Manila Standard - 2019 September 2 - Monday

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HK airport in chaos amid more protests

Gilas Pilipinas faces do-or-die game vs. Serbia

HUNDREDS of Hong Kong prodemocracy activists blocked some routes to the city’s airport Sunday as the financial hub began cleaning up after another night of violent protests marked by fires, tear gas and police beatings.

Operators of the Airport Express train said it suspended services on Sunday afternoon, while black-clad protesters—hiding from CCTV cameras under umbrellas—built barricades at the airport bus station and attempted to stop traffic on the main road leading to terminals.

Outside one terminal at the international hub, protesters set off fire extinguishers, piled luggage trolleys into makeshift road barricades and smashed surveillance cameras.

Hong Kong police said they were poised to launch a “dispersal operation,” and in a Facebook post warned protesters to leave the airport area immediately.

Flights had so far not been disrupted, but some passengers were left bewildered by the chaotic scenes. Next page

By Peter Atencio

WINNERS GALORE. The Philippines’ Roxanne Baeyens (second from left) clinches the first runner-up title during the recently concluded search for Ms. and Mr. Tourism and Culture Universe 2019 held in Myanmar. The coveted title of Ms. Tourism and Culture Universe 2019 goes to Olivia Gunawan of Indonesia. Other winners are : Wenanita Augang of Malaysia, 2nd runner up; Audrey Wafack of Cameroon, 3rd runner up; Milissa Grande of Canada, 4th runner up; Sonia Ait Mansour of France, 5th runner up. Courtesy of Joy Arguil

AFTER a drubbing from the world’s 13th-ranked Italy, Gilas Pilipinas faces an even more formidable task when it takes on the world’s fourth-ranked Serbia at 7:30 p.m. today, Monday, at the Foshan International Sports and Cultural Arena in Foshan, China.

Gilas must win its next game in Group D of the FIBA World Cup 2019 if it hopes to advance to the next stage.

A victory will help them bounce back from their 62-108 setback to Italy on Saturday.

“We have a day to find some adjustments, make some improvements.

We’ll see on Monday,” Coach Yeng Guiao said.

The Serbians are not only capable of advancing past Group D, they are one of the favorites to advance to the finals and to win the crown.

Serbia swamped Angola, 105-59, behind Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic, a guard playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA, finished with a game-high 24 points.

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 200 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Senate wringer awaits Faeldon Blue Ribbon subpoena out on GCTA furor

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

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HE Senate Blue Ribbon has issued a subpoena to Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon to compel his attendance at hearings that begin Sept. 2 on the early release program that has freed thousands of inmates, including almost 2,000 convicts guilty of murder, rape and drug trafficking.

The committee had initially sent a mere invitation to Faeldon but issued a subpoena on news that the BuCor chief planned to send his lawyer in his place.

On Sunday, committee chairman Senator Richard Gordon said he would defer the hearing if Faeldon did not show up for the first day of hearings on the Good Conduct Time Allowance used to reduce prison sentences.

When Faeldon was still Customs chief, the Senate detained him for repeatedly refusing to attend a Blue Ribbon investigation into massive corruption at the bureau. Faeldon was slapped with contempt after he ignored several subpoenas.

In the wake of a scandal that saw billions of pesos worth of shabu smuggled through Customs inspectors, President Rodrigo Duterte sacked Faeldon only to reappoint him as chief of BuCor. Opposition senators urged the President to fire Faeldon.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon noted that Faeldon has been hounded by controversy wherever he goes.

During his stint as Customs chief, P6.4 billion worth of shabu from China slipped through the ports as the bribery or “tara” system worsened.

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BACK IN THE SADDLE. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is welcomed by a military officer upon his arrival at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Sept. 1, following his official visit to the People’s Republic of China. (Story on A2) Presidential Photo

7 killed in Pansol Bring ex-convicts back to jail—Palace

By MJ Blancaflor, Rey E. airplane crash Requejo and Macon RamosSEVEN people were killed when an airambulance plane crashed into a resort area near the Philippine capital on Sunday, sparking a fierce blaze and sending terrified locals fleeing, authorities said.

Seven bodies have been found and it is believed all eight people aboard the light aircraft died in the disaster in Calamba City, local emergency official Jeffrey Rodriguez told AFP. Footage on social media showed the chaotic scene as an ambulance drove towards a building that was engulfed in flames and witnesses shouted for help in the street.

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Araneta

THE Palace on Sunday said it is not illegal to send back to jail prisoners who were released early on good conduct if they were convicted of heinous crimes.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made this assertion after the former spokesman of the Supreme Court, Theo-

dore Te, warned him that doing so would violate the Constitution and provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

Panelo previously said that inmates convicted for heinous crimes but were granted early freedom under Republic Act 10592 or the good conduct time allowance must be sent back to jail.

Panelo, who is also President Rodrigo Duterte’s chief legal counsel, said the law does not apply to those who commitNext page ted heinous crimes.

P4.1-t budget bill withdrawn

By Rio N. Araja THE Duterte administration’s proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 has been withdrawn at the House of Representatives, Appropriations Committee chairman and Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab said on Sunday.

‘Joker’ draws rave reviews in Venice JOAQUIN Phoenix’s visceral performance as the downtrodden street clown who transforms into the “Joker” was hailed by critics as “sensational” and “unnerving” on Saturday, as his pitch-black supervillain origin story premiered at the VenNext page ice film festival.

Ungab said House Bill No. 4228 was withdrawn by Deputy Speaker for Finance Luis Villafuerte.

Villafuerte said the filing of the bill on first reading on Aug. 28 was “premature” since all departments and other agencies of the government have yet to finish presenting Next page

BIKING FOR A CAUSE. Bikers ride together from Manila to the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City where they join animal rights advocates to call for an end to dolphin and whale hunting in Japan. Sept. 1 is the start of the annual dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan where around 2,000 dolphins are killed in the guise of ‘scientific research’ every year. Norman Cruz

Virtual money to dethrone dollar?

BANK of England governor Mark Carney has suggested that a virtual currency, modeled on Facebook’s Libra, could one day replace the dollar as king of the foreign exchange market.

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Pope Francis got stuck in elevator POPE Francis said Sunday he was late to his weekly Angelus prayer because he had been stuck in a Vatican elevator and had to be freed by firemen.

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Rody gets Xi OK on sea code President Duterte arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City early on Sunday, where he was welcomed by military officials around 2 a.m.

He showed nothing about the arbitral ruling that spelled out the Philippines’ maritime entitlements as Xi again turned

down Manila’s claim of its legal victory before the United Nations.

But Duterte brought home Xi’s agreement on the immediate creation of a binding code aimed at resolving the maritime disputes peacefully among the ASEAN countries.

Xi also agreed to the formation of a steering committee for a joint oil exploration between China and the Philippines on the potentially-rich areas in the South China Sea. Duterte’s visit was “successful and highly productive,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

He said Duterte and Xi’s “close relationship” allowed them to have “frank exchanges” regarding the two nations’ maritime dispute, “with both of them agreeing to exercise self-restraint and observe the UNCLOS, particularly with respect to maritime navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.” During his five-day visit, Duterte also

Senate...

In a privilege speech in 2017, Senator Panfilo Lacson accused Faeldon of receiving a P100,000 “welcome gift” when he became Customs chief.

“Perhaps, it’s about time to replace Faeldon,” said Drilon, noting that the GCTA mess showed he was negligent and incompetent.

He also said Faeldon failed to pass his early release decisions through Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra for review, even though the law requires him to do so when it involves those convicted of heinous crimes.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said Faeldon, undeserving of the people’s trust, should be removed from public office and charged with the appropriate administrative and criminal cases.

“After repeatedly denying any involvement in the impending release of convict-

ed rapist-murderer Antonio Sanchez, not only was he revealed by media reports as having been involved, but his signature also appeared on an Aug. 20 order to release Sanchez,” Hontiveros said.

“The fact that he effectively coddled an unrepentant convicted rapist and murderer, turned a blind eye to Sanchez’s crimes while he is in prison and lied to the public, is a gross violation of the oath of office that all civil servants take,” Hontiveros said.

“And now Faeldon’s office allegedly released a number of Chinese drug traffickers despite the opposition of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency,” she said.

Hontiveros said she had a list of inmates—pastors, teachers and prison counselors—more deserving of early release.

“Why were they bypassed for a man who smuggled drugs inside a Blessed [Virgin] Mary statue? Bakit nauna pa si Mayor (Why did the former mayor go first)?’’ she asked.

She said the biggest casualty of “Faeldon’s gross incompetence and abuse of authority as BuCor chief” was Republic Act 10592, which increases the GCTA that can be deducted from an inmate’s total prison term.

The measure is actually a good law consistent with the principles of restorative justice, Hontiveros said, but the attempted release of Sanchez and the freeing of several Chinese drug traffickers cast doubt on the law, placing in limbo the opportunity of more deserving inmates who had made a great effort to repent.

Senator Leila de Lima said that while President ceaselessly rants about corruption in government, he is the appointing authority.

She said Faeldon is just one of several Duterte appointees who are seemingly untouchable despite “more than a whiff of corruption” associated with them.

“Why can’t Mr. Duterte get rid of these incorrigible subalterns of his? Are they

that indispensable? For what ends? What do they have on him?” she said.

Hontiveros added that the President should stop recycling questionable appointees from one department to another.

“The courtroom, where he should stand accused of obstructing justice and betraying the public interest, should be the last stop for the overly recycled and department-hopping Faeldon,” she said.

Also on Sunday, the President’s daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte of Davao City said the Palace should make Faeldon explain the controversial release of nearly 2,000 inmates convicted of heinous crimes.

The Office of the President, she said, can exercise its power to review the releases if it finds they have no basis in law.

“I think the OP should ask him to explain and then exercise the power to review. Thereafter, they can fire or ask him to resign if they think he had no basis in law for all the releases made,” she said.

With PNA

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“They can be rearrested and sent back [to the state penitentiary],” Panelo said.

But Te, a criminal law professor, said that such an action would violate Article III, Sec. 22 of the 1987 Constitution which provides that “no ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.”

Ex post facto law works to the prejudice of an accused such as depriving him of some lawful protection to which he has become entitled.

Te also said Article 99 of the RPC “expressly says that the GCTA, once granted, cannot be revoked and its consequences, once set in place, cannot be reversed.”

“Sending back those who were set free on GCTA, even if they were serving sentences for heinous crimes, would be a retroactive application of the law in a prejudicial manner which is prohibited by the Constitution as an ex post facto application of law,” he said.

Panelo remained firm, however.

“There’s no violation because the law gives conditions by which inmates can avail of the benefit. Since they were given benefit in which they are not qualified, there is no violation,” Panelo said in a radio interview Sunday.

“There’s a law that guides who among the inmates [can possibly be released].

If you are not qualified, your freedom will go against the law,” he added.

From 2014 to early August this year, the Bureau of Corrections quietly released more than 22,000 prisoners including 1,914 inmates who were convicted of murder, rape, drug offenses, parricide, kidnapping and arson.

Scandal erupted when news leaked that former Mayor Antonio Sanchez, who was serving seven life sentences for the rape and murder of Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her friend Allan Gomez, might be released early.

“I want to go into the airport to find my sister, but I couldn’t get in,” Indonesian domestic helper Samirah told AFP. The airport is covered by an injunction banning protesters from entering, imposed after a shutdown in August which ended in ugly clashes.

But protesters have routinely ignored legal moves to ban their actions since the anti-government movement sprang to life three months ago.

The protests were sparked by an attempt by Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed government to pass a now-shelved extradition bill, but have expanded into a wider pro-democracy push.

On Sunday, city sanitation workers were seen clearing debris and removing graffiti after a night of pitched battles between protesters and police.

Hours earlier, a huge fire burned in the

city’s commercial district as chaos ripped through the center of a city usually renowned for its stability and prosperity.

“I’m really, really tired. I think many Hong Kong people had a sleepless night yesterday,” said 18-year-old student protester called May. “I almost couldn’t manage to get up, but I’m determined to go today.”

Hardcore demonstrators Saturday hurled gasoline bombs at government buildings and police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon laced with chemical dye before making mass arrests inside the city’s underground metro stations.

Video footage captured by local media showed elite police charge a crowd cowering inside a train carriage—with one man, drenched in pepper spray, crying in anguish on his knees as he tried to protect his female friend.

Officers left the carriage without making any immediate arrests.

Anger at police tactics swirled across

social media.

“The police are a licensed mob, they have the license to attack and to assault,” Kwok Ka-ki, a pro-democracy lawmaker, told AFP. “The government is no different from an autocratic regime.”

Decrying the “horrifying” police raid on the train carriage, Amnesty International called for a probe into police conduct.

“Violence directed at police... is no excuse for officers to go on the rampage elsewhere,” Man-kei Tam, director of Amnesty International, Hong Kong said in a statement.

Police said officers also fired two warning shots into the sky after being attacked by a group of “violent protesters who attempted to once snatch police pistols.”

“With such escalating violence and progressively lethal weapons of protestors, the safety of police officers and other members of the public is seriously threatened,” police said in a statement. AFP

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‘Joker’...

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Denver Nuggets starting center and NBA All-Star Nikola Jokic added 14 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench. Nikola Milutinov came up with 14 points and Boban Marjanovic contributed a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Serbia was able to out-rebound Angola, 41-19, with the 7’3” Marjanovic, the tallest player on floor, sizzling with 10 boards.

“Teamwork is our trademark all these years. We like to share the ball,” said Sasha Djordjevic, the head coach of Serbia.

“We like to pass. We have guys who are not selfish and this is great for a coach. I’m proud when I see them display that trademark of Serbian basketball.”

It was Gilas’ three-point shooting that suffered the most against Italy. But Gilas will try to address this in their next practice before the game against Serbia.

“I guess we just have to gather ourselves again, recover physically and be able to find additional motivation to play Serbia,” Guiao said.

Phoenix reimagines one of cinema’s most recognizable villains in the film, with the story of Arthur Fleck, a vulnerable loner struggling to survive in the rage-scorched streets of Gotham.

Todd Phillips, known for frat house comedies including the “Hangover” trilogy and “Road Trip,” set the film in the 1970s as a nod to the brooding cinematic character studies of the time, like “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy.”

Instantly identifiable for his green shock of hair, white face paint and unnaturally stretched grin, the Joker has been played by a host of Hollywood stars including Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger, who won a posthumous Oscar for the role in 2009.

But Phoenix said he did not “refer to past iterations” of the character, who first appeared as a mischievous Batman foe in comics in the 1940s.

“The attraction to make this film was

that we were going to approach it in our own way,” he told a news conference on Saturday ahead of the hotly-anticipated film, which also stars “Taxi Driver” actor Robert De Niro, and is in competition for the Venice top prize.

Phoenix researched political assassins in his efforts to pin down the elusive Joker and said he had an idea of a “particular personality, a particular type.”

But the star of “Walk the Line” and “Her” said he wanted to maintain the freedom of keeping the character’s volatile personality in the realms of fiction.

“I didn’t want a psychiatrist to be able to identify” his personality type, said Phoenix.

Fleck is beaten and abused in a garbage-choked city overrun with “super rats” and bristling with hostility.

Hollywood Reporter said Phoenix was “never-better.” “... what’s most noteworthy about this gritty entry in the DC canon and the lead actor’s sensational performance is the pathos he brings to a pathetically disenfranchised character,” it said in its review. AFP

By MJ Blancaflor

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte returned to Manila on Sunday following his fifth visit to China, where Chinese President Xi Jinping rejected him after he raised the Philippines’ arbitral win rejecting Beijing’s sweeping claims in the disputed South China Sea.

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“I have to apologize for being late,” the smiling 82-year old pontiff told crowds of faithful patiently waiting for him to appear at his study window overlooking Saint Peter’s Square.

“I was trapped in a lift for 25 minutes, there was a power outage but then the firemen came,” he said.

“Let’s give a round of applause to the fire service,” he said, prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.

Italian television networks that livestream the Angelus had been concerned that the unprecedented seven-minute delay might have been due to health reasons.

Francis seems to have unlimited energy despite his age. But he lost part of a lung in his youth, and the occasional grimace bears witness to the sciatic pain that is a near-constant companion.

It was believed to be the first time the Vatican’s head of state, who leads the world’s 1.2-billion Catholics, has got stuck in a lift. AFP

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“No one will survive this crash. We assume that all confirmed passengers of this plane are dead,” said Rodriguez, confirming seven bodies had been discovered in the smoking ruins.

Police said two people were injured in the crash and rushed to hospital, but have not reported any fatalities from those who were in the resort area when the plane went down.

Philippine aviation authorities said six passengers and two pilots were aboard the craft when it disappeared from radar about 25 nautical miles from the capital Manila. AFP

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The BoE chief aired vague proposals for a so-called “Synthetic Hegemonic Currency” at the recent Jackson Hole Symposium of central bankers.

Here is a brief assessment of why the greenback is losing its luster and the outlook for Carney’s proposed new digital currency, which would be supported by major central banks around the world.

Why dollar dominance?

The dollar has been the world’s reference currency since the Bretton Woods agreement in 1944, when various key units were fixed to the value of the greenback. It has retained its global supremacy ever since, thanks to the economic and political clout of the United States.

“The dominant currency is always that of the world’s biggest political power,” noted Philippe Waechter, head of research at Ostrum Asset Management.

witnessed the signing of six deals between the Philippines and China on education, science and technology, finance and customs.

In a forum, Duterte urged Chinese businessmen to invest in the Philippines as he assured them of a corruption-free business environment.

He watched the opening game of Gilas Pilipinas against Italy at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Guangzhou province where the national team lost by 46 points.

Duterte also met with movie and martial arts superstar Jackie Chan and his former economic adviser Michael Yang in Beijing.

The dollar accounted for almost 62 percent of global foreign exchange reserves in the first quarter of 2019, according to the International Monetary Fund.

The European single currency was second with 20.2 percent, while China’s yuan comprised only two percent despite the country’s rise to the rank of the world’s second biggest economy behind the US. Why is greenback losing appeal?

Although the dollar has lost its sparkle owing to globalization and the changing world economic order, gyrations in the US unit still impact economies elsewhere.

“US developments have significant spillovers onto both the trade performance and the financial conditions of countries even with relatively limited direct exposure to the US economy,” Carney said at the recent bankers’ meet in Wyoming.

When the greenback appreciates, so do repayments for many emerging nations because their debts tend to be denominated in dollars. AFP

Pump prices slide for two straight weeks

By Alena Mae S. Flores UNIOIL Philippines and Pilipinas Shell led the latest oil price cuts of P0.10 per liter of gasoline and diesel and P0.15 per liter of kerosene effective from 6 a.m. today, Monday.

“Expect fuel prices to go down next week. Diesel should go down by P0.10 to P0.20 per liter and gasoline should have no change or could go down by P0.10 per liter, Unioil Philippines said in a statement.

Last week, the oil firms cut the price of diesel and gasoline by P0.10 per liter but raised the price of kerosene by P0.10 per liter.

On Aug. 20, the oil firms raised the price of gasoline by P0.35 to P0.50 per liter, diesel by P0.60 to P0.75 per liter, and kerosene by P0.45 to P0.50 per liter.

The year-to-date adjustments in pump prices as of Aug. 27 stood at a net increase of P4.75 per liter of gasoline, P3.35 per liter of diesel and P1.40 per liter of kerosene.

World oil prices declined on Friday due to the approach of Hurricane “Dorian” to the US, which could dampen demand.

Worries over the ongoing US-China trade dispute also continued to affect oil prices Prices at the world market plunged after China announced new tariffs on US goods, including crude oil, thus raising fears of an economic recession.

The Energy department says the oil market is on a near-term supply deficit despite the growing supply in the global economy and stagnant oil demand. The department says this is due to the combination of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries supply cuts, supply disruptions in Iran and Venezuela and a US slowdown.

TD ‘Liwayway’ gains strength TROPICAL depression “Liwayway” maintained its strength while moving northwest.

As of 5 p.m., “Liwayway” was estimated at 470 kilometers east northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte, packing maximum sustained winds of up to 45 kms per hour and gusts of up to 55 kph.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Liwayway would not make landfall and was forecast to leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday morning.

Liwayway’s trough is expected to dampen Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Caraga region with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon.

Earlier, a low pressure area developed into a tropical depression named “Kabayan” at 6 a.m. Sunday.

Kabayan stayed for only four hours before leaving the Philippine area of responsibility. Rio N. Araja

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their respective budget proposals at that time.

“The bill’s withdrawal was not an issue; it was just a procedural matter as the presentation of the budget proposals of all government offices before the House appropriations committee have yet to be completed at the time of HB No. 4228’s filing on first reading,” Villafuerte said.

“In fact, the remaining offices that have yet to present their 2020 budget proposals are expected to finish doing so by the end of this workweek yet— so how can the House appropriations committee submit House Bill No. 4228 without having heard the presentations of all government agencies covered by the proposed 2020 General Appropriations Act?” he added.

The Department of Budget and Management formally submitted the National Expenditure Program 2020 to the House of Representatives on Aug. 20, while budget hearings at the appropriations committee level began on Aug. 22.

“There is no need for us to shortcircuit the legislative process on the excuse that the House should pass the GAB soon enough to avoid a repeat of the 2019 budget delay,” Villafuerte said.

The House intends to have the 2020 budget bill approved on third reading

by Oct. 4 before Congress goes on recess.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

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Solon warns of lack in HIV drugs supply T HE Department of Health is running out of drugs for the daily antiretroviral therapy of more than 38,000 human immunodeficiency virus patients, Rep. Michael Defensor said on Sunday.

“The department acknowledged during a budget briefing that the 125 HIV treatment hubs across the country have just enough drug supplies to last until this week—the first week of September,” Defensor said.

But DOH officials assured lawmakers that new batches of ART drugs are expected to arrive this month, but they did not say when exactly, according to Defensor.

“We are puzzled that on one hand, the DOH is able to stockpile billions of pesos worth of medicines, some of which have become useless, while on the other hand, the department risks running out of some badly needed drugs,” Defensor said.

“It is not fair to deprive patients access to their course of therapy simply because the DOH is unable to purchase and dis-

tribute the drugs on time,” Defensor said.

Defensor urged the DOH to overhaul the way it plans the procurement and distribution of medicines.

A Commission on Audit (COA) report earlier pointed out that the DOH as of Dec. 31, 2018 had P18.449 billion worth of medicines—purchased from 2015 to 2018—that have yet to be distributed to public health care facilities.

The large inventory included some P367-million worth of drugs that have already expired, or are nearing expiry, according to the COA report.

“The uninterrupted supply of drugs in HIV treatment hubs is crucially important because apart from the 38,000

cases already on ART, another 900 Filipinos are being initiated on ART every month,” Defensor said.

ART enables Filipinos living with HIV to live more productive, healthier and longer lives, according to the World Health Organization.

The WHO recommends ART for everybody who has HIV. The therapy involves the use of a combination of medicines to treat HIV infection.

People on ART take the medicines every day to reduce the amount of HIV in the body and to lessen the hazard of HIV transmission.

A total of 38,279 Filipinos living with HIV were undergoing ART as of May

this year, based on DOH data.

They account for 57 percent of the 67,395 cases listed in the National HIV and AIDS Registry as May. Five percent or 3,357 of the cases in the registry have already died, while another 8,017 cases were suffering from “advanced HIV infection, or at clinical stages 3 or 4 based on WHO standards” as of May. HIV causes AIDS, or the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which destroys the human body’s natural ability to ward off all kinds of infections.

Although HIV still does not have any known cure, ART slows the progression of the virus to a near halt.

Lawmaker backs gov’t’s Kaliwa Dam project

By Rio n. Araja MANILA Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez on Sunday backed the implementation of the New Centennial Water SourceKaliwa Dam project that would provide water requirements for Metro Manila, and the provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan and Quezon when completed in 2023.

Lopez, House committee on Metro Manila development chairperson, however, challenged the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to carefully look into the procedural issues of the project’s bidding process.

“No one is above the law,” he said.

Earlier, the Commission on Audit said the bidding for the Official Development Assistance-funded Kaliwa Dam project was done “in the guise of being a competitive procurement process.”

It raised alleged intention of a non-compliance to qualification requirements of two in three Chinese contractors.

During last week’s meeting with Lopez’s committee, newly appointed MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat told lawmakers that it would proceed with the Kaliwa Dam project amid several questions on the $211-million contract with China and its impact on the indigenous peoples community within the coverage areas.

Lopez underscored the importance of the full compliance of the MWSS with the CoA findings.

“I support all the initiatives, including this one to address the metro’s water woes. This dam is a very good project by the government,” he said.

Malacañang said it would look into the CoA report that the China Energy Engineering Corp. Ltd. was the lone qualified contract bidder.

COA junks deal between PRA, Amari-CBRDC

WARM WELCOME. Indonesian Ambassador Sinyo Harry Sarundajang (third from left) and his wife Deeje Adeline Sarundajang (third from right) warmly welcomed the members of House of Representatives led by Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez (second from right), Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales (right), Deputy Speaker Rep. Johnny Pimentel (left) and former DFA Secretary and Ambassador Delia Albert (second left) during the 74th Independence Day and Anniversary Celebration of the Republic of Indonesia Saturday night at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. Ver Noveno

Application/nomination for next CJ ends today

By Rey E. Requejo

THE extended deadline for submission of application and nomination for the successor of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin ends today, Sept. 2.

The Judicial and Bar Council has until 4:30 p.m. today to receive the application and nomination of those aspiring to be the next chief justice, the most coveted post in the judiciary, which will be left vacant

when Bersamin reaches his mandatory retirement age of 70 on Oct. 18.

An applicant or nominee for Chief Justice must be a natural-born citizen, at least 40 years old, has been a trial court judge for 15 years or more or engaged in the practice of law for the same period, and “must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence.”

Today’s deadline was an extension of

the original Aug. 20 deadline set by the JBC, the constitutional body mandated to accept, screen, and nominates appointments to the judiciary.

Based on the Aug. 20 deadline, four Supreme Court associate justices are considered candidates for the judiciary’s top post, namely: Supreme Court Associate Justices Diosdado M. Peralta, Estela M. Perlas Bernabe, Andres B. Reyes Jr., and Jose C. Reyes Jr.

By Rio n. Araja

THE Commission on Audit has struck down the Oct. 14, 2016 compromise deal between the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the Central Bay Reclamation and Development Corp. transferring 102,703.15 square meters of reclaimed land to the latter’s assignee as reimbursement for P1.0127 billion.

In a nine-page decision, the COA Commission Proper said the agreement was unlawful since the PRA did not have the authority to compromise since under the Administrative Code of 1987, citing it was only Congress had the power to enter into such deals where the claims involved exceed P100,000.

It also rejected Central Bay’s claim for reimbursement of expenses of P11.538 billion against the PRA pertaining to the cost of development on the three-island reclamation project along the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road, saying the claimant firm was only entitled to P714.938 million.

The ruling was penned by COA chairperson Michael Aguinaldo and Commissioners Jose Fabia and Roland Pondoc.

It said that the Supreme Court had ruled with finality that Amari Coastal Bay Reclamation and Development Corp., the forerunner of Central Bay, was blocked by the Constitution from acquiring any alienable land of the public domain.

PLAYGROUND. Teenagers rest and play on top of drainage pipes in Taguig City on Sunday Manny Palmero

NCRPO to deploy 15,000 cops for SEA Games CLOSE to 15,000 policemen will be deployed to provide security for sports events of the 30th Southeast Asian Games that will be held in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office said on Sunday.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of NCRPO, said the decision to deploy 14,800 cops was made after the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee said that 12 sports venues in Metro Manila will host 22 out of the SEA Games’ 56 sports disciplines.

“Venues are all ready for the 30th SEA Games as per the results of the Security and Survey Inspection [SSI] conducted by respective chiefs of police and station commanders last August 19 to 23 [2019],” Eleazar said.

Aside from Metro Manila, the SEA Games venues are Laguna, Bulacan, Tagaytay, Subic, and New Clark City sports complex in Capas, Tarlac.

According to Phisgoc, over 10,000 athletes from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Timor Leste, Singapore and Vietnam will participate in 543 sports events.

The Philippines will host for the fourth time the SEA Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 this year.

The country won its first ever SEA Games overall championship in 2005, the last time it hosted the biennial meet. The Philippines also hosted the 1981 and 1991 editions. PNA

Don’t paint ‘false picture’ on sin taxes, Cayetano warns industry players

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Pia Cayetano on Sunday warned industry players against painting a false picture on the proposed increase on sin taxes on alcohol products, adding that it would instead help the funding gap in the Universal Health Care program implementation.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque

admitted last week that there will be no nationwide implementation of the UHC law next year due to budget constraints and lack of readiness.

“When we’re talking about [taxing] sin products, please do not scare the people into thinking that what [the government is] trying to do is harmful to the Filipino people,” said Cayetano.

She also cited the calculations of

the Department of Finance proposal to raise taxes on alcoholic beverages could raise around P33 billion in incremental revenue in its first year of implementation.

Sin Tax Coalition co-convenor Dr. Anthony Leachon told the Senate hearing that the measure will provide an additional source of funding for the Universal Health Care Law, which still

faces a funding shortfall for its first year of implementation.

“Raising sin taxes is a proven revenue- generating measure, and there is a need to address the current funding shortfall which amounts to P63 billion for the UHC law,” said Leachon.

He said the DOF is expected to generate an incremental revenue of around P33 billion.

A4

Opinion

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

Agreeing to disagree AS EXPECTED, nothing came out of the well-scripted, one-on-one meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, on the issue of the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

Malacañang mouthpiece Salvador Panelo described the meeting as cordial between friends, with China maintaining its firm position that it does not recognize the ruling rejecting its sweeping claim over the South China Sea.

Did you see Xi’s body language, his sardonic smile?

Panelo actually need not say more.

Judging from Xi’s body language and his sardonic smile, he could have well said to Digong: “OK fine, now run along home like a good boy and tell your people you did your job.”

But Duterte did not not go home right away. Instead he watched the Philippine national basketball team get routed by Italy. It’s not his fault the Italians were taller who out-rebounded the Filipinos who were also outshot by the sharp three-point shooting Italians. But Digong did not need to dampen their spirits when he said before the game that the Pinoys would lose to Italy. Hey, this is your national team! The least you could have done was to cheer them on even if they were losing.

But this is our President who does not

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

even wear a tie in formal meetings during official talks. Who does he think he is—Bolivian President Evo Morale of the indigenous Bolivian tribe?

Mr. Duterte sought the highest office in the land. He should therefore know there are certain requirements of the position that he has to follow, particularly proper attire. But even if he has a wardrobe consultant, we doubt the President would heed his advice regarding appropriate apparel. As they say, you may take out Duterte from Davao but you cannot take out the small-town mayor in him.

To those who are thinking of succession, settle down. The prospects are not that bright either. Vice President Leni Robredo is probably the meekest VP we have ever had while Senate President Tito Sotto—as the third in line of succession in the event the President can no longer perform the functions of the office—is not even a credible Senate president.

This issue brings to mind that amendments to the Constitution should stipupres late that the president and the vice president should be elected together like in the United States for continuity, with the veep presiding over the Senate.

It should be interesting to see the tandems that will start to prance around for such a team-up for the 2022 presidential elections.

In the running for sure are midterm senatorial election front-runner Cynthia Villar, questionable Filipino citizenship Senator Grace Poe, active Senate investigators Richard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson. Let’s not forget popular boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. Whom these presidential aspirants will choose as running mates will emerge in the last three years of the Duterte administration. *** Meanwhile, there is a brewing unrest

H

Something rotten

OW can the Bureau of Corrections allow the early release of almost 2,000 inmates who were convicted of heinous crimes, including 48 drug traffickers and some of those convicted in the infamous 1997 rape and murder of the Chiong sisters in Cebu?

The answer is simple: The same way that prison officials tried to and almost succeeded in releasing convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez, who was sentenced to seven life terms of 40 years each for the 1993 rape and murder of UP Los Baños student Eileen Sarmenta and the killing of her friend Allan Gomez.

We now know that Sanchez’s early release, by virtue of a law that reduces prison sentences for “good behavior,” was not only a theoretical possibility, but one that had already been set in motion. Members of the killer’s family, in fact, had gathered at the New Bilibid Prison on Aug. 20, after prison authorities informed them of his release date.

Only a leak—and the resulting public outrage—prevented them from following that release schedule.

The unofficial spokesman for

President Rodrigo Duterte, a senator who used his first privilege speech to launch an ugly, viciously personal attack on a lawmaker who dared to question his pet program, insists that the Chief Executive did not authorize the prisoner release.

Given the President’s own hard line on drug offenders, we have no reason to doubt that this is true.

On the other hand, the President is ultimately responsible for whatever happens in his government, whether he knew about it at the time or not.

Certainly, he is responsible for appointing Nicanor Faeldon, a failed mutineer during the Arroyo administration, to his position as BuCor chief.

Not too long ago, Faeldon headed the Bureau of Customs, and was whisked off to head the BuCor af-

ter he allowed billions of pesos worth of shabu slip past port inspectors in 2017.

Now, he has let 48 drug traffickers slip from the hands of justice.

Senator Panfilo Lacson is absolutely correct when he points out that Faeldon’s continued presence in this government compromises the President’s anti-drug efforts.

"It is the biggest irony that while the government has spent so much time, energy and resources to build up intelligence, gather evidence leading to the arrest of big time drug traffickers... here is Faeldon and whoever else was responsible by the stroke of their pens would release at least 48 drug convicts out of the 1,914 heinous crime convicts under questionable circumstances," Lacson said in a statement.

When the President reassigned Faeldon to the BuCor, he said he still had trust in the former mutineer. Now, with something obviously rotten at BuCor, it seems apparent that the trust has been misplaced.

Turn to A5

Small steps and big problems

LAST Aug. 19, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, in cooperation with the Cebu Technological University, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority under the Department of Tourism and Harbest, a private corporation that specializes in Taiwan technological innovations in agriculture, graduated 129 farmer-participants in Maomaowan, a mountain barangay of Cebu City.

The land belonged to TIEZA; the classroom and laboratories, CTU’s; the field technicians from Harbest, which is owned by Mr. Toto Barcelona, a Negrense who married a Taiwanese; the project financing from MECO. The “graduation” was actually a vegetable harvest of okra, radish, aubergines, cucumbers, mustard, bell peppers, among others, the result of a 90-day program of livelihood training for the poor mountain barangay farmers.

In the afternoon, MECO directors visited Cebu City’s Mayor Edgardo Labella, to coordinate with his office the possibility of putting up a modest produce market in the city, which the new mayor forthwith approved, and assigned his younger brother as point person.

Eventually, as the project expands, the Department of Tourism could entice hotels and resorts in the area to tie up with the farmers as a ready market for their produce.

A flower farm is also being planned in the area, with better varieties and better technology, to supply the metroCebu market.

In Mount Purro in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, a similar MECOsponsored project is being implemented among the Dumagats of Rizal. A future article will give out details.

These are small and modest steps to introduce better farm technology to our impoverished farmers.

Last week, in a meeting with the new secretary of the Department of Agriculture, who inherited a multi-agency department with a multitude of big problems, we were able to get his enthusiastic pledge for more coordinated

projects to enhance farm productivity and small farmer incomes.

Of course the problems of agriculture, as well as those that loom for the economy, are quite formidable.

Palay farmers are groaning over low farm-gate prices for their produce. Urban consumers may be content that rice imports have tamed inflation, but the vagaries of the international market, with a very thin volume of tradeable rice, presents little room for extended comfort. And the National Food Authority has been rendered virtually useless, unless our economic managers can strike a delicate balance between ensuring continued domestic production and stabilizing consumer prices.

So little time.

In some areas of the Cagayan Valley, decimat a new specie of army worms is decimating palay and corn harvests, and these are our biggest suppliers of corn, the scarcity of which will impact on meat prices. As if meat is not a problem even now, with hog cholera or whatever other kind of disease having reared its dangerous head in some parts of Rizal.

Copra prices have fallen to historic lows, with little relief in sight. We should be pushing alternative coconutbased products, such as virgin coconut oil the production process for which we developed in Los Baños, but Thailand and even Sri Lanka have beaten us in the international market. We are pushing coco sugar as an alternative to cane sugar, but come to think of it, why label it as sugar, which connotes “unhealthy,” instead of perhaps—coco sweetener?

The economy is showing signs of weakening, after a “rachada” of high growth rates which we keep touting in trade fora. Agriculture has been identified as the albatross for the last five years; foreign investments have been growing quite slow compared to Vietnam’s and Indonesia’s.

And of course, the exacerbated trade war between US of A and China are high winds affecting the entire world, with the irascible and unpredictable Trump and the imperturbable Xi trading barbs along on and off negotiations.

Nothing good for the entire world could Turn to A5

Right in the backyard of the Duterte boys

IT’S quite saddening to hear that there seems to be a breakdown of peace and order in some part of the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon province, particularly in the towns of San Andres, San Narciso, and San Francisco—the farthest towns in Quezon where the Bondoc Peninsula joins the sea (Ragay Gulf) toward Masbate strait. And it most ironic because the area is where known leaders and personalities close to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hail—or shall we say, the place where Duterte Boys throw their weight around?

Killed last Aug. 20 in the home of his sister in Lucena City was San

There appears to be a breakdown of peace and order in this part of Quezon.

Andres Vice Mayor Sergio “Popoy” Emprese. Just like in many other places in the country, upon reaching the compulsory three 3-year consecutive term, Emprese, former mayor, slid down to vice mayor in 2016 as his son, Serson, ran for mayor. The younger Emprese lost.

The older Emprese and his wife Sonia ruled the town for several decades, establishing a political dynasty until the Duterte boys came around.

Winning the last mayoral race in San

Andres was Giovanni Lim, a son of presi lawyer Alfred “Fred” Lim, the president of PAGCOR, classmate and fraternity brother of Duterte. You have to be really close to the appointing power to be able to clinch such a juicy post as the presidency of the state gambling monopoly.

If this Fred Lim’s name rings a bell, birth well, it is because it was in Lim’s birthDasmari day party at his residence in Dasmariñas Village some three years ago where two other San Beda frat brods, then associate commissioners of the Bureau of Immigration (Michael Robles and Al Argosino), reportedly took several bags of currency—a total of P50 million— from the City of Dreams casino to former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre who was partying then with other brods of Duterte’s fraternity, Lex Talionis.

Associate Commissioners Robles and Turn to A5

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

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Homework works BILLS filed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives seek to do away with homework, either completely or during weekends.

House Deputy Speaker Evelina Escudero does not want homework to be given to students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Rep. Alfred Vargas and Senator Grace Poe say no homework should be given to students on weekends. Vargas even went as far as proposing a P50,000 fine on, or imprisonment of one to two years, for teachers who would insist on giving additional work. It’s a good thing he came to his senses and admitted that he had made a mistake.

From the Executive side, the Department of Education has cheered the proposals. Secretary Leonor Briones says all formal school work should be done in, well, school.

The idea is to free up the students to spend time with their family and friends.

Tenth grader Andrea agrees. Aside from quality time to spend with her family, she also looks forward to resting more.

But not all students share Andrea’s opinion. For example, Jimmy who is in 11th grade, believes homework is necessary because time at school is not enough to learn everything satisfactorily. “We will also develop discipline,” he says.

And while parents would generally want to spend more time with their children as well and lighten their load, some don’t believe the homework ban is the solution. Lyra Daganzo, mother of two, worries that her son might simply feel lazy at home.

“When they have homework, they become responsible children. They develop self-discipline, honesty and integrity,” she says.

Quezon City high school teacher Rex San Diego asks: “How would students learn time management, prioritization of tasks, and self-discipline? Weekend homework will actually teach families to respect, support, and encourage the academic responsibilities of kids. No homework eventually means more gadget

Right...

From A4

Argosino were said to have taken the bags of money there presumably to ask the advice of the Justice secretary on what to do with the bribe from casino junket operators.

The bribe money was said to be from Jack Lam, earlier handed to the two officials by Wally Sombero.

All these details are sourced from the records of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

But back to the Bondoc peninsula.

Speaking of Aguirre, the now-discredited former Justice secretary is from Mulanay, and while not holding any important position now, still wields considerable influence in Quezon just because of his perceived closeness to the President.

Aguirre shares the same hometown with the gentleman Tito Ojeda, former mayor of Mulanay and owner of Quezon province’s No. 1 television and radio network. The two magkababayans reportedly do not see eye to eye, but this has no bearing in our initial thesis about the breakdown of peace and order in the peninsula.

PNP Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar is a shoo-in for the position of director general of the Philippine National Police, and as chief of the NCRPO he is not really connected with the breakdown of peace and order in the Bondoc peninsula, save for his being from nearby Tagkawayan, Quezon, and that his brother recently won as mayor of that town.

With all these brass and police-connected leaders in the Bondoc peninsula, why is it that killings, violence, and harassment still persist in these parts?

A cursory perusal of media reports and official police reports would show that we are not totally judgmental in pointing out that in the Bondoc peninsula, peace is in shambles and people

time for the kids of today, being babies and slaves to technology.”

Maria Carmina Sangil, who runs a private school in Bulacan, says homework serves two purposes: To give new knowledge so that students could be ready to participate in class discussions, and to reinforce at home the things they already learned in school.

She makes a distinction between homework given on weekends and during the week. No homework on weekends will allow families to bond, and that’s ok. But during the week, homework is a must: “It’s a big help for children if they are given homework. They will be prepared for class and they will learn whatever it is they have to learn.” A full week without homework altogether would be problematic, she says.

Our country faces problems that need greater legislative attention.

we do, must there really be a compartmentalization that school time is study time while home time is for all other things?

Millions of Filipinos across several generations grew up viewing homework as a necessary part of their education. With advances in technology and, thus, the availability of other means and venues for learning, isn’t it even more important to see education as happening beyond the walls of the classroom and beyond the usual school hours?

The proposals also infringe on academic freedom—deciding what type of homework to give, or if they should give homework at all, should be made by teachers. Why would teachers unnecessarily burden themselves with homework they would not have the time or energy to check? Teachers, and certainly not politicians, would know how best to make kids learn what they are supposed to learn. Homework is not a tool for torture, but for learning more and learning better.

Homework does instill discipline among children. Out there in the real world, after they graduate, they will see that life is tough. There will be competing priorities, and so little time to accomplish everything they need to do. Doing their homework trains them on deciding which task is more important or more urgent than others, which one requires more effort, and which ones they can plan for and accomplish little by little.

Besides, you can’t really legislate quality time. People will spend their time however way they wish. A family that knows its priorities will find a way to enjoy togetherness while still inspiring diligence and excellence in the children. Conversely, even if students are given a lot of free time, how can the law guarantee that they would not spend it hunched over their devices playing games, or spending hours on social media, or going out to god knows where, much to the detriment of the ideal “family time”?

Our country faces problems that need greater legislative attention.

It’s baffling why our officials, given their finite time and energy, would want to meddle with something that seems to have worked well for ages.

*** We are sure the lawmakers behind the bills have the best intentions of students—teachers, too, since they will end up with all the work, correcting, grading and recording these assignments—in mind. They may have also read up on the examples of other countries who require children to do less. Finland, for example, is top of mind—its school days are short, vacations are long, and it does not burden its children with a lot of homework. And yet, the country ranks high globally in math and science aptitude.

An article on geekycamel.com says that Finland’s system works on trust. “Rather than overloading children with work when they are home, Finnish parents trust that the teachers will give the children all the education they need while they are at school.”

That likely goes beyond trusting teachers to trusting the entire educational system in providing holistic academic instruction to effect real learning among students.

The question now is, do we trust our educational system? And even if adellechua@gmail.com

are afraid for their lives.

Note the following: (a) Calmar Homes, Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City.

Vice Mayor Sergio “Popoy” Emprese, 60, dead on arrival at a hospital in Lucena, gunned down on Aug. 20, at his sister’s home. Case unsolved up to this day, with police investigators complacent in saying that the suspect is a former triggerman of the victim who switched sides; (b) Barangay Talisay, San Andres.

Edigardo Paradero, a campaign leader of then mayoral candidate Giovanni Lim of San Andres, a son of Fred Lim, was stabbed dead inside his house on May 1, a dozen days before the elections; (c) Barangay Tala, San Andres. Jebby Oro Sr. and one alias Lando were gunned down by policemen of San Andres police chief Joseph Ian Java in a supposed shootout. Oro was a supporter of suspended San Andres Mayor Sergio Emprese and the suspect in the Paradero murder; (d) Barangay Abuyon, San Narciso.

Armed men in the presence of policemen reportedly harassed members of the Board of Election Inspectors of the Comelec on election day, May 13.

This resulted in casting of votes until near 12 midnight, when the polls should have been closed at 4 p.m. The spouse of a candidate was also seen feeding the ballots in the Smartmatic machine readers; (e) Barangay San Juan, Rizal, and White Cliff, San Narciso. Police established Comelec checkpoints without the proper Comelec signages, manned by cops not in uniform, and in dimly lit areas; (f) Hacienda Matias, San Francisco. Armed men, purportedly rebel fighters of the New People’s Army, are still harassing farmers and tenants here, with serious threats and intimidation, both verbal and written. (g) Barangay Rizal, San Narciso.

A group of motorcycle-riding men

intimidated voters and residents by driving around the mountain barangay, forcing residents to stay home on election day. The men wore black T-shirts printed with “No. 2;” and, (h) Barangay Lakdayan, San Narciso. Residents complained to media recently that local policemen were engaged in “tanim bala and tanim baril” during legally sanctioned searches, with the cops finding firearms in unlikely places like inserted in roofs and tool boxes in the garage, after meticulous searches inside the houses proved negative. It is interesting to note that victims of these searches are all supporters of a particular mayoral candidate; and Incidentally on the night of the election and on election day itself, PNP Col. Hansel Marantan and his group were seen conducting patrol operations in the peninsula.

Marantan gained notoriety for the scandalous Atimonan, Quezon massacre in 2013 where 13 persons were killed in an alleged shootout or rubout, and for which he was purged from the PNP. He was reinstated in 2017 even to the vehement objection of then PNP chief General, now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Marantan’s CV also included the Anton Cu-Unjieng, Francis Xavier Manzano and Brian Anthony Dulay massacre in Valle Verde in 2005.

And upon his return to the PNP, his first assignment was reportedly as chief security of DOJ Secretary Aguirre.

That is how well-connected Marantan seems to be.

How come there seems to be a pattern of a breakdown of peace and order right in the turf of Duterte’s boys?

Well, the ball is in their court now.

People are dying, being harassed, slapped with trumped up charges, etc. and there is a total breakdown of peace and order, and what are they doing?

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

A5

What now after Xi’s rejection?

This belated apology is now being angled to be a welcome development that may become a stimulus for the conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea which has been actively blocked by Beijing.

This narrative was echoed in PanTHE recent statement of Presidential elo’s statement saying that, “Chinese Spokesman Salvador Panelo reported President Xi agreed with President that, as committed, President Duterte Duterte that there is a need for the was, “steadfast in raising with Presi- formulation of the Code of Conduct dent Xi concerns central to the Phil- and it should be crafted within the last ippines’ claim in the West Philippine remaining years of PRRD (President Sea which include the ruling held by Rodrigo R. Duterte)” and that the the Permanent Court of Arbitration in President, “articulated his firm belief The Hague. He said that the arbitral that the Code of Conduct would conaward is final, binding and not subject tribute in the resolution of numerous to appeal.” conflicts in the disputed areas of the As expected, the response of Presi- South China Sea.” dent Xi was outright rejection reiterI tend to chuckle a bit considering ating their position of non-recogni- the recent statements from Malacation of the arbitral ruling. He really ñang on the increasing number of had no choice because the July 2016 incursions of Chinese warships in Hague arbitral court ruling legally in- Philippine waters as “not an act of validates Beijing’s supposedly histor- friendship.” The military reported ical “nine-dash line” claim that aims that in February, Chinese warships to seize the whole South China Sea passed through the Sibutu Strait in as part of their sovereign territory. Tawi-Tawi four times, two were again This has created a geopolitical situa- sighted in July, then another three tion that is seeing rising incidents of were monitored in August. incursions and agPanelo said, “It’s a violation gressive acts that of the United threaten the peace Nations Con and stability of ConFilipinos have had the region and vention on the will have global enough double talk.

Law of the Sea repercussions if since (the ships) passed through they should erupt our exclusive into military coneconomic zone.” frontation.

This rejection validates what FilipiTo many political experts, the govnos already know as reflected in re- ernment’s “pivot to China” policy cent nationwide surveys that ranked has resulted in lop-sided benefits for China as the least trusted among oth- Beijing. The relentless building and er nations. Despite all the defensive militarization of artificial islands in rhetoric that “China is our friend,” South China Sea are now able to supFilipinos are seeing through the de- port nuclear capable bombers. Acts of ceptive talk and sees China as a not- Chinese harassment of Filipino fishso-friendly country. erman and other ASEAN states such Panelo was quoted in a press brief- as Vietnam and Malaysia have raised ing: “I think China will have open tensions that are dangerously close to ears. After all, they keep on saying erupting into armed confrontations that we’re friends, and friends can that may quickly escalate into a realways talk on anything.” He added gional and even global crisis. that: “As a friend, it should have open It is time for our government to arms, it should have an open mind, consider pivoting back to our tradihow to resolve the difference.” tional allies and other countries that I don’t buy that, and I believe Filipi- are aligned to an international system nos have had enough double talk. All that promotes peace and prosperity the acts of bullying were given living instituted under the rule of law. faces when a Chinese trawler rammed A strong alliance that would that our countrymen’s fishing boat and left ensure economic sustainability and them out to die in the open seas. This security in the region would be a happened well within our Exclusive matter of revisiting and strengthenEconomic Zone. ing already strong relationships with The Chinese fishing association countries such as the United States, tried to play down the incident as just Australia, Japan, Great Britain, India, an “accidental collision” and even and ASEAN members who are likecreated an absurd story that they were wise threatened such as Vietnam and forced to leave because of swarm of Malaysia. Meanwhile the modernizaFilipino fishing boats threatening to tion of our armed forces must be acgang up on them. Belatedly, they gave celerated to build a credible level of a letter of apology admitting respon- defense capability. sibility for the actions of the Chinese President Duterte’s move to assert trawler, but only after so much con- the country’s landmark victory of The clusive evidence proving that the Fili- Hague arbitral court is a welcome pino fishermen were telling the truth. shift in foreign policy and responds to Whether this will result in appropriate the people’s sentiment on China and justice and compensation for Captain the West Philippine Sea. The governJunel Insigne, crew and owners of the ment should now follow through with Philippine fishing boat is something more forceful actions in defense of that will probably be further delayed our sovereign rights and territories. by legalistic procedures.

We really hope it would.

Agreeing...

From A4

among farmers which the communist New People’s Army IS waiting to exploit. This the ironic fact that our famers who produce our basic food on the table are themselves starving.

This was brought out by former Congressman Renato Diaz of Nueva Ecija who runs the Center for Strategic Initiatives. In his CSI position paper submitted to the President, Diaz outlined the basic flaw of the government’s support for the farmers. Foremost of these is the low price of their harvested palay which is bought at obscenely low prices

by Chinese traders who lend the farmers funds for fertilizers, rice seeds and farm equipment like tractors, ploughs, etc.

Because the farmers are under pressure

Small...

From A4

come out of the protracted swordplay.

As if all these economic problems were not harbingers of impending difficult times, we get shockers such as the mercifully aborted “freedom” of convicted murderer and rapist Antonio Sanchez of Calauan; the un-aborted release of four Chinese drug lords, and the yet unconfirmed release of the group who gang-raped and murdered the Chiong-Jimenea sisters of Cebu in a grisly story that gripped the headlines

to pay off their loans, they sell their rice at ridiculously low prices to bring food to their own family table.

Let us take a lesson from the French Revolution. With the people starving, Queen Marie Antoinette said her famous quote that cost her head “if the people don’t have bread, let them eat cake.” Cake is a daily fare at the Versailles Palace known for lavish parties.

And so with the Fall of the Bastille, Marie Antoinette was among those to be beheaded by guillotine.

We do not wish such a scary scenario for those presently serving in the administration. We do pray that they take the advice of Diaz in addressing this sensitive issue the communists can capitalize on. I would rather have a Duterte administration than a repressive communist regime as shown in the million people’s protests in Hong Kong.

in 1997.

And how many more heinous convicts, pray tell?

With the kind of penitentiary system we have, would people feel safe and secure knowing thousands of “rehabilitated” convicts are on the loose? And then, belatedly someone suggests that we recapture the ones BuCor let loose.

OMG! No wonder the President keeps saying he rues the day he decided to run for the top leadership of the benighted land.

So many big problems and so little time left.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

A6

News

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Solon calls for fair compensation for outgoing ARMM employees

FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Government employees in Metro Manila participate in the Civil Service Commission’s ‘Serve Fun Run’ at the Qurino Grandstand in Manila as part of agency’s 119th anniversary. Norman Cruz

Atienza trains guns on illegal courier services Rio N. Araja BUHAY Party-list Rep. Joselito Atienza has vowed to look into reports of foreign “colorum” courier services putting Filipinos and their cargoes at risk.

“This I promise you. I will look into the matter. The e-commerce and courier industry is growing fast, and that there is need to protect the consumers and users of these products ordered online and delivered to their houses and offices,” he said.

At the weekly Nanka media forum in Quezon City, the partylist lawmaker reacted to reports of mounting complaints on social media against illegal courier services victimizing Filipinos who would order or have goods delivered through so-called “colorum” e-commerce agencies and courier services.

The industry is now worth at least P36 billion, Atienza said, adding that a new law must be passed to regulate these services.

He promised to dig deeper into the supposed “colorum” couriers in aid of legislation.

“If we need to craft a law to regulate the courier services just to protect the consumers and the small-time players in the industry, we will have to do it,” he said.

Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region Branch 216, Quezon City NESTIE BRYAL COSIPAG VILLAVIRAY a.k.a. NESTIE BRYAL COSIPAG, Petitioner,

-versus-

SP. PROC. NO. R-QZN-19-08476-SP

THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF QUEZON CITY, THE ADMINISTRATOR AND CIVIL REGISTRAR GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICS OFFICE (PSA) Formerly NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE (NSO), LIZA L. COSIPAG AND NELSON A. VILLAVIRAY, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE INTEREST OR CLAIM TO THIS INSTANT PETITION, Respondents. x-----------------------------------------------x

ORDER

The petitioner, Nestie Bryal Cosipag Villaviray a.k.a. Nestie Bryal Cosipag, filed a verified petition praying 1) to correct the petitioner’s surname in Entry No. 1 of her Certificte of Live Birth from “Cosipag” to “Villaviray”; 2) to correct the petitioner’s middle name in Entry No. 1 and to allow to use the maternal name “Cosipag” as her middle name; 3) to order the Local Civil Registrar of Manila and the Philippine Statistics Authority to annotate the Order allowing the use of the name “Nestie Bryal Cosipag Villaviray” in her Certificate of Live Birth; and 4) to allow the petitioner to legally use the name “Nestie Bryal Cosipag Villaviray” instead of Nestie Bryal Cosipag.

The petitioner alleges that she was born in Manila on November 6, 1994 to common law spouses Liza L. Cosipag and Nelson A. Villaviray.

Her birth was registered in the Local Civil Registry of Manila. Her father, Nelson A. Villaviray, has recognized her as his own child. He executed an Affidavit of Acknowledgment/Admission of Paternity at the back of petitioner’s Certificate of Live Birth. Even without the benefit of marriage, spouses Liza L. Cosipag and Nelson A. Villaviray lived together as husband and wife.

On February 7, 2019, Nelson A.

Villar seeks audit of funds for farmers S

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

ENATOR Cynthia Villar has demanded for an “accounting” of the funds intended to help farmers cope with the lifting of the quantitative restriction on rice imports.

She specifically cited the P500 million spent for the inbred seeds reportedly distributed to rice-producing provinces even as Region 3 was left out.

“For the inbred seeds alone, we spent P500 million, but how come Region 3 was excluded when it has some of the biggest rice-producing provinces,” Villar said.

Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, also directed the Department of Budget and Management to return the P4 billion intended for the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

While the DBM released P5 billion in December last year for the RCEF, only P1 billion went to the program providing farmers access to cheap credit through Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines this year.

During Villar’s committee hearing on RCEF, the budget department promised to release the remaining P4 billion to complete the P10-billion fund.

Under the rice tariffication law, farmers will be given P10 billion a year for the next six years under the RCEF, which will be obtained from the col-

lected tariffs to boost their productive capacities.

“Although they might say they spent it because RCEF is yet to be passed then, they should have waited and not spent it on other matters. I want the Department of Agriculture to account for the remaining P4 billion and also to make sure that P4 billion will be immediately returned to RCEF,” the senator said.

Villar’s committee was also informed that very little of the initial release of funds for the RCEF went to farmers, with 80 percent captured by the DA National Rice Program.

Villar warned against the slow disbursement of the RCEF, saying it will not improve the competitiveness of the domestic agriculture sector if it is not fully implemented.

“In this age of liberalization, our farmers will continue to fear competition because they were not given the chance to improve their ways,” she said.

INC holds new ‘Lingap’ activities in the US

“THE Iglesia Ni Cristo is continuing and expanding its campaign against poverty worldwide, and we’ve focused our efforts in the US this whole month of August.”

Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo made the remark after the Filipino church announced that it had conducted a month-long series of “Lingap sa Mamamayan-Aid to Humanity” activities in the American mainland, starting last Aug. 11 and 12 in New York and Washington DC and culminating on Aug. 25 at Rockford, Illinois.

Other venues included Seattle, Villaviray died.

Washington (Aug. 14), Memphis, She has been using the name Nestie Bryal Cosipag Villaviray in all her Tennessee (Aug. 16), Oakland, transactions and important documents.

California (Aug. 17), San Carlos, Thus, the instant petition.

The Court hereby sets the Petition Arizona (Aug. 19), San Diego, for hearing on September 4, 2019 at California (Aug. 23) and Los An8:30 in the morning before this Court sitting at the Second Floor, Rm. 237, geles, California (Aug. 24).

Hall of Justice Bldg., Quezon City at which date, time and place, all Lingap and Aid to Humanity interested are hereby cited to appear and show cause, if any, why said petition should not be granted.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the petitioner in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks, to be selected by raffle pursuant to P.D. 1079. The Office of the Clerk of Court is directed to report to the Court the result of the raffle, with notice to petitioner within ten (10) days from receipt hereof.

The Philippine Statistics Authority, the Office of the Solicitor General, the Office of the Local Civil Registrar of Manila and any person who has any opposition hereto ay file the same, within fifteen (15) days from notice of the petition, or from the last date of publication of such notice.

Furnish a copy of this Order and petition to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Office of the Local Civil Registrar, Manila and the Office of the Solicitor General.

SO ORDERED. Quezon City, Metro Manila, June 28, 2019.

(Sgd.) ALFONSO C. RUIZ II Presiding Judge

Copy furnished: Office of the Solicitor General 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village Makati City Atty. Jason R. Migriño Atty. Ramon Antonio C. Sabinorio Atty. Romael Meng G. Binarao Public Attorney’s Office Counsel for Petitioner Cecilia Muñoz Palma Hall Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City RTC-OCC, Quezon City Quezon City Nestie Bryal Cosipag Villaviray Petitioner 199 Calamba Ext., Talayan, Quezon City (MStandard-Aug. 19, 26 & Sep. 2, 2019)

programs are conducted under the auspices of the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation.

During the opening activities in NYC and the US capital, the INC distributed 4,000 “goodwill bags” which included school supplies, canned goods, toiletries, and home provisions to thousands of attendees as well as cash gifts to fifteen organizations and shelter-partners, with each group receiving $10,000.

Meanwhile, INC Auditor General Glicerio B. Santos, Jr. noted that this year’s aid caravan was “much bigger than our initial Aid to Humanity efforts last year in North America, with more target areas and vastly increased number of recipients.”

An estimated 16,000 beneficiaries attended the various events from coast to coast.

The activities are geared toward adults and children alike, with many

having giveaways of food, first aid kits, education supplies, as well as entertainment activities, medical checkups for people of all ages, and face-painting and balloon-making segments for kids.

“Our recipients are also diverse, from Girl Scout and theater groups, police and firefighters, to the homeless and the elderly. In the Aid to Humanity event at San Carlos, Arizona, for instance, members of Native American Apache groups were in attendance,” Santos said.

“We were also requested by the Los Angeles-based Philippine Consular Office to conduct special Lingap activities for Fil-Am World War II veterans, which we did,” he added.

Lingap activities included a brief film showing on the INC’s outreach initiatives in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and AustraliaNew Zealand.

TAKE A BITE. Tourism

Secretary Bernadette Puyat (middle) leads the opening of the all-Filipino restaurant ’Islas Filipinas’ for the Eats More Fun in the Philippines campaign in Pasay City.

Norman Cruz

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DEPUTY Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman called on both the newly established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the national government to ensure that the rights and privileges of around 6,000 outgoing ARMM employees are protected, including their separation pays and other benefits.

“I call on the BARMM government and the Department of Budget and Management to ensure the protection of the welfare of ARMM employees whose terms of service will end this year,” said Hataman, who served as ARMM governor for more than seven years.

He said all the benefits due the outgoing ARMM employees must be given to them.

“While we all aim at having a smooth transition from the previous regional government to the new Bangsamoro autonomous government, we should make sure that the welfare of these employees be also given utmost attention.

And this includes paying their separation pay and other benefits at the earliest possible time,” he added.

The Basilan legislator noted the announcement of BARMM that it has started its phase-out plan that will gradually relieve 6,000 employees in six areas: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Cotabato City.

The phase-out plan is due on the last week of December.

“What is problematic here is that an announcement has been made on the phase-out plan but according to the DBM, they still do not have the documents needed to start the process,” Hataman lamented.

“These are hardworking men and women who are public servants. So my appeal is that the DBM expedite their retirements, separation pays and other benefits,” he added.

Longest-running energy exhibition opens Sept. 3 POWERTRENDS 2019, the longest-running energy exhibition in the Philippines, opens tomorrow, Sept. 3.

Organized in 1995 by Leverage International in cooperation with the Department of Energy, this year’s two-day event has for its theme “The Trends Shaping Renewable Energy.”

It features an international exhibition, a business conference, networking cocktail and technical workshops. These are unique platforms for delivering expertise, bringing theory and practice together as well as offering an amazing opportunity to network with the most important people in the energy industry.

Powertrends 2019 will officially open with a keynote address

by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi followed by a brief message from Norwegian Ambassador to Manila Bjørn Jahnsen.

The exhibition will showcase the newest technologies, systems and projects by key energy players such as Shell, SMC Global Power, Aboitiz Power, Edward Marcs, Solvera Lynx, and Meanwell Enterprises, to name a few.

The Powertech Business Forum begins with the session on opening a new path to oil and gas exploration, followed by sessions and panel discussions on Renewable Energy, LNG and Nuclear Energy, the new Philippine Electricity Market Memorandum, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation the new innovations and information technology which change the energy landscape and the gears of energy security.

Powertrends 2019 also introduces the 1st Philippine Floating Solar Forum 2019 organized by the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance. The event will gather technology experts, project developers and practitioners, regulatory agencies, development agencies, local and foreign investors to impart knowledge, experiences and best practices on the floating solar technology and to discuss among xperts the critical formulation and changes required on the regulatory policies. This will be on Sept. 4.

Sports PH soft netter bags bronze in Asian tourney NATIONAL player Princess Catindig captured the coveted bronze medal in women’s 21-under division of the 1st Asian University Junior Soft Tennis Championships at the Colegio San Agustin indoor tennis court in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan yesterday.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player from San Beda University made it to the semifinal round after posting victories over Ana Kawingian of Indonesia 3-2 (8-6), Rin Sothery of Cambodia 3-0 and Asees Kaur Chahal of India 3-0.

But she lost her semifinal match 3-4 (4-7).

Meanwhile, Catindig is set to compete in the 1st Asian University Soft Tennis Championships which starts today.

Expected to grace the tournament’s Indigenous Peoples-themed opening ceremonies is Philippine Olympic Committee first vice president Joey Romasanta.

The 1st Asian University Soft Tennis Championships, which will serve as SEA Games test event, will give the country’s top netters the opportunity to test their own strengths and equally pit their respective skills against the best players from Japan, Chinese Taipei, India, Mongolia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Nepal, Indonesia, South Korea and DPR Korea.

The last time soft tennis was played in the SEA Games was in Indonesia (2011) when the Philippines won one silver and five bronzes.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Venues to serve PH sports th even after 30 SEA Games

W

HILE the economic hubs of Clark and Subic will serve as the main venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games starting November 30, Metro Manila will have a fair share of the hosting chores.

This includes the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, site of many grand sporting battles in the past.

The RMC will be restored to its old, majestic glory in order to treat participants from the 11 SEA Games countries to a feel of the old Philippines, but with all the amenities that the Philippine Sports Commission is introducing to the site for the first time.

Fund infusion from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. is making this possible, said PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, who is also

the Chief of Mission of Team Philippines in the SEA Games.

“All government agencies are on the same track to making the SEA Games a successful hosting as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte,” Ramirez said. “The PSC is making sure our guests and the athletes will see the best side of the Philippines when they start to visit our venues.

We have the various agencies providing us with support, from the Military and the Police, to the Department of Tourism (DoT), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Bases Conversion Development

Authority (BCDA), the whole of the president’s Cabinet through Executive Sec. Salvador Medialdea, almost all government offices with stake in the project are being utilized by the President.”

No major repairs has been done to the three major government-owned venues since the country last hosted the SEA Games in 2005, when the Filipino athletes won the overall championship for the first and last time.

“The recent tripartite agreement among the officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sea Games Organizing Committee and the PSC also moved forward the preparations,” Ramirez said. “POC President (Abraham) Bambol Tolentino has also galvanized all national sports associations into one direction.”

Thai champs boost Aboitiz golfest roster

Siklab Sports Youth Awards unveils future THE future heroes of Philippine sports will be honored during the 2nd Siklab Sports Youth Awards today at the Market! Market! Activity Area in BGC, Taguig City.

Leading the awardees are reigning girls PGA champion Yuka Saso, triathlete Andrew Kim Remolino, basketball’s Dave Ildefonso and 19 other athletes from various sports named as POC Siklab Young Heroes during the gala for the finest Filipino athletes 18 years old and younger.

Fencers Maxine Esteban and Samantha Catantan will likewise headline the event organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group as well as junior cycling champion Marc Ryan Lago and dragonboat/canoe-kayak world champion paddlers Christine Mae Talledo and Lealyn Baligasa.

Sharing the limelight during the awards night backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MVP Sports Foundation and Go For Gold are International Masters Kylen Mordido and Marvin Miciano, speed skater Julian Kyle Silverio, pole vaulter Hokett Delos Santos and wrestler Cadel Evance Hualda.

With Market!Market! and Ayala Malls as venue partners, the second edition of the Siklab Sports Youth Awards will also put the spotlight on Super Kids awardees led by gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo and IM Daniel Quizon.

Bowlers Norel Nuevo and Grace Gella, who both captured bronze medals in the recent junior world championships, also got the recognition that they deserved along with promising skateboarder David Sebastian Chanco and taekwondo jin Ian Matthew Corton.

Receiving the Sports Idols accolade this year are track and field icon Elma Muros-Posadas and jujitsu world champion Meggie Ochoa in the gathering also supported by Pagcor and Cignal TV while PSC Chairman William Ramirez and Go For Gold head Jeremy Go have been named godfathers of the year.

The PSC Children’s Games for Peace Award is exclusive for the top performers of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa and the Batang Pinoy Games led by archer Naina Dominique Tagle and swimmers Xiandi Chua, Michaela Jasmine Mojdeh and Marc Bryant Dula.

Completing the Young Heroes are shooting’s Denise Basila and Michael Angelo Fernandez, skater Diane Panlilio, Jannah Romero (table tennis), Janzeth Gajo (wushu), Joshua Glenn Bullo (sepak takraw), Lanz Zafra (badminton), Samantha Catantan (fencing) and Solomon Padiz Jr. (badminton).

The Pagcor, through Chairperson Andrea Domingo, was among the first to provide support to the Games by helping fund the refurbishing of the Philsports Arena in Pasig, and the Rizal Memorial and Ninoy Aquino Stadia in Manila, according to Ramirez.

Ramirez, however, said the Rizal Memorial Stadium will not just undergo repairs. He disclosed that the venue built in 1934 and has hosted the Asian Games in 1954 and the SEA Games on three occassions, will be restored to its original look.

“The PSC was mandated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to preserve the Rizal Memorial Coliseum to its original form. And we are happy with that because this will be the first time that the Filipinos and our foreign guests will see the venue like it was in the 1930s.”

Wisut Artjanawat (left) and Namchok Tantipokhakul lead a powerhouse Thailand cast in the ninth Aboitiz Invitational which gets going Wednesday at Wack Wack’s East course.

Civil Service run lures 17,000 participants OVER 17,000 runners and sports enthusiasts from different government agencies, including the Philippine Sports Commission answered the call for unity and integrity in public service during the R.A.C.E to SERVE Fun Run on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park Manila.

With the theme “Civil Service at 119: Upholding Integrity and a High Trust Society,” the fun run aimed to raise funds for the benefit of the Pondong Pamanang Lingkod Bayani (PLBi) Program, which honors public servants in the service of the Filipinos.

The run served as the kick-off activity to CSC’s 119th anniversary this September.

Asia’s leading health, wellness and beauty retailer Watsons joined the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region run.

As CSC’s partner, Watsons offered free health services to all participants and family members during the event, such as free blood pressure check, blood sugar check, cholesterol test, and fat analysis.

“We are committed to improve the health of Filipinos through our range of

Officials and members of the organizing committee are shown with Watsons representatives during the awarding ceremony of the Civic Service Commission Fun Run.

health and wellness products available in more than 700 stores nationwide,” said Danilo Chiong, Watsons Philippines Chief Operating Officer.

“As part of our commitment, we are happy to partner with CSC in encouraging the runners to get active and be healthier through this run,” added Chiong.

Making health care more accessible to more Filipinos, Watsons provides its customers a range of health and wellness products such as vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter, and doctor-prescribed medicines. Currently, Watsons is continuously expanding nationwide to reach more customers.

NAMCHOK Tantipokhakul and Wisut Artjanawat, winners of two of the first three legs of the third Philippine Golf Tour Asia, set out for another shot at the PGTA crown as spearheads of a crack Thailand side all primed up for the ninth Aboitiz Invitational which gets going Wednesday (Sept. 4) at Wack Wack’s East course.

Ratchapol Jantavara and Tawan Phongphun, who finished 1-2 in this year’s PGTA Qualifying Tournament at Luisita, are also in the fold, raring to join the growing roster of Thai winners in the region’s emerging circuit put up

by ICTSI in 2017 as platform for local and foreign pros to hone their skills and at the same time to compliment with the existing regional circuits.

Other Thais aiming for top finish in the $100,000 championship organized

by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are Pasavee Lertvilai, Chonlatit Chuenboonngam, Kammalas Namuangruk, Donlapatchai Niyomchon, Natthapong Niyomchon, Tawit Polthai, Puk Pradittan, Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij, Nirun Sae-Ueng and Pachara Sakulyong.

But Tantipokhakul and Artjanawat will surely be the marked men in the four-day championship with the former seeking a follow-up to his one-stroke victory of Finland’s Teemu Putkonen in the kickoff leg at Luisita last April and the latter snapping a long title drought with a record win at Daan TPGA Open last May, the first PGT Asia event to be staged abroad.

Outside of the Thais, other foreign bets tipped to contend for the top $17,500 purse are Tarik Can, Sam Gillis, Lexus Keoninh, Charles Lee, Matt Lutz, Brett Munson, Joshua Salah and Sean Talmadge of the US, Aussies Tim Stewart, David Gleeson, Sam Gervinas, Fidel Concepcion and Jerram Chudleigh, Japanese Issei Mori, Keita Sudo, Nayoa Takahashi and Seiji Yanagisawa, and Shin Seung Woo, Park Jun Sung, Moon Seung Ryul, Lee Sang Min, Lee Hyun Jun, Jung Chae Won and Hwang Myung Chal of Korea.

Also in the hunt are Thammasack Bouahom of Laos, Gabriel Cheok and Gregory Foo of Singapore, Spain’s Rafa Culla and Salvador Paya Vila, Teddy Ho of Hong Kong, Scotland’s Julian Hood and Ryan Hood, Englishmen Matt Killen and George Twyman, Jesus Rafael Para of Venezuela, Luke Trocado of South Africa and Argentine Emilio Parodi.

Filipino netters shoot for top finish in Asian tilt

Members of Team UTP, composed of (from second from left) Alexa Joy Milliam, Marielle Alexi Jarata, Exequiel Mari Jucutan and Joewyn Rey Pascua, pose with Unified Tennis Philippines general manager Jackie Tomacruz (left), national coach Leander Lazaro (second from right) and UTP board director Gerard Maronilla (right) before departing for Malaysia.

FOUR young netters, toughened up by a series of tournaments on the local front, bring their act to Malaysia this week as they slug it out for top singles honors against a tough international field in the ATF (Asian Tennis Federation) 14-and-Under Series in Kuching, Sarawak.

Alexa Joy Milliam, Marielle Alexi Jarata, Exequiel Mari Jucutan, Joewyn Rey Pascua, who have dominated the ranks in the Cebuana Lhuillier and Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala circuits, set out against the leading and rising players from Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Jordan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Great Britain, Indonesia, India and from host Malaysia, upbeat of their respective chances in the five-day tournament firing off Sept. 4 at Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association Ten-

nis Center.

The members of the Unified Tennis Philippines national junior team’s campaign is backed by Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala, Dunlop, Enervon, STI, Buffalo Wild Wings, BO’S Coffee and Madison Galeries Lifestyle Mall.

Another group of young UTP players, led by Sydney Enriquez and Eric Jay Tangub, is also set to compete in the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Grade 5 tournament in Selangor on Oct. 1-6.

But focus will be on Milliam, Jarata, Jucutan and Pascua as they seek not only a crack at the crown but also at improving their respective ATF rankings. Milliam is currently at No. 36, Jarata at No. 86, Jucutan at No. 42 and Pascua at No. 51.

Sports

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

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns a shot during his third round match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day six of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. AFP

UAAP coaches say Ateneo is team to beat DEFENDING champion Ateneo de Manila University is the handsdown choice as the team to beat in the UAAP Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Blue Eagles were the unanimous choice of the coaches, during the preseason press conference on Sunday, as the team they feel they need to hurdle to get the crown this year.

“It’s a given that Ateneo is going to be on top,” said UP coach Bo Perasol.

Adamson mentor Franz Pumaren agreed. “It’s quite obvious already.

It’s Ateneo and they should be rated number one. From player one to sixteen skills-wise, they’re all the same.”

This, however, isn’t Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin’s first rodeo as he welcomes that pressure from his peers.

“I know expectations are high for our team and it’s our job to play the best basketball as we can,” said the two-time UAAP champion coach.

The Blue Eagles know very well what’s at stake this year – a threepeat in the final season of main cogs Thirdy Ravena, Isaac Go, and twins Matt and Mike Nieto.

But as much as everyone pegs the Blue Eagles as the standard, it doesn’t mean there no other bets in the field.

UP, Adamson, La Salle, FEU, and UST are strong contenders as well in the eyes of the coaches.

“I think that the expectations for our team are in place. Every team is going to be prepared and hopefully, we can live up to the expectations thrown at us,” said Perasol, who is set to unveil Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero with the Fighting Maroons this year.

“I’m handling one of the youngest teams I’ve ever handled, but hopefully they adjust to the seniors level right away,” said Pumaren, who’ll bank on Jerrick Ahanmisi to get things done for the Soaring Falcons.

“We’re all excited for what’s in store for this coming season,” said Green Archers bench tactician Gian Nazario, who made splashes with their three “one-and-done” players.

FEU coach Olsen Racela, for his part, noted, “You’ll be seeing a different FEU team. You’re used to see experienced players, but half of our team are rookies so were investing on our youth and hopefully, matulungan nila kami.”

Swimmers lead Batang Pinoy record-breakers

By Peter Atencio

P

UERTO Princesa—Seventeen marks were set at the close of the Batang Pinoy national championships in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan although no meet records were established in athletics.

Promising youngsters Aubrey Tom of Cainta Rizal, Liaa Margarette Amoguis of Davao City and Roz Ciaralene Encarnacion of Laguna Province took credit for most the records that were set.

Aubrey, who will see action in the coming season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, claimed records in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 200m individual medley events in the 12-and-under girls division.

According to Philippine Swimming Inc. officials, the 12-year-old Tom broke the last two oldest Batang Pinoy national records of Heidi Gem Ong in the 50m and 100m freestyle.

Ong used to hold the records which were set 18 years ago at the 2001 Batang

Pinoy National Championships in Bacolod.

Amoguis, who is from Davao City, broke Jasmine Mojdeh’s 400m IM record of 5:37.70 in the 12-and-under Division with her new record time of 5:24.26.

The 200m IM and 200m butterfly records, also belong to Amoguis, even if she placed second to Tom in the 200m IM and Renavive Rontesa Subida in the 200m butterfly events.

Subida now owns the 12-and-under girls record of the 200m butterfly event with a time of 2:31.45.

Both Subida and Amoguis shattered Mojdeh’s 2:32.20 record.

Encarnacion, who is from the Laguna

Province, broke all the breaststroke records in events of the 13-15 girls division.

This includes the 50m and 200m breaststroke marks.

Encarnacion also erased the 100m breaststroke record while placing second to Puerto Princesa’s Mary Sophia Manantan. Manantan now holds the record for both the 100m and 200m breaststroke.

Puerto Princesa was host to a major sporting event for the first time in 11 years with the holding of the Batang Pinoy.

The city of Puerto Princesa invested time, effort and money to improve the facilities that were first built when the 2008 Palarong Pambansa was held here.

Mayor Lucio Bayron said he envisioned improving the playing venues, and not necessarily for hosting, but for the use of the people of Puerto Princesa ever since he took office in 2013.

Residents have since been able to use the basketball and volleyball courts, and use the track oval for walking, jogging and zumba routines.

Zhang Weili of China raises her hand in triumph after beating Jessica Andrade of Brazil in their UFC championship bout in Zhenzhen, China last Saturday. AFP

Nadal cruises to US Open quarterfinals NEW YORK, United States—Rafael Nadal returned from an extended rest to cruise into the US Open last 16 on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time), while Alexander Zverev again battled Second seed Nadal, a three-time winner at Flushing Meadows, disposed of 170th-ranked South Korean qualifier Chung Hyeon 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, having benefited from three days off after a second-round walkover.

The Spaniard improved his record here against players outside the top 50 to 35-1 and will meet 2014 champion Marin Cilic for a place in the quarterfinals.

“I’m happy to be in the fourth round for one more time. It was a good match,” said Nadal, who quit with injury against Juan Martin del Potro during last year’s semifinal.

Meanwhile, defending champion Naomi Osaka consoled a tearful Coco Gauff after a crushing US Open victory in a showdown billed as “the future of women’s tennis.

World number one Osaka overpowered 15-year-old Gauff 6-3, 6-0 in 65 minutes to keep her title defense on track before sharing a warm embrace with an opponent overwhelmed by the occasion in the New York spotlight.

The emotional clash was followed by tearful on-court interviews, Osaka asking Gauff to join her with the microphone as they met at the net.

“It was kind of instinctive because when I shook her hand, I saw that she was kind of tearing up a little. Then it reminded me how young she was,” Osaka said.

“I wanted her to have her head high, not walk off the court sad. I want her to, like, be aware that she’s accomplished so much and she’s still so young.”

Osaka said the match was one of her best since winning the Australian Open title.

Zhang crowned China’s first UFC champion

By Reuel Vidal “MY NAME is Zhang Weili. I am from China. Remember me.”

As the words reverberated through the colossal Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre arena in Guangdong Province, China 18,000 cheering Chinese stood up as one to honor their new UFC Strawweight World Champion.

Zhang shocked the martial arts world with an electrifying 41-second victory over former champion Jessica Andrade of Brazil who was tied for the most wins by a woman in UFC history with 11.

Zhang herself posted her 20th consecutive victory but with only four under the UFC banner.

Andrade charged forward at the start of their world title bout. But Zhang kept her at bay with powerful kicks to the inner part of her lead left leg as well as with stinging jabs.

Andrade continued to move forward as Zhang backpedaled out of harm’s way. Unaware or uncaring of Zhang’s power Andrade continued to move forward almost recklessly.

Andrade then pushed Zhang into the cage. With Andrade trying to clinch Zhang unloaded three vicious elbows to the head. Stung by the blows Andrade loosened her grip on Zhang’s torso.

Zhang then turned to Muay Thai kickboxing, grabbed Andrade by the back of the head and pulled her face downward as she kneed her head and body in combination with her stinging elbows.

A staggered Andrade stepped backwards on wobbly legs. Zhang pursued with a series of left and right combinations which missed.

American snaps Filipina’s winning Warriors buck travel woes to edge Imus Bandera run in world cadet chess tournament THE Philippines’ youngest Woman Fide Master (WFM) 45th seed Antonella Berthe “Tonelle” Murillo Racasa’s (Elo 1380) Cinderella run was halted by second seed Ruiyang Yan (Elo 1983) of the United States in the tenth round of the Under-12 Girls division of the World Cadet Chess Championships Saturday evening at the Yujing Hotel in Weifang, Shandong, China.

The 12-year-old Home School Global bet Racasa yielded to Ruiyang after 42 moves of Sniper defense using the black pieces.

Despite the loss, Racasa is still tied for 4th-8th places with 7.0 points along with four other players. She has gained 137.6 rating points from ten games according to Robert her father/coach.

“She began as the 45th seed among ninety players but she was able to play on Board 1 on penultimate round. She was able to upset seeded number nine and ten respectively. So proud of you anakis Antonella,” said Robert who is also an International Memory champion.

“Although it’s a heart breaking loss for our pambato Antonella, still we are joyous for the numerous upsets that she has done against high caliber player. It only proves that we can be at par with world class players.”

Third seed Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Galina Mikheeva (Elo 1952) of Russia toppled compatriot 4th seed Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Alexandra Shvedova (Elo 1932) to catch Ruiyang on top with 9.0 points.

ZAMBOANGA—General Santos City continued its remarkable run in the MPBL Lakan Season while another team on the rise, Bicol, came out as a conqueror late Saturday night here at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Gymnasium.

Arriving a few hours before tip-off, the Burlington-backed Warriors edged the Imus Bandera, 75-73, with Rob Celiz playing the hero’s role.

Celiz stole the ball in the dying seconds of the match then capped his endgame brilliance with a game-winning layup, allowing the Warriors to extend their winning streak to eight straight.

Following its latest win, General Santos City improved its win-loss record to 102, just half a game behind southern division leader Davao Occidental Tigers in this tournament put up by Senator

Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

“Kapag player ka, walang excuse kahit puyat ka, pagod ka, wala kang practice.

Ang trabaho mo is maglaro ng maayos,” said Celiz, who ended up with impressive numbers of 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four blocks.

General Santos City and Imus had trouble getting to Zamboanga for the game when their travel agency, Snap Travel, failed to get their tickets on time.

Like General Santos City, Bicol also sustained its winning run, this after the Volcanoes came out as conquering visitors against the Zamboanga-Family’s Brand Sardines, 88-86, in the other game.

It was the third straight win for the

Volcanoes, who improved their standings in the southern division with an 8-5 record and solidified their hold of the seventh spot. Zamboanga dropped below the .500 win-loss mark for the first time and absorbed its third straight loss. The team now carries a 6-7 win-loss slate.

Parading a new coach in Britt Reroma, former mentor of the Bulacan Kuyas, Zamboanga dictated the tempo of the game earlier, leading by as many as 22 points, 36-14, off a Raphy Reyes’ threepoint basket.

But when Reroma tried to experiment, that allowed the Volcanoes to wipe out the lead quickly and by the end of the second period, Bicol was only trailing by six, 46-40, and started to gain the momentum to complete a come-frombehind victory.

IN BRIEF 3 provinces commit to help rice farmers THREE top rice producing provinces in the country have taken the challenge of Agriculture Secretary William Dar to engage in the entire rice value chain.

The provincial governments of Isabela, Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte rolled similar programs of buying palay directly from farmers, dry and mill and sell it directly in the province and to sistercities like Makati, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and San Juan.

Nueva Ecija said over the weekend it provided P200 million in fund this year to aggressively buy palay from farmers.

Dar said Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael Marcos Manotoc, during a farmers’ forum at Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, agreed to start the province to directly involve itself in the rice industry by buying palay from farmers, dry and mill it, and sell to consumers.

“We appeal to the other top 27 rice producing provinces to follow suit, help our small rice farmers and their families tide the current dampened prices of palay,” said Dar. Othel V. Campos

Renewable energy targets unrealized THE Philippines failed to meet the targets set under the National Renewable Energy Program, prompting the government to initiate a review of the plan.

The share of RE in the power supply mix fell to 23 percent last year compared with the target of 30 percent share under NREP. “Instead of increasing the share of RE in the supply mix, we’re reducing. But there are a lot of factors that explain that, it’s not just because we’re using less RE. There are a lot more plants that we’re built that were using non-RE. The pie got bigger with the share of non-RE getting bigger. For RE, the increase was not proportional,” National Renewable Energy Board chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said.

Energy Department director for renewable energy management bureau Mylene Capongcol said when the NREP was issued in 2011 (covering the period from 2011 to 2030), the target was to triple RE capacity by 2030 from 5,000 MW. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

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

PPA investing P300m in shipbuilding facility

Finance eyes renminbi bonds to bankroll new infra projects

By Darwin G. Amojelar

S

TATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority said it will spend P300 million to build a shipbuilding facility on a 10-hectare property to support the modernization of the domestic shipping industry.

PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago did not mention the location of the facility to avoid land price speculation.

“We finished our feasibility study and we are now trying to find what is the best vehicle to be able to implement that, either government-initiated or through PPP [public private partner-

ship] or solicited proposals,” Santiago said.

“Hopefully by next year, we should be able to break ground [for] the shipbuilding facility,” he said.

Santiago said the initial investment for the 10-hectare facility was P300 million.

“We have identified the location but we cannot disclose it yet because we don’t want to encourage speculations of land [prices],” he said.

“The reason why we want to do this [is] in line with the modernization. We want to be able to deploy as many passenger vessels as possible. We are also retiring, decommissioning vessels that are unacceptable for safety of our passengers,’ Santiago said.

He said shipowners and operators were supporting the government’s proposal to build a shipbuilding facility because they would be the customers.

“In terms of cost efficiency, it will

be cost-efficient for them if they start building locally and at the same time create technology transfers. He said shipbuilders would also be encouraged to strengthen the country’s shipbuilding industry.

The Maritime Industry Authority was considering more incentives for the shipbuilding and ship repair services to improve the overall investment climate in the maritime industry.

The local SBSR sector generated $1.6 billion in revenue in 2016. The sector continues to cater to the needs of other industries such as fishing and shipping with 1,179 ships constructed in 2018.

Marina also plans to establish a global maritime hub, initially targeted to be placed under the management of Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

The maritime hub aims to transform the country into a one-stop maritime destination in the Asian region.

Inspection of imported glass critical, says DTI THE certification and inspection of imported float glass remain crucial to strictly enforce mandatory standards and ensure consumer safety.

Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said the PS mark and certification, which are the added measures to the department order or DAO 19-05, were key to prevent the proliferation of substandard construction glass.

To make the procedure easier for foreign suppliers, the Trade Department may allow international accredited laboratories to inspect and determine whether or not imports meet Philippine standards. The final certification and inspection rest with the Bureau of Product Standards.

Castelo conceded that the issuance of a court injunction against the implementation of DAO 19-05 had become a big setback on the agency’s crackdown against the proliferation of substandard construction glass, putting at risk the safety of consumers. Othel V. Campos

SM’S AUTOMATED CARPARK. SM’s Intelligent Car Park, one of the country’s first automated multi-level carparks and the first-of-its-kind in SM, opens at Bank Drive in SM Megamall. Cutting the ribbon during the opening ceremony are (from left) SM Supermalls chief operating officer Steven Tan, Police chief superintendent Valeriano de Leon, Park Solutions and Oroza Enterprises president Ding Oroza, SM Prime Holdings Inc. president Hans Sy, Park Solutions operations manager Ferdinand Khalil Oroza and Hokuko Parking Inc. director Kenji Kawakami.

Liquor producers ask for level taxation on distilled spirits, wine THE Distilled Spirits Association of the Philippines said it supports the government’s proposal for higher taxes on alcohol products as long as it promotes a level playing field among industry players.

DSAP president Olivia Limpe-Aw said association members were concerned that current proposals aimed to impose too much tax burden on distilled spirits and a lighter levy on wine products.

“As we told the Department of Finance, if you want to increase our taxes, we’re okay with that as long as you level the field,” Limpe-Aw said at a recent Senate ways and means committee meeting chaired by Senator Pia Cayetano.

Limpe-Aw said the DOF’s plan to exempt wines from the ad valorem tax was unfair to other alcohol makers. Under the proposal, the government plans to collect two kinds of taxes from every proof liter of distilled spirits―first, a

P40 specific tax and second, a 22-percent ad valorem tax based on net retail price per proof.

The DOF proposed to impose a single specific tax of P40 per liter of wine, which would be exempted from ad valorem tax.

“We’re currently applying a progressive tax structure for distilled spirits. There’s no reason it can’t be done across categories in the alcohol sector/ industry. We just need to look for the right balance,” said Limpe-Aw, who is also the president and chief executive of Destileria Limtuaco, Inc., the country’s oldest distillery.

She said that if adopted, the DOF proposal would unfairly penalize lowincome consumers who could not afford to buy expensive wines costing up to P600,000 per bottle that pay only P40 excise tax per liter or equivalent to P30 per 750-ml bottle. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

B1

By Julito G. Rada THE Finance Department plans to tap more renminbi-denominated concessional loans with flexible interest rates from China to fund infrastructure projects.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said over the weekend China and the Philippines signed an agreement allowing the latter to access official development assistance in renminbi denomination.

Dominguez said the agreement between the DOF and China International Development Cooperation Agency would allow the Philippines to shy away from dollar-denominated loans.

The finance chief, however, assured that Manila would still consider the market conditions once they decided to tap the renminbi loan facility.

“President Xi Jinping is aware of our financing needs and one of the items we discussed was the interest rates, mainly on its flexibility,” Dominguez said in a phone interview.

“Previously our loans from China were in dollars, but now they opened up their renminbi facility to us,” he said.

Aside from the agreement, the Philippines also sealed the preferential buyer’s credit loan agreement of management consultancy of the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project with the Export-Import Bank of China.

The services management consultancy covers the detailed engineering and design, preparation of the terms of reference and bidding documents for a design-and-build procurement.

Among the services that will be bid out are civil works, rolling stocks and electromechanical system, along with the construction supervision, the DOF said.

The agreement for the rail project, costing $219.78 million, aims to link Metro Manila to Legazpi, Albay; Legaspi to Matnog in Sorsogon; and Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City.

The project management consultant will also provide tender assistance, which includes, among others, the market study, administration of the limited competitive bidding and tender award to the contractors and suppliers.

Cavite told to submit Sangley airport financial model THE National Economic and Development Authority said the Cavite provincial government must submit financial and economic assumptions for the proposed international airport in Sangley Point in Cavite.

“No complete documentation [as of now]. It’s not just a feasibility study, but they have to do some financial and economic model. They have to submit a financial and economic model,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

Pernia said the Cavite government had not yet informed the agency on when it would be able to complete the submission of documents. The agency earlier returned the proposal to the proponent.

When asked if NEDA gave a deadline to the Cavite government, Pernia said, “it’s up to them.”

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said the Cavite LGU could even team up with private

sector proponents such as the Solar Group to speed up the implementation of an international gateway in Sangley Point.

“It is possible. There is nothing illegal about that [joint venture],” Tugade said when asked about the possible partnership between the provincial government of Cavite and the Solar Group for the Sangley airport project.

Tugade said even the national government was teaming up with the private sector for various infrastructure projects under the public-private partnership program.

The P500-billion Sangley International Airport proposal of the Cavite provincial government was still pending at the National Economic and Development Authority because of alleged incomplete documents, funding source issue and unclear implementing arrangement.

Sangley airport is an important alternative to the Ninoy Aquino Inter-

national Airport. President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the transfer of domestic flights from NAIA to Sangley Air Base to ease airport congestion in Metro Manila.

Aside from the Cavite provincial government, Solar Group’s All-Asia Resources and Reclamation Corp. submitted a similar unsolicited proposal to develop Sangley into an international airport in 2016.

AARC’s unsolicited proposal to build the Philippine Sangley International Airport was estimated to cost $12 billion.

A crucial portion of the ARRC development plan is the rehabilitation of the Danilo Atienza Air Base and its transformation into a general aviation airport that can serve as an emergency alternative to NAIA during the project development phase.

ARRC proposed a concession period of 50 years for the Sangley International Airport. Darwin G. Amojelar

Group asks DOE to ban new coal plants

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PILLARS OF MODERN AGRICULTURE. Agriculture Secretary William Dar (second from left) speaks on Agriculture Modernization at the Quezon City Sports Club, along with (from left) Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. chairman Philip Ong, former Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo Jr. and Rolando Dy of the University of Asia and the Pacific.

CONSUMER group Murang Kuryente slammed the Department of Energy’s “technology-neutral” policy that ruled out a moratorium on the construction of new coal-fired power plants.

Energy Secretary Al Cusi, responding to questions during the DOE’s budget briefing, told legislators that the “moratorium on any technology is a disservice to our country.”

“Secretary Cusi’s remarks betray a parochial mentality that focuses on megawatts produced while dooming consumers to paying more for unreliable and polluting energy,” said Murang Kuryente spokesperson Gerry Arances.

The energy consumer advocate said Cusi’s policy was not in line with the

directive issued by President Rodrigo Duterte in his last State of the Nation Address.

“You cannot divorce the economic, social and environmental effect of any technology from its output,” said Arances.

Murang Kuryente blamed the coal power plants for aggravating the “power crisis” experienced in the runup to the 2019 mid-term elections.

“It’s a no-brainer. If you have technology that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable in producing energy, you go for it and abandon old technology, especially if it’s destructive,” said Arances.

The Philippines is one of the few countries in the world that insist on constructing new coal-fired power plants despite a global trend to halt their continued use.

B2

Business

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market to retest 8,000 points T

By Jenniffer B. Austria

HE Philippine Stock Exchange Index may climb past the 8,000-point mark again this week on improved sentiments and easing trade tensions between the US and China.

The breakout to the 8,000 level will depend on developments overseas. “Whether the index breakout of the 8k mark should be reliant on US market movement in the coming days, and if foreigners continue their inflow like today,” Papa Securities trader Gabriel Perez said.

While stocks have recovered from the 7,700-point level, First Metro Investments Corp. expects upcoming trading sessions to remain bumpy as negative stimuli appear to surpass positive ones.

Among the positives which could provide a boost the market are the persistent fall in inflation and interest rates and lower-than-expected balance of trade deficit in June.

“In short, it looks like the sun would rise only after the typhoon season has burst the dark clouds,” FMIC said.

The PSEi last week closed at 7,979, up 1.1 percent week-on-week amid positive developments on the US-China trade talks and month-end window dressing The broader All Shares Index also climbed 0.8 percent week-on-week to close at 4,809.

Except for the property index which declined 0.5 percent, all other sub-indices ended in the green. The mining and oil sector was the biggest gainer, rising 2.2 percent, followed by services which climbed 2.1 percent. Holding firms also gained 1.9 percent, while the industrial

and financial index rose 1.2 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.

Foreign investors were net sellers for the week by P2.15 billion, while the average daily value traded stood at P10 billion from the previous week’s average of P7.6 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were ABSCBN Corp., which climbed 8.8 percent to P20.20; Security Bank Corp., which advanced 7.5 percent to P204; and Globe Telecom, which rose 6.9 percent to P2,030.

Weekly top price losers were Kepwealth Property Philippines Inc., which dropped 27.2 percent to 10.92; Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., which fell 11.5 percent to P31.40; and San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc., which lost 7.7 percent to P90.

Renewed hopes for trade talks, meanwhile, kept stock markets mostly in the black on Friday after China suggested this week it might not retaliate against the latest US tariffs.

The relative calm made for a mostly positive final day to a bruising month, when economic and trade war fears eroded gains from June and July.

European bourses posted modest gains while Wall Street swung to a split finish after a choppy session, following mixed economic news on consumers and ahead of sharp increase in US tariffs on Chinese imports planned for Sunday.

Despite recorded gains for the week, the major New York indexes finished the month in the red for the first time since May. “We may be facing up to the reality of recession but optimism continues to flow through the veins of investors following comments from the Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday,” said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

The apparently easing tensions helped China’s yuan strengthen slightly against the dollar, having fallen to an 11-year low earlier in the week. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS Weekly StockS revieW STOCKS

AUGUST 27-30, 2019 Close Volume

Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding Filipino Fund Inc. First Abacus I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp.

MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp.

PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Union Bank Vantage Equities

57 149.00 87.95 1.93 1.15 26.15 7.95 18.4 11.9 4.89 7.71 0.53 1.34 750.00 0.460 70.9 0.94 13.1 22.00 46.90 57.9 116 186.5 27.6 204 60.05 1.11

3,890 11,231,060 11,769,840 3,156,000 172,000 191,400 400 4,800 2,905,600 1,611,000 10,200 4,000 61,000 90 1,050,000 13,576,890 1,155,000 29,000 200 550,600 331,080 460 7,330 50,500 3,903,290 119,120 411,000

FINANCIAL 215,514.50 1,639,272,243.00 1,027,471,344.50 6,313,700.00 197,800.00 4,994,350.00 2,318.00 87,840.00 33,829,586.00 7,886,560.00 78,705.00 2,120.00 81,290.00 64,710.00 470,100.00 965,042,411.00 1,066,030.00 379,900.00 4,480.00 24,966,970.00 19,155,311.00 55,060.00 1,366,858.00 1,378,025.00 755,259,048.00 7,076,091.50 456,210.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Basic Energy Corp.

Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp.

First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp.

Liberty Flour LMG Chemicals Mabuhay Vinyl Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp.

Pepsi-Cola Products Phil.

Petroenergy Res. Corp.

Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils.

Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp.

Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp.

Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp.

Vivant Corp.

Vulcan Ind’l.

38 15.5 0.72 1.31 0.249 108.9 15.00 3.05 13.9 110 10.7 76.95 81 32.05 2.02 5.83 5.7 9.170 15.1 10.10 7.25 1.7 26.4 82.15 50.00 2.0600 14.78 8.19 1.580 237.80 41.05 4.9 3.32 8.69 22.5 13.88 19 0.203 365.00 5.29 1.9 4.25 5.09 9.22 2.83 11.20 31.4 5.15 5.10 1.62 2.2 1.08 12.38 90 7.2 0.126 1.04 173 2.45 1.18 16.10 1.25

15,487,900 3,745,500 6,502,000 215,000 18,580,000 110 18,100 30,030,000 1,816,400 90 2,273,300 19,130 96,700 61,600 115,000 90,800 120,000 4,533,700 10,329,300 2,826,700 14,083,900 7,000 7,581,600 353,740 541,890 32,638,000 4,736,800 864,200 906,000 4,169,050 200 1,001,500 53,000 24,000 1,995,100 522,800 12,764,900 1,990,000 1,215,790 22,700 40,645,100 578,000 3,422,300 3,024,200 93,086,000 234,100 4,879,800 2,034,300 20,500 2,808,000 11,000 562,000 408,600 1,519,730 205,500 1,040,000 11,325,000 8,277,130 181,000 26,321,000 3,700 141,304,000

INDUSTRIAL 567,859,995.00 57,011,576.00 4,703,230.00 281,730.00 4,755,590.00 10,606.50 273,226.00 89,770,020.00 25,390,174.00 9,899.00 25,265,300.00 1,464,665.50 8,013,351.50 2,051,110.00 232,700.00 522,279.00 681,566.00 41,146,650.00 155,399,568.00 27,818,726.00 102,673,840.00 11,690.00 199,489,325.00 29,405,796.00 26,787,741.50 65,172,600.00 69,268,658.00 7,033,439.00 1,375,310.00 967,975,060.00 8,210.00 4,979,145.00 179,570.00 202,474.00 44,622,875.00 7,112,908.00 237,254,884.00 385,800.00 443,789,762.00 119,694.00 94,192,740.00 2,459,240.00 17,521,462.00 27,618,586.00 255,684,750.00 2,608,106.00 158,928,705.00 10,324,809.00 103,670.00 4,460,290.00 24,280.00 597,530.00 5,045,504.00 139,545,367.50 1,466,482.00 130,920.00 12,697,020.00 1,411,002,512.00 444,380.00 29,627,770.00 59,570.00 199,695,580.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Ayala Land Log Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings Filinvest Dev. Corp.

Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Jolliville Holdings Keppel Holdings `A’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp.

Lopez Holdings Corp.

LT Group Mabuhay Holdings `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Pacifica `A’ Prime Media Hldg Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp `A’ Seafront `A’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

0.910 53.90 12.70 0.80 7.00 14.6 1.280 1.310 925 3.550 6.94 9.05 13.70 0.260 908 6.28 71.95 6.48 5 0.5 4.64 14.78 0.660 4.95 0.0390 1.390 2.60 180.00 2.41 1026.00 1.28 0.85 246.800 459.80 0.2360 0.250

176,300,000 12,858,210 38,526,600 214,462,000 670,500 164,000 32,894,000 2,442,000 1,667,510 7,896,000 2,859,000 44,294,200 451,000 8,660,000 712,970 7,600 13,186,850 6,200 18,900 1,880,000 8,444,000 11,529,600 7,758,000 150,803,000 147,300,000 4,192,000 12,000 1,190,740 13,000 2,194,535 540,000 60,629,000 258,700 150 7,030,000 26,760,000

HOLDING FIRMS 145,037,810.00 658,656,361.00 483,345,490.00 217,524,710.00 4,693,530.00 2,261,496.00 44,399,570.00 3,293,700.00 1,559,648,815.00 27,354,890.00 19,420,589.00 396,771,145.00 6,130,726.00 2,337,740.00 625,655,180.00 45,601.00 904,195,416.00 37,031.00 95,497.00 916,950.00 38,883,010.00 162,520,950.00 4,909,920.00 735,174,740.00 5,918,600.00 5,890,340.00 32,000.00 209,870,233.00 32,210.00 2,199,896,762.50 705,090.00 62,510,850.00 64,605,600.00 62,698.00 1,677,870.00 6,803,120.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop `A’ Arthaland Corp.

Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. `A’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. `A’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp.

DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

15.320 0.80 9.71 1.900 0.880 47.300 2.18 4.72 6.16 0.570 0.74 0.850 0.238 0.400 9.460 21.65 0.455 0.121 1.62 1.26 5.13 0.325 1.4100 0.4700 0.400 53.80 2.1

2,231,600 2,418,000 4,800 1,073,000 13,810,000 78,790,800 1,977,000 1,535,000 231,000 59,809,000 106,000 156,000 6,610,000 3,210,000 2,600,700 5,542,600 2,290,000 120,000 137,919,000 3,030,000 262,332,400 92,480,000 15,091,000 1,490,000 2,850,000 210 3,208,000

PROPERTY 34,394,174.00 1,913,180.00 46,816.00 2,019,590.00 12,039,940.00 3,749,847,565.00 4,266,860.00 7,216,640.00 1,344,760.00 33,842,790.00 77,790.00 131,650.00 1,561,470.00 1,266,700.00 23,191,801.00 123,449,390.00 1,049,250.00 14,880.00 220,201,190.00 3,750,920.00 1,308,197,747.00 29,307,750.00 20,933,700.00 679,550.00 1,090,950.00 11,260.00 6,672,660.00

AUGUST 19-23, 2019 Close Volume Value 54.8 148.20 89.90 2.06 1.21 25.9

13,790 7,626,130 6,995,740 40,000 283,000 552,600

786,414.00 1,112,053,515.00 622,003,075.50 83,690.00 317,210.00 14,454,050.00

18.2 11.7 4.85

131,800 1,840,000 3,997,000

2,439,038.00 21,372,948.00 20,266,180.00

0.53 1.29 750.00 0.435 72 0.94 13.1 20.70 44.85 57.95 120 189.4 28 189.8 59.05 1.11

5,000 40,000 30 180,000 9,433,550 1,955,000 126,500 14,000 1,928,300 24,440 170 7,220 153,600 1,995,370 253,660 325,000

2,650.00 49,950.00 22,500.00 80,650.00 669,673,851.00 1,854,020.00 1,657,292.00 291,290.00 87,803,185.00 1,417,665.00 20,102.00 1,351,247.00 4,218,740.00 376,960,785.00 14,972,415.50 365,310.00

37 15 0.68 1.31 0.239 109 15.98 3.06 14.04 110 10.4 75.4 85.5 35.85 2.02 5.7 5.9 8.900 15.1 9.51 7.25 1.63 26.55 83.25 50.85 1.9000 14.74 8.01 1.480 230.00 43.50 4.75 3.39 8.21 22.45 13.56 18.66 0.184 362.00 5.30 1.81 4.20 5.11 9.23 2.81 11.28 35.5 5.1 5.09 1.7 2.2 1.08 12.4 97.5 7.15 0.125 0.97 171 2.45 1.07 16.10 1.13

5,654,800 5,095,400 2,953,000 1,091,000 3,980,000 180 4,700 38,367,000 4,652,800 60 1,350,100 49,230 126,170 3,500 510,000 58,900 192,900 3,344,600 388,200 3,011,200 5,930,800 39,000 6,354,600 603,890 664,260 27,667,000 5,841,300 353,900 350,000 3,399,690 300 714,000 77,000 45,800 7,336,200 1,230,400 11,283,200 1,480,000 690,530 9,700 92,259,000 191,000 7,063,600 976,000 103,602,000 232,400 1,400,400 16,437,600 1,419,100 24,360,000 428,000 1,029,000 1,190,300 605,760 306,700 1,150,000 1,772,000 4,173,880 72,000 38,685,000 3,500 14,227,000

204,309,880.00 74,776,348.00 2,002,370.00 1,428,600.00 941,420.00 19,310.00 73,226.00 116,772,430.00 65,436,114.00 6,600.00 15,276,786.00 3,792,835.50 11,367,186.00 125,910.00 1,041,220.00 333,269.00 1,149,591.00 30,118,702.00 5,825,244.00 27,965,768.00 41,253,957.00 67,310.00 167,564,660.00 50,615,760.50 35,019,061.00 54,035,080.00 85,328,776.00 2,857,001.00 524,960.00 773,407,730.00 13,050.00 3,319,980.00 261,030.00 401,718.00 162,465,290.00 17,202,140.00 208,488,328.00 281,000.00 250,690,274.00 26,029.00 169,433,620.00 847,660.00 37,225,389.00 8,829,731.00 295,557,400.00 2,577,044.00 50,088,105.00 104,848,865.00 7,218,978.00 43,937,730.00 986,300.00 1,126,340.00 14,837,456.00 59,177,877.50 2,165,741.00 143,280.00 1,802,790.00 705,539,772.00 178,630.00 41,804,730.00 56,350.00 16,783,030.00

0.770 51.30 12.26 0.68 7.01 13.26 1.300 1.310 955.5 3.540 6.83 9.22 13.60 0.233 864 6.28 68.80 6.2 5.5 0.49 4.61 13.62 0.610 4.98 0.0380 1.360 2.87 175.00

134,024,000 4,618,790 61,032,700 1,070,000 201,700 221,300 14,877,000 2,018,000 1,506,170 9,689,000 4,907,600 18,977,200 2,964,600 180,000 561,310 1,800 7,170,080 3,100 84,900 1,042,000 9,377,000 6,347,200 10,978,000 222,771,300 18,500,000 2,529,000 97,000 631,620

109,326,840.00 234,787,715.50 780,217,936.00 718,020.00 1,412,958.00 3,091,408.00 18,913,620.00 2,552,000.00 1,418,184,245.00 35,233,610.00 33,324,476.00 174,743,195.00 40,367,276.00 40,860.00 484,917,405.00 10,968.00 480,321,674.00 18,483.00 502,542.00 503,015.00 43,398,820.00 85,898,228.00 6,433,490.00 1,116,744,768.00 708,300.00 3,363,390.00 280,700.00 111,176,806.00

1004.00 1.41 0.79 251.400

1,586,380 188,000 4,089,000 25,270

1,587,691,590.00 262,380.00 3,210,890.00 6,359,552.00

0.2360 0.230

4,110,000 14,150,000

941,310.00 3,280,460.00

15.460 0.79 10.40 1.910 0.920 48.900 2.19 4.71 6.16 0.580 0.76 0.880 0.226 0.400 9.000 24 0.465 0.125 1.59 1.27 4.8 0.295 1.3300 0.4650 0.380 53.90 2.03

1,753,100 2,160,000 8,600 1,029,000 31,972,000 48,570,800 1,987,000 1,585,000 101,200 61,876,000 218,000 101,000 3,520,000 5,100,000 4,669,500 1,986,900 7,330,000 40,000 209,672,000 3,818,000 240,731,200 52,040,000 8,945,000 6,040,000 1,160,000 17,280 2,030,000

27,164,608.00 1,723,690.00 89,310.00 1,968,890.00 30,173,460.00 2,369,884,695.00 4,307,850.00 7,510,250.00 591,163.00 35,254,590.00 164,150.00 86,590.00 803,550.00 2,059,050.00 43,961,586.00 46,691,705.00 3,363,000.00 5,000.00 347,929,120.00 4,890,400.00 1,190,677,930.00 15,674,800.00 12,486,990.00 2,749,600.00 443,000.00 900,873.50 4,083,220.00

STOCKS

AUGUST 27-30, 2019 Close Volume

AUGUST 19-23, 2019 Close Volume Value

Value

Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

25.00 2.35 3.3 35.30 2.4 5.8 0.890 7.700

16,118,300 933,000 469,000 66,179,400 5,761,000 596,800 7,637,000 32,679,700

400,530,290.00 2,184,370.00 1,525,290.00 2,315,878,665.00 13,573,100.00 3,448,536.00 7,050,730.00 242,280,527.00

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ.

Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp.

Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. PH Resorts Group Phil. Seven Corp.

Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp.

SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils.

Wilcon Depot

10.2 20.2 1.56 0.580 0.047 19.84 2.33 10.34 0.0590 98 6.99 7.06 5.80 2.25 10.20 2030 5.37 435.00 1.82 135.8 2.07 9.65 5.30 0.112 5.1500 3.07 14 3.15 0.94 19.00 15.16 0.475 3.2 2.45 1.16 1.28 3.230 2.68 8.08 3.02 5.00 144.00 3.13 1179.00 0.580 0.700 43.90 78.00 9.11 2.79 0.700 0.37 5.46 0.690 16.900

154,900 1,135,900 102,000 28,930,000 21,800,000 12,900 571,000 26,523,200 78,160,000 1,501,500 1,000 7,392,500 5,000 11,000 14,723,400 282,095 384,300 12,230 68,842,000 15,858,830 65,000 119,600 100 182,020,000 11,749,500 36,000 3,600 3,177,000 5,106,000 1,290,300 100 3,790,000 112,000 5,450,000 470,000 33,000 308,646,000 667,000 184,100 2,000 284,900 17,350 5,472,000 747,210 336,386,000 10,426,000 3,825,780 2,735,010 86,400 10,887,000 4,936,000 134,720,000 17,566,500 12,033,000 7,357,200

Abra Mining Apex `A’ Atlas Cons. `A’ Atok-Big Wedge `A’ Benguet Corp `A’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto `A’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining `A’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. `A’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex `A’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. `A’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp.

United Paragon

0.0018 1.24 2.53 12.22 1.1500 2.71 0.280 7.85 1.470 0.218 0.108 0.120 0.0095 0.0110 1.1 2.74 1.01 0.4800 0.8400 0.0110 0.0120 3.82 11.60 0.0110 7.5600 23.20 0.0065

MINING & OIL 6,754,000,000 11,482,000.00 43,820,000 56,803,730.00 338,000 865,990.00 21,400 255,868.00 17,000 19,550.00 2,447,000 6,600,080.00 170,000 47,600.00 13,000 101,464.00 5,468,000 7,933,950.00 181,420,000 46,754,050.00 22,290,000 2,461,560.00 1,230,000 137,980.00 28,000,000 264,500.00 68,800,000 722,800.00 3,476,000 3,659,540.00 22,697,000 59,773,670.00 708,000 738,550.00 1,630,000 825,200.00 4,905,000 4,248,620.00 90,600,000 1,061,600.00 48,600,000 583,200.00 5,607,000 21,184,090.00 22,758,600 291,305,150.00 79,800,000 933,900.00 21,761,400 173,400,617.00 3,438,600 78,880,150.00 508,000,000 3,644,700.00

ABS-CBN Holdings Corp.

Alco Preferred B Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ DD PREF First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P GMA Holdings Inc. GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred 2A PCOR-Preferred 3A PCOR-Preferred 3B PF Pref 2 PNX PREF 3A SMC Preferred 1 SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMPFC Preferred

18.36 102 502 504 101 105 490 500 5.18 995 980 0.99 101.1 996 1035 1033 100 109 990 75.3 78.5 75.45 76.5 76.3 77 75.55 76 1.4

1,783,300 77,730 17,140 1,090 40,650 38,500 40 27,030 185,400 590 28,410 787,000 1,000 480 22,385 4,255 9,700 770 10 1,020 93,410 1,058,400 43,730 40,320 121,290 824,700 844,730 20,000

LR Warrant

1.600

210,000

SERVICES 1,614,572.00 22,773,218.00 156,100.00 16,783,860.00 982,400.00 238,884.00 1,328,670.00 265,383,482.00 4,467,040.00 144,796,833.50 6,990.00 51,805,482.00 29,015.00 22,630.00 193,849,359.00 542,897,040.00 2,052,550.00 5,216,462.00 132,424,120.00 2,060,304,299.00 131,910.00 1,103,955.00 530.00 22,537,700.00 58,127,138.00 108,650.00 50,644.00 9,848,520.00 4,809,430.00 23,752,932.00 1,516.00 1,826,350.00 341,620.00 12,926,900.00 558,330.00 42,210.00 1,179,616,610.00 1,788,130.00 1,483,967.00 6,010.00 1,452,263.00 2,503,930.00 16,743,380.00 842,972,390.00 196,637,310.00 7,065,550.00 168,296,965.00 213,387,173.50 786,484.00 25,674,620.00 3,337,470.00 51,639,450.00 95,806,521.00 8,452,840.00 123,486,366.00

PREFERRED 32,776,624.00 8,156,310.00 8,557,518.00 545,090.00 4,101,560.00 4,050,805.00 19,600.00 13,637,350.00 957,380.00 587,050.00 27,817,100.00 779,830.00 101,102.00 479,900.00 23,199,220.00 4,426,065.00 970,390.00 83,699.00 9,900.00 77,740.50 7,361,843.50 79,850,999.00 3,338,771.00 3,086,465.00 9,308,299.00 62,729,904.00 64,150,778.00 31,310.00

WARRANTS & BONDS 328,570.00 SME 2,270.00 69,931,223.00 480,821,318.00 33,297,280.00

24.60 2.35 3.3 34.80 2.38 5.81 0.910 7.420

16,910,900 1,388,000 1,984,000 50,134,000 10,079,000 278,100 60,594,000 25,144,200

411,776,215.00 3,302,320.00 6,550,290.00 1,750,696,635.00 25,226,590.00 1,601,391.00 59,312,160.00 188,726,540.00

10.2 18.56 1.53 0.590 0.047 18.5 2.35 10.12 0.0580 96.25 6.99 7.15 6.00 2.27 8.22 1899 5.34 426.00 1.59 132.3 1.83 9.65 5.20 0.107 5.0400 3.07 14.6 3.18 0.85 19.00 15.16 0.450 3.03 2.40 1.42 1.27 2.130 2.7 8.00 2.84 4.62 144.50 3.05 1149.00 0.490 0.680 44.00 80.50 9.03 2.79 0.660 0.35 5.46 0.680 16.660

142,000 1,778,400 144,000 56,005,000 18,700,000 642,300 1,341,000 21,283,300 40,690,000 1,098,340 5,000 9,005,600 138,900 5,000 161,000 263,990 703,800 32,260 3,889,000 5,480,050 127,000 9,800 2,800 2,660,000 21,211,300 52,000 3,400 1,082,000 1,449,000 1,152,000 1,900 770,000 188,000 3,947,000 98,000 9,000 4,583,000 403,000 154,300 265,000 32,000 1,640 11,614,000 661,330 62,458,000 3,969,000 3,810,600 3,268,990 43,800 26,038,000 6,772,000 24,130,000 17,755,900 7,001,000 7,034,800

1,449,803.00 33,975,118.00 215,970.00 32,490,510.00 870,400.00 12,186,214.00 3,084,710.00 222,612,870.00 2,355,570.00 105,159,759.50 34,950.00 60,692,271.00 816,081.00 10,460.00 1,389,023.00 501,967,960.00 3,744,449.00 13,968,666.00 6,308,870.00 713,718,610.00 235,670.00 90,496.00 14,395.00 289,190.00 103,540,392.00 157,010.00 48,110.00 3,453,920.00 1,267,190.00 21,880,428.00 26,832.00 347,000.00 572,060.00 9,686,600.00 126,180.00 11,430.00 9,803,180.00 1,074,090.00 1,251,414.00 757,280.00 149,830.00 234,292.00 36,767,350.00 744,182,620.00 32,442,805.00 2,709,610.00 169,293,670.00 253,266,622.00 399,055.00 72,165,040.00 4,573,630.00 8,170,300.00 96,839,534.00 4,715,640.00 116,252,500.00

0.0017 1.25 2.53 12.58 1.1500 2.76 0.270 7.85 1.430 0.204 0.112 0.114 0.0110 0.0110 1.05 2.5 1.03 0.4550 0.8200 0.0110 0.0130 3.70 12.74 0.0110 7.8400 22.65 0.0062

1,524,000,000 29,540,000 561,000 29,000 20,000 691,000 180,000 14,200 6,082,000 1,970,000 5,830,000 3,630,000 121,900,000 113,600,000 1,590,000 11,732,000 311,000 340,000 1,138,000 54,800,000 8,600,000 4,651,000 11,992,600 281,500,000 66,495,900 2,332,700 3,000,000

2,589,600.00 38,104,170.00 1,731,690.00 351,424.00 22,800.00 1,879,650.00 48,600.00 110,947.00 8,668,400.00 399,440.00 659,490.00 413,270.00 1,161,600.00 1,164,600.00 1,686,550.00 29,933,490.00 310,730.00 161,200.00 929,340.00 651,500.00 106,400.00 17,653,260.00 157,921,448.00 2,977,100.00 665,959,950.00 53,103,435.00 18,600.00

17.4 101 500 500 101 105.5 499 509.5 5.29 1000 1000 1 101.1 1000 1030 1030

2,489,400 1,500 12,680 440 42,700 66,630 210 10,640 371,300 4,380 11,300 260,000 4,340 335 10,295 11,085

44,204,900.00 151,700.00 6,308,360.00 219,360.00 4,325,372.00 7,046,345.00 104,740.00 5,371,505.00 1,925,021.00 4,248,315.00 10,997,220.00 258,000.00 438,412.00 333,930.00 10,701,000.00 11,525,100.00

109.5 1008 76 78.5 75.5 75.95 76.95 75.7 75.05 76.4 1.4

10 3,040 12,950 195,550 532,890 15,400 211,800 12,910 12,600 18,450 10,000

1,095.00 3,010,360.00 985,017.00 15,350,357.00 2,317,270.00 1,169,760.00 16,263,895.50 977,372.50 945,570.00 1,395,684.00 14,100.00

1.550

182,000

285,170.00

7.9 15 0.94

18,461,400 150,682,200 10,074,000

137,219,913.00 2,133,240,878.00 9,611,920.00

Makati Fin. Corp.

Italpinas Kepwealth Xurpas

2.27 7.64 10.92 0.98

1,000 9,185,600 35,110,400 34,974,000

First Metro ETF

119.6

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 35,790 4,207,795.00

118.2

33,570

3,959,951.00

10.3 10.1 1.02

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 53,770 552,397.60 50,000 505,000.00 10,000 10,200.00

10.34 10.2 1.03

75,340 4,810 266,180

776,628.20 49,062.00 271,520.00

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining United Paragon PremiereHorizon NOW Corp.

Megaworld Anglo Holdings A Island Info Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Abacus Cons. `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

VOLUME 6,754,000,000 508,000,000 336,386,000 308,646,000 262,332,400 214,462,000 182,020,000 181,420,000 176,300,000 150,803,000

STOCKS Ayala Land `B’ SM Prime Holdings SM Investments Inc. I.C.T.S.I. Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Ayala Corp `A’ Universal Robina Megaworld NOW Corp.

Bank of PI

VALUE 3,749,847,565.00 2,315,878,665.00 2,199,896,762.50 2,060,304,299.00 1,639,272,243.00 1,559,648,815.00 1,411,002,512.00 1,308,197,747.00 1,179,616,610.00 1,027,471,344.50

Jollibee still open to more acquisitions —chairman JOLLIBEE Foods Corp., the biggest fast-food chain, said it remains open to acquisitions after finalizing the $350-million purchase of US-based cafe chain Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

Jollibee chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said in a recent interview the acquisitions would depend on the timing as well as valuations, and how it would fit with the overall business plan.

“Acquisition sometimes is not about whether you like it or not, but depends on timing and availability. We are still open minded on acquisitions,” said Tan Caktiong.

“Is valuation correct? Will this concept fit? All of these will be considered,” he added.

Tan Caktiong said the company remained open in acquiring brands in China because of huge opportunities in that country.

Before acquiring CBTL, Jollibee in the recent years acquired several global brands in bid to among the world’s five largest food operators.

Among its recent acquisitions were Colorado-based Smashburger and Tortas Frontera, Mexican fast-casual chain based in Chicago.

It has also acquired exclusive rights to develop Dunkin’ Donuts in several territories in China and the Asia Pacific master franchise holder of Michelin star Tim Ho Wan. Tan Caktiong has said Jollibee is considering bringing in strategic investors to help turn around CBTL. He said a few long term pension funds had expressed interest in teaming up with Jollibee in CBTL. “We are still evaluating what we will do,” Tan Caktiong said. “Do we get a strategic partner or not? We will know around the closing.”

Meanwhile, Tan Caktiong expects Jollibee to register better financial second-half results than in the first half of the year.

“Same store stares are improving.

If you compare it to last year in terms of net income. So this second half (is) slightly better than first half of the year.

But if you compare it to last year, it is not as strong,” he said.

Jollibee saw its net income in the second quarter of the year decline by 50.2 percent to P1.12 billion from P2.25 billion year-on-year, due to extraordinary manufacturing expenses, lower sales of Red Ribbon and losses from Smashburger in the United States.

Jenniffer B. Austria

D&L Industries one of ‘honored’ firms in ASEAN D&L Industries Inc. has emerged as one of the honored companies in ASEAN by New York-based Institutional Investor in its 2019 AllAsia Executive Team survey.

A producer of ingredients and other inputs for food and plastic products, D&L was ranked among the top in a list of over 1,600 Asian companies nominated for outstanding corporate leadership and investor relations.

This year’s survey results reflect the opinions of nearly 2,500 investment professionals from 892 financial services firms. They includes buy-side analysts, money managers and sell-side researchers at securities firms and financial institutions that cover Asia.

The nominated companies were ranked based on various aspects of corporate leadership and investor relations, which include having accessible senior executives, providing timely and appropriate financial disclosure, having a well-informed and empowered IR team, responding quickly and thoroughly to investor requests, providing a transparent corporate governance and ESG/SRI reporting, and having the ability to execute key corporate strategies.

D&L Industries president and chief executive Alvin Lao was named the Best CEO in the Philippines and was ranked second in ASEAN. The company’s investor relations program was also recognized as the best in the country, while D&L investor relations officer Crissa Bondad placed third in the “Best Investor Relations Professional in the Philippines” category. D&L’s ESG and Corporate governance initiatives were cited by the survey, placing the company as number 2 in the Philippines.

The awards earned D&L Industries a spot in the list of ASEAN’s Honored Companies, a ranking which only included six companies in the region.

D&L was the only Philippine company to make it to the list and placed at rank number 4. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business/World IN BRIEF Germany asks Polish forgiveness WIELUN, Poland―German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Sunday asked Poland’s forgiveness for history’s bloodiest conflict during a ceremony in the Polish city of Wielun, where the first World War II bombs fell 80 years ago.

“I bow before the victims of the attack on Wielun. I bow before the Polish victims of German tyranny. And I ask your forgiveness,” Steinmeier said in both German and Polish.

Poland suffered some of the worst horrors of World War II: nearly six million Poles died in the conflict that killed more than 50 million people overall.

That figure includes the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, half of them Polish.

“It was Germans who committed these crimes against humanity in Poland. Anyone calling them things of the past, or claiming that the vile rule of terror of the National Socialists in Europe was a mere footnote of German history, is passing judgment on him or herself,” Steinmeier added in the presence of his Polish counterpart.

The line appeared to be a clear reference to the German far-right, whose co-leader Alexander Gauland once called the 12-year Third Reich a “speck of bird poop” on an otherwise glorious German past.

“As Germany’s Federal President, let me assure you that we will not forget,” Steinmeier said.

“We want to, and we will, remember. And we will bear the responsibility that our history imposes upon us.”

Polish President Andrzej Duda for his part denounced Nazi Germany’s attack on Po-

land, calling it “an act of barbarity” and “a war crime.”

“I am convinced that this ceremony will go down in the history of Polish-German friendship,” he added, thanking Steinmeier for his presence.

The heads of state will later tour the Wielun museum and meet with local survivors of the September 1, 1939 bombing.

“I saw dead bodies, the wounded...

Smoke, noise, explosions. Everything was burning,” Wielun bombing survivor Tadeusz Sierandt, 88, told AFP ahead of the anniversary.

The carpet-bombing came one week after Germany and the Soviet Union secretly agreed to carve up Eastern Europe between them by signing the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans attended a separate dawn remembrance Sunday in Westerplatte, where a Nazi German battleship opened fire on a Polish fort on September 1, 1939.

Timmermans spoke of how “we Europeans could honour the memory of those who fell for our freedom here.” AFP

At least five dead in Texas shooting WASHINGTON―At least five people have been killed in a mass shooting that left 21 victims, police in the US state of Texas said.

“We have at least 21 victims, 21 shooting victims and at least five deceased at this point in time,” a public affairs officer for Odessa police told reporters.

Midland Mayor Jerry Morales told Fox News that three police officers were among those shot, but they were expected to survive.

AFP

Finding the right (second) home JONNA C. BAQUILLAS

Green LiGht THEY say home is where the heart is.

In finding the right organization to work in, does this also hold true? After all, we practically spend a third of our day at work; as such, some people refer to it as the “second home,” and the people in it, their second family.

I listened to a friend’s anecdote of how he wants to “go back home” to the organization that once nurtured his career.

He already spent almost a decade in another institution; but perhaps the longing for “home” has grown stronger that he decided to pack his bags and explore new opportunities in his old home, as someone with richer experience to share and a wiser disposition to uphold. If everything works out for him, it will be a sweet homecoming.

I myself have been to several “homes” in my entire work life. In the retail industry, I joined four different organizations; the last one was a “dream” job because I looked up to the company since I was in college. I managed the marketing and public relations strategies of this dream company, and it was a fairly satisfying (and glamorous) job because it is a popular international brand with premium brand equity. Yet after a while, the excitement wore off, and I realized its organizational values no longer aligns with mine. In the end, I no longer felt at home. I was looking for something more, so I left.

On the other hand, there are friends of mine who have spent all their work life in just one organization—they no longer ventured out to see what is out there, because they were “home” the first time they set foot in their workplace. They were offered personal development, a steady career path, and a wealth of opportunities—enough to make them stay.

We have different reasons for leaving “home”—it may be because the environment no longer feels nurturing, the growth possibilities are next to none, or we just generally do not feel at home.

There are various reasons for staying, too. Perhaps the people we work with are a gem, the pay is good enough, or the career path it offers exactly aligns with where we want to be. It is also possible that we got too comfortable, enough for us to forego looking into the proverbial greener pasture because we are in our comfort zone. I was in this predicament for some time, until I realized I have untapped potentials that can better grow in a different home.

But what is “home,” anyway? For most of us, it is a spot of comfort, a source of joy; a place where we can be ourselves, grow our dreams, and retreat in peace when the world becomes too hostile. Can our workplace offer the same perks?

In the research paper titled “Work volition and job satisfaction: Examining the role of work meaning and person–

environment fit,” authors Ryan Duffy, Kelsey Autin, and Elizabeth Bottseem to agree: they noted that while most people work for survival, some individuals (and most people I know) value intrinsic rewards—healthy relationships in the workplace, a sense of autonomy, and a meaningful/satisfactory work experience. The person-environment complementarity in the workplace also constitutes a harmonious relationship between a person and the environment, and the suitability of the organization in the person’s self-concept,according to Charles O’Reilly III, Jennifer Chatman, and David Caldwell in their paper “People and organizational culture: A profile comparison approach to assessing personorganization fit.”

The person-environment fit model looks into how a person’s individual characteristics match that of the environmental characteristics in the organization. The four domains include personorganization fit, or the compatibility of how the needs of each entity (that of the organization and the person) are provided for; person-job fit, or how the characteristics of the person match the demands and requirements of the job; the person-group fit, or how a person blends well with his or her colleagues; and the person-person fit, which relates to supervisor-oriented relationships. This is according to Jeffrey Edwards’ research, “4 person–environment fit in organizations: An assessment of theoretical progress,” and Corine Boon, Deanne Hartog, Paul Boselie, and Jaap Paauwe’s study, “The relationship between perceptions of HR practices and employee outcomes: examining the role of person–organization and person–job fit.” As social individuals, we long to find the right fit, or the perfect match, so we can feel at home.

Some organizations may give the homey feel at first, but as we evolve and grow as a person, they may not necessarily grow with us. So we venture out again.

For most of us, we strive to find an organization that would give us the comforts and joys of home, where we can build our career goals and pursue our dreams. We want it to fit our values, our personality, our life goals. For some, they may have found their “forever home” already, where they plan to stay until retirement. For others, it is still a constant search for the “perfect home.”

But while we are looking, remember that there is no perfect organization— our journey should be about finding the organization that perfectly fits us. After all, we spend so much time in the workplace, that we deserve to feel at home while we work—because there’s no place like home.

Jonna Baquillas is a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, De La Salle University. She has been to several “homes” and considers them as vital elements in shaping who she is today.

She now found home in the academe, teaching marketing, business, and retail courses. She can be reached at jonna. baquillas@outlook.com.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

CEREMONY. People stand in front of the sign ‘No more war’ at the Westerplatte monument during a ceremony as part of the commemorations marking 80 years since the outbreak of World War II on September 1, 2019 in Gdansk, Poland. AFP

US bomb attack kills 40 jihadists in Syria I

DLIB, Syria―US forces attacked jihadist leaders in northwestern Syria on Saturday, the Pentagon said, in what a battlefield monitor called a missile strike that left at least 40 dead.

The US strike came as renewed Syrian regime bombardment of Idlib province killed one civilian in a first violation of a Russian-backed truce for the region that came into effect just hours before, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The US Defense Department said its own attack targeted leaders of Al-Qaeda in the north of the same province, but did not say what kind of weapon was used.

That attack targeted leaders of jihadist groups and allied factions near Idlib city, the Observatory said.

The US missile attack “targeted a meeting held by the leaders of Hurras al-Deen, Ansar al-Tawhid and other allied groups inside a training camp”, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Observatory.

It killed at least 40 jihadist leaders, the Britain based monitor said.

The US Central Command said in a statement that the attack targeted leaders of Al-Qaeda in Syria (AQ-S) “responsible for attacks threatening US citizens, our partners and innocent civilians.

“Additionally, the removal of this facility will further degrade

their ability to conduct future attacks and destabilize the region.”

An AFP correspondent saw clouds of black smoke rising over the area after blasts rocked the jihadist stronghold.

Ambulances rushed to the site of the attack, which was closed off to journalists, he said.

It was not immediately clear if the missiles were launched from war planes or positions on the ground, the monitor said.

CENTCOM declined to say what kind of weaponry was used.

On July 1 the US said it had carried out a strike on Hurras alDeen in northwestern Syria, in its first such operation there in two years.

Al-Qaeda-linked Hurras alDeen was established in February 2018 and has some 1,800 fighters, including non-Syrians, according to the Observatory. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

PAL’s adopted eagle soars at Kadayawan SINAG—the Philippine Eagle adopted by flag carrier Philippine Airlines—made its first public flight demonstration at the Philippine Eagle Center in Davao City last week, demonstrating the power and majesty of the national bird in action.

As Davao celebrated its annual Kadayawan festival, the Philippine Eagle Foundation organized a special event called ‘Raptors in Flight’, a first in the world, that featured Philippine eagles flying and hunting.

PAL adopted Sinag as a baby eagle in 2016, to highlight the airline’s keen interest in the preservation of the Philippine eagle and its natural habitat. About 250 students, NGOs, media and other guests witnessed Sinag fly from a tree stump and soar to a hundred feet, past the gathered audience and back towards his keeper, Lohwana Halaq.

The flight demonstration also included other raptors such as the Giant Scops Owl, Mindanao Lowland Scops Owl, Pinsker’s Hawk Eagle, Philippine Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle and the White-bellied Sea Eagle, all under the care of PEF. PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador said, “This is the first and only demonstration in the world to show a Philippine Eagle flying on cue. The program demonstrates the raptors’ natural behavior while flying and hunting. It raises awareness on the plight of the Philippine Eagle and encourages wildlife appreciation in general.”

Mayor Tiangco wants youth say on programs

TRUE ABILITY. Artist from the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artist depict national hero Andres Bonifacio and the Philippine Revolution during the Art for Everyone 2019 exhibit in SM City Marikina, as the country celebrated National Heroes Day. The week-long exhibit from different artists is a venue to showcase and sell their artworks. Norman Cruz

QC truck exemptions revoked

By Rio N. Araja

U

PON instruction of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, traffic czar Ariel Inton on Sunday said all truck ban exemptions issued by previous administrations were all revoked.

Inton, the city’s Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management, has issued stricter anti-traffic policies concerning truck ban exemptions and rampant usage of its enforcers and local government unit-owned vehicles as funeral escorts.

The latest policies came out as part of the continuing compliance of the city government to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Memorandum Circular No. 2019-121 to clear all public roads within 60 days.

Inton said “many of the trucks listed for exemptions are actually used for private constructions rather than govern-

ment projects,” instead of serving their purpose to ease the gridlock on major roads and even the Mabuhay lanes.

“It’s funny how private construction firms lie under their nose and use government projects as justifications for their exemptions especially during traffic rush hours,” he said.

Inton also banned all traffic enforcers belonging to the Department of Public Order and Safety to be deployed or allowed to extend escort assistance during funeral march.

He said the government also banned its vehicles as funeral escorts, adding that he would not allow any traffic aide to moonlight during working hours.

“I am giving a strong warning to those QC traffic enforcers who still want to continue in escorting funeral marches. Go ahead, only if you promise to be buried with him,” he warned.

Meanwhile, Mayor Belmonte has created a special team to quickly respond to complaints coursed via the Office of the President’s hotline 8888.

She issued Executive Order No. 24 to form the 8888 Action Team to coordinate action within 48 hours upon receipt of the complaints.

The action team shall be part of the citizen’s complaint center under the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and shall ensure that all reported concerns are addressed properly and sent to the proper agency for appropriate actions, she said.

The city mayor appointed City Administrator Michael Victor Alimurung or his authorized representative as the focal person of the action team.

By Jun David MAYOR Toby Tiangco encouraged Navoteño youth to have their say on city governance.

During the recently concluded 2019 Navotas Youth Congress, Tiangco said their inputs would help make government services more responsive to their needs.

“You know first-hand the realities of the Navoteño youth. Letting us hear your voice and giving us your opinion, especially on projects and programs we implement, or you want us to implement, would greatly help in our efforts to serve your sector,” he said.

“Through your active involvement and participation in governance, we can improve the status and uplift the lives of our young citizens,” he added.

The city government, through the Navotas City Council for Youth Development and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, held the Youth Congress as part of the Youth Month celebration.

Around 450 high school and college students f locked to the Navotas Sports Complex to participate in the congress.

The event featured breakout sessions anchored on the nine centers for youth participation that were outlined in the 2017-2022 Philippine Youth Development Plan.

Topics discussed included Youth Mental Health; Financial Literacy; Youth in Governance; Youth for Environment Action; Design Thinking; and Self, Community, Country.

FIGHTING HPV.

Dr. Cecilia Llave, chairperson of the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network of the Philippines; Dr. Erwin De Mesa, President of Philippine Infectious Disease Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology; Nina Corpuz, Guard Against HPV Ambassador, and other officials (from left) discuss the burden that continues to threaten women and men, including teenagers worldwide, caused by the Human Papillomavirus or HPV. Guard Against HPV is a campaign supported by MSD in the Philippines together with advocates calling to increase awareness and understanding of the disease during a media launch in Quezon City.

Manny Palmero

The conduct of diagnostic medical and dental missions, like this recent one at SM City Calamba, is a continuing program of SM Foundation since it was first launched in 2001.

Zia Adiong joins Parliament of BARMM BTA

By Nash B. Maulana COTABATO CITY—The Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority has welcomed the addition to the body of former Assemblyman Zia Ur-Rahman Alonto Adiong, who has assumed office on Monday, as the 77th BTA Member of Parliament.

Adiong took his Oath of Office before Chief Minister Al Hadj Murad Ebrahim during a break from a wholeday Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday.

Accompanying MP Adiong are his mother former Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Bejoria Alonto-Adiong and siblings, incumbent Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., and Lanao del Sur Congressman Ansaruddin Hookie Alonto Adiong—all members of the illustrious Alonto clan, being grandchildren of the late Senator Ahmad Domocao Alonto, and great grandchildren of Commonwealth Senator Sultan Alawiya Alonto of Lanao.

BARMM MILG Minister Naguib G. Sinarimbo said Assemblyman Zia’s experience in the Legislature will certainly enrich the debates in the august halls of Bangsamoro Transitional Authority Parliament.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has also appointed Diamela “Jam” Datu Ramos to the BTA Parliament, becoming the 6th woman-member of the Bangsamoro Policymaking Body, where a Taosug woman, Laisa Masuhud Alamia, a nurse-lawyer, has also been voted by her peers as Minority Leader.

SM City Calamba hosts Foundation’s medical mission; 1,155 treated

CALAMBA, Laguna—A total of 1,155 residents from different barangays of the city have benefitted from the medical and dental mission conducted at SM City Calamba by SM Foundation.

Medical consultation recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 917.

Other patients took advantage of the free dental services (90), eye-check-up

(61), ECG (19), chest x-ray (24), uric acid test (25), and hemoglobin test (19).

Partners for this medical mission were the local government unit of Calamba, Dr. Jose P Rizal Memorial District Hospital, University of Perpetual Help, Asia Pacific College and The Eye Lab-Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists.

The conduct of diagnostic medical and dental missions is a continuing program of SM Foundation since it was first launched in 2001. Through the missions, free medical care and services such as medical consultations, basic laboratory tests and dental check-ups have been provided to thousands of patients.

Complete medicine dosages are also dispensed and patients who require hospitalization or treatment in hospitals are referred.

To ensure the sustainability of the program, SM Foundation schedules follow through medical missions or in the case of referred patients, conducts follow up in hospitals where they are undergoing treatment.

LGUs join GSIS new loan program STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System has started its caravan nationwide for the expanded GSIS financial assistance loan program or GFAL II for non-DepEd agencies and local government units.

This was announced by Chairman and Officer in Charge Rolando Ledesma Macasaet following the signing of agreement between GSIS and the City Government of San Juan on Tuesday to implement GFAL for about 1,000 members in San Juan.

“Since the launch of GFAL II last July 29, a total of 30 agencies and local government units have signed up agreements with the pension fund to enable their employees to enjoy its benefits of lower interest rate of 6% per annum and longer repayment period of six years,” Macasaet said.

In the coming months, the pension fund is set to ink pacts with about a hundred remitting partner agencies and local government units across the country for the GFAL offering.

“The GFAL program is GSIS’s response to the call of President Rodrigo Duterte to help free government employees from the clutches of lending institutions who practice schemes such as ‘5-6’, which are often tied with hefty double-digit interest rates,” Macasaet added.

GFAL is the balance-transfer and debt-consolidation facility of GSIS that aims to help active GSIS members settle their outstanding loan obligations with lending institutions.

Originally offered to teaching and nonteaching personnel of the Department of Education, the program has been extended to the rest of GSIS members effective July 27.

Life

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

FOOD

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

Flavorful gems

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of Thailand T

HE common misconception about Thai dishes is that they are too spicy. But while that hot kick is an integral part of Thai food, this Southeast Asian cuisine also offers a multitude of flavors from the clever use of various herbs and spices.

“The spiciness can be adjusted,” said Thai master chef Anurak Kanittharat, executive chef of Accor property Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas.

“I would describe Thai cuisine as flavorful—not just spicy, but flavorful,” he added.

Anurak was in Manila last week as part of the epicurean celebration “Flavors of the World: Jewels of Thai Cuisine” hosted by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Chef Anurak Kanittharat

And the dishes he served were proof that Thai food is a culinary gem in this part of the world—a feast not just for the tongue but for the eyes and nose as well.

His Tom Yum Goong, a traditional Thai soup with aromatic herb and tiger prawns, showcased subtle flavors minus the heavy portion of coconut milk.

“This is the version from Central Thailand, unlike the one you are more familiar with from the southern part which is stronger in flavor and spiciness. I used very little coconut milk as foam to balance the sourness,” explained Chef Anurak.

Dishes from the northern region of Thailand are generally milder, with strong inf luences from neighboring Myanmar.

The central region, which is home to royal Thai cuisine, is literally midway between the north and south when it comes to subtlety of flavors.

Anurak’s signature creations include the Yum Som-O Hoi Sell (seared queen scallops with pomelo salad and crispy coconut meat) and Larb Ped Yang (grilled duck breast with spicy mint and lime berry sauce).

Turn to C2

Gaeng Kiew Waan Gai or green curry chicken, a staple Thai dish.

Some of the Thai dishes prepared by Chef Anurak: (from left) pomelo salad with scallops, chicken pad thai, grilled duck breast with spicy mint and lime berry sauce, and tom yum goong.

LAURO Convencido, Jr. was a former janitor in a film production agency when he started his humble kitchen on wheels with only P40 capital in 1984.

His fresh and tasty grilled isaw (chicken intestines) has charmed customers then, until today, as his Mang Larry’s Isawan is a now a go-to joint for everything grilled. Success notwithstanding, Mang Larry still buys his own ingredients every morning to ensure the same taste and quality for which his stand is known.

Meanwhile, Marlene and Beejay Burog opened Khaleb Sharwarma in 2003 to help their mother. Starting out in an apartment compound in Quezon City, the business gained strong foothold after they opened their first store at SM City North Edsa.

Today, Khaleb has expanded its menu to include Mediterranean specialties like pitazza, gyro pita, fish kebab, and yoghurt smoothie.

These two businesses, which started on the streets, are led by local entrepreneurs who wanted to make a better life for themselves and their families.

Others, on the other hand, wanted to give Manileños a taste of their province’s specialties.

After living in Australia, Joey Leonardo went home and realized that many of the popular restaurants rarely serve his beloved Bulakeño food. He then gathered heirloom recipes from family and friends and opened the first Bulacan Lugaw Kitchen at SM Hypermarket in SM Mall of Asia in 2017.

With its signature dinuguan, chicharon topped goto, crispy pata, tokwa’t baboy, and more, Leonardo became a runner-up at Let’s Eat magazine’s New Restaurant of the Year in 2018.

As a true Ilocano, Larry Cortez pri-

Food stories from the street Bulacan Lugaw Kitchen’s version of dinuguan

Gloria’s Goto

Sam’s Everything on Sticks

marily wanted to share his province’s delectable bagnet with those in the metro, as well as achieve “bagnet perfection.” So he traveled all over Ilocos and tried different bagnet recipes before he came up with his crispier, juicier, and tastier recipe in 2017, which diners can get at Super Bagnet.

With the goal to bring traditional street food to a wider market, Sgt. Sisig’s Carlo Macadangdang and Jonathan So focused on crispiness and flavor in re-creating the iconic Kapampangan sisig.

Rica Penalosa of Ate Rica’s Bacsilog, on the other hand, started selling bacon silog with her unbeatable cheese sauce

in 2006—and it was an instant hit with students. Today, her bacsilog is known as the ultimate student meal, and some of her student customers have become proud franchisers of Ate Rica’s Bacsilog.

Noticing how people flocked around a kariton selling hot goto, Gloria Marin opened Gloria’s Goto in 1981, serving her delicious goto with her signature rapport.

After street food lover Reymont Choachuy got sick after consuming a bad bunch of fish balls, he decided to serve good quality fish balls, squid balls, kikiam, and more when he opened Sam’s Everything on Sticks in 2005. His special sauce is a favorite among customers.

It is said that the foundation of any strong culinary heritage is street food.

These stories are proof that every successful street food business is not simply a meat on a stick or a meal on a plate; every dish was shaped by human stories that in turn have helped build a better life and stronger communities.

This year’s Street Food Festival by SM Hypermarket celebrates these stories while bringing the ultimate street food experience to the mall.

Event-exclusive promos from Knorr, Maggi, Purefoods, Alaska, Bounty Fresh, CDO, Century, Del Monte, Farm Fresh, Mekeni, and Joy await guests.

Customers can also look forward to

Larry Cortez’s Super Bagnet

“super sulit” bundled packs, amazing freebies, and huge discounts.

SM Hypermarket’s Street Food Festival 2019 will be at SM Center Pulilan on Sept 6-7, SM Center Muntinlupa on Sept 20-21, SM City Molino on Sept 2728, and SM Mall of Asia for the Grand Finale on Oct 5-6.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Life

Something ‘Wackie’ coming your way

By Angelica Villanueva

L

OCAL food manufacturer Yan Yan International (Phils.)

Inc., known for its range of tasty snack items, adds more wacky products to its portfolio.

In 2017, the food manufacturer launched its corn chips and chocolate entries into the snack world.

Wackie Corn Chips, which Yan Yan International president Lito Chua said was made from fresh and quality corn, comes in six flavors: cheese, BBQ, hot chili, wasabi, turkey, and salted egg. Wackie proudly states it is the first to offer salted egg-flavored corn chips in the market.

Harry Chocolate Bars, named after the owners’ son, boasts sweetness and flavor of fine chocolates, and comes in three variants, namely Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Rice Crispies, and Dark Chocolate More than wacky flavors, Chua said all their products meet the highest international standards.

“We really go out of the way to source the best ingredients, find the best technology that processes the food, and ensure that they are safe, healthy, and fun to eat,” said Chua.

Wackie Corn Chips and Harry Chocolate Bars are now available at 7 Eleven, Mini Stop, Alfa Mart, All Day, Puregold, SM Supermarket, SM Snack Exchange, SM Hypermarket, South Supermarket, Isetann, Landmark, Super 8, SRS, Cash and Carry, Unitop, Unimart, Hi Top, and Budget King outlets.

For Filipinos and Filipinos at heart living outside the country, Yan Yan International Wackie Corn Chips comes in 6 flavors, namely salted egg, cheese, BBQ, hot chili, wasabi, and turkey. will soon export Harry Chocolates and Wackie Corn Chips.

The company’s other products are Koolers and Quench juice drinks, King Corn, Karoke Green Peas, Sugpo, Yum Shots, Venus Chocolates, Mi Amore Chocolates, Choco Power, Crispynets, Choco Loops, Happy Club, Pam Pam, Whimsy Wafer Sticks, Mini Pillow Wafer, Finger Snacks, Wookie Cookie, Cheep Chips, and Melle’s Bread Butter Harry Milk Chocolate Cheese Loaf.

Harry Milk Chocolate with Rice Crispies

Local beans brewing at City of Dreams Atok, Benguet for the Arabica beans; LOCALLY grown Arabica and Robusand in Lipa, Batangas for the Robusta beans are taking center stage at City ta beans. of Dreams Manila’s outlets.

Robusta beans from Lipa, Batangas Philippine coffee was first highare known for their full-bodied taste lighted at The Roaster at The Garage and earthy finish, with notes of peaVR Zone and food park. Opened in nuts; while Arabica beans from Atok, October 2018 under the helm of Chef Benguet exhibit flavors of latik and Andi Budiman—together with a team tangerine resulting in a creamy mouthof skilled baristas including Jordan feel with hints of citrus and tropical Yniesta, a “coffee roaster”—The fruits. Those from Matutum, South Roaster caters to discerning coffeeCotabato deliver a taste of grapes and drinking public. toasted almonds, whereas the blend of Being one of the few establishments Atok beans and Lipa’s Robusta beans in the city that owns a state-of-theresults in flavors of walnut, cacao nibs, art Probat 5 machine, City of Dreams and dried prunes. completes the farm-to-cup cycle, and The luxury resort’s initiative to roasts all of the locally sourced coffee support Philippine coffee produce in-house. was realized through a collaboration The café also highlights other dewith Philippine Coffee Board Inc. signer brews, including Moca, a med“Together with PCBI, we are ley of double espresso, cacao ganache, proud to help uplift the Philippine textured milk, and enhanced with a The Roaster barista Jordan Yniesta coffee industry through supportgarnish of grated chocolate and cocoa ing local farmers, whose produce powder; Spanish Latte, which combines double espresso with textured milk and muscovado deserves to be put into the spotlight. We invite coffee sugar; and 9 to 5, a mixture of single espresso, steamed tex- enthusiasts to discover different local coffee profiles in our restaurants,” said Kevin Benning, City of Dreams tured milk, hazelnut syrup, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Local coffee is also showcased in staple brews including Manila’s chief operating officer.

More than advocating for local coffee, City of Dreams cappuccino, latte, and macchiato, among others, that are available at City of Dreams Manila-operated dining outlets Manila is pushing for the highest standard of sustainability and signature restaurants including Crystal Dragon, Nobu as about 63 kilos of used coffee grounds are repurposed and gathered daily from kitchens and outlets and then brought to Manila, and Red Ginger.

City of Dreams Manila sources the beans from local the property’s vermicomposting area to be transformed into farmers, specifically in Matutum, South Cotabato and organic fertilizers.

Learn about wine It’s a wine education and appreciation week on Sept. 11-14 as Wine Story Academy holds a series of wine tastings and workshops at Planet Grapes and Wine Story.

IT’S a wine week on Sept 11-14 as Wine Story Academy holds a series of informative and fun wine events at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City.

Wine Story Academy is the approved program provider of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, the largest global provider of wine qualifications. WSET launched the first-ever global “Wide Education Week” in 45 countries as part of its 50th anniversary activities.

Two of the events organized by Wine Story Academy will unfold at Planet Grapes, a hip gathering place and upscale wine shop-cum-restaurant catering to the new generation of wine lovers in the Philippines.

Italian, German, Portuguese, and Spanish wines will be featured on Sept. 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the “Old World Wines: A Taste of Tradition.” A ticket costs P1,000.

On Sept. 12, Planet Grapes will present “New World Classics” featuring scintillating wine selections from Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa. The twohour guided tasting tour starts at 7:00 p.m., and priced at P1,000 per person.

Wine Story will host “Tour de France” on Sept. 13. The event will feature walk-around tastings from the famous French wine regions of Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy, Alsace, and the Rhone Valley, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticket is P1,200.

The highlight of the week’s festivities slated on Sept. 14 is a day-long event called “WinEd: Wine Appreciation through Education.”

A mini museum highlighting the story of Wine Story Academy will include a wine guide and notable achievements of its alumni. Back-to-back wine classes will commence hourly from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. There will also be interactive wine games and activities well-suited for budding as well as seasoned wine enthusiasts.

These activities will be followed by a lively wine career chat at 7:00 p.m. about wine-related careers with a panel of accomplished professionals who are passionate about wine, and represent various fields such as culinary, sommelier, media, education, and retail. Limited seats are available, a ticket costs P1,500.

Go to www.winestory.com.ph for more information.

Flavorful...

course media launch menu was Chef Anurak’s Tom Kha Panang Nua—chargrilled beef tenderloin with aromatic herb coconut lemon sauce. It was a medley of flavors beautifully brought together by his Phanaeng curry that lent a thick, salty, sweet, and nutty flavor to the dish.

Thai cuisine has indeed secured its position in the global culinary map.

But for Anurak, the desire to reinvent Asian classics through innovative culinary techniques continues.

From C1

Philippine gourmet coffee creations at The Garage’s The Roaster.

“I chose scallops instead of prawns for the pomelo salad and it worked well with the sweet and sour flavors of the salad. The mild spiciness comes from the tamarind sauce and the coconut meat provides texture,” he said.

The mint and lime berry sauce, on the other hand, complemented the smokiness of the duck breast.

But the show-stopper of the five-

I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com.

Entertainment

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

IÑIGO PASCUAL

dives deeper into far-reaching opportunities

A

CTOR and singer Iñigo Pascual remains dead set on his global aspirations as his latest international single “Catching Feelings” featuring music producer Moophs continues to conquer the global stage.

The summery Island Pop track boasts not only of having a catchy vibe and a cool tune, but also of securing radio airplay in the U.S..The song was first heard on 92.7 The Rev FM which proved to be a proud moment for the talented Filipino performer, who eagerly shared a video of the historic moment on Instagram.

Inigo also collaborated with Fil-Am musicians Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc in a remix of his newest song with their original songs “Lemonade” and “The One” exclusively on MyxTV, which now has over 150,000 views.

During his trip in the U.S. and Canada, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter also shared the stage with urban reggae band Tribal Theory at the House of Blues in Anaheim, California. He also guested

and performed on Good Morning Hawaii.

As if all that weren’t impressive enough, American producer and former American Idol judge Randy Jackson, when

asked what he thought of “Catching Feelings,” also expressed approval for the song—even going as far as inviting Inigo to make a “trio record” with him and KZ Tandingan.

The rising international artist also shared the stage with Samoan artist, Fia, on iHeartRadio Island 98.5 Hawaii, and has just come back from Toronto for one of his biggest crowds to date with Taste of Manila. “ Catching Feelings” is part of Inigo’s Options LP following the release of the titular lead single in June. The track, despite having a sunny sound, actually talks about the beauty of recognizing the familiar feeling of once again falling for another person, after a hurtful past relationship.

The single is under Tarsier Records, an underground music label which has been pushing for the breakthrough of Filipino talents like Inigo to the international music stage, in line with ABS-CBN’s mission to showcase the unique artistry of Filipinos to global audiences.

Listen to “Catching Feelings” on all digital streaming platforms worldwide and watch the official lyric video on Tarsier Record’s Y o u T u b e channel.

NEW QUEEN. Newly-crowned Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 Roi Neeve Comanda of the

Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City replaces Cebuana beauty queen Nicole Borromeo, who won the title last April 2019.

Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 stripped of title

MISS Baguio Tourism Roi Neve Comanda took over as Reyna ng Aliwan 2019 titlist replacing Nicole Borromeo who was dethroned over a conflict with pageant organizers.

Comanda, who represented the Panagbenga Festival, finished as second runner-up to Borromeo, the reigning Sinulog Festival Queen, at the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant held in April 2019.

The Manila Broadcasting Company, organizer of the annual Aliwan Fiesta, the Grand Festival of Champions, released a statement to the press that Borromeo had violated the terms and conditions of Aliwan Fiesta Festival search which she had conformed in writing prior to the pageant. This included her joining the Miss Teen Philippines pageant and the coming Miss Millenial Philippines 2019. This is the first time in the 17year history of the Aliwan Fiesta that the festival queen winner has been stripped of her title.

Fondly called Neeve, the 20-yearold Accountancy and Business Administration student of the University

of Cordilleras, will assume the title of Aliwan Fiesta Queen 2019 and will get ETON to travel around the CONCEPCION country to grace various festivals, expand her knowledge on tourism initiatives of different LGUs and to boost her hometown province of Baguio and the Panagbenga festival.

Neeve is the third Panagbenga representative to become Reyna ng Aliwan after the back-to-back win of Syrel Aubrey Amazon in 2005 and Vera Eumee Reiter in 2006 who later won as Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International after relinquishing her title as Reyna ng Aliwan.

Other Reyna ng Aliwan winners who went on to win national and international titles include Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, Miss Earth 2014 Jamie Herrell, Miss Tourism International 2014 Rizzini Gomez, and Miss Eco International 2017 Cynthia Thomalla.

Reyna ng Aliwan runners up Karla Henry and Ahtisa Manalo also won Miss Earth 2008 and Miss International 2018 first runner-up, respectively.

PAGEANT CONCEPT

Inigo Pascual wows global audience with his newest single 'Catching Feelings."

International...

From C4

Tiny becomes universal Gray has said the film was a reminder that the “Earth and the human connection are worth preserving at all costs”.

He told reporters that he was looking to use the vastness of space to tell a story in which “the tiny becomes universal.”

Ad Astra is Pitt’s first major foray into the subject of space and the A-list actor said he traded stories of tackling the special effects required to travel through the cosmos with fellow Hollywood astronaut George Clooney—who starred in the blockbuster Gravity.

“Doing a space film is a little bit like Peter Pan play production, hanging from wires, so George and I exchanged

some discomfort stories,” Pitt said.

But he added that the experience had not endeared him to the idea of spending time beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, describing space as “foreboding, inhospitable, lonely”.

“I am much more comfortable out in nature, I find my peace in the outdoors and with friends,” he said.

Pitt had earlier stopped to sign autographs and take selfies with dozens of fans crowded near the water.

Others had camped out since the morning, shaded from the summer sun under umbrellas as they waited for a glimpse of the Hollywood actors at the festival’s star-laden second day.

Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, and Laura Dern were also in attendance for the premiere of Noah Baumbach’s divorce drama Marriage Story, which is also in the running for the top award. AFP

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, September 2, 2019

ACROSS 1 Safari country 6 Fellow 10 “Kon-Tiki” craft 14 Glimmerings 15 Verdi heroine 16 Actress — Adams 17 Horse’s sound 18 Chow — 19 Ballad writer 20 Actress — Bullock 22 Friendly 24 Wall climber 26 Mouthed off 27 Shorten 31 Hobby shop buy 32 Make serve again 33 Radio equipment 36 Where lions roar 39 Shake hands 40 Rationed out 41 Stinging insect 42 Ave. crossers 43 Convenient 44 Sap source 45 Ship’s record 46 Indy racer — Fittipaldi 48 Advance 51 Lose brightness 52 Gave celebrity status

54 Vegetable sponge 59 In addition to 60 Ms. Dinesen 62 Corporate concern 63 Wilder or Tierney 64 Successor to Claudius 65 Happen again 66 Finds the sum 67 This, to Pedro 68 Villain’s smile DOWN 1 Foil-wrapped candy 2 Millay or Ferber 3 Motel sign 4 Long spar 5 On horseback 6 Machine part 7 Hotfoots it 8 Amigo’s farewell 9 Flattened 10 Meal 11 Hacienda brick 12 Gridiron 13 Pierre’s head 21 Dow Jones fig.

23 Wife of Osiris 25 Oman neighbor 27 Weapons 28 Edible root 29 Wishes undone

30 Ego ending 34 — be an honor 35 Typed in 36 Channel-surfs 37 Artist Edvard Munch’s town 38 Receptive 40 Newsstand offering 41 Kids’ card game 43 Mesa dweller 44 Autobiography 45 Microscope parts 47 $1,000,000, slangily

48 Mounded up 49 Apple-shaped 50 Toady’s answers 52 Women’s links org.

53 Pub missile 55 Handwriting on the wall 56 Makeup target 57 Chills and fever 58 Monsieur, in Bonn 61 RV refuge

Mae Paner a.k.a. Juana Change headlines 'Tao Po,' a four-part monologue that centers on extra-judicial killings in the country.

Juana Change performs at CCP THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and The Citizens for Promoting Human Rights, Inc. (CFHR) in partnership with Mae Paner presented Tao Po, a four-part monologue interactive performance that gives a human face to the issue of extra-judicial killings.

Tao Po was a one-night show staged on Aug. 31 at the CCP Tanghalang Huseng Batute.

In Tao Po, award-winning actress and activist Mae Paner Aka Juana Change, takes on the different personas of a photojournalist transformed by the brutality she witnesses while covering the tokhang beat; a Zumba instructor haunted by her husband and son, both victims of summary killings; a cop who lives the double life of law enforcer and lawless hitman and a young girl lighting candles in the Tokhang Wall of a Manila cemetery as she reminisces about acquaintances and loved ones, EJK (extrajudicial killing) victims all.

Tao Po is based on immersion trips and in-depth interviews conducted

by Paner and playwright Maynard Manansala. It asks the hard question: Is there humanity left within us? The production is intended to raise public awareness to enlighten and encourage them to exercise their civic duties for human rights.

Tao Po was born at the CCP’s celebration of Human Rights Month in September 2017. It paved the way for performances at other venues in and out of Metro Manila, including an international performance at the Melbourne Fringe Theater Festival and at Canberra in Australia where it earned raves and captured media interest.

Tao Po is a product of the team effort that also includes Ed Lacson, director, Rody Vera, dramaturg, and Moira Lang, Creatives. The Tao Po team contributes part of the proceeds of every production to the survivors of EJKs.

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

Entertainment

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

FILIPINO basketball fans can watch and express their support, using their smartphones and mobile devices, for the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team in the much-anticipated FIBA World Cup 2019 currently held in China.

With Smart’s Free YouTube For All promo, Filipino can watch and cheer as Gilas players fight for flag and country—against all the odds— wherever they are. As we cheer from the opening tip off of the first game to the closing buzzer of the last, following Gilas’ journey on YouTube will allow us to live up to the recognition of being the best basketball fans in the world.

Join the #PilipinasGotGame campaign as our national team battle it out with Italy, Serbia and Angola in the Group D elimination round of the FIBA World Cup 2019. After Italy, Gilas will play Italy Serbia on Sept. 2 and Angola on Sept. 4. The games will be aired live on ESPN5 and its YouTube channel.

“Smart has been a passionate supporter of the country’s sports programs, particularly basketball. We are eager to watch every play, every highlight and cheer for Gilas Pilipinas

Use your smartphone to support Gilas Pilipinas

Gilas Pilipinas with Head Coach Yeng Guiao, Manny V. Pangilinan and SBP Head and Smart President Al S. Panlilio

in every game.” said Oscar Reyes, Jr., Head of Consumer Business, Smart.

He added, “We are happy to be able to bring the FIBA Gilas Pilipinas action straight to the smartphones of millions of

our Filipino customers with Free YouTube for All.” Be part of the action with Smart’s Free YouTube for All, which allows Smart customers to stream all the games

on the fastest LTE network. Just dial *123# to avail of #FreeYouTubeForAll to keep up with the FIBA World Cup games live. Show one-nation, one-heart support for Gilas Pilipinas on social

‘WAGAS’ returns as

daily morning series

S

EASONED VERY actress Sunshine WANG Dizon was stoked for the NICKIE cast of Wagas, since the series is WANG back on TV. The series will once again tug at the hearts of Kapuso viewers as it returns to television, airing beginning today before Eat Bulaga.

Smile (Leanne Bautista).

During the years away from Ryan, July coped with her loss by striving to become a strong, independent woman. She now manages her own dress shop, “July Brides and Gowns”, together with her Nanay Sosing and good friend Mama Ru. Even though she is now successful, she still feels like a failure when she remembers what happened to Smile. Behind July’s sunny and positive façade is a longing to see her. Will she be able to reunite with her daughter?

Ryan, on the other hand, is now an accomplished engineer. He once thought he had found his true love in July but after the tragedy, he blamed her for losing Smile. Seeing July only reminds him of what they both lost. Now, he is starting his life over with his current girlfriend, Amor (Regine Angeles).

But fate must have something up her sleeve. Just as July and Ryan are finally moving on, they discover that Smile is alive. But the good news is marred with a bitter discovery that their daughter is sick.

As Smile returns to the arms of her real parents, can she also mend the broken hearts of July and Ryan and reunite her family? Will July and Ryan be able to love each other again now that they have Smile?

Sunshine is no stranger to Wagas,

Pitt says ‘Ad Astra’ a voyage to redefine manhood BRAD Pitt on Thursday described Ad Astra as his “most challenging” film to date, saying his turn as an astronaut on a father/son odyssey forced him to draw on emotions that question conventional ideas of masculinity.

The star, who was greeted by scores of fans as he arrived on Venice’s glamorous Lido island by boat for the world premiere of the movie, said the film was “really intriguing for me as a man, as a dad, as a son.”

Pitt co-produced the film, which was directed by James Gray and tells the story of an astronaut who travels to the edge of the solar system to trace his missing father.

He said the movie was “the most challenging film I have worked on because this story that James devised is so delicate”.

“In retrospect... what we were really digging at, without labeling it so much, was this definition of masculinity.

Having grown up in an era where we were taught to be strong, not show weakness, don’t be disrespectful,” he told reporters at the Venice film festival.

“I think we were asking the question: Is there a better definition for us? Is actually being more open (able to) provide you with a better relationship with your loved ones, with your parents, with your kids and with yourself? And at the end of the day I think that’s certainly what we were after.”

Ad Astra, which also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, and Donald Sutherland, is one of 21 movies in contention for Venice’s top Golden Lion prize.

Pitt said he and Little Odessa director Gray had “not the normal male relationship”.

“We’ve always been quite open about our foibles and have big laughs over our embarrassing moments and are quite open about our feelings of perceived failures or missteps,” he said.Continued on C3

The cast of Wagas' first month-long story, “Throwback Pag-Ibig”: (From left) Iyah Mina, Regine Angeles, Mike Tan, Leanne Bautista, Sunshine Dizon, and Lovely Abella with Direk Adolf Alix, Jr. (second from right).

“I’m very happy for the cast especially for Mike Tan because we get to work again. We just want to give our viewers the kind of drama that they can easily relate to. That’s the goal of the entire team,” Sunshine said during the series’ press launch on Thursday.

Inspiring viewers to believe in the power of true love, Wagas now feature stories that will run for one month. For its pilot episode, Sunshine and Mike reunite on the small screen for the episode “Throwback Pag-ibig.”

“It’s a family story. A couple encounters a difficult challenge—they lost their child—but eventually, their prayers are answered to have their child back. Now, the story will revolve around how they are going to fix the broken pieces and the heartaches they encountered when they lost their child.

So, it’s more of rebuilding the family,” Sunshine narrated.

“It’s more reality-based in terms of the lines in our script. They are more relatable compared to other grand scale dramas.

This is lighter, of course, since it’s a late morning program,” she added.

Directed by Adolf Alix, Jr., “Throwback Pag-ibig” is the story of couple July (Sunshine) and Ryan (Mike) whose relationship fell apart because of a tragedy that led to the loss of the person they both love the most—their daughter

media with the following official hashtags: #ParaSaBayan, #SmartGilas, #FIBAWC and #PilipinasGotGame.

Led by Coach Yeng Guiao, the final 12 announced last Aug. 25, is comprised of World Cup returnees Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, and National Team mainstay Gabe Norwood.

PBA Rookies CJ Perez and Robert Bolick also get a crack at basketball glory this early in their careers along with Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Raymund Almazan, Kiefer Ravena, and original Gilas team participant Mark Barroca.

With Smart, you’re sure to never miss a Gilas Pilipinas game at the #FIBAWC2019. Thanks to the reliable high-speed connectivity from the country’s undisputed fastest LTE network, as awarded by globally renowned internet testing companies Ookla, OpenSignal, Tutela, and P3.

Experience FIBA World Cup live with Smart’s Free YouTube for All and for more details visitwww.smart.com. ph, follow Smart Communications on Facebook and @livesmart on Instagram and Twitter.

Sunshine Dizon and Mike Tan with child actor Leanne Bautista

having been part of its episodes before.

“Happy ako kasi malapit sa puso ko ang mga taga-GMA Public Affairs. I always enjoy working with them,” Sunshine said.

Mike, on the other hand, shared that he was able to relate to his character.

“Nakaka-relate ako kasi tatay na rin ako eh. Mabigat ‘yung mangyayari.

Ako naririnig ko pa lang [sa story conference] parang sobrang bigat na,” he said.

First aired in 2013 on GMA News TV, Wagas has become a weekly routine of Kapuso viewers. It won a Gold Camera Award in the Docudrama category at the 2014 US International Film and Video Festival for the love story of a man with cerebral palsy. The show also received a Finalist Certificate from the same awardgiving body in 2016 for the “Gabriela and

Diego Silang Story.”

It recently won the “Best Drama Anthology” award at the 2019 Gawad Tanglaw (Gawad Tagapagpuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw).

In 2018, Wagas was recognized as the “Best Drama Series/Program” by the Catholic Mass Media Awards and as the “Most Development-Oriented Drama Program” by the Gandingan 2019: The 13th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Awards of University of the Philippines Los Baños.

Don’t miss Wagas’ first month-long story, “Throwback Pag-ibig”, Mondays to Fridays beginning today. Viewers abroad can also watch Wagas on GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www. gmapinoytv.com.

Hollywood A1 actor Brad Pitt returns on the big screen via the space epic 'Ad Astra,' a story about a man who journeys across a lawless solar system to find his missing father—a renegade scientist who poses a threat to humanity.