and the rise of not just PC gaming but also mobile gaming, it poses a lot of opportunities for Filipino gamers.”

ULVL Gaming, on the other hand, pointed out that beyond the major prizes at stake for each tournament, the sense of camaraderie and teamwork motivates players to keep on playing.

“If one player is off his game and not being a team player, by being in the wrong place or trying to be a hero, that’s usually leading the team to a loss. So strategizing by communicating is hugely important in e-games such as Mobile Legends. Basically, everyone on the team keeps each

other in check,” he said.

With all of these positive support for e-sports happening on various fronts, players are expressing their gratitude to companies like ARC and ULVL for continuously setting the arena for Filipino gamers to showcase their mettle and aptitude for strategy.

“We are very happy especially since we came from the lower bracket, but we made it all the way to the top. To ARC Juicy Lemon and ULVL, we are very thankful because without you guys, we would not have the opportunity to be where we are today,” said Mark Lazaro, Finesse Titans’ Captain.

Additionally, Jay Villanueva of SGD Omega shared that they are optimistic for the future of e-sports in the country: “Dati kasi ang iniisip ng iba pagdating sa e-sports, laro-laro lang. Pero ngayon na nagiging ka-level na siya ng mga popular sports katulad ng basketball dito sa’tin, madami na ding tao na natutuwa kapag may mga nananalo tayong international players abroad. Ayun siguro ang pinakafulfilling sa amin.” [“Before, people think that e-sports are not serious sports.

But now, the perception of it is changing.

It’s becoming at par with that of popular sports like basketball here in our country. People are increasingly pleased if we have international players winning abroad. I think this is what’s most fulfilling for us.”]

AFP Cavaliers, DENR Warriors try to extend streaks

Ian Mazo hopes to provide the firepower for PhilHealth when they battle the Malacañang-PSC Kamao today.

DEFENDING champion a tax free P4 million prize Games Today Armed Forces of the Philwhile the foundation selected (San Juan City Gym) ippines and Department of by the runner-up shall re2 p.m. – PhilHealth vs Malacañang-PSC Environment and Natural ceive P2 million.

3:30 p.m. – DENR vs Agriculture 5 p.m. – AFP vs NHA Resources try to extend their Expected to lead the Cavawinning streaks when they liers who are bidding to bego up against separate rivals at the start of the come the first back-to-back champions are former crossover second round in the 8th UNTV Cup to- Letran star Boyet Bautista, Eugene Tan, Alvin day at the San Juan City gym.

Zuniga and Jerry Lumungsod while the Builders The AFP Cavaliers, who topped Group A elims of coach Benneth Palad will be led by Alvin Vitug, with a 5-0 mark, collide with the National Hous- John Derrick Dizon and Waldemar Tibay. ing Authority Builders at 5 p.m. while the DENR The Warriors, on the other hand, will once again Warriors, who likewise completed a 5-0 sweep of draw strength from Paul Erwen Parreño, Ralph Group B, take on the Department of Agriculture Lansang and Ed Rivera.

Food Masters at 3:30 p.m.

Group A teams face Group B teams in a single Clashing in the first game at 2 p.m. are Malaca- round with the top two teams advancing outright ñang-Philippine Sports Commission and Phil- to the semis while the bottom two will be elimiHealth with the latter needing a win to improve its nated.

2-3 mark in the event organized for public servants The third to sixth finishers, meanwhile play anby UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon. other round with the best two placers marching The chosen charity of the champion teams gets into the semis.

LOCAL bet Stephen Catipon, who had to go through a qualifier to earn a berth in the main draw, swept his way to the boys’ singles 18-and-under championship and added the 16-U plum to cap his two-title run in the PPS-PEPP Mayor Jerry Trenas national age group tournament at LaPaz Tennis courts in Iloilo City last Tuesday.

Catipon, playing out of the St. Robert’s International Academy, crushed Lorenz Delfin, 4-0, 4-0, in the elims then held off Jan Jimenea, 4-1, 5-4(3) in the first round, eased out No. 4 Joshua Raymundo, 4-1, 4-1, toppled second seed Rewel Justiniani, 6-0, 6-2, before besting third seed Nikhel Nowlakha, 6-1, 6-2, in the finals of the premier class in the Group 1 tournament presented by Dunlop.

He earlier dominated the 16-U play as one of the unranked players in the 32man draw, dropping just seven games before blasting John Santiago, 6-0, 6-2, in the finals of the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala and sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg. “It’s inspiring to see new faces emerging and Catipon’s feat should motivate the others who want to make it big in the sport someday,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro, whose long-running circuit continues to help boost the country’s talent-search program in the sport.

Central Phl U’s Althea Martinez, meanwhile, sustained her hot run as she likewise ruled the girls’ top two divisions to share MVP honors with Catipon. She overpowered Jasmine Jaran, 6-0, 6-2, in the 16-U finals and whipped Avril Suace, 6-0, 6-0, for the 18-U trophy, duplicating her feat in last week’s PPS leg in Roxas City.

Other winners were Ormoc’s Christian Laguna (10-unisex), Puerto Princessa and Mac’s Crankit protégé Kendrick Bona (boys’ 12-U), Gerald Gemida, also of Ormoc, (boys’ 14-U), Central Phl U’s Aleeva Suace (girls’ 12-U) and Jaran from La Carlota (girls’ 14-U).

PBA Press Corps sportswriting tilt moved to Nov. 24 DUE to the sudden change in playing venue at the start of the PBA Governors’ Cup, the PBA Press Corps Sportswriting Contest has been moved to Nov. 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Following the change in date, the group also decided to extend the deadline for submission of entries until Thursday (Nov. 21), still on a firstcome, first-served basis.

Only college and senior high students are qualified to join, with each school allowed entry of two writers and one photographer.

The inclusion of a photography category for the first time in the history of the competition is in line with the 25th anniversary celebration of the contest first held in 1994.

Participants are required to submit valid school IDs and should be a bonafide member/staff of their respective school publication.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of both categories.

A sportswriting and photo seminar precede the contest proper at 2 p.m.

Registration starts at 1 p.m. at the South gate of the Araneta Coliseum.

For further details, please contact Hazel Ancheta of the PBA office (0956-8717835) or Gerry Ramos of the PBAPC (0915-2034869).

Sports

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

A8

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

PH rugby 7s teams seek medals in SEA Games THE Philippine Volcanoes and the National Women’s Rugby Team will be shooting for medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Rugby 7s slated on Dec. 7 and 8 at the Clark, Angeles City Parade Grounds.

“Our goal for Rugby 7s is achieve a podium finish in both the Men’s and Women’s,” said Jake Letts, General Manager of the Philippine Rugby Football Union Inc. The teams have plunged into the final phase of their preparations for the biennial meet, where the Volcanoes placed fourth in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Last week, the Volcanoes joined the Tokyo 2020 Regional Qualifying Tournament for the Olympic Games in Korea, where they finished strong against the hosts, pulling off a 31-5 that showed its readiness to compete in the coming SEA Games.

The Volcanoes saw the Korean tournament as a perfect ground to test its mettle against SEA Games rivals Thailand and Singapore, giving the Philippines a grading ground moving forward with the top teams in Asia.

“Both the men’s and women’s teams will continue their high performance training camps, along with gaining international exposure in regional Olympic Qualifying Events.

The Women’s Team just returned from China where they faced the Top 8 teams in Asia. Both (tournaments) are playing important roles for not only the 2020 Olympics but also the SEA Games,” said Letts, who believes the Volcanoes are equipped to give its SEAG rivals, including defending champion Malaysia, a run for their money.

After all, the Volcanoes are coming off a gold-medal finish in the Trophy Series last August, catapulting the Philippines to the Top 8 in Asia, where they haven’t played since 2014.

“After a second-place finish in the Trophy Series in 2018, the progression to a Gold Medal in 2019 was the next move in the right direction. Now we have the opportunity to show the top teams in Asia how far we have come in five years” added Letts.

“We would like to encourage all our supporters to come to Clark Parade Grounds on December 7 and 8 to watch and cheer for Team Philippines as we compete against the best of Southeast Asia. Many thanks for everyone’s support,” said Letts.

Tabora, Tan struggle in World Cup THE Philippines’ lady campaigner Krizziah Lyn Tabora faltered in the 12th game Tuesday and dropped from 10th to 17th place in the first stage of the 2019 Bowling World Cup international finals in Palembang, Indonesia.

Tabora, the world titlist two years ago in Hermosillo, Mexico, shot a measly 155 to finish her second six-game qualifying series with 1144 for a two-day total of 2338.

The Philippines’ men’s entry, Merwin Tan, fell from 23rd to 29th in the men’s division by rolling 1171 for a total of 2369 in 12 games.

Only the top 24 bowlers in both divisions will advance to the second stage after 24 qualifying games.

Tabora tallied 194, 193, 201, 192 and 203 before crashing to 155, while Tan shot games of 208, 224, 192, 154, 191 and 202 in his second six-game series.

The United States’ Kelly Kulick overtook overnight leader Natasha Roslan of Malaysia with a 12game total of 2610 for an average of 217.50. Kulick finished second after the first day of competition with 1293.

Kulick carded big games of 247, 237 and 229.

Eagles sweep way to title

MVP Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo wards off a Tiger defender as he goes for a shot in a game won by the Eagles, 86-79, to win the UAAP cage title.

By Peter Atencio

T

HE Ateneo Blue Eagles have achieved a perfect season.

Finals’ Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena unloaded 17 points and led the Blue Eagles to a 86-79 subduing of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo’s Game 2 win allowed the Blue Eagles to complete a 2-0 sweep of the the men’s basketball finals and an unbeaten 16game winning run in the 82nd University Athletic Association of the Philippines, a feat never done before in the league.

The Eagles’ 16-0 sweep of the entire season is now considered the longest winning streak in the league in 26 years as Ateneo remained champion for a third straight season.

They also took Game 1 with a 91-77 triumph.

The last time an immaculate season sweep was achieved was in 1993, when an Aric del Rosario-coached University of Santo Tomas completed a 14-game

title romp in UAAP Season 56, with the unbeaten team in the elimination round being crowned champion outright.

“A 16 and 0 season is something we dreamed about. We didn’t talk about it.

Because we did not want to set that as a goal. But, I know that the players particularly dreamed about it. And it is a dream season to go through unblemished and and to be able to say that each one of those 16 days, no teams were better than us, and guard against arrogance, and guard against overstating what is pretty exceptional,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, who steered the Blue Eagles to their second “three-peat” in the Final Four era.

Ateneo last accomplished this feat from 2008 to 2010.

Speed, precision and counterattacks at the three-point region highlighted the Blue Eagles’ game all throughout as big man Will Navarro got quality minutes as he helped Angelo Kouame protect the shaded lane for most of the game for 19 minutes.

It was a done deal when Kouame entered the court in the last period and replaced the hard working Isaac Go. The 7’0” Kouame, who only had seven points in the 17 minutes he saw action, put

Ateneo ahead by 10 points with a putback with 3:02 left, 81-71.

SJ Belangel banged in a career-high 15 points, with his trey in the last 5:28 handing Ateneo a 75-58 edge in the remaining 5:28.

Rhenz Abando shot 16 points for the Growling Tigers, including the third of his three triples in the last 2:06 to lead UST’s rally from a 32-42 halftime deficit.

Ateneo was ahead by 14 at the of the first period, and UST tried to catch up behind a 7-0 run which Abando led.

Ravena, who earned his second straight MVP award, played his final game with the Blue Eagles, while the Nieto brothers Mike and Matt embraced their father-former Blue Eagle Jett Nieto as they celebrated the three-peat.

Together, the Nieto family commemorated their fourth championship, since the elder Jet was part of the 1987 squad that gave the Blue Eagles their first championship trophy.

Mike Nieto even praised the Tigers for their fight.

“They (UST) had three do-or-die games.

And they succeeded (in reaching the finals).

And it’s really hard to defend against them.

Kitang-kita sa laro kanina. It was a close game,” said team co-skipper Mike Nieto.

Alaska clinches last berth in quarterfinals

By Jeric Lopez AFTER a slow conference start, Alaska has found a way to complete the quarterfinals cast.

The Aces booked the last ticket to the next round by turning in a resounding 106-90 upset rout of top seed NLEX in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City Wednesday night.

Franko House came up with one of his best games of the tournament when it mattered most, scoring a game-high 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists for a near triple-double.

In support of House, five more Aces scored in twin-digits, led by Kevin Racal, Abu Tratter and Jvee Casio, who each scored 12 markers.

Alaska, by virtue of a superior quotient, is now through to the quarterfinals as the No. 7 seed with its 5-6 card, sinking NorthPort to No. 8.

It will face either Meralco or TNT in the next round with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

A loss could’ve sent the Aces to a knockout game for No. 8 against Columbian. Instead, the Dyip were sent packing.

As for the Road Warriors, who were al-

ready locked at No. 1 regardless of the result, they ended their campaign at 8-3 and will face the Batang Pier in the quarters with a twice-to-beat incentive.

Carrying all the motivation and the desperation, Alaska showed just how badly it wanted to make the quarters the easier way by coming in with all the fire it needed.

Through a 10-2 run to end the first canto, the Aces were able to grasp control right away, carrying a 10-point lead, 3323, into the second frame.

With everything clicking, the Aces even shifted to a higher gear in the second, creating more distance as they upped their lead to 22 gigantic points, 61-39, after two free throws from Kevin Racal with 1:46 left in the first half.

Apparently, that’s all Alaska needed to breakthrough as NLEX was unable to respond in the second half, enabling the Aces to sail the rest of the way.

Manny Harris led NLEX with a teamhigh 22 points with nine boards.

Meanwhile, as of press time, TNT KaTropa (7-3) and San Miguel Beer (6-4) are locked in a heated battle as they dispute the last place in the top four and the final twiceto-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

Franco House: Near triple double

SMB suspends Santos, Tubid, Nabong THREE San Miguel Beer players were indefinitely suspended yesterday.

Management has decided to impose sanctions on Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid, and Kelly Nabong after the three got involved in a fight last week at the Beermen’s scrimmage at The Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig City.

The incident included import Dez Wells.

Officials from San Miguel have not provided updates on the status of Wells, who remains with the team after hhe was put on the injured reserve list in favor of John Holland.

The incident took place after the Beermen concluded their campaign in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round against TNT Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“While the conflict has been resolved, and the incident occurred away from the public eye, the San Miguel organization does not tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior,” said SMB management in a statement.

“Basketball is a physical game where emotions can run high, but we believe that PBA players have to be held to a higher standard of professionalism and sportsmanship at all times,” management added.

The fight came before a scheduled team celebration for fivetime PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo, who celebrated his 30th birthday last Sunday.

“It is for this reason that we’ve come to this decision, even if it impacts our bid for a second franchise grand slam. Our commitment now, moving forward, is that we will work doubly hard and play our very best, for our fans and for the organization,” added management. Peter Atencio

5, CIGNAL off icial broadcast partners of 30th SEA Games

Shown here are (from left) Gabby Cui (AVP and Head of Community Development & Partnerships at SMART); Miguel Vea (AVP and Head of Channel Management and Programming at CIGNAL TV); Jojit Alcazar (Senior Managing Director at PHISGOC); Robert Galang (First VP and Head of Sales, CIGNAL); Sienna Olaso (VP of Channels & Content of CIGNAL); Jane Jimenez Basas (President and CEO of TV5 & CIGNAL); Ramon Tats Suzara (COO, PHISGOC); Paulo Diaz (Head of Sports, TV5) and Oscar Reyes Jr (Senior VP for Consumer Business Market Development at SMART).

For the fourth time, 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 and Cignal TV, join together as the Official Broadcasters of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Under the umbrella campaign “SamaSama sa SEA Games”, 5 and Cignal TV hope to unite Filipinos locally and abroad to rally behind Philippine athletes, and support them in the games.

Likewise, Sama-Sama is a battle cry for the MVP Group that’s working tirelessly and together to provide Filipinos 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 at channels 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; and for digital, there’s ESPN5.com, the Cignal Play app plus three SEA Games-dedicated YouTube channels and Facebook Live that will be available 24/7 “Sama-Sama sa SEA Games” is backed

by SMART Communications Inc.

IN BRIEF

BOI eyes roadmap for garments, textile

THE country’s declining garments and textile exports has given rise to the creation of a roadmap that will refocus the industry’s resources and talent pool to enable it to compete in the region.

Board of Investments Assistant Secretary Ma. Corazon Dichosa said her industry development group was reviewing the final draft of the roadmap pending the input of private sector and the academe.

“This should have been launched earlier but certain matters led to the delay but we are now prepared to present the roadmap,” she said Wednesday at the sidelines of the pre-event briefing for the Philippine Garment, Leather Industries and Textile Expo 2019 held at the BOI office in Makati City.

From a $3-billion industry in 2005, the garments and textile industry’s export value consistently declined to $1.3 billion in 2018.Imports last year amounted to $1.4 billion.

Garment imports in the first nine months of 2019 reached $476 million while textile imports hit $1 billion. Textile fiber imports amounted to $160 million. Othel V. Campos

Diokno expects more electronic transactions

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno expects 30 percent of all financial transactions in the country done electronically by 2020 now that the government launched on Wednesday the Government e-Payments facility.

After a successful pilot run with the Bureau of Internal Revenue on Aug. 15, the facility is being launched as a payment solution that enables a streamlined digitalization of government collections and disbursements. “... We expect more government agencies and local government units to be onboarded in the coming months,” Diokno said at the sidelines of the launch at the BSP. “The goal was 20 percent but the new goal is 30 percent by 2020... My guess is that we are already around 30 percent,” Diokno said.

He said with the expected coming of the third telco player in the country, more transactions would be done electronically. “We are currently cash heavy, but we expect to be cash light soon,” he said.

Diokno further said the implementation of the national ID system would help increase the volume of electronics transactions in the future. Julito G. Rada

Business Semirara stops coal mining to comply with DOE directive

By Alena Mae S. Flores

S

EMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. said Wednesday it immediately stopped its coal mining operations after receiving an order from the Department of Energy to suspend all mining activities covered by coal operating contract no. 5 based on the results of the investigation on the mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique province last month.

This followed the DOE’s issuance of a resolution imposing a one-month selective coal trading suspension and fines against SMPC for allegedly violating coal trading rules.

“The DOE orders of suspension will result in opportunity loss in production per day from 40,000 to 45,000 MT. The financial impact, however, shall depend on the

prevailing price of coal,” SMPC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

SMPC said it would submit all the requirements to the DOE soon, “and is confident that the conditions for resuming operations can be speedily met.”

Semirara owns the country’s largest coal mining operations which directly employ more than 3,300 people, making it the single biggest employer in Semirara Island and Caluya.

The company said that as of Nov. 20, total production reached 14.5 million metric tons, up by 12 percent from 12.9 million MT a year ago. Coal shipment reached 14.6 million MT, or 26 percent higher than 11.5 million MT in 2018.

“Late yesterday afternoon, we received a letter from the DOE dated Nov. 14, 2019 directing SMPC to suspend any and all mining activities under Coal Operating Contract No. 5,” SMPC said.

The DOE directive was issued in relation to a mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique Province on Oct. 2, 2019.

An employee of SMPC, the operator of PS27 machinery, was found dead after a

three-day search and rescue operation.

A mudslide occurred in Southwest Tungao, Semirara Island at 1:05 a.m. on Oct. 2, sweeping the equipment operator.

SMPC said that in compliance with the DOE directive, it suspended its mining operations effective immediately.

The DOE said the suspension would remain in effect until the company complied with several conditions such as addressing the existing and continuing apparent risk in the Casay Lake area near and adjacent to the operations of the Molave Pit. It said SMPC should immediately implement a DOE-approved geo-hazard assessment of the Casay Lake area. It should include a specific plan to remove the hazard for evaluation and approval of the DOE. The agency said SMPC should conduct geo-hazard assessment in all existing and proposed mining areas to identify and determine the risks and appropriate mitigating measures to these geo-hazards such as landslides, mudflows, flooding, storm surge, liquefaction, among others, to be approved by the agency.

TV5 executive upbeat on station’s prospects

THE head of TV5 Network Inc. vowed to turn around the broadcasting network in the next coming years as it set to implement new strategy.

“I’ve always been transparent and it (TV5) continues to struggle but what I’m most proud of is recently I just secured approval for the strategic plan of TV 5 and hopefully in the next coming years I’ll be able to turn around the business,” Jane Basas, president and chief executive of TV5, said.

“There are other major announcements that will happen in the next months, but we’re not at liberty to say yet. When we’re ready to say it, we’ll make the announcement,” she added.

TV5 earlier said it was planning to overhaul its programming strategy next year to boost advertising revenues.

The network aims to break even this year.

Basas also said the company expects to generate more revenues for the broadcasting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games from November 28 to December 11. Darwin G. Amojelar

NGCP spending P463b in 10 years to boost network NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines unveiled a plan to invest P463 billion over the next 10 years to maintain and boost the reliability of the country’s transmission network.

NGCP said among these projects are the 500-kilovolt substation projects (Taguig and Marilao) and 230-kV substation projects (Pasay, Navotas, and Antipolo) that would cater to the load growth of Metro Manila.

It said that in the Visayas, the Cebu-Bohol 230-kV Interconnection Project would accommodate the load growth and provide reliability of Bohol while the NabasCaticlan-Boracay Interconnection Project would support the load growth and provide reliability of Boracay.

Other projects are the Visayas Voltage Improvement Project which aimed to improve the power quality in the Visayas region; the Mindanao 230-kV backbone project that would upgrade the region’s transmission capacity and secure the reliability of transmission services throughout the island and the Mindanao Substation Upgrading Project which would increase its capacity and improve power quality.

Another project is the Kabacan 138-kV Substation Project that is expected to contribute to power reliability in South Western Mindanao area.

“Our projects, which will be worth P188 billion by end of 2019, and those in the pipeline, are meticulously planned by our engineers and updated year after year with careful consideration for the needs of every single area in the country,” NGCP said in a statement.

The company so far completed 109 projects which including the Lumban-Bay 230kV Transmission Line Project which provided maximum dispatch of power plants from South Luzon to the Load Center; the San Esteban-Laoag 230-kV Transmission Line Project which accommodated the renewal energy power plants in Northern Luzon and the Luzon Voltage Improvement Projects which provided additional megavolt ampere reactive capacity to improve power quality.

Alena Mae S. Flores

PHILHEALTH-IC AGREEMENT. Philippine Health Insurance Corp. signs an agreement with the Insurance Commission for the conduct of “PhilHealth examination”, a six-month comprehensive assessment of its key insurance processes. Under the agreement, the IC will assess and provide examination report on the financial condition and the methods of transacting businesses which include premium contribution, collection, fund management, benefit payouts and other health packages, insurance benefits, payment of benefits process, internal control system and actuarial valuation. Signing the agreement are (from left) PhilHealth president and CEO Ricardo Morales and Insurance commissioner Dennis Funa.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

B1

Uy’s GGDC taps Megawide to develop Clark business district

By Jenniffer B. Austria GLOBAL Gateway Development Corp. of businessman Dennis Uy tapped Megawide Construction Corp. as the general contractor for Clark Global City―a 177-hectare masterplanned, mixed-use development in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

“Bold and audacious projects such as CGC can only be done by partnering with people who not only share the same vision but are also equipped with topnotch execution skills. We are honored to work shoulder to shoulder with Megawide to transform 177 hectares of land into a thriving business center and community,” Uy, who is also the chairman of Udenna Land, said.

After taking over the property in 2017, GGDC holds the lease rights for Clark Global City until 2085.

The company said to fast-track the development of the modern metropolis with its 22-month timeline target, it teamed up with several locators that share the same vision of building a new center of commerce, culture, entertainment and leisure.

Among thermal estate developers taking part in transforming Clark Global City are SM Group, Century Properties Corp., DataLand Inc. W Group and Suyen Corp.

GGDC said the development of Clark Global City would complement the government efforts to spread growth across the country.

“It is a strategic project bound to benefit not just Central Luzon but the country as a whole, expected to decongest Metro Manila, provide opportunities to northern locals and spur economic growth. Furthermore, its proximity to major thoroughfares and international gateways, and access to a young and highly skilled talent pool make it a suitable place for business, life, and innovation, and a go-to destination for investors,” GGDC said.

The company said 47 of the 177-hectare estate was already developed with world-class, disaster-ready horizontal infrastructure, 50-year storm water drainage systems, state-ofthe-art sewer system, an underground infrastructure network and eight-road lanes with bike lanes and 50 meters of right-of-way priority.

Megawide committed to construct 12 kilometers of roads and fully develop the balance of infrastructure in 22 months.

POGO revenues subject to a 5% franchise tax, says Dominguez

By Julito G. Rada OFFSHORE gaming operators based in the Philippines are subject to local tax laws, according to the Department of Finance.

These include Philippine offshore gaming operators or those that employ foreign nationals in the country, handle the recording and live streaming of online games and perform IT support services, it said.

The department and the Office of the Solicitor General, however, said foreign-based online casino operators who

derive revenues from bets and payouts from gamblers outside the Philippines were not covered by local taxes.

Solicitor-General Jose Calida said in a letter to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez that the POGO industry regulated by the state-run Philippine Amusement and gaming Corp. has two types of service providers―the localbased and the overseas-based companies.

Dominguez agreed with Calida that, “if the POGO [gaming operator] located outside the country caters to foreign gamblers, then it is not subject to tax in

the Philippines.”

“However, the service provider of the POGO located in the Philippines through workers/employees here, is subject to tax and VAT [value-added tax] on its fees charged to the non-resident POGO,” Dominguez said. Dominguez said revenues of Philippines-based POGOs are subject to 5-percent franchise tax.

Calida said there was a common misconception that POGOs are all Philippine service providers. He said there are also PAGCOR-accredited companies based abroad that handle

the betting and payout systems of these online casinos.

Calida said the Philippines-based POGOs sell live-streamed games to foreign-based offshore gaming operators, and the latter collect bets from their preregistered clients through online platform and earn from such activity.

“We clearly defined in our legal opinion that based on the rules and regulations for Philippine offshore gaming operations promulgated by PAGCOR, the POGOs we referred to as not subject to income tax are the foreign-based POGOs,” Calida told Dominguez.

Filipinos avail of online lending services to support family needs

RCBC BANKARD’S AWARD. RCBC Bankard receives the highly-acclaimed Best Product Launch of the Year award at the 2nd Annual Global Retail Banking Innovation Summit & Awards for the RCBC Bankard JCB Platinum launch. The card, with its superior benefits including racking up more rewards points for card usage in Japan, received very good reception and was able to generate a substantial base from the mass affluent segment a few months from its launch.Receiving the award are RCBC Bankard president and CEO Simon Javier Calasanz (left) and JCB country manager Yusuke Matsui.

FILIPINOS continue to avail of financial services from legitimate online lending firms despite the government crackdown on unregistered providers.

Ellen, a 25-year-old call center agent who did not provide her full name, said she was using online lending services to support her family.

She said her income as a call center agent was not enough and most of it was used for the needs of her family.

Ellen said the money she borrowed from these lending services helped her with the small business she recently put up.

Ellen said the amount she borrowed was not astronomical and so far, the arrangement with the online lending services is working out well. Ellen is one of those who still patronize online lending services despite the controversy that hounded the sector.

Lawyer Arnel Mateo, one of the le-

gal representatives of FCash Global Lending Inc., which operates the FastCash mobile app, said there is a market out there that FastCash caters to―a market that was otherwise excluded from the formal financial system.

“Sometimes, it is difficult to borrow from the banks and it is not easy to ask for help from relatives or friends. As they said, lending money to a friend or kin can be a bad idea. Never lend or borrow money from friends because you could lose both,” Mateo said during the Balitaan sa Maynila news forum.

Mateo, meanwhile, lauded the recent move of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Privacy Commission for making a clear distinction between online lenders that adhere to legitimate operations and fair play and those that do not follow the rules.

B2

Business

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks slip; DMCI, Semirara fall T HE stock market declined Wednesday, weighed down by losses in Asia on renewed concerns about China-US trade talks.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 14.08 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,898.06 on a value turnover of P4.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 106 to 72, with 52 issues unchanged.

DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji Group slumped 8.4 percent to P6.98, while unit Semirara and Mining Power Corp. tumbled 6.6 percent to P21.85.

The Department of Energy ordered Semirara to suspend mining activities covered by one coal operating contract following a mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique province. The direc-

tive followed an earlier order imposing a one-month selective coal trading suspension and fines against Semirara for allegedly violating coal trading rules.

Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, fell 2.3 percent to P4.65, but LT Group Inc. of tycoon Lucio Tan advanced 5.2 percent to P13.06 The rest of Asian markets sank Wednesday on renewed concerns about China-US trade talks after Washington lawmakers passed a bill supporting Hong Kong civil rights, a move likely to spark anger in Beijing.

Hong Kong was down 0.8 percent and Shanghai closed 0.8 percent off, while Tokyo finished 0.6 percent lower.

Singapore shed 0.2 percent, Seoul sank 1.3 percent and Taipei lost 0.2 percent. Bangkok and Jakarta also fell.

Sydney dropped more than one percent as financials were hammered by news that banking giant Westpac had

been accused of “serious and systemic” breaches of money-laundering laws involving more than US$7 billion. If found guilty it faces a huge fine.

The vote by the US senate came as investors were already growing nervous about the lack of solid news on negotiations for a mini tariffs pact to help resolve a debilitating and long-running standoff between the economic superpowers.

China was already angered and expressed “strong indignation” last month when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure.

The bill, which must be signed off by Donald Trump, supports “human rights and democracy” in Hong Kong and threatens to revoke its special economic status as lawmakers grow concerned about an increasingly tough crackdown on the months-long protests.

It would require the president to annually review the favorable trade status

Washington grants to the city and allows for sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials who commit human rights abuses including “extrajudicial rendition.”

While observers broadly expect the two sides to eventually hammer out some sort of agreement as part of a wider pact, there have been a number of bumps in the road, causing anxiety on equity markets.

And Vice President Mike Pence warned Tuesday that the Hong Kong situation could complicate any deal.

However, AxiTrader’s Stephen Innes said Trump “has been conspicuous by his silence” when it comes to Hong Kong chaotic.

“Perhaps Trump sees a trade deal with Beijing as a more significant priority as he makes his case for re-election and doesn’t want the Hong Kong bill to act as a stumbling block,” he said. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review wedneSday, noveMBer 20, 2019

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

54 93.6 1.9 156 1.12 25.25 12.9 1.32 806.5 0.39 67.9 0.89 12.7 42.6 176 59.25 25.45 203.8 1,894 60.2 1.07

54 93.6 1.9 157.8 1.17 25.3 13.06 1.32 839.5 0.39 68.1 0.89 12.7 42.6 176 59.25 25.85 203.8 1,894 60.2 1.07

53.7 92.2 1.9 155.3 1.12 25.15 12.58 1.32 806 0.39 67.05 0.89 12.7 41.55 173.9 58.95 25.45 199.9 1,894 59.5 1.07

FINANCIALS 54 5,760 93 1,947,450 1.9 6,000 157.8 949,100 1.17 120,000 25.3 135,500 13.06 1,104,300 1.32 1,000 834.5 410 0.39 110,000 67.5 1,999,170 0.89 1,000 12.7 1,600 41.75 327,500 174 1,040 58.95 840 25.45 16,300 203 218,440 1,894 15 59.5 410 1.07 10,000

311,025 181,437,651.50 11,400 148,651,221 134,450 3,423,965 14,103,534 1,320 331,175 42,900 135,288,061.50 890 20,320 13,690,640 181,187 49,602 415,385 44,020,181 28,410 24,455.50 10,700

-69,206,461.50 -17,108,285 4,950 3,820,764 36,729,726 -2,642,030 -19,347 -277,915 -12,190,499 -21,480.50 -

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN 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 LMG CHEMICALS MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL 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

36.4 2.57 14.48 0.6 1.22 3.78 0.241 101.9 2.57 15.14 6.36 18.36 29.75 67 68.2 2.09 5.34 5.3 8.85 15.2 10.3 7.23 23 78 42.6 2.04 13.9 7.85 1.44 205 5.1 8 19.02 12.5 17.2 330.6 0.182 5.3 1.45 4.1 4.73 9.4 11.08 32.3 5.35 2 1.97 1.03 11.52 90 7.8 0.125 1.05 152 2.52 1.2 1.02

36.45 2.63 14.5 0.61 1.24 3.78 0.241 101.9 2.57 15.14 6.54 18.38 29.75 67 68.2 2.09 5.34 5.3 8.87 15.2 10.34 7.24 23 78 44 2.06 14 7.87 1.45 209.4 5.2 8.48 19.02 12.94 17.26 331.2 0.182 5.3 1.49 4.26 4.73 9.69 11.1 32.3 5.46 2.01 1.97 1.06 11.8 90.95 7.89 0.128 1.08 154 2.52 1.22 1.04

35.65 2.57 14.16 0.59 1.22 3.61 0.241 101.8 2.42 15.1 6.1 18.36 28.5 65.1 68.2 2.09 5.34 5.3 8.84 15.08 10.3 7.22 22.6 76.8 41.75 2.03 13.9 7.83 1.42 204 5.06 8 18.5 12.5 16.78 322.2 0.182 5.3 1.42 4.07 4.65 9.4 11.08 31.95 5.35 1.99 1.96 1.03 11.42 89.9 7.75 0.125 1.02 150.1 2.52 1.19 0.99

INDUSTRIAL 35.7 1,566,400 2.57 5,266,000 14.48 485,100 0.61 229,000 1.24 59,000 3.74 4,005,000 0.241 10,000 101.8 20 2.48 1,267,000 15.1 1,104,000 6.5 1,360,300 18.36 3,600 29.15 11,600 65.1 230 68.2 270 2.09 86,000 5.34 100 5.3 400 8.85 539,200 15.08 7,700 10.3 112,300 7.23 2,862,400 22.75 2,583,800 77.75 77,360 42.55 24,600 2.06 2,843,000 14 265,200 7.83 37,800 1.42 113,000 204 405,110 5.2 63,800 8.46 4,800 18.94 434,200 12.54 19,900 17.14 1,003,600 323.6 148,900 0.182 10,000 5.3 100 1.45 1,696,000 4.26 19,000 4.7 1,772,000 9.69 8,600 11.1 10,400 32.3 199,500 5.46 56,900 1.99 539,000 1.96 5,000 1.06 96,000 11.7 8,600 90 267,860 7.89 48,700 0.125 750,000 1.05 566,000 153.1 561,670 2.52 2,000 1.21 14,312,000 0.99 1,608,000

56,413,170 13,682,710 7,013,364 136,460 72,360 14,801,780 2,410 2,037 3,135,720 16,671,374 8,752,876 66,114 343,415 15,220 18,414 179,740 534 2,120 4,774,440 116,324 1,156,730 20,694,194 58,666,180 5,994,649 1,036,790 5,813,770 3,705,780 296,461 161,750 83,399,658 323,762 39,671 8,155,992 250,686 17,091,950 48,448,964 1,820 530 2,448,140 77,780 8,299,400 81,819 115,312 6,394,280 308,187 1,074,600 9,820 100,200 100,248 24,108,101 383,388 94,540 588,430 85,762,119 5,040 17,237,400 1,611,000

-46,476,120 -765,940 4,495,100 1,963,060 730,880 416,748 -122,819 -5,700 367,055 -40,730 -13,390 -2,539,140 -43,094,775 -1,353,810 -167,970 -2,253,352 70,585 -39,854,268 -1,480,608 -36,308 -9,234,374.00 -21,575,618 -406,390 -2,704,460 -9,600 810,240 27,820.00 -10,706 11,211,031 -30,684,910 -205,570 10,000

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG 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 WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.8 52.6 11.5 0.74 6.8 12.58 0.93 0.96 827 3.55 6.97 7.59 13.38 0.21 890 78 5.1 5.2 0.51 4.06 12.44 0.56 4.66 0.036 1.3 3.03 157.7 1,070 0.83 1.26 217 0.211 0.226

0.82 52.6 11.56 0.75 6.8 12.7 0.93 0.97 828 3.55 7.03 7.59 13.38 0.224 898.5 78 5.1 5.2 0.51 4.06 13.1 0.59 4.66 0.036 1.3 3.03 160 1,070 0.84 1.26 217 0.211 0.234

0.78 50.8 11.32 0.72 6.8 12.28 0.9 0.96 818 3.43 6.97 6.96 13.38 0.204 885 77.25 5.1 5.2 0.5 3.97 12.44 0.55 4.63 0.036 1.3 3.03 156.7 1,051 0.83 1.26 215 0.211 0.226

HOLDING FIRMS 0.8 13,972,000 50.8 849,050 11.32 7,913,300 0.73 19,000 6.8 7,300 12.56 1,500 0.91 1,682,000 0.97 183,000 824 234,840 3.43 3,430,000 7.02 2,330,300 6.98 48,091,500 13.38 200 0.204 1,140,000 891 47,390 77.8 715,260 5.1 100 5.2 300 0.51 4,000 3.99 71,000 13.06 4,529,000 0.55 336,000 4.64 5,943,000 0.036 1,400,000 1.3 20,000 3.03 6,000 160 59,190 1,070 122,665 0.84 51,000 1.26 1,000 215 2,050 0.211 20,000 0.234 210,000

11,120,930 43,512,005 90,363,984 13,810 49,640 18,730 1,543,810 176,500 193,004,295 11,883,050 16,330,261 341,605,906 2,676 240,430 42,204,950 55,574,339 510 1,560 2,020 282,990 57,523,922 189,510 27,589,430 50,400 26,000 18,180 9,392,506 131,019,530 42,440 1,260 441,074 4,220 47,940

-1,860,510 -22,752,438 -18,635,094 -148,620 -10,707,840 -68,980 215,852 -124,575,559 -6,059,890 21,089,151.50 -243,260.00 4,167,084 -7,759,170 -882,756 44,775,255 -8,400 -262,424 -

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

14.84 0.79 1.64 0.95 45 2.01 4.79 6.3 0.59 0.73 0.86 0.195 0.435 10.22 19.76 0.46 1.57 1.26

14.86 0.79 1.67 0.96 45.7 2.02 4.85 6.4 0.6 0.75 0.86 0.195 0.435 10.3 19.84 0.465 1.6 1.26

14.8 0.79 1.63 0.93 44.65 2.01 4.79 6.3 0.59 0.73 0.85 0.195 0.435 10 19.52 0.45 1.56 1.24

PROPERTY 14.8 261,600 0.79 144,000 1.67 145,000 0.93 1,648,000 45.7 11,103,300 2.01 190,000 4.79 68,000 6.4 24,400 0.6 10,319,000 0.75 8,000 0.86 32,000 0.195 160,000 0.435 340,000 10.26 318,400 19.7 194,500 0.455 520,000 1.57 6,123,000 1.25 136,000

3,881,940 113,760 236,590 1,544,990 503,168,775 382,020 326,540 154,104 6,146,010 5,880 27,410 31,200 147,900 3,253,646 3,835,290 237,150 9,652,490 169,470

-106,752 -155,574,575 -19,020 -24,190 2,562,462 400,470 -764,010 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

4.74 0.239 1.39 0.365 2.04 26 2.22 3.2 39.7 2.41 1.57 7.67 5.34

4.74 0.24 1.39 0.375 2.04 26 2.22 3.2 39.8 2.54 1.57 7.67 5.34

4.64 0.235 1.35 0.365 2.02 25.25 2.19 3.2 39.25 2.41 1.51 7.61 5.24

4.65 0.235 1.36 0.37 2.03 25.6 2.2 3.2 39.8 2.5 1.54 7.66 5.24

12,228,000 21,120,000 449,000 300,000 147,000 1,357,600 21,000 11,000 4,505,300 288,000 3,839,000 2,501,800 21,700

57,352,390 5,001,800 612,330 109,800 298,360 34,738,875 46,220 35,200 178,947,265 720,360 5,868,590 19,140,329 113,933

-15,165,200 -59,000 -25,661,260 15,330 -16,927,640 -7,530.00 -9,433,803 -

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

10.5 17.4 11.6 0.48 0.038 17.24 2.65 11.38 91.8 6.93 6.38 5.39 8.8 926 1,900 5.3 418 1.45 121.2 8 4.67 2.48 2.94 0.91 18.3 0.46 2.35 3.12 2.67 8 4.63 2.81 1,104 0.65 0.415 39.9 75.2 9.14 2.8 0.69 0.31 0.62 18.2

10.5 17.4 11.82 0.48 0.039 17.24 2.7 11.38 95 6.93 6.6 5.8 9.1 926 1,917 5.3 426 1.45 125.9 8 4.67 2.48 2.94 0.91 18.56 0.53 2.36 3.19 2.68 8 4.63 2.89 1,109 0.66 0.45 40 76.5 9.14 2.83 0.69 0.315 0.62 18.2

10 17.3 11.6 0.465 0.038 17.24 2.62 10.8 91.1 6.92 6.31 5.39 8.8 926 1,885 5.27 418 1.36 119.9 8 4.47 2.31 2.93 0.91 18.3 0.46 2.34 3.06 2.6 7.9 4.63 2.76 1,099 0.65 0.415 39.65 74 9.14 2.72 0.67 0.305 0.62 17.8

SERVICES 10.1 17.32 11.66 0.47 0.039 17.24 2.65 11.18 94.4 6.92 6.39 5.8 8.88 926 1,900 5.27 426 1.4 124 8 4.5 2.31 2.93 0.91 18.5 0.51 2.35 3.08 2.6 7.9 4.63 2.76 1,100 0.65 0.435 39.9 76.5 9.14 2.75 0.68 0.305 0.62 18.04

17,700 102,000 15,920,900 1,580,000 1,800,000 1,600 506,000 1,415,200 31,630 2,200 428,300 75,100 15,900 10 33,345 27,600 780 1,204,000 1,326,840 8,300 1,864,000 21,000 149,000 252,000 58,800 11,670,000 468,000 826,000 137,000 1,200 9,000 285,000 31,720 2,825,000 12,160,000 679,700 308,160 6,000 1,915,000 845,000 2,600,000 234,000 1,089,500

177,580 1,767,304 185,771,970 737,800 69,200 27,584 1,339,630 15,684,106 2,912,825.50 15,235 2,733,057 428,990 140,538 9,260 63,280,885 146,018 331,584 1,691,530 163,331,057 66,400 8,475,830 48,680 437,550 229,320 1,084,056 5,790,550 1,098,470 2,556,330 360,220 9,545 41,670 791,410 34,930,685 1,836,750 5,288,900 27,132,775 23,404,370 54,840 5,273,770 572,190 796,600 145,080 19,584,102

-58,034,318 46,550 -38,000 -2,650 -1,740,058 404,737 7,612 -220,188 -15,940,625 -227,800 17,227,148 45,200 8,820 -108,914 -585,160 -367,280 3,950 -35,940 -26,151,125 -1,628,100 -783,500 17,112,545 -2,083,896.50 372,280.00 -29,920 30,500 5,783,472

ABRA MINING AC ENEXOR APEX MINING ATOK CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING

0.0016 11.88 1.1 11.5 2.53 0.29 1.8 0.213 0.103 0.104 0.0088 1.03 3.33 1.07 0.54 0.81 0.011 0.011 0.012 3.28 12.1 23

0.0017 12.12 1.11 11.78 2.54 0.29 1.92 0.213 0.105 0.108 0.0088 1.05 3.45 1.07 0.57 0.82 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.3 12.3 23.05

0.0016 10.38 1.1 11.4 2.52 0.29 1.8 0.203 0.103 0.104 0.0088 1.02 3.31 1.05 0.54 0.81 0.011 0.011 0.012 3.26 11.92 20.35

MINING & OIL 0.0016 1,365,000,000 10.68 3,652,000 1.1 735,000 11.68 3,600 2.52 425,000 0.29 50,000 1.9 20,236,000 0.21 1,720,000 0.105 470,000 0.108 50,000 0.0088 5,000,000 1.02 214,000 3.41 5,514,000 1.07 16,000 0.57 15,000 0.82 101,000 0.012 13,300,000 0.012 3,900,000 0.012 400,000 3.3 153,000 11.92 324,400 21.85 8,647,400

2,184,100 40,531,678 809,020 41,706 1,073,430 14,500 38,317,460 352,190 48,870 5,280 44,000 219,070 18,742,200 16,870 8,280 81,820 156,300 44,800 4,800 502,310 3,896,350 187,446,945

59,200 -467,158 -56,610 -381,920 51,000 -1,907,260 1,200 65,600 837,800 14,797,410

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

17 503.5 100.5 100.3 5.09 97.5 1.02 1,049 1,065 1,025 78.35 75 76.55 75.2 75.2 75.2

17 503.5 100.5 101 5.09 99.7 1.02 1,049 1,065 1,030 78.35 75 77 75.2 75.2 75.3

17 502.5 100 100.2 5.09 97.5 1.02 1,049 1,050 1,025 77.95 74.8 76.55 75.15 75.1 75.1

PREFERRED 17 3,000 502.5 5,660 100 23,000 100.2 31,840 5.09 5,000 99.7 15,000 1.02 20,000 1,049 10 1,060 735 1,030 3,210 78 14,230 74.95 48,200 77 12,850 75.15 12,300 75.2 57,200 75.3 40,320

51,000 2,847,115 2,300,018 3,211,292 25,450 1,494,074.50 20,400 10,490 772,725 3,299,300 1,109,820.50 3,611,757 988,990 924,660 4,301,100 3,031,151

-51,000 51,500 -

LR WARRANT

1.56

1.56

1.45

WARRANTS 1.45 3,000

4,460

-

1,529,400 18,124,170 3,157,890

-

411,309

-

417,772 2,400

-251,500 -

MS ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

4.95 12.52 0.98

5.24 12.52 0.98

4.93 11.82 0.96

FIRST METRO ETF

118.2

118.4

118

USD DMPL A1 USD TECH B2

10.06 0.96

Trading Summary

10.28 0.96

SHARES

FINANCIAL

8,036,106

INDUSTRIAL

49,596,538

HOLDING FIRMS

93,593,556

PROPERTY

81,235,427

SERVICES

63,277,672

MINING & OIL

1,430,265,829

GRAND TOTAL

1,731,099,208

10.06 0.96

SME

4.96 11.96 0.96

302,000 1,502,100 3,284,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 118.2 3,480 DDS 10.28 0.96

41,200 2,500

VALUE 1,913.00 (down) 6.01 643,675,716.40 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 9,989.76 (down) 47.48 555,763,660.42 HOLDING FIRMS 7,788.62 (down) 18.37 1,051,146,689.34 PROPERTY 4,091.78 (up) 16.15 SERVICES 1,549.62 (up) 0.05 957,816,918.19 MINING & OIL 8,481.03 (down) 119.98 604,425,465.065 PSEI 7,898.06 (down) 14.08 294,564,306.94 All Shares Index 4,717.40 (down) 12.32 4,130,627,498.35 Gainers: 72; Losers: 106; Unchanged: 52; Total: 230

Megaworld expects P2.5b in sales from Cavite project

By Jenniffer B. Austria MEGAWORLD Corp., a leading condominium and office developer, said it expects to generate P2.5 billion in sales from a newly-launched upscale residential village in Trece Martires City, Cavite.

The 18-hectare Arden Botanical Village is located within the 251-hectare Arden Botanical Estate, an P18-billion, mixed-use estate jointly being developed by Megaworld and unit Global Estate Resources Inc. Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday the Arden Botanical Village would offer 329 lots ranging from 280 to 609 square meters with lot prices running from P18,000 to P22,000 per square meter.

“Arden Botanical Village will be built around the natural features that thrive in the estate, providing purposeful, livable spaces for its residents. Because the location is naturally gifted with greeneries that couldn’t be found in any other residential villages, we want to preserve and highlight them in our development,” said Eugene Em Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing of Megaworld.

Designed by renowned Filipino landscape architect and environmental planner Paulo Alcazaren, the exclusively gated Arden Botanical Village will be highlighted by the Centrera Park, which is surrounded by natural groves of mature trees, natural waterways and ponds, sprawling lush greeneries, expansive open spaces, promenades and parks and jogging paths.

The village’s clubhouse will also be part of the Centrera Park, with some carefully curated amenities for the exclusive use of the residents and their guests. A natural swimming pool will be part of the amenities and village landscape, a trend that has gained popularity in European neighborhoods.

The Arden Botanical Village will also feature thematic bridges, landscaped walkways, bike lanes and some interactive water features. Houses and village amenities, including a showroom, will feature minimalist form and clean lines with panoramic windows that look out, and make a pleasant contrast with the village’s verdant landscape.

Global Ferronickel wins contract from Baosteel of China GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings Inc. said operating unit Platinum Group Metals Corp. received a contract from Baosteel Resources International Co. Ltd. to supply one million wet metric ton of nickel ore at market price in 2020.

GNFI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the supply would consist of 50 percent low-grade and 50 percent medium- to high-grade nickel ore to be secured from PGMC’s Cagdianao nickel expansion project in Surigao del Norte province.

Delivery is expected at the onset of the dry season in April 2020.

Baosteel Resources is a whollyowned subsidiary of leading Chinese steel manufacturer China Baowu Steel Group.

The company is mainly engaged in mineral resource investment, trading and logistics. It specializes in the trading of metallurgic raw materials, with over 60 million tons being shipped annually.

Its product ranges are iron, ore, coal, alloys, non-ferrous metals, ferrous scraps, metallurgical flux and the like.

Baosteel Resources to date has over 100 suppliers and 40 clients overseas.

With headquarters in Hong Kong, it has strategic footprints in Southeast Asia and the Pacific as well as in some parts of Africa.

GFNI, meanwhile, is the second largest nickel ore exporter in the Philippines.

GFNI saw its net income increase by 35 percent to P805 million in the first nine months of the year from P595 million year-on-year.

Revenues rose 5.4 percent to P4.79 billion from P4.54 billion on year due to higher average nickel prices.

The average realized price of nickel ore sold in the first nine months continued to improve at US$19.88/WMT, up 9.3 percent a year ago.

“We are counting on the price of nickel to continue its upward momentum, especially with the Indonesian government’s recent decision to ban the export of nickel ore from next year,” said GFNI president Dante Bravo said.

Jenniffer B. Austria

CYAN Manila

Standard

TODAY

World

B3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Diehards hold out in campus as foreign pressure increases HONG KONG―Dozens of pro-democracy protesters remained holed up inside a besieged Hong Kong university campus for a fourth straight day on Wednesday as supporters took up online calls to disrupt the city’s train network in a bid to distract police.

The violent standoff between demonstrators and police at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) rippled overseas, with the United Nations calling for a peaceful resolution to the siege, while the US senate passed new legislation supporting protesters’ demands.

The epicenter of nearly six months of increasingly savage anti-China protests has shifted to the PolyU campus, a stone’s throw from the city’s harbor, where hardcore protesters have repelled riot police with Molotov cocktails, bricks and arrows.

The standoff has been the most intense and prolonged in nearly six months of unrest that began over a nowshelved bill to allow extraditions to China, which revived fears that Beijing was cutting into the city’s freedoms.

Millions of angry citizens hit the streets in a movement that quickly snowballed into wider calls for free

BEFORE THE PREVIEW. In this file photo taken on September 6, 2019 French actor Guillaume Canet (C) poses with French farmers Vincent (R) and Valerie Barre before the preview of the movie ‘Au nom de la Terre’ (In the name of Earth) in their farm, where the movie was shot, in Saint-Pierre-sur-Orthe, western France. Guillaume Canet’s movie raised concerns about the farmers suicides. AFP

IN BRIEF Pope lands in Thailand

BANGKOK―Pope Francis arrived in Thailand on Wednesday greeted by cheering faithful, the first leg of an Asian tour that will sweep in Japan and carry a message of inter-religious dialogue and nuclear disarmament.

The pontiff landed just after midday (0500 GMT) at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, where he stepped off the plane and was met by his missionary cousin Sister Ana Rosa, who has lived in Thailand for decades.

“I am happy to see you and that you are able to be my translator,” he told her, as dozens waved Thai and Vatican flags.

The welcome party included Thailand’s deputy prime minister Somkid Jatusripitak and children in traditional ethnic minority dress, one of whom Francis stopped to hug.

This will be the pope’s third trip to Asia―and his 32nd abroad―taking him to two Buddhist-majority countries with minority Catholic populations both evangelized by Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century.

Francis is the first pontiff in nearly four decades to visit Thailand where the nearly 400,000-strong Catholic community makes up a little more than 0.5 percent of the population. AFP

Iraq protests maim thousands

BAGHDAD―A fractured spine, paralyzed leg, hole in the back: Hamza took to the streets of Iraq’s capital to demand a better life but now he has even less than ever.

“This is my sacrifice for Iraq,” said the 16-year-old, his strained voice barely audible over the phone in Baghdad.

“If I could walk, I would be back in the protests now.”

Hamza is one of at least 3,000 people who have been maimed in Baghdad and southern Iraq since anti-government protests erupted on October 1, according to the NGO Iraqi Alliance for Disabilities Organization (IADO).

The staggering number is the latest burden for a country already struggling with one of the highest disability rates in the world, according to the United Nations.

After decades of back-to-back conflicts, Iraq is in the thick of its largest and deadliest grassroots protest movement, with more than 300 people dead and 15,000 wounded.

To disperse protesters, security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, flash bangs, live rounds and even machine-gun fire—all of which can seriously maim or even kill, as Hamza learned. AFP

Climate impacts to cost $7.9 trillion

PARIS―Climate change could directly cost the world economy $7.9 trillion by mid-century as increased drought, flooding and crop failures hamper growth and threaten infrastructure, new analysis showed Wednesday.

The Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Climate Change Resilience Index measured the preparedness of the world’s 82 largest economies and found that based on current trends the fallout of warming temperatures would shave off three percent of global GDP by 2050.

Its analysis, which assesses each country’s direct exposure to loss as climate change brings more frequent extreme weather events, found Africa was most at-risk, with 4.7 percent of its GDP in the balance.

In general, developing nations faired poorer in terms of resiliency than richer ones.

“Being rich matters,” John Ferguson, EIU country analysis director, told AFP. “Richer nations are really able to be more resilient towards the impacts of climate change, so this really threatens growth trajectories of the developing world as they try to catch up with the developed world.” AFP

elections and an inquiry into alleged police brutality, demands that Hong Kong’s Beijing-appointed leaders have rebuffed.

Protesters at PolyU said around 50 of their number remained after hundreds had fled deteriorating conditions and following official warnings that police may fire live rounds to clear the area.

Exhausted bands of youths continued to wander the campus, preparing Molotov cocktails while others slept on a gym floor.

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam called Tuesday for the protesters to surrender, adding that those over 18 would face rioting charges, but minors would not be arrested.

“I don’t ever give up. Yes, I will fight until the end,” said a 15-year-old holdout armed with bow and arrow who identified himself as William.

“But... it’s very dangerous, because when you use the bow, the police must shoot you, with some unknown bullets.

Maybe real bullets.”

Others were medically evacuated on gurneys overnight, and on Wednesday before dawn AFP journalists watched as police chased down and arrested around a dozen students making a break for it. AFP

US Senate passes Hong Kong human rights bill, angers China

W

(MS-NOV. 14,21 & 28, 2019

ASHINGTON―The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting “human rights and democracy” in Hong Kong and threatening to revoke its special economic status, angering China which promptly summoned a US diplomat and threatened countermeasures.

The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that have been used by security forces to suppress the pro-democracy protests for nearly six months.

Chinese vice foreign minister Ma Zhaoxu summoned the acting US charge d’affaires, William Klein, to lodge a “strong protest” and demand that the US prevent the bill from becoming law.

US ambassador Terry Branstad was out of the country.

“Otherwise, the Chinese side will take strong measures to resolutely counter it, and the US side must bear all the consequences,” the statement said.

A US embassy spokesman said Klein “relayed that we are watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern” during the foreign ministry meeting.

China had also reacted angrily when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure last month.

The Senate’s Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favorable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong.

It also mandates sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials who commit human rights abuses, including “extra-judicial rendition.”

The Senate “sent a clear message to

Hong Kong to the mainland.

The protests and resulting crackdowns have turned parts of Hong Kong into violent battlegrounds for weeks.

On Tuesday protesters occupying a university defied warnings to surrender, as skirmishes between police and demonstrators continued.

The Senate bill updates the original Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.

Senator Ben Cardin noted how Hong Kong has enjoyed a special economic status for years, one that relied on authorities “protecting democracy and human rights” in the territory. AFP

Hong Kongers fighting for their longcherished freedoms: We hear you, we continue to stand with you and we will not stand idly by as Beijing undermines your autonomy,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio said.

Passage of the bill marks “an important step in holding accountable those Chinese and Hong Kong govNOTICE OF DISSOLUTION ernment officials responsible for Hong Kong’s eroding autonomy Notice is hereby given that the members of the Board of Directors of VALEO ENTERPRISES and human rights violations.”

INC.: (a) have approved, by way of amendment The Senate Foreign Relations of its Articles of Incorporation, the shortening Committee’s top Democrat, of its corporate term from fifty (50) years to (4) months from the date of issuance of Robert Menendez, added that Four the Certificate of Registration, i.e. i.e. February the legislation “makes it clear 5, 2018, and consequently, dissolving the that the US will stand firmly and Corporation on June 6, 2018; and (b) will file with unambiguously with the legiti- the Securities and Exchange Commission an application for the approval of such dissolution. mate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong.”

All persons having any claims against Chinese foreign ministry the Corporation are requested to present claims to the President, JASON Z. spokesman Geng Shuang said the their ADVINCULA, with postal address at P.O. Box US purpose was to “support the 8747, New Wave Offices 7/F BA Lepanto Bldg. extremists and violent elements Paseo De Roxas Makati, Metro Manila. against China that are trying to This announcement will serve as a notice to mess up Hong Kong... and realize all concerned of the legal dissolution of the their sinister plot to hinder China’s aforesaid Corporation. development by taking advantage of the Hong Kong issue.”

The pro-democracy move- JASON Z. ADVINCULA ment was ignited in June when President and Chairman millions took to streets in opposition to a now-abandoned at(MS-NOV. 21, 2019) tempt to allow extraditions from REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 102-QUEZON CITY

PREMIERE.

Kosha Patel speaks onstage during the eko Fall Fiction Slate premiere 2019 at Goya Studios on November 19, 2019 in Hollywood, California. AFP

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given to the public that an ExtraJudicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the late Rosalinda Dela Cruz Barillos, represented by and with Special Power of Attorney to grand daughter Iris Geleen B. Macamay, is legal age, over OFW and Benefit and SSS Pension PNB bank accounts, per deed executed on 11 November 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Jose Floro P. Crisologo, per Doc. No. 414 & 415; Page No. 83; Book No. VII-C; Series of 2019.

HECTOR CRUZ CRISOSTOMO, Petitioner, - versus -

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-19-07411-CV FOR: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage

REGINA CARMELA VISMANOS DE OCAMPO, Respondent. x ----------------------------------------------------------x ORDER of SUMMONS

by PUBLICATION In a verified petition filed on September 23, 2019, petitioner HECTOR CRUZ CRISOSTOMO, prays that after due hearing, his marriage to the respondent REGINA CARMELA VISMANOS DE OCAMPO, which was solemnized in a matrimony of marriage on May 15,1997 at Rm. 377 City Hall Manila, Arroceros St., Ermita, Manila, be declared NULL and VOID AB INITIO.

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES DAVAO, INC., with office address at LGF Bldg. B, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Developer of Economic and low-cost Housing Project (Lessandra Digos) with a capacity of 225 house and lot units on a Non-Pioneer status with project site at Brgy. Matti, Digos City.

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-NOV. 21, 2019)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES DAVAO, INC., with office address at LGF Bldg. B, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Developer of Economic and low-cost Housing Project (Lumina Panabo) with a capacity of 853 house and lot units on a Non-Pioneer status with project site at Barangay Salvacion, Panabo City.

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-NOV. 21, 2019)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that COMMUNITIES DAVAO, INC., with office address at LGF Bldg. B, Evia Lifestyle Center, Daang Hari, Almanza Dos, Las Piñas City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a New Developer of Economic and low-cost Housing Project (Lessandra Toril) with a capacity of 172 house and lot units on a Non-Pioneer status with project site at Brgy. Bato, Toril District, Davao City.

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-NOV. 21, 2019)

On October 8, 2019, upon petitioner’s motion, service of summons on said respondent was allowed by the Court to be served by publication.

NOW, THEREFORE, respondent REGINA CARMELA VISMANOS DE OCAMPO, whose residence is last known at No. 748 Paz Estrella St., Poblacion, Malolos, Bulacan, is hereby summoned and required to file with Branch 102 of the Regional Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region, Quezon City, her Answer to the instant Petition within THIRTY (30) DAYS from last date of publication of this summons. In the event of her failure to do so, this Court shall direct the Public Prosecutor to conduct an investigation of any collusion between the parties and if the Court is convinced that there is no collusion, the petitioner shall be allowed to present his evidence in support of the petition.

Let this Order be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation pursuant to P.D. 1079 at the expense of the petitioner.

Likewise, let a copy of the summons as well as a copy of the petition be deposited in the Post Office, postage pre-paid and sent registered mail addressed to the respondent at her last known address, also at the expense of the petitioner.

SO ORDERED. Done in Quezon City, this 8th day of October 2019.

(Sgd.) MA. LOURDES A. GIRON Judge (MStandard-Nov. 14 & 21, 2019)

N OTICE Notice is hereby given that AXEIA DEVELOPMENT CORP. (FORMERLY: Asiatic Development Corporation) with office address at 5th & 6th Floor, Westar Building, 611 Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City, is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a new developer of economic and low-cost housing project (Tanauan Park Place) with a capacity of 1,662 economic and low-cost units on a Non-Pioneer status with project site at Brgy.

Bagumbayan, Tanauan City, Batangas.

Any person with valid objections on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) ANGELITA F. ARCELLANA Director Infrastructure and Services Industries Service (MS-NOV. 21, 2019)

CYAN

PRACTICAL ART. A woman weaves a unique cloth for the Ibagiw Festival, which

showcases the skills of artists in various forms as it celebrates Baguio City being awarded as one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities. The two-week-long art exhibition features works in weaving, painting, performing arts, metal craft, mixed media, dance and music at the Heritage Park, Dominican Hill, Baguio. Dave Leprozo

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

B4

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

2 Taguig city workers nabbed for extortion

By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES arrested in an entrapment operation two Taguig City government employees for alleged extortion.

A composite team from the Philippine National Police and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission busted Edward Buncab and Emma Robianes at City Hall Satellite Office in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

The authorities conducted the entrapment operation following a complaint that Buncab and Robianes demanded P10,000 from a building permit applicant.

Taguig City Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano on Wednesday commended the office of PACC commissioner Greco Belgica and the PNP for the entrapment operation that led the arrest of the employees.

“I have immediately ordered City Administrator Lyle Pasco to conduct an inquiry and coordinate with Commissioner Belgica’s office to file the necessary charges,” said Cayetano.

The city chief executive lauded the anti-corruption body and expressed the city’s all-out support to make sure the full extent of the law is implemented and to continue working to make Taguig a model city for good governance.

“The City of Taguig has always been a benchmark for good governance. We will act swiftly as we do not tolerate any form of corruption in the city,” he said.

To fight traffic, QC dad bats for early payouts

By Rio N. Araja TO HELP reduce traffic congestion, Quezon City Councilor Winston Castelo is urging business operators in the city to release the 13th month pay and Christmas bonuses of their workers this month, instead of releasing them in December.

Citing the Christmas season as the busiest time of the year, Castelo said: “If businessmen and business owners give their employees their 13th month pay and bonuses, say, a week before December, people can schedule their shopping earlier before traffic peaks in the three weeks leading to Christmas.”

“We can then prevent ‘carmageddon,’ a situation when traffic is at a virtual standstill as if it’s the end of the world,” he added.

The councilor said he made the proposal to enable people all over Metro Manila to shop early and avoid the perennial holiday rush, leading to congested streets.

The early release of workers’ benefits could help spread out the shopping days of people over a longer period and avoid a huge influx of people to the malls, most of which are located in Quezon City along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares.

Castelo also appealed to mall owners to synchronize their sales with the early release of 13th month and bonuses to encourage people to shop early.

“To mitigate traffic, we should think of ways not only to provide more roads and reduce the number of vehicles on the road, but also to decrease foot traffic in busy places,” he said.

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Manila polio vaccination 3rd round set next week

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Manila city government will conduct a third round of massive polio vaccination in all barangays in the nation’s capital next week to totally eliminate the viral infection.

Manila Health Department chief Dr. Arnold “Poks” Pangan said the synchronized polio vaccination periods would be carried out from November 25 to December 7.

In a statement, Manila City Hall spokesman Julius Leonen said that even if a person has had complete vaccination as a one-year-old or younger, he can still avail of the vaccine as a booster to ensure immunity from the disease.

Manila’s health personnel and volunteers will go house-to-house for the

vaccination, while others will be in health centers and barnagay halls.

Manila Barangay Bureau chief Romeo Bagay issued a memorandum requiring all barangay chiefs to “intensify the campaign” against polio.

Bagay also urged barangay chiefs “to ensure that there will be 95% coverage of children under give to be given oral polio vaccine in their areas.”

According to data from the MHD, about 160,000 children or 81.6% of possible patients have already received the

polio vaccines from the city government after two rounds of the synchronized immunization program.

In August, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso on Monday led the synchronized polio vaccination kickoff activity in the capital, as the city government targeted 197,000 children to be free of poliovirus.

But in September, the Department of Health confirmed the disease was reemerging in the country, 19 years after the Philippines was declared by the World Health Organization polio-free in 2000.

In this regard, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III strongly urged parents, health workers, and local governments to fully participate in the synchronized polio vaccination.

WATER FUN. Ayala Land

senior vice president and Estate Group head Mian Dy, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Ayala Land assistant Nuvali GM John Estacio, and Teamlab Communication Director Takashi Kudo (from right) unveil the firstever interactive water and light show in the Philippines (inset) at Nuvali Santa Rosa on Tuesday.

Roy Tomandao

Regent looks to move away from Pasig City REGENT Foods Corp. has said it might relocate away from Pasig City as the snack maker said Mayor Vico Sotto has already made up his mind to pursue an “unjust” deal with the company following a strike by some of its employees last week that led to arrests.

In a statement, RFC said it is still banking on the judicial system to resolve its issues with workers belonging to an illegal union. But after Sotto’s pronouncements in a Facebook post on Saturday, it was considering moving its business elsewhere, after opening shop in Pasig in 1988.

“Moving forward, RFC may simply accept its fate that the Pasig City Administration will unjustly make life hard for it and its 400-strong workforce, and contemplate simply bringing its business elsewhere―a truly painful outcome for a corporation that has considered Pasig City its home for three decades now,” the company said.

RFC said it respects the sentiments of Sotto “inasmuch as it also respects the rights of its workers to hold a peaceful strike.” However, these rights “presuppose that the strike was first peaceful and that it was carried out within the bounds of the law.”

“Unfortunately, contrary to how Mayor Vico depicts the situation, the strike involved here was never legitimate and never peaceful, and up until it was dispersed, it was exercised in violation of RFC’s own rights, as well as the rights of other people,” it added.

Noting it has continuously provided jobs to hundreds of workers, Pasig has been home to RFC for the last 30 years, and throughout its existence, RFC “has always been able to dialogue properly with its workforce on every concern―labor or otherwise.”

One-day 53rd International Bazaar for a cause slated Nov. 24 at CCP FOR one whole Sunday, on Nov. 24, the best products from all over the world will be showcased for sale at the PICC Forums 1, 2 & 3 at the CCP Complex in Pasay City, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This one-day bazaar is organized by the International Bazaar Foundation (IBF), in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Diplomatic and Consular Corps, and the Spouses of the Heads of Mission (SHOM).

Now on its 53rd year, the International Bazaar, has taken on as theme, “Shop

The World, Show You Care.”

“This bazaar will showcase the finest items from different countries together with the Philippines’ best community-based products,” said Maria Lourdes Locsin, wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and IBF chairperson.

According to Susan Fries, spouse of Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries and SHOM President, the proceeds of this cosmopolitan bazaar will benefit local charities.

Among the chosen beneficiaries this year are the 41 scholars in colleges and universities in Metro Manila; the Ayala Foundation that conducts out-reach projects in Mindanao, Palawan and Mindoro; the HABI Textile that restores the fine art of inabelor abeliloko; The Pilak Silvercraft that trains silversmiths in Baguio City; the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Paranaque City; Bogo, Cebu provincial hospital; the Missionaries of Charity; the Little Sisters of the Poor; the feeding program

in Pasay City; the Steps Mission Foundation; and the Sayaw Foundation that teaches out-of-school youth ballet skills.

According to Mrs. Locsin, entrance tickets to the bazaar are sold at P150, while donor cards cost P250. These are sold at Tesoros Store in Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City, at Special Projects Unit, 6th Floor, DFA Bldg, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, and at the PICC gate on the day of the International Bazaar.

For inquiries,you may call 833-1320 or send e-mail at ibf.dfa@gmail.com.

Rizal store owner reaches greater heights

Sofie Aquias (left) believes that joining ARC Refreshments Corp. was about delivering refreshing and affordable drinks to Filipinos.

IN 2003, Sofie Aquias has been selling a variety of goods in her sari-sari store in Cogeo, Rizal – rice, fish, and, occasionally, some beverage brands ― until a representative from ARC Refreshments Corporation offered her and her husband, Freddie a dealership opportunity.

Sofie found that a truckload of ARC products was waiting for her to take with only one week to pay for the merchandise, and three months to pay for the “basyo”, or glass bottle cases. The weakhearted wouldn’t have taken such a risk, but being the business-minded woman that she is, Sofie gambled on the unknown beverage at that time and this, soon, changed her life.

“RC Cola flourished after less than three months. It was sold out right away,” revealed Sofie. “I never expected that the business would grow that fast. Soon, we gave up selling rice, fish, and

other products. We started to concentrate on the distribution of ARC products only.”

From owning a small village store, Sofie and Freddie now owns and operates a vital dealership site in Rizal.They deliver ARC products to over fifty sub-dealers located across Antipolo, Cogeo, as well as in some areas in Pasig.Starting with selling only one truckload in 2003, the Aquiases now have 12 trucks and their own warehouse.

“We pick up directly from the warehouse then distribute them to sub-dealers. Then, the latter are the ones who sell to local shops or sari-sari stores. Our customers from before are still our customers now,” said Sofie in describing the strong network and loyalty they were able to build due to healthy business-to-business relations and the robust revenue generated by the cola drink.

Life

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

HOUSEHOLD

By Bernadette Lunas

P

EOPLE are always indoors. Save for those whose job require them to be outdoors, 90 percent of our time is spent inside an enclosed space—may it be at home, at school, in the office, at the mall.

Surely those ceilings and walls provide a barrier from a number of elements—sun’s harmful rays, rain showers, people you’d rather not see—but not air pollution.

Pollution in the air we breathe

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

Home

is where there’s

clean air

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to human health. The threat is so serious that seven million people died prematurely due to illnesses attributable to air pollution in 2016.

The WHO further reported that nine out of 10 people worldwide do not breathe “safe air.”

We are in a bad situation here in the Philippines, as we rank third (after China and Mongolia) in the list of countries with the most number of deaths due to air pollution, according to a 2018 study by the WHO. It could be worse, but that shouldn’t be the goal.

People up in the air have the best view of the situation. Pilot Nick Gitsis, cofounder of South East Asian Airlines (SEAir), was one of those who have noticed the thick haze surrounding Manila upon aircraft take-off and landing.

“It bothered me 25 years ago, and as it got progressively worse, it truly disturbed me once I had children, knowing this was the air they were breathing,” he lamented.

While the air outside needed a multisectoral cooperation to be improved, indoor air pollution can be resolved.

Allergy, asthma, and immunology specialist Dr. Lou Ver Leigh ManzonReyes said indoor air pollutants exacerbate a number of illnesses, including respiratory diseases and allergies as well as cardiovascular diseases, reproductive disorders, immunologic disorders, and BREATHE IN. Capturing 99.99 percent of air pollutants indoors, air purification system Intellipure provides homes and offices ‘safe air’ free even cancer.

Exposure to these air pollutants, as in of harmful elements. volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and allergens, results in more cases of allerSEAir co-founder Capt. gies today.

Nick Gitsis (left) brings to “A person’s risk of developing allerthe country the line of air gy is predetermined by family history. purifiers from Intellipure, However, studies now show that even a US-based company co-founded by Vinny without history of allergy in the famLobdell (right). ily, there’s already a five to 15 percent chance for a person to develop allergies because of our environmental exposures in the form of volatile organic compounds, allergens, air pollutants,” said Dr. Manzon-Reyes.

She continued, “These actually cause genetic changes, and these changes can lead to immune deviation, causing a previously non-allergic person to become allergic. And these bad genes can be subsequently passed on to the next generations.”

But the specialist offered a glimmer of hope.

“Indoor air pollutants have been declared by the WHO as one of the most preventable risk factors for global disease burden,” said Dr. Manzon-Reyes.

While taking allergy medication helps, she said “elimination of triggers is equally important.”

ART ON THE TABLE EATING has evolved into a multisensory experience. For a complete and memorable affair, the food must satisfy the palate, delight the olfactory senses, and treat the eyes.

In addition to dishes masterfully prepared and served, beautifully assembled tables complete a luxurious sitdown dinner.

Clean air for the family

As a new mother, Dr. Manzon-Reyes said her son’s health is always a priority.

“With all these air pollutants that my son is potentially exposed to, and all the microorganisms that I might be bringing home from work, this technology gives me that peace of mind that I’m able to protect my son,” she shared.

Dr. Manzon-Reyes was referring to air purification system Intellipure, which, fellow parent, Capt. Gitsis discovered in the US and brought here in the country.

After using several underperforming HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) air purifiers that did not provide “any noticeable difference” in the indoor air, Gitsis found Intellipure, known for its revolutionary Disinfecting Filtration System (DFS) technology developed through a US military grant given to help fight germ warfare.

“I was very impressed with the first machine I had and became even more so when I was able to visit their factory and offices in the US,” shared Gitsis.

“After seeing and experiencing their product line and solutions,” Gitsis said he knew “this was something very different from what you can pick up in any department store in the USA or in the Philippines.”

Intellipure offers a line of air purifiers said to be 40 times more efficient than other HEPA filters, as each unit captures 99.99 percent of pollutants down to 0.007 micron in size.

Within the patented DFS system, a charge in the filter creates microbiostasis, eliminating dangerous viruses, molds, and bacteria effectively. All systems come with a proprietary gas and odor filter eliminating up to 95 percent of formaldehydes and chemicals.

According to Vinny Lobdell, cofounder and president of Intellipure USA, they are the only brand with air purification systems that address all three pollutant categories: ultrafine particles, VOCs, and microorganisms.

Intellipure offers a range of products for residential and commercial use.

The Intellipure Ultrafine 468 and Intellipure Compact machines are portable, point-of-use air purifiers designed for small to medium-sized spaces, from 35 to 140 square meters.

Meanwhile, the Intellipure Super V Whole House is a point-of-entry machine installed directly into existing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. The unit is ideal for homes, offices, and schools.

Finally, the Intellipure 950P is a portable commercial unit utilized in environments with a high level of smoke, gases and odors, and other VOCs such as smoking areas, medical clean rooms, and offices.

Prices for compact machines range from P47,000 to P89,000. A customer service is available to help with maintenance and purchasing of filters after a year or two.

Gitsis, through his company Air Intellipure Inc., has also brought the Pure Wellness program to the Philippines. The program is based on a patented surface and air purification technology that removes indoor pollutants from any indoor space, and maintains a high sanitary state with regular service. It eliminates and protects against 98 to 100 percent of viruses, bacteria, and other irritants.

“The Belo Clinics will be the first Certified Pure Wellness clinics in Asia, with the first location slated to open in BGC in November,” announced Gitsis.

Tablescape design and dinnerware provider Casa Luxia delivers luxurious settings using premium pieces and one-of-a-kind ornaments.

Crystal and premium cutlery add the finishing touches of polish and elegance to every tablescape.

Through her tablescape design and dinnerware company Casa Luxia, Ginger King Villavicencio delivers luxurious and memorable dinners in large or intimate settings.

Casa Luxia’s growing clients include Manila’s well-heeled who value a wonderful table setting akin to a work of art.

Its tablescapes feature fresh flow-

love put into each place setting.

The age of digital photography and social media, the company said, has raised the bar for daily experiences, with an unspoken requirement that moments have to be photogenic for the world’s attention.

“This has resulted in better curated events, from intimate dinners to large-

ers, one-of-a-kind ornaments, and mood-setting details added to the Hermès, Megan Hess, and Piero Fornasetti pieces that anchor the settings. Crystal and premium cutlery add the finishing touches of polish and elegance.

Upon closer inspection, guests can find personalized touches—such as nameplates—that show the care and

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scale parties. The food does not only have to taste good, but it has to be beautiful; events styling are not just beautiful as a whole but each detail has to be remarkable.”

Go to www.casaluxia.com or www. instagram.com/casaluxia or call 09175307890 or email info@casaluxia.com for inquiries and more details.

Life

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

P

Denim rules at ‘paw-shion’ event

AW parents and their “paw-shionista” babies strutted on the catwalk in their best denim and chambray outfits during the Ezydog and Pet Express Denim Daze Paw-shion Show.

The show featured the latest Ezydog Denim Friday Collective dog accessories, which consist of harnesses,

A poodle in his denim wear and Ezydog Chest Plate Harness.

Ezydog ambassador Jennie Cerrada with her therapy dogs India and Ryder.

Coco Chanel with Ezydog denim leash on.

leashes, and collars. Some of the popu- Shock Leash, and Road Runner Leash. lar products include Quick Fit Harness, The Friday Collective from Ezydog Chest Plate Harness, Neo Classic Col- is a design initiative and special edition lar, Double-Up D-Ring Collar and Zero range made for both dogs and owners

Pawsome poodle in denim.

who appreciate premium hardware and jean studs, and brass accents. expert craftsmanship. The designer colThe Ezydog Friday Collective Denim lection brings a fresh new look with Collection is now available at Pet Exgenuine ultra-soft denim with leather, press stores nationwide.

Senior citizens’ welfare on focus THIS year’s celebration of Elderly Filipino Week featured informative and entertaining events for the benefit the elderly.

The celebration kicked off with the annual Walk for Life, an event that brought together approximately 1,500 senior citizens and representatives from various local and national government units at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

The event was facilitated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Office of the Senior Citizens, in partnership with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Delegates from Social Security System, Coalition of Services of the Elderly, Department of Finance, PhilHealth, Bureau of Treasury, and other OSCA representatives from different cities across Metro Manila also joined the celebration.

Walk for Life started with a parade around the MOA complex and was followed by a short program featuring elderly groups from different municipalities.

During the event, DSWD Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag enjoined senior citizens to avail of the social pension by visiting the DSWD office.

“As of now, P3,000 is given to our senior citizens every six months, as their social pension. This is to help them with their daily expenses,” he said.

Two regional offices of Philhealth in Davao and Lucena tapped the SM Malls to conduct simultaneous Walk participated in by about 600 senior citizens per location.

After the morning parade, hundreds of senior citizens glammed up for the

Crowned Dancing Duo (Adeline Corpus and Rene Moreno) and Prom King and Queen (Alvina Hortaleza and Joey Fernandez).

“Seniors’ Prom” held at the Skydome of SM City North Edsa. With music from award-winning local rock band, the Rockin’ 60s, the seniors danced the night away until the awarding of the Dance Duo and Prom King and Queen who each received a sash, a crown, and SM gift certificates.

Also part of the celebration was the annual Talakayan, a forum that informed the Filipino elderly about legislations concerning the sector. This included the discussion of various benefits that seniors can take advantage of such as the proposed amendment of the Republic Act 10868 or Centenarians Act of 2016 where senior citizens who would reach the age of 80 would be entitled to a cash incentive of P30,000, an additional P30,000 once they reach the age of 90,

and the remaining P60,000 upon turning 100 years old.

Talakayan was led by NAPC, with support from DSWD, OSCA, and COSE. During the program, three centenarians were given P100,000 cash each.

“SM has been participating in this initiative since 2007 as we see the value of our senior citizens and their contributions to our country. We believe that by promoting this cause, we would be able to become better stewards of socially inclusive communities,” said SM Cares program director on senior citizens Danilo Chavez.

The annual observance of Elderly Filipino Week falls under Proclamation No. 470 issued on Sept. 26, 1994, which aims to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning the sector.

SHOPPING

Pinoy-made sustainable products on sale SHOPPERS looking for sustainable and proudly Filipino products to give this Christmas are invited to check out BPI Sinag ng Pasko bazaar.

The holiday bazaar, which features products from homegrown social enterprises, returns on Dec. 11 at the Palm Drive Activity Center, Glorietta 2 in Makati City.

Merchants range from arts and fashion to food and home essentials. Some items for sale are built from sustainable materials, upcycled pieces, and locally sourced ingredients.

“We offer Sinag ng Pasko as an ideal venue to look for Christmas gifts, whether you are a zero-waste advocate encouraging your loved ones to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, a proud champion of Filipino craftsmanship, or simply a shopper looking for unique and beautiful items,” said Maricris San Diego, executive director of BPI Foundation.

Some of the merchants include Ekolife OFW Marketing Cooperative, Got Heart Shop, Project Bangkal, Amazing Food Corp., Auro Chocolate, Julyan’s Farm, Bags and Beads for Life, Haven for Women, Jacinto & Lirio, Accents & Petals, BalaiKamay, Happy Helpers, Subida, Zambawood, Karaw Craftventures, Angie’s Yakan, Everything is Pine, Malingkat Weaves, and Down to Earth, among others.

Go to www.bpifoundation.org or BPI Foundation on Facebook for the complete list of merchants.

Close the toilet seat cover to prevent bacteria from spreading into the air.

5 ways to keep bathroom hygienic BATHROOMS are the place where people go to clean themselves, but ironically, they are also the place most prone to dirt, grime, and bacteria that can cause a host of diseases. A brand that champions bathroom safety and hygiene through innovative technology offers these solutions:

Close the toilet seat cover before flushing

E. coli, the bacteria that causes diarrhea and urinary tract infection, usually lurks in water contaminated with human feces, thus it is best to close the toilet seat before flushing to prevent the bacteria from spreading into the air. American Standard’s HygieneClean System offers powerful flushing techniques to ensure toilets stay hygienic. The Siphonmax’s dynamic vacuum mechanism, with side and lower water jets, creates powerful swirls to remove both heavy and light waste completely; while the Double Vortex offers maximum flushing performance for minimum water usage.

Opt for efficient toilet fixtures

Investing in quality bathroom fixtures not only adds aesthetic value but also ensures that the toilet performs to its fullest potential. American Standard’s ComfortClean, for instance, is a revolutionary ceramic glazed with zinc oxide that effectively kills bacteria inside the toilet bowl.

Clean and disinfect bathroom floors

Never forget the floors and walls, too.

Keep them squeaky clean by sweeping or vacuuming dust particles, and mopping the floor with floor cleaner. Use cloth to clean the small areas. Avoid collecting germs and mildew in the

Amira from BalaiKamay

Make sure to clean the bathroom floors and walls regularly.

Necklaces from Everything is Pine

Got Heart Shop bamboo mugs

Foldable eco bags from Habi Lifestyle

Scented candles can help transform the bathroom into a spa-like retreat.

grout between tiles by brushing them with anti-fungal grout cleaner.

Keep everything organized

Dust, germs, and bacteria lie everywhere. It is thus vital to keep bathrooms organized at all times. Store towels in wicker baskets under the vanity; keep cotton balls and swabs in jars; have storage boxes for bathroom essentials; and opt for a functional wall décor, which can also be used as additional storage.

Keep it smelling fresh

The bathroom is most likely the one room that tends to smell pretty rough.

Turn it into a spa-like retreat with room scents such as potpourri, scented oils or candles, or bamboo charcoal bag, which absorbs odors.

Entertainment

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

MayWard

hosts first-ever digital singing search F

'Star Hunt: The Global Showdown,' hosted by multimedia stars Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber, is an online singing search on Kumu, the fastest growing social media app in the Philippines.

ROM scouring the country and the world for extraordinary talents on television, ABS-CBN’s grand audition program Star Hunt, together with The Filipino Channel, continues its legacy by launching the first global singing search on Kumu, the fastest growing social media app in the Philippines.

Called Star Hunt: The Global Barber.

Eliminations and major contest events Showdown, the search premiered on Nov. 7 and is hosted by multimedia will stream live every Wednesday stars Maymay Entrata and Edward evening on the Star Hunt channel on

'Star Hunt The Global Showdown' hosts Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata pose with Kumu mascot in a recent press event.

Kumu until its grand finals in December.

There will also be live shows for the rest of the week, with former Pinoy Big Brother Otso housemate Kiara Takahashi providing updates and online guestings of the contestants.

Kicking off the global singing search is its introduction of the top 25 Global Star Dreamers from the Philippines, USA, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Australia, and Italy who joined the month-long call for entries from September to October this year.

They were selected by Star Hunters or the panel of judges composed of Pinoy Big Brother and Star Hunt creative manager Marcus Vinuya, ABSCBN Global head of music and talent Roslynn Cobarrubias, and award-winning composer and ABSCBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo.

The 25 Global Star Dreamers will have to go through various levels without being eliminated in order to win the competition.

Each level will require them to go live on the Kumu app, perform songs that match the weekly theme, and rally for votes from family, friends, and fans.

Star Dreamers who will get the lowest combined judges’ scores (50%) and votes or virtual gifts (50%) in each level, meanwhile, will be eliminated from the competition.

For the first challenge, the top 25 Star Dreamers will have to sing a song that they dedicate to Kapamilyas abroad and songs that make them happy. They will be given two weeks to rally for votes, and the first ten Stars Dreamers to be eliminated was announced live on the Star Hunt channel on Kumu yesterday, Nov. 20.

Korea’s biggest fantasy drama in 2019 premieres in PH CAN love blossom between a spiritual and mortal being?

In a mystical hotel located in Seoul, South Korea, lies the answer.

Hotel Del Luna, ABS-CBN’s newest Korean series, which premiered on Monday, Nov. 18, brings together Nathan (Yeo Jin-Goo), a Harvard graduate with a future of becoming the youngest manager in one of Korea’s largest hotels, and Jang Man-

wol (Korean pop star IU), a lonely soul with a painful past that prevents her from crossing the bridge to the afterlife, in a hotel that caters to spirits with unfinished business in the living realm.

When Jang Man-wol unlocks Nathan’s ability to see spirits, he joins her in running the hotel. As they work together in managing the place, their curiosity about each other

The last elimination round and grand finals where the grand winner will be revealed will also happen in December.

Big prizes and opportunities await the winner as he or she will win a management contract with Star Hunt, a recording contract with ABS-CBN Music, and $10,000.

They come from different countries and use different styles of singing to highlight their voices, but they have one dream – to be a Star Hunt singing idol.

Whose star will shine the brightest?

Follow the journeys of the Star Dreamers in Star Hunt: The Global Showdown, where the biggest dreams begin with the smallest screens on the Kumu app. It streams live daily on the Star Hunt channel on the app. For updates, like facebook.com/starhuntabscbn and follow @starhuntabscbn on Twitter and Instagram.

Jin-gu Yeo and IU in 'Hotel Del Luna'

leads to romantic feelings that neither could stop from growing. But what would happen when they realize that their connection is way deeper than expected?

Will Nathan succeed in saving Jang Man-wol from her tragic fate? And will their love be enough to stand the test of time?

Hotel Del Luna replaced Codename: Terrius and airs right before Bandila.

Elsa and Anna take on new adventures in ‘Frozen II’ Slapshock, 6Cyclemind rock Sarangani Munato Fest

AFTER taking the world by storm in 2013, the sequel to Disney’s Frozen is finally here. The movie’s well-loved characters are back on the big screen as they take on a new adventure.

This November, SM Cinema invites everyone to immerse into a one-of-a-kind Frozen II movie watching experience at IMAX and Director’s Club Cinema!

Frozen II brings more magic and adventure that will take us on a journey with Elsa and Anna as they try to uncover the buried truth behind Elsa’s past in order to discover the origins of her magical powers. Together with Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, the sisters will journey to a place far from Arendelle and Elsa’s powers will be tested to their limits. Along the way, she will discover the life she was meant to live but in doing so, risk losing everything, including herself.

Make the whole family’s Frozen II experience even more special by watching it in IMAX at SM Cinema and immerse yourself in the wondrous world of Arendelle. With IMAX’s extra large screen and its superior surround sound, moviegoers will be transported into the world of the movies. IMAX is available in the following locations: SM Aura Premier, SM City Cebu, SM City Clark, SM Lanang Premier, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall. SM North EDSA, and SM Southmall.

You can also bask in luxurious comfort at SM Cinema’s Director’s Club Cinema, which is available in 10 locations across the country. Sit back and relax in comfortable leather recliner seats, indulge in cinema snacks and enjoy their in-house butler service so you don’t need to miss a single second of the movie. Visit any of their branches in SM Aura Premier, SM City BF Paranaque, SM City East Ortigas, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, S’Maison in Conrad Manila, The Podium, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM Seaside Cebu City, and SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premiere.

Araneta..

From C4

Paw Patrol is at the Gateway Mall until Nov. 29. Barbie and Hotwheels invade the Ali Mall from Nov. 27 to Jan. 5. While Christmas Wonderland opens at the Ali mall from Dec. 1 to 26, and in Gateway Mall from Dec. 4 to 26.

Meet and greet Santa Claus at the Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza, and Ali Mall every Friday and Saturday of

Frozen II is now showing in SM Cinema theaters nationwide.

Book your tickets through the website, www.smcinema.com or download the SM Cinema mobile app. You may also follow / SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for updates! Satisfy your cravings at Snack Time, the official food concessionaire of SM Cinema, which offers a wide array of snacks like popcorn, hotdogs, and burgers to complement your movie-watching experience. Follow /SnackTimeOfficial on Facebook for more information.

TWO of the country’s most sought-after rock bands— Slapshock and 6Cyclemind—will sizzle in Sarangani Province as it celebrates the 17th MunaTo Festival and 26th founding day from Nov. 27 to 30.

Metalcore quintet Slapshock will rock the night the away on Nov. 30 after the Tunog Katutubo, Tunog Mindanao Battle of the Bands which will pit the south’s top musical talents.

Serving as front acts are the sevenperson youth band Andromeda, the Gen. Santos City-based reggae group Kuerdas, and Davao’s alternative poprock band Daybreak.

Meanwhile, 6Cyclemind, known for its well-loved fusion of alternative and pop music will bring down the curtains down on Dec. 1 as they officially welcome the Advent Season. The quintet is a favorite in the province’s special events which include Sarangani Bay Festival, the country’s biggest party held every May. Concerts will be held at the sprawling

In 'Frozen 2,' Elsa the Snow Queen and her sister Anna embark on an adventure far away from the kingdom of Arendelle.

December and on Dec. 20 to 25, 6:00 p.m..

Grand Fireworks Display will blast off starting on the evening of Nov. 30 and will continue every Wednesday to Friday of December. This will cap off on Jan. 1.

Christmas Carols will fill the whole Farmers Plaza starting Dec. 1, Wednesdays to Fridays every 3:00 p.m..

The All-New Grand Chinese Acrobatic Circus is here in the Philippines from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4, at the Smart Araneta

Coliseum buy your tickets at Ticketnet online and the Araneta City Mobile app.

Araneta City’s dear patrons also have a chance to drive home a brand new AUDI Q2. Every P1,500 single-receipt purchase from any Araneta City establishment entitles shoppers to one raffle entry. The Audi-Lightful Christmas Promo runs until Feb. 2.

For more info and updates, visit Araneta City’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @AranetaCity and website www.aranetacity.com.

Alternative rock back 6Cyclemind

Provincial Capitol Complex grounds in Alabel town.

Derived from the Blaan tribal phrase Muna Toh or first people, the Festival is one of the richest cultural events in the Soccsksargen Region.

According to Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon, this year’s theme is “Isang Diwa” which will highlight the unity in diversity between and among the province’s tri-people— the lumad indigenous peoples composed of Blaan, Tboli and Tagakaolo tribes, the Moro communities, and the Christian settlers.

He said that MunaTo will showcase nature, culture, and adventure which are the province’s tourist top drawers.

Fringe events in the four-day fest include the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, the Pearl of Sarangani pageant which will select the province’s ambassadresses of goodwill and tourism, Youth Day, Week of Peace, Indigenous Peoples Day, Jesus Reigns, and various sporting and fitness events.

Entertainment

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

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019

Laughter wins in ‘Titas of Manila’ show

By Clay Moreno COMEDIENNES Candy Pangilinan, Giselle Sanchez, and Kim Molina band for the show The Titas of Manila, where the three will poke fun and present new insights into those who fall under the age bracket.

“Titas are generally considered to be older ladies with peculiar traits. They can be strict or sexy, smart or meddlesome and a lot of other things,” says Candy.

From Viva Live, the standup comedy concert is directed by Andrew de Real and will be held at the Music Museum tomorrow, Nov. 22.

“We will present new insights into the ever-

growing and intensifying habits of these lovable segment of society. The show will last for two-anda-half hours or even three hours depending on our ad-libs,” Giselle says in jest.

The three all-around screen and stage personalities wanted to invite the audience to their intimate party where they will present all the kinds of Titas of Manila.

“I’m a Tita-in-training, Giselle is a reluctant Tita of Manila, and Candy, she’s the epitome of these lovable Titas of Manila,” Kim adds.

Joining the fun are Jon Santos, Aiko Melendez, Gelli de Belen, and Carmina Villaroel.

Tickets are available at TicketWorld 891-9999 or the Music Museum.

Screen and stage personalities (from left) Candy Pangilinan, Giselle Sanchez, and Kim Molina band together for the comedy show 'Titas Of Manila' from Viva Live.

Regine’s relevance

Mike Enriquez honored at Icon Media Awards

YUGEL LOSORATA

C

OUNTLESS wannabes won’t be able to outshine the talent of a Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, note for note. Perhaps you have encountered people commenting “iba pa rin si Regine” or something to that effect.

One time, I came out of the bathroom hearing someone I thought was Regine singing on TV; my view of the small screen blocked. I suddenly noticed there was a bit roughness in her voice and I somehow felt bothered because that sounded uncharacteristic of her. Regine is one belter who still sounds smooth even when hitting impossibly high notes.

Turned out it wasn’t her but some contestant emulating her style.

Last Nov. 11, I witnessed the real Regine sing in front of an awed audience to highlight the ceremonial tree lighting in City of Dreams Manila. She sang four songs including Sheena Easton’s “Christmas All Over The World” and her rendition

GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez.

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid performing at City of Dreams Manila last Nov. 11.

of the Ogie Alcasid classic “Ako’y Iyong Iyo.” “Would you like me to sing another song?” she humbly asked the relatively small crowd led by Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and City of Dreams Manila chief operating officer Kevin Benning.

Once she starts singing the word respect comes off the air in bold letters.

City of Dreams Manila commenced its holiday run with the towering 32foot Christmas tree positioned at the luxury resort’s main entrance, and replete with 10,000 glistening LED lights and ornaments.

Come December, the integrated resort will launch its 1.2MW solar panels at the parking building rooftop. It is also staging a grand holiday parade on all weekends (5 pm) including Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1. Also, a Trolls-themed holiday dubbed “Trolls Holla Day” will be held at DreamPlay from Nov. 30 to Jan. 1.

There was this tarpaulin-carrying pool of fans appearing like they came from some far-place just to see their idol up close. Simply put, Regine has remained relevant in the music scene in the midst

U2 fan Rico Blanco is going to front a tribute gig presented by Smart Music Live.

Araneta City malls get brighter with towering Christmas trees AN ESTIMATED crowd of 25,000 flocked to the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Araneta City’s Times Square Food Park last Nov. 8. The gathering and the launch of the iconic Christmas Animated Display in the same area on Nov. 13 continues to attract more visitors.

Celebrations continue as three iconic Malls of Araneta City lighted up its own towering Christmas trees in each of the mall’s activity areas.

Snow showered at the Gateway Mall Activity Area as Matteo Guidicelli with Morriel Abogado, VP for Operations and Property

General Manager of Gateway Mall, led the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas Tree.

Last Nov.16, the Ali Mall followed suit in lighting of its 40-foot Christmas tree with Viva Recording artist Janine Teñoso serenading the crowd. Ali Mall General Property Manager Manny Fabian led the launch with Janine and Ali Mall officials.

And on Nov. 17, mallgoers and fans got wild when Jak Roberto of GMA 7 rocked the New Farmers Plaza in the lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree. New Farmers Plaza Property General

Manager Ceasar Valencia headed the event.

As Araneta City continues to celebrate its first Christmas as a city everyone is invited to visit the Christmas Parolan at the Farmers Garden Parking lot is still open to shop for affordable and beautiful Christmas decorations.

While dining under the Christmas tree in Times Square Food Park is also recommended as one will be entertained by Christmas stories from the Christmas Animated Display. Fun rides and exciting skating rink are also open to the public. Continued on C3

of new-generation singers trying to sing like she does.

For sure, the case of super songwriter Rico Blanco asking friends to jam with him and perform songs of legendary Irish band U2 is not one intending to copy. But rather a fan’s way of paying tribute to a group set to rock the Philippine Arena next month. The idea gained traction because this fan is among the most revered in Philippine music.

Last Nov. 15, Rico went on Twitter and partly messaged, “Been sound tripping their entire catalog and now I just wanna find some people to jam U2 songs with.”

Holla, a supergroup was born.

Apparently egged to support, Smart Music Live backs up the gig titled Prelude to U2 The Gig set on Monday, Nov. 25 at an unspecified venue. The pool is comprising of Rico, Francis Reyes of The Dawn fame, princess-turned-queen of pop-rock Barbie Almalbis, one-time Rivermaya bassist Japs Sergio, and the duo of Raymund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala best known as the rhythm section of Erasherheads.

GMA News pillar and multi-awarded news anchor and radio host Mike Enriquez was recognized as a “Media Icon” at the first-ever Media Icon Awards organized by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines’ (MSAP) held on Nov. 5.

Enriquez, who is also the president of Radio GMA Network, co-anchors GMA’s flagship news program, 24 Oras, and hosts the investigative public affairs program Imbestigador and GMA News TV’s Dobol B Sa News TV. On radio, he banners Super Radyo DZBB’s Saksi sa Dobol B and Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide.

The award further highlights the invaluable contribution of Enriquez to Philippine media. MSAP Chairman Hermie de Leon underscored Enriquez’ significant role in pioneering news reporting on television that paved the way for more Filipinos to appreciate news.

Recipients of the Media Icon award were chosen based on their contribution to the development of media, their unquestionable credibility and integrity, and the respect they earned from various sectors. Joining Enriquez in the pioneer list of awardees were Television and Production Exponents (T.A.P.E.) President and CEO Antonio ‘Tony’ Tuviera, Paciencia Pineda, Carmencita Esteban, Abelardo Yabut, Sr., Norberto Timbol, Esther Capistrano, Manuel Antonio Quiogue, Freddie Garcia, and Nominanda Lansang.

The only Filipino so far to win the Best Newscaster Award in the Asian Television Awards, Enriquez has been constantly recognized for his work by various award-giving bodies.