Manila Standard - 2019 December 4 - Wednesday

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ANGRY RODY POISED TO SLAP WATER FIRMS WITH SABOTAGE RAPS

( Story below)

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 293 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TISOY’S TEMPESTUOUSNESS. Debris litter inside the airport passenger terminal (top photo) in Legazpi City as ‘Tisoy’ batters the province Tuesday with fierce winds and heavy rains, with hundreds of thousands taking refuge in shelters while farmers (below top photo) in Atok, Benguet go on a double-quick to harvest their pechay wombok and save their produce from the approaching typhoon. AFP with Dave Leprozo

SEAWALL SANCTUARY. Children gather Tuesday by the seawall as strong waves whipped up by Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ surge high along the coastline of Legazpi City in Albay, following its landfall the night before in adjacent Sorsogon. Greenpeace

‘Tisoy’ threat persists

• Floods, storm surge feared • 340k flee; 6,557 stranded • NAIA resumes operations

5 kickboxers kick in gold bonanza for PH

By Peter Atencio

By Rio N. Araja, Ronald O. Reyes, Joel E. Zurbano and MJ Blancaflor

FIVE kickboxers added to Team Philippines’ gold medal bonanza on Day 3 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Veteran fighters led by Clemente Tabugara Jr. and Jessie Aligaga were among five local bets who dominated the sanda (Chinese kickboxing) event at the close of the two-day wushu meet yesterday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

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ETRO Manila can expect “frequent to continuous heavy to intense rains” Wednesday due to Typhoon “Tisoy,” the weather bureau said Tuesday.

SEA GAMES MEDAL TALLY (As of December 3/ 8:23 P. M.)

GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL PHILIPPINES VIETNAM MALAYSIA INDONESIA THAILAND SINGAPORE MYANMAR BRUNEI CAMBODIA LAOS TIMOR

GOLD FLIPSIDE. Agatha Chrytenzen Wong of the Philippines (center) performing a Women’s Taijijian—straight two-edged sword used in the training of the Chinese martial art Taijiquan—wins gold in the Southeast Asian Games, with a final score of 9.65 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, while Carlos Yulo (top right) grabs another gold for the Philippines in Men’s Gymnastics-Artistic Floor Exercise at the Rizal Coliseum. Divine Wally (above left) wins another gold for the Philippines against Vietnamese opponent Thi Chinh Nguyen in the Wu Shu event.

Lino Santos and Revoli Cortez

THE Supreme Court has declared as unconstitutional the memorandum circular issued by the Legal Education Board requiring aspiring law students to pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PhiLSAT) before they can enter law school.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Jose C. Reyes Jr., the Court partially

granted the petitions filed a group led by former Makati City Regional Trial Court judge Oscar B. Pimentel and a group of intervenors led by April D. Caballero.

“The regular admission of students who were conditionally admitted and enrolled is left to the discretion of the law schools in the exercise of their academic freedom,” the Court said.

The LEB, in its memorandum, said Next page

Two magistrates join high court bench

By Rey E. Requejo TWO magistrates of the Court of Appeals have been appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to fill in the vacancies at the Supreme Court, separate sources said on Tuesday.

Associate Justice Edgardo delos San-

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Angry Rody poised to slap two water firms with sabotage raps

By MJ Blancaflor and Rey E. Requejo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday threatened to slap economic sabotage charges against two major water concessionaires and lawmakers who approved government contracts with them, lamenting that water has become a busi-

Law students’ entry test voided

By Rey E. Requejo

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Other areas in the typhoon’s path may experience floods and landslides, while storm surges of three meters or 9.8 feet high are also likely in the coastal areas of Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Cavite and Batangas.

Anna Clauren, weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Tisoy is the strongest storm in 2019 in terms of wind speed.

tos of the CA in Cebu and Associate Justice Mario Lopez will take over the seat vacated by Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza, who retired last September and October, respectively.

Delos Santos and Lopez would be the Next page

LIGHT OF LIVES. The 40-foot

high Christmas tree of the Office of the President, which is 18 feet in diameter at its base, is decorated with 1,393 pieces of Christmas balls, 1,235 pieces of LED bulbs, and 1,235 pieces of ornamental white, blue and red stars.

President Rodrigo Duterte (inset), in

ness for “oligarchs.”

The President, in his speech Tuesday evening, said he was furious because the government is required to pay Manila Water and Maynilad billions of pesos for non-implementation of rate hikes.

“I will file economic sabotage. I will arrest them all. They will experience what it feels Next page

his speech Monday night during the Christmas Tree lighting, expressed hope the tree ‘will serve as a reminder for everyone that we continue to light the lives of others.’ At the same time, the 74-year-old Duterte wished he would receive a motorcycle as a gift during the Yuletide. Presidential Photo

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Duterte resets barangay-SK polls nancial assistance from PhilHealth, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, President Duterte has decided to issue an executive order on land use while his pet bill National Land Use Act or NaLUA is still pending in Congress.

During the Cabinet meeting Monday night, Duterte approved the suggestion that the administration come up with an executive order for the meantime while Congress had yet to pass his priority bill.

The proposed measure seeks to formulate a comprehensive plan on how

land resources should be allocated, used and managed to ensure its sustainable and efficient use.

The policy would include how much land to set aside for food production, residential use, industrial use and environmental protection.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President “stressed the importance of the passage” of his pet bill to institutionalize land use planning and policies as Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia presented a draft of the measure.

Malacañang has yet to elaborate on the content of the executive order that will be issued by the President.

PAGASA said other parts of Northern Luzon not placed under tropical cyclone wind signal may still experience gusty winds.

Tisoy made its first landfall in Gubat, Sorsogon on Monday at 11 p.m., then its second landfall in San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate on Tuesday at 4 a.m., its third landfall in Torrijos, Marinduque yesterday at 8:30 a.m., and its fourth landfall in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro at 12:30 p.m.

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, the eye of the typhoon was located at 110 kilometers northwest of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro or 135 kms north of Coron, Palawan.

Packing maximum sustained winds of 130 kms per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 200 kph, it was moving west at 25 kph.

Tisoy is forecast to stay at 375 kms west of Subic, Zambales in the next 24 hours, 655 kms west of Subic or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next 48 hours (Thursday afternoon), and 775 kms west of Coron, Palawan, also outside PAR within the next 72 hours (Friday afternoon).

PAGASA said Tisoy slightly weakened but is still considered a powerful typhoon due to its vast diameter.

Tropical cyclone wind signal no. 3 was raised in Oriental Mindoro amd Occidental Mindoro, including Lubang Island, and Batangas.

Signal no. 2 remained in effect over Romblon; Camarines Norte; National Capital Region; Bulacan; Bataan; Tarlac; Pampanga; Rizal; Quezon, including Polillo Islands; Zambales; Marinduque; Cavite; Laguna; northern portion of Camarines Sur; southern Nueva Ecija; southern Aurora, and Calamian Islands.

The southern portion of Quirino, rest of Aurora, northern portion of Palawan, Pangasinan, southern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, Burias Island, rest of Nueva Ecija, northern Aklan and northern Antique had signal no. 1.

Tisoy on Tuesday lashed the country with fierce winds and heavy rain, as hundreds of thousands took refuge in shelters and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was shut down over safety concerns.

The powerful storm, which blew in windows and sheared off roofs, roared ashore late Monday and was due to pass south of

Manila—home to some 13 million people—and thousands of athletes at the regional Southeast Asian Games.

Forecasters said Tisoy had weakened but remained strong, with sustained winds of up to 150 kilometers per hour, and maximum gusts of 205 kph as it tracked northwest.

“We’re still assessing the damage but it looks like it’s severe,” said Luisito Mendoza, a disaster official in the town where the storm made landfall.

“There is one place where water levels reached the roof... our own personnel got hit by shattered glass,” he added, saying many trees and power poles were felled by wind.

Due to the high winds, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was closed for 12 hours, airport authority general manager Ed Monreal said.

NAIA resumed normal operation at 11 p.m. yesterday.

“Priority will be given to scheduled flights arriving or departing from 11 p.m. onward,” Monreal said.

Nearly 500 flights were cancelled, and officials warned passengers not to come to the airport.

One traveler, 23-year-old Canadian Constance Benoit, was hit with a nearly daylong delay to her flight back home.

She had arrived in Manila on a typhoonbuffeted flight Monday morning from the central island of Cebu.

“It was the most turbulent flight I ever took in my life,” she said.

“I just discovered what airsickness is.”

Monreal appealed to travelers to just stay in their homes and avoid going to the airport and advised them to closely coordinate with their airline carriers for information concerning their flights.

About 340,000 people had been evacuated from their homes in the central Bicol region, disaster officials said.

People living in low-lying slum districts of Manila were told to leave their makeshift homes as a precaution, but it was not clear how many people were affected.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council announced that a total of 57,918 families or equivalent to 225,768 persons from the Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Calabarzon and Mimaropa were preemptively evacuated.

The NDRRMC also reported that a total of 6,557 passengers, 1,506 rolling cargoes, 138 vessels, and 66 motorize bancas were stranded in different ports nationwide.

A total of 22 houses were damaged in Region V and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said aside from medical teams, police and soldiers were deployed in typhoon-hit areas to help maintain law and order.

Tisoy had already snarled some plans for the SEA Games, which opened Saturday and are set to run through Dec. 11 in and around Manila.

The windsurfing competition was halted as a precaution and triathlon events were held earlier than scheduled.

Ramon Suzara, the chief operating officer of the organizing committee, said Monday organizers wanted the competitions to go on.

“Like [for] volleyball, it will continue as long as there is power supply and teams and technical officials are safe, we will continue but without spectators,” he added.

The storm is another difficulty for the Games, which suffered from a string logistical glitches and a rush of last-minute construction in the run-up to Saturday’s opening.

In Eastern Visayas on Tuesday, the total number of evacuees has reached 21,992 in 1,196 evacuation centers while the number of persons stranded was 1,871, mostly in Allen and San Isidro ports in Northern Samar.

As of Tuesday morning, eight roads were not passable due to flooding and landslides, said Lt. Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson for the police regional office for Eastern Visayas.

At least 70 towns around the region have no electricity, Rentuaya added.

The National Electrification Administration said it was prepared to mobilize electric cooperative line workers under to assist in restoring power.

Federico Villar, Jr., acting director of the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, said at least 29 electric cooperatives experienced power cuts during the height of the storm.

More than P12.2 million worth of donations will further boost the capability of the Philippine Red Cross as it braced for the onslaught of typhoon Tisoy across the nation, said Senator Richard J. Gordon, also chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross.

Gordon said the response and rescue vehicles and equipment were the new additions to the response and rescue fleet. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, AFP and PNA

Law...

5 kickboxers...

no applicant shall be admitted for enrollment as a first year student in the basic law courses leading to a degree of either Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor unless they passed PhilSAT taken within two years before the start of studies for the basic law course.

“The act and practice of the LEB of dictating the qualifications and classifications of faculty members, dean, and dean of graduate schools of law [is] in violation of institutional academic freedom on who may teach,” it said.

“The act and practice of the LEB of dictating the policies on the establishment of legal apprenticeship and legal internship programs [is] in violation of the institutional academic freedom on what to teach,” it added.

The LEB went beyond its authority in issuing the memorandum, the Court said.

“When PhiLSAT is used to exclude, qualify and restrict admissions to law schools, as its present design mandates, the PhiLSAT goes beyond mere supervision and regulation, violates institutional academic freedom, becomes unreasonable and therefore unconstitutional,” the Court said.

Legal education deserves serious attention but crafting measures to see it through should be done through consultative summits with the LEB and law schools working hand in hand, it added.

Under the memorandum circular, PhiLSAT examinations were held by LEB in April 2017, September 2017, April 2018, and September 2018.

School year 2017-2018 was the pilot year for PhiLSAT but law schools were allowed to enroll students who took the examinations but did not pass the tests.

Pimentel’s group sought the abolition of the LEB and PhiLSAT and the transfer of the regulation of law schools to the Supreme Court.

The LEB was created under Republic Act No. 7662, known as the Legal Education Reform Act of 1993, as an agency separate from the Department of Education but attached to it only for budgetary purposes and administrative support.

Tabugara, Aligaga, Francisco Solis and Arnel Mandal delivered gold medals in the men’s division while Divine Wally claimed a fifth in the women’s side.

Agatha Wong, a 19-year-old student from the College of St. Benilde, added another in the taolu-taijiquan, and her effort hiked the Philippines’ haul in wushu to six for the day.

Because of this, the Philippines took the lead in wushu with seven golds, two silvers and two bronzes, with Vietnam (3-2-7) taking second and Indonesia in third (2-5-2).

The huge effort from wushu saw the Philippines move comfortably ahead in the overall medal race with 47 golds, 25 silvers and 16 bronzes.

Other gold medal winners include gymnast Carlos Yulo, who picked up his second gold medal in the floor exercises, two fighters in arnis, Mary Allyn Aldeguer and Cris Samuel Delfin in the women’s and men nontraditional open weapon class.

Team Pilipinas chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez was upbeat

about the Philippines’ onslaught.

“We are riding on this positive wave and continue to hope that we can sustain this good performance. Our deputy chefs de mission have been doing the rounds in their respective clusters to ensure that all requirements of our team are met and that they are given moral, logistical, medical and technical support,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez hopes that Team Philippines will be able to continue to reign in the coming days.

“We still have many days of battle ahead of us, but I remain steadfast in my belief in our national team. I know that they are intent on delivering pride and honor for the country,” said Ramirez.

Meanwhile, the Philippines launches its quest for a fifth straight gold medal and 18th overall Wednesday when it battles Singapore as the much-awaited basketball competitions gets going at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore and the Philippines have been drawn to compete in Group A while Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia are in Group B. Defending champion Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Philippines are disputing the women’s title.

CHINA’S newly appointed ambassador to the Philippines on Tuesday vowed to advance healthy bilateral relations between the two countries.

Huang Xilian made the commitment on his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as new China’s envoy to Manila following the conclusion of the five-year stint of Zhao Jinhua, who is considered responsible for the warming up of the bilateral relations between Beijing and Manila.

“I feel extremely honored to serve as the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines at such an important historical juncture, and will work wholeheartedly to promote China-Philippines friendship and cooperation, living up to the significant mission entrusted upon me,” Huang said in his arrival speech.

“I look forward to working together with my colleagues and friends to continuously advance China-Philippines relationship of comprehensive strategic cooperation.”

At the NAIA to welcome Huang were protocol officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, officials from the Chinese Embassy and representatives from the Chinese communities in the Philippines.

Huang expressed optimism that the bilateral relations between two countries would be further enhanced as they marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

“The best is yet to come. 2020 is the conclusive year for China to complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve the first centenary goal, and also marks the 45th anniversary of establishment of ChinaPhilippines diplomatic relations. Let’s join with each other to embrace the present moment and open up the future,” Huang said.

He said the Philippines remained an important partner of China in jointly building its Belt and Road Initiative.

“Under the leadership of H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Duterte, China-Philippines relations have gone through a trilogy of turnaround, consolidation and elevation in the past three years, ushering in a fresh Golden Age for the two countries,” Huang said.

“Now the Philippines is China’s important partner in jointly building the Belt and Road, and China stands as the Philippines’ top trading partner, the largest source of import, the third largest export market and the second largest tourist origin.

“The growth of China-Philippines relations, embodying common wishes of our peoples, has been generating more and more tangible benefits for the people and brought about a closer ChinaPhilippines community of shared future.”

Huang also acknowledged the Philippines’ impressive economic growth.

“Since President Duterte took office, the Philippines has made impressive achievement at various areas. Standing among the region’s fastest-growing economies, the Philippines sustains its strong growth momentum with substantial headway made in the domestic peace and reconciliation process,” Huang said.

“Filipinos are now more satisfied with their better-off lives. Truly delighted for the Philippines’ accomplishment, I have every reason to believe and expect that the country will achieve greater strength and prosperity in the coming years and decades.”

According to Huang, he has a “natural affinity” with the Philippines.

“I was born in Fujian province of China. Since I was a little child, my families have kept telling me that the Philippines, which faces China across the sea, is our relative with close kinship and cultural bond,” Huang said.

He said he had long been working on Asian affairs in his diplomatic career and had “the privilege to learn more about the Philippines and pay official visits to this country known as ‘a paradise on the earth’.”

Duterte even accused the Ayalaowned Manila Water of not paying taxes.

“They do not pay corporate income tax. And the corporate income tax they pass on to people as part of what you pay for the water,” he said.

The Justice department has found a dozen provisions that are deemed onerous and grossly disadvantageous to the government and the consuming public in the 1997 water concession agreements of MWSS with Maynilad Water and Manila Water.

“Most notable were the prohibition against government interference in rate-setting and the provision on indemnity for possible losses in the event of such government interference,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said

after Monday night’s Cabinet meeting where the agreements were discussed.

He said these two provisions were the main factors in the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration not only ordering the government to pay Manila Water the multi-billion-peso award but also a previous ruling directing the payment of about P3.6 billion to Maynilad as compensation for losses or damages.

In going through arbitral proceedings, Manila Water cited details of its concession agreement that carried a provision pushing the government to “indemnify” the utility firm against any loss that could result from the regulator’s actions.

As the regulator, the MWSS approves or rejects petitions for water rate adjustments.

By MJ Blancaflor

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday signed two new laws—one postponing the 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections and another seeking to institutionalize Malasakit Centers across the country.

The President signed Republic Act No. 11462 that reschedules the barangay and SK elections from May 2020 to the first Monday of December 2022.

Subsequent elections would happen every three years thereafter.

This would be the third postponement of the said polls under the Duterte

Palace spreads cheer, grants each employee P60,000 bonus PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday led the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree in Malacañang as he granted a P60,000 bonus each to all the employees of the Office of the President.

President Duterte, through Palace Social Secretary Annalyn Tolentino, announced that OP employees will receive P50,000 in Christmas bonus and an additional P10,000, drawing cheers from the crowd at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang.

Duterte will also give P3,000 in Christmas incentives to elected barangay officials and Indigenous People’s Representatives in appreciation of their work, said Senator Christopher Lawrence Go. The beneficiaries of the Christmas incentives are barangay captains, kagawads, Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons and Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representatives.

Go said the President wanted to show his appreciation for their hard work in their respective communities pending the passage of a measure providing for additional compensation for them.

In his speech, Duterte thanked the OP employees “for demonstrating an unwavering commitment and the highest standards of professionalism in public service.”

“With your genuine desire to serve our country, this administration was able to fulfill its [promises] to the Filipino people. Your dedication towards the work that you do is truly inspiring,” Duterte said.

“As we light up the Christmas tree in this historic grounds of Malacañang, it is my ardent hope that it will serve as a reminder for everyone to continue lighting up the lives of others, especially those who are suffering from poverty and injustice.”

The Christmas tree comprises of 1,393 pieces of Christmas balls and 1,235 stars illuminated by 1,235 LED lights.

Duterte also urged OP employees to ensure that Filipinos enjoyed the services of an “efficient, responsive and progressive government in the years to come.”

After switching on the lights of the Christmas tree and all the lanterns within the Kalayaan grounds, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra performed “Joy to the World.”

The OP Chorale also sang Christmas hits such as “Kumukutikutitap” and “Ilang Tulog Pa Ba?” Also present during the event were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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President’s 11th and 12th appointed associate justices of the Supreme Court.

Delos Santos was known as the “habalhabal” justice from his days transporting his family around on a motorcycle even when he was already a judge in Dumaguete.

Delos Santos, a Cebu-based appellate court magistrate, earned his bachelor of laws degree from the University of San Carlos in Cebu.

He initially served as a municipal trial court judge in Dumaguete and later became regional trial court judge in Bacolod before his appointment to the appellate court.

Delos Santos rose from the ranks spanning four decades of government service, starting out as a legal researcher until he became magistrate of the appellate court.

During his public interview before the Judicial and Bar Council, Delos Santos said he would like to end his judicial career with a stint in the 15-member bench.

In one of his latest interviews with JBC, Lopez, who like Delos Santos applied and shortlisted several times in the past for the SC post, took the position that it is the President’s prerogative to allow Chinese nationals to fish within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

China's new envoy assures PH of healthy, strategic ties

administration.

He also signed RA No. 11463, a pet project of his long-time aide Senator Christopher Go, which orders that Malasakit Centers be established in every government hospital.

Malasakit Center serve as a one-stop place for medical patients who need fi-

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like to be a prisoner. If they will include me, I will join them in prison,” he said in a speech in Malacañang.

“I will make their life hereon very, very, very miserable,” he added.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore has ordered the government to pay Maynilad about P3.6 billion for losses and damages and recently P7.4 billion to Manila Water.

The water concessionaires separately brought the government to court after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System denied their petitions to increase water rates in their respective concession areas and instead reduced the rates.

By Rey E. Requejo

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Du30 wants to reorganize PCVF office, moved to DFA

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has reorganized the commission monitoring the movement of visiting foreign military forces in the country, transferring its chairmanship to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Under Executive Order 97, the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF) is now chaired by the Foreign Affairs Secretary, but with oversight from the Office of the President.

The commission was previously led by the Office of the President with the Executive Secretary as chairman.

PCVF is the lead inter-agency mechanism that provides policy coordination and advice, guidance, and assessment to ensure that all Status of Forces Agreements serve the national interest.

The new EO also mandates the President to appoint an executive director upon the recommendation of the DFA and the Department of National Defense, who will be mandated to report to the commission’s chairman.

The executive director must be a senior government official with the rank of at least an assistant secretary.

The National Security Adviser and a representative from the Office of the President were also added as members of the commission under the EO. Other members of the commission were the secretaries of National Defense, Justice, Social Welfare and Interior and Local Government, Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Agreement executive director, and a representative from the private sector.

The President said there is a need to “further ensure an effective integration of its functions” with the government’s independent foreign policy.

Stiffer penalties vs. child abuse OKd

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives is expected to open soon plenary debates on a bill providing stiffer penalties for child abuse, exploitation and discrimination The House Committee on the Welfare of Children chaired by Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of Partylist Tingog Sinirangan earlier passed House Bill 137, in consolidation with HB 3632 by Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga, HB 3520

by Deputy Speaker Michael Romero of 1-Pacman, HB 3020 by Deputy Majority Leader Wilter II Wee Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay and HB 4867 by Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro. Romualdez said the measure is consistent with the committee’s goal to help prevent threats and harm to the security and safety of children, and to provide quality social protection services for them.

The bill proposes amendments to Sections 9, 10, 16 and 20 of Republic Act No. 7610, as amended, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act” enacted on June 17, 1992.

During the hearing, Rep. Manuel Cabochan lll of Magdalo sponsored HB 137 in behalf of its author, Rep. Geraldine Roman of Bataan. He moved that the bill’s explanatory note be adopted as Roman’s sponsorship speech.

In her explanatory note, Roman said “1992 was a quarter of a century and now there are still numerous instances where minors are exploited by both foreign predators and domestic abusers.

The law needs updating now and the penalties imposed therein do not seem attuned to the 21st century.

It is the duty of the 18th Congress to ensure that laws of the country keep up with the times to secure and protect our citizens.”

CANCELED. A security personnel sits next to an empty airline check-in counters inside the Terminal 3 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Dec. 3, hours before the deadline of the closure of the airport due to Typhoon ‘Tisoy’. Typhoon ‘Tisoy’ lashed the Philippines with fierce winds and heavy rain, as hundreds of thousands took refuge in shelters and the capital Manila prepared to shut down its international airport over safety concerns. (inset) Airline staff hold placards announcing the cancellation of flights at the Terminal 1 one of the NAIA. AFP

New EO on military, police escorts for civilians out

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order which sets new guidelines on the detail of the police and military personnel to civilian offices and officials, in an effort to maximize their utilization and enable them to perform better.

Under Executive Order 98 signed on Nov. 29, Duterte sees the need to “rationalize and update the rules” governing the detail of personnel of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to erstwhile and incumbent government officials who need assistance or protection.

Currently, EOs 41 and 207 signed in 1966 and 2016, respectively, allow military and police personnel to serve as security detail.

EO 98, however, repeals EOs 41 and 207 to pave the way for the promulgation of new rules and regulations with regard to the detail of AFP and PNP personnel to government offices and officials.

Under the new EO, the President can have an aide-de-camp, military assistant, and military administrative assistant, “in such number and of such grades as he may determine.”

The EO defines an aide-de-camp as “a

commissioned officer of the AFP, in the active service, selected for the purpose of providing general assistance to entitled government officials and foreign military or civilian dignitaries.”

The EO provides that an aide-decamp, in such number and grades that may be determined and approved by the head of the Defense department, can be detailed to the vice president, visiting foreign military or civilian dignitaries, the Defense Secretary, and other government officials.

A military assistant is referred to as “a commissioned officer of the AFP with a field grade rank in the active service, or in the appropriate rank of Technical Service of the AFP, detailed to a civilian office and/or official for the purpose of rendering professional/technical advice and assistance on military matters,” according to EO 98.

EO 98 also permits the vice president; the Senate President; the House Speaker;

the Executive Secretary; the Senate and House chairs on national defense and security; the National Security Adviser; the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency director general; and other government officials to have a military assistant upon Defense secretary’s approval.

The EO likewise defines a military administrative assistant as a “noncommissioned officer of the AFP with the rank of staff sergeant, technical sergeant, and master sergeant, or its equivalent in the Philippine Navy, in the active service of the AFP, detailed to a civilian office and/or official for the purpose of rendering administrative assistance on military matters.”

Under EO 98, government officials are allowed to have a military administrative assistant, as long as they secure the nod of the Defense secretary.

Former presidents are entitled to military assistants, military administrative assistants, and protective security, in such combination as he may determine, “but in no case exceeding 12 personnel.”

A protective security is a personnel of the PNP, primarily from the Police Security and Protection Group, detailed to civilian government offices, officials or individuals for the purpose of providing security and ensuring their safety, the EO states.

Make hypertension a national policy—DOH

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SINCE 12-million Filipinos have hypertension and half of them are unaware that they have this disease, the Department of Health together with the Philippine Society of Hypertension and various stakeholders on Tuesday launched a “Call-to-Action Forum” making hypertension a national policy.

DOH assistant secretary for Public Health Service Team Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire said the move would strengthen awareness activities to emphasize the importance of preventing and treating hypertension.

“It is the second cause of mortality in the country and this must be addressed immediately to prevent the growing number afflicted with this disease,” she said.

According to the 2014 World Health Organization report on NCD country profile, most deaths in the Philippines are caused by cardiovascular diseases (33 percent), cancer (10 percent), diabetes (6 percent), and chronic respiratory diseases (5 percent).

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute National Nutrition Survey from 2008 to 2013 showed that there is an increasing prevalence in the following behavioral factors: diabetes from 4.8 percent to 5.4 percent and overweight among adults from 26.6 percent to 31.1 percent while decreasing trends for hypertension from 25.3 percent to 22.3 percent and current adult smokers from 31.0 percent to 25.4 percent.

Prof. Leilani B. Mercado-Asis, President of Philippine Society

of Hypertension, explained that hypertension is one of the biggest cardiovascular risk factors worldwide and causes about seven-million deaths every year and about 1.5 million suffers from its complications.

“It is for this reason that the society has partnered with the DOH including various health experts to come up with a project prevalence rate of hypertension among Filipino adults up to year 2050,” she said.

She added that the data that will be gathered will show the impact of hypertension in terms of mortality rates.

“We will also continue to strengthen educational programs to inform health professionals and all stakeholders on preventing and controlling hypertension,” she said.

Release service charges in full—Villanueva

By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Service Charge Law intends to distribute fully the fees collected from restaurants, hotels, and resorts, among other establishments, to workers who provide the service regardless of whether their employment status is regular or contractual, according to Senator Joel Villanueva.

While thanking the Department of Labor and Employment in finally promulgating the implementing rules and regulations of the law, Villanueva also called on the department to amend the definition of “covered employees” under the IRR which sought to remove

contractual workers who render service in covered establishments from having a share in the service charge collected.

According to Villanueva, the measure’s principal author and sponsor, this is to make the IRR consistent with the spirit of the law.

“The IRR should reflect the spirit of the laws. It must not modify or amend the law,” Villanueva said in a statement. “In its current form, the IRR of the service charge law conveniently left out contractual workers in the hospitality industry, which runs against the spirit of the measure.”

Stop deploying OFWs to Poland —POLO Geneva THE Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Geneva has recommended to the Department of Labor of Employment the suspension of processing of papers of overseas Filipino workers in Poland in connection with the alleged irregularities by recruiters.

Based on the report of POLOGeneva labor attaché Cheryl Daytec has recommended to DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, that the Philippines should suspend sending Filipinos to Poland until said issues are resolved.

“Considering the contract substitution and alleged irregularities committed by recruiters of OFWs for deployment in Poland is seemingly prevalent and not yet resolved, POLO-Geneva recommends the suspension of the processing of papers of OFWs bound to Poland until the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) will have developed a working regulatory framework to prevent exploitative practices of PRAs (Philippine Recruitment Agencies) and their Polish principals,” she said in her report dated Nov. 21 released on Monday.

The report also recommended to the POEA to conduct a probe on the claims of OFWs, such as the collection of supposed excessive fees by the recruitment agency.

“POLO-Geneva also strongly recommends that POEA investigate the climax of workers, including the collection of excessive processing fees without issuing receipts, against Gold Icon Recruitment and Promotion Inc. And also to assist the workers in collecting the alleged illegal exactions from the agency, if proven, which is already suspended for documents processing as of 23 October 2019,” the report added.

The recommendations were reached after the POLO-Geneva received successive appeals for assistance from OFWs in distress in Poland during the months of October and November.

The latest appeals came from workers recruited by the said firm, to work for HR Motives in Poland.

The report said the workers claimed that the Polish principal is an independent contractor which would deploy them to perform jobs for certain entities or individuals.

They also complained that Gold Icon collected at least P269,000 from them as processing fees and no receipts were issued.

The OFWs eventually escaped from HR Motives.

She also reported that based on POEA records, the incidence of absconding is rising. As of Oct. 9, there have been cases of 135 abscondees. PNA

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Redemption AFTER initial lapses in transportation, accommodations and food service, host Philippines redeemed itself in a world class opening ceremony of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Starting with the singing of the Philippine national anthem by song diva Lani Misalucha inside the cavernous Philippine Arena which can hold a 54,000 crowd capacity, we knew we were in for an evening of enthralling songs and dance numbers from the country’s top entertainers.

Christian Bautista, Jed Madela and Robert Sena entertained the locals and foreign delegates with the best in Filipino talent. The various athletic delegations marched on the wide stage of the Iglesia ni Cristo venue in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, the first time athletic delegations did so indoor.

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao lit the SEA Games Torch from the bottom of the P50-million cauldron Organizing Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano commissioned. President Rodrigo Duterte insisted there’s no hint of corruption in Cayetano’s expensive cauldron.

The official barong tagalog designed by Francis Libiran was strikingly elegant with its red and blue collar and sun burst embroidery from the shoulder to the left breast part.

In an early surge of medal harvest, the Philippines dominated many of the events like 3x 3 men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, arnis, and of course women’s weightlifting topped by Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Her biggest dream is to win for the Philippines its first Olym-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

pic gold medal in the event.

We cannot give the total number of medal haul the Philippines took as it is still a work in progress. So far, the country has won 30 medals in gold, silver and bronze in the first two days of competition. But expect the other countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia to catch up in other events where they excel. Typhoon “Tisoy,” however, forced the shelving of some of the events scheduled in the next two days.

For now, Cayetano will get a temporary relief from any inquiry so as not to distract Filipino athletes from focusing on their performance.

I expect the Philippines to win the men’s basketball championship given that powerhouse South Korea, China and Taiwan are not included in this exclusively Southeast Asian athletic competition.

Some of the other events will be held in Bulacan, Subic, Pampanga, La Union and Laguna. Motorists should take note of the traffic flow in these areas as they would be surely tight. Last minute repairs and renovation at the historic Rizal Memorial sports complex are still being done.

Other basketball competitions will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena and Araneta Coliseum.

While President Rodrigo Duterte believes in the honesty of Cayetano as far as the Games expenses are concerned, the House will still hold an inquiry on Speaker Cayetano’s fund

T

Front-row seats

HIS year’s Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change begins this week in Madrid, Spain. This is not the first time for the summit to happen while a typhoon batters our country.

The Madrid meetings are the 25th to be held under the 1992 treaty, which bound countries of the world to avoid “dangerous climate change” and find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an equitable way.

That’s easier on paper to assert, of course. For instance, how is “equitable” determined? How does the global good trump the individual ambitions and accountabilities of individual countries? Can justice be achieved by making richer nations pay for their historical contributions to the warming of the planet? Will the most vulnerable countries, if they acted in concert, persuade developed nations to cut back on their emissions aside from playing a big role in climate finance?

In 2015, in Paris, the parties came the

closest to forging a global pact to curb emissions. More than 190 countries committed to slash their emissions to keep the rise of global temperatures at bay. The Philippines is a party to this agreement. However, there remains to be no way to make the agreement legally binding. And then, the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has pulled out of the agreement.

The talks are not without its critics. Travelling by air to talk about climate change, many have pointed out, merely contributes to the problem. Flying thousands of delegates in and out of the host country in itself means considerable carbon emissions—the very thing that has caused the planet’s warming. This is also why Swedish climate activist Greta

Thunberg chose to sail the Atlantic in September, rather than fly, to go to the UN. As these contentious issues are debated, meanwhile, countries most vulnerable to disasters—such as stronger and more frequent weather patterns like Typhoon “Tisoy”—continue to suffer. Help comes in the form of local government units that have taken disaster risk reduction and management to heart so that communities become resilient, and to the outpouring of aid in the aftermath of the rain.

The Philippines has front-row seats to the climate issue because even as our experts attend the high-level conference in the global attempt at climate justice, our people in coastal and low-lying areas get to experience the dangers that others only theoretically imagine.

This should all the more make those who speak not for themselves, but for the rest of us, do better at representing the interest of our nation and others in a similar situation.

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Trophy

DAZZLING is perhaps the best way to describe the opening ceremonies of the 30th Southeast Asian Games held last Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.

One would have to forgive the organizers for such an extravaganza that lifted the national spirit and re-kindled pride of race and place, given the criticisms of the past days from people both well-meaning and mean.

There can be no price tag for Filipino pride, and the opening ceremonies proved it.

There can be no price tag for Filipino pride, and the opening ceremonies proved it.

Still I thought the use of “Manila,” that famous Hotdog band signature song for the entire long march of the Philippine contingent would have been more appropriate if it was conjoined into a medley with other non-English and non-Tagalog songs. When the march started with “Manila,” I halfguessed that the musical director would segue into other recognizable Pinoy music.

The melody of Pamulinawen could have been rearranged to match the beat of Manila as opening song (that would have made Ilocanos happy, even Bongbong); “Dandansoy,” which is originally a melancholy tune could have likewise been recrafted into a bouncy tune (which would be familiar to Senator Frank Drilon’s ears); why even “Sarung Bangui” to purse a smile into VP Leni’s lips, after what she has gone through in the past weeks.

And then as finale, how about Yoyoy Villame’s “Magellan?” Bisaya kaayo.

But then again, that would have been

a reminder to Speaker Alan, the Phisgoc chair, about 1521, the year the Spanish came to our shores, only to have their chieftain, Hernando de Magalhaes, or Magellan to us all, slain by our original hero, Lapu-lapu of Mactan.

But would Alan have disapproved, because 15-21 is something he’d rather not put to mind? I’m sure the sportsman in Alan would have approved.

But then again I am not a musician, not in any way. I do love the music of the Hotdog, which is the beat and mixed patois of my generation, so how am I to judge musical artistry?

I speak only of political correctness for a nation of tribes—the Ilokano, the Bisaya, the Bikol, the Ilonggo, the Tagalog and even the different tribes of our Muslim brothers and the indigenous people.

But that’s probably Monday morning quarter-backing, and deemed as reacting to Mayor Inday Sara’s reaction to “Manila” nga wala’y Bisaya.

Still, while having the same goosebumps as Senator Ping Lacson tweeted when our athletes came marching in, I really thought “Manila” could have been medleyed with other lilting songs considering how long the march of our contingent was.

“Manila” may have made Yorme Isko happy, he with his mantra of “where Manila goes, the nation follows.” But obviously, President Digong did not mind, as he was carried away by the beat and the tune, and was seen swaying and clapping along.

Still and all, our congratulations to Speaker Alan, POC Chair Bambol Tolentino and PSC Chair Butch Ramirez.

It was a great show. It was well worth the cost. It made us all proud. *** Which brings me to the New Clark City sports stadium and aquatic center, which I saw sometime in July when the facilities were about 80 percent finished, along with senators Lacson and Honasan (before he was minted as DICT secretary). We were all impressed not only at the edifices but likewise the speed with which the projects were implemented, courtesy of our good friend Vince Dizon, the

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Felipe Gozon turns 80 THIS Sunday, Dec. 8, Felipe “Henry” Gozon tenders a big party to mark his 80th birthday.

I asked Henry how it feels to be 80.

His reply by text: “Fine. Good. I believe that one is as old or as young as he feels.”

I asked him what he plans at 80. His reply: “To pursue the digitization project of GMA successfully.”

Digitization is the process of converting information (usually analog like an image, sound, document or signal) into digital format so you can project or feed it to infinitely more audiences and more forms of media. The digitized data becomes binary numbers or into O (zero) and 1 (one) which facilitate computer processing and other operations.

Yale-educated lawyer Henry Gozon is Asia’s best broadcast CEO. With little resources but plenty of guts, talent, and visioning, he changed the game of Philippine television and is now bringing it to the Digital Age. Starting from 1975, when the trio of Gilberto Duavit, Menardo Jimenez and his family took over from Bob Stewart, Gozon has made the then smallish Channel 7 No. 1.

Change actually came in a big way in 2000 when Gozon became CEO. Al-

most in jiffy, by the magic of Gozon’s management wand, GMA became No. 1 in audience share, in tv ratings, in credibility, in profitability, in market value, in prestige, and in reputation.

Gozon shepherded GMA Network to its unrivaled niche today thru masterful strategy, savvy programming, first-rate marketing, and judicious cost control.

GMA’s transformation, in turn, brought in immense wealth to the three families which control the network—those of the late Gilberto Duavit, Menardo Jimenez, and Gozon himself. From 2000 to 2018, cumulative revenues have swelled to over P194.2

billion and cumulative profits to more than P34.4 billion.

Gozon shepherded GMA Network to its unrivaled niche today thru masterful strategy, savvy programming, first-rate marketing, and judicious cost control.

Lately, the station is going back to filmmaking which has provided remarkable windfall for rival ABS-CBN. Today, according to MarketWatch, which monitors listed stocks, GMA Network is valued in the stock market at P17.47 billion, P3.29 billion or 23 percent higher than ABS-CBN’s P14.18 billion. The reason is that as a stock, GMA sells at 10.1 times its earnings, while ABS-CBN sells for only 5.04 times its income.

GMA is also a more efficient company. It generates P5.56 million revenues per employee; ABS-CBN just P5 million, 11 percent less.

Please note that in terms of assets, ABS-CBN is almost five times bigger—P85.65 billion vs. P17.186 billion, and per nine-months of 2019, produces 2.62 times more revenues than GMA—P32 billion vs P12.2 billion.

And yet, ABS-CBN and GMA have the almost the same amount of nine-month profit—P2.2 billion vs. P2.1 billion.

Turn to A5

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

Go, Go, Philippines CROSSROADS JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ AFTER staging what most observers, local and foreign, now admit as one of the most spectacular opening ceremonies of any sporting and, yes, cultural event in recent memory, the Philippines has moved on to snatch medals on the second day of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG). This should still the waters, as it were, and allow our athletes and their fellows from the 11 member (Timor Leste is the 11th) nation grouping to concentrate on their events and proceed to promote excellence and camaraderie in this biennial regional fest.

While commendable, this medal haul which the organizers expect to be well over a hundred by the time the games end on Dec. 11, will probably only energize, if we can call it such, the critics to make their harangues even louder and, yes, sillier. Like that out-of-left field swing at the contractor of the athletes village in Clark, the Malaysian company MTD Berhad, which some critics claim put one over the Philippines allegedly via an "elaborate, sleight-of-hand" funding scheme which may cost the treasury billions of pesos.

But that is another story. Suffice it to say that for now we should allow

our people to savor the moment, and not engage in brickbats and throwing all kinds of snide remarks.

Like that opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena. For a while there, the critics chirped about its being held indoors and not at the open air New Clark City Sports Complex complete with the lighted 'kaldero."

For now we should allow our people to savor the moment, and not engage in brickbats and throwing all kinds of snide remarks.

Well, they got their comeuppance.

It was a rousing, much applauded affair. While we note that the Emmy Award winning events coordinator, Five Currents Consortium, made sure that the detailed engineering and digitalized works were in sync, loads of credit should go to the performers who did their level best to show our artistic and cultural assets, so to speak, (take the much applauded Singkil royal wedding ceremony for example) as well as the directing and content providers (Floy Quintos, Ramon Obusan Dancers, Lani Misalucha, Apl de Ap and the entire ensemble). Of course, the audience

participation. including President Duterte's swaying and hand movement, made the evening truly memorable. But the critics could not hold their punches that they even went to the extent of contriving a 'mess-ofsorts" misusing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte's comment about the iconic "Manila" Hotdog song. Talaga naman.

Anyway, let's leave them to their bitterest best and cheer our athletes on. Imagine, just on the second day we have collected seventy one (71) medals—38 golds, 20 silvers and 15 bronzes—a lot more than our haul in the 2017 SEAG in Malaysia. And we are just in the second day of the event. Vietnam, which came in second, has 51 medals (15 golds to our 38); Malaysia which is in third had 19 medals (10 golds) and Indonesia and Thailand with six (6) golds each. This puts us squarely in the running for the most bemedaled contingent in the 30th SEAG—a feat which, even if the critics do not care to acknowledge, only reinforces the view that despite all our limitations we have been able to put together a contingent we can all be proud of.

So, let the critics go on with their snide remarks and chirping. But for the vast majority of all of us, let us continue praying and cheering our athletes. Hoping not only for the best but, equally important, that the games proceed smoothly with as little wrinkles as can be. Go, go Philippines.

2010s hottest decade in history, UN says as emissions rise again MADRID—This decade is set to be the hottest in history, the United Nations said Tuesday in an annual assessment outlining the ways in which climate change is outpacing humanity's ability to adapt to it.

The World Meterological Organization said global temperatures so far this year were 1.1 degrees Celsius (two degrees Farenheit) above the pre-industrial average, putting 2019 on course to be in the top three warmest years ever recorded.

Manmade emissions from burning fossil fuels, building infrastructure, growing crops and transporting goods mean 2019 is set to break the record for atmospheric carbon concentrations, locking in further warming, the WMO said.

Oceans, which absorb 90 percent of the excess heat produced by greenhouse gases, are now at their highest recorded temperatures.

The world's seas are now a quarter more acidic than 150 years ago, threatening vital marine ecosystems upon which billions of people rely for food and jobs.

In October, the global mean sea level reached its highest on record, fuelled by the 329 billion tonnes of ice lost from the Greenland ice sheet in 12 months.

Each of the last four decades has been hotter than the last. And far from climate change being a phenomenon for future generations to confront, the effects of humanity's insatiable, growth-at-any cost consumption means millions are already counting the damage.

The report said more than 10 million people were internally displaced in the first half of 2019—seven million

directly due to extreme weather events such as storms, flooding and drought. By the end of the year, the WMO said new displacements due to weather extremes could reach 22 million.

"Once again in 2019 weather and climate related risks hit hard," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.

"Heatwaves and floods which used to be 'once in a century' events are becoming more regular occurrences."

At just 1C hotter than pre-industrial times, 2019 has already seen deadly heatwaves in Europe, Australia and Japan, superstorms devastate southeast Africa, and wildfires rage out of control in Australia and California.

Nations are currently in crucial talks in Madrid aimed at finalizing rules for the 2015 Paris climate accord, which enjoins countries to work to limit global temperature rises to "well below" 2C. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last year outlined how vital it was for mankind to aim for a safer cap of 1.5C—ideally by slashing greenhouse gas emissions and retooling the global economy towards renewable energy.

Part of the discussions in Madrid is aimed at getting countries to increase their climate action ambition ahead of a deadline next year.

Friederike Otto, deputy director of the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute, said the WMO report "highlights that we are not even adapted to 1.1 degree of warming."

"And there is no doubt that this 1.1 degree is due to the burning of fossil fuels," he said. AFP

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

No Mindanao railroad anytime soon EVERY national economic plan drawn up by NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) and its pre-1970s predecessor, NEC (National Economic Council) has included a project named Mindanao Rail System, i.e., a project for the installation of a railroad that would span the country's second largest island and bring together its varied lands and inhabitants. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 is no exception, and the current national economic blueprint embodies a Mindanao railroad project.

The Mindanao rail project is, in fact, one of the highest-priority components of the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration. One of the biggest chunks of the program's P8.4-trillion price tag has been earmarked for the project, whose enormity can be discussed from the fact that it will be implemented in three stages.

Of course, the Duterte administration and its predecessors are perfectly right to have accorded the highest priority to the installation of a railway system in Mindanao.

This country's second largest island accounts for approximately 20 percent of the national population and is the source of much of this country's mineral and plantation-crop exports. If there is any part of the Philippines that needs and deserves a good railway system, it is Mindanao. Indeed, it can be convincingly argued that a major cause of the comparative underdevelopment of much of Mindanao is the absence of a reliable island-wide transportation system.

A railroad would be that system.

In the same manner that the railroads spurred the economic development of Western Europe and opened up America's West and countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa, so the installation of a railroad will open up Mindanao's economy to more rapid development.

This is not to say that Mindanao has no transportation infrastructure to speak of; it has. There is the Sagre Highway that runs from north to south, and there are other stretches of highways funded by international

sources of project financing (mainly the Asian Development Bank and World Bank) and bilateral ones (mainly the overseas aid agencies of Japan, the US and Australia). But the railroad is generally acknowledged to be the least expensive way of moving goods by land, not to mention the most secure way with greater dependability in a country highly vulnerable to the dire manifestations of climate change.

What will it take for a Mindanao railroad system to finally become a reality?

Unfortunately, official treatment of the Mindanao railway project over the decades has largely partaken of the nature of wishful thinking.

With President Rodrigo Duterte's term almost at mid-point, substantial initial work should by now have been done on the project. But the recent Senate hearing on the BBB program showed this to be not the case. The Mindanao railway project is not one of the nine projects—out of 75 'flagship' projects—that have either been completed or are nearing completion.

Is this situation likely to change during the remaining three and a half years of Mr. Duterte's term? On the basis of what is happening—or, more accurately, not happening—I don't think so. I think the Mindanao railroad project can be stricken off the list of likely-to-happen components of the BBB program.

What will it take for a Mindanao railroad system to finally become a reality? Total government resolve and 100-percent official focus— no hyperbole, no grandstanding, just activity on the ground—are the only things that will cause this desideratum to become a reality.

Massive as it is, a Mindanao railway system is a highly doable project. All the needed ingredients— money, technology and managerial capability—are there. All that are needed are government resolve and sustained official focus on the project. Until these latter factors are brought into play, the people of the great island of Mindanao are unlikely to get the rail system that they have long needed and deserved.

Redemption From A4

Trophy From A4

BCDA president and CEO. I felt sad when brickbats were thrown at the project and the processes by which such monumental edifices were accomplished at such atypical speed.

Indeed, atypical in a country where bureaucratic procedures almost always delay implementing good projects.

I know Vince Dizon does not deserve the brickbats; he deserves commendation. In time the people will thank him for what he has achieved.

For the world-class facilities are not mere “trophy” projects for President Duterte to be remembered by. They are

Felipe...

From A4

Half of the business of ABS-CBN is not TV—it is merchandise (like t-shirts), TV plus, and films (its scriptwriters are the best in the land).

GMA gives more money to its stockholders. GMA shares yield 8.59 percent; ABS-CBN 3.16. Not surprisingly, in the past 12 months, in a bearish market, GMA share price is down only 1.5 percent; that of ABS-CBN is down 12.02 percent or has fallen eight times deeper.

ABS-CBN’s near-term outlook seems dim. President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to block the renewal of the

part of a more ambitious endeavor… that of creating a new city where in the not-too-distant future the national government should be relocated.

And world-class sports facilities along with a grand river park would be needed in a “green” and environmentally-balanced city. What Vince began is only part of the shared vision of a wellplanned city that would make us all proud, and would constitute a great part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s legacy.

When Gustave Eiffel built the Tour d’Eiffel for the 1899 World Fair at the Champ de Mars in Paris, he was roundly criticized even by the artistic community for a “steel monstrosity.” Parliamentarians decried the cost of the tower as well.

I need not say more. What is Paris without the “monstrosity” that was eventually named after its creator?

Mañosa’s cauldron will never be a symbol of either country or Clark, and Dizon’s quickly-built sports and housing facilities, while world-class, cannot be compared to the landmark that the Eiffel Tower has become, but when the New Clark City is completed, along with its “green-ness” and balanced eco-system, the Filipino people will say “wow!” with concomitant pride.

Then the “trophy” project will be trophy no more, but, in the words of a former president, Diosdado P. Macapagal, a true “stone for the edifice” that is building a nation for the future.

company’s franchise which ends endMarch 2020. This opens an added advantage to GMA which could possibly capture ad drifters from ABS-CBN. Henry Gozon’s digitalization plans have been under wraps for over a year now. It involves a tie-up with the Philippines’ largest telco—PLDT and its Smart wireless subsidiary.

The PLDT-Smart and GMA Network content partnership will bring the wonders of television to millions more, especially those with cellphones. The PLDT ecosystem is awesome. It is larger and probably better, than any other telco in the country—2.7-million voice or landline subscribers, 2.1-million broadband subscribers, and 71.5-million wireless.

On the other hand, GMA viewership is nothing to sneeze at. Per October 2019 ratings, the station had an average of 32.3 total day people audience share in Urban Luzon, vs. ABS-CBN's 31.1 percent. Urban Luzon accounts for 72 of all urban TV viewers in the country.

The Kapuso Network continued to beat competition in the afternoon block with 33-percent people audience share compared with ABS-CBN’s 31.6.

GMA also won in the evening block with 34.9 percent versus ABS-CBN's 32.9 percent.

Television and telephony have become a question of content. Content for TV means live and taped shows, films, and similar programs. The pipes are PLDT’s network—landline phones,

disbursements for the regional event.

For now, Cayetano will get a temporary relief from any inquiry so as not to distract Filipino athletes from focusing on their performance and come out overall winner. Vietnam, which emerged victorious from two major wars against the French and the Americans, looms as the next Asian sports powerhouse particularly in track and field competitions.

Will the Philippines regain its top place in medal standings? That depends on a well-rounded athletic program in schools in Metro Manila and the provinces plus training under skilled local and foreign coaches.

Other countries in the region draw from the experience of foreign coaches to develop their athletes’ competitiveness.

The Philippines is too concentrated on basketball when we can excel in other events where height is not a factor like football, tennis and boxing where athletes fight according to weight categories.

It would be a resurgence of athletic prowess if we can come up again with names like Lydia de Vega in track, and Rafael Nepomuceno and Bong Coo in bowling.

Fencing and arnis are two other events Filipinos have a chance of winning gold medals. Thailand and Vietnam would be strong rivals in this competition.

broadband service, the more than 70-million mobile subscribers.

Hollywood studios used to dictate filmmaking and movie viewership.

Not anymore. Netflix has taken over the business of the movie moguls and the film studios. Very soon, Netflix will produce more films and more revenues than any of the major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros., Disney, and NBCUniversal. Netflix has about 150-million subscribers worldwide. The TV streaming business is now valued at $150 billion.

GMA is to launch next year MyGMA Go, its mobile Digital Terrestrial Television service that will revolutionize content consumption habits by combining digital TV viewing and the fun

elements of mobile interactivity.

GMA will uncork an affordable and compact end-user device that can act as a digital TV receiver when connected to an Android smartphone.

Complementary to this device is a mobile application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store where users can watch GMA’s exclusive channels that will include an Asian telenovela channel, Korean music and variety channel, and a concert channel, and other free-to-air channels without a need for an active Internet connection.

Happy birthday, my friend Don Henry. biznewsasia@gmail.com

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TODAY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

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Puerto Galera to be preserved—Cimatu E

By Rio N. Araja

NVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu wants the rehabilitation of Puerto Galera to follow the footsteps of Antique’s Boracay Island and Manila Bay to protect and preserve the country’s prime tourist destinations.

He recently visited Oriental Mindoro’s Puerto Galera and ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources MIMAROPA executive director Henry Adornado to put up a DENR office in the area to ensure that the famous tourist destination is properly managed.

He also instructed Adornado to fa-

cilitate the transfer of the regional office from Roxas Boulevard in Manila to Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 10879 that makes the city the regional center for Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon.

“It will never be easy. But I can al-

ready see the strengthened collaboration between the DENR regional task force and the local government unit in saving Puerto Galera,” he said.

“I commend and thank you for your sacrifices but please be reminded that we are protecting Puerto Galera not only for ourselves, but more importantly for the generations to come,” he added.

Republika ng Pilipinas

National Irrigation Administration

PNP, AFP to secure plebiscite

(PambansangPangasiwaan ng Patubig) Regional Office No.III

Office Address : Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Telephone Nos. : (044) 766-2467, 766-4839, 816-6808 Website : www.region3.nia.gov.ph

Email Address: niar03@yahoo.com Telefax No. (044) 766-2467 TIN No. 000-979-570-000

Invitation to Bid Improvement of Various Irrigation Facilities of AMRIS Lat. D, Lat. D-1, Lat B (SS), C-1 (SS), C-2 (SS), Lat. B (NS), Lat. B-4 (NS), Lat. C (NS), Lat C-1-Extra (NS), Lat. C-4 (NS), Lat. C-7(NS), Lat. C-8 (NS), Lat. D-1-C (NS), Lat. E (NS), Lat A, Lat. A Extra and Lat. D ITB No. NIAR3-2020-BUL-AMRIS-20 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3, hereby invites all interested Phil-GEPS registered contractors to bid for the project, through theGeneral Appropriations Act of CY 2020, intends to apply the sum of Fifty Six Million Sixty Six Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Pesos and 67/100(P 56,066,220.67)being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the contract for No.NIAR3-2020-BUL-AMRIS-20Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Bidders must secure Site Inspection Certificate from IMO Office as a technical requirement for Eligibility and Technical Document (Envelop A). Non-compliance will be a ground for disqualification.

Only those who submitted Document Request List (DRL) from PhilGEPS including updated company profile by the owner or its authorized liaison officer, will be accepted to participate in the bidding.

The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 now invites bids for Improvement of Various Irrigation Facilities of AMRIS Lat. D, Lat. D-1, Lat B (SS), C-1 (SS), C-2 (SS), Lat. B (NS), Lat. B-4 (NS), Lat. C (NS), Lat C-1-Extra (NS), Lat. C-4 (NS), Lat. C-7(NS), Lat. C-8 (NS), Lat. D-1-C (NS), Lat. E (NS), Lat A, Lat. A Extra and Lat. D, located in Pandi, Bustos and Baliwag, Bulacan. Completion of the Works is required within Three Hundred(300) calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instruction to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

6.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Monday to Friday.

7.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on November 28, 2019 to December 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, except and holidays and December 20, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee for the Bidding Documents in the amount of Fifty SixThousand Pesos (P 56,000.00) It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

8. The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3 will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on December 6, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan, which shall be open to all interested parties.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 12:30p.m.

(PST) of December 20, 2019 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

9. Bid opening shall be on 1:00p.m. (PST) of December 20, 2019 at NIA-R3 Office, Conference Room, Brgy. Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

10. All particulars relative to the eligibility screening, bid security, performance security, pre-bid conference/s, evaluation of bids, post qualification and award of contracts shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its revised IRR. 11. The NATIONAL IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION – REGION 3reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

12. For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat/s; NIA – Region 3,Tambubong, San Rafael, Bulacan Tel No. (044) 766-4839 and 816-8608 (SGD.) VIRGILIO J. ILAO BAC – Chairperson

Noted by: (SGD.) JOSEPHINE B. SALAZAR Regional Manager

STAYING SAFE. Residents of Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, evacuated due to Typhoon 'Tisoy' (international name 'Kammuri'), stay inside their foldable cubicles at an evacuation center on Tuesday after Tisoy hit land in the palm-dotted Bicol peninsula. Manny Palmero

Construction firms allege DBM bumps

By Joel E. Zurbano A GROUP of construction firms on Tuesday asked President Rodrigo Duterte to look into reports of alleged irregularities happening at the Department of Budget and Management.

The group led by VNB Construction revealed that two individuals were dropping the names and using the offices of DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado and Deputy Executive Secretary Rizalina Justol to demand “commission.”

The group claimed the two individuals asked 15 percent commission for every Special AllotREPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 78, QUEZON CITY

(MS-DEC. 4, 2019)

Republic of the Philipines Department of Environment and Natural Resources MINES AND GEOSCIENCE BUREAU North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines Tel. No. (+63 2) 920-9120 / 920-9130 / 928-8937 Fax. No. (+63 2) 920--1635 Email: central@mgb.gov.ph

BID-BAC-01 INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

One (1) Lot Geotechnical Instrumentation ITB No. 2019-12-058 P.R. No. 2019-11-1100

TO :

1.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau, through the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for CY 2019 intends to apply the sum corresponding to the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) amounting to Sixteen Million Pesos (PhP16,000,000.00), for the provision of One (1) Lot Geotechnical Instrumentation.

2.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau now invites bids for: Item/Description

ABC

High Resolution Deep Sea Seismic Sparker System

PhP16,000,000.00

Delivery of the services is required within the period specified in the bidding documents upon receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP). Bidders should have completed, within Two (2) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II (Instructions to Bidders).

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9164, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. Bids in excess of the 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 evaluation.

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to R.A. No. 5183 and subject to Commonwealth Act No. 138.

4. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Office of the BACSecretariat and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hours from 8:00AM to 5:00PM. 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders on December 3-20, 2019 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP25,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau will hold the Pre-bid Conference on December 10, 2019 @ 10:00AM at the BAC Conference Room, 1st Floor, MGB Multipurpose Building, North Ave., Diliman, Quezon City which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before December 23, 2019 @ 9:30AM. Late bid/s shall not be accepted.

All bids must be accompanied with a Bid Security in any of the forms and corresponding amount stated in the ITB Clause 18. Bids higher than the ABC shall be automatically disqualified during the opening of bids. Bids opening shall immediately follow at 10:00AM at the BAC Conference Room, 1st Floor, MGB Multipurpose Building, North Ave., Diliman, Quezon City in the presence of the bidder/s who choose to attend at the specified address.

8. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: Mr. HANZ C. BERNARDO Head, BAC Secretariat Bids and Awards Committee North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. 667- 700 local 160 E-mail: bac@mgb.gov.ph Website: www.mgb.gov.ph (SGD) ENGR. RODOLFO L. VELASCO, JR. Chairperson, MGB-BAC

(MS-DEC. 4, 2019)

LOLITA S.LIZO, Petitioner, -versusCIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-13814-CV FOR: Declaration of Nullity of Marriage VICTOR BENJAMIN P. TABISAURA, Respondent. xxx---------------------------------------------------xxx VICTOR BENJAMIN P. TABISAURA 143 Scout De Guia Street, Quezon City

GREETINGS: You are hereby required pursuant to the Order of this Court dated September 30, 2019 and Sections 3 & 5 of A.M. No. 02-111O-5C, to file your answer in the above-entitled case with in thirty (30) days from the last issue of publication hereof in a newspaper of national circulation once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks and answer the petition for nullity of marriage anchored under Art. 35 of the Family Code filed against you by petitioner Lolita S. Lizo. You are also directed to furnish petitioner’s counsel, Atty.

Ramil Lopez, copy of your Answer at his office address located at No. 136 Jasmin Street, De Castro Subdivision, Paso De Bias, Valenzuela.

You are likewise required to submit with your Answer certified copies of documents as well as affidavits of any witness to stand as your evidence in this case. You must present the original document/s on the day of hearing.

Moreover, you are reminded of the provision of IBP OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss and instead alleged the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the Court shall hear the petitioner’s case and may grant the petitioner the relief applied for.

Witness, the Honorable FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge of this Court, this 30th day of September 2019.

(Sgd.) ATTY. MARIBEL M. FERNANDEZ Branch Clerk of Court Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION Regional Trial Court Branch 78 Quezon City LOLITA S. LIZO, Petitioner, - Versus-

CIVIL CASE NO. R-QZN-18-13814-CV FOR; DECLARATION OF NULLITY OF MARRIAGE

VICTOR BENJAMIN P TABISAURA, Respondent. x------------------------------------x

ORDER The SUBMISSION dated September 20, 2019 but filed with the Court on September 27, 2019 by the petitioner assisted by her counsel in compliance with the Court’s ORDER issued on August 13, 2019 is hereby NOTED and considered satisfactory compliance of said order. Hence petitioner’s motion to serve SUMMONS through publication now submitted for the court’s consideration.

The two (2) separate SHERIFF’S RETURN dated March 4,2019 and June 28, 2019 submitted to this court by SHERIFF RANDY C BERNARDO of this Office showed that the service of Summons and annexes unto the respondent was Unserved for reasons mentioned therein, and despite the several attempts made by the sheriff to serve said processes of the Court. In view thereof, the petitioner through his counsel flled on August 13, 2019 his motion to serve summons through publication seeking the issuance of an ORDER granting leave and that summons be served by Publication on respondent.

Accordingly, and upon motion filed by the petitioner through counsel and pursuant to the provisions of Sectiori 6 of A.M. NO. 02-11-10-SC dated March 4, 2003 and Sections 14 and 15 of Rule 14 of the Rules of Court, the instant motion is hereby GRANTED. The Summons shall contain the 1) title of the case; 2) the docket number; 3) the nature of the petition; 4) the principal grounds of the petition; 5) and the reliefs prayed for, and a directive for the respondent to answer within thirty (30) days from the last issue of the Publication.

The Petitioner and counsel are ordered to cause the publication of SUMMONS once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in a NEWSPAPER of NATIONAL CIRCULATION in the Philippines; and to serve a copy of the summons attaching therewith copies of the PETITION complete with enclosures at the last known addresses of Respondent by way of LBC Private Courier at the expense of said petitioner.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, 30th day of September, 2019.

(Sgd) FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge (MStandard- Nov. 27 & Dec. 4, 2019)

ment Release Order project.

In a letter of complaint to Duterte, Veronica Bautista of VNB Construction claimed the two uses to call provincial mayors and demand commission for every project.

“They are calling mayors for the 15 percent commission on each project claiming that they are the ones releasing the budget approval in DBM,” Bautista said in her letter.

Bautista also alleged that there were threats if the local chief executives failed to cooperate, the fund or the budget for the municipality would not be released.

“Mr. President, corruption is happening and we, small time contractors, are affected. We are being struck down because of the percentage they are asking,” she said.

Bautista is optimistic that Duterte, known to be an advocate against corruption, will act on their complaint and will immediately order an investigation on the matter.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte directed the police and the military, as well as the other law enforcement agencies and government instrumentalities, to ensure the successful conduct of the Dec. 7 plebiscite for the ratification of Davao de Oro province.

Under Memorandum Order 42 inked on Nov. 28 but released on Tuesday, Duterte concurred with the Commission on Elections in the deputation of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a referendum on the renaming of Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro. “Pursuant to Section 2(4), Article IX-C of the Constitution, the Comelec is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the AFP, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections,” President Duterte said in the memorandum.

“By virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, [I] hereby concur with Comelec Resolution No. 10616, deputizing the AFP, the PNP, and other law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, in connection with the 07 December 2019 Plebiscite in the Province of Compostela Valley,” he added.

On April 7, 2019, Duterte signed Republic Act 11297 renaming Compostela Valley to Davao de Oro. Presently, Compostela Valley is the only province in Davao Region that does not bear the name “Davao.”

The Davao Region is composed of Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. PNA

Legislator files bill to encourage careers in agriculture, fisheries

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR on Tuesday asked her colleagues in the House of Representatives to speed up the passage of a bill that encourages students to take up courses in agriculture and fisheries.

Rep. Sharon Garin of AMBIS-OWWA said the enactment of House Bill 3596 or the Young Farmers Program Act would encourage the youth to go into farming or fishing by providing incentives for students in those courses in both government and private institutes of higher learning.

Garin said: “The Philippines is witnessing the extinction of its farmers first-hand in a time where ensuring food security is proving to be a herculean challenge.

“With the next generation running after globally-competitive careers, and with only a few willing to absorb the practice and knowledge of agriculture, this ‘extinction’ poses a great threat to the country’s food security.”

In filing the bill, Garin, a deputy speaker, said: “We want the youth to immerse themselves once again in the noble practice of agriculture. There is a need to reinforce the idea that it is a viable career option. “We must also dispel the notion that farming is tedious, unsustainable, and unglamorous. Indeed, the timeless Christian proverb, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, has become relevant more than ever’.”

Government statistics indicate that as of October 2018, agricultural workers comprise just 25 percent of the country’s labor force, from a high of 35.7 percent in 2016, and 39.5 percent in 1998.

“This growing decline is alarming,” Garin said.

Pichay assails ‘neglect of education’ A LEGISLATOR from Mindanao on Tuesday said he would push for a bigger share of the national government’s budget for education and public works as he lamented the drastic cut in his province share of that budgetary item.

“Before we used to get around 20 to 30 new classrooms a year. Now we only got five. In 2017, we hired 200 new teachers, this year, teacher hiring went down to only 20,” Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. of Surigao del Sur said.

Pichay said the sharp decrease in the number of new classrooms and the accompanying reduction in the hiring of new teachers was done despite the province’s fastest-growing population.

Pichay blamed that the new “cash basis” budgeting scheme of the national government for the difficulties in getting funds for classroom construction the hiring of new teachers.

This, he said, despite the fact that the province was among the fastest-growing locali-

ties in the country.

For 2020, Pichay said only a few teachers would be hired in Surigao del Sur. He is at a loss to explain the seeming inequity.

“I cannot understand it. While the population is increasing fast, the hiring of new teachers and the construction of classroom has almost come to a standstill.”

He said provincial officials must seek an audience with officials of the Department of Education and the Department of Budget and Management on the matter.

“We need to enlighten the people at the DBM. The Education secretary should make DBM realize that we have an increasing population and we need more teachers and school buildings so as not to sacrifice the future of our children,” Pichay said.

He said he will file a resolution, in aid of legislation, next year to make DepEd and DBM officials explain the sorry state of education situation in the province. Maricel V. Cruz CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Marcial lauds Battle of Champions organizers PHILIPPINE Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday lauded the officials of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship for holding the annual ‘Battle of Champions’, saying they’re helping young basketball players realize their dreams.

“One good reason why we have so many exciting players is because we have a tournament like ‘Battle of Champions’ which is serving as a perfect vehicle for our young ballers,” said the amiable PBA executive. “And we have to thank the godfathers (governors) of the tournament for their noble deeds.”

The tournament now on its 8th season is chaired by Freego Jeans owner Eduard Tio, who replaced Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que. Other Board of Governors are Hapee Toothpaste’s Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater Sports’ Dioceldo Sy, IronCon Builder’s Jimi Lim, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum’s Jimmy dela Cruz, MEC Networks’ Leoncio Chua and Macbeth Underwear’s Rudy Yu. Tio said the top four teams from the UAAP, NCAA, Fil-Chinese school, and champions from Visayas and North will be playing in the six-day tournament also backed by Masumax Food Supplement, Cherrylume Roofing, SUMO GI Sheets, Choi Garden and Molten.

The event, according to Edster Sy of the Management Committee, will have its press conference and coaches meeting on Thursday at ShaTin Courtyard in Quezon City.

Reigning titlist National University is hoping to become the first back-toback champion of the event with NCAA champion San Beda as its potential rival.

Hidilyn to cousin Mary Flor: Keep working hard

By Tim Obligacion AMID the festive-like atmosphere at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium after winning her first Southeast Asian Games gold medal, Hidilyn Diaz shared several inspiring words to her cousin and fellow Team Philippines’ weightlifting teammate Mary Flor Diaz.

When a journalist told her that Mary Joy bagged a bronze on the eve of her competition, Hidilyn’s eyes beamed before giving some advice to her cousin.

“Malaking bagay ‘yun (on Mary Joy saying that Hidilyn was her inspiration).

She should always keep trying and work hard, then kayang kaya na niya ‘yan (to be successful),” the 2018 Asian Games gold medalist said on Mary Flor, who placed third in the women’s 45kg event behind Vietnamese Vuong Thi Huyen (172kgs) and Setiawati Lisa of Indonesia (169kgs) last Sunday.

“Dapat ipagpatuloy lang niya ‘yan (hard work) and always believe in yourself. Makakaya niya na ang lahat,” she added.

This year’s games may just be labeled as a family affair for Hidilyn. Aside from Mary Flor also competing, her family was in full attendance during the awards’ ceremony led by her husband.

Diaz used her SEA Games’ stint as preparation for what she said as a rigorous process in the qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

PH polo team faces Malaysia

CELEBRATION. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Sonny Barrios (center) and PH women’s team manager Mike Lim join Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 players Jack Dannielle Animan, Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos and Clare Castro, along with head coach Pat Aquino and assistant Mark Solano, as the Nationals celebrate their gold medal victory in the 30th Southeast Asian Games last Monday at The Arena in San Juan.

All pressure’s on Joshua in showdown with Ruiz

R

IYADH, Saudi Arabia—Heavyweight champion Andy Ruiz Jr said Monday (Tuesday Philippine time) that all the pressure will be on dethroned champion Anthony Joshua in their contentious showdown in Saudi Arabia.

Ruiz, who was born in the United States but fights as a Mexican, caused one of boxing’s biggest upsets in New York in June when he handed Joshua a first defeat to win the WBA, IBF and WBO crowns in New York.

The pair will fight the rematch on Saturday in Diriyah, close to the Saudi capital Riyadh, in a hotly-anticipated contest dubbed “Clash on the Dunes”.

“We’ve got to see where he’s at because all the pressure is on him. The pressure isn’t on me because I followed my dream, made my dreams come true,” Ruiz said in Riyadh.

“Of course I want more though –- I want the legacy of Andy Ruiz Jr.” Joshua said he was “comfortable” and “very relaxed” ahead of the rematch.

“I am just going to win. I know I can do it,” Joshua said.

“I was this close last time, so next time I won’t mess up.”

Saturday’s bout is mired in controversy. The Saudis have faced intense diplomatic fallout over last year’s murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the conservative kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.

Ruiz, however, said he was “happy to be here in Saudi Arabia”.

“It feels really good. I feel at home you know. Everybody has been treating me with love and especially enjoying the really good food that they have in this country,” he said.

Activists accuse Saudi rulers of using sport as a tool to try and soften their international image.

In February, they hosted a first European Tour golf event while the world’s most grueling motor sports race, the Dakar Rally, will be held in the country in 2020. AFP

Mexican-American heavyweight boxing champion Andy Ruiz Jr arrives for a press conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 2, 2019 (December 3 Philippine time), ahead of the upcoming “Clash on the Dunes”. AFP

Malaysian couple finds love thru triathlon

By Lito Cinco BELIEVE it or not, but a husband-and-wife tandem was among the participants in the individual events of triathlon last Sunday morning in Subic, the first time that these two are competing together in one international event carrying their country’s colors.

According to Aldrian Yu Yong Yeo, it was love at first sight for him when he first saw Chen Yin Yang three years ago in a triathlon event in Malaysia, where Yang was a member of a relay team as a swimmer.

Aldrian was smitten badly by the pretty woman that he turned to Facebook to trace Yang’s whereabouts.

Their relationship grew from there, until they got married in 2016.

They have a nine-month-old baby boy.

Yang, 27, is ranked in the top 3 women triathletes in Malaysia and has competed in past Commonwealth Games, representing her country, while her husband, older at 36, works on organizing events aside from triathlon coaching.

They were supposed to have competed together in 2018 at the Asian Games in Indonesia, but Yang became pregnant and had to take a break from training. Even now that they have resumed training, they have to alternate their schedule to take care of their baby. Good thing that both are working on their own as Yang serves as assistant to Aldrian in his activities.

In the event held in Subic, Aldrian finished 6th in the 10-man field, while Yang was a rung lower at 7th.

But both expressed satisfaction at their respective performances. After all, the more important thing for them is being together in the sport that they both love with a passion.

The couple is looking forward to the time that it will be a father-mother-child team for them in triathlon.

Aldrian Yu Yong Yeo (right) with wife Chen Yin Yang

Bucks keep streak alive; Sixers win LOS ANGELES, United States—Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points as the Milwaukee Bucks stretched their winning streak to 12 games on Monday (Tuesday Philippine time) with a 13288 demolition of the hapless New York Knicks.

The Eastern Conference leaders showed no mercy to the worst side in the division, outscoring the Knicks by 33-15 in the first quarter and showing no let-up through a one-sided encounter.

Antetokounmpo was on court for just 21 minutes, adding 15 rebounds and shooting 10-of-14 while leading the scoring.

The Greek star was backed by Khris Middleton with 16 points and D.J. Wilson, who added 19 off the bench.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the No fewer than six Milwaukee players Milwaukee Bucks tries to score against the New York Knicks. AFP finished in double digits, including An-

tetokounmpo’s elder brother Thanasis who chipped in with 10 points from his 12 minutes on the court.

The win saw the Bucks improve to 18-3 at the top of the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks remained rooted to the bottom of the standings with just four wins against 17 defeats.

The Bucks are two games clear of second-placed Toronto, who stand at 15-4, just ahead of the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics (14-5).

The Philadelphia 76ers meanwhile remained in the hunt on Monday, (Tuesday Philippine time) claiming a 103-94 win over the Utah Jazz.

Tobias Harris led the scoring for the Sixers with 26 points, while Joel Embiid added 16 points and 11 rebounds in what had threatened to become a rout at Phila-

delphia’s Wells Fargo Center.

The Sixers had surged into a 60-42 lead at half-time and looked to be in control until a sustained Utah fightback.

The Jazz had trailed by 19 points after three quarters and managed to claw back the deficit to seven points with one minute remaining before the Sixers steadied the ship for the win.

The victory means Philadelphia preserve their unbeaten home record with 10 wins and no defeats. The Sixers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, with 15 wins and six defeats.

In Atlanta, meanwhile, Golden State’s miserable start to the season continued with a 104-79 thumping by the Hawks.

Trae Young led the Atlanta rout with 24 points, while De’Andre Hunter had 18 and Damian Jones 16. AFP

THE Philippine team hopes to use its field familiarity to its advantage when it battles dangerous Malaysia today in the 0-2 goals division of polo competition in the 30th SEA Games at the Miguel Romero Field in Calatagan, Batangas.

“They have been practicing at the field longer than anybody so it will factor in their game. They know in and out of the field,” said one tournament official who is also a polo enthusiast.

The same official, however, emphasized that anything can happen in the 0-2 goals division since most of the players have almost the same handicaps.

“That’s make today’s matches more interesting,” the tournament official added.

Weather-permitting, the PHMalaysia match begins at 1 p.m., while the Brunei-Indonesia showdown is scheduled at 11 a.m.

The matches were initially scheduled yesterday but officials decided to move it today due to typhoon “Tisoy”.

Comprising the PH team are Jose Antonio Veloso, Noel Vecinal, Benjamin Eusebio, Julian Garcia, Franchesca Nicole Eusebio, Stefano Juban and Rep. Mikee Romero.

Expected to lead Malaysia is 18-year-old Keith Teh and 50-yearold Mohamad Zekri Ibrahim.

Prince Jeffri Bolkiah, 65, spearheads the Brunei squad, alongside Prince Qawi, while Indonesia will be backstopped by Billy Lumingtang and Acep Krisnandar.

Tigers rout Banderas in Lakan Cup IT’S another day at the office for King Tiger Mark Yee, who put another sterling performance offensively and defensively in leading his team to 9478 annihilation of Imus Banderas in the Vis-Min Invasion road game of the Maharlika Philippines Basketball League Lakan Cup recently at El Salvador City Gym in Misamis.

Yee scored 27 big points and grabbed 14 rebounds for his 35th double-double performance in the league to help the Tigers, owned by Dumper Party-List Rep. Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental, backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and FVP Franze Joie Arague, to remain as the best in the south division with a 19-3 record.

Billy Rey Robles and Mario Bonleon scored on their outside shots, while new recruit Jerwin Gaco and Yee manned the paint on the other end to prevent Imus to stage a potential rally from hotshots Jayjay Heltedbrand and Gerald Anderson.

“Our Tigers learned how to protect their lead and sharpen their killer instinct on the road,” Tigers’ Team manager Dinko Bautista said. “They deserve a breather during the SEA Games’ break.”

PBA Draft Combine moved to Dec. 5, 6 THE Gatorade Draft Combine has been moved to Dec. 5 and 6 due to inclement weather brought by typhoon Tisoy.

The two-day event is supposedly to take place on Wednesday at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

All 71 aspirants are expected to show up for the combine in the hopes of impressing coaches, who will be around to look for new talent On Day 1, the aspirants will be made to undergo biometrics where they will be measured individually according to height, weight and wing span.

Later in the afternoon, they will be divided into eight teams and play 5-on-5.

The second day of the event will be more tedious as players will spend the entire day playing 5-on-5.

The 2019 PBA Rookie Draft is set on Dec. 8 at Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila.

PH softball teams extend win streaks

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

A8

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

Sports

Divine Wally (left) of the Philippines trades high kicks with Vietnam’s Thi Chinh Nguyen during sanda match at the World Trade Center in Pasay. Revoli Cortez

Swimmers go for gold at SEA Games THE Philippines tries to end a 10-year dry spell when swimming competitions in the 30th Southeast Asian Games get going today, Wednesday at the New Clark City Aquatic Center in Capas, Tarlac.

The last time Filipino tankers won in the SEA Games was way back in 2009 when Miguel Molina won a pair of mints in the men’s 200 and 400-meter individual medley while Daniel Coakley and Ryan Arabejo had one each in the men’s 50-meter freestyle and men’s 1,500-meter freestyle, respectively.

Seven gold medals will be at stake in Day 1 of action, with Filipino-Americans James Deiparine and Remedy Rule among the favorites in their respective events. Heats begin at 9 a.m. with the finals set to start at 6 p.m.

Rule gets first crack as she competes in the women’s 200-meter butterfly heats at 9:35 a.m. while Deiparine, a double silver medalist in the 2017 Malaysia Games, takes to the pool at 10:10 a.m. in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke heats.

A University of Texas varsity mainstay, Rule holds the Philippine record in the 200 butterfly (2:11.38) set last July in the World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

It is faster than the gold-medal time of 2:12.03 set by Singapore’s Quah Jing Wen in the 2017 Malaysia Games.

Deiparine, who bagged two silvers in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, also holds the PH mark in the breaststroke (1:02.00), slightly off the winning time of 1:01.76 booked by Indonesia’s Nathaniel Gagagarin in the 29th edition of the games. The former California Polytechnic University swimming ace lost by a touch to the Indon in his SEA Games debut, settling for silver in 1:02.76.

Rule will also see action in the women’s 100-meter freestyle, joining twotime Olympian Jasmine Alkhaldi in the heats at 10:20 a.m.

Pinoy fighters sweep sanda combat events

By Peter Atencio

C

LEMENTE Tabugara Jr. and Jessie Aligaga, two standouts who took over spots once held in the national team by wushu legends Eduard Folayang and Rene Catalan, led Team Philippines to a sweep of all five sanda (Chinese kickboxing) events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games wushu competitions yesterday at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Additionally, Agatha Wong, a 19-year-old student from the College of St. Benilde, added another gold in the taolu-taijiquan and her effort hiked the Philippines’ haul in wushu for the day to six.

The Philippines thus took the lead in wushu with seven golds, two silvers and two bronzes, with Vietnam (3-2-7) taking second and Indonesia in third (2-5-2).

The 5’7” Tabugara came away with a 2-1 beating of Thailand’s Kittisak Suksanguan. This after advancing to the men’s 65 kg. finals on a 2-0 verdict over Myanmar’s Chit Koko.

The 36-year-old Aligaga, still smarting from a right knuckle injury the other day, prevailed over Indonesian Adi Permana, 2-0, for the men’s 48 kgs gold.

Inspired by Folayang’s cheers, Tabugara recovered from a fall in the second round, stuck to a defensive stance in the third, and after gaining enough points in with his strikes in the first.

“Isa po siyang (Folayang) inspirasyon.

Nandun po siya at nanunuod. Hindi na lang po ako sumabay sa power nung kalaban,” said the 24-year old Tabugara.

Aligaga, who has earned his second gold since 2013, also kept a defensive stand against Permana.

Francisco Solis and Arnel Mandal took the golds in the men’s 56 kgs and 52 kgs side, while Divine Wally ruled the women’s 48kgs category.

Solis prevailed over Yusuf Widiyanto of Indonesia, 2-0. Mandal blanked Laotian top seed Pratama Laksamana, 2-0, and Wally downed Thi Chinh Nguyen of Vietnam.

Wally reached the finals after she put away Laos bet Laty Xeobounthan, 2-0.

Yulo gets floor exercise gold, adds two silvers

By Tim Obligacion CARLOS Yulo fell short in his bid to sweep his three events in the men’s gymnastics competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) on a busy Tuesday evening after copping his second gold and adding two more silvers before an appreciative crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The 19-year-old Yulo tallied a 14.700 score from the judges to top the men’s floor exercise and easily put away the challenge of Thailand’s Tikumport Surintornta, who settled for the silver with 13.833.

Zur Bahrin Mat Asri of Malaysia took the bronze with 13.767.

But luck was not on Yulo’s side in the pommel horse, as his 13.233 was only good for a silver behind Malaysia’s Tan Fu Jie, who claimed the gold with a 13.967 score.

Dinh Phuong Thanh of Vietnam settled for the bronze with a 12.867

Carlos Yulo spins in the air while competing in the artistic floor exercise.

The 19-year-old topped the competition for his second SEA Games gold medal. Lino Santos

score.

Yulo later added another silver in the still rings after finishing at 13.733 behind gold winner Danh Nam of Vietnam (13.867).

Yulo had a 5.500 difficulty score and 8.233 in the execution from the judges, which was not enough to topple Dang’s scores in difficulty (5.700) and execution (8.167).

In the men’s floor exercise, Yulo, the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships gold medalist in floor exer-

cise in Stuttgart, Germany, got a 6.200 difficulty score and 8.500 execution from the judges as he made a successful follow up on his first SEA Games gold in the Artistic Gymnastics men’s individual all around event on Sunday.

The Manila native thus dethroned compatriot Reyland Capellan, who was hoping to add a third career SEA Games gold in the same event.

Capellan, who was a back-to-back gold medal winner in the same event, missed out on the bronze as his 13.433 score was only good for fifth place.

A faulty landing in one of his attempts proved costly, as he failed to catch Zur for the bronze.

Agatha victorious again in wushu

Agatha Wong displays the form which earned for her a second gold medal in Wushu during the 30th Southeast Asia Games held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Lino Santos

AGATHA Wong claimed her second gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday at World Trade Center in Pasay City when she topped the women’s taolu taijijian in the wushu competitions.

It was a satisfying bounce back victory for Wong who tallied a dominant 9.65 score to win the event where she had to settle for silver during the past competition in 2017.

Wong also won the women’s taijiquan event last Sunday. She said all the sacrifices she made and the hard work she put in has been rewarded

with the twin victories.

She added that her winning is just starting to sink in and that she was grateful for the opportunity to perform before her countrymen and even win the twin gold medals.

Vietnam’s Thi Minh Huyen Tran took home the silver submitting a score of 9.63. Brunei’s Basma Lachkar tallied 9.62 to bag the bronze medal.

Jones Llabres Inso, Johnzenth Gajo and Thornton Sayan teamed up to bring home the bronze medal in taolu duilian. They scored 9.49 to grab a podium finish. Every member of

the Philippine wushu team thus took home a medal.

Seraf Naro Siregar, Edgar Xavier Marvelo,and Harris Horatius of Indonesia took home the gold in taolu duilian with their score of 9.54 score.

Brunei’s Sain Majdurano Joel Majallah and Muhn Safiee Shayferan Roslan tallied 9.50 to bring home the silver medal.

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.

CEBUANA Lhuillier-backed RP Blu Girls’ and RP Blu Boys’ continue their winning streak at the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games last Tuesday with the RP Blu Girls overpowering their Indonesian opponents at 11-1 and the RP Blu Boys prevailing over Indonesia at 7-3.

“The boys’ and girls’ came wellprepared for the SEA Games, eager to win that gold medal again for the country but what makes this more satisfying is that they get a chance to prove their mettle in front of their countrymen,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, president of Cebuana Lhuillier and ASAPHIL. “I’m excited to see how this plays out and based from their respective performances today, the future looks bright,” he added.

The Blu Boys will be up against their Singaporean counterparts tomorrow while the Blu Girls will face their Thai foes at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

The Philippines Women’s National Softball Team is nicknamed “Blu Girls”. They are governed by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines.

The Philippines is the best teams in Southeast Asia having won the gold medal in every edition of the Southeast Asian Games which offered women’s softball.

Tabal honors fellow runner N memory of Rafael Poliquit Jr. Cebuana runner Mary Joy Tabal will dedicate her title defense to Poliquit when she goes for her third crown in the women’s marathon competitions of the 30th Southeast Asian Games this Friday.

The 30-year old Tabal said the hard work Poliquit put up to prepare for the Games before he passed away last April is among her inspirations.

“Yes. He will be part of this. We will run for Pol also. This is his dream,” said Tabal, as she prepares for action, which starts at 6 a.m. at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac this Friday.

Tabal and Poliquit earned slots to the national team for the SEA Games last December when they won the women’s and men’s crowns of the 42nd Milo Marathon national finals.

While Tabal went on to train in Japan, Poliquit passed away due to complications from subdural empyema last April.

During that time, Poliquit had been in communication with two-time marathon champion Soh Rui Yong of Singapore, and had sought his advice on how the two will compete better together But, Soh won’t be defending the men’s crown for the third time.

Singapore’s National Olympic Committee has turned down Singapore Athletics’ nomination for Soh to be part of the national delegation.

Issues concerning attitude was the reason why the SNOC won’t let Soh join.

Because of this, Soh will take part as a coach, and will handle young long distance runner Gordon Lim. For the Philippine side, Jerald Zabala, and Anthony Nerza, will be around to take the place of Poliquit. Peter Atencio

Filipino fencers get more medals FILIPINO fencers settled for a silver and bronze on day 1 of the 30th Southeast Asian Games fencing meet at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Amita Berthier of Singapore spoiled Samantha Catantan’s efforts to reach the finals with a 15-9 triumph in the semifinals of the individual women’s foil event.

Later, fellow Singaporean Maxine Wong clinched the top honors after posting a 6-0 rally in the second round, and taking a 15-10 verdict over Berthier in the finals.

Vietnamese Vu Thanh An frustrated Christian Concepcion, 15-13, in a closely-fought men’s individual sabre finals match.

Concepcion took a seat in the finals when he turned back Clive Yu of Singapore, 15-10.

Fencing includes three related combat sports. The three disciplines in modern fencing are the foil, the épée, and the saber. Winning points are made through the weapon’s contact with an opponent.

Fencing was one of the first sports to be played in the Olympics. Based on the traditional skills of swordsmanship, the modern sport arose at the end of the 19th century. Peter Atencio

IN BRIEF

DTI to review steel making technologies

THE Department of Trade and Industry agreed to study new insights on the steel-making industry after the Philippine Induction Smelting Industry Association presented its position last month.

Benjamin Co of Wan Chiong Steel Corp. said China did not ban the use of induction furnace but issues of overcapacity and regulatory concerns were among the factors why the induction furnaces were shut down.

Most of closed induction furnaces found their way to the Philippines which became a concern for local steel manufacturers. Co said the equipment from these closed IF plants in China could not be used in the Philippines because they were not compatible with the existing power infrastructure.

Philippine power lines require 60 hertz of frequency while China power lines require 50 hertz.

Induction furnace is used for melting iron, steel, copper, aluminum, and other precious metals through heating an electrically inducting object, in this case a furnace, by electromagnetic induction.

Trade undersecretary for consumer protection Ruth Castelo said the new insights about induction furnace would be studied and validated by the Trade Department.

“The department, as with all industries, is committed in studying the steel-making industry, including all technologies at hand,” she said. Othel V. Campos

Business

Bankard uses voice biometrics

RCBC Bankard Services Corp., the credit card arm of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., optimized its call center operations to improve customer experience and operating costs.

RCBC Bankard, in partnership with Verint Systems Inc., upgraded its biometrics and voice recording systems. Verint’s innovative voice biometrics solution is part of its Identity Authentication and Fraud Detection offering.

This combination provides high-level expertise and automated technology that helps reduce costs.

The upgraded voice biometrics can recognize the unique vocal characteristics of enrolled customers seconds into a live call, helping to reduce the number of security questions and average handle times.

The faster authentication can reduce contact center costs, help eliminate the need for security questions and can provide an overall improved customer experience.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

B1

ADB grants $400-m loan to reduce PH jobless rate

By Julito G. Rada

Lucio Tan appoints daughter Eton COO

ETON Properties Philippines Inc., the real estate arm of tycoon Lucio Tan, appointed Karlu Tan-Say as its new chief operating officer.

Eton said in a statement Say, whose appointment was made by Eton chairman Dr. Lucio Tan, would replace Jess Lucas.

Say, a daughter of Tan, currently serves as a director and head of human resources of Eton. Say said she planned to focus on expanding the company by increasing leasing revenue, raising the land values of Eton City in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Eton Centris in Quezon City and converting landbank assets into cash flow.

“Let us enable Eton to take a quantum leap to become the most improved and most efficient real estate developer in the country,” Say said.

“As your new COO, I humbly ask for everyone’s full support to working effectively and as a team,” she said. “It is my wish that all of us be open and willing to take on new challenges as we face the ever-changing expectations of our market.

I believe that by working together, we can truly achieve success as envisioned by my brother Bong.” Jenniffer B. Austria

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

CTPCMC’S AWARDS. C.T.P. Construction and Mining Corp. receives two platinum achievement awards from the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award Selection Committee for their surface mining operations in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. Attending the awarding ceremony during the 66th Annual National Mine Safety and Environmental Conference in Baguio City are (from left) Mines and Geosciences Bureau director Wilfredo Moncano, CTPCMC engineer Charlo Basadre, CTPCMC president and chief executive Clarence Pimentel Jr., environmental protection and enhancement officer Yones Lumba, engineer Henry Naputlag and Philippine Mining & Exploration Association president Joey Ayson.

NEDA expected to approve TPLEX extension next year

By Darwin G. Amojelar

T

HE Public Works Department expects the National Economic and Development Authority board to approve San Miguel Corp.’s proposal to extend Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway by another 59 kilometers to San Juan, La Union by the first quarter of 2020.

“I think soon ... hopefully first quarter next year,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

The agency earlier granted an original proponent status to San Miguel Holdings Inc. after it offered to build the P23.95-billion TPLEX extension to San Juan.

San Miguel’s unsolicited project in-

volves a 59.4-kilometer four-lane toll road from the exit of TPLEX in Rosario to San Juan. The Rosario section of the expressway is expected to be completed this year, while its Pozorrubio section opened in December 2017.

The extension project would be divided into three segments, with the first segment spanning 18 km from Rosario to Tubao. The second segment will stretch 23 km from Tubao to Naguilian and the last segment will run 18.4 km from Naguilian to San Juan.

San Miguel said the project aimed to promote the development of Northern Luzon and facilitate connectivity to Central Luzon and Metro Manila through a highspeed and secured access.

San Miguel-led Private Infra Dev Corp. holds the concession for TPLEX, an 88.85-km, four-lane, high-speed toll road that connects Northern Luzon to Manila. It is designed to integrate with other major toll roads such as North

Luzon Expressway and Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway.

The construction of TPLEX began in 2010 in three phases. The first was completed in April 2014, running from Tarlac City to Carmen, Pangasinan.

The second stretching from Carmen to Urdaneta was completed in December 2014. The third section from Urdaneta to Rosario, La Union is expected to be completed in 2018.

TPLEX reduced travel time from Tarlac City to Gerona from 45 minutes to 10 minutes, benefitting 8,000 vehicles per day.

It also reduced travel time from Tarlac City to Paniqui, Tarlac from one hour to 15 minutes and the travel time from Tarlac to Rosales from two hours to 30 minutes.

It cut the travel time from Tarlac to Urdaneta from two hours to 30 minutes and the trip from Tarlac to Rosario from 3.5 hours to one hour.

THE Asian Development Bank approved a $400-million policy-based loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school and unemployed young Filipinos―one of the factors impeding more inclusive growth in the country.

It said in a statement the loan would support Facilitating Youth School-toWork Transition Program, subprogram 2 which aims to improve the employability of young Filipinos through labor market programs and providing easier access to on-the-job training schemes to help them secure and retain jobs.

The program builds on ADB’s previous support to the government’s employment initiatives, particularly the Department of Labor and Employment’s design and roll-out of the Jobstart Philippines Program―a full-cycle youth employment facilitation program that has become law with adequate government funding.

“Many young Filipinos today are anxious about their career prospects in a very competitive labor market. This program will enhance public employment services to help them transition from school to work,” said Jose Antonio III, director for public management, financial sector and trade at ADB’s Southeast Asia regional department.

“ADB has a longstanding partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment in youth employment programs. We are committed to helping generate more job opportunities for young Filipinos,” he said.

While some progress has been made in reducing unemployment in the country, one in five Filipinos between the ages of 15 and 24, including a third of young Filipino women, are still not in employment, education and training, compared with the average rate of 18 percent in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The new ADB loan supports the government’s efforts to expand and transform the operations of the public employment services offices in local government units across the country into more professional processes with quality standards, broaden the coverage of the Jobstart Philippines Program and introduce skills development schemes targeting specific sectors.

Aboitiz obtains court order to prevent sale of Ilocos Sur assets

Pioneer investing P100m in coated glass production

By Othel V. Campos

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HANOI, Vietnam―Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Inc. is expanding its product line by investing P100 million in coated glass production in the Philippines.

Pioneer Float Glass president and chief executive Paul Vincent Go said Tuesday the company managed to buy new machineries to produce a wide variety of coated glass either for industrial, institutional or residential use.

“Nobody else produces coated glass in the Philippines. Those who were importing said we don’t have the capability to bring the technology here.

Now we do,” he said.

Go said the investment would bring value to an otherwise plain product, with the colors of the rainbow to choose from.

The company also aims to change the way people use glass. It said that while consumers used to have clear and tinted glasses, they now have the option to choose glass products they want for their homes and/or projects with different applications.

Go said the new product line was expected to provide more options to consumers in terms of features. He said the new product line is energy-efficient with solar-control capacity.

Pioneer’s under-utilized 550-metricton glass manufacturing facility has two integral parts, with the 250-MT portion catering to coated glass production and the other half catering to clear, flat glass.

“Right now we’ve only used not even half of our total capacity. We’re just about at the 40-percent utilization rate.

There’s still more we can do with the untapped capacity we have,” Go said.

LUZON Hydro Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., said it obtained a 20-day temporary restraining order to stop the town of Alilem in Ilocos Sur from selling at public auction the former’s real properties.

Aboitiz Power said in a disclosure to the stock exchange a regional trial court in Ilocos Sur issued the TRO. “Parties were also ordered to submit their position papers with 10 days,” the company said.

The court issued the TRO against Alilem municipal treasurer Cristina Monderin, Ilocos Sur acting provincial treasurer Jocelyn Cuyo Foz and Ilocos Sur provincial assessor Imelda Ben. LHC earlier received a notice of real property tax delinquency from the Office of the Municipal Treasurer of Alilem seeking to collect P446,029,609.46 in unpaid RPT and accrued penalties covering the period 2002 to August 2019.

The municipal treasurer then issued a notice of publication and auction sale covering the real properties of LHC, consisting of industrial machineries and buildings.

LHC, incorporated on Sept. 14, 1994, owns, operates and manages the 70-megawatt Bakun AC run-of-river hydropower plant. The plant was constructed and operated under the government’s build-operate-transfer scheme.

LHC filed the petition for prohibition and mandamus with prayer for a TRO and preliminary injunction to challenge the correctness of the amount assessed delinquency and prevent the auction of the assets covered by the warrants of levy.

LHC said that prior to its receipt of

CLEAN ENERGY. The Department of Energy, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Mitsubishi Research Institute Inc., hosts the inaugural Government-Private Forum on Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for ASEAN on Nov. 27 at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. The forum seeks to facilitate closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to help accelerate the development and utilization of cleaner energy and low carbon technologies within the ASEAN region. Leading the forum is Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (center), together with Japanese officials from METI and MRII.

AMLA amendments pushed to meet global body’s requirements THE Anti-Money Laundering Council pushed for amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 and the Human Security Act of 2007 to raise the country’s level of technical compliance with the Financial Action Task Force standards.

FATF is an intergovernmental organization established by G7 to develop policies to combat money laundering.

The Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering–Joint Group is set to review in the fourth quarter of 2020 if the Philippines moved toward implementing the Mutual Evaluation Report’s recommended actions, most of which are encapsulated within the AMLC’s proposed amendments to the AMLA and the HSA. AMLC said the failure to implement key recommended actions would result in the Philippines automatic referral to the International Co-operation Review Group or to “gray-listing.”

The FATF requires all countries to notify their financial institutions of “gray-listed” countries and to consider measures to effectively manage the risks of transactions with individuals and entities from those listed countries.

AMLC said in a statement the amendments would “address the deficiencies identified in the Mutual Evaluation report middle of this year.”

The Mutual Evaluation assesses a country’s levels of technical compliance with international anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing standards and the effectiveness of the country’s existing AML/CTF mechanisms.

Salient provisions of the AMLC’s proposed amendments to the AMLA or Republic Act No. 9160 are the inclusion, as covered persons, of real estate developers, brokers and sales agents to perform obligations of customer due

diligence, record-keeping and suspicious transaction reporting.

Other proposed amendments are the inclusion of additional predicate offenses to money laundering such as certain tax crimes and proliferation financing by managing the trade in strategic or dual-use goods, which are materials that may be utilized in manufacturing nuclear weapons.

AMLC also proposed the expansion of investigative powers of the AMLC, the inclusion of the authority to implement targeted financial sanctions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, proliferation or proliferation financing on designated persons and entities identified in the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the prohibition of the issuance of injunctive relief against AMLC actions.

Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market falls; DMCI, SM Prime up T HE stock market slipped Tuesday along with the rest of Asia as global trade uncertainty returned to the fore after the United States reimposed tariffs on Argentina and Brazil, threatened steep levies against France and warned China of new measures if ongoing talks are not successful.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 22.01 points, or 0.3 percent, to 7,855.18 on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. Gainers, however, edged losers, 90 to 88, with 53 issues unchanged.

Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, declined 3.7 percent

to P144, while Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest fast-food chain, dropped 3 percent to P192.

DMCI Holdings Inc. of the Consunji Group, however, rose 1.6 percent to P6.50, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. of the Sy Group climbed 1.2 percent to P40.50.

The rest of Asian markets slipped Tuesday. Optimism that Beijing and Washington will eventually hammer out a partial agreement as part of a wider deal has supported equities for weeks, helping Wall Street to numerous records.

But investor sentiment was dealt a blow on Monday when Donald Trump said he would reinstate steel and aluminum tariffs on the two South American countries, which he accused of manipulating their currencies and hurting US farmers.

Tokyo ended 0.6 percent lower, Hong Kong shed 0.2 percent and Sydney sank more than two percent with investors disappointed that the Australian central

bank held off cutting interest rates.

Seoul retreated 0.4 percent and Singapore was off 0.6 percent. Mumbai, Taipei and Jakarta were also down but Shanghai and Taipei both ended with small gains.

Later, officials warned they would hit France with up to 100 percent in levies on $2.4 billion in goods, saying a digital tax was discriminatory against US tech firms such as Google, Apple and Amazon.

Sparkling wine, yoghurt and Roquefort cheese could be hit as soon as next month, while US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer warned his office was also considering similar moves against Austria, Italy and Turkey.

On Tuesday, France vowed a “strong” response to any sanctions.

“Given Brazil was seen as a close friend of Trump and even they could not be exempt from tariffs, there is a notion that every country, regardless

of what they do, could have tariffs imposed, which creates a lot of uncertainty of businesses,” said Tapas Strickland at National Australia Bank.

Analysts said the moves against Brasilia and Buenos Aires citing currency movements raised the possibility the US could use a similar justification against China, which it has also accused of forex manipulation.

Adding to the sense of unease, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told Fox News that more tariffs on Chinese goods planned for December 15 would be imposed if the first phase of trade talks was not completed by then.

“If nothing happens between now and then, the president has made quite clear he’ll put the tariffs in,” he said.

Still, JP Morgan Asset Management strategist Kerry Craig said there were expectations that a “narrow deal around trade can be achieved.” With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review tueSday, deceMBer 3, 2019

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

54 86.8 159.3 0.97 25.25 18.18 12.8 4.04 1.21 805.5 67 0.82 12.7 36.8 178.8 58.7 24.4 206.2 1,808 59.15

54 88.2 159.3 0.98 25.25 18.5 13.08 4.29 1.21 805.5 68.05 0.82 12.7 37.9 178.8 58.7 25 206.2 1,808 59.15

54 86.7 155.4 0.96 25.05 18.18 12.8 4.04 1.16 805 66.5 0.82 12.7 36.8 178.8 57.5 24.4 201 1,805 59

54 87.25 158.5 0.98 25.05 18.5 13.08 4.29 1.18 805 67.2 0.82 12.7 37.6 178.8 57.5 24.7 202 1,805 59

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

34.9 2.42 13.86 0.6 1.27 3.24 2.29 15.2 188 4.93 17.82 29.8 64.6 67.3 2 5.35 8.75 15 10.3 7.2 25 75 1.44 41 1.99 13.68 7.81 1.31 197.9 5.1 3.42 8.14 18.96 12.58 17.24 321 5.23 1.4 3.9 4.5 10 10.96 33.45 5 5.43 2.06 1.9 0.95 10.5 89.95 8.8 0.115 1.06 151.9 1.13 0.93

35 2.58 13.86 0.6 1.27 3.3 2.32 15.4 188 5.1 17.82 29.8 69.8 67.3 2.07 5.35 8.75 15 10.46 7.2 25.45 75.15 1.53 41 1.99 13.94 7.81 1.39 198 5.1 3.45 8.14 18.96 12.58 17.24 324.8 5.6 1.4 4.19 4.5 10 11 33.45 5 5.46 2.07 1.99 1 10.86 90 8.84 0.115 1.06 151.9 1.13 0.96

34.2 2.42 13.5 0.56 1.27 3.12 2.26 15.14 155 4.75 17.82 29 64.5 67 1.95 5.2 8.72 14.7 10.3 7.19 24.8 75 1.35 40.1 1.94 13.5 7.75 1.31 192 5.1 3.41 8.1 18.52 12.1 16.72 321 5.22 1.33 3.9 4.41 9.5 10.94 33.3 5 5.42 2 1.9 0.93 10.5 89.35 8.69 0.115 1.06 144 1.08 0.93

INDUSTRIAL 34.2 698,500 2.49 1,488,000 13.86 231,200 0.59 407,000 1.27 7,000 3.27 1,347,000 2.28 298,000 15.4 18,500 175 7,300 5.02 233,000 17.82 500 29.7 1,200 69.8 2,850 67 160 2.07 51,000 5.2 1,200 8.72 402,300 14.7 61,300 10.3 23,300 7.2 55,100 24.8 717,400 75.05 2,030 1.51 113,648,000 40.5 8,500 1.96 1,678,000 13.94 195,900 7.8 54,100 1.39 51,000 192 621,320 5.1 3,000 3.45 16,000 8.1 1,200 18.8 2,065,500 12.48 36,000 16.8 902,900 322.4 66,490 5.59 9,600 1.33 323,000 4.1 9,000 4.42 3,310,000 10 96,400 11 135,400 33.35 72,500 5 2,001,000 5.46 20,800 2.02 2,349,000 1.99 5,000 1 179,000 10.6 45,800 90 40,590 8.75 500,100 0.115 600,000 1.06 1,000 144 1,112,000 1.12 3,118,000 0.95 245,000

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

0.76 49.2 10.94 0.72 6.71 12.36 0.91 0.93 840 3.37 7.05 6.5 13.2 0.21 905 78.1 5 5.21 0.5 4.1 11.5 4.4 0.036 1.35 3 158 1,078 1.22 213.2 0.214 0.207

0.79 50.5 11.16 0.72 6.71 12.36 0.92 0.93 840 3.45 7.05 6.64 13.3 0.21 905 79 5.45 5.21 0.51 4.1 11.7 4.42 0.038 1.37 3 162.5 1,084 1.24 219 0.214 0.207

0.75 49.2 10.94 0.72 6.71 12.22 0.9 0.93 825 3.37 6.99 6.41 13.2 0.21 894.5 77.8 5 5.21 0.485 4.04 11 4.37 0.036 1.34 3 158 1,062 1.22 212.4 0.214 0.207

HOLDING FIRMS 0.78 5,090,000 49.75 1,142,400 11.06 22,742,300 0.72 1,000 6.71 400 12.32 2,200 0.92 609,000 0.93 160,000 831.5 223,580 3.4 242,000 7 10,100 6.5 22,768,100 13.3 685,000 0.21 20,000 900 51,160 79 894,840 5.45 1,100 5.21 100 0.5 57,000 4.04 2,327,000 11 3,446,900 4.39 17,832,000 0.038 29,700,000 1.37 43,000 3 6,000 161.1 228,370 1,069 234,010 1.24 37,000 219 450 0.214 20,000 0.207 30,000

14.84 0.7 1.5 0.83 46 1.98 4.66 6.4 0.56 0.195 10.2 19.3 0.435 1.51 1.2 4.3 4.35 0.213 0.395

PROPERTY 14.9 57,300 0.74 8,000 1.52 146,000 0.84 45,000 47.25 11,096,000 1.98 208,000 4.8 356,000 6.4 200 0.57 5,238,000 0.195 50,000 10.4 39,400 19.3 82,100 0.445 70,000 1.52 12,420,000 1.21 165,000 4.3 1,000 4.35 18,564,000 0.214 2,590,000 0.42 1,030,000

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

14.84 0.73 1.55 0.83 46.75 2 4.7 6.4 0.56 0.195 10.38 19.52 0.435 1.51 1.2 4.3 4.46 0.213 0.4

14.9 0.74 1.55 0.85 47.25 2 4.8 6.4 0.57 0.195 10.4 19.6 0.445 1.55 1.21 4.3 4.46 0.219 0.42

1,000 4,765,000 1,530,590 223,000 11,800 10,500 971,300 2,000 73,000 910 2,379,730 72,000 300 775,900 50 1,270 219,700 630,130 20 40,530

54,000 416,100,398 242,204,788 216,160 296,665 191,050 12,612,326 8,330 86,330 732,575 160,048,515 59,040 3,810 29,134,360 8,940 74,063 5,427,470 127,660,622 36,115 2,391,271.50

-2,700 -44,400,681.50 66,609,153 -27,610 9,006,944 -4,151,482 0 -20,030,810 -3,576 -56,454 -5,315,390 -40,598,504 -2,277,991.50

24,115,040 3,681,490 3,195,160 232,570 8,890 4,374,970 678,470 283,586 1,237,983 1,175,050 8,910 35,125 184,001 10,723 103,220 6,255 3,510,250 903,698 240,006 396,466 17,925,990 152,278 165,021,280 344,650 3,304,600 2,692,274 421,112 68,410 120,563,153 15,300 54,670 9,760 38,784,490 442,410 15,174,796 21,446,036 51,249 435,770 35,930 14,641,200 944,017 1,482,228 2,418,455 10,005,000 113,140 4,839,270 9,590 170,990 486,372 3,649,070 4,371,043 69,000 1,060 162,203,991 3,449,480 232,550

-14,505,075 -876,040.00 223,982 1,207,530 -81,990 46,690 20,910 -5,900 -3,036,984 114,324 -1,046 -374,896 1,743,895 -17,993.50 138,490 214,650 400,600 -1,915,426 58,469 -16,579,163 -10,079,438 -53,964 -13,406,102.00 -3,568,184 -144,850 -1,616,320 -9,960 -1,427,228 1,370,635 -10,000,000 -15,224 -331,518 638,223 878,700.00 -64,818,772 1,860

3,924,320 57,029,955 251,324,232 720 2,684 27,022 557,800 148,800 185,953,645 825,150 70,816 147,926,284 9,107,288 4,200 46,046,560 70,502,937 5,950 521 28,135 9,402,920 38,910,892 78,277,940 1,118,800 58,190 18,000 36,772,283 251,668,145 45,310 95,870 4,280 6,210

-78,000 -13,240,775 -16,252,104 -148,800 70,614,435 -147,060 9,895 -70,119,393 -2,457,328 11,898,440 14,468,470 -1,208,090 -11,792,902 -13,130,370 -8,534,035 5,481,295 -12,780 -4,280 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

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

1.3 0.325 2.02 46 26 2.15 3.16 39.3 2.47 1.34 7.6 5.16

1.36 0.36 2.02 46 26.15 2.15 3.25 40.5 2.47 1.39 7.6 5.49

1.3 0.325 2.01 46 25.4 2.12 3.12 39.3 2.43 1.31 7.55 5.16

1.32 0.36 2.01 46 25.4 2.12 3.25 40.5 2.44 1.35 7.6 5.47

976,000 130,000 246,000 4,000 1,911,200 9,000 99,000 4,067,300 74,000 2,060,000 2,200,700 38,000

1,290,960 43,300 494,480 184,000 49,277,375 19,320 309,490 163,413,845 180,860 2,762,370 16,709,207 205,193

-402,000.00 -25,764,220 -17,200 82,778,025 -3,829,051 -

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

9.9 17.42 1.46 11.48 0.46 18.26 3.15 11.26 92.5 6.9 5.57 1.97 9 1,979 5.2 419 1.19 1.84 119.8 4.6 0.102 3.89 2.27 13.98 2.7 18.28 0.4 3.38 2.29 0.99 2.75 2.5 7.79 150 2.7 1,066 0.62 0.47 40.1 75 9.15 2.57 0.66 0.28 0.6 18.7

10 17.46 1.57 11.5 0.47 18.26 3.2 11.3 92.5 6.9 5.6 2.04 9 1,980 5.27 425 1.19 1.84 124.1 4.6 0.102 3.97 2.36 13.98 2.7 18.28 0.43 3.38 2.29 0.99 2.82 2.5 7.79 150 2.75 1,095 0.62 0.48 40.1 76 9.15 2.57 0.67 0.29 0.6 19

9.86 17.32 1.46 11.42 0.46 18 3.04 11.18 91.2 6.9 5.48 1.97 8.98 1,931 5.15 419 1.12 1.84 119.8 4.6 0.102 3.86 2.27 13.98 2.69 17.9 0.4 3.38 2.2 0.99 2.75 2.5 7.79 150 2.69 1,066 0.62 0.465 39.6 74.45 9.15 2.43 0.66 0.28 0.6 18.52

SERVICES 9.86 17.42 1.53 11.5 0.47 18.26 3.2 11.26 91.8 6.9 5.55 2.04 8.98 1,980 5.15 425 1.13 1.84 122.8 4.6 0.102 3.88 2.36 13.98 2.69 18 0.41 3.38 2.2 0.99 2.8 2.5 7.79 150 2.7 1,085 0.62 0.475 39.7 74.95 9.15 2.47 0.66 0.285 0.6 19

1,900 244,900 7,000 3,607,800 2,250,000 293,700 1,943,000 692,500 30,390 300 713,900 6,000 2,200 38,385 185,500 80 396,000 2,000 1,676,430 13,000 190,000 1,267,000 5,000 5,000 53,000 545,500 3,050,000 17,000 2,474,000 4,000 698,000 6,000 4,200 7,680 192,000 30,215 1,000,000 5,760,000 463,900 192,940 400 3,699,000 1,052,000 2,510,000 841,000 4,192,800

18,850 4,270,562 10,580 41,422,724 1,036,600 5,362,628 6,018,940 7,795,420 2,787,811.50 2,070 3,933,932 11,890 19,786 75,432,160 959,805 33,670 453,850 3,680 205,705,535 59,800 19,380 4,938,890 11,480 69,900 143,050 9,820,830 1,232,250 57,460 5,469,310 3,960 1,946,110 15,000 32,718 1,152,000 518,590 32,665,485 620,000 2,717,550 18,451,730 14,470,233 3,660 9,114,300 695,620 705,550 504,600 78,726,966

2,311,228 23,250 5,357,150.00 -85,620 -1,987,736 -551,656.50 -52,440 -9,850 -31,883,605 -18,110,778 42,400 56,700 -2,110,780 -20,280 -2,785,670 -136,970 -15,000 1,132,500 -32,390 -1,885,150 -267,840 100,100 -7,752,675 2,133,858 217,160 39,985,860

AC ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A MANILA MINING A MANILA MINING B MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

8.67 1.05 2.38 10.5 1.02 2.52 0.275 7.6 1.48 0.203 0.1 0.0083 0.0086 0.95 2.92 1.04 0.81 0.011 0.013 0.01 3.17 10.52 21.3 0.0056

9.11 1.07 2.38 11.2 1.13 2.57 0.29 7.6 1.58 0.213 0.1 0.0083 0.0086 0.98 3.06 1.07 0.81 0.012 0.013 0.01 3.38 10.52 21.6 0.0056

8.66 1.05 2.38 10 1 2.52 0.27 7.23 1.48 0.201 0.098 0.0083 0.0086 0.94 2.9 1.04 0.81 0.011 0.013 0.01 3.17 10.3 21 0.0054

MINING & OIL 9.08 184,500 205,000 1.06 2.38 5,000 10.46 44,400 1.12 46,000 2.57 1,039,000 0.29 310,000 7.45 5,300 1.49 52,414,000 0.211 290,000 0.098 600,000 0.0083 10,000,000 0.0086 5,000,000 0.98 109,000 2.99 11,187,000 1.05 33,000 0.81 1,000 0.012 14,000,000 0.013 600,000 0.01 200,000 3.2 217,000 10.38 451,300 21 2,804,800 0.0054 10,000,000

1,645,175 217,190 11,900 447,880 47,060 2,656,730 84,550 39,297 81,405,940 59,980 58,900 83,000 43,000 103,020 33,562,700 34,850 810 161,000 7,800 2,000 693,520 4,710,694 59,177,235 55,800

-280,197 -156,110 -7,803,580 42,750 -22,702,580 -195,080 -47,250 -9,041,980 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2R FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

17 504 502 112 471 5.04 99 1.01 101 1,030 100.5 109 1,025 1.36 999 78.15 77.4 75.3 75.2

17 504 504 113 472 5.04 99.5 1.01 101 1,030 100.5 109 1,029 1.36 999 78.15 77.4 75.3 75.5

16.68 502 502 110 471 5.02 97.5 1.01 101 1,028 100.5 109 1,025 1.36 999 77.7 77.4 75.3 75.2

PREFERRED 16.7 56,700 502 100 504 210 113 42,200 472 650 5.02 47,500 97.5 16,180 1.01 70,000 101 6,650 1,028 50 100.5 500 109 1,000 1,026 240 1.36 2,000 999 4,050 78 22,900 77.4 130 75.3 4,000 75.5 1,010

947,322 50,300 105,440 4,717,574 306,598 239,260 1,609,145 70,700 671,650 51,420 50,250 109,000 246,170 2,720 4,045,950 1,784,639 10,062 301,200 76,252

-947,322 -55,240 9,420 -204,120 -10,062 -

XURPAS ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH

0.87 4 11.06

0.89 4.08 11.5

0.86 4 11.04

SME 0.87 4.05 11.48

645,760 587,810 3,737,824

-87,000 151,700 -42,550

FIRST METRO ETF

117.8

118

117.3

MS 850,416 5,760 221,740 37,630 519,885,745 413,630 1,702,600 1,280 2,970,750 9,750 408,332 1,596,808 30,800 18,873,500 199,580 4,300 81,854,920 558,190 407,800

-378,442 138,691,250 -132,990 9,480 68,410 154,458 -8,186,240 -17,877,750 -8,400

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

15,422,377

INDUSTRIAL

140,405,117

HOLDING FIRMS

108,774,429

PROPERTY

64,006,013

SERVICES

40,969,318

MINING & OIL

110,008,827

GRAND TOTAL

480,808,348

743,000 146,000 327,200

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.5 3,860

453,644

-

VALUE 1,880.14 (up) 2.09 1,316,975,918.71 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 9,675.60 (down) 169.40 798,913,228.448 HOLDING FIRMS 7,748.08 (down) 31.99 1,301,890,038.46 PROPERTY 4,152.64 (up) 20.26 1,544.00 (up) 2.09 866,566,354.69 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,779.26 (down) 16.48 588,754,186.29 PSEI 7,855.18 (down) 22.01 185,326,136.8834 All Shares Index 4,681.20 (down) 5.48 5,063,859,986.98 Gainers: 90; Losers: 88; Unchanged: 53; Total: 231

PSE eyes approval of at least six IPOs in 2020

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Philippine Stock Exchange plans to approve at least six initial public offerings in 2020.

PSE president and chief executive Ramon Monzon said in an interview local market should be more attractive to companies planning to list in the exchange given the sound macro-economic environment.

Monzon noted that the current low interest rate environment was luring companies to go to the debt market, such as bonds, for their capital raising activities instead of tapping the equities market.

“A lot of money right now is in fixed income market. If you look at the listing history PDEX ( Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp.), this is one of the best years. So all of the capital-raising activities were focused on debt because of because of lower interest rates,” Monzon said.

Monzon said was looking forward to the approval of the proposed rules on Real Estate Investment Trust offering and Securities Borrowing Lending to boost liquidity in the stock market by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SBL refers to the lending of stocks from an investor’s portfolio to a borrower who needed the stocks for settlement obligations to support trading strategies.

It involves the physical transfer of shares to the borrower while the lender still retains certain rights accruing to the shares of stocks lent.

The REIT offering, meanwhile, allows real estate companies to sell through an IPO shares of real-estate trusts that hold assets, like shopping malls and office buildings. Since these assets generate a steady stream of income, they will pay regular dividends to shareholders.

Several property firms, including Ayala Land Inc., DoubleDragon Properties Corp., Robinsons Land Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. are awaiting the final rules of REIT to come out before finalizing their REITs offerings.

Only four companies conducted IPOs in 2019, namely Kepwealth Property Philippines Inc., Axelum Resources Corp., AllHome Corp. and Fruitas Holdings Inc.

ABS-CBN, GMA both claim higher television ratings

By Darwin G. Amojelar ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc. both claimed higher television ratings in the month of November.

Kantar Media said ABS-CBN earned a TV audience share of 42 percent in November against GMA’s 30 percent.

In Metro Manila, ABS-CBN recorded a 40-percent of the audience share against GMA’s 26 percent and 34 percent in Mega Manila versus GMA’s 31 percent.

It led in Total Luzon with 38 percent over GMA’s 32 percent, in Total Visayas with 52 percent versus GMA’s 23 percent and in Total Mindanao with 47 percent over GMA’s 28 percent.

ABS-CBN also drew in more viewers across all time blocks, winning with 44 percent versus GMA’s 30 percent during primetime; 38 percent versus GMA’s 25 percent in the morning; 40 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent at noon time; and 43 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, GMA Network sustained its lead in the TV ratings game in Urban Luzon and Mega Manila, according to the latest data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

GMA in November posted an average of 33.3 percent total day people audience share in Urban Luzon, outscoring ABS-CBN’s 29.6 percent.

The viewer-rich area accounts for 72 percent of all urban TV viewers in the country.

GMA continued to win in the afternoon block with 35.6-percent people audience share while ABS-CBN registered 28.4 percent.

GMA similarly led in the evening block with 35.3 percent versus ABSCBN’s 31.9 percent.

Likewise in Mega Manila, GMA recorded 33.9 percent average total day people audience share compared with ABS-CBN, which only managed to get 27 percent.

B3

World

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

The blind stumble on Delhi streets NEW DELHI―Tapping his white cane, Vinod Kumar Sharma spends four hours a day running the gauntlet of crowded trains and New Delhi’s congested, potholed and often pavement-less roads.

Sharma is one of an estimated 63 million visually impaired people in India, according to the World Health Organization. Of those, some eight million are completely blind―around 20 percent of the global total.

Many Delhi roads lack pavements, forcing the 44-year-old father-of-three to walk on the roadside, probing his white cane in front as cars and trucks tear past just inches away.

On trains, where passengers are packed like sardines in the megacity of 20 million people, he is dependent on fellow commuters helping him to navigate platforms and squeeze in and out of carriages.

Sharma told AFP that people always help him to get on and off trains.

“The people are good. But there are broken roads and open sewage holes which are always a risk,” he added.

Sharma, like many other blind Indians, also battles a dire lack of opportunities in education and employment for disabled people.

Many are forced to beg or turn to charity to make ends meet.

Poverty and poor access to health care in rural areas also contributes to the high prevalence of vision impairment in the South Asian nation, experts say.

Sharma―from one of India’s poorest states, Bihar―lost his sight as a teenager while working in the fields of his village.

He moved to the Indian capital to try and get treatment but when doctors were unable to help him, he stayed on.

Sharma trained at a school for the blind and landed a job in a factory, making children’s braille toys, for more than two decades before it shut down last year.

He started to retrain as a massage therapist in January, resolutely making the long commute to classes at the Blind Relief Association in Delhi.

“I have picked up massage as I have become older and there aren’t many other avenues for me,” he said.

Swapna Merlin from the Blind Relief Association said many of its trainees are from rural regions and have been brought up to believe that they could not exist outside their families’ care.

“Once they come out and know they can do different things, that itself is a big exposure to them... Every story of success is an inspiration for many others.”

The International Day of People with Disabilities is on Tuesday. AFP

Arrested for making 24,000 complaints

POP-ART EXHIBITION. Actress Ariel Winter attends the VIP opening night for the Dumpling & Associates pop-up art exhibition at ROW DTLA on December 02, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Mainlanders now wary of Hong Kong protests H ONG KONG―For the mainlanders in Hong Kong, the city’s protests pose a complicated challenge, with even some who backed the demonstrations now wary of a movement that has become vocally and sometimes even violently anti-China.

Christine Wang moved to Hong Kong from the mainland seven years ago, and sympathized with the initial demands of protesters opposed to legislation allowing extraditions to China.

“I did not support the bill. But the bill was one issue, and what happened later, including the damaging acts that emerged, are another issue,” the 33-year-old told AFP. Like other mainlanders who spoke to AFP, Wang asked to use a pseudonym, fearing reprisals in an increasingly febrile atmosphere where those perceived to back the government or Beijing have been the target of verbal and physical abuse.

She works part-time as both a university research assistant and in insurance sales. Business has plunged up to 80 percent in recent months, she says, with demonstrations paralyzing commerce in parts of the city.

But Wang says it is less the financial impact of the protests than violence and intimidation by protesters that have her questioning the movement.

Crowds of pro-democracy activists have beaten ideological opponents and smashed up shops accused of backing the government and Beijing.

In November, a firebrand pro-Beijing

politician was stabbed by a man pretending to be a supporter. He survived.

The violence has not been one-sided.

Protesters have also come under attack, accusing police of turning a blind eye when supporters of the government and Beijing have assaulted demonstrators and politicians.

“I still support their rights to express themselves and protest,” Wang said.

“But I hope some normal life can be restored soon and they can stop hurting people and damaging shops.”

More than one million mainland Chinese have moved to Hong Kong since British rule ended in 1997, but there are no public figures on the numbers currently in the city.

And the community’s views on the political unrest are hard to gauge, with no accurate surveys on the opinions of people sometimes known as “Hong Kong drifters”.

A survey of 268 mainland students in the city’s Chinese University in September, conducted by fellow students, found 35 percent backed the protests and an equal number opposed them.

Earlier this month, scores of mainland students left Hong Kong after multiple campuses became battlegrounds between police and protesters.

Wang says she doesn’t feel physically threatened but worries about the use by both sides of epithets like “loser” and “brainwashed”, and a hardening of the divide between “Hong Konger” and “Chinese” identities.

“It feels like one side is wielding extreme nationalism and the other nativism or populism, and I worry about both.”

Alice Zhang, 28, has studied and worked in Hong Kong for six years and said the protests took her by surprise.

“I never thought a city could be that united and everyone could fight that hard for something that’s not just about personal interests,” she said.

She blames the increasing violence and vitriol on misinformation from both sides.

“Most of the protesters in Hong Kong are not anti-China, instead they are opposing the policies and plans laid out for Hong Kong by China’s ruling party.”

A landslide victory by pro-democracy candidates in recent district council elections showed the need for the government to address protester grievances, she added.

“The disturbances in the past few months are largely due to the ignorance and repetition of empty talk by the chief executive and her government.”

While some mainlanders head to Hong Kong for its comparative freedoms, others are drawn for purely economic reasons, and for them the protests hold less appeal. AFP

TOKYO―A Japanese pensioner has been arrested after ringing a phone company 24,000 times to complain they had violated his contract, police and local media reported.

Tokyo police said they took 71-yearold Akitoshi Okamoto into custody last week after he made hundreds of toll-free calls over eight days to the customer service section of major telephone operator KDDI. But this could be the tip of the iceberg, with media outlets reporting that he made thousands more calls from public pay phones to voice his displeasure with the company and insult customer service staff.

“He demanded that KDDI staff come to him to apologize for violating his contract. He also repeatedly hung up his calls immediately after placing them,” a police spokesman said.

He has been arrested on suspicion of “fraudulent obstruction of business”, the spokesman added.

Japan is seeing an increasing number of social problems caused by the nation’s rapidly aging population.

Old drivers frequently cause fatal car accidents and railway operators have reported a spike in passenger violence against their staff from elderly customers. AFP

Tourists found alive in Outback

SYDNEY―A man and woman have been rescued after surviving two weeks in Australia’s arid outback on little more than vodka, groundwater and biscuits, but a third person is still missing, police said Tuesday.

The three friends set out to explore the country’s vast sun-baked interior near Alice Springs on November 19 when their car became bogged down in a river bed.

After three days staying put and waiting for a rescue, the group feared supplies were dwindling and two of them decided to walk along a property fence line in the hope of finding help.

Police said Tuesday that a local rancher had found the man, 40-yearold Phu Tran, “slightly disorientated” but in a “good condition” a two-day walk from the vehicle.

His discovery came after Tamra McBeath-Riley, 52, was found on Sunday less than two kilometers from the same vehicle suffering from dehydration.

McBeath-Riley told public broadcaster ABC that the trio― accompanied by their blue Staffordshire terrier Raya―had survived by drinking pre-mixed vodka drinks and water from a hole dug for cattle, eating biscuits and sheltering in a hole dug under her car.

But the third person, 46-year-old Claire Hockridge, has not been seen since splitting from Phu two days ago.

“She was still fine when he left but we obviously are now focusing our search to identify where she is,” police superintendent Pauline Vicary said.

Police were “hopeful that she’s still in that condition,” Vicary added, as her colleagues resumed an aerial search.

McBeath-Riley and Hockridge live in Alice Springs, while Phu was visiting from elsewhere in Australia.

AFP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RIGHTS

Manila

Standard

TODAY

I, Susan Huang, Samia B. Mala, and Riza E. Wang, acknowledge that Trade Marks shown below are well known trademarks of LOUIS VUITTON MALLETIER registered in the Philippines for, inter alia, bags, cases, pouches, wallets, shoes and clothing and that no one may use these trademarks without the permission of LOUIS VUITTON. EXERCISE. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, enters a building as Kuwaiti and British soldiers outside take part in the Exercise Desert Warrior at Sheikh Salem al-Ali al-Sabah Camp, about 40 kilometres north of Kuwait City, on December 3, 2019. AFP

Trump campaign bans Bloomberg News

WASHINGTON―President Donald Trump’s campaign said Monday it was banning journalists from Bloomberg News from its electoral events, claiming “bias” by the media group owned by presidential rival Michael Bloomberg.

Brad Parscale, the Trump 2020 campaign manager, said the decision was made after Bloomberg News announced it would not investigate the company boss or his Democrat competitors.

“As President Trump’s campaign, we are accustomed to unfair reporting practices, but most news organizations don’t announce their biases so publicly,” Parscale said in a statement.

The Trump campaign will no longer cre-

dential representatives of Bloomberg News for rallies or other campaign events, and will decide “whether to engage with individual reporters or answer inquiries from Bloomberg News on a case-by-case basis,” Parscale added.

Bloomberg News editor-in-chief John Micklethwait said in response: “The accusation of bias couldn’t be further from the truth.

We have covered Donald Trump fairly and in an unbiased way since he became a candidate in 2015 and will continue to do so despite the restrictions imposed by the Trump campaign.”

Trump took to Twitter to blast “Mini Mike” Bloomberg for the news organization’s coverage decision. AFP

LGUs

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

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

CHRISTMAS FLASH MOB. Young performers invite and pull people in to join the singing and dancing during a Christmas ‘flash mob’ at SM City East Ortigas in Pasig

City on Sunday. Norman Cruz

P194-m bridge in N. Vizcaya completed

By Brenda Jocson QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya—Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the P194.8-million Maddiangat Bridge here is now open to the public.

He said the construction of the new, more durable Maddiangat Bridge will provide faster and safer travel along Bambang-Quezon-Kasibu-Solano towns circumferential road.

“The project will enhance accessibility and eventually strengthen economic linkage and reduce travel time and travel cost for the continuous movement of agricultural products and people,” Villar said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways Region 2 office said the 240 lineal meter bridge, whose construction started in January 2018, is an eight span bridge with 600 meters total approaches on both ends.

Loreta Malaluan, DPWH Region 2 director and officer in charge, said the bridge development used bored pile technology and also includes a concrete slope protection, embankment and grouted riprap.

She said the Maddiangat Bridge will serve as a vital link of Solano town to barangays in the upland Vizcaya municipalities of Quezon and Kasibu and will facilite a shorter travel time for motorists and economic development in the area.

“Travel time between municipalities will significantly be reduced from 30 minutes boat ride to two minutes travel time after completion of the project and will benefit an average of 60,000 residents and motorists,” Malaluan said.

“Usually during heavy downpour, flashflood occurs in the area, which causes the travelling public to use small makeshift boats risking lives in danger,” she said.

This structure is also expected to help improve traffic flow and will decongest traffic along Bambang, Kasibu, Quezon and Solano towns, Malauan added.

Mindanaoans receive aid from BDO volunteers IN RESPONSE to a series of strong earthquakes that jolted Mindanao for at least two consecutive weeks, BDO and BDO Network Bank branches joined non-governmental organizations and the military, immediately mounted relief operations for thousands of affected families.

As part of the disaster response efforts organized by BDO Foundation, volunteers visited evacuation sites and schools in 90 barangays to distribute 21,900 relief packs containing food, rice and water to Mindanaoans affected by the quakes.

The simultaneous relief operations provided much needed aid to residents of Kidapawan City and the municipalities of M’lang, Magpet, Makilala and Tulunan in Cotabato.

Aid reached as far as the mountains of Cotabato, where volunteers gave relief goods to the indigenous peoples of the province.

Relief goods were also handed out to beneficiaries in Digos City and Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur. The distribution of relief packs was made possible under the leadership of BDO Davao and Southern Mindanao region head Beth Estrada and the heads of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches in Cotabato and Davao.

BDO employees continued to conduct relief operations even as they themselves were affected by the earthquakes.

The relief work was backed by BDO Foundation’s partner non-governmental organizations, including the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and Ako Ang Saklay, which helped the foundation reach remote areas in Cotabato.

A Catholic organization that undertakes outreach and medical missions in underserved communities, Ako Ang Saklay provided psychosocial support for the earthquake survivors.

Garbage to energize Tarlac, CL

By Jess Malabanan

C

APAS, Tarlac—The largest sanitary landfill in Central Luzon—a 70-hectare garbage deposit of Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. situated at Barangay Kalangitan here— will soon energize its surrounding communities, including the New Clark City, using German technology in a waste-to-energy process.

“Works are on progress and it would be operational in two years,” said German engineer Holger Holst, founder of the MCWMC, during a press conference shortly after a familiarization tour with selected newsmen from different provinces in the region.

The technology that will convert waste into energy is the first in the country, as the fumes that will be extracted from the garbage pile “is a good source of renewable energy,” Holst added.

The Metro Clark dumping site accomodates 3,000 tons of garbage per day

ing from a world leader in responsible waste management, said Colayco.

“Unlike any other landfill sites, the garbage being brought to MCWMC are properly treated and disposed with the guarantee of environment safety and protection,” said Holst.

Colayco said garbage is a product of economic prosperity. As the countrys’ economy has improved, the more garbage is produced.

“Where will all these be dumped? By using garbage as fuel to produce energy, we would reduce by 70 percent the volume of garbage that’s needed to be disposed at MCWMC,” he explained.

Oca eases Caloocan kidnap fears

By Jun David

CALOOCAN Mayor Oscar Malapitan yesterday assured the public of their safety from a suspected kidnapping group even as he ordered the police to implement strict measures to ensure their safety.

Malapitan said he had coordinated with Caloocan Police Sr. Supt. Noel Flores about reported similar incidents, but the police official claimed there were no reported disappearances of persons in all the police precincts in the city.

This came as posts on social media surfaced days ago that still-unidenti-

FIELD OF DREAMS. Deputy Speaker and 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero sits beside the sign at the world-class Miguel Romero Polo Field in Calatagan, Batangas, named after his late son and one of two venues for the polo event in the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games. The lawmaker said it was his dream to play polo with his son, who passed away on Dec. 14, 2017 at age 22, but settled for dedicating the 30-hectare estate as ‘the only way I can show my love to him.’

Lino Santos

STL collectors, families to receive Christmas gifts SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya—Five deserving underprivileged Small Town Lottery collectors and their families here will receive gift packs from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Central Office on Dec. 11, the lotto operator here revealed.

Kings 810 Gaming Corp., an accredited agent corporation of PCSO, said the STL collectors will receive their “Handog Pasasalamat sa Pamilyang Pilipino” gift packs worth P10,000, one 50-kilo sack of rice, and P2,000 in cash right after the Mega Lotto Draw with live telecast on PTV 4.

Kings 810 sponsored the gifts to the recipient families and their transportation to Manila and back, the firm announced.

They hailed from the different towns of Nueva Vizcaya— Bayombong, Dupax del Sur, Kayapa, Kasibu and Solano.

“The gifts are wholeheartedly sponsored by the company to be given to the recipients. PCSO had ordered all active ACCs to bring in five indigent families to PCSO Central Office to be recipients of the Handog Pasasalamat sa Pamilyang

from different municipalities in Central Luzon, including the Clark and Subic freeports, said Rufo Colayco, president and CEO of MCWMC. “We are currently servicing almost all LGUs in Region 3, and we plan to expand to other areas including Bulacan, Metro Manila and in northern Luzon,” Colayco pointed out.

MCWMC occupies 100 hectares of upland property in Capas, with 70 hectares dedicated as a dumping ground and the rest for recycling facilities and buffer for further improvement.

The landfill applies a cutting-edge technology and advanced engineer-

Pilipino Program but we insisted that the recipients should be from our employees because there are many who were indigents too,” the company said in a statement.

The ACCs were the ones who initiated this program to PCSO, Kings 810 added, as it recommend their employees and their families “because the company wants to recognize and honor their loyalty, pay them tribute and compensate the diligence and hard work of our collectors as they precipitate their functions in all kinds of weather.”

“These collectors made the company strong and through their efforts the continuous patronage of our fellow Novo Vizcayanos were channeled to the company through our front liners, and those were our collectors. With these, indeed we are very grateful,” the company added.

The PCSO through its Small Town Lottery started its gift giving activity last Oct. 5 and will continue until Dec. 31 this year.

fied suspects roamed some places in Metro Manila, including Caloocan, on board white or gray-colored cars and kidnapped persons.

But the Philippine National Police had already given interviews with the media dispelling the reports, saying this is “plain fake news.”

Flores said police have conducted patrol operations and regular checkpoints across the entire Caloocan, espcially around schools and places students are frequenting.

Malapitan likewise advised the public to be alert and report to the police if they notice suspicious groups or individual in their community.

Butuan health center upgraded WITH the recent turnover of its 160th Wellness Center to Butuan Medical Center, SM Foundation, together with SM City Butuan, ensured that residents of Butuan and its neighboring provinces will now have access to comfortable medical facilities without compromising the quality of the services.

Pediatrician Dr. Caridad Berdeos Plete, who has been with BMC for 13 years, said she is looking forward to more comfortable consultations with her patients in the air-conditioned rooms of the renovated wards with comfortable beds and ample moving spaces for the watchers.

Before the renovation, BMC patients’

illnesses sometimes get worsened due to the cramp and poor ventilation of the old ward.

OIC chief nurse, Paul Ritchie Pelos, who has been with the hospital since 2014 kid that the hotel-like ambiance of the renovated wards might encourage patients and watchers to overstay but he pressed that they will make sure to discharge the patients as soon as they are healed so others can use the upgraded medical facilities.

Moreover, noting that the children and elderly are the most vulnerable to virulent diseases, SM Foundation ensured that their new wards are shielded from the main ward of BMC via thick doors.

Oliver John Tiu (left), SM Group vice president for operations in Mindanao, and SM Foundation’s Connie Angeles turn over a symbolic ‘160’ sign to Butuan Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada (right) for the wellness center the mall giant just renovated for the city.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

From day to night

J

OSIE Natori has always been about combining two perspectives, two concepts—East meets West, loungewear for outdoors. After all, she said, “I have always believed there are no boundaries.”

The concept of her heritage brand Natori began in 1977 with an embroidered blouse that became a night shirt. Now it has evolved into a label featuring pieces to be worn outside.

“It was obvious to me that it was only a matter of time that the lifestyle concept of Natori would evolve into a full ready-to-wear collection,” said the Philippine-born American designer.

She added, “It’s through our own manufacturing that we have been able to expand Natori into a ready-to-wear collection of its own.”

wedge-shaped dresses. The collection features luxuriously comfortable fabrics such as matte jersey, bi-stretch, and silky soft crepe.

The designer takes pride in the level of thoughtfulness and value that comes along with every piece. The fabrications intend to take the Natori woman from day to night, supporting her in all aspects of her lifestyle.

“Natori is a total concept, a way of life. I just happened to start at the back door with lingerie. Now as the company grows, we grow our sensibility too, taking our concept and making it a whole world,” enthused Natori.

Natori’s latest RTW collection for the fall/winter 2019 season focuses on effortless separates in elegant hues that evoke East-West sensibility—as in reds and blacks and gold—and with the label’s heritage prints and floral patchwork and eclectic style.

Made for women on the go, the pieces can be mixed and matched for an “innovative dressing experience that can go from day to night, office wear to weekend wear, and everything in between.” Natori is available at Rustan’s Key pieces include Natori’s signature Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, and kimono sleeve toppers, caftan tops, and Rustan’s Cebu.

Empress Mandarin Pajama Set in black purple

Decadence Notch Pajama Set in champagne

Opulent Nightgown in black and gold

Garden Tapestry Crinkle Satin Blouse in berry

Solid Ponte Topper in black

SPOTTED Heart Evangelista in Loewe As the first Filipino fashion influencer to attend the Loewe fashion show, Heart Evangelista graced its spring/summer 2020 presentation wearing the brand’s fall/ winter 2019 stone cable sweater in white and shearling coat in dark brown.

She also brought with her the new Lazo Mini bag in yellow to the venue at Maison de l’UNESCO in Paris, France. She was seen seated in the front row beside other international influencers such as Yoyo Cao of Singapore and Irene Kim of Korea, among others.

A peek into modern Japanese style

Loewe is available at Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing.

Yosuke Kobayashi, founder of Vital Material, graces the three-day ‘Parallel Culture Tokyo’ trade show in BGC.

THE recently concluded three-day popup trade show organized by the Japan Fashion Week Organization featured homegrown Japanese brands that embody modernity and simplicity.

Held at The Curve in Bonifacio Global City, “Parallel Culture Tokyo” showcased pieces and creations from Name., Vital Material, and Flower Mountain in a bid to expand their reach here in the country and eventually Asia.

Established in 2010, Name. is the brainchild of designer Noriyuki Shimizu. The clothing brand creates a unique identity to everyday garments through the repetition of deconstructing and reconstructing, thus, analyzing its original form, its transition, and its progression. The brand is available in more than 30 stores in Japan.

The bounties of nature are on focus in Vital Material’s products, from body care to scented home care. It is carried by over 40 stores in Japan, Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe.

Inspired by creative ideas, and the cycles of nature according to the rhythms

Heart Evangelista struts in Loewe fall/winter 2019 pieces.

Kendall Jenner carries La Voyageuse

Name is a clothing brand that creates a unique identity on everyday garments, while Flower Mountain (inset) offers footwear inspired by the cycles of nature.

of the natural world, Flower Mountain is a footwear brand that seeks harmony with nature. Founded by Keisuke Ota from Tokyo and Yang Chao from Beijing in 2014, it is currently available in more than 70 stores in Japan, Asia, North America, and Europe.

“What sets ‘Parallel Culture Tokyo’

apart is its aim to introduce SMEs that have distinct and unique point-of-views and are dedicated to growing their brands globally in the Philippine market,” said JFWO director Kaoru Imajo.

JFWO announced that Name., Vital Material, and Flower Mountain will soon be distributed directly in the Philippines.

Model and media personality Kendall Jenner was recently spotted in Los Angeles carrying a small La Voyageuse Longchamp tote.

Her white tank top, black leggings, and black/white sneakers ensemble was a monochromatic dream punctuated by the black bag.

Longchamp is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, and Greenbelt 5.

Kendall Jenner carries her essentials in a small La Voyageuse tote.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

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Life

Asians prefer beauty products with skin-caring ingredients

HE latest report from the Beauty Panel division of data and consulting firm Kantar reveals that Asians look for natural ingredients that help them achieve good skin health.

“Asian people believe health is almost twice as important to their happiness as having more money,” says Ashley Kang, head of Beauty Sector at Kantar Worldpanel division.

Kang continues, “They see what they put on their skin as a health supplement— and this has changed the products and benefits they desire. They are extremely knowledgeable too, so brands must be transparent in their communications. The wellness trend is also encouraging certain emerging formats to thrive.”

Derma-care is becoming mainstream

The report reveals that new sophisticated formats in skin care and makeup that provide derma-care properties are rising in popularity. Derma brands have reached almost 45 percent penetration in Korea, a massive growth from just over 25 percent in 2017. Their second highest reach is Taiwan at 40 percent, an increase from 37.6 percent in 2017.

Derma products contain sophisticated ingredients that deliver a high level of efficacy in treating specific skin issues such as eczema, but are increasingly used to solve more general problems such as sensitive skin. De- NATURAL BEAUTY. Beauty products made with skin-caring ingredients, as well as makeup items that help achieve the ‘effortless’ natural look are soaring in popularity in Asia. velopments in retail and distribution are helping increase the footprint of While it appears “effortless,” the nat- already emerged between the skin care However, most are still not buying Speaking of men-only products, these products outside drugstores. ural look require significant work. The and makeup segments, such as toner products that are created specifically shoppers in Asia have been found prespecific makeup products that help peo- cream that instantly brightens the skin. for men. Products targeted at men con- ferring products tailored for them, beAll rage for ‘natural’ look ple achieve the right translucent effect tribute 10 percent of the total value lieving they will be more effective.

The most sought after look in Asia include liquid foundation, BB creams, Men-only skin care on the rise sales for beauty in the region, but this Computer-aided diagnosis enables right now is a natural glow. Being well- and primer/concealer—all of which are The number of men using skin care segment is growing slower than unisex brands to assess an individual’s skin hydrated is a prerequisite for this look, soaring in popularity. products is also growing steadily across skin care brands. and formulate a product that provides which has helped drive sales of serums Kantar predicts that makeup that Asia, particularly in China, South Ko“There is a substantial growth op- the benefits specific to that individthat promise intense hydration. Penetra- provides skin care or medicinal ben- rea, and Thailand. They are buying in portunity here for brands that can shift ual. Makeup with customized colors, tion of serums is highest in Korea at 61 efits will be a key growth area in the more categories as they add more steps from unisex products to men-only vari- textures, and finishes is also growing percent, rising from 58 percent in 2017. future. Various crossover products have to their beauty regime. ants,” says Kang. in popularity.

Richard Gomez on self-care

Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc. launches Life by Kojie.san as it announces it expansion outside the beauty category.

Brand encourages women to ‘command beauty’

“DEFINE your own version of beauty.”

That is the message of the new campaign of bestselling skin lightening brand Kojie.san.

The campaign “Command Beauty” encourages women to stop allowing others to set the standards of beauty for them, and to look the way they want, to feel the way they want, to have confidence in themselves regardless of social pressure.

“Beauty isn’t just stripping down to the natural, it’s also going a little extra. It isn’t just being subtle, it’s also going all out and loud. Loving all kinds of beauty means loving all kinds of beauty no matter how bold it gets,” says Kojie.san senior brand

manager Jann Kelcey Chua.

Despite being popular for its kojic soap, the brand, by local company Beauty Elements Ventures, Inc. (BEVi), says it doesn’t believe in lightening one’s skin just for beauty’s sake, but doing it because a woman wants to; because it makes her happier and it boosts her confidence.

“We urge women to take control of their beauty decisions with ‘Command Beauty.’ Let no one shame them for these decisions. We want them to tell their stories to inspire others to be loud and proud,” adds Chua.

In line with its campaign, BEVi has announced the expansion of its operations outside the beauty category.

RICHARD Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez are often called “goals.”

Richard has spoken at length about how his wife for 21 years continuously inspires him in different aspects of his life.

More recently, the actor and public servant has opened up about how Lucy has encouraged him to take better care of himself in various ways.

“Whether it’s staying fit or finding time for my hobbies, she’s always been very supportive,” he shared. “And lately, she’s really been pushing me to take better care of myself, even my skin. And she’s right! I’m not getting any younger, and I think it’s important to make sure I look as good as I feel.”

Though not many men are open about self-care, and skin care particularly, the 53-year-old loving husband is completely unabashed by the attention he gives to the habit.

“I used to not care,” he admitted.

“I’d just splash my face with water, or occasionally go to derma appointments set up by Lucy. But I want to be more proactive about it now.”

One of the treatments he’s recently undergone is Ultherapy, a non-invasive skin lifting procedure that kick-starts the body’s natural collagen production. He took a cue from Lucy after she had the treatment done and enjoyed it.

Having Ultherapy done together also gave the couple precious extra time together, which they try to sneak into their busy schedules. “It’s so important to us that we make the most of the time we have together,” said Richard.

Aware that some people might think it’s vain to take care of skin, he said, “You’re investing in yourself and making sure you’re pushing yourself to be better so you can take better care of the people you love. I hope more men give it a try!”

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez enjoy taking care of their wellbeing for themselves and for each other.

iPhoto

Liza Soberano joins IAM Worldwide BEVi officials encourage women to have the freedom to define beauty in their own terms.

MOVIE and television actress Liza Soberano (second from newest brand, the Amazing Acai Berry juice drink, left) joins the growing family of IAM Worldwide Corp. as twice a day. its new juice drink endorser.

With her are IAM Worldwide Corp. co-founders Aika Soberano, 21, shares she drinks the company’s Lorraine Uy, Joanna Mañego, and Allen Marvin Eder.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

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Miss Bikini Philippines 2019 crowned GMA Network shines at 2019 Platinum Stallion Media Awards

F

IL-BELGIAN Louise Theunis was named Miss Bikini Philippines 2019 besting 17 other candidates at the Grand Coronation Night held the AFP Theater, Quezon City, Thursday night.

Roberta Angela Tamondong, a 17-year-old 5-foot-9 11th Grader of San Beda University and reigning Bb. Quezon City 2019, finished as first runner-up, while KimVelasco, a 22-year-old 5-foot-5 commercial model from Lucena City, was second runnerup.

Theunis, a 21-year-old 5-foot-5 Magna cum Laude BS Pharmacy graduate at Cebu Doctors’ University and 2018 Pharmacist Licensure Examination topnotcher, won a cash prize of P300,000.00. A semi-finalist at Miss World Philippines 2019, Theunis grew up in Zamboanga City but moved to Cebu to take her Pharmacy course. She also won the Hiyas Nan Carrascal 2019, a local pageant in Surigao del Sur. Miss Bikini Philippines, formerly presented by Slimmers World International, was revived this year under ProMedia production headed by CEO Paul Izon Reyes and Lahaina Mondoñedo, National Director and Head of Operations.

Miss Earth 2018 Nguyen Phuong Khanh, the Brand Ambassador of Miss Bikini Philippines, sat among the panel of judges. ***

Born to Be Wild wins as the Best Educational Program. Receiving the award were hosts Doc Nielsen Donato and Doc Ferds Recio.

KAPUSO programs and personalities were once again given honors for their efforts in educating the public through media and allied arts at the 2019 Platinum Stallion Media Awards by the Trinity University of Asia held last Nov. 20.

For the third year in a row, GMA Regional TV triumphed as the Best Regional TV Network.

Winning just like the previous year as well were flagship newscast 24 Oras and top-rating program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, which both earned the Best News Program and Best Magazine Program awards, respectively.

Earning another back-to-back win was pioneering public affairs program I-Witness which was hailed as Best Documentary Show once again. Meanwhile, public service show Alisto and pioneer environmental program Born to Be Wild were likewise named as Best Public Affairs Program and as the Best Educational Program, respectively.

Taking home once more the Best Noontime Show award is the longestrunning noontime show Eat Bulaga.

Meanwhile, multi-awarded gag show Bubble Gang was recognized as Best Gag Show anew.

GMA News pillars Jessica Soho, Mel Tiangco, and Arnold Clavio still remain as the choice of Trinitians. Soho was honored as this year’s Best Female

Miss Bikini Philippines 2019 winners

‘Matanglawin’ wins honor for PH at video festival in Cambodia

Miss U Singapore 2019 trained in the PH Miss Universe Singapore 2019 Mohanaprahba Selvam adds to the growing list of Miss Universe delegates who trained under expertise of international beauty queenmaker Jonas Antonio Gaffud.

The half-Indian Selvam, a 24-year-old Bachelors in Science (Biomedical Science) graduate stayed in the country for several days to improve on her ‘pasarela’ catwalk skills, posing and self confidence guided by Gaffud who serves as creative consultant of Miss Universe Singapore brand.

Selvam will also wear a national costume designed by the awardwinning Filipino designer Manuel Cinco, inspired by the national flower of Singapore, Vander Miss Joaquim. “ I like to thank Jonas and his team for everything. I really

News Anchor for GMA News TV newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho. Tiangco, on the other hand was recognized as the Most Trusted Female Broadcast Journalist while Clavio was named as Most Trusted Male Broadcast Journalist.

Meanwhile, Atom Araullo was named as this year’s Best Male News Anchor.

The Stand for Truth host has been regularly pinch-hitting for 24 Oras.

The Trinity University of Asia also recognized GMA’s inspirational epic drama series Sahaya as this year’s Culturally Relevant TV Series.

For the radio category, GMA’s Super Radyo DZBB 594 was hailed as the Best AM Radio Station while its Dobol A sa Dobol B was named as the Best Radio Commentary Program.

Radio personalities Melo del Prado and Susan Enriquez, on the other hand, were honored as Best Male AM Broadcast Journalist (Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo DZBB) and Best Female AM Broadcast Journalist (Kay Susan Tayo sa Super Radyo DZBB), respectively.

Rounding off the list of Kapuso winners were award-winning actress Glaiza de Castro who was hailed as the Best Film Actress for her role as Commander Liway in the indie film Liway and Queen of Creative Collaborations Heart Evangelista who in turn was named as the Female Social Media Influencer.

Miss Universe Singapore 2019 Mohanaprahba Selvam

listened to them and I learned so much. Things that I will take with me everywhere,” Selvam said before she took her flight to Atlanta, Georgia, the same flight taken by Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados early Tuesday morning.

“The one kind/good thing that I have done this year is to show more gratitude to our pioneer generation. Over the years, I have realised the sacrifice they have

ABS-CBN’s multi-awarded educational program Matanglawin brought honor to the country after winning at the 3rd Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children (SEAVFC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Representing the Philippines, Matanglawin bested entries from Singapore (Little Achievers) and Thailand (A Melody) in the Professional Non-Fiction 8 to 12 years old category of the SEAVFC, a collaboration of ten countries in Southeast Asia to promote, celebrate, and honor the highest quality in youth and children’s television.

Matanglawin’s winning entry “United in Love” featured children who at a young age display selflessness in caring for animals, the environment,

and other kids.

A total of 74 entries from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam competed in ten categories this year in the SEAVFC. It aims to foster an appreciation of the different cultures in Southeast Asia, and promote good family traditions that will lead to mutual respect, harmony, and understanding throughout the region.

Apart from the win of Matanglawin, the Philippines also took home four other awards in the 2019 SEAVFC. Matanglawin airs every Sunday, 9:45 a.m. on ABS-CBN. Follow @ MatanglawinTV on Facebook and Twitter. Watch online on iwant. ph or skyondemand.com.ph.

endured to make ends meet for their family and the hard work that they put in to become the role model that they are now,” Selvam posted on Instagram.

Selvam aims to become only the third Singaporean delegate to enter as semifinalist in the Miss Universe history after Kathy Lee Lee Beng’s Top 12 in 1983 and Marion Nicole Teo’s Top 10 in 1987 when Singapore hosted the pageant.

SNAPSHOT ABS-CBN Integrated Corporate Communications head Kane Errol Choa (leftmost) receives the award for Matanglawin at the 3rd SEAVFC in Cambodia.

Moira sings for Carousell’s Reboxing Campaign MULTI-AWARDED singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre recently held a private jamming session at Lampara in Poblacion, Makati where she sang her hit songs.

She sang a duet of “Tagpuan” with her lucky fan, Jamie Manalang, who received Moira’s custom-made guitar which the singer and her husband Jason used to compose worship songs during one of the lowest points of her life.

The intimate show is part of the

Gazini...

From C4

launch of Carousell Philippines’ new tagline, “Everyone Wins,” which shows how winning can be as simple as both buyers and sellers getting a great deal, or as meaningful as finding new connections and realizing ambitions. All proceeds of the show were donated to Moira’s chosen charity, Silungan ng Pag-Asa, a temporary

shelter for cancer-afflicted children; while all earnings from selling her pre-loved items on Carousell were donated to the earthquake victims in Mindanao. In photo (from left) Carousell Philippines country marketing manager Marita Galvez, Carousell Reboxing winner Jamie Manalang, and Moira Dela Torre.

Fahsai Paweensuda Drouin, Miss Thailand Miss Thailand Fahsai Paweensuda Drouin and Gazini go back to when the former joined Miss Earth in 2017, and the latter rooted for her to win Miss Universe Thailand. “I’m so happy she’s going to be one of my sisters in this competition,” she says. “I’m pretty sure she will rock the universe.” Gazini compliments Drouin’s fierceness, elegance, natural looks, and her charity work.

Julia Horta, Miss Brazil Gazini is excited to meet Julia Horta of Brazil because of her smiling and approachable demeanor. “I want to be her friend if she’s always smiling and bubbly,” she says. She also praises Horta for being into muay thai, which she also does, sports, as well as her fashion sense.

Gabriela Tafur, Miss Colombia Colombia’s Gabriela Tafur struck a chord immediately with Gazini the

moment she saw her on Instagram. “The first thing that I noticed when I checked out her Instagram was her abs when she was on the beach,” she says, and shares that Tafur’s similarities to a friend is what personally makes her interesting.

On a related note, Gazini is also in awe of Colombia for the beautiful ladies the country always sends to international competitions.

Find out more about Gazini’s top Miss Universe candidates and click this link to watch the full video: Binibining Pilipinas (Official Page).

Like Gazini did, you too can check out and follow her fellow Miss Universe candidates online, which is now a better experience with PLDT Home Fibr’s Speedboost, to find out the caliber of women she’ll be up against, and also leave good luck messages on her online page as she competes at the Miss Universe pageant on Dec. 9.

Find out how you can enjoy PLDT Home Fibr’s Speedboost and get 2x the speeds of your current subscription by visiting www.pldt.com.ph/speedboost.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2019

DAREN D tonight at the Music Museum FILIPINO Chinese Daren Dyhengco is dipping his toes in local music scene.

The Vancouver-based singer and actor is bannering a concert at the Music Museum tonight. Titled Daren D. Live in Concert, the solo show is his first major performance in the Philippines after being discovered in a charity show held in the same venue back in January this year.

Born in San Juan City, Daren studied at Xavier School and continued his education at the Burnett School in Canada when his family migrated to the North American country when he was 16.

“That’s why I’m good at Tagalog,” the 26-year-old beamed during an interview with Manila Standard.

It was at Burnett where Daren became more interested in singing. He had played several roles in musicals and plays, which helped him hone his skills.

“After high school, I auditioned in a North American competition. It’s in 2011 and it was called iPop. I became one of the representatives from Vancouver and we competed in LA. I placed third. Since then tuloy tuloy na,” the singer, who graduated from Capilano University’s Musical Theater Program in North Vancouver, said.

Daren, who lists Sam Smith, Shawn Mendez, Ed Sheehan, Jonas Brothers, and Maroon 5 as the music artists he listens to, admitted that he’s not from a musical family but it was his grandmother

PAUL SORIANO

embraces transcendental style of filmmaking in

who kind of influenced him to become a singer.

“My grandmother wanted to be a singer when she was young but she wasn’t able to realize that dream, and my mom exposed me to musicals. I think that’s how I started my passion for music,” he shared.

While releasing a single is in the pipeline, Daren plans to kick off his career in music by staging live performances first. And for his show, the audience can expect a lot of “90s hits to today’s top hits, and there will be some dancing, too.”

Daren D. Live in Concert is produced

by M.A.C.V. Enterprises, Inc. (owned and managed by Roselle Nava’s aunt Josylin Nava Pacheco).

According to Soriano, the power of 'Mañanita' lies on the silence of the central character.

‘Mañanita’ T THE 32nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), where his film Mañanita became the only Filipino feature that was in the running for major awards in the main competition section, director Paul Soriano shared a statement with international audiences about his style as a director.

Sharing a ‘CompliMentos’

‘Frozen 2’ breaks box office records DISNEY blockbuster Frozen 2 held top spot at the North American box office over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, taking in an estimated $85.2 million, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations said Sunday.

The animation adventure movie follows beloved characters from 2013 hit Frozen as they travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest in search of the origin of the magical ice powers of Queen Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel).

Frozen 2, which came out just in time for the winter holidays, secured $123.7 million over the five-day holiday period from Wednesday to Sunday.

It was a Thanksgiving record, beating The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in 2013, according to Variety.

Frozen 2 had pulled in a three-day total of $130.2 million the previous weekend when it was a new release—the thirdbest start for an animated film behind fellow Disney titles Incredibles 2 (2018)

and Finding Dory (2016).

Knives Out, a murder mystery from Lionsgate starring Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Chris Evans, made a surprise $27 million for the Friday-toSunday period, and has been immediately hailed as a triumph for its original content at multiplexes.

Ford v. Ferrari slipped to third place with $13.2 million. The Fox film is based on the true story of how a team at Ford built a car to challenge Ferrari’s longtime dominance of France’s classic 24-hour Le Mans race.

Sony release A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a drama about a journalist’s relationship with beloved television star Fred Rogers (played by Tom Hanks), took fourth place with $11.8 million.

New Universal release Queen and Slim, a romantic drama starring Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith, also performed above expectations to earn fifth spot with $11.7 million. AFP

Director and producer Paul Soriano considers 'Mañanita' as a very personal film.

A

“I’ve been a filmmaker for 13 years, and this is my style. I’m finding my voice, and it’s somewhere along these lines,” Soriano said referring to transcendental or slow cinema.

Mañanita takes inspiration on the transcendental style of filmmaking as it explores the story of its sole central character.

Produced and directed by Soriano and written by Lav Diaz, Mañanita stars Bela Padilla who plays the role of a dismissed military officer.

The title was inspired by Oplan Mañanita, an anti-illegal drugs campaign in Davao de Norte, but the movie itself is not about the controversial operation.

“The true to life events of the Mañanita cops really sparked the idea. But the film is not about them,” Soriano said during a press conference held in Quezon City in November.

Mañanita is centered on Edilberta (Padilla) who embarks on a journey to her hometown in search of the man who killed her parents. In the process, she ponders on the state of the world and the possibility of forgiveness after all the turmoil she has encountered.

Mañanita is another Philippine cinematic gem by award-winning director Paul Soriano whose film credits include A Journey Home (2009), Thelma (2011), Kid Kulafu(2015), Dukot (2016), Siargao (2017), and most recently First Love (2019). Soriano also produced Lav Diaz’ epic A Lullaby To The Sorrowful Mystery in 2016 and Hannah Espia’s Transit (2013) which was the Philippines’ official entry to the Best Foreign Film category of the 2014 Academy Awards.

This collaboration of Soriano, Padilla, and Diaz in Mañanita is one of the carefully selected entries in the main competition of the 2019 Tokyo International Film Festival as the film embodies the central thematic of the festival which is “The World At A Glance.”

Mañanita is opening today in major theaters. ***

Vancouverbased Fil-Chinese singer and actor Daren Dyhengco is holding a solo show tonight at the Music Museum

Paul Soriano on the set with Mañanita star Bela Padilla Anna, Olaf, Elsa, actor Josh Gad, and guests attend the world premiere of Disney's 'Frozen 2' at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Filipinos are generally shy and not very outspoken. We usually think twice about giving a compliment, as we might sound too forward. We are even more timid when it comes to receiving a compliment. We become too modest or self-critical, because we don’t want to appear smug or overconfident.

Mentos, the Philippines’ number 1 selling candy in leading supermarkets and convenience stores today, hopes to help change that with their limited-edition Mentos CompliMentos rolls. Mentos is like a universal “friend request”, a conversation starter, a candy that helps you connect with people. In a bid to further spread positivity, Mentos introduces a new packaging for Mint and Fruit Chewy Dragees. The new packaging features 16 different compliments, such as “You fill

“A compliment is verbal sunshine,” wrote American comedy writer Robert Orben.

Paulo Avelino and Gabbi Garcia

me with excite-mint!”, “You sweeten up my life”, and “Your smile is refreshing”, among others.

With the help of Mentos CompliMentos, you get the chance to make a fresh connection by paying someone a sincere compliment.

Mentos wanted to bring that Global campaign closer to home by working with celebrities Paulo Avelino and Gabbi Garcia on a social experiment video. The two were seen separately on a small screen posing as static ads at a mall. They would try to get the attention of passersby in the mall and interact with them by paying them compliments. The social experiment culminates with Paulo and Gabbi revealing that they are actually at the mall, and start sharing Mentos CompliMentos rolls to the crowd and more live compliments from everyone around.

“What I learned was that people were shy and embarrassed at first but they were thrilled to receive compliments and nice comments. They sort of lost their shyness,” said Paulo.

“The compliments served as ways to connect with them. What I saw was how they were not just flattered but touched by the compliments,” said Gabbi.

“Mentos is all about making Fresh Connections and with Mentos CompliMentos, our latest limitededition roll, we wanted to be the enabler or catalyst for these moments through the tangible manifestation of our brand positioning. Compliments don’t need to be made up of big words. They can be something as simple as ‘you have a nice smile’ or ‘you are kind.’ Mentos came up with this campaign to help people make connections, meet new friends and learn how to accept compliments graciously,” saidDenise Opulencia, Mentos Brand Manager.

Gazini Ganados shares her Miss Universe top 5 MISS Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados is now in Atlanta, Georgia in the US for this year’s prestigious Miss Universe competition. While the pageant is the muchawaited opportunity every year for a number of the world’s top ladies to show what they’ve got, for the candidates themselves, it’s also a chance to make new friends.

Gazini took the time to share the five Miss Universe candidates she loves to bond with after following their videos and social media content online. The lucky ladies are: Frederika Cull, Miss Indonesia Miss Indonesia Frederika Cull has a special place in Gazini’s heart after the former immediately congratulated her when she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines, but she wants to get to know her better after finding her online. “I looked at her Instagram and I saw how beautiful and sophisticated this lady is,” said Gazini. She also compliments the work Cull puts into working out and getting her body competition-ready, as well as the fact that she’s also a dog lover.

Zozibini Tunzi, Miss South Africa Gazini admits she chose Zozibini Tunzi as one of the people she’d like to meet because of their similar names. “The moment she won, all the pageant fans went crazy and started tagging me in her photos,” she shares. “I like her name—it’s so sassy, but so smooth at the same time.” She also admires Tunzi for her advocacies in women’s rights and equality, as well as her work in fashion. Continued C3 Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados