Manila Standard - 2020 January 31 - Friday

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 351 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Deadliest day in China as nCoV toll rises to 170 THE World Health Organization on Wednesday warned all governments to take action over the deadly novel coronavirus as China reported its biggest singleday jump in deaths caused by the new disease.

The WHO, which initially downplayed the severity of a disease that has now killed 170 in China, warned all governments to be on alert as it weighed whether to declare a global health emergency.

The Chinese government reported 38 new deaths in the 24 hours to Thursday, the highest one-day total. All but one were in Hubei province, the capital of which is Wuhan, where the virus originated in a wild animal market.

The number of confirmed new cases also grew steadily to 7,711, the National Health Commission said. Another 81,000 people were under observation for possible infection.

The pathogen is believed to have been spawned in a market that sold wild game, spreading far and wide by a Lunar New Year holiday season in which hundreds of millions of Chinese travel domestically or abroad.

The virus has claimed 170 lives in China and infected more than 7,000 people in the country and elsewhere. New cases were reported in the Philippines, Finland and the United Arab Emirates. Next page

FIERY PROTEST. Protesters throw Molotov cocktails at the police outside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 17, 2019. As police clashed with pro-democracy activists, an unidentified person shot an arrow in in the leg of a police officer. AFP

PH confirms first virus case

38-yr-old Chinese woman tested positive—Duque

By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Maricel V. Cruz, Joel E. Zurbano, Darwin G. Amojelar and Willie Casas

T

HE Health department said Thursday that a 38-year-old Chinese woman was the first confirmed case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV), which has killed 170 people in China and infected more than 8,000.

CASE CONFIRMED. People wear protective masks as they walk past the government’s San Lazaro Hospital in Manila with the number of suspected novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 100, putting below the weather more than 8,000. Health Secretary Francisco Duque (inset left) confirms during an afternoon conference Thursday the first case in the Philippines, a woman arrival from Wuhan, China via Hong Kong on Jan. 21. Norman Cruz

Twitter tracks down spread of novel coronavirus TWITTER has launched #coronavirus to help track down the spread of the virus that originated from Wuhan in China and has killed 132 people so far.

“As the global conversation continues around the spread of the novel #coronavirus, we want to share the work we’re doing to surface the right information, to promote constructive

engagement, and to highlight credible information on this emerging issue.

We’ve seen over 15 million Tweets on this topic in the past four weeks and that trend looks set to continue,” Twitter said in a statement.

“At present, we’re not seeing significant coordinated attempts to spread disinformation at scale about this issue. How-

ever, we will remain vigilant and have invested significantly in our proactive abilities to ensure trends, search and other common areas of the service are protected from malicious behaviors. As ever, those who engage in these practices will be removed from our service. We do not permit

In a news briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the first confirmed case arrived in the Philippines from Wuhan, China, via Hong Kong on Jan. 21. She reportedly traveled to the cities of Cebu and Dumaguete.

He said the patient was admitted in one of the country’s government hospitals on Jan. 25 after experiencing mild cough. She is currently asymptomatic.

He said the patient’s laboratory results, which arrived from the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia, was positive for the novel coronavirus.

The samples from the Chinese woman was among the six sent to Australia for testing earlier this week. The five others tested negative.

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2,000 cops pull out of Taal after danger level lowering

Next page

JURADO’S MEMOIRS.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez honors Emil Jurado during the launching Thursday of the latter’s book ‘My Memoirs: The Road Never Ends’ at the Manila Golf Club. Jurado, chairman emeritus of the Manila Standard, has been a journalist for nearly 70 years and to date a columnist of the English broadsheet.

Norman Cruz

Next page

MAGMA REMAINS A THREAT. Renato Solidum Jr., Science and Technology Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, tells senators during a public hearing on Urban Planning on Thursday that the condition of Taal Volcano would always remain a threat to people on the island around it. “At the moment, we still see magma five kilometers below the crater,” he says, referring to hot molten rock. Senate PRIB

By Rio N. Araja ABOUT 2,000 police officers who were deployed to assist affected families of the Taal Volcano eruption were pulled out from the volcano’s danger zone, the Philippine National Police said on Thursday.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the police officers were pulled out from Batangas effective

Wednesday night in compliance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

They were ordered to report back to their respective units and return to normal duties.

Banac said local police units and the Police Regional Office 4-A’s (Calabarzon) search and rescue unit would continue to provide security and assistance in the relief operations in the region for Next page

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FBI nabs 3 Quiboloy church execs T

HE Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested three administrators of a Filipino-based church Wednesday for allegedly trafficking in its members from Asia as part of a six-year fund-raising scam.

The money, in reality, went to church operations, and between 2014 and mid2019, KOJC collected close to $20 million from those donations, the FBI said.

Workers were allegedly ordered to meet quotas that changed daily while they were collecting the donations, according to the complaint.

KOJC administrators allegedly used several illicit tactics to keep workers in the country, including sham marriages and phony enrollments in schools, and forced them to live in unsafe living conditions, according to the FBI. KOJC workers often slept in their car overnight, parked at truck stops, or occasionally stayed in a small hotel room during their operations, the complaint said.

Several workers came forward to the FBI and gave them detailed accounts of their experiences, as well as e-mails from their administrators that detailed their instructions in the alleged scam, the agency said.

Cabactulan, who was the top US KOJC administrator and had direct communications with leaders back in the Philippines, allegedly held on to the victims passports

and oversaw the operations, according to the complaint. The FBI said Dueñas was responsible for falsifying documents and information to immigration officials, while Estopare was allegedly in charge of the collections, according to the complaint.

The three were expected to appear before a judge on immigration fraud charges on Wednesday afternoon. No attorney information was available. KOJC representatives could not be reached for comment.

The church has come under scrutiny by federal investigators in the past. In September, a Hawaii manager of KOJC was charged with smuggling cash to the Philippines using Quiloboly's private jet, according to the FBI. Quiboloy was briefly arrested in Hawaii in 2018 after federal agents found $350,000 in cash and parts to assemble a military rifle were found in his jet.

The FBI has established a toll-free phone number for potential victims or anyone with information about KOJC activities to provide information,1-800-CALL FBI (1-800-225-5324). FBI operators fluent in English and Tagalog will staff the hotline.

Guia Cabactulan, 59, Marissa Duenas, 41, and Amanda Estopare, 48, who are members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the Name Above Every Name or KOJC, were picked up by agents in California and Virginia following raids of KOJC's offices in Van Nuys, Glendale and Los Angeles, the FBI said.

The three allegedly used a children's foundation as a front to bring in its members from the Philippines and use them to beg for money on the street, the criminal complaint said.

The KOJC was created in 1985 in Davao by Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be “the Appointed Son of God.” Its website claims there are six million members around the world.

Malacañang on Thursday distanced itself from the arrest of three administrators of the KOCJ whose founder, Pas-

tor Apollo Quiboloy, has close ties with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace respected the authority of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct a "legitimate raid on Quiboloy's church due to an alleged six-year fund-raising scam.

Investigators said as early as October 2013, the church would obtain visas for its members under the pretense that they would be performing in musical events in America. But once those members got to the country, they had their passports taken away and were forced to work as “volunteers” to raise money. The workers were allegedly sent to various locations across the country to ask for money that they claimed went to aid Filipino children, according to the criminal complaint.

MJ Veloso's recruiters get life term

Travel ban sign of protest vs. US meddling—Duterte

By Rey E. Requejo A NUEVA ECIJA regional trial court on Thursday found the recruiters of Mary Jane Veloso guilty of large-scale illegal recruitment and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

The verdict may have a significant impact on her drugtrafficking case in Indonesia.

Judge Anarica Castillo-Reyes of Baloc, Nueva Ecija RTC Branch 88, ruled that the prosecution was able to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt of Maria Cristina Sergio and her live-in-partner Julius Lacanilao.

Besides the life imprisonment, Reyes also ordered Sergio and Lacanilao to pay a fine of P2 million.

“The prosecution having sufficiently established the guilt of both accused, Maria Cristina P. Sergio and Julius Lacanilao beyond reasonable doubt, this Court finds them guilty of large-scale illegal recruitment,” Reyes said in her decision.

“All told, the prosecution having sufficiently mustered sufficient evidence to secure a guilty verdict, the Court is left with no other recourse save to render a judgment of conviction.”

The case was filed by Lorna Valino, Jenalyn Paraiso and Ana Maria Gonzales.

A similar case was filed by Veloso through her parents against Sergio and Lacanilao, but the case remains pending with the court, subject to Veloso's deposition in Jakarta where she has languished in prison since she was convicted of drug trafficking in 2010.

The court did not gave credence to the alibi and denials of Sergio and Lacanilao as they said they were not in the business of recruiting people to work abroad and had never made such proposals to the complainants.

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those affected by the volcanic activity.

All police pulled out of the danger zone were instructed to undergo a medical checkup for any sign of respiratory ailments after days of deployment near the volcano.

Some residents have been allowed to return to their homes after the alert level at the volcano was lowered to Level 3, but those residing in six barangays in Agoncillo and Laurel towns, which are within the seven-kilometer danger zone, may not return.

President Duterte on Wednesday night ordered the withdrawal of police personnel within Taal Volcano’s danger zone, expressing concern over the health of deployed cops as they were prone to inhaling volcanic ash particles which may cause respiratory problems.

Duterte said he will leave it to local government officials and local police to enforce laws preventing people from returning to Taal Volcano’s danger zone.

The President said police personnel could only “do so much” in preventing residents who insisted on returning to the volcano’s danger zone.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the volcano is still not safe due to the presence of magma five kilometers below the crater.

“It could solidify or could rise. But the magma can no longer go down,” PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum Jr. said.

He said PHIVOLCS is responsible for providing data and information about Taal’s volcanic activity, but it is the local governments that decide if their constituents should return to their homes.

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s order to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and to ban his Cabinet members from going there were not meant to appease China and Russia, with which he is seeking closer ties, his spokesman said Thursday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the order concerning the United States served as a "protest" against Washington's intrusion into the Philippines's sovereignty.

In my personal view, the decision on the "boycott" is more of what they are doing to our countrymen," Panelo told reporters.

In related developments: • Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday

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Duque said the succeeding tests for the novel coronavirus will now be done by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, as the DOH has already acquired the necessary test kit for the procedure. He said results may now be available within 24 hours of testing.

The Bureau of Quarantine, he said, was checking the patient’s flight details to trace the people with whom she might have come into contact.

Pidemiology Bureau chief Chito Avelino said that with the information they gathered from the laboratory results, they have asked for the flight details of the Chinese woman and the places she had gone to upon arriving in the country.

He said they have also directed health authorities in Region 7 to conduct contacttracing, or tracking people who may have been exposed to the patient.

He said they would trace details of the woman’s flights and track passengers who were seated close to her.

“For the plane, we do the rules of 4—that means, we need to identify four passengers in front, four passengers at the back, and four passengers on both sides (of the patient).

We contact these passengers and advise them accordingly,” Avelino told the news briefing.

Avelino further said health authorities would also look at places where she stayed to determine people who had contact with the patient.

“For the community, we are looking the establishments where they stayed and advise the establishment owner to identify the employees that had been in contact with the patient and from there, to the mandatory quarantine to observe them if ever they will manifest any sign of symptoms of respiratory infection,” Avelino said.

Duque also said the DOH has recorded a total of 29 possible cases, 18 in Metro Manila, four in Central Visayas, three in Western Visayas, one in MIMAROPA, one in Eastern Visayas, one in Northern Mindanao, and one in Davao.

Twenty-three of the patients are currently admitted and five have been discharged but are still under strict monitoring. DOH also reported one patient mortality, a 29-year-old Chinese man who died of complications due to pneumonia Wednesday morning.

Duque assured the public that all necessary precautionary measures are being taken

Twitter...

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the #coronavirus, you’re met with credible, authoritative information first.

“In addition, we're halting any auto-suggest results that are likely to direct individuals to non-credible content on Twitter. This is an expansion of our #KnowTheFacts prompt, which we specifically put in place for the public to find clear, credible information on immunization and vaccination health. When

warned that an indefinite travel ban to the United States imposed on all members of the Cabinet could have adverse consequences on the Philippines’ economy and security.

He said that was not to mention the many employed Filipino immigrants there, especially if the US retaliated to Duterte’s recent tirades.

• Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he was not affected by President Duterte’s travel ban on going to the United States since he had no plans to travel to that country even if he had a valid visa. ‘‘The President’s order prohibiting Cabinet secretaries from traveling to the US has no personal impact on me, as I have no plans of visiting the US even if have a subsisting visa,’’ Guevarra said.

•The Alliance of Concerned Teachers

Philippines urged Duterte and his administration to ‘‘brogate by all means’’ the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US government following the Palace‘s announcement of doing so.

ACT said the VFA was among the pinnacles of the neo-colonial ties of the Philippines to the United States.

Asked if the ‘‘toning down’’ of the Philippines-US relations was a move to appease China and Russia, Panelo said: ‘‘Not necessarily. His decision was mainly based on the actions of the US government with respect to the US Senate and the US immigration.

Panelo also said the Philippines should learn to rely on its own resources to protect itself from internal and external aggression. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey E. Requejo and Willie Casas

to halt the spread of the virus.

He said they were able to detect the first confirmed case because of their strong surveillance system, close coordination with WHO and other national agencies, and the use of DOH’s decision tool.

“We are working closely with the hospital where the patient is admitted and have activated the Incident Command System of the said hospital for appropriate management, specifically on infection control, case management, and containment,” Duque said, without naming the hospital.

He also said they are implementing measures to protect the staff providing care to these patients.

Duque said the Bureau of Quarantine remains on high alert and is in constant coordination with authorities from all ports of entry for stricter border surveillance.

He said the department’s health facilities are equipped and prepared to receive and care for patients suspected of having the nCoV virus.

“I urge the public to stay calm and remain vigilant at all times. Let us continue to practice good personal hygiene and adopt healthy lifestyles,” added Duque.

The WHO said symptoms of the new virus include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

To better protect the country from the virus, the Bureau of Immigration earlier suspended the issuance of visas upon arrival for Chinese nationals.

Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva said employers should not hesitate to send home workers who show symptoms of the flu but continue to report to work and consider the occupational health and safety of their entire organization.

Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the government to immediately impose a travel ban on all individuals traveling from China, and all travelers who have passed through China in the past two weeks.

“My proposal is a temporary travel ban of at least 30 days in light of the first confirmed case of the novel virus,” she said.

“I also urge the Bureau of Quarantine to implement mandatory quarantine on all those who have just arrived from China, to remain vigilant and to study the safety measures of our neighboring countries with confirmed cases of nCoV,” she added.

In an interview with GMA News, a spokesman for the San Lazaro Hospital, Dr. Ferdinand de Guzman, said the facility has been receiving more referrals to screen patients based on the DOH nCoV checklist.

De Guzman also denied that lockdown was imposed on the hospital, saying that they only close the gates of the establishment and cordon the area when a patient for screening arrives.

The one patient that died is in a freezer, based on the instructions of the medical center’s chief and the infection control team, he said.

The House of Representatives on Thursday vowed to augment government funds intended for preventing the entry into the country or controlling the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said all programs funded under the P4.1-trillion 2020 national budget “are priorities.”

“Health is a priority, housing is a priority, education is a priority, the Build, Build, Build program is a priority, so it is unavoidable that some may lack funds (in the process of implementation)…but so long as it is part of the budget, it can be augmented,” Cayetano said.

On Wednesday, upon the invitation of the House, Duque appeared before the chamber during its Question Hour to inform the nation of the measures the government is taking to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

In related developments: * • help prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus. In a circular, CBCP secretary-general Fr. Marvin Mejia said communions must be placed on the hands instead of putting it in the mouths of churchgoers. Mejia also ordered churches to always ensure that the holy water in their stoups is clean.

• Flag carrier Philippine Airlines announced on Thursday it has stopped operating inbound flights in Kalibo International Airport in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said beginning last Monday, they stopped operating inbound Kalibo flights. She said that all outbound flights were operated this week so that Chinese nationals can return to their homeland. PAL also said it is adjusting its flights to China due to concerns about the virus.

• A Manila school has started using thermometers in all entry points due to the 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) scare which hit the country recently. According to the statement made by the Public Information Office (PIO) of the City Government of Manila, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) has started deploying inspectors with infrared thermometers at all entry points to check on students, employees and visitors.

people search for information about coronavirus on Twitter in both English and Tagalog, the notification will appear in Tagalog.

“Our official #coronavirus partnerships are now in place in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and and Vietnam. We will continue to expand as the need arises.

“In the Philippines, we partnered with the Department of Health, as well as the World Health Organization regional offices cover-

ing the Philippines and the Western Pacific Region. The notification points people to the Department of Health’s dedicated website on coronavirus.

“Finally, our Global Public Policy team is proactively seeking ways to integrate the product with organizations involved in the effort to contain the threat. Experts, NGOs and governments play a pivotal public service role, using Twitter to reach people with the right information when they need it. We’re committed to playing our part to amplify authoritative, official content across the globe.

BBC sets 450 job cuts in bid to achieve savings goal THE British Broadcasting Corp. on Wednesday said it will axe 450 newsroom jobs as part of plans to adapt “to changing audience needs” and meet its savings target.

The job cuts come just a week after BBC boss Tony Hall said he would step down, and as the corporation grapples with a equal-pay demands and questions about its future funding model.

“The BBC has to face up to the changing way audiences are using us,” Fran Unsworth, director of news and current affairs, said in a statement.

“We have to adapt and ensure we continue to be the world’s most trusted news organization, but crucially, one which is also relevant for the people we are not currently reaching,” she added.

The BBC, which has an £80 million ($104 million, 95 million euro) savings target, said it was spending too much on “traditional linear broadcasting and not enough on digital.”

One morning news magazine program will be axed, with other job losses coming from a reduction in the number of films produced by flagship political news program “Newsnight.”

Other jobs will be lost at national radio station 5 Live, and there will be a review of the number of presenters working for the broadcaster.

It noted that audiences for traditional television broadcasts continued to decline, especially amongst 16 to 34-year-olds.

“The BBC newsroom will be reorganized along a ‘story-led’ model, focusing on news stories more than on programmes or platforms,” said the statement.

“This is designed to reduce duplication and to ensure that BBC journalism is making as much impact as possible with a variety of audiences.”

More BBC journalists will be based outside London in future, added the corporation, following criticism that it had lost touch with the rest of the country.

Like many media organizations, the BBC, which is the world’s largest news broadcaster, is battling new ways to win audiences, as news and entertainment consumer habits change.

Tony Hall, who leaves in six months after seven years at the helm, said it needed new leadership before talks with the government in the middle of the decade over its future funding.

Unsworth insisted that “Auntie”, as it is informally known in Britain, had “a vital role to play locally, nationally and internationally.” AFP

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The WHO called an urgent meeting for Thursday over whether the viral epidemic should be declared a global health emergency—a designation that can lead to increased international coordination.

Airlines around the world are either suspending or paring back services in and out of China, following cases of human-tohuman transmission outside the country.

In the sporting world, the World Indoor Athletics Championships set for March in Nanjing have been pushed back to 2021, and World Cup skiing races have been canceled.

“WHO is monitoring this outbreak every moment of every day,” the organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva, as he announced his decision to convene crisis talks.

On Twitter, Tedros said the organization “deeply regrets” what he called a “human error” in WHO reports last week that referred to the global risk of the outbreak as “moderate” instead of “high.”

Michael Ryan, head of the WHO Health Emergencies Program, told reporters that “the whole world needs to be on alert now.

The whole world needs to take action.”

Ryan said declaring a global health emergency could streamline the measures taken—a preferable scenario to the “potential recipe for disaster” of nearly 200 nations acting individually.

Both Tedros and Ryan hailed China for its “extraordinary” efforts so far to contain the epidemic.

In China, some countries worked to airlift their citizens out of the central city of Wuhan, whose 11 million residents are now under strict quarantine.

A US charter flight from Wuhan with about 210 Americans on board, including consular staff, was met at a California military base on Wednesday by emergency vehicles with flashing lights and personnel in white biological hazard suits.

The evacuees will be monitored for symptoms and sent to local hospitals if they are found to be ill, the Pentagon said.

More than 200 Japanese nationals were brought home Wednesday, but only a handful of them were hospitalized for tests after they reported they felt unwell or showed flu-like symptoms. AFP

News

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

3 Chinese nabbed for sex trafficking

By Joel E. Zurbano and MJ Biancaflor

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HREE more Chinese nationals have been arrested in Makati City on charges of sex trafficking women, police said Thursday.

The Makati City police busted Kevin Sy, 25; Xiao Lo, 23; and Tong Po, 25 late Wednesday night following confidential information regarding a sex trade involving foreign nationals in Barangay Pio del Pilar.

During the police operation, the authorities also rescued 13 other foreigners—two Russians, two Vietnamese and nine Chinese women — allegedly employed as sex workers at Golden Dragon Hotel located at 1847

K&K Building along Evangelista Street.

Five Filipino employees of the establishment were invited for questioning at the police station.

Makati police chief investigator Maj. Gideon Ines said prior to the raid, a Chinese national assisted a police operative disguised gain access to the hotel as a prospective customer and handed over P22,000 to the hotel maintainer for a “good time.”

The suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended

by RA 10364, also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2012 before the Makati City prosecutors office.

The latest raid was conducted in line with the government’s campaign against establishments used as front for prostitutions, and this was not the first time that Chinese nationals got involved in prostitution racket.

Two weeks ago, police rescued 19 women during a raid at two establishments in Barangay Palanan believed to be engaged in sex trafficking. Six alleged customers, two of them Chinese nationals, were also placed under police custody.

Last month, agents of the National Bureau of Investigation busted 15 Chinese nationals for their alleged involvement in prostitution racket in Las Piñas City where most of their clients were fellow Chinese working at Philippine offshore gaming operations.

The NBI did not identify the suspects but it stated that the arrest was made in two separate occassions on Dec. 10 and on Dec. 13.

NBI deputy director Ferdinand Lavin said the group earned between P400,000 and P500,000 while the women were being paid in the amount ranging from P8,000 to

IN BRIEF

P18,000 for their ‘services.’

Joel Tovera, chief of the NBI's anti-organized and transnational crime division, said the group contact their clients via Telegram, a mobile messaging application.

In Parañaque City, police arrested 31 Chinese nationals and rescued 51 sex workers during a raid at a suspected sex den.

A composite police team swooped on the Diamond Bay Tower building under construction along Roxas Boulevard in Barangay Baclaran, raiding the 3rd floor where several massage parlors had been turned into sex rooms.

Thirteen suspected maintainers and 18 male customers, all Chinese nationals, were arrested.

Police recovered some evidence, including money amounting to P1.8 million as proceeds of the illegal activities, at the raided building.

NBI operatives arrest two drug suspects in Cavite City

TOKEN GIFT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte receives a token from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista during the 69th founding anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City on Jan. 29, 2020. Presidential Photo

‘Indict other top BuCor officials in GCTA scam’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Richard J. Gordon, chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said the Ombudsman should have also indicted higher-ranked BuCor officials involved in the Good Conduct Time Allowance scam.

"We are sure that there are still others involved who should be prosecuted,"he said.

"They should have cast a wider net.

Even higher officials should have been prosecuted like former BUCor Director (Nicanor) Faeldon," Gordon said.

"Strike two na siya diyan. Pati iyong mga doktor na nagpapabayad at nagpapalabas ng tao, dapat pati sila ma-prosecute. Pati yung chief legal," he noted.

However, Gordon commended the Office of the Ombudsman for acting promptly

in dismissing and indicting three officials of the Bureau of Correction who were accused of extorting P50,000 from a Bilibid inmate in exchange for his early release.

"It's a good turn from the Ombudsman.

I'm glad that the Ombudsman moves fast and sends a strong signal," said Gordon whose committee investigated the GCTA for sale scheme.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires issued a resolution dismissing from public office former BuCor documentations chief Ramoncito Roque, as well as Maria Belinda Bansil and Veronica Buno.

They were also indicted for one count of direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and one count of Violation of Section 3(e) of R.A 3019. The three were also perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Their retirement benefits were forfeited, while their civil service eligibility was canceled.

The charges against the three will be filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC).

The Ombudsman's action stemmed from a Senate inquiry that the Justice and Human Rights Committee conducted jointly with the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers & Investigations (Blue Ribbon) on the capricious, arbitrary, and abusive implementation of the said law, which was bared to the public following the botched premature release of former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was sentenced to seven counts of reclusion perpetua for the 1993 rape-slay of UP Los Banos students Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez. Gordon is chairman of both Senate committees.

LRT1 gets thumbs-up sign from passengers LRT Line 1 has greatly improved in the past year. This is the observation of those who ride the 20.7- kilometer LRT Line 1, the first elevated commuter train which has 20 stations running through Munoz to Quezon City to Baclaran and has regular daily passengers reaching 500,000.

According to Jinkee Evangelista, a student of Dela Salle University on Taft Avenue, it is more manageable nowadays to ride the train than to drive, unlike before where she preferred to bring her car since it was nearly impossible to take the LRT. “Iiwasan mo lang talaga ’yung peak hour kasi talagang ang daming pasahero, pero mas marami na ngayong skip train kaya higit na maginhawa na talaga kung mag-LRT,” said Evangelista.

Reynaldo Guevarra, who rides the LRT daily on his way to work on UN Avenue, also expressed his appreciation. He said that he used to come in late to the office since he had to let three to four passenger-filled trains pass before he could ride one. But that has changed and he is now able to ride the first train that passes by.

“Sa bilis at on time na pagdating ng mga tren ay hindi napupuno ng pasahero sa mga station platforms kaya nakakasakay agad,” he said.

Aling Remedios Vasquez noted that the security guards manning the stations allow senior citizens to ride the LRT in an orderly and

Hire former leprosy patients—doc A PHYSICIAN from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital on Thursday urged the Department of Labor and Employment as well as local governments to consider the employment of those who have already been treated and completely cured of leprosy.

At the World Neglected Tropical Disease forum in Quezon City, Dr. Belen Dofitas, also the president of board of trustees of the Philippine Leprosy Mission Inc. (PLMI), said “they (patients) really wish that they will not be stigmatized.”

“A lot of them have the infection during childhood. And they have been healed. Let us consider them fit for work,” she added.

She lamented that many of the former leprosy patients are still capable of being gainfully employed despite several physical deformities but there are some employers who would reject and discriminate them.

“Let us give them jobs that suit their capability and skills,” she told the Manila Standard. Rio N. Araja

GSIS-PRRD condones P698-m loan penalties

By Willie Casas IN LINE with the government’s campaign against criminality, the National Bureau of Investigation arrested two suspects and seized P68 million worth of shabu intended for sale in Cavite City.

NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the suspects as Reynaldo Cordero and Irene Ilaya Biazon, both residents of Maricaban, Pasay City.

The confiscated shabu has an estimated value of P68 million.

The vehicle used by the suspects to transport illegal drugs was likewise seized.

“Last Sunday we received information from our informant that a deal of shabu was made with somebody from inside the Bilibid,” said NBI Mimaropa Chief Rommel Vallejo, referring to the latest drug operation said.

The suspects were later turned over to the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division for drug testing and post-processing procedures at NBI-NCR for properly booking, photographed and medical examination.

The seized illegal drugs were likewise turned over to the FCD for forensic examination.

The NBI said suspects Cordero and Biazon were on board a red 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number WTY 942 along Panapaan 4, Bacoor City, when they were apprehended by the NBI. The suspects were also charged for Violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) as amended.

Gierran said that on Jan. 27, 2020, an intelligence report was received by NBI-MIMAROPA together with an NBI-NCR relative to a certain “Kim group” regarding the alleged drug trafficker who is operating within Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

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hassle-free system unlike her experience in riding the MRT. Christine Suarez, 24, a Pasay City employee, couldn’t help but compare her experiences when riding the LRT and MRT, saying she takes pity on herself whenever she rides the MRT. “Awang-awa talaga ako sa aking sarili kapag sasakay na ako ng MRT, parang...ano ba ito, ang hopeless naman ng mga Filipino, parang lagi kang sasabak sa giyera, napakahaba ng pila, makikipagbalyahan ka makapasok lang ng tren, sa loob ay halos hindi ka na makagalaw, mababasa ka ng tumutulong aircon, malas mo pa 'pag naabutan ka ng sira ng tren dahil pabababain ka sa gitna ng tracks o maghihintay ka sa loob na sobrang init,” she revealed.

She said that although the MRT station is nearer her home on Quezon Avenue and it would be more convenient if she goes to Pasay City, she still prefers to take the LRT. She said that due to the inconveniences and hassles she encounters whenever she rides the MRT, she has opted to take an additional ride and pay more just to go go the LRT Roosevelt Station and take the LRT. “Nagtataka ako kung bakit umayos na ang serbisyo sa LRT Line 1, saka ko nalaman sa mga katrabaho ko na privatized na pala ito, sana all,” she added.

DRUG TRAFFICKERS. NBI spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin presents to the media two suspected drug trafficker identified as Reynaldo Cordero and Irene Biazon on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, who are both residents of Maricaban, Pasay City. The suspects were on board a Mitsubishi Lancer when they were apprehended by the NBI agents in Panapaan, Bacoor City.

Seized from the suspects was shabu worth P68 million. Norman Cruz

THE Government Service Insurance System recently announced that its Program for Restructuring and Repayment of Debts has condoned a total amount of P698,419,090.76 in loan penalties as of Jan. 6, 2020.

GSIS-PRRD is the pension fund’s one-time condonation and restructuring program that helps members who are already out of government service to settle their outstanding loan balances in full or in part.

“The program has eased the burden of members who worry about paying their outstanding loan balances that have incurred interest and surcharges over time,” Chairman and Acting President and General Manager Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said.

Under GSIS-PRRD, the total restructured amount has reached Php393,178,773.59 from 7,450 loan accounts.

Launched on Dec. 18, 2018, GSISPRRD has so far collected a total of Php144,407,503.09 from 2,630 members who opted to pay in full. The 2,195 members who opted to pay on a three-year instalment basis are repaying their debts at 10 percent interest per annum.

Prosecutors attend Cebu anti-terror confab PROSECUTORS and investigators from six countries, including the United States and the Philippines have attended a three-day regional counterterrorism conference in Cebu City from Jan. 28 to 30 intended to enhance regional cooperation and share best practices in probing and prosecuting terrorism.

Hosted by the US Embassy in the Philippines Department of Justice Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training, the South East Asia Regional Experts Exchange was attended by 34 prosecutors and investigators from the US, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bangladesh.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, a former prosecutor himself, opened the conference noting, “When we cooperate to stop terrorists from traveling, from gaining audiences on social media, and we prosecute the flow of terrorist financing, we cripple terrorist operations without a shot being fired…it is critical that law enforcement entities embrace new investigative tools and cooperate across national borders,” Kim said, in his speech.

The practitioners, including US.experts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Justice, discussed the use of digital forensics in terrorism cases and social media’s role in terrorism financing. Rey E. Requejo

Every 3rd Sunday of November marked for crash victims

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a new law declaring the third Sunday of November every year as a National Day of Remembrance for road crash victims, survivors and their families in a bid to promote road safety.

The President signed Republic Act 11468 on Jan. 23, which requires nationwide activities to “raise the awareness of the people on the causes, consequences, and costs of road deaths and injuries” and to “promote road safety through a collaborative platform that brings

together various stakeholders.”

Under the law, the Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, to implement commemorative ceremonies for road crash victims and survivors, as well as their families.

Local government units were likewise encouraged to promote road safety through awareness campaigns, special blood donation, inter-faith

and inter-religious activities, and recognition for those who saved lives and supported victims of road crash.

The government shall also launch and maintain a government website or a social media platform dedicated to road safety awareness, including a database registry of road crash victims, as stated in the law.

The DOTr is also mandated to conduct multisectoral conferences focusing on how to improve trauma care system and emotional support programs for victims, survivors, and their families, as well as legal response on road incidents.

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Opinion

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

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Kobe Bryant’s legacy KOBE Bean Bryant is the fourthleading scorer in the history of the National Basketball Association. He had 33,643 points. No. 1 is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387; No. 2 Karl Malone 36,928; No. 3 LeBron James 33,655; and No. 5 Michael Jordan, 32,292 points.

The 6-foot-6 Kobe won five NBA championships, was No. 2 in AllStar appearances (18), an MVP once (2008), and averaged 25 points per game (No. 12 in the league). He was in the All-Defensive team 12 times, second-most in NBA history.

In his final game, watched by 5.2 million people and 18,997 at the Staples Center, on April 13, 2016, Kobe, then 38, scored 60 points.

With his Lakers team down by 10 and only 2:36 left, Bryant went on a one-man rampage, scoring 13 unanswered points in two minutes, culminating with a 19-foot, leadstealing jumper and two free throws to cap a comeback win against the Utah Jazz, 101-96.

In terms of marketing himself, Kobe had no equal. With social media, the Black Mamba made basketball truly a global sport. The New York Times called him “The Face of the NBA’s Worldwide Popularity”.

Kobe also helped make basketball immensely lucrative and globally popular. The LA Lakers is the second most valuable NBA team, $3.7 billion, according to Forbes, behind New York Knicks, $4 billion.

NBA makes $8 billion in revenues.

In 2016, Kobe was the highest-paid athlete in the history of team sports.

He had an annual salary of $25 million and earned $26 million from

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

endorsements. He endorsed Nike which paid him $10 million a year in 2013, Nintendo, Turkish Airlines, Sprite, McDonald’s and Nutella.

When he retired from basketball in 2016, Kobe had had total career earnings of $770 million.

Currently, LeBron James remains the highest-earning NBA player, $94.2 million, according to Forbes; followed by Stephen Curry, $85.2 million; and Kevin Durant, $73.2 million.

Kobe’s greatest contribution to basketball was making it a global brand for NBA.

Kobe had the second best NBA score in a single game―81 points, against the Raptors in 2006, mostly with jumpers and not free throws, unlike the best record, 100 points, of 7-foot-1 Wilt Chamberlain who experts still consider the greatest basketball player because of his size, skill and strength. Wilt held 72 NBA records.

In terms of NBA championships won, Bill Russell still is No. 1―11 in 13 seasons. Kobe is 14th in number of NBA championships, 5, the same as 12 others, including Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

In average points per game, the Top Five are: Jordan, 30.12; Chamberlain, 30.07; Elgin Baylor, 27.36; LeBron James, 27.10; and Jerry West, 27.03.

In my book, the three greatest in basketball are: LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps Kobe’s greatest contribution to basketball was making it

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Global economy catches cold

NEW virus in China is threatening to spread globally and raising fears that it could eclipse the fallout from SARS 17 years ago.

Global financial markets this early are gyrating, with investors fleeing to safe investment havens like gold and the US dollar. For global traders, the coronavirus outbreak in China simply means a slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy. Being the epicenter of the virus, China is trying to contain the spread of the disease by curbing travel outside of the country and locking down Hubei province and capital city Wuhan, the source of the virus.

The coronavirus has already killed 170 people in China and infected 1,700. Beijing has reduced

air travel to and from China, leading to decreased tourists in Asia and other parts of the world. Share prices of airline companies in Asia are falling as the coronavirus takes its toll on regional tourism.

Tech giant Foxconn, the world’s biggest contract electronics maker and which assembles Apple’s iPhones and gadgets for other international brands, for instance, is suffering the brunt of the virus outbreak. Foxconn employs over one million workers in China and accounts for the most US-bound exports by volume from Hubei province.

Toyota of Japan, meanwhile, is keeping its plants in China closed until at least Feb. 9 over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.

Other foreign manufacturers are doing the same—they are cutting their Chinese operations until the crisis blows over.

Trader recall how the SARS crisis paralyzed travel in Asia and pummeled the region’s economies.

The new virus couldn’t have come at a worse time. China limited the celebration of the Lunar New Year holidays when millions of Chinese spend billions of dollars.

The Philippines is not immune to the virus fallout. The arrival of Chinese tourists to the Philippines has significantly risen in the past three years and China is its biggest trading partner. Electronic products topped Philippine exports to China, where they are assembled into gadgets and mobile phone components.

The Philippines will surely catch the cold once China’s economy slows down and global trade declines. The government, thus, must take the necessary pre-emptive measures to limit the damage to the local economy.

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50 years ago, the levee began to break THERE’S a classic photo taken 50 years ago where a young woman is shown leading the charge on Malacañang Palace in late afternoon―or was it early evening― of Jan. 30, 1970. She stood atop a commandeered firetruck, with what appeared to be a handkerchief tied around her head, and pointing her left hand in the direction of Malacañang, seemingly goading those behind her to attack the seat of Executive power by shouting at the top of her lungs the popular radical slogan at the time, “Makibaka, huwag matakot!”

What happened to those in the forefront of the First Quarter Storm?

For activists of varied political persuasions then, Jan. 30, 1970 was their baptism of fire. The rally on that day consisted of the militant national democrats grouped under the Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and the Samahang Demokratiko ng Kabataan (SDK); the Malayang Pagkakaisa ng Kabataang Pilipino (MPKP) and its allied organization, the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation (BRPF), who were also radicals but gravitated towards Marxism-Leninism but not Mao Zedong Thought, unlike the KM-SDK; and the social democrats, among them Lakasdiwa, who were considered “moderates” and “reformists”.

After holding a rally at Plaza Miranda, they marched toward Malacañang Palace and soon engaged police and soldiers in hit-and-run battles with homemade bombs called pillboxes, Molotov cocktails, sticks and stones

and whatever else they could lay their hands on.

When the dust had settled, four young activists were killed, and many more injured as the Marcos regime unleashed the police and the military to quell the revolt.

Jan. 30, 1970 was preceded three days before by another demonstration led by the same groups in front of Congress. After Marcos delivered his State-of-the Nation Address (SONA), a commotion took place when he was about to leave. Then all hell broke loose as police armed with truncheons managed to disperse the crowd, but not without some participants cornered inside an IKOT jeepney from UP and beaten black and blue by antiriot police. Among them was my elder brother, Antonio, known to his comrades as “Tonyhil” and the Secretary General of the SDK, who we saw the day after at the UP Infirmary in Diliman writhing in great pain from truncheon blows all over his body.

The two mass demonstrations in January 1970 were followed soon after by more of the same in the next two months, thus leading to the description of the turbulent period as the “First Quarter Storm of 1970” or FQS. Journalist-poet Jose “Pete” Lacaba captured the atmosphere of the rallies, the mood of the participants and what really happened out in the streets during the first three months of 1970 in a slim volume, “Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage.” I refer the Turn to A5

On the defensive, Mike Pompeo wades into feud with media

By Francesco Fontemaggi ACCUSED of failing to defend his own diplomats in the Ukraine scandal that led to the impeachment of his boss, Mike Pompeo—who as secretary of state is meant to defend press freedoms around the world— has now waded into a bitter feud with the media.

A key ally of Donald Trump, Pompeo has often echoed the president’s disdain for the media. But on Friday he reportedly lost his temper with a National Public Radio journalist who asked him about standing up for the former US Ambassador to Kiev, Marie Yovanovitch, whose removal was a focus of the impeachment investigation.

Mary Louise Kelly, a distinguished former national security correspondent, said that once her microphone

was off Pompeo launched into an expletive-laden tirade, yelling insults and telling her Americans don’t care about Ukraine.

“He shouted at me for about the same amount of time as the interview itself had lasted,” said Kelly, who hosts an NPR daily news show.

“He was not happy to have been questioned about Ukraine. He asked, ‘Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?’ He used the F-word in that sentence and many others.”

He then had a member of his staff bring in a map of the world with none of the countries named and demanded she point to Ukraine, which Kelly said she did.

Without denying that he had cursed at Kelly, Pompeo later issued a statement accusing her of lying twice, in saying she had agreed only to ask about Iran, and in agreeing that their

post-interview conversation would be off the record.

Kelly denied she had agreed to the talk being confidential, and produced an email exchange from before the interview showing that she would not take any subject off the table.

On Tuesday, Trump publicly praised Pompeo’s attack on Kelly, saying he “did a good job on her.”

‘Don’t be such a baby’ The State Department then banned an NPR journalist who wasn’t involved in the spat—veteran diplomatic correspondent, Michele Kelemen —from the secretary’s plane for his latest overseas trip, which includes a meeting in Kiev with Ukraine’s President Volodomyr Zelensky.

The State Department Correspondents’ Association slammed Kelemen’s removal from the flight, saying it was “unacceptable to punish an individual Turn to A5

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Opinion Scared and scarred WITHOUT making light of the wildly spreading nCoV (Novel Coronavirus) let me say I think it best that we, specially government officials and so-called experts, should all step back from the press conferences and hyped, highly intrusive hospital visits complete with masks and all. This simply is not the time for show boating with all kinds of theorizing, investigations and expert interviews.

The past week or so has been filled with news, graphic presentations and features about this newly discovered virus that another round may no longer be helpful. In fact, the opposite may turn out to be true as all kinds of news and expert opinions flooding the airwaves and social media, we may be engendering fear and undue consternation.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with reminding people once in a while about the dangers which may be lurking around. But there is nothing like educating and informing them in a more organized way rather than issuing these out in a disjunctive, intermittent way to get the message across. While we do our utmost to prepare for any eventuality, for example, the public should be told that based on the most recent data so far this nCoV has not been as deadly as the most recent epidemics like MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) or SARS or even the swine flu (HINI). Recorded HINI infections totaled 30,000 cases of which 12,200 died. SARS infected 8,000 people killing 774 (one out of 10) and MERS had 1,200 cases causing 444 deaths. So far, the tracking for nCoV is 3 percent— worrisome but not as sizable as the current news cycle with government’s active participation would like people to believe. But then again, all this is engendering

Kobe...

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a global brand for NBA. Another was building up basketball for the next generation. Kobe’ kept his interest in basketball largely because of his daughter Gianna, 13, who with him in the helicopter crash of Jan. 26, 2020. Gianna or Gigi was the female version of the young Kobe when he was in high school and beating everyone of his peers in basketball. She was to have been the third generation Bryant great in the sport.

“Kobe Bryant (and not Michael Jordan) became the most popular American NBA star in China after Yao Ming’s arrival (in the Houston Rockets) and (which elevated the

50 years...

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reader to his work and to other firsthand accounts of the demonstrations to better understand this crucial period in our political history.

The FQS was a wake-up call for the Marcos regime as it revealed pent-up grievances that had simmered below the surface. It was the logical outcome of protests against the Vietnam War, campus unrest triggered by tuition increases and the demand for the government to uphold academic freedom, and the resurgence of nationalist and anti-American sentiment arising from unequal treaties with a former colonial master, including extra-territoriality rights granted to American servicemen from US military bases in Clark and Subic that allowed those who had violated our laws to be quietly shipped back to the US without facing prosecution in our courts.

The FQS demonstrations and others that took place well into 1971 and 1972 rattled the Establishment and undermined the capability of the powers-that-be to rule in the old way.

The political unrest during this period eventually led to the declaration of martial law in September 1972.

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Young Pakistanis face uphill climb in tech innovation

By Kaneez Fatima and Joris Fioriti

Let us set aside all skepticism. undue fear and apprehension as there seems to be no organized effort to get things put in perspective and people mobilized to get things to calm down.

How we miss the methods and measures of the late Senator and Health Secretary Juan Flavier whose homely video ads and advisories were simply instructive and delightful that entire communities, nay, the whole nation took these to heart and came around together devising their respective responses, mainly preventive, to counter any possible outbreaks.

Or, prevent one from happening.

Up to now, Yosi Kadiri and similar “Flavieritos,” as some have come to call these, remain embedded and repeated in all corners of the country. In tandem with these popular mobilizing efforts was the quiet mobilization done within the health services community starting with preparations at every organized level through barangay health workers and rural health units to municipal health centers and at the regional and central DOH offices.

I have reason to hope that given our experience with Dengvaxia, typhoid and other such health issues these past two years, Health Secretary Duque and his crew have come out with the needed protocols to get us on top of this nCoV scare.

I hope the needed education and information materials about nCoV have been properly disseminated down to the farthest barangays, that the DOH health delivery system is primed and that private health services sector is apprised

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

of what is being done and what we expect from it at any given time., On the part of those who have been scarred by the manner by which Duque and his ilk have conducted and continue to be conducting themselves as far as the Dengvaxia fiasco and all other DOH issues (fund under utilization, slow if not misdirected and undistributed medical supplies, etc. etc.) are concerned, I have just one request: this time around, let us set aside all skepticism, believe Duque, and throw our support to the efforts of the DOH and the medical community to get this scare lowered to the least possible level. We do not need to further fuel the fears and apprehensions of a public which has been scared no end with all the news swirling around thus far.

In the immortal words of the then President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he rallied the American people to buckle down to work, hold on together and rise up to overcome the gloom wrought by the Great Depression: “There is Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself.”

It was that call to arms, albeit embedded in a grand development plan which re-energized a dejected nation, let the nation’s farms bloom and the factories humming as communities across the land moved on past the burdens brought about by a confluence of events, that got the United States down to its knees and with their united efforts catapulted America to its status as a super power.

Sana na nga.

awareness and interest of the NBA in China),” says Forbes’ Patrick Rishe.

“Kobe Bryant leaves as a pioneer among American-born NBA players in skillfully building his brand in China. His vision, intelligence and willingness to engage the people of China offered a great lesson in how those who invest their time into fan engagement will produce the most loyal following.”

During 2002-2003 through 201213, notes Forbes Magazine, “several things happened that helped facilitate Kobe’s global reach. Facebook launched in 2004, Twitter started in 2006, NBA China was founded in 2008, Weibo (often referred to as the Chinese equivalent of Twitter or Facebook) launched in 2009, and Instagram launched in 2010… The ascension of Kobe’s on-court career

perfectly aligned with the birth of various social media channels. The confluence of these events yielded a perfect storm to transform a growing Lakers legend into an international superstar―and one of the most popular athletes in China.”

Rishe writes: “Bryant made a concerted effort to build his personal relationship with the Chinese public. He first visited China to host a basketball clinic in 1998. He returned on a promotional tour for Adidas in 2001 and visited China every year from 2006 through 2015 on promotional tours for Nike. Additionally, he competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning a gold medal, and he visited China with the Lakers for two exhibition games against the Golden State Warriors in 2013.” biznewsasia@gmail.com

With authoritarian rule, the Marcos regime consolidated political power by abolishing Congress and ruling by decree. In the process, it arrested and detained thousands of political opponents and activists, gave birth to the phenomenon that became known as “crony capitalism” where those close to the Palace enriched themselves from overpriced projects and behest loans from government banks.

But the levee eventually broke and the end of authoritarian rule came in February 1986 via “People Power” at EDSA. Today, 50 years later, the First Quarter Storm is likely to be remembered only by those who directly took part in it, or watched it unfold on TV news. But this event marked a turning point in our contemporary political history, as it showed that street protests can spark change for the better, maybe not at once, but over time, through reforms that address fundamental issues of corruption and mass poverty.

So what happened to those in the forefront of FQS 50 years ago?

The woman who was captured on camera 50 years ago seemingly screaming at the top of her voice to attack Malacañang Palace was Leonor “Liling” Magtolis. She is

now Leonor Briones, the Education secretary under the Duterte administration. She was the National Treasurer under the Estrada administration and later founded Social Watch as a platform to see to it that public funds are put to good use rather than squirreled away in private pockets or secret bank accounts.

A handful of those who helped organize the street protest during the FQS are still with the underground movement. But others have opted to leave the movement for ideological and personal reasons and are now working in the public and private sectors.

That tells us that the struggle for social change can take place not only in the jungle fastnesses of the Sierra Madre or in the streets of Manila, but also in the day-to-day work of government, the private sector and civil society or the organized citizenry. If the First Quarter Storm of 1970 demanded radical change all at once through armed revolution, that same demand for meaningful change can be continued with new forms of political struggle and organization to put an end to pervasive corruption and poverty. ernhil@yahoo.com

FOR many of Pakistan’s farmers, long at the mercy of ruthless middlemen, an app enabling them to sell direct to clients could mean more money in their pockets.

Omar Majid Warraich knew his idea could help thousands earn more from their crops, but the problem was he did not know how to execute it.

“As a start-up, you tend to need advice about the do’s and don’ts, when to pitch an idea, what to pitch to investors, apply for grants, get the loans,” he told AFP. Today the co-founder of Agrim@art is one of Pakistan’s start-up success stories—his platform has more than 700 registered and verified farmers and a $100,000 grant from Karandaaz, an investment platform sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Officially launched in August last year, Agrim@art reported sales worth 5.5 million rupees ($36,000) in its first three months, and predict they will have 2,000 farmers working with them by March 2020.

Like tech entrepreneurs around the world, Warraich turned to a start-up incubator for help getting his idea off the ground—the National Incubation Center (NIC), a public-private partnership based in Lahore.

The challenges he faced are not uncommon in Pakistan, where the education system is weak, and the economy is faltering.

Some 64 percent of Pakistanis are under the age of 30, and youth unemployment stood at six percent in 2019, according to a report commissioned by the UN. No money, more problems Incubation centers fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector are “the solution,” believes Faisal Sherjan, program director at NIC. Its hub, with its colorful walls, state of the art labs and quirky furniture, is far removed from the daily grind of the heaving, traffic-choked, polluted city of 11 million.

Teams there have six months to set up their businesses while utilizing its facilities, which include Facebook’s newly installed VR lab to a host of business workshops.

There are supervisors and mentors to help entrepreneurs navigate Pakistan’s daunting business environment.

There have been some homegrown tech hits: Bykea, a motorbike-hailing app, raised more than $7 million in 2019 and is expected to raise another $15 million in the first quarter of 2020.

The country has both a huge talent pool and a huge market, offering the “right mix” for investors, says Khurram Zafar, director of Karandaaz and 47 ventures, a fund that only invests in Pakistan.

But there are concerns about how tech start-ups can successfully navigate a messy business environment.

Pakistan was still ranked a dismal 122 out of 137 on the Global Entrepreneurship Index in 2018, and 108th on the World Bank’s ease-ofdoing-business list.

Kalsoom Lakhani, founder and CEO of the fund Invest2Innovate (i2i), cited the “bureaucratic headaches”, “the difficulty of bringing money into the country and the impossibility of getting it out”, and the “very debilitating” taxation, as key issues.

‘Game-changing start-ups’ Bribery and corruption are widespread, while government efforts to tackle graft have resulted in an unfriendly regulatory environment “towards investors and entrepreneurs alike,” i2i said in a 2019 report on Pakistan’s start-up ecosystem.

The government is enthusiastic about start-ups and has launched incubators in dozens of universities and tech schools, which it hopes will help develop the sector.

Global tech giants are also taking interest.

Ride-hailing app Uber has partnered with a government fund to bring its #UberPitch to Pakistan, where budding businesses are given a chance to present their ideas, while Google and Facebook have awarded grants to start-ups featured on Pakistani reality show Idea Croron Ka (Million Dollar Idea).

But, compared to countries such as neighboring India, investment has been slow to come, making it hard for start-ups to grow beyond their incubation period.

Many tech entrepreneurs are out of touch with the realities of Pakistan and the unique needs of consumers there, said Maryam Mohiddin Ahmed, co-author of a report on Pakistani start-ups entitled “Beyond the Buzz”.

“We don’t need people to get our emails arrive faster but our crops to grow better. If a large chunk of the population is not being served by innovations, then what is the point of innovating?” she added.

What Pakistan needs is more “game-changing startups” on a human and environmental level, she argued.

But despite the challenges, there is room for optimism.

With Pakistan’s young population rapidly digitizing, “never have the opportunities for social, economic and political progress been so great,” the UNDP stated in a 2018 report. AFP

On the defensive,...

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member of our association,” and noting that the State Department was meant to defend press freedoms around the world.

Perhaps more worryingly for Pompeo, Steve Hilton, a star host on the president’s favorite television channel Fox News, blasted Pompeo for “putting out a ridiculous statement, whining about what questions he’d agreed to answer.”

“For goodness sake, Mr Secretary, don’t be such a baby. You should be able to handle tough questions by now and don’t be such a bully,” he said, calling the secretary’s outburst “an embarrassment to you and the administration” and calling on him to apologize.

Pompeo, speaking to reporters as he left on the trip, recalled that he

had a feud with NPR dating from his time as a conservative congressman criticizing Iran policy -- but indicated he was not planning a permanent boycott.

The top diplomat has often made his displeasure known at journalists’ questions in the past: when asked by an AFP correspondent for details on the first meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pompeo fired back: “Don’t say silly things.”

“I find that question insulting and ridiculous and, frankly, ludicrous,” Pompeo said at the time, dismissing AFP’s question about how the United States planned to verify Pyongyang’s commitments on denuclearization as “unhelpful for your readers, your listeners, for the world.” AFP

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‘Unskilled workers prefer risks abroad’

By Maricel V. Cruz

M

ANY unskilled and low-skilled workers prefer facing risks abroad, where they earn much more, than suffer nearly slave labor wages in the Philippines, a legislator said on Thursday.

ACT-CIS Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo, vice chairperson of the House overseas workers affair committee, in a statement said the unskilled and low-skilled workers’s pay locally

“is only slightly above slave labor rates.”

“How can any Filipino family live decently on less than P300 or P400 a day here in our countr y?”

she asked.

She added: “Our country should be upgrading the household service workers so they can work in skilled positions in hotels and hospitals, instead of homes. More dignified work for them. More importantly, we really should fi x our minimum wage system which I think is one of the lowest in the world.”

With the latest total of overseas Filipinos’ remittances from January to November hitting $30.3 billion for a 4.1 percent growth, Tulfo said she was op-

timistic the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would see the 2018 total of $32.213 billion surpassed when the 2019 fullyear figures come in.

“OFWs in Kuwait this year have sent home more remittances but the new partial deployment ban would affect remittances in the next months,” she added.

Tulfo also said: “The OFWs can easily set a new record in the $33 billion to $34 billion range because since 2017 they have been remitting over $3 billion every December.”

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL TRIAL COURT THIRD JUDICIAL REGION BRANCH 63 Tarlac City IN RE: PETITION FOR JUDICIAL RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN DIVORCE,

SPEC PRO CASE NO. 5548

-versusAIZA BACSA DELOS REYES, Petitioner. x--------------------------------------x AMENDED ORDER Petitioner filed through counsel a verified petition for Judicial Recognition of Foreign Divorce praying that a judgment be rendered that Judicial Recognition of Divorce obtained in Korea be granted upon proper notice, publication and hearing and that the same be subsequently entered and recorded in the Civil Registry.

Petitioner further prays for other relief just and equitable under the premises.

It appearing that the petition is sufficient in form and substance, the Court hereby sets the hearing of the Petition on March 03, 2020 at 1:30 o’clock in the afternoon. All persons who may have interest on the petition may appear on the said date, time and place and show cause why the petition should not be granted.

Let a copy of the Order be published once at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines prior to March 03, 2020.

Let copy of the petition together with this Order be furnished to the National Statistics Office, the Office of the Local Civil registrar of Tarlac City, the Office of the Solicitor General, petitioner Aiza Bacsa Delos Reyes, her counsel Atty. Jocelyn Z. Martinez-Clemente for their information and guidance.

SO ORDERED. Tarlac City, January 06, 2020

(MS-JAN. 31, 2020)

MARIA ROMA FLOR A. ORTIZ

Presiding Judge

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Quezon City, Metro Manila BRANCH LXXVIII (78) IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF MINOR CHILD FRANZ INDIVAR LABANAN MACASAIT SP. PROC. CASE NO. R-QZN-19-12337-SP For: Adoption MELANIE CIEGO JAVISON, Petitioner. x--------------------------------------x

ORDER A verified Petition was filed by the petitioner Melanie Ciego Javison, through counsel, praying that after due notice, publication and hearing, this petition be granted and judgment be rendered to the effect that, henceforth, the subject minor, FRANZ INDIVAR LABANAN MACASAIT be freed from all legal obligation of obedience and maintenance with respect to his biological parents and that he be declared to all intents and purposes as the child of herein petitioner, that he be named and known as FRANZ CIEGO JAVISON which is the given name bestowed upon the subject minor as well as the surname of the petitioner, and that he be entitled to the issuance of an amended birth certificate by the Local Civil Registrar of Manila with the following details: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l.

Name of Child Sex Date of Birth Name of Mother Citizenship Religion Occupation Age at the Time of His Birth Name of Father Citizenship Religion Occupation

: : : : : : : : : : : :

Franz Ciego Javison Male August 11, 2013 Melanie Lim Ciego Filipino Roman Catholic Nurse 43 years old Benito Caro Javison Filipino Roman Catholic Government Worker

Petitioner is of legal age, widow, Filipino citizen and a resident of 34-B San Joaquin, San Francisco del Monte, Brgy. Paraiso, Quezon City. She is the adoptive mother of the minor child sought to be adopted. She may be served with orders, summons and other court processes through her counsel.

Petitioner was married to Benito Caro Javison on December 25, 2003 at the Office of the Mayor of Gandara, Western Samar. Petitioner and Benito have been married for almost thirteen (13) years or until the latter’s death on July 12, 2016. Out of their marital cohabitation as husband and wife, petitioner and Benito did not beget any child although they were desirous of having a child of their own.

That sometime in February 2013 while conducting a seminar in his line of work, Benito approached by a pregnant woman and asked if he can adopt her child because she and her husband can no longer afford to sustain the life of their unborn baby for they are already struggling to raise their two children.

Benito refused at first and explained the reasons of his refusal as well as the importance of keeping the child within the biological family. Also, he explained to them the various programs of the government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development so they can sustain the needs of their family.

However, despite such acts, the parents of the unborn child insisted on giving to Benito and petitioner their unborn child. Hence, they accepted the child because they saw the persistence of the child’s parents to give him to any couple who are willing to adopt and a better future to their child.

The minor male child to be adopted by the petitioner is named and registered as FRANZ INDIVAR LABANAN MACASAIT who was born on August 11, 2013 at the Joe R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in the City of Manila to parents Jimmy E. Macasait and Jenelyn M. Labanan. He is six (6) years old as of the date of the petition and a resident of 34-B San Joaquin, San Francisco del Monte, Brgy. Paraiso, Quezon City. Petitioner, thereafter, named the subject minor child FRANZ INDIVAR LABANAN MACASAIT with “FRANZ” as his nickname for purposes of identifying him as her own child.

Sometime in October, 2013, Fran’s biological parents abandoned him, under the care of the Petitioner and her late husband. They gave Franz to petitioner and Benito without receiving any monetary consideration. The only request they made to petitioner and Benito is to raise and rear Franz as their own child. The minor child’s biological parents, Jimmy and Jenelyn, then unable to care for and support herein minor child, Franz, executed/signed a Kasulatan ng Boluntaryong Pagkakaloob on April 30, 2015 at Pasig City, through the Kagalingan Panlipunan at Pagpapaunlad, wherein they voluntarily, irrevocably and unconditionally surrendered the subject minor child, Franz, to the care and custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

IN VIEW THEREOF, and finding the petition to be sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course.

Accordingly, let the instant petition be set for hearing on April 8, 2020 (Wednesday), at exactly 8:30 o’clock in the morning at Rooms B13-B14, Basement, Hall of Justice Building, Quezon City. Notice is hereby given that anyone who has any objection to the petition should file his/her opposition hereto within fifteen (15) days from the last date of the publication of this Order or appear in Court on the above-scheduled date of hearing and show cause, if any, why the petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published, at the expense of the petitioner, once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of national circulation in the Philippines, to be chosen by raffle under the supervision of the Executive Judge, Regional Trial Court, this city pursuant to P.D. 1079. The Court Social Worker is hereby directed to conduct a case study on the petitioner and on the minor subject of the adoption and to submit her report on or before the scheduled hearing.

Petitioner is hereby directed to coordinate with the Court Social Worker Ms. Mariebec Cariaga to facilitate the preparation of the case study report.

Petitioner is further required to furnish a copy of the petition, together with its annexes, the Office of the Solicitor General, Office of the City Prosecutor of Quezon City, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Local Civil Registrar of the City of Manila, the Local Civil Registrar of Quezon City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), and to submit compliance therewith before the scheduled hearing.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, September 4, 2019.

(Sgd.) FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR. Presiding Judge (MStandard-Jan. 31, Feb. 7 & 14, 2020)

RESCUED OWL. Police turn over Thursday to DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda a baby owl rescued by the NCRPO in Talisay, Batangas during simple ceremony at the Parks and Wildlife Office in Quezon City. Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes, which includes about 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Manny Palmero

Karapatan asks: Free political prisoners

By Willie Casas KARAPATAN Alliance Philippines Inc. started a petition to President Rodrigo Duterte urgently calling on the government to immediately release all political prisoners on just and humanitarian grounds, through general, unconditional and omnibus amnesty.

As of December 2019, there are 610 political prisoners suffering injustice in jails throughout the Philippines, including 13 consultants and staff involved in the peace process between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Among them are 104 who are suffering physical ailments; 92 are women, and 48 elderly. At least 363 were arrested under this administration.

Some have been detained for 10 years or more, he said.

These political prisoners experience further suffering due to the periodic denial of visitation along with the harassment and abuse, including mandatory strip searches inflicted on their families and loved ones.

The release of political prisoners is a matter of justice, he said.

Political prisoners have been arrested, detained, and imprisoned for engaging in acts in furtherance of their political beliefs. While some political prisoners are charged with political offenses such as rebellion and sedition, majority of them are facing trumped-up charges of non-bailable, common crimes based on planted evidence and falsified testimony.

Even those who face political charges are also charged with common crimes.

These trumped-up charges are used to justify their illegal arrest and detention, hide the political reasons of their imprisonment as well as to stigmatize and demonize them as common criminals.

Group notes Malacañang tells losing Sangley bidders: Complain invasive bay species

By MJ Blancaflor

MALACAÑANG on Thursday urged the bidders of the Sangley airport project to complain amid reports that the state-run China Communications Construction Co. was favored from the beginning.

The Inquirer has reported that some groups decided to back out from the bidding due to what they described as the project’s “subjective criteria” and a “rushed selection process.”

The report also cited that there were many “direct references” to the Chinese government’s planned involvement in the project.

Last year, it was disclosed that CCCC had joined forces with MacroAsia Corp., an aviation services firm of Philippine Airlines owner Lucio Tan, and became the sole consortium vying for the project, which was seen to transform the former US naval base into an air hub.

Six other groups, including infra-

structure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and billionaire Manuel Villar Jr.’s Prime Asset Ventures, dropped out of the race, according to the report.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government welcomed any complaint.

“You must remember that this government has always been open to any complaint. In fact, we encourage people to complain, so that we will know whatever anomalies there are,” Panelo told a press briefi ng.

SAVE OUR CHILDREN. This is the cry Thursday of the League of Parents of the Philippines during a protest staged at the Commission on Elections office in Intramuros, Manila, urging the elections watchdog to disqualify progressive groups and representatives. Norman Cruz

THE water quality of Manila Bay in its eastern part remains poor, a year after the government launched the rehabilitation drive dubbed as “Battle for Manila Bay,” a group of small fishers on Thursday claimed.

After checking his one-hectare mussel and oyster farm situated in the municipal waters of Bacoor, Joel Falcis, a resident fisherman in the said town and a spokesman for the group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) Cavite chapter, was dismayed that the bamboo poles were covered by the invasive shellfish known to locals as “bahong”, instead of mussels (tahong) and oysters (talaba).

Bahong is a different variety of mollusk that outnumbers the traditional shellfish such as mussels and oysters, and is much more difficult to sell due to its low quality, thus considered by many fishermen as pest and invasive.

“This invasive shellfish becomes more numerous as water quality of Manila Bay continues to get worse. Its deteriorating water quality triggers ecological disturbances such as proliferation of invasive species, fish kills, and drastic decrease of our fish catch.

It harshly disrupts our fishing and other economic activities,” Falcis said in a statement.

PAMALAKAYA questioned the Department of Environment of Natural Resources (DENR) over its claim that water quality of Manila Bay has ‘drastically improved’ one year after the rehabilitation.

“How does the dramatic decrease of coliform levels in certain parts of Manila Bay actually translate to its marine biodiversity?

Even with this supposed drastic improvement of the rehabilitation, it is still far from the goal unless they get to the bottom of this systematic degradation of Manila Bay. What is the plan of action for the significant numbers of establishments that pollute the bay?” said Falcis. Willie Casas

2 suspected terrorists slain by gov’t troops in Sarangani village encounter

By Francisco Tuyay TWO suspected communist terrorists from a 10-man heavily armed rebel band were killed after government forces caught up with them extorting from residents in a remote village in Sarangani Province Wednesday morning, the military said Thursday.

The battle occurred barely hours after terrorists ambushed and killed a policeman and wounded five police officers including two police officials in Bukidnon.

A military report said the firefight took place in Brgy Kinam, Malapatan between 10 members of the Weakened

Guerilla Front TALA, Far South Mindanao Region, early morning Wednesday.

It said troops from the 73rd Battalion, acting on the reported presence of terrorists in Kinam village, immediately went to the area to flush out the rebels.

As government forces were moving to their objective, the troops were met by gunfire, prompting them to reposition themselves.

The reports said the gunfight lasted for more than an hour after which the terrorists withdrew towards a forested portion of Kinam village.

An augmentation team from the 73rd Infantry Bat-

talion led by 1st Lt. Jessie Hinampas, quickly formed a Quick Reaction group together with the Office of Municipal Mayor Salway Sumbo in providing assistance to the family of the killed terrorist.

“I commend the engaged troops and the people of Malapatan, Sarangani for their continued efforts in flushing out the communist terrorists from the community. The success of military operations can be attributed to the efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province and municipality,” said Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Sports

A7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 Manila

Standard

TODAY

Barty falls; Novak-Roger duel looms

Republic of the Philippines GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

M

ELBOURNE—Unheralded American Sofia Kenin stunned world number one Ashleigh Barty to end home hopes at the Australian Open on Thursday, as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic prepared for the 50th instalment of their great tennis rivalry in a blockbuster semi-final.

Barty had sent Australian expectations soaring of a first home-grown winner since 1978, but they came crashing to earth against the aggressive 14th seed, who saved two set points in each set to win 7-6 (8/6), 7-5.

Moscow-born Kenin, 21, looked stunned at reaching her first Grand Slam final, at a tournament where she has often gone unnoticed while fellow Americans Serena Williams and 15-year-old Coco Gauff hogged the headlines.

Kenin’s win came on a day when temperatures hit 38 Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit), prompting play to be suspended on outside courts—ollowing earlier problems with bushfire smoke, downpours, wind and even muddy rain at the season’s opening Major.

The American will face another heavyweight in Saturday’s final, with the second semi featuring Wimbledon champion Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, the two-time Major-winner who is back in a hot streak of form.

‘Fighter’ Federer Later on Rod Laver Arena, Federer and Djokovic—who have carved up 12 of the last 14 Australian Open titles between them— will play for a place in the final.

Djokovic, 32, leads 38-year-old

Federer 26-23 in their head-tohead, and while the Serbian has moved serenely into the last four, Federer made it by the skin of his teeth.

He was two points from defeat against John Millman in the third round and, incredibly, saved seven match points in his quarterfinal against Tennys Sandgren.

A groin problem during Federer’s miraculous escape against Sandgren could also hinder his chances of making it seven titles in Melbourne and stretching his record for Major wins to 21.

But Djokovic says Federer’s heroics against the 100th-ranked American are exactly why the 20time Grand Slam winner is to be feared.

“What he did was amazing, he showed me he’s one of the best players of all time,” said Djokovic, who is targeting a record eighth title in Melbourne.

“I mean, he never gives up.

When it matters the most, he’s focused and he plays his best tennis. He’s a great fighter.”

The other semi-final, on Friday, is between Dominic Thiem—who shocked world number one Rafael Nadal—and Alexander Zverev, the long-admired German talent who is into a Grand Slam last four for the first time. AFP

GLITZY CAGE OPENER. Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao (left) and America’s Got Talent semifinalist Marcelito Pomoy (center) join Sta. Lucia Realty-MPBL team manager Buddy Encarnado, NCRAA general manager, during a recent event. Pacquiao will be guest speaker in the 27th NCRAA season inaugural ceremony on Feb. 17 at the Mall of Asia Arena, while Pomoy will be the guest performer.

Fans chant ‘Kobe’ as Nets pay tribute to Bryant LOS ANGELES—The tears continued to flow and the tributes kept pouring in on Wednesday, three days after five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant was killed in a devastating helicopter crash.

In New York, the Nets and their fans paid tribute to Bryant before their home game against Detroit with a video montage and an eight second moment of silence.

There were also two empty chairs at courtside at Barclays Center, each decorated with a bouquet of flowers. Bryant and his daughter Gigi sat in those seats for a December 21 game against Atlanta.

In the warm-up, the players wore red Lunar New Year shirts with Bryant’s name on the back. Nets fans then chant-

ed “Kobe, Kobe, Kobe”.

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter died when the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter they were riding in slammed into a rugged hillside in thick fog in Calabasas, northwest of Los Angeles. The crash also killed seven others.

Spencer Dinwiddie scored 10 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter as Brooklyn pulled away for a 125-115 victory over the Pistons.

Elsewhere, Victor Oladipo wasted no time channeling his inner Kobe in his return by draining a clutch three pointer as Indiana beat the Bulls 115-106.

Oladipo wiped away tears as he described his clutch shot which came in his first NBA contest in more than a year after sitting out with an injury. AFP

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

2.

Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only.

Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted.

3.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is, Where-is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is, Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

4.

Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

5.

Pursuant to Republic Act (RA) No. 10963 or the Tax Reform Act for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, the selling price of GSIS properties above PhP2.5 million shall be subject to twelve percent (12%) Value-Added Tax (VAT).

6.

Purchase offers are only accepted through CASH basis payable within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS), without privilege of extension.

7.

A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data: A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

8.

Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

9.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer plus the 12% VAT, if applicable, shall be in the form of a MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

10. The following shall be inserted in a sealed bid envelope: A.

Batangas edges Marikina BATANGAS CITY—The Batangas City Athletics gave Batanguenos something to cheer about with a scary 70-66 victory over the Marikina Shoemasters late Wednesday in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season at Batangas State University gymnasium.

Also-ran Marikina had a chance to overturn the result, but Yves Sazon’s 3-pointer with two seconds left was blocked by Jason Melano, allowing the Tanduay-backed Athletics to preserve their 16th win against 11 losses and barge into the playoffs of the South division.

Jeff Viernes, who split his free throws for a 68-66 lead with 10 seconds to go, got the ball in the ensuing scramble after the rejection and was fouled at the buzzer. He made both charities for the final count, to the relief of the packed crowd, many of whom are feeling the pinch of the recent Taal Volcano eruption, which has disrupted life in the progressive province.

Viernes finished with 15 points and 3 rebounds, followed by Jhaymo Eguilos with 13 points plus 7 rebounds, and Melano with 10 points plus 8 rebounds for the Athletics who moved ahead of the eighth-ranked Bicol Volcanoes (1513) and beyond reach of No. 9 Cebu Casino Ethyl Alcohol (13-14).

Date of Bidding Name of the bidder Exact address of property you are interested to bid Transfer Certificate of Title No. Mode of Payment Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) Signature of the bidder/representative

ALL participating bidders must insert: a. properly accomplished BID FORM b. MANAGER’S CHECK payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer plus 12% VAT, if applicable.

B.

If the bidder is being represented by an authorized representative, a corresponding Special Power of Attorney (SPA) must also be included

C.

If the bidder is the occupant of the subject property, two (2) proofs of occupancy must also be inserted. These are: a. Barangay certificate that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property; and b. Valid Government Issued ID with an address showing that the bidder is currently residing in the subject property, or the Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name that shows he/she is currently residing in the subject property.

11. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope).

A. B.

He/she participated in actual bidding and Inserted the two (2) proofs of occupancy inside his/her bid envelope as indicated in Number 9 of these guidelines

13. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she shall adjust his/her initial deposit based on the bid amount of the declared highest bidder. He/she must also pay the adjusted deposit on the day of bidding.

14. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: A.

If the winning bidder is an individual, a. duly accomplished Personal Profile (with attached recent two (2) pieces of 2x2 b. ID pictures of the winning bidder) photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (at least one should be a government-issued ID) If the winning bidder is a corporate entity or partnership, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Registration Certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) c. Articles of Incorporation (if corporation), Articles of Partnership (if partnership), General Information Sheet, and By-Laws duly certified by the SEC d. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located If the winning bidder is a cooperative, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Cooperative Development Authority Registration or any proof of such registration c. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located

B.

C.

15. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately.

16. The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer plus 12% VAT. The 90% balance of the bid amount plus 12% VAT shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension.

Sample Computation: Bid Amount is PhP2,610,000.00 Deposit - (10% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% = Balance - (90% of PhP2,610,000.00) + 12% =

PhP 261,000.00 + 31,320.00 = PhP292,320.00 PhP2,349,000.00 + 281,880.00 = PhP2,630,880.00

17. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s total deposit.

18. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/ winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, he/ she must remit the required non-refundable 10% deposit within three (3) working days after receipt of notice from GSIS. 19. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice.

For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunk line numbers (02) 8479-3600, and (02) 7976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

Revised dated January 31, 2020

Revised dated January 31, 2020

CERTIFICATION I/We certify that the information given and any or all statements made herein are true, correct, complete and updated to the best of my/our knowledge and belief. I hereby certify under pain of perjury that my/our signature/s appearing herein is genuine and authentic. I/We agree that any material misrepresentation or falsity can be used by Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to pursue civil and/or criminal liabilities against me/us.

BID FORM FOR CASH BASIS

RIGHT TO MATCH FORM

I/We hereby certify that I/we have exercised due diligence by verifying all documents pertaining to the above mentioned property with other government agencies (i.e. Registry of Deeds, Assessor's Office, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, etc.) before tendering this bid offer.

Date of Bidding: Name of Bidder: Are you the present occupant of the property?

NO

YES

Block/Unit No.:

Lot No.:

1) to purchase the property an "As-is, Where-is" basis which I/We have inspected the property including whether it is unoccupied or occupied, and as a consequence, I/We will take full responsibility in taking legal measures to eject the illegal occupant/s of the property.

Phase/Area:

Name of Subdivision: City/Municipality:

2) to hold GSIS free and harmless from liabilities of whatever kind and nature arising out of any legal claims which may be filed by third persons involving the property.

Once declared as the winning bidder, I/We will accept the physical and legal condition of the property without seeking assistance from GSIS and waive my/our right to rescind/cancel the sale and ask for refund of payments made to GSIS by reason or any defect therein.

Province:

TCT/CCT No.:

"FOR OCCUPANTS ONLY"

I/We hereby agree to the following:

PARTICULARS OF THE PROPERTY

Date of Bidding: ___________________________________ Name of Bidder/Company/Organization: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

MATCHED BID AMOUNT Bid Offer of the declared highest Bid Amount: _____________________________________________________

Further, I/we authorize and give consent to collect, store, transmit, use, distribute, disclose, share, retain, (amount in figures) dispose, destroy, and process my/our personal information contained in my/our record or any other form or document that I/we have or will submit to GSIS for the purpose of acquiring a GSIS acquired asset/s as prescribed ______________________________________________________________________________________ by the (PhP______________ ) Republic Act No. 10173 also known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012" and its implementing rules and regulations. (amount in figures)

Property Classification:

BID PROPOSAL

(amount in words)

Bid Offer:

PhP PhP

12% VAT:

PhP

Deposit (Managers Check):

At least 10% of the declared highest Bid Amount: ___________________________________________________________ Signature:

BID DEPOSIT 10% of Bid Offer:

Date:

(amount in figures)

(amount in words)

PhP

BIDDER INFORMATION (Please write in BLOCK LETTERS

(amount in words)

______________________________________________________________________________________ (PhP______________ )

THIS PORTION IS FOR GSIS USE ONLY Remarks:

NOAS No.

At least 10% of the declared highest Bid Amount less: Submitted 10% deposit in Manager's Check

(PhP __ (PhP __

) )

Required Additional deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Amount (Cash or in Manager's Check): (PhP

)

I/We the occupant exercises the Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder. Further, I/We hereby agree to pay the required deposit based on the bid amount of the declared highest bidder on the day of bidding.

My/Our failure to settle the said deposit within the day of the bidding shall automatically cancel and revoke my/our declaration as winning bidder. I/We understand that the first declared highest bidder shall be the new winning bidder.

(Signature over Printed Name of the Bidder/Authorized Representative)

12. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided:

Remarks

*** THIS PORTION IS FOR GSIS USE ONLY *** NOAS No.

2nd Highest Bidder: Page 1 of 2

Page 2 of 2

3rd Highest Bidder:

(MS-JAN. 31/ FEB 1 & 2, 2020)

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

Vanessa Bryant: We’re completely devastated LOS ANGELES—Vanessa Bryant spoke out Wednesday for the first time since her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna were killed in a horrific helicopter crash, saying the family is “completely devastated” by the tragedy.

Vanessa, who married Kobe in 2001 when she was still a teenager, took to Instagram to communicate her grief but said she was at a loss for words.

(See related Bryant story on A7) “We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri,” she wrote on her account.

Her comments come three days after Bryant and their 13-year-old daughter died when the Sikorsky S-76 they were riding in slammed into a rugged hillside in thick fog in Calabasas, northwest of Los Angeles. The crash also killed seven others.

The helicopter was headed to Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, where Gianna was scheduled to play a basketball tournament.

Not ‘enough words’ “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now,” said Vanessa, who also changed her Instagram picture to one of Kobe and Gianna embracing. “I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved.

“We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Vanessa said they are still trying to come to grips with the fact that they are gone.

“I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them,” she added.

“But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way.

“Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.”

Vanessa and Kobe Bryant met on the set of a video shoot for which she was modelling. She was 17 and a senior in high school at the time.

They were engaged in 2001 before getting married six months later.

They had four daughters together.

The oldest Natalia is 17 while Bianka is 3 years old and Capri just seven months.

Kobe’s parents didn’t attend the wedding, partly because Kobe’s father was uncomfortable with Vanessa being Latino instead of AfricanAmerican.

In 2003, Kobe was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman at a Colorado hotel. Vanessa attended a news conference at Staples Center arena in Los Angeles and sat next to Kobe as he professed his love to her.

“I love my wife with all my heart.

She’s my backbone,” Kobe said from the podium. AFP

In this file photo taken on March 05, 2018, basketball player Kobe Bryant (right) holds an Oscar beside his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant during the 90th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California. Bryant died Sunday when a helicopter crashed and burst into flames in foggy conditions in suburban Los Angeles, killing all nine people on board including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and plunging the sports world into mourning. AFP

PH bets ready for Para Games

F

ILIPINO para-athletes are thanking the Philippine Sports Commission for its “blockbuster” support, which they hope to channel when they carry the flag in the 10th ASEAN Para Games from March 20 to 28 at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, “Si Chairman (Butch) Ramirez, palagi niyang sinasabi na, ‘he has a soft spot in his heart’ para sa mga para-athletes natin.

And he truly inspires our para-athletes for what he does in the PSC,” said Team Philippines’ Chef de Mission Francis Diaz.

“Blockbuster ang support ng Philippine Sports Commission. The national government through PSC is virtually funding all the training, international competitions to all our para-athletes.

We are very thankful for that commitment,” added CDM Diaz.

From 2017-2019, the PSC spent P182 billion for the training and exposures of national para-athletes.

With the PSC’s backing, Pinay table ten-

nis Paralympian Josephine Medina won a gold medal at the 2019 ITTF Para Bangkok Open in Thailand and was behind the historic 10 golds, 8 silvers and 11 bronze medals of the national para team at 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, where all the medalists received a total of P16.2 million cash incentive from the agency.

The agency has also helped the paraathletes’ community to receive equal benefits as the abled athletes. The agency is also supporting Para National Games, which started in 2012, Nationwide Alay PARA Atleta Program, which was launched during the 1st Philippine Sports Summit in 2017 held in Diliman, Quezon City and the 1st Pilipinas

Para Games last year, which the sports body hosted last year.

CDM Diaz believes that all these programs have helped the Philippine Paralympic Committee to discover more talents for the national pool.

“Dahil sa ating grassroots development program at sa support ng PSC, lumawak po ‘yung training pool ng ating coaches at naka-identify sila ng mga para-athletes para mapalakas ang national team,” said CDM Diaz.

In the upcoming 2020 APG, the host Philippines will send 250 para-athletes, including over 80 officials for the largest multisport event for the differently-abled athletes in Southeast Asia, which only happens biennially.

This is expected to be the biggest Philippine contingent in APG history.

In the 2017 edition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there were Filipino 80 para-athletes and 20 officials.

Judiciary, PITC in do-or-die showdown PBA tackles TWO-TIME champion Games Sunday (Paco Arena) Judiciary and Philippine 3:30 p.m. – NHA vs Agriculture International Global 5 p.m. – PITC vs Judiciary Trading clash in a virtual do-or-die for the fourth semis berth at the close of the quarterfinal round of the 8th UNTV Cup on Sunday at the Paco Arena in Manila.

With both teams carrying similar 6-5 win-loss records, expect intense action in their 5 p.m. encounter as they chase the last semis spot in the annual tournament organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon for public servants.

The winner, however, will have a difficult task of beating top seed and defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines in the semis which is a bestof-three affair.

Department of Agriculture can tie the winner in the Judiciary-PITC showdown if it beats National Housing Authority at 3:30 p.m. as it also holds a 6-5 record.

But the Food Masters can not in any way dislodge whoever will emerge the winner in the PITC-Judiciary tiff due to an inferior goal difference.

NHA has already clinched the third semis after downing the PITC Global Traders, 77-74, last week.

The NHA Builders will face the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Warriors in the other semis pairing.

The AFP Cavaliers and the Warriors advanced outright to the semis after finishing 1-2 in the two-phase elimination round.

Gilas, other vital issues

Antonio Lustestica hopes to lead NHA to another win against Department of Agriculture in the UNTV Cup on Sunday at the Paco Arena.

The chosen charity of the champion team will get the taxfree P4 million top prize while the runner-up’s own charity shall receive P2 million.

7-Stag Clean-Up Derby awards 3 champions CARMONA—The Manila Cockers Club, Inc., the country’s cockfighting industry game changer, concluded its 7-Stag Clean-Up Derby from January 5 to January 13 at the Cockers Arena, by crowning three champions.

Buenas Diaz of Peter Buendia, Conqueror of Roger Jamisola and 9 De Pebrero of Antonio Espinosa were awarded as derby champions after finishing with 6.5-points. They were followed by Dynamic Star RSA of Samuel M./Arnel A; Farmboys of Ruel Lizarda; JEC 11 DIAMOND of E. Aguilar; NLH GF of Nhelvin Henave; and Viva Penafrancia of Marites Zerrudo with 6-points.

A total of P6.650 million participating breeders assistance fund were awarded to the winners and runners-up.

Meanwhile, the MCC is inviting

In the said year, the Philippines placed 5th overall, the best-ever finish of the country so far in the games, with a total of 69 medals composed of 20 golds, 20 silvers, and 29 bronze medals.

As the country hosts the APG this year, Diaz is hoping that the Philippine para-athletes will surpass the previous standing in Malaysia.

“Basta ang commitment natin, we will try to improve our last finish in the ASEAN Para Games. Kung maging no. 4 tayo, that’s an improvement already. Kung no. 3, mas maganda. So syempre, we will aspire for a podium finish.” said Diaz.

Sixteen regular sports are in the APG calendar, namely archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, bowling, chess, cycling, 7-a-side CP football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, triathlon and wheelchair basketball, plus one demonstration sport —para obstacle course.

all interested breeders to join its 2020 Cock Season Derbies, namely the 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 1 (January 15 to 23); 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 2 (January 27 to February 4); 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 3 (February 8 to 16); 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 4 (February 21 to 29); 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 5 (March 3 to 11); 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 6 (March 14 to 22); and 7-Cock Derby Qualifiers 7 (March 26 to April 3).

A guaranteed P6.5 million, plus P1 million additional fund will be awarded per derby. All derbies will have no entry fees and no minimum/ maximum bets, featurign a 3-4 derby format and weight limit of 1.900 to 2.400 kg.

For more information, call the MCC hotline at (02)696 1120 or (63)917 582

MCC President Jose Ramon Magboo joins the winners of the 7-Stag Clean-Up Derby, namely Tony Espinosa (9 De Pebrero), Timeng Gelarso, Roger Jamisola and Celso Pancho (Conqueror) and Arc. Peter Buendia (Buenas Diaz).

2615 or visit our website manilacockers. the G/F Turf Building of the San Lazaro com for more details. Interested parties Leisure Park, Barangay Lantic, Govermay also visit the Cockers Arena located at nor’s Drive, Carmona, Cavite.

MILAN—Matters concerning Gilas Pilipinas and other vital issues will be discussed on the table as the PBA Board of Governors holds its annual planning session for the league’s 45th season.

Members of the board along with commissioner Willie Marcial arrived in the Italian capital of Lombardy late Tuesday following a 16-hour trip from Manila for the three-day meeting that will also tackle the approval and mechanics of the first-ever 3x3 draft in the league, format for the season, and the scheduling of the games for the entire year in the light of the national team’s campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifying windows.

Board chairman Ricky Vargas is set to arrive on Wednesday, along with Meralco board representative Al S. Panlilio to complete the delegation that also includes key PBA officials led by legal counsel Atty. Melvin Mendoza.

Panlilio also happens to be the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Members of the board who arrived with Marcial are Vice Chairman Bobby Rosales of Columbian Dyip, treasurer Siliman Sy of Blackwater, San Miguel’s Robert Non, Rod Franco of NLEX, Alaska’s Richard Bachmann, Atty. Mamerto Mondragon of Rain or Shine, Rene Pardo of Magnolia, Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix, and NorthPort’s Eric Arejola, and Barangay Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua.

Foremost in the board’s agenda is again adjusting the schedule of the league for the entire season to give way to the country’s campaign in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers whose first window will be held from Feb. 20 and 23.

A permanent Gilas coach will likely be tackled as well following the SBP’s appointment of Mark Dickel as interim mentor of the national team for the qualifiers.

Ayala obtains B rating for environment management B2

Business

RCBC AWARDS.

IN BRIEF

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. reaps two awards in the sustainable finance space during the recently-held The Asset Triple A Country Awards 2019 on January 16, 2020.

RCBC bagged the country’s Best Issuer for Sustainable Finance– Financial Institution and Best Sustainability Bond Award for pioneering initiatives that help support and prioritize sustainable projects that create meaningful impact on the communities and the environment. RCBC treasury reserve and liquidity management deputy segment head Francisco Singian Jr. receives the awards.

LandBank’s net profit rises 20% to P18.51b

Ayala’s IMI suspends work in 4 China plants Manila

Standard

By Jenniffer B. Austria

I

NTEGRATED Micro-Electronics Inc. of conglomerate Ayala Corp. has suspended work in four China-based manufacturing facilities due to the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (n-CoV).

IMI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it delayed the resumption of work in manufacturing facilities in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Sichuan and Jiangsu to conform with local government notices on n-CoV. The provincial government units extended the holidays to ensure the implementation of measures and response requirements, and further strengthen the control of the n-CoV. The company scheduled the earliest resumption of work in its plants in Guangdong and Zhejiang on February 9 while the Sichuan and and Jiangsu facilities are expected to resume operations on February 3 and February 9, respectively.

IMI said it was working with customers to develop contingency plans to recover production backlogs as a result of the suspensions, including the temporary transfer of production activities for some customers to other IMI manufacturing plants.

It is also communicating with local government offices regarding the possibility of resuming production earlier than the scheduled dates at reduced production capacity.

“The company is implementing guidelines to address and manage employees who manifest symptoms associated with the coronavirus. Business trips to and from high risk regions have been deferred,” IMI said.

“IMI remains vigilant and will ensure that all employees have a healthy and safe work environment,” it added.

TODAY IMI is assessing the extent of the impact of such outbreak on its operational and financial performance.

IMI recorded a significant drop in net profit in the first nine months of 2019 to $451,000 from $41.4 million a year ago as the slowdown in IMI’s main market segments, compounded by the effects of several geopolitical issues, hindered growth.

The persistent contraction in the automotive sector, especially in China, has reduced customer demand forecasts, leading to challenged margins as new manufacturing lines are temporarily underutilized.

IMI is among the leading global manufacturing solutions expert in the world. It specializes in highly reliable and quality electronics for long product life cycle segments, such as automotive, industrial electronics and more recently, the aerospace market.

From its 21 manufacturing plants across 10 different countries, IMI provides engineering, manufacturing, and support and fulfillment

FAMI-GRAB PARTNERSHIP.

First Metro Asset Management Inc., the fund management subsidiary of First Metro Investment Corp., and Grab Philippines, an appbased ride service provider, sign a memorandum of agreement to develop and improve the financial literacy of Grab’s partnerdrivers. Sealing their agreement are FAMI president Karen Liza Roa (left) and Grab Philippines president Brian Cu.

Luzon facing tight power supply in dry months

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Luzon grid will face tight power supply and possible high rates in the spot market during the dry months similar to what happened last year, according to an official from Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.

“The price profile of 2019 will likely be the same as 2020. There will be price spikes,” Robinson Descanzo, IEMOP chief operating officer, said during a briefing Thursday.

IEMOP operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity. It is a centralized venue for buyers and sellers that trade electricity as a commodity where prices are based on actual use (demand) and availability (supply).

WESM started operations in Luzon in 2006 and Visayas in 2010. Preparations are underway to set up WESM in Mindanao.

“It will not go up beyond P9 because of the cap. That’s the highest we are expect-

ing... because we have projected a growth of 5.6 equivalent to around 700 MW and then we don’t have additional power plants that will come in before summer, it will come in after summer,” the official said.

Descanzo cited a need to ensure power plants do not go on simultaneous outages amid the anticipated increase in demand in Luzon and Visayas by an average of 5.6 percent this year.

According to IEMOP, the anticipated increase in demand followed trends in previous years such as in 2019 when demand rose by 4 percent.

Demand in Luzon is forecast to increase 4.9 percent and Visayas by 6.9 percent in 2020.

The 2020 data projection uses the 2016-2040 Department of Energy Power Development Plan Demand Growth Rate paper.

Peak demand in Luzon and Visayas is expected to reach 14,191 MW this year compared with 13.450 MW in 2019 and usually occur during the dry months when temperatures are high.

LAND Bank of the Philippines said net income rose 20 percent in 2019, exceeding the bank’s profit guidance of P16.6 billion.

The state-run universal bank said net income reached P18.51 billion in 2019 from P15.48 billion in 2018.

The profit translates into a return on equity of 13.19 percent, which is above the industry average of 10.38 percent as of September 2019.

LandBank’s total assets reached P2.03 trillion last year, up 8 percent from P1.87 trillion in 2018. The increased assets were propelled by deposits amounting to P1.78 trillion, up 8 percent or P127.23 billion year-on-year.

“Reaching this new milestone in assets, including consistent growth in all financial fronts, has made 2019 a banner year for LandBank,” said Land Bank president and chief executive Cecilia Borromeo.

“More importantly, we are banking on this performance to enable us to create a bigger impact in helping the agriculture sector grow this year. We look to build on this momentum to intensify and further expand support to our priority sectors, our small farmers and fishers in the countryside,” she added. Darwin G. Amojelar

Infra spending up 28.6% in November

INFRASTRUCTURE spending of the national government rose 28.6 percent in November last year due to higher disbursements from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Department of Budget and Management said spending for infrastructure and other capital outlays amounted to P80.9 billion in November 2019 from 62.9 billion in the same period in 2018.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

B1

The improved infrastructure spending during the period was attributed to the payment for completed and partially completed infrastructure projects of the DPWH and the DOTr. DBM said disbursements of the DOTr for payment of right-of-way acquisitions, and construction of buildings of the Land Transportation Offie and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, contributed to higher infrastructure spending for the period.

Some P1.4 billion was also released to Department of Agriculture for the implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and other facilities.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PH hikes exports to European Union THE Philippines has consistently increased the share of exports to the European Union through the Generalized System of Preferences Plus to €1.9 billion in 2018.

“For 2018, the percentage share of GSP+ exports to total Philippine exports to the EU was 26 percent. Utilization, on the other hand, is at 73.2 percent,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

Used preferences, he said, was still lower compared to the total GSP+ eligible exports €2.6 billion.

The Philippines continues to enjoy zero tariff benefits from the EU under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences, or GSP+.

The GSP+ coverage, implemented in 2014, offers duty-free privileges in 6,274 product tariff lines from the Philippines.

The EU Commission’s 2018 mid-term GSP evaluation showed the Philippines had the second most diversified export portfolio under EUGSP+ with 3,047 tariff lines covered under EUGSP+ from 2014-2016.

The same report also indicated that the Philippines had an average EU-GSP+ utilization rate of 68.9 percent from 2014 to 2016.

Othel V. Campos

B2

Business

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market retreats; Metrobank slips T HE stock market declined Thursday, joining the rest of Asia as the World Health Organization called an urgent meeting on whether to declare a global health emergency over the new virus which has killed 170 people in China.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell 69.63 points, or 0.9 percent, to 7,392.68 on a value turnover of P5.4 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 123 to 61, with 51 issues unchanged.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 4.2 percent to P61.30, while parent GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the

Ty Group, shed 3.8 percent to P716.50.

Universal Robina Corp., the largest snack food maker, slipped 2.8 percent to P151.30, but Manila Water Co. Inc. jumped 13.6 percent to P12.16.

The rest of Asian markets fell Thursday with tech stocks and airlines among key losers.

The WHO, which initially downplayed the severity of the disease, warned all governments to be “on alert” as China reported 1,700 new cases of the SARS-like virus which has infected 7,700 people and been detected in at least 15 countries.

Airlines around the world are either suspending or paring back services in and out of China following cases of human-to-human transmission outside the country and manufacturers have also been cutting their Chinese operations.

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the coronavirus posed a new risk to growth in China and elsewhere.

In Asian stock markets, Taipei closed down 5.8 percent in the first day of trade after the Chinese New Year break, with Eva Airways plunging 9.9 percent and market heavyweight and key Apple supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) sliding five percent.

Fellow Apple supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry fell by the daily limit 10 percent after it said most of its manufacturing plants in China would remain closed until February 10.

The tech giant, better known as Foxconn, is the world’s biggest contract electronics maker and assembles Apple’s iPhones as well as gadgets for other international brands.

The move will likely impact global supply chains for tech companies that rely on the Taiwan firm to manufacture everything from iPhones to flat-screen TVs and laptops.

Foxconn, which employs more than

one million workers in China, accounts for the most US-bound exports by volume from Hubei province which is at the epicenter of the virus outbreak.

Tokyo closed down 1.7 percent and Hong Kong retreated 2.8 percent in afternoon trade.

Japanese automaker Toyota said it would keep its plants in China closed until at least February 9 over concerns about the outbreak which has killed 170 people and infected more than 7,700.

Among other markets, Seoul slipped 1.7 percent, Singapore retreated 0.8 percent and Sydney was down 0.3 percent.

“Equity markets remain acutely vulnerable to adverse developments in the Wuhan virus situation,” said OANDA analyst Jeffrey Halley.

The Fed held its policy interest rate steady on Wednesday but was on alert for possible contagion to the domestic and global economies. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review thurSday, January 30, 2020

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

83 154 0.88 25.15 11.84 4.3 879.5 0.385 64 0.79 32.2 176.9 55.9 21.1 182.3 1,850 62.5

84.5 156.5 0.88 25.2 11.9 4.3 879.5 0.42 64 0.8 32.85 176.9 55.9 21.7 186.7 1,850 62.8

82.75 153 0.88 25.05 11.84 4.3 879.5 0.385 61.3 0.78 32.05 175 53.3 21.05 180 1,850 62.25

FINANCIALS 84.5 2,518,360 154 1,873,720 0.88 10,000 25.1 31,900 11.86 105,800 4.3 5,000 879.5 10 0.4 100,000 61.3 2,069,090 0.78 224,000 32.2 185,400 175 150 53.3 3,020 21.05 22,200 180 352,030 1,850 15 62.5 10,670

211,445,958 288,543,789 8,800 801,115 1,256,684 21,500 8,795 40,100 130,189,055 176,030 5,970,235 26,269 163,413 468,630 63,719,064 27,750 666,491.50

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A 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 MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

32.75 2.08 11.4 0.54 1.2 3.15 0.235 88.35 1.59 15.04 10.16 16.62 32.45 63 2.16 5.02 4.95 9.1 13 9 7.23 21.45 66.9 1.62 36.55 2 12.3 7.69 1.3 202.2 3.26 7.29 10.72 10.7 14.82 280 5.29 1.83 3.86 3.86 9.8 11.94 31 4.96 5.05 1.64 1.7 1.21 9.54 74.2 9.39 0.97 155.5 2.43 1.29 1.04

33.3 2.12 12.08 0.54 1.21 3.36 0.244 100.9 1.59 15.04 10.22 17.8 32.5 63 2.16 5.39 5 9.1 13 9 7.23 21.85 66.9 1.7 37.15 2.03 12.9 7.69 1.33 203 3.26 7.29 12.28 10.8 14.86 285 5.29 1.85 3.86 3.88 9.94 11.94 31 4.98 5.2 1.64 1.7 1.23 9.6 74.2 9.39 1.02 156.9 2.45 1.31 1.1

32.6 2.02 11.36 0.53 1.2 3.15 0.233 88.35 1.55 15 9.01 16.62 32.45 61.45 2.15 5 4.95 9.03 12.56 8.88 7.22 21.1 66.5 1.58 36.55 1.94 12.3 7.2 1.12 200 3.26 7.29 10.72 10.5 14.72 276 5.29 1.82 3.86 3.81 9.75 11.62 29.8 4.82 5.02 1.6 1.7 1.06 9.5 73.1 9.1 0.95 151.3 2.4 1.26 0.98

INDUSTRIAL 33.25 610,100 2.04 2,891,000 12.08 1,187,600 0.54 628,000 1.21 212,000 3.31 4,196,000 0.235 3,470,000 100.9 110 1.56 8,174,000 15.04 1,655,400 9.05 3,405,100 17.8 1,800 32.5 500 61.45 550 2.15 25,000 5.39 100,100 5 15,500 9.05 1,464,900 12.62 339,800 8.88 122,900 7.22 3,995,100 21.5 1,674,600 66.6 61,420 1.68 29,875,000 37.15 111,000 2 3,459,000 12.76 24,700 7.29 1,120,100 1.25 541,000 200.2 580,180 3.26 3,000 7.29 100 12.16 37,807,400 10.7 67,800 14.8 2,697,300 277.4 182,150 5.29 1,000 1.82 51,000 3.86 11,000 3.81 995,000 9.9 7,000 11.94 28,100 30 249,900 4.82 17,000 5.2 64,400 1.6 336,000 1.7 1,000 1.08 2,491,000 9.5 264,700 74 50,220 9.36 320,300 1 269,000 151.3 778,220 2.4 31,000 1.28 6,620,000 0.99 9,006,000

20,219,790 5,944,060 ( 14,302,196 335,320 254,900 13,757,420 821,690 9,844 12,775,680 24,883,640 32,202,626 30,034 16,245 34,572.50 53,900 501,004 77,480 13,277,720 4,312,612 1,091,918 28,844,689 36,052,730 4,089,824.50 48,998,980 4,120,370 3 6,900,210 307,936 8,216,871 656,260 116,564,008 9,780 729 437,706,864 722,598 39,876,306 51,216,934 5,290 93,230 42,460 3,817,120 69,153 332,162 7,516,495 83,540 323,952 540,570 1,700 2,799,100 2,515,646 3,708,655.50 2,963,830 256,370 120,106,660(46 74,720 8,539,200 9,312,870

7,580,415 816,040.0001) 1,774,594 48,450 9,600 -3,086,150 -296,912 112,100 -10,800 4,343,740 -3,197,384 -1,021,557 7,666,136 8,706,570 -4,679.50 -2,302,200 ,336,130.0001 -2,006,260 2,056,335 33,600 -54,194,270 42,015,566 -96,584 -36,909,622 -3,254,874 -32,800 -1,436,970 -16,556 -980,265 181,661 -202,172 344,233.50 -187,000 ,525,592.0004) 31,080 -58,880 122,400

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 LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.87 51.45 10.82 0.7 6.2 10.96 0.93 0.95 719 2.64 6.39 6 12.98 0.206 753 5.11 74.95 0.5 3.72 10.38 0.57 3.22 5.31 1.2 2.75 143.3 2.01 1,020 0.81 1.22 186 188 0.206 0.225

0.88 51.5 10.9 0.72 6.2 10.96 0.93 0.95 735 2.67 6.42 6.11 12.98 0.206 753 5.15 74.95 0.5 3.74 10.4 0.6 3.3 5.48 1.2 2.75 145.9 2.01 1,020 0.84 1.22 194.5 188.1 0.206 0.225

0.86 50.55 10.78 0.69 6 10.36 0.9 0.95 717.5 2.6 6.36 5.95 12.98 0.206 716.5 5.11 72.8 0.485 3.72 10.18 0.57 3.21 5.02 1.17 2.75 142.7 2.01 995 0.81 1.22 183.7 179 0.206 0.222

HOLDING FIRMS 0.86 7,737,000 50.9 437,410 10.78 4,593,600 0.69 739,000 6 57,000 10.72 48,800 0.92 1,820,000 0.95 58,000 721 188,570 2.67 3,428,000 6.38 1,378,500 5.96 6,692,800 12.98 8,000 0.206 200,000 716.5 97,210 5.15 32,900 73.05 828,610 0.5 252,000 3.72 224,000 10.3 1,975,200 0.6 15,000 3.21 47,140,000 5.02 111,400 1.17 78,000 2.75 2,000 142.7 151,740 2.01 2,000 995 311,885 0.84 50,000 1.22 30,000 190 190 180 9,990 0.206 200,000 0.223 820,000

6,671,120 22,321,878.50 49,542,544 517,410 344,846 528,892 1,653,630 55,100 136,696,740 8,990,720 8,808,418 40,103,497(12 103,840 41,200 71,853,560 168,483 60,627,397.50 123,305 834,200 20,307,754 8,580 152,948,580 576,907 92,460 5,500 21,721,137(16 4,020 313,016,065 41,670 36,600 35,527 1,834,695 41,200 182,730

860 -5,456,544.50 6,556,780 6,010 606,325 -252,180 -203,747 ,922,241.0002) -39,565,885 -122,293 -25,301,302 -2,971,714 -15,838,260 ,403,179.0003) -150,038,170 -704,917 -

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CENTURY PROP CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP

14.72 0.7 1.7 0.82 41.75 1.7 4.67 6.4 0.51 0.8 0.187 0.385 9.05 17.2 0.405 1.51 1.08 4.13 0.229 0.38 1.24 0.33 2.06

14.76 0.71 1.71 0.82 42.05 1.7 4.67 6.64 0.52 0.8 0.187 0.385 9.05 17.5 0.405 1.51 1.08 4.23 0.229 0.38 1.24 0.33 2.08

14.72 0.69 1.66 0.8 41.6 1.63 4.62 6.4 0.5 0.79 0.18 0.385 8.99 16.84 0.4 1.47 1.07 4.1 0.225 0.38 1.18 0.3 2.05

PROPERTY 14.76 407,300 0.71 78,000 1.7 296,000 0.8 563,000 41.9 9,373,300 1.63 357,000 4.63 225,000 6.64 17,200 0.52 8,012,000 0.8 140,000 0.182 1,530,000 0.385 210,000 8.99 335,900 16.9 403,300 0.4 3,270,000 1.5 11,696,000 1.07 824,000 4.14 44,063,000 0.229 4,030,000 0.38 40,000 1.2 2,046,000 0.31 820,000 2.06 289,000

16,259,772 -73,758,051 -2,520 -444,370 -59,404,828 0 -2,360,305 -445,470 -45,768,614 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

26.95 2.06 3.17 40 2.54 1.85 7.22 5.64

27.15 2.06 3.17 40.7 2.56 2.06 7.27 5.64

26.4 2.06 3.12 40 2.5 1.81 7.15 5.3

26.5 2.06 3.12 40 2.54 2 7.25 5.3

3,934,200 13,000 73,000 6,861,500 156,000 8,641,000 7,004,200 62,200

105,003,510 26,780 228,360 275,772,395 395,200 17,006,530 ( 50,725,617 339,014

20,208,270 -18,733,565 960,999.9994) -8,436,754 -

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

9.41 17 1.32 11.08 0.42 0.05 16.28 2.98 9.99 79.7 6.58 5.33 1.8 8.76 890 1,971 5.4 431.4 9.61 1.33 131.5 8 7.3 0.104 4.01 13.66 2.5 0.98 10.58 0.405 3.1 2.05 1 0.97 13.8 2.38 2.13 7.3 142.4 3.72 1,014 0.57 0.37 39.35 79 9.1 2.4 0.61 0.26 0.59 18.9

9.68 17.48 1.32 11.08 0.425 0.05 17.5 2.98 10.08 79.8 7.03 5.45 1.99 8.8 890.5 1,996 5.4 445.2 13.36 1.33 131.9 8 7.5 0.104 4.14 13.66 2.5 0.98 10.6 0.405 3.1 2.05 1.08 1.06 13.84 2.47 2.2 7.5 142.5 3.83 1,030 0.58 0.37 39.35 79 9.25 2.4 0.62 0.265 0.59 19

9.4 16.6 1.31 10.8 0.415 0.048 16.28 2.74 9.35 77.8 6.5 5.2 1.8 8.37 890 1,960 5.33 425.4 9.61 1.22 131 8 7.3 0.101 3.5 13.66 2.37 0.9 10 0.4 3.05 2.03 0.98 0.96 13.8 2.36 2.12 7.3 142.4 3.56 1,012 0.56 0.34 38.5 76.25 9.09 2.25 0.6 0.25 0.59 18.9

SERVICES 9.68 17 1.31 10.98 0.425 0.049 17.5 2.75 9.35 77.8 7.03 5.22 1.99 8.64 890.5 1,960 5.35 426 13.36 1.25 131.5 8 7.5 0.101 3.62 13.66 2.37 0.96 10.2 0.4 3.06 2.03 1.08 0.97 13.84 2.37 2.2 7.3 142.5 3.75 1,012 0.56 0.35 38.5 77.6 9.09 2.27 0.61 0.26 0.59 18.92

3,200 302,400 195,000 2,010,000 1,330,000 47,620,000 3,200 772,000 5,551,300 171,410 10,700 565,300 2,000 58,200 2,240 14,095 49,600 60,530 800 4,194,000 1,177,180 100 1,000 3,490,000 23,611,000 100 306,000 23,000 1,499,200 410,000 195,000 461,000 65,000 157,000 2,900 1,472,000 72,000 5,100 38,300 7,335,000 442,220 381,000 22,240,000 630,000 702,370 65,700 5,564,000 4,546,000 4,900,000 526,000 3,956,300

30,118 5,235,404 255,510 22,021,572 556,800 2,334,520 53,560 2,171,730 52,655,947 13,387,999 69,941 3,009,070 3,790 506,124 1,994,620 27,826,605 266,375 26,355,916 8,491 5,260,110 154,780,558 800 7,340 354,980 90,863,430 1,366 736,790 20,980 15,335,134(2, 164,450 599,650 938,120 64,510 151,490 40,092 3,533,930 154,070 37,470 5,455,835 26,884,090 450,051,450 216,840 7,810,150 24,522,670 54,722,495 601,165 12,879,220 2,772,160 1,245,800 310,340 74,950,494 26

-6,698,322 120 -22,891,330 5,430,745.50 9,840 -132,864 -1,678,300 190,920 267,920 -5,724,517 -72,100 734,860 2,370 293,302.0002) -125,980 229,480 12,950 0 130,820 -31,187,500 -7,290 1,055,500 -5,621,275 -2,524,582.50 1,821,050 652,700 125,000 ,079,635.9998

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

0.0014 8 1.06 2.5 11.82 1.15 3.12 0.27 7.01 1.51 0.21 0.097 0.101 0.8 3.1 1.05 0.74 0.011 0.011 2.9 9.35 20 0.0055

0.0015 8.07 1.08 2.5 11.82 1.15 3.12 0.27 7.05 1.53 0.21 0.097 0.101 0.82 3.1 1.05 0.74 0.011 0.011 2.98 9.43 20.75 0.0055

0.0014 7.85 1.02 2.5 11.82 1.15 3.05 0.26 6.99 1.5 0.204 0.097 0.101 0.79 3 1 0.7 0.011 0.01 2.9 8.9 19.96 0.0055

MINING & OIL 0.0015 29,000,000 8 92,500 1.02 2,214,000 2.5 4,000 11.82 100 1.15 29,000 3.05 1,292,000 0.27 390,000 6.99 8,600 1.51 1,258,000 0.206 520,000 0.097 20,000 0.101 10,000 0.8 261,000 3 3,343,000 1.04 51,000 0.71 47,000 0.011 6,500,000 0.01 15,200,000 2.95 491,000 8.91 1,096,800 20 2,106,200 0.0055 5,000,000

40,700 735,438 2,310,050 10,000 1,182 33,350 3,960,710 103,100 60,182 1,898,650 107,160 1,940 1,010 208,600 10,126,310 51,390 33,170 71,500 157,200 1,446,150 9,913,156 42,133,372 27,500

-93,202 10,600 -82,320 -50,590 -1,911,280 -826,000 -218,211 -5,415,956 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G GTCAP PREF A HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

15.8 497 100.9 100.5 105.1 980 99 100.3 1,041 1,065 1,030 990 77 74.9 75.95 75.7 75.7

15.9 503 100.9 101 108 980 99 100.3 1,041 1,065 1,040 990 77 75.5 76 75.7 75.7

15.5 496 100.5 100.5 105 980 99 100.1 1,040 1,065 1,030 990 76.8 74.5 75.95 75.7 75.7

PREFERRED 15.56 228,800 503 3,910 100.5 1,000 101 11,000 108 20,150 980 250 99 10 100.1 20,000 1,040 1,000 1,065 220 1,040 550 990 2,600 76.8 15,200 75 44,400 76 1,300,500 75.7 500 75.7 1,000

3,567,346 1,943,960 100,624 1,108,000 2,116,217 245,000 990 2,002,772 1,040,465 234,300 566,740 2,574,000 1,169,264.50 3,329,934 98,837,990 37,850 75,700

-2,707,218 -

LR WARRANT

1.24

1.24

1.18

WARRANTS 1.2 271,000

324,780

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

3.85 10.8 2.28 0.86

3.99 10.8 2.28 0.87

3.77 10.12 2.28 0.85

3.77 10.2 2.28 0.86

FIRST METRO ETF

112.2

112.7

111

MS 5,995,520 54,790 500,970 453,480 393,243,110 583,580 1,043,150 110,128 4,092,020 111,990 276,830 80,850 3,023,494 6,880,468 1,309,000 17,507,370 884,380 183,856,970 913,260 15,200 2,445,180 256,200 595,160

-238,464 72,580 3,924,780 388,920 219,200 -2,699,316 -1,825,096 -1,260,600 -8,774,190 20,432,440 12,000 28,700

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

Trading Summary FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

SHARES 8,178,812

132,352,648 84,135,796

PROPERTY

118,271,867

SERVICES

148,916,731

MINING & OIL

69,008,771

GRAND TOTAL

562,838,790

SME

387,000 442,200 4,000 1,130,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 111 10,450

-

1,482,250 4,556,286 9,120 968,430

67,950 4,250

1,169,446

4,460

VALUE 1,786.63 (DOWN) 11.02 785,890,641.51 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 9,291.53 (DOWN) 65.04 1,100,889,626.43 HOLDING FIRMS 7,060.19 (DOWN) 100.30 1,160,120,177.92 PROPERTY 3,917.96 (DOWN) 8.39 SERVICES 1,501.69 (DOWN) 17.17 1,176,650,581.84 MINING & OIL 7,516.98 (DOWN) 77.28 1,143,921,600.91 PSEI 7,392.68 (DOWN) 69.63 73,443,699.154 All Shares Index 4,392.55 (DOWN) 32.51 5,449,102,901.76 Gainers: 61; Losers: 123; Unchanged: 51; Total: 235

Ayala obtains B rating for environment management

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE Ayala Corp. obtained a B rating from the UK-based organization Carbon Disclosure Project for its commitment to measure and manage its environmental performance in 2019.

Ayala is the first and only organization in the Philippines to achieve such a score from CDP, which supports the disclosure of major corporations’ environmental impact.

From 8,000 companies surveyed worldwide, Ayala was one of the 19 percent of companies who made it to the management and leadership band worldwide.

“This CDP rating is a testament to our focus on the climate change agenda.

For years, the importance and urgency of protecting the environment has been a priority across our businesses,” said Jose Teodoro Limcaoco, chief sustainability officer and managing director of Ayala, in a statement.

“We will continue our efforts and commitment to UN SDG 13 in our Ayala Sustainability Blueprint,” he added.

The conglomerate said CDP rating recognized the group’s efforts on environmental stewardship to help mitigate climate change, its proactive and robust risk management and continuous strong undertakings to adopt sustainability best practices.

These endeavors are further reflected in the Ayala Sustainability Blueprint, which the company launched in 2019.

In this masterplan, each of the group’s business units has set a target that supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal that its business naturally aligns with.

Meanwhile, Ayala said its B rating was higher than the Asia Region Average Performance and Global Average Performance, which both have a C rating.

DBS Group Holdings from Singapore, and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. of Japan received a B rating, along with other companies from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, South Korea and Thailand.

Air Asia PH says passengers rose by 25% in 2019

By Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippine unit of Southeast Asia’s largest budget airline said passenger traffic rose 25 percent in 2019 on the back of additional frequency for domestic and international routes.

Air Asia Philippines said passengers reached 8.55 million last year from 6.87 million in 2018.

The budget airline’s load factor stood at 88 percent, up 3 percentage points from 85 percent in 2018.

Air Asia Philippines recorded total passengers of 2.25 million in the fourth quarter, up 21 percent from 1.86 million passengers.

Air Asia Philippines attributed the growth of passenger traffic to the introduction of a new route, ManilaBacolod, in addition to frequency increases across popular domestic and international routes such as Cagayan de Oro-Manila, Manila-Caticlan and Bangkok-Manila.

Load factor was, however, lower by 4 percentage points to 85 percent in 2019 due to the large increase in capacity.

The airline operates several flights to and from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark and Iloilo in the Philippines.

It operates international flights to and from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Shenzhen, Kaohshing, Bali, Shenzhen, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.

The company plans to raise $200 million through an initial public offering this year or 2021. Air Asia Inc. tapped Citibank and BDO Capital and Investment Corp. as financial advisors.

The company plans to expand its fleet from 23 to 50 aircraft with the next three years.

The Romero family led by Michael and Shiela Romero owns 60 percent of AirAsia, while AirAsia Bread founders Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Menardum control 40 percent.

World

B3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HK shelves stripped of face masks H ONG KONG― Long queues form at pharmacies and crowds of panic-buyers strip supermarket shelves in Hong Kong as fears spread through the crowded metropolis over China’s new coronavirus epidemic.

As a city that lost nearly 300 people to the SARS virus in 2003, Hong Kongers are taking few chances over the latest disease outbreak that began in central China and has since spread.

Usually clogged streets have been uncharacteristically quiet, with light traffic and crowds over the Lunar New Year holiday.

But the one place Hong Kongers are still willing to gather in sizable numbers is outside their local pharmacies, hoping to snap up rapidly diminishing supplies of surgical face masks.

In the middle-class district of Tseung Kwan O, hundreds of residents patiently queued for hours on Thursday to buy masks at a pharmacy that, like many outlets, was now limiting sales to one box per person.

“No matter how long this queue takes and how much it costs, I will at least buy enough for myself,” a 26-year-old woman, who gave her surname as Tam, told AFP. Like many in the queue, she was angry at local authorities.

“I’m not satisfied with what the government is doing to prevent the epidemic.

It doesn’t close the border to mainlanders, and there is a lack of the supplies for

masks in the market,” she added.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has resisted public pressure to close its border with the Chinese mainland although it has shuttered some crossings.

A 17-year-old student, who gave her first name Michelle, said she had queued for more than an hour to get a box of masks.

“I hope this will be enough for a month. If I don’t have enough masks, I might need to stay at home and can’t go to school,” she said.

The South China Morning Post reported that some people camped out overnight after Watsons, one of the city’s largest pharmacy chains, said a limited supply of face masks would be sold on Thursday.

Angry customers argued with staff outside some stores when supplies ran

White House seeks to stop Bolton at trial

out, the paper reported.

Supermarkets have also seen their shelves cleared in some districts.

“I bought a bag of rice and some canned food too,” a 60-year-old retiree surnamed Sin told AFP. “I am trying to avoid gathering with friends and reduce the amount of time to dine in at restaurants.”

Hong Kong’s government said it was “striving to procure more surgical masks to cope with the epidemic”, adding it had contacted 140 suppliers in 10 countries.

It added that the “supply of surgical masks in the market would still be tight in the near future”.

The city’s customs department said it had also launched an operation to weed out counterfeit masks that did not comply with international safety standards.

AFP

WASHINGTON―President Donald Trump’s defense team, seeking a speedy acquittal at his Senate impeachment trial, resisted Democratic efforts on Wednesday to have former national security advisor John Bolton testify, arguing that it could prolong the divisive proceedings for months.

Trump lashed out at Bolton on Twitter, saying his former aide was coming out with potentially damaging allegations in an upcoming “nasty & untrue book” because he was fired from his White House position.

Bolton reportedly claims in the book that Trump told him military aid to Ukraine was tied to Kiev investigating his political rival Joe Biden―the charge at the heart of the two articles of impeachment approved on December 18 by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.

The fight over Bolton’s testimony intensified as the senators who will decide Trump’s fate began directly questioning Democratic prosecutors and White House lawyers.

Taking turns by party, senators spent 10 hours submitting written questions, which were then read aloud to the chamber by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, who is presiding over just the third impeachment trial of a president in US history.

The 100 members of the Senate will return at 1:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday to pose further questions to the White House defense lawyers and the seven House prosecutors seeking Trump’s removal from office for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said it may be an “uphill fight” to garner enough Republican support to issue a subpoena to Bolton, who has said he is ready to testify. AFP

IN BRIEF Flash floods kill nine on Indonesian island MEDAN―Flash floods and landslides have killed at least nine people and forced thousands into temporary shelters on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, the local disaster agency said Thursday.

Torrential rain in North Sumatra this week sparked the disaster, with most victims drowning or hit by logs swept away in the current, the agency added.

“We suspect [two victims] were killed after getting hit by logs,” said Safaruddin Ananda Nasution, head of Central Tapanuli’s disaster mitigation agency.

Rampant illegal logging in the area may have contributed to the disaster by loosening the soil and making it susceptible to landslides, he added.

Several thousand residents have fled to shelters.

This month, record rains triggered flooding and landslides that killed nearly 70 people in and around Jakarta, which is on neighbouring Java island.

Entire neighborhoods in Indonesia’s capital―a megalopolis home to around 30 million people―were submerged in floodwaters that forced tens of thousands into shelters.

The Southeast Asian archipelago is regularly hit by floods during the rainy season, which started in late November.

AFP

Billionaire cancels hunt for lunar love TOKYO―A Japanese billionaire who launched a public search for a girlfriend willing to join him on a trip into space abruptly canceled the hunt on Thursday, despite attracting nearly 30,000 applicants.

Yusaku Maezawa earlier this month said he was looking for a mate willing to join him when he heads on a trip around the Moon in 2023 or later, as the first private passenger on a voyage offered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. His search for a soul mate was due to be turned into a TV show for a webstreaming service.

But on Thursday Maezawa dashed the hopes of thousands, citing “personal reasons.”

“Despite my genuine and honest determination toward the show, there was a part of me that still had mixed feelings about my participation,” he wrote, in English, on his Twitter account.

“To think that 27,722 women, with earnest intentions and courage, had used their precious time to apply makes me feel extremely remorseful,” he added.

Maezawa, formerly chief of the online fashion company Zozo, is known for his penchant for publicity stunts―including offering cash to people on Twitter. AFP

Manila

Standard

TODAY

OFFERINGS TO A DEITY. Families with their children give offerings to the Hindu deity Saraswathi as they participate in the traditional religious ceremony of ‘Aksharabhyasam’ that gives initiation for the children’s education at a temple in Hyderabad on January 30, 2020. AFP

BALANCE SHEET

As of DECEMBER 31, 2019

Diabetics turn to Canada or black market for insulin MINNEAPOLIS―On a frosty January morning in a Minneapolis suburb, Abigail Hansmeyer leaves her car engine running and takes out a brown paper bag carrying needles and a vial, handing it over to its recipient in an anonymous shopping center parking lot.

The exchange is technically illegal, but these aren’t illicit drugs.

Instead, the vial contains insulin: a medicine that has since its discovery in the 1920s transformed a diagnosis of diabetes from a swift death sentence to a manageable disease.

Yet its price has sky-rocketed in the US over the past decade, creating informal networks of people who build up stockpiles and give to others what they don’t need themselves.

“Thank you so much,” says Annette Gentile, 52, as she takes the bag from Hansmeyer, checking the labels and doses. “I’ve been on a

roller coaster in the last few days,” she adds, because of her elevated blood sugar levels.

Gentile doesn’t live in abject poverty. She receives a monthly disability allowance of $1,200 and has public health insurance. Crucially, however, that insurance does not cover prescription medicine.

The contents of the bag she just received, which will keep her going for a month, would cost her about a thousand dollars at a pharmacy. “I purely rely on donations,” she says.

Her 29-year-old benefactor Hansmeyer is unemployed and has type 1 diabetes, a chronic condition that appears in childhood where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, the hormone that lets sugar enter cells to produce energy.

People who have it need to inject themselves with insulin several times a day for the rest of their lives. AFP

Heatwave renews bushfire worries SYDNEY-Australia was bracing for a heatwave to sweep across the country’s fire-ravaged southeast in the coming days, with the forecast stoking fears the soaring temperatures could inflame bushfires.

Temperatures reached above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday in South Australia state, where dangerous fire weather warnings were issued in several bushfire-prone areas.

The heatwave is then expected to hit Melbourne and Canberra on Friday before parts of Sydney reach 45 degrees Celsius on the weekend.

Authorities say the searing heat, accompanied by dry winds, would bring severe bushfire conditions to parts of New South Wales and Victoria―where more than 80 fires are still burning across the two states.

“We’ve had the benefit of some suppressed, benign conditions over the last few days. However, as we’ve heard, it’s going to be hot and dry,” Victoria Emergency Services Commissioner Andrew Crisp said, urging residents to be prepared for bushfires to flare.

“If you’re gonna wait until you see the smoke or the fire at your doorstep, it’s far too late. You’ve gotta get out early,” he said. AFP

040608 (Bank Code)

METRO SOUTH COOPERATIVE BANK

IDC Centre, Zapote Street cor. Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City

ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordlnated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposrt Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Caprtal TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commttments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advlsory/Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter 11,710,908.46 2,015,700,09 65,113,776.08 65,128,476.08 996,845,822.33 752,898,960.96 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000,000.00 15,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,774,874,289.29 2,312,309,375.14 0.00 0.00 2,814,333,810.39 2,345,768,896.24 0.00 39,459,521.10 33,459,521.10 116,922,258.55 67,830,595.11 0.00 0.00 24,825,849.82 25,098,848.53 125,044,036.07 210,344,688.69 84,054,559 87 4,578,167.98 4,813,096.49 0.00 0.00 4,218,969,668.45 3,455,439,741.09 0.00 2,089,080,623.76 0.00 1,253,000,000 00 0.00 1,253,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,358,898.80 39,303,168.66

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. ANTONIO CECELIO T. PASCUAL Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman DIRECTORS PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS DORIS R.DORIGO NORMA G. GUHITING SEGUNDO R. LANUZA, JR. EDITA S. LAURON GARIBALDI O. LEONARDO ROBERTO C. MASCARINA SERAFIN F. PERALTA DIVINA C. QUEMI PEDRO E. RIEZA, JR. JUANITO P. ROSINI NICOLAS H. VERONILLA EXECUTIVE OFFICER Renelia V. Estioko Chief Executive Officer/ President

3,391,742,691.22

0.00 1,914,336,481.60 ATTY. Simeon T. Asia 0.00 Board Secretary 705,000,000.00 0.00 705,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,562,687.21 33,912,181.29 0.00 2,665,811,350.10

683,650,578.81 1,444,150.83 142,132,247.59 0.00 827,226,977.23 4,218,969,668.45

675,619,363.48 8,869,353.28 105,139,674 23 0.00 789,628,390.99 3,455,439,741.09

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,900,258.56 12,900,258.56

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,900,315.56 12,900,315,56

2,977,735,227.85 163,401 ,417.46

2,509,170,313.70 163,401,417.46

386,266,623.15 12.97% 222,865,205.69 7.48% 52.52% 42.30% 45.00 510,849,437.35 17.16% 0.00 0.00%

506,511,304.26 20.19% 343,109,886.80 13.67% 38.87% 32.26% 45.00 406,459,116.21 16.20% 0.00 0.00%

8.27% 59.24% 5.00%

8.03% 39.85% 1.00%

16.33 15.38 0.00 0.00 0.00

21.30 20.36 0.00 0.00 0.00

1/ Common Equity Tier 1 is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City) s.s.

I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and RENELIA V. ESTIOKO of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

RENELIA V. ESTIOKO President

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 20th day of January, 2020 at Makati City, affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No. P1057056A , issued at DFA NCR EAST on December 01, 2016 and Passport No. P1747134A, issued at Manila City on January 25, 2017..

PREMIERE.

Kaitlin Olson attends the premiere of Apple TV+’s ‘Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet’ at The Cinerama Dome on January 29 in Los Angeles. AFP

Doc. No. 91 Page No. 20 Book No. 88 Series of 2020

LGUs

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

B4

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba joins other officials of the province who received calamity aid from the Office of the President through Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ T. Go at the Capitol Gym in Tuguegarao City. Jessica M. Bacud

Cagayan, 11 towns gain P43-m calamity aid from Malacañang

By Jessica M. Bacud TUGUEGARAO —The Provincial Government of Cagayan and its 11 local government units have received P43 million in calamity assistance from Malacañang through Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go at the Capitol Gym here.

Gov. Manuel Mamba assisted Sen. Go in distributing the assistance coming from President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for the province and 11 municipalities that were greatly affected by previous calamities that have hit the province.

Mamba expressed his gratitude to the President for his continuous support of Cagayan, following the floods that inundated much of northern Luzon late last year.

“In my 33 years as a public servant, this is the first time I have perceived the compassion, the care and the love of our national government to our people in this present administration,” Mamba stressed.

The governor, Vice Governor Melvin

K. Vargas, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan received the province’s aid of P10 million. The mayors of the towns of Abulug, Ballesteros, Claveria, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira, Allacapan, Lasam, Sta Praxedes, Tuao, Aparri and Tuguegarao City all received P3 million each.

Present during the awarding were Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chief Greco Belgica, Undersecretary Aimee Neri of the Department of Social Walfare and Development, and Secretary Michael Dino of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.

Meanwhile, Senator Go urged the public to support Duterte in his drive against corruption, criminality and drugs, to realize and pursue the programs of the government in the alleviation of Filipinos lives.

“This is the proper time to visit the masses and give solution to the problems of the Filipino and not just during the election period, Go emphasized.

The Santa Rosa City College is an initiative of Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas. It has been part of the program of governance of the mayor since being elected as city mayor in 2007.

During the Orientation Meeting on the Establishment of the Santa Rosa City College held Jan. 29 at the City Auditorium, Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega explains the local college will ‘complement’ the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Santa Rosa Campus. The City College is an initiative of Arcillas, part of her governance program since her election in 2007.

Roy Tomandao

Santa Rosa City College to rise soon “NO ONE shall be left behind,” the City Government of Santa Rosa in Laguna said as it started the process of establishing a local college.

The Santa Rosa City College is an initiative of Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas. It has been part of the program of governance of the mayor since being elected as city mayor in 2007.

Mayor Arcillas sees the local college as an institution that would develop the competencies of the youth of the city to meet the demands of the local industries and businesses.

She also believes the local college would provide the city’s youth easy access to higher education and would be able to address the concerns in the education sector.

The mayor stressed the Santa Rosa City College will not be in competition with state universities and other colleges in the city, and will address the gaps in the education and employment of the city’s youth.

During the Orientation Meeting on the Establishment of the Santa Rosa City College held January 29 at the City Auditorium, Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega explained that the local college will “complement” the Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Santa Rosa Campus.

“The City College will be breaking walls and bridging gaps,” Dr. Arcega added, as the Santa Rosa City College will be an educational institution for leadership and innovation. Roy Tomandao and Benjamin Chavez

P’que set to hand out students’ allowances

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

he Parañaque City government is set to begin giving monthly cash allowance to all public elementary, high school and senior high school students in the city this school year.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez made this announcement Thursday on the heels of reports from the Office of the City Treasurer that the local government collected a whopping P5.3 billion from taxes and other fees last year.

“Parañaque residents can now expect huge program on education and infrastructure projects in the years ahead,” he said.

Olivarez said the continued program of the city government on education, public health, social services and infrastructure projects were carried out because of the financial success of the city which is attributed to the effective collection of taxes by city treasurer Dr. Anthony Pulmano.

In his report to the mayor, Pulmano disclosed that aside from the P5 billion cash on hand, they were able to reserve last year a P1.3-billion time deposit account to a government bank and another

P400 million short term time deposit account to a semi-government bank.

Two years ago, Parañaque posted the highest growth in locally-generated revenue of 33.14% to P4.2 billion in Metro Manila.

From the P54 million annual interest alone in time deposit accounts, Pulmano claimed that about 108,000 additional public-school students will benefit this school year which will be receiving also P500 monthly allowance.

Previously, only junior and senior high school students studying in the city’s public schools were given P500 monthly allowance to encourage them to continue their studies but starting this school year, public elementary students will also be given monthly allowance.

Aside from financial assistance, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will now receive a monthly supply of medicines, particularly for hy-

Bataan celebrates first year of Manila Bay rehab program BALANGA CITY―Bataan recently joined the simultaneous celebration of the 1st Anniversary of the launching of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation project.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3 Assistant Regional Director Arthur Salazar and Provincial Environment Officer Raul Mamac led other environment and local officials in the celebration here.

Cenro Bagac Ed Laggui and Cenro Dinalupihan Marife Castillo joined. Penros from other provinces in the region also participated.

The televised program in the province was held at Balanga Wetland and Nature Park in Barangay Tortugas.

In his message, Salazar lauded local DENR and LGU officials and the public for the successful Manila Bay Rehab in Bataan in the program that included capitol and city officials.

Last year, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu declared Aguawan Beach in Brgy. Sisiman, Mariveles as the first swimmable portion of the Manila Bay. Before the program, officials and personnel spearheaded by Salazar and Mamac conducted cleanup of the mangrove area in the nature park.

Butch Gunio

pertension and other diseases has been scheduled under Olivarez program this year.

Pulmano said that the city government surpassed the proposed real property target collection of P1.1 billion imposed by the Department of Finance by almost double or P2.2 billion last year.

The city treasurer said the financial liquidity without any increase in taxes or loans have be achieved last year. “The increase was brought about by the taxpayers’ compliance and investors’ confidence in the city government and local leaders,” he added.

Pulmano said that in 2013, the city had only a P3.3-billion proposed budget. Six years later, it more than tripled to P10 billion.

With the increase in funds and cash liquidity, the city government under the leadership of Olivarez can now to focus on the needs of the residents through the delivery of social services and multi-million infrastructure, he explained.

Pulmano added that the effective collection is not of the treasurer, it is up to the chief executive. “No matter how good I am to collect taxes, if the city mayor is extravagant and wasteful, nothing will be left to the city coffer.”

Legarda ES grads get diploma from principal, 98, after 54 years AFTER 54 years, graduates of Legarda Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila recently received their diplomas from their 98-year-old principal, Arturo Coronel.

In 1966, graduation in Manila public schools were suspended because of the government austerity program.

Early last year, the graduating class planned to hold their gradua-

tion ceremony to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Ramon Magsaysay High School where most of Legarda’s graduates go to.

Alumni from Australia, Canada and the United States came to attend the long-delayed reunion. Their principal, Coronel, was still sprightly, as he refused to sit down in handing out the diplomas to more than 50 graduates of 1966.

Las Piñas to donate P1m to Taal-hit Agoncillo, Lemery LAS PIÑAS City Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar has announced that the city government is donating P1 million as financial assistance to the victims of Taal Volcano eruption in the municipalities of Agoncillo and Lemery in Batangas.

The City Council presided by Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery approved a resolution authorizing the release of P500,000 to each municipality.

Aguilar said the donation “is a gesture of the people of Las Piñas to help the resi-

dents of Agoncillo and Lemery rebuild their lives.”

The Las Piñas City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LPCDRRMO) has also initiated a relief drive to provide assistance to the remaining evacuees in the different evacuation centers.

The various departments of the city government, national offices based in Las Piñas and non-government organizations have turned over their donations to the LPCDR-

RMO, the office in-charge of distributing the donated relief goods.

Mayor Mel Aguilar and Vice Mayor April Aguilar had also donated hygiene kits to the residents of Lemery, Batangas.

City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan has already notified Mayor Daniel Reyes of the Municipality of the Agoncillo and Mayor Eulalio Mendoza Alilio of Lemery about the donation of the city government of Las Piñas. The turnover of the cheque will be held next week.

Legarda Elementary School graduates of 1966, as shown in their original class picture (top photo) finally got their diploma after 54 years from their 98-year-old principal Arturo Coronel (above photo, second row, at center, seventh from left).

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C1

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020

Motoring Vehicle importers, distributors ready for the ‘rat race’

SCALING NEW HEIGHTS. The Ranger FX4 goes through a torture test during the launching rites Thursday. Inset photo shows Ford officers and guests posing beside the newest workhorse in the Ford stable. Ey Acasio

S

FORD RANGER WIDENS LINEUP

TAKING a claim for having the widest lineup of pickup trucks in the Philippines, Ford took the wraps off the new Ford Ranger FX4 during a simple launching and test-drive activities late last week.

“The new Ranger FX4 is a strong addition to our Ranger lineup as we continue to offer a variety of our ‘Built Ford Tough’ pickup trucks to customers with different needs, budget, and lifestyle, clearly signifying that there is indeed a Ford Ranger for everyone,” said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines.

Instantly recognizable is the Ranger FX4’s design that distinguishes itself across the entire Ranger lineup.

It boasts 18-inch black alloy wheels, new mesh grille, extended steel sports bar, and ebony black accents on side mirror caps, door handles, front and rear bumpers and fender features .

Inside the Ranger FX4 is a refined

look with FX4-embossed leather seats, FX4-branded floor mats, and sporty dark environment highlighted by race red stitching accents on the soft top instrument panel, center console, gear shifter, and door trims.

The Ranger FX4 is also equipped with a selection of features that enhance the driving experience for both drivers and passengers; An infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, including a new 8-inch full color touchscreen.

The Ranger FX4 is equipped with driver-assistance technologies (DAT) that include Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake

Force Distribution (EBD), Rear Parking Sensors, Rain Sensing Wipers, Power Folding Mirrors, and Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS), collectively bringing in comfort, safety, and convenience in every drive.

Powering the Ranger FX4 is Ford’s 2.2L Duratorq diesel engine mated with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, delivering an impressive 160PS and 385Nm of torque.

The new Ranger FX4 is available in Ford dealerships nationwide with a starting retail price of P1,256,000 for the 4x2 manual variant and P1,316,000 for the 4x2 automatic variant. It comes in five colors: Absolute Black, Aluminum Metallic, Arctic White, Meteor Grey, and True Red. “The Ranger FX4 takes toughness to a whole new level with a new look, sleek design, and relevant features customized to fit the needs of a new breed of pickup truck customers with both work and play needs,” added Ryan Lorenzo, marketing

director, Ford Philippines.

The Ranger XLS variants now come with a new 8-inch LCD touchscreen radio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Capability. A new Ranger XLS Sport 4x2 A/T variant is added to the Ranger XLS products available to customers.

Ranger XLT variants also come with a new 8-inch LCD touchscreen radio with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Capability.

Meanwhile, Ranger Wildtrak 4x2 variants now have a new wheel design and LED headlamps. The Wildtrak 4x4 also has a new wheel design, LED headlamps, camera-based Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and high-mount USB feature to support various dashcam models.

The Ranger Raptor comes equipped with a camera-based Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, high-mount USB, and LED headlamps, among other features.

ENDING December 2019 with a bang, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. notched a 12 percent increase in sales, brightening prospects for the year of the metal rat.

AVID sold 8,089 units in December 2019, a 12% increase versus the same month in 2018. For the entire 2019, the association recorded 87,984 units sold versus the 88,430 units of the previous year, or a marginal dip of 0.5%.

AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said, “AVID’s performance in the last month of the year augurs well for the automotive industry as we begin the Year of the Metal Rat and the new decade. The continued easing of inflation rates, lower fuel prices, and increased government spending will only bolster sales for the group. We will complement these positive indicators with new models, value-packed service offerings, and easier ownership schemes.”

The Passenger Cars (PC) segment declined by 0.5% from 30,876 units sold in 2018 to in 2019 with 30,726 units in 2019. sold in versus the 30,876 units sold in 2018. Hyundai sold more vehicles in this segment than all reporting members combined with a total of 17,761 units in 2019. Suzuki follows with 8,621 units.

The PC segment climbed 5% in December 2019 alone with 2,608 units versus the same period in 2018.

In the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment, AVID recorded a 1.1% dip in 2019 sales from 56,999 units sold in 2018 to 56,351 units in 2019. However, performance of this segment increased by 16% in December 2019 alone with 5,362 units sold versus the same period last year. Ford leads this segment with a total of 19,993 units sold, followed by Suzuki comes after with 15,298 units and Hyundai, a close third, closely followed by Hyundai with 15,095 units sold in 2019.

Commercial Vehicleso notched a 63% increase in sales or a total of 907 units in 2019 versus 2018. In December alone, CV sales I soared by 98% with 119 units sold versus November 2019.

This segment is dominated by Hyundai Trucks and Buses.

With the approval of the P4.1 trillion national budget for 2020, and with the public works and highways department having one of the largest shares of the budget, it is expected that industry performance will gain traction in the new decade with the help from its importers bringing in more models that meet the requirements of various markets. for the Filipino people.

“It is appropriate that the recent budget carries the theme ‘Continuing the journey to a more peaceful and progressive Philippines’ since it focuses on critical infrastructure, human capital development, and peace and order initiatives. AVID hopes to contribute to this aim by giving offering better mobility solutions to both public and private for both the private and business sectors,” Agudo said.

Isuzu Philippines turns over 3rd batch of modernized PUVs to Pasang Masda Proper headlights ensured all the time IN LIGHT of the recent ashfall brought about by the eruption of Taal Volcano, headlights and other automotive lighting systems have become the center of attention for motorists who were caught flatfooted in the aftermath of the calamity.

Beissbarth, the German motor vehicle testing expert has introduced to the country the Levelled Test Bay for headlight accuracy measurements to make sure our headlights are in proper condition during times like this.

The evaluation and adjustment of modern headlight systems requires precisely leveled testing areas. Beissbarth’s LTB 100 is a smart solution that ensure a leveled testing area in workshops and PTI test facilities.

Workshop floors and Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC) facilities often feature a significant slope and unevenness. There are precise specifications and requirements needed in order to test the beam direction and brightness impendance of headlights which may not be

achieved by uneven and less sensitive equipment. The LTB100 can be levelled with an accuracy of ± 1 mm per 1-meter.

According to manufacturer specifications, a levelled workplace for headlight adjustment and calibration of driver assistance systems is absolutely required. The Beissbarth solution guarantees a perfectly levelled workplace, meeting the OE specifications for a levelled testing area.

The modular and cost effective design of the LTB 100 Test Bay is suitable for subsequent installation onto the workshop floor or workshop pits. Compared to a 4-post-lift, the system is maintenancefree and requires only a fraction of the space. Vehicles with a maximum allowed axle load of 2.5 t can be tested. An adjustable height compensation of 0- 40 mm on 4m/6m system length is possible.

The LTB 100 Test Bay is one of the equipments Beissbarth is using in their MVIS centers like Opus in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Autoreach in BF Las Pinas and BSB Junrose Autoparts in Sta Cruz, Manila.

DURING the formal ceremony held last Jan. 22, Isuzu Philippines Corp. turned over 30 brand new modernized public utility vehicles (PUVs) to the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association (Pasang-Masda), among the country’s biggest transport groups.

The turnover ceremony was held at Meycauayan Common Terminal, Meycauayan, Bulacan representing the 3rd batch of modern PUVs Pasang Masda has acquired. The first batch of 15 units were turned over on Oct. 29, 2018, the second batch of 15 units on Nov. 7, 2019.

The event was attended by top executives of IPC, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin Delgra, Meycauayan Mayor Ruth Villarica, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Mark de Leon, representatives of Inteco Quezon Avenue and body build partner Almazora, members of air conditioning supplier Coolaire, and officers of Pasang Masda.

IPC president Hajime Koso, in his remarks, said, “As the number one local one-stop shop for trucks in the Philippines, Isuzu is proud to offer its end-toend services from delivering the vehicle units to giving our clients outstanding after-sales services.”

The Isuzu PUVs are not only beneficial

to the commuters but also to the drivers and operators as it increases the quality of their livelihood. Isuzu modern PUVs are very versatile, allowing for customization that any PUV operations may require.

The 30 units will ply the busy route between the growing cities of Malolos and Meycauayan in Bulacan province.

During the turnover ceremony, IPC also exhibited its newest addition to the PUV lineup, the Isuzu TRAVIZ Lightweight truck with Utility Van (Class 1 PUV) which passed PUV modernization requirements of the DOTr Omnibus Franchise Guidelines. The Class 1 Isuzu PUV is suitable for crowded inner-city road

and Isuzu Traviz Class 1 PUV is a good alternative to have a modernized jeepney for transport cooperatives.

The modernized PUVs, assembled using the Isuzu QKR77 platform and the rear body designed and manufactured

by Almazora Motors Corp., are air-conditioned Class 2 PUVs assembled in the Philippines and is equipped with Euro IV-compliant 4JH1-TC diesel engine that delivers excellent fuel economy. The air conditioning system developed and provided by Coolaire Consolidated Inc boasts ducted airflow and a high-cooling capacity to keep commuters comfortable regardless of outdoor temperature.

INCOME BOOSTER. Isuzu’s PUVs offer a better quality of livelihood for drivers who now enjoy the amenities of fuel efficient and air-conditioned transporters.