Manila Standard - 2019 April 24 - Wednesday

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DU30 ORDERS SUPERMARKET: CEASE, DESIST STORY BELOW

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 69 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PRESIDENTIAL PITY. President Rodrigo Duterte extends his compassion to the mother of a daughter, among 11 victims who died during the 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Porac, Pampanga on Monday.

Samar shocker: 6.5 quake PH IN THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE ZAMBALES EPICENTER Magnitude 6.1 April 22

EASTERN SAMAR EPICENTER Magnitude 6.5 April 23

BATANGAS EPICENTER Magnitude 4.7 April 22

Phivolcs head warns of 7.2 ‘heavyweight’

By Ronald Reyes, Francisco Tuyay, Rio Araja, Nat Mariano and Alena Flores

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MAGNITUDE 6.5 earthquake jolted San Julian, Eastern Samar Tuesday afternoon, stronger than the magnitude 6.1 quake that wrought significant damage Monday in Luzon. This prompted the government’s chief seismologist to warn of the possibility of a “heavyweight” magnitude 7.2 temblor in Metro Manila due the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault that stretches from Bulacan to Laguna.

A magnitude 4.7 tectonic earthquake also rocked the waters of Batangas near Calatagan Monday night. The temblor was Next page

16 dead in Luzon tremor; rescuers step up search

By Francisco Tuyay, Joel E. Zurbano and Alena Mae Flores THE death toll in the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that rocked parts of Luzon on Monday has reached 16, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council announced Tuesday.

NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo Jalad said some 81 people were reported injured and 14 more were missing in Central Luzon.

Of the 16 reported dead, five were from the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga, seven were from different barangays in the town, two were from Lubao, and one each were from Angeles City and San Marcelino, Zambales.

A total of 29 structures and buildings sustained damage due to the earthquake.

NDRRMC has raised its blue alert status since 7 p.m. Monday and ordered regional DRRMCs to continuously monitor their areas of responsibility.

QUAKE’S TEMPER. A magnitude 6.5 quaver shakes Eastern Samar Tuesday (inset top), letting anxious motorists (above) to manuever along unsightly road fractures in the coastal town of San Julian, and causing frightening ripples in other parts of Eastern Mindanao and nearby islands, with the Asian Foundation College in Tacloban (right), only a day after a magnitude 6.1 temblor rumbled underneath Zambales, Pampanga and Metro Manila. AFP, Contributed Photos

PH-China ties better than ever—GMA

Next page

Du30 to Chuzon: Cease and desist

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Nat Mariano WHILE the damage brought by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake in Pampanga was not “devastating,” the incident still remains a “problem” for the government, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, as he issued a “cease and desist” order against the operations of a collapsed supermarket in Porac, Pampanga.

He declared this in a situation briefing at the Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City, after several Cabinet members reported assessments by their respective agencies and departments.

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, the recent earthquake killed 16 people and injured 86 others in Central Next page Luzon.

MALASAKIT. Former Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez joins House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in visiting the victims of the 6.1 major shock at the Lapid Hospital in Porac, Pampanga on Monday.

SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said Tuesday the bilateral ties between the Philippines and China had reached new heights in recent years, and this was evident in the rise in China’s investments in the Philippines and in China’s becoming the Philippines’ number one partner in trade and industry.

She made the comment in her keynote speech on the second day of the Boao Forum for Asia Manila Conference at the Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City.

“Clearly, the economic and trade cooperation between our two countries is as good as it has ever been, better than it has ever been in fact. The main thing to focus on now is on the implementation side,” Arroyo said.

Under the initiative of Arroyo, who is a member of the BFA Board, the Philippines hosted the 2019 BOAO Forum for the Asia Manila Conference, with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce Next page Arroyo

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News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Army, Reds clash in Samar; six killed, six others hurt

By Francisco Tuyay SIX soldiers were killed and six others were wounded in a firefight with communist rebels in a village in Eastern Samar on Tuesday, an official said.

The slain soldiers were members of the Army’s 46th Infantry Battalion, said Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the Central Command based in Cebu City.

He said troops, led by Sgt. Gilbert Benito, were sent to Beri Village in Cabiga town following reports that New People’s Army guerrillas were extorting money from the residents there, and at 2:45 a.m. a firefight started between them and the guerrillas.

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesman of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the fighting took place in a forested area where the troops had been in a disadvantage.

He said the troops were part of a team conducting a community support program among the residents in Buluan village before the encounter.

“The team received a report that NPA rebels were extorting money from the residents, prompting the troops from Buluan village to respond, Aragones said.

He said the rebels suffered an undetermined number of casualties because of the bloodstains on the site of the encounter.

Lt. Col. Noel Cagasan, commander of the 46th Infantry Battalion, said his troops were patrolling in the vicinity to check on the presence of the rebels when they encountered them.

“Six government soldiers offered their lives in the service of the Samareños, and six others were wounded,” said a source in Camp General Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City.

“There was an undetermined number of wounded on the enemy side as indicated by the bloodstains along the way of their escape.”

PH-China...

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and Industry Inc. as its BFA’s main partner, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as supporting partner.

The BOAO theme for this conference is “Concerted Action for Common Development in the New Era.” Arroyo said that, during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping last November, he and President Rodrigo Duterte decided to establish the relationship of “Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation” and sent a strong message that the two countries were partners in seeking a common development.

She said the Philippines must remove on-the-ground bottlenecks that impede the implementation of projects that involve trade and investment groups from China.

“We hope that is the way your business plans will also end up. Welcome without restriction. We in the Philippines want to match your enthusiasm and this is what this Forum is all about,” said Arroyo, a member of the board of the BOAO Forum for Asia.

“We want you to know the Philippine business climate and as that lunch meeting clearly demonstrated, our business climate is very very welcoming for your business plans and I hope that will be the conclusion in this Boao Forum in Manila.”

16 dead...

From A1

An estimated 120 families that were affected by the strong earthquake were evacuated and given food following a landslide in Mt. Bimmukel in San Marcelino, Zambales.

Combined search and rescue teams from the military, police, Philippine National Red Cross and workers from the Department of Public Works and Highways were dispatched to the Porac supermarket to help retrieve trapped victims.

So far, at least nine people have been pulled out by rescue workers at the Chuzon Supermarket.

The NDRRMC also said that a total of 155 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection along with rescue trucks, fire trucks, and ambulances based in Pampanga were assisting the rescue and response operations in quake-affected areas.

At least 138 personnel from the Philippine National Police; 140 from the Municipal Disaster Office; and 90 troopers from the Philippine Air Force have also providing assistance to quake victims.

Heavy equipment such as backhoes, jack hammers, hydraulics, and cranes were dispatched to quake-stricken area to speed up the operations.

A 10-man team from the Metro Manila Development Authority said they rescued two more survivors from the Porac supermarket. The MMDA had ordered the deployment of 10 people from its Public Safety Department team to assist the local

Rody reminds Sara: Inday, don't run

By Nat Mariano

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte over the weekend said he reminded his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio she will “regret” running for president once his term ends in 2022.

In his speech during a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Agusan del Norte, President Duterte said he had discouraged his daughter from pursuing plans to succeed him.

“Inday? I told her, ‘Inday, don’t run.

You will really regret it’,” Duterte said, referring to Davao City’s chief executive.

“I don’t regret it [the presidency], I’m not ready to admit that I wasted your vote.

But as I’ve said, it would have been inappropriate for me to decide to run.”

Duterte made his statement even as Sara said she would do it all over again― court voters to support the party’s senatorial candidates―despite the pressure and the exhaustion she felt while doing it.

Interviewed at the sidelines of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago campaign in Malay-

balay, Bukidnon, Sara said she would do it again for the sake of her father and her family.

She said she did not expect that it would be difficult to carry a political party on a national scale.

Amid the persistent speculations about Sara’s plans to run for President in 2022, the President assured the public that he would advise Sara to “lay off.”

He said the job of a chief executive “does not pay” because of the exhaustion, the insults and the slurs.

He said the presidency was a “gift from God” but the job itself had “nothing to offer.”

“I have a lot of heartache with my job. I regret it, to be honest. I ought not to have opted to run. That’s true,” Duterte said in

the same speech.

“That’s why I told my daughter Inday, ‘Day, I will resign. I don’t want to do this anymore’.

“It has nothing to offer to you. You will do everything, you will even go to the mountains to talk, you will go to Marawi... You will risk your life. Unless you have that sense of patriotism that’s overflowing.

“In hindsight, if they make me run again, I won’t. I won’t run anymore.

Maybe only for mayor, but that would be—this would be my last term... Inday [as] vice mayor. Nothing else. That’s why I worry a lot in Malacañang.

“That’s my sentiment. I’m tired of solving problems.” With Macon RamosAraneta

Lawyers bring 'ouster matrix' to SC

CHUZON COLLAPSES. Rescue workers search for survivors in a collapsed Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga, after a powerful earthquake hit northern Philippines on April 22. AFP

not connected to the Zambales quake as Batangas has a separate fault line.

The quake in San Julian was likewise felt in Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon and Albay in Luzon and Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.

The Central Visayas quake also caused power interruptions in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Calbayog City.

“The earthquake was so strong that it shook all the buildings,” Eastern Samar provincial tourism officer Franklin Robedizo said.

“No one started crying, but of course some panicked because it was really strong,” said Rey Estrobo, a supervisor at a hotel in Borongan town, near the epicenter.

“We are still getting hit with aftershocks, even as we speak.”

According to Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, aftershocks can be expected “several days after” the Eastern Samar earthquake.

As of Tuesday, at least 491 aftershocks have been recorded following Monday’s 6.1 earthquake that had its epicenter northeast of Castillejos, Zambales.

Solidum said the government is preparing for the possibility of an even stronger 7.2 earthquake, noting that the West Valley Fault moves every 400 to 600 years.

“I liken our preparedness to boxing. If our opponent is a heavyweight, then our preparedness should be for a heavyweight or a superweight. We cannot afford to be

preparing for just a lightweight,” he said in a radio interview.

“What happened on Monday is only a lightweight or middleweight. Had we been prepared for a bigger one, we should not have had any problem on Monday...[But] earthquake preparedness does not happen overnight. We still need to do a lot of convincing,” Solidum added.

Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public the government remains on top of the situation following the separate earthquake incidents.

“Concerned disaster agencies of the government, including those involved in the provision of basic and health services, are now working round the clock to ensure government service delivery remains unhampered,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

“First responders from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police, and affected local government units, as well as other related agencies, are cooperating and coordinating on the ground to look after the needs of our citizens. The Departments of Transportation and Energy are also on full alert to respectively address issues on disruption of transportation services and power supply interruptions.”

Panelo appealed to the public to remain calm but vigilant and urged them to refrain from spreading disinformation in social media that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people.

“We call on all local government executives to be on standby. Let us set aside politics for the time being and let the true spirit of unity, cooperation, and humanitarianism prevail,” he added. With AFP and PNA

government and volunteers in their search and rescue operations.

The rescue teams used heavy equipment to clear the area as they continued to search for people trapped inside the collapsed building.

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo rushed to Porac, Pampanga on Monday night to oversee aid and rescue operations. Arroyo said local officials were doing a good job but expressed grief at the loss of life.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim, who also heads the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, ordered the inspection of all government buildings and infrastructure in the National Capital Region.

More than 400 aftershocks have been registered since the initial quake, seismologists said.

Scores of rescuers in the town of Porac were using cranes and jackhammers to peel back the pancaked concrete structure of a four-story market building where the Red Cross said 24 people were unaccounted for.

“Every minute, every second is critical in this rescue,” Cris Palcis, a volunteer rescue dog handler, said. “Time is short for the people under the rubble so we have to be quick.”

Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda told journalists that rescuers could still hear at least one person trapped beneath the rubble, but the digging was proceeding delicately to avoid accidentally crushing the survivor.

The quake also damaged several cen-

turies-old churches which were crowded with worshippers in recent days as the majority-Catholic Philippines marked the Easter holiday.

Fr. Roland Moraleja, who is based in Porac, said the 18th century belfry of the Saint Catherine of Alexandria church collapsed in the quake.

“It was the only part left from the old church,” he said. “The historical value is now gone, but we are hopeful that it will rise again.”

High-rise buildings in the capital swayed after the tremor struck Monday evening, leaving some with large cracks in their walls.

Thousands of travelers were stranded after aviation authorities shut down Clark International Airport.

The quake was centered on the town of Castillejos, about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila, geologists said.

Seismologists put the Monday’s tremor at 6.3 initially, but subsequently downgraded it to a 6.1 magnitude.

The initial cost of damage to national roads in Central Luzon caused by the magnitude-6.1 earthquake that struck on Monday is estimated at P200 million, the Department of Public Works and Highways said on Tuesday.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, in an interview via Facebook, said the province of Pampanga was badly hit as several roads, bridges, and buildings have been damaged.

Villar added that there was also damage reported at the Mega Dike Access Road in Pampanga and Sasmuan-Lubao Road.

Samar...

From A1

THE National Union of People’s Lawyers will raise before the Supreme Court today the inclusion of its officers and members in the so-called “oust-Duterte matrix,” which they deem is the administration’s latest attack against human rights lawyers.

“Definitely, we will file a supplemental motion sa korte dun sa writ of amparo na finile ng NUPL more than a week ago. Ireraise namin itong pinaka-recent na atake sa NUPL sa Korte Suprema, NUPL chairman and senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“Sa Wednesday, magpa-file kami ng motion sa aming pending na writ of amparo at writ of habeas corpus.

In other developments: • The Philippine National Police on Tuesday said it will conduct a validation on the matrix showed by Malacañang that includes the names of the journalists and media organizations allegedly involved in a destabilization plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Yes of course, [we will investigate],” Police Chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

• THE cat does not have wings so it won’t fly, said Senate President Vicente Sotto III as he emphasized that any ouster plot against Duterte would not prosper.

Considering that the President enjoys the trust of a big majority of the people, Sotto said, any destabilization move would just fail.

• Senator Aquilino Pimentel III called on everyone not to entertain any such idea.

“I urge everybody to trust our democratic processes. In a democracy like ours, political leadership should be determined by the ballot, said Pimentel, a former Senate President.

• Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros

urged the public not to be distracted by the supposed ouster plot.

On April 15, the NUPL sought a writ of amparo from the high court and, for the time being, a temporary protection order prohibiting Duterte and his defense and military officials from threatening their lawyers.

A writ of amparo is a remedy available to people whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. The NUPL has also sought a writ of habeas data, which would order administration officials to disclose and destroy information they have on the lawyers.

Colmenares said the inclusion of the lawyers’ group on the matrix―which was published in the Manila Times and which apparently came from the administration― opens it to attacks from Duterte supporters.

“This government goes by lists: narcolist, ouster list, Red October list, ganun siya e. The fact na nakalista ka, markado ka na, so it really is a serious concern on our part,” he said.

Citing a source from the Office of the President, the Manila Times published on Monday an article detailing an alleged plot being concocted by news sites Rappler, VERA Files and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, as well as the NUPL to “discredit” Duterte and “destabilize” his administration.

The report also showed a supposed matrix that links veteran journalist and VERA Files president Ellen Tordecillas and other individuals to the person known as “Bikoy,” who has alleged in a series of anonymous videos that members of the Duterte family are involved in the illegal drug trade.

Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

Du30...

Among the 16 casualties, one was reported from Angeles, one was reported from San Marcelino, Zambales, two died in Lubao, while 12 died in Porac due to the collapsed Supermarket in Porac town.

Jalad added there were still 14 people missing believed to be stuck in the rubble of the collapsed grocery store.

As the President asked for a “proximate cause” as to why the building collapsed, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the building had problems with its structural integrity.

“This could be because of the structural design of the supermarket. It’s only good for the second floor, but it was actually constructed up to the fourth floor,” Año said.

“I will be issuing a memorandum circular to local government units that have

Chuzon supermarket in their jurisdiction to temporarily suspend the business permit until we have pre-assessed the structural integrity of these supermarkets,” he said.

Aside from the collapsed Chuzon supermarket in Porac, the grocery also had structured three branches in the towns of Apalit, Santo Tomas, and Guagua.

The President then ordered a stop on the operations of the three other Chuzon branches, surmising that the one who constructed the collapsed grocery in Porac town was also the one who constructed the other three branches.

“Well, in all probability, the one who constructed the supermarket here could also be the one who constructed the others.

I’d like to presume that,” the President said.

“So, it would be good at this time to just give them the advice to stop [and issue a] cease and desist [order] in doing business until such time that the clearance [is] given by the government,” he added.

“Those are the two major roads affected by the earthquake. There are three bridges that have been damaged but as of today (Tuesday), these are now passable to light vehicles,” he added.

Villar, together with local DPWH officials, also inspected the Chuzon Supermarket and Porac Church.

“There is significant damage on the Porac Church because the structure is already old and it is not designed to withstand a major seismic event. Damage assessment is ongoing. Up to now, the church remains closed,” he said.

He added the repair of the bridge approach will start on Tuesday.

At the same time, Villar said they are ready to help local governments in addressing concerns on public infrastructure.

He added that inspection teams are currently doing assessments on structures in areas affected by the tremor.

In Dinalupihan-Pampanga, the boundary arch collapsed due to the earthquake, Villar said.

The Provincial Legislative Board on Tuesday declared Pampanga under a state of calamity to enable the province and the people to immediately rebuild structures damaged by Monday’s earthquake.

In Metro Manila, the Emilio Aguinaldo College was closed after it leaned on the adjacent building after the earthquake.

Villar said DPWH personnel have already cordoned off one lane of UN Avenue to prevent passing vehicles from getting into accidents.

In an interview on GMA 7, architect Jun Palafox said Monday’s quake could

be seen as a wake-up call to check the intergrity of buildings.

Engineer and architects, especially of high-rise buildings, must review their structural design calculations to make sure that these can withstand strong quakes, he said.

The Department of Energy, for its part, said the energy sector was not greatly affected by the quake.

“We are getting better at resiliency. …

The sector was not affected that much,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said when asked about the impact of the quake on Monday that caused power interruptions in Pampanga, La Union and Bataan.

The provinces of Quezon, Batangas, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon were also affected but power had been restored.

Fuentebella said there was no damage reported by the oil industry players.

Petron Corp. clarified that there was no fire at its Bataan refinery due to Monday’s quake. Petron said the earthquake “triggered the protective tripping of some units at the refinery and the eventual plant shutdown, which resulted in the usual flaring of gas as required.”

Social media users had initially reported a fire at the refinery.

The National Power Corp., meanwhile, said its dams particularly the Angat and San Roque, did not suffer any damage while its off-grid power plants were not affected by the quake on Monday. The mothballed Bataan nuclear power plant also remained intact with no damage reported. With Maricel V. Cruz, PNA

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Employers who put workers at risk during quake slammed

Duterte vows to set sail to Canada and return trash

By Vito Barcelo

By Nat Mariano

LABOR groups on Tuesday chided employers who maintained a business as usual attitude by allowing their employees to continue working and expose them to danger despite of the risk caused by the powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake that shook many offices, factories and other places of work during working hours Monday.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and Partido Lakas ng Masa said that many establishments owners did not follow procedures for disaster risk, by preventing their employees to vacate the building and even ordered them to return to work despite the dangers and hazards on the workplace caused by the quake.

“These companies practice or policy is a form of abuse and it must be condemned because it imperils the lives of their employees and jeopardizes the safety and health of workers,” TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said.

For his part, Leody de Guzman of the Partido Lakas ng Masa urged the government to investigate and punish ‘capitalists’ who show more regard for their profit and property over the lives of their employees.

He said it is the obligation of employers and business-owners to ensure that their employees are safe and secure during workplace disasters such as earthquake, fire and other risky incidents.

The labor groups said that a number of employers and business enterprises followed the safety rules who made sure their employees were safe and secure by utilizing in-house safety evacuation protocols following the commotion created by the quake.

“We thank those employers whose top of mind were to safely secure their employees and take them out of harm’s way by way of bringing them to safer place before they were advised to go home,” Mendoza said.

Meanwhile, following the aftermath of the earthquake, he said that it should be the obligation of the employers and the responsibility of the business-owners to inspect their workplace for possible damage caused by the tremor to prevent future workplace catastrophe.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night said he would declare war against Canada if the Northern American nation will not take back the heaps of trash it illegally shipped to the country.

Speaking at an earthquake situation briefing in San Fernando, Pampanga, the President warned Canada that it pull out the tons of garbages it transported to Manila out or he will personally “set sail” and return it to Canada.

“I want a boat prepared. I’ll give a warning to Canada maybe next week that they better pull that thing out or I will set sail to Canada and pour that garbage there,” Duterte said. “I cannot understand why they are making us a dumpsite.”

The President said he will not allow Canada to get away with its action.

“We’re enemies. So, let us fight Canada, we can do that. I will really return it. Just look, I will load the containers to a ship, and I will advise Canada that your garbage is on the way. Prepare a grand reception.

Eat it if you want to,” he continued.

“They’re belittling us, and I will really not allow it. That’s why let’s transport that garbage to them. I’ll tell them to prepare and celebrate because your garbage is coming home,” he added.

The President even added that he will dump the garbage trucks full of Canada’s trash in front of the Canadian Embassy in Makati.

SENDOFF. About 200 personnel of the Philippine Navy gather for a sendoff ceremony at Pier 13 at the Manila South Harbor on Tuesday. The BRP Andres Bonifacio, along with the 200 Philippine Navy personnel, are heading to South Korea and Singapore to participate in the Asean Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise from April 29 to May 14. Norman Cruz

Military, police officials in ‘Morong 43’ get reprieve

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE Sandiganbayan has stood by its earlier decision allowing the seven military and police officials to seek the outright dismissal of their case in connection with the alleged illegal detention and torture of 43 health workers in Morong, Rizal in 2010.

In its April 11 resolution, the court’s Seventh Division denied the motion for reconsideration of the prosecution to stop the accused officials from filing their demurrer to evidence.

A demurrer to evidence is a plea to the court to dismiss a case outright based solely on the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The anti-graft court granted last March 5 the motion for leave of court of accused retired Lt. Gen. Jorge Sego-

via, retired Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Brig. Gen. Joselito Reyes, Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, Police Supt. Marion Balonglong, Police Supt. Allan Nobleza, and Police Chief Insp. Jovily Cabading.

Segovia and his co-accused said this will give them the chance to prove that the prosecution failed to provide a detailed information on how the so-called “Morong 43” were put in solitary confinement and denied access to confer with lawyers.

Each accused in the case face eight

counts of violation of Section 4(a) of Republic Act 7438, or the Act Defining the Rights of Person Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation.

“Morong 43” are the 43 health workers believed to be members of the New People’s Army who were accused of undergoing training in explosives in Morong, Rizal in February 2010.

The prosecution earlier disputed the demurrer of the accused, saying it has “comprehensively” established all the elements of the crime charged against them.

But the Sandiganbayan said: “[T] he court maintains that the arguments raised by accused appears to be substantial and not to delay the proceedings.

Hence, leave having been granted, the court is now bound to evaluate whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient enough to warrant conviction of accused.”

Poll bets urged to push for balanced management of natural resources

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

GOTESCO FIRE. Billows of smoke emerge during a fire at Natividad Gotesco Tower in Manila on Tuesday. The fire reached second alarm before it was fully contained as authorities conduct a probe on the damages or casualty after the fire. Norman Cruz

Agency for disaster resilience pushed REELECTIONIST Senator Sonny Angara said the country needs a strong and empowered institution capable of responding to the new normal of national disasters and climate change, as he pushed for the immediate passage of a bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted parts of Luzon that killed at least eight people and injured others, and damaged critical infrastructures.

He noted that the strong earthquake reminds Filipinos on the urgency of creating a single, independent and permanent agency devoted to disaster management and resilience.

She said the new department will oversee a comprehensive and coordinated strategy in managing natural disasters with the main goal of saving lives and minimizing damage to property.

Last year, Angara filed Senate Bill 1994 or the proposed Disaster Resilience Act which seeks to establish the Department of Disaster Resilience that will provide a “whole of government, whole of nation approach” to disasters and emergency situations.

“What we want to ensure is a seamless synergy among government agencies and stakeholders from national

down to the grassroots levels to effectively respond to disasters,” he said.

The bill, along with other similar measures, is pending with the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security. Its counterpart in the House of Representatives was passed in third and final reading in October last year.

According to Angara, it is imperative for the Philippines to have a line agency focusing on disaster resilience given that the country is considered among the countries most vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change as it is geographically located along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Tropical Cyclone Belt.

In 2016, the Philippines ranked third in the World Risk Index of most disaster-prone countries in the world. Every year, it experiences almost all forms of natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and landslides.

Under Angara’s bill, the proposed new department will be tasked to spearhead efforts to ensure disaster resilience by delivering on the highly critical and intertwined functions of disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response, as well as recovery and building forward better. Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENVIRONMENT advocates on Tuesday urged political candidates to push for balanced policies in the management of the country’s natural resources for the sake of the present and future generations.

Carmelo Bayarcal, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship convenor, made the call as the country prepares for the national and local elections on May 13.

“As the Philippine electorate prepares to wield its power to bestow a new mandate for the legislature and local governments, we challenge our senatorial and local candidates to state your agenda to address the most urgent environmental challenges of the land,” he said.

He said the stewardship of the environment and economic development should not be in conflict, adding “there is a middle ground approach to harnessing the development of potential of our natural resources that does not compromise the environment.”

The group challenged candidates to disclose their agenda on environmental sustainability.

“For the longest time, environmental concerns have only been cursory and novelty platforms for political candidates, and existing regulations are softly enforced. But the issue of environmental protection has now become an urgent discussion worldwide that we cannot afford to be left out,” Bayarcal said.

“The repercussions are real, and we are starting to feel them. The sooner we and the candidates realize that the environment agenda is fundamentally linked to other ‘conventional’ election issues such as power, water, food security, and even job creation, the sooner we can make development sustainable,” he added.

According to Bayarcal, investors are also looking for sustainable growth of the economy. “Imagine investing so much on infrastructure only to be marred by a lack of power supply, or inviting foreign investors only to drive them away by the rise in cost of doing business as a result of imbalanced supply and demand,” he said.

60 flights to and from Clark scrapped

By Joel E. Zurbano MAJOR airlines have canceled more than 60 domestic and international flights to and from Clark International Airport in Pampanga after Monday’s 6.1 magnitude quake damaged the control tower and the passenger terminal building.

Authorities ordered the temporary closure of the airport facility pending the final assessment and repair of the damage brought about by the temblor.

In its advisory, flag carrier Philippine Airlines canceled 50 domestic flights scheduled on Tuesday, including those to and from Davao, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Bacolod, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, Basco, Siargao, Catarman, Antique, Calbayog, Cagayan de Oro, San Vicente, Busuanga, Cauayan and Kalibo.

PAL also canceled the PR-492 flight to Incheon, Korea scheduled on Tuesday and its PR-493 return flight.

On Monday, PAL had canceled three flights to and from Cebu and Davao.

Cebu Pacific Air, on the other hand, announced the cancellation of 13 domestic and international fights scheduled for April 24.

Among those canceled were international flights to and from Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore; and domestic flights to and from Caticlan, Davao, Cebu and Bohol.

Also canceled Tuesday were flights to and from Macau, Hong Kong, Clark and Cebu.

Air Asia also canceled some of its flights scheduled Monday and Tuesday.

The airline companies urged the affected passengers to rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date, free of charge; or get a full refund.

With Vito Barcelo, Darwin G. Amojelar and Othel V. Campos

Court orders arrest of Acierto, 7 others in‘shabu’ shipment case

By Rey E. Requejo A MANILA City Regional Trial Court has ordered the arrest of former police official Eduardo Acierto and seven others who have been indicted over the smuggling of billions worth of shabu shipments last year.

The Manila City RTC, Branch 35 issued the arrest warrant against Acierto and other co-accused in the case for importation of dangerous drugs under Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 filed by the Department of Justice.

The lower court also ordered the arrest of seven other accused former Customs Intelligence Officer Jimmy Guban and former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Deputy Director for Administration Ismael Fajardo; importers Chan Yee Wah alias KC Chan and Zhou Quan alias Zhang Quan; consignees Vedasto Cabral Baraquel Jr. and Maria Lagrimas Catipan of Vecaba Trading; and Emily Luquingan.

The Department of Justice has tapped the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation to hunt down the accused after receiving the copy of the warrant last week.

Only Guban, who has testified in the earlier congressional investigations on the matter, is currently in custody of authorities.

TV-host, actress Kris endorses first cousin Bam TELEVISON host-actress Kris Aquino has endorsed the candidacy of her first-degree cousin, Senator Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, the only senatorial bet that she has endorsed so far.

At a news conference in Quezon City, the showbiz personality cited Bam’s performance in the Senate, saying he has the qualities of a good person and family man.

“What does Bam have that his wife, Timi, was willing to give up her [high-end] career just to help him campaign?” she asked.

She said she is supporting two from the opposition party, two others from the administration party and another one running as independent.

“One [from the opposition] will be Bam,” she said.

Timi, for her part, said Bam’s “report card” should make him win again.

“Ate Kris is a family member. Despite such, she chooses on who to support. She is strict and discerning,” she told reporters. Rio N. Araja

A4

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Using a newspaper REPORTS of alleged destabilization of the Duterte administration, which included a “matrix” detailing the involvement of news organizations, journalists and lawyers, raise many questions.

First of all, how did a newspaper owned by a special envoy appointed

by President Rodrigo Duterte come into the possession of the matrix? How did Malacañang know of that alleged destabilization effort? And does the Palace really believe that such plans exist? What is Malacañang’s motive

Whoever concocted that matrix must be stupid.

for coming out with the report?

The fact that only the Manila Times had that report fuels more questions.

Why did Malacañang give the matrix to only one newspaper? This is truly disturbing.

It highlights the fact that a newspaper is being used.

Actually, there are two components to a destabilization: The military and the people.

As a journalist, I think we should let the public know whether the things Rappler, Vera Files and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report from hereon is just for destabilization. Is this true? Have these news organizations been reporting falsehoods?

It would seem to me that for the Duterte administration, everyone who criticizes him is peddling fake news.

Whoever concocted that matrix must be stupid.

What truly disturbs me as a journalist is that a sector of media has allowed itself to be used by an administration to demonize its critics.

I don’t really care which side of the

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

political fence journalists are in. That is part of press preedom. But when a sector of media allows itself to be used for whatever purpose by an administration that wants to go after its critics—well, that is truly cause for concern. *** There have been many whiffs of corruption among people in the Duterte administration, but these have not been acted on.

Sometime ago, the PCIJ came out with a series that exposed that companies owned by family members of Christopher “Bong” Go, now senatorial aspirant, have been awarded Build Build Build projects.

The PCIJ said that Go’s father and half-brother cornered billions of pesos in contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highwatys.

The PCIJ also reported on unfinished infrastructure projects well beyond their target date of completion.

CLTG Builders stood out in the report because all of its joint infrastructure projects with big contractors had not been completed. It had just a “B License” so it could not have the capacity to implement such big projects without having a partner.

CLTG won a total of P1.85 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the Davao Region from 2007 to 2017 through joint ventures with other contractors, including Alfrego Builders, a firm owned by Bong Go’s half-brother, Alfredo Go. In sum, CLTG has been awarded a whopping P4.6 billion from the DPWH. According to the PCIJ, Bong Go denied any involvement.

Surprisingly, there were no attempts

by Congress to make Bong Go explain all this. It seems our lawmakers believed Go when he said he had nothing to do with the irregularity.

It’s difficult to swallow Go’s denial, especially so now that he is running for the Senate. Santa Banana, not even the opposition has raised questions about Go’s alleged billions!

Perhaps more questions should be raised so that if Go indeed does not have anything to do with it, our doubts could be erased. It is not too late to set the record straight. ***

Long overdue

S

ENATORS say they want to conduct a probe into the multi-billion-peso government dole called the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) amid allegations that politicians are using cash payouts as an opportunity to campaign during this election season. ry could rationalize the program’s operation.

The senators spoke out after the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued an order banning all local elective officials and politicians in general from attending payouts of national government programs and activities.

A DILG spokesman says the order is aimed at some politicians who have attempted to “hijack” the distribution of the cash doles, setting up campaign posters and giving speeches in distribution areas.

But these represent only the more blatant way that doles to the poor have been politicized. In fact, in might be argued that when then Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman set up the 4Ps during the Arroyo administration as a “temporary” program, its utility as a vote buying tool for the party in power

The call to probe the 4Ps seems particularly timely, given the approaching elections, but we suggest that an investigation is long overdue. After all, if we have been giving away billions of pesos of taxpayers’ money every year, it behooves us to know exactly what benefits we as a society derive from these doles.

Senator Panfilo Lacson says a performance audit should be conducted to determine what the program, which began as a temporary measure during the last two years of the Arroyo administration, has achieved so far.

Such an inquiry gains even more urgency, given the increasing budget being devoted to the 4Ps, which has grown from only P12 billion in 2010 to P88.1 billion in 2019.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, pointing to allegations of misuse of public funds, says an inqui-

was fairly obvious.

Regardless of the altruistic language in which the program is veiled, the 4Ps has continued over the years because the politicians in power see it as a way of currying favor from the masses, who can deliver the votes come election season.

They speak of the program’s success, yet there are no credible measures of the 4P’s success.

The program itself is not set up to create jobs or encourage employment. In fact, the moment a beneficiary is employed, he or she may no longer be entitled to the monthly doles—certainly a disincentive for the poor to find work. The number of beneficiaries served is also meaningless, if all the program does is give them a monthly stipend that does nothing to measurably improve their productivity or enable them to contribute in a more meaningful way to society.

We trust that the senators will take this into consideration when they launch their inquiry into the 4Ps, instead of falling prey once again to motherhood statements about improving the lives of the poor.

Turn to A5

So Third World RECENT developments make one conclude that the Philippines remains very Third World despite leapfrogging advances in technology in the rest of the world and an economic growth that is one of the most vigorous on earth.

Last year, we had the worst rice crisis and the highest inflation rate in 11 years.

This year, we have had the worst water crisis in the East Zone of Metro Manila which could last until this June, rolling power blackouts, big banks suddenly going off-line for days, and on late Monday afternoon, just as Filipinos were getting back to normal daily grind after a long Easter break, a powerful, destructive and deadly earthquake strikes like a monstrous bird fanning its wings accompanied by a howling sound, leaving in its wake a trail of devastation and misery over a 100-km radius.

At first, our own PHIVOLCS underestimated Monday afternoon’s tremblor, putting its magnitude at 5.7, and overstated its depth, 21 kms. But the US Geological Service pegged magnitude promptly at 6.1, its depth at 10 kms, and its location at 1 km from Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Thankfully, within an hour, Philvolcs updated its numbers—to 6.1 magnitude, depth at 12 kms. but insisted on Castillejos, Zambales as the epicenter.

Maybe, our PHIVOLCS uses a more advanced Richter scale. According to Wikepidia, magnitude 5.5 to 6.0 causes slight damage to buildings and other structures; magnitude 6.1 to 6.9 causes a lot of damage in very populated areas.

What a difference a decimal point makes.

As if that was not enough, an even more powerful earthquake struck Tuesday, in Eastern Samar, magnitude 6.4, at 1:37 p.m., 70 kms from Tacloban City, according to USGS. PHIVOLCS re-

corded the quake also at 1:37 p.m., but at magnitude 6.5, and located it at 009km N 66 degrees W of San Julian, Eastern Samar, with depth of 65 kms.

Monday’s earthquake totally paralyzed our much-touted Clark International Airport. Videos and pictures of the airport’s inner building showed a wall leaning forward, a whole ceiling at the check-in hall has collapsed, glass walls smashed, wires dripping from everywhere, and steel bars and aluminum frames in tangled puzzle . Power became unreliable. The runways and taxiways were intact but the airport management was not prepared to handle manually takeoffs and landings. So scores of flights were cancelled for three days.

It’s more fun indeed in the Philippines.

The original Clark terminal whose ceiling dropped is relatively brand new.

Costing P130 million, the commercial terminal was first opened in 2008. It was expanded in 2010 at a cost of P550 million to build a second story, and expanded further in 2013 at a cost of P417 million with the addition of 21 new check-in counters. So we have a P1-billion Clark terminal completely paralyzed for three days. Some 100 flights were canceled yesterday and today.

Clark has ambitions to supplant if not replace totally the NAIA as the main gateway airport of the Philippines.

Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez estimates Clark’s assets at $14 billion, one reason why he has put San Miguel’s $15-billion four-runway Bulacan international airport project through the wringer. Last August 2018, the NAIA airport was closed for three days when a Turn to A5

Sri Lanka social media shutdown raises fears on free expression

By Rob Lever SRI LANKA'S decision to block social media following deadly suicide attacks highlights a growing distrust of online platforms, but critics said the move is likely to restrict the flow of important news and information as well as abusive content.

The move comes amid growing frustration by governments around the world with internet platforms over the propagation of misinformation and incitements of violence.

According to the digital rights group NetBlocks, Sri Lanka blocked Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Snapchat, Viber, WhatsApp and YouTube following the Easter bombings targeting churches and hotels.

Sri Lanka's move was the second time it has blocked social networks, following similar actions after an outbreak of vio-

lence in 2018.

The decision highlights the troubled reputation of mostly American-owned social media companies, which several years ago had been seen as a force for freedom of information.

"Governments around the world, including those who exploit social media and state media... have come to realize the risks associated with platforms such as WhatsApp," Jennifer Grygiel, a professor of communication at Syracuse University, said in an e-mail.

"They are quick to take action now in the wake of terrorism to prevent rumors and social unrest, but the ease at which they are able to shut down platforms also unveils how much power and control governments have over these companies and the need to protect the free press."

According to NetBlocks, a digital rights and cyber security group, the shut-

down in Sri Lanka may prove counterproductive by taking down sources of authentic information.

"Nationwide Internet restrictions accelerate the spread of disinformation during a crisis because sources of authentic information are left offline," NetBlocks said in a tweet.

"This allows third parties to exploit the situation for political gain and profit."

Sri Lankan authorities' pledge to maintain the shutdown until its investigation is complete is troublesome, said Amy Lehr, director of the human rights initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank.

"We all have some sympathy when there is a terrorist attack, but what if it were a democracy protest in Iran?" Lehr asked.

"Who decides what is an emergency?"

Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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

ONLINE

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno Anita F. Grefal Baldwin R. Felipe Edgar M. Valmorida

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser Treasury Manager Head—Ad Solutions Circulation Manager

Ramonchito L. Tomeldan Chin Wong/Ray S. Eñano Joyce Pangco Pañares Adelle Chua

Managing Editor Associate Editors News Editor Opinion Editor

Emil P. Jurado

Honor Blanco Cabie Night Editor Jimbo Gulle City Editor Roberto Cabrera Chief Photographer

Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

Inefficiency

Mail Matters

We should not let lies go unchallenged

THIS refers to the article titled “ExNDF man: 9 ‘trapos’ paying millions for Red endorsement”—which was published on your website on April 17 and accompanied by a photo apparently taken from a different event that was not at all related to the story—making mention of five senatorial candidates paying up to P20 million each to gain the endorsement of the CPP-NDF-NPA. As a matter of fact, another article saw print in your paper on the same day, titled “Local bets pay for Red support,” which was based on

an unverified press statemend purportedly from one “Ka Nonoy” Alcantara, who introduced himself as a former NDF liaison officer handling its electoral unit.

At first I found both stories amusing for they were clearly a red scare spin of a black propaganda to discredit MAKABAYAN-endorsed candidates running for local and national posts.

Besides, I know for a fact that the invitation from MAKABAYAN to be part of their list of senatoriables was based on our common principles and legislative agenda.

I have, however, come to realize the danger we as a nation face if we allow outright lies to go unchallenged.

Allowing falsity to dictate the narrative unchallenged would only contribute to the chaos and hatred that have resulted from the blurring of the line that demarcates truth from falsehood.

Thus, to set the record straight, please let me be forthright in stating that in no case was I ever asked for

any financial consideration in exchange for any support or endorsement. I deny in the strongest terms the allegations made by “Ka Nonoy.”

His statements are absolutely untrue and baseless, and the challenge is for him to substantiate his claims accusing me and my fellow senatorial candidates in the MAKABAYAN Coalition of paying in exchange for support. That is, if this “Ka Nonoy” even exists in the first place.

The Manila Standard is a reputable media organization and has my highest respect for all its dedicated editors and staff.

Rest assured, you have my support in fighting fake news and misinformation, and in preventing trolls and troublemakers from ruining news organizations, It is but unfortunate that there are quarters who use the vulnerability of media to spread fake news.

MARIA LOURDES NANCY S. BINAY Senator

The popularity of ‘Game of Thrones’ POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE THE HBO original fantasy drama television series ‘Game of Thrones’ was the most-watched television show on the planet last week when the premiere episode of its eighth and final season aired.

The episode was “watched by a record 17.4-million viewers Sunday night, April 14, across HBO's platforms (linear, HBOGO and HBO NOW), exceeding the previous series high of 16.9-million viewers for the season seven finale,” said HBO public relations on Medium.com.

There were three times as many illegal viewers, writes Adam Rosenberg for Mashable: “Stats from the online piracy data firm Muso suggest that the April 14 season premiere of HBO's hit series was downloaded or watched illegally more than 54 million times in the 24 hours after it aired.”

That’s about 72-million viewers for that episode at that time, not counting other viewers who will watch it later on.

That is a massive global audience.

The premiere, which catches up with the characters and brings them together for the final quest, was “the most-tweeted-about episode of Game of Thrones ever, with more than five-million tweets and 11-million mentions throughout the course of the weekend,” according to HBO PR. Most of the illegal views were through unlicensed streaming links, which accounted for 76.6 percent of the total illicit behavior, wrote Rosenberg. The rest were web downloads and public and private torrents.

This all demonstrates how popular the show is. It is one of the most successful series of all time. According to Manila Standard sports editor Riera Mallari, an aficionado of television series, “The final season of the Game of Thrones could push it past Breaking Bad as the best-ever TV Series of all time. Both now have a

So Third...

From A4

Xiamen Airline aircraft crash-landed.

The Philippines’ only two gateway airports can easily be paralyzed for several days with the slightest accident and acts of nature—NAIA by a Chinese pilot missing his target and NAIA people not knowing where to get a forklift to tow his jet away; Clark by “not a major” earthquake that shakes a poorly constructed ramshackle terminal.

Moral of the story: Let’s have as many airports as possible in Luzon as long as proponents spend their own money. Generally, private airports are better built and better equipped.

At this writing, 16 have died, with more than 20 are missing, in Pampanga

Sri Lanka...

From A4

No more 'safety check' By blocking Facebook, Sri Lanka also shut down the leading social network's "safety check" feature that enables users to communicate with friends and family after a disaster.

"These attacks are horrific. And people need social media platforms to obtain accurate information & to contact loved ones," tweeted Allie Funk, a researcher with the human rights group Freedom

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

9.5 rating on IMDB. Can the Night King overthrow Heisenberg? I guess we'll soon find out.”

Based on the Song of Ice and Fire books by George R.R. Martin, the TV series, according to Wikipedia, purveys a sort of medieval realism and is more akin to historical fiction than contemporary fantasy because of its reduced reliance on magic and sorcery.

I asked some fans of the show why they like it so much.

Office worker Rod Mayores: “Para kasing looking back sa medieval times.

Gusto kong makita ung itsura ng mga kingdom dati. Sa palabas na ito, nagkaka-visual idea ka. Maganda rin ang mis-

It is the unrealism that gives viewers psychological distance from the terrible and traumatic acts portrayed in the series, and allows them to step away from it knowing that it is all fiction.

mong story, mahu-hook ka sa kuwento tungkol sa naglalabanan para sa Iron Throne at kung sino talaga ang nararapat para sa titulo na iyon.”

Government employee Diding Estandian: “Mahilig talaga ako sa action, lalo na pag patayan [laughs], at saka maganda ang storya. May mga storya kasi na alam mo na ang susunod. Dito, hindi mo nape-predict ang mangyayari.”

Writer Gale Mayari, who cosplays as Queen Cersei: “I am drawn to the intricate fantasy world and world-building.

The story itself has so many twists and intrigues and different points-of-view that all make sense as character motiva-

tion even if we personally disagree with it.”

It’s clear that fans enjoy the show’s intricate storytelling foremost, with the gorgeous visuals—sets, costumes, effects—providing a detailed visual experience that brings to life the unpredictable stories with their unexpected plot twists.

Just like ‘Ang Probinsiyano,’ Philippine TV’s longest-running action drama series to date, GoT is ultimately a soap opera, exploring the complicated relationships between characters. And Filipinos being as nosy as they are, GoT attracts with its lavish peeks into the personal lives of many different characters, some appealing (Daenarys! Jon Snow! the dragons!), others not (Cersei, Euron Greyjoy, the crazed Ramsay Bolton, ugh.)

I think another reason why this series is so popular is for the same reason that horror movies are—because viewers can wallow in the pleasurable frisson of heightened emotions but distance themselves from it afterward.

Dr. Glenn Walters, in a 2004 paper in the Journal of Medical Psychology, says that there are three primary factors that make horror films alluring: Tension (related to shock, suspense, terror), relevance (could be personal or cultural relevance, etc.), and unrealism (in GoT, it’s partly provided by the Western European medieval setting).

It is the unrealism that gives viewers psychological distance from the terrible and traumatic acts portrayed in the series, and allows them to step away from it knowing that it is all fiction.

Just as with any other form of media, watching GoT is a choice, as the uses and gratifications theory explains—people exercise control over their media consumption and they actively seek out and integrate into their lives the shows that will provide them the entertainment and escape from reality that they seek.

My favorite quote from the series comes from Tyrion Lannister: “A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”/ FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

when the four-storey Chuzon supermarket was flattened in Porac, Pampanga Monday. Heart-rending is the sight of bodies of whole families being retrieved from the debris.

Meanwhile, for a number of days this April, two of the largest banks in the Philippines went offline for some unknown reason. Branches of said banks could not accept or credit payments and deposits.

A cash payment of P160,000 was made at our favorite BPI branch in Greenhills on April 11 for our credit card. When we checked yesterday (April 23), the cash was not at all credited and apparently missing. Yet, BPI computers were good enough to slap a fine or fee for non-payment on time.

For its part, BDO also went offline on April 19-20, and millions of bank clients could not do any transaction. The credit

card of my friend was hacked or copied, with the culprit making purchases in Japan and Singapore while its owner was in Manila. BDO asked my friend to write a letter of complaint before the unauthorized expenditures are reversed.

BDO and BPI are investing heavily (P7 billion in the case of BPI) in so-called digitalization to go wireless, cashless and without human contact for transactions.

Humans and computers make mistakes. As does Mother Nature. Nature and computers though have no emotions and are incapable of greed and incompetence. The confluence of their actions makes us very Third World amid a searing summer heat. No water, no electricity, no banking. It’s more fun indeed in the Philippines.

House.

"The government's decision to restrict these apps is a dangerous one."

Emma Llanso of the Center for Democracy & Technology, a digital rights group, said there are no easy solutions to misinformation on social media.

"Blocking websites can fuel disinformation by leaving journalists and other credible sources of information with fewer avenues to reach people and to debunk falsehoods," she said. "We need more nuanced solutions."

Prior research has indicated that internet and social media blackouts may lead

to more, not less, violence.

Stanford University researcher Jan Rydzak said in a February 2019 paper based on findings from India that "shutdowns are found to be much more strongly associated with increases in violent collective action than with non-violent mobilization."

Efforts to regulate social media have picked up since the mosque shootings last month in New Zealand livestreamed on Facebook and reposted on other apps.

Facebook and others struggled to remove various versions of the video.

The missteps of social media, however, have put governments on alert and sparked

biznewsasia@gmail.com

license. He arrived at 8:20 in the morning and was assigned the 25th number, others having arrived ahead. He went through medical examination (whatever passes for such), as well as data and photo capture.

However when it was time to get his biometrics and signature, he had become Number 67 on the line. Senior citizens I WAS at the NAIA to catch a flight to plus a number of "singit."

Said he: “While I am aware that senior Taipei last Monday. I lined up, as is my wont, in the queue that is reserved for se- citizens were being given the courtesy of nior citizens, PWDs or those who need not having to fall in line, they cut into the assistance (mostly wheelchair bound) main line. Why not a dedicated senior citizen line?” and those travelling with infants.

Systems, systems, systems. And very It was a long line with only one immigration agent in the till. I cannot un- few “public servants” willing to be up on derstand why the immigration supervi- their feet to address simple daily probsors in the airport have not seen it fit to lems in government offices; to adjust, to separate the line for seniors from those adapt, and make things convenient for those travelling with infants and young the public they serve.

Mercifully, my friend got a license children. This is especially so since families who travel have not only infants, but valid for five years, an improvement that happened only bealso young teens who could line up cause President along with the ordiDuterte in 2016 so nary folk. But since ordered. The same Ask another silly way passports are the usual among Filnow good for 10 ipino families is to question. years instead of have a couple plus just five. Again, four or five children, credit that to all of them line up in this counter.

Duterte and his oftrepeated avowals I can understand that the BID is undermanned at the mo mo- of disdain for making the ordinary man ment, after many resigned due to the suffer due to governmental inefficiency, DBM’s stand against overtime allow- incompetence, corruption or all three ances being charged to airline fees. I also rolled into one.

It is bad enough that many “public understand that after some current controversies, the BID is into purging misfits servants” got their jobs because of some influential recommendation. But then and corrupt personnel.

I was standing for some 20 minutes again, once one becomes a government with the line moving so slow when the worker, at least be efficient, be service6.1 intensity earthquake struck. For a oriented, and make yourself worthy of the while, everything was at a standstill, un- highly prized recommendation, instead derstandably. When the processing of of using the same as badge of privilege. passengers in our queue resumed, it was The privilege to be abusive, to be lazy, still interminably slow for that solitary to be inefficient—at taxpayers’ expense.

Here’s another: A friend sought my agent who had to take photos and fingerprints of several children, infants and assistance for the plight of his wife and co-workers who have been entrenched in teens together.

A bit dizzy, I asked a lady BID agent a big travel agency that decided to downwho was on the way out of the immigra- size operations in the country since Jan. tion area why they could not divide the 15, 2019.

To date, all of the employees have yet queue into two lines, one reserved for seniors and another for those travelling to receive their separation and other benwith “infants.” Her cold response: “Iisa efits. The company claims that the same could not be released without the tax exho kasi ang nasa counter.” emption issued by the Bureau of Internal Ask another silly question.

Senior citizens cannot stand long Revenue.

It may be the season for filing inwithout some level of leg pain. I recall a similar queue last year when a MECO come tax returns, and the BIR examboard director, much more senior than iner involved may be “burdened,” or I, complained because his legs were may claim so.

But the families of these workers rely hurting.

I have never sought special treatment on these benefits to support their families in all my years in public office. I find it while looking for new employment.

I have written to BIR Commissioner unseemly to assert privilege, and prefer to comport myself like an ordinary citi- Billy Dulay and reported the name of the BIR examiner. May hinihintay bang zen. No “hatid” or “sundo.”

But the minutes were ticking and my pag-ayos yung examiner?

Hopefully the matter will soon be adlegs were beginning to hurt, my patience strained. So I did something I have never dressed, and if I know the hard-working done in the past—ask someone high in and dedicated Billy Dulay, he will act on it fast. the BID totempole to have me assisted.

But must it always be like this? Must Immediately I was, and got to my plane on time. But it was assistance that things move in government only when I did not have to, and am not proud to be someone intercedes?

“Galit ako sa inyo!” President Duterte accorded privilege.

Supervisors do roam around, and it always threatens.

How I wish his anger towards corwould have been a relatively simple act to assign another agent to man another ruption, inefficiency and incompetence counter. If I were a BID supervisor, I spews more often.

I end this article with a quote from would myself man a counter just to adSenator Ping Lacson that I read in the dress the long lines.

In another instance, a friend of mine papers before: “If corruption is counterlast Monday morning spent four hours productive, inefficiency and incompeat the LTO satellite office in Robinson’s tence can even be worse.”

Amen to that.

Metro East mall just to renew his driver’s

Using...

From A4

of the law againste excessive allowances. Nothing happened to correct them.

All these do not speak well of President Duterte’s supposed war against corruption. It’s perceived as selective.

Remember that Customs commissioner accused of involvement in illegal drugs? He was even promoted to Cabinet rank! *** If poll surveys are to be believed at this point, only one or two opposition members will make it to the Magic 12.

This will be a tragedy for the opposition and for the Senate as well. The institution should be independent, providing check and balance to the other branches of government.

There are whiffs of corruption in other agencies as well.

There were findings that Solicitor General Jose Calida remained a major shareholder in a company that supplies security guards to several government offices, including the Department of Justice.

If this is not conflict of interest that is punishable by law, I don’t know what is.

The Commissioon on Audit has also pointed out that Calida and other government lawyers have been receiving excessive allowances contrary to law.

The former Government Corporate Counsel in fact called out the violation www.emiljurado.weebly.com efforts to control information flows.

'Inevitable but unfortunate' Misinformation is often seen during moments of crisis, including during last week's fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

The ban in Sri Lanka "is the inevitable but unfortunate consequence of the platforms' inability to stop the online amplification of conspiracy and outrage," said Karen Kornbluh, a former White House policy director who now heads the Digital Innovation Democracy Initiative at the German Marshall Fund.

"This shows the false premise of the

platforms' mantra that any change in their practices will squash free speech... if they continue to turbo-charge disinformation this will lead to less online free speech."

Lehr said one of the challenges for social platforms using algorithmic feeds is how to prevent false and abusive content from going viral.

"It's not always a matter of blocking hate speech but also de-amplifying it," she said.

"I'd like to see us get to a place where a shutdown isn't necessary, but the social media platforms need to rebuild public trust." AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Department of Transportation PAMBANSANG PUNONGHIMPILAN TANOD BAYBAYIN NG PILIPINAS National Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard 139 25th Street, Port Area 1018 Manila HPCG/CG-8

05 August 2018

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NUMBER ........................ 01-18 HARBOUR SPEED LIMIT IN CEBU - MACTAN CHANNEL I.

AUTHORITY: A.

II.

Republic Act 9993 (The Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

REFERENCES: A.

International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG), Rule 9 (Narrow Channel).

B.

H2CGD Memorandum dated 01 August 1998.

C.

CPA Memorandum Circular No. 05 dated 03 March 2005.

D.

RAD Message Cite CGS Cebu-1013-001 dated 01 October 2013

III. PURPOSE: This Memorandum Circular prescribes the speed limit, policy, and procedure for ships I vessels entering, departing, traversing, navigating and cruising along Cebu - Mactan Channel in order to enhance the safety of navigation, efficiency of vessel traffic and the protection of marine environment.

IV. SCOPE: This Memorandum Circular applies to all ships I vessels entering, departing, traversing, navigating and cruising along Cebu - Mactan Channel.

V.

DEFINITION OF TERMS: For purposes of this Memorandum Circular, the following words and phrases are defined as: A. Cebu - Mactan Channel Navigable portion of the Cebu harbor that extends from Light Station Bantolinao in the north entrance down to Light Station Cauit in the SouthWestern part of the Channel.

B. Ship or Vessel Includes every description of watercrafts or other conveyances used or capable of being used as a means of transportation such as: Watercrafts; Fast Crafts: Tug Boats; Self - Propelled Barges; Tankers; Pleasure Yatch; and Offshore Structures.

C.

Fast Crafts

Power-driven watercraft for commercial or recreational purposes with a cruising speed exceeding 20 knots.

E.

Ferry Boats

Are motorized passenger vessels designed and operated only inside bays, harbors and rivers.

G. Self-propelled Barges Water conveyances that are operated and propelled by its own propulsion system for navigation purposes.

H. Tankers Are vessels designed primarily for the carriage of petroleum, chemical or liquid cargoes.

I.

Pleasure Yacht

Means any yacht not on charter or carrying passengers for hire, not engaged in trade or commerce, and being used solely for voyages / excursions for pleasure or recreational purposes.

J.

Offshore Structure

Any facilities in a marine environment usually used in the production and transmission of electricity, oil, gas and other resources.

K.

CPA Cebu Port Authority

VI. POLICIES: A.

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE Supreme Court has issued a restraining order enjoining the Commission on Elections from disqualifying a mayoralty candidate in Baguio City from joining the May 13 elections.

In a resolution dated April 11, the SC issued a status quo ante order enjoining the Comelec from implementing its Minute Resolution 19-0826 issued last March 6 that disqualified lawyer Edgar Avila from the mayoralty race for using the old certificate of candidacy form.

This emerged as the high court granted the immediate relief sought in the petition of Avila and allowed him to proceed with his candidacy pending resolution of the case.

“A Status Quo Ante Order is issued, effective immediately and continuing until further orders from this Court, ordering You, parties, your agents, representatives, or persons acting in your place or stead to maintain the status quo prevailing before the issuance of Comelec En Banc Minute Resolution 19-0286 dated March 6, 2019,” the resolution stated.

The SQA was issued upon order of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin and recommendation by member in charge of the case, Senior As-

sociate Justice Antonio Carpio.

In the same order, the Court directed the Comelec to answer Avila’s petition and filed its comment within 10 days from notice.

In the assailed resolution, the poll body invalidated the candidacy of bets who used the “old format” in filing their COCs that did not have Item No. 22.

Item No. 22 states a question if a particular candidate was disciplined or found guilty or has pending criminal or administrative cases. This question is not present in the old format of the Comelec CoCs. While the names of the candidates are already included in the ballots, the poll body disqualified them and declared that “they shall not be voted for, and any votes cast in their favor shall be considered stray.”

‘Evidence vs. ex-Napocor chief weak’ Dees hopeful of estafa case dismissal

By Maricel V. Cruz

Tug Boats Are vessels designed primarily for towing operations.

F.

SC allows disqualified local bet to join polls

Watercraft Power-driven ships I vessels.

D.

News

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 A6 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

All ships / vessels entering, departing and traversing along the Cebu Mactan Channel shall observe the prescribe harbour speed limit of eight (8) knots.

THE Sandiganbayan believes the evidence against a former president of the National Power Corp. and his co-accused is weak.

This, as the anti-graft court approved the motion of the former official to seek the outright dismissal of the graft and malversation charges filed against him.

“The Court resolves to grant the motion for leave of accused (Rogelio) Murga in order to adequately provide the defense an opportunity to test the sufficiency of the evidence presented by the prosecution and to determine if the same is enough to warrant a conviction,” the Sandiganbayan said.

The court’s Second Division on April 11 granted the motion for leave of court to file demurrer to evidence of former Napocor chief Murga, facing charges for alleged misuse of P124.4 corporate funds Murga was given 10 days upon receipt of the resolution to file his demurrer to evidence.

The anti-graft court only grants motion for leave of court to file demurrer to evidence

only in cases where it believes there is not enough evideence to warrant conviction of the accused.

The court also gave the prosecution the same 10-day period to file its comment upon receipt of the demurrer.

Murga and former Napocor Committee on Contract Expiration on Insurance Capacities chief Alberto Guanzon were accused of releasing P9.55 million from Napocor’s account with Ganda Energy and Holdings Inc. in favor of a certain Kaw Swee Tuan on March 19, 2003 despite their lack of authority from the board of directors.

The two were further accused of releasing P114.89 more of GEHI funds to Tuan the following day.

Murga told the court that the prosecution failed to prove his role in the crime, and that no evidence was presented to prove that he misappropriated the funds.

He added none of the witnesses said he conspired with his co-accused, even as he pointed out the absence of an audit report or disallowance for the payments to Tuan.

THE accused in a legal dispute involving Alliance Select Foods International on Monday expressed confidence they would be found innocent after a Makati Regional Trial Court ordered their arrest for estafa.

In a statement, Jonathan Dee said he and Alvin Dee and Joanna Dee-Laurel had already posted bail with the court, and that all three were hopeful of a speedy dismissal of the case.

In a decision promulgated on April 11, the Makati RTC Branch 57 issued the arrest warrants for seven former board members of Alliance Select Foods, a publicly-listed firm that is among the leading tuna processors and exporters in the Asia Pacific. Rey Requejo

B. International rules on proper seamanship allow overtaking by faster ships / vessels on slower ones generally in open seas and non - restricted zones within a harbor. However, for Cebu harbor, a “No Overtaking” rule is prescribed due to the volume of traffic and constricted width of the channel.

However, subject to the approval of the PCG, overtaking may be allowed in the portion of the channel where there is enough room for both ships / vessels to maneuver without prejudice to the observance of good seamanship at all times by the Captain / Master / Patron and that appropriate sound and light signals were given or displayed and was appropriately replied to. Moreover, constant radio communication should always be established between the vessels involved.

C.

Except during emergency, ships / vessels transiting the Cebu - Mactan Channel shall maintain traffic flow that is steer right or port to port in a meeting situation.

D.

Tugboats towing one or more tow apart from displaying the normal daytime / night time signals shall take extra precautions when entering or leaving Cebu - Mactan Channel.

VII. PROCEDURES: A.

Ships / vessels entering Cebu Harbor shall gradually reduce speed to eight (8) knots and approach perpendicular to the mouth of the channel and give way to the outgoing ship / vessel if there is any. The aforementioned ships / vessels shall traverse the channel on her starboard side and maintain adequate berth on her port side for passage of other vessels.

B.

Radio contact at VHF Channel 16 (156.80 Mhz) shall be established at all times between ships / vessels entering, departing or traversing the Cebu Mactan Channel especially on a meeting or overtaking situation.

C.

All ships / vessels entering, departing, or traversing the Cebu- Mactan Channel shall ensure that her ground and tackle and the sound and light signaling equipment are ready for use. Similarly, the station of the ship / vessel for entering, leaving port, or traversing restricted water should be properly manned.

D.

Tugboats towing one or more tow, apart from displaying the normal daytime / night time Signals, shall take extra precautions when entering or leaving Cebu - Mactan Channel.

E.

On one hand, ships / vessels intending to cross the other side of the channel or join the opposite direction of the traffic shall do so on a heading as nearly as possible at right angle to the general direction of the traffic flow. On the other hand, when joining or leaving from either side shall do so at as small as an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable. As a general rule, vessels should avoid crossing the bow of another vessel and shall only do so at the astern of a vessel.

VIII. RESPONSIBILITIES: A. Ship Owner I Operator: Ship / Vessel Owners or Operators shall ensure that the Captains / Masters / Patrons of their ships / vessels comply with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular.

B. Captain I Master I Patron: The Captain I Master / Patron of the ships / vessels shall also be held responsible for any loss of life and damage to property that may be caused by deviation or non - compliance to any of the provision of this Memorandum Circular.

C. Coast Guard District Central Visayas: 1.

The CGDCV shall deSignate PCG vessels at strategic locations to monitor compliance to this Memorandum Circular.

2.

All reported violations shall be tried by the CGDCV in accordance with the applicable regulation / policy of the PCG.

IX. FINES AND PENALTIES: The Ship Owners / Operators of Ships / Vessels and the Captain / Master / Patron of the same found violating any provisions of this Memorandum Circular shall be liable for the following penalties: First Offense Second Offense Third Offense

X.

Fine of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php 50,000.00) each for the Captain / Master / Patron and Ship Owners or Operators Fine of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 100,000) each for the Captain / Master / Patron and Ship Owners or Operators Suspension of the License of the Captain / Master / Patron and Non-issuance of Berthing Permit and I or Port Clearance

RESCISSION CLAUSE: All Memorandum Circulars inconsistent with this Memorandum Circular are hereby rescinded.

XI. EFFECTIVITY: This Memorandum Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

ELSON E. HERMOGINO ADM PCG Commandant, PCG Approved:

ARTHUR P. TUGADE Secretary DOTr

(MS-APR. 24, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LABOR AND POLLS. Voters should ask senatorial and local candidates what they will do to generate jobs and increase the income of workers—the consensus made by panelists during an April 5 forum on Labor Productivity at the Tower Club in Makati City spearheaded by Stratbase ADR Institute. At the forum (from left) Claudette Guevara (deputy director of Stratbase ADR Institute), Edwin Santiago (executive director of Stratbase ADR Institute), Jose Roland Moya (director general of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines), Rene Almeda (Governor-Employers Confederation of the Philippines), Vicente Pacqueo (non-resident fellow at Stratbase ADR Institute), Toti Chikiamco (president of the Foundation for Economic Freedom), Dr. Michael Abrigo (research fellow in the Philippine Institute on Development Studies), and Coco Alcuaz (executive director of the Makati Business Club). Contributed Photo

Drug-free site is replicated

By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has replicated an advocacy program promoting a drug-free workplace in business establishments and subdivisions in Muntinlupa City.

Director General Aaron Aquino piloted the program on Feb. 21 in Quezon City, followed by Pasig City last March 26, engaging the management of hotels, restaurants, bars, condominiums, subdivisions, warehouses and security agencies to implement their own drugfree workplace program.

“One of the priorities of the program is to reintroduce and compel business owners to conform with the requirements of Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation 8 Series of 2003 which mandates all private establishments employing 10 or more workers to adopt company policies against illegal drug use, including education of employees on the ill-effects of dangerous drugs, and conduct random drug tests for all their personnel,” he said.

The anti-drug advocacy program also instilled awareness on the modus operandi used by drug syndicates, such as converting high-end subdivisions, hotels and condominiums into drug dens, distribution hubs, chemical warehouses, and clandestine drug laboratories.

Manila, Pasay host PH’s grandest festival: 3-day Aliwan Fiesta 2019 THE cities of Manila and Pasay join forces in hosting the country’s grandest festival as Aliwan Fiesta 2019 unfolds on April 25-27, under the auspices of Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Kicking off the festivities along Sotto Street in front of the Aliw Theater will be the three-day Shoppers Bazaar, plus the Pasakalye—a street concert featuring Ben&Ben, Juan Karlos, This Band, and Extreme Lab, organizers said in a statement.

Young ladies from various regions of the country will vie for the title of Festival Queen and a cash prize of P100,000 as the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant takes to the stage on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

The show will also feature musical numbers by Christian Bautista and Jason Fernandez.

The Grand Parade showcasing different festivals from north to south of the archipelago then takes place on Saturday, beginning at Quirino Grandstand and winding up in front of the Aliw Theater at the CCP Complex, where the formal

awarding ceremonies will take place.

A cool P1 million await the winner of the Streetdance Competition, while the champion in the Float Design category will take home P500,000.

Special guest performers will be 6 Cycle Mind and Vin Abrenica.

Aliwan Fiesta 2019 is brought to the people by Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, White Rose Cojic Whitening Soap, Smart Dishwashing Paste, Star Wax, Tanduay, TM, Dunkin’ Donuts, Symdex D, Asian Institute of Computer Studies, Senokot, GES Led Lights, Whiteflower, and Nature Spring Mineral Water.

Sports

A7

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

PH fighters vie in Wuxi World Grand Slam Series THE Philippine taekwondo team will vie for honors in the open qualification tournament 1 for the 2019 World Taekwondo Grand Slam Champions Series on April 26-28 in Wuxi, China.

Carrying the colors of SMART/MVP Sports Foundation, the national taekwondo squad will be bannered by 10 jins—five male and five female—and two coaches, Carlos Jose Padilla V and Christian Al Dela Cruz.

The Filipino fighters are: Male—Dex Ian Chavez (-58kg), Kurt Bryan Barbosa (-58kg), Arven Alcantara (-68kg), Keno Anthony Mendoza (-68kg), Samuel Thomas (-80kg); Female—Baby Jessica Canabal (-49kg), Veronica Garces (-49kg), Pauline Louise Lopez (-57kg), Beatrice Kassandra Gaerlan (-57kg) and Laila Delo (-67kg).

Only selected athletes from 30 countries will see action in the prestigious Arven Alcantara, shown connecting a full moon kick to the head of his Vietnamese opponent in a previous competition, is expected to event. Among these countries are Ko- do well for the Philippines in the Wuxi event. rea, France, Spain, Iran, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, the United States and the Philippines.

The competition also serves as a tuneup for the Filipino jins’ participation in the World Taekwondo Championships, the Korea Open and the Southeast Asian Games which the Philippines is hosting late this year.

The Filipinos, who are always considered among the tough campaigners in international taekwondo events. are also supported by PLDT, Meralco, the Philippine Sports Commission, the PhilipTA. ROSA, Laguna—Jerson Balasabas birdied the tough par-3 pine Olympic Committee and Milo.

Balasabas survives TCC test, leads by a stroke

Carino, Lago compete in ITT GAZALKENT, Uzbekistan—Daniel Ven Cariño and Marc Ryan Lago are hoping the weather holds on Wednesday when they see action in the individual time trial (ITT) of the 2019 Asian Cycling Championships for Road Uzbekistan is hosting for the first time.

“I hope the weather holds, especially the temperature,” said Cariño, 21, who is racing in the 40-km Men Under-23 individual time trial at 3:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in Manila) on Wednesday.

Lago, 18, will vie in the 30-km Men Junior ITT also on Wednesday but earlier at 1 p.m.

“It’s biting cold,” sighed Team Manager Ednalyn Hualda on Monday during the License Check and Team Managers Meeting at the Pyramida Hotel in Chorvoq.

With the temperature dropping to close to 10 degrees Centigrade and a strong shower making the conditions terrible for the seven Filipinos here backed by Go For Gold and sent by the PhilCycling, Hualda had to improvise.

“Warming oil,” quipped Hualda, referring to a popular brand of baby oil back home that mothers use on babies before they bath them. But problem’s not solved for Hualda because all products sold in Uzbekistan are labeled in Russian and hardly could one find a local who speaks English well enough.

Nevertheless, the Philippine team members vowed to give their all extremely hoping the sun continues to shine as it was on Tuesday during the team time trial for Men and Women Elite and Para Cycling.

“This is the Asian Championships and we’re here to give our all,” said Cariño, the Best Young Rider of last year’s Le Tour de Filipinas.

Because of the cold and rain, the Filipinos only rode 20 kms on Sunday afternoon. On a sunny Monday and the temperature hitting 18 degrees, they did 80 kms, enough to make them sweat a little.

S

17th to save an eagle-spiked 72 then watched a slew of fancied rivals fumble at the finish to wrest a one-stroke lead in an early test of will and wits in hot, windy conditions at the start of the rich The Country Club Invitational here yesterday.

Balasabas, seeking to check a dip in form after scoring a breakthrough in the Philippine Masters last year, hit a pitch-in eagle on the par-4 No. 1 and went threeunder with a birdie on the par-3 third hole.

But like the rest of the select 30-player field in this P5 million championship, he stumbled in other baffling holes of the demanding Tom Weiskoph-designed layout, specifically on two other par 3s which he bogeyed (No. 6) and double bogeyed (No. 11).

He gained a stroke with another birdie on No. 13 but fell off the leaderboard with back-to-back bogeys from No. 15 before moving on top again with that birdie on the 17th to set the pace in the 72-hole championship kicking off the Philippine Golf Tour’s milestone 10th season.

“After hitting the green, it bounced once and rolled into the cup,” said Balasabas, referring to his rare eagle feat on the water-laced opening hole off an 8-iron shot from 158 yards. “The strong wind is but a normal thing here but it was super hot out there.”

The lead kept changing hands as the

buffeting wind changed its direction, forcing the bidders to adjust with their respective club selections while trying to set up birdie chances on difficult pin placements as the course kept its reputation as one of the toughest with no one able to break par.

Clyde Mondilla, winner in the Solaire Philippine Open here three weeks ago, appeared headed to keeping his familiar spot with a two-under card after 10 holes.

But he bogeyed the next, regained the stroke on No. 13, only to drop strokes on Nos. 14, 16 and 17 and fall to joint second with 73 with Angelo Que and Tony Lascuña in the event also known as the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup put up by ICTSI chair Ricky Razon in 2003 to honor the memory of his father and ICTSI founder.

Except for Balasabas and Peter Stojanovski of Macedonia, the rest of the early contenders floundered on the par72 layout’s tough finishing holes with three-time champion Que and former winner Lascuña holing out with bogeys and missing joining Balasabas on top.

Jerson Balasabas

Some, however, struggled early, including reigning PGT Order of Merit champion Jobim Carlos, who made a horrific “13” on the tight, tricky par-4 No. 4 with a hazard on the right and out-of-bounds on the left.

“You can actually see the green off the mound but you have to be extra cautious and precise in your shot to avoid getting into trouble. I just felt sad it happened to me,” rued Carlos, who lost five balls on the hole on three OBs and two wayward drives on his way to an 85.

TENNIS WINNERS.

Singles’ champion Jeson Patrombon (second from right) holds his trophy as he poses with (from left) doubles’ winners Noel Damian Jr. and Mark Alcoseba, singles’ runner-up Johnny Arcilla and Judge Edralin Reyes during awards rites of the PPSPEPP Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup Tennis Championship in Oriental Mindoro recently.

Team Liyab to represent PH at League of Legends SEA Tour TEAM Liyab, the professional esports team of Globe in partnership with Mineski, bagged the championship title at the Philippine National Minor event of the League of Legends SEA Tour.

The team will represent the country against the best teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia for the right to participate in the Mid-Season Invitational and a $50,000 prize pool.

The LoL squad opened the National Minor - Semifinals with a showdown against TNC Pro Team. A well-prepared Liyab started the series swinging, resulting in a sweeping 2-0 victory for the squad to set up a finals bout against Steelwolves Gaia.

The Bacolod-based squad Steelwolves, known for their unconventional strategies, managed to upset Arkangel in the Semifinals. However, Liyab banked

on their championship experience to outmaneuver Steelwolves at all facets of the game, and booked their slot at the LST Major with a 2-0 victory in the Finals.

The team is set to continue their bid for local and regional esports domination

Team Liyab

with another recent win at a major Hearthstone tournament. Last weekend, Liyab’s Cara Cute emerged as the Philippine Representative from the Hearthstone Philippine National Qualifiers for the World Cyber Games in 2019 over 30 individuals.

With this, she becomes the country’s representative for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Regional Qualifiers for WCG 2019 which will be held on April 27-28 through another round of online qualifiers.

Globe continues to be at the forefront of developing the esports ecosystem in the country and believes that with the right support and training, Filipino esports athletes can compete with any esports team in the world.

Globe’s esports commitment began through its pervasive LTE network that helped bring mobile broadband gaming to the next level. Then, the company entered into strategic partnerships with Riot, developer of League of Legends, Garena, publisher of Arena of Valor and Philippine publisher of League of Legends, and Mineski which led to the formation of Team Liyab.

How sports saved former taekwondo jin Monsour THESE days, the name Monsour del Rosario is still very much identified with sports, especially taekwondo.

That’s because he brought honor to the country as part of the Philippine National Taekwondo Team in the 1980s.

Among his achievements are the gold medals in the 14th and 15th Southeast Asian Games and a bronze medal in the 10th Asian Games. He also reached the quarterfinal round of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

In 2017, he was named Man of the Year Award by the World Taekwondo Federation, making him the first Filipino and foreigner (non-Korean) to receive such accolade since it was launched Monsour del Rosario in South Korea (where taekwondo originated).

As a sportsman, it wasn’t all bed of roses for the young Monsour, whose parents separated when he was 11 years old. Good thing he has a grandmother, who lovingly raised him. That’s why, he said, he has always had a soft spot for the elderly.

Monsour has had the opportunity to train in his chosen sports in the US where he also worked as a street sweeper.

“I also had to pick food from the garbage just so I can eat,” Monsour shared in an interview with the press.

When he came to the Philippines from the US, Monsour admitted that he was “self-destructing.”

It was at a competition in Malaysia when he asked God to put him on the right path.

“If not for my love for sports, taekwondo, and the Philippines, I may not be here anymore. There was one fight in my life, in Malaysia, I made a pact with God that if I made it through that game, I will straighten my ways,” he said.

And Monsour did as promised and even became a big name in show business until he joined politics. Now, he’s running for Vice Mayor in Makati, while Junjun Binay runs as Mayor.

Being a sports ambassador and Chef De Mission in international competitions, Monsour wants to promote sports in Makati. The Filipino athletes brought home two gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals during his stint as Chef De Mission in the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

“I hope that I can already do what I have been planning for a long time already for the youth. As you know, I became a Chef De Mission in AIMAG and also deputy chef de mission for Southeast Asian Games and for this year I was tasked by Malacañang to be the Chef De Mission for Manila Southeast Asian Games. So, sports is really close to my life,” he said.

Monsour hopes to train athletes that might potentially bring home the most coveted gold medals in Olympics, especially that the Philippines doesn’t have a gold medal yet.

“I want to help the youth in Makati.

They have a big fund. We might be able to find here an Olympic gold medalist.

Until now, we don’t have an Olympic gold medalist yet. Before I leave this Earth, hopefully, I can see a Filipino winning an Olympic gold medal,” he said.

He wants to create a sports program that may develop young talents into athletes, that may eventually join the national teams. Monsour believes that sports can also help the youth to turn away from drugs and other vices.

“I have many plans here. I want to put comprehensive, substantial, and continuous sports program for the barangay and not just for summer only. I want it to be continuous and expose them in the national level. I want them to compete with each other per barangay, district versus district, then whoever becomes the champion of the city, we send them to national competition. Hopefully, they get to the national team and also be scouted by the colleges and universities so they can have scholarship. The kids will be healthy too,” he said.

That’s why he is all praises to President Duterte for signing into law RA 11214 with the main goal of establishing the Philippine Sports Training Center.

“I worked on this since my day 1 in congress back in 2016. As one of the principal authors, I am happy that the president signed it on February 14 this year.

He’s the only president who did this—listening to the Sports Community and the thousands of Filipino youth athletes of the country,” said the Chef de Mission of the Philippines for the 2019 SEA Games which is happening in the country.

Sports

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during Game Four of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. AFP

Guiao wants games vs Australia

By Peter Atencio

H

AVING tuneup matches against foreign squads, which will mimic the strength of teams that Team Philippines will face in the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup, is a must.

National team coach Yeng Guiao revealed, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel Manila yesterday, that foremost in his mind is playing against the Australia national team.

Tune-up games with Australia will not only help the national squad get in shape and get the needed exposure when the FIBA cagefest comes around; they

Cariaso takes Alaska hoop Powercamp to Manila PBA LEGEND and Alaska Aces assistant coach Jeff Cariaso helps the next generation of basketball players by training the youth become champions through the Alaska Basketball Powercamp 2019 in Manila today, April 24.

The camp will be held at the Ateneo De Manila University April 24, 27, 28, May 1, 4, 5, 8 and 11. There will also be a Bacolod camp at the Trinity Christian School May 9 to 16.

To register in the Manila camp just purchase P3,000 worth of any Alaska product (50 percent of total must be Alaska Fortified Powdered Milk Drink or Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink). The amount is P2,500 for the Bacolod camp.

Visit www.alaskamilk.com/Alaskasports and fill up registration form. Present printed registration form and proof of purchase or official receipt from February to present at the start of the camp.

There will also be onsite registration at the two camps.

Alaska’s Powercamp teaches more than just basketball skills. Certified Alaska coach will also instill the value of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and determination.

Alaska Milk hopes to teach a new generation of children to become better at the sport through the Alaska Powercamp and also help them become productive members of the community.

Philippine Basketball Association legend and Alaska Aces Assistant Coach Jeffrey Cariaso leads a team of Alaska certified coaches who will teach campers how to become better basketball players.

The camp embodies Alaska’s philosophy that sports can instill the value of discipline, hard work, teamwork and determination and help children develop into productive members of the community.

Participants will learn theoretical and practical lessons and undergo intensive drills but with their safety and well-being as top priority.

will also help rebuild the relationship between the two countries following a brawl which marred their World Cup qualifier at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan last year.

Guiao said he is looking forward to having such games as part of their buildup starting on Aug. 31.

“It’s important that we will face five or six teams that will approximate the strength of our opponents,” said Guiao

yesterday Guiao said the national squad has never faced such teams in their previous preparations. Team Pilipinas was only able to face a foreign squad with one or two such imports who approximated the physicality of the games they had.

Guiao added that scrimmages with three European teams will also get Team Philippines in shape in their participation for tournament.

“Gusto namin iyung mga European teams. Malalakas at mabibilis ang mga ito,” added Guiao.

As the games of the FIBA World Cup approach Guiao said he is looking forward to having twice-a-day practice with Team Philippines.

National team mentor Yeng Guiao (left) listens intently while PBA Commissioner Willy Marcial during the PSA Forum. Lino Santos

Bucks reach 2nd round with sweep of Pistons LOS ANGELES, United States— The Milwaukee Bucks wiped away 18 years of frustration on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) by beating the Detroit Pistons 127-104 to complete a four-game sweep of their first round Eastern Conference playoff series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 41 points as the Bucks reached the second round of the postseason for the first time since 2000-01 season when they made it all the way to the NBA semifinals.

The top-seeded Milwaukee cruised through the first three games and after a slow start in game four they took control late at won by 23 points.

Breaking their streak of eight straight playoff exits so quickly means Milwaukee has more time prepare for their next opponent – the Boston Celtics, who are coming off a sweep of Indiana.

Elsewhere, Donovan Mitchell scored 19 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter as the Utah Jazz staved off elimination in game four with a 10791 victory over the Houston Rockets.

“It’s not over,” Mitchell said. “We have another one, and another one, and another one.”

Jae Crowder added 23 points, Ricky Rubio tallied 18 points and 11 assists and Derrick Favors finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds for Utah, who trail three games to one.

Utah outscored Houston 31-12 in the fourth quarter to set up game five on Wednesday.

Mitchell said they now realize what they have been doing wrong and what it is going to take to win the series.

“We all been struggling with our shots all series,” said Mitchell. “We didn’t play hard at the beginning. The last two games we played harder.

“There is no way we were going to go out like that. We figured out what we have to do. The best thing for us is to continue to play team basketball.”

James Harden scored 30 points to lead Houston. Chris Paul added 23 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon tallied 16 points.

The Rockets shot a dismal 17 of 46 from three-point range.

The Bucks matched their regular season dominance over the Pistons, winning all four games. They had met in the postseason four times with the Pistons winning them all. AFP

Hidilyn wins silver in Asian Weightlifting Championships

File photo shows Hidilyn Diaz proudly displaying the Philippine flag after winning a gold medal during the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

HIDILYN DIAZ, who is currently training in China, snared three silver medals in the Asian Weightlifting Championships in the eastern coastal city of Ningbo, China last Monday.

Diaz, the defending Asian Games champion, lifted 94 kilograms in snatch, and then cleared 115 in clean and jerk, for a total 209.

This gave Diaz second place in the women’s 55-kilogram category.

China’s Liao Quiyun took the gold after lifting 96 kgs in the snatch, hitting a world record of 128 kgs in the clean and jerk for a total of 224.

Muattar Nabieva of Uzbekistan claimed the bronze with a 91 kgs lift in the snatch, a 113 in the clean and jerk, and a 204 total.

Medals are awarded separately in the world and continental championships, as opposed to a single medal in the Olympics.

The Asian tournament started on April 17 and concludes on April 29. It serves as a qualifying event for the Tokyo Olympics.

The 28-year old Diaz is seeking a fourth Olympics appearance following her first campaign in Beijing in 2008.

Diaz won the gold in the Asian Games in Jakarta last year. Peter Atencio

Elasto Painters, Hotshots try to break deadlock

By Jeric Lopez WITH everything back to a square one at 2-2, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Magnolia Hotshots go at it again with both eyeing a key advantage as they resume their best-of-seven semifinals showdown in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. The pivotal Game 5 is scheduled at 7 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome tonight.

After dropping the series’ first two games, the Hotshots suddenly got their groove and got back at the Painters by winning the next two to equalize and make it a virtual best-ofthree affair.

Following Magnolia’s 94-91 win in Game 4 Monday night, head coach Chito Victolero commended his wards’ resiliency in this resurgence that the Hotshots are having.

“The boys are not giving up and that’s what

we need from them. That’s why we were able to tie the series,” said Victolero. “We need to continue trusting our game plan and ourselves for the rest of the series.

Despite this tumultuous stretch, Rain or Shine skipper Gabe Norwood wants his team to keep everything together to regain the upper hand.

“We kind of lost our focus and composure these last two games,” said Norwood. “We need to stay together and control things that we can control.”

The Hotshots dominated most of Game 4 before going on to hold off the Painters.

James Yap actually had the chance to send that game to overtime but his bid went astray.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer, ahead 2-1 in the other semis affair, is looking to move closer to the finals as it is figuring in another physical encounter with Phoenix in Game 4 as of this writing.

Magnolia Hotshots guard Paul Lee (3) drives strong to hoop against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters defender Beau Belga (30). PBA Media

IN BRIEF Construction of LTR1 extension starts May THE Department of Transportation said the construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite extension project will start next month.

“We’ll have a ceremony on May 6 to signal the start of actual works of LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project,” said the DOTr. Light Rail Manila Corp. in 2018 signed an engineering, procurement and construction contract with Bouygues Travaux Publics for the LRT 1 Cavite extension project.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., through Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., owns 55 percent of LRMC, which earlier won the bidding for the P64.9-billion LRT1 Cavite Extension Project.

AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. holds a 35-percent stake in LRMC, while Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Inc. holds the balance.

LRMC under the concession will assume the operations and maintenance of the current 20-kilometer LRT1, and construct the 11.7-kilometer extension of the rail line southward from the Baclaran station all the way to Bacoor, Cavite. Darwin G Amojelar

Strict standards up on plywood, roofing THE Department of Trade and Industry is set to reinstate the mandatory standards on roofing material and plywood due to the growing concern among consumers about the safety of these products, especially the imported ones.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the products were in the list of priority products that should undergo mandatory testing amid the construction boom.

“Lately, there has been a spate of complaints about the quality of these products. I can’t say if the market is indeed flooded with substandard products but as far as our monitoring went, there abound numerous products that are not of mandatory standards,” he said.

The department noted that some steel roofing products were not following the required Philippine Standard for tensile and strength of a proper roofing material.

Most plywood materials, meanwhile, do not possess the necessary thickness and length. Plywood supply, especially in the provinces, were usually short of the mandatory thickness required by the Bureau of Product Standards. Othel V. Campos

Business

Zambo co-op seeks refund of excess bills

By Alena Mae S. Flores ZAMBOANGA City Electric Cooperative, now under an investment management contract with Crown investments Holdings Inc. and Desco Inc., wants Western Mindanao Power Corp. to refund alleged over-billing amounting to P441 million.

Joshua Gilbert Paraiso, counsel of the joint venture, said the refund to consumers was contained in Zamcelco’s application with the Energy Regulatory Commission.

“Zamcelco requested ERC to refund the over-billed account of P440 million,” Paraiso said. The disputed amount covers the period of November 26, 2015 to December 25, 2018.

Zamcelco has also sought approval with the ERC to withdraw from the power supply agreement with WMPC. WMPC suspended its supply of power to Zamboanga City within days of Zamcelco’s notice of alleged over-billing, causing two to three-hour daily power interruptions in Zamboanga City.

Zamcelco claimed the PSA with WMPC was not yet in effect, but the supplier proceeded to bill and secure payments from the cooperative.

Zamcelco noted that not all the prerequisites of PSA had been met.

Joseph Omar Castillo, representative of the consortium, said the power supplier charged Zamcelco for a fixed capacity of 50 megawatts even when usage was below 25 MW a month. He said WMPC should not have charged the capacity recovery and fixed operations and maintenance fees that resulted in the over-billing.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

B1

Ayala on track to post P50-b profit

By Jenniffer B. Austria

C

onglomerate Ayala Corp. said it remains on track to register a net income of P50 billion as early as this year despite subdued earnings in 2018.

Ayala Corp. chief finance officer Jose Teodoro Limcaoco said in a recent interview the group’s net income would be boosted by the partial sale of the group’s coal power assets in the Philippines to Aboitiz Power Corp.

Limcaoco said the acquisition of a majority stake in Phinma Energy Corp. by unit AC Energy Inc. would also push the conglomerate’s net profit starting this year.

“We are on track to hit P50 billion net income and that will be helped by AC Energy’s acquisition of Phinma Energy and disposition of assets,”

Limcaoco said.

“If we do the final numbers, we can hit P50 billion this year but that will depend on the Aboitiz deal,” he added.

The conglomerate is set to book a significant gain from the sale of a 49-percent voting stake and 60-percent economic interest in AA Thermal Inc. to Aboitiz Power Corp. by early next year.

The deal worth $579.2 million (P31.4 billion) is expected to be finalized shortly after the transaction is approved by the Philippine Competition Commission.

The AA Thermal platform acquired

by Aboitiz Power consists of AC Energy’s limited partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., owner and operator of a 632-megawatt coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan; and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., the developer and operator of a 1,336-MW coalfired plant project in Dinginin, Bataan currently under construction.

The conglomerate expects net income to more than double to P50 billion by 2020 from P22.3 billion in 2015 The “Ayala 2020” plan aims to improve return on equity to 15 percent from the current 12.1 percent, expand the equity-earnings contribution of businesses outside its four largest business units to 20 percent, and increase the group’s presence in Southeast Asia to 10 percent of equity earnings by 2020.

Aside from its core businesses in telecommunications, real estate and banking, the conglomerate’s investments in new businesses, including power and transport infrastructure, health care and education, and automotive and manufacturing, are also expected to boost profitability.

Ayala Corp. saw its net income in 2018 rise by just five percent in 2018 to ₱31.8 billion from the previous year, as higher borrowing costs tempered the strong earnings contribution from core businesses.

PetroSolar’s Tarlac plant delivers power RENEWABLE energy developer PetroSolar Corp. on Tuesday announced its 20-megawatt Tarlac-2 Solar Power Project started delivering power to the Luzon grid on Monday as part of commissioning tests.

The delivery of power from Tarlac-2 solar while under commissioning comes three months after PetroSolar filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission and after compliance with the metering and connection standards of National Grid Power Corp. and market registration requirements of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.

“PetroSolar is pleased to add power supply to the Luzon grid especially during these times of thinning power reserves that have led to instances of rotating brownouts. Our commissioning of Tarlac-2 supports the Department of Energy’s mission of ensuring more power supply as the country heads into the important May elections,” said Dave Gadiano, energy marketing manager of PetroGreen Energy Corp. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

Henry Sy Jr. (second from right), chairman of SM Prime Holdings Inc., presides over the annual stockholders meeting’ held at Conrad Hotel Manila in Pasay City on Tuesday. With him (from left) are SM Prime executive committee chairman Hans Sy, SM Prime vice chairman Jose Cuisia and SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim.

SM Prime to begin building newest mall in China this year SM PRIME Holdings Inc. will start constructing this year its newest mall in China in Yangzhou province.

SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting the mall in Yangzhou would have about 100,000 square meters of gross floor area and be completed over the next two years.

SM Prime is also expanding SM Xiamen, which currently has a GFA of 126,000 sq. m.

SM Prime has not opened a new mall in China in the past two years. The last mall it opened in China was SM Tianjin, which has a GFA 565,000 sq. m.

Lim said the company had not been aggressively expanding its malls in China because of strong opportunities

in the Philippines.

“We have been quite a bit quiet in China for the last two years now because we focused our efforts in the Philippines given the opportunities here,” Lim said.

SM Prime has seven malls in China with a combined GFA of 1.3 million sq. m.

SM Prime in the Philippines is set to open four malls this year that will add 200,000 sq. m. of GFA. Meanwhile, SM Prime is expanding its residential development by launching launch 19,000 to 25,000 units in Metro Manila and the provinces.

The units will be composed of mixed high-rise and mid-rise buildings, as well as single-detached house and lot projects to address the grow-

ing demand among local and foreign buyers.

Lim expects the house and lot developments to start contributing significantly to the group’s revenues.

Among its other businesses, SM Prime is also scheduled to launch this year the NU Tower, its first university-office building in the Mall of Asia Complex, and two new hotels in Iloilo and Quezon City—Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo and Park Inn by Radisson North Edsa.

SM Prime is set to introduce new large-scale integrated property developments in the Philippines that will carry the success of the company’s first lifestyle city, the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Jenniffer B. Austria

Dominguez woos large Japanese companies

By Julito G. Rada FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III encouraged Japanese companies to pour in more investments in the fast-growing Philippine economy.

Dominguez, in a meeting with a delegation from the Kansai Economic Federation based in Osaka, Japan, said the domestic economy— where higher consumer demand fueled by tax reform and an aggressive infrastructure program, along with improving peace and order— opened wide business opportunities to foreign investors.

Dominguez also assured that the second package of the Duterte administration’s tax reform program, which aims to cut the corporate income tax rate and rationalize investment incentives, was a game changer that would expand, rather than curtail, opportunities for them to do business in the Philippines.

Fiscal incentives under the tax reform program, Dominguez said, would not be removed but instead be rationalized or improved to ensure they were performancebased, targeted, time-bound and transparent.

“Rather than look at the effect of tax reform on some companies, look at the effects of tax reform on the entire economy because it is making it better. Instead of looking at the place where you might lose, look at opportunities in the larger economy,” Dominguez told KANKEIREN members led by chairman, Masayoshi Matsumoto.

Matsumoto, who is also the chairman-CEO of Sumitomo Electronic Industries, said he was “very satisfied with the explanation” of Dominguez about the need to rationalize fiscal incentives in the Philippines.

Also at the meeting were Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda; Masayuki Matsushita, KANKEIREN vice chairman and chairman of its international committee, and vice chairman of Panasonic Corp.; Takamune Okihara, special advisor, KANKEIREN and senior advisor at MUFG Bank Ltd; and Koji Yanagida, vice chairman of the International Committee and executive director of Azusa Sekkei Co. Ltd. Dominguez said the Philippine economy was growing very quickly.

“If you want to participate in the local economy, you have to better invest here... We’d like to make you feel welcome, but what will make you feel welcome is the improving disposable income of our people, improving infrastructure, improving peace and order, and I’m sure many Japanese companies can certainly benefit here.”

PH expects $10b worth of trade deals with China

By Othel V. Campos THE Department of Trade and Industry said Tuesday the Philippines will sign over $10 billion worth of investment and trade deals during a trade mission to China this week.

The mission and the agreements are expected to translate into around 20,000 new jobs.

“We are vetting groups and their plans and possible agreements on investments and trade,” said Lopez who will lead the Philippine team to the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on April 25, 2019.

More than 15 agreements, which cover trade and investment on food, energy, power, infrastructure, technology and services, will be signed between Chinese and Philippine companies during the trip.

“The Trade Department is continuously seeking investment opportunities from our country partners to bring home jobs and business opportunities

for more Filipinos,” said Lopez.

The forum aims to finance developmental projects in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, for cultural, tourism and environmental project proposals.

The Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce will also pitch for developmental projects that may help resolve issues on the environment.

There about 129 Silk Road chambers from 177 countries, including the Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce. Francis Chua chairs the Philippine chamber.

The forum is a regional concept created by China to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and sea networks along six corridors. It aims to foster cohesiveness in the region and economic growth.

The initiative was patterned after the Silk Road established during the Han Dynasty 2,000 years ago―an ancient network of trade routes that connected China to the Mediterranean for centuries.

GLOBE MYBUSINESS PARTNER. Mober, a Filipino tech startup founded by Dennis Ng that offers an on-demand mobile platform for same-day delivery services, is providing cost-effective, safe and fast logistical assistance for small businesses.

Globe myBusiness, the micro, small and medium enterprise arm of Globe Telecom Inc., provides Mober with a tracker and fleet management system to monitor its vehicles and coordinate with customers and drivers. Sealing the partnership are (from left) Globe senior advisor for Globe myBusiness Derrick Heng, Globe myBusiness marketing head Celeste Porto, Mober founder Dennis Ng and Globe myBusiness segment marketing head Anne David.

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market down slightly; Globe dips T HE stock market fell slightly Tuesday in another lackluster trading as investors weigh the damage from the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked Luzon Monday.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 13.50 points, or 0.2 percent, to 7,818.93 on a value turnover of P6.6 billion. Losers beat gainers, 120 to 72, with 47 issues unchanged.

The earthquake felt at 5:11 p.m. sent thousands of people fleeing buildings in Metro Manila as high-rise buildings swayed, as they are designed to do during temblor. The quake caused serious damage to Clark International Airport.

Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan dropped 2.9 percent to P14.56, while Globe Telecom Inc., the second-biggest telecommunications firm, declined 2.6 percent to P1,830.

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. dipped

1.9 percent to P865, but Wilcon Depot Inc., a leading home improvement and construction material supplier, rose 4.6 percent to P17.

Stocks, meanwhile, were mixed in the rest of Asia Tuesday as investors move cautiously ahead of a deluge of corporate results later in the week.

With all markets now open again after an extended Easter break, many fluctuated in morning trade but rallied by the afternoon.

Tokyo stocks ended marginally up for a third straight session, with profit-taking before 10 days of holidays in Japan weighing on the market.

Seoul, Sydney and Mumbai gained

while Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore were down.

Investors are waiting for a number of major earnings releases expected this week, including Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil and auto maker Tesla.

“Some of the world’s biggest technology companies are reporting earnings this week as well as a raft of the big European banks,” Nick Twidale, chief operating officer at Rakuten Securities Australia, said in a note to clients.

“Investors will be hoping for some better-than-expected results from both groups to keep the topside momentum in global equities, however if the data starts to show a significant slowing across these key industries then expect both stocks and risk trades to start to come under some heavy pressure.”

Aerospace giant Boeing will report earnings on Wednesday for the first time since a deadly March 10 plane crash plunged the company into crisis-mode.

Financial analysts have already slashed their 2019 profit forecasts after Boeing announced earlier in April it was cutting its monthly production of the 737 by about 20 percent.

Separately, Sri Lankan stocks plunged by 2.6 percent―their biggest drop in four years―as the Colombo Stock Exchange reopened for trading after terror attacks on Easter Sunday killed more than 300 people.

While equity traders were generally cautious, oil prices continued their rally on Tuesday, jumping to near six-month highs after the US cracked down on Iranian oil exports.

The White House announced Monday it was calling an end to six-month waivers that had exempted countries from unilateral US sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

Starting in May, these countries― China, India, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy and Greece― would face sanctions if they continue to buy the oil. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2019

NAME

OPEN

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.65 11,500 82 1,599,400 2.19 6,000 133.6 1,891,750 1.28 27,000 26.2 165,100 18.7 15,900 11.54 234,600 4.5 18,000 1.42 1,000 795 240 0.52 7,020,000 76.2 1,865,130 1.01 2,088,000 54.95 742,850 179.5 3,660 58.95 9,880 25.55 87,300 177.5 149,120 60.7 2,410

674,100 131,075,010 13,140 252,654,956 34,560 4,330,830 298,590 2,702,140 83,690 1,420 190,900 3,669,890 142,011,159.50 2,077,310 39,540,142 666,345 582,605 2,234,780 26,463,790 147,084.50

586,500 -3,115,064.50 -7,074,367 -984,170 294,864 -190,900 -94,904,923 -244,500 17,213,055 -86,838 50,065 85,400 3,757,604 -6,573.50

35.9 16.3 0.87 1.4 0.237 1.85 15.64 108.1 28.3 16.1 45.25 1.95 5.3 5.56 11.14 15.7 9.2 7.38 22 78.3 29.5 2.85 11.22 12.44 1.82 301.4 3.52 10.02 23.2 14.12 21.5 378 0.214 6.1 1.21 4.6 6.4 9.06 1.41 11.74 44.15 5 4.79 1.7 2.18 1.27 12.66 112.8 6.9 0.128 1 147.5 1.45 16 1.15

INDUSTRIAL 36.65 839,000 16.4 136,400 0.87 9,087,000 1.4 146,000 0.245 970,000 1.9 8,501,000 15.7 10,400 108.1 140 28.3 47,500 16.1 3,000 45.25 67,800 1.96 65,000 5.8 55,700 5.89 3,000 11.14 3,143,700 15.9 310,300 9.45 343,100 7.38 4,608,200 22.5 1,325,200 80.6 215,050 29.5 111,100 2.86 5,425,000 11.4 3,792,700 12.54 366,800 1.83 234,000 302.2 963,380 3.69 8,000 10.12 7,100 23.5 786,500 14.56 1,290,900 22 3,630,700 382.6 193,140 0.214 140,000 6.1 24,000 1.25 1,039,000 4.61 187,000 6.41 2,021,100 9.1 6,500 1.45 33,734,000 12 68,800 44.5 409,400 5.11 76,800 4.8 100,000 1.7 31,000 2.18 23,000 1.32 205,000 12.96 19,900 116 860,350 6.98 203,100 0.128 1,200,000 1.02 370,000 147.5 382,370 1.46 1,721,000 16 100 1.18 767,000

30,533,950 2,233,976 8,106,410 205,110 233,600 16,089,850 164,524 15,134 1,368,970 48,300 3,067,950 127,640 299,654 17,175 35,263,858 4,954,262 3,214,485 34,049,009 29,532,060 17,145,095.50 3,277,450 15,625,890 43,091,354 4,582,998 429,840 291,312,114 29,190 71,716 18,337,125 18,560,970 79,660,665 73,461,734 29,960 150,200 1,277,050 864,150 12,985,395 59,134 49,152,120 815,132 18,313,650 392,923 479,980 52,700 50,140 263,330 252,862 98,579,595 1,412,770 153,630 374,480 56,701,782 2,515,010 1,600 896,250

-1,122,610 58,898.00 26,400 4,290 -4,541,680 -28,450 -131,400 4,525 19,800 1,662,824 6,320 140,644 -8,856 8,843,825 -1,534,861.50 -1,560,680 -14,092,828 600,964 -16,923,780 -2,203,540 -3,720,134 49,601,470 340,470 -101,480 -978,329 -193,610 1,151,770 -329,778 -456,000 -6,350 -14,815,334 -55,862 -29,565,234 14,700 118,000

0.59 54.5 14.5 0.76 6.5 18.7 1.37 1.4 862 7.47 11.98 14.6 0.234 850 6.47 62 5.8 0.495 5.13 15.8 0.55 4.41 0.039 1.14 2.86 2.64 175.1 2.39 930 0.98 1.33 430 265 0.236 0.325

HOLDING FIRMS 0.62 40,520,000 56.35 791,600 14.56 7,906,000 0.79 290,000 6.65 5,000 19.06 12,900 1.39 3,586,000 1.41 205,000 865 475,950 7.6 354,200 12 2,030,200 14.96 125,700 0.25 260,000 850 57,380 6.5 18,200 63.8 724,910 5.8 32,000 0.51 133,000 5.15 832,200 16.28 525,800 0.55 18,000 4.41 28,913,000 0.04 7,400,000 1.14 2,000 2.92 543,000 2.64 5,000 177.8 330,320 2.39 1,000 930 97,040 0.98 543,000 1.35 50,000 434 150 270 20,310 0.236 190,000 0.35 12,700,000

25,027,750 43,694,749.50 115,399,108 223,330 33,000 243,788 4,961,020 288,050 412,588,265 2,674,673 24,369,462 1,868,480 63,230 48,817,100 118,097 46,126,201 186,864 65,950 4,291,858 8,455,776 9,900 128,302,680 293,300 2,280 1,573,440 13,200 58,295,062 2,390 90,399,230 535,270 66,780 65,140 5,434,936 45,040 4,336,700

-294,780 -28,354,928 -29,573,130 -29,230 6,500 281,000 -87,748,860 -92,193 -18,426,336 -115,310 -10,359,460 -7,079,854.50 -1,255,238 -2,534,838 -52,955,230 0 -374,612 -30,270,125 -140,210 -176,988 -

13.8 0.76 1.88 0.76 46.35 2.42 4.25 6.3 0.49 0.82 0.92 0.24 10.52 24.7 0.495 0.125 1.51 1.31 3.84 5.42 0.345 0.485 1.82 0.42

PROPERTY 13.94 841,900 0.78 207,000 1.9 76,000 0.76 394,000 47 13,110,000 2.5 2,340,000 4.26 334,000 6.32 72,000 0.5 7,900,000 0.82 20,000 0.92 2,000 0.24 1,370,000 11 2,843,900 25 1,315,400 0.495 1,511,000 0.125 30,000 1.53 1,264,000 1.32 2,930,000 4.86 8,000 5.5 12,461,100 0.35 7,080,000 0.485 1,110,000 1.82 2,798,000 0.42 100,000

11,716,270 159,500 143,360 301,190 614,136,105 5,820,760 1,423,690 455,074 3,917,250 16,400 1,840 328,930 30,540,332 32,913,600 748,710 3,750 1,926,700 3,854,990 35,820 68,496,068 2,476,550 543,050 5,143,200 43,000

-1,097,224 -56,400 81,997,395 4,170,490 -370,990 -14,300 -240,080 1,120,696 12,448,275 136,240 -221,760 23,630,068 -486,600 723,100 -

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

ASIA UNITED 58.6 BANK PH ISLANDS 82 BDO LEASING 2.19 BDO UNIBANK 133.9 BRIGHT KINDLE 1.28 CHINABANK 26.7 COL FINANCIAL 18.8 EAST WEST BANK 11.56 FERRONOUX HLDG 4.6 IREMIT 1.42 MANULIFE 795 MEDCO HLDG 0.56 METROBANK 76.15 NTL REINSURANCE 0.96 PHIL NATL BANK 51 PHIL STOCK EXCH 183 PSBANK 58.95 RCBC 26 SECURITY BANK 178.3 UNION BANK 60.8

58.65 82.2 2.19 134 1.28 26.7 18.8 11.6 4.69 1.42 800 0.56 76.5 1.01 54.95 183 59 26 178.5 61.5

58 81.8 2.19 132.6 1.28 26.1 18.7 11.48 4.5 1.42 795 0.51 75.95 0.95 51 179.5 58.9 25.3 176 60.7

ABOITIZ POWER 36 AGRINURTURE 16.4 ALLIANCE SELECT 0.9 ALSONS CONS 1.43 BASIC ENERGY 0.243 CEMEX HLDG 1.89 CENTURY FOOD 15.64 CHEMPHIL 108.1 CIRTEK HLDG 29 CNTRL AZUCARERA16.1 CONCEPCION 45.25 CROWN ASIA 1.98 DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.3 DEL MONTE 5.56 DNL INDUS 11.22 EAGLE CEMENT 15.72 EEI CORP 9.5 EMPERADOR 7.4 FIRST GEN 22.2 FIRST PHIL HLDG 81.25 GINEBRA 29.5 GREENERGY 2.91 HOLCIM 11.32 INTEGRATED MICR 12.8 IONICS 1.82 JOLLIBEE 303 MABUHAY VINYL 3.52 MACAY HLDG 10.26 MANILA WATER 23.5 MAXS GROUP 14.7 MEGAWIDE 21.65 MERALCO 378 MG HLDG 0.214 PANASONIC 6.47 PEPSI COLA 1.24 PETROENERGY 4.63 PETRON 6.47 PHINMA 9.06 PHINMA ENERGY 1.53 PHX PETROLEUM 12.16 PILIPINAS SHELL 45.8 PRYCE CORP 5.15 RFM CORP 4.79 ROXAS AND CO 1.7 ROXAS HLDG 2.18 SFA SEMICON 1.28 SHAKEYS PIZZA 12.9 SMC FOODANDBEV 113 SPC POWER 7.19 SWIFT FOODS 0.129 TKC METALS 1 UNIV ROBINA 150.1 VITARICH 1.45 VIVANT 16 VULCAN INDL 1.2

36.65 16.4 0.92 1.43 0.245 1.91 15.86 108.1 29 16.1 45.25 1.98 5.8 5.89 11.34 16 9.5 7.4 22.5 81.3 29.5 2.92 11.4 12.8 1.85 304.4 3.7 10.58 23.5 14.72 22 382.6 0.214 6.47 1.25 4.63 6.47 9.1 1.53 12.16 45.8 5.15 4.8 1.7 2.18 1.32 12.96 116.2 7.19 0.129 1.02 150.2 1.49 16 1.2

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

0.64 56.35 14.94 0.8 6.65 19.48 1.4 1.41 887.5 7.6 12.14 14.96 0.25 856.5 6.51 63.8 5.84 0.51 5.2 16.28 0.55 4.49 0.041 1.14 2.92 2.64 177.8 2.39 940 1.01 1.35 460 270 0.242 0.35

0.59 55 14.94 0.78 6.5 18.8 1.4 1.41 885 7.6 12.14 14.6 0.243 856.5 6.51 62.8 5.84 0.51 5.13 16 0.55 4.49 0.039 1.14 2.86 2.64 176.9 2.39 940 1.01 1.33 460 265 0.236 0.33

8990 HLDG 13.84 A BROWN 0.78 ARANETA PROP 1.88 ARTHALAND CORP 0.77 AYALA LAND 46.95 BELLE CORP 2.48 CEB LANDMASTERS 4.25 CEBU HLDG 6.32 CENTURY PROP 0.495 CITY AND LAND 0.82 CITYLAND DEVT 0.92 CROWN EQUITIES 0.245 DM WENCESLAO 11.18 DOUBLEDRAGON 25.1 EMPIRE EAST 0.5 EVER GOTESCO 0.125 FILINVEST LAND 1.53 GLOBAL ESTATE 1.33 KEPPEL PROP 3.84 MEGAWORLD 5.44 MRC ALLIED 0.35 PHIL ESTATES 0.5 PHIL INFRADEV 1.87 PHIL REALTY 0.42

13.98 0.78 1.9 0.77 47 2.52 4.28 6.34 0.5 0.82 0.92 0.245 11.18 25.2 0.51 0.125 1.53 1.33 4.86 5.58 0.355 0.5 1.87 0.45

VOLUME

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

2.48 23.7 1.98 3.06 39.25 1.67 7.12 0.73 7.3

2.48 24.5 1.98 3.06 39.95 1.67 7.2 0.73 7.33

2.41 23.4 1.97 3 39 1.62 6.87 0.73 7.26

2.41 24.2 1.98 3 39.95 1.67 6.98 0.73 7.29

296,000 1,771,200 27,000 13,000 4,230,800 2,378,000 427,500 8,000 1,335,400

719,220 42,664,390 53,340 39,100 166,631,985 3,904,930 2,991,182 5,840 9,729,417

-22,140 651,795 15,840 -10,403,715 -34,572 2,826,260

2GO GROUP 12.3 ABS CBN 19.48 ACESITE HOTEL 1.26 APC GROUP 0.42 APOLLO GLOBAL 0.04 ASIAN TERMINALS 16.62 BERJAYA 2.33 BLOOMBERRY 12.64 BOULEVARD HLDG 0.073 CEBU AIR 82.6 CHELSEA 5.1 EASYCALL 10.28 FAR EASTERN U 890 GLOBE TELECOM 1,860 GMA NETWORK 5.27 GOLDEN BRIA 400 HARBOR STAR 2.86 INTL CONTAINER 129 ISLAND INFO 0.125 ISM COMM 5.06 JACKSTONES 2.98 LBC EXPRESS 15.2 LEISURE AND RES 3.75 LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.89 MACROASIA 21.75 MANILA BULLETIN 0.59 METRO RETAIL 3.36 METROALLIANCE A 1.68 NOW CORP 2.38 PACIFIC ONLINE 4.36 PAL HLDG 10.1 PAXYS 3.25 PH RESORTS GRP 4.4 PHIL SEVEN CORP 120.5 PHILWEB 2.96 PLDT 1,240 PREMIUM LEISURE 0.79 PRMIERE HORIZON 1.02 PUREGOLD 45.4 ROBINSONS RTL 78 SBS PHIL CORP 8.76 SSI GROUP 2.64 STI HLDG 0.68 TRANSPACIFIC BR 0.375 TRAVELLERS 5.63 WATERFRONT 0.71 WILCON DEPOT 16.26

13.1 19.5 1.3 0.42 0.04 16.62 2.36 12.76 0.073 83.9 5.12 10.5 890 1,864 5.28 428 2.89 129 0.131 5.06 2.98 15.2 3.75 0.89 21.75 0.62 3.42 1.8 2.45 4.36 10.1 3.37 4.4 120.5 3.16 1,240 0.8 1.04 45.4 78.8 8.99 2.65 0.68 0.38 5.66 0.72 17

12.06 19.34 1.26 0.415 0.04 14.36 2.31 12.64 0.071 81.5 5.08 10.2 890 1,830 5.2 396.2 2.83 127.3 0.125 4.94 2.98 15.2 3.69 0.84 21.35 0.59 3.32 1.68 2.35 4.21 9.99 3.25 4.02 120 2.96 1,225 0.72 0.96 44 78 8.73 2.59 0.67 0.375 5.6 0.69 16.26

SERVICES 13.08 125,500 19.34 246,100 1.3 25,000 0.42 480,000 0.04 15,700,000 14.36 10,500 2.35 103,000 12.7 6,377,400 0.072 17,290,000 83.9 16,520 5.09 412,800 10.28 22,100 890 260 1,830 51,425 5.22 437,100 408 16,350 2.85 552,000 127.5 2,461,370 0.13 2,700,000 4.96 878,800 2.98 14,000 15.2 300 3.7 857,000 0.88 55,000 21.35 1,507,000 0.61 1,075,000 3.4 7,367,000 1.78 36,000 2.37 1,651,000 4.21 6,000 10 25,400 3.37 4,000 4.2 102,000 120 38,910 3 4,369,000 1,233 104,865 0.74 25,181,000 0.98 38,936,000 44.15 1,187,400 78.7 272,450 8.99 38,700 2.61 6,264,000 0.68 946,000 0.38 1,130,000 5.63 1,599,200 0.69 3,405,000 17 8,240,700

1,600,836 4,779,324 32,000 201,550 628,000 154,266 240,100 80,991,744 1,244,510 1,367,230.50 2,103,203 229,510 231,400 94,714,995 2,282,873 6,689,524 1,573,540 314,289,022 346,570 4,370,660 41,720 4,560 3,187,060 47,190 32,310,620 652,970 24,874,410 63,450 3,917,970 25,770 254,181 13,120 424,650 4,669,590 13,300,830 129,012,655 18,780,520 38,424,850 52,863,505 21,441,266 344,114 16,360,250 639,880 426,800 8,993,102 2,380,010 138,598,020

-53,300 -67,320 28,823,118 395,522 7,690 14,554,730 -22,980 -5,203,516 -21,760 -137,713 92,250 -113,560 -8,175,860 -1,156,200 17,200 -73,145 -705,980 3,788,020 748,310 -495,000 -30,954,780 -176,480 2,988,890 500 106,400 -4,763,534 17,067,114

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

0.0019 1.33 2.83 11.9 1.29 1.2 2.68 0.295 8.15 1.5 0.255 0.114 0.113 0.0081 1.08 2.42 1.02 0.61 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.12 3.08 7.62 23.7 0.007

0.0019 1.33 2.97 11.9 1.29 1.2 2.7 0.295 8.18 1.53 0.255 0.114 0.113 0.0081 1.08 2.44 1.02 0.62 0.9 0.013 0.013 0.011 3.12 3.1 7.62 23.75 0.007

0.0019 1.28 2.83 11.2 1.28 1.2 2.68 0.29 8 1.49 0.247 0.114 0.113 0.0081 1.08 2.39 1 0.6 0.89 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.1 3.07 7.31 23.2 0.007

MINING & OIL 0.0019 52,000,000 1.29 430,000 2.95 10,000 11.78 13,600 1.28 235,000 1.2 2,000 2.69 435,000 0.29 220,000 8 12,200 1.49 2,142,000 0.247 2,900,000 0.114 260,000 0.113 20,000 0.0081 27,000,000 1.08 80,000 2.41 1,017,000 1.01 75,000 0.6 52,000 0.9 243,000 0.013 1,600,000 0.013 200,000 0.011 7,000,000 3.12 31,000 3.08 502,000 7.6 1,584,100 23.65 554,700 0.007 7,000,000

98,800 559,510 29,500 158,142 300,880 2,400 1,170,680 63,950 97,728 3,229,410 720,380 29,640 2,260 218,700 86,400 2,457,570 75,660 31,730 218,350 19,800 2,500 77,000 96,600 1,547,290 11,891,486 13,082,790 49,000

20,900 -291,470 -2,400 166,780 -601,680 1,215,180 18,600 -40,210 -68,490 2,795,345 -

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

18.5 467.2 96 103 5.25 950 95.9 100.1 971 100.9 106 75 76 72.3 72.5 73.85 73.6

18.5 467.2 97.9 103 5.25 950 95.95 100.1 971 100.9 106 75.5 76 72.3 72.5 73.85 74

18.36 467 96 103 5.12 950 95 100.1 970 99.55 106 75 75.75 71.9 72.5 73 72.5

PREFERRED 18.38 192,100 467 1,000 97.5 3,930 103 200 5.12 300 950 6,050 95 750 100.1 5,000 970 610 99.55 3,260 106 10 75 1,140 75.75 32,300 71.9 6,600 72.5 136,000 73.15 52,570 72.5 7,300

3,535,116 467,098 378,512 20,600 1,562 5,747,500 71,827 500,500 592,010 326,779 1,060 85,505 2,453,051 475,604 9,860,000 3,853,009.50 532,582

-497,100 -48,750 256,035 893,520 14,560

LR WARRANT

1.94

1.94

1.89

WARRANTS 1.94 12,000

22,780

-

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.09 1.22

5.17 1.23

5 1.19

SME 5.05 1.2

2,000,890 1,624,750

-101,315 -14,640

117.4

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.8 117.2 6,330

740,670

75,011

10.1

DDS 10.1

35,350

-35,350

NAME

OPEN

PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

MS FIRST METRO ETF 117 USD DMPL A1

10.1

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

SHARES

16,315,036 90,294,719 114,056,814

PROPERTY

87,826,372

SERVICES

153,484,701

MINING & OIL

105,632,253

GRAND TOTAL

569,366,937

10.1

396,700 1,354,000

3,500

VALUE 1,733.38 (DOWN) 0.28 638,158,643.75 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,530.04 (DOWN) 42.73 984,214,477.04 HOLDING FIRMS 7,496.13 (DOWN) 36.62 2,049,317,775.55 PROPERTY 4,190.69 (UP) 35.34 1,604.39 (DOWN) 13.64 1,814,069,106.54 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,640.93 (DOWN) 24.34 1,076,784,593.30 PSEI 7,818.93 (DOWN) 13.50 36,329,151.613 All Shares Index 4,839.04 (UP) 4.36 Gainers: 72; Losers: 120; Unchanged: 47; Total: 239 6,603,241,427.49

Palawan co-op extends power supply contract with Vivant unit

By Alena Mae S. Flores PALAWAN Electric Cooperative has extended a 13.5-megawatt power supply contract with Delta P, a unit of listed Vivant Corp., for another year to help secure Palawan’s electricity requirements in the dry season.

“We just passed a one-year extension contract with Delta P on their old contract with an energy contract of 13.5 MW,” said Paleco board chairman Jeffrey Tan-Endriga.

Paleco is the lone power distributor in Puerto Princesa City and 18 municipalities, serving 137,277 consumers as of June 2018, while Delta P is one of the independent producers in Palawan.

“We have demand forecast of 55 to 58 MW this summer. Our available capacity is 60.5 MW so we really need to have an additional or an contingency power while waiting for our confirmation on CSP (competitive selection process) by NEA and DoE,” said. Tan-Endriga said.

Tan-Endriga leads the “Task Force Palawan Power” that created to conduct a comprehensive financial and technical audit of Paleco to improve its systems.

President Rodrigo Duterte last year called on the energy sector to provide reliable electricity to Palawan.

Paleco was originally included in the Department of Energy’s list of ailing or problematic cooperatives. Tan-Endriga, however said the “DoE misinformed the Congress on this issues that’s why they immediately withdraw their recommendation [for cancellation of franchise].”

The task force is composed of representatives of the Department of Energy, National Power Corp., National Electrification Administration, Energy Regulatory Commission and Paleco.

Paleco wants to secure adequate and reliable power for its franchise area, which includes tourist friendly islands, Puerto Princesa City and the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, Brooke’s Point, Sofronio Espanola, Cuyo, Magsaysay, Quezon, Roxas, Taytay, El Nido, Araceli, San Vicente, Bataraza, Rizal, Balabac, Cagayancillo, Agutaya and Dumaran at the soonest time as demand for increases during the dry season when temperatures go up.

Paleco also has a separate 20-MW contract with Delta P.

Cebu Pacific, Phoenix renew jet fuel deal PHOENIX Petroleum Philippines Inc. will continue serving the Jet A-1 fuel requirements of Cebu Air Inc. this year, extending the 15-year partnership of the two companies.

“We at Phoenix very much treasure the relationship that we have developed with Cebu Pacific. I would never forget the fact that it was one of the very first prominent brands that trusted us. The Jet A1 Supply Agreement was instrumental in earning our credibility and building our name in the industry as a formidable petroleum company,” said Phoenix Petroleum president and chief executive officer Dennis Uy. The two companies signed the agreement on April 8, 2019.

The supply agreement between the parties started in 2004 when Phoenix provided storage and terminal services to the airline’s Davao site. Phoenix now serves 17 of Cebu Pacific’s sites across the country, including eight airports in Mindanao, seven in Visayas and two in Luzon, providing integrated Jet A-1 storage, handling, bridging and intoplane services.

“Cebu Pacific is dedicated to giving the best service to our clients, and it is through partners like Phoenix that we are able to fulfill this mission. We have cultivated a good relationship with the company for 15 years now, and we are looking forward to achieving more milestones together,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief executive officer Lance Gokongwei.

Phoenix is one of the country’s most aggressive oil players. It posted a banner year in 2018 when net income jumped 82 percent to P2.77 billion, driven by record volume from new businesses and sustained strength in its core fuels business.

“Despite industry headwinds in fourth quarter, we worked together to deliver a strong close to 2018. We are positioning ourselves for more success in 2019 and beyond, with a focus on growth, execution and delivering for our customers and shareholders,” said Phoenix Petroleum chief operating officer Henry Albert Fadullon in a statement. Alena Mae S. Flores

B3

World

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sri Lanka falls silent for victims of bomb blasts that killed 310 C OLOMBO―Sri Lanka fell silent for three minutes Tuesday on a day of national mourning to honor more than 300 people killed in suicide bomb blasts that have been blamed on a local Islamist group.

Flags were lowered to half mast on government buildings, and people bowed their heads and reflected silently on the violence that has caused international outrage.

The silence began at 8:30 am (0300 GMT), the time that the first of six bombs detonated on Sunday morning, unleashing carnage at high-end hotels and churches packed with Easter worshipers.

Shortly after the silence was observed, a police spokesman said the death toll had risen to 310, with several people dying of their injuries overnight.

The first memorial services for the victims, among them dozens of foreigners, were being held Tuesday,

hours after the government imposed a state of emergency and said an Islamist group was behind the violence.

At St Anthony’s Shrine in Colombo― where scores died as they gathered for Easter Sunday prayers―a few dozen people held candles and prayed silently, palms pressed together.

And at St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, north of the capital, an elderly man wept uncontrollably by the coffin bearing the body of his wife.

Police said that 40 people were now under arrest over the suicide bomb attacks―the worst atrocity since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended a decade ago.

The attacks were also the worst ever

against the country’s small Christian minority, who make up just seven percent of the 21 million population.

Investigators are now hunting for clues on whether the local Islamist group named as the chief suspect―National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ―received “international support”, said cabinet minister and government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne.

He said it was not possible for such “a small organisation” to carry out such well co-ordinated suicide strikes.

President Maithripala Sirisena’s office said there was intelligence that “international terror groups” were behind the local perpetrators and that he would seek foreign help to investigate.

The state of emergency, which gave police and the military special powers to counter militant strikes, came into force at midnight (1830 GMT Monday). Suspects can be detained without a court order.

A second straight night-time curfew was also put in place, but lifted before dawn.

Parliament will hold its first session since the attacks on Tuesday, amid questions on whether the blasts could have been prevented.

Officials are investigating why more precautions were not taken after an April 11 warning from Sri Lanka’s police that a “foreign intelligence agency” had reported the NTJ planned suicide attacks on churches.

Spokesman Senaratne said the warning was not passed on to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe or other top ministers.

Tensions remained high and security heavy after a bomb discovered by police on Monday near one of the targeted churches blew up before police could defuse it. Although there was a powerful blast, no injuries were reported.

Police also found 87 bomb detonators at a Colombo bus station. AFP

ON THE BEACH. A woman takes a picture on a pebble beach in front of ‘promenade des anglais’ in the French riviera city of Nice on April 22, 2019. AFP

IN BRIEF Luxembourg’s grand duke, 98 L U X E M B O U R G ― L u x e m b o u rg ’s Grand Duke Jean, who reigned over his country for 36 years before abdicating in 2000, has died aged 98, his son Henri announced Tuesday.

He had been admitted to hospital earlier this month for a pulmonary infection.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of my beloved father, His Royal Highness the Grand Duke Jean, who has passed away in peace, surrounded by the affection of his family,” Grand Duke Henri, who succeeded his father in the largely ceremonial role in 2000, said in a statement.

Luxembourgers have remained very attached to Jean, who was a soldier in the British army during the Second World War, and participated at the DDay landings.

“His disappearance is a great loss for the Grand Duchy and for Europe”, tweeted European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, a former prime minister of the country of about 600,000 people wedged between Belgium, France and Germany.

Jean’s last public appearance dates back to the end of March, during a forum organized by his daughter-in-law Grand Duchess Maria Teresa to fight against sexual violence in war zones. AFP

North Korea’s Kim woos Russia’sPutin SEOUL―While North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is wined and dined with Vladimir Putin in Russia this week, around 10,000 of his citizens will be laboring around the country to earn money for his government.

Analysts say Kim is looking to strengthen economic links with Moscow with his nuclear negotiations with Washington deadlocked―and as he seeks a counterbalance to Beijing, currently Pyongyang’s key major ally and vital economic lifeline.

The pair are expected to meet in the eastern Russian port of Vladivostok, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday, in the first summit between the leaders of North Korea and Russia since Kim Jong Il met with Dmitry Medvedev eight years ago.

Labor is one of the North’s key exports and sources of cash. It provides workers under contracts with overseas entities, and rights groups say the government seizes most of their salaries.

Their treatment “falls short of international labor standards”, Human Rights Watch said in a 2017 report, “with no right to freedom of association or expression, control by minders who limit freedom of movement and access to information from the outside world, long working hours and no right to refuse overtime”. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

Top Myanmar court rejects appeal of award-winning Reuters scribes TODAY

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar―Myanmar’s Supreme Court rejected the latest appeal Tuesday by two Pulitzer-prize winning Reuters journalists who were jailed for seven years on charges linked to their reporting on the Rohingya crisis, as hopes now turn to a presidential pardon.

Reporters Wa Lone, 33, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 29, have been behind bars since their arrest in December 2017 under the colonial-era Official Secrets Act. They were convicted of possessing classified documents relating to security operations in Rakhine during a brutal military crackdown against Rohingya Muslims that forced some 740,000 to flee over the border into Bangladesh.

The initial ruling in September was upheld by the Yangon High Court in January.

On Tuesday, the reporters were not at the Supreme Court in the capital Naypyidaw to hear the ruling that once again went against them.

Under Myanmar’s judicial system, the Reuters journalists could take their appeal back to the Supreme Court judges twice more, but it is unclear whether they will try this option or if they will pin all their hopes on a pardon.

“Our appeal was rejected,” Khin Maung Zaw told AFP. “They upheld the ruling of the lower court.”

He added that the reporters had indicated they did not want to continue with the legal process but a final decision had not yet been made.

Both of the journalists’ wives were at the Supreme Court for the ruling and spoke sideby-side to reporters afterwards.

“I’m very upset by the Supreme Court’s decision,” said Chit Su Win, wife of Kyaw Soe Oo, visibly fighting back tears.

“We really hoped our husbands would be released but it hasn’t happened.”

Supporters believe the pair were punished for investigating a massacre of 10 Rohingya in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state in September 2017.

The story earned the team the Pulitzer, one of the top honors in journalism.

Myanmar’s armed forces insist the brutal campaign in Rakhine was justified as a means to root out Rohingya militants. But soldiers involved in the massacre investigated by Reuters were jailed. AFP

Japan softens up on North Korea TOKYO―Japan on Tuesday dropped the push to apply “maximum pressure” on North Korea from its official foreign policy, an apparent softening of Tokyo’s position as major powers engage with Pyongyang.

In last year’s “Diplomatic Bluebook”, published when tensions on the Korean peninsula were soaring, Japan said it was coordinating efforts with its allies to “maximize pressure on North Korea by all available means.”

But this language was dropped from this year’s edition, drawn up after diplomats had “taken comprehensively into account the latest developments surrounding North Korea”, according to chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga.

“There have been major developments in the situation surrounding North Korea in light of events such as the US-North Korea summits in June last year and February,” Suga told reporters.

Abe, seen as a foreign policy hawk, has also softened his rhetoric towards North Korea, frequently offering to meet leader Kim Jong Un to negotiate the decades-old issue of Japanese civilians kidnapped by the North.

“Japan seeks to normalize its relations with North Korea by comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern such as the abductions, nuclear and missile issues as well as settling an unfortunate past,” Suga said.

Tokyo has been one of the most hawkish of the major powers on North Korea and has been on the receiving end of some of Pyongyang’s harshest rhetoric―as well as missiles launched over its territory.

Until late 2017, North Korea repeatedly tested missiles that flew towards or over Japan, sparking warnings blared out on loudspeakers and stoking calls for a tough stance against Pyongyang. AFP

(MS-APR. 24, 2019)

LGUs

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

B4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

Escalante dad gunned down, 3rd in Negros

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Brits eye $500-m power plant

By Butch Gunio

B

ALANGA CITY, Bataan—A group of businessmen from the United Kingdom is eyeing to construct a US$500million waste-to-energy 100-megawatt power plant here, local officials said.

David Wood, a British banker, met with Bataan Vice Gov. Cris Garcia and other officials to discuss the proposal, which will not cost the provincial government a single centavo.

The waste-to-energy power plant will adopt an Australian technology, which is reputed to be operating with net-zero emission compared to other power generation technologies.

Wood said under this scheme, the waste that would normally go to landfills is converted to energy, “thereby reducing carbon dioxide emission.”

He said the plant would need 1,500 tons of garbage a day as feedstock.

If the garbage supply will not be enough, the company will ask farmers to plant Napier grass as fuel for the power plant, which will provide additional income for the residents, Wood added.

Mar Supnad, a newsman who introduced the investors to provincial officials, said the provincial government will provide 15 hectares of land as counterpart.

He said ES Guinto Builder, headed by its president Architect Everly Guinto, will be tapped to build the facility.

Edgardo Rivera, CEO of Disruptive Corp. which will provide the technology and the machinery, said they will strictly comply with the country’s Solid Waste Management Act. “It will be the first such technology converting solid wastes to energy in Bataan,” Garcia said.

LEANING BUILDING.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada leads the inspection of the Emilio Aguinaldo College on San Marcelino St. corner United Nations Avenue in Manila, which leaned on an adjacent condominium building (inset) following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that shook parts of Metro Manila on Monday afternoon. Estrada also instructed the Manila City Engineer’s Office to inspect all government buildings to ensure the safety of the public.

Asian investors see NegOcc as labor source BACOLOD CITY—Two groups of businessmen from China and Japan have arrived in Negros Occidental to explore investment opportunities and source labor for construction projects.

City Administrator John Orola met with the executives from Zhejiang International Contractors Association of China and the Multi-Contractors Cooperative of Japan, during their courtesy call at the Bacolod City Government Center on Monday.

They discussed their investment plans and labor-sourcing initiatives in the province, Orola said.

The delegations were joined by Murcia Councilor Johnny Reosura, president of NJ Builders Corp., and Leah Tinsay, president of Tricastle International.

Reosura said the firms’ officials will sign a cooperation agreement with the Murcia municipal government in a ceremony to be held at the town’s Association of Barangay Captains Hall on

Tuesday afternoon.

Zhejiang International Contractors Association, a non-profit social organization, has 130 member companies with more than 2,000 projects in more than 150 countries.

Meanwhile, Multi-Contractors Cooperative, which is servicing at least 60 construction firms in Japan, had been training workers from Negros Occidental for construction jobs in their country in the past several years. PNA

BACOLOD CITY—A councilor of Escalante City, Negros Occidental succumbed to injuries after he was shot by an unidentified motorcycle-riding man on his way home from a campaign sortie on Monday afternoon.

Bernardino Patigas Sr., 72, who was seeking a second term in the May 13 elections, was on board a motorcycle when the gunman waylaid him in Barangay Alimango at around 4:30 p.m.

Capt. Ronald Santillan, deputy city police chief, said in a radio interview on Monday night that the assailant tailed Patigas, who was traveling from the city proper.

When they reached the area in front of a school, the gunman shot the official from behind, he added.

Patigas died there and then from a fatal head injury and other gunshot wounds.

The assailant, who was seen wearing a cap, a ski mask, and a black jacket, used a .45-caliber pistol based on the three bullet shells recovered by the police.

Santillan said a family member told the police that Patigas never mentioned to them about receiving death threats. His relatives only heard about it from other people, he added.

“For now, we cannot yet determine the motive. It is still under investigation,” he said.

Police Col. Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said in an interview on Tuesday investigators are looking into three angles—personal grudge, election related and illegal gambling.

In April last year, Patigas, former secretary-general of the Northern Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, was among those included in a poster bearing faces of suspected communist rebels, which was circulated in Moises Padilla town.

Left-leaning groups such as the September 21 Movement-Southern Negros and Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights issued statements condemning the killing of Patigas.

Karapatan said Patigas, whom they referred to as “Tay Toto,” was a survivor of the Escalante massacre on Sept.

20, 1985 and continued to support human rights advocacies and joined factfinding missions in Negros.

Patigas was the third councilor killed on Negros Island in the past month.

On March 25, Board Member Miguel Dungog, president of the Philippine Councilors League in Negros Oriental, was shot by two men on a motorcycle in Dumaguete City. PNA

Abra cops shuffled ahead of polls

HONORED GUEST. Senator Cynthia Villar receives a special locally-made coconut trophy as a token from Romblon provincial officials

as the guest of honor and speaker during the Kanidugan Festival at the town of Odiongan, coinciding with feast day of the town’s patron St. Vincent Ferrer on Saturday. Villar received the token from Odiongan Mayor Trina Fabic (left), Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, and Councilor Kit Firmalo (right).

Baguio City deploys first batch of student interns BAGUIO CITY—A total of 277 young students have started working on Monday in the different offices of the city government under the Summer Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

“The students are being deployed in the different offices like the city government offices plus the new added working areas of the students in the offices of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Education and courts in Baguio,” said Janna Vivian Elitan, labor and employment assistant at the Public Employment Services Office.

She said the city government hired two batches of interns to accommodate the students, whose school calendar ends in May or June.

The first batch, composed of 277 students, started work on April 22 and will end on June 3 to complete the 30-day duration. The second batch will be composed of 133 students, who will receive a daily wage of P503.09.

Earlier, Maria Koniko de Leon, regional labor and employment officer of the Department of Labor and Employment Cordillera Administrative Region, said the agency allotted P2.91 million for Baguio’s SPES program.

Sixty percent of the salary of the students will be paid by the city while the DOLE will shoulder the remaining 40 percent.

She said SPES is an employment bridging program during summer or Christmas vacation that aims to augment the family income of poor but deserving students who want to finish their education. PNA

BANGUED, Abra—The Police Regional Office Cordillera on Tuesday announced a revamp in the leadership of the town police here to dispel any suspicion of biases among personnel as the May 13 midterm election draws near.

During the relaunch of the Abra Shield, PROCOR Director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, said Police Major Dominador de Guzman will be replaced by Police Major Daniel Bandoc as Bangued chief of police, while Police Lt. Col. Crisante Sadino will be replaced by Police Major Lory Parrazona as intelligence branch head.

De Guzman will be recalled to the police regional office, and Sadino, to Mt. Province police provincial office.

“To those of you (who were) brought in to refresh and intensify the security preparations in Abra for the 2019 elections, your task is basically cut out. You are here to reinforce the majority of Abra’s people doing their best to attain a less

violent and more honest exercise of their rights to suffrage,” Dickson said.

He said the 180th Regional Mobile Force Battalion, originally serving Abra province, was also relieved of its duty and replaced by the 1504th RMFB, originally based in Mt. Polis in Ifugao province.

Dickson pointed out the importance of the police maintaining the people’s trust and confidence for a peaceful, orderly, and honest election.

“I feel the PROCOR cannot afford to put down its guard or prematurely bask complacency. We have still more than three weeks in the run-up to the 2019 elections. It is therefore imperative that Abra Shield must again be raised against the remaining elements that propagate the bloody politics of the province,” he said.

Abra Shield is a security plan conceptualized to serve as a “handbook” in handling the elections in the province. PNA

Group bats for safe, durable gov’t housing projects GOVERNMENT and private developers must ensure safe and durable housing units after 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Central Luzon and Metro Manila on Monday, the group Partido ng Bayan ang Bida said in a statement.

According to PBB official lawyer Imelda Cruz, it is important that every housing unit

constructed by government and private contractors must be safe and durable.

The temblor collapsed a four-story supermarket in Porac that killed at least three people, while two others died in nearby Lubao.

“It’s important to ensure the strength and stability of government housing units and high-rise

condominiums alike to guarantee the safety of their residents and workers,” Cruz added.

PBB will push for decent and affordable housing for every Filipino through the coming May 13 elections, since the country has a reported housing backlog of more than 6 million units.

MUNTINLUPA K-9.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi greets the handlers of the local K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit, the first in Metro Manila, during a launching ceremony on April 22 at Muntinlupa City Hall. With the recent construction of the Muntinlupa Animal Pound, the City Government not only provides a haven for abandoned animals, but also offers a platform for canine training through the assistance of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for SAR operations.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019

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Sizzling summer style S

OAK up the sun in style. These season-appropriate apparel and accessories are a sure hit in any summer adventure, from the sandy beach to the sunny streets.

Chic resort wear

Forever 21’s Sunset collection consists of chic resort wear in pastel-hued, easy-to-move-in materials. There are refreshing citron-hued ribbed dresses, flowy maxis, palazzo pants, and sarong skirts. These versatile pieces can be worn from sun up to sun down, just add in a floppy hat and a macramé bag for those summer soirées.

Relaxed California-style, meanwhile defines the Palm Beach collection with cozy woven tops, tiefront cropped shirts, denim cutoffs and skirts, camis, and bodycon dresses.

Forever 21 stores are located at SM Megamall, SM Makati, The Block at SM City North Edsa, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, Alabang Town Center, Robinson’s Magnolia, SM City Clark, SM Southmall, SM Seaside City Cebu, the North Wing of SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Iloilo, SM City Bacolod, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.

From left: Cool-toned tops and bright-colored accessories, lavender ribbed midi dress, floppy straw hat and sage-colored bikini, and citron ribbed midi dress

Pure Linen shirts composed of different styles such as (from left) with pocket in red, striped shirt in chambray, and striped jumpsuit in multi neutral

Easy-breezy casual cool

Marks & Spencer offers wardrobe essentials in relaxed silhouette and tactile fabrics. There are breathable—a must on scorching hot days—and stylish dresses including light cotton floral dresses, midi dresses adorned with pretty pinstripes, beach dresses, and sartorial linen dresses.

Linen’s practicality, comfort, and versatility make it another key trend in the brand’s summer range. Pieces include linen checked shorts, striped linen jumpsuits, trend-led safari short sleeved shirts, and straight leg linen trousers.

Charriol’s Zen Harmony collection consists of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bangles whose symmetry and flow bring a sense of calm and balance.

Find your inner zen

Marks & Spencer is at Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Rockwell Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, TriNoma, Central Square, Estancia at Capitol Commons, Abreeza Mall, Marquee Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Lim Ket Kai Mall, Paseo de Sta. Rosa Outlet Store, Subic Harbor Point Outlet Store, and SM Lanang Premier.

From left: Drop pearl earrings, chic bangles, and layered necklaces

Sparkle under the sun Spice up that summer ensemble with bling.

F&C Jewelry offers everyday diamonds that lend the perfect touch of sophistication to everyday styles; chicly understated arm candies in the form of bracelets, bangles, and arm cuffs in different shapes, textures, and thickness; and necklaces perfect for layering.

Statement and minimalist earrings are big during the warm

months. Make a statement with dramatic tassel drop earrings or go for subtle glam with diamond-studded hoops. Pearls make a case for an elegant day-at-the-beach look. Sexy drop pearl earrings and simple rings spell classy.

F&C Jewelry stores are located at all SM Stores and at Glorietta.

Turn to C2

MEDITATION and looking inward to find center, balance, and inner peace have inspired Charriol creative director Coralie Charriol-Paul’s designs for the recently refreshed Zen Harmony collection.

The luxury accessories brand’s collection has been refreshed with a new selection of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bangles. The symmetry and flow of these pieces, through their delicate juxtaposition of shapes and textures, brings a sense of calm and balance to mind.

Each piece from the collection is made of a rich variety of materials, resulting in a harmonious mix of colors and textures.

The necklace and earrings present carefully constructed combinations of steel, rose gold, precious Topaz stones, and steel or colored cables.

The bangles and rings, on the other hand, show a smoothly crafted circle of white or black mother of pearl, adding a graceful shimmer and tactile, pebble-like feature to their beautifully balanced designs.

Charriol is located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 5, Newport Mall, Podium, Power Plant Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Place Manila, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Ayala Cebu, SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma, 158 Designers’ Boulevard (Alabang Town Center, Marquee Mall Pampanga), and Abreeza Mall Davao.

Zen Harmony bangle

The bangles feature a smoothly crafted circle of white or black mother-of-pearl or African jade.

Life

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

0917 Lifestyle teams up with Disney and Marvel for the Avengers: Endgame collection consisting of outerwear, T-shirts, and accessories.

A

Wear your hero: Endgame collection

VENGERS, assemble in your ensembles!

From left: Rayver Cruz, Demiee Grace Sy, Andrea Brillantes, Barbie Imperial, Loisa Andalio, Ara Mina, Ever Bilena president and chief executive Dioceldo Sy, Daiana Menezes, Maris Racal, Glaiza de Casrto, Christian Bautista, and Ever Bilena trade marketing specialist Dianne Grace Sy

Marvel fans can feel like they’re part of the team with the latest apparel and accessories collection from 0917 Lifestyle.

In partnership with Disney and Marvel, 0917 Lifestyle has released its latest collection for the biggest blockbuster event this year. The 0917 x Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame collection consists of Avengers Suit Windbreaker Jacket, patterned after the Quantum Realm suits of the heroes as shown in the trailer.

Fans can also show their Marvel pride during the movie premiere today with unique tees such as the Endgame statement tee, Thanos shirts, and classic Marvel tees.

Other pieces in the collection include sweaters, hoodies, caps, and pouches.

In addition to clothes, the collection also features premium iPhone cases, a 3-in-1 charger, and phone grips featuring their favorite Marvel heroes.

The 0917 x Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame collection is already available at the Globe Online Shop, most of the Globe Stores nationwide, and the new 0917 Booth at Glorietta 4 Cinema.

The Avengers Suit Windbreaker Jacket

Beautiful at 36

Khakis made for the man on the move THE brand iconic for its khaki pants, Dockers launches a new line that harnesses more than 30 years of market-leading design and innovation.

“Whether it’s for work or play, the new Dockers Smart 360 Flex are durable, casual, and comfortable so that men are always on for whatever comes their way,” said Charisse Chua, country manager of Levi Strauss Philippines, Inc. The pants’ innovative Four-Way Flex Technology gives wearers the enhanced comfort and confidence to rise when the occasion calls for it. Unlike the typical stretch fabric which only stretches one way, Four-Way Flex Technology can go horizontally and vertically to deliver maximum comfort, movement, and durability.

With this technology, Dockers said it has designed the most innovative khaki it has ever produced.

Beyond comfort, the brand has reinforced and functional details that make the Smart 360 Flex a modern classic. It has Covert Security Pockets for smartphones and other valuables, and stretch internal pocket bags to hold everything that a man needs while on the move.

In conjunction with the launch of the new line of khaki pants, Dockers also introduced its new influencers Time Master Watches founder and chief executive officer Brian Poe Llamanzares and Bambikes founder Bryan McClelland.

Dockers’ Smart 360 Flex stretches horizontally and vertically.

Bata Tennis with CocaCola red dot logo on white canvas

Bata Tennis with white Coca-Cola logo on red canvas

vide bigger item selection for our customers, from different walks of life, in terms of new product developments that we launch in the market,” said Ever Bilena marketing manager Olive Padilla.

She continued, “Also, our aim is to provide consumers access to a wide range of high quality makeup and personal care products developed to suit their personality and preference.”

Aside from the shoot, the cosmetics company is set to release a music video featuring its official theme song. “The song is about legacy, pride, and trust. We want to make sure that each and every part of the Ever Bilena experience that happened in the past 36 years is included,” said Sy, adding that employees, along with its brand ambassadors will appear in the video.

Since 1983, Ever Bilena has expanded its offerings from nail polish to cosmetics, fragrances, bath and body products, and hair styling aids, among others, giving Filipinos a diverse range of high quality choices at affordable prices.

Sizzling...

From C1

The Dockers Smart 360 Flex is now available at the SM Store Menswear department of SM North Edsa.

Shoes and soda on your feet Bata Hotshot featuring Coca-Cola’s ‘the real thing’ tagline

LOCAL cosmetics company Ever Bilena celebrates its 36th anniversary this year.

“It is a great honor to become part of our consumers’ journey to beauty for 36 years,” said president and chief exeutive Dioceldo Sy. He added, “Ever Bilena continues to offer high quality and budget-friendly makeup items so that everyone, no matter your age or background, can feel more beautiful and confident.”

The homegrown brand recently had its annual photo shoot which gathered Ever Bilena’s endorsers, including singer-actress Loisa Andalio, Christian Bautista for Blackwater Men, Barbie Imperial and Daiana Menezes for Blackwater Women, Careline ambassador Andrea Brillantes, Max Collins and Glaiza de Castro for EB Advance, Ara Mina representing EB Direct Sales, Maris Racal for Careline, and multi-hyphenate celebrity Rayver Cruz for Blackwater.

As the company celebrates another milestone, Ever Bilena promises new items that will soon be in the market.

“Our goal is to continuously pro-

GLOBAL brand Bata Heritage has partnered with Coca-Cola for an iconic capsule collection that puts a fresh spin on Tennis and Hotshot styles.

For this collaboration, the Bata Tennis sports the spelled-out Coca-Cola logo in white on red canvas on the whole upper shoe. Its white lace, white piping, white sole, and white toe cap brings out the bright red color of the sneaker.

Another Tennis model features the Coca-Cola red dot logo all over the front upper of the white canvas shoe, with matching red piping and laces. It is also available in reverse: white dot logo on red canvas, with white piping and laces. Both have white rubber outsoles and toe caps.

Meanwhile, the Hotshot comes in two iterations. There is a graphic offwhite version that features red stitching, laces, side and back logo, and thick piping all around the shoe. The other one has the same style in off-white side and laces, with Coca-Cola’s famous tagline “the real thing” embossed in black on the side of the sole.

First introduced in 1972 as a basketball shoe, Hotshot gained traction after Kurt Cobain was spotted wearing the sneakers on several occasions during Nirvana’s heyday.

The capsule collection is now available at the Bata store in SM Megamall.

Bright red Bata Tennis sneakers featuring the Coca-Cola logo spelled out on the whole upper shoe

Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm with SPF30 PA++++ and Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF 45 PA++

Fuss-free skin protection

Staying stylish and comfortable shouldn’t be the only priority this summer. Everyday adventures, especially when the temperature rises, mean exposing skin to sun damage and pollution which results in premature skin aging and dullness.

The Body Shop’s new anti-pollution and makeup friendly Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++ and Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm SPF 30 PA+++ offer sun protection sans the fuss.

The 100 percent vegan Skin Defence Multi-Protection Face Mist SPF45 PA++ is enriched with Community Trade marula oil from Namibia, red algae extract from the North Atlantic, and skin brightening vitamin C. It helps keep skin protected on-the-go, just spray it on.

The Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm with SPF30 PA++++, on the other hand, gives light, even coverage with a boost of hydration. It is enriched with Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico that soothes sensitive skin, Community Trade marula oil, and Vitamin E known for its antioxidant and protective properties. It comes in five shades.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, ARPIL 24, 2019

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nickie.standard@gmail.com

Search for new

DARNA

N

OW that Liza Soberano is out of the muchanticipated Darna film project due to a fractured finger, many names are starting to crop up as a replacement and Maja Salvador is said to be one strong contender.

continues

To this, the actress-dancer feels humbled and flattered that people consider her to play the iconic role.

“When news of Liza’s withdrawal from the project came out, I was surprised. I remember to be lying in bed at that time when I checked my social media account and found out that I was trending. When I verified, it was because of Darna. I opted to keep quiet then. I didn’t want to create a buzz about it. For one, Liza is like a sister to me. I love her. And I respect her,” she starts.

“Surely, it’s painful on her part to back out from the project. I know that she wanted to play Darna. More than the fact that it’s an iconic role, it’s her supporters who want her to breathe life to the Pinay superhero. They have been waiting for it all this time. But there are things which should be considered first, like Liza’s injury which could affect her accurate portrayal if ever, right?” she carries on.

Maja is aware as well that playing ‘Darna’ on screen entails lots of challenges. She also understands the pressure that the person who gets picked to portray the role will go through. “ She has a big shoe to fill considering that Angel Locsin was the original choice, then Liza. It’s not going to be easy. So if you’re going to ask me now if I will accept the offer, I can’t give an answer yet. There are lots of factors to consider,” she affirms.

In another development, Maja is very proud that the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) recently named her its Dance Ambassador.

“Words aren’t enough to express how honored and grateful I am to be tagged as such. Imagine, it’s the first time that they have a Dance Ambassador. After my stint in World of Dance Philippines comes this recognition. It’s a nice feeling that people trust and recognize my dancing skills,” she says.

Speaking of World of Dance Philippines, Maja reveals that she’s aware that there are some quarters who questioned her being tapped as one of the show’s main judges.

“I know that I can’t please everybody. But despite that, I learned to take things positively. Of course, in the earlier stage, many questioned my credibility. What’s important though is that I enjoyed being a judge and I became an instrument for the

realization of the dreams of many of the participants,” she beams. *** For his role in the hit soap opera Halik, Jericho Rosales has gained acting recognitions from various award-giving bodies.

It makes him feel proud and thankful that his skill in acting is being recognized.

Recently at the 3rd Guild of Educators, Mentors, and Students (GEMS) Hiyas ng Sining Awards, the 39-year-old actor was named Best Actor.

He was also p r o c l a i m e d TV Actor of the Year during the 50th Boxo ff i c e

Bad Bunny, the 25-year-old face of Latin trap, a genre that fuses reggaeton with elements of hip hop from the US south, lit up Coachella’s top stage during week one.

“I’m very proud of what I represent, of the Latino community that has come far speaking the language they speak,” he said in Spanish to the throng gathered to see him.

Colombia’s J Balvin brought his unique version of reggaeton -- a massively popular Puerto Rican-born amalgam of Caribbean beats and hip-hop influences -- to the California festival’s main stage, the genre’s first-ever full showcase there.

“It took 15 years for reggaeton to get to Coachella. We are here!” the boundary-pusher shouted to launch his historymaking performance, as the crowd vibed and waved flags repping countries from throughout Latin America.

In another landmark moment, the 33-year-old Balvin will be headline Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival in August, becoming the first Spanish-language act to nab one of the coveted spots.

Meanwhile, many experts attribute the US Latin music industry’s rapid growth to a parallel streaming explosion.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music saw its second consecutive year of double-digit growth stateside in 2018, jumping 18 percent from the year prior to rake in $413 million.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, April 24, 2019

30 Trailer rental (hyph.)

31 Banister post 32 Poor grades 33 Company VIPs 34 Nov. follower 38 Corp. execs 39 Novelist — Lessing 42 Freighter 45 Little honker 47 Cookie Bumstead’s neighbor 48 Military greet-

A MOVIE that pays tribute to former Philippine president Manuel L. Quezon’s heroic rescue of over a thousand Jewish people seeking refuge from the Holocaust, continues to get worldwide recognition after it bagged four awards at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival on April 13 (Sunday, April 14 in Manila).

The film, a joint venture production of Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s streaming service iWant, and Kinetek Productions, won the Best Foreign Movie trophy.

It also won three Gold Remi Awards for Best Art Design, Best Producers for ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, Star Cinema managing director Olivia Lamasan, iWant originals production head Linggit TanMarasigan, and Lorena Rosen, and Best Director for Matthew Rosen, an award-winning TV commercial and

music video director and pioneer in the data post-production field.

WorldFest, based in Houston, Texas, is the oldest independent film and video festival in the world and third competitive international film festival in North America.

In January, the period movie also brought home 12 awards from the Cinema World Fest Awards in Ottawa, Canada, including Awards of Excellence for its lead actor Raymond Bagatsing, who portrayed the titular character, and Rachel Alejandro, who played his wife, Aurora.

It continued getting honors in the international film festival circuit in February when it reaped six awards at the IndieFEST Film Awards in California, US. Quezon’s Game will be shown in theaters in the country starting May 29.

Dulaang Filipino’s award-winning play Oedipus restaged during the SETKÁNÍ/ ENCOUNTER Theater Festival in Brno, Czech Republic

From C4

star 55 America’s Cup entrant 59 Sweet-sounding 62 Doing nothing 63 Highest point 64 Queen of the Misty Isles 65 Nefertiti’s river 66 Wild hog 67 Portended 68 Transmission part DOWN 1 Tulip’s base 2 Out loud 3 Appellation 4 Llama cousins 5 Batting stat 6 Amalgamated 7 Try extra hard 8 Not e’en once 9 Common ID 10 Crooner Barry — 11 Not guaranteed (2 wds.)

12 Bring to an end 13 Cookie sheets 19 Nocturnal birds 21 Poolside turban 25 Average sizes 26 Some ads 27 Barker 28 Sleek sleds 29 Ode inspirer

‘Quezon’s Game’ named Best Foreign Movie in Texas fest

Dulaang Filipino, PH rep recognized in Czech Republic

Hollywood...

ACROSS 1 — fide 5 Church cries 10 Sail support 14 River in Russia 15 Distresses 16 — spumante 17 Home furnishing 18 Scallion (2 wds.)

20 Meadow sound 22 Canine warning 23 Traces of smoke 24 Supergirl’s horse 26 Running a fever 27 Scratched 29 Not a good idea 33 Brought about 34 JAMA readers 35 Cry of delight 36 Work unit 37 Pepped up 40 Blow away 41 Dollar bills 43 Merchandise ID 44 Vicious elephants 46 Computer networks 48 Amble along 49 Windy City trains 50 Grounds 51 Elite squad (hyph.)

54 The nearest

Entertainment Awards.

It was learned that he’s part of the team that collaborates to come up with a good show.

“Well, I just contribute my ideas.

Actually, it’s more of a collaborative effort from everyone to come up with a good soap,” he says.

Asked if he’s interested to become a director someday, Jericho replies, “Perhaps. But first, I have to study.”

The critically-acclaimed actor is also set to shoot a new film.

“Everything’s still in the planning stage that’s why I can’t spare even a single detail about it. After Halik, I will take a short break then do the movie.”

Interestingly, will it be a heavy or light material?

“Personally, I want something serious this time. Lately, I’ve been doing light stuff on the big screen but this one, I want it to be something heavy but as I’ve said, it’s still being planned. Let’s just wait and see,” Echo states.

'Quezon’s Game' tells the epic story of heroism when Manuel L. Quezon joined notable figures to rescue Jewish refugees from Germany and Austria.

ing 50 Hissed and hooted 51 Moby Dick foe 52 Mexican-menu item 53 Humorist — Bombeck 54 Rural structure 56 “Garfield” pooch 57 Earthenware jar 58 Look curiously 60 Pinch, in a way 61 Feeling low

THE 29th SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER Theater Festival, a gathering of selected emerging thespians from art institutions across the globe, recognized the Philippine representative De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) resident theater company Dulaang Filipino and its member Uzziel Delamide with the SWAG of SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER Award.

The five-day event recently concluded at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts Brno (JAMU) in Brno, Czech Republic.

Delamide was part of the ensemble of Dulaang Filipino’s award-winning production Oedipus of the Greek tragedy

by Sophocles, which was noticed for its “original use of unconventional staging resources or for the originality or a distinctive generational statement dealing with current cultural, social, political and ethical topic.”

Led by the Theatre Faculty of Janáček

Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno, this year’s celebration connected theater companies from Czech, Latvia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Russia, Poland, Slovakia, and the Philippines.

SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER Theater Festival was originally designed as a noncompetitive event but the participating jury, which consists of foreign and local experts in the performing arts and theatre education, recognized the batch’s most innovative performances.

The Mantra Award went to Peter Martinček from the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, Slovakia as the outstanding actor; Maja Wolska from the National Academy of Theater Arts in Krakow, Poland as the outstanding actress; Pamela Butane from the Latvian Academy of Culture, Latvia for scenography; and Ölinger and Andre Menrath from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, Austria for the scenic music.

Meanwhile, industry expert and event head Michal Zetel granted the Award of the Festival Director to Petr Erbes a Boris Jedinák from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Czech Republic for category directing.

Dulaang Filipino’s Oedipus, first presented in 2014, is a one-hour reduction of Sophocles’ Theban trilogy, consisting of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone, in Filipino translations by Rolando Tinio and Onofre Pagsanjan.

Directed and choreographed by Riki Benedicto, the production has been performed at the UP Theater Council’s Curtain Call play festival in 2014, where it received the Special Citation for Outstanding Production Design, and was a finalist at the Mont-Laurier International Theatre Festival in Quebec, Canada in 2015.

Dulaang Filipino’s Oedipus has garnered a number of awards and citations from all over the world including Best Performance by Amateur Theatre and Special Prize from Jury for Best Physical and Sound Solution at the Teatralny Kufar in Belarusian State University, Minsk, Belarus and Premios EscenAmateur at the International University of La Rioja, Madrid, Spain for Best International Show in the IV “Juan Mayorga” de las Artes Escénicas in 2017.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

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Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, ARPIL 24, 2019

A whole new world at Sands Theatre in Singapore

Theater actors Graeme Isaako and Shubshri Kandiah play the iconic roles of Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively, at the Singapore run of the spectacular Disney musical.

T

HE fantasy city Agrabah VERY including the legendary WANG Cave of Wonders and NICKIE the Sultan’s Palace, the colossal WANG structure which serves as the major setting in Aladdin, will be recreated at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in July.

Base Entertainment Asia brings the grand production of the Broadway sensation to The Lion City ending its three-year international tour. Singapore is its final stop and its only destination in Asia.

The production, which promises an amazing and colorful rendition of the “Arabian Nights,” is not just spectacular, it’s massive in every sense of the word.

Imagine, more than 30 sea containers will be transported from Australia to Singapore to fill the Sands Theatre stage with 40 tons of exotic flying scenery and 60 tons of automation for the set.

Moreover, the production boasts a cast of 34 and a staggering 337 glittering costumes, each was made using 1,225 different fabrics, 712 different styles of beads, and almost half-a-million Swarovski crystals.

“I’ve done this for 20 years, and this is by far the biggest show I’ve worked on. The scale of the production is something you’ve never seen before,” production company manager Matthew Henderson told the regional press at a media call held at Marina Bay Sands.

“It’s big, it’s glitzy, it’s glamorous and there’s a huge wow factor. Everything you know from the movie is on the stage.

I feel like some of the moments like the carpet has just been amplified and what the audience gets to see and experience at the moment,” Henderson added.

Aladdin, adapted from the Disney film and centuries-old folktales including One Thousand and One Nights, is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Its journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy, and timeless romance.

This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially

for the stage.

The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/ Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The lead cast The talented principal cast features Gareth Jacobs in the role of the Genie, Graeme Isaako as Aladdin, and Shubshri Kandiah as Jasmine.

Jacobs trained in musical theater. He honed his skills on the high seas as lead vocalist and vocal captain for Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. He was a Top 24 contestant on The X Factor and played the role of Jimmy Early in StageArt’s Dreamgirls.

He has been understudying Genie, Sultan, and Babkak since the Australian premiere of Disney’sAladdin in August 2016.

“I was lucky enough to go to New York just before I took on the role and met the actor who played the character on Broadway. I kind of got to talk to him about how he created the role,” Jacobs said.

Playing the musical’s male protagonist, Isaako enjoys bringing the iconic character to life. He even mentioned that it’s a huge honor for him to play the part and that he also shares some similar traits with the iconic character.

“I’m quite a busy, on the go, big-hearted person, and to play the role of Aladdin feels right for me. I connect with him quite easily. Then, of course, there’s his cheeky side. I can be quite a cheeky, playful character,” said the Kiwi actor, dancer, and singer.

Isaako grew up in Panmure, Auckland, although the Maori/Samoan performer has spent the past 21 years in Australia where he found fame as an 11-year-old

The cast with program host Allan Wu (third from right)

Disney's Aladdin features a breathtaking set, mind-blowing special effects, over 300 lavish costumes were made using different fabrics, different styles of beads, and almost half-a-million Swarovski crystals.

contestant in So You Think You Can Dance, which kicked off his career.

Meanwhile, Kandiah who plays Aladdin’s love interest is relatively new on the theater scene. As a child, she took ballet, classical Indian dance, and violin classes. It wasn’t until her high school years that she fell in love with the world of musical theatre, and decided to pursue further studies in the field.

“It is such an honor to play such a feisty, strong, intelligent and independent woman of color on stage. Jasmine is such a role model for me. I love that she is never afraid to voice her opinion and stand up for what she believes in. I love stepping into her shoes every night,” the actress from Perth said.

The musical is set to open July 21 with a closing night currently set for Aug. 11.

The shows will be running Tuesday to Friday at 7:30 p.m., every Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m..

Ticket prices range from SGD68 to SGD208, and can be bought online. If you’re a hardcore fan and want to go in a group of four or less, you can also book the box seats that cost between SGD592 to SGD832. Booking fee is excluded.

The main cast - Gareth Jacobs (Genie), Graeme Isaako, and Shubshri Kandiah - with production company manager Matthew Henderson during a media call held at Sands Theatre in Singapore.

SNAPSHOT

Latin pop has US grooving more and more in Spanish JUST two years after the lilting globe, Latin stars are cementing their mega-hit “Despacito” captivated the place in the US mainstream, moving

Spanish flamenco renegade Rosalia and Colombian singer J Balvin perform their joint hit 'Con Altura' at Coachella.

beyond scoring a one-off smash to headline festivals and permeate the charts.

An unprecedented number of Spanish-language acts are performing at this year’s Coachella festival, where a second weekend of shows began Friday—a sure-fire sign of their mounting influence in a country where 41 million people claim Spanish as their mother tongue.

They are not just guests of topbilled acts or appearing on lesser stages—stars like reggaeton revolutionary J Balvin and Puerto Rican trap artist Bad Bunny are winning key time slots on their own.

And they are singing in Spanish, eschewing the “crossover” label often slapped on their A-list predecessors like Ricky Martin, Shakira, and Gloria Estefan. Continued on C3

The Big Boss A USUAL amiable and very positive Dingdong Dantes greeted the entertainment press on Monday after he signed another contract with his home studio, GMA Network. He’s been a loyal Kapuso for 21 years now.

In the same event, it was announced that the A-list actor will play the lead (Big Boss) in the local adaptation of the hit 2016 Korean drama Descendant of the Sun, which stars real-life couple Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. In an interview, the 38-year-old actor said he’s literally grown up in GMA and he’s thankful for the opportunity and the creative freedom the network has been giving him.

“GMA has been my home since I was a teenager. I am thankful for the trust they’ve been giving me. More than physically, I am emotionally, spiritually prepared to take anything, most especially for projects like this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dingdong is still in cloud nine with the birth of his son, Jose Sixto Dantes IV. The actor posted another photo of a tender moment he captured between wife Marian Riveraand their second child.

“Today in His resurrection, days after the birth of Sixto, we are again reminded of our mission in this world. Through this blessing, I have renewed my commitment to live a more meaningful life not just for myself, but for my family and others as well,” he wrote in the caption.