Manila Standard - 2020 January 18 - Saturday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 338 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

14 towns in risk zone lock down

Swells displaced families to 22k (96k persons)

By MJ Blancaflor and Rio N. Araja LONGING LOOK. Andalida Cabono (above) stops momentarily after

A

UTHORITIES have expanded the lockdown in Batangas to 14 towns, up from just five three days ago, amid Taal Volcano’s continued unrest, the province’s top disaster official said Friday.

leaving her front door of her ash-covered house, among many near standing palms, makes a mawkish look back minutes as she makes an uneasy departure (right) for an evacuation center after returning quickly to check on her belongings and clean her property in Buso Buso, Laurel town, Batangas on Friday, with the threat This has inflated the number of famiof Taal Volcano unleashing a deadly eruption remaining lies affected by the eruption to 22,472 high. AFP with Raffy Tima/GMA

National Disaster Risk and Management Council reported in its noon upor equivalent to 96,061 persons, the date Friday.

Calamity damage hits P3b, fisheries sector takes severe beating

By Othel V. Campos and Rio N. Araja

VILE VIEWS.

This combination of handout photographs from AIRBUS/ CNE created on Jan 17, shows aerial views of the Taal Volcano on July 11, 2019 (left) and Jan 14 (right), the latter three days after the phreatic eruptions of one of the country’s 53 active volcanoes. AFP

DAMAGE to farm lands, crops, farm animals and agricultural infrastructure due to Taal Volcano eruption rose to P3.06 billion, almost six times higher than the P577.39 million reported earlier.

Fresh reports showed the calamity devastated about 15,790 hectares of agricultural lands and 1,923 animal heads.

The recent assessment included damage reports from Laguna and updated reports from Batangas and Cavite in coffee, cacao, pineapple, assorted fruits and vegetables, rice, coconut, and fisheries.

Based on the report, fisheries sustained the biggest loss among the affected sub-sectors.

Meanwhile, in its latest bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Next page

Based on the NDRRMC report, all the affected families came from Batangas and the neighboring provinces of Cavite and Laguna.

Batangas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Lito Castro said villagers within Taal’s 14-kilometer radius danger zone were not allowed to return to their homes.

The towns of Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Next page

Choosy Rody ends up with Archie as PNP chief

Story on A3

Du30 wants in on Taal situation

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will visit on Monday the victims of Taal Volcano’s eruption to address the problems in the area, according to his spokesman Salvador Panelo.

All the heads of major agencies and department are going to accompany

Next page

Rescuers race against time to save animals

SAD SIGHT. An elderly woman is helped by a relative at an evacuation center for families displaced by the eruption of Taal Volcano at the Dona Tiburcia Carpio Malvar Elementary School in Tanauan on Thursday. AFP

DOLE hires 6,000 interns for aid

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Batangas to assist thousands of residents affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III THE Department of Labor and Employ- said that under the DOLE’s Government has allocated P72.6 million to hire ment Internship Program, 600 interns 6,000 interns to be deployed in 10 areas in Next page

MORE animals are alive on Taal Volcano Island, but the lockdown imposed by authorities across Batangas province has hampered efforts to rescue them, animal rights workers said Friday.

At least 100 live animals were spotted on the volcano island five days after Taal emitted a giant ash cloud that spread across Northern Luzon.

Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofilo, commander of Task Force Taal, said aerial reconnaissance Friday morning spotted about 100 animals, including horses and cattle, still scattered around the island.

“Not a lot of animals are left because in the past few days we have evacuated several of them,” Teofilo told radio dzMM. The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has led rescue efforts, with three of their members stranded on Taal island on Wednesday Next page

FEELING FORSAKEN. Pigs stand in a cage, helpless and powerless (above) while a

troubled horse (above) can’t even make a neigh before the boat ride. At right a cat yawns in a lane between ash-covered trees and buildings from the eruption of Taal, not knowing where to meow its future. AFP

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SolGen cautioned on ABS-CBN case A

By Maricel V. Cruz

SENIOR lawmaker on Friday urged Solicitor General Jose Calida to file any complaint he has against broadcasting giant ABS-CBN with the House of Representatives.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro said if Calida filed a quo warranto case against the network with the Supreme Court, it would “be seen as the government’s harassment of ABS-CBN and certainly a clear assault on press freedom as

enshrined in our Constitution.”

"This will likewise encroach on the powers of the legislative branch and will violate the constitutional doctrine of the separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of

government," Rodriguez said.

Under the Constitution, he said, the grant of franchises to broadcasting entities was lodged exclusively in the House and the Senate.

"The solicitor general cannot frustrate and remove such power by filing a quo warranto case. Furthermore, bills, including Bill 5705, have been filed in the House extending the ABS-CBN franchise. Let Congress do its job by hearings these bills," Rodriguez said.

He said if Calida pushed through with his plan, he would be “disrespecting and denying due courtesy to Congress.”

Moreover, Rodriguez said, under Section 9, Rule 66 of the Rules of Court, a respondent in quo warranto proceedings “will be ousted and/or excluded from holding or exercising a franchise if he is usurping, intruding into or unlawfully holding/exercising a franchise..”

"ABS-CBN is a holder of a valid franchise," he said.

According to news reports, the solicitor general would file a complaint with the high court against ABS-CBN for its alleged violations of its broadcasting franchise, which expires in about two months on March 20.

Calamity fund 'Choosy Rody' ends up with Archie as PNP chief reduced by P4b, Ping says

By MJ Blancaflor

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Panfilo Lacson said Friday it was hard to trace the whereabouts of the P4 billion slashed from the Senateproposed P20-billion calamity funds for this year.

“What was indicated in the Senate version was P20B. After the bicam, it became P16B and P4B was cut,” Lacson said.

“I am still tracing it now. Where did the P4B go? Why was it reduced in the bicam?.”

Lacson made his statement even as the Gabriela Women's Party slammed the Duterte regime's alleged measly calamity assistance to those affected by the Taal volcano eruption―even as the President threw cash at his visit to the Philippine Marines earlier.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said the Health department would only spend P1.5 million for face masks and medicines, while Interior Secretary Eduardo Año even asked for donations from the public despite the billions in quick-response funds for agencies.

“Bakit kailangang tipirin ng gobyerno ang pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayang apektado ng pagsabog ng bulkan? It is callous for the administration, which recently signed a P4.1trillion budget, to scrimp on state resources when ordinary people are sharing whatever they have to the families displaced in Batangas and nearby provinces,” Brosas said.

Lacson said it was hard to determine where the cut went since only the two heads of the finance committees of both Houses talked.

“Tapos mag-pool sila, magbabawas kung saan-saan, tapos ito ngayon kung saan-saan napunta,” he said.

He also said there was a provision that the lifespan of the calamity fund would be five years.

The unspent amount, he said, would go to the special fund that will also be used for calamities and disasters.

"After five years, if not used, it will be returned to the National Treasury," Lacson said.

As of Nov. 30 last year, Senator Sonny Angara said there was still P700 billion of unused funds because of the late passage of the 2019 budget.

Of the calamity fund, he said, almost P7 billion were also unused.

"Billions lodged in various agencies were not used, so that was a consideration in setting 2020 levels," said Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee.

Incidentally, he said, much of those funds were still available and if declared by the executive as savings, could be spent to help the victims of the eruption and other calamities.

Meanwhile, Lacson said the Office of the President should open an office that would manage disaster resilience and crisis management instead of creating a separate department for the government’s response to calamities. With Willie Casas

Du30...

From A1 the President, Panelo told reporters Friday.

On Tuesday, the President was in Batangas to attend a situation briefing attended by Cabinet members and Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas.

“This time, he will really go around the affected areas,” Panelo said.

President Duterte’s former aide Senator Christopher “Bong” Go also said this Thursday night, saying the President will check on the condition of evacuees again following an initial visit to some 3,000 displaced in Batangas City.

“He wants to see their situation and bring help,” Go told ABS-CBN News.

The President’s staff, however, has yet to decide on the evacuation site that Duterte would visit, Go said.

On Tuesday, Duterte warned villagers who fled the rumbling Taal against re-

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday appointed Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa the new head of the Philippine National Police, who served as officer-in-charge of the organization for more than two months.

The President made the announcement in his speech in Davao City, saying Gamboa had shown his sincerity to take the helm of the 40,000-strong police force that is at the forefront of his administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.

“We have the PNP chief. I'm going to appoint you as the regular PNP but you

14 towns...

From A1 Balete, Cuenca, Laurel, Lemery, Malvar, San Nicolas, Santa Teresita, Taal and Talisay were locked down by local police, along with portions of the municipalities of Lipa, Mataas Na Kahoy and Tanauan.

State seismologists identified these towns as susceptible to ballistic projectiles, base surges and volcanic tsunami in case of a major eruption by the country’s second most active volcano.

This developed as displaced families staying in schools due to Taal’s eruption will be transferred to different temporary shelters to avoid a disruption of classes, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said Friday.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the government has found a three-hectare lot in Bauan, Batangas that can be used by the evacuees.

“We are negotiating with the local government, with the mayors, governors so that they can identify spaces where they can put up temporary shelters for the evacuees so children can use the schools,” Briones said in a chance interview with reporters.

“We cannot do anything. A choice has to be made,” she added.

Supporting the DepEd’s move, Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid wants to require all primary and secondary schools in the country to teach subjects on disaster awareness and disaster mitigation.

In his proposed Senate Bill 1140, Lapid seeks to integrate in the curricula of the country’s schools a subject that fully explains the natural and man-made disasters to instill disaster preparedness.

The senator said it is important for the Filipino youth to appreciate sufficient preparedness for calamities that may strike the country any time.

“It is important that before a calamity hits the country, our people should be prepared. It’s not enough that we just respond in case a structure was destroyed or somebody was hurt,” said Lapid.

In Cavite, which also declared a state of calamity after the volcano’s eruption, Gov. Jonvic Remulla convened an emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council with the mayors across the province, who have also welcomed evacuees from the heavily affected municipalities of Batangas.

Some issues identified by the differ-

turning to their homes, even as he promised them the government’s assistance.

As he promised on Monday, Duterte visited over 3,000 evacuees in the Batangas City Sports Complex.

“Nobody is allowed to go back until such time you are safe,” Duterte told the crowd after distributing relief packs.

The President handed out food packs containing six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, three cans of corned beef, two cans of tuna and five sachets of coffee. He also provided P3,000 in cash for each family.

“I am here to help people affected by the eruption and I would help everyone in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna until things return to normal,” Duterte said.

“I’m sorry I was not around. I was in Davao. But I was preparing to leave that night when I was informed that I could not make it because of the ash,” the President said.

“So at early morning, I insisted that

and Secretary [Eduardo] Año and I will have a long, long talk first. You have shown me your sincerity,” Duterte said.

Gamboa was assigned acting PNP chief after retired Gen. Oscar Albayalde relinquished his post last Oct. 14 over a drug scandal, earlier than his mandatory retirement on Nov. 8 last year.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government has recommended him as possible successors of Albayalde, along with Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, but Duterte has expressed doubts on appointing either.

Duterte even gave Año the “blanket authority” to get rid of corruption in the

ent LGUs, particularly Tagaytay City, Alfonso, Amadeo, Silang and Indang, were the disruption of water and power supply. Mayor Frederick Vida of Mendez reported that power firms had been conducting continuous cleaning operations to restore electricity immediately.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, meanwhile, remained firm that all residents of Taal’s volcano island must be evacuated because a hazardous eruption is still likely.

Director Renato Solidum also told residents in the high-risk areas identified in hazard maps within the 14-kilometer radius from the Taal main crater to leave the area due to risk of a base surge and a volcanic tsunami.

Health authorities, Castro of Batangas said, had also responded to the medical needs of evacuees.

“We are told to bring the sick immediately to the hospital while those with minor illness can be treated in evacuation centers,” he said.

If Taal’s unrest continues, Castro feared the province would not have enough funds to sustain the relief efforts.

“If this will continue, for sure, our resources will not last,” he said.

“Even during the Mayon eruption, we said the use of school buildings as evacuation centers must be avoided so that classes won’t be interrupted. They must find a place where temporary learning shelters can be put up, just like in Marawi,” Briones told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the “Duterte Legacy” campaign in Pasay City.

“The learners don’t have classes, there is a gap. This is why we’re trying to solve the problem of the learners whose classes have been suspended by negotiating with the local governments. Batangas alone has more than 120 schools, 168 schools for the entire region, including six private schools,” she said.

According to the Department of Education’s latest report, about 7,895 schools in 58 divisions with 7,228,468 learners have been affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.

Of the evacuees, 16,174 families or 70,413 persons are temporarily staying in 283 evacuation centers.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health have so far provided P12.58 million worth of assistance to the affected families. With Macon RamosAraneta and Benjamin Chavez I have to be here because there’s a crisis and I forced the airplane to fly me over,” he said at the meeting with local officials.

Duterte said he was “very pleased” with the national government agencies’ response to the latest calamity, especially since there is no casualty. He also congratulated the local government units around Taal “for their splendid response to the crisis.”

The President said the concerned agencies must continue to provide food and other assistance to the communities displaced by the natural disaster.

“We have to take care of day-to-day affairs of the community, those hard hit.

The local and national government must stay for a while and do their work until such time that we are ready to declare that the crisis is over. It’s a continuing one.”

He admitted that he pitied the affected residents who were “covered in ashes like zombies.”

PNP, saying he is not keen on appointing a new top cop that would come from the organization since that person would not solve the irregularities that have been bogging the institution for so long.

“I have given Secretary Año the blanket authority to get rid of corruption.

And it is on his shoulder the future of how the police would behave in the coming years. It’s on him,” Duterte said.

“I said, if I appoint one from them, from their ranks, he would not be able to solve the problem,” he added.

Gamboa belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.

Calamity...

From A1 cited the presence of steady steam emissions from fissures or cracks on the northern slopes of Taal Island, saying this was an indication of high volumes of magma.

The shoreline around the Taal Lake was observed to be receding.

Taal Volcano remained under Alert Level 4, meaning a potentially deadly and destructive eruption is imminent.

“Activity in the main crater in the past 24 hours has been characterized by steady steam emission and infrequent weak explosions that generated dark gray ash plumes of 100 to 800 meters tall and dispersed ash southwest to west of the main crater,” PHIVOLCS said.

Since Jan. 12 at 1 p.m., PHIVOLCS recorded 634 volcanic earthquakes.

PHIVOLCS Executive Director Renato Solidum said the volcano’s seismic activity shows there is “continuous magmatic intrusion beneath the Taal edifice, which may lead to further eruptive activity.”

PHIVOLCS said communities around the volcano must brace for the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall, while the airspace around Taal Volcano remained unsafe to aircraft due to risks that may be posed by airborne ash and ballistic fragments from the eruption column.

With 6,000 fish cages installed around Taal Lake, damaged installations were estimated at P1.6 billion, mostly for culture of Tilapia and some Bangus species.

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) delivered 20 bags of animal feeds, drugs and medicines for rescued animals.

The Philippine Carabao Center and National Dairy Authority provided 2.5 tons of roughage (1 ton corn silage and 1.5 tons rice straw) for delivery to Batangas on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Regional Field Office II coordinated with the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal to donate 10 tons of assorted vegetables set to arrive by early Saturday in Lipa City.

Moreover, the League of Associations, composed of 11 Vegetable Farmers’ and Traders’ Associations in La Trinidad, Benguet, has coordinated with Agriculture unit in Cordillera Administrative Region for a truck to haul three to four tons of assorted vegetables.

Collection of vegetables will start on Jan. 19 at the La Trinidad Trading Post and will be delivered to evacuation centers in Batangas in coordination with Kilusang Pagbabago and Philippine National Police.

As of Friday, a total of six road sections are on lockdown as a precaution for the affected communities.

A total of 644 flights (383 domestic and 261 international) have been canceled due to the volcanic ash from Taal, of which 593 flights (359 domestic and 234 international) have resumed operations, the NDRRMC said.

Twenty cities or municipalities have experienced power interruptions in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas as of Jan.16, 2020.

Power supply in 10 cities or municipalities have since been restored.

Phoenix cuts pump prices

by P1.70/liter

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL distributor Phoenix Petroleum Philippines will cut pump prices by as much a P1.70 per liter effective at 6 a.m. today, Saturday, to reflect the movement of prices in the world oil market.

Phoenix implemented its price cut ahead of the competition, and that allows consumers to benefit from lower oil prices. The oil firms usually adjust pump prices every Tuesday.

“In order for the public to avail of cheaper fuels earlier than usual, Phoenix will decrease the prices of diesel

by P1.70 per liter and gasoline by P0.90 per liter effective 6 a.m. January 18,” the company said.

World oil prices declined as the market shrugged off the impact of the USIran conflict.

On Jan. 12 to 14, most of the oil companies implemented cut prices.

They cut the price of diesel by P0.20 per liter and kerosene by P0.30 per liter, but left gasoline prices unchanged.

The year-to-date adjustments now stand at a net decrease of P0.10 per liter of gasoline and a net increase of P0.20 per liter of diesel, according to latest data from the Energy department.

DOLE...

From A1 each will be posted to the affected areas of Lemery, Mataas na Kahoy, Agoncillo, Laurel, Talisay, Taal, San Nicolas, Balite, San Jose, and Sta. Teresita.

Bello said the program aims to provide temporary employment to the affected residents and at the same time help the local government units in the rehabilitation efforts.

The interns will be engaged for a period 30 days and will receive a salary of P12,050, which is equivalent to the prevailing minimum wage in the region.

The interns will also be entitled to insurance coverage under the Government Service Insurance System.

The DOLE-GIP is open to beneficiaries who are 18 years old and above who must have no work experience or with intermittent work experience, and at least graduates of high school/senior high school or its equivalent level under the Alternative Learning System, or graduates of a technical-vocational course.

Earlier, Bello handed over in-kind donations such as rice, water, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, and N95 face masks from the private sector during the situation briefing at the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex.

The Philippine National Police on Friday sent more than 1,000 cops to help in the evacuation and other disaster response efforts in areas affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

The police officers are members of the Reactionary Standby Support Force headed by Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo.

PNP Chief of the Directorial Staff, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said 693 police officers were deployed to Batangas and 324 in Cavite.

The police officers deployed to Cavite and Batangas were given face masks and goggles for their protection.

“This is the time for you to show what you are trained for, what you are capable to do in the name of peace and order, of public service,” Eleazar said in a speech during the send-off ceremony at Camp Crame. With MJ Blancaflor

Rescuers...

From A1 after they tried to save some animals amid the volcano’s unrest.

PETA spokesperson Jana Sevilla said the trio were left behind on the island because of miscommunication with the boat captain. They were later rescued by Coast Guard personnel.

Sevilla also denied a report that all animals on the volcano island were killed after Sunday’s explosion.

“When we got there [Thursday] a lot more animals were alive than dead.

That puzzled us, as we were expecting the worst,” she said.

More than 57,000 people have abandoned homes on the volcanic island and its environs, usually thronged by tourists, but many have also drifted back to check on animals and possessions.

Officials earlier said there were at least 3,000 horses living on the island, most earning money for their owners by carrying tourists to the rim of the volcano crater.

PETA has claimed that government was too slow to give them the opportunity to save the animals, while their owners have urged authorities to allow the rescue of as many animals as possible, taking advantage of what appeared to be a lull in volcano activity.

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DILG leaves Albayalde’s fate to justice system

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

MVP Group extends help to Taal Volcano evacuees

T

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government on Friday said it will leave to the country’s judicial process the fate of retired Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde who was indicted for graft over the anti-drug raid in Pampanga in November 2013.

“The DILG respects/welcomes [the Department of Justice] finding of probable cause against the former PNP chief particularly on violation of Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act by persuading inducing or influencing a public official to perform an act constituting to violation of rules and regulation,” Interior Secretary Año said.

Año said this is an opportunity for Albayalde to defend himself in a proper forum where he will be accorded due process and his constitutional rights will be observed.

“At the same time, the DOJ finding does not contradict the DILG as probable cause merely engenders a well-founded belief that Albayalde is only probably guilty on the criminal side. Let justice takes its course,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PNP said it respects the Justice department’s decision.

“Former PNP chief [police general] Oscar Albayalde was given a fair chance to explain his side. Still, the DOJ panel found probable cause to indict him for graft. However, he remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

Albayalde, meanwhile, said his conscience remains clear and he is ready to defend himself in court.

“I welcome this development as the chance to once and for all clear my name in the proper forum. Finally, I will have my day in court. I am confident

that the truth will bear me out in the end,” he added.

On Thursday, state prosecutors who reinvestigated the case found probable cause to charge Albayalde with violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The panel anchored its findings on Albayalde’s non-implementation of an order penalizing the police officers involved in the assailed drug operation.

Meanwhile, Supt. Rodney Raymundo Louie Juico Baloyo IV; Insp. Joven Bagnot De Guzman, Jr.; Senior Police Officer 1 Jules Lacap Maniago; SPO1 Donald Castro Roque; SPO1 Ronald Bayas Santos, SPO1 Rommel Muñoz Vital; SPO1 Alcindor Mangiduyos Tinio; PO3 Dindo Singian Dizon; PO3 Gilbert Angeles De Vera; PO3 Romeo Encarnacio Guerrero, Jr.; SPO1 Eligio Dayos Valeroso; and SPO1 Dante Mercado Dizon were indicted for offenses in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The panel also recommended the filing of charges against Albayalde and the 12 police officers for qualified bribery under the Revised Penal Code.

In the same resolution, the DOJ said the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group failed to provide enough evidence to show that Albayalde had a hand in the misappropriation of seized drugs in a 2013 raid. with AFP

Palawan poll registration deferred

By Vito Barcelo THE Commission on Elections suspended voter registration in the 23 municipalities in Palawan province due to the plebiscite that would decide on dividing the province into three.

The COMELEC announced that the voter registration for the 2022 national elections will resume on Jan. 20.

“The COMELEC will not open the voter registration in the 23 municipalities in Palawan because there is going to be a plebiscite in Palawan. It will affect the registration period,” COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez said.

He said the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur will be held on May 11, 2020.

The COMELEC is currently preparing the final list of voters, the ballot boxes, board of canvassers and the plebiscite committees or the Board of Elections

Inspectors in regular elections.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte signed RA 11259 that which divides Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur. The COMELEC said the plebiscite will be conducted to determine whether the majority of the voters in affected areas would approve the new provinces.

The municipalities affected in the plebiscite are Coron, Culion, Busuanga, Linapacan, Taytay, El Nido, Roxas, Araceli, Dumaran, Cuyo, Agutaya, Magsaysay, Cagayancillo, San Vicente, Aborlan, Narra, Quezon, Rizal, Española, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza, Balabac, and Kalayaan.

However, voter registration will still resume in Puerto Princesa City, Jimenez said.

The highly urbanized city will not be part of the new Palawan province but will become a separate political entity with its own congressional representative.

INC holds big aid event in Cebu City FILIPINO homegrown church Iglesia Ni Cristo recently held another wellattended Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko aid and assistance event, this time at the Cebu Coliseum in the Queen City of the South last Jan. 12.

The Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko program is a key initiative of INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, who aims to improve and positively affect the lives of both Church members and non-members alike through these wide-ranging assistance projects.

“Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko is one of Executive Minister Manalo’s main pursuits for the new decade. It’s INC’s way of giving back to local communities as the Church makes itself more relevant and responsive,” said Glicerio B. Santos Jr., INC general auditor.

An estimated 15,000 “goody” bags and 15,000 food packs were distributed.

The bags each contained four kilos of rice and canned goods.

“Sino pa nga ba ang tutulong sa mga nangangailangan nating kababayan kundi tayo tayo rin?” Santos explained.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella graced the event.

Just last week, more than 65,000 attendees flocked to the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan for the Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko relaunching

at the start of the new decade.

Santos said that the record-breaking Philippine Arena event drew attendees from various Church districts—six from Metro Manila, three from Bulacan and three from Pampanga, but emphasized that “we also give equal focus and attention to both INC and non-INC members because everyone deserves to receive help and livelihood assistance, especially at the start of the new year.”

The INC conducted simultaneous Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko events in more than 200 venues in 156 countries spanning six continents last Jan. 5.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo has most recently offered assistance to several areas in Mindanao after a series of devastating earthquakes struck late in 2019.

A parallel acitivity called Aid to Humanity has benefited close to 300,000 people in 220 sites all over areas in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“As we mentioned during our Kabayan Ko, Kapatid Ko relaunch, Executive Minister Manalo preaches the urgency of offering both spiritual healing and providing material assistance to those in need. That’s the creed he has set for the Church, and that’s the clear direction we are following now,” Santos said.

THE Tulong Kapatid consortium of the companies under businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan has continued its relief efforts for residents affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Maynilad teamed up with the Department of Public Works and Highways to fill up 10 water tankers for cleaning purposes. The water services provider also donated 1,500 pieces of 6-liter bottled water to evacuees in Calaca, Batangas, where two Static Water Tanks were also installed for sanitation, hygiene, and ashfall clearing.

Maynilad will station tankers in the area to continuously refill these. Aside from Calaca, various evacuation areas will also receive SWTs in coordination with the Local Government offices and Office of the Civil Defense.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. also conducted ashfall clearing of the CaviteLaguna Expressway. The toll road developer and operator also ensured standby water supply for windshield washing to ensure unimpeded passage of motorists. Up to 2,500 families evacuated in the areas of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Alfonso, and Nasugbu can also expect continuous relief distribution efforts from MPTC in the next days.

One Meralco Foundation deployed its solar-powered mobile charging stations in evacuation centers while Meralco’s linemen and engineers work round the clock to immediately restore power in affected areas. Together with TV5’s Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc., OMF also distributed more than 3,000 relief packages to residents staying at various evacuation centers in Batangas and Cavite. It also teamed up with PLDT-Smart Foundation for its feeding missions.

Badmouthing Catholic bishops made me win—Du30

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has claimed that badmouthing Catholic bishops made him win in the 2016 presidential elections, as he took pride that he was the “first” politician who spoke against the Church.

In his speech Thursday night during the celebration of the 120-year presence of the Baptist Churches in the Philippines, President Duterte said attacking Church leaders is good to those who aspire for public office.

“When the results of the election came, I got seven six million over the next. And so, maybe it’s good to bullshit the bishops. It might make you win,” the President said, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

Duterte said the Catholic bishops, who had criticized him in the beginning of his term, have gone silent for a reason he did not disclose.

“Take it from my experience, until now. But they have...I cannot tell you why but they are now ordered to...There’s an…I cannot—it’s supposed to be in

confidential. Pero you’d notice they are no longer complaining,” Duterte said.

“Even if you say bullshit, they don’t respond anymore. That is how to win the war against the Catholic Church,” he added.

The President has repeatedly slapped criticisms and unfounded accusations against the Catholic Church since 2016.

Duterte also cursed at Pope Francis for the traffic jams in Metro Manila during the Pontiff’s visit to the mainly Catholic country in January 2015. He later apologized to the Pope.

CLEAR! Villagers start a chainsaw to clear ash-covered branches following an eruption of the Taal Volcano, from the roof of his house in the village of Buso-Buso near Laurel on Jan. 17. AFP REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ASH COVER. An aerial view shows buildings covered in ash from the eruption of the Taal Volcano in the village of Buso Buso, near Laurel on Jan. 17. The threat of the Philippines’ Taal Volcano unleashing a potentially catastrophic eruption remains high, authorities warned on Jan. 16, saying it was showing dangerous signs despite a lul in spewing ash. AFP

VOLUNTEERISM. Volunteers and staff of the

Department of Social Welfare and Development in Pasay City helped arrange relief goods to be sent to evacuation center in Batangas. Norman Cruz

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation thead interim appointments of the following officials in the Department of the Foreign Affairs: Jose Maria Ancheta Cariño and Millicent Cruz Paredes – Chief of Mission, Class I; Myla Grace Ragenia Catalbas Macahilig – Chief of Mission, Class II; Anthony Salazar Aguirre, Angella Gilberto Llenos Alfafara, Juan Paolo Gonzalez Alix, Joaquin Ricardo Ramos Aragon, Darell Ann Roque Artates, Marie Cris Panes Chieng, Jahzeel Abihail Guariño Cruz, Nicole Therese Antonio De Castro, Domini N. Fañgon-Kitade, Laarni Zorayda Suriaga Gandarosa, Beatriz Ines L. Herrera-Davila, Maria Rosanna Ocampo Josue, Siegfred Tatad Masangkay, Dyan Kristine B. Miranda-Pastrana, Ella Karina Rivera Mitra, Jose Carlo Grimaldo Morales, Ajeet-Victor Salangsang Panemanglor, Joel Mendoza Peralta, Enrik Fort Estrada Revillas, Anne Krsitine Del Mundo Salvador, Alex Ocillos Vallespin – Foreign Service Officer, Class II; Arnel Marcos Sanchez – Career Minister The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty - two (32) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

TENT CITY. Residents affected

by the eruption of Taal Volcano gather at an evacuation center in Tagaytay City, in Cavite on Jan. 17. AFP

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 834-2713, 8311824, 831-0527, 832-9830, 834-2706 and 551-1989.

17 January 2020.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-JAN. 18, 2020)

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Opinion

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

We need these departments TWO events of national significants occurred lately. They highlight the need to create two more departments in the Executive: The Department of Overseas Filipino Workers and Department of Disaster Resilience.

With the Middle East fast becoming a flashpoint where wars have become normal, over two million overseas Filipino workers are in constant danger.

Recent events have highlighted their importance.

I am not talking here of events like what have been happening to our OFWs—one was killed and put into a freezer; another was sexually abused and beaten black and blue. Instead, I am talking about the possibility of World War III, a nuclear war. Our OFWs would be in grave danger!

This demands the immediate creation of a Department of OFWs so that government can focus on problems faced by our migrant workers. They deserve no less, given their sacrifices and their contribution to the economy.

Another department that is urgently needed is the Department of Disaster Resilience. In so many columns, I have lamented the failure of Congress to enact a law creating an agency focusing on disaster resiliency. This, despite the fact that the Philippines experiences numerous calamities.

It's lamentable that while the House of Representatives has passed the bill the creation of this department, as diligently co-authored and pushed

by Tingog Representative Yedda Romualdez, the Senate has failed to have a counterpart law. Now there is no reason why it should not pass.

What is happening with Taal Volcano reminds us of the urgency of this law.

If there is anything that Congress should prioritize when it reconvenes, it is this.

Yes, there are government agencies that protect OFWs. But these are not enough.

With regard to disasters, there is also the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which has since been devolved. But these are mere ad hoc agencies.

We can only hope that a devastating, explosive eruption does not occur.

I have read and heard so much in the past that towns around the rim of Taal Lake are actually part of the danger zone.

Speaking of Tagaytay City, which we all know as a tourist destination, I wonder of it will ever fully recover.

If the volcanic ashes are not removed immediately, they could become as hard as cement, like what happened after the Mount Pinatubo eruption.

My gulay, I cannot imagine how the investors of restaurants, condominiums and resorts are now feeling.

My wife and I also have invested in a condominium unit—GMA7's Montaire—at the rim of the lake.

For the record, that condominium unit was the payment for my wife's decorative effort on Nards Jimenez's residence in Dasmariñas Village, with an additional P500,000 for a parking lot. We were planning to sell

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

T

Relief, not added grief

HE eruption of Taal Volcano this month have shown the speed and character of many Filipinos in responding to a disaster of such magnitude.

The volcano, the only one of its kind within a lake in the world, has had nearly 430 earthquakes, 137 felt, ranging from Magnitude 1.2-4.1 and Intensity of 1-5 and has, as of this month, erupted 34 times in 448 years, or since 1572.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded increased volcanic activities of Taal, one of 53 active volcanoes in the archipelago, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire where the oceanic Philippine plate and several smaller micro-plates are subducting along the Philippine Trench to the East, and the Luzon, Sulu and several other small Trenches

to the West.

The volcanoes of the Philippines have been ranked by authorities as the most deadly and costly in the world: About 13 percent of its historic eruptions have caused fatalities, most notably at Taal in Batangas and Mayon in Albay, and 22 percent of its eruptions have caused significant damage.

In only six days since its eruptions started on Sunday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has identified two zones of concern around the 311-meter high volcano: around 459,000 reside within a danger zone with a 14-kilometer radius round the volcano, while more than 930,000 people live in a wider 17-kilometer danger zone.

And now PHIVOLCS has urged a total evacuation of everyone within the 17-kilometer radius danger zone.

The distressing sight of Filipinos affected by the eruptions—most of

which were caused by the interaction of magma and water—has become a daily nightmare, not helped any by the warning by state volcanologists that a “hazardous eruption” may occur “within hours or days.”

As quick as the speed of evacuees in leaving their homes, including some of their pets and farm animals, is the applaudable sprint made by donors from both the private and public sector areas, not last the politicians, some of whom have made a sickening spectacle of this unwanted tragedy.

Donors, whatever hues they wear, would be best advised to course their donations in cash or in kind through the legitimate local government units who are mandated to acknowledge with gratitude such donations.

Whoever the donors are—and we assume the best intentions here— they should help provide relief to the displaced thousands of families, wherever evacuation centers they are in now, not additional grief.

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The indomitable Batangueño spirit es and the construction of modernthemed homes.

Taal is also home to the biggest Catholic church is Asia, the Basilica de San Martin de Pores, which seems to dominate the town because it is located at the highest point of poblacion. It is IN MY childhood I remember visiting hard to get lost in Taal because all you relatives on my grandmother’s side in have to do is look up and check where Cuenca, Batangas. I have fond memo- the basilica is. ries of playing with cousins just outside their nipa hut. I would ask them about the plants and flowers that grew The people’s courage abundantly everywhere. and bravery in the The highlight of these visits would always be our trip to a nearby place face of adversity are called “Pulong Gubat,” where all sorts of trees and plants could be found. I legendary. no longer remember if it was an actual small island. There we would have In Taal, one will find the homeshours of fun running, playing, climbing trees, and feasting on local fruits. I turned-museums of some of the major can still imagine the taste of bayabas, players of the Philippine revolution makopa, siniguelas, aratiles, lansones, against Spain and America like Felipe dalanghita, singkamas, and aratiles. and Marcela Agoncillo, Gen. Ananias The fruits, because they were direct Diokno, Leon Apacible, and Eulalio from the trees were at their best. I will and Gliceria Villavicencio. Thus, Taal not be surprised if my love for local is valuable for its historicity.

These are why I chose the town as fruits started from these trips.

My memories of Batangas have al- my second home.

However, Taal is just one of the ways been good. Outside of the visits to Cuenca, there were a few summer remarkable towns of Batangas. The family outings to Matabungkay Beach, province, being one of the first to rise seeing endless sugarcane plants, the against Spain, gave birth to some of best Bulalo while being awed by the our most valiant revolutionists includTaal Volcano. I traveled to different ing (besides those from Taal), Apoparts of Batangas for work and always, linario Mabini, Gen. Miguel Malvar, I would admire nature’s beauty and and Col. Santiago Rillo. Batangas revolutionists fought in the revolution bounty.

Then I discovered Taal, the Heritage against Spain and the war of independTown. At that point in my life I was ence against America.

Batangueño courage and bravery already into Filipino food, heritage, and history. A friend brought us to this in the face of adversity are legendary. town that literally transports you to the They have a proven capacity to get up time of Noli Me Tangere, El Filibus- and start again after wars and disasters. terismo, and the Philippine revolution. The ongoing calamity caused by Taal It was a case of love at first sight Volcano’s eruption is no exception.

I see this as early as now. for me.

Batangueños who happened to be Spanish period and a few American era houses line Taal’s major roads. in Metro Manila during the volcanic More can be found in its inner streets. eruption and who could no longer go Because Taal is one of the country’s home because of the danger and evenfew heritage towns, the local govern- tual lock down of their towns, have ment implements an ordinance that banded together to help. Led by a prohibits the destruction of old housTurn to A5

A developmental approach to legal education the PhilSat. I am more supportive of the approach of Justice Leonen, to which I devoted the last column. In this context, I think that Justice Alexander Gesmundo also makes better sense ASIDE from Associate Justice Marvic for me. In his separate concurring Leonen, whose opinion was joined by and dissenting opinion, Gesmundo former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, other members of the Supreme Court concurred and/or dissented from the It is an imperative majority opinion in Pimentel vs. Legal Education Board which declared not just for academic as unconstitutional the LEB memofreedom but access to randum requiring applicants to pass the PhilSAT, the law admission exam justice as well. administered by the LEB. It should be recalled that the majority in that case, pe through an opinion written by Justice partly granted the consolidated peMemoran Jose Reyes, declared such memoran- titions. To him, the LEB Memorandum as ultra vires or for being issued dum Orders and circulars unreasonby the LEB outside its powers. Justic- ably restrict academic freedom as es Estella Perlas-Bernabe and Benja- PhilSat is exclusionary and those min Caguioa concurred with the deci- that do not pass the test shall not be sion, Justices Amy Lazaro-Javier and admitted to law school.

Francis Jardeleza concurred and disGesmundo concurs with the majorisented, diverging from the majority to ty that requiring PhilSat as mandatory support the LEB in its imposition of and exclusionary is unconstitutional.

He anchors his finding on the following arguments: First, by making PhilSat mandatory, it unreasonably restricts the freedom of law schools to determine who shall be admitted to law schools. Second, the LEB does not give justification for the required passing score of 55 percent and the format of examinations. Third, law schools are given no option other than or to follow the LEB memorandum orders and circular.

For Justice Gesmundo, the PhilSat cannot be compared to NMAT because there are lots of difference, and one such difference is that there is no passing or failing grade in NMAT other than the examinees are given a percentile grade which is unlike the PhilSat where the examinee is given a passing or failing grade. He is of the opinion that the PhilSat should be set aside and instead law schools through the Philippine Association of Law Schools and under the mere supervision of the LEB, should establish a unified, standardized and acceptable Turn to A5

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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

IT'S disheartening to see tens of thousands of our fellow Filipinos get displaced, losing their homes and livelihood in the midst of Taal Volcano's eruption. They face an uncertain future even as the potentially deadlier volcanic activity continues.

What a shame.

Immediately affected were the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna but the widespread ashfall caused by the Jan. 12 eruption reached Metro Manila, and caused the panic-buying of N95 facemasks.

Cashing in on the people's need for facemasks for protection from breathing in polluted air, not quite a few unscrupulous businessmen started selling the N95 facemask at much higher prices.

Anxious people trooped to the stores all over Metro Manila fearing for Taal's imminent major eruption although air condition in the National Capital Region has actually “normalized,” according to the authorities.

To check on retail prices, a team from the Department of Trade and Industry, along with television news reporters, visited some stores in downtown Manila and confirmed reports

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it, but now I doubt if we ever can. I empathize with those who have invested in Tagaytay City!

Insofar as all the evacuees are concerned, I wonder if they can really return to their homes, and live a normal life, anytime soon. At evacuation centers, they are already facing lack of food and water. I cannot imagine how they are coping with the poor sanitation.

And what about American aid? I recall that the Americans were quick to help when “Yolanda” devastated Leyte and environs. Where are the Americans now? *** I must apologize to Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. In earlier columns, I have criticized him for always being with President Duterte despite the fact that he is already a senator.

But now his dedication and commitment to the poor are showing. He is there for the needy.

Santa Banana, Bong Go has already opened his 58th Malasakit Center. Can any other senator claim to do what the senator is doing?

He is pushing for a bill to have all hospitals, private and public, add beds in the ward section so more indigents can be served.

If the opposition senators can duplicate what Bong Go is doing, the poor and the needy will love them.

My gulay, Bong Go is fast becoming my idea of a politician who puts the needs of the poor above himself.

If he does not mind, I would also like to suggest that he push for the creation of special courts to try cases involving illegal drugs. I recall that the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos created special courts to try those arrested for involvement in illegal drugs.

Go should also push for the creation of community-based rehabilitation centers.

I myself was involved in drug rehabilitation in the 1970s when I was with the DARE Foundation. Drug addicts need to be surrounded by their families so they could become productive citizens again.

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lems involving evacuees despite the difficult situation their families are in. I also do not hear of other types of problems that often occur in times of calamities. Perhaps Batangueños know that all these are temporary and that when the crisis is over and Taal Volcano calms down, they will be able to reclaim their lives. After all, they have shown this spirit throughout the history of the province.

Through wars, tragedies, and calamities, Batangas has a history of bouncing back.

When this is over, Batangueños will go back to their homes and reclaim their lives. Batangas streets traversed by heroes will be cleared, its forests where battles for the country were fought will live, its waters that launched ships of our revolutionists will again be rich, and its heritage homes that gave birth to, nurtured, and cradled valiant men and women will stand again.

Make no mistake about it, Batangas, and more specifically my Taal, will RISE again in true Batangueño spirit.

Taaleño, private citizens immediately went to work to do relief operations at first with their own resources. While all of them worry about their homes and livelihood that they can possibly lose, these people chose to do something about the situation, and on a daily basis deliver relief goods to the various evacuation centers.

A number of families in areas outside of the danger zone have adopted other families and let them stay in their homes. They turned their homes into evacuation centers. Many are volunteering in various ways—helping evacuate people, working in the evacuation centers, taking care of the evacuees, etc. I have friends from towns adjacent to the danger zone who, on their own are soliciting for goods and distributing them as well to those displaced by the volcanic eruption.

Truly, the spirit of bayanihan is alive and well.

Also, notice that so far, there have @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth been no reports of behavioral prob- Angsioco on Facebook

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Unreasonable opposition

Go after heartless, greedy profiteers that N95 facemasks were being sold at P200 or even higher when it should cost only P45-P105.

When asked to explain, the sellers simply said the suppliers have raised factory prices, that's they have to raise retail prices, too.

The DTI said the traders will be asked to explain after which charges may be filed for overpricing, facing loss of business permit and penalty of up to P2 million.

One storeowner interviewed on live TV apparently could not care less, shrugging her shoulders and saying “Susulatan nila kami tapos sasagutin sila ng abogado namin.

Ganun lang yun.”

It also surfaced that some N95 facemasks are fake or substandard which means the quality of the medical material is less than that required by the Food and Drug Administration.

An official of the Department of Health said substandard N95 facemasks being sold should be confiscated. But none has been confiscated since the televised DTI inspections.

I bet the DTI has yet to issue any notice of violations yet although one official was quoted as cases were “being prepared.” The local government has neither padlocked any store for overpricing.

It's a shame that some cold-blooded, greedy traders resort to profiteering in times of calamity, only in the Philippines.

This unfortunate news has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to consider giving out free N95 facemasks to residents of affected areas.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

VARIOUS groups in the opposition made up of the usual Yellows, the Liberal Party, the obscurantist clergy and the hastily organized front-organizations of the vociferous Left now called Sector and People Opposed to Kaliwa Dam (STOP Kaliwa) has been formed to purposely oppose the construction of the Kaliwa Dam. Their argument of defending the rights of the indigenous people is clearly obstructionist and senseless.

Before that, the hypocrites simply allowed our indigenous brothers to roam and fend for their survival in the forest areas. These anti-progress rascals are again extorting our people to oppose but refuse to offer any logically and scientific explanation why they are passionately against the building of a dam that would add to the supply of potable water to the already teeming population in Metropolitan Manila area.

They recklessly continue to sow disenchantment to hide their motive that is pointed to as absolutely bankrupt while advancing the interest of their foreign brokers to stall progress and development in this country.

In a news release by this motley band calling itself STOP Kaliwa, they cited three main reasons, to wit: 1) The project violates legal processes and would displace thousands of indigenous peoples. Accordingly, the project failed to secure the Free Prior and Informed Consent from the indigenous settlers as shown by allegations that the National Commission on Indigenous People, the MWSS and some local officials are railroading the legal processes. 2) The project will cause long-term, irreversible environmental damage to the Sierra Made and its biodiversity. They claim the project violates the National Integrated Protected Areas System, and has not secured the Environmental Compliance Certificate from the DENR. And 3) The project will initiate loan from China whose terms and onerous and unnecessary. It said, the loan will require at least 10.37 billion with interest rate at 2 percent as well as an upfront spending of around P2 billion from the national treasury.

The oppositors should have raised valid and more intelligent arguments that the new dam will provide additional 600 cubic liters of water daily to Metro Manila and nearby residents starting 2023. This band of hecklers cannot just make a sweeping generalization that it will displace our indigenous settlers on the Sierra Madre.

There is already an estimate of the total land area that will be submerged as a result of the damming and the number of people that will be affected like what China did to elevate to higher grounds houses, temples and churches, monuments and even cultural sites like their construction of the Three Gorges Dam in the Yangtze River.

These agitators cannot simply demand compliance to the National Integrated Protected Areas System or in securing from settlers Free Prior and Informed Consent before they will be given clearance of ECC by the DENR.

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law admission examination which is unrestrictive of academic freedom, cost-efficient, accessible and effective in assessing incoming law students.

However, Gesmundo dissents from the ruling by the majority that the LEB who shall control, lead, and regulate the unified admission exams.

Instead, it must be initiated by the law schools themselves, pursuant to academic freedom.

On my part, as a longtime professor of law teaching in more than a dozen law schools in different parts of the country, I also would uphold academic freedom as a fundamental constitutional imperative that is good for society. Thus, I agree with the decision, and specially the dissents of Leonen and Gesmundo, in placing sacred regard to academic freedom of law schools. And in that context, the PhilSat is unconstitutional as it infringes academic freedom of law schools as to who

Compliance from NIPAS and FPIC are contestable issues raised and purposely rooted on ideological grounds to stall the construction of the dam.

Even their oligarch brethrens like Ayala of Manila Water and Pangilinan of Maynilad Water have given their go-signal knowing they will earn more from the project. They even demand the equivalent payment for relocation to clear the areas to speed up the construction.

Why go against the construction of the Kaliwa Dam?

“…on March 6, 2001, with the smell of the Erap administration still around, the Caucus of Development for NonGovernmental Organizations notoriously known as Code-NGO had been nudging the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to move fast on their “project.” The conspirators made sure that the government issue P10 billion worth of zerocoupon bonds to pre-arranged buyer, RCBC-Capital. At 12.75-percent interest, the hustlers got a windfall of P1.8 billion, that by Oct. 16, the whole thing was already a done deal coyly made in the name of the poor named “Poverty Eradication and Alleviation Certificate Empowerment” or PEACE bonds.

The bonds were consigned to RCBC without going through public bidding.

The commission obtained by RCBC in its subsequent disposition to RCBCCapital was in reality a “kickback” given to Code-NGO in the category of a fixer. RCBC settled down to a P239million underwriter's fee with certain Mayo and Guevarra getting P59 million and P39 million of their respective commissions, and the net of P1.4 billion going to Code-NGO. To make sure Code-NGO gets the commission intact, the hustlers made it a point that not a centavo will be deducted as tax. It has to be “sweetened” to induce RCBC to bite the contract, like seeking a BIR ruling to have the deal exempted on the ground that the bonds have been classified as certificates of indebtedness and not deposit substitutes as they would only be issued to one buyer. It also accorded them the privilege that gains from the sale, exchange or retirement of said bonds shall not be subject to capital gains tax because they have a maturity of more than five years. Thus, the Monetary Board issued Resolution No. 878 granting “secondary reserve eligibility” to the bonds which was later amended by Resolution No. 1545.

What made the whole thing odious is that the operational expenses incurred negate their messianic claim of wanting to alleviate the poor. In fact, the first beneficiaries were the foundations of leading business monopolists, political kingmakers and do-gooders all rolled into one. The Ayala Foundation got an award of P7.3 million for water system installation project in the Manggahan Floodway, while ABS-CBN obtained P3 million for its so-called women empowerment project, and the rest receiving half a million pesos each.

Ma. Socorro “Marissa” CamachoReyes, the sister of Finance Secretary Camacho, acted as the lynchpin, in what was made to appear a transaction between the Bureau of Treasury and RCBC. The 12 national NGOs and five regional networks, were in fact acting in behalf of “Peace, Equity, and Access for Community Empowerment Foundation headed by a cleric identified as Fr. Noel Vasquez. With Danilo Songco acting as the overall coordinator, a member of the board of the DBP, and the “kickbacks” going to the Foundation headed by the husband of then DSWD Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman.

The Code-NGO’s swindling did not produce a drop of water, but only their saliva as capital to be truly called manna from heaven.

To be precise, the lands that will be affected are not agricultural, but forest lands falling under the category of lands of the public domain. Whatever fruits and products derived by the settlers does not strictly fall under the category of agricultural products where labor have been systematically applied as farmers do to till the land they own.

Thus, lands falling under the NIPAS and FPIC being forest lands are considered forest products such as timber, logs including minerals found therein.

They cannot be converted to disposable public land without a law passed

by Congress, specifically disposing them as private lands. It cannot even be said they have prior rights over these lands like farmers claiming the area as agricultural lands. Forest lands are intended to be preserved to its state of nature to ensure that water that flows into river and settle in the dam will remain pristine and clean. This explains why it is prohibited for settlers, farmers or corporations to engage any activity like cultivating the land for farming or from engaging in any commercial, industrial and mining activity in the areas classified as forest lands.

Nonetheless, the clerics are again most vocal in opposing the construction using our indigenous settlers, which are nomadic settlers who subsist in hunting and gathering of forest products as the Aetas and the Dumagats.

More than that, the government has already offered them relocation sites away from the dam and its tributary streams to cause pollution.

Strangely enough, they refuse to talk of the interest for the loan granted by China for which the Philippine will only have to come out with a 15 percent upfront with China shouldering 85 percent. It would appear they are siding to the objection of the World Bank which the world knows is now desperate in seeking clients gullible enough to pay usurious interest rate to sustain its financial brokers in Washington.

Remember, the clerics have their nasty track record in the infamous Code-NGO where they induced the Arroyo administration to issue government bond in the amount of P10 billion payable in 10 years for a staggering amount of P35 billion. The commission for facilitating the deal was immediately deducted upon the signing of which the bulk went mostly to the Jesuit-controlled NGO and the rest divided by their so-called financial hustlers. To quote what this column wrote on Feb. 2, 2002: rpkapunan@gmail.com may be admitted. As Justice Leonen rightly puts it, “academic freedom is anchored on the recognition that academic institutions perform a social function and its business is conducted for the common good; that is, it is necessary tool for critical inquiry of truth and its free expression. The guarantee of academic freedom is complementary to freedom of expression and of the mind.”

Government entities like the Legal Education Board and the Commission on Higher Education do have a role. This role should be not mainly regulatory but more developmental.

For whatever it's worth, the LEB may be utilized as an important cog in promoting and improving legal education in the country. The more reasonable road to take is to divest LEB with regulatory powers, that is, the authority to close down or to accredit law schools, and limit its authority merely to initiating programs designed to support, develop and give law schools, specially the poor performing ones, the ability to produce better products. Some

programs include advanced training of qualified faculty members, assistance in procurement of facilities and equipment using latest technologies, pooling of resources for library development and research cooperation, joint development of curriculum, and promotion of clinical education.

What was not discussed extensively in the Pimentel case is the connection between legal education and access to justice. A regulatory approach to legal education can justify closing many provincial law schools but doing that can lead to a lack of lawyers in rural areas.

That is not an acceptable consequence. The better approach would be to assist those schools, through the programs described earlier, to improve their performance. Indeed, a developmental approach to legal education is an imperative not just for academic freedom but access to justice as well.

Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

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News

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Lawyer says complaint vs. Duterte withdrawn

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta LAWYER Jude Sabio on Friday said President Rodrigo Duterte was innocent of the crime against humanity.

At the weekly Nanka forum in Quezon City, Sabio said the complaint, formally called “communication,” was “purely part of politics.”

He denied he was paid in exchange for the withdrawal of his complaint against the President.

The complaint was “nothing else but political propaganda” of ex-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Leila de Lima and the Liberal Party.

He blamed Trillanes, who asked him to file the complaint with the International Criminal Court.

He said the Bikoy scandal linking the family members of the President to illegal drug trade was politically motivated.

He was referring to the anonymous videos alleging the involvement of the Dutertes into illegal drugs.

But he maintained he withdrew his complaint “in the interest of justice.”

He said Trillanes recruited him to be the lawyer of Bikoy, whose real name is Peter Joemel Advincula, who released the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

“Isn’t that deception? Isn’t that dishonesty?” he asked.

“As a political outsider, I made my submission with the ICC in my capacity as an independent lawyer advocating for (sic) justice, and not politics, against President Duterte,” Sabio’s manifestation read.

ICC said the complaint can no longer be withdrawn.

But Sabio said he, along with lawyer Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon, would go to The Hague, The Netherlands to personally file his withdrawal of communication.

In a related development, Senator Christopher Go stressed the announced withdrawal showed the allegations were a mere political trick and held no merit.

“It’s clear that politics was behind all the allegations against the President before the ICC,” said Go.

House, DTI to lower shipping costs

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE House of Representatives has vowed to pass a bill that mandates government regulation to stop high shipping rates.

Once signed into law, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said on Friday the measure would result in lower costs for importers, and in turn, bring down prices of consumer goods, Cayetano said that shipping rates being unilaterally imposed by international shipping lines, had become excessive, leading to increases in the costs of imported raw materials and other goods.

At first glance, Cayetano said regulating shipping rates would appear to benefit only local importers. But he said this

measure had far-reaching consequences, as high shipping fees force importers to pass on these costs to consumers, leading to higher prices of goods.

“Local producers who import raw materials are forced to pay these exorbitant shipping fess, which jack up their production costs, and, in the process, result in higher prices for domestic consumers,” said Cayetano.

“This will also help the government improve its tax collection capabilities,” the Speaker added.

Among the Speaker’s goals under his “Presyo, Trabaho, Kita” advocacy to help President Rodrigo Duterte fulfill his promise of a safe, secure and comfortable life for every Filipino is to pass laws that will lower prices, generate jobs and raise incomes, especially in the countryside.

He said the House would coordinate with the DTI in crafting a law that will regulate shipping fees. Several bills on the subject had been filed at the Lower House.

At least two bills have been filed at the chamber proposing to regulate and standardize local fees imposed by foreign shipping lines operating in the country.

House Bill 431, filed by Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera, aims to standardize local charges at both the origin and destination imposed by international shipping firms.

HB 4462, authored by Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Ronnie Ong, mandates the Maritime Industry Authority to promote fair and transparent destination fees and other shipping charges among freight forwarders and agents of international shipping lines.

The DTI had earlier planned to issue a Joint Administrative Order, together with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Finance, on the regulation of local fees charged by foreign shipping lines, but later decided on asking the President instead to issue an Executive Order on this matter.

But the lack of an enabling law covering the regulation of fees imposed by foreign shipping lines operating in the country prompted the DTI to draft a bill on this concern and submit it later to Congress to give more teeth to the measure.

AGRI MINDS. House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (fourth left), in partnership with Agriculture Secretary William Dar (third right), Cornell University International Professor of Plant Breeding Dr. Ronnie Coffman (fourth right), Morgan Haas (second left), Agriculture Councilor, Foreign Agriculture Service, Patrick Wesner (second right), USAID Deputy Mission Director Philippines, Dr. Ruben Villarreal (right) UPLB Agriculture Expert, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Nicomedes Eleazar (left) and Cornell University Agriculture student Andrew Romualdez (third left) work together to combine modern science and technology to boost agricultural products and look for solutions on how to bring back life to agriculture in Batangas affected by Taal Volcano eruptions. Ver Noveno

Teachers group to Duterte: Violence, not the answer to everything Solon cites

By Willie Casas THE Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines on Friday criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for what it called instigating violence instead of addressing the real issue behind teachers’ discontent with the new Salary Standardization Law, with a measly pay hike of around P1,500 per month until 2023.

ACT said this did nothing to raise teachers’ status and standards of living.

The criticism came after President Duterte called for the shooting or running over of loan sharks supposedly behind the debt crisis of teachers.

“The President’s almost maniacal pen-

chant for killing and violence as the solution to everything is highly disturbing, and completely misses the point of teachers’ struggles and unrest. The loan sharks and the PLIs (private lending institutions) are not the main problem, but our low salaries that make us extremely vulnerable to such. Kapit sa patalim, ika nga,” said ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio.

Basilio added it was actually the government that had been “feeding teachers to the wolves” by maintaining their low salaries amid consistently rising costs of living.

ACT said to correct and address this injustice, the government must heed the just demands of teachers.

“If he’s so hell-bent on killing opportunist

loan sharks and PLIs, he can do so by substantially raising teachers and other civilian workers’ salaries so as to render these financial businesses necessary,” said Basilio.

ACT called on the President to upgrade teachers’ salaries to salary grade 15, which will help them keep up with the salaries of nurses and military and uniformed personnel. For non-teaching employees, the group is calling for a P16,000 minimum pay.

Basilio found ‘incorrigible’ the President’s ‘reckless statements’ defending his doubling of cops and soldiers’ pay in light of the latter’s participation in relief efforts for victims of the Taal eruption.

“Duterte clearly has no idea about the key role of teachers in times of disaster. Before

STUDY TOUR. Officials of

the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, led by Secretary Raul Lambino (seated, fourth from right), administrator and CEO, and Mayor Nelson Robinion (seated, third from right) of Santa Ana, Cagayan welcome contingents from the local government unit of Mangaldan, Pangasinan led by Mayor Marilyn Lambino (seated, fifth from right) during their benchmarking and study tour of various best government practices in Northern Luzon and the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport last Jan. 11.

NOTICE Standard Notice is hereby given Manila

that the TODAY estate of the late LAMBERTO G. BAUTISTA of Quezon City who died intestate on August 19, 2019, consisting of a house and lot and two (2) BDO Savings Accounts were settled by his legal heirs pursuant to an Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate with waiver as per Doc. 381 Page No. 39 Book No. XXI-D and Series of 2020 of Notary Public Maichael Darwin M. Bayotas for and in Quezon City (MS-JAN18, 25 & FEB. 1, 2020)

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE (ADDENDUM) Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late PATRICIO L. DE DIOS who died intestate on March 7, 1990 was extrajudicially settled among his heirs on March 06, 2019 as per Doc. No. 12; Page No. 3; Book No. IX; Series of 2019 of the Notarial Registry of, and before, Notary Public Atty.

Edgar V. Osting at Teresa, Rizal, Philippines.

(MS-JAN. 18, 25 & FEB. 1, 2020)

and after a calamity strikes, teachers take part in preparing their schools for evacuees and in later providing psychosocial and even economic support to their students.

We shell out money and any other resource we have to fast-track the restoration of our classrooms so students can soon go back to school and regain some normalcy again. All this while being among the victims as well of these disasters,” said Basilio.

ACT urged the President to go to the grounds and see for himself how teachers and other civilian public workers go beyond their mandates and exemplify “above and beyond service to the people”despite the government’s continued neglect of their state.

A MEMBER of the House of Representatives has said the growing need for agricultural scientists and engineers calls for the quick passage of a bill that will attract more students to go into agriculture-related careers.

Rep. Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-OWA Party-list group said the Philippines was not entering what she said was the “fourth agricultural revolution” that marks the introduction of scientific developments in agricultural production.

“Efforts to bring new breeding techniques, sustainable farming designs, and climate-smart crop varieties to small farmers are ongoing nationwide,” Garin said.

House Bill 3596, also known as the Young Farmers Program Act, which seeks to attract incoming college students to choose and complete a field in agriculture and fisheries should be passed soonest because of these developments, Garin said.

“Agricultural scientists and engineers have the potential to develop sustainable and innovative farming techniques that can increase the yield and income of Filipino farmers and improve the productivity CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK of the agriculture sector in general.

Thus, we must dispel the notion among our young people that farming is tedious, unsustainable, and unglamorous.”

With the measure, Garin also hopes to create an environment conducive to innovative activity. Innovation, according their monthly pension. to the World Economic Forum, is one of Ignacio said the pension fund allocated more the 12 pillars of the Global Competitivethan P259.48 million for the CAP which can be ness Index. broken down into P234.3 million for the loan asThe bill provides for establishment of sistance while some P25.14 million for the adthe National Agriculture and Fisheries vance three-month pensions.

Education System, an integrated sysTo qualify for SSS calamity loans, members tem of agriculture and fishery educashould have a home address or property in the tion covering both public and private affected areas and had paid a minimum of 36 institutions in all levels. monthly contributions wherein six of its monthly The Young Farmers Committee, to be contributions have been paid within the 12-month headed by the chairman of the Commisperiod before the date of application. sion on Higher Education, with the repHowever, members who availed themselves resentative of NAFES as vice chairman, of the SSS Loan Restructuring Program and shall oversee the implementation and the those with final benefit claims, such as total percreation of the rules and regulations of manent disability and retirement, are excluded the law. from the program.

A technical working group for “An additional requirement for applicants is House Bill 3596 was formed on that they must registered on the My.SSS facilNov. 19, 2019. The discussion on the ity to allow us to generate their billing letters acunnumbered substitute bill shall recordingly especially during payments so, it will sume upon the resumption of session be automatically be posted under their account,” on Jan. 20. Maricel V. Cruz Ignacio added.

SSS: Ursula-stricken members may now avail of CAP THE state-run Social Security System on Friday said members and pensioners affected by Typhoon “Ursula” last December could now avail themselves of the Calamity Assistance Package which has a fund allocation of nearly P260 million.

SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora Ignacio said more than 398,000 paying members and pensioners who were devastated by the onslaught of Typhoon Ursula in Visayas and MIMAROPA regions on Christmas Eve last year would benefit from the relief assistance package.

“It was devastating for our kababayans in the Visayas as they were hardly-hit by Typhoon Ursula during the holiday season. Hopefully, the CAP that we are currently offering will help them with their immediate financial needs,” Ignacio said in a statement.

Qualified SSS pensioners residing in calamity-stricken areas declared under the state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council may avail

themselves of the advance three-month pension while regular-paying SSS members may avail themselves of the calamity loan assistance and Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan.

The areas declared by NDRRMC under state of calamity were the provinces of Eastern Samar and Leyte as well as the municipalities of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro, Kalibo and Malay in Aklan, Libertad and Pandan in Antique, Sigma in Capiz, Carles and Concepcion in Iloilo, Madridejos in Cebu and Daram in Samar.

“Members and pensioners residing in other areas that may be declared by NDRRMC as under state of calamity within the prescribed application period may also avail of the CAP,” Ignacio said.

The CAP includes a loan program, which is different from the regular salary loan, where members are allowed to borrow up to P20,000 depending on their monthly salary credit as well as financial assistance to pensioners wherein they can advance three months of

need for more plant engineers

Sports

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Cocolife Tigers maul Makati five

James stretches lead in fan voting NEW YORK—Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James stretched his overall lead in NBA All-Star Game fan balloting to 149,564 votes over Dallas guard Luka Doncic in returns revealed Thursday.

It appears that James and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo will be captains for next month’s 69th NBA All-Star Game on February 16 at Chicago as they were for last year’s all-star contest, in which Team LeBron beat Team Giannis 178-164.

Five-time NBA Most Valuable Player James led Slovakian star Doncic by only 82,001 votes a week ago but has pulled away to pace the Western Conference with 4,747,887 while Greek star Antetokounmpo leads the East on 4,474,107.

The top vote-getter from both the Eastern and Western Conference will be named as team captains and select rosters for their own teams on February 6 from the pool of available players, regardless of conference, for the all-star contest.

Voting will conclude on Monday with fan ballots counting for 50 percent, current NBA players having 25 percent say and a media panel having the other 25 percent say in selecting the 10 starters, two guards and three forwards from each conference.

The starters will be revealed next Thursday with reserves selected by the NBA’s coaches to be announced January 30.

James, Lakers teammate Anthony Davis and Los Angeles Clippers playmaker Kawhi Leonard are runaway leaders for the West frontcourt spots while Doncic and James Harden have huge leads in the West guard balloting from fans.

Antetokounmpo is joined in the East frontcourt by two Cameroonian standouts, Toronto’s Pascal Siakam (2,433,411) and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid (2,398,743) with Miami’s Jimmy Butler fourth on 2,046,257.

Siakam edged ahead of Embiid in the latest returns.

The East backcourt features the tightest fight for a starting spot with Atlanta’s Trae Young atop the list on 2,066,924 and Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving, just back on the court after an injury, second on 1,814,618.

Boston’s Kemba Walker, who replaced Irving in the Celtics backcourt this season, remains tight on Irving’s heels for the final East guard starting spot on 1,797,633.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

Bucks get back at Celtics; Pelicans halt Jazz’ win run L

OS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points and hauled 17 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks made the right plays down the stretch to avenge an earlier loss to the Boston Celtics with a 128-123 victory on Thursday.

Alone by a comfortable margin atop the Eastern Conference, the Bucks came out quickly in the first quarter by opening a double-digit lead five minutes in. They then held on at the end to improve to an NBA best 37-6 on the season.

Donte DiVincenzo scored a careerhigh 19 points and Brook Lopez added 16 as the Bucks extended their winning streak to five games, while winning for the 10th time in their last 11 contests.

The Bucks went on a run late in the third to take a 19-point lead into the fourth quarter.

“We were able to get defensive stops and that helped and then we pushed the pace a little,” said the Bucks’ Khris Middleton.

Kemba Walker led Boston by scoring 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds and Marcus Smart added 24 as the Celtics lost for the fifth time in their last seven games.

“He was awfully special tonight,” said coach Brad Stevens of Walker as the Celtics tried to find something positive in the loss.

The Celtics are considered one of the few teams that have the talent to topple the Bucks in their march to the top seed in the playoffs.

One of the Bucks’ few defeats came on October 30 when they fell 116-105 at Boston in a game the Bucks led by 19 in the first half. It was the only meeting between the teams so far this season.

But this was a different Bucks team and a more rested group as the Celtics were playing the second game of a backto-back stint.

The Celtics managed to find their rhythm in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to six at 87-81 before the Bucks closed the period on a run and grabbed a 106-87 lead heading to the final quarter.

The Celtics used a late 12-2 run to get

within four points in the final minute but that was as close as they got.

“We kept fighting,” said Smart. “We knew it was going to be tough. We just continued to fight and fight and gave ourselves a chance at the end.”

Elsewhere, Brandon Ingram outgunned Donovan Mitchell en route to a career-high 49 points as the New Orleans Pelicans snapped the Utah Jazz’s 10-game winning streak with a 138-132 overtime victory.

The Jazz rebounded from a five-point deficit halfway through the overtime to outscore the Pelicans 16-10 as Ingram drained five free throws in the extra session.

Former Jazz centre Derrick Favors added 21 points and 11 rebounds as New Orleans won for the 10th time in 14 games.

E’Twaun Moore scored 16 points, including a go-ahead layup in overtime, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 12 and Frank Jackson had 10.

Mitchell tied his career-high with 46 points, Bojan Bogdanovic scored 26, and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out in overtime. AFP

Blatche, Balkman ready to lead Mighty in Dubai cagefest ANDRAY Blatche and Renaldo Balkman know Mighty Sports will be up against strong opposition but the two veterans are ready and eager to lead the Philippine club to its first championship in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament starting next week.

“We will do our best to bring home the championship,” declared Balkman, who also helped Mighty Sports to a title sweep in the Jones Cup in Taiwan last year. “We have several good guys who can deliver.”

Blatche, who played for Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup last year in China, is likewise upbeat of the Mighty Sports’ chances, saying: “We’ve a good team.”

Besides, the two are excited to play together and represent the Philippines in a tournament that will gather some of the best teams from Lebanon and the Middle East.

And the two are also thrilled to play with some the future of the Philippine basketball, including Thirdy Ravena, Juan Gomez de Liano and 7’2” Kai Sotto.

“It will be awesome to play with these young guys and we are willing to guide and help them,” added Balkman.

Even Mighty coach Charles Tiu is looking pretty confident, saying: “I’m happy with the efforts they’re putting in during practice, so I’m confident we can do better this time.”

Backed this time by Creative Pacific of Bong Cuevas, Go for Gold, Oriental Game, and Gatorade, the Alex Wongchuking-owned Mighty Sports is determined to improve on its third-place finish last year.

“We won only once in our initial foray four years ago

BEST Center under way at Ateneo courts ENROLLEES are still accepted in the basketball and volleyball clinics organized by the award-winning BEST Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center), now ongoing at the Ateneo College Covered Courts.

The classes are held every Saturday until Feb. 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for students in Preparataory Level and in Levels 1 to 4.

Basketball classes of the Best Center, recipient of the Philippine Olympic Committee Olympism Award and a Philippine Sportswriters Association Hall-of-Fame Awardee, are also held on Sundays at the Starmall-Alabang.

Best Center is sponsored by MILO and is supported by Rain or Shine, Chris Sports and SKLZ. For inquiries call 8372-3065, 83723066 and 3411-6260; or email bestcenter.inquiry@gmail.com.

Suerte...

From A8

Members of the Mighty Sports pose during a press launching of its title bid in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament.

and we placed third last year, so I’m hoping we will perOther members of the team are Joseph Yeo, Rain or form much better this time,” said Wongchuking.

Shine’s Beau Belga, Joaqui Manuel, Gab Banal, Jarell Lim, Except for Kai Sotto, the team leaves for Dubai on Dave Ildefonso, Juan Gomez De Liano, Jamie Malonzo, Jan. 21 before plunging into action on Jan. 23. The an- Mikey Williams, Jelan Kendrick and McKenzie Moore. nual event ends on Feb. 2.

Moore also played for Mighty in last year’s Jones Cup.

Yastremska downs Sabalenka to reach Adelaide tennis finals ADELAIDE—Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska defeated her third top 20 opponent in a row to make the Adelaide International finals with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win over Aryna Sabalenka on Friday.

The 19-year-old’s blitzed world number 20 Donna Vekic in the quarter-finals of the Memorial Drive tournament and was a set up against former Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber when the German retired from their final 16 match with back pain.

Yastremska, ranked 24th, will play for the fourth title of her career on Saturday against either Australian world number one Ashleigh Barty or American Danielle Collins.

THE Davao Occidental Cocolife Tigers displayed its fiercest form yet in mauling Makati Super Crunch, 101-79, in the second phase elimination round of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup Tuesday night at San Andres Gym in Manila.

Tigers Ivan Ludovice, Kenneth Mocon and Billy Robles spewed fire in the first quarter, highlighted by a stepback trey of Emman Calo as Davao stormed to a 17-4 lead with 1:32 left going into the second canto.

James Forrester, along with streak shooter Marco Balagtas, then followed suit, as they erupted with a blistering 11-0 run to post 46-29 halftime score for the team owned by Dumper Party List Rep. Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental, and backed by Cocolife president Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque.

Joseph Sedorifa, Jong Valoria and Cedric Ablaza staged a minor uprising for Makati, which is under newly acquired coach Beaujing Acot.

But the rally was quickly quashed

by Richard Yee, big man Jerwin Gaco and the game’s best player in Mocon as the Davao Tigers roared to the lopsided victory for the south division leader against the 3rd-ranked team in the north “We gained advantage from our two-week holiday break and comprehensive training this early January in preparation for our remaining big games in the eliminations against Makati and San Juan,” said Davao Cocolife team manager Dinko Bautista, who was assisted by deputy Ray Alao. “Our Tigers are ready to fulfi ll our mission of winning the national championship.

“I’m pretty happy, this new season is off to a good start,” Yastremska said after defeating Sabalenka of Belarus for their third match in as many meetings.

“I’m just doing my job on court, playing my game. I do what I can on court.

“I feel confidence heading to the Australian Open.”

Yastremska broke once per set while losing her own service once in the 106-minute showdown.

She finished on a third match point in the tiebreaker as Sabalenka hit the net on a return.

Yastremska claimed two WTA trophies last season at Strasbourg and Hua Hin, Thailand. AFP

“Mas mahahasa ako dito para pagdating sa Gilas, ready na ready na ako.”

But Batangas head coach Woody Co believes that Tungcab will eventually become one of the key pieces for the squad, it’s just a matter of jelling with his new teammates.

“Jaydee is a great addition to the team because he can play multiple positions and that helps a lot on our rotation. He brings versatility and intensity on both offense and defense. Hopefully, he blends well with his teammates,” said the youthful mentor, who is a product of UP.

Sainz wins Dakar Rally

Mini’s Spanish drivers Carlos Sainz of Spain and co-driver Lucas Cruz of Spain compete during the Dakar 2020 between Shubaytah and Haradh, Saudi Arabia. AFP

SAUDI ARABIA—Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz won the Dakar Rally for the third time on Friday, fi nishing with a comfortable winning margin in Saudi Arabia.

The 57-year-old led from the third stage and crossed the finish line in Qiddiya 6min 21sec ahead of nearest challenger and reigning champion Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar, who had managed to cut Sainz’s lead to just 24 seconds on Tuesday but fell back after navigation blunders.

Stephane Peterhansel was third at 9 min 58 sec behind in his Mini. Both the Frenchman and Sainz won four stages each in the marathon 12-day, 7,800-kilometer (4,800-mile) race.

Ricky Brabec won the motorbike section for Honda, becoming the first US rider to triumph in the gruelling race.

This decision to stage the race in Saudi Arabia this year and for at least the next four years sparked an angry reaction from critics of the kingdom’s human rights record. AFP

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

Ealas off to good start in Australia tennis tilt

By Peter Atencio FOURTEEN-year-old Alexandra Eala and her brother Miko got off to a great start yesterday in the 2020 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International Tennis Tournament in Victoria, Australia.

Eala, coached by Daniel Gomez of the Rafa Nadal Academy, pulled off a 6-1, 6-2 win over Hungarian netter Amarisa Toth in the first round.

Seeded fourth in the tournament, Eala advanced to the second round for a clash with China’s Na Dong, a qualifying round entry.

The world no. 9 ranked Eala missed a days’ practice after Australian officials suspended practice on Wednesday.

Officials warned that smoke and haze from regional wild fires affected the playing conditions of the tournament early this week.

Elder brother Miko made it past the first round in the boys singles when he disposed of Jeremy Lin of Australia, 6-2, 6-2, in the first qualifying round of the boys’ singles.

But Mike did not advance to the main after Corban Crowther of New Zealand held him down with 6-3, 6-7(3), 10-8 triumph in the second round.

Dong arranged a clash with Eala following a 7-5, 6-4 edging of Australian Tylah Preston.

Polina Kudermetova of Russia and Slovenian Pia Lovric also joined Eala and Dong in the second round.

Kudermetova waylaid Australian Amy Stevens, 6-4, 6-2, while Lovric eased out Julia Belgaver of France, 6-4, 6-2.

The netfest is Eala’s way of preparing for her participation the 2020 Australian Open.

PSC, DepEd jointly stage 2020 Palaro THE Philippine Sports Commission will be involved with the planning and staging of the 2020 Palarong Pambansa.

The involvement of the PSC was affirmed following Tuesday meeting of chairman William Ramirez with Department of Education (DepEd) secretary Leonor Briones, undersecretary Revsee Escobedo and Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

DepEd officials have confirmed the dates of the Palaro, which will be held from May 1 to 8 in Marikina City.

The City of Marikina will host the 2020 Palarong Pambansa after Occidental Mindoro begged off from hosting the annual sporting event for student-athletes The decision to withdraw from the hosting by Occidental Mindoro came following the devastation wrought by typhoon “Tisoy” last month.

Under Palarong Pambansa Resolution No. 2019-002, the Board adopted the policies on determining the selection of the venue or the host LGU, as stipulated in Republic Act No. 10588 three years in advance.

But, due to the damages sustained

by Occidental Mindoro, the hosting of the annual sports event was given to Marikina City.

The hosting of the Palarong Pambansa is supposed to be determined by bidding, and guided by the principle of the “LuzonVisayas-Luzon-Mindanao” rotation.

The Palaro is considered as the flagship sports program of the DepEd. Peter Atencio

2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games representative and two-time Chooks-toGo National Rapid Chess Championships winner Grandmaster (GM) Darwin Laylo ponders his position on the chess board.

DOWNHILL RACER. France’s Victor Muffat-Jeandet is virtually airborne as he competes in the Downhill race of the men’s Alpine Combined event at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Wengen. AFP

Para-athletes train at Philsports T

HE Philippine Sports Commission opened the doors of its newly-refurbished Philsports Complex for national para-athletes training for the 2020 Asean Para Games.

“The renovations done in both Rizal Memorial and in Philsports are primarily for our elite athletes,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

Despite being weeks away from its official turnover, the PSC has already opened the complex in Pasig City to support the national para-athletes’ preparations for the biennial meet which was rescheduled to March.

“Our national para-athletes are

inspired to work harder as they use the new facilities inside Philsports.

We thank the PSC for supporting us,” said Philippine Paralympic Committee Executive Director Dennis Esta, who added intensive trainings in the said PSC facility are now ongoing for athletics, power-lifting and sitting volleyball.

Meanwhile, Ramirez has announced that with the help of NCC and Perez, bemedalled para-swimmers Ernie

Gawilan, Garry Bejino and the rest of the swimming team will also be allowed to train in the Class-1 FINAcertified swimming facility of the NCC by the fourth week of the month.

“We want to duplicate the same success Team Philippines had taking top rank of the 30th SEA Games. The PSC will continue to give its full backing to the more than 280 national para-athletes competing in the Para Games,” said the agency chief.

The Asean Para Games is scheduled on March 21 to 27, with 16 sport disciplines in 14 different competition venues in Metro Manila, Subic and Clark.

Suerte tries to prove worthy of PH team call-up ANGELES, PAMPANGA—After earning a national team pool call-up, Batangas-Tanduay player Rey Suerte plans to prove his worth to the squad in the on-going 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season.

Suerte, one of the first five to enter the pool via a PBA special Gilas Pilipinas draft alongside Isaac Go, Allyn Bulanadi, Mike Nieto and Matt Nieto, vows to be the player the national team needs him to be.

“Gagawin ko lahat ng makakaya ko, magiging role player ako, defensive stopper or kahit ano, basta laging puso lang sa laro,” said the University of the East standout, who averaged 17.69 points and 6.79 rebounds in his one and only year with the Red Warriors.

“Malaking bagay ang MPBL para sa improvement ko as a player dahil semipro league ito at marami ring mga beterano dito kaya makakatulong ito para sa pag-akyat ko sa Gilas,” said Suerte.

In the MPBL, the two-time CESAFI MVP is posting norms of 10.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals in six outings for the Tanduay-backed Athletics.

Meanwhile, Batangas teammate Jaydee Tungcab was called-up alongside Thirdy Ravena. He wants to prove that he was no fluke and he can bring the same tenacity on defense he brought to the University of the Philippines.

“Hindi ko naman talaga ine-expect na masasama ako sa pool ng Gilas pero kung ano yung nakita nila sa akin, ibibigay ko lang ulit sa practice - yung depensa ko, yung buong loob sa laro dadalhin ko hanggang sa Gilas,” said

Rey Suerte (right) of Batangas-Tanduay tries to dribble past a Pampanga defender during a 2019-20 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Cup game.

the 6-foot-3 wingman, who hails from Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

In his MPBL debut last Thursday at the AUF Gym, Tungcab only managed six points on 2-of-6 shooting, a rebound, a steal, and an assist against three turnovers, admitting that he is yet to adjust in his new team It was not the ideal debut for the 6-foot3 Tungcab as Batangas-Tanduay lost a

heartbreaker to Pampanga in overtime, 79-82, that dropped the Athletics to a 14-11 slate in the Southern Division—a full-game behind seventh running Iloilo.

“Nag-aadjust pa rin ako sa MPBL dahil first game ko ngayon. Pero makakatulong ang MPBL para sa personal growth ko as a player,” said Tungcab, who only trained with the team last Wednesday.

Turn to A7

Lady Knights subdue EAC THE Letran Lady Knights overcame opening day jitters and slammed the Emilio Aguinaldo College Lady Generals, 22-25, 2510, 25-18, 25-13, yesterday at the FilOil-Flying V Sports Center in San Juan.

It took the Lady Knights a little before settling down to find their rhythm, and when they did, sophomore Dane Ohya took charge and led the Lady Knights to their first triumph in the women’s division of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) volleyball tournament.

“Mga freshmen at sophomore ang mga player ko. Siyempre, tense. Nakakita ng malaking crowd nanonood at nagchi-cheer sa kanila. Kaya nung nagdie-down na ang kanilang excitement, nakasunod na sa sistema at bumalik ang kumpiyansa,” said Letran coach Mike Inoferio.

A well-coordinated attack in the last set allowed the Lady Squires to their post their fi rst win in 92 minutes.

Cunada hit 24 points while Ohya had 15 points, and both helped the Lady Knights fight their way out of a 22-25 setback in the first set.

After equalizing in the second set, 25-10, the Lady Knights moved out of reach on a succession of plays which Cunada and Ohya orchestrated.

Cunada’s kill and block with the support of Khryssa Monteagudo allowed Letran to take a 17-11 spread.

Aces from Cunada and Monteagudo in the fourth set then propelled Letran to an unreachable 16-6 spread in the last set.

In other games, Joshua Mina put in 15 points in powering EAC to a 2519, 25-18, 25-17 beating of Letran in the men’s action.

Ricardo Maglapid Jr. had 11 points in EAC’s 30-28, 25-18, 28-26 win over Letran in the junior side.

The Lady Knights will go for win no. 2 against the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers on Monday.

Peter Atencio

Laylo faces tough competition in Singapore rapid chess GRANDMASTER Darwin Laylo, Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Janelle Mae Frayna and Arena Grandmaster (GM) Roberto Suelo, Jr. expect rough sailing in the leong @64 Rapid Chess Challenge 2020 where they will be meeting a tough line of competitors on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the Ang Mo Kio Community Club in Singapore.

The one-day rapid event (25 minutes time control format), backed by Filipino Jaime “Bong” Tiburcio, offers 1,000 Singapore dollar (P38,000) to the champion. It will coincide with the 64th birthday celebration of Fide

Master (FM) Ignatius Leong.

Tournament director is Philip Chan while Chief Arbiter is Gan Yeow Beng and assisted by Filipino arbiter Erwin Tabor.

“It will be a very tough match against the Asian players (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and China). Not to be outdone are players from the Philippines as well Russia and Denmark,”said Laylo, the 2019 Manila Southeast Asian Games representative and two-time Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championships winner.

“We are expecting tough matches

but we will try our best for flag and country,” said Suelo, the 1996 Philippine Junior champion, an active member of the International Churches of Christ (ICOC) in Singapore.

Other Filipinos joining the competition are International Master (IM) elect Edgar Reggie Olay, Fide Master Nelson Villanueva (FM), Fide Master Nelson “Elo” Mariano III, Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Christopher Diaz, Jimson Bitoon, Lincoln “Linky” Yap, Ronald Castro, Malik Gumama, Joshua Juaneza, Joseph Navarro and Robert Gene Mariano.

Bannering the local challenge in

the tournament are tournament top seed Grandmaster (GM) elect Kevin Goh Weiming, International Master (IM) Chan Peng Kong, Fide Master (FM) Ashvin Sivakumar, Fide Master (FM) Shern Yang Jonathan Wong , Sean Christian Goh, Ethan Goh, Marcus Chen, Richard Lean and Ravind Ricnesh of Singapore.

Other notable participating are Fide Master (FM) Andrean Susilodinata of Indonesia, Fide Master (FM) Andrey Terekhov of Russia, Kok Love Steven Cheong of Malaysia, Tianle Deng of China and Klaus Yssing of Denmark.

IN BRIEF Shell assures normal oil refinery operations PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp. said Friday normal business operations continue at its Tabangao refinery and across all businesses amid the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas.

It said it remained alert and was cautiously monitoring the situation. Safety remains a priority for the company, it said.

Pilipinas Shell said its staff and business partners in the refinery were safe and all accounted for. While air quality has been assessed as “good” in the area of the Refinery as of writing, the staff have been issued with appropriate face masks and safety glasses as a precautionary measure.

The oil company said it was constantly monitoring the Taal Volcano situation and that business protocols were in place to respond to any potential change in circumstances.

It reported that 46 Shell retail stations surrounding the impacted municipalities were designated as emergency response sites to the public. The sites are open 24/7 to provide first aid, toilet facilities, hydration, free mobile charging and windshield cleaning service.

Business

SSS offers financial aid to Ursula victims STATE-RUN pension fund Social Security System said members and pensioners who were affected by typhoon Ursula in December may now avail of the calamity assistance package, which has a fund allocation of nearly P260 million.

SSS president and chief executive Aurora Ignacio said in a statement Friday that over 398,000 paying members and pensioners who were devastated by the typhoon in Visayas and MIMAROPA regions on Christmas Eve last year would benefit from the relief assistance package.

“It was devastating for our kababayans in the Visayas as they were hardly-hit by Typhoon Ursula during the holiday season.

Hopefully, the calamity assistance package that we are currently offering will help them with their immediate financial needs,” Ignacio said.

Qualified SSS pensioners who are residing in calamity-stricken areas that are declared under the state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council may avail of the advanced three-month pension, while regular-paying SSS members may avail the calamity loan assistance, and Direct House Repair and Improvement Loan.

Julito G. Rada

B1

By Julito G. Rada

ROCKWELL LOAN. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. recently holds a thanksgiving ceremony with Rockwell Land Corp. for a P5billion, seven-year bilateral term loan facility. Metrobank president Fabian Dee (left) and Rockwell Land president and chief executive officer Nestor Padilla (right) lead the ceremony at the Grand Hyatt Manila. Celebrating a long-standing partnership that began in 1998, the meaningful gathering signifies the continuing support of Metrobank to the various expansion initiatives of Rockwell Land throughout the years.

Jollibee offers first offshore dollar bonds, raises $600m

By Jenniffer B. Austria

J

OLLIBEE Foods Corp., the largest food service company in the Philippines and one of the biggest in Asia, is raising $600 million from a maiden offshore bond offering.

JFC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the $600-million, US dollardenominated guaranteed senior perpetual capital securities would have an initial distribution rate of 3.9 percent in the first five years and be payable semiannually.

The company plans to use proceeds from the bonds to be issued by whollyowned unit Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. to refinance short-term debt spent in the acquisition of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

“The objective of management for this issuance is to further strengthen the balance sheet of JFC to build a stronger foundation for accelerating its growth in order to achieve its vision to become one of the top 5 restaurant companies in the world,” the company said.

The transaction represents the firstever bond or perpetual securities issuance of JFC and the first time that it tapped the capital markets since its initial public offering in 1993.

The issue is also one of the first by an Asian restaurant company.

JFC said the transaction was oversubscribed by almost 10 times the original intended issue amount of $400 million, enabling the company to increase the size of the transaction to $600 million and tighten final pricing by 35 basis points to 3.9 percent from the initial price guidance of 4.25 percent.

“This marks the lowest pricing for a 5-year perpetual Securities issued by a Philippine company reflecting the

Income tax perks of CALABARZON locators extended

strong demand for a JFC bond and the reputable credit standing of the company,” the fast-food giant said.

The securities are unrated and will be listed on Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited.

JFC in September completed the acquisition of a 100 percent stake in CBTL for $350 million (P18.3 billion) on a debt-free basis.

The acquisition was done through Java Ventures LLC, a US-based whollyowned subsidiary of Super Magnificent Coffee Company Pte. Ltd. (SMCC Singapore).

The payment for the acquisition of CBTL was funded by proceeds from bridge loans entered into by JWPL with several financial institutions.

The acquisition of CBTL brand is JFC’s largest and most multinational to date. It will add 14 percent to JFC’s global system wide sales and 26 percent to total store network, and bring the contribution of the international business to 36 percent of worldwide sales.

ROTARY FELLOWSHIP.

Rotary International District 3810 incoming senior deputy governor Alvin Lacambacal (left) and president-elect Robert Lim Joseph Jr. of the Rotary Club of Manila (center) pose with incoming district governor-elect Leody Tarriela at the 4th Presidents Elect Fellowship at the Manila Yacht Club.

Over 100 presidentselect attended the event highlighting the leadership training seminar.

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority announced Friday the extension of the validity of income tax holiday to all locators in CALABARZON affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

PEZA director general Charito Plaza said in a briefing Friday all locators still enjoying ITH as an incentive but have suffered interruptions in operation because of the disaster could expect an automatic adjustment in the ITH schedule.

“In addition we are also prioritizing parts importation of companies with damaged machineries as a result of the eruption,” she added.

Plaza said locators must draw up business continuity plans outlining how they intend to do business in the face of the volcano’s eruption and prepare “emergency response plans.”

PEZA will establish its own ‘Incident Command System and Center’ where ecozones, industries, workers and other stakeholders can get information and direction in times of natural or man-made disasters and emergencies.

It plans to require all prospective locators to provide geo-hazard certificates on top of environmental clearance certificate as part of their PEZA application.

“One of the requisites for proclamation of an economic zone is the ECC that is issued by the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR. Before DENR issues such ECC, the EMB requires environmental impact statement for the land development,” Plaza said.

Plaza referred to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and unit Environmental Management Bureau.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

Diokno says PH to get ‘A’ credit rating in two years

PSALM readies new Malaya plant auction STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. plans to start the new round of bidding on the 650-megawatt Malaya power plant and its underlying land in Pililla, Rizal by the end of next week.

“The plan of PSALM is to initiate another round of public bidding hopefully by the end of next week. To make this public bidding attractive to bidders, we need to find an acceptable way of reducing the minimum bid price,” PSALM president Irene Garcia said.

Garcia said PSALM was still waiting for comments from the Commission on Audit on lowering the minimum bid price through a COA-approved discounting procedure.

“PSALM wrote to COA to request for approval of a discounting mechanism that will allow PSALM to lower the said minimum bid price of the Malaya Power Plant,” she said.

“Hopefully, we will get a response from COA sometime in January 2020. We will also continue to dispose of real property assets,” Garcia said earlier.

Alena Mae S. Flores

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

Semirara expands mineable coal area to raise annual production

By Alena Mae S. Flores SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp. is preparing an expansion project that will increase the total mining complex in Semirara, Antique to 4,369.25 hectares from 3,369.25 hectares.

SMPC said in a filing with the Environment Department the entire project was within its 13,000-hectare amended coal operating contracted area. The bigger area will also tap a potential additional 34 million metric tons of estimated coal resource.

“The Semirara Molave Coal Expansion Project is envisioned to simultaneously operate the existing Molave and Narra (East Panian) pits while implementing the accelerated rehabilitation activities for the mined out

Panian Pit. The proposed expansion area is in the Molave and Narra Pits located northwest and east of the Panian Pit respectively,” the company said.

It said recent developments in SMPC’s exploratory activities starting in 2018 resulted in the discovery of additional coal reserves at the Molave pit.

“With an additional 61 drill holes, open-pittable coal reserve was reestimated and showed a substantial increase from the initial estimate,” SMPC said.

SMPC in 2015, applied for an amendment to its environmental compliance certificate to expand operations by opening a new mine pit called the “Molave Pit” with an estimated re-

source of 38 million MT. The annual coal production was proposed to be increased to 12 million MT from 8 million MT. The expansion project was named Semirara Molave Coal Project, which includes the simultaneous operation of the Panian, Narra (East Panian) and the new Molave pit.

An amended ECC was issued subsequently, allowing a larger total annual coal production of 16 million MT. It expanded the area of the Molave Pit at West Panian from 300 hectares to 400 hectares and the number of housing units the company is permitted to build from 700 to 1,100. It also increased the reservoir capacity to 10 million cubic meters from 8.98 million cubic meters.

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno is “very optimistic” the Philippines will achieve an “A” credit rating in the next two years amid the vital structural reforms implemented by the government.

“We are on target to get it in two years.

For me, the very important things are the structural reforms,” Diokno said in a briefing at the BSP on Friday.

For one, he said the government had implemented a number of structural reforms in 2019 that were pushed by previous administrations in the past decades.

“The road to an ‘A’rating can be accomplished in two years’ time... I am very optimistic [on this],” Diokno said.

Global debt watcher S&P Global Ratings in April last year raised a notch higher its long-term sovereign credit rating on the Philippines to “BBB+” from “BBB” with a stable outlook, citing the country’s above-average economic growth, a healthy external position and sustainable public finances.

The upgrade put the Philippines at par with Mexico, Peru, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is higher than the “BBB” ratings of Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Panama and Uruguay.

S&P said in a statement the stable outlook reflected the assumption that the Philippine economy would continue to achieve above-average real gross domestic product growth over the medium term, supporting the sovereign’s credit profile.

It said it may raise the ratings over the next two years if the government makes significant further achievements in its fiscal reform program, or if the country’s external position improves such that its status as a net external creditor becomes more secure over the long term.

“We may also raise the ratings if we find that the institutional settings in the Philippines have improved markedly,” it said.

S&P said it may lower the ratings if the government’s fiscal program leads to much higher-than-expected net general government debt levels, or if real GDP growth declines significantly.

2020 inflation rate to remain manageable BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said monetary authorities are looking at the possible effect of the Taal Volcano eruption on inflation and that he remains confident the increases in consumer prices this year will continue to be manageable.

“Inflation will stay on course in 2020.... I think (National Economic and Development Authority) has already made an assessment and so with the absence of any assessment on our part, we’ll go along with NEDA and it’s not gonna affect too much both the inflation and the growth path,” Diokno said in a briefing on Friday at the BSP. “At this time, however, the BSP is just starting to assess preliminary data on the possible impact of the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano on both inflation and growth,” Diokno said.

“The BSP will update its assumptions and forecasts as new information comes to light, in time for the Monetary Board’s first meeting on monetary policy on Feb. 6,” Diokno said.

He said the BSP would continue to monitor prices and other developments to ensure the monetary policy stance remained appropriate and consistent with the central bank’s price and financial stability objectives.

Earlier, the Philippine National Bank said in a report the Taal Volcano eruption would have an impact on the trajectory of inflation in the days ahead because the southern Tagalog region was a main contributor to the supply of livestock and fish nationwide.

PNB cited initial damage estimates by government agencies arising from Taal’s eruption that showed P74.5 million worth of damage to agriculture in the CALABARZON region.

About 6,000 fish cages may also be at risk due to the high sulfur content arising from the eruption.

Julito G. Rada

B2

Business

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; Jollibee rallies T HE stock market rose Friday along with the rest of Asia, buoyed by the China-US trade deal and bargain-hunting.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index climbed 69.40 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,722.58 on a value turnover of P6.3 billion. Gainers beat losers, 99 to 77, with 53 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fastfood chain, advanced 6.3 percent to P213.60, while Manila Water Co. Inc. added 3.6 percent to P10.06.

Fruitas Holdings Inc. surged 9.5 percent to P1.61, while electronics firm Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp. rose 7.8 percent to P9.64.

Meanwhile, Asian equities mostly rose Friday as investors turned their

focus to earnings season and the global outlook, while they were also cheered by data indicating China’s economy appears to be stabilizing.

Apart from last week’s blip caused by the US assassination of Iran’s top general, markets have enjoyed a strong start to the new decade, building on the rally of late 2019.

The gains have been fanned by the “phase one” trade agreement as well as signs of improvement in worldwide economies, lower interest rates, government stimulus and easing Brexit concerns.

And with the prospect of a healthy batch of company reports, there are hopes for further advances.

“It’s very hard to be bearish here,” Linda Duessel, at Federated Investors Management, told Bloomberg TV. “We could have really good earnings surprises to the upside” as more profit reports

roll in, she said.

All three main indexes on Wall Street ended at record highs Thursday, boosted by the Senate’s approval of a new North American free-trade deal, while Google parent Alphabet joined Apple and Microsoft to become a trillion-dollar firm for the first time.

The positive energy funneled through to Asia, where Tokyo ended 0.5 percent higher, Shanghai rose 0.1 percent and Sydney added 0.3 percent. Hong Kong was flat.

Seoul edged up 0.1 percent and Taipei put on 0.2 percent, with Mumbai, Bangkok and Wellington also well up.

Beijing added to the mood, releasing data that said the world’s number two economy expanded 6.1 percent last year.

While that is the slowest pace in three decades and well down from 6.6 percent in 2018, it is in line with expectations and the government’s target.

The six percent growth for OctoberDecember was the same as the previous quarter, while traders were also cheered by figures showing a better-than-forecast rise in retail sales, industrial output and investment.

The slowdown in growth in China has been a major headache for investors for the past few years as the country’s leaders struggle with the US trade war, slowing global demand and a worrying debt mountain.

Still, while there is hope that 2020 could see healthy advances for equities, some doubt remains.

Progress on the next round of ChinaUS talks “will continue to hog the limelight in 2020”, said AxiTrader’s Stephen Innes, who added that “trade discussions between the US and the EU remain open-ended, while the commencement of bilateral EU and the UK trade discussions could get thorny.” With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Friday, January 17, 2020

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

FINANCIALS 53 500 87.5 1,925,250 2.8 560,000 157.5 1,539,380 25.05 66,300 12.48 394,500 3.78 12,000 855 20 0.35 50,000 65.05 3,148,230 0.9 909,000 12.2 25,000 20.5 5,000 31.7 590,700 173.5 100 57.8 22,040 22.55 5,200 191 293,410 1,889 90 57.7 5,270

26,530 165,924,595 1,622,650 241,323,167 1,662,185 4,919,864 45,100 17,100 17,500 204,647,704 805,840 304,100 102,500 18,708,000 17,350 1,277,532.50 117,520 55,655,400 168,625 306,275

11,831,844.50 36,550 40,094,967 208,825 456,840 -25,113,391.50 -93,450 -4,202,490 -10,410 2,275 -11,736,718 -281,712

32.5 2.22 11.8 0.52 2.75 0.232 1.54 14.74 169 8.84 32.4 66.95 67.75 2.12 5.01 4.95 9 13.3 8.77 7.22 20.9 66.55 1.48 37 2.07 13.36 7.85 1.36 202 4.79 3.3 6.56 9.5 11.16 14.22 291 5.34 1.6 3.9 9.61 11.82 32.8 4.79 5.3 1.86 1.01 9.71 72.05 8.71 0.116 0.95 148 2.56 1.15 0.93

INDUSTRIAL 32.55 1,190,500 2.26 3,953,000 12.46 1,239,100 0.53 431,000 2.82 3,090,000 0.235 1,040,000 1.59 19,744,000 14.86 521,900 169 400 9.64 37,049,800 32.4 14,200 67 300 70.75 500 2.14 79,000 5.46 300 5.15 6,700 9 1,093,100 13.6 688,600 9 444,200 7.23 7,720,600 21.05 722,900 67 27,080 1.61 77,684,000 37.85 18,600 2.15 7,387,000 13.36 246,800 7.85 302,800 1.37 1,398,000 213.6 481,370 4.8 20,000 3.3 6,000 6.8 13,800 10.06 7,353,000 11.18 3,857,200 14.96 2,470,000 291 194,860 5.34 3,300 1.61 507,000 3.93 1,083,000 9.96 5,200 12 15,600 32.95 105,900 4.79 14,000 5.3 5,000 1.91 315,000 1.04 777,000 9.75 1,262,400 73.4 325,010 8.81 220,600 0.118 1,360,000 0.99 8,000 153.5 869,010 2.56 1,000 1.22 3,298,000 0.96 5,242,000

38,787,780 8,945,420 15,171,164 227,300 8,606,170 242,890 31,026,940 7,752,970 70,570 365,970,631 460,080 20,098 34,102.50 168,500 1,593 33,310 9,903,732 9,376,534 3,961,474 55,819,925 15,230,910 1,816,518 123,779,520 692,385 15,642,130 3,301,782 2,405,351 1,965,160 101,069,560 95,920 19,860 92,959 73,054,797 43,274,248 35,989,906 57,163,154 17,743 822,930 4,261,640 50,226 186,696 3,493,080 67,060 26,500 592,180 816,900 12,313,882 23,695,056.50 1,943,758 159,240 7,720 132,182,631 2,560 3,885,440 5,167,220

-23,998,295 -1,106,670 -7,815,914 -1,026,680 -9,072,480 -302,962 -1,793 -709,612 460,080 2,945,683 -925,032 264,912 4,735,650 -10,676,950 441,746.50 -1,068,960 70,185 3,467,870.00 -170,200 -23,121 42,939,164 6,030 -9,727,726.00 27,976 -21,208,646 -13,283,006 -213,690 -948,360 -8,820 -36 1,053,300.00 -19,160 -26,500 -208,900 -1,229,153 -7,215,655 -608,417 75,330,062 -107,890 -

0.92 54 11.18 0.69 6.4 11.86 1.01 1 803 2.92 6.7 6.54 13.16 0.208 802 5.41 73.45 6.67 0.495 3.77 11.16 3.59 4.79 1.24 152.8 1,069 0.89 1.23 200 214 0.239

0.88 52.5 11.02 0.67 6.4 11.02 0.96 0.96 781 2.82 6.53 6.29 12.98 0.208 780 5.41 72 6.6 0.485 3.7 10.98 3.38 4.2 1.2 150 1,040 0.77 1.18 185 203.4 0.223

HOLDING FIRMS 0.91 10,253,000 54 816,980 11.02 777,700 0.69 282,000 6.4 500 11.6 23,400 0.97 2,221,000 0.99 175,000 803 194,560 2.83 3,600,000 6.53 219,200 6.36 11,595,700 13.16 97,100 0.208 10,000 789 128,920 5.41 2,000 72 2,772,060 6.67 6,000 0.495 180,000 3.71 641,000 11 1,090,200 3.5 39,894,000 4.4 43,000 1.23 104,000 152.5 221,910 1,055 212,700 0.84 1,559,000 1.23 4,000 194 2,450 203.8 2,490 0.235 3,820,000

9,243,800 43,906,192.50 8,594,514 188,960 3,200 261,918 2,160,000 168,150 154,971,615 10,240,690 1,441,297 74,007,207 1,265,868 2,080 102,136,190 10,820 200,344,933.50 39,862 88,900 2,387,970 12,069,552 138,796,610 192,370 125,290 33,726,456 223,605,795 1,316,140 4,780 480,475 512,094 892,440

-172,900 3,485,939 -1,096,990.00 7,681,500 278,100 -201,281 -36,766,342 -48,386,745 -28,420,757 1,525,474 -9,149,900 -7,698,243 -57,729,265 2,360 -135,402 -

14.74 0.73 9 1.37 0.89 43.8 1.9 4.79 6.7 0.55 0.77 0.86 0.405 9.65 18.4 0.42 0.107 1.55 1.11 4.31 0.255 0.41 1.27

14.5 0.71 9 1.28 0.82 42.75 1.86 4.68 6.5 0.53 0.74 0.84 0.405 9.27 18.22 0.415 0.101 1.52 1.08 4.27 0.233 0.41 1.17

PROPERTY 14.72 395,200 0.73 425,000 9 4,500 1.35 96,000 0.86 2,006,000 43.55 12,670,000 1.86 501,000 4.68 152,000 6.7 92,000 0.55 2,429,000 0.77 72,000 0.86 121,000 0.405 10,000 9.64 94,600 18.22 122,800 0.42 590,000 0.107 30,000 1.54 14,854,000 1.09 868,000 4.3 16,088,000 0.255 48,350,000 0.41 200,000 1.26 4,515,000

5,817,284 305,670 40,500 125,080 1,691,210 550,032,610 945,240 713,340 615,506 1,315,900 54,840 104,010 4,050 902,452 2,244,918 247,700 3,150 22,762,650 943,300 69,153,780 11,969,930 82,000 5,522,370

337,094 -66,300 -61,819,015 -233,700 -281,440 306,987 -648,000 45,930 81,670 -252,908 -47,412.00 -3,090,500 9,156,330.00 -3,560 -1,230,640

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

53.1 84.5 3.12 156 25.1 12.48 3.76 855 0.35 65 0.85 12.02 20.5 31.8 173.5 58 23 185.4 1,830 58.6

53.1 87.5 3.14 157.5 25.1 12.5 3.78 855 0.35 65.4 0.9 12.2 20.5 31.85 173.5 58 23 191 1,889 58.6

53 84.5 2.75 155.1 25.05 12.4 3.74 855 0.35 64.85 0.85 12.02 20.5 31.5 173.5 57.8 22.55 185.4 1,830 57.7

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

33 2.28 12.02 0.53 2.75 0.235 1.54 14.8 179.3 9.5 32.4 67 67.8 2.12 5.01 4.95 9.3 13.94 8.77 7.25 21.35 66.55 1.48 37.2 2.12 13.38 7.95 1.42 202 4.79 3.33 7.14 9.7 11.16 14.94 295 5.38 1.64 3.99 9.61 12 33.2 4.79 5.3 1.89 1.05 9.8 73.6 8.83 0.116 0.99 148 2.56 1.19 0.93

33.1 2.34 12.46 0.54 2.84 0.236 1.61 14.9 179.3 10.72 32.4 67 70.75 2.14 5.46 5.15 9.3 13.94 9.01 7.25 21.7 67.4 1.64 38 2.17 13.4 8.11 1.44 213.6 4.8 3.33 7.14 10.18 11.3 14.96 298 5.38 1.68 4 9.96 12 33.25 4.79 5.3 1.91 1.07 9.85 75 8.85 0.118 0.99 153.5 2.56 1.22 1.03

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

0.89 52.5 11.04 0.67 6.4 11.02 0.97 1 794 2.85 6.7 6.45 12.98 0.208 802 5.41 73.45 6.6 0.495 3.71 11.16 3.56 4.5 1.24 152.8 1,069 0.81 1.19 185 214 0.223

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV

14.5 0.71 9 1.3 0.88 43.45 1.86 4.79 6.7 0.54 0.74 0.86 0.405 9.27 18.4 0.415 0.101 1.54 1.08 4.27 0.237 0.41 1.19

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

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

0.345 2.24 27.2 2.13 3.24 40.9 2.36 1.62 7.35 5.9

0.345 2.27 27.75 2.13 3.25 41.9 2.46 1.89 7.35 5.9

0.345 2.19 27.15 2.13 3.24 40.25 2.35 1.6 7.3 5.71

0.345 2.26 27.7 2.13 3.24 40.7 2.46 1.86 7.35 5.87

10,000 1,645,000 1,333,400 6,000 117,000 6,785,100 1,934,000 33,642,000 9,605,600 9,200

3,450 3,683,660 36,587,105 12,780 379,090 276,088,945 4,558,580 60,128,240 70,544,352 53,447

-8,055,105 343,440 -62,588,535 -324,380 -23,605,864 -

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

9.51 17.04 11.5 0.425 0.045 18.3 3.3 11 86.9 5.33 2 8.85 2,050 5.49 446.6 1.36 1.66 132.1 7.49 0.106 3.81 2.42 0.9 14.22 0.395 3.08 2.08 0.94 2.53 2.28 7.4 4.52 135 2.56 1,080 0.58 0.405 40 77.55 9.22 2.71 0.61 0.275 0.61 18.62

9.88 17.3 11.5 0.43 0.047 18.3 3.48 11 88.7 5.55 2 9.13 2,098 5.49 448.8 1.42 1.66 132.9 7.5 0.106 3.92 2.5 0.9 14.6 0.41 3.08 2.14 0.96 2.58 2.28 7.4 4.52 135 2.74 1,091 0.59 0.41 40 78.3 9.39 2.83 0.63 0.28 0.63 18.62

9.51 17.04 11.4 0.42 0.045 18.3 3.3 10.64 86.9 5.32 2 8.53 2,036 5.43 431 1.33 1.66 131 7.49 0.1 3.66 2.4 0.9 13.4 0.395 3.07 2.07 0.94 2.47 2.15 7.39 4.51 134.5 2.55 1,076 0.57 0.385 39 77.5 9.14 2.69 0.61 0.27 0.61 18.56

SERVICES 9.83 17.2 11.42 0.42 0.046 18.3 3.32 10.9 87 5.33 2 8.7 2,098 5.43 439 1.4 1.66 132.7 7.5 0.103 3.92 2.49 0.9 13.4 0.405 3.07 2.14 0.96 2.58 2.27 7.4 4.51 134.5 2.65 1,086 0.58 0.385 40 78.3 9.39 2.82 0.61 0.27 0.63 18.6

9,700 79,000 1,408,300 1,020,000 16,500,000 150,000 1,054,000 1,854,900 88,960 370,300 1,000 188,500 29,495 399,800 45,400 2,397,000 5,000 1,689,140 1,000 3,080,000 5,031,000 87,000 160,000 4,751,100 380,000 20,000 235,000 42,000 1,073,000 55,000 14,400 12,000 345,370 909,000 58,040 3,782,000 22,160,000 370,800 27,170 141,800 5,756,000 16,108,000 3,030,000 519,000 3,012,400

94,015 1,355,130 16,083,728 434,950 759,000 2,745,000 3,542,120 20,188,664 7,786,068 1,981,547 2,000 1,669,889 61,320,680 2,174,845 19,986,504 3,304,220 8,300 223,430,843 7,491 316,910 19,247,140 211,330 144,000 65,608,702 153,650 61,430 489,730 39,820 2,713,680 122,170 106,537 54,180 46,541,283 2,405,740 62,965,690 2,203,160 8,677,650 14,694,995 2,116,007 1,302,305 16,069,520 9,862,720 824,900 318,020 56,058,976

185,238 2,745,000 -532,218 -526,706.50 53,300 34,488,600 54,400 43,609,416 212,000 2,490 -18,572,380 -52,300 -32,750 -26,240 -39,268 18,400,830 -965,380.00 -85,600 365,060 -889,338.50 -2,590,820 32,040 19,367,072

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

0.0014 8.5 1.03 2.55 10.88 1.1 2.85 7.21 1.62 0.21 0.098 0.095 0.0083 0.89 3.29 1.06 0.45 0.76 0.011 0.012 0.01 2.98 9.39 21.8

0.0014 8.95 1.05 2.57 10.88 1.1 2.97 7.3 1.62 0.22 0.098 0.101 0.0083 0.89 3.45 1.06 0.465 0.76 0.011 0.012 0.011 2.99 9.6 21.8

0.0014 8.35 1.03 2.53 10.88 1.1 2.83 7.18 1.58 0.206 0.096 0.095 0.0077 0.87 3.22 1.02 0.45 0.75 0.011 0.012 0.01 2.92 9.25 21.55

MINING & OIL 0.0014 447,000,000 8.7 676,100 1.05 1,475,000 2.53 226,000 10.88 100 1.1 13,000 2.96 4,958,000 7.18 4,200 1.61 2,831,000 0.212 1,660,000 0.098 2,060,000 0.101 3,230,000 0.0079 27,000,000 0.88 246,000 3.45 8,127,000 1.06 50,000 0.465 100,000 0.75 10,000 0.011 82,500,000 0.012 100,000 0.011 50,500,000 2.96 582,000 9.35 821,700 21.8 370,100

625,800 5,884,315 1,546,940 574,440 1,088 14,300 14,360,660 30,377 4,539,060 352,350 198,960 312,830 211,300 216,240 27,406,200 51,250 45,800 7,520 907,500 1,200 520,200 1,718,980 7,682,604 8,033,995

424,575.00 -1,131,780 -35,980 14,300 6,655,270 -215,660 -289,910 8,800 -2,990,880.00 -1,347,190 -4,558,993 -681,235

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H

16.72 101 100.9 107.9 5.48 970 99.75 100 1,060 1,029 1,000 77.6 75 75.1 75.15

16.72 101 100.9 107.9 5.48 970 99.75 101 1,060 1,030 1,000 77.95 75 75.1 75.5

16.5 100.6 100.9 107.5 5.4 970 99.75 100 1,060 1,026 1,000 76.6 75 75.1 75.15

16.5 100.6 100.9 107.5 5.4 970 99.75 100 1,060 1,026 1,000 76.6 75 75.1 75.5

622,112 191,584 5,668,562 990,400 278,064 669,300 129,675 1,186,110 1,060,000 338,890 1,220,000 3,668,737.50 750,000 1,426,900 7,047,010

-269,012 -90,900 54,815 -

LR WARRANT

1.21

1.32

1.2

WARRANTS 1.32 38,000

46,920

-

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

3.88 9.86 0.88

3.95 10.1 0.95

3.85 9.62 0.87

3.89 9.62 0.91

795,030 3,141,610 14,075,970

-

FIRST METRO ETF

115.1

115.6

115

1,101,753

-

USD DMPL A2

10

10

10

21,000

-

MS Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

20,407,742

INDUSTRIAL

197,854,893

HOLDING FIRMS

81,932,434

PROPERTY

161,659,128

SERVICES

103,606,323

MINING & OIL

634,729,557

GRAND TOTAL

1,216,083,264

SME

37,500 1,900 56,180 9,200 51,200 690 1,300 11,860 1,000 330 1,220 47,630 10,000 19,000 93,400

204,000 322,000 15,354,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 115.6 9,550 10

DDS

2,100

VALUE 1,846.91 (up) 25.60 1,643,461,170.76 FINANCIAL 9,477.42 (up) 140.80 INDUSTRIAL 1,289,711,837.05 7,475.59 (up) 15.58 HOLDING FIRMS 1,197,158,724.93 PROPERTY 4,035.78 (up) 38.65 1,564.02 (up) 9.08 SERVICES 1,206,368,916.10 8,143.53 (up) 95.12 MINING & OIL 840,716,739.92 7,722.58 (up) 69.40 PSEI 75,261,404.885 All Shares Index 4,551.19 (up) 20.19 6,271,801,613.50 Gainers: 99; Losers: 77; Unchanged: 53; Total: 229

Chelsea Logistics awaits delivery of RORO passenger vessel from Japan

By Darwin G. Amojelar CHELSEA Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. expects the delivery of a brand-new roll on roll off (RORO) passenger vessel from Japan by April this year.

The M/V Startlite Venu, a RoRo vessel from Kegoya Dock Ltd. measuring 97.78 meters in length, has a carrying capacity of 740 passengers, 22 buses and six trucks.

The delivery marks Chelsea Group’s 11th brand new Ropax made in Japan.

“We are thrilled to start the year with the launch of M/V Starlite Venus. Every time we launch a brand-new vessel, we feel a sense of confidence on our business model and our commitment to provide better maritime transport for all Filipinos.

We thank our long-time partner, Kegoya Dock, for this launching ceremony and for making our modernization program possible,” said Chelsea president and chief executive officer Chryss Alfonsus Damuy.

“We are certain that our close working relations with them will help Chelsea fulfill its domestic commitments and regional aspirations,” he added.

The newest passenger ferry ship brings Chelsea’s fleet to 74 vessels, consisting of 22 roll-on/roll-off passenger vessels, 11 fastcrafts, nine cargo ships, 16 tankers, 13 tugboats and two floating docks through units Chelsea Shipping Corp., Starlite Ferries Inc., Trans-Asia Shipping Lines Inc. and Supercat Fast Ferry Corp.

The company is engaged in shipping and logistics businesses with key segments divided into charter, passage, freight, tugboat services and logistics services.

Chelsea Logistics earlier secured clearance from the National Economic and Development Authority -Investment Coordination Committee to modernize the Davao International Airport.

The company plans to spending P49 billion for the modernization of DIA. The modernization of DIA is expected to bring the economic growth of Davao Region and Mindanao to a higher level through increased trade and tourism activities.

The scope of the project includes reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building, construction of a parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, installation of modern airport IT systems, and all activities needed to improve airport services of DIA.

DOTR: MRT-7 construction is 50% complete THE Department of Transportation said the construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is now 50.69 percent complete as of January 15.

The agency said the civil works of the underground/depressed, at grade, and elevated guideway of the rail line were in various stages of construction, while the civil works of the nine stations were at full blast.

DOTr added that for the rolling stock and electrical and mechanical works, 108 cars were completed, while the installation of track works were underway.

The P69.3-billion MRT 7 project, which will have 14 stations, is being built

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

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

It will also be inter-connected with LRT-1, MRT-3 and the Metro Manila Subway via the Common Station in North Avenue.

MRT 7 will be the second major project of the infrastructure arm of San Miguel.

The DOTr earlier issued the notice of award to San Miguel for the planned P734-billion Bulacan International Airport project.

Under the notice, SMHC will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning and operation and maintenance of the new international gateway.

The Bulacan International Airport is expected to start construction by the end of the year operate within four to six years.

San Miguel tapped the services of Groupe ADPi, Meinhardt Group and Jacobs Engineering to design and build the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan province.

Darwin G. Amojelar

World

B3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Davos faces up to global challenges

P

ARIS―Global decision-makers gather in Davos starting Tuesday for their annual meeting, with challenges facing the planet―from climate change to conflict in the Middle East―as imposing as the Alps that surround the Swiss resort.

Observers fear the annual World Economic Forum will serve only to again expose the differences between East and West, the US and the EU, and business and activists in combating the most burning threats at the start of the third decade of the twenty-first century.

But organizers of the event, which goes back almost half a century to 1971―when the world was without mobile phones, climate change not a concern and nations locked in the Cold War―seek to tackle the issues with a long list of guests from all sides.

US President Donald Trump will likely hog much of the limelight, but also present for the second straight year will be Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, whose famously hard stare at the American leader at the UN General Assembly symbolized anger over inaction on global warming.

Another issue set to darken the snowy Davos horizon is the risk of conflict between the United States and Iran, as tensions spike following the US killing of a top Iranian commander and Iran’s subsequent accidental downing of a Ukrainian airliner.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, however, canceled his planned participation at the four-day forum, removing any chance of a showdown―or even a meeting―with Trump.

With Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng leading a top-level delegation from Beijing, the trade dispute between China and the US will also be at the centre of attention, even after this week’s signing of a deal that marked a truce after two years of tensions.

The key European figures present will be EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who may only serve to highlight the extent of differences between Europe and the United States on key issues.

“On climate change and on many global conflicts―such as the US conflict with Iran―US and European lead-

ers disagree not just on the solution but also on the very nature of the problem,” Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), told AFP. He said that while EU leaders see climate change as an “existential challenge,” Trump considers it a “Chinese hoax.”

The two sides are also at loggerheads over the Iran nuclear deal from 2015 that was supposed to defuse the risk of conflict with Tehran.

“None of this is a firm foundation on which to build common solutions to vexing global problems,” Shapiro said.

In its global risk report issued ahead of Davos, the WEF singled out popular discontent over a lack of economic stability, climate change, unequal access to the internet and health care systems under stress as the key challenges for humanity. AFP

IN BRIEF

Number of suicides hit record low

TOKYO―The number of suicides in Japan fell to a record low in 2019, the government said Friday, as the country tackles one of the world’s highest suicide rates.

Preliminary data released by the health ministry showed 19,959 people died by suicide in 2019, a 4.2 percent drop for the country of 127 million people. Seventy percent of those were men.

Final data will be released in March, and the figures are likely to be slightly higher, after police confirm whether deaths recorded in the final months of the year were linked to suicide.

But officials said the final figure was still expected to be a record low since data collection began in 1978.

The numbers are declining “thanks to increasing efforts to prevent suicide, since the issue has been recognized as social issue” rather than an individual problem, Yasuyuki Shimizu, who heads nonprofit suicide prevention group LIFELINK, told AFP. Government efforts, including enacting a suicide prevention law and starting antisuicide campaigns, have paid off, he said.

“The number declined, but the people who died will not come back... it’s not normal that about 20,000 still die every year,” Shimizu warned.

The number of suicides in Japan peaked in 2003 at 34,427 and the figure remained above 30,000 between 2004 and 2011, but has been falling steadily since then. AFP

Bushfires deter tourists to Australia

SYDNEY―Australia will lose billions of dollars in tourism revenue as international visitors cancel trips in droves due to the bushfires raging across the country, an industry body forecast Friday.

The number of travelers booking visits to Australia has fallen 10-20 percent since the fires began in September and the slump will cost the economy an estimated AUS$4.5 billion ($3 billion) this year, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) said.

“International visitors are canceling because of fears around air quality, safety and the impact fires have had on our tourism offering as well as a lack of certainty on how long it will take for us to recover,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.

Global media have given extensive coverage to the wildfires, which have killed at least 28 people, burned an area larger than Portugal and blanketed the key tourist cities of Sydney and Melbourne in toxic smoke.

ATEC said the disaster had hit travel from the US, UK and Europe the hardest, coinciding with the December-February period which traditionally sees 50 percent of the annual tourist bookings from those markets.

Shelley said the industry and government need to urgently get the message out that many key tourism destinations are largely unaffected by the fires.

“There is no doubt our industry will take a hit,” he said. “The sooner we can communicate a strong, positive message, the better.” AFP

China birth rate hits lowest level

BEIJING―China’s birth rate dropped last year to its lowest level since the Communist country was founded in 1949, adding to concerns that an aging society and shrinking workforce will pile pressure on a slowing economy.

To avoid a demographic crisis, the government relaxed its one-child policy in 2016 to allow people to have two children, but the change has not resulted in more pregnancies.

In 2019, the birth rate stood at 10.48 per 1,000 people, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Friday.

The number of births has now fallen for three consecutive years.

There were 14.65 million babies born in 2019, after 15.23 million in 2018 and 17.23 million in 2017.

Still, China’s population stood at 1.4 billion by the end of 2019, increasing by 4.67 million from the year before.

China’s workforce continued to shrink last year.

The NBS said there were 896.4 million people aged between 16 and 59 -- its population of working age -- a drop from the 897.3 million in 2018.

This marks the eighth consecutive year of decline, and the workforce is expected to decline by as much as 23 percent by 2050.

Although China’s limit on family sizes could be removed, the rising cost of living has discouraged many of child-bearing age to have bigger families. AFP

YEAR OF THE RAT. Panda cubs born in 2019 play next to a decoration to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year of the Rat, which falls on January 25 this year, at the Shenshuping breeding base of Wolong National Nature Reserve in Wenchuan, China’s southwestern Sichuan province, on January 17, 2020. AFP

Heating woes fuel Balkan smog crisis

SARAJEVO―As winter grips the Balkans, the poor are caught in a cruel bind, being forced to light fires at home for heating while fueling a pollution crisis smothering the region.

In recent weeks, Balkan capitals from Belgrade Sarajevo to Skopje and Pristina have been ranked among the world’s top 10 most polluted major cities, according to the monitoring application AirVisual.

While these are small cities compared to leading Asian polluters like New Delhi and Dhaka, a combination of coal-fired power plants, old cars and fires to heat homes are pumping the air with toxins.

“I know it is polluting. I am not an idiot but my only other choice would be to heat this home with electricity and that is damn expensive,” said Trajan Nestorovski, who like many in his working-class Skopje neighborhood burns wood to stay warm in winter.

His wife Vera added: “There are a couple of factories near our neighborhood that are burning God knows what in the evenings”.

Thanks to the rise of mobile phone apps that measure air quality, like the local Moj Vozduh (My Air) created by a Macedonian developer, citizens are finally grasping the full extent of the crisis.

“Serbia is suffocating, has anyone seen the minister of the environment?”, said a recent headline in Belgrade’s local Blic newspaper, speaking of the fog and dirty air enveloping the city.

Protests have been erupting around the region in recent days.

In Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, young people have taken inspiration from Swedish activist Greta Thunberg by holding a spate of protests on Fridays.

“Greta inspired all of us,” said 17-year-old Iskra Ilieska.

“In winter, half of my school class is absent because of lung problems.

That is not normal,” she said.

In neighbouring Bosnia, several hundred people wearing face masks gathered in the city of Tuzla this week to demand a plan from authorities to tackle pollution and phase out coalfired plants in the next five years.AFP

Rain brings joy to firemen in Australia

SYDNEY―Drought-breaking storms dumped desperately needed rain on some bushfire-ravaged parts of eastern Australia on Friday, while giving joy to many farmers who have faced losing precious livestock and crops.

The rain gave exhausted firefighters a boost in battling some of the blazes, with more relief expected over the weekend as the wet weather is forecast to hit other hot spots.

The unprecedented fires, fueled by climate change and a years-long drought, have claimed 28 lives over the past five months.

They have scorched massive tracts of pristine forests in eastern and southern Australia, decimated livestock on already barren farms and destroyed 2,000 homes.

Following extreme hot and dry weather that have fueled the fires, Friday saw the heaviest rainfalls in nearly a decade in some areas close to hot spots.

“Rain has fallen across most fire grounds over the last 24 hours, which is great news,” said the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales, the eastern state where many of the worst blazes have raged.

“Our fingers are crossed that this continues over the coming days.”

However the rains have not hit all fires in New South Wales, nor in the state of Victoria to the south, where many of the worst blazes are raging.

The rain has also completely missed Kangaroo Island, the nation’s third, biggest off the southern coast of the mainland that is famed for its pristine wilderness.

Fires have devastated the national park on the island, wiping out much of its koala population and threatening to completely eradicate bird and other endemic marsupial species.

Authorities have warned the crisis could worsen again with Australia only halfway through its summer.

Still, the prospect of more wet weather across eastern and southern Australia over the coming days offered further hope. AFP

Honduran caravan rumbles on through Guatemala ESQUIPULAS, Guatemala―More than 1,000 Honduran migrants broke through a police barrier on the border with Guatemala on Thursday in a bid to join hundreds of others heading for the United States.

The migrants, many fleeing poverty and gang violence at home, passed through a police cordon without difficulty and without going through migration protocol at the southeastern city of Agua Caliente, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

The latest Central American migrant caravan formed despite increased attempts by President Donald Trump to keep them out of the US. Last year the US signed a deal with Guatemala that obliges migrants traveling through it and seeking asylum in the US to first request protection in the Central American nation.

Dozens of Guatemalan security forces were deployed at border areas to check that Hondurans had passed through immigration control.

They also checked that children were traveling with either a parent or guardian.

Around 3,000 migrants were believed to be heading through the country towards its border with Mexico, Guatemalan immigration authorities said.

Several US Customs and Border Protection officers were assisting local authorities, the US Embassy in Guatemala told AFP. Before the migrants were allowed to cross into Guatemala, local and US officials took part in joint ID checks, also aimed at detecting gang members.

The migrants, including some children, left San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras on Tuesday night and from Wednesday began entering Guatemala.

Authorities in Guatemala say more than 2,200 people passed through either the Agua Caliente checkpoint in the southeast or El Cinchado in the northeast.

“We’re heading on towards the American dream,” Kelvin Ramos told AFP from a migrant center at the border town of Esquipulas.

“I’ve heard they pay well in the United States to paint houses,” he added.

That was his job in Honduras.

Many migrants that pass the El

Cinchado border split up at that point, the local human rights department spokeswoman, Aleida Serrato, told AFP. “It’s better to walk (and) flee the country,” said Mariano de Jesus as he waited to cross into Guatemala, while blaming Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez for his country’s troubles.

De Jesus used to work as a builder’s assistant but said his job “is worth nothing.”

Thousands of Central Americans from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala started forming migrant caravans heading for the US towards the end of 2018.

It angered Trump―who, while campaigning for election, vowed to build a wall along the southern US border with Mexico to keep out migrants―so much that he threatened punitive measures against Central American governments if they did not stem the tide.

Last year, Trump sent 6,000 troops to the southern border with Mexico and warned of an “invasion” of gang members and criminals.

Around 30,000 Honduran migrants remain in Mexico waiting for a response to their US asylum requests. AFP

VISIONARY WOMEN.

This is the a tmosphere at the Visionary Women ‘The Soul Of Money’at The West Hollywood EDITION on January 16, 2020, in West Hollywood, California.

AFP

Classic blue is the color of the year for 2020.

C

OLOR experts say that blue instills calmness and confidence, highlighting ones desire for a dependable foundation as we usher in the new year.

KDG Interior’s principal interior designer Peaches De Guzman-Grey said that classic blue gives an impression of stability which can be associated with many objects.

Incorporating this classic color in your home, while employing the basics of interior decorating, can help improve the quality of life. It helps one relax and destress after a long day.

De Guzman-Grey, whose designs and styling works are featured regularly on various magazines and TV shows, shares her expert advice on decorating homes this 2020 with classic blue.

BACK TO BASICS Evaluate certain considerations such as your preferences and lifestyle. Knowing these factors will make your home decorations work better for you and your family.

If your family has small kids, consider that your space should be child-friendly.

It would be better if there are no sharp edges, the space is always safe, and there are rooms where they can play freely.

DESIGN ACCORDING TO FUNCTIONALITY It is also essential to design spaces according to the use of your area and rooms. Certain portions of the house which are used for specific tasks require details appropriate for it. That’s why if you are going to decide the specifics such as lighting and furniture, always consider the room’s function, and if it will help you perform your tasks easily.

INCORPORATE BLUE IN PLACES WHERE YOU WANT TO BE RELAXED De Guzman-Grey mentioned that classic blue is a calming color, thus best to put it in rooms where you want to be relaxed.

However, she also emphasized that you need to be careful in putting it in places like the kitchen or dining room as blue is known to be an appetite suppressant.

USE NEUTRAL COLORS AND JUST INJECT THE BLUE AS AN ACCENT De Guzman-Grey shared that when she designs, she always sticks to neutral palettes, especially in walls and furniture.

If you will go for neutral, you can instead use classic blue for throw pillows, carpet, accent chairs, and other accessories for emphasis.

UNDERSTAND THAT DESIGNING IS A PROCESS If you have a preferred design, think

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SATURDAY, JANUARY, 18 2020

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

Classic blue for a trendy home

about how the designs will work for you. Do not just follow trends.

BE FLEXIBLE Classic blue is just a trend which means it can change, and die down quickly.

One thing De Guzman-Grey advised is to not make any drastic changes at home and decorate accordingly. If you really want classic blue, put it in places where it’s functional and relaxing and inject it as an accessory to pop it out in

neutral palettes.

It is important to decorate your home as this can affect your family’s comfort and purposive use of space. Whether it’s a house or a condo, this experience becomes much more fulfilling when it’s

a home that you can call your own.

IDR Kathleen “Peaches” De GuzanGrey is the principal interior designer of KDG Interiorsm and currently a member of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID).

CHRISTMAS COLORED WITH HOPE. Real estate player Anchor Land Holdings brought a heavy dose of happiness to cancer-stricken children last December at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) in Quezon City. Collaborating with the Kythe Foundation, volunteers from the company brightened young faces as they brought paintbrushes and palettes of various colors, to bring out the artists among indigent pediatric cancer patients in the facility.

Colored paper mache crafts were created with much glee, as the young wards saw their art become train cars and ships.

Anchor Land provides medical support to children who are under the maintenance phase. The partnership with Kythe Foundation is part of the company’s efforts to care for the community. Kythe Foundation gives psychosocial support to over 11,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer and other chronic illnesses.

VILLAGE OF HOPE. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), in partnership with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), recently completed the second phase of the ‘Bakwit Village’ in Marawi City. PAGCOR’s board of directors, together with the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) group, turned over a total of 130 housing units measuring 22.75 square meter each to the displaced families. Over 20 livelihood stalls and two educational buildings were donated by the POGO group to help create livelihood and educational opportunities for the locals. Financial assistance worth P50,000 each was also given to 20 families as start-up fund for their small businesses. The three-hectare community serves as a temporary home for families who lost their properties, or were forced to flee Marawi City, when fighting erupted between government forces and the ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group in May 2017.

Shown in photo are national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. and PAGCOR chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo inspecting the housing units.

BRIA EXPANDS NATIONWIDE.

BRIA Homes is expanding its scope in more areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. To date, the developer has over 50 projects all over the Philippines, luring aspiring homeowners—from young professionals to blue-collar workers—to its familyfriendly communities. Its winning formula, affordability (mura) + quality (dekalidad) = a beautiful BRIA home for every Filipino, has helped any ordinary Filipinos buy their own well-designed homes at prices they can afford. One can purchase a BRIA house and lot for as low as Php 1,897 per month, through flexible payment methods like bank-financing and Pag-IBIG funding. On tap are stylish and house and lot packages: Elena, a 22-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot; Bettina, a 44-square-meter unit on a 36-square-meter lot; and Alecza, a 36-square-meter unit on an 81-square-meter lot. BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of Golden Bria Holdings, Inc.

BEST DEVELOPER FOR LUZON. DMCI Homes was chosen as the Best Developer for Luzon in last year’s year’s The Outlook awards: Philippine buyers’ choice property awards.

Organized by real estate portal Lamudi, DMCI Homes beat 18 other property developers for the grand award which is given to the developer that exemplifies real estate excellence through the conceptualization, design, and construction of world-class residential, office, commercial and/or retail projects in Luzon. The Outlook awards recognizes leading industry projects and developers of the Philippines. Shown in photo is corporate communications manager Carlo Gahol receiving the award on behalf of DMCI Homes.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

ARTS AND CULTURE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

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COMPELLING COMPOSITIONS. World-renowned photographer Per-Andre Hoffman’s winning entries in the 2019 PR-Photo Awards. (Left) ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ featuring a boy jumping into the bay totally unfazed by Mayon’s volcanic activity wins first place in Lifestyle category, while (right) ‘Ten Generations Under One Roof’ places third in Visual Stories and Campaigns category.

PH wins anew in European photography awards

By Bernadette Lunas

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OLLOWING his 2018 win in the prestigious PR-Photo (PR-Bild) Awards, world-renowned National Geographic photographer Per-Andre Hoffmann once again bagged an award for the Philippines.

Conducted since 2006 by leading German press agency Deutsche PresseAgentur (DPA) GmbH, it honors public relations (PR) photography by recognizing the outstanding performance of companies in the field of PR and visual communications.

Our Tourism department was part of the 210 international tourism ministries, PR agencies, and companies from various industries that participated in last year’s competition. The DoT submitted Hoffmann’s works to the event.

The Philippine entry by Hoffmann, entitled “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” won the first prize in Lifestyle category. The photo, carefully composed and captured in 2018, features a boy jumping into the bay, “totally unfazed by Mayon’s activity,” Hoffmann told Manila Standard.

Meanwhile, another Hoffmann photo of an ethnic hut in the Cordilleras, known as ba-le, bagged the third prize in Visual Stories and Campaigns category.

“The ethnic hut was lit by artificial lamps as it was fairly dark,” recalled Hoffmann.

Entitled “Ten Generations Under One Roof,” it aims to share with the public the ancestral Ifugao homes in the Cordilleras, most of which, the photographer said, have been destroyed and vandalized.

“According to the 90-year-old madame, this particular ba-le contained hu-

man ‘trophies’ from ancient headhunting expeditions against enemy tribes.

Other skulls belonged to Japanese soldiers, decapitated by warriors for pillaging their villages during World War II,” shared Hoffmann.

Hoffmann discovered through his expedition that heads taken in headhunting raids brought glory to the warrior who collected them, and good luck to their village.

Meanwhile, buffalo skulls, which are heavily featured in the photo, he said “are a testament to the sacrifices and wealth of a kadangyan, a rich man in the community who owned vast landholdings or terraced farms.”

“Until today, these skulls are believed to fend off the evil spirits, relentlessly attempting to enter homes, to tease, to taunt and haunt the families in these remote areas of the Philippines,” said Hoffmann.

In addition to the winning entries, two more images by Hoffmann were among the top listed.

Ten photos in each category were chosen by a jury composed of 20 PR professionals, photographers, media experts, chief editors of magazines, and industry bigshots. The finalists were voted for by over 14,000 experts in the PR industry.

For the foreigner taking photos of the Philippines, “These images won not because they are just merely beautiful; ‘just

TEN galleries join forces to create an art collective that aims to experiment on new ways of presenting and experiencing art. The group’s pioneering project ALT Philippines 2020 will be held on Feb. 14-16 at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura Premier.

The collective is composed of visionary and dynamic local galleries, ranging from the most veteran and experienced along with exciting young vanguards. These include Artinformal, Blanc, Finale Art File, Galleria Duemila, MO_Space, The Drawing Room, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini, who consider ALT a passion project.

With their combined expertise and experience, they offer a rare opportunity for visitors to view an exceptional and thoughtfully curated selection of work from over 150 established, mid-career, and emerging artists in one venue in an immersive and engaging format.

Exhibiting artists include some of the most dynamic in the industry, whose works have shaped the conversation of art in the last decade.

A unique feature is the collective’s hands-on approach to producing and designing each aspect of the art show: from the hive-like design of the venue, to dedicated spaces highlighting each galleries’ distinct contemporary visions, to public programming.

Artinformal will present the works of their represented artists and several guest artists in a newspaper-format catalogue featuring interviews focusing on the theme “Materials of the Artist.”

These interviews are a discussion with each artist on the materials they use and how these materials affect and influence their work.

Blanc Gallery’s exhibition, “Fulfilled Space”

Per-Andre Hoffman’s photos featuring life in the Philippines are among those short-listed in the prestigious photography awards.

beautiful’ images are not good enough.

They won because they convey a deeper message, and touch us emotionally.”

Hoffman was invited to the Philippines by the DoT in 1993. Since then, he has published hundreds of promotional text and photo articles in a number of magazine and newspapers. His Philippine work has been

displayed in over 20 National Geographic exhibitions on four continents.

The DoT was so pleased with his output he was repeatedly invited, hired as media consultant, as well as assigned to create promotional photography for the department.

“The Philippines was love at first sight,”

Local galleries team up for immersive art fair

The founding collective behind the pioneering art show, ALT Philippines 2020 happening on Feb. 14-16, represents 10 visionary and dynamic local galleries.

begins its journey with how small, mindful, deliberate movements progress towards a state of contentment. The artworks shift daily, until the shell is stripped to its blank innocence.

The Drawing Room represents artists whose respective practices represent a country in constant frenetic flux and depict the ensemble of realities that makes up their own complex situations and environments. Its show for ALT Philippines 2020 aims to

reflect the defined sensibility of each artist.

Finale Art File’s exhibition for the inaugural fair is an opportunity to review the state of painting through the works of 11 Filipino contemporary artists. Crossing various styles and generations, their work represents the vitality and diversity of Philippine painting.

Galleria Duemila’s exhibition, “Carpe Diem: Beyond Seizing the Day,” brings together 10 di-

Hoffmann said of his deep commitment and continued efforts for the country.

In addition to his works in advertising and publications, Per-Andre Hoffmann, is also Canon brand ambassador, consultant to art and design universities in the Philippines, and resource person for the Commission on Higher Education.

verse artists to challenge and further their process and practice in ways that are not considered to be predictable in any given audience.

1335 Mabini will be exhibiting a dynamic range of works by both established and emerging artists, in accordance with the gallery’s commitment to artistic positions and practices exploring mobility, history, and critical engagement with the environment, collective memory, and politics.

MO_Space will be featuring paintings, sculpture, and objects by leading innovative contemporary artists and a selection of dynamic upcoming conceptual artists. With the gallery’s shows more artist-centered than market driven, for ALT Philippines 2020, the gallery will highlight the strengths of each artist by asking them to show “the best of the best.”

Underground will feature a solo presentation of the artist Valerie Chua; whose works explore how individuals retain relevant information as they move across different landscapes.

Vinyl on Vinyl showcases artists who explore beyond conventional art forms. Their works revolve around pop surrealism, after-modernism, post-internet, kinetic art, underground and street art, along with other emerging and unexplored genres. The gallery’s space in ALT Philippines 2020 includes several immersive installations alongside works that invite discussion on social commentary and experimental techniques.

West Gallery features a range of veteran talent and promising young artists whose diverse visions reflect the pulse of Philippine contemporary art.

For the February fair, the gallery invited artists to freely explore their own practices—part of its aim in encouraging visitors to continually educate themselves on the growing and evolving art scene.

Life

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

The lion, the hippo, and Elmo A

And other characters at grand Mascot Parade

MALL in Metro Manila welcomed 2020 with a colorful celebration peppered with fun characters.

Leo the lion, Ellie the elephant, Cyril the squirrel, Benny the Bunny, Hannah the Panda, Hailey the hippo, Macky the monkey, Gerry the giraffe, and Sebi the zebra led the 400 hundred mascots present at the grand Mascot Parade of SM Mall of Asia.

Joining the event were friends from Sesame Street: Elmo, Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert; Nickelodeon’s Dora and Boots, Spongebob and Patrick, Paw Patrol, Shim-

mer and Shine; Toy Kingdom’s friends Shopkins, Playdoh, My Little Pony, and Hatchimals, and hundreds more.

Adding fun to the MOA grand Mascot Parade 2020 were giant flying inflatables Catie the Caterpillar, Codie the Clown Fish, Billy the Bear, and Cara the Cat. The giant MOA Train, MOA Airlines, and BDuck also floated together with 100 drones.

WARM WELCOME. Over 400 mascots and giant inflatables paraded at the SM Mall of Asia, delighting viewers of all ages, during the mall’s grand Mascot Parade to welcome the new year.

5 motivational books to stir hope this 2020 THESE New Year reads present inspirational, motivational stories that foster optimism.

Winning for Life

By Denis Waitley

The winning entries in the first photography category held during the recent PBA Press Corps Sportswriting Contest. Images were shot during the game between Meralco Bolts and Alaska Aces.

Multimedia arts student wins PBA Press Corps photography tilt

Corps admitted that the YOUNG lensman Kyle Janexisting lighting condition remy Bustos from De La inside the coliseum posed Salle-College of Saint Bea challenge. nilde bagged the first prize But with techniques and in PBA Press Corps photogskills he had earned and raphy contest. honed in his past coverThe first-of-its-kind diviages, Bustos was able to sion opened at the recently produce a series of outconcluded PBA Press Corps standing action shots of Sportswriting Contest. The the game between Meralcompetition, first conducted Kyle Janremy Bustos co Bolts and Alaska Aces. in 1994, is organized by the His entries caught the attention of PBA Press Corps, the group of professional sports correspondents from vari- the panel of judges composed of Spin. ous news organizations covering the ph lead photographer and Sony Philippines ambassador Jerome Ascaño and Philippine basketball league.

Bustos won in the special photogra- distinguished lensmen Ernie Sarmienphy category launched to celebrate the to of ESPN5 and August Dela Cruz of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

25th anniversary of the competition.

The multimedia arts student and forBustos took home a cash prize of mer photo editor of the Benildean Press P10,000 and a certificate.

John Edward Gaspar from The Republic Online of Marcelo H. Del Pilar National High School placed second, while Lucky Dela Rosa from The Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines ranked third.

The winners were formally awarded

by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial during the halftime of Game 4 of the Governors’ Cup semis series between Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort.

In the sportswriting division, Bulacan State University students Justin Mhar de Jesus and Eriell Estrada won first and second, respectively.

Meanwhile, Grade 11 student from St. Dominic College of Asia Senior High School Gillenne Gustine Garcia took the third spot, becoming the first female winner in the PBA Press Corps Sportswriting Contest.

Capturing amazing in small moments

AMAZING moments come in small sizes.

The “Small Moments” campaign of Ayala Malls produced

by MRM/McCann captures and awakens the amazing moments through a whole set taped on miniature-scale models of the malls.

According to the agency behind the campaign, it conveys the newest tagline of Ayala Malls, “Awaken Amazing,” showing that small moments do not necessarily equate to insignificance, but have all the potential to be extraordinary and amazing. The work follows in the footsteps of the chain of shopping malls’ history of visual campaigns set against timeless music, dating back to its “Waters of March” piece.

“Ayala Malls’ Awaken Amazing campaign is an invitation to everyone, encouraging them to rediscover how small moments can make life amazing,” said Ayala Malls marketing director Eunice Velasco.”

The miniature-scale models are featured in a film directed by Joel Limchoc, while each miniature that went into individual scenarios were crafted and shot by the Cirkus New Zealand team. Scoring the film is the song “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys, rendered by Hit Productions.

“More than anything we want to capture the innocence of simple situations,” said Limchoc. “We opted for simple snippets of life that represent joy in its magical realism form.”

According to the Film Pabrika director, by using miniatures, “we eliminated variables otherwise present in usual spots and stripped them down to their most basic message.”

The American motivational speaker said that his book Winning for Life is here to tell readers that the journey ahead may be difficult but “a beautiful life is not impossible.”

He wrote, “When you stop caring about the doubts, when you stop caring about what could possibly go wrong, you give yourself a chance to experience a world where everything can go right.”

Here I Am

By Terry Samala de Guzman A business leader, a teacher, and a life coach, De Guzman talks about her uplifting journey in this book, revealing insights that helped her survive her challenging career, marriage, motherhood, and health crises, toward a life filled with purpose and love. Here I Am will nudge readers to embrace unexpected opportunities, find power in being different, and discover strength in faith as 2020 unfolds its many surprises for everyone.

Mid-September Letters

By Soyen

Mid-September Letters is a collection of poetry, quotes, and anecdotes about love, depression, and discovering the real meaning of happiness. It is written by Soyen Enconado who is known for her inspiring poems and quotes on socials @soyenwrites. “Book that plane ticket, start that business, make that call, love again etc. go for it,” she wrote on Twitter in August.

Give Thanks and Praise

By Father Tito Caluag

The newly launched book has 200 prayers, including traditional Catholic prayers written by the ABS-CBN chaplain for personal intention, healing, special occasions and blessing accounts, and other non-Catholic prayers. Fr. Tito said, “I am hoping that this will spur a common ground in the family to pray. There’s a little bit of everything and anything for everyone.”

My First Prayer Book

By Scarlet Snow Belo

The ‘Small Moments’ film features miniatures used to showcase simple, small scenarios that possess the potential to be amazing and extraordinary.

“This charming film hopes to bring these moments to life in a fresh new way,” enthused Velasco.

For MRM/McCann’s part, managing director Manny Fernando said, “The team was really excited working on this new campaign. We had to ensure that the image of an established brand like Ayala Malls can be seen in a very refreshing way.”

Hailed as Best Children’s Short Story in the Catholic Mass Media Awards 2019, Belo’s My First Prayer Book is a read-along guide— filled with stories and prayers—to help parents set off the prayer lives of their kids.

These motivational books from ABS-CBN Books, the publishing arm of ABSCBN, are now available in ABS-CBN Shop, Lazada, Shopee, and leading bookstores nationwide.

Entertainment

saturDaY, JaNuarY 18, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com

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‘Malvar’ postpones filming due to Taal eruption

Malasimbo stages it's 10th edition at its new home in Quezon City.

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HE Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival, one of the country’s biggest annual music events, returns on Feb. 29 to March 1, this time, not only to bring up-and-coming and established local and international artists, but also to help ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.’s Bantay Kalikasan program.

As part of its long-standing advocacy of environmental awareness, the music festival is donating 10 percent of its ticket sales to the foundation.

The venue of this year’s festival is also aligned with the said cause as it will be held at La Mesa Ecopark, considered to be its most accessible location. Founder and festival director Miro Grgic said that La Mesa Eco Park’s amphitheater sounds good and reflects the exact same conditions of Malasimbo’s last amphitheater.

Headlining the festival are known international and local acts Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles, Mike Love, Laneous, Anomalie, Jesus Molina, Matteo Mancuso,

Malasimbo 2020 supports

Bantay Kalikasan program

Uncomfortable Science, Brigada, Project Yazz, and Talata ni Tala.

Foremost DJs Ean Mayor, Roberto Sena, Deej Fabian, Bass Relief, Norris King, Bing Austria, Rei Ka, Bignay Sound System, and Jingga Who, will also perform their impressive sets.

Music industry experts will also share

Pageant Concept...

From C4

Cruz, former Princess Universe 2015, is the 16-year-old daughter of ‘hero cop” and the original Gwapulis, Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, director of PrO13 (Caraga region), and former actress and now Mayor of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz.

An 11th-grade student at San Beda College, Cruz wants to become a police officer someday following in the footsteps

of his distinguished father.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supported me in this journey. I feel so blessed, I never expected to win such a prestigious title,” Cruz said after the coronation.

“To my family and friends, Tita Jovita, Mama ram and EJhosh, thank you all so much. You helped me believe in myself and become more confident about myself.

You pushed me to do my best. As Miss Philippine Youth 2020, I will make sure to fulfill my duties for the Philippine Youth, to take every opportunity and to make efforts to push forward the advocacies that I have,” Cruz added.

istration (cum laude) at the UST Graduate School. She is presently a PhD in Organization Development candidate at the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute (SAIDI) School of Organization Development.

As facilitator and consultant, she has designed and conducted numerous customized programs related to Hr-OD, Strategic Planning, Teambuilding, Values & Culture Building, Leadership, Effective Business Writing, and Customer Service. She also authored the You Can Do It! The 6 Keys to Personal Development (A Guidebook for People at Work).

Barrion is one of the Philippine Empowered Woman of the Year 2019 awardees and was awarded Outstanding Corporate Training and Organization Development Consultant in the Philippines by rDH Entertainment Network. She received the 2019 Distinguished Thomasian Alumni Awards (5th Year) along with Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco, Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up Miriam Quiambao, TV host Julie Yap Daza, and former senator Kit Tatad.

Mrs. TourismUniverse 2019 Giselle Legaspi Barrion

Gen. Teresa Magbanua, Gen. Alcadio Maxilom, Gen. Aniceto Lacson, Gen. Julio Diaz, Gen. Juan Araneta, Gen. Mateo Luga, Gen. Gavino Sepulveda, Gen. Pantaleon Del Rosario, Col. Eugenio Daza, Gen. Vicente Lucban, Gen. Martin Delgado, Gen. Quintin Salas, Gen. Leandro Fullon, and Ramon Avencena.

Meanwhile, JMV Film Productions is distributing 20,000 pieces of surgical face masks to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption for their protection from the danger of ash falls.

Atty. Jose Malvar Villegas, producer of the upcoming period film, 'Malvar.'

Extra International...

From C4

Billie Eilish to sing new James Bond theme

their experiences about the local and international music industry. An array of rainforest activities is also lined-up for the entire family, such as archery, swimming, and many others.

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is produced by Volume Unit Entertainment, Inc.

Mrs. Tourism-Universe 2019 hosts radio program ‘HR Pilipinas’ MrS. Tourism-Universe 2019 Giselle Legaspi Barrion hosts the weekly radio program HR Pilipinas, which aired its pilot episode on Jan. 5.

The first radio program for human resource professionals hosted by actual Hr practitioners tackles issues about talent management, organization development, rewards and recognition, labor relations, and employee engagement and human resources.

The program airs live every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on DWDD 1134 kHz AM and streams live on Facebook on Katropa DWDD-CrS Virtual rTV page.

Barrion, who won the first-ever Mrs. Tourism-Universe title in October 2019, was a former host of Oh My GAD!, a segment of the weekly radio show Voice of the Teachers Multimedia on DWDD 1134 kHz AM Katropa radio, which won a Gawad Tanglaw Jury Award. She also appeared as a resource person for people development or soft skills in CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon, DZMM Teleradyo’s Sakto and SalitangBuhay, TV 5’s Perfect Morning, radyo Veritas’ Veritasan and PTV’s The Medyo Late Night Show with Jojo A. Barrion, a 38-year-old, Human resources consultant, corporate trainer and motivational speaker, graduated with a Business Administration degree at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and earned her Master in Business Admin-

HISTOrICAL feature Malvar, which is based on the life-story of Gen. Miguel Malvar, was supposed to start filming in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and rizal. But due Taal Volcano’s eruption, a calamity that is believed to take a long time of recovery, producer JMV Film Production producer, led by Atty. Jose Malvar Villegas, Jr., would have to consider a different date.

Villegas, who is also the founder of Citizen Crime Watch (CCW) and Katipunan Kontra-Krimen at Korupsyon (KKK), said that the location shooting in Visayas pushes through to meet the target deadline of Malvar in the inclusion to Metro Manila Film festival (MMFF) 2020.

In 1911, Taal Volcano erupted that caused more or less 1,135 lives of Filipinos, Gen. Miguel Malvar led the relief operations on attending the victims in time the great general went back as civilian after the Filipino-American War. Malvar, according to Villegas, will be topbilled by Sen. Manny Pacquiao, with an all-star cast under the supervision of the president of Actors Guild of the Philippines and Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin.

The movie will also show the lives of Visayan heroes such as Gen. Pantaleon Villegas, Graciano Lopez Jaena,

Dynamic duo: The 18-year-old pop megastar worked on the project with brother and collaborator FINNEAS (pictured here together last month).

Big stars...

From C4

Meanwhile, TV viewers will get a VIP seat view of the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade starting at 8:00 a.m.

The Pit Senyor: The Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage will be hosted by the anchors of GMA regional TV’s toprating and award-winning local newscast in Central and Eastern Visayas, Bobby Nalzaro, Alan Domingo, and Cecile Quibod-Castro, together with Balitang Bisdak correspondents Lou Ann Mae Rondina, and Nikko Sereno.

Online, the Pit Senyor: The Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage will be seen via livestream from 8:00 a.m. onwards on GMA regional TV’s official website www.gmanetwork.com.

“2020 is a very significant year for GMA Network since we are celebrating our 70th anniversary,” says GMA regional TV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso.

Meanwhile, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday is the TV adaptation of the popular 1984 movie with the same title and brings together a remarkable cast composed of Snooky Sernaand Dina Bonnevie.

Completing the cast are Migo Adecer, Jay Manalo, Teresa Loyzaga, Faith da Silva, Tanya Montenegro, Benedict Cua, and Celia Rodriguez. The original drama also features the special participation of Jason Abalos, Pinky Amador, Mike ‘Pekto’ Nacua, Yanna Montenegro, Franco Gray Nerona, and Lovi

'AOS' host Julie Anne San Jose

AMErICAN teen pop sensation Billie Eilish is set to sing the theme song for the upcoming James Bond film, becoming the youngest artist to write and record a song for the iconic film franchise.

Eilish, who turned 18 in December, recorded the song for the 25th Bond film, No Time to Die, which debuts in U.K. theaters April 2 and U.S. theaters on April 10. She wrote the song with her brother Finneas; the two created her entire debut album together.

The untitled new song does not have a release date.

‘It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honor,’ Eilish said in a statement Tuesday. AFP

Poe and Max Collins.Mark Sicat dela Cruz is at the helm of this exciting project.

The TV adaptation of the 1989 awardwining blockbuster movie Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit sees three of the brightest actresses of their generations: together with Kyline are Mylene Dizon and Superstar Nora Aunor. Joining them are Zoren Legaspi, Gabby Eigenmann, Ina Feleo, Yasser Marta, Divina Valencia, and Isabel Rivas. The series, which is set to air this February, is under the helm of criticallyacclaimed director Laurice Guillen.

All the freshest news, events, and updates about GMA regional TV are now available on www.gmaregionaltv. com.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2020

Big stars spice up this year’s Sinulog Festival EVEN before the entire country sees the highlyanticipated local adaptation of hit Korean series Descendants of the Sun (DOTS), GMA Network, through GMA Regional TV, is giving Kapusong Cebuanos an exceptional treat this weekend by bringing to Cebu no less than the Philippines’ Big Boss and Beauty―Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado, respectively, together with Rocco Nacino―as part of the celebration of the Sinulog Festival.

But before the DOTS cast makes wave in Cebu, All-Out Sundays’ host Julie Anne San Jose revved the Sinulog festivities up in a Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Fiesta Mall Tabunok South yesterday.

Joining Julie Anne were the stars of the

upcoming the TV adaptation of the popular 1984 movie Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday— Barbie Forteza and Kate Valdez together with heartthrob Migo Adecer.

Completing the Kapuso line-up on Friday were Kyline Alcantara and Yasser Marta of the TV adaptation of the 1989 award-winning blockbuster movie, Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.

Julie Anne, Barbie, Kate, Migo, Kyline, and Yasser extended the celebration to another Kapuso Mall Show later that evening―this time around in The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu.

Today, Cebu gets first glimpse of the powerhouse cast of the Philippines’Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) with no less than Big Boss

BTS unveils global modern art initiative Galleries, where one of the exhibits was unveiled.

“We have always been inspired by the ability of music to communicate across borders and barriers which is not very different from what art does,” added bandmate Suga, as they joined via live video-link from the South Korean capital Seoul.

Danish artist Jakob Kudsk Steensen, shown here at the London launch, has created an audio-visual simulation of a re-imagined old-growth forest, titled “Catharsis”. (Inset) BTS is considered pioneer of K-Pop on the global stage.

KOREAN pop superstar BTS helped launch a global public art project in London on Tuesday inspired by the group’s message of inclusivity and involving renowned artists including Antony Gormley and Tomas Saraceno.

The K-pop septet has teamed up with an array of artistic talent from around the world to help forge a series of contemporary exhibits going on display in five cities across four continents.

The project—“Connect, BTS”—used the boy band’s support for “diversity, love, and care for the periphery” as the starting point for the series of disparate multi-disciplinary artworks.

They will be complemented by video messages introducing the piece recorded by BTS. “We’re very excited and really happy to be part of this project,” said band member RM—real name Kim Namjoon— at a launch event at London’s Serpentine

BTS, the first K-pop group to top charts in the US and Britain, has seen its global profile surge in recent years.

They completed a lucrative world tour in 2019 before performing in New York’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve. The floppy-haired musicians, all in their 20s and often sporting earrings and lipstick, have built a predominantly youthful fan base on a message of self-acceptance and tolerance.

The curators of “Connect, BTS” hope to tap into their huge online profile and tens of millions of followers on social media sites like Instagram and Twitter.

“This project will encourage appreciation of diversities and establish ground for great new synergies to be born,” said its art director Daehyung Lee. The various artworks will go on show in the Korean and British capitals, as well as in Berlin, Buenos Aires, and New York. Joe Jackson, AFP Continued on C3

General’s daughter wins Miss Philippine Youth 2020

(Dingdong), Beauty (Jennylyn), and Wolf (Rocco) meeting their Kapuso fans.

Reporting for duty as well that day are DOTS cast members Lucho Ayala, Jon Lucas, Paul Salas, Prince Clemente, Andre Paras, Hailey Mendes, and Chariz Solomon.

The DOTS team gives Kapusong Cebuanos back-to-back events to look forward to a Kapuso Mall Show at Gaisano Island Mall in Mactan at 4:00 p.m. and a Kapuso Fiesta at Robinsons Galleria Cebu at 6:00 p.m.

Tomorrow Jan. 19, Dingdong, Jennylyn, Rocco, and the rest of the DOTS cast set the Sinulog Grand Parade ablaze as they board the Kapuso Float and tour the major streets of Cebu City. Continued on C3

'Descendants of the Sun' lead stars Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado join in the fun in the Sinulog Fest in Cebu.

SHARON puts

retirement on hold M

EGASTAR Sharon Cuneta was a vision of optimism and enthusiasm when she signed a contract with ABS-CBN early this month.

Contrary to what her fans thought, the actress who celebrated her 54th birthday on Jan. 6, is not retiring anytime soon.

“Every time I consider it, good thing like this happens.

So I guess, it’s not yet time,” Megastar said referring to her contract signing with the media giant as another reason to put her retirement on hold.

The singer and screen star has mentioned a few times that she’s considering retirement from show business.

Since last year, she has seriously been thinking of semiretiring saying that she’s been in the business for too long (41 years) and all she wanted to do was to focus on her family.

During a press conference for Iconic, a concert she staged with Regine Velasquez, the megastar clarified that she might do occasional shows or movie projects.

For her new contract with ABS-CBN, Sharon already has seven movie projects on the drawing board. A solo concert tour in Australia, and the North American tour of her award-winning concert with the Songbird are also in the pipeline. “ I can’t imagine completing seven movies in a year. Ang confirmed so far is tatlo. There’s one with Viva, Regal and who did Kita Kita. There’s also a project in New York they’re still working on, possibly one for Star Cinema, and one that’s going to be pitched to me by a director… Kaya sabi ko nung i-announce ko na magre-retire na ako in a couple of years, nagulat ako kasi biglang dumagsa yung offers,” Sharon said.

Fans were supportive of Sharon’s contract signing with the giant but expressed concern for her short- and long-term future considering ABSCBN’s franchise renewal issue. The media giant’s franchise is set to expire on March 30.

Before the press conference for her contract signing, Sharon Cuneta urged President Rodrigo Duterte to “reconsider his decision” about ABS-CBN Corporation’s franchise renewal, saying a lot of employees will lose “almost everything” should the Philippines’ largest media network be forced to close.

“I hope he reconsiders his decision about ABS-CBN not just because I just renewed [my contract]. I can always find a job,” she said, alluding to the President’s earlier pronouncements against renewing ABS-CBN’s franchise.

“Everybody I grew up with here - who have remained loyal to the station and have grown up here having learned from the school of hard knocks here have become family and good friends - will lose almost everything they’ve built over the years. I hope in my heart that our dear President reconsiders the thousands and thousands of employees who have grown up here, learned the ropes here, and that includes me,” she ended. ***

Sharon Cuneta inks new contract with leading media network, ABS-CBN.

Chris Tiu with the gang of 'iBilib'

How science can be everywhere

Miss and Mr. Philippine Youth 2020 winners Patricia Cruz and Kyle Patrick de Guzman

P A T R I C I A Cruz and Kyle Patrick de Guzman were named grand winners in the Search for Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth 2020 during the grand coronation held at Tanghalang Pasigueño on Jan. 12. Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth International 2019 Rikki Mae Dela Peña and Angelo Basa passed on their titles to Cruz and De

Guzman.

The rest of the winners were Mr. and Ms. Philippine Youth Prince and Princesses Eve Janine Valdez and Drake Aclan, Rinrin Raz and Gian Garcia, Ashley Antonio and James Lorenzo Damaso, and Marielle Lim and Joseph Leo. Continued on C3

The Megastar surprised by Jed Madela and young talents from Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids.

In tomorrow’s episode of iBilib, discover how science can be everywhere and have fun with Street Genius.

Join the cool experiments with award-winning host Chris Tiu, James and Roadfill of Moymoy Palaboy, tween star Miggs Cuaderno, and television sweetheart Shaira Diaz.

Be awed by the sword skills of the Katana Master of Batangas, Ram Magquimot, who will slice through a banana tree and bamboo.

Wonder at how an unidentified object can rotate and float without any support in the levitator experiment.

Join the fun and take a guess at the following questions in ”Quiz Time,” and know the answer to these questions: What type of tray will make a waitress serve her drinks faster -- one that is stuck to a pole, a swinging tray or a good old regular tray?; and what will happen if you eat a lemon after munching on the magical fruit called synsepalum dulcificum?

Discover the answers in the Street Genius experiments Tray Race and Lemon Taste Test.

For the Huling Hirit, Shaira shows us how to make edible slippers.

Make your Sunday mornings more fun and educational with iBilib.