Manila Standard - 2019 December 2 - Monday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 291 • 3 SECTIONS 20 PAGES • P18 MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

MEDAL TALLY SPORTS A8

DOMINATING DAY ONE. Carlos Yulo (above) shows his flair on the parallel bars as he captures the gold medal in the men’s individual all-around artistic gymnastics event in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Sunday.

It was one of 20 gold medals Team Philippines won on Day One of the event (as of 9 p.m.), following victories (below, clockwise from top left) by John ‘Rambo’ Chicano, Kim Remolino and Kim Mangrobang in triathlon, the tandems of Mark Gayon and Joy Renigen and Ana Nualla and Sean Mischa Aranar in dancesport, and Dexter Balambao in arnis. AFP

Team PH off to flying start Palace gives organizers a pat on the back

With 18 gold haul, Manila kicks off championship bid

By MJ Blancaflor, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Butch Gunio

By Peter Atencio

L

ED by world gymnastics’ champion Carlos Yulo, the Philippines was off to a flying start by bagging 18 gold medals Sunday evening, winning in triathlon, dancesports, sepak takraw, arnis and gymnastics to put muscle into its campaign for the overall championship of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

MALACAÑANG on Sunday congratulated the organizers behind the opening ceremonies of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying they have set the bar high for prospective hosts of international sporting events.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the opening ceremony Saturday night at the Philippine Arena “was a sight to behold,” noting that it was the first time the rites were held indoors.

“The Office of the President congratulates the organizers, performers, volunteers, and everyone behindyesterday night’s spectacular, for a job exceedingly well done,” Panelo said.

“Once again, the Filipino nation rose to the challenge and exhibited before the world the cultural genius of the Filipino and the best of Filipino talent giving world-class performances of our singers

So dominant were the hosts on many fronts, that their gold-silver-bronze harvest of 18-8-4 (30 medals) as of 7 p.m. was 14 mints ahead of the the second-running 4-10-7 of Vietnam.

John Chicano started the ball rolling as early as 6 a.m. as he delivered the first

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‘Tisoy’ cancels several events

DOH finds HIV deaths alarming

THE Philippines has begun evacuating thousands of people, local officials said Sunday, as a powerful typhoon rumbling in from the Pacific forced Southeast Asian Games organizers to cancel or reschedule some events.

Forecasters expect Typhoon “Tisoy” (international name “Kammuri”) to make landfall Monday evening or Tuesday morning, packing gusts of 170 kilometers per hour and maximum sustained winds of 140 kph.

The weather bureau has raised Signal No. 1 in several areas in Luzon and the Visayas that lie on the path of “Tisoy.”

At least 2,156 passengers were

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque said Sunday the government and its partners are working double time to prevent, diagnose and treat HIV infections in public and private health facilities nationwide He said 143 social hygiene clinics nationwide were now offering free HIV counseling, testing and communitybased HIV screening while 150 HIV Treatment hubs were providing treatNext page ment services.

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‘TISOY’ COMING.

Weather forecaster Christopher Perez points at the monitor to the path of Typhoon ‘Tisoy’—which saw more areas under Signal No. 2 on Sunday—at the PAGASA offices in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

Pump prices rise: PHAP seeks dialog over price control Diesel up by P0.65 By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Alena Mae S. Flores PUMP prices are expected to go up by as much as 65 centavos per liter fore diesel this week as world oil prices rise.

“Expect fuel prices to go up (week of December 3 to 9). Diesel should go up Next page

THE Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines expressed hope Sunday it can hold a dialogue with Philippine government officials on the recommended maximum retail prices of medicines.

The group made the statement after citing the P11 billion in losses suppos-

edly incurred by the pharmaceutical industry.

“We hope we can explain our side before the government makes a decision on the proposed MRP,” said PHAP executive director Teodoro Padilla.

He said that when the price control on medicines was imposed in 2009, the industry lost P11 billion and small Next page

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News

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Leni sees no reason for Palace to fret over drug list THERE is no reason for the Duterte administration to be alarmed over her report on the government’s drug war, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday.

Robredo said she had decided to hold back her report in deference to the opening of the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Saturday.

“I just don’t know why their reaction is like that. Is it as if they are telling (me) that I am just threatening them? Why should I threaten them when I am just one, while they are too many?” she said.

“My recommendations are based on what I have found out about the operations on the illegal drugs campaign,” the Vice President added.

She said the report was “for the improvement of the campaign. I think those I have worked with would know that what I am doing is well-intentioned.”

On a radio program, Robredo broke her silence over President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to remove her as ICAD cochairperson.

She junked false accusations against her that she was coordinating with the United Nations prosecutors to go against the President.

Robredo said her weekly reports to the President could dispute the allegations against her.

Rio N. Araja

POGOs ordered to pay tax or face sanctions ALL gaming firms are required to pay tax and Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOS are no exception, Malacañang said Sunday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday imposed a three-day deadline for delinquent POGOs to settle their tax liabilities or face sanctions.

“China knows what's legal. We all need to comply with it, Panelo told dzIQ radio.

“There are no exceptions. If they need to settle their taxes, they should settle their taxes.”

Panelo said Duterte had no fear about upsetting China by releasing his order to go after delinquent POGOs. In an exclusive interview with CNN Philippines on Friday, Duterte warned that the POGOs snubbing his order would face sanctions.

POGOS mostly employ Chinese nationals.

“They are now ordered to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and get a tag number.

Now, I’m telling them, POGOs― these are not only Chinese but also Filipino, Filipino-Chinese―you better settle those tax liabilities,” Duterte said.

He said he would not tolerate POGOs’ failure to pay the proper taxes.

“I am telling you: Do not fool Filipinos because Filipinos are not fools,” Duterte said. PNA

PHAP...

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retailers closed down or were sold to the bigger chains.

The suggested price control on medicines, he warned, would kill the small retailers.

A joint position paper on the proposed MRP signed by pharmaceutical industry stakeholders said “several small- and medium-sized drugstores were forced to close down or were sold to larger chains, affecting not only businesses but also pharmacists employed in these drugstores.”

The stakeholders included professional pharmacist associations, the pharmaceutical industry and hospital associations, and pharmacy retail groups said it would be “hurting patients instead of helping them.”

They said a study on the effect of price regulation in the Philippines in 2014, which said “these interventions should be carefully monitored as pharmaceutical policies, including price regulation, may not always lead to an over-all benefit to the public, and may even cause harm by discouraging the introduction of new products to a country.”

Padilla said price controls would force manufacturers to reconsider whether to launch new medicines in the country or even withdraw some products from the market.

Barbers takes up cudgels for Speaker

By Rio N. Araja

S

URIGAO del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Sunday dismissed any move to remove Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano amid controversies in the preparations of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“As far as I am concerned, honest- ship,” he said. ly, I have not seen, heard or felt that “As I speak, the way things are, the there would be a change in leader- commitment is still intact. That is a gen-

Team...

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gold for the Philippines by ruling the men’s triathlon event at the Subic Bay Boardwalk in Zambales.

Two hours later, defending women’s triathlon champion Kim Mangrobang made it a golden double for the hosts, with the celebration spilling into the boardwalk just hours after a spectacular opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena on Saturday.

Chicano, who finished second to countryman Nikko Huelgas in 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, clocked 1:53.26 to win his first SEA Games medal, leading a 1-2 finish by Filipinos.

Andrew Kim Remolino bagged the silver medal in 1:55:03, with Muhammad Ahlul Firman of Indonesia settling for the bronze medal in 1:57:10. Mangrobang also led a 1-2 finish by local bets in the distaff side, clocking 2:02.00. Her teammate Kim Kilgroe finished second in 2:05.02, while Octaria Nechtavani of Indonesia salvaged the bronze in 2:16.33 “I’m overjoyed. I still can’t believe I did it. The Indonesian was really strong, he stayed with us all the way,” said Chicano, a native of Olongapo City.

Remolino, a SEA Games’ first-timer just coming off the junior ranks, was also overjoyed, saying: “I’m really happy. Coming from the juniors, making my games debut and winning a silver. It’s a bonus that we managed to defend the gold and silver.”

Dancesports gave the country five golds, including three from the pair of Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla, who ruled the Tango, Viennese Waltz and Five Dance events.

Mark Jayson Gayon and May Joy Renigen then grabbed the mint in the Standard Waltz and Slow Foxtrot, before settling for silver in quickstep.

The Filipino bets were still competing in the breakdance and Latin events at Royce Hotel in Clark, Pampanga later in the day.

Meanwhile, the Philippine sepak takraw team completed a twin kill in the hoop event to kick off its campaign in style before a packed crowd at the Subic Gymnasium.

Buoyed by the women’s breakthrough

Palace...

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and dancers with impressive stage design and production, including the cauldron lighting ceremony, as well as the mesmerizing fireworks display,” Panelo said.

“We felt the Filipino pride that exuded and reverberated inside the biggest coliseum as our countrymen cheered the entry to the stage of the Philippine delegation, as well as the Filipino sports icons and legends who graced the event,” he added.

Champion athletes took center stage as they carried the SEA Games Federation flag to the delight of the crowd.

Seven-time SEA Games track gold medalist Lydia de Vega led the crew that included 15-time SEA Games gold medalist swimmer Eric Buhain, four-time bowling world champion Bong Coo, and PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio.

Two-time SEA Games boxing gold medalist and Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco, six-time bowling world champion Paeng Nepomuceno, and seven-time SEA Games gold medalist swimmer Akiko Thomson also carried the SEA Games Federation flag.

Four-time eight-ball world champion Efren “Bata” Reyes drew the loudest applause among them when his name was introduced.

Panelo said the presence of Filipino sports icons gave inspiration to all regional athletes.

“The Palace hopes that this event extraordinaire sets the tone for the handling of the Games until our foreign guests leave the country, bringing with them beautiful memories forever etched in their hearts,” the official said.

While President Rodrigo Duterte joined thousands of spectators in dancing to the gleeful Pinoy classic “Manila” during the opening of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, his daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio criticized the choice of song, saying it was not inclusive.

In an Instagram post Sunday morning, Duterte-Carpio said: “We should be inclusive when we want to encourage our countrymen to cheer.”

“Yes, nega ako, bakit (I’m being negative, why)? I am a Filipino but I don’t have one drop of Tagalog blood in me,” she said.

The song “Manila,” a 1976 hit of the local band Hotdog, was played as Filipino

triumph earlier, the Filipino sepak takraw bets did not disappoint with a big follow-up victory as the hosts started strong on their four-gold medal bid in the biennial meet rolling off until Dec. 11.

Mentored by Rodolfo Eco, the Jason Huerte-led squad registered 670 points against Laos’ 430 to create a big cushion that Cambodia never got to erase.

During the 30-minute event for each team to score points into the high-arching hoops, Cambodia recovered from a slow start to manage 450 points, bumping off Laos for the silver medal.

Composed of Janjan Bobier, Metodio Sueco, Emmanuel Escote, John Jeffrey Morcellos and Christian George Encabo, the nationals seek to continue their goldmedal hunt when they compete in the centerpiece event regu, team double and team regu starting today at the same venue.

Earlier in the women’s division, the playing coach Deseree Autor-led team also posted similar 670 points to cap off an escape act against Indonesia (660 points).

Myanmar, the silver medalist in the 2017 regional contest held in Kuala Lumpur and a perennial sepak takraw powerhouse, heated up late but ran out of time for 640 points.

Indonesia and Myanmar settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Autor was joined by teammates Josefina Maat, Sara Jean Kalalo, Mary Ann Lopez, Jean Marie Sucalit and Abigail Sinugbohan who will also be out to display another dazzling performance in the women’s regu event starting today.

The nationals are eyeing three to four gold medals in the six-event sepak takraw to claim the overall championship at home after a fifth-place finish with two silver and bronze medals two years ago in Malaysia.

Wushu queen Agatha Wong of the Philippines proved a class over the rest, retaining the gold medal in the taolu taijiquan event at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Wong, who performed fifth in the order of play, was spectacular among all the nine entries, registering 9.67 to handily win the gold.

Lachkar Basma of Brunei won the silver with 9.55 points while Tran Thi Minh Huyen of Vietnam scored had 9.53 for the bronze medal.

“There was no holiday for us (in our

athletes were on stage during the opening rites of the games held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan Saturday night.

The President got up to his feet, grooved, and clapped his hands while the music played.

The song is about a man who has spent time overseas and is longing to return home to the country’s capital, Manila.

But in her post, Duterte-Carpio questioned the use of the song when the athletes represented the entire Philippines, not just Manila.

“Isn’t it the Philippine flag is represented? Did Lapu-Lapu die for Manila?

Don’t make an excuse that it was an upbeat, danceable song,” Duterte-Carpio said.

President Duterte, the first chief executive from Mindanao, has been criticizing what he calls “Manila-centric governance” since his presidential campaign in 2016.

Meanwhile, the President’s constant companion, Senator Christopher Go, said House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, also chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) personally apologized to Duterte Saturday over glitches in the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Go said Cayetano apologized to Duterte upon the President’s arrival at the Philippine Arena for the SEA Games’ opening ceremony.

He also told the President they’re hoping to fix everything after the opening.

Cayetano admitted there were lapses and shortcomings in the SEA Games preparations that caused inconveniences to some participating teams.

Go said the President responded by saying that theu will just work together and the games will proceed.

The senator also said an investigation into the lapses would continue, regardless of the successful staging of the opening ceremonies.

The President himself apologized over the troubled run-up to Saturday’s opening of the SEA Games after a rush of logistical problems and last-minute construction.

Complaints over transport, accommodation and food stacked up as thousands of athletes have flooded into Manila for the biggest ever edition of the Games, which are also threatened by an approaching typhoon forecast to hit the northern Philippines early next week. With AFP

tleman’s agreement. I think, there is no change,” he added, referring to term-sharing deal between Cayetano and Marinduque Representative Lord Velasco.

Cayetano as the appointed chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee said he was ready to face any investigation over the issues hounding the country’s hosting of the biennial meet.

Barbers came to the defense of Cayetano, saying hitches were just normal in the hosting of every sport-

training) so we are very fatigued right now.

My body is aching. I was relieved after I finished my first event. I just did my best and I hope that’s enough for team Philippines,” said Wong.

Wong also ruled the event in the 2017 Games in Kuala Lumpur and won a bronze in the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games in Jakarta.

She is set to compete in the women’s taijijian event on Dec. 3. Loh Choon How of Malaysia topped the taijiquan event with 9.68 points, with Zheng Yu Hosea Wong of Brunei bagging the silver with 9.59 points.

Daniel Parantac of the Philippines settled for the bronze medal with 9.56 points.

Yulo, the Philippines’ brightest prospect for a first-ever gold medal in the Olympic Games, came good as advertised, as he rolled his way with a golden performance in the individual all-around category in the men’s artistic gymnastics of the games before a big Sunday crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coluseum.

Yulo did not disappoint the pro-Filipino weekend crowd who watched him live for the first time, as he tallied 84.900 in the six routines to beat Dinh Phuong Thanh of Vietnam (82.350) with plenty to spare for the gold medal.

The bronze medal went to another Vietnamese, Le Thanh Tung, who finished with an 81.700 score.

With his historic win at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championship early this year that earned him a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Yulo was ahead of the pack in the floor exercise by collecting a 14.650 score to top Dinh’s 13.900.

In the pommel horse, the 19-year-old Yulo was also impressive with a 13.600 score before settling for second in the still rings also at 13.600.

Yulo received 14.550 for second place in the vaults, while his performance in the parallel bars got him a 14.400 score.

Yulo’s top two finishes in each of the routines earned him a finals stint in all of the six apparatus, thus enabling him to gun for a sweep in the men’s artistic gymnastics, where seven golds are at stake.

The women take center stage on Monday with the start of the artistic gymnastics competitions also at the Rizal Coliseum.

DOH..

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Duque made his statement even as Rep. Mike Defensor on Sunday raised an alarm over the high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus-related deaths.

He said every 12 hours a young Filipino dies of HIV-related complications, citing a 66 percent surge in deaths.

Every 12 hours, a Filipino―most likely male and between 15 and 34 years old―was dying of severe health complications from HIV, he said.

“The growing number of deaths among Filipinos with HIV is unacceptable, considering the availability of free treatment that can allow them to enjoy almost normal lives, Defensor said.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government on Sunday raised concern over the reported 505 new human immunodeficiency virus cases from January to July.

Based on a report by the city’s health department, 505 new HIV cases were recorded from January to July this year, of which 486 were male and 19 were female.

In July alone, 77 new HIV cases were tallied, according to Rolando Cruz, head of the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and STI/HIV program manager.

Duque said the 2018 UNAIDS Global Report cited the Philippines as having the highest percentage increase (203 percent) in the estimated new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific.

The number of diagnosed HIV cases, he said, had also been increasing from one per day in 2008 to 35 per day as of July 2019.

From January 1984 to July 2019, the regions with the most number of reported cases were the NCR (26,832), CALABARZON (10,431), Central Luzon (6,543), Central Visayas (6,153,) and Davao (3,917). Among those diagnosed, 94 percent (65,079) were male while most of the cases fell under the 25to 34 age bracket.

Duque said his department’s goal was for 90 percent of all PLHIVs to know their status, 90 percent of the diagnosed PLHIVs received anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and 90 percent of all receiving ART were virally suppressed.

ing event.

“Of course, not all is perfect. There will always be glitches... No organizing committee is that perfect,” he said.

“In fact, even our athletes would tell (us) about their experiences (in other host-countries). But they never heard that there was thing of every one criticizing the host,” he added.

The Surigao del Norte lawmaker said Congress may call for an investigation into the spread of “fake news” regarding the SEA Games issues.

‘Tisoy’...

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stranded in major ports across the Bicol region as “Tisoy” maintained its strength, the Philippine Coast Guard said Sunday.

The storm entered Philippine territory Saturday evening, shortly before President Rodrigo Duterte and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao launched the Games with a colorful opening ceremony.

This year’s Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run through to Dec. 11, are already particularly complex with a record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some cases hours apart by car.

Outdoor events in Subic―on the west coast of Luzon –were the first to be affected by “Tisoy.”

“Windsurfing has been canceled until we have a more accurate picture of the weather,” Ramon Agregado, the organizing committee’s head of the Subic cluster of venues, told AFP. The women’s triathlon event was brought forward to Sunday, Agregado said, “so we could take advantage of the good weather”.

Duathlon events scheduled for Tuesday will now take place on Monday.

Agregado said the venues will not be changed, but in the event of bad weather the equipment will be taken down and put back together once the events are rescheduled.

Some local government units in Bicol urged people to begin leaving their homes on Saturday night.

By Sunday afternoon, more than 3,000 people were in evacuation centers, mostly in schools and gymnasiums in Camarines Norte, the disaster management office of the province said.

Most of them live in coastal areas and low-lying places where flash floods and landslides are possible due to the heavy rain that will be brought by the typhoon.

No mandatory evacuation has been ordered yet, the disaster management office said.

School classes and government offices in some towns will be closed Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of heavy rain.

The Philippines, which last hosted the Games in 2005, is aiming to win the most medals, and history is on their side: seven of the last 11 SEA Games hosts have topped the table, reflecting the tradition of rewriting the sporting program to suit local strengths.

The hosts got off to a flying start on Sunday, scooping golds at the dancesport competition and triathlon, and topped the table with 17 medals by the afternoon.

Around 8,750 athletes and team officials are expected at this year’s 30th edition―the biggest ever―and there are some 12,000 volunteers. Organizers hope more than 500 million viewers will tune in on TV. In an eclectic progra, Olympic sports like swimming and athletics sit side-byside with regional favorites such as martial arts arnis and wushu, and this year athletes will even battle an obstacle race course in Manila. AFP, with PNA

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by P0.55 to P0.65 per liter. Gasoline should go up by P0.25 to P0.35 per liter,” Unioil Philippines said in its advisory.

World oil prices have remained volatile amid the continuing US-China trade war, which could affect global demand.

The oil firms already raised the price of cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by P0.25 per kilo on Dec. 1 due to the higher contract price of LPG in the world market. “ Petron will implement a P0.25/kg increase in LPG prices effective 12:01 am, Dec. 1,” the company said in a statement.

Oil firms adjust pump prices weekly but adjust LPG prices on a monthly basis.

On Nov. 26, the oil firms cut the price of gasoline by P0.20 per liter and kerosene and diesel by P0.10 per liter effective. A week before that, on Nov. 18,19 and 20, most of the oil companies raised the price of gasoline by P0.80 to P0.85 per liter.

The oil firms, however, cut the price

by P0.15 to P0.30/liter for diesel and by P0.20-P0.25 per liter for kerosene.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 orders Navy to stop piracy in Sulu Sea T HIS time, it’s the pirates that have gotten the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking before Caloocan residents ippine Navy to “kill” pirates in the Sulu during the Bonifacio Day celebration at and Celebes seas as he seeks a stop to the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Ca- the problem of piracy in the waters. loocan, the President ordered the Phil“If they (Philippine Navy) are positive

that they (suspects) are pirates, you blow them to kingdom come,” Duterte said.

“Patayin niyo na lahat para matapos na ang problema ko at ng Pilipino,” he added.

The President said he had spoken to Indonesian president Joko Widodo and Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad and asked them to form a

task group that would hunt pirates lurking the waters bordering their countries.

“I said it’s high time that we form a task force, not to intrude into waters of other countries, but just to patrol your waters incessantly and accurately,” the President said.

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have been conducting naval pa-

trols in the Sulu Sea since 2017 in an effort to curb cross-border kidnappingfor-ransom activities in the area.

The three countries also stepped up patrols in their waters in 2017 after authorities intensified operations against such activities blamed on Islamic State-linked rebels based in the southern Philippines.

SULTAN’S WELCOME.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (left) gets a warm welcome from House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (center) upon his arrival at the Inigo Zobel Field in Calatagan, Batangas.

They watched the polo match between Brunei and Indonesia where the Sultan’s son, daughter and nephew are playing Polo Game in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Also in photo is Batangas Rep. Eileen Ermita-Buhain (right).

Later, Romualdez, ErmitaBuhain and Isabela Rep.Tony Pet Albano awarded gold medals to Malaysia, silver for the Philippines and bronze to Brunei (inset). Ver Noveno

Ampatuan plea President congratulates 2019 Ten Outstanding Filipinos awardees to reverse court order denied

By Rio N. Araja THE Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division has denied a reversal of its order to place Shariff Saydona Mustapha Mayor Sajid Islam Ampatuan, former Maguindanao governor, under him under a 90-day preventive suspension.

It junked Ampatuan’s motion for reconsideration challenging its Oct. 1 order.

Ampatuan is facing four counts of graft, four counts of malversationof public funds and 137 counts of falsification of public documents.

Earlier, the Sandigabayan held that the government evidence “if unrebutted… is sufficient to support a verdict of guilt.”

Also charged were ex-provincial accountant John Dollosa Jr., ex-treasurer Osmeña Bandila, general services office chief and bids and awards committee chairman Kasan Macapendeg, administrator Norie Unas, engineer Datu Ali Abpi, Al Haj, and engineer Landap Guinaid.

Despite Guinaid’s death after he was attacked in Cotabato City in July 2018, he was still named as co-respondent.

Prosecutors alleged that provincial government’s procurement of P72.256million worth of construction materials in 2009 for the construction and repair of public school buildings were fraudulent.

Ampatuan, in a plea, said the cases against him were “inherently and substantially defective” due to failure to grant him the opportunity to take part in a preliminary investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte has extended his congratulations to the six recipients of this year’s The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Awards as models of excellence through hard work to uplift the economic development of the country, according to TOFIL 2019 National Chairman and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senator Melandrew T. Velasco.

The TOFIL awardees are San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President & CEO Ramon S. Ang for Business/Entrepreneurship category); Dr. Glenn S. Banaguas (Environment Conservation and Science Diplomacy); Dr. Joselito R. Chavez (Medicine); Dr. Virgilio L.

Malang (Science and Technology); Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal (Government/Public Service); and Nelly Siababa-Aggangan (Agriculture).

In his message to Velasco, Duterte recognized the JCI for honoring distinguished Filipinos in various fields for being models of excellence and hard work in their respective professions.

“I thus congratulate this year’s awardees for their vital contributions in uplifting the welfare of our people,” Duterte said.

“May this gathering inspire everyone to a greater commitment in our shared task of nation-building so that future gen-

erations can enjoy a country where hope, equality and optimism abound,” he said, urging everyone to take “further strides in the path towards inclusive progress and genuine change for a better and brighter tomorrow for our people”.

The TOFIL awarding ceremonies will be held at Manila Hotel Monday night (December 2).

Velasco said this year’s awardees were chosen from a short list by the TOFIL Board of Judges led by Supreme Court Administrator Justice Jose Midas Marquez.

Other members of the Board were TOFIL Foundation Chairman JCI Sen.

Win alarmed over student use of ‘magic mushrooms’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

PLAY AND LEARN. Tingog Party List Rep.Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (center) joins the students of Scandinavian Elementary School in

Barangay 100, Tacloban City, after turning over turn over a new Toy Library for the school. Romualdez vowed to continue building libraries in Eastern Visayas and other parts of the country as part of the Tingog Party List Advocacy in partnership with House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and youth leader Magui Ford, daughter of celebrity host Karla Estrada. Ver Noveno

Tacurong radioman hurt in ambush dies in hospital one month later DAVAO CITY—The broadcaster who sustained multiple gunshot wounds in a slay try last October 30 in Tacurong City died in a hospital here on Sunday morning.

A month after the slay try, Benjie Caballero of Radyo ni Juan FM station based in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, passed away at past 3 a.m. Sunday while being treated at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Gina Caballero, sister of the radioman, confirmed that his brother died due to pneumonia.

Rogelio “Bicbic” Garcia; JCISP President Domingo O. Roque, Jr.; 2010 TOFIL Awardee Dr. Shirley Halili Cruz and PCCI Chairman Emeritus Dr. Francis Chua.

This year, the JCI Senate Philippines are also recognizing six distinguished Filipinos who served as JCI World Presidents with the TOFIL Excellence Awards. They are JCI WP Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. (1951); JCI WP Roberto T. Villanueva (1953); JCI WP Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr. (1976); JCI WP Victor Jose I. Luciano (1985); JCI WP Crispin C. Dy Jr. (1997); and JCI WP Marc Brian C. Lim (2018). PNA

Caballero was first confined at the St. Louis Hospital in Tacurong City but was transferred to SPMC for further treatment.

Caballero was immediately buried by his relatives in Barangay Inas, M’lang, North Cotabato in keeping with the Islamic tradition of burying the dead within 24 hours from the time of his death.

An unidentified gunman shot and critically injured Caballero while waiting for a ride to his work in front of his home last October 30.

He was shot five times in his chest

and body by the gunman, who used a .45-caliber pistol.

He was immediately brought to St. Louis Hospital and was earlier reported that two bullets pierced through his lungs.

Caballero is the president of the Sultan Kudarat provincial task force on media security.

The print and broadcast journalists’ organization in Central Mindanao expressed their sorrow over Caballero’s passing through a Facebook post.

It stated that they are “mourning his demise due to a gruesome atrocity that

they condemned early on.”

Last November 22, Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director Undersecretary Joel Egco personally paid a visit to the hospital where Caballero was recuperating.

Ecgo vowed “to be relentless,” saying “not giving dignity to the noisy evil propagandists who call dedicated government servants ‘apologists’.”

He vowed to seek justice for what happened to Caballero and said that they will help to identify the ‘cowards’ who shot him. PNA

SENATOR Win Gatchalian raised alarm over reports that some high school students were hospitalized for using psychedelic mushrooms or ‘magic mushrooms’’ as illegal drug substitutes.

“We need to enhance drug prevention education and strict monitoring in schools,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones last week reported that some high school students are turning to psychedelic mushrooms which are easily accessible in rural areas. The DepEd chief added that these mushrooms could be more dangerous since they are not forbidden by law.

“What DepEd told us that some children fell ill due to magic mushrooms is so alarming. We need to know more,” said Gatcalian.

He said that he needs to know how many children are into this alternative drug.

“How did the students find this?

Where does this proliferate? Amd what were its effects to students?” he asked.

He added that if they are informed of the details, it would be easier for them think and implement solutions to ensure the safety of the youth.

Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin, a substance that falls under Schedule I of the United Nations’ Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971, which the Philippines ratified in 1974.

Drugs and substances that fall under Schedule I are not used for medication and have a high potential for abuse.

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Opinion

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

The need to revisit the Air Passengers’ Bill of Rights International Airport some 45 minutes NAKED before closing time, which was just in THOUGHT time for Flight Z2 355, scheduled to depart at 13:25 that Sunday, Nov. 10, CHARLIE 2019.

V. MANALO They had a group ticket for Flight Z2 355 from Tagbilaran to Manila for LAST November 8 to 10, a group of —Dacuycoy, Pedro “Boo” Chanco, media practitioners went to Panglao Theresa Chanco, Diego Cagahastian, island in Bohol for a weekend Corazon Cagahastian, (all senior respite and to write about the various citizens) and Benjamin Layug, Via developments in that province Marie Claire Baroma, Grace Louise especially about its booming tourism Santiano, Kristelle Bechayda, and industry.

Leica Dacuycuy.

According to the group, they were However, to their surprise, the Air received well by Asia counter the management in-charge in and officials of Panglao Airport the Bohol sites told them that What happened in that they visited due to a glitch in Panglao —Bluewater their computer P a n g l a o system, only accommodations four passengers capped by a could be tree-planting activity within the hotel accommodated—Via Marie Claire, compound, a dolphin-watching trip, Grace Louise, Kristellea and Leica. sightseeing at Isola de Francesco The seniors and Layug had to wait for island, looking for fireflies in the dark the next flight some two hours later. along the Abatan River in Cortes, a Aggravating the matter was that trip to the Bohol Museum in Loay and that Pete Dacuycuy, being the host the exciting river cruise with dinner on during the trip, was made to pay the boat in Loboc, with Mayor Leon at least P10,000 for a rebooking Calipusan. fee for the six passengers not None of the media practitioners accommodated—or shall we say offcomplained about the trip which they loaded—by Air Asia. Wasn’t it the described as so blissful and relaxing, fault of AirAsia? So, why were they arranged by Pete Dacuycuy, a veteran charged with rebooking fee to be able PR man specializing in tourism… to make it on the next flight to Manila?

Until they reached the check-in And while already seated for Turn to A5 counter of Air Asia in Panglao

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Not another one

T

YPHOON Tisoy, international name Kammuri, is expected to make landfall in Luzon on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. It packs gusts of 170 kilometers per hour and maximum sustained winds of 140 kph.

Already some events of the Southeast Asian Games, which formally opened Saturday night, have been cancelled or rescheduled.

The Games, with 11 participating countries and 56 sports events, will run until December 11 with venues in Manila, Clark and Subic.

The windsurfing event in Subic, for instance, has already been cancelled “until we have a more accurate picture of the weather,” said a member of the organizing committee.

Some events have been moved up to Sunday and Monday, to enable athletes to still play in good weather.

But the sporting event is not the only thing threatened by the typhoon’s arrival. Even if we were not hosting a major international event, a powerful typhoon like Tisoy will undoubtedly bring more than an inconvenience. It could potentially cause untold damage to lives and livelihood in many parts of the Philippines.

Already, communities in Bicol have been evacuated ahead of the expected landfall. They are the ones living in coastal areas and low-lying places, prone to flash floods, storm surges, and landslides.

Tisoy will once again test the resilience of the local government —both national and local.

The typhoon is expected to move westward in the next few days, and bringing massive rainfall as it traverses Luzon before it exits in the West Philippine Sea. Last month the whole nation commemorated the sixth anniversary of Yolanda, and remembered the thousands of lives lost in the tragedy. The commemoration also served as a wake-up call: Many years after, have we learned to do better in anticipating the effects of such a disaster instead of running around helpless and shocked?

We will see in the next few days just how effective the disaster risk reduction and management initiatives have been.

While the sun is still shining, let our national and local leaders imagine and prepare for the worst, even as we hope that the damage would not be as great as feared.

We win as one a reasonable right to be concerned about the success of this year’s SEA Games.

But not the right to be deprecating, and disparaging.

Because in the end, it was the country’s—our nation’s good name SUNDAY’S opening of the 30th that was at stake.

Southeast Asian Games was a As Filipinos, that line between spectacular display of Filipino talent objective criticism and downward and creativity, more than enough to denigration seemed to have been stir national pride among the Filipino blurred many times. audience.

For some, the harder and the Especially if you take into more pointed and unforgiving the consideration the recent episodes of deprecation—people seem to think wrangling and criticism in the weeks that they would sound credible, leading to our country’s fourth hosting concerned and more correct. of the SEA Games.

Too often would they forget the It seemed that everyone was bracing difference, that critics would point out for a disaster. the wrong, the disparaging would say We were more than relieved that you can do no right. the opening ceremonies did not Filipino ka lang kasi. This mindset disappoint. makes an easy excuse of what we In fact, it made us proud of the fact think of ourselves as a people. That that we were not only able to put on a is why we’re poor, because we have good show. The songs and dances — always been so, and we can never and the talent, afford to be rich. both musical That is why we and athletic— are helpless remind us the about the future, good in us and Think about what because we our people’s feel powerless more we can do. i m m e n s e about the present capacity for state of things. greatness.

That is why I have to government is admit: I was corrupt, because we think that those a bit uneasy about the preparations for the SEA Games. A few years in politics buy votes to win—yet we back, I was on top of the organizing never mind the voters who readily sell committee for hosting of the Asian their ballot. That is why our nation is Football Confederation (AFC) so divided—we think it is because we Cup, the first ever to be held in the have so little trust in each other, when Philippines. It was not an easy job to it fact it reflects how little faith we do. We had an inches-thick handbook have in ourselves.

Sunday’s spectacle was a timely to comply with —including making reminder of our immense potential for sure that we had halal food to serve greatness, our diverse culture and rich the visiting football teams, the basic history.

For one particular moment, amenities provided for them in their a shared feeling of national pride locker rooms, and even the right permeated almost every Filipino home signages and branding installed at (with a few exemptions, of course)— pre-identified spaces at the Philippine with the songs, dances and champions Stadium which served as the venue retelling the world that we are more for the competition. than the negativities that pervade the I remember two nights before the media and that we can break free of match, we had to redo the markings the cage of limitations that we have on the football field, because it fell short by a foot based on FIFA imposed on ourselves.

Looking back, the criticism did specifications. have some positive effects. It ensured I concede—days before the opening Turn to A5 —every well-meaning Filipino had

India’s millennials rent everything from armchairs to iPhones

By Vishal Manve AT 29, Spandan Sharma doesn’t own a flat, a car, or even a chair—one of a growing number of Indian millennials bucking traditional norms and instead opting to rent everything from furniture to iPhones.

“Millennials in my age bracket want freedom and earlier what was seen as stability is now seen as a sign of being tied down,” Sharma told AFP. “My parents don’t understand the concept of renting furniture at all. They have never been completely on-board with the idea,” he said.

“They said it would be much better to buy rather than rent furniture in the long term.”

For 4,247 rupees ($60) a month, the Mumbai-based executive furnished his entire home, sourcing furniture for his bedroom, living room and dining area as well as a refrigerator and microwave.

Sharma isn’t alone. Tens of thousands of young Indians are switching from buying to renting so they can live life with few strings attached.

Even businesses are renting their office furnishings, said budding entrepreneur Vandita Morarka.

When Morarka set up her feminist non-profit One Future Collective in 2017, she rented nearly everything she needed and funnelled the savings from not having a one-off outlay into paying salaries to her staff of 25.

“From study tables and chairs to

even a laptop, I have rented them all as the prices are reasonable,” the 25-yearold told AFP. “This system allows me to take more risks... And in case things go south, we can wrap up without losing a large tranche of investments and begin elsewhere.”

‘Investing in experiences’ From ride-hailing apps to communal office spaces, the sharing economy is a global phenomenon that is expected to generate annual revenues of $335 billion by 2025, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

In the US, websites such as Rent the Runway and Nuuly offer fashionconscious customers the option to Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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

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 (Almost) nothing can stop bacterium decimating Florida’s oranges

By Gianrigo Marletta PETER Spyke has two types of oranges in his groves: those that are the color orange—and those that are green, unsaleable and responsible for the collapse of Florida’s orange crop over the past 15 years.

Florida farmers have observed, almost powerless, the spread of the huanglongbing bacterium (“yellow dragon disease” in Chinese), known worldwide as “HLB” and native to China. It was first reported in Florida in 2005, and has been conquering groves ever since.

The bacterium causes one of the most devastating citrus diseases called “greening”: the leaves of the infected trees turn pale, the fruit fails to ripen and remain green, and eventually fall to the ground.

The bacterium is transmitted by a small insect called citrus psyllid.

Compared to the 2003-2004 season, Florida’s orange production will be down by 80 percent this season (harvests last from November to April depending on the citrus variety). Grapefruits are the most affected.

“We’ve lost a great deal of our productive capacity and along with that we’ve lost juice plants, we’ve lost jobs, we’ve lost packing houses,” said Spyke, a third-generation citrus farmer.

“At this point we haven’t identified any way to make the trees immune to HLB,” he said during a tour of his

India’s...

From A4

try rather than buy clothing, while in China, consumers can rent BMWs via a tap on their smartphone.

In India, the boom has fuelled the rise of new furniture and appliancerenting businesses such as Furlenco, RentoMojo and GrabOnRent—and even jewellery rental apps—in recent years.

The sector is a bright spot amid a severe slowdown as weakening consumer demand has led to tumbling sales including in the bellwether auto sector.

The country’s furniture rental market alone is expected to be worth $1.89 billion by 2025, according to consulting firm Research Nester.

“We expect to grow by a million

orchard.

Florida citrus farmers have generally been reluctant to destroy contaminated trees, and as a result 90 percent of their groves are infected—compared to only 19 percent in Brazil, while Europe so far has been spared the blight.

Sprays used to treat trees in Florida have been ineffective.

Of 7,000 citrus growers in the state in 2004, 5,000 have thrown in the towel, according to The Washington Post.

Spyke is taking a long-term approach to the problem by searching for citrus varieties that are naturally more resistant to HLB. On his 30acre farm he has planted two dozen varieties of citrus including lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit.

The 68-year-old farmer knows it will take years, but is resigned to the idea that there is no miracle solution.

He has also changed the way he looks after the trees.

“We have to use appropriate cultural practices that will help it deal with the disease,” he told AFP. One solution is to feed the plants “slow release” fertilizer, so that the nutrient supply is regular and continuous.

This apparently helps some trees fight against the effects of HLB, which literally “starves” them to death.

This is one of the recommendations given by a research laboratory that focuses on citrus just a 10-minute drive from Spyke’s farm.

orders in under 30 months,” RentoMojo founder Geetansh Bamania told AFP. The Bangalore-based firm rents out furniture as well as appliances, gym equipment, iPhones and smart home devices such as Google Home and Amazon Echo.

“Renting smartphones works out well for the youngsters as they can keep upgrading to the latest launch at a cheaper price without burning through their finances,” Bamania added.

Launched in 2012 by former investment banker Ajith Karimpana, Furlenco has catered to more than 100,000 customers and expects revenues to cross $300 million by 2023.

“Overall consumer behaviour is shifting from owning to renting among millennials due to the flexibility and non-commitment it offers,” Karimpana told AFP. In an indication of the trend’s staying

The need...

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almost one hour inside the plane on the succeeding flight, Cagahastian, who was on Seat No. 4, was even challenged by a flight attendant to produce his boarding pass which he did, presumably because there is another passenger with the same seat number.

“Double seating,” Cagahastian claims overhearing the stewardess tell her colleague. Does this mean that in these two flights of Air Asia from Panglao to Manila, the management or ground staff are selling seats for favored passengers, thus off-loading other unsuspecting customers?

This is not the first time I heard of this scheme. Actually, I was also a victim once.

In 2009 or 2010 (I can’t recall the exact date), I was bumped off my flight from Hong Kong to Manila after the Philippine Airlines counter in Hong Kong gave my seat to a passenger whose flight back to Manila was canceled earlier that day. However, unlike AirAsia, PAL did not charge me any rebooking fee.

And AirAsia is reportedly fast becoming notorious for

We win...

From A4

that we take a closer look at our organizer’s blind spots and motivated them to belatedly up the level of workmanship in recent weeks.

It might be too early to say that this year’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games will be a complete success when we still have two weeks of competitions ahead of us. But I daresay, keep the criticisms going.

But to the disparaging, I say, shut up!

My only frustration is that partisan politics is obviously to be faulted

GMOs to the rescue?

The University of Florida’s research center employs 40 scientists including researcher Johnny Ferrarezi.

“Everyone really wants to see a deadline for solving that, unfortunately we scientists don’t have it,” Ferrarezi said.

“What’s very important to say is that—after 15 years handling this disease in Florida, we did acquire a lot of knowledge that can allow us to manage the groves in a way better way.”

The laboratory, under pressure from the industry and based on their research, has made available new varieties of oranges and mandarins that can produce more fruit despite the bacteria.

The lab has even suggested a simple and effective but expensive solution: covering the citrus trees with huge protective nets that block HLB-carrying insects, called Citrus Under Protective Screen or CUPS. In an industry already suffering from a downturn, the question of dollars often comes up, as was the case at a late November meeting organized by the state.

“We still need the research dollars to go towards research and development of future developing new products, the big word, GMOs,” said a citrus grower named Frank Youngman.

Researchers are hard at work searching for a genetically modified alternative, but these mutant oranges are far from being ready to be planted. AFP

power, Swedish furniture giant Ikea has said it plans to test a subscriptionbased model in 30 markets in 2020.

For many millennials, choosing the rental option is as much about taking a road less travelled as it is about saving money.

When Sharma’s father was 29, he was married, working in a public sector bank and setting aside funds to purchase a flat and buy a car.

Sharma envisions a different life for himself, one focused on “investing in experiences”.

“Living in five different cities in two countries over a span of seven years would be unthinkable for my father... but it is my reality,” Sharma said, adding that some furniture rental apps offered free relocation services.

“It is a badge of pride for millennials that we can pack up and move within weeks.” AFP

malpractices ever since its operation was said to have been taken over by the wife of 1PACMAN Rep. Mikee Romero.

According to sources, AirAsia is now being run by his wife and her friends, who supposedly had no idea operating an airline. Romero’s wife and her friends, I have been told, are more concerned with the upcoming initial public offering of AirAsia, rather than its operation.

But how can they have a successful IPO if the company’s operation is a mess?

According to one of the media practitioners who were offloaded in fight Z2 355, they tried to reach the office of AirAsia to air their complaint. According to them, they were even willing to just forget everything if AirAsia would reimburse the rebooking fee Dacuycuy had paid as it was the airline’s fault in the first place.

Unfortunately, their complaint fell on deaf ears, according to the media practitioners. They were simply ignored.

Either the Air Passengers Bill of Rights is already obsolete or it is just too weak. Airlines maybe are no longer keen on respecting and upholding the rights of their source of income – their passengers.

It’s time for Congress to revisit and amend our only protection for airline abuses and malpractices.

for the unforgiving condemnations of recent weeks. Critics could have ended with pointing out what needs to be done better, and offering a helping hand to correct it. But some of our political leaders and critics of the current administration went further to spell disaster all over the preparations, that it was failure before the games even began.

I would not be so quick as to absolve those responsible for the organizing mess and I salute the President’s gesture of apologizing for the pregame mishaps—but a public office is a public trust—and accountability must be exacted from those in charge at the proper time.

Watching the opening ceremonies (on television, and I regret giving up those tickets to the Philippine Arena), I realized that as a nation we have been short selling ourselves. We seem be always on the watch for a decline, and that we persistently stay out of sync with progress. The grandeur of the opening festivities not only reminded me of what is best in us, but also the promise of who we can be as a nation.

We always do a good job of hosting international events, but I hope that one day will come that our success as country will not simply be about onstage portrayals but real-life progress that will make lives better for our people.

Imagine what more we can do, if only

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

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A circular-economy mindset waste problems.

The paper cites the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in its latest report on “Single-Use Plastics: A Roadmap for Sustainability,” which recommends NEARLY two decades ago, Republic that policy-makers approach singleAct 9003 known as the “Ecological use plastics as part of a circular Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” economy integrating a circular model was hailed as a landmark legislation that establishes the importance of on environment management. The distribution, consumer use, reuse/ law mandated cities and municipal repair and recycling rather than governments to establish sustainable limiting plastic use. collection and disposal of solid waste.

The circular economy model first It authorized the implementation of starts with designing and producing solid waste management methods plastics packaging that are more through recycling, composting, durable and recyclable, hence integrated with efficient collection extending its use and adding value. and disposal.

Second is the collaboration of all Yet most local governments are still business sectors to reduce greenhouse having difficulty in implementing the gas emission in production and law and some 50 complaints have operations. been filed with the Office of the Third is for the distributors to offer Ombudsman for non-compliance. products that can be easily reused, When the bold Manila Bay refurbished and make end-of-life Rehabilitation take back or project was maintenance launched by the s e r v i c e s Department of to Why is the Philippines available Environment consumers ranked among the top and Natural while supporting three largest ocean Resources, producers supported by in providing polluters? no less than the education and President, the awareness to tons of trash consumers. clogging the The fourth esteros of the metropolis and littered element calls for consumers to be along the shores of Manila Bay must part of the solution by choosing more have been a shocker for Secretary environment-friendly products and Roy Cimatu. But confident with his practicing reuse, repair, refurbishing recent success in Boracay, he has and sharing of assets such as cars, made this what some consider as kind tools and of course to stop littering. of a “mission impossible” as his top Fifth is for producers to have more priority and has earned the support responsibility in recovering materials of a broad spectrum of stakeholders so that the cycle closes with recycling, from the private sector and civil and the sixth phase, that with costsociety. efficient collection and treatment So, with policies in place and the systems, will lead to less materials plethora of environmental activists ending up in landfills. in the country, why is the Philippines “Consumers have a part to play ranked among the top three largest toward sustainability. Consumers ocean polluters? are as directly responsible for plastic Some policy makers seem fixated on waste recycling, reuse, reduction, plastic reduction or bans as simplistic and avoidance as businesses and interventions to look responsive the government. More than that, a to the loud noise of environmental circular economy recognizes that not groups instead of focusing on plastic all plastic waste needs to end up in waste leakage, consumer awareness landfills, easing the need to augment and a whole population participation the scale of landfills due to increased strategy for waste management. waste production. This works handThe 2017 Ocean Conservancy in-hand with design, production, Report was able to trace the flow and distribution of more sustainable of plastic waste leakage in the materials by the private sector and Philippines. According to the report, providing more green options for 84 percent of the total plastic waste consumers. The government’s direct was collected (2.27 million tons) but function then is to strengthen waste 17 percent or a whopping 386,000 management systems, and to establish tons were leaked to the ocean pointing environmentally acceptable facilities to private hauler companies unloading for residuals management, treatment, trucks en route to disposal sites to cut and recovery. It is with its leadership costs and open pit dumpsites adjacent that enables mechanisms for business to waterways. This accounts for 74 innovation, public participation and percent of total tonnage leaked to the effective implementation of laws and ocean. policies,” Pepino said.

Add to this the 16 percent The paper emphasizes the role of (432,000 tons) of total plastic waste governance and the role of people not collected, of which 31 percent while approaching regulating equivalent to 135,000 tons are leaked behavior from a circular economy to the ocean. This accounts for 26 perspective. percent of total plastic leakage traced “All stakeholders need to play to waste piles thrown by informal their part, even the government settlers because of limited or no and businesses. While plans for collection services combined with sustainable packing does not happen personal litter and waste from small overnight, more industry players can river communities. All these amount be encouraged to establish recycling to 521,000 tons of leaked plastics and collection facilities, and ramp up flowing into our waterways. resource recovery efforts to reduce The Occasional Paper published landfill dependence and plastic

by Stratbase ADR Institute. “A waste. Governance also applies to balanced approach to Solid Waste when national government support is Management: Governance and total provided to LGUs, i.e. incentivizing stakeholder participation authored barangays to establish strategically

by Vanessa Pepino, a development located individual/cluster MRFs, economist and environment planner and recycling centers especially in discusses the need to shift to a circular areas highly vulnerable to plastic economy mindset in tackling solid leakage.” we get our act together and choose to put country above our own selfish interests.

Think about it—if China and Thailand had the same volume of an English-speaking workforce. If Singapore and Japan had the same amount of natural resources. If Laos and Cambodia had the same level of affinity with Western trading partners.

If Malaysia and Indonesia had an equal level of civic participation like that which our country’s civil society and even media organizations enjoy.

If Christians and Muslims elsewhere had the respect and closeness that Christians and Muslims in the Philippines had for each other. If the cold utilitarian economic systems

of the West were coupled with the warm family relationships that define our people. If only the faith which now serves as a bond for the Filipino diaspora abroad would be put into action at home. Imagine what we could have already achieved.

Think about the opportunities we have missed—when we have used poverty to justify why we can’t, manipulated politics as an instrument to divide and tapped the media as a weapon to destroy—and we continue to be disparaging and deprecating at everything around us.

Think about the glory of what the Philippines could be—if only we win as one.

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News

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WHO: Vaccines to fight child pneumonia are both effective

IN BRIEF Agri chief leads launch of PAJ SMC Binhi Awards

STUDIES by global vaccine authorities support current claims that the two available pediatric pneumonia vaccines right now have the same effectiveness in decreasing pneumonia disease burden.

Ongoing discussions center on the two child pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) available today—PCV10 and PCV13. These PCVs are designed to protect against several types of pneumococcal bacteria which cause infection.

The vaccines also stop the infection from spreading to other people.

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO), after a systematic literature review, stated “There is at present no evidence of different net impact on overall disease burden between the two products.”

The WHO reaffirmed its earlier position on February 2019 saying that the two available PCVs are equally effective in preventing overall pneumococcal diseases in children. The position paper also states that there is at present insufficient evidence of a difference in the net impact of the two available PCVs on overall disease burden.

In a systematic review of the evidence of the impact and effectiveness of PCV, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) said that available evidence to date indicates significant impact of both PCV10 and PCV13 in the outcomes studied, with no evidence of the superiority of one vaccine over the other on pneumonia, IPD, or meningitis hospitalization reduction in children under 5 years old.

PAHO also reported that, globally, it has been estimated that pneumococcal pneumonia has decreased by more than a third and deaths due to pneumococcal infections by 51% from 2000 to 2015, following the introduction of the PCVs in many countries.

In turn, the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), in their 2017 PCV product assessment which was based on a comprehensive review of published data, also declared that current evidence does not indicate an added benefit with one vaccine over the other.

In a forum held last week, Dr. Anna Ong Lim, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines echoed the global experts’ take on pneumonia and PCVs. “Pneumonia is a very common disease in children. Of the hundreds of countries in the world, the Philippines is included in the top 15 countries in terms of pneumonia deaths, and those 15 countries are responsible for 75% of all deaths from pneumonia,” Lim asserted.

ARTFUL STRUGGLE.

Graffiti painted on Sunday on the LRT posts along Recto Ave. in Manila, by the group Panday Sining, depict national hero Andres Bonifacio with an AK-47 and a communist flag. The act led to the arrest of four men caught vandalizing the area, as Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso slammed the activists who made the graffiti and said their act was a waste of people’s money and taxes. Norman Cruz

Samar gov, clan matriarch Milagrosa Tan passes away

T

ACLOBAN CITY — Samar Governor Milagrosa Tan, the matriarch of the most of influential political clan in the province, died Saturday night after suffering from cardiac arrest.

In a statement, Samar (2nd District) Rep. Sharee Ann Tan said her 61-year-old mother died around 7:50 p.m. on Saturday at St. Luke’s Medical Center Inc. in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Her remains will be flown to Samar once weather conditions improve. The wake and interment schedule shall be announced in the coming days,” the lawmaker said.

The governor was with her four children before she passed away.

Milagrosa returned as governor of Samar province after winning in the 2019 midterm elections. She was a governor from 2001 to 2010 and a district representative from 2010 to 2019.

She entered politics in 1986 as candidate for provincial board member to replace her brother-in-law Ruben Tan, who was a substitute for her late husband, Ricardo.

Two of his children are current officials in Samar province. Sharee Ann

TODAY

InvItatIon to BId no. 13-2019

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Irrigation Management Office, Marasbaras, Tacloban City through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2019 intends to apply the sum corresponding to the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC), to payment for the following contracts listed hereunder.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) now invites bids for: Approved Budget

Duration

24,370,214.93

300 cd

29,074,781.72

300 cd

3. BNLSL-LCB-46A-2019 – Repair of Canal System of Tugbong CIS, Kananga, Leyte

22,573,219.26

300 cd

Bidding will be conducted in accordance with relevant procedures for open competitive bidding as specified in the IRR of RA 9184. Bids received in excess of ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening. The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such during post-qualification.

Interested bidders must submit a Letter of Intent and may submit the Class “A” documents addressed to the Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee, NIA, Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Irrigation Management Office, Marasbaras, Tacloban City.

Interested bidders must submit bid proposals in three (3) copies, one (1) original copy and two (2) duplicate copies.

The schedules of BAC activities are as follows: BAC Activities

Schedule

Time

2-19, 1. Issuance of Bid Documents Starting December 2019 2. Pre-Bid Conference December 9, 2019 3. Receipt and Opening of Bids December 20, 2019

government officials were convicted of eight counts of graft.

The fourth division also ordered Tan’s perpetual disqualification from Solon wants ban holding public office. It recommendon 12-hour drives ed bail of P240,000 for Tan’s tempoTO HELP Lower the incidence of road misrary liberty while appealing her conhaps, Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte wants to penalize viction. operators of public utility vehicles who al“After considering the motions for low their drivers to drive continuously for 12 reconsideration, the court maintains hours straight or more. that while it was made to appear Villafuerte filed House Bill No. 1768 that would also penalize drivers who would work that there were competitive public beyond 12 hours non-stop within a 24-hour biddings held by the provincial govperiod, as well as companies or institutions ernment... which led to the eventual who would allow their drivers to drive on award to Raechels Shoppers Plaza, duty without rest and driving shifts.

“One factor of road accidents is driver fanone was in fact legitimately carried tigue — more specifically, drowsiness. Long out,” the court said in a June 26 ruling drives can be especially dangerous, as drivthat was released later to the media. ers are prone to doze off and lose concentration, mostly during night,” he said.

“Accused were also unable to The lawmaker said passenger buses reconcile the disparity between would commit such dangerous practice just the attendance sheets and the minto cater to popular tourist destinations that utes for each bidding process. In are six to 13 hours away by land from Metro Manila. addition, their testimonies contraUnder HB 1768, travel by land of a person dicted those of their witnesses,” or persons and transport of goods for trips the ruling read. exceeding 12 hours from the point of origin In filing the cases in 2006, the Ofto end of destinations shall be allowed for as long as the motor vehicle is operated by drivfice of the Ombudsman said the proers in shifting schedules during duty. vincial government procured cement, He also filed HB No. 4652 to legalize the medicine, t-shirts and electric fans services of motorcycles-for-hire as public for typhoon victims without public utility vehicles and put in place measures to ensure the safety of their passengers. bidding. PNA Rio N. Araja CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

2-year-old kids target of Poe feeding measure

Manila

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Item/Description 1. MPBRIS-30A-2019 – Repair of Canal System of Bao RIS, Ormoc City, Leyte 2. BNLSL-LCB-46-2019 – Repair of Diversion Works (Protection Works) of Tugbong CIS, Kananga, Leyte

was a governor for nine years and is the incumbent solon, while Michael, the newest member of the family to join politics, is the vice governor.

Another son, Jimboy, was a vice governor from 2010 to 2019 while her sister Angel, was a candidate for mayor in Calbayog City.

Last July, the Sandiganbayan had ordered Tan to vacate her post and spend the rest of her life in prison, after affirming its ruling convicting her of graft and sentencing her to up to 115 years in prison.

This was over the anomalous purchase of emergency supplies for victims of Typhoon “Kidang” worth P16.1 million when she was governor in 2001.

Magistrates of the anti-graft court’s fourth division denied for lack of merit the motions filed by Tan and her co-accused to reverse its March 2019 ruling.

Tan and four former provincial

AGRICULTURE Secretary William Dar will lead the launching of the PAJ SMC Binhi Awards for excellence in agricultural journalism on December 3, Tuesday, at 1 p.m. at the Department of Agriculture conference hall in Quezon City.

Dar will be the guest speaker during the event as he affirmed his support to promote excellence in agricultural reporting in the Philippines in line with his “Masaganang Ani at Malaking Kita New Thinking in Agriculture” program.

President and COO Ramon S. Ang of San Miguel Corp., co-presentor, partner and main sponsor of the Binhi Awards with the Philippine Agricultural Journalists (PAJ), was also invited to co-launch the awards.

Also invited are Monetary Board Member Bruce Tolentino, who was formerly with the International Rice Research Institute and the Department of Agriculture, and other PAJ supporters and sponsors of the annual agricultural journalism contest.

Alfred Gabot, PAJ president, and Roman Floresca, PAJ past president and this year’s Binhi Awards Chairman, said the 2019 PAJ SMC Binhi Awards will be expanded to include rice reporting, budding agricultural writers, researchers and communicators in colleges, universities and high schools.

The PAJ will tap the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education to spearhead the youth awards.

Dar lauded the PAJ for including the youth in the awards, as this supports the DA program to encourage the youth to be active in agriculture and take over eventually from the country’s aging farmers and fishers.

He renewed his call for the youngsters in schools and out of school to engage in new thinking in agriculture that ensures bigger harvest and higher income through various programs, support and projects of the DA and its agencies.

PAJ also plans to include farm tourism reporting category for the awards, said PAJ vice presidents Noel Reyes and Fermin Diaz.

8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by the interested bidders from the address above and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of P25,000.00 for Contracts above P10.0M up to P50.0M to the Cashier.

NIA reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: CATHERINE G. MACANIP National Irrigation Administration Marasbaras, Tacloban City (053) 888-1514 Sgd. CATHERINE G. MACANIP BAC Chairperson Noted: Sgd. CONRADO M. SAMSON Division Manager A (MS-DEC. 2, 2019)

SENATOR Grace Poe is hopeful that children as young as two years old will soon get free meals with her proposal to raise the appropriations for the Supplementary Feeding Program in the P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020.

“Two years is usually the age when children eat solid food. But some families find it difficult to place food on the table,” said Poe. “At very young age, let us give them nutritious food. A healthy start will be the wealth of our country,” she added.

The increase in the program’s budget from P3.6 billion to P6.6 billion was one of Poe’s amendments that were approved during deliberations by the Senate.

A bicameral panel composed of senators and congressmen will review the bill for a final version that will be ratified by Congress and sent to the President for signature.

“Nutrition during pre-school years is important for kids’ growth and learning, and to provide energy for high activity levels. This budget increase is about putting children on the right path to a healthy start in life,” Poe said.

According to Poe, the budget increase will expand the program to include two-year-old kids. It currently covers three- to five-year-old children.

The Supplementary Feeding Program is one of the components of Republic Act No. 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilpino Act, which Poe authored.

It provides undernourished children from three to five years of age in day care centers with one fortified meal for not less than 120 days in a year. This is being implemented by government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The second component, the School-Based Feeding Program, provides undernourished children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 with at least one fortified meal for not less than 120 days in a year. This is being carried out by the Department of Education.

The third component, the Milk Feeding Program, gives fortified meals and cycle menu including fresh milk and fresh milk-based food products. It is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Philippine Carabao Center and the Cooperative Development Agency.

PLASTIC NO MORE.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (2nd from left) and other city officials announce the ban on the distribution and use of single-use plastic and disposable materials, including cutlery for dine-in purposes, in all hotels and restaurants in the city under new Ordinance No. 2876. The measure, which has garnered the support from the EcoWaste Coalition and other green groups, was announced at the Novotel Hotel in Cubao. Manny Palmero

Senator Go: Nurses’ salary hike within reach THE long-overdue proper compensation for government nurses is now within their reach, as the salary increase they deserve will be implemented early next year, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said Sunday Go, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, stressed that nurses working in public health institutions will enjoy a salary increase of not lower than Salary Grade 15, after the Senate Committee on Finance approved needed appropriations to Supreme Court decision upholding Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002.

That law provides that the minimum base pay of nurses working in public health institutions shall not be lower than Salary Grade 15, or at least P30,531 a month.

“I also want to commend the Commit-

tee on Finance and our distinguished colleagues for taking measures that would allow us to implement the Supreme Court decision,” Go said.

With the Senate’s approval of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2020, Go said P3.173 billion has been appropriated to upgrade the salaries of Nurse I and II positions.

He emphasized that “public health should be one of our priorities.”

“As Chairman of the Committee on Health, I commend this chamber for approving the additional P7 billion for the Human Resources for Health Deployment Program. This is to ensure the continued employment of our health workers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and economically disadvantaged municipalities,” he said.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Sports

A7

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Harden joins Jordan for 3rd most 60-point games in NBA

Team Pilipinas 3x3 hoop teams overcome rivals

LOS ANGELES, United States—James Harden tied Michael Jordan for the third most 60-point performances in NBA history Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) as the Houston Rockets blasted the lastplace Atlanta Hawks 158-111.

Harden finished with 60 points to reach the mark for the fourth time and tie Jordan. Only two players, Kobe Bryant (six) and Wilt Chamberlain (32) have more.

“That’s greatness right there. Those guys are something that I’m trying to get to,” said Harden, who finished one point shy of his career high of 61.

“Hopefully when I am done, I can be mentioned in that group forever.”

Harden made 16 of 24 field-goal attempts, including eight of 14 from three- James Harden (13) of the Houston Rockets tries to dribble past an Atlanta Hawks defender at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP point range, and connected on 20 of 23 free-throw attempts. He played just 31 minutes and also had eight assists.

He is the fourth player to score 50 or more points on 20 occasions, trailing Chamberlain (118), Jordan (31) and Bryant (25).

“It’s like everything else he does – unbelievable,” coach Mike D’Antoni said.

The two-time reigning league scoring champion came into the game averaging 37.7 points per game and has now scored 40 or more points eight times.

His offense has been boosted this season by the addition of guard Russell Kilgroe. Mangroban steadily pulled

By Lito Cinco Westbrook in the backcourt. Opponents away for a solo finish, clocking 2:02.00 have tried without success to slow him Kilgroe’s 2:05.02 while another Indodown by double-teaming him.

RIATHLON lived up to expectations in the 30th to nesia, Octaria Nethevani was a distant Harden sat for the full fourth quarter SEA games as the duo of home grown triathletes third in 2:16.33. with Houston up 127-73 at the end of “Talagang pinag handaan ko ito. Methree.

John Chicano and Kim Mangrobang came up dyo kabado ako kanina sa bike pero gina“What he’s doing has not been seen,” with scintillating first place finishes in their respective wa ko lang yung palagi kong ginagawa teammate Austin Rivers said. “My man sa ibang races,” said Mangrobang who divisions before an appreciative crowd at the finish had 60 and didn’t play the fourth quarter. is trying to qualify in next year’s Tokyo Name another player who could do that line at the back of the SBMA Administration building Olympics. Mangrobang has been trainright now.” inside Subic Freeport. ing and competing in Europe the past The Rockets have now won the past two years. four games with the hapless Hawks, who “ We expected a 1 -2 finish in both diare the last place team in their confervisions and we got them both. I am happy Completing the early morning “Sobra saya ko ngayon at naibigay ence with just four wins in 20 games. achievements of Chicano and Mangro- namin sa bansa yung dapat namin ibig- about the results,” said Kilgroe.

“We came locked in and we didn’t get Triathlon Association of the Philipbang were the silver medal finishes of ay. Simula ito ng next level ng triathlon a great start but we rode it out,” Harden pines (TRAP) President and PHISGOC fellow PH triathletes Kim Remolino and dito sa Pilipinas,” said Chicano. said.

Executive Director Tom Carrasco was Kim Kilgroe that duplicated triathlon’s SEA Games fi rst timer Remolino adElsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo 2017 SEAG performance in Malay- mitted getting tired in the bike leg where on hand to be with his athletes. After the scored 26 points as the Milwaukee sia, highlighted by the 1:53.26 time of he alternated at the helm with Chicano race he looked ahead to delivering both Bucks breezed to their 11th consecutive Chicano, bettering 2017 winner Nikko and Indonesian Muhammad Firman golds in the duathlon event and the team victory with a 137-96 rout of the CharHuelgas’ time of 1:59.30. who finished in third place for a bronze relay event. lotte Hornets.

“We are already okay at the regional Chicano, 28, made his move at the medal with a time of 1:57.10.

Despite his superb performance, An3.5K mark of the 10K bike leg and It was a similar story in the distaff side level but I want to go higher and do bettetokounmpo’s double-double streak to pulled away from the 19-year-old Rem- as Mangrobang, 28, stepped up the pace ter at the Asian level. We have the matebegin the season was halted at 19 games. olino for a solo finish. Remolino settled in the first loop of the run leg to erect an rials to accomplish this,” said a jubilant The reigning NBA most valuable for silver finishing in 1:55.03. early lead over erstwhile co-bike pacer Carrasco. player finished just shy of the doubledouble with nine rebounds and shot 11 of 19 from the field. AFP

Triathlon delivers first golds for Philippines T

THE Chris Newsome-skippered Team Pilipinas men squad banked on their size to outplay their first two rivals yesterday a the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games 3x3 basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Made up mostly of players from the Philippine Basketball Association, Team Pilipinas pulled off a 21-11 subduing of Myanmar to post their second straight win.

This put the Filipino cagers in a share of the lead with Vietnam, and on track in their bid to reach the semifinals.

“We should be able to win (more games). We got a lot of size. The other teams also have a lot of size too. And there’s plenty of match ups,” said Newsome.

Earlier, Team Philippines got past Indonesia, 21-17, in their opening game.

CJ Perez ended the contest in the last 1:58, when he won match point for his team with his layup off an assist from Jason Perkins.

In the women’s side, the struggling Team Perlas Pilipinas stayed in the top spot with Indonesia following a close 15-13 verdict over Malaysia.

Inside plays from Jack Animam put the Philippines up by five, 7-2, in the last five minutes.

Baskets from skipper Janine Pontejos kept the home team ahead, 15-11, and out of range from a late rally in the last two minutes.

“Nahirapan din kami sa kanila.

Sanay din silang maglaro ng 3x3,” said Pontejos.

The Perlas cagebelles got started with a 21-4 rout of Myanmar.

Against Myanmar, Perez knocked in five points during an 11-0 blast which gave Team Philippines a 14-3 lead.

Vietnam joined the Philippines in the early lead with their 19-17 win over Thailand, and 18-12 victory over Malaysia.

They share the top spot with Thailand, which won over Indonesia, 13-11, and Myanmar, 17-5.

Typhoon Kammuri threatens SEA Games

Solon rescues Rizal Memorial Squash Hall NEOPHYTE Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go rushed to the aid of the Philippine Sports Commission and his team performed quite a miracle when it finished a sports venue in record time.

Hearing about the unfinished squash venue that was mistakenly used for a press conference area for the early football matches, Go sent a team of engineers and workers to the Rizal Memorial for a quick assessment of the venue.

Giving an order to finish the site, his workers transformed the Rizal Memorial Squash Hall in a mere two days, a feat that was not lost on the officials of the government’s funding agency for sports.

“That was fast and very impressive.

Two days!” Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez exclaimed. “The PSC appreciates Senator Bong’s help, especially at these times when our full staff is preoccupied with tasks related to the SEA Games.”

The squash venue was not part of the construction projects related to the biennial meet, however.

“The PSC deemed not to construct the squash venue along with the SEA Games venues so that we will finish the rehabilitation of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex within the year. That was our target,” Ramirez said. “Unfortunately, the unfinished venue was used for the press conference and was given negative reviews on social media.”

“It pains me to see the PSC, a government agency, being bashed for what is not even a mistake. It was doing its job well and that venue is not even meant for use of the SEA Games,” Go said.

“So, I asked friends to help finish the venue, as soon as possible and I am very grateful to them for making this happen,” Go added.

By Peter Atencio

SYMPHONY OF GRACE. Philippine athletes Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen take the spotlight and dance their way to the gold during the Dancesport competition for Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held at Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark Freeport Zone. Gayon and Renigen bagged the gold medal for Standard Waltz and Slow Foxtrot categories. CDCCommunications Division

CLARK—The Philippines has begun evacuating thousands of people, local officials said Sunday, as a powerful typhoon rumbled in off the Pacific, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and threatening SEA Games venues.

Forecasters expect Typhoon Kammuri to hit Monday evening or Tuesday morning, packing gusts of 170 kilometers (105 miles) per hour and maximum sustained winds of 140 kph.

The storm entered Philippine territory Saturday evening, shortly before President Rodrigo Duterte and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao launched the Games with a colorful opening ceremony.

This year’s Games in Clark, Manila and Subic, which run through to December 11, are particularly complex with a record 56 sports across dozens of venues that are in some cases hours apart by car, even before Manila’s notorious gridlock traffic is factored in.

Organizers have said there are contingency plans in place for a typhoon, including possible cancellations of outdoor events of the Games, which are mostly in the main Philippine island of Luzon in the country’s north.

Some local government units in central Bicol region have started evacuating people.

More than 800 families (about 3,000 to 4,000 people) are already in evacuation centers, mostly in schools and gymnasiums in Camarines Norte, the disaster management office of the province said.

Local officials were still evacuating some areas so

the number was expected to rise, the office added.

Most of those evacuated live in coastal areas and low-lying places where flash floods and landslides are possible due to heavy rains that will be brought by the typhoon.

These are all preemptive evacuations and no mandatory evacuation has been ordered yet, the disaster management office said.

School classes and work in the government in some towns have also been suspended for Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the heavy rains.

The Philippines, which last hosted the Games in 2005, are aiming to win the most medals, and history is on their side: seven of the last 11 SEA Games hosts have topped the table, reflecting the tradition of rewriting the sporting program to suit local strengths.

The hosts got off to a flying start on Sunday, scooping several golds at the Dancesport competition and topped the medal table shortly after 1:00 pm with 13 overall.

Around 8,750 athletes and team officials are expected at this year’s 30th edition—the biggest ever—and there are some 12,000 volunteers. Organizers hope more than 500 million viewers will tune in on TV. In an eclectic program, Olympic sports like swimming and athletics sit side-by-side with regional favorites such as martial arts pencak silat, arnis and wushu, and this year athletes will even battle an obstacle race course in Manila. AFP

Polo holds draw at Iñigo Zobel Polo Field THE draw in the 0-2 goals division in polo competition will be held today at the Iñigo Zobel Polo Field with the Nationals looking ready and confident of figuring well in the four-nation tournament.

“The team is pretty excited although the field is very tough,” said team captain and Party-list Representative Mikee Romero.

Out to spoil PH gold medal bid are Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Romero and company—Coco Garcia, Nicole Eusebio, Jam Eusebio and Santi Juban—have spent so much for this biennial meet, even going to Argentina—the mecca of polo—to train under the supervision of revered polo coaches.

Like the 4-6 goals division, the 0-2 goals event also has a powerful cast with Prince Jeffri and Prince Qawi spearheading the talented Brunei squad.

Both players are members of the royal family—led by Hassanal Bolkiah— Sultan of Brunei.

The 0-2 goals will be played at the class Miguel Romero Polo Field.

KEEP THE BALL ROLLING. Philippine athletes compete in the Lawn Bowl competition at the Clark Freeport Zone. They hope to bring home another gold medal for the country.

CDC-Communications Division

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

Agatha rules taolu taijiquan

Filipino gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo displays fine form atop the pommel horse during the men’s gymnastics competition in the 30th SEA Games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Ey Acasio

Thais barred due to doping violations

By Peter Atencio NO participant from Thailand was allowed to compete yesterday at the start of the 30th Southeast Asian Games weightlifting competitions.

Several of the Thai athletes were listed. But organizers refused to allow them to participate due to doping violations that Thailand committed since the 2018 World Championships in Turkmenistan.

According to reports coming from the International Weightlifting Federation, Thailand had argued for a return to competition.

Instead of sending veteran lifters, Thai officials sent a younger generation of lifters for exposure.

The refusal to allow Thai lifters to compete came after the Thailand Amateur Weightlifting Association sought an appeal before a civil court in Lausanne, Switzerland to plead for a provisional return of its young athletes.

But the court reportedly rejected TAWA’s case.

Because of this, Olympian Hidilyn Diaz plunges into action in the women’s -55 kg without any challenge from 20-year-old Khambao Surodchana of Thailand.

This means that Diaz will only have 17-year-old Juliana Klarissa of Indonesia as her main rival for the gold.

Klarissa is a 10th place finisher in the 2019 world championships in Fiji.

In a letter sent to weightlifting organizers all over the world, Tamás Aján, the President of the International Weightlifting Federation, called Thailand’s bid as being “absolutely reckless” in its attempts to return to the sport while still serving a selfimposed ban.

Thailand is currently under fire for having the worst recent doping record in weightlifting.

Last year, TAWA withdrew from international competition and gave up all hope of qualifying any athletes for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Nine of its team members at the 2018 IWF World Championships tested positive, including two Olympic champions, Sukanya Srisurat and Sopita Tanasan.

Yulo takes all-around gold in men’s gymnastics

By Tim Obligacion

C

ARLOS Yulo came good as advertised, as he essayed another golden performance in the individual all-around category in the men’s artistic gymnastics of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games before a big Sunday crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Yulo did not disappoint the pro-Filipino weekend crowd who watched him live for the first time, as he tallied 84.900 in the six routines to beat Dinh Phuong Thanh of Vietnam (82.350) with plenty to spare for the gold medal.

The bronze medal went to another Vietnamese, Le Thanh Tung, who finished with an 81.700 score.

Yulo was ahead of the pack in the floor exercise as he collected 14.650 to top Dinh’s 13.900.

In the pommel horse, the 19-yearold Yulo was also impressive with a 13.600 score before settling for second in the still rings also at 13.600.

Yulo received 14.550 for second place in the vaults while his performance in the parallel bars got him a

14.400 score.

Yulo’s top two finishes in each of the routines earned him a finals stint in all of the six apparatus, thus enabling him to gun for a sweep in the men’s artistic gymnastics, where seven golds are at stake.

The women take center stage today Monday with the start of the artistic gymnastics competitions also at the Rizal Coliseum.

Yulo delivered an historic win at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championship early this year that earned him a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He is the first Filipino and the first male Southeast Asian gymnast to win in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships with his bronze medal finish for the floor exercise finals in the 2018 edition, and the first ever gold medal for the Philippines in the 2019 edition.

Athletes and officials, among them PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez, POC President and Tagaytay Rep. Bambol Tolentino, Senators Francis Tolentino and Migz Zubiri and Rep. Mikee Romero during the opening ceremony of the SEA Games Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Ceniza grabs silver, Diaz gets weightlifting bronze JOHN Fabuar Ceniza fell short and failed to add to Team Philippines’ gold medal haul as he claimed the silver while Nary Flor Diaz took the bronze in Day 1 of weightlifting competitions in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.

The 21-year-old Ceniza tallied a total of 252 kgs to settle for second behind gold medalist Lao Gia Thanh of Vietnam, who finished with 264 kgs in the men’s 55kg event.

Diaz recorded 159kgs to place third in the women’s 45kg event behind Vietnamese Vuong Thi Huyen (172kgs) and Setiawati Lisa of Indonesia (169kgs).

Ceniza failed to lift 153kgs in the clean and jerk category in his second

and last attempts to hand over the gold to Thanh.

“Natutuwa ako sa suporta na nakita ko sa mga nanonod kaya masaya ako. Maraming salamat,” Ceniza said.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puebtevella was happy with Ceniza’s performance despite missing out on the gold, saying that his Cebuano discovery can get better and may compete in the Tokyo Olympics next year.

“John performed very well. He will get better as we train him for the Tokyo Olympics,” Puentevella said.

The weightlifting NSA head also urged fans to return tomorrow when Asian Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz competes at 4 p.m.

A total of 10 gold medals are at stake in the weightlifting event, but the Philippines will only see action in nine events. The national team will not participate in the 73kg men’s category.

Other members of the national team are Dave Llyod Pacaldo (61kg) and Nestor Colonia (67kg), while in the women’s are Elien Rose Perez (49kg), Diaz (55kg), Margaret Colonia (59kg), Elreen Ann Ando (64) and Kristel Macrohon (71kg).

The country’s brightest star Diaz, the silver medalist in the Rio Olympics and gold medal winner during the previous Asian Games, recently trained in Taiwan to complete her preparation for the Games where she is expected to dominate. Tim Obligacion

AGATHA Wong of the Philippines proved a class over the rest, retaining the gold medal in the taolu taijiquan event of wushu Sunday in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the World Trade Center in Manila.

Wong, who performed fifth in the order of play, was spectacular among all the nine entries, registering 9.67 to handily win the gold.

Lachkar Basma of Brunei won the silver with 9.55 points while Tran Thi Minh Huyen of Vietnam scored had 9.53 for the bronze medal.

“There was no holiday for us (in our training) so we are very fatigued right now. My body is aching. I was relieved after I finished my first event. I just did my best and I hope that’s enough for team Philippines,” said Wong.

Wong also ruled the event in the 2017 Games in Kuala Lumpur and won a bronze in the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games in Jakarta.

She is set to compete in the women’s taijijian event on December 3.

Loh Choon How of Malaysia topped the taijiquan event with 9.68 points, with Zheng Yu Hosea Wong of Brunei bagged the silver with 9.59 points. Daniel Parantac of the Philippines settled for the bronze medal with 9.56 points.

Wong won bronze in the past 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia taking medals in the women’s taijiquan and taijijian all-around event.

Wushu is among the most popular and most practiced martial art sport in the world. It is prevalent not only in Asia but also in Europe and the Americas.

Windsurfing postponed SUBIC—Windsurfing in SEA Games Philippines 2019 has been postponed due to typhoon “Tisoy.”

“It will be moved to a date when weather will be clear of typhoon,” said SEA Games Subic Cluster Chairman and lawyer Ramon Agregado Sunday. There is no decision yet on whether sailing competitions will also be re-scheduled.

Typhoon “Tisoy” is expected to make landfall in the Bicol region by late Monday or early Tuesday, bringing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and 185 kph gusts.

Because of this, PAG-ASA warned of “frequent to continuous heavy rains” in Bicol, Metro Manila, Zambales, Pampanga, Calabarzon, Mindoro provinces, Marinduque, Romblon, Bataan, and Bulacan.

Windsurfing was originally scheduled at the Lighthouse Jetty Area and Subic Bay Yacht Club, respectively from November 28 to December 9.

That original timeframe included practices, weighing and measuring of equipment, and competition proper.

Depending on the effects of typhoon “Tisoy,” the two events may have to be postponed to December 5.

“We are anticipating December 5 as the start of the official competition,” said venue manager Julious Macam.

The SEA Games Philippines 2019 is the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games, a biennial regional multi-sport event which is being held in the Philippines from November 30 to December 11 with games from selected sports starting as early as November 24.

This edition is marked by the first major decentralization in the history of the Games, with competition venues spread in 23 cities across the country, divided into four clusters, all located on the island of Luzon (Metro Manila, Clark, Subic/Olongapo, and a fourth cluster consisting of standalone venues).

SEA GAMES MEDAL TALLY (As of December 1/ 7:30 P. M.)

GOLD SILVER

BRONZE TOTAL

PHILIPPINES

20

10

5

35

VIETNAM

5

12

7

24

MALAYSIA

4

1

2

7

SINGAPORE

3

2

4

9

THAILAND

2

4

8

14

BRUNEI DURUSSALAM

1

2

1

4

CAMBODIA

0

2

3

5

INDONESIA

1

2

5

8

MYANMAR

0

1

4

5

LAOS

0

0

2

2

TIMOR-LESTE

0

0

0

0

IN BRIEF

Business

PH has big potential in offshore gaming

THE Philippines has the potential to become a major player in the global offshore gaming industry because of its conducive environment for Internet-based games of chance, state-run think tank National Tax Research Center said in a report.

In a journal titled “Profile and Taxation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations,” NTRC said the country had advantages in global online casino sector, which caters to overseas-based and non-Filipino gamblers.

NTRC said the global offshore online gaming market was expected to exceed $60 billion next year and that the Philippines was leading the Asia-Pacific region in cashing in on the booming online gaming known as POGO. “Offshore gaming is proving to be a promising revenue generating industry,” NTRC said, noting that Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. already generated P12 billion in revneues from POGOs since they began in late 2016.

“The industry has yet to reach its fullest potential and still has enough elbow room for growth and improvement in terms of tax collection, safeguards, audit, among others,” NRTC said. Julito G. Rada

RCBC says sachet banking up sharply

RIZAL Commercial Banking Corp. achieved exponential growth for its mobile point-ofsale (mPOS) implementation, generating a 515-percent year-on-year growth on transaction volume from P333.6 million in 2018 to P2.1 billion in 2019, and 622 percent growth on transaction count from 111,000 to 811,000.

“We are very pleased with this achievement as it validates our goal to scale up inclusive digital finance among the unbanked and underserved sector, especially since 52 percent of the cash withdrawal transactions were from conditional cash transfer beneficiaries in 4th to 6th class cities and municipalities such as Piagapo, Lanao del Sur and Mati, Davao de Sur,” said RCBC executive vice president and chief innovation and inclusion officer Lito Villanueva.

The mPOS sachet banking initiative was renamed Remote Banking Access Points during the 62nd charter anniversary symposium of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

B1

SMC opens two ramps of Skyway in Alabang

By Darwin G. Amojelar

BSP warns against investment scams

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas urged supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) to adopt robust risk management system to prevent illegal investment activities that include the so-called “Ponzi scheme.”

In a memorandum signed by Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, the BSP said banks and other financial institutions might be used to channel the funds amassed from these illegal investment activities, through deposit accounts of the lead perpetrators, their associates and related entities.

“It is therefore imperative that BSFIs adopt robust risk management system to identify, detect, prevent and mitigate risks arising from these illegal activities. This is anchored on having a strong governance framework, adequate policies and effective controls, among others,” the memorandum said.

Illegal investment schemes enticing the public to invest their recently money have been identified by supervisory authorities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Julito G. Rada

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

SKYWAY ALABANG RAMP. San Miguel Corp. reopens the third at-grade lane of the Skyway and inaugurates a new, twolane steel ramp connecting the Alabang viaduct to the elevated Skyway. The additional lanes are seen to ease traffic on the South Luzon Expressway while construction of the Skyway Extension project is ongoing. Leading the inauguration ceremony are (from left) San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

Century contesting MRT 7 takeover of Lagro property

By Jenniffer B. Austria

C

ENTURY Properties Group Inc., the real estate arm of special envoy to the US Jose Antonio, said it will continue to fight the government’s plan to expropriate its huge property in Quezon City which will be used a train depot of Metro Rail Transit Line 7.

CPG said in a disclosure to the stock exchangeits board of directors approved the filing of all court pleadings to exercise its rights on the property and uphold the rights of stakeholders and

shareholders.

CPG, through wholly-owned unit Century Communities Corp., owns the property located in Barangay Greater Lagro, Quezon City.

The property firm said it still owned the property firm until the government undertook the necessary procedures for expropriation.

CPG said the amount offered by DOTr to the courts was way below what is required by law.

“CCC did not offer to sell the property to DOTr and had rejected DOTr’s offer of P3,600 per square meter, as this is grossly inadequate compared to the actual market value of the properties,” it said.

CPG said it hired Divina Law to be the legal counsel of CCC for expropriation case.

The DOTr last week said MRT 7 was on track for the partial opening in 2021 after it obtained favorable writs of possession from Quezon City Regional

NEDA approves NAIA rehabilitation, other major infrastructure projects

By Othel V. Campos THE National Economic and Development Authority board approved over the weekend several major infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and presidential adviser for flagship programs and projects Vince Dizon said the infrastructure projects aimed to improve connectivity across the country.

“The swift approval of the projects show how serious the government is in moving towards the realization of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program and allow our people to use the words of the president - to ‘use, use, use’ them in order to live a more comfortable life,” Dizon said.

The NEDA board approved the New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport and the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which are both unsolicited proposals from the private sector.

The list also includes land transport projects in Mindanao such as the Davao

Public Transport Bus Modernization Project and the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project.

The former involves the delivery of a modern, high priority bus system for Davao City, while the latter targets to cut travel time between Samal Island and Davao from 26 to 30 minutes using RORO or ferry operations to just 2 to 5 minutes.

It also approved major highways in Bicol Region such as the Pasacao-Balatan Tourism Coastal Highway and the Camarines Sur Expressway.

The projects are part of the revised list of infrastructure flagship projects which was also approved by the NEDA Board.

The 100 flagship projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program have a total projected cost of P4.25 trillion. The list covers five categories including transport and mobility, power, water, information and communications technology and urban development and renewal.

Dizon earlier assured that all 100 flagship projects would start within the term of the current administration.

Bangko Sentral eases rules on lending to OFWs

By Julito G. Rada THE Monetary Board, the policy-making body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, approved the enhanced policy allowing banks to grant peso consumer loans to overseas Filipino workers without a prior approval in line with its financial inclusion and empowerment agenda.

It said in a statement over the weekend the enhancement aimed to facilitate the access of OFWs to bank credit.

The revised guidelines liberalized the rules limiting the grant of peso consumer loans to certain types of visa holders. Peso consumer loans, except residential real estate and housing loans, may also be extended to all eligible foreign nationals with valid visa issued by relevant Philippine authorities.

Embassy officials and employees based in the Philippines are also allowed to avail any type of peso consumer loans.

“The enhancements are premised on the banks’ continued adherence to sound credit underwriting practices and effective control measures in managing risks involved in

granting peso consumer loans to OFWs and eligible foreign nationals,” the board said.

“The new guidelines promote greater access to bank financing for these borrowers, while expanding and broadening market segment for banks,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Monetary Board also approved the enhancements to the rules on the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of time deposit, bonds and commercial papers that allow related companies of the issuing universal/commercial banks and quasi-banks to underwrite or arrange the said financial instruments subject to certain conditions.

“Said enhancement is aimed at contributing to the development of the capital market,” the board said.

The amended rules require that there are other third-party underwriters/arrangers that are not related in any manner to the issuing U/KB or QB. The parties should ensure that an objective conduct of the due diligence review is not undermined and that appropriate safeguards and controls on related party transactions should be instituted to prevent conflict of interest on the arrangement.

Trial Court Branch 92 and 98.

A writ of possession is a writ of execution employed to enforce a judgment to recover the possession of land. It commands the sheriff to enter the land and give its possession to the party entitled under the judgment.

The P69.3-billion MRT 7 project, which will have 14 stations, is being built by SMC Mass Rail Transit 7 Inc. under SMC’s infrastructure subsidiary San Miguel Holdings Inc. San Miguel tapped Hyundai Rotem and EEI consortium to build the railway which will have stations at North Ave., Quezon Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Manggahan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala and San Jose del Monte.

Once completed by 2021, the 22-kilometer rail line will reduce travel time between Quezon City and San Jose del Monte City from two to three hours to 35 minutes.

SAN Miguel Corp. said it expects traffic to ease at South Luzon Expressway after re-opening on Sunday the third at-grade lane of Skyway and inaugurated a new, twolane steel ramp connecting Alabang Viaduct to the elevated toll road.

The additional lanes are expected to ease traffic on South Luzon Expressway, while the construction of the Skyway Extension project is ongoing.

“I know that our motorists from the south―Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas―have a hard time these past two months. Again, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this project has caused,” SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said.

“Starting today, motorists from SLEX will have up to five lanes northbound during rush hours. This is already a big improvement from just three lanes at the viaduct, before the start of construction,” he said.

The ramp is a part of preliminary works for the Skyway Extension project, a P10-billion initiative by San Miguel to ease traffic on SLEX by giving motorists access to the Skyway from Susana Heights and MuntinlupaCavite Expressway.

The project will accommodate an additional capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour northbound, and an 3,000 vehicles an hour southbound.

Ang said with the slated opening of the Skyway Stage 3 project from Buendia toNorth Luzon Expressway in a few months, motorists from the south would be able to take the Skyway Extension to bypass Alabang Viaduct and even Edsa.

He said with the traffic measures now in place, the construction of Skyway Extension would advance, while appealing the public for their understanding.

B2

Business

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

All eyes on US-China trade spat T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE stock market is expected to trade sideways with a downward bias this week as investors worry about the impact of a pro-Hong Kong legislation on US-China trade negotiations that President Donald Trump signed into law.

Analysts said the cloudy outlook on the US-China trade talks amid the Hong Kong issue would continue affect investor sentiments in December.

Trump on Thursday signed into law a controversial bill backing Hong Kong protestors.

“The move can potentially add strain to the US current’s trade relationship with China,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan.

“In relation to this, gold prices advanced as investors sough relief after the US president signed a controversial bill backing Hong Kong into law, putting doubts on the former’s trade deal with China,” he added.

BDO Unibank Inc chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said the previous week’s close of the Philippine Stock Exchange Index highlighted the acceleration of the downward momentum.

“A break below 7,700 opens the gate for a test of the year’s low at 7,514.05 levels, which could occur in the nearterm. Brace for impact,” Ravelas said.

The PSEi last week dropped 1.1 percent to close at 7,738.96 on continued

foreign selling. The boarder All Shares Index also declined 1 percent to end the week at 4,632.84.

Except for the property index which advanced 0.3 percent, all other sub-indices ended in the red led by financial which dropped 1.7 percent, holding firms which lost 1.6 percent and mining and oil which fell 1.5 percent. The industrial sector dipped 1.3 percent while services decreased 0.2 percent.

The PSEi is still up 3.7 percent yearto-date.

Foreign investors were net sellers by P8 billion. Foreign investors are now net sellers by P5.6 billion in the first 11 months of the year.

Weekly top price gainers include Semirara Mining and Power Corp., which rose 5.1 percent to P21.80; First Gen Corp., which climbed 5 percent to P25; and Ayala Land Inc., which advanced 2.2 percent to P45.50.

Weekly top price losers were Suntrust Home Developers Inc., which fell 13.6 percent to P1.33; LT Group Inc., which declined 12.4 percent to P11.06; and Philippine National Bank which dropped 7.6 percent to P37.50.

Wall Street stocks, meanwhile, pulled back from records Friday in a quiet, holiday-shortened session as the festive shopping season kicked off with a deluge of “Black Friday” promotions.

Walmart rose slightly, but most other leading retailers fell, including Target and Amazon, as consumers shift ever more of their dollars to e-commerce from traditional stores.

Analysts said stocks were dragged lower by increased US-China trade friction as Beijing threatened unspecified retaliation after President Donald Trump signed into law legislation supporting Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.

With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS Weekly StockS revieW STOCKS

NOVEMBER 25-29, 2019 Close Volume Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

53.7 151.80 85.95 1.85 1.05 25.1 18.2 12.82 4.25 7.70 0.59 1.21 805.00 0.380 66.25 0.85 12.7 22.15 37.50 57.6 112.1 176.2 24.75 205 1805.00 59.55 1.06

6,890 18,366,100 25,762,000 65,000 216,000 344,300 155,600 1,126,100 379,000 600 2,000 3,000 610 460,000 15,081,610 219,000 22,600 5,500 5,202,300 3,170 140 4,630 300,200 2,814,310 1,135 21,710 1,668,000

FINANCIAL 370,606.50 2,777,664,324.00 2,266,677,452.00 122,210.00 223,230.00 8,629,850.00 2,812,048.00 14,463,776.00 1,574,850.00 4,620.00 1,180.00 3,630.00 490,445.00 181,700.00 1,016,521,437.50 186,170.00 287,020.00 113,320.00 202,693,345.00 183,488.00 15,694.00 807,085.00 7,454,570.00 570,220,058.00 2,051,495.00 1,281,558.00 1,775,150.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

AC Energy Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Axelum Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Fruitas Holdings Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

34.45 2.46 13.96 0.57 1.25 3.35 0.238 101.6 18.68 2.28 15.22 5.08 70 67.7 29.6 2.06 5.33 5.25 8.770 14.98 10.30 7.20 1.6 25 75.05 1.71 40.50 1.8700 13.96 7.86 1.320 192.00 46.05 4.75 3.56 8.20 18.7 12.5 17.08 0.182 319.00 5.25 1.32 4.10 4.54 10.00 9.60 11.08 33.1 4.96 5.46 1.95 1.91 0.99 10.78 90 8.67 0.115 1.04 150.1 1.11 16.20 0.94

33,137,700 14,445,000 1,600,800 2,637,000 160,000 15,342,000 4,610,000 60 1,100 4,952,000 990,700 3,107,900 5,890 4,260 1,400 1,105,000 12,000 24,100 9,231,800 962,700 4,268,500 16,461,400 1,000 7,565,000 831,790 675,655,000 124,800 38,568,000 373,500 305,800 202,000 6,206,470 1,100 463,000 44,000 92,600 7,406,000 683,900 3,426,300 300,000 1,652,050 9,900 21,810,000 24,000 5,594,000 50,800 7,200 45,400 2,218,100 2,041,000 68,900 11,988,000 7,000 520,000 2,869,800 971,900 3,885,000 18,090,000 1,172,000 5,493,400 21,782,000 62,500 5,230,000

INDUSTRIAL 1,128,274,050.00 36,027,850.00 22,197,124.00 1,582,030.00 197,470.00 54,057,350.00 1,057,740.00 5,846.00 19,646.00 11,542,440.00 15,031,418.00 16,601,923.00 386,474.00 289,779.50 40,985.00 2,233,370.00 63,990.00 128,262.00 81,222,822.00 14,410,446.00 44,059,762.00 118,758,655.00 1,600.00 181,017,310.00 62,725,520.50 1,409,662,200.00 5,053,360.00 76,391,240.00 5,193,494.00 2,425,485.00 268,220.00 1,177,298,925.00 50,885.00 2,272,595.00 154,770.00 743,961.00 135,058,892.00 8,339,500.00 58,598,674.00 54,600.00 527,535,888.00 53,719.00 29,366,550.00 97,520.00 25,658,190.00 503,470.00 69,084.00 499,774.00 72,217,140.00 10,204,440.00 376,722.00 24,158,750.00 13,510.00 504,150.00 31,110,402.00 86,017,410.50 34,022,424.00 2,159,850.00 1,191,700.00 831,706,578.00 24,019,510.00 1,058,382.00 5,128,090.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Ayala Land Log BHI Holdings Inc. Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.760 48.95 11.06 0.73 6.75 12.48 0.940 0.970 806 3.390 1250.00 6.81 6.50 3.99 13.38 0.209 894.5 5.40 76.90 5.2 5.22 0.5 4.04 11.06 0.560 4.3 0.0370 1.390 3.00 159.20 2.25 1060.00 1.26 0.78 219.000 0.2230 0.211

HOLDING FIRMS 31,298,000 24,651,940.00 35,561,220 1,743,120,485.50 425,346,600 4,642,046,142.00 602,000 428,240.00 119,500 821,672.00 27,100 333,734.00 8,438,000 7,785,070.00 3,876,000 3,650,860.00 2,835,490 2,264,434,945.00 4,294,000 14,594,290.00 5 6,250.00 8,483,400 59,816,271.00 574,048,100 3,812,198,853.00 30,000 118,000.00 310,100 4,098,450.00 550,000 113,600.00 504,310 444,799,625.00 14,282,600 77,127,658.00 13,251,630 1,016,614,823.00 41,200 209,989.00 3,900 20,367.00 2,410,000 1,162,605.00 850,000 3,433,660.00 10,814,200 126,088,220.00 1,064,000 587,820.00 133,772,000 577,823,690.00 1,047,300,000 43,856,800.00 1,736,000 2,278,530.00 3,000 9,000.00 251,290 39,803,042.00 14,000 31,500.00 2,258,145 2,444,008,015.00 188,000 233,570.00 289,000 226,790.00 4,200 896,086.00 1,470,000 319,160.00 1,530,000 327,470.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry

14.860 0.71 8.86 1.600 0.830 45.500 2.04 4.7 6.47 0.580 0.76 0.870 0.180 0.410 10.340 19.6 0.440 0.121 1.54 1.22 4.40 4.43 0.217 1.2700 0.3950 0.330 46.00

752,600 2,343,000 6,200 816,000 6,826,000 83,587,100 3,515,000 1,201,000 246,200 97,893,000 193,000 311,000 37,410,000 2,770,000 750,200 1,311,300 17,900,000 20,000 39,373,000 1,312,000 7,000 94,879,000 59,440,000 5,818,000 30,000 1,190,000 12,030

PROPERTY 11,170,804.00 1,665,310.00 55,210.00 1,267,970.00 5,743,910.00 3,646,185,985.00 7,015,450.00 5,649,520.00 1,615,396.00 57,424,340.00 145,030.00 270,560.00 6,862,830.00 1,155,400.00 7,725,274.00 25,360,682.00 8,038,350.00 2,420.00 60,812,290.00 1,601,860.00 30,670.00 426,567,190.00 13,550,210.00 7,473,070.00 11,850.00 409,500.00 547,277.00

NOVEMBER 18-22, 2019 Close Volume Value 53.7 152.00 90.40 1.90 1.11 25.05 18 12.9 4.34 7.70

24,630 6,002,460 11,784,060 36,000 794,000 435,700 16,300 2,546,300 298,000 60,800

1,328,354.00 925,014,987.00 1,080,663,049.00 68,540.00 826,360.00 10,974,120.00 295,704.00 32,913,672.00 1,282,740.00 468,389.00

1.21 814.50 0.390 68.4 0.85 12.7 20.90 40.60 58.95 110.4 173.8 24.9 201 1894.00 60.00 1.07

5,000 1,700 1,130,000 10,770,360 106,000 166,300 600 1,873,200 7,020 180 1,760 286,400 1,897,200 345 24,300 2,942,000

6,160.00 1,367,425.00 444,100.00 726,846,524.00 91,260.00 2,122,632.00 12,415.00 78,467,020.00 421,239.00 19,928.00 306,301.00 7,265,740.00 380,874,707.00 626,035.00 1,439,353.00 3,181,730.00

34.75 2.47 14.18 0.59 1.24 3.62 0.243 101.8 18.86 2.38 14.94 5.8 65.05 68.05 29.75 2.06 5.34 5.2 8.740 15 10.32 7.22

8,212,200 20,066,000 2,124,800 2,316,000 308,000 21,669,000 2,120,000 90 46,400 14,110,000 6,624,200 6,030,800 9,770 2,740 146,700 251,000 47,000 12,500 4,623,000 138,700 549,300 13,033,400

293,028,935.00 51,098,080.00 30,461,478.00 1,358,580.00 376,690.00 80,349,650.00 502,400.00 8,372.00 870,412.00 34,328,270.00 100,207,042.00 38,276,612.00 635,877.00 187,660.00 4,319,365.00 523,700.00 251,080.00 65,528.00 40,753,995.00 2,091,596.00 5,664,176.00 94,209,354.00

23.8 77

12,071,300 346,250

280,200,170.00 26,760,503.00

41.50 2.0300 14.00 8.13 1.410 195.00 47.55 5.2 3.63 8.80 18.48 12.2 17.1 0.182 330.00 5.20 1.41 4.25 4.53 9.41 9.40 11.00 32.05 4.94 5.46 2 1.98 1.03 11.5 90 8.14 0.123 1.05 154 1.16 15.32 0.99

176,500 43,739,000 1,007,500 621,100 658,000 3,321,720 2,800 130,900 8,000 139,300 4,161,600 548,600 3,622,300 1,020,000 769,260 500 17,543,000 33,000 6,555,000 208,600 35,400 83,100 2,305,900 1,620,300 285,200 8,756,000 45,000 752,000 695,000 853,170 604,200 24,890,000 3,772,000 3,163,790 39,983,000 600 14,400,000

7,328,140.00 89,287,630.00 14,116,548.00 4,944,486.00 917,580.00 667,285,374.00 140,920.00 665,972.00 28,740.00 1,167,098.00 78,420,696.00 6,793,278.00 61,675,958.00 185,640.00 251,027,698.00 2,700.00 25,221,890.00 136,780.00 30,803,520.00 1,972,982.00 333,847.00 914,458.00 73,919,145.00 8,092,857.00 1,544,239.00 17,433,850.00 88,640.00 775,550.00 8,049,144.00 76,904,480.50 4,808,483.00 3,075,150.00 4,038,840.00 481,212,575.00 46,860,950.00 9,192.00 14,419,320.00

0.800 50.75 11.18 0.72 6.85 12.5 0.950 0.970 825 3.410

51,596,000 4,042,430 252,866,500 673,000 122,200 29,300 22,026,000 12,377,000 1,331,590 8,844,000

41,014,920.00 207,237,317.00 2,881,744,240.00 479,000.00 800,032.00 363,464.00 20,238,190.00 2,835,460.00 1,085,329,195.00 30,567,260.00

7 6.55

12,358,600 156,645,500

86,602,838.00 1,096,466,455.00

13.38 0.206 894 5.55 78.95 5.72 5.2 0.5 4 12.6 0.580 4.39 0.0370 1.400 3.03 156.90

73,600 1,410,000 305,370 200 3,932,130 1,200 5,400 483,000 19,731,000 17,495,900 1,101,000 59,745,000 8,300,000 673,000 222,000 502,560

982,742.00 296,680.00 271,635,910.00 1,112.00 305,882,439.50 6,310.00 30,512.00 237,005.00 79,528,850.00 215,908,456.00 609,620.00 271,104,190.00 299,300.00 863,170.00 644,800.00 79,734,137.00

1066.00 1.25 0.81 220.000 0.2110 0.218

1,697,335 629,000 1,024,000 7,860 610,000 2,580,000

1,810,399,365.00 775,740.00 842,020.00 1,679,568.00 129,450.00 577,950.00

14.820 0.72 8.84 1.680 0.850 44.500 2.01 4.7 6.7 0.600 0.75 0.860 0.200 0.425 10.280 18.8 0.450 0.121 1.54 1.23

8,258,600 4,549,000 10,700 243,000 22,837,000 57,682,300 10,057,000 670,000 113,500 47,359,000 50,000 151,000 630,000 4,030,000 2,519,400 823,700 3,290,000 570,000 28,353,000 1,545,000

122,542,022.00 3,458,010.00 94,945.00 396,760.00 20,364,800.00 2,589,236,585.00 20,219,700.00 3,188,150.00 740,517.00 27,727,150.00 37,300.00 127,880.00 123,780.00 1,741,050.00 25,830,858.00 15,976,952.00 1,485,150.00 68,920.00 44,049,220.00 1,924,810.00

4.55 0.231 1.2800 0.3950 0.350 52.95

58,740,000 123,010,000 13,325,000 580,000 1,670,000 100

273,939,310.00 29,077,640.00 17,735,520.00 229,100.00 607,450.00 5,295.00

STOCKS

NOVEMBER 25-29, 2019 Close Volume Value

NOVEMBER 18-22, 2019 Close Volume Value

Primex Corp.

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes Vistamalls

2.01 26.20 2.14 3.2 39.00 2.44 1.330 7.600 5.500

903,000 12,597,300 2,396,000 356,000 54,993,600 1,731,000 45,754,000 13,566,700 245,700

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel AllHome APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea DFNN Inc. Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Grand Plaza Hotel Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. PH Resorts Group Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

10.08 17.44 1.5 11.52 0.465 0.040 18 2.83 11.14 92.5 7.08 5.85 5.19 8.74 910 1940 5.20 410.00 10.54 1.13 123.6 1.72 7.9 4.20 0.103 4.0900 2.24 13.98 2.75 0.90 18.00 11.56 0.415 3.39 2.29 1.05 1.03 2.840 2.5 7.65 2.78 4.94 149.90 2.75 1075.00 0.490 0.620 40.15 79.00 9.00 2.64 0.670 0.275 0.610 18.500

33,000 180,400 700,000 12,554,000 6,050,000 74,600,000 1,097,600 5,727,000 10,708,000 554,360 10,100 2,232,100 122,300 112,700 560 230,455 666,600 37,800 1,200 9,878,000 8,409,940 49,000 7,100 69,000 4,100,000 11,480,000 57,000 15,500 2,047,000 243,000 6,126,600 800 10,580,000 100,000 2,244,000 43,000 10,000 9,164,000 273,000 54,000 21,000 9,000 42,370 977,000 606,380 132,039,000 3,710,000 3,982,300 1,266,520 54,000 5,104,000 4,622,000 25,470,000 3,976,000 8,720,900

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0015 1.07 2.40 11.46 1.1900 2.54 7.55 1.650 0.206 0.099 0.102 0.0084 0.0097 0.97 3.09 1.03 0.4900 0.8200 0.0120 0.0110 3.30 10.48 0.0110 9.0900 21.80 0.0058

MINING & OIL 305,000,000 488,500.00 4,150,000 4,432,300.00 816,000 2,069,230.00 16,900 180,630.00 1,000 1,190.00 3,451,000 8,685,310.00 5,100 37,782.00 30,376,000 53,412,770.00 6,320,000 1,276,770.00 12,660,000 1,262,460.00 7,130,000 726,910.00 9,000,000 76,400.00 10,000,000 92,000.00 2,536,000 2,553,100.00 40,220,000 132,221,910.00 63,000 65,720.00 611,000 307,695.00 324,000 259,970.00 121,200,000 1,409,600.00 1,301,000,000 15,610,800.00 1,800,000 6,095,290.00 2,528,600 27,464,928.00 123,300,000 1,355,400.00 7,396,400 70,458,325.00 12,160,500 261,232,685.00 1,000,000 5,800.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Alco Preferred B Alco Preferred C Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred 2B PCOR-Preferred 3A PCOR-Preferred 3B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC Preferred 1 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H

16.8 100 101 509 501 100.1 112 499 500 5.05 1000 1000 97.05 1.01 101 1026 1030 1066 100.5 107 1028 998 78 75.05 75.95 76.6 75.2 75.45 75.15

146,500 6,090 1,480 7,500 5,400 302,090 1,870 160 20,320 954,200 14,270 31,480 31,160 748,000 690 3,085 21,795 2,880 4,000 1,410 24,255 210 510,340 1,031,900 422,440 1,080,550 854,900 1,072,520 908,080

LR Warrant

1.550

205,000

Italpinas Kepwealth Xurpas

4.23 11 0.86

2,265,000 5,093,000 10,919,000

First Metro ETF USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

1,815,820.00 336,065,650.00 5,217,570.00 1,126,030.00 2,149,677,160.00 4,194,070.00 65,017,350.00 102,935,984.00 1,268,892.00

2.01 26.50 2.16 3.15 39.45 2.48 1.540 7.610 5.230

1,183,000 8,928,400 238,000 352,000 32,661,300 977,000 23,021,000 12,966,800 199,300

2,386,030.00 232,080,000.00 524,060.00 1,101,020.00 1,284,873,915.00 2,414,420.00 34,980,870.00 99,045,229.00 1,016,657.00

10.08 17.9 1.62 11.56 0.465 0.039 18 2.72 11.46 92 6.9 5.96 5.73 9.00 910 1942 5.27 425.00 10.94 1.31 121.8

35,200 696,900 303,000 46,865,300 14,353,000 14,400,000 513,200 2,685,000 8,477,200 284,350 8,900 3,893,900 731,100 148,600 1,240 248,200 395,300 1,830 1,700 3,870,000 7,457,440

353,704.00 12,185,668.00 475,170.00 542,376,454.00 6,779,950.00 564,600.00 9,236,234.00 7,075,840.00 198,307,120.00 25,983,497.50 61,614.00 23,934,046.00 3,836,073.00 1,313,397.00 1,127,265.00 478,738,665.00 2,089,939.00 774,796.00 17,734.00 5,242,000.00 908,958,976.00

7.9 2.40 0.109 4.1900 2.18 14 2.81 0.90 18.28 11.70 0.445 3.4 2.30 1.05

15,900 96,000 1,940,000 10,102,000 305,000 1,000 2,691,000 510,000 1,191,700 1,400 59,678,000 223,000 2,809,000 158,000

127,260.00 265,430.00 205,940.00 44,550,810.00 653,900.00 13,678.00 7,900,670.00 463,220.00 21,921,736.00 17,328.00 29,192,400.00 757,390.00 6,484,040.00 158,400.00

2.950 2.6 7.94

12,111,000 189,000 22,000

35,877,470.00 495,570.00 174,351.00

4.62 150.00 2.70 1116.00 0.420 0.630 39.95 75.70 9.13 2.67 0.680 0.305 0.630 17.980

25,000 1,038,200 2,668,000 409,145 45,470,000 12,279,000 5,886,500 1,165,720 1,238,700 8,559,000 4,216,000 32,260,000 5,897,000 4,677,200

117,970.00 155,729,900.00 7,367,770.00 451,144,975.00 19,292,050.00 7,849,730.00 234,873,290.00 88,417,417.00 11,065,198.00 23,256,900.00 2,839,800.00 9,996,500.00 3,679,700.00 84,669,760.00

0.0016 1.08 2.54 11.16 1.1600 2.52 7.60 1.820 0.209 0.105 0.107 0.0086

1,746,000,000 3,425,000 812,000 46,100 129,000 2,799,000 4,600 38,248,000 4,620,000 6,950,000 4,110,000 31,000,000

2,799,900.00 3,761,730.00 2,072,350.00 517,466.00 132,870.00 7,069,600.00 33,951.00 70,937,150.00 950,180.00 718,460.00 431,550.00 269,000.00

1.04 3.3 1.06 0.5800 0.8100 0.0120 0.0120 3.28 11.54 0.0110 10.6000 20.75 0.0058

1,796,000 27,150,000 149,000 4,359,000 679,000 45,000,000 737,100,000 845,000 1,977,800 48,900,000 15,556,900 16,361,300 33,000,000

1,830,180.00 89,089,630.00 154,530.00 2,592,740.00 546,340.00 531,000.00 8,162,000.00 2,796,570.00 23,544,398.00 535,000.00 180,126,755.00 348,556,079.00 197,000.00

16.92 100 103 502.5

189,200 34,550 9,130 6,180

3,216,244.00 3,455,293.00 940,390.00 3,111,275.00

100.9 109.7

519,320 37,030

52,419,778.00 4,062,611.00

506 5.08 975 994 99.7 1.04

1,870 116,000 7,390 50 15,500 225,000

946,220.00 596,809.00 7,205,250.00 49,700.00 1,543,150.50 228,670.00

1035 1050 1065 100.5 110 1026 998 78.35 75.15 75 76.55 75.1 75.2 75.2

790 1,305 1,110 11,320 190 7,430 70 70,580 10,000 218,450 62,510 222,770 106,080 155,530

828,775.00 1,348,040.00 1,172,100.00 1,153,590.00 20,890.00 7,623,150.00 69,410.00 5,508,764.50 751,500.00 16,385,192.00 4,794,512.50 16,741,720.50 7,972,548.00 11,687,043.00

1.400

282,000

406,730.00

SME 10,022,970.00 61,085,160.00 9,615,790.00

4.76 12.18 0.91

3,296,000 6,608,900 33,764,000

16,580,312.00 81,237,996.00 30,849,840.00

116

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 8,069,746.00 69,280

117.2

34,300

10.04 10 0.96

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 13,980 141,195.60 20 200.00 66,800 63,388.00

10.28 10 0.94

68,320 5,000 126,400

SERVICES 327,872.00 3,131,576.00 1,075,450.00 144,537,598.00 2,817,700.00 2,876,300.00 19,726,680.00 16,258,640.00 121,213,670.00 50,901,725.00 71,509.00 13,053,394.00 641,823.00 997,382.00 500,710.00 445,574,635.00 3,500,719.00 16,277,670.00 12,001.00 11,849,370.00 1,031,850,950.00 88,310.00 56,052.00 275,060.00 419,910.00 48,128,990.00 128,450.00 216,612.00 5,713,710.00 218,380.00 110,547,002.00 9,536.00 4,380,550.00 339,000.00 5,098,500.00 44,070.00 10,300.00 26,401,220.00 689,110.00 419,283.00 58,450.00 41,740.00 6,355,488.00 2,665,800.00 664,381,585.00 63,162,615.00 2,328,730.00 159,512,050.00 95,952,660.00 488,902.00 13,501,610.00 3,089,200.00 7,459,500.00 2,421,320.00 159,244,168.00

PREFERRED 2,472,600.00 609,852.00 149,480.00 3,777,730.00 2,706,140.00 30,356,579.00 205,190.00 76,260.00 10,156,040.00 4,839,631.00 14,262,900.00 31,396,020.00 3,023,089.50 756,740.00 69,096.00 3,165,385.00 22,779,340.00 3,069,580.00 402,000.00 148,323.00 24,948,255.00 206,490.00 39,796,576.00 77,545,620.00 32,040,188.00 82,769,870.00 64,204,668.50 80,761,494.00 68,247,249.00

WARRANTS & BONDS 287,800.00

4,020,312.00 693,767.60 50,000.00 119,534.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Oriental Pet. `B’ Pacifica `A’ Fruitas Holdings DMCI Holdings Alliance Global Inc. Abra Mining Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

PremiereHorizon Philodrill Corp. `A’ Oriental Pet. `A’

VOLUME 1,301,000,000 1,047,300,000 675,655,000 574,048,100 425,346,600 305,000,000 133,772,000 132,039,000 123,300,000 121,200,000

STOCKS Alliance Global Inc. DMCI Holdings Ayala Land `B’ Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Investments Inc. Bank of PI Ayala Corp `A’ SM Prime Holdings Aboitiz Equity Fruitas Holdings

VALUE 4,642,046,142.00 3,812,198,853.00 3,646,185,985.00 2,777,664,324.00 2,444,008,015.00 2,266,677,452.00 2,264,434,945.00 2,149,677,160.00 1,743,120,485.50 1,409,662,200.00

PLDT readies bigger capex in 2020 to fund 5G, 4G setups

By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. sees increased capital expenditures in 2020 to partly finance the deployment of 5G and 4G technology nationwide.

“Yes. It will start. I was looking that way. Well, I mean the technology group is really continuing to make the network more robust,” said PLDT chairman and president Manuel Pangilinan.

“There are still some more investments that are going to be made on 4G and of course we are starting on 5G, that’s the IT part of it,” he added.

Pangilinan said 5G would be a big part of capex for next year.

PLDT’s capex for 2019 is expected to reach P78.4 billion, including allocations for the expansion of PLDT’s fiber broadband service, which also supports Smart’s mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations.

Meanwhile, PLDT and wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. have forged an agreement with the Araneta Group to launch 5G technology in premier lifestyle hub Araneta City and transform it into the country’s first Smart 5G Lifestyle Hub, which will feature the country’s first 5G indoor deployment and the first 5G-enabled shopping mall.

“Last year, we fired up our first 5G base stations in Clark and Makati and launched the first Smart 5G Cities. Earlier this year, we launched the first Smart 5G Campus in Ateneo, and the Smart 5G Alliance. Today, we are marking another milestone in our 5G journey, this time by enabling Araneta City to be the country’s first full 5G coverage lifestyle hub,” said PLDT and Smart chief revenue officer Alfredo Panlilio.

With its capability to deliver extremely high speeds coupled with low latency, 5G opens up many possible applications on the Internet of Things and smart cities, as well as smart applications for the retail, transport, manufacturing, logistics and warehousing sectors, as well as intelligent solutions for customer support and smart homes.

PXP Energy, PNOC discuss oil and gas exploration projects

By Alena Mae S. Flores OFFICIALS of listed PXP Energy Corp. and state-run Philippine National Oil Co., the government’s oil and gas arm, met recently to discuss opportunities on oil and gas exploration projects.

PNOC said PXP Energy officials led by chairman Manuel Pangilinan paid a courtesy call on PNOC president Reuben Lista and other PNOC executives “to discuss matters of mutual business interest related to oil and gas exploration.”

Officials declined to comment further. PXP Energy has a pending unsolicited proposal to the Department of Energy to take over the Malampaya gas project after the expiration of service contract 38.

PNOC is a member of the SC 38 consortium through a 10-percent stake held by unit PNOC Exploration Corp.

PXP Energy earlier submitted an unsolicited proposal to the DOE for the strategic development and utilization of an integrated gas hub in Malampaya upon the expiry of SC 38 in 2024.

“Under the unsolicited proposal, the Malampaya infrastructure and distribution network, which is strategically positioned in the West Philippine Sea, is envisioned to support the continued development of the Malampaya resources, as well as the economic development of Sampaguita Field and other nearby prospects under SC 72, which is operated by PXP through Forum (GSEC 101) Ltd.,” PXP Energy said.

PXP Energy operates SC 72, which is estimated to contain huge potential gas reserves. The area, however, is covered by a force majeure due to a territorial dispute with China.

PXP Energy’s proposal aims to ensure energy security of the Philippines through the development of indigenous natural gas resources over the next 25 years and beyond, while bringing in significant revenues to the Philippine government.

World IN BRIEF Mexico shootout leaves 14 dead MEXICO CITY―A shootout in a Mexican town near the US border between suspected drug traffickers and police left at least 14 dead, including four officers, officials said Saturday.

The confrontation broke out shortly before noon in Villa Union in the northern state of Coahuila when officers detected several vehicles and heavily armed passengers touring the small community, which is roughly 60 kilometers from the US border.

Four of those killed were police, seven were suspected criminals and another three unidentified bodies were found nearby on a rural road, Coahuila governor Miguel Angel Riquelme told reporters.

Six officers were also wounded but their injuries were not serious and they had already been discharged from hospital, Riquelme said.

An unspecified number of peopleincluding a child―were also missing, government officials added.

Local authorities said twelve trucks were seized in the operation, as well as several high-calibre weapons and an unspecified load of ammunition.

Video shared on Riquelme’s official Facebook page showed the bullet-ridden mayor’s office, while images showed some of the chaos left after the confrontation.

The attack comes after Mexico’s leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador warned he would not allow the US to conduct cross-border armed operations against drug cartels in the country, after President Donald Trump said he planned to designate Mexican drug hangs as terrorist organizations.

The US president has been talking tough on the powerful drug cartels since one was allegedly responsible for the massacre of nine women and children from a USMexican Mormon community in northern Mexico on November 4. AFP

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

Hong Kong protesters return after a brief lull H ONG KONGProtesters returned to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, ending a brief election lull and demanding the government make concessions a week after pro-democracy candidates won a landslide victory.

Sunday’s rallies follow skirmishes overnight between police and protesters, with tear gas fired for the first time since the November 24 district council vote and a man assaulted as he tried to clear a protester barricade.

Hong Kongers have rallied in huge numbers over the last six months, fueled by years of growing fears that authoritarian China is stamping out the city’s liberties.

The territory’s Beijing-backed leaders have offered few concessions and police have cracked down hard on protesters in increasingly violent con-

frontations.

At one of Sunday’s rallies―a gathering to thank US lawmakers for their support―protesters said they were determined to keep up the pressure on local authorities after the election victory.

“I would like to send a message to the government: we are not done and this is not over,” said one 27-year-old protester, who declined to give his name.

He said he hoped that Sunday’s demonstrations, all three of which received permits called “letters of no objection,” would stay peaceful.

“I do worry that public opinion may change if violence and clashes continue,” he said.

But echoing the views of many activists who defend the violent nature of protests, he said he feared the movement would “simply wither if we adopt a completely peaceful manner.”

Elsewhere, a 13-year-old girl, who gave only her family name, Leung, joined the protest surrounded by people waving US flags and singing the American national anthem.

“I believe Hong Kong people will

continue to take to the streets, otherwise the government may mistakenly believe that we have let go of our demands,” she told AFP. “I will join as often as I can, even just to make the headcount larger.”

Months into the huge protests kicked off by opposition to a bill allowing extradition to China, pro-democracy demonstrators still appear to command widespread support—with the victory of pro-democracy candidates undercutting government claims of a “silent majority” opposed to the movement.

But Beijing-backed chief executive Carrie Lam has offered no concessions in the wake of the electoral victory, which protesters say compels them to return to the streets.

“I just want to remind everyone that despite the small victory in district council election, we must not forget why we started all this and we must return to our main theme -- reclaim Hong Kong, revolution of our times; five demands, not one less,” an organiser of the evening rally wrote on the Reddit-like LIHKG forum.AFP

UN official accused of interference

GENEVA―China on Saturday accused UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet of “inappropriate” interference in the country’s affairs after she called for investigations into alleged excessive use of force by police in Hong Kong.

China’s mission to the UN in Geneva said an op-ed written by Bachelet in the South China Morning Post was “erroneous” and “violates the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

The article contains “inappropriate comments on the situation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ... (and) interferes in China’s internal affairs,” said the Chinese mission’s statement.

It added that China had “lodged strong representations” with the UN rights office in Geneva.

In the article published earlier Saturday, Bachelet urged authorities in Hong Kong to conduct “a proper independent and impartial judge-led investigation into reports of excessive use of force by the police.”

Hong Kong’s protests are fueled by years of seething anger over China’s perceived erosion of liberties in the semiautonomous city.

There have been repeated violent clashes between police and protesters, who have called for police accountability and fully free elections.

Beijing denies stamping out Hong Kong’s liberties and has portrayed the protests as a foreign-backed “color revolution” aimed at destabilizing mainland China. AFP

Rescued tigers leave for Spain

WARSAW―Five of nine tigers that narrowly survived a grueling journey across Europe set off on Saturday for their new home at a Spanish animal refuge after weeks of recovery at a Polish zoo.

“The tigers have left. We’re very happy that in just 24 to 30 hours they will arrive,” said Malgorzata Chodyla, spokeswoman for the zoo in Poznan, western Poland.

Their destination is the Primadomus Wildlife Refuge in the southeastern Spanish town of Villena.

Chodyla said there was a brief scare, as two of the tigers did not want to sleep, despite the sedatives they were given.

“When the whole team has to enter the enclosure to carry out the tiger and it suddenly lifts its head up, those are some tense moments. But everything happened safely,” she told AFP. She added that the vehicle had heating and the tigers had enough room to switch positions.

In late October, Polish border authorities found 10 emaciated and dehydrated big cats in the back of a truck taking them from Italy to a zoo in Russia’s Dagestan Republic.

Polish prosecutors charged two Italian truck drivers and a Russian man believed to have organized the journey with animal abuse after the truck got stuck for days on Poland’s border with Belarus.

Prosecutors also charged a Polish border service veterinarian for failing to properly examine the tigers when they first arrived at the Koroszczyn crossing, where one of them died. AFP

REQUIEM. Members of the group Horseracing Wrongs and their supporters hold a ‘Requiem March for the fallen horses’ to protest their deaths at Santa Anita Park race track and other venues across the country in Pasadena, California, on November 30, 2019. Thirty-seven horses have died at the Santa Anita Park race track this year. AFP

MIRAQUEL G. DE JESUS

Green LiGht RECENTLY, a 25-year old member of the New Zealand parliament hit the headlines when she responded, “OK boomer” to an older MP when the latter interrupted her in the middle of her speech about climate change. It is a short, yet strong phrase that irked many “baby boomers,” who, as defined in Webster, are people born between 1946 and 1964. The dismissive and mocking nature of using this phrase as a response of someone young towards an older person is what solicits mixed reactions across generations.

This phrase cuts across various platforms, from digital to speeches, as well as across organizations, such as political parties, social groups and business entities, among others.

It is just one of the few factors that stirs generational divide in different settings, like in a workplace. On the other side of the spectrum are the older generations, including the Generation X (born between 1965 and 1979), stereotyping the younger people, the Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994) and the Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2015), as lazy and entitled in doing their work.

A young person would ask, or, at some point, demand for better working conditions. And right away, others would think of it as a form of entitlement because this young person does not know how to work (extra) hard before enjoying such benefit. Thinking about it, is hoping for good working conditions already a form of privilege? Shouldn’t that be the norm?

I am a millennial and I have had the privilege of working in three different companies with varying dominant age groups. My first job in an educational institution exposed me to these baby boomers. I agree that at some point,

OK boomer, let’s talk there is a level of close-mindedness in introducing new information to them, but at the end of the day, what matters is how I was able to engage in a meaningful discussion with them, and how we were able to exchange our opinions without shutting down each other’s ideas.

My second job was in a PR company with a predominantly millennial and Gen Z workforce, and surprisingly, I found it harder to come up with a concrete resolution on certain issues because our discussions seemed to be never-ending. The upside of this is that we never ran out of creative ideas and we were rounded as critical thinkers.

My current job in an IT company has diverse age groups, and this is by far the most “relaxed” working environment I have been into.

There is a right mix of perspectives from the young and the older age groups. New ideas are presented by the younger workforce, while guidance and wisdom are shared by the older workforce. Having this kind of openness and stability between generations in a workplace is an aspiration to human resources, since it is a challenge to the retention of employees who have differing working condition needs.

A good point raised in the article, “Young People are Going to Save Us All From Office Life,” published by the New York Times, is that everyone is really hoping for the same flexibility in working conditions and presence of work-life balance, but it is only the young people who are brave enough to ask the difficult questions that the older generations just learned to work through.

The younger people are carrying the burden of being judged for raising awareness in the workplace that could later on benefit all employees.

B3

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

In the case of using “OK boomer,” I think what is being highlighted is the connotation of rudeness in using such remark, often overlooking the context on why this is used as a response in the first place.

Unearthing the reason behind this is the frustration of young people against the all-knowing and closemindedness of older people. Often, when the younger person is sharing new information that is deemed irrelevant by the boomer because the latter knows the absolute fact about it and nothing, not even science or technology, can sway him/her from clinging onto this “knowledge.” In a more professional way of speaking, this phrase translates to “Okay, since you are not open to the insight I am sharing with you, let’s just agree to disagree.”

Generational divide is manifested in some HR issues in the workplace, like communication, flexibility and work-life balance, but looking deeper, one may be able to see that a certain issue is actually warranted by all employees regardless of age group. The challenge is now with the HR professionals to look past these and come up with sustainable solutions that give value to the whole workforce.

Miraquel De Jesus is a Master of Business Administration student at De La Salle University (DLSU).

She has gained experiences in executive management, corporate affairs, marketing and sales, and is currently working in a fully Filipinoowned IT solutions consultancy. She welcomes comments at miraquel. dejesus@gmail.com. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

China starts mandatory face scans for phone users BEIJING—China will require telecom operators to collect face scans when registering new phone users at offline outlets starting Sunday, according to the country’s information technology authority, as Beijing continues to tighten cyberspace controls.

In September, China’s industry and information technology ministry issued a notice on “safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of citizens online”, which laid out rules for enforcing realname registration.

The notice said telecom operators should use “artificial intelligence and other technical means” to verify people’s identities when they take a new phone number.

A China Unicom customer service representative told AFP that the December 1 “portrait matching” requirement means customers registering for a new phone number may have to record themselves turning their head and blinking.

“In next steps, our ministry will continue to...increase supervision and inspection... and strictly promote the management of realname registration for phone users,” said the September notice.

Though the Chinese government has pushed for real-name registration for phone users since at least 2013-meaning ID cards are linked to new phone numbers―the move to leverage AI comes as facial recognition technology gains traction across China where the tech is used for everything from supermarket checkouts to surveillance.

Online, Chinese social media users reacted with a mix of support and worry over the December 1 facial verification notice, with some voicing concerns their biometric data could be leaked or sold.

“This is a bit too much,” wrote one user on Twitter-like Weibo, commenting under an article about the new rules.

“Control, and then more control,” posted another. AFP

Iran official points to more open elections TEHRAN―A senior Iranian official has suggested in an interview with AFP that authorities may be more open than in the past in approving candidates for a looming parliamentary election.

“We don’t consider ourselves immune from criticism. We may also accept that mistakes have been made in the past,” said Guardian Council spokesman Abbas Ali Kadkhodaee.

“But for the next legislative elections we are trying to reduce our mistakes and respect the rights of candidates.”

Kadkhodaee was speaking to AFP on the eve of the opening on Sunday of the registration of candidates for the parliamentary election to be held on February 21.

The Guardian Council, which is under the control of ultra-conservatives, is responsible for organizing and monitoring elections in Iran, including vetting candidates.

“If we insist on enforcing the law, we’ll be able to satisfy as many candidates as possible,” said Kadkhodaee.

In past elections, the council has faced accusations in Iran, particularly by reformists, of barring candidates more on political than constitutional grounds.

In November, President Hassan Rouhani, a moderate conservative, called on the council to stick to the letter of the law in view of the forthcoming election.

At Iran’s last parliamentary election in February 2016, the council authorized 6,229 candidates for the 290 seats at stake -- just over 51 percent of those who sought to stand.

In the interview, Kadkhodaee said a higher number of successful candidates should also lead to a “higher participation rate”.

The opening of the registration period, which runs until Saturday, comes two weeks after around 100 cities and towns in sanctions-hit Iran saw protests against a shock fuel price hike that turned violent.

Authorities say they have restored calm after “rioting” backed by enemies of the Islamic republic, including the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia.

London-based human rights group Amnesty International said 161 demonstrators were killed in a crackdown.

But Iran’s deputy interior minister, Jamal Orf, said such figures were “exaggerated”, in remarks published on Saturday by state news agency IRNA. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Tiangco reminds Navoteños of vaping measure

JOBS FOR SENIORS. Golden Arches Development Corp., the firm behind McDonald’s Philippines, signs an agreement with the City of Pasay to employ more senior citizens through Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano (center) and McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang (left).

Also in photo is Senate Labor and Employment committee chairman Sen. Joel Villanueva (right). Earlier, a senior citizen filed an application forms at a job hiring booth at the Cuneta Astrodome ahead of Pasay City’s founding anniversary on Dec. 2. Ey Acasio

By Jun David MAYOR Toby Tiangco on Sunday reminded Navoteños that vaping in public has been banned in Navotas since 2018.

Citing City Ordinance No. 2018-15 or the Navotas Comprehensive AntiSmoking Ordinance, Tiangco said both smoking and vaping in public are punishable by fines or imprisonment.

“Just like smoking, vaping in public is also considered unlawful. Violation of this could get you fined, or worse, imprisoned,” he said.

“Penalizing these acts is crucial as we protect the health of our people and promote clean air,” he added.

Tiangco noted that the ordinance has been passed and implemented long before President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a nationwide ban on vaping.

The ordinance stated that except in designated smoking areas, smoking or vaping in enclosed or partially enclosed public places, workplaces, and public conveyances is prohibited.

Among the places with absolute smoking bans are government facilities and premises, schools, parks, centers of youth activity, hospitals and other health facilities, and food preparation areas.

It is also illegal to sell to or buy from minors any tobacco products and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) or Electronic Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENNDS).

ENDS include e-cigarettes, electronic shisha, and other similar devices. ENNDS has the same features as ENDS but does not contain nicotine.

Selling, distributing or advertising tobacco products and ENDS or ENNDS are also not allowed within 100 meters from schools, playgrounds, hospitals and health facilities, and government offices.

Power co-op upgrades services

By Nash B. Maulana

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ULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao―Agreements to ease terms of payment for consumers’ back accounts will be put to the test as the province’s lone electric cooperative completed its upgrading program and has restored power in West Maguindanao.

Sultan Engineer Ashary Maongco, general manager of the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco), said a P22-million rehabilitation and upgrading program has been “completed way ahead of time,” sustaining a two-week test-run since it was switched on the past two weekends.

Magelco had earlier entered into individual “restructuring agreements” (RAs) with member-consumers whose household power supply had been dis-

connected pending compliance with the eased payment terms under the RAs. Consumer Mohaimin Samanudin, who spoke for the consumers in Matanog town, said he and several homeownerpower consumers signed agreements with Maongco, but added they requested for access to Magelco records for subsequent bilateral verification efforts.

Last month, some member-consumers’ organizations (MCOs) and house owners signed RAs with Magelco to

ease payment terms for bills accumulated into back accounts, as shown by the cooperative’s databank.

Earlier, the cooperative management confirmed to the Manila Standard that Magelco is “heavily indebted.”

Magelco is one of 11 Mindanaobased electric cooperatives with outstanding payables for remittances of Universal Charges to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).

Maongco appealed to MCOs for prompt payment of electric bills, as he had approved the opening of a sub-collection office in Parang town and to ease payment terms under the agreements.

“Many of our member-consumers in some municipalities are not paying, so we have formed a special Task Force to over-

see the disconnection and reconnection of delinquent member-consumers. It will be of great help to us if barangay chairpersons could assist us push our campaign for a zero-backlog on electric bills collection,” Maongco said.

But of all five electric cooperatives operating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Magelco is better off in terms of utilities upgrading program and consumerarea power distribution.

Maongco and Samanodin said both parties had agreed on essential points like improvement of Magelco’s services, designation of a sub-collecting office by Magelco; prompt payments of electric bills by consumers; and bilateral vigilance against proliferation of illegal connections.

Nueva Vizcaya hospital starts P250m medical arts building

By Ben Moses Ebreo

BELENISMO WINNER. Tarlac Heritage Foundation co-founder Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay (standing, third from left) joins Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Clement (fourth from right) to award First Place to the AFP Belen in the Grand Non-Municipal Category along with P100,000 and a trophy during the 12th Belenismo 2019 Awarding held at Robinsons Place in Tarlac City.

Bazaar City in Cainta opens for metro’s Christmas shoppers EVERYONE wants a bargain and most of the time, you need to go through the pains of commuting, finding a parking and getting through the hordes of people with the same objective in mind ― to shop. The malls might be a good idea but if you’re on a very tight budget, you’d go to where you can get the best deal.

Fessenden Holdings opens this Christmas season with its newest development in the east side of Metro Manila with Bazaar City.

Bazaar City is a price-off center and leisure complex, right in the middle of

a five-hectare property that can accommodate more than 1,000 sellers.

Envisioned to be the biggest bargain center East of Metro Manila, shoppers will enjoy a wide array of quality goods, cheap finds and good deals.

There will be retailers and sellers for clothing, fashion items, accessories, electronics, furniture, and gadgets.

Accessible to all forms of commute via Ortigas, Pasig or Marikina entryways, going there on weekdays or weekends will not be a problem since they have longer shopping hours compared to the malls.

WORLD TOILET DAY.

Hundreds of people from Brgy. Malaban in Binan City, Laguna gather at the Malaban Elementary School covered court to celebrate World Toilet Day with Manila Water Foundation, which turned over public toilets and delivered sustainable sanitation interventions, such as Laguna Water’s organic-sewage treatment plant at the Laguna Techno Park.

Manny Palmero

German Embassy awards Pinoys agri scholarships

By Brenda Jocson

A view of the Bazaar City in Cainta, Rizal, in the middle of a five-hectare property that can accommodate more than 1,000 sellers.

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya—The provincial government here has started the construction phase of the P250 million Medical Arts Building at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital in barangay Almaguer North here.

Dr. Arlene Jara, NVPH chief, said the MAB will house the doctors’ clinic, offices that will cater for general medicine and multi-specialty practice, diagnostic sections such as ultra sound, CT Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner.

She said the MAB will also house a laboratory section, which consists of the blood bank, pharmacy and dialysis building.

The MAB, funded through the Department of Health’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program is part of the priority programs of the provincial government on health.

“The sustained improvement and development of the NVPH has been the priority of the provincial government in partnership with the DOH to upgrade its level from 1 to 2 to provide more services for Novo Vizcayanos,” Jara said.

The provincial government has earlier funded the construction of temporary hospital wards and further pursued the renovation of its emergency room, outpatient department complex, temporary dialysis clinic, administrative section through the HFEP funds.

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—Masters and doctorate scholarships to three Filipinos, along with eight Southeast Asians, were awarded by the German Embassy in the Philippines under the In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme by the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst or DAAD).

The scholarship was through the Philippine government-hosted Southeast Asian Regional Center for Gradu-

ate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.

The Filipino scholars are Edchelle S. Flores, pursuing MS in Community Development, and Marla V. Relloso and Zyra May H. Centino, both pursuing PhDs in Agricultural Economics.

According to Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director, DAAD is one of the regional center’s staunchest and longest partners in its human resource development program.

“We have more than 380 DAAD-

SEARCA scholarships that have been awarded, 90 percent of which have been completed since 1975,” Dr. Gregorio said.

The scholarship certificates for academic year 2019/2020 at the UPLB were presented two eight of the 11 scholars in a handover ceremony presided by Mr. Kai Tomzig, First Secretary for Cultural Affairs, at the German Club in Makati City last November 25. Also present was Katja Becker-Sliwa, DAAD representative and lecturer at UP Diliman and SEARCA representatives.

Life

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

FOOD

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

C1

Negros Occidental ‘eatinerary’ Text and photos by Angelica Villanueva

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HERE is no love sincerer than the love of food,” says playwright George Bernard Shaw in Man and Superman.

And if food were the language of love, Negros Occidental has a long love letter for everyone.

First off, its capital Bacolod City is home to lip-smacking chicken inasal and delectable piaya. More appetizing treats await tourists flying to Negros Occidental via AirAsia Philippines’ newly launched, thrice-daily Manila-Bacolod-Manila flights.

“We are excited to celebrate this milestone and to paint the Negros Island skies red. AirAsia’s presence in the region will make air travel more affordable not just for Negrenses but for everyone who wants to explore this part of the country,” enthused AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Ricardo P. Isla.

The budget carrier’s direct flight to Ba-

colod offers a gateway to Negros Occidental where visitors can get a taste of its many flavors and, of course, visit heritage sights and natural wonders.

Our recent trip to the Western Visayas province turned into a full-fledged food crawl that left us asking for seconds. Here’s a Negros Occidental “eatinerary” for foodies.

Chicken inasal with sinamak Here in Manila, diners craving chicken inasal have to go to malls or fast food chains to get their fix.

But in Bacolod, this charcoal-grilled chicken can be found all over the city.

Since Bacolod City is the home of chicken inasal, it has established Manokan Country, a group of food establishments that specially serves this dish.

Bacolodnons suggest to eat chicken inasal with Negros vinegar called sinamak.

Negros Occidental’s popular soup dish, kansi

Kansi’s flavorful soup Filipinos love to have a piping hot soup on their taKansi is a dish of beef broth with sour soup that ble when eating lunch or dinner. The usual suspects uses soy sauce with calamansi and chili as “saware bulalo and sinigang. But Negros has a better alter- sawan.” Negrenses love having this dish during native—combining these two dishes into one. cold season.

Chicken inasal at Aida’s in Manokan Country

Anne Co Cakes’ frozen Brazo de Mercedes

Negros’ other sweet delicacies Melkens’ buttered crabs and liempo

BongBong’s Piaya Calamansi flavor

Swimming in seafood

Piaya and its perfect filling

Negros is also home to a wide array of floating restaurants that showcase the province’s seafood resources.

Among these floating restaurants is Melkens that offers seafood lovers affordable yet mouth-watering seafood dishes.

The seafood of Melkens comes from different parts of Negros.

Its buttered crabs are from the town of Magalona, while oysters are abundant in the province. Shrimps and various kinds of fish are also present in Negros.

As sweet as the smile of people in Bacolod is its popular delicacy piaya.

Piaya is a flaky flatbread filled with muscovado sugar. It is made of flattened dough with muscovado filling, powdered with flour and sprinkled with sesame seeds before baking it on a griddle.

Among the oldest piaya makers in Bacolod is BongBong’s—the most delicious piaya brand according to a friend.

In addition to piaya with muscovado filling, BongBong also offers various flavors such as ube, mango, and calamansi.

The sugar capital of the country is obviously rich in desserts.

When going to a pasalubong center, make sure to buy Napoleones since they very rare to find and are usually expensive in Manila.

Napoleones is just one of the sugary desserts that Negros offers.

Cake lovers must visit Calea which offers delectable yet affordable slices. Meanwhile, Anne Co Cakes’ frozen Brazo de Mercedes can surely satisfy the taste buds of dessert lovers.

Tourists should also check out the empanada of Emma Lacson’s Delicacies—which Ilocos should watch out for!

The empanada is Emma Lacson’s original recipe first served in early 1900s. It is made with ground pork, potato, onions, garbanzo, raisins, and egg.

Life

C2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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Asian cuisine: Resilient like the people

ALKING to Singaporean foodie Sarah Huang Benjamin was easy. In her beautiful, off-theshoulder black dress, with her flowing hair in a half-ponytail, the winner of the first season of Food Hero was excitedly listing down food recommendations that I and a fellow journalist were giving out—kansi soup made with batuan, sisig, lechon, chicharong bulaklak, and sinigang in watermelon, among others.

Laksa, a popular Peranakan dish, embodies the marriage of flavors of various Asian cuisines.

Asian Food Channel is now Asian Food Network.

Singaporean foodie and AFN host Sarah Huang Benjamin

“Food should be fun and accessible. Food brings people together,” said Benjamin, who was in the country for the TLC Festival 2019 at the Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City on Nov. 16.

“Asian food, in particular, is very interesting to talk about. Asia is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. The sheer number of spices, our history of colonialism—our cuisines are resilient like our people,” she added.

Her favorite dish, laksa, is a popular Peranakan cuisine which, for Benja-

min, embodies the marriage of flavors of various Asian cuisines.

“Laksa has so many cultures in one dish—the noodles are Chinese, the curry is Malay and Indian,” she said.

Just like spicy noodle soup that she adores, Benjamin herself is a fusion of several cultures, both from the West and the East.

Born in Singapore to a British father and a Peranakan-Chinese mother, she grew up helping her parents and grandmother cook at home. Her Filipina nanny, Jobel, taught her to eat adobo and salted egg with tomatoes.

“We embrace fusion, but we have to look at our own food and culture not from the eyes of the West only. If we are going to combine foods from different cultures, we must do so in a thoughtful way, in a way that celebrates the heritage of both cultures,” said Benjamin.

Benjamin has joined other brand ambassadors of the Asian Food Channel, as the number one English lifestyle channel in Southeast Asia evolved into the Asian Food Network (AFN) over the weekend.

As AFN, it is embracing a digital-first approach curated for its growing four million-plus mobile-first community, promising a seamless digital and linear experi-

ence that offers entertainment, utility, and community for all Asian food lovers.

Asianfoodnetwork.com provides a trove of tested recipes, cooking tips, stories on Asian food cultures and a growing set of features that will power their passion for food and cooking.

“In Asia, food is our way of expressing love and caring for the people that matter. Nothing beats a good bonding session over a meal together with loved ones,” said Rohit Tharani, head of products for Southeast Asia in Discovery Networks Asia Pacific.

Tharani continued, “The new AFN strives to make Asian food accessible for everyone: it is the ultimate destination for food inspiration, from recipes of grandma’s traditional dishes to trending favorites, and even the ability to mingle with fellow food lovers.”

Online content will focus on the latest dining trends and conversations, led by an exciting roster of food trend hunters, including Matthias Rhoads from the Philippines, and Joyce Ng and Magdalene Chow from Singapore. Singapore’s Charlotte Mei is Asian Food Network’s resident nutritionist.

I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com.

Spread some hazelnut to start the day right

Dining at the Shang Yi Fang’s Signature Fruit Tea and Brown Sugar Pearl Tea Latte

Balboa’s Truffle Mushroom Pizza and SIAM

OFFERING a wealth of flavors that diners with the most discerning palates approve of, Shangri-La Plaza has rightfully become the metro’s premier dining destination.

The upscale mall serves a selection of eats that satisfy a variety of cravings, making it a viable destination for foodies.

Shangri-La Plaza takes pride in its array of dining destinations exclusive to the mall like French bistro and bakery Duck & Buvette for countryside classics, small plates, and signature French dishes; and Café Lyon for pasta, hot and delicious kitchen specials or gourmet sandwiches, rounded off with a cup of coffee.

Those craving European dishes have a number options such as classic Italian favorites at Balboa and Pezzo, Spanish

Akira’s Blow-torched Maki

dishes at Wobbly Pan, traditional French cuisine at La Mère Poulard, and German beers and meat platters at Brotzeit.

American comfort food items include a crispy plate of Southern fried chicken at Kettle or a platter of steak at Tender Bob’s. For those looking for quick bites, head on over to Yellow Cab for some New York-inspired pizza or grab a Cuban sandwich at Pepi Cubano.

Foodies looking to explore Asian favorites should try the best dishes of Japanese shabu-shabu joint Ganso Shabuway, sink into a tender cutlet of deep-fried meat at Kimukatsu, enjoy succulent teppanyaki dishes from Akira, or savor more Japanese flavors at SumoSam. For a modern spin on Vietnamese delicacies, Zao is the place to go. Slurp

THE globally popular hazelnut spread, Nutella, offers Filipinos creative ways to enhance their breakfast with The Nutella All Day Breakfast Truck.

The All Day Breakfast Truck will introduce delicious ways to incorporate this delicious product with local foods.

In Europe, Nutella is enjoyed with French croissants, while in the US and Australia it’s spread on waffles and pancakes. Here in the Philippines, which will be the first stop in the food truck’s Southeast Asian tour, it goes perfectly well with pan de sal.

“Our mission is to inspire Filipino families to start their day happy with a bit of taste of Nutella. We see a lot of growth potential here in the Philippines, because of the growing break-

fast culture among Filipinos. There’s heightened enthusiasm and appreciation about the fusion of global and local flavors so we see an opportunity to become a part of it,” says Cheryl Que, cluster brand head of Nutella.

The Nutella All Day Breakfast Truck lets visitors choose from a variety of all-day breakfast menu items designed to take their taste experience to new and delicious heights.

“We are happy to be present here in the Philippines and aim to become a part of the delightful Filipino all-day breakfast culture,” enthuses Ferrero sales manager Fabrizio Barbin.

The food truck will be at Valle Verde Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 7-8 and Minkle Bazaar at The Grove on Dec. 14-15.

ZAO Bowl

up some viscous noodles at Thai BBQ or Lemongrass. Relish in authentic Persian spices and extensive kebab selections at Arya Persian Restaurant.

Local flavors are also aplenty. Via Mare serves beloved Filipino dishes.

Filipino fusions and Tex-Mex dishes are offered at Fiesta Alamexo. FilipinoSpanish cuisine is available at Corazon.

For desserts, there’s freshly made crepe at La Creperie, and all-time favorites at Bread, Broth and Beyond.

Wash down with Yi Fang’s fruit or milk tea, or savor a rich cup of coffee at Figaro or Bo’s Coffee Primo.

Mall-goers dining at Shang have a chance to win a new Jaguar F-Pace Prestige for every P2,500 purchase today until Feb. 16, 2020. Raffle coupons can be redeemed at concierge counters.

The Nutella All Day Food Truck offers creative ways to enjoy breakfast using the hazelnut spread.

Entertainment

mondAY, december 2, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Cameras to start rolling in PH for ‘Halfworlds’ new season H

BO Asia announced on Friday the renewal of the network’s dark action fantasy series, Halfworlds, with the filming for the eight-part third season commencing in the Philippines in January and set to premiere exclusively on HBO GO and HBO in 2020.

CALM AFTER THE STORM? The controversial Barretto sisters seem to be all quiet even on social media 40 days after the death of their father.

Silence of the Roses DIRTY linens, exposed.

Exhibited the many skeletons inside their cavernous closets.

Opened their many versions of Pandora’s boxes and definitely showed how to use social and traditional media to their advantage.

As a matter of fact, if we are to gather the number of print media and entertainment portals who did exhaustive and supposedly exclusive versions of their fight, all those paper, space and energy could have been an entire tropical rain forest.

Most of us followed their unfolding melodrama without fail. Without any signs or warning, the Barretto family feud, all of a sudden, stopped. Before they even eclipsed the Kardashians and give Shonda Rimes’ more material for Scandal, Gretchen, Marjorie, and Claudine’s collective lips are sealed. Some even declared them as the Philippines’ incarnation of the Kardashians, not in terms of moolah, but in outrageous behavior and emotional flare-on.

Did we expect this “calm” after this modern day tempest? After being bombarded with complicated story arcs, the sisters were more than willing to divulge. Can we therefore conclude that it (the feud) is indeed over with finality? Is it now expedient to unearth from what seemed to have been not only a national past time but obsession life lessons?

We cannot deny the fact that scandals and gossip, for as long it does not involve us and our loved one, we dig and lap up, hook, line and sinker. Every bit and morsel of salacious details, especially if popular and political figures are part of the equation, we relish. We take seconds and thirds. We even opine and take sides.

Being good looking is relative.

This is the first time an HBO Asia series is shot entirely in the Philippines and this series marks the longest running series for HBO Asia.

Created by HBO Asia and helmed

by Filipino filmmaker and director Mikhail Red, the third season ventures from the neon streets of Bangkok to the gun-stricken streets of Manila, where blood thirsty mythical creatures known as Engkangtos live out in the open amongst humans. Alex, a half-human and half-Engkangto seeks to find the original source of the dwindling haven plant to heal all Engkangtos of their hunger for human flesh amidst the war between the Engkangto tribes over the coveted plant and power.

HBO Asia’s Senior Vice President of Original Production, Jessica Kam, said, “As we expand the fictional world of HALFWORLDS, we are very excited to continue transcending geographical boundaries to work with talents from the various countries in the region to produce our longest running Asian original series.”

Led by Filipino stars Bianca Umali (Sahaya; Barbi D’ Wonder Beki) and Sam Concepcion (Shake, Rattle & Roll 13; Indak), season three of Halfworlds is produced by HBO Asia in partnership with Cignal TV. The series will also see returning cast from the previous seasons.

“Cignal TV is honoured and privileged to work with HBO Asia,” said Jane J. Basas, President/CEO of Cignal TV. “The literary development was thought provoking as it leveraged the strengths of the stories in Seasons 1 and 2. The whole creative and production team is excited to kick-off the principal photography,” Basas added.

Mikhail Red and Bianca Umali will also be in Singapore this week to speak at a directing workshop organised by HBO Asia and Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) as part of a two-anda-half-year collaboration to develop the drama production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry and talent.

5,000 great...

From C4

Halfworlds' latest season will be shot entirely in the Philippines and will be lead by stars Bianca Umali and Sam Concepcion.

Kapamilya artists, programs honored at 2019 ComGuild Academe’s Choice Awards ABS-CBN received another recognition from the academe after being named the Advertisers Friendly Network in the 2019 ComGuild Academe’s Choice Awards last Nov. 24.

Aside from the major award, the Kapamilya network also received 12 other recognitions for its artists and programs.

In the field of entertainment, It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda won Male Advertisers Friendly Host, Kapamilya heartthrob James Reid received Male Iconic Endorser of the Year, Kadenang Ginto star Andrea Brillantes was named Female Most Loved Teen Endorser of the Year, and comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto took home Best Female Comedian/Comedienne of the Year.

The box-office hit loveteam KathNiel of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla were presented with Advertisers Most Admired Loveteam, while the trio of Jolina Magdangal, Karla Estrada, and Melai Cantiveros from Magandang Buhay were hailed as Advertisers Friendly Morning Show Hosts.

In news and current affairs, Umagang Kay Ganda was hailed as Advertisers Friendly Morning Show, Swak na Swak won Best Entrepreneurial Business Show, while its hosts led by Bobby

Yan and Dimples Romana were also named Best Entrepreneurial Business Show Hosts.

Lastly, in the music category, “Tagpuan” by Moira Dela Torre and directed

by John Prats won ComGuild Music Video of the Year, while Kapamilya performers DarrenEspanto and Morissette Amon were named Male and Female Artists of the Year.

The ComGuild Academe’s Choice

Awards, which recognizes the exemplary work of local broadcasters and news presenters, practitioners, and celebrity endorsers, was held at the Marian Auditorium of Miriam College in Quezon City. Winners were chosen by a reputable Board of Judges comprised of highly regarded educators, heads, and deans of different college and universities in the country.

Kapamnilya stars are the big winners at the recently concluded 2019 ComGuild Academe’s Choice Awards

“Kumbinasyon ng maraming bagay kaya nagtatagal ang show―ang husay nila individually at ‘yung nadadala nilang kasiyahan at impormasyon.

Magandang umpisahan ang umaga kasama sila. Individually, they are highly talented and great people so ngayon 20 years, baka sa susunod pang 20 na taon makakasiguro tayo na ang pinakamahusay na barkada sa umaga ay magpapatuloy,” he said. “[Sa] Unang Hirit, sa mga kasamahan nito, tayo ay nagpapasalamat sa patuloy nilang tiwala. Sila’y tumatayong ehemplo ng kaisahan at integridad at maraming bagay na kahanga-hanga. So maraming salamat sa kanila,” he added.

This week until Dec. 6, loyal followers will be treated with special episodes

Stars...

From C4

As the pioneer in unique services and treatments, Belo is now offering the Salt Facial, a deep exfoliating treatment loved

by Beverly Hills celebs; the ultra-hydrating Glass Skin Facial that delivers nourishing serums deep into the skin; Skin Genius, which combines high-intensity RF with insulated microneedling to banish fine lines, scars, and stretch marks; and the VIP-exclusive Face Gym, a “workout for the face” that sculpts, tones, and tightens.

A flash mob performance featuring Belo Medical Group’s very own staff and the stunning performers of Madison Events happened at the facade of One Bonifacio High Street and along the crosswalk of 5th Avenue.

Then, guests were led to the cocktail area inside the mall’s activity center,

Piolo Pascual may be the most handsome of them all but he is no match for the charms and virtues of an Atong Ang. Power and money is the most potent tool for seduction. A man who possesses both, will be worshipped and vestal virgins who dream of a better life, are more than willing to sacrifice their morals.

Being truthful, does not always give you the upper hand to get the public’s sympathy. Some truths are better kept unsaid.

Yes, the Baretto sisters may claim and justify that their major err in all these - they were and are in love, no shame in being human who only followed the dictates of romance.

No judgement here, Gretchen, Marjorie and Claudine, are not book covers. Of legal age and know what is best for them.

Let us just allow the Universe to reap what they sowed. And answer whoever they need to answer, whether in court, history or God. Just a gentle reminder, please tell your daughters, sisters and female family members, do not “aspire” to be a Baretto. Give them more information and examples of other women who may inspire them, especially in the matters of romance and choosing one’s lifetime partner.

We have no inkling if the Barretto family feud will be rekindled in the nearest future. What is important now, this seeming ceasefire in a fine indicator that maybe, they are in their contemplation and reflection cycle.

Patriarch Miguel Barretto 40th day of death concluded with no noise and a lot dignity. Which of course, he so deserved. Shall we now therefore conclude, that all that were said and done, the Barretto’s finally realized that indeed, “blood is thicker than water?”

and surprises with former hosts visiting to join in the fun. The show will be giving away special prizes such as home appliances, furniture, negosyo packages, and gadgets. One lucky loyal viewer will even have a chance to win a brand-new house and lot!

This is the longest-running, awardwinning morning show’s way of saying thanks for all the support and loyalty through the years.

Unang Hirit prides itself for having bagged the Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) “Best Live Special Event Coverage Award” for “Unang Hirit sa Vatican and Italy” and “Live sa Holy Land” hosted by Susan Enriquez and Rhea Santos, respectively. A backto-back win for two consecutive years.

Keep having great mornings with the Unang Hirit barkada, every Monday to Friday, 4:55 a.m. on GMA 7. See you, mga Kapuso.

where they were serenaded by veteran Theatre performers Gian Magdangal and Nicole Asensio.

At the clinic, guests were treated to a show-stopping performance from the GForce Dance Team and Darren Espanto, and finally, Jane de Leon revealed herself in a stunning Rajo Laurel creation.

The show was directed by none other than famed direcor Fritz Infante.

The star-studded Belo BGC grand launch was visited by the likes of Alden Richards, Rhian Ramos, Lucy TorresGomez, Jinkee Pacquiao, Iza Calzado, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Georgina Wilson, Maymay Entrata, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, to name a few.

This is only the beginning for Belo Medical Group as they take strides to be a fine example of what all world-class aesthetic clinics should look like and make you feel―like a welcome part of the Belo family, now and for many years to come.

Entertainment

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

C4

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2019

5,000 great mornings with ‘Unang Hirit’

Over the years, the 'Unang Hirit' barkada has grown with pioneer hosts Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lhar Santiago.

IT’S been 20 years of great mornings with almost 5000 episodes of Unang Hirit.

Television viewers are in for a super fun week as the country’s longest-running morning show marks its 20th year on Philippine television.

Since 1999, Unang Hirit (UH) continues to be the Filipinos’ companion as they jumpstart their day. They turn to UH for the latest weather updates, breaking news, and other special features to keep them informed and entertained.

Over the years, the UH barkada has grown. Pioneer hosts Arnold Clavio, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, and Lhar Santiago are joined by Lyn Ching, Love Añover-Llanko, Susan Enriquez, Connie Sison, Ivan Mayrina, Mariz Umali, and Luane Dy. The program also has its team of experts, Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz, Atty. Gaby Concepcion, and Mareng Winnie Monsod. Now the group is made extra colorful with the presence of regular UH katambays Boobay, Juancho Triviño and Joyce Pring, and also recently, with Mga Batang UH Yuan Francisco, Angelica Ulip, and Leanne Bautista.

Coinciding with the show’s anniversary is the

contract renewal of its hosts last November 26 attended

by GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon. Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angela Javier Cruz, Senior AVP for Public Affairs Arlene Carnay, and Program Managers Queenie Dimapawi and Mon Torres were also present.

Atty. Gozon underscored the contribution of the longestrunning morning show to Philippine TV. "Institusyon na sila sa Unang Hirit kaya tayo talaga ay nagagalak na hanggang ngayon at sa mga dadating pang taon ay mananatili sila [mga host] sa Unang Hirit,” he said, congratulating the program on its milestone. “Dalawampung taon na ang UH sa atin, I wish them another 20 successful years.”

Meanwhile, Duavit gives credit to the UH hosts who are individually talented and more so when they are together as the UH barkada.

Continued on C3

A celebration of beauty, music, and success PURE ENERGY. Gary V, along with Zsazsa Pailla and some Kapamilya and Kapuso stars entertained the crowd at the Royce Hotel and Casino for the 10th anniversary celebration of BeauteDerm Corporation.

A

N ADRENALINE pumping number led by no less than Gary Valenciano punctuated the 10th anniversary celebration of BeautéDerm Corporation. He shared the stage with Zsazsa Padilla after the performances of Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, Ryle Tan andPauline Mendoza, and Sanya Lopez.

“I wanted to perform a few of my songs in the ‘80s and give them a millennial twist,” he told the crowd before calling The Maneuvers to join him onstage.

A few moments later, everybody was on their feet dancing and singing.

The star-studded event held at Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark Pampanga also served as the birthday celebration of the company’s president and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan. The party witnessed the awarding of BeautéDerm top sales performers and the introduction of the celebrities including Arjo

GMA Artist talents with businessman Sam Tan (leftmost)

Star Magic talents

Rita Daniela and Ken Chan

Atayde, Ria Atayde, Carlo Aquino, Enchong Dee, Jestoni Alarcon, Glydel Mercado, Tonton Gutierrez, KitKat, Dessa, Alma Concepcion, Alex Castro, and Ejay Falcon to name a few.

“For 10 years, BeautéDerm has been at the forefront of the beauty and

President and CEO Rhea Anicoche-Tan with the face of BeauteDerm Sylvia Sanchez

wellness industry here in the country.

I’m so proud that from five thousands pesos I had in pocket when I started out in this business, I was able to make the brand become one of the most solid and most trusted leaders in the industry today. It all happened because of your help,” Anicoche-Tan told the attendees,

her visitors that included distributors, resellers, members of the media, and A-list stars like Gabby Concepcion, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino.

In 2009 Anicoche-Tan established the company with her burning desire to “beautéfy” the country one person at a time through a line of products that boasts of the highest quality that delivers the fastest, most effective, and most sustainable results.

Beautéderm prioritizes safety and effectiveness above all with its FDA

Notified products, which only uses plant-based ingredients that are perfectly synergized to deliver its promise of not only physical beauty to each and every one of its loyal users but also a more flourishing life to its resellers and distributors.

The party was the culmination of a two-day convention where lectures and seminars featuring special guest speakers like Marian Rivera, Christina GonzalesRomualdez, and Pia Hontiveros who imparted insights on women empowerment.

Stars descend on Belo’s new beauty Mecca

Millennial Darna Jane de Leon is the new face of Belo.

From left: Quark Henares, Cristalle Belo, Mayor Isko Morebo, Scarlet Snow Belo, Dr. Hayden Kho, and Dr. Vicki Belo.

THERE’S no doubt that when it comes to beauty, Belo is top of mind―always innovating, always raising the bar for the beauty industry to follow.

As the Belo Medical Group enters its 30th year, a new phase of beautiful changes and even more amazing beauty innovations is underway.

The first wave of change is an expansive, more modern Belo clinic that prides itself on being all-Filipino.

The 370-sqm Belo flagship clinic, located at One Bonifacio High Street Mall in BGC, boasts of modern Filipino aesthetics, design, and technology, plus an amazing view of the city. Drs. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho collaborated with world-renowned Filipino architecture and design firm Budji + Royal because they wanted a duo who can translate the sensibility of Belo into a space.

According to internationallyrenowned interior designer Budji Layug, everything was designed based on the Belo brand’s unique personality, down to the names.

“There’s the Victoria occasional chair

with a beautiful classic silhouette, a Hayden arm chair made from mahogany and velvet, and of course, there’s the Scarlet sofa. Everything was designed to make you feel you belong with Belo,” Layug said.

Award-winning Arch. Royal Pineda, on the other hand, said the inspiration for the Belo BGC clinic is modern Filipino aesthetics because that’s what Belo is all about―proudly Filipino, proudly a one-stop shop for beauty and modern aesthetics.

“This is the perfect time for Belo to show what they’ve been doing for a long time now―always making themselves better. This is also an opportunity for Budji + Royal to give importance to modern Filipino sensibility by providing a tangible experience every time a person enters the Belo clinic,” said Pineda.

“As Belo enters a new phase in its journey to reach its vision to make the Philippines the world’s beauty destination, we proudly present to you not just one, but three new clinics,” said Dr. Belo.

“A fresh new face will represent this new phase, the country’s next big star who will be playing the iconic superhero role of Darna, Jane de Leon.” De Leon, whose star only continues to rise, represents the beginning of a fresh and futureproof Belo―and its constant evolution to better serve the needs of their patients.

Belo Medical Group remains to be on top of its game being the only Aesthetic clinic partner of the Department of Tourism. As part of Belo’s goal to move into the future, they are making strides in the technological space.

Among these innovations are a glass skin filter available on Facebook and Instagram, a brand-new website and app for effortless appointment booking, a new e-commerce experience with Belo Shop, and a seamless patient check-in experience with the Belo AIQ (Aesthetic Interest Questionnaire).

With Belo AIQ, our professionals can reduce patient waiting time while creating a truly bespoke beauty plan for its patients, even before they step into the clinic. Continued on C3