Manila Standard - 2019 September 24 - Tuesday

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2 dead, 1 hurt in Hotel Sogo collapse TWO construction workers died and another was injured after a Hotel Sogo branch that was being demolished in Malate, Manila collapsed prematurely on Monday morning.

The dead were identified as Jerome Fabello and Melo Ison, whose brother Edson was also injured in the collapse and was rushed Next page

TRAPPED IN THE RUBBLE.

Rescuers pull out the bodies of two demolition crew trapped in the rubble after the demolition of a former Hotel Sogo building along Mabini Street in Ermita, Manila on Monday, resulting in a major collapse. Ey Acasio

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 222 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

House seeks budget revision

By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE House of Representatives will seek changes to the 2020 national government budget that it passed Friday to finance the right-of-way claims that the government must pay for its infrastructure projects.

The changes will mean the realignment of some P10 billon, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Monday.

At the same time, Cayetano said the House leadership is not keen on pursuing Charter change but is focused on passing several revenue measures to spur economic growth.

“It is not in our priority,” Cayetano said of Charter change. “But we are not stopping the committee on constitutional amendments from having its own hearing.”

Majority Leader and Leyte Rep.

Martin Romualdez, for his part, renewed the House’s commitment to pass the budget measure that is compliant with the Constitution.

He said Congress is eyeing to pass the 2020 money measure by December to spur economic growth.

“GDP (gross domestic product) will grow, and I think all the budget and revenue reforms will even help us get a credit upgrade, which will now bring our interest [rates] down and provide for us billions of savings,” Romualdez said.

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Battered husbands bill eyed

By Vito Barcelo

A BILL that will recognize husbands who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault will be filed by Congressman Juan Fidel Nograles in Congress, due to rising reports of men experiencing partner violence every year.

The proposed “battered husbands” bill will hold women equally accountable for their actions against their male partners, Next page

ISSUES, ISSUES.

House Committee on Justice vice chairman and Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles comments on the GCTA, Divorce Bill and Kaliwa Dam project in Monday’s Kapihan sa Manila Hotel.

Ey Acasio

BUDGET QUESTIONS. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez fields questions Monday from newsmen covering the House of Representatives where he stressed that after passing the National Budget for 2020 ahead of time they would give the Senate and the Executive ample time to pass this. Ver Noveno

‘Surrendered’ Canned goods makers set price hike inmates first to go—BuCor

By Othel V. Campos

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Bureau of Corrections will start releasing prisoners who heeded President Rodrigo Duterte’s call to surrender but whose releases were not related to the erroneous application of the Good Conduct Time Allowance, Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said Monday.

Perete said the release of surrendered inmates “will be made even before the completion of the cleaned-up list.”

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2 more PMA hazing victims in hospital, AFP says

Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio The two hazing victims whose identiBy Francisco Tuyay, died from his violent initiation. ties were not made available complained MJ Blancaflor, Rey E. Requejo The two victims are in stable condi- of abdominal pain when diagnosed by and Macon Ramos-Araneta tion in an undisclosed military hospi- doctors upon arrival at the hospital.

“Both cadets are recovering and are TWO more separate incidents of hazing tal, said acting Civil Relations Service responding to medications and said to occurred inside the Philippine Military chief, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.

“Both incidents sadly are suspected to be in stable condition,” Arevalo said.

Academy in Baguio City last week, one of which took place on the same day be maltreatment cases,” Arevalo said.

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Reward money missing—solon

By Maricel V. Cruz

AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin said on Monday he might initiate a congressional probe into the reported disappearance of P33 million in the reward money offered to speed up the solution of Batocabe killing.

He was referring to the killing of Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, 52, and his security escort, SPO2

Orlando Diaz, shot dead by unidentified assailants in an attack that happened in December 2018.

At the moment, Garbin said he was still waiting for the police to account for the P33 million that Malacañang and the House of Representatives released as reward money for the arrest of the suspects in the Batocabe killing.

“We are still waiting for the PNP to Turn to A3

GOT reigns, Fleabag surprises at Emmys LOS ANGELES—”Game of Thrones” took the top Emmy for best drama Sunday but dark British comedy “Fleabag” was the surprise big winner of television’s glitziest night, dominating the comedy prizes at a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles.

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Several pigs in a village in Antipolo City tested positive MANUFACTURERS of canned meat for African Swine Fever, Agriand sardines are poised to increase the culture Secretary William Dar price of their goods within the next few announced Monday. The village, weeks on the premise of increasing cost which Dar refused to name, has of production. been placed under quarantine.

But Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez advised manufacturers to hold on to “We are in the process of trimming their current pricing as his department was yet to update the list of goods sub- down the list to the normal number of Next page jected to the “suggested retail price.”

State of calamity in Parañaque The state of calamity was declared after the City Health Office issued a THE City of Parañaque has been placed memo dated Sept. 18 confirming that under state of calamity due to a dengue the city “is now in an epidemic status” outbreak, Mayor Edwin Olivarez an- with three deaths, and the number of Next page nounced Monday.

By Joel E. Zurbano

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

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Palace shuns aid from 18 nations

By MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered all government agencies to reject loans and grants from 18 countries that supported an inquiry into the government’s war on drugs, Malacañang confirmed Monday.

Panelo said Duterte came up with the directive because the government was insulted by the Iceland-led resolution calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council to compile a comprehensive report on the government’s anti-drug war that has reportedly killed more than 6,000 suspected drug pushers and users since 2016.

Government officials defended the memorandum from opposition lawmakers who earlier called it “ill-advised,” “anti-poor,” and “irrational.”

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said all proposed engagements with the 18 countries are technical assistance

grants and will not significantly affect the government’s infrastructure program.

“The rates offered by said countries, if ever, are certainly no better than the rates already offered by multilateral development financial institutions, as well as bilateral development partners,” Dominguez said.

The 18 countries which favored the Iceland-led resolution are Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Spain, Ukraine, and Uruguay.

Some signatories are members of the

The memo signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will not affect ongoing projects, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said, but cover only loans and grants still being negotiated.

The issuance of the memorandum dated Aug. 27 was first reported on Friday but the Palace swiftly denied it.

Panelo said he had asked Duterte about it at the time, and said the President “might have forgotten [it] momentarily.”

“What is important is that the memo exists and it is maintained,” he said Monday.

The ban on loans, aid, grants from these countries will remain until Duterte’s term expires in 2022, Panelo said.

Canned goods...

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Chinese CG blocks PH ship on supply mission

SRP goods. Remember that we expanded the list in 2018 when inflation levels spiked,” he said.

The Trade department is trying to bring down to at least 140 the number of stock-keeping units from the expanded list of 250 skus, now that the inflation rate is down to 1.7 percent.

The requests to increase the prices of canned goods, Lopez said, came before the issue on African Swine Fever swept the nation.

In Bacolod City, at least 27 kilos of pork asado and siopao from Luzon that arrived at the Bacolod-Silay Airport were seized and disposed of by personnel of the Negros Occidental Provincial African Swine Fever Task Force over the weekend.

Negros Occidental, the country’s number one backyard swine producer, has banned for 90 days, starting Sept.

11, the entry of pork and its by-products from Luzon, which has reported positive cases of ASF. Meanwhile, an animal welfare organization on Monday urged the government to adopt the best humane practices in culling hogs affected by the African swine fever.

Mark Dia, World Animal Protection global farming director, said pigs within the one-kilometer radius of an area tested positive for ASF must be “well-handed and effectively stunned to ensure they are humanely killed.”

The “cruel” treatment of pigs is abhorrent and completely unacceptable, Dia said. “There is no excuse for cruelty on farms or during slaughter.”

He reacted to the initiatives of the national and local governments to cull hogs using barbiturates in lethal injection.

Lopez said his department recognized the plea for price hikes but only if backed with the necessary data that would support the manufacturer’s petition.

“The companies were asking for 2 to 5-percent increase in retail prices.

This is a very minimal increase which we may be inclined to allow. However, we will not approve petitions for over 10-percent hike,” he said.

“These pork products from Luzon were intercepted by our inspectors assigned at the airport,” said Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, cochairman of the Provincial Task Force on ASF, on Sunday.

In Bacolod, task force personnel, including livestock inspectors of the Provincial Veterinary Office and employees of the Bureau of Animal Industry, along with airport staff, immediately burned the confiscated products, he said.

Decena said the 34 packs of pork asado siopao, which were shipped via cargo, were part of the 175 kilograms of various products sent to a food cart operator in the province.

The temporary ban on pork products from Luzon is one of the measures ordered by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson to protect the P6-billion swine industry of Negros Occidental. With Rio Araja and PNA

2Frommore PMA...

A1 “The physicians of the hospital are on a 24-hour duty monitoring and ensuring that the patients are well attended.”

Outgoing AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said the alleged perpetrators in the latest hazing incidents are under tight guard as the investigation proceeds.

On Sept. 17, Dormitorio, 20, was found unconscious at 4 a.m. in his barracks. He was taken to Fort del Pilar Hospital but was pronounced dead an hour later.

Criminal cases were scheduled to be filed in Baguio City Monday against three suspects, two them detained at the PMA stockade, while the other is at the holding center under tight watch. All

14,000 POGO workers lack work permit

By Vito Barcelo AT LEAST 14,000 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations have no working permits as required by the Philippine government and considered as illegal workers, the Labor department said Monday.

Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Tutay said that, for the first semester of the year, 51,000 Alien Employment Permits were issued to POGO workers but, based on an inspection of 177 POGO service providers, 171 of which are based in Metro Manila, 8,000 foreign workers were working without AEPs while 6,000 did not comply with the Bureau of Immigration.

Tutay made his statement even as Rep. Ace Barbers urged a crackdown on what he branded as fake POGOs operating with the approval of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Barbers, chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said the 46 did not have business permits to operate in the Philippines and in their countries of origin.

“The alleged ‘kolorum’ POGOs operating in the country may undermine the local anti-money laundering and anti-drug and criminality campaigns,” Barbers said in reference to reports reaching his office that 46 out of the 58 POGOs licensed by the Pagcor were unregistered local or foreign corporations.

The Labor department has submitted the list of all non-compliant foreign workers to the Bureau of Immigration for proper legal action.

To intensify the inspection of POGOs, Tutay also said a special team composed of DOLE, BI and BIR personnel will be formed to inspect all establishments in the country that employ foreign workers.

DOLE NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol said they were addressing the influx of AEP applications through additional equipment and manpower.

They are also set to establish an online system for the easier tracking of AEP applications. With Maricel V. Cruz

Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing.

He said the Palace will let Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. respond on the matter, as it is under his jurisdiction.

The DND reported that since January, CCG ships have been in close proximity to Ayungin Shoal, around 20 nautical miles from Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, one of the features occupied by China in the Kalayaan Island Group that was transformed into military outposts.

Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna said China regularly deploys at least one coast guard vessel near the shoal to monitor activities, including the arrival of Filipino fishing boats and the resupply mission for the troops stationed in Sierra Madre.

The government has filed several diplomatic protests this year over the presence of Chinese vessels within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“Notably, China regularly deploys at least one CCG vessel perceived to be monitoring the activities thereat, including the arrival of Filipino fishing boats as well as the Rotation and Reprovision mission of the [Philippine Navy],” the report read.

A total of 322 Chinese militia vessels with different bow numbers were monitored in the first semester of 2019, the report read.

The DND also noted the “emerging trend” of Chinese warships in the SuluCelebes Sea area.

to four years while reducing the sixyear term of senators to four.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said he would scrutinize the proposed 2020 budget following reports of P54 billion in pork insertions, with each congressman getting P700 million and each deputy speaker getting P1.5 billion.

Lacson told reporters his office received this information from some members of the House of Representatives.

“We have to look into it and validate it,” he said, while acknowledging he has not seen the House-approved version of the budget.

Lacson said allocations for each district should be needs-based because some districts need more than others.

“Why will you make equal distribution on infrastructure which is P70 million and P30 million in soft projects.

This seems wrong,” he said.

At the budget hearing for the Department of Public Works and Highways, Lacson questioned the agency’s officials led by Secretary Mark Villar, asking them why the bulk of its budget is lodged at the DPWH Central Office.

Villar said this would be much easier for the implementing agencies to download the needed funds for its projects, but Lacson said the government could realize huge savings if the budget would be distributed to regional offices.

Also on Monday, Magsasaka Party-list Rep. Argel Cabatbat sought the restoration of the 2020 proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture amounting to P333.2 billion, saying the cuts imposed by the Department of Budget and Management would hurt the agricultural sector, particularly farmers.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers, meanwhile, kicked off a two-week campaign for a substantial pay hike for public school teachers.

“The House of Representatives have made itself a stamp pad of the Duterte administration by passing in haste the 2020 budget after a sham deliberation. It is therefore demanded of us to intensify our actions in order to register our unyielding call for substantial pay hike,” declared ACT NCR Union Vladimer Quetua.

deaths within the community,” Olivarez said.

The mayor said communities are encouraged to do the cleanup daily to destroy possible breeding sites such as laundry tanks, uncovered tanks and cisterns, drums and barrels, discarded buckets and other containers.

Parañaque is ranked fourth among the cities in the National Capital Region with the highest number of dengue cases and second with the highest “attack rate.”

The Department of Health last month declared a national dengue epidemic due to rapid spikes in cases across different regions. The country has recorded 622 deaths and 146,000 cases from the start of the year until July 20.

Dengue is preventable and can be controlled if detected early. Signs and symptoms include severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.

Also on Monday, Save the Children Philippines called on communities to support the government’s immunization campaign for babies and children amid the reemergence of polio disease after 19 years.

The DOH on Thursday declared a polio outbreak, three days after a polio virus case was confirmed in a threeyear-old girl from Lanao Del Sur. A second polio virus case was confirmed in a 5-year-old boy in Laguna.

Nineteen other workers on the site, according to a list provided by Barangay 701 where the hotel was located, were secure, Domagoso added.

The mayor’s chief of staff, Cesar to the Philippine General Hospital.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Doma- Chavez, said the building caved in at goso, who rushed to the site along with around 9:30 a.m., as one of the floors police and fire officials, announced the could not bear the weight of the debris from the demolition. casualties on Monday afternoon.

Workers and residents in nearby buildings in the area were surprised, and some scrambled for cover.

Melo Ison’s body was retrieved first from the rubble, while Fabello’s was extracted beneath cement beams at around 4 p.m.

Rescuers used crane trucks to move the debris, but were careful to keep the structure from falling further. Vito Barcelo

Nograles said during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum on Monday.

“I will study your suggestion because according to the law, women and children are marginalized and powerless sectors and the most common victims of domestic violence than male,” he said.

The young congressman from the 2nd district of Rizal province expressed concern if the bill would pass congress since majority of the members of the House of Representatives would consider the political issue that may affect the support of women and LBGT during elections.

However, Nograles believes his male colleagues in Congress would support the proposed bill to protect battered husbands, “because many of them were also victims of domestic violence but kept mum,” which drew laughter from the audience.

“I think there are between 30 to 50 women members of the 18th congress,” Nograles, who is also a human rights lawyer, said.

Nograles also thinks that a bill for abused men would have to fight an uphill battle to be taken seriously.

A similar idea cropped up in 2013 when Senator Tito Sotto and former Senator Gregorio Honasan, now secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, both entertained a question whether they will file a bill for maltreated husbands to sympathize with their beleaguered “bros” since they are both “under the saya” (henpecked husbands).

are believed to have direct responsibility over Dormitorio’s death.

Reports said six other senior cadets face administrative proceedings, four face discharge from the academy and two others face suspension.

Officials at the academy that molds future military leaders condemned the incidents of hazing.

“The AFP, the PMA in particular are both enraged by these incidents and thus reiterate their strong and unequivocal positions condemning maltreatment. These institutions pursue the incessant drive and commitment to eliminate maltreatment from the military,” Arevalo said.

He said hazing has no place in a modern, professional and mature Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“Violators are exception in the academy rather than the rule and the erring

identifying the upperclassmen as persons of interest or suspects and investigating the incident with its coordination with government authorities, we at the same time lament that there is a failure in leadership as regards being negligent in not stopping this murderous ritual which has no place in a civilized society,” Panelo said.

“With a heavy heart, we express our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family, friends, classmates, and loved ones of the young Darwin,” he added.

Panelo said the Office of the President condemns the “barbaric practice of hazing in all its forms,” adding that President Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act last year to ensure that all practices of hazing are checked and that perpetrators will be penalized to the full extent of the law.

Officials said Dormitorio died of cardiac arrest due to internal hemorrhage sustained during the hazing.

Three upperclassmen are now suspects in Dormitorio’s death.

Two more PMA cadets were also included as new “persons of interest,” the PMA and the Baguio City Police Office said in a joint statement.

Nine more cadets were also now considered witnesses.

In related developments: * Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the Dormitorio hazing. * Two PMA officers have been relieved following Dormitorio’s death.

PMA spokesman Maj. Reynan Afan said the two were ground commanders at the company level but declined to identify them.

By MJ Blancaflor

MALACAÑANG on Monday said it is “objectionable” that a Chinese Coast Guard ship had blocked local vessels on a resupply mission to the Philippine Navy’s BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal west of Palawan.

The Chinese ship with bow number 3305 came as close as 1,600 yards to the three civilian vessels on May 14 that would bring supplies to Sierra Madre, which serves as an outpost of the Philippine Navy, according to the Department of National Defense report.

“Of course, that’s objectionable...They were just bringing food and why were they blocked?” Presidential Spokesman

House...

From A1 Cayetano said other projects that the P10 billion could fund is palay procurement, enhancement of the K-to 12-program, nationwide electrification, the 2020 Asean Para Games and Tokyo Olympics and the implementation of the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 2018.

Of the P10 billion, half would come from the budget for barangay elections next year, which have been postponed.

On Friday, the House passed on third and final reading the proposed P4.1trillion national budget for next year.

Cayetano said the House is in close coordination with the Palace to prevent a possible presidential veto.

He added that he would not stop lawmakers from discussing Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 1 filed by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, which proposes to amend specific provisions of the 1987 Constitution and extend the term of congressmen from three years

State...

From A1 dengue cases rising to 1,702 for the period Jan. 1 to Sept. 14, 45 percent higher than the same period last year.

Olivarez ordered the City Health Office to intensify the implementation of the Department of Health’s 4-S Campaign—Self-Protection, Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites, Seek early consultation and Support fogging and spraying.

“The enhanced 4-S implementation calls for everyone to become prime movers in controlling mosquito population and avoiding any possible dengue

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cadets comprise the deviant behavior,” Arevalo said.

The Palace said President Rodrigo Duterte was angered by Dormitorio’s death and blamed the leaders of the PMA for failing to stop hazing.

“He [Duterte] is one man who is always outraged at any kind of oppression and hazing is an oppressive act,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

Panelo slammed the negligence of PMA leaders, saying it allowed the “murderous ritual” that Dormitorio endured.

Initial investigation showed that third-class cadets beat Dormitorio repeatedly upon the order of the senior cadet who had endorsed it, Cordillera police said.

“While we commend the PMA for [cooperating] with the Baguio police in

Battered...

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ATM fee hike very minimal—Central Bank

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE Central Bank of the Philippines assured the public that the increase in ATM fees would be only from P1 up to P3, Senator Grace Poe said on Monday.

“We were given assurance by Central Bank that there will be no sudden increase in ATM fees. The last time banks were allowed to increase was in 2013 up to a maximum P15,’’ said Poe. Poe presided over the hearing of the Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies which she heads.

When asked if she was satisfied with

the assurance of regulators that they will be strict in approving an increase, Poe replied, “I think that it is in the interest also of the Bangko Sentral to be very, very prudent in approving the fees because we have oversight.”

“So if there’s a complaint that it goes beyond a certain amount and it’s unreasonable, they can be called again, why did they allow it?’’

Poe believes that Bangko Sentral is very careful in issuing approvals since they can always be questioned.

The senator noted that now, every peso is important so this will be scrutinized first by the Central Bank before agreeing to an increase in ATM fees.

Also, the transaction with charge is between your bank and another bank if you are going to use its machine. She said this is not applicable if you are using your own bank and ATM which imposes no charge.

The banks had said that the ATM fee increase is needed for service maintenance.

“Instead of convenience since we no longer need to go to a bank or wait for a banking to withdraw money, this sometimes became an inconvenience due

to the blockbuster queuing at the ATM,” she said.

She added that this even worse for OFWs who have to pay additional charges when sending their hard-earned money to their families.

She said the imposition of these additional fees is considered somewhat burdensome by majority of bank customers.

Poe said this is why through Senate Bills 635, 438, 683 and Senate Resolution 96, the Senate would be looking into these fees to ensure that everyone’s hard-earned money is protected.

Poe added that they also want to address the online lending fiasco which has unabatedly proliferated in the past few months.

Look for other sources of oil, diesel, Du30 orders agencies

By MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has tasked concerned government agencies to look for possible sources of oil, Malacañang said Monday, following attacks in Saudi Arabia’s major oil sites that reduced global output.

Analysts claimed that the disruption in the world’s biggest crude exporter may result in increased costs for petroleum products.

“The President said that he had already tasked the concerned government agencies to look for other possible sources of oil to keep our supply sufficient,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

The Department of Energy earlier said it will ask the President to create a task force to tackle possible oil supply problems after the drone attacks in Saudi Arabia, the top supplier of crude oil to the Philippines last year.

“We will wait for the request and the Palace, the Office of the President, will study it,” Panelo said.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier said that the Philippines will not experience supply disruptions, but claimed that the effect of the attack will likely be felt through fuel prices.

Saudi Arabia’s energy minister earlier said the country will restore oil production output by September.

Over at the Senate, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the government is studying the possibility of coming up with a strategic petroleum reserve to cushion the impact of possible oil hike and other problems in case of any eventuality like the recent attack in Saudi’s Aramco.

Reward money...

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account how they distributed the reward money among the material witnesses to the Batocabe murder case,” Garbin, vice chairman of the House committee on justice, told the Manila Standard.

He said “that should be accounted [for] because that’s people’s money having been given by the Office of the President and the House of Representatives.”

“Otherwise it [the disappearance] should be investigated,” Garbin said.

The suspects were arrested early this year but the Philippine National Police has not accounted for the funds despite reported complaints from witnesses that all they received was P8 million.

To make matters worse, the witnesses allegedly complained that those who facilitated the release of their reward even asked for “commissions.”

Lawmakers earlier raised up to P30 million to offer as a bounty for information leading to the arrest of the Batocabe killers.

Batocabe was about to ride his vehicle when four armed men on motorcycles fired shots at him near the Burgos Elementary School in Daraga, Albay.

“Surrendered’...

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Meanwhile, a total of 2,221 prisoners who had been prematurely released on account of Good Conduct Time Allowance had surrendered to the Bureau of Corrections, Perete said.

“As of 9:00am today, Sept. 23, a total of 2,221 individuals have surrendered, 1,985 of whom are already at the BuCor while 236 are still in the custody of the Philippine National Police,” Perete said in a text message to reporters.

The total number of 2,221 PDLs is 307 more than the 1,914 PDLs who were in the original list provided by the BuCor. The BuCor is currently cleaning up the list of inmates prematurely released on ac-

30K CHAIN PROTEST. Around 150 teachers from Carlos Albert College in Quezon City joined the clamor for a salary increase for teachers. They formed a human chain of ‘30K,’ which symbolizes their preferred P30,000 increase from the current P20,754 for entry level or Salary Grade 11 for Teacher 1. Manny Palmero

Dad asks SC to release daughter suspected as NPA in-charge Colonel George Joel Lalaquil, 201st Brigade civil-military officer Captain Benedict Alfonso Cagatin, and 85th Infantry Battalion intelligence officer 1st Lieutenant Randy Bobis.

“Wherefore, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that a Writ of Habeas Corpus be immediately issued directing the respondents to have the body of Alexandrea Paradilla Pacalda produced before this Honorable Court, and after notice and hearing, an Order be issued directing her immediate release from detention,” Arnulfo told the SC magistrates.

The petitioner claimed that his daughter was “illegally arrested and tortured, and that the respondents illegally restrained her liberty and causing her continued detention without any legal cause for which she is entitled to the privilege of the

Writ of Habeas Corpus under Rule 120 of the Revised Rules of Court.”

Reports showed that Alexandrea is being detained on the suspicion that she is a member of the New People’s Army.

Pacalda is a former managing editor of “The Luzonian”, the official student publication of the Manuel Enverga University at Lucena, Quezon. She is also a volunteer of the Pinag-isang Lakas ng Magsasaka sa Quezon (PIGLASQuezon), a local peasant organization in the province.

Allegedly without a warrant, the student-activist was arrested at around 6 p.m. of Sept. 14 in Barangay Magsaysay, Gen. Luna, Quezon province by six armed men in civilian clothing, who were later identified to be from the 85th Infantry Battalion.

“Thrones”—the most decorated fictional show in the history of the Emmys, television’s Oscars―finished with 12 awards overall for its final season.

“Thank you to the hardest working crews in show business—the dragons who shot for 70 nights straight in freezing Belfast rain, the wolves who shot all around the world―you are amazing, all of you,” said show runner Dan Weiss.

Peter Dinklage won his fourth best supporting actor statuette for his portrayal of sharp-tongued dwarf Tyrion Lannister.

But the blood-soaked fantasy epic’s hopes of going out with a new record numbers of Emmys for a single season were dashed after it failed to convert nominations in directing, writing and the other acting categories.

The divisive final run of “Thrones” enraged many fans—more than a million signed a petition for HBO to redo its conclusion.

But the 10 nominated cast members of “Thrones” received a standing ovation as

they gathered on stage.

“I think all of us agree how amazing the entire last season was for us,” said Sophie Turner, who played Sansa Stark.

“Thrones” had already bagged 10 Emmys in lesser categories at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys, including for the show’s special effects and elaborate costumes.

It ends its eight-season run with 59 Emmys, a record for a drama or comedy.

Only variety sketch show “Saturday Night Live” has more.

In the night’s biggest shock, “Fleabag” star Phoebe Waller-Bridge bested eighttime acting winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”) before the show itself won for best comedy series.

The BBC show-which has grown into a phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic after being acquired by Amazon―also scooped awards for best comedy writing and directing on Sunday, and six overall.

“It’s just really wonderful to know and reassuring that a dirty, pervy, angry, messed-up woman can make it to the Emmys,” said Waller-Bridge.

“This is just getting ridiculous,” she said upon winning the best comedy prize.

“The journey has been absolutely mental.”

“Fleabag” was totally shunned by Emmy voters during its first run, failing to bag a single nomination. But the Television Academy’s 24,000-plus voters changed their tune for its second season.

Waller-Bridge has ruled out a third season, saying the irreverent series about a self-absorbed young Londoner has come “to a natural end.”

Billy Porter made history as the first openly gay black man to win the best drama actor prize for FX show “Pose,” which explores New York’s underground ballroom culture in the 1980s.

“I am so overwhelmed and so overjoyed to have lived long enough to see this day,” said Porter, who turned 50 on Saturday, in his acceptance speech.

“I have the right. You have the right. We all have the right,” he added.

Jason Bateman was the surprise winner for directing Netflix’s dark crime thriller “Ozark.” Co-star Julia Garner won best supporting actress.

Sandra Oh failed in her bid to become the first woman of Asian descent to win the leading actress in a drama category, beaten by her co-star Jodie Comer in BBC spy thriller “Killing Eve.” AFP

count of the good conduct time allowance, which the agency submitted to the Senate, Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police.

Based on the list, there were 200 people who were deprived of liberty released after the Supreme Court declared that the implementation of the Extended GCTA law should be retroactive.

The list also showed that 445 heinous crime PDLs had been released by the previous administration beginning 2014, while 1,714 heinous crime PDLs had been released from the start of the Duterte administration.

However, the list does not only contain inmates that benefited from the GCTA but also other inmates released due to acquittal by the courts, and were granted parole

or received conditional pardon from the President himself.

The Justice official said members of the DOJ-BuCor Task Force were currently at the Senate and checking the carpetas [records] of the PDLs as part of the verification process.

“They will work there until we complete the process,” Perete said.

Meanwhile, Senator Leila M. de Lima believes the revised rules of the GCTA Law is meant to cover up for the corruption in the BuCor and the obvious negligence in its implementation.

De Lima said Monday the new Implementing Rules and Regulations of the GCTA Law failed to reflect its original intent towards genuine prison reform in the country by removing the opportunity for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to

have a second chance at life.

The detained senator said the new IRR “has no significance but to sacrifice the rights of PDLs to be free” and to “cover up the stupidity” of former BuCor Director Nicanor Faeldon and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

De Lima said the Duterte administration has scrambled to issue a revised IRR of the Republic Act No. 10592, or the Expanded GCTA Law, after getting criticisms over its alleged misuse and abuse of GCTA to benefit unqualified and undeserving PDLs. Drafted by the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the new IRR now categorically excludes convicts of heinous crime, regardless of their good behavior in prison, from availing of GCTA and other time allowances.

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has been asked to order the Philippine Army to produce alleged student-activist Alexandrea Pacalda who was reportedly arrested illegally and had been in the military custody since Sept. 14.

In a 10-page petition for writ of habeas corpus, Pacalda’s father Arnulfo appealed to the SC magistrates to order concerned Army officers to release Alexandrea from detention for illegally arresting his daughter.

Impleaded as respondents in the case were PA 2nd Infantry Division commander Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., 85th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Colonel Arnold Gasalatan, 201st Brigade officer-

GOT reigns,...

From A1

Navarro writes 30; Cremation set for Red VETERAN opinion columnist and author Nelson Navarro, who wrote for Manila Standard and other newspapers after his return from political exile, passed away on Sunday morning. He was 71.

A former student activist who was implicated in the infamous Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971, Navarro succumbed to a stroke at his condominium in Makati, colleagues said. He last wrote for the Philippine Star, and also penned a column for Malaya.

Meanwhile, the cremation of the remains of Isagani “Isah” Vasquez Red, the Standard’s longtime entertainment editor who passed away Saturday morning, was moved to Thursday, Sept.

26, his family said.

Born April 10, 1952, Isah, who last wrote for The Daily Tribune, died in his sleep at his home at age 67. His remains will be cremated at The Ascension Crematory also in Quezon City.

On Navarro, fellow columnist and Kamuning Bakery owner Wilson Flores wrote on Facebook that he was rushed to the Makati Medical Center at 8 a.m., but did not make it.

Another opinion writer, Boo Chanco, wrote about Navarro on ABS-CBN.com: “I had this sense of time closing down the curtains on a generation of Filipinos who bore the brunt of martial law.”

“Nelson and I were contemporaries during those troubled times in the late 60s and early 70s. We are often called the First Quarter Storm (FQS) generation, with reference to that turning point in our history when youthful idealism and love of country clashed with a regime marked by greed and corruption,” Chanco added.

Friends and former colleagues also took to social media to express grief at the passing of Navarro, who came back to the Philippines in 1986 after living in exile in the United States, which granted him asylum. He also earned a master’s degree in international affairs at Columbia University there.

“Brod Nelson Navarro, thanks for all your wisdom,” TV host Jules Guiang said of the columnist, who was charged with subversion during a student trip to the United States and decided to continue his studies, wary of the threat of the Marcos regime.

IN BRIEF Jardeleza retires from SC on Sept. 2 SUPREME Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza has bid farewell to his colleagues, officials and employees of the high tribunal during the flag raising ceremony on Monday.

Jardeleza is set to compulsorily retire from the 15-member bench on Thursday, Sept. 26, when he reaches mandatory retirement age of 70 after five years as an SC magistrate.

In his speech during his last flag raising ceremony at SC, Jardeleza expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and employees as he also encouraged them to continue doing their job.

“I am so honored and privileged for the past five years to have work with all of you in the untiring quest to dispense justice, to do justice and to make justice.

I bid you all the best and may you all continue to work for a strong, effective and just Judiciary. Maraming salamat po and God bless us all,” Jardeleza said.

Rey E. Requejo

US, PH to conduct joint airborne ops SOLDIERS belonging to the United States 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) and 25th Infantry Division, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are conducting a joint airborne operation from Sept. 19 to 25.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila explained that this type of a combined, tactical-level training, aims to build both forces’ technical competence, fosters interoperability, and provides a greater understanding of how the allied nations’ forces conduct operations.

“Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division and US Army Alaska are conducting a bilateral airborne operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Brig. Gen. Gregory T. Day, Army National Guard Deputy Commanding General for US Army Alaska, said.

“The US Army is committed to working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to grow our airborne capabilities. We appreciate the opportunity to train here and the hospitality shown by our partnered forces has been incredible,” the US general said. Rey E. Requejo

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Opinion

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Relocate the national penitentiary IN MY almost seven decades as a journalist, I have received awards for my work both in print and broadcast media. But my most memorable award was my conferment as a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa in March 2006 by the Angeles University Foundation.

What happened to that sound plan?

It was an honor I least expected. I am very proud of it because it came at the apex of my journalism career, which is more than a profession to me. It's a calling.

Here is what AUF said about my conferment: “Having displayed a deep sense of social responsibility as a lawyer, journalist and political analyst for more than five decades now, and having distinguished himself as a fearless advocate of press freedom and human rights for which he was cited as Journalist of the Year and Best Television Commentator in 1957, Best Radio Commentator in 1967, awardee for Best Talk Show and Public Service Program on Television, Lifetime Awardee as a journalist for over 50 years and Lifetime Awardee as founder and first presi-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

dent of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas; and “Having demonstrated sterling leadership qualities in the print and broadcast media which culminated in his recent election as Chairman Emeritus of the Manila Overseas Press Club, the country's oldest media organization established by foreign correspondents based in Manila after World War II, and having assumed important positions in business, education and professional organizations, which provided him the opportunity to serve and share his professional expertise and management acumen...”

They say that for anybody to be conferred a doctorate degree, honoris causa in whatever profession he or she is in, it's the culmination of one's career.

I now have the right to call myself “Doctor” as a prefix to my name, like many of the greats and neargreats. But I won't do that, since I am also a lawyer. I would rather call myself Atty. *** In an interview, Senator Bong Go said that newly appointed Bureau of Corrections Director Gerald Bantag said 95 percent of the bureau's officials and personnel are corrupt. Bantag wants to replace them, wholesale.

Bantag also wants to have some Bureau of Jail Management and Penology officials he could trust to join him, so he could revamp the BuCor. I wonder: Will the replacement of the corrupt 95 percent clean up the

Signing up, being counted

T

IMES like these, people hardly think of voting.

Officer or any satellite registration site in the locality where the registrant resides.

Registration began on August 1 and will end on Monday, September 30.

The process is not only for new voters. Other applications for registration—for instance, transfer of registration record, change/correction of entries, reactivation of registration record, inclusion of registration record and reinstatement of name in the list of voters—will also be received during this period.

The past campaign periods have been noisy, even unwieldy, as social media and fake news complicated the circus-like atmosphere. Many people made their sentiments and preference felt through their social media accounts. Unfortunately, a good number of these noisy elements were just all about that—

Only a few months have passed since the previous elections. The officials we elected into office are just beginning to warm their seats and plotting how they can make a difference—for some, recoup their investments—over the next three years. Many voters are still deciding whether they think they have made the right choice.

It is during this lull that the Commission on Elections opens a window for young people to get their names into the roster of voters.

Under Comelec Resolution 10549, any Filipino citizen not yet a registered voter, and who will be at least 15 years old on May 11, 2020, should register in any Office of the Election

noise. They did not exercise their fundamental democratic right and obligation to vote, either because they did not make time for the exercise, or because they were not even on the list, in the first place.

We also make much of involving the youth in our nation's affairs. The best way to do this is to encourage them to be counted, this early.

Signing up is more than just seeing one's name on a list. It is, instead, casting one's lot with that of the country and committing to let one's vote be counted, even if it includes the possibility that one's choice would not even win.

In the end, the names of the winners and losers are nowhere nearly as important as the names of those who have a stake in governance.

Democracy is less about whom you vote for, and more about whether you even voted, at all.

Turn to A5

Lawyers unite for civil liberties YESTERDAY, many lawyers, law organizations, and law students came together in the national office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to relaunch a movement that was last active in 2006—the Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL). This is a revival of the broadest network of lawyers and law students ever formed during the height of protests against the anti-people policies of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006 such as the Emergency Rule, Executive Order 464, the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy, extrajudicial killings, as well as electoral fraud and the NBN ZTE deal.

The network is being relaunched because of a collective realization that political repression is back in our country, that we are in the brink of what I described last Saturday in this column of another long, dark night of authoritarian rule, this time under President Duterte.

The irony was not lost on us that we were relaunching CLCL on Sept.

23, the anniversary of the Marcos announcement that he had put the whole country under martial law in 1972. In that terrible episode of our country’s history, one of the few organizations that stood up against Marcos was the revered Civil Liberties Union (CLU).

I remember how as a very young person, as a teenager in fact, how inspired I was reading the CLU statements signed by the likes of Renato Constantino, Hernando Abaya, but especially human rights icon and lawyer Pepe Diokno who chaired CLU in the crucial years of 1975-1980 when repression was at its worst.

As the convening group, which includes me, articulated in our invitation to yesterday's gathering, there is a need again for lawyers and law students opposed to the continuing violation of the people’s civil liberties and constitutional rights to revive the

CLCL and organize similar networks of groups and personalities with similar objectives.

The following organizations have agreed to join CLCL: Artikulo Tres, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), Manananggol Laban sa Extrajudicial Killings (Manlaban sa EJK) and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL).

The specter of tyranny plagues the nation.

My fellow convenors include: Anna Maria D. Abad (Dean, Adamson University College of Law); Dean Pacifico A. Agabin (former Dean, University of the Philippines College of Law); Jejomar “Jojo” C. Binay (Artikulo Tres; former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines); Jose Anselmo “Joel” I. Cadiz (former Solicitor General and National President of the IBP); Domingo Egon Q. Cayosa (National President, IBP) ; Hilda S. Clave (Artikulo Tres); Neri J. Colmenares (Chairman, NUPL); Jose Manuel “Chel” I. Diokno (founding Dean, La Salle University College of Law) ; Anacleto III “Jojo” A. Lacanilao; Marlon J. Manuel (Namati); Edre U. Olalia (President, NUPL); Rose-Liza Eisma-Osorio (Dean, University of Cebu College of Law); Manuel Quibod (Dean, Ateneo de Davao College of Law and former President, IBP-Davao chapter); Ray Paolo “Arpee” S. Santiago (Executive Director, Ateneo Human Rights Center); and Lorenzo III “Erin” R. Tañada (former Member of the House of Representatives).

Former Senator Rene Saguisag and Commission on Human Rights Chair Chito Gascon also attended the launch and conveyed their full support.

Considering that many issues that beset the country have weighty Turn to A5

Impunity, mob culture at the PMA THOSE responsible for the horrible death of a cadet in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) must not go unpunished. They include several upperclassmen along with officials liable under the principle of command responsibility.

Young Darwin Dormitorio of Cagayan de Oro City dreamed to serve the country just like his father, a retired Army colonel and PMA alumnus.

But his dream was shattered by his executioners who perpetrated the impunity of mob culture in the academy.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and ACT-CIS Rep. Eric Yap are calling for congressional inquiry in aid of legislation, as barbaric hazing has reportedly continued in the country's premier military academy.

I agree with Reps. Rodriguez and Yap that no stone must be left unturned in the investigation of Dor-

mitorio's cold-blooded killing, exacted through “blunt force.” Apparently, this method of torturing subjects is what they carried out when they eventually join the Armed Forces services.

It's a shame that the PMA Alumni Association (PMAAA) appears to turn a blind eye to Dormitorio's case, which cries for justice from his parents and friends.

We are hoping and prayers that the aggrieved family's search for justice would not be shattered, as well, by a cover-up or whitewash of the case.

We recognize that the PMA has produced many able military leaders. They end up in politics—getting

appointed to high places in the government executive branch and getting elected to the Congress, although it has yet to produce the first PMA alumnus President of the Philippines.

It's sad to note as well that the PMA has produced quite a number of scoundrels, and turned out to be no different from notorious criminals. We don't need to name names for lack of space.

Unfortunately, too, that the same fatal hazing had allegedly claimed the life of a cadet in the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) a few months back.

It’s sad to note that the PNPA is run by some PMA alumni who are in the police service.

Anyway, the cold-blooded criminals—including the officers who are in-charge of the discipline of these cadets—must be unmasked and booted out of the the PMA.

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

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Opinion Pareng Nelson I’VE ONLY ever had three kumpares by my three children. I’m not a believer in the local practice of enlisting so many baptismal godparents that the line spills outside the church doors.

It makes business sense, of course, to count on godparents’ gifts to recover your investment in the baptismal party, which itself is swollen in attendance by the presence of so many kumpares and kumares from previous baptisms—whether of your kids, their kids, or somebody else’s kids where you just happened to become katuwangs.

These relationships form the basic building block—outside of intermarriage—for the uniquely Filipino construct called the extended family. Because these blocks are established through baptismal and marital rites, they are an enduring contribution of the Church to the invincible cohesion of the Filipino family life, as well as the social networks and patronage by which we later make our way up in life.

For my part, however, what’s really mattered to me is the sacramental character of the Church rites that form new kumpares. The godfather, after all, is entrusted with the spiritual—if not in fact the actual—upbringing of the godchild should anything happen to its parents. The mutual obligation created between two kumpares ought to be unique, in the same way that a spousal or filial obligation is also unique. It’s no place to hedge one’s bets by having more than one such relationship per child. *** A few years ago I lost one of my three kumpares, Jerry Barican, by my second son Rafael. He was a lifelong bon vivant who eventually succumbed to a weak heart, and was roundly feted at his wake by the crowd of friends he had accumulated over a celebrated lifetime as a student leader, corporate lawyer, Palace spokesman, and adviser to business moguls and presidents.

Just last Sunday—too soon after

Lawyers...

From A4

legal implications, the role of lawyers and law students cannot be overemphasized. We need to stand with the people by being a part of the struggle to defend civil liberties and people’s rights. Below is our Statement of Unity and Commitment: “Not since the dark years of Martial Law have our civil liberties and fundamental rights been threatened and blatantly violated with such brazen impunity.

Today we are witness to daily extrajudicial killings, “weaponization” of the law by systematic filing of false charges, vicious vilification of people’s organizations, critics and the opposition, co-optation of other formal democratic institutions in order to undermine their independence, and the general disregard of civil liberties and constitutional rights on many fronts by the current administration.

Truth, civil liberties, constitutional rights and justice have been the casualties. Thousands of poor drug suspects, activists, human rights defenders, lawyers, religious, media, indigenous peoples and other victims die under the most violent administration in our history.

The state of impunity has worsened

Relocate...

From A4

bureau?

I don't think so. The problem is the system itself, which makes people in the agency prone to corruption.

A system that allows for human discretion and intervention breeds corruption. At the BuCor, this comes in the form of people who compute for Good Conduct Time Allowance, among others.

This is exactly why some 1,914

Jerry’s passing—I lost another one of my three kumpares—Nelson Navarro, by my only daughter Claire.

Nelson had suffered two major strokes, several years apart, which greatly affected his mobility, although this did not prevent him from maintaining his hectic schedule of foreign travel and domestic schmoozing. But his third stroke proved to be the final one, bringing him back to Makati Med for the last time.

I am happy that he was allowed to leave his life the way he lived it—on his terms, with peace and dignity. *** Pareng Nelson and I went back a long way, to the late sixties in UP when the Diliman campus was transitioning from the bohemian “beat” culture that replaced the straitlaced fifties, to the seething ideological unrest that would finally burst out at the start of the seventies. He and I were both transitional figures in that era, one foot planted in the makeshift salons of Los Indios Bravos and Grey November, the other in the street clashes of Mendiola and Plaza Miranda.

Not being a public firebrand at all, Nelson was made the spokesman of the Movement for a Democratic Philippines (MDP), an initial united front configuration, where his articulate presence was intended to assure potential allies from the middle forces.

As such, he came from the same mold as our common friends Jerry Barican and De la Salle’s Chito Sta. Romana, who was once singled out by Mrs. Marcos as her favorite student leader and who today serves as the country’s ambassador to China.

Sometime before martial law in 1972, Nelson managed to evade capture by making his way to the US as a political refugee. When and how this happened I never found out, having already been arrested myself by then, and about which Nelson understandably never opened up. It was those

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

A5

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Heroes of the Republic years of exile that I believe were his happiest—earning his Columbia degree, living a nomadic life on the Lower East Side of New York, and traveling, always traveling, pulled here and there by his restless curiosity about the world. *** In the early eighties I caught up with him again in New York, and it was there that I buttonholed him to become the sole godfather to my daughter. The baptism was held at a Staten Island church, we had the party at a harborside restaurant, and I remember that it seemed like an endless day of sunshine and hopefulness for all of us.

Just months later in 1986, with EDSA having toppled the dictatorship, my new kumpare made his way back to Manila, where I caught up with him again only upon my own homecoming a decade later. In the interim, Nelson had made many, many new friends and carved out a name for himself as a biographer of the rich and famous, including celebrity subjects like former VP Manny Pelaez, uber-journalist Max Soliven, and the redoubtable Johnny Ponce Enrile.

Like my other kumpareng Jerry, Nelson was ultimately a private person, despite his social visibility. But unlike Jerry, Nelson was blessed with a lot of traditional support—from a beloved and long-lived father, a large brood of siblings now headed by a very solicitous stepmother, his brods in Alpha Phi Beta, his townmates in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. His friendships were many and undoubtedly serious, but I like to think that his bottomline was ultimately his rootedness in family and community.

Nelson hated being confined in hospitals, and was a constant trial to the nurses in Makati Med during his stays there. In the end he was spared another round of this indignity, being reclaimed by his Creator in the privacy of his own home. I am happy that he was allowed to leave his life the way he lived it—on his terms, with peace and dignity. God bless you, ‘Pareng Nelson, and may the perpetual light now comfort your restless soul.

Nelson Navarro's wake is at Loyola Memorial in Guadalupe until Thursday.

as venues for legal remedies or judicial redress against those who arrogantly trample on our rights are essentially ineffective or frustrating to the victims.

Repressive laws and trumped-up charges are being employed against any opposition and more repressive laws and issuances are being peddled.

Absurd legal arguments are invented in disregard of human rights, legal principles and laws. Baseless arguments to disregard international institutions such as UN bodies to avoid any investigation for official acts are employed. Even our victory against China in an international tribunal is disregarded through a subservient, sell-out foreign policy.

Members of the legal profession have the duty to help in the administration of justice, uphold the “rule of law” and defend constitutional rights. All these are under attack today. It is therefore imperative that members of the legal profession and law students unite to defend civil liberties and constitutional rights from the relentless onslaught under the current administration.

We are here today, as members of the Concerned Lawyers for Civil Liberties (CLCL), to signify our commitment to live up to our duty to defend civil liberties and constitutional rights and uphold justice.

We commit to unite with the victims

of violations of constitutional rights and work tirelessly to help in defending the rights of the Filipino people from the threat of tyranny today. We commit to oppose any imposition of martial rule as well as repressive measures that violate the constitutional rights of the Filipino people.

Specifically, we commit to: (i) Organize lawyers and law students to express opposition to policies and actions that violate constitutional rights and civil liberties; (ii) Come out with statements and legal positions on major issues and provide legal support to the people; (iii) Raise awareness and organize forums on various issues in various law schools and the public; (iv) Hold protest actions to oppose repressive policies; and (v) Help in the formation of a broad people’s movement for the protection and promotion of human dignity, human rights, and civil liberties.

Today, the specter of tyranny plagues the nation. Not since the fall of the Marcos dictatorship has the call “NEVER AGAIN!” been as potent and urgent as it rings today.

Lawyers and law students unite. Uphold civil liberties and constitutional rights!”

individuals convicted of heinous crimes were given their freedom.

This was the Pandora's Box that showed how rotten the bureau is.

Bantag may overhaul the entire BuCor and install new people there, but so long as human discretion and intervention is present in the implementation of policies, corruption will remain.

When I say that the system breeds corruption, any government agency for that matter will have this problem, because humans will always have feet of clay.

Still, corruption can be minimized. For one thing, the determination of GCTA can be automated.

Prison hospitals should also be overhauled so that inmates cannot just avail themselves of “hospital rest” when they want.

Prison guards should also be prevented from colluding with cops who recycle illegal drugs.

These can be minimized if the New Bilibid Prison is relocated to a new facility, preferably in Nueva Ecija.

The NBP is already heavily congested. It was built for 2,400 in-

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tionary Force to Korea). More than three decades later, in February 1986, he would, at great personal risk, turn against the dictatorship of his powerful cousin Ferdinand Marcos and lead the way to the restoraTHE former Union of Soviet So- tion of democracy in this country. cialist Republic, the forerunner of The brutal assassination of fortoday's Russian Federation, has a mer Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. great title for men and women who from exile in thr US, was the first had rendered exemplary service to step along the road to the FVR-led Mother Russia. It called them He- EDSA Revolution of two and a half roes of the Republic. I remembered years later. Ninoy Aquino had been that bit of history during last month's warned that he would be killed if he remembrance of the national heroes attempted to return home. He did of the Philippines. Those Filipinos not have to die; he could simply have also deserve to be called Heroes of cooperated with President Marcos. the Republic.

But he was convinced that there Through the centuries, the Philip- would be no change, and Mr. Marcos pines has not been wanting in heroes, would remain in office, if he were but the title Heroes of the Republic not present in the Philippines. Ninoy can properly be bestowed only upon Aquino was right. His assassination Filipinos who marked the bedid heroic things ginning of the for their country end of the long They have personal in furtherance Marcos dictaand in the wake lives of respectability torship. of the establish- and dignity, defense Another ment of the First military man Philippine Re- of the honor and who is in my public following territorial integrity list of Heroes the success of of the Philippines, of the Repubthe war of inde- significant service to lic is Col. Anpendence against tonio Sotelo Spain. The read- the welfare of rule of of the PAF. ers of this col- law and the democratic On the critiumn doubtless way of life. cal third day will differ in their of the four-day perceptions of EDSA Revoluwho among their tion, when the countrymen deserve to be bestowed Revolution's outcome was still in the title of Heroes of the Republic. doubt, Col. Sotelo led his helicopter But they are bound to have these at- wing in a defection to the FVR-led tributes in common: personal lives rebel's side. The defection's impact of respectability and dignity, de- on the rebels, the EDSA masses and fense of the honor and territorial Malacañang was electric. Col. Soteintegrity of the Philippines, signifi- lo's action is said to have been the cant service to the welfare of rule of Revolution's turning point. law and the democratic way of life.

A Filipino does not have to be a For purposes of this year's cel- military person to deserve the title ebration of National Heroes Day I Hero of the Republic. It is sufficient am limiting myself to modern-day that he or she was—or is—a person heroic Filipinos, that is, heroic Fili- of impeccable character, performed pinos who came, and have come, his or her civilian duties in an exemafter Jose Rizal and the other great plary manner and made an outstandmen and women of the Revolution ing contribution to the concept of against Spain. The following are my service to country. Two individuals choices of latter-day Heroes of the who, in my view, fit this description Republic. are Cesar E. A. Virata and Associate At the top of my list of Heroes of Justice of the Supreme Court Antothe Republic are Jesus G. Villamor nio Carpio. and Fernando Basa of the CommonMr. Virata, still hale and hearty in wealth's fledgling air force. Though his eighties, is in my book the best outnumbered and outgunned, those Secretary of Finance that this Repubbrave aviators took to the skies in lic has ever had. As a public servant 1941 and did battle with the mighty in the past, and as a private person Japanese air force. Their acts of in- today, President Emilio Aguinaldo's trepid bravery deserve more than grandson is accurately described by the naming of Philippine Air Force three adjectives beginning with the bases after them. letter 's'—sound, stable and steady.

Also at the top of my list is Jose Of Mr. Virata it can be said that he Abad Santos, President Manuel left the Department of Finance a far Quezon's Secretary of Justice. Sec- better place than when he found it. retary Abad Santos did not have to He is the template against which all die; he could easily have cooper- succeeding Secretaries of Finance ated with the invading force of the have been measured.

Japanese Empire, as most of the top Last but by no means least in this Commonwealth political leaders list of Heroes of the Republic is the did. But Mr. Abad Santos refused to current Senior Associate Justice of turn his back on the rightful Philip- the Supreme Court. Justice Antonio pine government, telling his despair- T. Carpio has earned the title of Hero ing son, "Not everyone is given the of the Republic through his scholopportunity to die for his country." arly study of this country's claim to His severed head and his body were the West Philippine Sea, his memnever recovered. Another member bership of the legal panel that arof the AFP (Armed Forces of the gued the claim before the Permanent Philippines) who in my view mer- Court of Arbitration and his fierce its the title Hero of the Republic is advocacy of the claim in the face of no one other than the soldier who in the passive attitude of the Duterte time became the nation's thirteenth administration. Having earned the President, Fidel V. Ramos (FVR). administration's displeasure, he may Fresh from the Philippine Military not get to be appointed Chief Justice Academy and the US's West Point, before his retirement next month.

Lt. Ramos was off to Korea to fight Should that be the case, he will bethe invading North Koreans as part come one of the best almost-Chief of the PEFKOR (Philippine Expedi- Justices that this country had.

mates, but now there are 24,000!

It is unfortunate that former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre scrapped the proposed P50-billion facility in Laur even after three conglomerates—San Miguel, DMCI and Megawide—had already been prequalified. *** Santa Banana, after all the ridiculous proposals to solve the EDSA traffic nightmare, finally we now have a workable proposal to build an elevated expressway.

This unsolicited proposal comes

from San Miguel conglomerate president and COO Ramon S. Ang, a visionary.

Ang plans to build a 10-lane expressway over EDSA. It will start from Macapagal Avenue in Pasay City to Samson Road in Caloocan.

Former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman and now Senator Francis Tolentino has endorsed the plan.

The Department of Transportation should have no problem approving Ang's plan, knowing his background in infrastructure building.

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News

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Graft case vs. PCG officials dropped

3 policemen in LP relieved after caught asleep on job

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Sandiganbayan has dropped the graft charges filed against 25 Philippine Coast Guard officials involved in the purchase of P68 million worth of office supplies in 2014.

By Joel E. Zurbano THREE policemen were ordered relieved after they were caught by Metro Manila police director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar sleeping while on duty in Las Piñas City early Monday morning.

Relieved from their posts were P/Cpl. Eugene Ybasco and P/Cpl. Jayson Monsales, both assigned at the Police Community Precinct 3-Mobile Patrol Unit in Barangay Zapote.

The police officers were caught sleeping while on duty as the Police Assistance Desk along Alabang-Zapote Road in Barangay Pamplona Dos. Eleazar also ordered the relief of another police officer S/Sgt. Danny Cerbito who he caught taking a nap while on duty as desk officer of the Police Community Precinct 2.

The three policemen were placed under investigation and will be charged administratively for neglect of duty.

Eleazar said he and his team from the National Capital Region Police Office are conducting random and surprise inspection at police precincts in Metro Manila to check their readiness when emergency situation arises during wee hours.

The NCRPO chief emphasized the importance of being alert and awake of policemen during night time as it is the time in which lawless elements and criminals might take advantage. He reminded that being alert during tour of duty is part of the police’s operational readiness.

“We are paid to provide security. With the full support from the government, we have no reason not to perform our duty well,” he said.

In a recent survey conducted by the National Police Commission, Metro Manila residents remains satisfied with the performance of NCRPO policemen.

The Napolcom stated that the positive outlook of the respondents on the lifestyle, moral and ethics of police officers in Metro Manila affirms that “they can be trusted to perform their duties within the bounds of law.”

The Commission stated that on the level of public safety, respondents unanimously conveyed their perception that their community is safe from NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC crimes. It added that the public BE IT KNOWN THAT HB CONSTRUCTION “agreed that it is owned by HAROLD safe to walk the BENEDICT A. LAVA with address at #8 streets at night Martines St. Mira Nila time, which on Subd., Quezon City has changed its ownership the whole attest from single proprietorship to their feeling to corporation on April 24, 2019 and is now of safety when 1HB CONSTRUCTION there are police CORP. with business address at Bacood visible in the Tiaong, Guiguinto, area.”

Bulacan.

The anti-graft court’s Fourth Division, in a Sept. 6 resolution, said the lack of sufficient evidence to pin down former PCG commandant retired Vice Adm. Rodolfo Isorena and other high ranking officials as acknowledged by the prosecution prompted the court to withdraw the graft charges leveled against them.

Aside from Isorena, charges against the following officials were also dropped: Commander John Badong Esplana;

Captain Joeven Libreja Fabul; Philippine Coast Guard Accounting Head Rogelio Ferrer Caguioa; Commander Wilfred Burgos; Rear Admiral Cecil Chen Commander Ferdinand Velasco; Commander George Villareal Ursabia, Jr.; Commander William Ocular Arquero; Commander Jude Thaddeus Mandin Besinga; Commander Roben Navarro De Guzman;Commander Enrico Efren Acasio Evangelista, Jr.; Captain Angelito Gil; Ensign Mark Franklin

Aldea Lim II; Captain Angel Lobaton IV; Captain Ramon Lopez; Lieutenant Mark Larsen Mariano; Commander William Masinloc Melad; Commander Rommel Supangan; Commander Ivan Endique Roldan; Commander Allen Dalangin; Captain Christopher Villacorte; Commander Ferdinand Tallera Panganiban; Commodore Aaron Tensuan Reconquista; Commander Joselito Balayanto Quintas.

In 2017, the Ombudsman filed multiple criminal charges against 25 officials of the Philippine Coast Guard for their involvement in the alleged irregular disbursements and procurement of office, hardware, construction supplies, information technology equipment and cellular phone cards worth P68 million in 2014.

Based on the complaints of the Ombudsman, the purchases failed to go through public bidding.

In approving the withdrawal of graft charges against the PCG officials, the court based their decision on a previous Supreme Court ruling that stated that it would be useless to pursue criminal cases based on the same facts and merits of a dismissed administrative case.

“Applying the foregoing jurisprudence to the present criminal cases which were founded on the same set of facts and evidence as in the dismissed administrative cases and considering the Court’s finding of absence of sufficient evidence on record […] the Court resolves to grant the withdrawal of the Informations and Amended Informations prayed for by the prosecution,” the anti-graft court said.

IN BRIEF Abduction try at NAIA foiled AN ALLEGED abduction attempt involving foreigners at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport had been foiled over the weekend.

A police report showed the incident happened around 6:23 p.m. on Saturday, at Gate 7 departure curbside of NAIA Terminal 3.

In its initial investigation, the NAIA’s Aviation Security Group found that there was an abduction attempt involving Chinese and Taiwanese nationals.

Based on the report, the duty officer at Gate 6 apparently heard a commotion and noticed a scuffle between several Chinese nationals who were seen forcing someone to get inside a white van, with conduction sticker VG 8479, parked in front of Gate 7.

The supposed victims apparently ran inside the airport to seek help from airport personnel.

Patrolman Ronald Bercasi ordered the individuals to stay away from the vehicle as police officers came to the scene.

The suspects were identified as Jhong Ruei Yu, Zhang Lee, Yang Shuwen, Wei Chong, Ziu Cheng, Chen Xin and Qi Long.

Four Chinese nationals and a Taiwanese were initially held at Gate 7 for verification. Officers conducted a body search and divested from the foreigners some P260,000 cash, mobile phones, and IDs. They were brought to the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame on Sunday morning, the report said. PNA

7 PH ‘tourists’ barred by BI FREE WI-FI SIGNAL. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Department of Information and Communication Technology

Secretary Gregorio Honasan switch on the Free Wi-Fi signal at San Juan City Hall. The Wi-Fi connectivity will be set up at city hall, barangay halls, public schools, public market and other government facilities in San Juan. Manny Palmero

(MS-SEPT. 24, 2019)

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE

Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300

INVITATION TO BID FOR PROCUREMENT OF CIVIL WORKS FOR DESIGN AND BUILD OF ICE PLANT WITH CHILLER AT MALUSO, BASILAN PROVINCE UNDER BAC PUBLICATION 09-27-2019 1.

The Provincial government of Basilan, through the 20% Development of the Province , intends to apply the sum of TWENTY MILLION PESOS (P20,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for Procurement of Civil Works for Design and Build of Ice Plant With Chiller , Maluso, Basilan. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2.

The Provincial Government of Basilan now invites bids for Completion of the Works is required (.). 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. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised 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, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested bidders on September 20, October 14, 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 (₱ 25,000.00) and One Thousand Pesos (₱ 1,000.00) for the letter of intent.

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 Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference1 on 10:00 am September 30, 2019 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 10:00 am October 14, 2019. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on 10:00 am October 14, 2019 at Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province. 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.

8.

The Provincial Government of Basilan reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to:

The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Hostel Building, PEO Compound, Eastside Barangay, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 E-mail Add: tigerlily_diamond@yahoo.com (SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee (MS-SEPT. 24, 2019)

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SSS condonation program benefits 500,000 employees THE state-run Social Security System announced that nearly 500,000 employees of more than 55,000 employers who availed themselves of the recently concluded Contribution Penalty Condonation Program would soon enjoy their benefits and privileges as active members of the pension fund.

SSS president and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Ignacio said the pension fund had so far collected P1.81 billion worth of contributions from the full and initial payments of employers who availed of the CPCP from March 6 to Sept. 6.

Meanwhile, the total amount of contribution delinquencies collected under the CPCP amounts to P7.88 billion.

“We’re very happy that nearly half a million Filipino private workers will soon enjoy the seven benefits being offered by the pension fund as well as its short-term loan privileges as soon as their employers have fully remitted their contributions to SSS,” Ignacio said in a statement.

Active paying SSS members may avail of sickness, maternity, unemployment, disability, retirement, funeral, and death/survivor benefits.

SSS data showed that of the P7.88-billion

delinquencies of the 55,750 employers who availed of the CPCP, P3.88 billion were condoned penalty.

Employers who availed themselves of the CPCP with less than 100 employees stood at 55,275 with more than P3.28-billion condoned penalties and P1.58-billion initial contribution collection.

Large accounts or employers who have more than 100 employees who availed of the program, on the other hand, were recorded at 475 with more than P597.64-million waived penalties and P227.74- million initial contribution collection.

“Some of the employers who availed of the program paid in full while most of them chose to pay their obligations in installment of up to 48 months.

We’re hoping that they will be responsible enough this time to pay their dues on time not only to regain their good standing with the SSS but also for their employees to reap the benefits of being a member of SSS,” Ignacio said.

“We will closely monitor those who have availed of the CPCP so that we can immediately notify them at the first instance of non-payment of their obligation,” she added.

IMMIGRATION officers barred seven “Filipino tourists” from boarding their aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport who were found to be undocumented overseas Filipino workers.

BI Port Operations acting chief, Grifton Medina said the seven passengers were not allowed to leave after they admitted under questioning that they are not tourists but are actually going abroad to work.

They were barred from leaving after the BI officers noticed that the victims were traveling with a woman who is in the bureau’s alert list of suspected human traffickers facilitating the deployment of undocumented workers abroad.

They also presented questionable documents regarding the purpose of their travel.

They initially claimed they were attending a symposium but later admitted during interview that they were hired to work as maids in Malta.

The seven gave P500,000 to their handler in return for processing their travel documents and visas.

All seven passengers were turned over to the NAIA Task Force Against Trafficking in Person for further investigation.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated his warning to those who intend to work overseas not to evade the travel requirements for OFWs by pretending to be tourists as “there is very little chance you will not be caught by our vigilant immigration officers at the airports.” Vito Barcelo

Follow CSC guidance on Family Week celebration—Salceda ALL government agencies should follow the announcement by the Civil Service Commission regarding the 27th National Family Week Celebration, which among others has encouraged agencies to free employees from work at 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 23 “to encourage them to join mealtime with their families.”

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said the CSC was a constitutional commission and its pronouncement carries weight, and even the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land follow the CSC.

“…Since there is only one hour between lunch break and 2:00 p.m., it is practical that there be no work in government or no classes after lunch. It used the words “may” and “enjoin” but the CSC is the HR [human resources] department of the entire government and as a constitutional commission, its pronouncement carry weight. The proper response, just like the SC, is to follow; it is well-intentioned and to follow it is a no-regrets option,” Salceda stressed.

The lawmaker issued the

statement to help clarify the CSC announcement 53, dated Sept.

20, and signed by chairperson Alicia Dela Rosa-Bala, which shortens office hours on Sept. 23 only, the first day of the Family Week celebration.

The announcement, sent to government agencies, governmentowned-and-controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, stated the simultaneous ringing of bells at noon, dubbed “Ring of Family Bell,” ringing of bells at 8:00 a.m. in State Universities and Colleges, and that “government

agencies may dismiss their employees at 2:00 p.m. from work to encourage them to spend mealtime with their families.”

The celebration of Family Week is led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Its theme this year is “Tungo sa Maginhawa, Matatag at Panatag na Pamilyang Pilipino.” It runs until Sept. 28.

The Family Week observance aims to help strengthen the Filipino family unity and relationship through meaningful celebration and promotion of Filipino values.

Sports

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Carter signs with Hawks for historic 22nd NBA year NEW YORK—Vince Carter is set to make NBA history this season after signing with the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, the 42-year-old swingman set for his record 22nd league campaign.

Carter will become the first NBA player to compete in 22 seasons when he takes the court for the first time for the Hawks and his first appearance in a game in 2020 will make him the first player to compete in four different decades.

Among active NBA players, Carter leads with 1,481 games played. That’s fifth on the all-time list, 130 shy of matching Robert Parish’s career record and 79 behind second-place Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Only Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has more baskets or minutes played among active NBA players than Carter’s 9,186 hoops and 45,491 minutes. He also ranks third among active players in 3-point baskets with 2,229 after Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Milwaukee’s Kyle Korver.

Carter was the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Toronto Raptors after being the fifth pick overall in the 1998 NBA Draft. He made eight consecutive NBA All-Star squads from 2000-2007.

Dubbed “Air Canada” in his early days for his high-leaping acrobatic dunks, he helped the 2000 US Olympic capture gold at the Sydney Olympics.

Carter, who turns 43 in January, has played mostly a reserve role in recent seasons, making nine starts in 76 appearances for the Hawks last season, when he averaged 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists a game.

Over his 21-season career with Atlanta, Toronto, New Jersey, Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis and Sacramento, Carter has averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals a game.

The only other NBA players who have been in the league for 21 seasons are Parish, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki. AFP

Santo Tomas, NU keep volley records clean UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas and National University-Nazareth School protected their clean slates after beating separate foes in the UAAP Season 82 girls’ volleyball tournament Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym. The Junior Tigresses upended Adamson University, 25-20, 25-17, 25-17, while the Lady Bullpups rolled past Far Eastern University-Diliman, 20-25, 2516, 25-10, 25-11.

Meanwhile, De La Salle-Zobel sent University of the East reeling to its fourth straight loss, 16-25, 25-23, 4442, 25-19, in a match that saw a marathon third set that lasted for 48 minutes.

With the Baby Falcons up by a point in the third set, 8-7, the Junior Tigressed went on a 12-2 rally to put the game out of reach and claim its fifth win in as many games.

“Sinabi ko lang na kailangan lang na magkaroon kami ng disiplina sa service at sa passing knowing Adamson, quality lahat ng players nila,” assistant coach Yani Fernandez said.

Renee Peñafiel led UST anew with 13 points while KC Cepada chipped in 10.

The Bullpups need a 17-7 finishing kick in the fourth set topped to extend their undefeated run to four matches.

“Sinabi ko sa kanila noong second set na hindi puwedeng ina-underestimate ninyo yung kalaban, kailangan nilang seryosohin lahat ng games,” said NU coach Regine Diego.

Evangeline Alinsug topscored for the Bullpups with 18 points on 10 spikes and eight service aces while Alyssa Solomon chalked up 17 markers.

Lyann De Guzman and Alexis Miner had six points apiece for FEU. The Bullpups dominated the Baby Tamaraws in the spiking category, 42-14.

Last season’s MVP Angel Canino missed her second consecutive game due to a suspected MCL injury and is expected to be out for the whole first round, but the Junior Lady Spikers were still able to chalk up their second win in four matches.

“Hinayaan ko lang sila to do their best, and very encouraging sa program na maraming nagstestep-up in the absence of Angel Canino,” said coach Tina Salak as De La Salle-Zobel moved in a tie with Adamson University in third place.

Gaco lifts Azi and Tets Travel to 3x3 Elite League title

PRINCES EOWYN BLOOMS. Princess Eowyn scores a 6-length win in the Philippine Racing Commission’s Sampaguita Stakes Race, one of the year’s top stakes races. The victory was worth a whopping P1,200,000.00 for owner Edong Diokno, whose other “more popular horse” in Boss Emong took the second leg of the Philracom’s Triple Crown Series last June.

Cignal battles PLDT in Superliga opener B

ACOOR CITY—After an impressive run last conference, Cignal marches back to warzone as it battles PLDT Home Fibr in the opening salvo of the Philippine Superliga Invitational Conference Tuesday at the Bacoor STRIKE gym here.

Cignal still made a strong statement that it is ripe to finally with the title.

And Daquis admitted that there is pressure entering this brand-new conference.

“Yes, there is pressure. It will always be there,” said the comely skipper, who also serves as league ambassador.

“But we’re not letting that pressure get into our heads. We’re just focussed on one goal and that is to win the championship.”

Daquis added that their title run served as a major boost to their morale.

“Coming from a successful run in the All-Filipino Conference, the experience made us realized that we could do anything for as long as we put our hearts and minds into it.”

True enough, the HD Spikers are more experienced and more matured coming into the Invitationals.

Action starts at Arena in Pasig City.

Games Today 6 p.m. with the HD With a powerful (Bacoor STRIKE Gym) Spikers riding the roster composed of 2 p.m. – Marinerang Pilipina vs crest of its championFilipi no -A mer ica n Generika-Ayala ship run in the Allsetter Alohi Robins4 p.m. – Foton vs Sta. Lucia Filipino Conference of 6 p.m. – Cignal vs PLDT Home Fibr Hardy and veteran this prestigious women’s Jovelyn Gonzaga, club league.

Rachel Anne Daquis, Also seeing action are Marinerang Mylene Paat and Jheck Dionela, the HD Pilipina, which takes on Generika-Ayala Spikers made heads turn when they deat 2 p.m., and Foton, which collides with throned Petron and coasted all the way to Sta. Lucia in the 4 p.m. second game of the finals of the All-Filipino Conference this explosive opening triple-header. last month.

Opening ceremonies, meanwhile, are Although it fell prey to a more seaset on Saturday at the Ynares Sports soned, more fluid F2 Logistics squad,

Federer wins to save Europe in Laver Cup GENEVA, Switzerland—Roger Federer saved Europe from defeat in the Laver Cup after beating John Isner in a tight match 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) that takes the tournament down to the final singles match.

Federer had to win a tense tiebreak over world number 20 Isner to take the three points, smashing an ace on the final point to raise the roof in Geneva after the American had somehow shot wide with the court at his mercy.

Team World lead 11-10 ahead of German Alexander Zverev’s clash Milos Raonic, a straight shootout for the tournament after Taylor Fritz had earlier put Team World to within one win of capturing their first Laver Cup with a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 10-5 win over Dominic Thiem.

“I’m thrilled that I was able to give something back to the team,” said Federer.

“Obviously to see Rafa on the sidelines after having to pull out with an injury, it’s great camaraderie I feel.”

Team World came into the day 7-5 down but were boosted by Rafael Nadal’s withdrawal with a hand injury.

Fritz, himself a replacement for injured Nick Kyrgios, followed up on

Team Europe’s Roger Federer celebrates after winning the 2019 Laver Cup tennis tournament in Geneva. AFP

Isner and Jack Sock’s 5-7, 6-4, 10-8 defeat of Federer and Stefanos Tsitsipas with a surprise tie-break triumph over world number five Thiem.

“That was such a big match for Team World to win, we really needed that,” said Fritz.

“This has to be one of the biggest wins

of my career. It means so much more when you’re playing for other people as well.”

This year is the first time the tournament has been played since being added to the ATP Tour.

Europe won the 2018 edition 13-8 in Chicago. AFP

JERWIN Gaco hit two free throws as Azi and Tets Travel Tours beat Yulz TMT, 21-19, in the final of the 3x3 Elite League Manila 2019 at the Market! Market! Mall in Taguig City.

The former PBA player nailed the game-winning free throws after his team trailed 20-19 to take the championship as well as the $3,000 top prize in the tournament organized by Mediapro Asia in partnership with SINA Sports.

Azi and Tets Travel, which also has tournament MVP Dan Reducto, JR Cawaling, and Joel Brokenbrough, also secured a berth an all-expenses paid trip to Beijing for the SINA 3x3 Elite League Manila 2019 where they will represent the Philippines in the tournament to be competed in by some of the top 3x3 teams in the world.

The Yulz TMT of Andrian Celada, Ken Acibar, Jeson Delfinado, and Levi Dela Cruz bagged second place and the $2,000 prize.

Zamboanga MLV 2 of Das Esa, Jon Rebollos, Ranimark Tano, and Ferdinand Lusdoc beat Titan 8, 19-16, to bag third place and the $1,000 prize.

Organizers are happy with the turnout with 60 teams competing in this year’s event.

“This year, we’ve seen a lot more quality teams and we are happy with that,” said Mediapro director for marketing and sponsorship sales Salauddin Sulaiman Sinnakandu. “This is something that we want to continue. We want to expand it. I think the local organizers made such a great job in bringing in quality teams.

“This is a truly great experience for the local participants. They are really competitive and they are having a chance to compete with the best players in the world this year,” said SINA Sports manager of international business and strategic partnerships Roger Zhang.

Romero graces PSA Forum today THE Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum holds a special session today with Congressman and NorthPort team owner Mikee Romero as its exclusive guest at the Amelie Hotel in Manila.

The House deputy speaker of 1-Pacman party list is expected to discuss the countr y’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine National Federation of Polo Players’ campaign in the biennial meet.

This is the first appearance of Romero in the weekly forum since being elected for a second term as House Representative of the 1-Pacman party list.

San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel,and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation are the major backers of the session.

The session is livestreamed via the PSA Facebookpage fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2 from 1-2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

PSA members are enjoined to attend the forum.

Vettel praises confidence-boosting support after Singapore GP win SINGAPORE—Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel had gone 392 days without a win until he stormed to victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday and the Ferrari driver admitted he drew inspiration from messages of support and knew his wait for a triumph would soon end.

The German’s last victory came in Belgium in August of 2018. He had claimed six podium finishes this season before ending a long wait to take the chequered flag in Singapore.

“I got a lot of little notes and handwritten messages, so it’s always nice if people make an effort to do that so we took our time to go through them. It was really encouraging,” Vettel told reporters after registering a record fifth victory in Singapore and third in a row for a revitalised Ferrari.

“When you start out, it’s difficult to imagine that people follow you like this but in recent years, especially in Asia, I have a lot of fans that come over and over again,” he added.

“I seemed to get a lot of energy from these messages over the last few weeks.

“From people in the racing world, from people I know, especially fans. People sharing their own stories of when things are up or down. When you read through these notes, some of them very intimate and private, it gets to you.”

Vettel added after team-mate Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Singapore, won the last two races in Belgium and Italy, he knew the team was in a good position to challenge for more race wins.

“The messages just give you confidence to keep trying,” he said. AFP

Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel has a pit stop during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix night race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. AFP

Sports

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

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

AFP nails 2nd win; ex-pro shines for Food Masters Games Sunday

(Pasig City Sports Center) 2 p.m. – Judiciary vs GSIS 3:30 p.m. – PITC vs PhilHealth 5 p.m. – NHA vs Malacañang-PSC

DEFENDING champion Armed Forces of the Philippines chalked up its second straight win while former PBA player Henry Fernandez led Department of Agriculture to an impressive debut in the 8th UNTV Cup held over the weekend at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The AFP Cavaliers banked on a fiery start to beat the PhilHealth Plus, 91-80, while Fernandez, who played for Purefoods (now Magnolia) in the pro league before, scattered 24 points in leading the DA Food Masters to a 78-73 win over the Ombudsman Graft Busters in Group I elims.

Fernandez was ably supported by former UST star Emerson Oreta and rookie Julius Saysayan who chipped in 20 and 11 points, respectively.

Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission also debuted on winning note by downing two-time champion Judiciary, 64-60, in the lone Group II match of the event organized by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon for public servants.

With Willy Casulla imposing his will in the shaded lane, the Cavaliers stormed to a 27-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Casulla led five AFP players with 9 points or more as he produced another double-double of 15 points and 22 boards while Dave Cordero added 13 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Former amateur hotshot Eric dela Cuesta rallied Malacañang-PSC from a huge 22-point deficit in the third by helping the Kamao outscore the Magis, 33-7, in the payoff period to snatch the win.

Dela Cuesta led Malacañang-PSC’s well-balanced attack with 17 points to negate the 27-point explosion of former Ginebra player Chester Tolomia.

Former pro Henry Fernandez starred for Agriculture by scattering 26 points in the team’s

Cone named Gilas PH coach for SEA Games

By Peter Atencio

A

NEW pool of players that will make the up the new members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team will be assembled within the week.

This is the main concern of Tim Cone after he accepted his appointment as the new Gilas Pilipinas head coach from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We’re hoping by the end of the week, we’ll have a pool of players working together at full force. I’m extremely excited to get going,” said Cone in a twitter message.

Cone, who will prepare the national team for the 30th Southeast Asian Games, is back after coaching the national squad to a bronze medal back in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.

“I will sit down with the SBP over the next couple of days and come up with a plan of attack,” said Cone.

Guiao comes aboard, some 12 days after Yeng Guiao took full responsibility for the outcome of the campaign of Gilas Pilipinas FIBA World Basketball 2019 and submitted his resignation.

Guiao’s resignation came after Team

Tim Cone Pilipinas finished winless after five games in the World Cup at the end of the Classification 17-32 Phase in China.

The 60-year-old Guiao felt that for the national squad to be able to compete with the world’s best teams, Gilas needs better players and more exposure.

Cone is the third coach to handle the national following Chot Reyes, who resigned last year, and Guiao, who coached Gilas in the 2018 Asian Games and the World Cup. Cone, who coaches Barangay Ginebra in the PBA, said that his coaching stint may only be up to their Philippines’ title defense in the SEA Games.

But he feels honored that he has been chosen.

“Even though my appointment is The top officials of San Miguel Corp., just a stop-gap measure, I am incredibly honored and proud to be selected as according to Cone, have already given their blessings on his new role. coach in the SEA Games,” Cone said.

Hectic week for Red Lions Thai ace shoots for PH Golf Tour Taiwan sweep BUSY is an understatement for the San Beda Red Lions in the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil-Flying Sports Center.

They are in for a hectic schedule of three games, beginning with an encounter with the San Sebastian Stags today, followed by a Thursday encounter with the University of Perpetual Help Altas and a clash with a Letran Knights next Tuesday.

The series of encounters are expected to test the resolve of the Red Lions, who remained unbeaten after 12 games.

“We should be consistent from start to finish. Again, lesson learned (from their game against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers),” said Red Lions coach Boyet Fernandez.

The Red Lions will meet the Stags at 12 noon and hopes are high that their game will be better than when they turned back the Heavy Bombers last Friday, 64-57.

Against JRU, San Beda took time to rouse from a so-so first half, with James Canlas topscoring for 18 points.

The Red Lions are three notches ahead of second running Lyceum (93), while the Knights are third at 8-4.

The Stags are in fourth at 7-4 and a loss will allow College of St. Benilde Blazers (6-5) to possibly catch up.

A shakeup in the standings could happen if the Blazers will win in their 2 p.m. showdown with the Letran Knights.

Later, the Mapua Cardinals battle the Arellano Chiefs at 4 p.m.

In junior action, the Red Cubs will seek to secure the no. 1 seeding in the Final Four in their 8 a.m. match with the Staglets. La Salle-Greenhills (7-4) fights the Letran Squires (5-6) at 10 a.m. Peter Atencio

Wisut Artjanawat

WISUT Artjanawat sets out as spearhead of a crack Philippine Golf Tour Asia contingent bracing for a fierce duel with the top guns of PGA of Taiwan (TPGA), eyeing no less than a sweep of the two PGTA events in Taiwan in the Nan Pao TPGA Open beginning Thursday (Sept. 26) in Tainan City.

The Thai veteran overcame a huge six-shot deficit in the final round and beat local ace Song Mengyu by two in the Daan TPGA Open in Taichung last May, breaking the Taiwanese domination of the annual event while earning the tag as winner of the first PGT Asia event held overseas.

Though he struggled to finish joint 31st in the last PGT Asia tournament at Aboitiz Invitational at Wack Wack three weeks ago after a tied for eighth effort at Manila Southwoods last July, the 33-year-old Artjanawat hopes to put it all together again this week in a bid to dominate the Taiwan tournaments in the third season of the region’s emerging circuit put up by ICTSI. As frontrunner in the PGTA Order of Merit derby, Artjanawat also heads a talent-laden roster of PGTA campaigners in the $100,000 event co-sanctioned by TPGA and Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., including No. 3 Namchok Tantipokhakul, No. 7 Teemu Putkonen of Finland, No. 8 Kammalas Namuangruk and ninth-ranked Tony Lascuña.

Like Artjanawat, Tantipokhakul is gunning for a second PGTA win this year after ruling the kickoff leg at Luisita last April with Piya Swangarunporn, Poosit Supupramai, Pasavee Lertvilai, Ratchapol Jantavara, Panuwat Muenlek, Atthaphon Sriboonkaew, Sutijet Kooratanapisan, Natthapoing Niyomchon, Peradol Panyathanasedh, Tawit Polthai, Puk Pradittan, Bouahom Thammasack, Choowong Wongsakorn and Sakulyong Pachara completing the big Thai cast in the 72-hole championship backed by PLDT Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and PGT Asia official apparel Pin High.

PH getting ready for SEAG torch THE torch run of the 30th Southeast Asian Games is about to begin.

And it will begin in key cities around the Philippines starting on Oct. 3, with Davao City as the starting point.

Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Director of Support and Operations Joseph Alcazar said this following a signing ceremony with MasterCard and Mediapro Asia as among the official sponsors of the biennial meet and 10th ASEAN Para Games.

“The flames will be brought here from Kuala Lumpur and there will be a torch run that will start in Davao City,” said Alcazar.

The ceremonial long relay of runners carrying torches to convey the flame to the site of the games will start when PHISGOC Chairman and House Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano and Philippine Sports Commission Chief William Ramirez go to Kuala Lumpur to fetch the ceremonial flame.

Organizers said the the torch is a representative of the Philippines’ goal of lighting the way towards a higher level of organizing the biennial games which is on its 30th year.

Alcazar was at the signing ceremony with officials of Mastercard and Mediapro Asia.

Both organizations will support the official mobile app of the regional meet.

The platform will serve as a one-stop source of information for spectators, athletes, and officials during the Games.

It will include details on game schedules, score tallies and medal tables, and news related to the event.

As a technology network powering smart and secure payments, Mastercard will also enable convenient and secure online and offline purchases like event tickets and food at the venues through a payment card stored in the mobile app.

Mediapro is a lead group that will help broadcast the Games globally.

Rowell del Fierro, country manager of Mastercard Philippines, and Mediapro executive Lars Heidenreich, signed the agreement with Alcazar.

“As the appointed sponsorship agent for the SEA Games, we are excited to announce Mastercard as an exclusive category sponsor, joining other partners who are also leaders in their respective categories to support this Philippines milestone Games and most important sporting event across South E a s t Asia in 2019,” said Heidenreich.

Peter Atencio

PH skaters hope to contribute to PH’s campaign SKATEBOARDING in the Philippines catapulted to prominence when Margielyn Didal captured a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games.

Didal’s brilliance will certainly rub off to the rest of the national skaters as they seek to rule skateboarding competitions in the coming 30th Southeast Asian Games on Nov. 30-Dec. 11.

Skateboarding chief Monty Mendigoria won’t count the number of medals that they can probably seize in the discipline yet, but is certain that the team will be pumped up in front of the hometown crowd during the meet to be held in Tagaytay City.

“Malaki ang chance natin, lalo na we

are considered as a powerhouse in Southeast Asia,’’ said Mendigoria, president of the Skateboarding and Roller Sports Association of the Philippines (SRSAP), the local governing body in the sport.

“But of course we have to work really hard lalo na sa mga ensayo,’’ added Mendigoria.

Eight golds are at stake from skateboarding’s street event, game of skate and downhill events for men’s and women’s categories.

Aside from Didal, the sport will display fresh local and international talents that will surely play their hearts out for a successful SEA Games campaign.

Filipino-Americans Christiana Means

and Jericho “Kiko” Francisco will join Didal in donning the national colors along with eight other skaters.

Mendigoria, however, would keep the final list of Filipino skaters confidential until the deadline of submission of names to the SEA Games Federation.

“I don’t want to give any details for now kasi baka masilip tayo ng mga kalaban. But definitely, kumpleto na ang line-up natin,’’ said Mendigoria. ``We have 11 athletes who will compete including Margie, of course. Kapag okay na ‘yung line-up ng ibang countries, we will disclose the line-up for our team,” said Mendigoria.

Margielyn Didal during her winning stint in the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia (Jat Tenorio)

IN BRIEF Security Bank sells LNCDs worth 6.06b

SECURITY Bank Corp., the sixth-largest lender in terms of assets, successfully raised P6.06 billion through the offering of long-term negotiable certificates of deposit that marked the second time the bank tapped the debt capital market in 2019.

The bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday the issuance was driven by solid demand from both retail and institutional investors, resulting in total subscriptions of P6.06 billion.

The amount exceeded the original offer of P5 billion and allowed the bank to successfully price the LTNCD at 4.00 percent despite rising interest rates and broader market volatility.

“This issuance has firmly placed our credit amongst retail investors—the LTNCD gives the investing public the chance to further express their confidence in Security Bank’s stability and ability to grow,” bank executive vice president and treasurer Raul Pedro said.

The P6.06-billion drawdown marked the first tranche of the bank’s P20-billion approval from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Julito G. Rada

SEC closes 11 more online lending firms

THE Securities and Exchange Commission ordered 11 more online lending firms to shut down operations following numerous complaints for unreasonable and abusive lending and collection practices.

The corporate watchdog issued ceaseand-desist orders on September 20 against Cash Whale, Cash 100, Cashafin, CashFlyer, CashMaya, Cashope, Cashwarm, Cashwow, Creditpeso, ET Easy Loan and Peso2Go. The online lending entities, according to the findings of the SEC Corporate Governance and Finance Department, had secured the required certificates of authority to operate as lending or financing companies.

The firms also committed unreasonable and abusive lending and collection practices, including subjecting debtors to public humiliation and ridicule.

“The complainants also allege that online lending operators impose and charge high interest rates, unilaterally implement onerous and unreasonable terms and conditions, market misrepresentation as to non-collection of charges and fees and violate the right of privacy of debtors,” the SEC said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

DPWH bares plan to build 180-km expressway from Quezon to Bicol

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Department of Public Works and Highways said it is keen on building a 180-kilometer expressway from Pagbilao, Quezon to Maharlika Highway in San Fernando, Camarines Sur for P87.29 billion.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the Quezon-Bicol Expressway would reduce the travel time between Tayabas, Quezon and San Fernando near Naga City in Camarines Sur by two hours.

The project also called South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 5 is under review by the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordinating Committee.

It would be a continuation of the SLEX Toll Road 4, a 66.74-kilometer expressway from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon which is being built by South Luzon Tollways Corp., a subsidiary of conglomerate San Miguel Corp.

Meanwhile, the DPWH is also building the P11.98-billion, fourlane extension of Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase I that connects Cabanatuan City and San Jose City, passing through the municipalities of Talavera and Llanera in Nueva Ecija.

The 35.70-km expressway will provide a free-flowing alternative route and decongest traffic along Pan-Philippine Highway between the cities of Nueva Ecija and the town of Plaridel in Bulacan province.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

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Govt starts probe on rice imports Eight-month T budget deficit

By Othel V. Campos

HE Agriculture Department said Monday it launched the preliminary process of investigation on the imposition of general safeguards duty on rice imports.

“We have started investigations and we expect to complete them by end of September or early October,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar. The imposition of safeguard duty on rice imports is one of the measures expected to help stabilize the supply and price of rice.

A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether the increased importation of a product is causing, or is

threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.

Data from the department showed the Philippines could only produce 93 percent of the total national rice requirement and had to import the remaining 7 percent.

“We have to holistically and systematically protect the consuming public and much more, our small farmers. So, I have taken the necessary steps and the direction where we will enforce legal measures during these times when we have greatly exceeded the volume needed to fill up the slack in national rice supply, most particularly in Metro Manila and major urban rice consumption centers,” Dar said.

The measure is in line with Republic Act 8752 (Anti-Dumping Act of 1999) where the government can impose antidumping duties on imports of any product, including rice and other basic food items that are priced way below the cur-

rent fair market value.

Another option is to impose stringent sanitary and phytosanitary and inspection measures of rice imports.

Dar said that to date, 2.4 million metric tons of rice were imported which were beyond what the country needed.

“We will protect our small farmers by not allowing additional imports especially this main harvest season. We want them to benefit from the respectable farmgate prices of palay set by the government through the National Food Authority,” Dar said.

The World Trade Organization earlier announced it had initiated the preliminary safeguard investigation on rice as requested by the Philippines.

From the request filed by the Philippines, the document alleged that the continued increase in rice imports occurred alongside the drop in farmgate prices of palay which adversely affected the income of farmers.

Cebu Landmasters, AbotizLand team up

CEBU-BASED property developers AboitizLand Inc. and Cebu Landmasters Inc. have formed a joint venture to build a multi-tower project in Mandaue City.

CLI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the project that both parties would develop was a mid-market, mixed-use, multi-tower condominium development scheduled to be launched in 2020.

“With our roots in Cebu, AboitizLand and Cebu Landmasters understand the Cebuano market well. Our partnership is a first and a milestone for both companies.

We have decided to collaborate for the betterment of Cebu contributing to quality housing needs of the community,” said CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano III. Aboitiz Equity Ventures president and chief executive Erramon Aboitiz said AboitizLand remained upbeat on the Cebu property market.

“As AboitizLand continues its aggressive expansion in Luzon and Metro Manila, we remain grounded in our Cebuano roots. This partnership aligns with our goal to continue to strengthen our presence here with current and future developments,” Aboitiz said. Jenniffer B. Austria

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

SECURITY BANK RAISES P6B. Security Bank raises P6.06 billion in its offer of long-term negotiable certificates of deposit, marking the second time the bank tapped the debt capital markets this year. The issuance was driven by solid demand from both retail and institutional investors, resulting in total subscriptions of P6.06 billion, exceeding the original offer of P5 billion and allowing the bank to price the LTNCDs at 4 percent. Attending the listing ceremony at the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. are (from left) Deutsche Bank AG chief country officer Michael Chua, Security Bank senior vice president Jim Yap, Security Bank senior vice president Andre Ibarra III, Philippine Depository & Trust Corp. president and chief operating officer Ma. Theresa Ravalo and PDEX president and COO Antonino Nakpil.

Dominguez declines award from IMF-WB publication again

By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III declined to accept for the second time an award from an international publication of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank that cited his exemplary performance as the head of the Duterte administration’s economic team.

GlobalMarkets is the newspaper published at the International Monetary Fund/World Bank Annual Meeting this year in Washington D.C. Anita Linda Aquino, the chief of staff of Dominguez, conveyed the Finance secretary’s non-acceptance of the award to GlobalMarkets editors led by managing editor Toby Fildes.

“On behalf of Secretary Dominguez, I would like to express my appreciation that GlobalMarkets magazine is recognizing him as the Finance Minister of the year for Asia Pacific,” Aquino said.

“I am conveying with deep regret that as a matter of course, Secretary Dominguez does not accept awards in the

performance of his duties. Clearly, the efforts exerted by the team which Secretary Dominguez is part of, is bearing fruit in various aspects, such as the Tax Reform initiative and the Build Build Build program,” Aquino said.

Fildes earlier informed Dominguez of the award in an e-mail sent to the secretary on Aug. 21, 2019. Fildes chairs the editorial committee of GlobalMarkets which considered Dominguez as the outstanding candidate for the award this year.

“You have been a very safe pair of hands in a tough 12-month period for the government of the Philippines. You’ve been left alone to fight for the president’s tax reform packages, to oversee the ‘build build build’ campaign, which goes on despite perennial tussles over the budget between parliament and senate,” Fildes said.

“While you are close to Duterte, even the longest and most cordial relationships can go sour when politics intrudes, but that hasn’t happened. With

your CEO style you have kept your head down and your focus on keeping the Philippines economy on an upward path,” Fildes said.

Fildes said he personally wanted to meet Dominguez and have the honor of presenting the award at the GlobalMarkets Awards Ceremony on Oct. 19 in the Ballroom at National Press Club in Washington D.C. Fildes said Dominguez “very well deserved” the award.

The first time Dominguez declined to accept such award from GlobalMarkets was in September 2017.

In December of the same year, Dominguez also declined to accept the Business and Economic Management Excellence Award from BizNewsAsia, saying he was just doing his job and what the government achieved so far was a result of a team effort.

Marc Gregory Crisostomo, head executive assistant of the Office of the Secretary, relayed to Tony Lopez, president and chief executive of BizNewsAsia, Dominguez’s non-acceptance of the award.

narrowed 57% to P120.40b

THE government’s budget deficit in the first eight months declined 57.3 percent to P120.401 billion from P282.014 billion a year ago, as the growth in revenue collection outpaced expenditures, data from the Bureau of the Treasury show.

Revenues increased 9.5 percent in the eight-month period to P2.091 trillion from P1.9 trillion in the same period last year. This also surpassed the January to August 2019 program of P2.089 trillion.

Spending from January to August barely rose by 0.9 percent to P2.211 trillion from P2.191 trillion a year earlier.

The Treasury said tax revenues grew 9.8 percent in the first eight months to P1.879 trillion from P1.712 trillion a year ago. The Bureau of Internal Revenue collected P1.452 trillion, up 10.6 percent from P1.313 trillion in the same period last year. This was 4.4 percent short of the January to August program of P1.519 trillion.

The Bureau of Customs collected P411.247 billion in the eight-month period, 7.2 percent higher than P383.544 billion a year ago. This was, however, 2.7 percent lower than the program for the first eight months of P422.483 billion.

The Bureau of Treasury generated P107.909 billion in the first eight months, up 30 percent from P83.318 billion a year earlier. The BTr’s income was 96 percent higher than the P55.076 billion program for the first eight months.

ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa said earlier the government started the second half of the year on the “right foot” following a decent pickup in government expenditure by 3.4 percent in July while revenue collection remained strong at 9.3 percent.

The government posted a budget deficit of P558.26 billion in 2018, above the P528.8-billion goal and the 2017 result of P350.6 billion.

Fitch Solutions, a unit of Fitch Group, said the Philippines was expected to run a wider budget deficit in 2020, on greater reliance on government stimulus to drive economic growth.

Fitch Solutions took note of the budget balance in the second quarter which came at -2.3 percent of GDP, slightly narrower than -2.4 percent of GDP a year earlier.

“The narrower budget balance in the first half of 2019 is attributed to strong revenue generation and delayed expenditure by the government, following the protracted process in passing the 2019 budget,” it said.

“However, we expect fiscal stimulus to ramp-up towards the end of the year given the cash-based approach to the 2019 Budget. The cash-based approach seeks to ensure spending is done within the fiscal year by setting a deadline of year-end for projects and contracts,” Fitch Solutions said.

Julito G. Rada

Govt support crucial in curbing tobacco use, says health expert A PROMINENT Filipino physician has underscored the relevance of state intervention in curbing the incidence of smoking in the country, hinting that existing policies including scare tactics and high excise taxes on tobacco products appeared to have fallen short of expectations.

Dr. Lorenzo Mata, a veteran family health doctor and medical consultant, cited a declaration and research of two UK-based organizations which he believed could help guide Philippine policymakers in formulating sound policies meant to enable Filipino smokers to gain access to less harmful smoking alternatives while at the same time upholding the quality and integrity of public health for Filipinos.

Mata was specifically referring to a report of the Action on Smoking and Health , a UK-based public health char-

ity that works to eliminate the harm caused by cigarette smoking.

The group declared that government support is crucial in helping smokers quit.

The doctor also adverted to a report by the Cancer Research UK, a private cancer research and awareness charity, which revealed that close to140,000 cancer cases in England could have been prevented through support from the National Health Service. Some 54,000 of these cases resulted from cigarette smoking.

The figure is twice as many as that of obesity which is considered as the next biggest preventable risk factor.

ASH hailed the study, saying it highlights the benefits of quitting the use of combustible cigarettes. “If we are serious about preventing cancer, smoking remains the number one priority,” said ASH chief executive Deborah Arnott.

SM GETS 4 AWARDS. SM Investments Corp. wins four awards in the 9th Annual Institutional Investor Awards for Corporates by Alpha Southeast Asia magazine.

SM was cited the Most Organized in Investor Relations, Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance and Most Consistent Dividend Policy. It also garnered the Best Annual Report in the Philippines for its 2018 Annual Report. SM vice president for planning and communications Paul Arcenas (left) receives the Institutional Investor Corporate Awards from the magazine’s publisher and CEO Siddiq Bazarwala during the awards ceremony in Singapore.

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Business

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks close flat; PLDT retreats T HE stock market closed virtually flat Monday in nervous trading after US President Donald Trump said he did not want a partial trade deal with China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 3.60 points, or 0.05 percent, to 7,867.51 on a value turnover of P5.8 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 149 to 57, with 45 issues unchanged.

PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications firm, declined 3 percent to P1,112, while Megaworld Corp., the largest lessor of office spaces, fell 2.2 percent to P4.81.

GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group lost 2.3 percent to P860, while SM Prime Holdings Inc.of the Sy Group

dropped 2 percent to P35.45.

Oil prices, meanwhile, rallied Monday after Iran warned the presence of US forces in the Gulf was causing instability in the region, while equities were mixed.

Hong Kong fell 0.8 percent with China’s Fosun International losing 1.5 percent after British travel giant Thomas Cook—in which it is the top shareholder—collapsed. The 178-year-old firm went under after failing to secure £200 million ($250 million) from private investors to keep it afloat.

Shanghai shed one percent, while Singapore dropped 0.3 percent, with Taipei and Bangkok also lower, though there were gains in Seoul, Sydney, Wellington and Jakarta. Tokyo was closed for a holiday.

Mumbai rallied 3.3 percent, extending last week’s surge of more than five percent that was fueled by the govern-

ment’s decision to slash corporation tax by almost a third.

While a loosening of monetary policy by central banks is providing support to investors, they remain on edge following last week’s attack on Saudi oil facilities that was claimed by Huthi rebels in Yemen but blamed by the US on Iran.

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday hit out at a US move to increase troop numbers in Saudi Arabia, saying: “Foreign forces can cause problems and insecurity for our people and for our region.”

He called on outside powers to “stay away” and added Tehran would present a peace plan to the United Nations within days.

Investors are concerned about a possible conflict in the oil-rich Middle East after last week’s attacks—which hammered Saudi Arabia’s biggest crude plant—though both sides have said they do not want a war.

The US has ramped up sanctions on Tehran, targeting its central bank.

Both main oil contracts saw prices rise more than one percent Monday and traders are keeping tabs on Riyadh’s progress in repairing the facilities.

“You can never say never, but with an Iranian delegation apparently due to attend the UN session opening week in New York, it is hard to imagine too many fireworks in the gulf this week,” said OANDA senior markets analyst Jeffrey Halley.

Equity markets were struggling for traction with investors tracking comments from Trump saying he wanted to strike a full trade deal with Beijing, knocking hopes for a piecemeal agreement between the economic superpowers.

“I’m not looking for a partial deal. I’m looking for a complete deal,” he told reporters at the White House. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 56.45 80 90.35 1,897,770 2.09 12,000 141.5 905,640 1.15 6,000 25.65 122,800 18.5 700 12.08 140,000 5.59 554,400 1.23 87,000 0.435 80,000 67.25 1,787,770 0.93 14,000 45.05 102,400 180 1,290 114 280 57 1,230 26.9 23,900 197.5 462,650 59.05 44,490 1.1 15,000

4,517.50 172,044,444.50 24,650 128,102,338 6,940 3,149,570 12,970 1,683,798 3,137,921 108,700 34,800 120,578,711 13,100 4,622,140 232,210 32,138 70,477 644,775 91,282,157 2,626,605 16,550

-34,384,695 -11,460,402 -548,910 -71,926 -43,421,491 -6,510 -941,230 -8,065 -31,304,636 -1,464,790 -

39 15.82 0.71 1.3 0.249 2.62 14.08 115.1 10.2 18 31.3 72.05 77.1 2.1 6.12 5.94 9.15 15.56 10.38 7.15 24.5 81 48.9 2.35 14.1 8.25 1.52 220.2 5.23 3.22 8.6 20.4 13.62 18.46 368 0.189 2 4.21 5.07 10.5 2.6 10.72 32.75 5.15 5.1 1.81 2.3 1.09 11.7 89.5 7.4 0.125 1.07 165.6 2.42 1.21 1.28

INDUSTRIAL 39.95 942,200 16.1 589,200 0.73 677,000 1.3 41,000 0.249 1,670,000 2.64 2,158,000 14.2 88,200 116 10,130 10.5 431,900 18.5 22,700 31.3 2,400 72.3 660 77.1 2,000 2.13 258,000 6.14 10,500 5.95 17,100 9.2 738,800 15.84 1,229,900 10.62 427,900 7.17 3,523,500 24.75 1,150,000 81.2 299,590 49.5 54,900 2.39 3,785,000 14.32 126,400 8.45 140,300 1.52 194,000 220.2 1,247,580 5.35 7,700 3.53 9,000 8.6 500 21.2 1,502,000 13.64 223,800 18.46 752,100 368 53,160 0.189 10,000 2.03 5,647,000 4.47 6,000 5.11 1,294,500 10.6 240,300 2.62 18,168,000 11 98,300 32.95 397,800 5.3 121,900 5.12 4,000 1.91 1,226,000 2.3 10,000 1.1 22,000 11.8 1,357,400 91 266,740 7.4 154,300 0.126 290,000 1.07 618,000 166.9 404,000 2.42 3,000 1.23 13,494,000 1.29 2,454,000

37,476,145 9,432,802 489,840 53,320 418,060 5,698,510 1,246,742 1,175,227 4,488,212 416,446 75,370 47,654 154,216.50 547,970 64,450 101,724 6,834,330 19,462,442 4,494,032 25,302,516 28,560,095 24,278,464 2,704,760 9,032,770 1,796,824 1,168,770 298,380 275,522,406 41,020 30,400 4,300 31,646,935 3,065,958 13,963,294(4, 19,593,300 1,890 11,479,260 25,970 6,608,905 2,610,478 47,811,810 1,072,270 13,106,005 640,390 20,478 2,316,670 23,000 24,380 16,014,582 24,082,423.5 ( 1,151,475 36,320 664,950 67,306,279 7,260 16,613,080 3,174,200

1,511,740 3,536,048 -14,320 875,260 332,042 -145,910 -15,660 630,351 16,280,796 4,000,784 -10,669,524 -3,922,375 2,765,802.50 610,215 1,207,670 -355,110 -275,554 -8,980,832 1,456,355 -1,228,682 350,724.0002) -13,287,384 581,090 -795,714 86,400 -2,193,560 105,320 -169,408 11,664,014.5) -54,204,689 4,840 -11,266,550 -101,240

0.96 55.75 12.44 0.79 13.48 1.2 1.24 899.5 3.59 6.8 8.86 13.7 0.24 885 5.99 75.3 5.85 6.99 0.56 4.45 14.84 0.66 5.02 0.04 1.37 3.09 179 1,011 0.88 230.2 0.233 0.26

0.92 54.35 12.06 0.77 13.38 1.17 1.18 887 3.43 6.73 8.8 13.52 0.229 851.5 5.86 73.3 5.4 5 0.51 4.4 14.54 0.63 4.91 0.039 1.34 2.92 176 990 0.85 229 0.229 0.245

HOLDING FIRMS 0.93 15,505,000 55.65 436,080 12.06 4,819,100 0.79 619,000 13.38 6,400 1.19 2,032,000 1.24 65,000 889 1,126,670 3.59 12,337,000 6.77 1,022,700 8.8 4,734,300 13.7 71,100 0.24 230,000 860 117,640 5.99 12,100 74.15 736,800 5.8 1,200 6.99 40,000 0.51 1,298,000 4.42 235,000 14.7 1,150,400 0.65 255,000 4.99 10,189,700 0.039 3,000,000 1.34 56,000 2.92 22,000 177.9 77,610 1,010 150,355 0.88 29,000 230.2 302,430 0.229 170,000 0.25 10,550,000

14,452,500 24,243,073.50 58,504,320 483,020 85,732 2,402,110 76,760 1,005,647,160 42,815,000 6,929,795 41,726,034 970,426 52,830 101,279,995 71,059 54,693,268.50 6,875 224,770 678,580 1,040,350 16,912,550 165,040 50,719,591 117,100 75,770 64,610 13,761,086 150,853,922.5 ( 24,710 69,258,890 38,990 2,739,050

-1,841,270 -3,748,458 -21,390,968 -101,067,825 378,670 -458,577 -24,120,633 -161,660 -68,452,305 -70,460 -2,796,653.50 580 -769,390 6,158,462 650 -8,579,590 3,685,747 41,664,767.5) -386,640 -

15.16 0.9 10.02 1.87 0.95 48.65 2.15 5.04 5.93 0.57 0.87 0.227 0.4 9.82 20.85 0.455 0.121 1.65 1.25 4.71 5 0.32 0.44 1.49 0.395 2.09 51.5 25.25 2.38 3.36 35.5

15.14 0.87 10.02 1.82 0.91 47.8 2.13 4.91 5.92 0.55 0.87 0.217 0.4 9.76 20.5 0.45 0.121 1.63 1.2 4.71 4.8 0.31 0.44 1.46 0.38 2.05 45.05 25 2.34 3.3 34.7

PROPERTY 15.16 65,000 0.89 1,643,000 10.02 4,800 1.84 56,000 0.93 2,231,000 48.65 2,947,500 2.13 218,000 4.91 1,036,000 5.92 8,800 0.56 16,217,000 0.87 1,000 0.217 80,000 0.4 40,000 9.76 42,700 20.6 293,400 0.455 140,000 0.121 100,000 1.64 6,198,000 1.2 1,865,000 4.71 1,000 4.81 17,000,000 0.315 8,020,000 0.44 100,000 1.46 1,229,000 0.385 260,000 2.06 171,000 51.5 240 25.05 734,200 2.34 92,000 3.34 80,000 35.45 26,175,400

984,142 1,447,960 48,096 102,920 2,062,890 142,309,075 467,060 5,187,060 52,098 9,125,610 870 17,510 16,000 418,310 6,060,000 63,100 12,100 10,130,770 2,249,490 4,710 82,739,980 2,524,500 44,000 1,801,090 99,400 355,320 12,102 18,393,140 216,150 265,500 912,416,065

-431,490 4,600 -40,632,645 -90,230 -79,600 -560 -2,270 80,234 7,250 1,653,980 -47,190 4,710 -50,011,480 -9,450 691,520 -3,288,940 -21,031,120

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

56.5 91.1 2.03 141 1.16 25.7 18.6 12.1 5.59 1.31 0.435 67.75 0.94 45.5 180.1 120 57.8 27 197 59 1.15

56.5 91.5 2.09 142.6 1.16 25.7 18.6 12.1 5.86 1.31 0.435 68.3 0.95 45.5 180.1 120 57.8 27.1 198 60.5 1.15

56.45 90 2.02 140 1.15 25.6 18.5 11.98 5.58 1.23 0.435 67.25 0.93 45 180 114 57 26.9 195.8 59 1.1

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

39.9 15.84 0.74 1.3 0.25 2.66 14.1 121.7 10.3 18.98 31.7 72.05 77.15 2.11 6.12 5.95 9.3 15.84 10.5 7.2 24.85 81.4 49.5 2.39 14.14 8.55 1.55 220.4 5.3 3.41 8.6 22.35 13.84 18.9 371 0.189 2.06 4.21 5.15 11.5 2.69 10.72 33.6 5.2 5.14 1.88 2.3 1.11 12 91 7.49 0.125 1.1 168 2.42 1.26 1.34

39.95 16.1 0.74 1.32 0.255 2.67 14.26 121.7 10.52 18.98 31.7 72.3 77.15 2.13 6.14 6 9.33 15.9 10.62 7.24 25.15 81.4 49.5 2.41 14.32 8.55 1.55 221.6 5.39 3.53 8.6 22.35 13.84 18.9 371 0.189 2.06 4.48 5.16 11.5 2.69 11 33.6 5.31 5.14 1.91 2.3 1.11 12 91 7.5 0.126 1.1 168 2.42 1.26 1.34

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

0.93 55.5 12.44 0.78 13.48 1.2 1.18 897 3.54 6.78 8.86 13.7 0.23 885 5.88 75.3 5.4 5.1 0.51 4.45 14.8 0.66 5 0.039 1.35 3.09 179 1,004 0.88 230 0.229 0.26

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG

15.16 0.89 10.02 1.86 0.95 47.95 2.15 5.03 5.93 0.57 0.87 0.227 0.4 9.8 20.6 0.45 0.121 1.65 1.21 4.71 4.95 0.315 0.44 1.49 0.385 2.09 45.05 25 2.38 3.35 34.75

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

2.47 5.99 0.92 7.65

2.48 5.99 0.92 7.65

2.38 5.86 0.88 7.58

2.45 5.9 0.88 7.64

683,000 60,000 536,000 3,820,900

1,654,980 357,045 484,950 29,135,496

-8,318,623

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG 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 LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

10.4 19 1.83 0.72 0.048 2.37 11.1 0.056 94 6.78 7.28 2.02 10.4 1,910 5.3 422.4 1.61 1.84 130 4.5 0.114 5.39 2.98 14.28 3.18 0.96 19.26 0.45 3.45 2.5 1.16 1.23 3.3 2.89 8.12 4.75 3.2 1,148 0.72 0.57 42 80.35 9.35 2.82 0.7 0.35 5.5 0.7 16.28

10.4 19.36 1.86 0.78 0.048 2.37 11.1 0.057 94.2 6.96 7.28 2.02 10.4 1,910 5.3 430 1.66 1.9 132.6 4.5 0.115 5.39 2.98 14.28 3.18 0.96 19.38 0.46 3.45 2.5 1.16 1.23 3.38 2.89 8.12 4.75 3.2 1,158 0.73 0.57 42.1 80.35 9.36 2.86 0.72 0.35 5.5 0.7 16.28

10.2 18 1.8 0.69 0.048 2.36 11 0.056 91.2 6.78 7.12 2.02 9.92 1,884 5.23 419.6 1.61 1.82 129.2 4.25 0.113 5.28 2.98 14.28 3.12 0.91 18.8 0.45 3.4 2.45 1.16 1.22 3.2 2.85 8.12 4.75 3.14 1,112 0.72 0.55 41.2 78.5 9.35 2.81 0.7 0.34 5 0.69 16.1

SERVICES 10.2 18.68 1.86 0.7 0.048 2.37 11.1 0.057 92.9 6.96 7.13 2.02 9.97 1,884 5.23 430 1.62 1.82 130 4.25 0.115 5.32 2.98 14.28 3.14 0.91 19.38 0.46 3.45 2.45 1.16 1.22 3.2 2.85 8.12 4.75 3.18 1,112 0.73 0.57 41.5 78.5 9.36 2.82 0.71 0.345 5.5 0.7 16.16

6,700 269,000 212,000 93,518,000 5,000,000 181,000 5,844,900 13,780,000 14,340 1,200 659,100 10,000 103,200 15,495 80,300 1,620 725,000 87,000 1,630,260 6,000 500,000 1,935,400 1,000 200 278,000 52,000 92,900 310,000 79,000 352,000 1,000 8,000 3,039,000 55,000 2,600 1,000 433,000 95,815 2,250,000 8,654,000 677,900 451,090 2,000 756,000 1,251,000 4,530,000 5,200 404,000 3,577,100

69,550 5,032,906 389,950 69,740,120 240,000 427,850 64,715,588 772,250 1,326,493 8,172 4,732,558 20,200 1,035,912 29,275,810 420,602 691,278 1,179,720 159,350 211,960,971 26,190 57,020 10,279,362 2,980 2,856 869,180 48,370 1,771,224 140,550 272,450 866,490 1,160 9,830 9,842,000 157,400 21,112 4,750 1,370,850 107,649,510 1,642,390 4,861,260 28,331,840 35,608,764 18,710 2,139,050 889,670 1,561,300 28,191 280,100 57,783,494

-4,197,710 -980,350 -14,000 386,515.50 -609,757 -16,709,065 4,288 1,900 -58,330,520 4,400 264,114 2,980 6,240 755,850 -51,750 59,040 -44,100 -48,808,010 -33,040 -24,817,190 -3,514,840.50 659,700 17,592 -15,990,984

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

0.0018 1.2 2.55 12.1 1.17 2.68 0.295 7.93 1.71 0.237 0.11 0.109 0.0094 0.011 1.17 4.32 1.16 0.51 0.9 0.012 0.011 9.5 3.92 12.3 23.05 0.0063

0.0018 1.22 2.55 12.1 1.17 2.69 0.295 7.99 1.77 0.27 0.111 0.109 0.0095 0.012 1.21 4.35 1.22 0.54 0.92 0.012 0.012 9.5 3.92 12.3 23.15 0.0063

0.0016 1.19 2.5 12.1 1.17 2.66 0.285 7.75 1.7 0.231 0.109 0.109 0.0094 0.011 1.16 4.19 1.16 0.51 0.9 0.011 0.011 9.2 3.81 12.1 22.65 0.0063

MINING & OIL 0.0017 2,850,000,000 1.19 540,000 2.5 213,000 12.1 100 1.17 11,000 2.67 920,000 0.285 70,000 7.99 4,100 1.76 14,944,000 0.25 34,970,000 0.109 300,000 0.109 20,000 0.0095 12,600,000 0.012 4,300,000 1.16 217,000 4.28 2,650,000 1.2 1,601,000 0.54 35,000 0.92 306,000 0.012 16,000,000 0.012 400,000 9.2 1,086,100 3.81 1,232,000 12.18 520,900 22.65 436,600 0.0063 5,000,000

4,845,000 644,090 537,980 1,210 12,870 2,459,090 20,050 32,581 26,098,770 8,926,440 33,050 2,180 119,690 50,000 257,300 11,297,280 1,915,880 17,940 280,910 191,500 4,500 10,109,900 4,727,140 6,326,598 9,919,660 31,500

15,090 752,360 -7,800 336,040 12,000 836,766.00 -827,760 -382,574 -924,375 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18.48 510 504 101.3 101.9 108 5.19 980 97.4 0.99 101 1,024 1,054 1,079 101.1 108 1.4 990 78 75.05 76.5 76.5 75.8 76 76.6

18.48 510 504 101.3 102 108 5.19 990 99.7 0.99 101 1,024 1,055 1,080 101.1 108 1.4 998 78 75.5 76.5 76.5 75.8 76 76.6

18.2 510 504 100 101 108 5.08 980 97.4 0.99 101 1,024 1,054 1,079 100 108 1.4 990 77.6 75.05 76.5 76.5 75.8 76 76.6

PREFERRED 18.22 47,800 510 1,020 504 1,200 100 10,640 101 1,100 108 8,400 5.08 9,600 990 50 99.7 97,830 0.99 22,000 101 2,000 1,024 145 1,055 2,280 1,079 13,845 100 10,000 108 60 1.4 1,000 998 70 78 42,210 75.15 1,101,340 76.5 10,600 76.5 30,500 75.8 4,000 76 1,920 76.6 600

874,722 520,200 604,800 1,070,414 111,263 907,200 49,018 49,300 9,575,939 21,780 202,000 148,480 2,405,065 14,939,755 1,001,810 6,480 1,400 69,700 3,291,860 82,765,868.50 810,900 2,333,250 303,200 145,920 45,960

-245,062 907,200 -53,950 -

LR WARRANT

1.65

1.65

1.63

WARRANTS 1.63 43,000

70,510

-35,860

20,725,910 7,101,428 2,055,280

68,342 7,276 -23,520

469,642

-28,282

2,072

-

NAME

MS ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

6.98 10.88 1

7.35 10.92 1

6.91 10.5 0.96

FIRST METRO ETF

118

118

117.6

USD DMPL A1

10.36

10.36

10.36

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES 6,441,505

INDUSTRIAL

69,216,648

HOLDING FIRMS

73,217,696

PROPERTY

94,606,484

SERVICES

152,142,025

MINING & OIL

2,948,590,113

GRAND TOTAL

3,349,906,743

7.32 10.5 0.96

SME

2,901,500 670,500 2,116,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.7 3,990 DDS 10.36

200

VALUE 1,784.14 (down) 2.44 553,953,049.91 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,855.33 (down) 83.61 874,016,641.467 HOLDING FIRMS 7,836.22 (down) 12.88 2,308,182,371.24 PROPERTY 4,032.97 (up) 47.21 SERVICES 1,566.81 (down) 22.03 1,340,039,670.925 MINING & OIL 9,275.23 (down) 99.80 659,796,935.63 PSEI 7,867.51 (down) 3.60 88,899,934.2919 All Shares Index 4,761.24 (down) 11.11 5,855,242,817.78 Gainers: 57; Losers: 149; Unchanged: 45; Total: 251

San Miguel proceeds with tender offer on Holcim shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. plans to conduct a tender offer on the minority shares of Holcim Philippines Inc. after the Philippine Competition Commission cleared the acquisition.

San Miguel said in a disclosure to the stock exchange unit First Stronghold Cement Industries Inc. aimed to conduct a mandatory tender offer to purchase the remaining 920.553 million shares in HPI, representing 14.27 percent of the company’s total outstanding stock held by the public.

San Miguel earlier signed a deal to purchase 5.51 billion shares of HPI owned by Holderfin B.V. Cemco Holdings Inc. and Union Cement Holdings Corp., equivalent to a combined 85.73-percent stake in HPI, for $2.15 billion.

San Miguel said the acquisition of HPI shares by FSCII was subject to the mandatory tender offer provision of the Securities Regulation Code.

The conduct of the tender offer of shares of HPI, meanwhile, is dependent on the approval of the PCC. “The other terms of the tender offer, including the tender offer price, shall be announced separately on the date of the commencement of the tender offer which will be made only after PCC approval of the transaction. In this connection, FSCII has the resources to implement the offer in full pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, San Miguel said.

PCC on Sept 6 said it would further review San Miguel’s takeover of HPI, after initial investigation indicated that the deal might affect competition in some markets.

Meanwhile, HPI recently inaugurated 11 new storage and loading facilities that will improve the ability of its plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The company said the new facilities would improve the plant’s storage capacity and speed up packing and loading of products on trucks.

The Norzagaray cement plant primarily serves the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, where construction industries grew by double-digits in 2018, according to government data.

The company also inaugurated in March and August new facilities in its Bacnotan, La Union and Davao City plants, respectively.

“This is the third site we are holding inauguration activities this year as our company continues investments to strengthen our ability to support our customers nationwide,” HPI president and chief executive John Stull said.

Megaworld allots P1.2b for Bacolod township project

MEGAWORLD Corp., the country’s largest office developer and lessor, said it will spend P1.2 billion to build office towers on its 34-hectare The Upper East township in Bacolod City.

Megaworld said in a disclosure to the stock exchange two office towers, called No. 1 Upper East Avenue and No. 5 Upper East Avenue, would offer around 17,000 square meters of office spaces catering mainly to the information technology and business process outsourcing sector.

The towers will be strategically located along the township’s main avenue, the six-lane Upper East Avenue that connects the city’s main streets of Lopez Jaena and Circumferential Road.

Both towers are scheduled for completion by 2022.

“These two new office towers will be Megaworld’s first office developments in Bacolod, and we look forward to bring in new BPO locators to the city.

To be operated under our Megaworld Premier Offices brand, these Upper East Avenue towers will showcase the company’s signature state-of-the-art features in office developments—making them the most modern offices to rise in Bacolod City,” said Kevin Tan, chief strategy officer of Megaworld.

Featuring Spanish and European architectural design, the No. 1 Upper East Avenue and No. 5 Upper East Avenue towers will be registered under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

Both towers will have roof gardens and utilize LED lightings in common areas, dual-flush technology for toilets, and double-glazed windows for heat insulation and energy-efficiency.

The office towers will offer basement and ground level parking, for the convenience of its tenant partners and workers. Jenniffer B. Austria

World IN BRIEF Roboticists predict rise of the machines SEIKA, Japan-Set in 2019, cult 80s movie “Blade Runner” envisaged a neon-stained landscape of bionic “replicants” genetically engineered to look just like humans.

So far that has failed to materialize, but at a secretive research institute in western Japan, wild-haired roboticist Hiroshi Ishiguro is fine-tuning technology that could blur the line between man and machine.

Highly intelligent, self-aware and helpful around the house―the robots of the future could look and act just like humans and even become their friends, Ishiguro and his team predict.

“I don’t know when a ‘Blade Runner’ future will happen, but I believe it will,” the Osaka University professor told AFP. “Every year we’re developing new technology -- like deep learning, which has improved the performance of pattern recognition,” he added.

“Now we’re focusing on intention and desire, and if we implement them into robots whether they become more human-like.”

Robots are already widely used in Japan-from cooking noodles to helping patients with physiotherapy. AFP

Global warming on the agenda

U

NITED NATIONS―Some 60 world leaders convene on Monday for a UN summit on “climate emergency” aimed at reinvigorating the faltering Paris agreement, at a time when mankind is releasing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than at any time in history.

From heat waves to slow-crawling hurricanes to rapidly acidifying oceans, the impacts of global warming are being felt more than ever before, yet the gap between carbon reduction targets demanded by scientists to avert catastrophe and actions thus far taken is only widening.

It is within this context that a new, youth-led movement has emerged and re-energized climate activism, symbol-

ized by Swedish teen Greta Thunberg who will take the podium in the morning following a speech by Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Thunberg along with millions of others around the world rallied on Friday calling for climate justice and for the voices of the younger generations who will be most affected by increasing extreme weather events to be heard.

Fewer than half the 136 heads of gov-

Swiss hold wake for lost glacier

MELS, Switzerland―Dozens of people dressed in black went on a “funeral march” up a steep Swiss mountainside on Sunday to mark the disappearance of an Alpine glacier amid growing global alarm over climate change.

Around 250 people including children joined the solemn two-hour climb up the side of Pizol mountain in northeastern Switzerland to the foot of the rapidly melting ice formation, situated at an altitude of around 8,850 feet near the Liechtenstein and Austrian borders.

“We’re here to bid farewell to Pizol,” Swiss glaciologist Matthias Huss said in a sombre speech after arriving at the glacier, one of the most studied in the Alps.

Eric Petrini, the chaplain of the Mels municipality where Pizol is located, called on “God’s help to tackle the enormous challenge of climate change”.

The speeches were accompanied by the mournful tones of alphorns, a 12foot, pipe-shaped wooden instrument.

Some marchers also laid down flowers for the glacier. AFP

ernment or state in New York this week to attend the UN General Assembly will be present Monday.

Among the list of those absent will be US President Donald Trump, who pulled his country out of the Paris Accord upon taking power and has made slashing environmental regulations a key part of his platform.

Likewise President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, under whose leadership the Amazon rainforest is continuing to burn at record rates, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison whose government has pursued an aggressively pro-coal agenda.

China, the world’s biggest carbon emitter by far, but also a leader in the renewables sector, will be present and represented by foreign minister Wang

IN ATTENDANCE.

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones attend IMDb LIVE After the Emmys Presented

by CBS All Access on September 22, 2019, in Los Angeles, California.

AFP

737 MAX design blamed for crash NEW YORK―Indonesian authorities have cited failures in the Boeing 737 MAX design and oversight as contributing to the 2018 Lion Air plane crash, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

The report into the crash, which will be formally released in early November, also blames pilot error and maintenance issues for the crash that killed 189 people shortly after the flight departed from Jakarta last October, the newspaper said.

The Boeing plane model was later grounded worldwide after an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed after taking off from Addis Ababa in March, killing 157 people.

Preliminary investigations into both accidents have implicated the MCAS anti-stall system, designed specifically for the 737 MAX. Indonesian investigators could still change their findings, which have been shared with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Wall Street Journal says.

US officials are scheduled to visit Indonesia at the end of September to discuss the report, in which Indonesian investigators list some 100 factors in the crash.

While the NTSB is unlikely to object to the findings, Boeing and the FAA are worried that the report “will unduly emphasize design and FAA certification missteps,” the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter. AFP

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Thousands stranded as Thomas Cook collapses LONDON―British travel group Thomas Cook on Monday declared bankruptcy after failing to reach a last-ditch rescue deal, triggering the UK’s biggest repatriation since World War II to bring back tens of thousands of stranded passengers.

The 178-year-old operator, which had struggled against fierce online competition for some time and which had blamed Brexit uncertainty for a recent drop in bookings, had been desperately seeking �200 million ($250 million, 227 million euros) from private investors to avert collapse.

The news leaves a reported 600,000 tourists stranded worldwide, including around 150,000 holidaymakers seeking help from the British government to return home.

In a statement published in the early hours of the morning, Thomas Cook said that “despite considerable efforts”

it was unable to reach an agreement between the company’s stakeholders and proposed new money providers.

“The company’s board has therefore concluded that it had no choice but to take steps to enter into compulsory liquidation with immediate effect,” the statement added.

The UK government said it had hired planes to fly home British tourists, in an operation starting immediately.

“Following the collapse of Thomas Cook and the cancellation of all its flights, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that the government and UK Civil Aviation Authority has hired dozens of charter planes to fly customers home free of charge,” a statement said, describing it as the largest repatriation in peacetime history.

“All customers currently abroad with Thomas Cook who are booked to return to the UK over the next two weeks will

be brought home as close as possible to their booked return date,” the government added.

Both a tour operator and an airline, the travel giant’s key destinations were in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean but it also offered holidays in Asia, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Thomas Cook chief executive Peter Fankhauser called it a “deeply sad day”, with thousands of jobs lost.

“It is a matter of profound regret to me and the rest of the board that we were not successful,” he said.

“This marks a deeply sad day for the company which pioneered package holidays and made travel possible for millions of people around the world,” he added in the group’s statement.

The firm’s creditors held a marathon meeting on Sunday to try and work out a deal, followed by a meeting of the board of directors. AFP

Yi, with Guterres hinting last week that the East Asian giant will be committing to new measures.

Laurence Tubiana, CEO of the European Climate Foundation and one of the architects of the Paris agreement, told AFP the summit represented a “moment of truth” but was also taking place at a time of great political headwinds.

“There’s a tension between the countries that want to go ahead to translate their goals into real policies” and those that do not, she said.

“We can hope for the best, that this group of progressive countries and actors and local authorities prepare for the second wave, to demonstrate that this is where modernity is, where progress is, and even where economic growth could be.” AFP

HK rallies showcase satirical song remixes HONG KONG―The ever-evolving soundtrack to Hong Kong’s summer of rage has been bolstered by three new songs that take satirical aim at the police-the most popular a remix of Australian singer Sia’s hit “Chandelier”.

Hong Kong has been rocked for more than three months by huge and sometimes violent protests pushing for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

The movement represents the biggest challenge to Beijing’s rule since the international finance hub was handed back by Britain in 1997.

Throughout the rallies, music has played a crucial role.

In the early days the Christian hymn “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” and “Do you hear the people sing?” from the musical Les Miserables were the two most popular tunes sung by the defiant crowds.

Then earlier this month an anonymously-penned protest anthem called “Glory to Hong Kong” went viral, chanted at flash mob gatherings in malls, from the tops of some of the city’s best known peaks and at football matches.

But the latest numbers to rise to the top of the protest charts are aimed at making people laugh―and skewering the city’s police force who have become public enemy number one to those on the streets.

The most commonly-heard song in recent days takes Sia’s 2014 hit Chandelier, famous for its dramatic chorus, and replaces the lyrics with anti-police rhetoric.

“Bloody corrupt cops/Not responsible at all/Won’t even try to improve,” the chorus begins in Cantonese.

“Bloody corrupt cops, why?/How can they not apologize/Harming people’s children.”

The song is a vivid illustration of how Hong Kong’s online community plays a huge role both in organizing the largely leaderless protests and the meme-heavy culture behind them.

The Sia remix began life with an emotional and fiery speech in support of the police by Maria Cordero, a singer, actress and chef originally from Macau who is dubbed “Fat Mama” by her fans. AFP

Germans return home 30 years after fall of the Wall GLINDENBERG―For years after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the mantra for millions of former East Germans was to “Go West” for better jobs and opportunities.

But three decades on, an increasing number are returning to their roots to seek a fresh start.

With new industries taking shape and offering a variety of career paths, better childcare options and relatively cheap housing, the former communist states are starting to look a lot more attractive to young families.

Take the Hoffmanns, for instance.

Peggy, 29, had wanted to return to the office full-time after having two children, but in western Germany, she felt a stigma associated with working mums.

Undeterred, she looked all over and finally found a job in insurance in the eastern city of Magdeburg last year.

Crucially, another key piece of the puzzle fell into place quickly―a fullday childcare spot for her two sons rather than the half-day offers in the west.

“For a woman who works, that’s the dream,” said Peggy, in her apartment in Glindenberg, a village in the suburbs of Magdeburg.

Despite the initial reluctance of her husband Carsten, the family moved back to the couple’s native state of Saxony-Anhalt.

A decade ago, she had joined Carsten in Stuttgart, where he had gone for his studies, driven, he said, by a wish to “discover something new”.

The return “was very difficult for me in the beginning,” said the 33-year-old, explaining that he had to give up a fulltime job in the knowledge that wages in the east lagged behind those in the west.

But he, too, managed to find employment and without taking a pay cut.

The Hoffmanns are the kind of family that Saxony-Anhalt and the other former communist states badly need.

While regional and federal governments have pumped hundreds of billions of euros into reviving the east, companies drawn by subsidies and other favorable conditions complain that any

investment plans are often hampered by the severe lack of skilled workers.

The east “lost about 1.2 million people between 1991 and 2017”, said Nico Stawarz, researcher at the Federal Institute for Population Research in Wiesbaden.

The first exodus wave came right after reunification, when the communistrun industries collapsed.

The second wave happened in 2000, when unemployment shot up to almost 20 percent among the working-age population.

And it was the young and well-educated who fled, leaving a fast-aging population behind.

The researcher noted the difficulties of making up for such a dramatic brain drain, but said that the positive trend was that the outflow has stopped.

In a recent study, the institute noted that in 2017, for the first time, the number of arrivals in the east was higher than departures—even without taking Berlin into account which for years has seen this trend. AFP

FESTIVAL.

A folk dancer of the Panghat group of performing arts participates in a full dress rehearsal ahead of ‘Navratri” festival, in Ahmedabad, on September 22, 2019. The ‘Navratri’ festival of nine nights begins on September 29, 2019’ and culminates with the celebration of ‘Dussehra’. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

Taguig wages info campaign against dengue

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

NEW OFFICE. Makati Mayor Abigail Binay (third from right) joins officials of Manulife Philippines in inaugurating its modern new office space located at the NEX Tower along

Ayala Avenue in Makati City. Richard Bates, president & CEO of Manulife Philippines, said the company made the move to support its transformation into a digital, customer-centric market leader.

P80k for Makati college scholars Quit dumping dirty water, firm in Boracay told

By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau has issued an interim cease-and-desist order to Boracay Tubi Systems Inc. for discharging wastewater that tested positive for fecal coliform into the waters of Boracay Island in Aklan.

The wastewater discharge was traced from BTSI’s one-kilometer outfall pipe from Lugutan area in Brgy. Manoc-Manoc in the island to the Sibuyan Sea. Sinkers were placed on the outfall pipe to secure it and prevent it from floating.

“I have made it clear from Day 1 that no one is above the law,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

“All environmental laws have to be strictly enforced because their primary purpose is to protect our environment and natural resources.

We will appropriately deal with the people responsible for this violation,” he said.

The DENR chief is the chairperson of the Boracay inter-agency task force created by President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order 53 to reverse the degradation of the world-famous island resort.

BTSI is one of the two water utility companies in Boracay Island.

Laboratory test results revealed that fecal coliform and phosphate from the water sample and residue taken exceeded the allowable limit for effluent standards for marine water.

The sample had a fecal coliform of 3,500 most probable number per 100 ml against an effluent standard of 400 MPN/100 ml.

Meanwhile, phosphate was at 2.250 milligrams per liter versus the standard 1 mg P/L level.

By Joel E. Zurbano

M

AKATI City Mayor Abigail Binay announced on Monday her administration is offering scholarships of up to P80,000 for public high school graduates in the city who want to go to college.

This after members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted City Ordinance No. 2019-A-036, institutionalizing the city’s College Scholarship Program, which Mayor Binay has endorsed to provide residents with equal access to quality education to promote inclusive progress.

“I am glad that the council has approved the ordinance which will enable the city government to provide muchneeded support to deserving Makatizens. We hope that with the college scholarship program in place, more high school students in our public schools will be motivated to excel in their studies,” said Binay.

Aside from being Makati residents,

applicants must be fresh senior high school graduates and belong to the top 10 percent of the graduating class. Qualified applicants will be asked to undertake a service agreement with the city to signify their commitment to serve with the city government for a certain period after graduation.

Binay said the scholarship program covers three different scholarship types: Premier/Specialized School Scholarship, Full Scholarship, and Priority Courses and Skills Training Scholarship.

Under the Premier/Specialized School Scholarship, an P80,000 scholarship benefit will be given to qualified incoming first year students who will

enroll in private colleges and universities in Metro Manila, which have been declared as Centers of Excellence by the Commission on Higher Education.

On the other hand, qualified incoming first year students who will enroll in any state university or college in Metro Manila other than the University of Makati will be granted Full Scholarship with P20,000 in total benefits for each school year.

Meanwhile, qualified students or trainees who will enroll in or are enrolled in Department of Science and Technology-listed priority courses in the department’s accredited schools will be given P40,000 under the Priority Courses and Skills Training Scholarship.

Persons with disabilities, especially those who are enrolled in top performing schools accredited by CHED and the Professional Regulation Commission, will also get P40,000 per school year.

CITY TOP COP.

Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar (center right) receives Police Col. Segundo Canapi Lagundi Jr. (center left) during his recent courtesy call at the Las Piñas City Hall. With them are Vice Mayor April Aguilar (third from left), Southern Police District Director Brig.

Gen. Nolasco Bathan (4th from right), outgoing City Police Chief Col. Simnar Gran, City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, and former Councilors Mark Anthony Santos and Henry Medina.

Calamba Medical Center dialysis center launches Kidney Club CALAMBA CITY—The Calamba Medical Center has launched its Kidney Club, dubbed “Kabato Support Group.”

The group is specifically for people with any stage of kidney disease, who are on dialysis, have had or are waiting for a kidney transplant, or have one or more health conditions that can

cause kidney function impairment, including their loved ones.

Dr. Nickson Austria, CMC Dialysis Chairman and head nephrologist, said the Kidney Club is one of the highlights of the Dialysis Center’s 1st year Move-in Anniversary celebration on patient-focused kidney care, among the array of various medical and treat-

ment services and activities in line with CMC’s 30th Anniversary.

“We want this milestone event and CMC Kidney Club launch to be a year of being grateful to the people of Calamba and adjacent areas for the warm reception and we want to give this back and bring more affordable treatment packages,” Austria said.

Known as the “Health City of the South,” CMC can accommodate specialized kidney care as an in-patient dialysis center. It is also open for walk-in clients offering a complete set of specialists, doctors, friendly nurses and medical staff and state-of-the-art medical equipment and machines.

Roy Tomandao

THE city government of Taguig on Monday announced it came up with an extensive information campaign to fight dengue.

Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said Taguig is also maximizing social media and distributing information and education campaign materials for city residents to be fully aware of how to prevent the disease in the community.

“In Taguig, we take the health of our constituents seriously,” Cayetano said, noting that this was in line with his 10-point agenda, particularly addressing the Healthy City program.

Cayetano said the city government will not stop there.

“The city government is doing all that it possibly can to protect its constituents from any disease, including Dengue,” the city chief executive added.

Last week, the city government also distributed long socks to thousands of youngsters, in a bid to introduce “Self-Protection” measures to them.

Self-Protection is an important component of the 4-S campaign which also includes “Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites,” “Seek early consultation” and “Support fogging/spraying.”

The long socks went to more than 2,800 Daycare, Kinder and Grades 1-3 pupils at EM’S Signal Village Elementary School. Some 1,575 female pupils enrolled in Grades 4-6 are also received two pairs of high-knee socks each.

Starting with the ceremonial distribution in ESVES, the City will also distribute long socks to male and female enrollees from Daycare, Kinder and Grades 1-3 and female students from Grades 4 to 12 in all public elementary and high schools across the city. The initiative will be spearheaded by the City Health Office and Local School Board.

The distribution came after the Dengue Prevention and Control Program, during which pupils and teachers underwent a short lecture on the signs and symptoms of dengue and how to prevent it.

“The students see these kind of campaigns on television but it’s still different when they get to learn and experience it up close, that’s why we’re really grateful,” ESVES Grade 6 teacher Lilia D. Garcia noted. Joel E. Zurbano

DPWH puts up 4 multi-purpose halls in Isabela

By Jessica M. Bacud SANTIAGO CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways-Isabela Fourth District Engineering Office is constructing four multi-purpose halls in different towns within its jurisdiction, District Engineer Edmund B. de Luna reported.

“Each multi-purpose building can house about 500 people during events. This is contributory in realizing social development among the residents of the recipient barangays.

Also, outreach programs and medical missions may also be conducted here, thus bringing the government services closer to the people,” De Luna emphasized.

The first building, in the municipality of Cordon, costs P20.69 million, the district engineer said. The one in Barangay Palagao, Jones town is worth P9.4 million; the structure at Rosario High School in Barangay Rosario, Santiago City costs P1.96 million; and the hall in Barangay Masaya Centro, San Agustin costs P1.4 million, and already 90.6 percent finished, DPWH said.

The four multi-purpose building projects were started in the second quarter this year and are expected to be completed by December. All projects were funded under the DPWH 2019 Regular Infrastructure Program, De Luna disclosed.

Dinagat fisherfolk gain new P5.6-m ice plant Checking out the ice molds at the new ice and cold storage plant are (from left) engineer Arnilo Milaor, CMC Resident Mine manager; Remar Flores, president of GADIFCO; engineer Aloysius C. Diaz, VP for Operations, CMC; and Legaspi Barangay Captain Wenefredo H. Alonsagay.

CAGDIANAO, Dinagat Islands— Cagdianao Mining Corp. has turned over a P5.6-million ice plant and cold storage facility to the members of GAAS Dinagat Fishermen Cooperative in barangay Legaspi here.

The newly minted facility, a proud first in the mining industry in Caraga Region, is funded by CMC’s Social Development Management Program.

Fishermen from Cagdianao town used to source blocks of ice, needed to preserve freshly caught fish, from distant Surigao City, a twohour travel by boat, or from Placer,

a three-hour boat ride away.

With the new ice plant and storage facility, fisherfolk from barangays Boa, Legaspi, Valencia, and Cagdianao will cut on travel time and expenses to get ice, and could add the savings to their personal income.

Remar R. Flores, President of GADIFCO, received the symbolic key to the new facility from CMC on Sept. 19 on behalf of the 30 fishermen-members of GADIFCO. Flores said the facility, currently the only one operating in the entire island, will provide ease and comfort in their daily lives as fishermen.

“This ice plant will save us time and money and will make our lives easier. We don’t have to worry about ice that we need to keep our fish fresh,” he said, adding they are more motivated and optimistic about their future.

“When we bring our catch in the markets they are still very fresh because we have enough and ready supply of ice so we can ask for a good price for our fish. That is a big help,” the co-op president added.

The new plant can produce 50 blocks of ice in the first 8 hours of its daily operation, then 50 more every four hours after that.

Life

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

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

C1

A breath of hope TAKE A BREATH. Lung cancer advocates, composed of medical practitioners, survivors, and patients come together to share their tales of victory against the disease.

L

UNG cancer advocates and ambassadors share their tales of victory against the disease, proving that a diagnosis is not a death sentence.

As all kinds of cancers, lung cancer is best treated when detected as early as possible, hence Dr. Meredith Garcia, an oncologist, discusses early warning signs.

“One problem in lung cancer is that most of the time, it has an insidious onset. Most commonly, we find patients in the later stages. That’s why it’s very important for people to know the symptoms, so that the earliest that one experiences these symptoms, the patient will already consult a doctor,” asserts Dr. Garcia.

Among the early symptoms are a cough that doesn’t go away even after a few weeks, weight loss, loss of appetite, and infections that keep coming back.

For Stage II lung cancer survivor Fr. Jerry Orbos, these symptoms were familiar.

“I had a long cough and got tired easily—but I had no idea it was lung cancer,” he shares. In fact, it was entirely by coincidence that he found out about his disease.

“An accident made me go for a checkup. I had a CT scan. I don’t know why I told the doctor, ‘Check my lungs as well.’ And there it was, this white spot on the left upper lobe.”

Thanks to this accident, Fr. Orbos discovered his cancer when it was still just in Stage II. Experts say anything that delays treatment harms the patient’s chances of survival. And, according to Dr. Garcia, this is where the greatest danger of alternative medication comes in.

“The main problem with [alternative medicine] is the delay in seeking proper medical attention,” laments Dr. Garcia, who is also a social media activist for evidence-based cancer treatment.

She continues, “Sometimes they have this false reassurance—‘Oh, I’m taking this supplement and the seller says this will do this and that’—so they have a false sense of reassurance that they are actually getting better, only to find out later that the cancer has spread. And then that’s when they come to the medical oncologist, when it’s very difficult to treat already.”

Another thing that causes people to delay seeking medical attention is the belief that if they live a healthy lifestyle, cancer cannot get them.

Tetit Melendres Aristan, a former health buff, would be the first to attest that this is not necessarily true.

Turn to C2

Tetit Melendres-Aristan

Dr. Meredith Garcia

iPhoto

Walk for Universal Health Care DOH Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Rolando Enrique Domingo runs together with PWD group leader Lalaine Guanzon at the first “Walk the Talk Manila: The Health for All Challenge” in Alabang.

Organized by the World Health Organization, the event brought together 2,000 people from all walks of life to highlight universal health care. Participants ran, walked, wheeled, and biked in 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 10-kilometer distances. The non-competitive event was open to all ages and abilities and was free of charge.

The Philippine Government, through the Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and local government units, has been leading the way since the enactment of the landmark Universal Health Care (UHC) Act or Republic Act No. 11223 on February 20. The law automatically enrolls all Filipinos in the National Health Insurance Program and prescribes complementary reforms in the health system.

More ‘healthy options’ in store The refurbished Healthy Options outlet at TriNoma features a larger retail space and tasteful interiors.

ALL-NATURAL retail store Healthy Options recently opened its expanded outlet on the level 3 of TriNoma in Quezon City.

The store was recently redesigned to better cater to consumers seeking healthy eating options. It boasts tasteful and sustainable interiors patterned after the company’s flagship store at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.

The expansion has increased the store from an area size of over 100 square meters to over 240 square meters.

Modern architectural features and shelving create optimum traffic flow. Premium quality food items, supplements, personal care products, and health-related books occupy shelf space at the refurbished store.

Healthy Options Trinoma, which first opened in June 2007, now emanates a brighter and more exciting ambience, translating to even more delightful shopping experience for shoppers.

It presently lures working professionals, foodies, sports and fitness buffs, and other consumers on the lookout for natural product finds for personal consumption or as gifts.

The grand opening was made special with the presence of Healthy Options’

Chilled and frozen products are among the premium items available in the store.

managing director Romy Sia and company president Christian Tan. They led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting together with key executives and employees of Healthy Options.

The first Healthy Options store opened in 1995 at Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Since then, the brand has shown tremendous growth, continuously cater-

ing to customers of all ages.

Its comprehensive product range includes natural supplements, grocery, natural beauty products, and health books, sourced internationally from reputable manufacturers.

Healthy Options currently owns and operates over 32 stores in key cities nationwide.

Life

C2

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Sustainability in the hospitality industry

F

IVE-STAR hotel Manila Marriott has introduced sustainability practices that can help reduce environmental impact while offering guests that same level of luxury during their stay.

Greener food choices

Its Sustainable Seafood project, launched in 2015, introduced sustainably caught seafood choices in the menus of the Marriott Café, CRU Steakhouse, and in banquet dining. The hotel reported it has been using and serving a total volume of 71 percent certified sustainable seafood in just a span of three years.

The Marriott culinary team, under Executive Chef Meik Brammer, is also conscious about sourcing other ingredients such as fresh local produce that have less carbon footprint.

Brammer, who leads the sustainable food sourcing initiatives of Manila Marriott, has been avidly supporting organic farming. It was few years ago when the hotel partnered with local farmers in Batangas where a variety of herbs and vegetables used in the hotel are grown and harvested.

The luxury hotel has likewise committed to its monthly food donation to underprivileged communities identified by Philippine Red Cross. This initiative also contributes in the hotel’s food waste reduction.

Not to be mistaken as “leftovers,” the donated food items are meticulously prepared by the hotel’s culinary team with the same care undertaken for its f&b outlets.

The hotel serves sustainably sourced seafood.

Since 2011, the Manila Marriott has donated excess food from Banquet Events and Staff Canteen to the Philippine Red Cross – Pasay Chapter every month, serving a total of 17,534 beneficiaries, particularly children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Contributing to the circular economy

Marriott International president and chief executive officer Arne Sorenson recently announced that the hotel chain, which is the largest in the world, aims to eliminate 500 million small toiletry bottles from its current plastic amenity usage.

In line with this, Marriott hotels worldwide have joined the movement and are innovating ways to reduce plastic waste and further promote sustainability.

For its part, refillable glass bottles will soon replace the 65,000 single-use plastic bottles in Manila Marriott’s rooms.

A drop-off drive with employees has also yielded 12,000 plastic bottles during the Philippine Sustainability Month launch, which, through a partnership with the Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc., has converted thousands of plastic wastes into hundreds of school chairs that were do-

Manila Marriott’s chefs wear uniform made from recycled plastic bottles.

nated to the Philippine School of the Deaf in Pasay. Some benches made from recycled plastics are also displayed around the hotel vicinity to spread awareness about recycling among guests.

Collaborative efforts

“Marriott Manila’s advocacy for the environment is not limited to the confines of our hotel alone. In a collaborative effort to help save the environment, we partnered with

From left: Shara Mae Arceo of Philippine Red Cross, chief executive officer of Envirotech Waste Recycling Inc. Winchester Lemen, Manila Marriott executive chef Meik Brammer, Micot Juico, and Adelina Castillo of Philippine Red Cross present a school chair made from recycled plastic wastes.

organizations, along with other top hotels, suppliers, government, and educational institutions to find solutions towards responsible sourcing,” said Bruce Winton, cluster general manager of Marriott.

Marriott Hotel Manila replaces single-use plastic water bottles with these refillable glass bottles.

Exhibition presents mobile planter PERMACULTURE practitioner and entrepreneur Larry Gile will hold his first one-man art exhibit entitled “PLANTER: Anthropocene Paradox, Spectacle No.1 (Basta Driver Sweet Planter)” on Sept. 27 at CFA Arts and Design Garden in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The art project will present a scrapped jeepney transformed into an artistic mobile installation of microclimate, micro food forest circular and regenerative icon called “Planter.”

The show will open at 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 27 and will run until Oct. 11.

Larry Gile mounts a one-man exhibit featuring a jeepney transformed into a micro food forest.

Photo from planter.blog The Philippine delegate to the WFD Conference led by Benilde’s Center for Education Access and Development director Theresa Dela Torre.

Filipino deaf advocates present study in WFD 2019 THROUGH the support of The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Philippine delegation from the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde Center for Education Access and Development shared their research studies in Technology and Accessibility in the recent XVII World Congress at the Palais des Congres in Paris, France.

Themed “Sign Language Rights for All,” the convention aimed to ensure the welfare and defend the rights of the Deaf.

Director Theresa Dela Torre imparted a study she co-authored with Christopher Kurz, the learning lab director of the Rochester Institute of Technology-National Technical Institute for the Deaf Mathematics and Science Language.

Titled “Promoting Filipino Deaf’s

Language Right in First Bilingual School for Deaf Secondary Students in the Philippines,” the paper described the interventions that ensured the full involvement of the Deaf Filipino Sign Language (FSL) educators and researchers in partnership with hearing allies towards planning and implementation strategies.

Marcella Sintos, also part of the Philippine delegation, presented their research, “Sign Language Videos as an Accessibility Tool for Assessment of Deaf Learners in Philippine Context,” which enlightened the audience on the importance of the medium as additional educational access for the Deaf students.

Initiated by DLS-CSB as part of its bilingual program, the study made use of a video platform created using

Adobe animated creative cloud computer application.

Meanwhile, the visuals used were produced in consultation with Filipino and foreign deaf experts in the academe, taking into consideration the technical requirements such as the FSL Signer, location of the signer on screen, signing approach, background color, style and position of English print and cues.

Yamie Yadan and Jasmin Rivera supported Sintos’ output by reporting the poster’s case findings, which will also serve as a preliminary guide to education professionals and decision makers in the government and private sectors who are tasked to implement the FSL Act of 2018 that instructs the inclusion of FSL in the education of the Deaf.

A breath...

From C1

In September 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. “I was not even a smoker. I often went to the gym and I only eat lean meat. So when I learned of my diagnosis, it was as if a huge rock fell on me,” she shares.

In deciding for her treatment, Aristan asked her doctor about immunotherapy, because she had read about it in Fr. Orbos’ stories about his fight with cancer. Her doctor initially decided on a two-drug combination regimen with chemotherapy but switched to a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy later on, when the mass in Aristan’s lungs had grown.

“A day after my first immunotherapy infusion, my coughing, which had started in September 2018, stopped.

Two weeks later, my swallowing was back to normal,” she relates.

After her second infusion, Aristan

had a CT scan. “The result read, ‘There is a marked regression in size [of the tumor].’ It decreased by more than two-thirds. Even the lesions in my liver were slowly resolving.”

Increasing access to novel treatment options like immunotherapy and addressing other key concerns in the whole spectrum of the lung cancer patient journey had been the focus of the Hope From Within: “Voices of Hope: Winning vs Lung Cancer” advocacy.

By introducing new ambassadors who will espouse the objectives of the multi-stakeholder campaign, Hope From Within aims to lessen the burden of the cancer disease, renew hope, and save more lives.

Hope From Within is aligned with the “Inventing for Life” corporate anthem of MSD in the Philippines which encapsulates the vision and the company’s efforts towards invention and innovation to fight some of the world’s most life-threatening diseases like lung cancer.

Entertainment

COLLEGE DANCE TROUPE

to represent PH in South Korea tilt

Saint Benilde Romancon Dance Company

T

HE Philippines’ Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company (SBRDC), the resident dance team of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB), will represent the country at the upcoming All Generation Championships (AGC) to be held from Oct. 25 to 27, at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium in Seoul, South Korea.

The AGC is a gathering that unites urban movers from different age groups across the globe through the growing hip hop scene. It sets the stage for

world-class performances of rhythmic talent and skills under their respective groupings, namely, Super Kids, High Teens, Top University, Adult, Over 40,

Silver Star, Pay Back and All Style Solo Battle.

AGC Founder Austin Jiseong Heo, who first met the 16-member team during the reputable Hip Hop International, where he partook as an affiliate director representing Korea, specially invited SBRDC to contend under the Adult Category.

SBRDC, currently spearheaded and mentored by one of the most renowned names in the dance community Xernan Alfonso, had competed both in local and international tourneys where the troupe garnered various recognitions.

The group was the third runner-up at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2014 in Las Vegas, Silver Medalist at the World Hip Hop Dance Championship 2015 in San Diego and First Runner-up at the Hip Hop International Philippines 2016 in Manila.

SBRDC has likewise been hailed as the three-peat National Champion of Hip Hop International Philippines 2014, 2015 and 2016 in Manila and have received the three-peat Gold Medal Award for the Philippines in the 2018 Hong Kong Challenge Cup Dance Competition.

Jean Garcia stoked for ‘Watch Me Kill’

Seasoned dramatic actress Jean Garcia does action for the first time in 'Watch Me Kill.'

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, September 24, 2019

ACROSS 1 Relative of a zither 5 — head to foot 9 Not chubby 13 Related 14 Patronage 16 German car 17 Proceed 18 Shoddily constructed (hyph.)

20 Water or rust 22 Reddish-brown 23 Unusual thing 25 Subtle emanation 26 Iran, formerly 27 Breach 28 Aim 32 Folk teachings 33 Reza, Abbas and Malik 35 Columnist — Bombeck 36 Imitate 37 Stout 38 CW competitor 39 Monster’s loch 41 Slope 43 Boar or buck 44 Before, in combos 45 Legal matter 46 Named, as a price 48 Down Under birds 50 Sheen

51 Stayed 54 — kebab 55 Waste container (2 wds.)

57 Glimpse 61 Shampoo additive 62 Get the lead out?

63 Thorny blossom 64 Tear to pieces 65 Timetable info 66 Exec, slangily DOWN 1 Grad-school major 2 Banjo kin, briefly 3 Non-rusting metal 4 Sign 5 Tortilla snacks 6 Thick with cattails 7 Grimm villain 8 Cosmonaut’s lab 9 Pizza topping 10 Director — Bunuel 11 Not busy 12 Catcher’s glove 15 Waffle toppings 19 Chestnut hull 21 Noon, to Cato 23 End a shut-

down 24 Police action 25 Oohed and — 26 Preferred strategy (2 wds.)

27 Dressy doings 29 Fancy 30 Stroller 31 Thrashed 34 Rabbits 40 Plant nursery 41 Ill will 42 Horses or zebras 43 Nurtures 47 Battleship let-

ters 49 Call — — cab 50 Dalai Lama’s city 51 Culture medium 52 Hay storage unit 53 Important mineral 54 “Beat it, kitty!”

56 Before now 58 Worthless coin 59 Chi’s successor 60 Up till now

SEASONED TV and movie actress Jean Garcia is proud of her latest big screen outing via the psychological thrilleraction-drama titled,Watch Me Kill, an official entry to the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

She has revealed in a recent interview that it was the first time that she did an action movie where she played both the lead and the villain.

“I can say that it’s my most challenging role to date: that of a cold-blooded and ruthless killer-for-hire,” she says.

She admits that that it’s tough to be the lead in an action movie especially her role is both physically and emotionally demanding.

“Thanks to the guidance of our director Tyrone Acierto, I believe I delivered because of him,” she shares.

Considering the complexities of the character, what made her accept it?

“I have never done any role like this before. It is something new to me. So I thought why not try it? The director knows his craft very well. I’m impressed with the turnout of the movie. In fact, I hope to do another movie project with him here in the Philippines since he is based in the USA,” adds the 50-year-old actress.

Preparing for the role was an extensive process. For weeks, Jean had to undergo rigid training in fight routines especially in handling guns and rifle to be at ease

with her character.

While raving about the director, Jean also praises her fellow actors in the movie like Jay Manalo, Althea Vega, and Junyka Santarin.

“We’re Graded B by the Cinema Evaluation Board. Watch Me Kill is also invited in the competition section of the prestigious Warsaw International Film Festival 2019 to be held in Poland sometime in October. It’s a new Jean Garcia that film buffs will get to see in the project. It’s my sort of debut as an action star and I’m sure viewers will like our offering,” Jean pitches in her latest potboiler to the movie-going public. *** Enchong Dee feels glad to be one of the main cast members in the movie Circa, which is another entry to the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

“Who wouldn’t be? For one, I’m in the company of veteran acting stalwarts like Ms. Anita Linda, Gina Alajar, Laurice Guillen,Jaclyn Jose, Elizabeth Oropesa, and Ricky Davao. The late acting great Eddie Garcia has a special participation as well. It’s really a huge honor to be included in this project. Add to that the fact that it is directed by the critically-acclaimed Adolf Alix, Jr,” he states.

The movie is sort of a tribute to the showbiz industry.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Very Wang...

From C4

In 2009, Rhea, who was then employed as Vice President for marketing in a mammoth appliance company, toyed with a creative business idea with a P3,000.00 startup capital. The big idea that was borne out of her heart and mind aimed to embody her guiding philosophy in life that beauty begins by taking care of one’s self, and by doing so a person will be more healthy and shall exude beauty not only in the outside but in the inside as well.

Thus the birth of Beautéderm Corporation. With Rhea’s desire and idea to beautéfy the country one person at a time through a product that boasts of the highest quality that delivers the fastest, most effective, and most sustainable results, coupled with her unwavering commitment to hard-work and perseverance, and her unconquerable faith, what started out as a simple online distribution business gradually metamorphosed into arguably one of the most successful businesses that originated from the thriving city of Angeles, Pampanga.

Currently, Beautéderm has over a thousand resellers and distributors both locally and internationally as it ships products every day both here and abroad with its strong partnership with the best shipping company in the country. The brand also has physical stores throughout the country and one in Singapore; and the company has almost 40 brand ambassadors which include actors and actresses, TV personalities, singers, beauty queens, politicians, comedians, and social media influencers.

For more exciting news and cool updates on Beautéderm Corporation, follow @beautédermcorporation on Instagram and like Beautéderm on Facebook.

Star studded...

From C4

The cast of GMA Prime’s Prima Donnas—Aiko Melendez, Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, Sofia Pablo, Jillian Ward,Althea Ablan—also bannered the activities in Robinsons Place Pangasinan. The men of Dahil Sa Pag-ibig, Pancho Magno andBenjamin Alves, also set aside their indifferences first as Gary and Eldon to amuse the Bicolanos in SM City Legazpi.

Throughout the month, GMA Regional TV was also nonstop in bringing the Kapuso stars in other parts of the country. Kristoffer Martin serenaded the finalists at the Ms. Teen Essentials at Ayala Malls Legazpi last Aug. 10 while Miguel Tanfelix went to Silliman University to grace the Miss Silliman 2019 Pageant Night last Aug. 24.

On the same day, GMA Regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso served as one of the judges at the Miss Cagayan de Oro 2019 held at The Atrium of Limketkai Center. Together with him as judges were Kapuso actor Tonton Gutierrez, renowned Filipino fashion designer Renee Salud, and Mutya ng Pilipinas-Asia Pacific International 2018 Sharifa Akeel. Cinderella Faye ‘Cindy’ Obeñita took home the crown during the Grand Coronation Night which was co-hosted by actor Gabby Eigenmann. GMA Regional TV One Mindanao’s Clyde Macascas also covered the grand coronation night.

All these star-studded activities are on top of GMA Regional TV’s relaunch of its various regional newscasts Balitang Amianan (North Central Luzon), Balitang Bisdak (Central and Eastern Visayas), One Western Visayas (Western Visayas), and One Mindanao(Mindanao). The regional arm of GMA Network also marked another milestone as it made its local newscasts available to more viewers nationwide through GMA Regional TV Weekend News airing on GMA News TV every Saturday at 5:00 p.m..

“August has been a fun and hectic time for GMA Regional TV. We had the relaunch of our regional newscasts while bringing our various Kapuso stars in different places all over the country. Our Kapuso in the regions should look forward to more activities with our Kapuso stars because there will be more shows lined up for them! This is our way of thanking them for their continued support to GMA Network. We hope to see them again, soon!” says Amoroso.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019

VERY WANG

K

NICKIE WANG

CANNES WINNER.South Korean director Bong Joon-ho celebrated winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival in May.

APUSO primetime Marian Rivera-Dantes was greeted by a rousing crowd when she graced the opening of Beautéderm Corporation’s flagship store located at the second level of Marquee Mall in Angeles, Pampanga.

From the mall entrance to the activity center, fans and mallgoers couldn’t stop taking snaps of the 35-year-old TV host and actress, who was accompanied by Rhea Anicoche-Tan, Beautéderm Corporation’s president and CEO. Marian was launched last year as the face of Beautéderm Home. She was the special guest at the blessing of their flagship store last Sept. 18. The event was attended by loyal customers of the brand, resellers, distributors, and members of the mainstream press as well as the many fans of GMA-7’s Primetime Queen.

Marian is con-currently endorsing Reverie by Beautéderm Home – an exquisite line of home scents – which include soy candles, room sprays, and linen sprays—all created by Beautéderm in collaboration with Marian to exhilarate and rejuvenate everyone at the comfort of their homes.

In the course of time, both Rhea and Marian has developed a very close kinship that transcends their partnership.

“Aside from the fact that Marian is

EXTRA INTERNATIONAL

Oscar-tipped ‘Parasite’ sets French box office record Marian RiveraDantes is the official face of Reverie by Beautéderm Home.

MARIAN RIVERA delights Pampangueños at

Malaysia bans JLo’s ‘Hustlers’

Beautéderm flagship store opening show that featured an all-star cast of Beautéderm’s brightest ambassadors headlined by award-winning actresses Sylvia Sanchez,Glydel Mercado, and Lorna Tolentino; young dramatic actors Carlo Aquino, Arjo Atayde, Matt Evans, and Ejay Falcon; young actresses Jane Oineza, Ria Atayde, and Pauline Mendoza; television personality Hashtag Ryle; comedienne Kitkat; veteran actors Ton Ton Guttierez, Jimwell Stevens,

Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega, Beautéderm COO Sam Tan, Rei Tan, Marian RiveraDantes, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo 'Pogi' Lazatin Jr., and Beauteederm Ambassador Reina Manuel

THE South Korean satire Parasite has become the most successful Canneswinning film at the French box office in 15 years, new figures show.

Director Bong Joon-ho became the first Korean to lift the Palme d’Or in May for his brilliant class war black comedy, and is an early favorite to lift the best foreign language movie Oscar.

More than 1.6 million people have paid to see the film in France so far, according to the site CBO box office, a feat not achieved by a Cannes-winner since Michael Moore’s incendiary documentary, Fahrenheit 9/11, in 2004.

After ecstatic reviews at the Toronto and Telluride festivals this month, Vanity Fair said it “has everything that a (Oscar) best-picture front-runner could possibly need. Except the English language.” AFP ***

and Jestoni Alarcon; beauty queens/ actresses Sherilyn Reyes, Maricel Morales, and Rochelle Barrameda; social media personality Darla Sauler; young entrepreneur Lance Tan; and veteran character actressesAnne Feo and Shyr Valdez with special guests Alyana Asistio, Kakai Bautista, and Boobay.

“This is truly a dream come true,” says Rhea. “This flagship store is a testament of what hard work, dedication, and steadfast prayers can do.” Continued on C3

Beautéderm's Rei Tan and Marian RiveraDantes

MALAYSIA has banned the hit Jennifer Lopez movie Hustlers, authorities said Friday, criticizing the film about strippers as packed with “obscene content” not suitable for cinema-goers in the conservative country.

The star-studded movie—billed as a female “Wolf of Wall Street”—is about how New York strippers turned the tables on wealthy businessmen during the financial crisis.

The real-life tale depicts how a group of women resorted to increasingly criminal tactics, such as spiking men’s drinks before emptying their bank accounts, as the stock market crash hit strip club receipts.

But Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board banned the movie from cinemas, saying it would have to make so many cuts to racy scenes there would be barely anything left to screen This film contains too many scenes with too much excessive obscene content, and is not suitable for public screening,” the board’s chairman Mohamad Zamberi Abdul Aziz told AFP. “We can see women’s breasts and mens’ private parts. There are also erotic dances which are too much, and scenes (with drugs).”

Square Box Pictures, the film’s distributor in Malaysia, confirmed the ban in an Instagram post: “We deeply apologize for the inconveniences caused to our beloved followers, fans of the movie, medias and partners.”

Earlier this year censors cut gay sex scenes from Rocketman, the movie musical based on the life of British singer Elton John, sparking anger from art critics. AFP

The Kapuso Primetime Queen shares some 'picture-perfect' moments with her fans during a meet and greet at Marquee Mall's activity center

truly one of our top celebrity endorsers and that her association with the brand really helped in boosting the sales of our products, she is also a very, very dear friend,” says Rhea. “Marian is such a joy to work with and she is also the sweetest and most caring friend anyone could ever hope for. I am proud and grateful to have her onboard the Beautéderm team.”

Marian on the other hand is delighted to be part of the growing family of

Beautéderm. “I feel blessed and honored for the trust that Rei has given me to represent Beautéderm Home,” says Marian. “My partnership with Beautéderm is really one of the best I’ve ever had and it warms my heart because Rei and I are like sisters. The entire Beautéderm staff is like family to me now.”

On Sept. 22 at 4:00 p.m., also at Marquee Mall, the brand’s flagship store was formally opened its doors to the public via a grand mall

'Hustlers' stars (from left) Keke Palmer, Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, and Constance Wu as strippers who turn the tables on wealthy businessmen during the financial crisis.

Star-studded month for Kapuso in the regions

Celebrating the Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro City last Aug. 31 were Beautiful Justice star Gabbi Garcia and One of the Baes’ Rita Daniela and Ken Chan.

THE month of August was filled with fun and excitement as GMA Regional TV, the regional arm of leading broadcast company GMA Network, brought some of the country’s most sought-after stars to various cities and provinces in the regions to give Kapuso viewers an experience of a lifetime.

In Davao, the festive fever of Kadayawan Festival was highlighted by Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards who, together with his co-stars Mikee Quintos, Thia Thomalla, Ysabel Ortega, and Martin del Rosario of the primetime series The Gift, joined the Dabawenyos in celebrating one of the Philippines’ biggest festivals via a Kapuso Mall Show in The Atrium, Gaisano Grand Citygate in Buhangin, Davao City last Aug. 23.

The following day, Aug. 24, the cast was warmly welcomed by the locals and

tourists when they toured around the city aboard the Kapuso Float for the Pamulak Kadayawan Float Parade. The entire event was documented live by GMA TV 5 Davao in Pamulak sa Kadayawan: A GMA Regional TV One Mindanao Special Coverage. Kapuso all over the country and the world were also able to witness the parade via the live streaming courtesy of GMA RTV’s official website,www. gmaregionaltv.com.

Prior to that weekend, Bihag lead actors Jason Abalos and Mark Herras already treated their fans to a Kapuso Mall Show in Gaisano Mall Toril on Aug. 18. Also present that day were Love You Two leading man Gabby Concepcion, The Better Woman lead stars Derek Ramsay and Andrea Torres, and upcoming primetime series One of the Baes’ Rita Daniela and Ken Chan who

celebrated with Kapusong Dabawenyos at The Annex Event Center, SM City Davao.

Last Aug. 31, Rita and Ken also graced another major Kapuso Mall Show during the Higalaay Festival in Cagayan de Oro City with one of Beautiful Justice’s leading stars, Gabbi Garcia. The popular love team was also the highlight of the Tuna Festival at General Santos City with Edgar Allan Guzman the following day.

Derek and Andrea were also all over the country as they graced three more Kapuso Mall Shows this month, namely in SM City Lucena (Aug. 19); Vista Mall Bataan (Aug. 24); and in Robinsons Place Pavia, Iloilo (Aug. 31).

Meanwhile, Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko stars Rayver Cruz, Kim Domingo, and Kris Bernal also held a Kapuso Mall Show at CSI Mall Tayug, Tayug, Pangasinan last Aug.17. Continued on C3