Manila Standard - 2020 February 15 - Saturday

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PH lifts travel ban on Taiwan Macau may be next for clearance, but ban on Singapore under study

By MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE Philippines on Friday lifted the travel ban on Taiwan effective immediately after it threatened to retaliate by revoking the visa-free entry privilege of Filipinos.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the announcement after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease said the travel ban was lifted due to the strict measures implemented by

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 366 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Taipei government to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“Travel may now be made by any national to Taiwan from the Philippines and vice versa,” Panelo said.

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REFUSED ENTRY. Passengers who disembarked from the Westerdam cruise ship (left) get on a bus in Sihanoukville on Friday, where the liner docked after being refused entry at other Asian ports due to fears of the COVID-19 outbreak. Cambodia’s strongman premier Hun Sen welcomed Friday the passengers of a US cruise ship blocked from several Asian ports over fears of a deadly new virus. At right, a bus with a driver wearing protective gear departs from the dockside next to the ‘Diamond Princess’ cruise ship, which has around 3,600 people quarantined onboard due to fears of the new COVID-19 coronavirus, at the Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in Yokohama port Friday. AFP

Rody not eyeing new military ties, China leader under scrutiny over crisis handling instead opts for stronger defense US dissappointed

By MJ Blancaflor and Willie Casas PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte was not inclined to seek military alliances with other countries following his decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement between Manila and Washington, the Palace said Friday, contrary to what was earlier floated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the commander-inchief wanted to strengthen the country’s own defense capabilities.

“That’s why we are strengthening our own forces. We will start purchasing high-tech weapons,” Panelo said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

Earlier, AFP chief General Felimon Santos Jr. said they were Next page

FACING increased foreign scrutiny over their handling of the novel coronavirus crisis, China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday sacked two topranking officials in Hubei province and replaced them with senior Communist Party cadres with security backgrounds.

The United States, for one, accused China of lacking transparency, as the health emergency in China has caused fears of more global contagion, with more than two-dozen countries reporting hundreds of cases among them.

on Beijing’s lack of transparency

Three people have died outside mainland China as the death toll from the virus epidemic neared 1,400 on Friday, with six medical workers among the victims, underscoring the country’s struggle to contain a deepening health crisis.

While the World Health Organization

By MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Rey E. Requejo, Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

TILL DEATH, THEY SAY.

Pag-IBIG Fund Araw Ng Pag IBIG: A mass wedding of 300 couples at the Tent City at the Manila Hotel on Valentines Day. The mass wedding is presided by Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Domagoso.

Present during the event is Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Acmad Rizaldy Moti, part of the simultaneous mass weddings throughout the country.

A total of 1000 couples tied the knot.

Lino Santos

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WHO told: Rush gauge of test kits

Trillanes, 9 others ordered arrested A QUEZON CITY has ordered the arrest of former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and nine others after the Justice department charged them with conspiracy to commit sedition, over their role in an alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte through the propagation of the so-called “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos.

Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Judge Kristine Grace Suarez also ordered the arrest of Trillanes’s co-accused Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Albert Alejo, Boom Enriquez, Yoly OngVillanueva, Jonnell Sanggalang, JM Saracho, Eduardo Acierto, Vicente Romano and a certain “Monique.”

Bail was set at P10,000 for each of the accused, while the arraignment is set for March 17.

The case against Trillanes and others arose from the testimony of Advincula, who confessed that he was “Bikoy,” the hooded narrator in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” series of videos, which he said the opposition leaders used to discredit President Duterte and his allies by linking his family to the illegal drug trade in the country.

Advincula alleged that the Ang Totoong Narcolist videos were part of the plot to oust the President. Next page

has praised China’s handling of the epidemic—in contrast to its cover-up of the SARS outbreak in 2002-2003— a top White House official on Thursday said Beijing should be more open.

“We are a little disappointed that we haven’t been invited in and we’re a little disappointed in the lack of transparency coming from the Chinese,” Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, told reporters.

Kudlow said Xi had assured US President Donald Trump that Beijing

DANCING STUDENTS. Some 3,000 students of the Benedictine-run St. Scholastica’s College in Manila gesture the ‘number one’ sign as they dance to take part in the ‘One Billion Rising’ global movement in Manila on Friday, to coincide with Valentine’s Day, in a call for an end of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children. AFP

Duterte believes Espenido not link to drugs, says it’s black ops

By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte believes in the innocence of Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, the controversial police officer who was later revealed to be part of his drug list, the Palace said Friday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said a black propaganda seemed

to have been waged against Espenido, who led the operation that led to the killing of the mayors allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade.

“Lt. Col. Espenido continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of the President. PRRD [Duterte] believes that the reports [on] his alleged involvement in prohibited drugs are untrue,’’ Panelo

said in a statement.

“There appears to be a black propaganda waged against Lt. Col. Espenido to besmirch his reputation in the eyes of PRRD and the Filipino nation, and to derail his unrelenting campaign against illegal drugs.”

But Senator Panfilo Lacson said Next page

More Pinoys attracted to brains than beauty

By MJ Blancaflor FOUR in every five Filipino respondents said they were more attracted to brains than body, according to a Social Weather Stations’ survey released on Valentine’s Day. Next page

THE government will ask the World Health Organization to expedite the evaluation of locally-developed test kits used to confirm the presence of COVID-19 in patients, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Friday.

Developed by the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health, the test kits are cheaper than the Japanese kits used by the Department of Health.

Duque said the UP-produced test kits would be vetted by the WHO “strictly for sensitivity and specificity.”

“We will have to apply the most stringent standards of accuracy and sensitivity,” Duque said.

“We hope to be able to expedite the validation process with the WHO so that as soon as it is validated, we can make these local test kits available for all hospitals for use under a physician’s discretion,” Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.

The Philippines is also waiting to hear from WHO experts on the building of laboratories that can be used for patients who are suspected carriers of COVID-19, Duque said.

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa is the sole reference laboratory for COVID-19 testing as of now.

“We want a faster turnaround time rather than let patients wait it out longer in the hospitals where they Next page

TAAL STATUS DROPS TO ALERT LEVEL 2 NEWS A2

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Nothing special about ABS-CBN pact renewal, says Cayetano HOUSE Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said there’s nothing so special about ABS-CBN franchise renewal, now the subject of many speculations from social media platforms and political analysts.

At the same time, Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano, vice chairman of the committee that hears measures regarding issuance and renewal of franchise, welcomed the proposed Senate inquiry into the ABS-CBN’s compliance with its existing franchise.

Albano said the House panel might consider the Senate inquiry’s output once the House began its deliberations on the pending bills on ABS-CBN franchise renewal.

In the Senate, Senator Christopher Go has guaranteed broadcasting network ABS-CBN will be afforded fair treatment if the bills that seek to renew its franchise are approved in the House of Representatives and forwarded to the Senate.

He stressed that the interest and welfare of every Filipino would be their primordial concern.

“Rest assured that they will consider first the interest and welfare of every Filipino,” Go said.

Albano, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, was referring to Senator Grace Poe’s Senate Resolution 322 seeking probe on ABS-CBN’s compliance with its existing franchise.

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planning to expand military relations with South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and other allies to “fill the gap” left by the VFA’s termination.

The Philippines officially notified the US government of its intention to abrogate the VFA on Tuesday—a move seen by analysts as disadvantageous to the US and beneficial to China, which seeks to expand its influence in Asia.

The termination will take effect in 180 days.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would not mind if the Philippines ended its military agreement with them as “it will save a lot of money.”

Panelo shrugged off Trump’s remark.

In a press briefing, he said: “We’re not sure if he [Trump] is serious with that.

Let’s see how his words will match the actions of the US government.”

Panelo also clarified that the move to terminate the VFA was not a signal of the Philippines to shift alliances with China, whom President Duterte sought closer ties with.

“The President says, this is a new foreign policy. And the foreign policy is: Friends to all, enemies to none. And he says that foreign policy will be based solely on our national interest and general welfare of the people,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, the looming termination of the VFA should not be used as entry point for negotiations with new military agreements with China, Japan or any other foreign power that seek only to exploit Philippine resources and strategically position their forces for their geopolitical advantage, a Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said Friday.

“The AFP is shameless in flaunting its eagerness to entertain a new master.

Forging a new VFA to allow new foreign military partners to conduct war games on our soil only exposes the hypocrisy of President Duterte’s rants to supposedly assert Philippine sovereignty,” she said.

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The poll, conducted from Dec. 13 to 16 last year, showed that 81 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents said they preferred intelligence over physical appearance, while 19 percent said the reverse.

The survey also revealed that more of the women polled preferred brains over body than men.

Eighty-three percent of the women polled said they were more attracted to a person’s brains than his body, which was slightly higher than the 78 percent among men, SWS noted.

The proportion of those who preferred brains over body was highest among women with live-in partners at 89 percent, followed by single women at 82 percent and married women at 81 percent.

It hardly varied among men by civil status, ranging from 77 percent to 79 percent.

Meanwhile, the same survey showed that those polled wanted good health over love and money.

The respondents were asked: “If you could have only one of the following, which would you pick: money, health or love?”

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Taal status drops to Alert Level 2 T

By Rio N. Araja

“Alert Level 2 means there is decreased unrest but should not be interpreted that unrest has ceased or that the threat of an eruption has disappeared,” the agency said in its 8 a.m. bulletin.

“Should an uptrend or pronounced change in monitored parameters forewarn a potential eruption, the alert level may be raised back to Alert Level 3.”

Meanwhile, the number of families taking shelter in evacuation centers fol-

lowing the eruption of Taal Volcano on Jan. 12 had declined to 3,002, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Friday.

In its update, the council said this was equivalent to 11,013 people, or lower than the 4,263 families or 15,295 individuals reported on Thursday.

These families remain in 76 evacuation centers, which also declined from Thursday’s figure of 105.

Despite the downgrade, people still living within the high-risk areas who have returned after the downgrade to Alert Level 2 must therefore be prepared for a quick and organized evacuation, PHIVOLCS said.

“Conversely, should there be a persistent downtrend in monitored parameters after a sufficient observation period, the alert level will be further be lowered to Alert Level 1,” the agency said Since Jan. 26, the Taal Volcano Network recorded an average of 141 volcanic earthquakes per day, but the number of significant events recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network across the Taal Region declined to 127 events of magnitudes 1.4 to 4.3.

“The number and energy of tremor and low frequency events associated with ac-

PH...

“This is important to all tourism stakeholders. Many travelers transit via Taiwan,” she told reporters.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines welcomed the removal of Taiwan from the Philippines’ travel ban.

“Taiwan has taken all measures needed to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019. Taiwan will continue to work closely with the international community, including the Philippines, to fight against the COVID-19 to safeguard the health and welfare of humanity,” TECO said in a statement.

TECO also said Taiwan attaches great importance to its long-standing relationship with the Philippines.

“We are determined to strengthen our bilateral ties and promote our people-topeople connectivity,” it said.

Banayo, in a separate statement, thanked the task force “for their open-mindedness that allowed the reconsideration of the travel ban on Taiwan.”

“MECO and the 160,000 overseas Filipinos here are very thankful for their quick action, and the President for his openness and concern. Particular mention has to be made of the strong support from DOT Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat, (Labor) Secretary Bebot Bello, and National Security Adviser Jun Esperon as well as Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for immediately convening the IATF,” he added.

MECO likewise thanked Duque for “his appreciation of the strict protocols that we at MECO have undertaken to prevent any possibility of a spread of the COVID 19 contagion.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said he opposed a travel ban on Singapore, saying a

prohibition should not be based on a country’s recorded number of COVID-19 infections.

“We must look at the sturdiness or flaccidity of a country’s demonstrated health and disease containment capability before so much as thinking of any action regarding access to and from it,” Locsin said.

Earlier, senators urged the Health department to reconsider the travel ban on Taiwan.

Senator Richard Gordon said the people of Taiwan have been long-time friends of the Philippines.

“The two peoples have longstanding cultural and economic ties.

Some Taiwanese people have made the Philippines their homes and many Taiwanese businesses have opened investments here. There is no justifiable reason to include the Taiwanese in the travel ban,” Gordon said.

The Philippines, he said, is the third largest source of overseas workers to Taiwan, with a total of 157,487 Filipino migrant workers deployed there as of the end of 2019.

“This travel ban may imperil the hundreds of thousands of Filipino workers in Taiwan, jeopardize the economic initiatives already started here and affect our tourism industry,” Gordon said.

“It would certainly affect our people to people relationship,” he added.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano also called for a review on the ban on Taiwan.

Also on Friday, Taiwan’s labor ministry asked employers of Filipinos stranded by the ban to be considerate about the delays in their return.

On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipinos to travel and visit the country’s tourist attractions as a way of

Geng Shuang said Beijing has had an “open and transparent attitude” with the global community since the start of the epidemic.

“The Chinese side has always a positive, open attitude toward cooperation with the US side,” Geng told reporters, adding that US and Chinese health departments have maintained close communication and exchanged epidemic information in a “timely manner.”

State media announced Thursday that the Communist Party chiefs of Hubei and Wuhan had both been removed. Ying Yong, the former mayor of Shanghai, will become the new Hubei chief, while Wang Zhonglin will take over Wuhan itself.

Ying is a key protege of Xi’s, and the two men have worked together since the early 2000s when they were both officials in the eastern province of Zhejiang, CNN added. Another Zhejiang veteran and Xi ally, Chen Yixin, is already in Wuhan.

Chen arrived in the city last week to lead the response to the epidemic—his appointment there was seen as Xi moving to take charge of the crisis after it was mishandled in the early weeks by Wuhan

and Hubei officials, who have been accused of downplaying the severity of the virus, resulting in its spread nationwide.

In Cambodia, passengers on a cruise ship that was turned away from ports around Asia over fears they could be carrying the new coronavirus finally began disembarking in Cambodia on Friday.

Cambodia’s strongman premier Hun Sen welcomed around 100 tourists who were handed flowers and scarves as they stepped ashore after an uncertain two weeks at sea.

The Westerdam was supposed to be taking its 2,257 passengers and crew on a 14-day cruise around east Asia, beginning in Hong Kong on Feb. 1 and ending on Saturday in Yokohama, Japan.

But the vessel was barred by Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand over fears it was carrying someone with a new virus that has now killed around 1,400 people and sickened 64,000, mostly in China.

Cambodia—a staunch Beijing ally that receives huge sums of Chinese money every year—announced this week that the boat could dock in Sihanoukville. AFP

Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to back up its complaint, was included among the accused in the conspiracy. Currently held in a safehouse, he is expected to go to court on Monday or Tuesday to post bail.

Prosecutors said they will have to consider moving for Advincula’s discharge as a state witness. They also said they may present other witnesses in court.

Villanueva and Alejo already posted bail on Friday, prompting the Quezon City court to recall the warrants.

Trillanes said he will face the charges, which he described as harassment, and will post bail when he returns to the country next week.

“I am out of the country as of the moment for a series of engagements.

But I intend to post bail once I arrive in Manila late next week,” Trillanes said.

“I will face this case just as I have faced all the other harassment cases Duterte’s minions have filed against me,” he added.

A spokesman for the Philippine National Police said it is ready to arrest Trillanes and his nine co-accused.

“Yes, that’s true and he will also undergo validation and possible investigation,” Año said.

Espenido gained notoriety in the administration’s anti-drug campaign when two suspected narco-politicians ended up dead in the towns where he had been chief of police.

He was the chief of police of Albuera when the drug-linked Mayor Rolando Espinosa was shot dead inside his jail cell in 2016. A year later, as Ozamiz police chief, Espenido led the drug raids that led to the killing of Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and several others.

Duterte had praised Espenido for leading those operations.

Police chief Archie Francisco Gamboa had refused to confirm if Espenido was included in the watch list, saying he had promised those on the list that he would not publicize their names.

However, Gamboa confirmed that Espenido was relieved from his post as Bacolod City police deputy chief for operations, adding he was already in Camp Crame.

He earlier said 357 policemen were linked to the illegal drug trade and 15 of them had availed themselves of optional retirement with benefits.

Meanwhile, 43 of them had gone AWOL or absent without official leave.

With Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Friday downgraded the status of Taal Volcano from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 because of its “decreased unrest.”

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Panelo said the task force would also evaluate the possible lifting of travel ban on Macau.

“The Office of the President likewise stresses that any resolution relative to travel restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 shall be subjected to regular review by the IATF,” he said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, said the government is considering a travel ban on Singapore to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The government earlier banned inbound flights from China, its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau.

Singapore has at least 58 cases of COVID-19 and has raised its health alert level to the same as during the SARS outbreak in 2002 and 2003. There are about 200,000 Filipinos in the island state.

The government’s move came after Manila Economic and Cultural Office chair Lito Banayo said Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen met with her Cabinet and ordered the list of possible retaliatory measures against the Philippines for including their country in the travel ban.

Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy, decried its inclusion in travel restrictions aimed at China.

Duque clarified that the lifting of the ban had nothing to do with Taiwan’s planned retaliatory measures.

He said the task force lifted the ban since there is no local transmission of COVID-19 in Taiwan, and the volume of travelers from Taiwan to Manila was also considered.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat welcomed the task force’s decision.

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would accept US help, but “they won’t let us.”

Kudlow’s comments contrasted with Trump’s apparent confidence in China, with the US leader telling a radio show that Xi is “extremely capable” and that the US was “working with them” and “sending a lot of people.”

Xi, who has now taken personal charge of the response to COVID-19, appointed his allies to run the province and its capital Wuhan as the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country shows no sign of abating, CNN reported.

Nearly 64,000 people are now recorded as having fallen ill from the virus in China, with officials revealing that 1,716 health workers had been infected as of Tuesday.

The grim figure comes a week after an outpouring of grief and public anger over the death of a whistleblowing doctor who had been reprimanded and silenced by police after raising the alarm about the virus in December.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman

Trillanes...

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While the DOJ found probable cause to prosecute Trillanes and his co-accused of conspiracy to commit sedition, the prosecutors cleared other opposition leaders, including Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros, and former Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV of charges.

Advincula, one of the witness presented by the Philippine National

Duterte...

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Espenido’s alleged inclusion in President Duterte’s drug list was the reason for the failure of the government’s drug war.

“Espenido’s case, if true, could be one big reason why the war against illegal drugs is failing,” Lacson said.

Still,Panelo said Malacañang would be validating whether Espenido was indeed in the President’s “narco list.”

Earlier in the day, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año confirmed Espenido’s inclusion in the government’s drug watch list.

tivity in the shallow magma and hydrothermal region beneath the Taal Volcano island edifice have also diminished,” Phivolcs said.

It cited a weakly degassing shallow magma source, diminished plume activity or absorption of volcanic gas by a recovering lake at the main crater and by the Taal Volcano island’s recovering hydrothermal system.

“Activity in the main crater has been characterized by the generation of weak steam-laden plumes, consistent with decreased magmatic unrest,” the agency said.

Still, the Department of Science and Technology-Phivolcs recommended that entry into the island and Taal’s permanent danger zone must be strictly prohibited.

offsetting the estimated P42.9 billion loss that the Department of Tourism expects as a result of the COVID-19 scare.

“To my fellow Filipinos, I encourage you to travel with me around the Philippines. I assure you that everything is safe in our country, be it an issue of health, be it an issue of law and order, and be it an issue of accessibility,” Duterte said in a video shared by Communication Secretary Martin Andanar in his Facebook page.

The President said airlines and hotels have agreed to lower their rates to encourage more Filipinos to tour around the country.

“Come with me and be my travel companion. I’ll be traveling around the Philippines,” he added.

In Malacañang, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said domestic travel would boost the tourism sector and cushion the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

“If you can, just travel around the country because there are so many destinations that you can tour here,” Nograles said.

Several tourist spots have temporarily stopped tourism-related activities in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.

Among the places that have barred visitors were Sagada in Mountain Province and Kabayan in Benguet.

Nograles, however, expressed optimism that the government would still meet its 6.5 percent growth target for this year.

Even if the first quarter growth will slow down, Nograles said domestic demand is still growing.

“The effects are usually short-lived and generally affect only the first quarter.

Recent history has shown that the Philippine economy is resilient, given its robust domestic demand and production,” he said.

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have been classified as patients under investigation,” Duque said.

Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Philippines has no positive case of Covid-19 at the moment because of the three confirmed cases, two have recovered and the third has died.

On Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to trust and cooperate with the government in its fight against Covid-19.

President Duterte has imposed a travel ban on all foreign nationals from mainland China, its administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as Taiwan.

Filipinos and foreigners with permanent resident visas are allowed to return to the Philippines but need to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The DOH on Friday reported that another patient under investigation who was among those being monitored died of a heart attack, but clarified that the patient was negative for COVID-19.

“We are glad that most of our PUIs tested negative for 2019-nCoV. While this is very welcome news, we at the DOH will continue our preparations for the possibility of local transmission,” Duque said.

As of Friday, Duque said a 25-yearold woman repatriate was admitted to Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital due to fever and ear pain.

The patient, who tested negative for Covid-19, was managed as a case of outer ear infection.

Duque said the patient will be brought back to the New Clark City to complete the 14-day quarantine procedure.

Another repatriate, a 25-year-old woman, will be referred to the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center today for further evaluation and management after exhibiting anxietyrelated symptoms.

Duque said the other repatriates under quarantine remained free of the Covid-19 symptoms.

As of noon Friday, there were 386 patients under investigation who tested negative for the virus, and 66 had test results pending.

News BOC fails to hit 2019 target; 9 of 17 ports meet goals

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Bureau of Customs failed to hit its P661-billion revenue goals in 2019 but said that the P630.47 billion it collected last year was more than P37 billion compared to the total collection it made in 2018.

A preliminary report from the bureau’s Financial Service office also stated that only nine of the 17 collection districts were able to meet their targets in 2019 and all of them are small ports.

The report dated Feb. 11, 2020 showed that the ports with positive collection performance last year were Limay (P56.332 billion), Cagayan de Oro (P34.540-billion); Subic (P32.373 billion); San Fernando (P4.237 billion); Iloilo (P3.406 billion); Tacloban (P1.425 billion); Zamboanga (P545 million); Legaspi (P510.26 million), and Aparri (P146.72 million).

Although it fell short of the 2019 target, the major collection districts— Manila International Container Port, Port of Batangas and Port of Manila—got the highest revenues with P164.404 billion, P152.222 billion and P74.812 billion, respectively.

The collection district of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, meanwhile, posted P43.238 billion while P31.274 billion was collected by the Port of Cebu and Port of Davao got P27.986 billion.

Port of Clark, on the other hand, collected P1.940 billion while Port of Surigao got P19.43 million.

Customs officials claimed the agency’s effort to institute systems innovation, such as the Goods Declaration Verification System and the National Value Verification System helped the bureau sustain its collection in 2019.

Despite its failure to hit the 2019 target, the agency was lauded by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez during its 118th anniversary celebration recently for its “improved revenue collection” required to make critical investments in quality infrastructure, and healthcare and education programs of the government.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero thanked the men and women of the bureau, as well as its partner agencies, for their continued support and cooperation which allowed the agency to achieve its targets and initiate programs geared towards improving efficiency and optimizing operations for better trade and collections.

The Customs chief earlier announced the revival of the agency’s 10-Point Priority Program he initiated last year to improve the collection performance.

The program consists of the continuation of the filling up of plantilla positions, full automation of frontline transactions, improvement of the risk management system, implementation of Customs modernization program, attainment of ISO certification and PGS compliance, enhancement of trade facilitation, rationalization of penalty regimes, enhancement of management and technical skills, enhancement of stakeholder’s engagement and intensification of border protection.

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Bersamin named as new GSIS chair also appointed as member of the Board of Trustees of GSIS. Bersamin joined the new presidential appointees who took oath before Duterte at Palace’s Rizal Hall on Feb. 6, photos from Malacañang showed.

Among the issues that he would face as the new GSIS chairman is the planned sale of a 67-hectare property at the Manila North Harbor, which is operated

by Enrique Razon-led International Container Terminal Services Inc. Under the leadership of resigned GSIS president Jesus Clint Aranas, there was a plan to sell the land on which Razon’s flagship port operation stands. However, Razon insists that the GSIS has a “naked title” only and has no right to use or sell the property.

By MJ Blancaflor

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin as the chairperson of the Government Service Insurance System, replacing Rolando Macasaet who acted as officer-in-charge.

An appointment letter released by the Palace Friday showed that President Duterte appointed Bersamin as GSIS chairman on Feb. 6.

The former top magistrate will head the government-owned and controlled corporation until June 30, as stated in the appointment letter.

“We are confident that Mr. Bersamin

would serve the GSIS with the same dedication and integrity he demonstrated in his many years of government service,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Bersamin, who spent a decade of service in the Supreme Court and retired as Chief Justice last year, was

LABOR group Defend Jobs Philippines on Friday expressed support to Senator Grace Poe’s Senate Bill 1341 that seeks to amend Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) which aims to include motorcycle taxis as public utility vehicles.

Under Poe’s proposed bill, motorcycle taxis will then be defined as “any two-wheeled motor vehicle which is registered with the Land Transportation Office which transports passengers and goods on a for-hire basis, and which may utilize online ride-hailing or pre-arranged transportation platforms.”

Defend Jobs Philippines said that the filing of the Senate Bill 1341 “is a welcome development to the longdrawn struggle for recognition and legitimization of the livelihoods of the existing 30,000-47,000 motorcycle taxis operating under Angkas, JoyRide and MoveIt in our roads nationwide today.”

To date, motorcycle taxis pilot run allowed 63,000 units to serve commuters in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro until March 23. Willie Casas

‘Rice farmers lost P75b in 2019’

COPS AND ROSES. Manila Police District Director Police Brig. General Bernabe Balba led the giving away of roses to passengers of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 in Arroceros, Central Station in Ermita, Manila. Accompanying Balba are the policemen under his leadership led by their mascot, P01 Marilag, in the giving away of the flowers. Some of the policemen also offered songs and dances to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Norman Cruz

Full deployment of workers to Kuwait resumed

THE Department of Labor and Employment on Friday announced the full resumption of deployment of workers to Kuwait.

The department made the announcement after the governing board of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration on Thursday approved a resolution lifting the deployment ban, and resume the processing and deployment of all types of workers bound to the Gulf estate.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who chairs the POEA governing board, said the approval was made in view of the filing of charges against the suspected killers of overseas Filipino worker Jeanelyn Padernal Villavende.

“After due consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and with the filing of appropriate charges against the perpetrators [in the killing] of OFW Jeanelyn Villavende, the Governing Board of the POEA unanimously approved the lift-

ing of the remaining ban in Kuwait with respect to the deployment of household workers,” Bello said.

Last month, the department imposed a total deployment ban of OFWs to Kuwait following the findings by the National Bureau of Investigation that Villavende was sexually abused and brutally murdered.

However, in view of the approval early this month by the Kuwait and Philippine governments of a harmonized employment contract for Filipino domestic workers in the oil-rich country, the POEA governing board lifted the ban on the processing and deployment of OFWs to Kuwait, except newly-hired and returning domestic workers.

More than 50 percent of close to 250,000 documented workers in Kuwait are household workers.

Bello, Undersecretary Claro Arellano, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Hans Leo Cacdac, and Philippine

Overseas Employment Administration chief Bernard Olalia recently met with Kuwaiti officials to discuss and agree on a standard employment contract to ensure the welfare and protection of OFWs in the Gulf state.

The salient provisions of the standard employment contract include prohibition for employers to keep any of the worker’s personal identity documents such as passport, and the entitlement of a worker to own a phone and use it outside the working hours provided that she keeps the secrets and privacy of the household, and use such phone in a manner consistent with public morals.

The OFWs are also entitled to a paid full day per week break and must not work for more than 12 hours a day. The worker should be allowed to have no less than an hour break after five consecutive hours of work, and the right to at least eight hours of consecutive night rest.

House mulls larger IRA for LGUs under Cha-Cha

By Maricel V. Cruz

INAUGURATION. Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Aaron N. Aquino led the inauguration and blessing of Balai Banyuhay, Valenzuela City’s Drug Rehabilitation Center at Barangay Punturin, in Valenzuela City. Andrew Rabulan

THE House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments will consider the inclusion in its Charter Change recommendations of a provision on larger Internal Revenue Allotments for provinces, cities, towns, and barangays throughout the country.

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro’s second district, the committee’s chairman, on Friday said he and several committee members are supporting the proposal of the administration’s InterAgency Task Force on Constitutional Reforms for a larger IRA for LGUs. “LGUs are entitled to it. That is what the Supreme Court (SC) has declared in the Mandanas case,” he said, referring to a petition filed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas.

The committee will meet next week to vote on what proposals of the task force

of the barangays conduct 3Rs, 70 percent ay tinatapon lang sa kung saan-saan,” he said.

As chairman of the Committee on Energy at the Senate, Gatchalian has called out the DENR for its failure to fully implement the Solid Waste Management Act with 331 as illegal dumpsites remain operational in the country. Part of the DENR’s mandate is to close illegal dumpsites.

Gatchalian said that it is now the

time for the government to consider the adoption of Waste-to-Energy facilities in the treatment and disposal of solid waste.

Under his Senate Bill No. 363 or the Waste-to-Energy Act, Gatchalian seeks to provide a framework for the entire value chain of WTE facilities, and, in turn, ensure the uninterrupted supply of waste as feedstock.

Gatchalian said the immediate passage of the WTE Act will not only encourage the development of new

MABALACAT CITY—The Bantay Bigas rice watch group, the Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women and Anakpawis Party-list on Friday said Filipino rice farmers lost at least P74.8 billion in 2019 due to low farmgate prices of palay.

The three groups blamed this on the implementation of Republic Act 11203, or Rice Liberalization Law. “It has been a trend, since the country joined the World Trade Organization in 1995, when there was even the slightest buzz of arrival of imported rice, farm gate prices at the barrios are forced down by traders, throwing farmers into bankruptcy and indebtedness. It is worse now, because it was institutionalized by RA 11203,” said Rafael Mariano, former Anakpawis Party-list lawmaker.

Anakpawis stated that it opposed the law during its deliberation at the Lower House and as alternative primarily pushed for the Rice Industry Development Act (Rida) bill during the 17th congress.

The bill, now House Bill 477 being pushed by Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas, proposes the authentic development program for the national rice industry, involving the three-year allocation of P495 billion, which includes P185 billion for its core programs and P310 billion for the procurement program of the NFA. Willie Casas

Program vs. human trafficking pushed

TO help protect Filipino children and youth from online sexual exploitation of children, Senator Win Gatchalian underscored the need for a comprehensive “Human Trafficking Preventive Education Program.”

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said that this proposed program will arm the youth with vital information and protection measures against OSEC and other forms of trafficking.

He added that the program will put grassroots reporting mechanisms in place, which will empower communities to pursue decisive action against heinous criminals.

Research compiled in the United States Department of Labor’s report “2018 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor” show that the Philippines is the top global Internet source of OSEC. Victims of OSEC are induced to perform sex acts at the direction of paying customers, both foreigners and Filipinos, for live internet broadcasts set in small internet cafes, private homes, and “cybersex dens.”

Citing data from the International Justice Mission Philippines, the same report from the US Labor Department revealed that the median age of OSEC victims at the time of rescue was 12. In 2018, cybertips of sexual images of Filipino children reported to the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime increased from 45,645 to at least 600,000, an increase of more than 1000 percent. Macon Ramos-Araneta

it would include in its Cha-Cha report to be submitted to Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

President Duterte has created the task force to come up with the administration’s Cha-Cha recommendations. The group, composed of nine agencies, is chaired

by Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, with Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra as vice chairman.

Based on a study done by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Rodriguez said LGUs would have a total of P1.116 trillion in IRA in 2022 with the SC ruling, or P313 billion more than if their allocations were computed without the high court’s decision.

For this year, P649 billion is apREPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES propriated in the national budget as COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS the LGUs’ IRA, which represents the ANNOUNCEMENT share of local governments from naPresident Rodrigo Roa Duterte has submitted to the tional taxes, he said.

Commission on Appointments (C.A.) for confirmation the

‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ government program a failure—Gatchalian SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Friday declared that the government’s 3R of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” as a dismal failure.

Gatchalian made the declaration on reading a report by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that only 30 percent of barangays nationwide, or an estimated 12,614 out of 42,045, are practicing segregation.

“The 3Rs is a failure, yung reuse, reduce, recycle because only 30 percent

Bill on ‘moto’ taxis as PUV backed

technologies in the treatment and disposal of solid waste, it also supports the expansion of bioenergy to attain sustainable energy.

Gatchalian has also pressed the DENR, DOE, and the Department of Science and Technology to come up with a study to look at the capacity, potential for energy and environmental concerns for them to have some preliminary idea on how energy can solve the country’s solid waste issues in the country.

ad interim appointments of the following officials in the Department of the Foreign Affairs: Theodore Andrei Progalidad Bauzon, Juan Carlos Cayosa Borromeo, Janina Lourdes Salonga Bustos, Rainier Jaen Casis, Candy S. Cypres-Bauzon, Mikhal Cataylo De Dios, Alexander Joseph Ayson Estomo, Alan Roi Quilino Gabriola, Ma. Charmaine Doria Guevara, Raisa Abrillo Mabayo, Alvin Castañeda Malasig, Shirley Ong Nuevo and Ralf Gagara Cruz Roldan – Foreign Service Officer, Class II

The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions in thirty - two (32) copies on the above appointments to the CA Secretariat, 6th Floor, PNB Financial Center, D. Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City, Metro Manila.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone numbers 8834-2713, 88311824, 8831-0527, 8832-9830, 8834-2706 and 8551-1989.

14 February 2020.

HECTOR A. VILLACORTA Secretary (MS-FEB. 15, 2020)

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Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Local transmission of COVID-19 lackadaisical on this one.

The World Health Organization says it might take a year and a half to find a cure for the virus. *** In the wake of a likely contagion, SANTA Banana, as if the COVID-19 another worrisome possibility is that were not enough for us, now comes our overseas workers in Taiwan may no the abrogation of the PH-US Visiting longer be able to go back to their jobs.

Forces Agreement effective 180 days There are now about 180,000 of them from last Tuesday, as well as Taiwan’s working there.

The travel ban to Taiwan came as a retaliation for the travel ban we imposed result of the travel ban to China, Hong on it!

The Department of Health tells us Kong and Macau. The Philippines that local transmission of COVID-19 claims to adhere to the One China may be inevitable as has been observed Policy.

I believe there is no logic to impose a in other countries.

This means that a local spread of the travel ban on Taiwan. *** virus, particularly among the poor who President Duterte has indeed have no knowledge of basic hygiene the Visiting Forces and sanitation may erupt sooner than abrogated expected. Local transmission has Agreement with the United States.

Considering been reported in everything, I agree Australia, France, with comments Germany, Hong that the Philippines Kong, Japan, stands to lose more Singapore, South Some have tested with the abrogation Korea, Thailand and negative, but others of the VFA. Vietnam.

First, the VFA A n o t h e r could be carriers. has its impact on worrisome issue is the Mutual Defense that the DOH has Treaty and the said there are no less Enhanced Defense than 408 persons Cooperation under investigation for COVID-19. Of this number, 240 Agreement with the United States. are Filipinos, 98 Chinese, 8 Americans Looking at the history and positive and 50 others of different nationalities. aspect of VFA with the presence of Some have tested negative, but others American forces against terrorism in the Philippines, the ultimate beneficiary could be carriers.

This is why I have been urging can only be China, which has been the Duterte administration to have a bullying our country through many massive education and information territorial disputes.

Santa Banana, I could not believe campaign on what to do just in case the virus spreads to the poor communities what I read that our Armed Forces is ready to have a VFA with China. in Metro Manila.

My call is critical especially as we What? And let the Chinese military Turn to A5 see that some agencies have been

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

But what’s in a name?

T

HERE has been a change in name of the death-dealing coronavirus detected last December in China’s Wuhan City in the central Hubei province, the virus that now sports a different identity bracelet.

The novel coronavirus 2019 which swamped print pages and decked broadcast screens for some two months is now called COVID-19: CO for corona, VI for virus, and the D for disease.

The reason proferred by officials of the World Health Organization, which previously declared the coronavirus a world emergency, is they wanted a name that would not refer to a geographical location, animals, an individual or a group of people.

But aren’t the surviving relations and the people affected, the people who have since been quarantined, or those reading updates and watching broadcast episodes as well as those in social media platforms beyond the shorelines of China—incidentally

the world’s most populous nation with 1.43 billion middle of this week—aware of the same disease, name changed or not?

Whatever, the numbers game, or the counting game, has begun.

After a wink after reading the last word of this piece today, the supposedly latest death toll of near 15,000, mostly in China— and three outside that country: One in the Philippines, another in Hong Kong and a third in Japan, all Chinese—and the almost 65,000 thus far diagnosed to be infected by the coronavirus strain may have a frighteningly brusque change of face.

And there are more than 1,700 doctors in China who have been infected as they try to contain the outbreak and treat sick patients.

Data experts, health care watchers say, are in a hypersonic battle to map the path of the coronavirus outbreak, with some saying the coronavirus has not been genetically engineered in Wuhan lab.

Two-thirds of Chinese airlines’ planes have also been grounded over coronavirus, while global shipping market reels from coronavirus, in the same vein the strain has hit global tourism industry as Chinese stay home.

Whatever the new name of the 2019 disease may have today as a sticker, the essential thing is to exercise utmost precautions as in them good old days.

The novel Corona virus 2019 or nCoV-2019 is now COVID-19.

Same strain, different name.

But like Juliet, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, who seems to argue, paraphrasing her now, that the name change doesn’t matter, nCoV-2019 or COVID-19 would still be as deadly a disease, against which all discreetness and prudence must be exercised.

Valentine’s Day 2020 how should people celebrate in this time of nCoV? Usually, this is a day of crowded hotels, restaurants, parks, and other public places. Couples are out in the open to publicly display their love.

Celebrating V-Day at this point calls for IT’S the time of the year again when some creativity.

If you must go out in public, wear social media is full of images of hearts. As I am writing this, I have a mask to be sure. If you have fever, received more than a hundred greetings cough or cold, better not go out at all for Valentine’s Day from friends, and if you will be with others, even in acquaintances, and even people that I your own home, please wear mask. If do not know. Love is in the air, people you love your partner and your family, protect them as you protect yourself. say.

People celebrate this day of hearts This is real love.

To celebrate, it is better to stay indoors. differently and for different reasons.

In the time of the novel coronavirus, How about a romantic dinner? Cooking I am expecting that people will remain (I particularly like couples cooking vigilant especially with the recent together) a special dinner for the two of statement of World Health Organization you is good, and often, less expensive Director Tedros Adhanom that nCoV than going out. It is a good time to is airborne, more contagious, and create your favorite dishes together. Set more potent compared with the Ebola a nice table for two with your favorite virus. He even called the latter lousy. table cloth, china (not the country), and silver. Dress The call is for up—after all, it nCoV to be taken is a special day. more seriously A good bottle because it is more of wine will not contagious. hurt. Lastly, play I hope that people If it is your favorite confirmed (and celebrated safely but music.

I believe the For those who meaningfully.

WHO) that the have to work on nCoV is airborne, this day and do it is a serious not have the time cause for alarm. to really prepare, This means that binge-watching everyone should take precaution. Earlier, experts advised your favorite series (preferably light, us to avoid going to crowded places, romantic, or funny) with lots of popcorn and distance ourselves from people who and soda may be a good alternative. If are coughing or sneezing. They said you do not want to make popcorn, you that only those with symptoms need to may even have your favorite pizza wear protective masks, and primarily delivered to your doorsteps. No dressing to prevent the spread of whatever virus up is necessary but good vibes is a must it was that they carry. In other words, and lots of cuddling is recommended.

If you are going to have sex, do wearing masks is to protect others, not not forget to have protection against ourselves.

During the first days of the spread of unwanted pregnancy (for heterosexual this potent virus, in Metro Manila, many couples who do not want a pregnancy) people wore masks in public places, or sexually transmittable infections including myself. Eventually, as the (STI).

As this piece will come out a day after experts’ advice was better understood, the numbers of mask-wearing Filipinos Feb. 14, I can only hope that people dwindled until it reached a point that it celebrated safely but meaningfully.

This V-Day is a special day for became a rarity. I also stopped wearing LGBTQI+ friends in Quezon City. one.

With the announcement that nCoV A “kasalang bayan” for hundreds of is airborne, medical experts MUST couples of various sexual orientations issue an updated set of precautionary and gender identities would have been measures that people must undertake. “married” by no less than Mayor Joy Should all of us now wear masks? Belmonte. Although such ceremony If yes, are there stocks in the market is yet to be legally recognized in the now? Is government going to distribute country, this gesture by the QC mayor is for free this needed product especially an important gesture of inclusivity and to those living in poor and congested much appreciated by the community.

I said earlier that people celebrate areas?

And because it is Valentine’s Day, Turn to A5

Love in the time of viruses

SOME say it is not a good time to celebrate love, even as I write this on Valentine’s Day. It’s not just the COVID-19 virus that is threatening our society and families— the viruses of hate and anger fueled by disinformation can be more harmful than a virus that we don’t understand. With so much mean spiritedness in our world and our islands, there seems not much to celebrate.

On the other hand, others would argue that the antidote to hatred is love and cruelty can only be overcome by kindness.

I agree. Take, for instance, racism. I would argue that this insidious attitude toward our fellow human beings can only be defeated when many of us reject the opposite and embrace the other, the

One must still love, and believe: There is justice in the world.

stranger, the one who is different from us.

In my moral philosophy class in Ateneo de Manila, a subject I am teaching again after 30 years and informed better by three decades of experience, I make my students read the philosopher Emmanuel Levinas.

This Lithuanian-French philosopher has written extensively about the face and teaches us its meaning: “The Other becomes my neighbor precisely through the way the face summons me, calls for me, begs for me, and in so doing recalls my responsibility, and calls me into

question.”

If people only were open to experience the face of the other: we would not have so much killing around us; trolling as a sport would cease; and yes, we would not have this quo warranto petition against ABS-CBN that threatens the livelihoods of thousands and could diminish our already fragile freedoms. It’s a petition infected with the virus of hate and anger —against the owners of ABS-CBN, its employees, the people who rely on the network for news and entertainment, and for the Bill of Rights.

The grounds of the petition include allegations that ABS-CBN has allowed foreign investors to take part in the ownership of a Philippine mass media entity by issuing Philippine Deposit Receipts or PDRs which violates the Constitution, and that it abused its franchise by launching and operating a pay-per-view-channel in ABS-CBN TV Turn to A5

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

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Opinion

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Can Duterte terminate the VFA on his own?

VFA not designed to protect our interest

MAYBE President Duterte is a maverick president when at the outset he pursued an independent foreign policy. The problem, however, is that up to now many of our leaders cannot comprehend that the country’s foreign policy is only centered on our national interest; that it cannot go beyond or less than that. As President, his decision to discontinue the VFA stands as the highest judgment that without the VFA is good for this nation.

In a sense, the decision of the President can be viewed as in pursuit of our quest for our independence. He gave justice the provision in our constitution that for a long time has been trampled on and mangled just to accommodate a foreign power that has been styling itself as the protector of our interest. The VFA stand as an executive agreement—this means that the US President alone can decide to avail himself of that agreement, but not as a treaty where both parties are mutually obligated.

Yes, the VFA and so with the prior and subsequent agreements we entered into were ratified as a treaty by our Senate.

Moreover, many of the opposition members in the Senate appear ridiculous, saying that even if the US Senate refuses to ratify the agreement to make their obligation binding, citing previous agreements such as the military bases agreement signed on March 14, 1947 after the US Congress to release the badly needed reparations assistance to the battered Philippine economy and give back pay to our veterans who served their war during World War II with an added condition to allow the stay of their bases for 99 years; the mutual defense treaty signed on Aug. 30, 1951 to gave the US a beach head in Asia in the event of possible escalation of the Korean War involving China; and finally the military assistance agreement which came in a series of agreements to provide military assistance and training to our personnel in the Armed Forces.

When the US economy began to falter, its credibility in keeping those overseas bases was seriously affected.

It was a dilemma for it exacted a heavy price on its budget. During the country’s renegotiation of those bases in the 70s, the US refused to pay the rent fearing it might serve as precedent from other countries to demand payment. The US stood pat on that until a compromise was reached, that in lieu it offered economic and/or military assistance. That agreement was, however, conditioned on the mode of the US Congress to appropriate such assurance given on a regular basis.

As the US economy began to feel the pinch in the cost of maintaining them, it openly decided to demand payment or subsidy from countries economically well off and from those it defeated during the war. The US for the first time admitted that the defense for their security is not for free, which means that the stay of the bases,

countries will have to pay or contribute the cost of the burden. Others question this, insisting that the bases are more for the interest of the US. The demand for payment has lost its credibility after the end of the Cold War and technically put an end to the arms race between the US and the USSR. Countries such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden and Japan were required to contribute for the maintenance of the US bases. NATO could not be compelled but the US devised a way to force them to contribute like pegging their contribution to 3 percent of their GDP to the alliance. It may not be a direct payment, but it represents a substantial amount in terms of purchases of weapons and equipment from US arms suppliers and manufacturers. This explains why NATO has lately been drifting away from the tightening hegemony of the US like Turkey.

In our renegotiation of the bases agreement, Marcos did not only to reduce the term form 99 years to 25 years, the number of bases from 23 to 2,

all.

Lopsided agreements,

but put an expiry date for their stay. The Marcos government also renegotiated the issue of labor for our workers in the US bases, tax for goods imported by US servicemen and dependents, and the insistence that the base should be under a Filipino commander with our flag to be raised inside them. However, the demand to secure jurisdiction over criminal cases committed by US servicemen failed but instead promised to provide substantial increase in financial assistance.

In 2000, the US managed to ram on our throats the return of their bases which ended in 1991 as per agreement in the Marcos-Johnson Communiqué in September 1966 and incorporated in Section 25 Article XVIII of the 1987 Constitution. It provided that no foreign military bases shall be allowed in the Philippines except for that contradictory, illogical and stupid proviso stating that the military bases is prohibited except when duly concurred by the Senate.

From mere “visiting” force, our leaders sought to upgrade the VFA to make permanent their return by renaming it as “Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement” (EDCA). The VFA was used as the foundation to violate further the Constitution. After all our “brilliant” Senators might have surmised they already violated the constitution, and a second violation could only be treated as trivial it being moot and academic.

So on April 28, 2014, the Philippines officially allowed the return of the US bases with a vengeance. From the remaining two military bases, at Clark and Subic, the lamentable Aquino government gave them five facilities namely: Antonio

Love...

From A4

Plus, the KBO Channel, without prior approval or permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.

These grounds are flimsy; they trivialize quo warranto as a remedy. It fundamentally misunderstands the nature of media enterprises—its use of different platforms and how they are financed.

Quo warranto is not a proper remedy for the kind of issues being raised against ABSCBN by the Solicitor General as this remedy is intended to oust a person, public official, or corporation acting that is not qualified or without authority. That is not the case here.

In addition, the Supreme Court is not a trier of facts. Based on the grounds given, cases should be filed first against ABSCBN in the National Telecommunications Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As my friend and fellow law professor Ted Te pointed out, the Solicitor cannot go directly to the High Court as it runs counter to its pronouncement in the landmark ruling of Gios-Samar vs.

DOTC in March 2019 where the Supreme Court said it would no longer tolerate cases that invoke “transcendental importance.” In particular, the Court in Gios-Samar said: “When a question before the Court involves determination of a factual issue indispensable to the resolution of the legal issue, the Court will refuse to resolve the question....Such question must first be brought before the proper trial

Valentine’s...

From A4

V-Day also for different reasons. This day is also for those who are single.

After all, we all have to love ourselves FIRST. So, why not treat yourselves with self-care and pampering? Go to a spa and really splurge on yourself.

Have a good and relaxing massage at home. If you want, open that special bottle of wine you have been saving for a special occasion. Celebrating yourself is special. YOU are special!

Sometimes, this day is a celebration of freedom. My attention was caught by the

Bautista Air Base (Palawan), Basa Air Base (Pampanga), Fort Magsaysay (Nueva Ecija), Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro), Benito Ebuen Air Base (Mactan, Cebu). Unlike the earlier agreements, EDCA mainly relied on the use of our facilities and structure built for our soldiers. In that the visitor has become our permanent boarder, free board and lodging for the fact that they do not pay any rent, and for their consumption in water and electricity on top of the usual privilege of exterritoriality granted to their servicemen.

As said, the VFA and EDCA were lopsided agreements. First, while we claim the agreements as a treaty, the US never treated those agreements as such but only an executive agreements. This means that only the President needs to sign it to make it binding. The agreement now becomes a mere policy of the US government.

Second, even if an act by a third party would seriously imperil the security of the Philippines, and executive agreement cannot invoke if the US decides not to come to our assistance.

Third, it is not similar to NATO and the US alliance with other countries. As a treaty with a clear cut commitment, the US Senate is required to ratify it just as our Senate is required to ratify it.

Fourth, if the US decides against ratifying it, it is equally not obligatory for the US to come to our assistance even if there need for them to provide military assistance.

Fifth, an executive agreement like the VFA and EDCA are dysfunctional treaties, much that it can only be invoked by one who has the power to enforce it, not in the concept of a mutually binding obligation, but a policy in pursuit of securing one’s interest.

It was this loophole that President Duterte took advantage to scrap the agreement. The US Senate refused to ratify it, and took advantage to abrogate the VFA without the concurrence of the Philippine Senate. It does not make sense if our Senate ratified VFA, for what is not obligatory to the other party is equally and automatically not obligatory to the other party. Our senators are rather acting ludicrously in wanting to review whether their consent is needed to scrap a dysfunctional agreement. We are not obligated to comply with an agreement not binding to the other party.

In fact, our senators miserably failed to analyze that when the US Senate decided in a Resolution to attached conditions to our officials for the issuance of US visa, that decision became political which is now binding even to President Trump. It became one of political decision because it is based on the Senate’s assessment of the human rights violation allegedly committed by our official. That in turn compelled President Duterte to act politically to scrap the VFA without the consent and approval of those quislings in the Senate for reason that the US cannot compel the US Senate to rescind their decision just to accommodate Senator Dela Rosa. rpkapunan@gmail.com

courts or the Court of Appeals, both of which are specially equipped to try and resolve factual questions.”

Finally, freedom of the press is involved here. The government should be mindful of the binary distinction between contentbased and content-neutral speech regulations. The latter is allowed while the former is frowned upon. The government cannot impose its principles and vision on the press but it can regulate media through franchises, permits, and fees as the latter are content-neutral.

The ABS-CBN controversy is not just about a legislative franchise, as Cito Beltran said in his Agenda television show, but it is about freedom of the press and expression. I add that it’s also about the right of ABS-CBN employees to their livelihoods and the right of the people to information and yes, to entertainment.

There is a wind of madness sweeping the world and our islands. But it is just a wind and no matter how strong it is, that wind will blow away. We have to be rooted in principles—in love for our planet, for people, and the Philippines—to not be blown away with the wind. And to those who fail to do what is right during this time, be assured that you will be remembered and held accountable for that. These includes people in Congress, lawyers in the executive and judicial branches, trolls, etc.

In this time of viruses, one must still love, and believe: There is justice in the world and sooner rather than later the justice of the Lord will come upon all of us.

Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

voting here to determine whether the VFA is beneficial or detrimental to the country. What is at issue here is the separation of powers among the three co-equal branches of government to maintain the balance required by the EVER since President Rodrigo Duterte Constitution.

Although the unilateral withdrawal announced his plan to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement in protest from a treaty is something new to the of the US’ supposed intrusion into Philippines, Tolentino said it had been the country’s internal affairs, and done before in other jurisdictions.

The senator cited the Supreme Court specifically of the revocation of Senator Ronald dela Rosa’s US visa over his ruling in Bayan v. Zamora (2000, reported participation in the prosecution GR. No. 138570) and Pimentel Jr and incarceration of Senator Leila de v. Executive Secretary (2005, GR. Lima for alleged illegal drug-related No. 158088) wherein the High Court charges, which is viewed by the declared “It is without question that “by government as an apparent pressure constitutional fiat and by the intrinsic to free de Lima, questions have been nature of his office, the President, as raised whether President Duterte is head of State, is the sole organ and empowered to terminate the said treaty. authority in the external affairs of the While I have been writing about country.”

In fact, Tolentino said that the US case the VFA for such a long time already, of Myers v. United Sates (1926; 272 I have to admit I am not in any way an expert on legalities. All I am aware of is US 52), the court was specific in saying that the VFA is a treaty ratified by the that the Congress’ power to remove or Senate in 1998. It was very much unlike right to participate in the exercise of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation a power given to the executive would Agreement which the Mara Lourdes infringe on the constitutional principle Sereno-led Supreme court ruled to be a of separation of governmental powers.

“It is therefore succinct, that in mere executive agreement in 2014. the realm of international relations, As such, like any ordinary mortal, I was of the belief that while Duterte executive power reigns supreme.

The deference can unilaterally we give to revoke the the executive EDCA being department an executive is dictated by agreement, he While many may not the principle would need the agree with the President’s of separation concurrence of of powers. the Senate in decision to terminate the This principle terminating the VFA, this senator tells us is one of the VFA, it being cornerstones of that he did not usurp his ratified by the our democratic same body. But powers in doing so. government,” thanks to legal Tolentino adds. luminaries like Both cases, Senator Francis Tolentino Tolentino, says, “ruled we have been that in light of the absence of any enlightened on the matter.

In his privilege speech the other day, constitutional provision governing the Tolentino said that while the Philippine termination of a treaty, and the fact that Government operates under the time- different termination procedures may be honored principle of separation of appropriate for different treaties … the powers as enshrined in the 1987 instant case … must surely be controlled Constitution, Duterte is well within his by political standards. and therefore the challenge to the President’s power powers to do so.

“Does the President have the power vis-a-vis treaty termination raised a to abrogate a treaty under the 1987 nonjusticiable political question.”

Other prominent examples Constitution? I say yes, considering the President’s role as the chief architect of unilateral withdrawal from of our nation’s foreign policy. This international conventions included the includes the decision to terminate the withdrawal of Indonesia from the UN existing Visiting Forces Agreement, in 1965; of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, a political process with regional and and Poland from UNESCO in the international consequences. This goes 1950s; and of the Soviet Union and into the very essence of executive eight Eastern European States from power, which in Art. VII, Sec. 1 of the WHO in the same period. Even more 1987 Constitution, is vested in the recently the United States has also sole person of the President of the withdrawn from the Iran Nuclear Deal Philippines,” read part of Tolentino’s and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change Mitigation, according to the speech.

“The Constitution is enduring and senator from Tagaytay.

“In sum, states have always operated upon its inception, is intended to exist for ages. It governs the rights and in the purview of their national interest obligations of the people not only at and have withdrawn from international the time of its framing but also the agreements without congressional far-reaching future. Its permanence interference,” Tolentino says adding protects the stability of fundamental that while the Constitution require Senate concurrence to bind the State to rights and liberties,” he stressed.

“The acts of each branch of such agreements.

“There is no similar provision government must not be controlled by or subjected to the influence of requiring the same to abrogate either branch–such is the essence of a treaty. Our obligation lies not separation of powers.” (MMDA v. in the termination of treaties and Concerned Residents of Manila Bay; international agreement but in its creation,” he adds.

2008, GR 171947-48).

Now, can the Senate then inquire into My vote relative to Resolution 312, adopted last night, would have been to the President’s wisdom to abrogate a treaty? Tolentino emphatically says no. abstain.

“By reason of his office, the President Our republic is a sovereign and democratic state which is founded on has access to the most comprehensive the will of the people which in turn and confidential diplomatic information endows our government with its vast and ultra-sensitive military intelligence and awesome powers. Maintaining their data,” the lawmaker explains.

So, there you go. While many will balance is the time-honored principle of separation of powers, which is not agree with the President’s decision to terminate the VFA, at least we have enshrined in our 1987 Constitution.

Now, this principle is being put to the been enlightened that he did not usurp test once again as the country grapples his powers in doing so, thanks to the with the recent developments in foreign good senator.

The debate on the pros and cons and national security policies relative regarding its termination is the subject to the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

We are not voting here for the retention of another debate.

Happy Valentine’s, everyone. or abrogation of the VFA. We are not

Local...

From A4

posts of two friends who do not know each other but both proclaiming their freedom from relationships they no longer want.

The first friend said that her last legal document bearing the name of her former husband has, at last, been changed. She ended her post with, “Not the end of this story. Another beginning.” Indeed, this is a fresh start for her. She now is her own person pursuing her own interests in life. This is sweet freedom.

My other friend’s post said, “the most amazing Valentine’s, no more thorn in my heart… no more daily stresses, I am totally free!!!” I was surprised because I was under the impression that her marriage was doing well. When I asked

what happened, she replied by saying that she is waiting for the divorce bill to finally become a law.

For her sake and for all others who have been waiting for many years, I am really hoping that the divorce bill passes this time around.

Proclaiming freedom is how my two friends welcomed Valentine’s Day. I say, good for them.

Valentine’s Day 2020 is different in many respects. Whatever our situation is, there is always a way to celebrate yourself, your freedom, your love. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

A5

enter the Philippines so readily? My gulay, Duterte may have professed his undying love for Xi Jinping, but can 110 million Filipinos trust China?

I realize that there are some onerous provisions in the VFA especially with regard to jurisdiction over American soldiers who commit wrongdoing in the Philippines. This should be reviewed and renegotiated. But to totally abrogate the VFA can have negative repercussions which Duterte may not realize. And all because the US visa of his friend Bato was canceled? How petty. *** With all these challenges we are

facing, there are also problems spawned by the existence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Some of them are illegally operating and refusing to pay taxes.

Insiders tell me that while about 60 of them are legally operating, complete with a Pagcor license, the rest are operating illegally, under the protection of notable politicians or government personalities.

Yes, some POGOS are contributing billions of pesos in taxes. But other issues have come up—for example, prostitution and criminality. There is also the entry of illegal drugs.

This is the price we pay for these POGOs. Is it really worth having them here?

Mr. President, your POGO policy needs a thorough review!

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News

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Health dept. receives 200 protective equipment MANILA Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has received a donation of 200 sets of personal protective equipment to the Manila Health Department from the International Medical Corps, as protection against the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The turnover ceremony was done together with MHD Acting City Health Officer Dr. Arnold Pangan, IMC representatives and MHD representatives at the Mayor’s Office, Manila City Hall on Thursday afternoon.

The Department of Health said the availability of personal protective equipment for health workers was now limited amid the threat of COVID-19.

Health Undersecretary Rolando Enrique Domingo said the supply of PPEs would only last up to one or two months.

PPEs include disposable face masks, gowns, and gloves, among other items.

“As of now, we still have enough supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for our health workers. It’s good for another one to two months,” the health official said.

“We can still do with it, but we really need to purchase more already.”

Recently, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the demand and prices of PPEs globally have already soared due to COVID-19.

“The world is facing severe disruption in the market for personal protective equipment. The demand is 200 times [more] than normal and prices are up to 20 times higher,” Ghebreyesus said.

“This situation has been exacerbated by widespread, inappropriate use of PPEs outside patient care. As a result, there are now depleted stockpiles and backlogs of four to six months. Global stocks of masks and respirators are now insufficient to meet the needs of WHO and our partners,” he added.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier released an advisory stating that people who are in good health condition do not need to use face masks.

Moreover, the N95 mask must be reserved for healthcare and other frontline workers who are attending to patients with respiratory infections or patients under investigation for COVID-19. Willie Casas

MPD officer shot dead in Malate A POLICE officer from the Manila Police District was shot dead by a gunman inside the restaurant owned by his brother in Malate, Manila.

The victim was identified by MPD Station 9 Commander Lt. Col. Samuel Pabonito as Police Staff Sgt. Roel Orihuela.

The victim was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila but died upon arrival.

Orihuela was watching TV inside the restaurant located on Arellano Avenue corner Don Pedro Street in Malate, Manila around 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Based on an initial investigation, two suspects onboard a motorcycle stopped in front of the restaurant. One the suspects, armed with a gun, entered the establishment, approached Orihuela and shot him.

A sibling of the victim said the suspects were wearing bonnets and their faces were covered.

The family said Orihuela did not have enemies and they did not know if he received death threats.

Orihuela just spent a few days with his brother and had received a directive to report to Camp Crame.

Orihuela is a member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force and is assigned in Mindanao. Willy Casas

Isko: We’ll show you a new Manila M

By Willie Casas

ANILA City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has vowed to the residents of the city and its visitors that he would be able to transform the city to a new and much better one before his term ends in 2022.

“We’ll show you a new era of MaDomagoso said this on Wednesday, nila—ang Bagong Maynila,” said during his keynote speech at Megaworld Domagoso.

Global Estate’s Kickoff 2020 at Hotel

Lucky Chinatown.

Domagoso disclosed how he manages his time between his engagements and responsibilities as the mayor of the nation’s capital.

“Your priority should always be clear in your mind, I know my duties but there is no perfect way to manage your time.

However, there should be a balance because at the end of the day, you owe it to yourself, to your future,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of synergy between government agencies

and its consituents in order carry out and attain goals.

“I cannot do it alone. The success of every government, every policy is because of the cooperation of the people,” he said.

Likewise, he said his long-term vision for the city involves vertical housing projects for the less fortunate.

“Someday, somehow, we’ll be a better Manila. With no squatters in Tondo or Binondo. We’ll show you a new era of Manila—ang Bagong Maynila,” the mayor said.

PCL, Salceda to push for LGU officials longer terms

UNDERPASS MURAL. The Makati Central Estate Association and Federal Land Inc. unveiled Friday ‘Ang Lakbay ng 105 Milyon,’ a public art installation at the Salcedo Underpass. The 2,000 sq m mural was created by artist Archie Geotina whose murals had been inspired by his travels to iconic destinations around the Philippines, depicting local heroes who gave deep impact to their community. (from left) Architect William Coscolluela, Barangay BelAir Captain Constancia Lichauco, Makati Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay, Installation artist Archie Geotina, and Antonio Puyat of MACEA. Diana Noche

Akbayan launches 1st community refill station

By Rio N. Araja A PROGRESSIVE political party has launched the first community refill station in Quezon City in a bid to help stop using too much plastic.

At a media briefing, former-Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party Rep. Tom Villarin led the introduction of “Akbayanihan ecostore” or the so-called “Tindahang Walang Tapon” in Barangay Culiat near the Diliman Christian Academy that sells a popular brand of cooking oil to the public as well as other condiments, dog shampoos, and dishwashing and fabric conditioner solutions in refill bottles “at very affordable prices.”

“This would discourage single-use plastic,” he told the Manila Standard.

The zero-waste store also offers black rice, laundry detergent soap and shampoo bars, among others.

The store’s products are directly sourced from Dumingag, Zamboanga del Norte, the first-ever organic agriculture town in the country.

Villarin urged Mayor Joy Belmonte to adopt the implementation of the ecostore project in the city’s 142 barangays.

He said other local government units, such as Marikina City, would also establish its ecostore in support of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act.

BI arrests 5 Indian nationals over ‘5-6’ loan scheme

By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES arrested in Mindanao five Indian nationals for their involvement in a ‘5-6’ loan scheme and for violating Immigration laws.

Arrested in Davao City last Feb 4. were Darshna Devi, Gurbhej Singh Toor, Lovepreet Singh Waring, Amarjit Singh Toor, and Sukhmander Singh.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the foreigners were apprehended during operations conducted by his men from Intelligence Division Mindanao Task Group (MTG) headed by Intelligence Officer Melody Gonzales.

Morente said he issued a mission order authorizing the Immigration agents to mount the operation after his office

received a complaint from Davao City residents alleging that the Indians were engaged in the notorious “5-6” lending business.

“They are now detained at our detention facility while undergoing deportation proceedings,” the BI chief added, as he exhorted the public not to hesitate in reporting to the bureau the presence of illegal aliens in their neighborhoods and communities.

Morente warned illegal aliens that the long arm of the law will eventually catch them even if they live in the far flung areas.

It was learned that four of the Indians are overstaying aliens while the other one is an illegal entrant, having no record of arrival.

BI acting Intelligence Division chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said the Indians were arrested at their residences in Bgy. Cabantian, Buhangin, Davao City after they failed to present proof of their legal residence in the country.

“They entered the country as mere tourists but they blatantly violated our immigration laws by overstaying and engaging in gainful activity without the appropriate permits and visa,” Manahan added.

The government had warned those who engage in the 5-6 loan scheme to stop abusing the poor people. The loan sharks charge borrowers to as high as 20-percent interest rates, and typically do business under illegal conditions as they are unlicensed lenders.

ELECTIVE local government officials will have better opportunities to accomplish their broader and significant programs, ensure their lasting positive effects and benefits for their constituents, should their terms be extended beyond the threeyear limit.

Philippine Councilors’ League Bicol Regional chairman Jesciel Richard Salceda, now currently campaigning for the league’s national chairmanship, said in a statement he would push for a five-year term for provincial governors down to barangay captains, as well as congressmen, through constitutional reforms, if he becomes PCL national chairman.

Salceda said the three-year term of local officials limit their efforts and momentum to serve their constituents to the best of their ability, due to disruptions elections bring every three years.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government supports the “extension of terms of local officials, which could be achieved through Charter change that can be ratified during the 2022 presidential elections.”

He said the proposal to extend the term of local officials, to four or five years, with two successive reelections, has gained widespread support, and that well-meaning local government officials are forced to plan, implement and rush a three-year agenda so they will have something to present to voters when they seek reelection.

A three-term councilor of Polangui, Albay and their local league’s representative to the Albay Provincial Board, Salceda said he will also work out measures to help make the Supreme Court’s Mandanas Ruling a law or enshrined in the Charter to ensure LGUs continue to receive their “just” internal revenue allotment share.

Salceda is pushing for the constitutionalization of the Mandanas ruling, which will increase the IRA base to P354 billion in 2022, P382 billion in 2023, P420 billion in 2024, and P466 billion in 2025.

He stressed that IRA sharing between the national government and LGUs has to be “finally put into law or institutionalized, something LGUs ardently need for their economic empowerment.”

A graduate of Yale University, Salceda is a nephew of Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, House Ways and Means Committee chairman.

His reform advocacies have won strong support and endorsements from PCL’s 17,000 members and leaders, following his campaign tour and meetings with league leaders in key provinces.

Aside from term extension for local officials and institutionalization of Mandanas Ruling, should he become PCL national chairman, Salceda said his agenda also include PCL’s involvement in crafting constiutional amendments, representation in Regional Development Councils, and measures pushing LGU initiatives on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and local economic development.

‘Black Hearts Day’ for health workers

LENI AT ROTARY. Vice President Leni Robredo was the guest of honor and speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila at the

group’s Thursday luncheon meeting at the New World Hotel Makati. In photo are RCM president-Elect Bobby Joseph ( left) with Bernd Schneider general manager of Raffles and Fairmont Hotels, Salah Al Balushi, Oman Airlines country manager, Angel Bognit, president of Network of Independent Travel and Allied Services and publicist and PR consultant.

MEMBERS of the group Alliance of Health Workers trooped to Malacañang on Friday in a Black Hearts’ Day Protest to push for an ultimate demand for the national minimum wage of P16,000 monthly and the protection for health workers and patients’ safety against CoronaVirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other diseases.

They also called for a higher health budget at least 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product as the World Health Organization recommended.

“Overworked and underpaid this is the perennial situation of health workers in our country. It worsens our public health situation due to understaffing and currently the ratio between the nurse’s and patients becomes worst especially now that a lot of our wards and out-patient department [OPD] was multiplied by three times compared to the previous years,” said Robert Mendoza, AHW National President, in a statement.

Mendoza said health personnel in public hospitals were direly lacking.

Mendoza said in the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center particularly in male surgical ward, only one nurse is assigned to 60 to 80 patients with two nursing attendants on duty.

While in National Center for Mental Health, one nurse is assigned to 250 to 280 patients, he said.

The epidemic of COVID-19 worsened the recent situation of health workers in San Lazaro Hospital. They are ordered to work 12 hours for seven days straight without any additional compensation and benefits, said Mendoza.

Moreover, health workers salaries are pegged below minimum wage, as the Train Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act 3 aggravated the acceleration of prices of commodities and transportation, he said.

In the Salary Standardization Law of 2019 (SSL of 2019) the Salary Grade 1 or Utility Worker (SG1) who receives P11,068 last year has an increase of P483.00 per month or P16 per day which has a total of P11, 551 monthly salaries. Willie Casas

Sports

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Kobe tributes abound at NBA All-Star tiff in Chicago

South stars win MPBL extravaganza JEFF Viernes emerged the best among the best as the South AllStars bested their North counterparts, 126-122, in overtime in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Season All-Star Extravaganza that started Thursday and lasted early Friday at MOA Arena.

The crack guard of Batangas City Athletics knocked in 7 points, including the game’s last four, as the Southerners withstood a fiery rally by the Northerners to replicate their 109-84 victory in last year’s edition.

Viernes finished with 28 points, all in the last 25 minutes, plus 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, and was adjudged MVP, worth P50,000, for the second straight year.

What started as a fun game, turned serious in the second half as both teams played with a lot of pride, partly motivated by the P500,000 dangled for the winner.

Held to a 112 tie after regulation, the Southerners clustered 10 points, with Gab Banal netting two triples, to pull away at 122-112, with 3 minutes and 17 seconds left and force North coach Randy Alcantara to call timeout.

The Northerners then countered with a similar 10-point outburst through Renato Ular, Aris Dionisio, Mike Juico and Jeric Teng, to knot the count anew, 122-122 with 41.2 seconds to go.

Just when the crowd, led by MPBL CEO Sen. Manny Pacquiao, thought the Southerners will give in to pressure, however, Viernes took over and drilled in four straight charities that sealed the outcome.

“I’m happy that the fans got a good game. In games like these, you want it to be thrilling. I enjoyed it, had fun and the entire bench also,” said South head coach Don Dulay, mentor of the Davao Occidental Tigers, who also steered South to victory last year.

Bataan’s Alvin Pasol backstopped Viernes with 19 points and nine boards while Cebu’s Will McAloney contributed 16 points and four boards.

Banal, Bacoor’s top gun, wound up with 11 points, four boards and seven assists, followed by Davao Occidental’s Mark Yee with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics takes a shot against Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Clippers in double overtime, 141-133. AFP

Tatum lifts Celtics past LA Clippers in overtime W

ASHINGTON—Jayson Tatum scored 39 points, two off his career high, and Marcus Smart added 31 on Thursday to lift the Boston Celtics over the Los Angeles Clippers 141-133 in double overtime.

Tatum hit 14-of-23 from the floor, 5-of-10 from three-point range, and grabbed nine rebounds in more than 47 minutes while playing tough defense against Kawhi Leonard to send the Celtics into the NBA All-Star Game break as winners.

“This was a tough one,” Tatum said. “It’s nice to go to the All-Star break with a win and enjoy those moments off.”

Tatum’s hot night came after a 5-for-15 shooting effort and 0-for-7 three-point performance earlier in the week against Houston.

“Just a lot of hard work,” Tatum said of his sizzling shooting. “My teammates trust me and vice versa.

We do a good job of getting the hot guy the ball whoever it is.”

Tatum struck for two late hoops in overtime, a layup over Leonard with 24.8 seconds remaining to put Boston ahead 127-124.

But Landry Shamet’s three-pointer pulled the Clippers level and sent the game into a second extra period, which the Celtics dominated to claim the triumph.

Lou Williams came off the Clippers’ bench to score 35 points while Leonard had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Montrezl Harrell added 24 points and 13 rebounds.

In the only other game on the last night of contests before the NBA All-Star Game break, Italian forward Danilo Gallinari scored 29 points on 12-of-18 shooting to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a

123-118 victory at New Orleans.

German reserve Dennis Schroder added 22, New Zealand center Steven Adams contributed 11 points—including his first NBA three-pointer—and 11 rebounds.

Chris Paul had 14 points and 12 assists for the Thunder.

Pelicans rookie star Zion Williamson scored a game-high 32 points in his 10th NBA contest while JJ Redick added 24 points off the bench for New Orleans.

Celtics honor Garnett The Celtics announced Thursday that Kevin Garnett, who helped Boston capture the 2008 NBA crown, will have his number 5 jersey retired next season, the 24th former player so honored by the club.

“I’m honored and thankful to have my number retired with the Celtics,” Garnett said.

He was the 2008 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an NBA All-Star in five of his six seasons with the Celtics.

In 396 games for Boston, Garnett averaged 15.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks a game. AFP

Kuchar grabs 3-shot Riviera lead as Tiger fumbles LOS ANGELES—Matt Kuchar fired a sparkling seven-under 64 on Thursday to seize a three-shot lead after the first round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club.

South Korea’s Lee Kyoung-hoon and Americans Russell Henley, Wyndham Clark, Adam Schenk and Harold Varner shared second on 67 with Rory McIlroy—newly returned to world number one—headlining a group of 10 on 68 that also included Australia’s Jason Day and former Masters champion Patrick Reed.

Tournament host Tiger Woods closed with a bogey to fall out of that bunch, cooling off after a hot start to post a two-under par 69 as he pursues a record 83rd US PGA Tour title.

Woods was still a teenager when he played his first US tour event at Riviera, but he has never won on the classic course in the Pacific Palisades west of Los Angeles in 12 prior tries, and his struggles continued on Thursday.

“I got off to a nice start on the front nine and just didn’t hit many good shots on the back nine,” said Woods,

who opened with an eagle at the first and added two birdies before the turn but had two bogeys without a birdie coming in.

“Made a couple loose swings and made a couple good saves on the back nine for par, but just wasn’t able to get any birdies on the back nine,” Woods said.

Kuchar, meanwhile, started hot and stayed that way.

‘A fun, fun day’ “It was a fun, fun day out there playing Riviera,” said the nine-time US PGA Tour winner, who opened with back-toback birdies at the 10th and 11th.

His seven birdies included a 28-footer at the 18th and a 33-footer at the eighth—his penultimate hole of the day.

“Eighteen was a little bit more doable, basically a straight uphill putt,” he said of his first birdie bomb. The downhill putt at the eighth was even more of a bonus.

“You can’t count on that every day, but it sure is fun when they do go in,” Kuchar said.

“To shoot a number like this, you kind of do most things well,” he added. “I felt like it was just steady golf, a lot of opportunities and I was able to convert on a good number of the opportunities today.”

Kuchar, who hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation, said missing in the right spot was the key to getting up and down when needed.

“That’s definitely a big key here,” he said.

McIlroy had two eagles in his round, but said he put himself on the defensive too often.

“There’s a couple times today I hit good shots but was on the wrong side,” McIlroy said.

After getting up and down for par from an awkward lie in a bunker at the 10th, McIlroy was scrambling until an eagle at 17, followed by another eagle at the first.

The chilly morning temperatures were a factor in his “very sluggish start” as McIlroy saw his three-wood into the 11th come up 40 yards shorter than the 285 yards he can usually expect. AFP

Matt Kuchar of the United States plays a shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California. AFP

Fury ready for war vs Wilder

Boxers Deontay Wilder (left) and Tyson Fury face-off during a press conference in Los Angeles, California on Jan. 25, ahead of their re-match fight in Las Vegas on February 22. World heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder ridiculed Fury’s punching power on February 11 as the two unbeaten fighters prepare for their eagerly anticipated rematch in Las Vegas. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Britain’s Tyson Fury vowed to deliver a career-best performance in his upcoming heavyweight title rematch with American Deontay Wilder, expecting a “war” in their February 22 showdown at Las Vegas.

The 12-round battle of unbeaten fighters for Wilder’s World Boxing Council crown is a rematch of a thrilling 2018 draw at Los Angeles.

Fury was knocked down twice by Wilder in the first fight but the 31-yearold Englishman plans a more aggressive approach for the rematch.

“Never have I been as ready and focused for one fight as I am for this fight,” Fury said in a conference call Thursday.

“You’re going to see the best Tyson Fury that Tyson Fury can be.

“I’m match fit. I’m ready. I’m confident.

I’m injury free. I’m ready for a war, one round or 12.”

Fury, the lineal champion, is 29-0 with one drawn and 20 knockouts while Wilder enters 42-0 with one

drawn and 41 knockouts.

“If I beat Deontay Wilder, I’ll be the best heavyweight of my era, standing alone,” Fury said.

Fury backed up prior comments saying he would knock out Wilder in the second round, saying he felt he needed a knockout to keep the outcome from the hands of the judges.

“Won’t have to wait long to find out, will we?” Fury said. “We’ll see if I’m man enough to back it up.

“My own destiny lies within my own two fists. I’ll be letting them fly very aggressively.”

Fight promoter Bob Arum said victory would seal Fury’s place among such alltime heavyweight legends as Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield.

“Everybody would have to recognize him as one of the great heavyweight champions of all time,” Arum said. “He defi nitely will belong with those immortals.” AFP

LOS ANGELES—Tributes to the late Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers legend who died last month in a helicopter crash, will play a major role in Sunday’s 69th NBA All-Star Game.

This year’s annual showcase of league talent will be played in Chicago and feature numerous nods to Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who also matched a league record with four NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player awards.

Bryant, an 18-time NBA All-Star, died at age 41 on January 26 in a crash near Los Angeles that also took the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

All-Star teams guided by LeBron James of the Lakers and Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will compete to win each of the first three quarters, which will all start 0-0 and last 12 minutes.

At the start of the fourth quarter, the clock will be turned off and a final target score will be established by taking the leading club’s cumulative score through the first three quarters and adding 24 points -- the number representing the jersey number worn by Bryant for the final 10 seasons of his NBA career.

The first team to reach the cumulative target score will win the NBA AllStar Game.

All-Star Game jerseys will also honor Bryant and his daughter.

Team Giannis players will wear jersey number 24 in tribute to Kobe while Team LeBron players will wear jersey number two, the number his daughter wore when playing youth basketball.

Both teams will wear jersey patches displaying nine stars, representing the nine people who were killed in the crash.

Academy Award-winning actress and Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson, a Chicago native, will perform a special tribute to Bryant, his daughter and the others who were killed in the crash. Her performance will begin the night ahead of the player introductions.

James and Antetokounmpo each chose their squads from available starters and reserves voted and selected to the All-Star contest.

Team LeBron starters will include James, his Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, NBA scoring leader James Harden of Houston, Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers and Slovenian guard Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

Team Giannis starters include the Greek big man, Cameroon stars Joel Embiid of Philadelphia and Pascal Siakam of Toronto and guards Kemba Walker of Boston and Trae Young of Atlanta.

A record eight All-Star Game players from outside the United States also include Frenchman Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz on Team Giannis and Team LeBron reserves Ben Simmons of Australia and the Philadelphia 76ers, Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis of Indiana and Serbian Nikola Jokic of Denver. AFP

Manila...

From A8

For the tournament, there will be five mens’ divisions, one for ladies plus the overall net and gross teams champions. The Club has Agrexplore, Nutranta and The Turf Company as Platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors are HBW Enterprises and Suzuki the renowned Southwoods club fitter.

Silver sponsors are and Boeing Material Handling Corp., Le Chef and Solid Global Ventures Inc. (Avonmore Milk).

BDO, Camp John Hay Manor/ Forest Lodge, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon San Jose Law Offices Club Leisure Management Corp., Coffee Steins, Crystalite Distribution Group (Monster Energy Drink), Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club, Federal Management & Maintenance Inc., Forest Hills, G & W Clubshares, GG & A Club Shares, Go Sport Philippines, Golden Nutritious Foods Corp. (Golden Oats), Golforce, Hydrotech Irrigation, Leads Agricultural Products Corp., Manila Southwoods Manor, Minerva Sales Corporation, Metro Rail Transit Dev. Corp., Nozomi Providers Inc., PBR Law Offices, Resorts World Manila and Warbird Security & Agency are backers.

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

A8

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Sports

IOC to soothe virus concerns in run-up to Olympic Games TOKYO—Olympic chiefs admitted Friday they face a “very big communications job” to soothe concerns over the coronavirus epidemic in the run-up to this summer’s Tokyo Games.

The head of the International Olympic Committee coordination commission insisted there was no danger of Tokyo 2020 being cancelled or moved, despite fears over the fast-spreading virus which has killed nearly 1,400 and infected around 64,000—most of them in China.

But he said the IOC will send out information packs to reassure athletes that it’s safe to come into contact with competitors from China.

“The advice we have received from the World Health Organization is that there is no case for a contingency plan to cancel or move the Games,” John Coates told reporters after a project review meeting.

“Certainly it’s a very big communications job that needs to be undertaken,” he added, noting that China is set to send more than 600 athletes to Tokyo.

“But we hear that most of the Chinese athletes are now out of China.

I don’t know how many were to be involved in test events here, but I don’t see a problem if they’re coming from another country.”

Coates promised lessons would be learned from Rio four years ago, when concerns over the mosquito-born Zika virus led to several top athletes pulling out of the Olympics, including golfers Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.

“The WHO pointed out the likelihood of Zika being a problem at the time of the Games was very low,” he said.

“But we did lose some athletes—Jason Day’s wife was pregnant. We didn’t communicate the information well enough.”

Tokyo organizers have slammed “fake news” and scare-mongering over the coronavirus outbreak for causing panic ahead of the Games, which open on July 24.

More than 25 countries have confirmed cases of the flu-like disease, which the WHO has declared a global health emergency.

‘Tokyo 2020 on track’ Japan, which registered its fi rst fatality on Thursday of someone who had tested positive for the virus, is one of the worst-hit countries outside of mainland China.

There have been 33 cases on land and more than 200 positive tests of people quarantined on a cruise ship floating off Yokohama since last week.

Coates conceded that there could be fear among athletes about facing competitors from China.

“We did talk about that,” said the Australian.

“The IOC is going to ensure (information) kits are sent to all national committees to explain what’s happening around the world where Chinese athletes are competing,” he added.

“But I can confi rm Tokyo 2020 remains on track,” insisted Coates, who revealed IOC president Thomas Bach will lay a wreath at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on the sidelines of the May 19-20 executive project review.

The virus has already impacted sporting events in Asia, including Olympic qualifiers for boxing and basketball—both in China.

Formula One’s Shanghai Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in April, has been postponed with the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix also under threat. AFP

DUNK KING. Word-class dunker David Carlos of the Makati-Super Crunch once again ruled the Chooks-to-Go/MPBL All-Star Slam Dunk contest Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena. David, who stamped his class in last year’s edition of the event, threw down a one-handed jam over four people, which included Senator and MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao and his son, Jimuel. MPBL story on A7

Associations told: Cancel all events A

MID health concerns, the Philippine Olympic Committee has asked various national sports associations under its wings to suspend events and activities that they are currently organizing.

POC president and Tagaytay rep. Abraham Tolentino said this is in line with the government’s efforts to lessen and control the possible spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

“The Philippine Olympic Committee stands behind government in its precautionary measure of advising everyone to desist from organizing, participating or attending events where big crowds are expected,” said Tolentino in a statement.

The Philippine Sports Commission has already taken the initiative to call off activities and reset them to a later date.

So far, the PSC has reset the schedules of around 80 various grassroots sports programs in the Visayas the agency is staging

through the Philippine Sports Institute.

The cancellation of events under the PSC’s watch includes 30 editions of the UNESCO-recognized Children’s Games.

These activities are slated to take place in cities and municipalities of western, central and eastern Visayas.

Also affected are seven editions of Consultative Planning and Coaching Certification along Negros Occidental, Cebu and Southern Leyte.

“We must always put the safety of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators at the very top of our priorities,” added Tolentino.

Other events that have already been cancelled ahead of the POC announcement are the 7-Eleven Trail 2020, an ex-

clusive cross country marathon mountain bike race this weekend in San Mateo, Rizal and all scheduled games of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association starting today.

Management committee head Peter Cayco of host Arellano University said the move will serve as a precautionary measure on the spread of the corona virus “We shall advise you of the new schedule as soon as it becomes available,” said Cayco, who added their actions are in compliance with the advisories sent out by the Department of Health, Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the local government units concerned.

Among those affected are the senior division and junior division games of the ongoing volleyball competitions.

The schedule of the junior matches have already been scrubbed since last week.

Perpetual tossers complete 9-game sweep

By Peter Atencio LOUIE Ramirez continued to provide leadership for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Altas, who completed a nine-match sweep of the men’s elimination round of the 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association volleyball tournament.

Ramirez tossed in 10 points for the Altas in coming up with a 25-14, 25-15, 25-18 beating of the Letran Knights last Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

This gave the Altas an automatic finals’ seat as they will now wait the survivor of the step-ladder semifinal phase.

The semis will go on once the league lifts the indefinite suspension of the games due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

So far, the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the Arellano University Chiefs are already in the semifinals.

On the other hand, the College of Saint Benilde Blazers are jockeying for position with San Beda University and Mapua for the last slot.

“It’s very hard kasi we are the defending champions. I always tell my players they have to respect all the teams sa NCAA,” said Perpetual Help coach Sammy Acaylar.

The Altas, who have been unbeaten for 22 straight games over the last two years, got big plays from Ronniel Ro-

Members of the Perpetual Altas spikers flash nine of their fingers after completing a 9-match sweep of the NCAA Season 95 men’s volleyball tournament elimination round at The Arena in San Juan City. Dennis Abrina

sales, Ridzuan Muhali and Kennry Malinis, who combined for 23 points.

Earlier, three-time defending champion Arellano University pulled off a 25-15, 25-14, 25-20 triumph over Emilio Aguinaldo College, to assure themselves of at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the finals of the women’s action.

With Regine Arocha spending time to rest on the bench, the Lady Chiefs

leaned on Carla Donato and Nicole Ebuen in coming up with key plays for the Lady Chiefs.

Donato and Ebuen took over the scoring duties with 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Lady Chiefs.

The Lady Chiefs will try to secure the Final Four incentive with unbeaten College of St. Benilde (7-0) when action resumes.

Superliga postpones Fans Day HEEDING the government’s health advisory, the Philippine Superliga has postponed its Fans Day originally set this Sunday, following the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

PSL president Philip Ella Juico yesterday said they are putting premium over the safety and welfare of the athletes, coaches and spectators and will reset the Fans Day which was initially scheduled at the Activity Center of Robinson’s Place in Ermita, Manila to a latter date.

All eight competing teams were supposed to show up for an afternoon of games, fun and surprises as a kickoff activity for the brand new season of the PSL starting with the importflavored Grand Prix on February 22.

Reigning champion Petron and other heavy contenders like Cignal, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics and Generika-Ayala were to give fans a preview of their respective rosters.

New-look Sta. Lucia, PLDT Home Fibr and Marinerang Pilipina were also to reveal new recruits.

But with the Department of Health advising to avoid coming up with large gatherings to prevent the spread of the deadly virus that already infected more than 60,000 people in China and 25 other countries, the league decided to put the welfare of its fans above all.

“The number of those infected by the novel coronavirus is spiking while governments of affected countries are trying to contain its spre,” Juico said.

“With this, it is only logical, and responsible, for us to cancel our Fans Day this Sunday to keep any untoward incident from happening. Although we want it to go on as planned, we have to put special premium on the safety and welfare of our athletes, coaches, officials, fans and other stakeholders.”

The PSL is not the only league that had to make some adjustments due to the outbreak of the deadly pulmonary disease.

Manila Southwoods ready for Invitational

CHANGES IN RULES EXPLAINED. Philippine Basketball Association deputy commissioner Eric Castro explains to the players and team officials the latest revisions in some playing rules on Friday during a visit at the tune-up game between NorthPort and Rain or Shine at Green Meadows. Castro and PBA technical head Bong Pascual are making the rounds at team practices to ensure that all team personnel understand the new rules, which will be implemented this 45th season.

WITH the opening of the last four greens completing the 18-hole green renovations, Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club is ready to showcase the spruced up Masters and Legends courses to the 400 registered participants for the Invitational, which gets underway on Wednesday in Carmona, Cavite.

Both Masters and Legends were affected by Taal Volcano’s eruption in early January but John Cope, the Club’s Grounds Director and his maintenance team fast-tracked the rehabilitation right on time for the staging of Manila Southwoods’ annual member-guest tourna-

ment that will run up to February 22.

“The courses are in pristine condition. John (Cope) and his crew did a splendid job in bringing them back to immaculate status the Masters and Legends that they are known for. I hope everyone enjoys playing them next week,” said Manila Southwood’s Chairman, Robert John Sobrepena.

The Club prepared months ahead than the usual schedule, says general manager Mark Watson, to ensure the smooth staging of the Invitational. Because of that, they were able to come up with a handsome line up of prizes, for the raffle as well as for the hole-in-one items.

Awaiting those who will make those rare ace feats are the following: a Mitsubishi Mirage G4 from Mitsubishi Motors and Alpine Motors and a 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise on board the Allure of the Seas for two with airfare courtesy of Royal Carribean and Baron Travel.

Aside from that, the players can look forward to an Ogawa Smart Vogue—an intelligent automatic massage chair valued at around quarter of a million, a 1.5HP Inverter-type air-condition unit from Mit-Air plus 100,000 pesos cash from Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation.

Turn to A7

IN BRIEF PH may attract RE investments of $20b THE Philippines could attract $20 billion of renewable energy investments over the next decade through the use of auctions in and beyond the Energy Department’s proposed Green Energy Tariff Program.

The assessment comes from a new report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, which conducts research and analyses on financial and economic issues related to energy and the environment. The institute’s mission aims to accelerate the transition to a diverse, sustainable and profitable energy economy.

The report, Paying Less for More-How Auctions Can Transform the Philippines Power Sector, provides the means to improve the auctions process to enable global capital uptake of 20 gigawatts (20,000 megawatts) of new power with a potential investment value of $20 billion.

The report came out as the department positions itself to heed the President’s call for more low-cost renewable energy through its proposed Green Energy Tariff Program.

The program would establish pricing for solar, wind and other renewable energy.

The program also aims to promote competition and attract more investments in the green energy sector. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

DTI seeks to expand Middle East market THE Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Middle East and Africa are conducting an Outbound Business Matching Mission to the Middle East on February 12-24 to diversify the markets of PH exporters. The OBMM is in conjunction with Gulfood 2020 in Dubai World Trade Centre.

“We hope that through this OBMM, the Philippines will be able to explore business environment and possible prospects in the Middle East markets and sustain networking and follow-up activities in the UAE as part of the mission legs last 2019,” said Trade Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman.

The OBMM also aims to develop and expand relationships with business, government, and multiplier organizations in Middle East countries and enhance local understanding of the current economic conditions and business opportunities.

B1

By Jenniffer B. Austria

BIR OFFICE IN CLARK. The Bureau of Internal Revenue launches its Revenue District Office–21C inside Clark Freeport Zone.

Clark Development Corp. assistant vice president for business development department I Thelma Ocampo (fourth from right) and CDC assistant vice president for business development Department II Rodem Perez (fourth from left) join BIR officials led by BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay (center), BIR regional director Edgar Tolentino (fifth from right), BIR assistant regional director Claire Corpuz (fifth from left) and revenue district officer Gerardo Utanes (third from left) during the blessing and inauguration of the new BIR district office in Clark. With them are Foton Motor Philippines Inc. president Rommel Sytin (extreme right) and other CDC officers.

Diokno rules out further interest rate cuts for now

By Julito G. Rada

B

ANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno does not see a further cut in interest rate right now despite the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that some analysts say could dampen economic growth.

“... At the moment I don’t see another rate cut... we are happy where we are right now,” Diokno said in a press briefing at the BSP on Friday.

But Diokno said any move by monetary authorities would depend on the available vital economic data and latest developments.

Analysts earlier said the spread of the dreaded disease that already claimed the lives of over 1,000 in mainland China could prompt central banks to cut interest rates to boost economic growth. “... Depending on the information

and latest developments... We respect economists’ views, but as far as we are concerned, we are happy where we are at the moment ...,” Diokno said.

The Monetary Board, the policymaking body of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, on Feb. 6 reduced the benchmark interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75 percent, taking into account the benign inflation environment.

The interest rates on the overnight lending and deposit facilities were cut to 4.25 percent and 3.25 percent, respectively.

The board’s latest baseline forecasts indicated a broadly steady path of inflation for 2020 and 2021, with average inflation remaining within the target range of 2-4 percent.

Diokno suggested that to offset the expected impact on domestic tourism because China is one of the major sources of foreign visitors in the country annually, tourism stakeholders must do their part to prevent it from happening. “[Maybe], hotels should cut their rates to encourage domestic tourism,” Diokno said.

Earlier, global debt watcher Moody’s Investors Service said the Philippines will be impacted negatively by the out-

AC Energy, two others interested in Malaya plant

break of the 2019 novel coronavirus because domestic tourism—one of the strengths of the economy—relies heavily on Chinese visitors.

“As travel demand softens due to disruptions from the outbreak, growth in economies that are highly reliant on foreign visitors—those from China in particular—will weaken,” Moody’s said.

“Such economies include Thailand and the Philippines, where the direct contribution of travel and tourism industries is more significant as a share of GDP. Employment conditions will also weaken because these industries are large employers in APAC [Asia-Pacific] countries,” Moody’s said.

Moody’s also said economic slowdowns and a deterioration of employment conditions would lead to increases in loan losses for banks, with the latter hurting quality of consumer loans in particular. This in turn will drive credit costs and weaken banks’ profitability.

“Exposures to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) related to tourism and travel will be most at risk because these borrowers have lower financial flexibility compared to the more diversified corporate,” Moody’s said.

MEKENI TAAL RELIEF MISSION.

Adrian Garcia (left), Mekeni Food Corp.’s vice president for supply chain management and Nards Garcia (right), vice president for sales and marketing, lend a hand in meals preparation during the company’s recent Taal relief operations in Agoncillo, Batangas. Company executives and volunteers served hot meals to over 2,000 evacuees.

By Alena Mae S. Flores THREE companies expressed interest to participate in the third round of bidding for the privatization of the 650-megawatt Malaya Thermal Power Plant and its underlying land in Pililla, Rizal.

State-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. held a pre-bid conference on Thursday as part of the privatization process. Three interested bidders, namely Ayalacontrolled AC Energy Inc., Panasia Energy Inc. and Denki Power sent representatives to the pre-bid conference.

“Denki has not yet submitted a letter of intent but their reps explained that that’s because the signatory is out of town. AC Energy and Pan Asia both submitted already their letters of intent,” said PSALM president Irene Garcia.

The Malaya power plant is currently operational and being dispatched as a must-run unit by grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

However, per the Department of Energy’s direction, the power plant will no longer required to run as an MRU once privatized. As an MRU, the power plant is required to run if needed by the grid.

PSALM set the last day for the submission of documentary deliverables on March 12.

It said only parties that submitted letters of interest and which have been issued PSALM’s bidding package will be allowed to participate in the privatization of the MTPP. The bid opening is set on April 15.

PSALM held two rounds of public biddings in 2019 and both were unsuccessful.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Ayala Land increased net profit in 2019 by 13% to P33.2b

Higher infra spending to drive strong growth

FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said higher state spending on infrastructure and social services, supported by a low inflation rate and an expansionary monetary policy, will allow the government to “dramatically increase” the pace of economic growth this year.

He said the higher economic growth as achievable despite the challenges posed by the Taal Volcano eruption, the African Swine Fever and the coronavirus disease.

Dominguez said these unexpected challenges might dampen growth, but would not be significant enough to alter economic targets for this year, more so now that the 2020 national budget has been passed on time.

These resources would provide the government the tools it needs to accelerate public spending to offset the effects of the fresh challenges to the domestic economy, Dominguez said.

Positive developments in the Philippine economy, such as the government’s muchimproved tax effort and the implementation of game-changing reforms, will be amplified by the passage of the remaining packages of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program into law this year.

Julito G. Rada

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

MacroAsia, Chinese partner win Sangley airport project contract

By Darwin G. Amoejelar THE provincial government of Cavite awarded the development and implementation of an international airport in Sangley Point to the consortium of China Communications Construction Company Ltd. and MacroAsia Corp.

MAC said in a disclosure to the the stock exchange Friday it received the notice of selection award for the Sangley Point International Airport Project from the provincial government of Cavite on February 14.

The notice states that CCCC and MAC were selected as the joint venture partners of the province of Cavite and awarded the development and implementation of Phase 1 of the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) Project.

The estimated total project cost Phase 1

is about P208.5 billion.

“From the signing of the Joint Venture Development Agreement (JVDA), it will take 12 to 18 months for the consortium to complete the detailed engineering design leading to financial closing,” MAC said.

Only the consortium of CCCC and MacroAsia in December submitted a bid for the Sangley international airport. Other groups that earlier expressed interest in the project failed to submit bids, including Prime Asset Ventures Inc. of businessman Manuel Villar, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc., Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Langham Properties Inc. and Mosveldtt Law Offices.

The provincial government of Cavite is the lead proponent and implementing agency of the project. It supports the Transportation Department’s multi-airport strategy to decongest Ninoy Aquino In-

ternational Airport, the country’s main international gateway whose passenger volume was already 40 percent above its design capacity of 31 million passengers yearly.

The 1,500-hectare master-planned international airport hub will be fitted with four runways, and airside and landside facilities with an annual capacity of up to 130 million passengers.

It is expected to be at par with Singapore’s Changi International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport as it is positioned to be the next biggest development in air transport innovation in the country.

The provincial government of Cavite plans to separately bid out the operations and maintenance of the new international airport.

MAJOR property developer Ayala Land Inc. registered a net income of P33.2 billion in 2019, up 13 percent from P29.4 billion in the previous year, on aggressive project launches.

ALI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday consolidated revenues rose 2 percent to P168.8 billion, driven by sales of office and commercial and industrial lots, and supported by higher contributions from new leasing formats.

Revenues from property development rose three percent to P117.6 billion, boosted by sales of office, commercial and industrial lots.

Residential sales, however, declined eight percent to P93.2 billion from P101 billion in 2018 although reservation sales climbed three percent to P145.9 billion.

Commercial leasing revenue increased 13 percent to P39.3 billion, fueled by strong contributions from newly opened malls, office and hotels.

ALI also reported that it spent P109 billion in 2019 as it continued to invest in new mixed-use developments across the country.

“We continue to serve new areas in the country and reach out to a broader market with more affordable products. This is in line with our mission to enrich the lives of more Filipinos.

Furthermore, we continue to invest in all our existing estates which help spur economic activity in their respective localities,” said ALI president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy. ALI in 2019 launched P158.9 billion worth of property development projects and P15.1 billion in malls, offices, and hotels resorts in 2019 as part of its thrust to build sustainable, integrated and mixeduse communities across the country.

Key development projects launched in 2019 include three new estate projects, namely the 180-hectare Cresendo in Tarlac, the 120-hectare Broadfield and the 11-hectare Junction Place in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The group’s leasing portfolio expanded with malls and offices reaching 2.1 million and 1.2 millions square meters, respectively.

Malabon exit of Harbor Link opens Feb. 21 THE Department of Public Works and Highways said the Malabon exit of the NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section along Dagat-Dagatan Avenue is set to open on February 21.

“This inspection is in preparation for the opening of the C3 to DagatDagatan portion, which is about 1.2 kilometers. We are making sure that all the safety features of the expressway are in place before we open it to the public,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said, adding the entire 2.6-km C3-R10 Section will be operational by March 2020.

The NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section starts from Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City, connecting to the previously opened 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 that passes through Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City.

It is expected to reduce travel time from Port Area to NLEX to just 10 minutes and is being eyed to provide direct access for commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks.

“We are anticipating that truckers and freight forwarders will greatly benefit from this new road since their cargo trucks will have 24/7 access, and in turn translate to faster delivery of goods to and from the provinces in North and Central Luzon,” said NLEX Corp. chief operating officer Raul Ignacio.

Included in the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” infrastructure program, the NLEX Harbor Link is seen to ease traffic congestion and drive commerce between the Harbor area and Central and North Luzon areas.

It intends to advance transport logistics and provide an alternative route for motorists, bypassing EDSA and other busy streets of Manila.

Darwin G. Amojelar

B2

Business

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks sink; Jollibee leads losers T HE stock market plunged Friday, as fears over the new coronavirus rattled investors in Asia Friday as they struggled to work out if the China epidemic was worse than being reported by authorities.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index sank 121.12 points, or 1.6 percent, to 7,282 on a value turnover of P6.4 billion. Gainers, however, beat losers, 100 to 82, with 44 issues unchanged.

Jollibee Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, slumped 5 percent to P185.20, while Megaworld Corp., the largest lessor of office spaces, fell 4 percent to P3.90.

Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. declined 4.2 percent to P41.10,

while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the biggest port operator, dropped 3.6 percent to P119.

Meanwhile, a dramatic rise in the number of deaths and new cases of the virus on Thursday fueled global suspicions that Beijing was concealing the true scale of the illness.

Concern turned to confusion on Friday, however, as the death toll was lowered to 1,380 after authorities said they had double-counted some fatalities.

The uncertainty came as Vietnam quarantined more than 10,000 people in a cluster of villages after six virus cases were detected and Japan reported its first death.

“There are still some lingering concerns hanging like a cloud over the market that we could still get a surprise secondary transmission cluster,” said Stephen Innes at AxiCorp.

“But the intensity and market de-risking is nowhere near the feverish pitches of last Friday.”

Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index closed down 0.59 percent amid concerns over the economic impact from the virus.

Nissan dived 9.64 percent after the crisis-hit carmaker revised down its fullyear sales and profit forecasts, warning that the impact from the epidemic was not yet included in their figures.

After dipping at the open, Shanghai ended the day up 0.38 percent.

Hong Kong fell 0.11 percent at the open before recovering as investors weighed up the possibility that Thursday’s sharp increase—triggered by a change in the way Chinese officials count new infections—was a one-off.

Elsewhere, Sydney put on 0.38 percent, Seoul added 0.48 percent and Taipei gained 0.20 percent.

The surge in virus numbers sent Wall Street into the red on Thursday—a reversal from the previous day when the three main indexes closed at record highs.

The World Health Organization, which has praised China for its transparent handling of the outbreak, moved to calm fears over Thursday’s jump in deaths and cases.

It said the new numbers did “not represent a significant change in the trajectory of the outbreak.”

There is still, however, skepticism among the global public, with suggestions that Beijing may be concealing the extent of the virus the way it did during the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic.

Senior White House official Larry Kudlow said Thursday that the US was “a little disappointed in the lack of transparency” from China, which he said had refused American help.

Under criticism at home over the handling of the crisis, China’s top leadership on Wednesday called for efforts to minimize the impact of the outbreak and pledged measures to help firms deal with the economic fallout. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Friday, FeBruary 14, 2020

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

FINANCIALS 53 210 86 1,777,060 148.5 2,483,650 25 64,400 17.98 7,500 11.3 691,600 3.79 2,000 858 80 0.42 2,190,000 58 3,016,760 0.82 7,000 11.2 74,700 32 271,400 176 180 51.5 450 170 165,420 1,859 10 58.9 16,840 1.14 40,000

11,130 153,366,110.50 369,840,409 1,606,740 135,006 7,722,152 7,300 68,640 944,950 176,629,592.50 5,650 826,940 8,686,955 31,680 23,254 28,228,160 18,590 985,544 45,830

66,471,222.50 31,178,683 -262,254 25,090,542.50 2,156 160,255 -7,078,116 530,595 -

32 2.02 7 0.62 2.78 0.216 1.42 15 171 8.65 61.05 62.25 2.13 4.48 8.5 12 8.31 7.25 2.3 19.7 66.8 1.83 36 1.52 10.38 6.1 1.16 185.2 3.1 11.98 9.82 14.76 262 0.163 5.2 1.83 3.74 3.46 9.7 11.6 29.1 4.73 5.05 1.46 1.14 9.42 75 9.09 0.116 0.89 148.4 2.4 1.08 0.98

INDUSTRIAL 32 931,900 2.11 1,334,000 7.23 2,393,300 0.65 5,415,000 2.82 926,000 0.225 840,000 1.47 3,052,000 15.02 125,600 171 70 9.15 2,765,100 61.05 2,740 62.25 1,230 2.14 25,000 4.5 3,000 8.6 1,231,900 12 21,400 8.31 240,800 7.26 292,200 2.8 16,699,000 19.9 2,996,800 66.85 889,170 1.87 16,693,000 36 400 1.59 1,592,000 11.54 636,900 6.12 162,800 1.25 171,000 185.2 727,570 3.1 6,000 12.42 7,656,500 9.82 213,500 14.8 325,500 262 291,130 0.163 120,000 5.2 1,000 1.83 637,000 3.74 51,000 3.46 459,000 9.74 6,000 11.9 30,600 29.35 301,000 4.73 4,000 5.2 19,800 1.51 112,000 1.15 1,779,000 9.42 2,164,800 75 266,060 9.11 175,600 0.117 250,000 0.96 5,000 149 4,091,020 2.4 3,000 1.12 11,668,000 0.99 497,000

29,869,015 2,782,900 17,114,545 3,477,360 2,610,070 184,370 4,438,710 1,885,724 11,970 25,135,655 180,267 83,876 53,420 13,480 10,573,617 258,536 2,013,433 2,120,712 50,008,110 59736006 59,404,109 31,006,070 14,400 2,471,980 7,102,504 998,301 208,700 136,821,335 18,600 95,059,706 2,109,345 4,820,636 76,746,282 19,560 5,200 1,165,910 190,740 1,597,840 58,384 363,272 8,819,305 18,920 101,151 168,270 2,089,350 20,473,816 20003221 1,600,489 29,120 4,570 609096795 7,200 13,017,830 494,460

-18,364,735 34,960 -4,478,196 -6,500 274,550 -1,090,660 99,164 -11,048 -980,962 -1,930,608 329,025 177,850 -7015823.9996 -13,394,951 237,480 -199,710 171,080 82,266 -95,347,972 -18,600 -21,661,764 510,683 -3,553,606 -23,389,432 -270,900 -4,728,975 -88,840 5,721,432 -19140339.5 1,089,340 -719313831.0001 7,200 -

0.88 49.4 10.3 0.68 9.98 0.88 0.91 745 2.5 6.29 5.79 12.6 0.213 721.5 72.2 6.16 0.485 3.77 10.4 3.05 4.33 1.13 132.7 2 992 0.82 1.11 173 165 0.206 0.189

HOLDING FIRMS 0.89 24,589,000 49.4 1,328,500 10.3 11,605,300 0.68 66,000 9.98 1,500 0.9 2,705,000 5,000 0.91 745 253,720 2.5 588,000 6.29 686,100 5.84 5,435,000 12.6 8,300 0.213 2,010,000 721.5 64,820 74.5 1,846,560 6.69 7,200 0.49 30,000 3.8 1,324,000 10.4 1,253,500 3.07 27,641,000 4.5 11,000 1.14 48,000 132.7 194,590 2 12,000 992 569,085 0.82 2,000 1.17 53,000 183 20 165 2,850 0.206 1,030,000 0.189 20,000

22,139,610 65,930,550 119,815,408 44,880 15,015 2,402,920 4,550 189,931,425 1,476,760 4,332,167 31,742,749 104,580 442,130 46,980,310 137,355,403.50 45,525 14,700 5,029,660 13087970 85,481,750 48,480 54,630 26,152,793 24,010 566,401,482.50 1,640 59,450 3,560 473,319 221,430 3,780

-7,890 -12,315,870 57,096,076 4,148,285 343,588 -20,728,768 -440,000 1,815,675 -48,404,515 -1,309,660 -3903006.0001 22,196,450 13,500 7,449,331 76,532,205 -57,110 -471,651 -215,000 -

14.7 0.64 9.67 0.78 41.1 1.59 4.48 6.62 0.47 0.73 0.82 0.174 0.35 8.97 18.14 0.38 1.41 1.09 3.79 0.2 0.425 0.93

PROPERTY 14.7 755,500 0.66 90,000 9.67 100 0.79 212,000 41.1 8,647,600 1.62 1,231,000 4.5 966,000 6.62 300 0.47 8,140,000 0.76 2,000 0.82 24,000 0.174 50,000 0.35 400,000 9.02 33,400 18.5 359,200 0.38 370,000 1.41 34,752,000 1.11 796,000 3.9 31,468,000 0.203 4,080,000 0.46 680,000 1.02 3,365,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

53 87 152.5 25 18.38 11.2 3.51 858 0.435 59.3 0.76 10.78 32 176 53.8 175 1,859 58.5 1.14

53 87.1 152.5 25 18.38 11.3 3.79 858 0.45 59.85 0.82 11.5 32.2 176 53.8 175 1,859 59 1.15

53 85.55 148.5 24.85 17.98 11.14 3.51 858 0.41 58 0.76 10.78 32 176 51.5 170 1,859 58.5 1.14

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

32.4 2.03 7 0.63 2.82 0.22 1.46 15.02 171 8.86 67.7 64 2.14 4.48 8.89 12.02 8.46 7.26 2.49 19.9 67 1.83 36 1.55 10.38 6.18 1.17 194.9 3.1 11.98 9.98 14.94 263.2 0.163 5.2 1.84 3.74 3.5 9.75 11.86 29.5 4.73 5.05 1.47 1.14 9.48 75.95 9.15 0.116 0.89 150 2.4 1.08 1

32.7 2.12 7.23 0.66 2.86 0.225 1.47 15.02 171 9.28 70 80 2.14 4.5 8.89 12.4 8.7 7.28 3.3 20.4 67 1.88 36 1.61 11.54 6.2 1.25 194.9 3.1 12.6 9.98 14.96 270.4 0.163 5.2 1.85 3.74 3.5 9.75 11.9 29.75 4.73 5.23 1.56 1.24 9.5 75.95 9.2 0.12 0.96 150 2.4 1.12 1

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

0.89 49.8 10.36 0.68 10.14 0.9 0.91 752 2.55 6.38 5.8 12.6 0.22 740 73.75 6.72 0.495 3.8 10.54 3.05 4.33 1.13 136 2.01 1,008 0.82 1.12 173 167.5 0.215 0.189

0.92 50.95 10.48 0.68 10.16 0.9 0.91 754.5 2.55 6.38 5.97 12.6 0.22 740 74.7 6.72 0.495 3.8 10.54 3.16 4.5 1.14 136 2.01 1,010 0.82 1.17 183 169.9 0.221 0.189

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

14.72 0.64 9.67 0.78 42.95 1.63 4.5 6.62 0.475 0.73 0.82 0.174 0.35 8.97 18.44 0.385 1.43 1.1 3.82 0.201 0.425 0.97

14.74 0.66 9.67 0.8 43.05 1.63 4.55 6.62 0.48 0.76 0.82 0.174 0.35 9.09 19 0.385 1.44 1.13 3.9 0.207 0.46 1.02

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

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

0.31 2.05 24.7 2 3.07 42.05 2.55 1.72 6.4 5.06

0.31 2.09 25.45 2.08 3.14 42.25 2.55 1.8 7.29 5.24

0.31 2.05 24.5 1.9 3.07 41.5 2.4 1.72 6.25 5.04

0.31 2.08 24.5 2.07 3.07 41.7 2.53 1.76 7.29 5.23

240,000 101,000 1,039,400 2,870,000 63,000 28,469,100 123,000 2,667,000 13,884,200 129,700

74,400 208,300 25,513,280 5,624,040 194,530 1,189,166,665 304,980 4,672,160 100,024,856 665,329

-9,188,905 -3,655,570 50,240 -487,409,000 -15,668,053 -

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

8.9 16.94 1.29 9.69 0.38 0.049 2.78 8.93 0.048 79 4.5 1.8 7.58 2,006 5.4 1.12 121.4 0.102 1.8 12.14 2.08 10.18 0.45 2.97 1.88 1.05 0.96 2.05 1.97 7.3 8.96 149 3.18 1,034 0.52 0.315 38.3 71.6 8.95 2.25 0.57 0.237 0.58 18.86

8.9 17.4 1.48 10 0.395 0.049 2.8 8.93 0.049 80 4.5 1.8 7.58 2,006 5.44 1.16 124.7 0.103 1.93 12.4 2.08 11.4 0.54 2.97 1.95 1.55 1.44 2.1 2.09 7.3 8.96 149 3.26 1,039 0.56 0.32 38.5 74.5 8.98 2.28 0.58 0.245 0.58 18.9

8.5 16.94 1.29 9.29 0.38 0.047 2.64 8.6 0.045 78 4.43 1.8 7 1,944 5.4 1.1 119 0.1 1.76 12.14 2.08 9.97 0.45 2.97 1.8 1.05 0.96 2.04 1.9 7 8.96 140 3.11 1,000 0.52 0.3 38.15 71.6 8.66 2.19 0.57 0.237 0.53 18.86

SERVICES 8.5 17.14 1.32 10 0.39 0.048 2.67 8.66 0.045 78.5 4.43 1.8 7 1,944 5.4 1.15 119 0.1 1.9 12.4 2.08 11.1 0.465 2.97 1.8 1.28 1.39 2.06 2.06 7 8.96 145.2 3.25 1,000 0.55 0.31 38.2 71.65 8.98 2.24 0.57 0.238 0.54 18.88

23,300 732,500 501,000 2,367,600 730,000 4,300,000 1,345,000 4,015,800 13,200,000 55,890 652,000 1,000 11,900 32,555 448,500 223,000 1,399,580 1,760,000 42,900,000 1,600 56,000 9,903,100 11,160,000 10,000 1,164,000 6,576,000 728,000 463,000 130,000 2,700 100 150 1,021,000 98,315 34,394,000 7,380,000 1,387,400 579,850 20,600 416,000 809,000 1,120,000 202,000 2,852,700

204,490 12,528,500 705,540 23,416,216 284,900 203,700 3,624,970 34,865,528 612,900 4,406,932 2,901,560 1,800 86,291 63,693,915 2,422,863 252,180 168,536,438 178,010 80,856,660 19,450 116,480 107,760,852 5,511,200 29,700 2,108,370 8,986,770 978,680 949,840 266,420 19,245 896 21,682 3,250,200 99,230,865 18,612,060 2,252,900 53064880 41,779,943 178,987 930030 462,740 271,670 109,640 53,828,480

-65,860 -3,883,357 8,100 11,863,280 -19,200 -295,807 -274,190 -16,630,735 -2,157,826 548,710 1,300,144 -62,670 -104,000 -41,420 4,900 16,030 6,060 4,779,930 -32,920 -94,500 -9217110.0003 18,912,762.50 -150219.9998 5,121,422

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

0.0014 7.18 0.96 2.23 10.86 2.95 6.5 1.27 0.21 0.095 0.089 0.0077 2.56 1.02 0.46 0.01 0.011 2.88 8.43 20.2 0.0054

0.0015 7.18 0.99 2.23 11.3 3 6.85 1.3 0.21 0.095 0.093 0.0077 2.6 1.02 0.49 0.01 0.011 2.88 8.58 20.25 0.0055

0.0013 6.85 0.96 2.2 10.84 2.94 6.5 1.27 0.197 0.093 0.089 0.0076 2.55 1.01 0.46 0.0098 0.01 2.82 8.41 19.8 0.0054

MINING & OIL 0.0014 335,000,000 6.99 144,200 0.97 177,000 2.21 990,000 11.3 13,600 3 559,000 6.55 36,400 1.28 816,000 0.197 110,000 0.095 3,690,000 0.092 1,370,000 0.0076 6,000,000 2.56 980,000 1.01 2,000 0.47 31,000 0.0098 2,500,000 0.01 36,900,000 2.86 81,000 8.45 62,000 19.9 1,260,400 0.0054 6,000,000

468,000 1,006,712 172,020 2,183,940 150,694 1,664,010 241,508 1,043,930 21,820 347,810 124,680 45,900 2,519,580 2,030 14,405 24,590 385,900 230,090 522,387 25224393 32,700

-48,507 -960 -1,985,040 930,220 -107,810 -62,790 -8,830 6,720 -13411918.0003 -

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

14.86 500 100.9 107.9 5.2 988 100 100 1,030 1,051 1,062 102.5 109 1,032 77.5 75.05 76.85 75.1 76

15.6 500 101 107.9 5.34 988 100 100 1,030 1,051 1,063 102.5 109 1,050 77.5 75.05 77 75.1 76

14.84 500 100.9 107.9 5.2 987 99 100 1,030 1,050 1,062 102.5 109 1,030 77.5 75.05 76.85 75.05 75.45

PREFERRED 15.6 22,700 500 3,400 101 59,760 107.9 90 5.21 5,300 987 2,200 99 24,380 100 8,000 1,030 495 1,050 19,900 1,063 1,060 102.5 1,500 109 70 1,050 16,805 77.5 87,970 75.05 27,000 76.95 161,950 75.1 10,200 76 155,320

342,420 1,700,000 6,035,260 9,711 27,638 2,171,600 2,434,300 800,000 509,850 20,899,900 1,125,780 153,750 7,630 17,347,920 6,817,675 2,026,350 12,464,588.50 765,770 11,804,309

-21,020 -

LR WARRANT

1.14

1.15

1.12

WARRANTS 1.13 114,000

128,180

-

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

3.18 9.94 0.78

3.26 9.98 0.8

3.18 9.63 0.78

3.26 9.92 0.78

115,710 878,858 522,510

8,685 -3,900

FIRST METRO ETF

111.8

111.8

109.2

1,112,524

49,225

USD TECH B2

0.95

0.95

0.95

23,275

-

MS 11,115,870 57,890 967 165,500 360,287,305 1,983,200 4,348,040 1,986 3,847,350 1,490 19,680 8,700 140,000 302,361 6,613,688 141,850 49,549,560 875,920 121,411,590 823,040 304,500 3,256,890

-99,261,885 421,380 9,400 19,680 -222,600 381,248 -48,890,240 -46,685,430 47,000

Trading Summary

SHARES

FINANCIAL

11,653,009

INDUSTRIAL

91,380,310

HOLDING FIRMS

83,986,284

PROPERTY

148,109,747

SERVICES

155,625,726

MINING & OIL

396,852,600

GRAND TOTAL

888,413,822

SME

36,000 89,900 667,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 109.2 10,110 0.95

DDS

24,500

VALUE 1,738.95 (DOWN) 25.12 811,417,771.75 FINANCIAL 8,936.64 (DOWN) 95.04 INDUSTRIAL 1,350,708,874.16 7,051.97 (DOWN) 77.964 HOLDING FIRMS 1,464,959,722.79 PROPERTY 3,928.65 (DOWN) 66.61 1,440.30 (DOWN) 14.40 1,983,314,898.525 SERVICES 7,058.64 (DOWN) 44.21 MINING & OIL 801,103,479.01 7,282.00 (DOWN) 121.12 PSEI 36,430,578.378 All Shares Index 4,319.11 (DOWN) 38.13 6,450,573,541.31 Gainers: 100; Losers: 82; Unchanged: 44; Total: 226

Century Pacific, Shakey’s meet plastic-neutral goals, says Po

By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Pacific Food Inc. and Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, two listed companies owned by the Po family, have achieved their goals of being plastic-neutral after converting 100 percent of their plastics into energy.

Century said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the two companies which are under Po-led Century Pacifc Group marked their first year of being “100 percent plastic-neutral” in January this year.

Being “plastic-neutral” means a company is able to recover the amount of plastic equal to what it uses and converts it into energy.

In 2019, both Century and Shakey’s, along with Republic Cement, a leading cement corporation, and in cooperation with Friends of Hope, an impact company, agreed to co-process post-consumer plastic waste, converting it to energy.

The recycling aims to minimize the environmental footprint of both top consumer companies The energy serves as an alternative fuel in producing cement, replacing coal.

“Consumer companies face significant cost and performance challenges in finding more sustainable alternatives to plastic. While co-processing is not the perfect solution, it can mitigate the environmental impact of plastic usage,” said CPG president Christopher Po. Co-processing uses heat to destroy and recover any thermal or mineral properties of waste materials so that these can be used in cement processing in a single, combined operation.

At a high temperature of 1,450°C, coprocessed waste leaves zero residue.

Republic Cement is licensed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to use and dispose of qualified waste streams through cement kiln co-processing.

“With more Filipino companies embracing the plastic-neutrality concept, we are confident that we are making strides for a greener, stronger Republic.

Ultimately, this is about preserving the environment for Filipinos for generations to come,” said Republic Cement president Nabil Francis.

BDO starts Taal fund drive in Barcelona

By Julito G. Rada BDO UNIBANK Inc., the largest lender in terms of assets, said Friday its remittance office in Barcelona, Spain has organized a donation drive to the distressed victims of the Taal eruption by putting up drop-off boxes for Filipinos who want to donate in kind.

These donation boxes will then be delivered to BDO’s corporate social responsibility arm, BDO Foundation, in the Philippines for distribution to the affected areas. Filipinos living in Barcelona are mostly from Batangas and Cavite, areas that continue to bear the brunt of the volcanic eruption.

Officers and staff of BDO Remit Spain have also visited Filipino communities in Barcelona including Filipino Asian stores, restaurants, medical providers, clinics, freight forwarders, travel agencies and grocery stores to promote their donation campaign.

The St. Agustin Parish in Barcelona has also utilized the parish community to spread the word on the charitable efforts. They posted BDO Remit’s materials about the donation drive within church premises and regularly announced during the Sunday mass that drop-off donation boxes were put up.

“We have already filled up the first box of donations and is now on our 2nd box. More people are now donating and sending as a result of our info drive,” Gerard Ian Belarmino, marketing officer in BDO Remit Spain, said in a statement.

“We are receiving positive responses from our Kabayans for our efforts especially the waived fees for those who want to donate anonymously. Filipino community leaders are also grateful to us for accepting coin donations to be remitted to the Philippines.”

Local banks in Spain charge commissions for coin transactions. By remitting this through BDO instead, every Euro cent would be sent to the Taal victims.

These coin donations have totaled 700 Euros to date.

BDO on Jan. 14 waived its remittance fees on cash donations sent through the different BDO Remit offices abroad for the victims of the Mt. Taal eruption. The campaign runs up to March 31, 2020.

World

B3

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Iranians feel the strain of turmoil and sanctions

T

EHRAN―On a crisp winter’s day the snow glistens on the mountains above Tehran, but the mood is as heavy as the pall of pollution that often shrouds Iran’s capital.

MARKING VALENTINE’S DAY. A man buys balloons to mark Valentine’s Day in Kabul on February 14, 2020.

IN BRIEF

Robot waitress serves up smiles

KABUL―Afghanistan’s first-ever robot waitress glides up to a table of curious diners in central Kabul and presents them with a plate of French fries.

“Thank you very much,” the machine says in Dari, one of Afghanistan’s two main languages.

Restaurant manager Mohammad Rafi Shirzad says the humanoid robot, imported from Japan and designed to look vaguely like a women wearing a hijab, has already pulled in new customers since it started working last month.

“It is interesting for many people here to see a robot in real life,” he said.

“Sometimes kids jump in joy and surprise when they see the robot bring them food.”

While robots are becoming increasingly commonplace in Japan and China, they are not unusual in conflict-wracked Afghanistan.

After decades of war that has left much of the country’s infrastructure in ruins, the sight of a battery-powered waitress has provided some light relief in Kabul.

Nine-year-old Ahmad Zaki was desperate to see the machine. AFP

Hottest January on record

WASHINGTON―Last month was the hottest January on record, surpassing a previous high recorded in 2016, the US climate service said Thursday.

Land and ocean surface temperatures surpassed the 20th century January average of 53.6 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) by 2.05 degrees, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

And they beat January 2016―the hottest January since records began in 1880―by a narrow 0.04 degrees.

The news confirms a similar finding by the European Union’s climate monitoring service last week, which used slightly different data.

Across much of Russia and parts of Scandinavia and eastern Canada, temperatures were nine degrees above average or higher.

Arctic sea ice coverage in January was 5.3 percent below the 1981–2010 average, while Antarctic coverage was 9.8 percent below.

Scientists agree overwhelmingly that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are a significant cause of the planetary warming we are currently experiencing.

The United Nations said last year these need to tumble 7.6 percent annually over the next decade to cap global warming at 1.5 C (2.7 F)above preindustrial levels, the aspirational goal set in the landmark Paris Agreement. AFP

AFP

Novel cross-border love story smashes S. Korea’s TV ratings SEOUL―South Korea’s biggest current television hit is a surreally unlikely tale of a billionaire heiress who accidentally paraglides into the North and falls in love with a chivalrous army officer serving Kim Jong Un. “Crash Landing on You” is unashamedly fantastical in its plot lines, but has drawn praise for its portrayal of everyday life in the North, even down to accents and words.

The division of the peninsula is a regular theme in K-drama and K-movies, but it is unusual for so much of a show to be set in the North―in both Pyongyang and the countryside―and defectors have complimented its accuracy.

Portraits of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il-father of the current leader―appear on the walls of every home, with propaganda slogans in the streets of the set.

The crew included a writer and an actress from the North: “I felt like I was actually back in a North Korean village,” said Kim A-ra, who played a villager.

The 16-part series reaches its climax on cable network tvN this weekend.

“It changed the stereotypes on North

Korea and candidly showed that it too is a place where people live,” said Yun Suk-jin, a professor at Chungnam National University.

It is also a manifestation of how tensions have eased on the peninsula, where fears of war in 2017 were replaced by a rapid diplomatic thaw and a series of summits, although the process is now stalled.

“The series wouldn’t even have been planned and produced under heightened tensions,” Yun added. “Even if it was, it would not have been well received.”

The story opens with the beautiful heiress to a South Korean business empire being swept up by a tornado while paragliding, and crashing on the wrong side of the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone.

She meets a handsome North Korean soldier―the son of a top military general―and the two fall in love as he hides and protects her.

It is a vanishingly implausible scenario in a one-party state where intruders are jailed and disloyalty heavily punished.

Even more surreally, after she returns South the hero and several comrades slip across the DMZ and into Seoul undetected to save her from a villain. AFP

In a country weighed down by sanctions, shaken by protests and stressed by military tensions with the United States, many Tehranis struggle to hide their pessimism.

“Life is really hard right now. The situation here is unpredictable,” said Rana, a 20-year-old biology student walking in the upmarket district of Tajrish.

It is a part of the city where young women subtly thwart the Islamic republic’s conservative dress codes, opting for short coats, stylish make-up and scarves revealing ever more hair.

But, despite such relative liberties, Rana said she feels trapped.

“The quality of life isn’t good at all―we have pollution, angry people, high prices,” she said, pointing also to a “huge class gap” and Iran’s deepening “isolation”.

Iran’s economy has been battered since US President Donald Trump in 2018 abandoned an international nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions and a “maximum pressure” campaign.

When Iran hiked petrol prices in November, nationwide protests erupted and turned violent before security forces put them down amid a near-total internet blackout.

Tensions with Washington escalated in early January when a US drone strike killed powerful Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.

Iran retaliated by targeting US forces but then accidentally shot down a Ukrainian airliner, killing all 176 people on board, in a tragedy that sparked anger at home and abroad.

Rana said she still feels “sad” about the disaster that claimed the lives of many young people who had left Iran to study abroad.

One young Iranian who has chosen to stay in her country is Pegah Golami, a 25-year-old engineer who was shopping three days ahead of her wedding.

Marijuana convictions to be dismissed

Tanker death toll rises to 30

LIMA―The death toll from the explosion of a gas tanker in Lima last month has risen to 30, Peru’s ministry of health said Thursday.

Two women and a man were the most recent to succumb to burns from a fireball that occurred when the tanker truck carrying 10,000 liters (2,642 gallons) of liquefied gas exploded on January 23.

Initially only two people were killed and 50 injured, but the death toll has continued to rise due to the severity of their burns.

Investigators believed the explosion was caused when a fuel hose became detached as the truck passed over a speed bump. It ignited a major fire that destroyed several houses and vehicles in the capital’s Villa El Salvador district.

“Our deepest condolences to the relatives,” Defense Minister Walter Martos said Thursday, pledging to visit all of the dozen still-hospitalized victims.

Martos said reconstruction was set to begin Monday and said the displaced might be relocated to other houses nearby. AFP

“The country’s economic condition is now really difficult, especially for youths,” she said, dressed in a chic coat and suede boots.

“I feel very bad... my friends have decided to leave. But I, as an Iranian, decided to stay and build my country.”

The strains of a violin filled the air as a busker tried to make himself heard above the noise of the heavy traffic.

It is increasingly difficult to make a living, said Bahram Sobhani, a 47-yearold electrician who was unshaven, nervous and almost completely toothless.

“It’s a little difficult to find work these days, but it is out there,” he said.

“The sanctions have of course affected us, but we have to tolerate it because we can’t do anything else. We live in Iran, not somewhere else.”

The economic situation is also hurting Mohammadreza Khademi, vicepresident of the Delham Tabesh company that sells smart technology devices from Italy for luxury homes.

His company took a hit after the renewed sanctions trippled costs, forcing it to lay off 20 of its 30 employees.

“The end of 2018 was awful and all of 2019 was not good at all,” said Mohammadreza.

“I will continue to run my business. I will try to have that line of production in Iran locally, but it is super difficult to change,” he said, adding that “I am angry with Mr Trump”.

If the mood is glum in Tehran’s middle and upper class districts, it’s even worse in the poorer areas of the sprawling city of eight million people.

In the southern district of Molavi, a melange of architectural styles gives way to a maze of alleyways and shops where craftsmen practice time-honoured trades.

Only a few women are seen on the streets, most of them dressed in chadors and many carrying freshly baked flatbread.AFP

POSING IN THE PARK. Syrian Kurdish people pose for pictures at a snow-covered park in the city of Qamishli on February 13, 2020. AFP

Justice chief blasts Trump for making his job ‘impossible’

WASHINGTON―US Attorney General Bill Barr on Thursday delivered a highly unusual public rebuke of Donald Trump, saying the president’s tweets were making his job at the Justice Department “impossible.”

“I have a problem with some of the tweets,” Barr said in an interview with ABC News, adding: “I cannot do my job here at the department with a constant background commentary that undercuts me.”

“I think it’s time to stop the tweeting about Department of Justice criminal cases,” said Barr.

His interview came as Trump stands accused of interfering with the sentencing recommendation for his former advisor, Roger Stone―prompting four Justice Department prosecutors to re-

sign from the case this week.

The outburst was all the more remarkable as Barr has emerged as a powerful defender of Trump, earning the nickname of the “president’s attorney” from critics.

Barr has been at the center of allegations that he decided-allegedly under pressure from Trump―to overrule his own prosecutors and seek a lighter prison sentence for Stone.

He has previously been criticized

by Democrats and legal experts for seeming to assist Trump during the independent investigation into whether the president was helped by a Russian influence campaign during the 2016 election.

The two men are so close that there was immediate speculation that Barr’s

television interview may have been more about managing public opinion than a real outcry against Trump’s alleged interference in judicial affairs.

The controversy comes about a week after the Senate acquitted Trump of impeachment charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to pressure on Ukraine to announce investigations, including into Trump’s political opponent Joe Biden.

Another staunch Trump ally, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, supported Barr’s comments about the tweets.

“If the attorney general says it’s getting in the way of doing his job, maybe the president should listen to the attorney general,” McConnell told Fox News.AFP

LOS ANGELES―More than 85,000 marijuana convictions, some going back decades, will be dismissed in California thanks to a pilot program that will mostly help minorities disproportionately targeted by law enforcement.

“The dismissal of tens of thousands of old cannabis-related convictions in Los Angeles County will bring muchneeded relief to communities of color that disproportionately suffered the unjust consequences of our nation’s drug laws,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said.

The other counties taking part in the so-called Clear My Record program are San Francisco, Sacramento, San Joaquin and Contra Costa.

Officials say clearing the convictions will help people move on with their lives and more easily find jobs and housing in a state that legalized recreational marijuana in 2018.

“This is a clear demonstration that automatic record clearance is possible at scale, and can help to right the wrongs of the failed war on drugs,” said Evonne Silva, a senior official with Code for America.

The non-profit partnered with California prosecutors to develop a computer algorithm that can quickly identify cases eligible to be cleared under Proposition 64, which in 2016 legalized the possession and purchase of small amounts of marijuana.

The law also allowed for people to grow up to six plants of cannabis for personal use.

Under legislation signed in California in 2018, prosecutors were required to clear the records of people eligible under Proposition 64 by July of this year. AFP

MALLING, THE CUBAO WAY. Executives of Megawide, ACI, and reigning Bb. Pilipinas queens at the handprint ceremony

for the topping off of The New Gateway.

MEGAWIDE SETS SIGHTS

ON TWO PROJECTS IN CUBAO

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

UBAO, Quezon City—Infrastructure company Megawide and housing developer 8990 Holdings, Inc. recently broke ground for Urban Deca Towers Cubao, a 45-storey building which will use the former’s precast and formworks technologies for high-quality finish and faster construction times.

At the same time, the engineering conglomerate also partnered with developer Araneta Center Inc. (ACI), to top off the New Gateway mall at a height of 31.31 meters.

Urban Deca Towers is located on EDSA corner Mayor Ignacio Santos Diaz St., within close proximity to the MRT-3 Cubao Station and LRT-2 Araneta Center Cubao Station.

The towers are comprised of residential units, with commercial units on ground and second levels.

Megawide is currently undertaking the construction of Urban Deca Homes Manila, in Tondo, Manila City, and Urban Deca Homes Ortigas, along Ortigas Extension,

Pasig City.

The New Gateway mall, located along General Roxas Avenue, will be a 7-storey building with structural elements, such as beams, slabs, and walls, also built with a combination of Megawide’s precast and formwork technologies.

Megawide previously built Cyberpark 1 and 2 and the New Frontier theatre for ACI. The company is also building the adjacent ibis Styles Hotel for ACI, the first in the country.

Megawide has been behind infrastructure projects such as the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Reinventing the Filipino townhome

Boutique townhome communities developer TransPhil Real Estate, is taking the lead in gentrifying communities to create exceptional living spaces in Metro Manila, taking inspiration from Brooklyn, one of New York’s hippest neighborhoods. TransPhil Real Estate has eight projects lined up for this year alone with three already in the works—specifically Rosevale Estates, Buenconsejo, and The Bedford, spread across Paco, Manila, Mandaluyong City, and Quezon City.Most, if not all, TransPhil Real Estate units have 3 to 4 bedrooms (Seen in photo) with 4 to 5 bathrooms, walk-in closets, balcony, living room, dining area, powder room, help’s room, service area, driver’s quarters, and a 2 to 3-car garage, among other amenities. Each unit has a floor area ranging from 155 to 381 square meters, depending on the type of development.

For more information, visit www.transphil.com, or like and follow @ TransPhilRealEstate on facebook and instagram.

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

CUBAO RISING. Luis

N. Yu, chairmanemeritus of 8990 Holdings Inc., Alexander Sotto, president and COO of 8990 Holdings Inc., Eric Tan, deputy head of construction of Megawide, and Edgar Saavedra, president and CEO of Megawide (left to right) at the groundbreaking ceremony of Urban Deca Towers Cubao.

JAPANESE SIMPLICITY AT SEASONS RESIDENCES.

The Seasons Residences, a Japaneseinspired residential development that will soon rise in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), follows the Japanese aesthetic of “Shibui”, which refers to a sense of minimalism and organization, where everything has its place, things are kept simple, all you need is within reach. The space-saving kitchen sink, for example, is recessed, providing a perfect space to put cutting and draining boards that effectively double your work area. The kitchen floor storage, on the other hands, keeps heavy items such as bottles of sake and cans of soy sauce from falling over during earthquakes, and it makes putting away weighty objects easier.

A common sight in traditional Japanese homes. From the kitchen to other areas, Take a closer look at the Seasons Residences’ sense of Japanese community by visiting its showroom at 7th Avenue cor. 34th St., Grand Central Park, North BGC, Taguig City (across the Lexus Manila Showroom).

Protecting the coasts, underwater environment, now a top Marinduque look-out Being green up there with ‘bibingkang lalaki,’ Moriones festival, ‘bahay-na-bato’ treasures

MAKATI CITY—Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) this week signed an agreement with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of the province of Marinduque to elevate environmental awareness and protect the province’s marine biodiversity.

Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Jay Velasco and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan led the signing ceremonies, which would jump-start the establishment by the Shore It Up! Foundation, MPIC’s flagship environmental program in the province. This includes the set up of inspection and conservation guardians (marine guardians), underwater clean-up, particularly in the province’s coral reefs, an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign to protect over 2,000 hectares of mangroves, and eco-tourism.

“I am pleased that we have institutionalized collaboration among our member companies and with different stakeholders from government, academe and civil soci-

ety – to rapidly respond to socio-economic issues of our country, as well as to proactively support activities towards community development,” said Pangilinan.

“The province of Marinduque is very much pleased that Shore It Up! and the MVP group decided to implement their MPIC Guardians Program here in our island, so that these men can be in authority to better patrol our seas and heighten the protection and conservation efforts,” said Congressman Velasco.

Special efforts to reduce ecological impact Shore It Up! (SIU) is an award-winning environmental sustainability program which is commemorating its 12th year of existence in 2020. It chose Marinduque as its new SIU community partner due to the province’s geographic location as a center of marine biodiversity.

Marinduque is the eighth Shore It Up! site in the country.

A popular destination among among dive enthusiasts in the country, and international dive afficionados, the island

SHORE IT UP! Signing up to boost Marinduque’s marine inspection, education campaign, and conservation guardians program were (from left): Mike T. Toledo, MVP group media bureau managing director; Melody M. Del Rosario, MPIF president; MPIC president and CEO Jose Ma. K. Lim; Lord Allan Jay Velasco,. Marinduque congressman; and Manuel V. Pangilinan, MPIC chairman.

also attracts tourists for its rustic, calm all over the country, MPIF is looking at and blissful atmosphere. a provincial-wide coastal and underwater Similar to other Shore It Up! projects clean-up, marine protection, inspection,

and conservation , as well as the set up of a cadre of marine guardians in the island.

Under the MOU, Shore It Up! plans to earmark specific efforts, as well as sustainable programs that will benefit not only the environment, but the local community of Marinduque as well.

Setting up a cadre of marine guardians Similar to other Shore It Up! Projects all over the country, MPIF is looking a provincial-wide coastal and underwater clean-up, marine protection, inspection, and conservation , as well as the set up of a cadre of marine guardians in the island.

Shore It Up! also plans to make a significant impact in the coastal areas by increasing community involvement in environmental awareness and providing programs for sustainable ecotourism.

“We are glad to make progress in gradually increasing community involvement in environmental awareness and providing programs for sustainable ecotourism in various coastal areas of the country, especially in Marinduque,” said Del Rosario.

Life

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

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@MStandardLIFE

ARTS AND CULTURE

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Different faces of Philippine contemporary art

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(Part 3)

UNDREDS of artworks by over 150 leading and emerging contemporary artists are on display today until Sunday, Feb. 16, at SMX Convention Center Aura in BGC, Taguig.

The show, which opened to the public on Feb. 14, is a passion project of 10 galleries seeking to reframe the art show, hence a truly dynamic presentation that provides a glimpse into the state of today’s Philippine contemporary art.

“Our collective is composed of visionary and dynamic local galleries, ranging from the most veteran and experienced, to exciting young vanguards,” the collective said.

The collaborating artists include Artinformal, Blanc Gallery, Finale Art File, Galleria Duemila, MO_Space, The Drawing Room, Underground, Vinyl On Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335Mabini. Each institution presents their distinct vision with thoughtfully curated display focusing on the artists and their creations.

A hall at the convention center has been transformed into an art museum divided into 10 exhibitions. Artworks include

painting using acrylic and mixed media, sculptures, and digital art, among others.

“Our critical year-round exhibition pro-

gramming supports a diverse spectrum of contemporary art forms. Through these programs, we provide opportunities for artists to experiment and develop their practices, serve as a platform for innovative curatorial ideals, encourage regular creative exchange, and promote Filipino artists worldwide.”

On Feb. 1 and 8, we featured seven of the exhibiting galleries.

ALT Philippines 2020 aims to reframe the art show, providing a glimpse into today’s Philippine contemporary art.

Materials of the artist

A huge art installation with a pair of moving eyes by Reen Barrera—from the artist’s signature character Ohlala—at Vinyl On Vinyl exhibit.

From the blank canvas

Artinformal presents works of its represented artists and selected guest artists, together with a newspaper-format catalogue featuring interview focusing on the theme “Materials of the Artist.” These interviews are a d i s c u s s io n with each artist on the materials they use and how these materials affect and influence their work.

Participants include Reanna Abella, Tosha Albor, Juan Alcazaren, Brisa Amir, Jan Balquin, Nice Buenaventura, Charles Buenconsejo, Zean Cabangis, Pablo Capati, LeCruz, Winnie Go, JC Jacinto, Lui Medina, Ella Mendoza, Elaine Roberto Navas, Krista Nogueras, Neil Pasilan, ‘Around the Rodel Tapaya, Mark World II’ (2012), Valenzuela, Oca Vil- acrylic, graphite, lamiel, Alvin Zafra, and india ink, and tea on paper by Tosha Albor Costantino Zicarelli.

Quezon City-based gallery Blanc takes viewers on a journey that begins with how small, mindful, deliberate movements progress towards a state of contentment.

Part of this art journey are Allan Balisi, Andres Barrioquinto, Anton Mallari, Art Sanchez, Brave Singh, Buen Calubayan, Claren Chun, Dale Erispe, Don Dalmacio, EJ Cabangon, Francis Bejar, Gino Bueza, Hamilton Sulit, Isidro Santos, Jaime Pacena II, Jared Yokte, Jeffrey Jay Jarin, Johanna ‘The Only Light I Follow is the One Helmuth, John Marin, Jo- Waved by My Best Dog Neon Logo’ nas Eslao, Jonathan Ching, (2017), acrylic on canvas by Gino Julius Redillas, Kadin Tiu, Kelli Bueza Maeshiro, Lao Lianben, Leonardo Onia Jr., Mark Arcamo, Mimi Tecson, Paolo Icasas, Pow Marin, Renato Barja Jr., Rene Bituin, Renz Baluyot, Richard Quebral, Ronald Caringal, Ronson Culibrina, Victor Balanon, Wesley Valenzuela, and Wipo.

‘New Folk Heroes’ (2016), ceramic, concrete, timber, and found objects by Mark Valenzuela

‘A Family Portrait’ (2018), acrylic on canvas by Pow Marin

The best of the best

Juan Alcazaren, LesleyAnne Cao, Ringo Bunoan, ‘Flight’ (2018Roberto Chabet, Pardo de 2019), wood and cement Leon, Nilo Ilarde, Celine

by Christina Lee, Lou Lim, Lani Maestro, Quisumbing Christina Quisumbing RamRamilo ilo, Elaine Roberto Navas, Soler Santos, Yasmin Sison, Jel Suarez, Gerardo Tan, and MM Yu were challenged to showcase their strengths in MO_Space’s presentation.

For ALT Philippines 2020, the artist-run gallery features paintings, sculptures, and objects by leading contemporary artists and dynamic up-and-coming conceptual artists. The gallery’s shows are artist-centered rather than market-driven, hence it showcases each participant’s “the best of the best.”

‘Euphorbia Tirucalli’ (2018), oil and acrylic on canvas by Soler Santos

Abstract artists on the rise THE recently concluded auction hosted

by Salcedo Auctions’ Gavel&Block saw an emerging demand for abstract artists, with some pieces sold for six to 20 times the starting bid.

From the starting bid of P18,000, Norberto Carating’s “Untitled” work was sold for P350,400 (including buyer’s premium and VAT). Nearly 20 times the starting bid.

Known for his metallic abstractions, Carating boasts over 40 years of art practice. Gavel&Block’s previous event marked the first time a Carating was offered in a sale by Salcedo Auctions.

Meanwhile, Jaime Roque’s “A Pair of Abstract Works” was sold for P116,800 from the starting bid of P18,000.

“This weekend’s auction was really about the thrill and excitement of discovering great art pieces for your col-

lection,” enthused Salcedo Auctions managing director Victor Silvino.

“The successful sale of these pieces point not only to a prosperous start to the sale season but also to parent company, Salcedo Auctions, as we ring in our 10th year in the industry.”

In addition to artworks, other standout sales of the recent auction include decorative pieces for the home.

Romeo Taberna’s “Untitled (Countryside)” was sold for P525,600 from an estimate of P260,000 to P280,000, Cesar Buenaventura’s “Untitled (View of the Lake)” fetched P221,920 from an estimate of P45,000 to P50,000, while Gabriel Custodio’s “Untitled (Coconuts)” was sold for P210,240 from P95,000 to P120,000 estimated price.

A pair of Murano glass decorative pieces, estimated at P20,000 to P25,000

A silver-gilt epergne and a pair of Murano glass decorative pieces.

‘A Pair of Abstract Works’ by Jaime Roque

was sold for P128,480. While a silvergilt epergne with a floral-patterned centerpiece was sold for P64,240 from P20,000 to P25,000 estimate.

Following the successful sale, the premier auction house will mount a back-to-back exhibition at the upcoming Art Fair Philippines on Feb. 21-23.

Artworks by Ricky Ambagan (left) and Luis Romero.

Artists on focus are Luis Romero and Ricky Ambagan.

In Split Landscapes by Luis Romero and Unoccupied by Ricky Ambagan, guests can observe the shift in approach towards a shared theme, from the modernist framework of the ‘60s to the contemporary approach of today.

Romero will present his most recent iteration of a series he started over nearly 40 years ago which cuts across a variety of media and art forms. His piece explores the aesthetic of linear design in space—evidence of his architectural background.

Continuing along the same vein in Unoccupied, Ambagan will illustrate how words revolving around the idea of space shape the imagery that finds its way onto the canvas. According to the artist, words like “outside,” “inside,” “empty,” “full,” “boundary,” “maze,” “path,” “open,” “close,” and “haiku” inform his pieces.

‘Untitled’ by Norberto Carating

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

5 mysteries in Philippine history HISTORY is the record of past events. But some events written in documents remain a mystery yet to be solved or confirmed. Here are five of those:

The hunt for Yamashita treasure

During World War II, the Japanese army looted its neighboring countries and supposedly amassed an unfathomable amount of wealth. Before surrendering to the American forces, General Tomoyuki Yamashita devised a plot to keep the stolen riches hidden away.

Allegedly creating 175 tunnels across the country, General Yamashita had help from then Japanese Prince Takeda in designing and keeping the locations of the tunnels a secret. In a last-ditch effort to do so, the two enclosed the last tunnel with both Japanese soldiers and prisoners of war who finished the construction of the tunnels.

Eager treasure hunters have undertaken the arduous search for the contested treasure of Yamashita. While there have been stories that claim the discovery of the tunnels and the riches concealed within, no such claims have been con- General Tomoyuki Yamashita (elitereaders.com) firmed to be true.

The mysterious case of Amomongo

Russian dancer and choreographer Mikhail ‘Misha’ Martynyuk has been appointed as the new artistic director of Ballet Philippines, replacing National Artist for Dance and the company’s founder Alice Reyes (inset) in April.

Ballet Philippines appoints

Russian dancer

as new artistic director

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FTER the term of National Artist for Dance and Ballet Philippines founder Alice Reyes ends on March 31, she will be replaced by Russian dancer and choreographer Mikhail “Misha” Martynyuk as artistic director.

The Board of Trustees of Ballet Philippines Foundation, Inc. announced the appointment last week. The board is headed by its chairman Antonio Ongsiako-Cojuangco.

BPFI said in a statement, “The Board of Trustees is grateful for her (Reyes) efforts in contributing to the success of Ballet Philippines’ golden season 2019-2020.”

Meanwhile, in a post on Facebook, BP said, “Ms. Reyes has steered the 50th season’s presentation and will finish her term as mutually agreed in March 2020… Ballet Philippines anticipates new heights as it moves into the 51st season.”

With the help of Eddie Elejar, Reyes founded the dance company in 1969, and served as its artistic director for 20 years until 1989. She returned to BP in 2017, reMartynyuk is a star dancer at The Kremlin Ballet theater. placing Paul Morales as artistic director.

Martynyuk will hold the position (Photos from Martynyuk’s Instagram account) for two succeeding seasons, 51st and 52nd, beginning April 2020 to March According to the Kremlin Palace sive experience in theater and concert.

2022. Prior to his appointment, he has website, he is an Honored Artist of the He is the founder and artistic director performed with Ballet Manila several Russian Federation and a star dancer of of Boutique Studio Ballet, as well as his times since 2012.

The Kremlin Ballet theater, with exten- other ballet schools in Russia.

EXHIBIT

Valiant women on focus

THE ongoing exhibition “Designing the Colors of the Signs of the Times: The Color of Courage and Fear” paints an aspect of the current socio-political landscape of the country through the portraits of Senator Leila De Lima, former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Rappler’s Maria Ressa.

According to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, it features a “collection of large-scale artworks of the valiant women who fought for their rights. It exudes the concepts of courage and fear through the vocabulary and rudiments

The teleporting soldier

Gil Perez was a regular soldier of the Filipino Guardia Civil in the 16th century. It was a day after the governor was assassinated by Chinese pirates that he took his post as a sentry at the palace of the governor general in Manila.

According to stories, Perez decided to rest his eyes for a second and leaned back on the wall of the palace after a long day of guarding and waiting for the replacement of the governor. When Perez opened his eyes again, he found himself in A depiction of Plaza Mayor in Mexico City. an unfamiliar environment.

From the governor general’s (filipiknow.net) palace in Manila, Perez somehow ended up in Mexico City’s Plaza Mayor. He was placed in jail after questioning as authorities suspected he might either be a deserter or a servant of the devil.

Aside from the fantastical nature of Perez’ story, historians are also skeptical of its authenticity as it was only recorded a century after it supposedly happened.

The lost island of San Juan

San Juan, an island to the northeast of Mindanao, was recorded in maps from 16th to 18th century. It was in a map designed by Murillo Velarde in 1734 that San Juan quite literally vanished from the map. Subsequent reiterations of the map also made no mention of the island.

A range of theories was developed to explain the apparent disappearance of the island, from a tragic sinking of the island similar to the lost city of Atlantis to a mere human mistake by cartographers.

It was a cartographic board game created by Antonio Pucini in 1665 that apparently solved the mystery of San Juan. San Sio—present day Siargao—occupied the area where San Juan was supposed to be. This theory was not given credence until more accurate Jesuit maps were established where Islas Carolinas was situated where San Juan was originally thought to be.

San Juan was an island that was seemingly lost to history until a board game came along followed by more accurate depictions of the A map of the Mindanao islands created by Mindanao islands.

Jacques Nicolas Bellin in 1750. (filipiknow.net)

The walled city’s underground tunnels

of colors and the abilities to identify the hue, value, and intensity.”

The pieces on display were produced by the young student-artists from the college’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, who have honed their color rendering skills under the guidance of artist-educator Ramon Manuel De Leon.

Designing the Colors of the Signs of the Times: The Color of Courage and Fear is open to the general public until April 18 at the De La Salle University College of Law, Rufino Campus, 38th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Senator Leila de Lima

Maria Ressa and Sereno

‘Designing the Colors of the Signs of the Times: The Color of Courage and Fear’ exhibit is on display at DLSU’s Rufino campus.

Back in 2008, there have been reports of an elusive creature terrorizing the residents and animals of Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellanan in Negros Occidental.

According to separate reports from Elias Galvez and Salvador Aguillar, they were walking around town at night when they were attacked by a hairy creature with long nails. They were reportedly treated for scratches on their face, abdomen, and back. Due to Galvez and Aguillar’s accounts, residents have been careful not to roam around the barangay at night.

It was also noted that at least 50 chickens and a goat also fell to the violent attacks of the strange creature that has been named “Amomongo,” meaning ape. Despite the creature being called and described as having ape-like characteristics, there are no known apes native to the An artist’s depiction of the amamongo creature. (choosephilippines.com) Philippines.

During the Spanish colonization, there is said to be a system of tunnels running beneath the walled city of Intramuros. It supposedly served as a clandestine rendezvous for priests and nuns.

It was due to the reconstruction of San Ignacio Church in 1949 after World War II that what was thought to be a passageway was uncovered when contractors were digging around the area. Filipino A system of tunnels is believed to be running anthropologist Dr. E. Arsenio beneath Intramuros.

Manuel wrote a paper about the underground tunnels they uncovered, entitled “Subterranean Structures in Intramuros.” He called for further research but no follow-throughs were made, thus the tunnels remain shrouded in mystery.

Historian Jose Victor Torres proposed that the tunnels uncovered in 1949 were not an underground tunnel but rather a crypt. A total of 204 niches were discovered in the 1980s with an inscription that read “Remains of Priests and Brothers.”

Even with the unearthing of the tunnels in 1949 and the crypt in the 1980s, there has been no concrete evidence that either of the two subterranean structures are connected to the rumored underground tunnel system of Intramuros.

More of the world’s histories are yet to be unraveled. Explorers Justin Fornal and Emiliano Ruprah follow the tracks of some of the most mystical objects lost to history in Unexplained and Unexplored every Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. on Discovery Channel.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

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ALT PHILIPPINES 2020

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Filipino contemporary art reimagined

FTER a multitude of reimagined experiences it has brought to its customers, Smart Signature now dares consumers to reimagine the way they see local art.

Introducing ALT Philippines 2020, a first-of-its-kind collaborative project among 10 galleries in Manila that aims to not only showcase contemporary Filipino art, but also to reframe the notion of the art show itself.

The landmark art event, which runs at the SMX Convention Center at SM Aura until tomorrow (Feb. 16), brings together galleries Artinformal, Blanc, Finale Art File, Galleria Duemila, MO_Space, The Drawing Room, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, West Gallery, and 1335 Mabini.

This epic collaboration will result in a showcase of over 150 leading contemporary Filipino artists, in a groundbreaking and dynamic way that involves the immersion of viewers and the engagement of artists and professionals.

“We are truly excited to be part of this momentous event in the local art scene. This is just one of the many ways we provide meaningful connections by bringing subscribers closer to their passions,” said Smart President Alfred S. Panlilio. “Through this, we enable our subscribers to live the life they want, including the kind of life fueled by art.”

Amongst the anticipated highlights at ALT Philippines 2020, is the digital art wall that will be brought to life by artist Derek Tumala. “Derek’s work in collaboration with Smart is a coming together of art and technology. His “Pure Impermanence” 10-channel video in portrait orientation mirrors how we view images on our mobile phones.

It represents the endless cycle of experience and image-making through a network of fleeting connections,” according to a statement released by ALT Philippines 2020.

Reimagine the way you see art

Amongst the anticipated highlights at ALT Philippines 2020, is the digital art wall that will be brought to life by artist Derek Tumala.

Smart subscribers will have the opportunity to freely reimagine the way they see art, as they can avail of exclusive passes to ALT Philippines 2020 as part of the elevated customer experience that Smart provides its valued customers.

With Smart Signature Plans, subscribers can also enjoy the best postpaid and overall experience. Smart Signature affords for its subscribers the capacity to live the life they want because their passions are supported by Smart Signature›s bigger data allocation and Smart LTE, the undisputed fastest mobile network in the country, as awarded by third-party organizations such as Ookla, OpenSignal, Tutela, and P3 in their respective crowdsource-based studies on mobile internet services in the Philippines.

But Smart doesn’t stop with data and network speed that customers deserve. Smart also serves perks and privileges to its subscribers, in this case, the leveled-up Signature lifestyle that allows loyal customers to pursue their love for art by getting free tickets and ticket discounts to ALT 2020 Philippines.

To score tickets and discounts to ALT 2020, Smart Postpaid subscribers may submit their entries by answering the question, “What are you looking forward to the most at ALT 2020?” Just go to the comment’s section of Smart’s ALT 2020 ticket giveaway post on Facebook and include the hashtag #SmartALTPH2020.

For more levelled-up love-for-art experiences, follow Smart on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications or @ReimaginePH on Instagram. Keep tabs on the hashtags #Reimagine and #SmartALTPH2020 for more updates as well as ALT Philippines on social media at Alt Philippines on Facebook and @altphilippines on Instagram.

Click on the link for additional details: https://www.facebook.com/ events/222715622076541.

‘Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes’ Coney Reyes takes on new role as health ambassador

back for a provocative 2nd season HOOQ, Southeast Asia’s leading video-on-demand service, has recently launched the second season of Philippines HOOQ Original Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes, now available to stream on HOOQ’s free tier.

Sex therapist, best-selling author, clinical psychologist, and columnist Dr. Margarita Holmes is back with her unbridled and sometimes irreverent advice on Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes Season Two. The first season became the number one streamed show on HOOQ Philippines within the first week of airing. Due to popular demand, Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes Season Two gives HOOQ customers more non-fiction sex comedy, with an increase from 10 to 16 episodes, addressing questions viewers are too shy to ask, but are too curious to just leave alone.

Jennifer Batty, Chief Content Officer at HOOQ , said, “One of the goals for HOOQ and its original productions is to push boundaries when it comes to video entertainment. We are very excited one of our HOOQ Originals features Dr. Margie Holmes, who has been breaking confines for many years, providing much needed and frank discussions on taboo topics like sex.”

Dr. Holmes is a professor of psychology at undergraduate and graduate levels, and taught at universities in the Philippines and the United States.

She is currently a columnist at Play-

Renowned sex therapist Margie Holmes’ digital show gives answers to questions people are ashamed to ask.

boy, rappler.com, Abante, and Abante Tonite, as well as a Psychology professor at the Graduate Program of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.

During her illustrious career, Dr. Holmes has written 20 bestselling books, the best known of which are “ Life Love Lust, the first book written on love and sex in the Philippines and Down to 1: Depression Stories, the first book written about clinical depression in the country. Her most recent books include “Love Triangles” and “Imported Love” which she cowrote with her husband Jeremy Baer.

Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes takes a humorous but informative approach to addressing key issues around taboo topics. Every episode includes a funny personal short film involving depictions of real life dilemmas and questions sent to Dr. Holmes. Through creative reenactments, animations, and straight-to-camera conversations, Dr. Holmes offers candid albeit expert advice. The series has a raw and natural feel to it, based on the themes of these real-life stories.

In addition to launching Sex Talks with Dr. Holmes, HOOQ is pushing the boundaries with top-billed content containing themes including sex, love, and terrorism through other HOOQ Originals around the region, such as Brata in Indonesia, She’s a Terrorist and I Love Her in Singapore and Someone in Thailand.

AT 65, Constancia Angeline Reyes Nubla or more famously known by her screen name Coney Reyes, shows no sign of leaving the business that has loved and nurtured her brilliant talent for more than four decades.

In fact, she has a new show set to premiere on GMA Network, the family drama series titled Love of My Life. She plays mother to Tom Rodriguez’s character who is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and tries to race against time to bring their family together.

“I am very excited with this new project—excited to be working with Tom, Carla [Abellana], Rhian [Ramos], Mikael [Daez]. It’s a beautiful story about love for family that a lot of people can relate to,” she shares.

Health advocate

In real life, Coney is mom to LA and Carla Mumar and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto. She is also a doting grandma to LA’s sons Lorenzo, Matteo, and Alejandro who she reveals she loves to spoil rotten.

“I think that’s my privilege,” she confirms.

Apart from showbiz and family, Coney also cherishes her devotion as a born-again Christian. She is an active member and a discipleship group leader of Victory Christian Fellowship.

Recently, Coney has added another feather to her cap as she signs with Pharex Health Corporation as the brand ambassador of Fortiplex, a Vitamin B brand for people 60 years old and above.

“I am very pleased to be part of the Pharex family, more so, to be spreading awareness about the importance of Vitamin B to my fellow senior citizens.

Health is also something I am passionate about,” shares Coney.

Extra International...

From C4 The first film boasted an impressive ensemble cast including “Captain America” Chris Evans, soon-to-be Bond girl Ana de Armas and veteran actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

“That’s the other fun thing about thinking about the next one... what other actors could we rope into this?” said Johnson.

Wood-paneled rooms

Johnson first came up with the notion of Knives Out a decade ago.

Having dedicated four years to making 2017›s space epic The Last Jedi for Disney, Johnson was itching to quickly switch to something galaxies away from that “big filmmaking world.”

From left: Tomas Marcelo Agana III, Pharex president, Gema Gochuico, Chief Executive Officer of ESTIMA, Coney Reyes; Maan Tolentino, Senior Product Manager of Pharex, Edelyn Agapito, Marketing Director of Pharex, and Vicente Pozon, Chairman of ESTIMA.

The power of Vitamin B

of appetite and poor nutrition.

Don’t let bad mood ruin quality time with your loved ones. Arm yourself with the right vitamin B complex like Fortiplex as it provides better formulation with unique combination of B Vitamins. Where other brand only has a combination of three, Fortiplex has five.

“With different life stages, our bodies need different amounts of vitamins and nutrients to help us in being better versions of ourselves everyday. Listen to your body and what it needs. Consult with a doctor if you must. And most importantly, don’t forget your personal relationship with the Lord,” ends Coney.

Fortiplex is now available in leading pharmacies nationwide at P18.86 SRP per capsule. It is also available in strip foil x 4s (box of 100s).

«I had a great time working on ‹Star Wars’... I genuinely enjoyed that aspect of it,” said Johnson.

But the idea of a film «we could make quickly, and just have some fun with actors talking in wood-paneled rooms—you can see how that would be appealing,” he added.

Johnson remains linked to a brand new Star Wars trilogy, announced in 2017 but plagued by rumors it had been canceled after the experimental Last Jedi enraged die-hard fans.

“I still have a great relationship with Lucasfilm, and nothing›s been announced,” said Johnson.

And, of course, there was British 007 actor Craig›s drawling «deep South» accent, based on the late American Civil War historian Shelby Foote.

“It ended up being kind of Shelby Foote by way of Foghorn Leghorn,” joked Johnson.

“He would go, ‘Was that too much?’

And I’d say, ‘No keep going!’”

The accent drew scorn from some viewers, but Johnson insists Craig’s deliberately “humane and clownish” accent was “never just like a joke.”

“It takes a really, really good actor to go big and stay real.”

Although Craig is the only actor resuming his role, social and class themes from Knives Out are likely to return.

«Knives Out» is released on DVD, Bluray, and 4K Ultra HD by Lionsgate on Feb. 25. Andrew Marzsal, AFP

Fortiplex is a high-dose B-complex vitamins (B1, B6, B12 with additional B2 and B3), formulated to relieve or prevent peripheral neuropathies and address mood issues and forgetfulness amongst elderly.

Coney added, “For people my age, it is common to experience nerve problems like numbness or tingling and muscle weakness. Also, if you’ve observed, older people tend to be easily irritated and annoyed by the most trivial things. The mood swings are sometimes inexplicable.”

Various medical studies have shown that deficiencies in B vitamins lead to mood and personality changes, and even forgetfulness. Sadly, the most prone to these conditions are the senior citizens primarily because of their increasing loss

Foghorn Leghorn

Beyond the traditional detective formula, Knives Out earned praise for its comedic aspects, including its satirical look at the wealthy family’s prejudices.

Entertainment

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Ilocos Sur named its most beautiful

By Robbie Pangilinan NEW queens were crowned at the Saniata ti Ylocos Sur 2020 pageant night held on Feb. 2 at the Tamag Grounds.

The pageant was a highlight of the annual Kannawidan Ylocos Festival that celebrates Ilocos Sur being a separate province and a treasure chest of traditions and culture.

Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson crowned Donnabelle Erno from the Municipality of Sta. Maria as the Saniata Ti Ylocos and Miss Millennial Ilocos Sur 2020. She

brought home a cash prize of P100,000.

During the glitzy beauty competition, Erno also bagged Best in Swimwear and the Darling of the Press/ Media’s Choice award.

Miss San Vicente Glaizel Ragasa received P80,000 as Saniata Ti World 2020. She was also named Best in Talent, Ms. Safari Hotels and Villas, and Face of the Night.

Blezie Mae Garcia from Quirino was awarded Saniata Ti Tourism 2020 and Miss Photogenic and Christine Mary Pacleb from San Esteban was crowned Saniata Ti Environment 2020.

The star

Alden Richards

Other winners were: Laiza May Fernando from Bantay, first runner up and was also named Best Performer; and Elisha Faith Udarbe from Magsingal, Miss Kojie San and second runner up.

Special awards were also given out: Camille Tabaco won Texter’s Choice; Ysabella Cassandra Rafanan named Miss Congeniality; and Jezra Agsalog won Darling of the Crowd.

The pageant was hosted by KC Montero and Isabel Daza. Miko Raval, Maja Salvador, and Enchong Dee were among the performers.

Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson (center) is flanked Saniata Ti Ylocos Sur 2020 pageant queens (from left) Elisha Faith Udarbe, Laiza May Fernando, Christine Mary Pacleb, Blezie Mae Garcia, Glaizel Ragasa, and Donnabel Erno.

Alden Richards considers hosting a singing competition for kids very challenging.

is looking for

Pepsi’s new queen Kathryn Bernardo is the new face of Pepsi Philippines

UNVEILED as the newest endorser of Pepsi Philippines, Kathryn Bernardo joined her longtime love team partner, Daniel Padilla, among others, as part of the Pepsi family.

“Something that Daniel and I share is the belief that we should follow our hearts and do the things we love. Just go for it 100 percent. That’s why this year, I really told myself I’m going to go all-in. I’m thrilled to join Daniel in encouraging people to do the same, as part of the Pepsi family,” Kathryn shared, as she was introduced at the recent Pepsi Taste Challenge held at TriNoma mall.

The event also featured different Pepsi influencers and endorsers like Daniel Padilla, Mimiyuuuh, JinHo Bae, Pamela Swing, Alyssa Valdez, Kiefer Ravena, and Ricci Rivero. Various fun and interactive activities such as Pepsi-oke, a live vlogging challenge, and a digital roulette and extraordinary performances from inspiring local artists including Matthaios, Autotelic, and SB19 entertained the audience.

The Pepsi Taste Challenge celebrates Filipinos’ love for cola and dares them to challenge their preconceptions through a taste test in different cities around the Philippines, to find out whether people prefer the refreshing bold taste of Pepsi vs another cola brand. The event will also take place in Cebu and in Davao - two of the most bustling areas in the country.

“Kathryn embodies a refreshing

F

OR its premiere telecast tomorrow night, Centerstage, GMA Network’s newest talent search hosted by Alden Richards, four powerhouse belters are gathered racing to get to the most coveted spot on the show.

An original Filipino concept developed by the network, Centerstage is billed as an exciting and innovative approach to the popular talent competition format. By utilizing the latest technologies, the show is able to push the format into new heights.

“Four singers start from the same point at the start of the show, then as they perform, the audience and celebrity judges vote using electronic devices. Their votes are immediately translated on the floor where the contestants are standing, the more votes they get, the floor panels light up until only two advance closer.

The other two are eliminated,” Alden told the press during the show’s media launch held at studio 7 of GMA. “The remaining two contestants battle it out in another sing-off, and the votes are again indicated on the stage floor to see who gets to stand on centerstage,” he added.

According to the actor, who’s sharing the hosting job with Betong Sumaya, apart from the exciting race, which test audiences have compared to a real-life video game, Centerstage also features the inspiring stories of the contestants.

“The show also aims to encourage these young artists through a segment, where there other interests and talents are highlighted, and they are given a surprise as reward for pursuing their passions,” Alden related.

Asked what makes Centerstage different from other GMA talent searches, or any talent searches on television for that matter, the bedimpled actor chimed, “We have an interactive set, and we’re looking for all-around music stars. As you can see, we have leveled up the competition.”

Since it’s his first time to host a competition like this, Alden shared how thrilled he is to get up close and person-

‘Centerstage’ judges (from left) Aicelle Santos, Pops Fernandez, Mel Villena, with co-host Betong Sumaya (inset)

al with the aspirants.

“It’s something new for me, it’s going to be different, the main challenge is dealing with kids, we have a resident psychologist to guide us dealing with them because at the end of the day, it’s a competition, someone will win and many will lose.”

Centerstage gathers young aspiring performers aged 7 to 12 from different places in the Philippines to compete against each other through songs and by outracing opponents in a series of vocal performances until only one remains.

The search is led by Aicelle Santos, renowned musical director Mel Villena, and Pops Fernandez as judges.

Under the helm of Louie Ignacio, Centerstage airs every Sunday at 7:40 p.m., on GMA.

personality which Pepsi represents,›› said Gutzee Segura, Marketing Manager of Pepsi Philippines. “Like Pepsi, she has always been a crowd favorite.

As a matter of fact, during our Pepsi Taste Challenge held in different countries around the world such as UK, France, Italy, and Australia, among others, most of the people picked Pepsi over other cola brands.”

“Apart from these though, Kathryn’s amazing dedication to her craft serves as an inspiration to countless fans.

With her passion and her knack for following her heart, she really personifies what Pepsi stands for,” she added.

Live performances from local artists at the upcoming Pepsi Taste Test Challenge events are at SM Seaside Cebu on Feb. 22, and SM Lanang Premiere Davao on March 7.

For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/PepsiPhilippines/ and follow @PepsiPhilippines on Instagram.

EXTRA INTERNATIONAL

‘Knives Out’ director plots whodunit franchise after ‘Star Wars’ HIT murder mystery Knives Out is set to become a whodunit movie franchise, with Daniel Craig’s Southern gentleman sleuth tackling a brand-new set of suspects, its creator told AFP. The 2019 movie was a massive success for writer-director Rian Johnson, previously best known for the divisive blockbuster Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

An Agatha Christie homage about a family patriarch murdered in his sprawling mansion, Knives Out on Tuesday passed $300 million at the global box office, despite a budget of just $40 million.

“It’s always been in my head that if this one does alright, then it›d be really

fun to do more of these,” said Johnson.

The film was nominated for the best original screenplay Oscar— losing out to history-making Parasite—and last week studio Lionsgate confirmed a sequel.

“It’s really more like another case, another set of suspects, another type of mystery, but with Daniel›s Benoit Blanc character there to solve it,” said Johnson.

He has begun writing the second film, with plot details under wraps— “I’m just starting to fish around... There will be a murder, I can say that!”

But there will be «a whole new cast and whole new location and everything.”

Continued on C3

Daniel Craig plays Benoit Blanc in ‘Knives Out’