Manila Standard - 2018 October 15 - Monday

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VOL. XXXII • NO. 242 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

CRACKDOWN. This photo taken on Aug. 13, 2018, shows inmates standing next to a portrait of President Rodrigo Duterte inside the city jail in Manila. Drug war proponents regularly point to the surveys as rock-solid proof that the internationally condemned crackdown is the will of the people. Experts say Duterte’s campaign has tapped into genuine popular outrage over disorder, crime and dysfunction in a developing nation with millions of poor people and a turbulent past. AFP

DoJ: Stop the narco-cops

Seeks ‘hold order’ to prevent drug suspects from leaving PH

Filipinos deeply conflicted on Rody’s drug war JAILED drug user Bitoy Paras perks up when describing his support for Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly war on narcotics, an unlikely fan of a campaign that has left Filipinos deeply conflicted.

“Duterte talks tough, saying he will get rid of addicts... I am happy he’s doing that,” he told AFP at Manila’s main jail, which is packed with drug suspects.

“But I feel uneasy about the killings,” said the 22-year-old rickshaw driver, whose real name cannot be used due to prison policy.

Paras’s seemingly paradoxical backing echoes that of millions of Filipinos, who polls say support the crackdown but not the thousands of slayings that are central to it.

Next page

By Rey E. Requejo

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HE Department of Justice plans to ask a court to issue a precautionary hold departure order to prevent the flight of ranking police officials accused of involvement in illegal drug trade during their preliminary investigation.

GLOBAL BEAUTY.

Michele Gumabao, garbed in a sarimanok-inspired Filipiniana, is currently in Albania where she is competing for the Miss Globe 2018 pageant.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the department would take that move once the police and the National Bureau of Investigation have completed their investigations and charges have been filed.

The precautionary hold departure order was created by the Supreme Court earlier this year to replace the watchlist order previously issued by the DOJ to prevent subjects of a criminal investigation from leaving the country.

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SAP clarifies oil tax freeze may lead to P40-b revenue loss

Sainthood for pope, bishop

By Julito G. Rada and Macon Ramos-Araneta

VATICAN CITY—Slain Salvadoran archbishop Oscar Romero and Pope Paul VI, Catholic giants who sparked controversy during their lifetimes, will join the church’s highest rank Sunday with an elevation to sainthood.

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PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is planning to suspend the second tranche of excise taxes on fuel to temper accelerating inflation, a Finance official said Sunday.

Finance Assistant Secretary Antonio Lambino II said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III asked him to share with media a statement from Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go. “As announced by SAP Bong Go, Next page

‘Tele-trial’ of terror suspects OK’d

By Rey E. Requejo

Oscar Romero

THE Supreme Court has approved the use of video conferencing to accept testimony from suspected terrorists, so they will not have to appear in person before the courts.

In the last en banc session presided over by Chief Justice Teresita Leon-

Pope Paul VI

Pinoy hits $50k jackpot in US A US-BASED Filipino won the $50,000 lottery prize in Maryland by using the UltraLotto 6/58 winning numbers.

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“We have activated the Special Operations Task Group to oversee the police operations,” Albayalde said.

The PNP says among the provinces included in their Election Watch list of Areas are La Union, Abra, Masbate, Zamboanga and Lanao del Sur. In Zamboanga del Sur, a councilor was slightly injured Next page

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Cops after 37 LGUs for misuse of funds

PNP revives special task force to check on election hot spots THE Philippine National Police is monitoring the security in the “election hot spots” across the country as the May 2019 elections draw near, an officials said Sunday.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde told GMA News they had adopted additional measures to beef up their operations amid the killings allegedly linked to the upcoming elections.

ardo-de Castro before her retirement on Oct. 10, the Court adopted video conferencing to allow jailed persons with terrorism-related cases to face the courts from their detention cells.

A pilot test of the new system, which will be used by the Court in Davao City, can also be used for detainees with grave medical conditions.

By Meeko Angela Camba/ VERA Files

TOXIC. Eco-waste Coalition warns against the inappropriate use of lead-coated paint brushes such as for applying basting sauce on barbecued meat. To prevent potential lead contamination, the group suggests improvised basting mops made out of banana, lemon grass or pandan leaves. Manny Palmero

THE Interior department has ordered the Crime Investigation and Detection Group to investigate at least 37 towns and cities as early as August for the alleged “irregularities in their disbursement of public funds.”

A copy of a subpoena obtained by VERA Files shows the CIDG had Next page

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Joma takes new swipe at Du30

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is “culpable” for aggravating all the country’s problems, the Communist Party of the Philippines said Saturday, warning Duterte his administration will be ripe for another ouster “sooner than later.”

CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison said the culpabilities for the soaring prices of basic goods and services would result in the deterioration of the Philippine economy.

“Duterte is culpable for the aggravation of all the foregoing problems of his regime and has no solution to offer,” he said.

“Therefore, the regime will stink further from month to month and will ripen for rejection in the May 2019 elections or for ouster sooner than later.”

Sison contradicted Duterte’s view that the rising prices of crude oil in the global market were the cause of the increase in prices of primary commodities.

“He holds the narrow and deceptive view that rising oil prices is the only cause of the rising prices of basic goods and services in the Philippines,” Sison said.

He said Duterte “absolves” himself from his culpabilities as he blamed the rise in inflation to the increasing oil prices.

He said the President washed his hands of the effects of the Packages 1 and 2 of the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion law which, as he argued, “cut back the taxes on corporations and the wealthy and imposed the tax burden on the consuming public in the form of excise and value-added taxes.”

He also said Duterte distanced himself from the issues of corruption in the huge discretionary funds and pork barrel corruption of members of Congress.

He linked several issues as Duterte’s doing like the overspending for the military, police and intelligence agencies, but underspending for social services; lack of land reform and national industrialization and discouragement and decline of food production and local manufacturing; and the drastic fall of the income from raw material exports and semimanufactures.

The rising import costs of oil and manufactures; rising interest rates on accumulated and new foreign loans; overborrowing for infrastructure projects through Build, Build, Build and bigger debt service on the rising public debt; wider budgetary and trade deficits; and the declining peso due to inflation and worsening balance of payments problem are also under Sison’s list.

“It is fine that Duterte admits lately that tough economic times are ahead for the Filipino people who are now already reeling from the inflationary conditions,” Sison said.

Duterte, however, contradicted his previous declaration in Bali that the Philippine economy is running in an upward trajectory, he said.

Sison also lashed out at Duterte’s personal trip to Hong Kong, stressing his sudden excursion to the known shopping capital was Duterte’s “callous show of affluence.”

In a separate statement, he said Duterte showed “cruel indifference to the millions upon millions of Filipinos who are suffering from the skyrocketing prices of rice and fuel, low wages, widespread joblessness and general deterioration of social conditions.”

“With not enough money to spend for their food, transportation, electricity and other basic expenses, the workers, peasants and other toiling sectors demand Duterte to reveal how much he spent for traveling and traveling and shopping?” he added.

‘Tele-trial’...

From A1

The Court said the constitutional rights of the accused will be protected through procedural safeguards in the implementing rules to be released by the Office of the Court Administrator.

“In order to ensure that the accused’s constitutional rights are adequately protected, the counsel of the accused shall be present with the accused in the same designated room in the jail facility throughout the duration of the telehearing,” the Court Administrator said.

The latest measure adopted by the judiciary was approved specifically upon request of Davao City Jail Warden Supt. Grace Taculin, who cited security threats in the transportation of “highrisk detainees” with terrorism cases and with contagious diseases to the courts.

The Bureau of Jail Management of Penology in Davao City manages three city jails with a total population of about 4,000 detainees.

Hundreds of arrested members of Maute, Abu Sayaff, New People’s Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are currently detained in Davao jails.

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DoJ strikes back at Trillanes, pals J sage to reporters.

“The DOJ does not interact with the judge except through the pleadings filed and arguments raised in open court,” the Justice secretary said.

He added that his department has been very careful in observing the sub judice rule on the case while Trillanes’ allies

have not.

Guevarra issued the statement after Alejano said he received information that the government was pressuring Soriano to rule against Trillanes.

The judge has conducted hearings and is expected to rule on the plea of the DOJ to issue an arrest warrants and hold departure order against Trillanes in the 2003 coup d’etat case after President Rodrigo Duterte voided the amnesty granted to the senator by the previous administration.

Trillanes on Sunday said he hoped Soriano would do the right thing, despite the pressure.

Soriano is set to rule on the Department of Justice motion for an arrest warrant and a hold-departure-order on Trillanes.

Pirote, Inspector Conrado Caragdag and Senior Police Officer 4 Alejandro Liwanag.

The report also included former Senior Supt. Eduardo Paderon Acierto and former PDEA deputy director general for administration Ismael Gonzales Fajardo Jr. as well as Jimmy Guban, a Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service official who was recently tagged in the P6.8-billion shabu shipment that reportedly slipped past the BOC. The report tagged Fajardo for allegedly recycling seized drugs. He was reportedly relieved from his post two days after the report was submitted to the Palace.

The report alleged that Fajardo kept portions of seized illegal drugs for personal use or for reselling, instead of fully disclosing and surrendering them for inventory and disposal.

The report said Fajardo and his group would also sometimes use the drugs as planted evidence as proof of accomplishments in the anti-drug war.

Fajardo was taking orders from Aci-

erto, who was dismissed from police service for various anomalies, the report said.

The report said the practice of recycling seized drugs had been accepted by Fajardo’s colleagues from the PNP-Antiillegal drugs group, which include Acierto, Suan, Bacia, Pirote, Caragdag, and Liwanag.

The report said the group considered Acierto their mentor and took orders from him when it come to anti-narcotics operations.

Like Fajardo, Acierto fabricated stories and planted evidence, particularly drugs, which were recycled from previous operations, the report said.

Acierto was also involved in the alleged anomalous procurement of more than 1,000 AK-47 rifles, which reportedly ended up in the hands of the New People’s Army.

Lastly, the report alleged that Guban collected monthly “tara” or grease money from the Chinese owners of drug warehouses he would raid.

By Rey E. Requejo

USTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra denied allegations that his department was applying pressure on the Makati judge handling the coup d’etat case against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and said it was his allies who were guilty of that.

“Rep. [Gary] Alejano’s allegations tend to impede the orderly administration of justice, unfairly cast aspersion on the integrity and professionalism of the Department of Justice and its state prosecutors, and contumaciously influence Judge [Andres Bartolome ] Soriano’s decisionmaking process,” he said, in a text mes-

DoJ: Stop...

From A1

Guevarra earlier ordered the NBI to conduct a parallel probe into the alleged involvement of police officials in the illegal drug trade, and build up a case against implicated officials from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Customs for supposedly recycling and reselling seized shabu.

“If the evidence warrants, the NBI will file a formal complaint with the DOJ for preliminary investigation,” he added.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte revealed a special report on the alleged involvement of law enforcement officials in illegal drugs trade.

He said the special report dated Sept.

12 came from an intelligence network.

Among the PNP officials tagged in the report were Senior Supt. Leonardo Suan, Supt. Lorenzo Bacia, Inspector Lito

PNP revives...

From A1

ANNUAL PARADE. Thousands of Catholic faithfuls on Sunday along Quezon Avenue and select routes in Quezon City join the annual procession of the image of ‘Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary- La Naval de Manila,’ a venerated title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with the same image in the Philippines. Pope Pius X granted the image a canonical coronation on Oct. 5, 1907. The Philippine government in 2009 designated the icon and its shrine as a National Cultural Treasure, making it one of the country’s cultural properties.

after an unidentified gunman fired at her vehicle on Thursday. Teomila Nobleza was planning to file her certificate of candidacy on Monday.

Meanwhile, in Placer, Masbate, Councilor Antonio de Ocampo died and his child was injured after a gunman fired shots at them. De Ocampo was also planning to run in the May 2019 polls.

Aside from the activation of the Special Operations Task Group, which will handle election-related incidents, security commanders on the ground have also been reshuffled as part of the preparations for the coming polls.

The PNP has also strengthened its campaign against loose firearms and gun-for-hire groups.

Albayalde said they were keeping an eye on these groups, whose services are likely to be employed as the 2019 elections draw near.

Pinoy hits...

From A1

Cops after...

From A1

“commanded” a municipal accountant to make a personal appearance in their office and produce the following documents: Annual executive municipal budget for the year 2016 to 2018; Annual investment plan for the year 2016 to 2018; and Disbursement vouchers from Jan. 1, 2016 to Aug. 10, 2018.

It said failure to comply “without adequate cause...shall be deemed an Indirect Contempt of Court,” which is punishable by a fee of up to P5,000 and/or at most one month in prison.

The letter was signed by CIDG director Roel Obusan, one of three people allowed by the controversial Republic Act 10973 to issue a subpoena in aid of an ongoing investigation.

CIDG chief legal officer Joseph Orsos, the person in-charge of drafting the subpoenas, refused to disclose which mu-

SAP clarifies...

From A1

the President is making an early announcement of the temporary suspension of the January 2019 oil excise increase under the TRAIN Law. This announcement is being made two months before the time required by law, to proactively anchor inflation expectations and enhance the welfare of the Filipino people,” the statement said.

“After consulting the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the economic team, the President is confident that this course of action will help anchor inflation expectations for the coming year, allow the public to manage their finances better, and disallow hoarders and profiteers from taking advantage of the situation,” it said.

nicipalities were under investigation. But he said there were four among the 37 that did not comply with the order.

“This is actually a test case...We are preparing the petition for indirect contempt against the accountants from whom we are demanding the documents,” he told VERA Files in a phone interview on Oct. 12.

But human rights lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno, also in a phone interview, said he found the investigations “alarming” and highly unusual.

“This is the first time I’ve encountered the PNP demanding such documents.

Why is the CIDG the one investigating these matters? Isn’t it supposed to be the Ombudsman?” he said.

The CIDG is mandated to undertake the monitoring, investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage, those involving professional and organized crime groups, and major cases that involve violations of the Revised Penal Code as stated in RA 6975.

Reports said Go announced the suspension in an event in Taguig City on Sunday.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, personal income taxes were slashed while excise taxes on fuel, tobacco, alcohol and automobiles were increased.

In particular, the excise taxes on diesel fuel were increased by P2.50 per liter in 2018, while the excise taxes on gasoline were increased by P7 per liter. Aside from that, the law provides that beginning next year, excise taxes for diesel will be increased by P4.50 and gasoline by P9 under the second installment of the law.

Higher oil prices, together with faster increases in the prices of rice, meat, fish and vegetable were the main reasons for the accelerating inflation that averaged 5 percent in the first nine months of the year.

Inflation in September further accelerated to a nine-year high of 6.7 percent

Edgardo Antido, 59, a resident of Fort Washington, won the top prize in the Bonus Match 5 using the winning numbers in the Philippines’ UltraLotto 6/58 Oct. 9 draw.

“I watched the drawing from October 9 for UltraLotto and decided to use those same numbers to play Bonus Match 5,” Antido told Maryland Lottery.

The winning combination drawn on Tuesday’s draw was 12-16-46-03-3836. Antido used the same numbers, except 46, to play Bonus Match 5 on Oct. 10.

He won the $50,000 top prize on the popular lottery game.

He told no one about his win and even signed the back of his ticket to keep it safe.

The following day, he told a good friend about his winning ticket, and his friend accompanied him to the lottery headquarters to claim his prize.

He said he will spend his winnings on a vacation and put the rest in the bank. from 6.4 percent in August. The average 5 percent inflation in January to September was well over the 2 percent to 4 percent target range earlier set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Economic managers, however, earlier said inflation would slow down for the rest of the year on the back of the harvest season, as well as the expected better weatherin the latter part of the year. They said inflation would return to the target range in 2019.

The faster-than-expected inflation prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise the benchmark interest rates by another 50 basis points to 4.5 percent during the last policy meeting on Sept. 27.

This brought the total interest rate hikes this year to 150 basis points. The BSP earlier increased the rates by 25 basis points each in May and June. It followed it up with a rare 50-basis-point hike in August.

Trillanes, a former navy lieutenant was among thise who led the mutiny in Oakwood Premier Hotel in Makati City on July 27, 2003 and the Manila Peninsula seige on Nov. 29, 2007, both aimed at ousting then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Soriano had declared the case as deemed submitted for resolution after receiving evidence from both parties.

Trillanes said they were able to demolish all the evidence presented by the DOJ to the court.

The embattled senator, a constant critic of President Duterte, had branded “defective” all the DOJ evidence. He said the DOJ failed to present any witness who would say that he did not apply for an amnesty.

Filipinos...

From A1

Duterte’s drug war—his signature initiative—helped bring him to power in mid-2016, promising to rid society of narcotics by any means necessary.

Since then, police say they have killed 4,854 alleged drug users or dealers in self-defence, while rights groups estimate the true toll is at least triple that.

According to the latest survey by pollster SWS, the campaign still has the backing of 78 percent of Filipinos, a figure undented in over a year.

Drug war proponents regularly point to these statistics as proof that the internationally-condemned crackdown is the will of the people.

But those same polls show near unanimous agreement—96 percent—among the nation in opposition to the killing, saying the suspects should be taken alive.

‘Not human’ Experts say Duterte’s campaign has tapped into genuine popular outrage over disorder, crime and dysfunction in a developing nation with millions of poor people and a turbulent political past.

“It’s not like they’re turning a blind eye [to the killing] but they’re really worried about the drug problem,” said Steven Rood, a fellow-in-residence at pollster SWS. “It has been a problem for a long time and finally the president of the Philippines is doing something about it,” he added, describing how many Filipinos view the narcotics issue.

But for the family of Duterte voter Katherine Bautista, that belief was suddenly turned on its head by tragedy last year.

Bautista supported the crackdown until her stepson John Jezreel David was shot dead in what police said was an anti-drug operation even as she insisted her son was not a drug user.

“I was even saying that the tears of families [of those killed] seemed fake.

But when it happened to us, I felt the pain they were feeling,” Bautista told AFP. “If it doesn’t happen to your family, you won’t wake up to the truth,” she added.

A significant strand in the opposition to the killings is the fear a loved could be slain just by being in the wrong place, not necessarily because of involvement in drugs. AFP

Sainthood...

From A1

Pope Francis will wear a bloodstained rope belt which belonged to Romero, who was murdered at the altar, as he leads the ceremony in front of some 60,000 pilgrims and heads of state from across the world.

The pontiff will also use a chalice and pastoral staff belonging to Paul VI in a canonization being seen as a reminder of Francis’s call for “a poor church for the poor.”

Both men have been hailed by Francis for their courage in turbulent times and their dedication to social justice and the downtrodden.

Their giant portraits were unfurled on Saint Peter’s Basilica along with those of five other new saints, including an orphaned youth and a German nun.

Romero stood up for peasant rights in the face of a right-wing backlash which painted him as a radical supporter of “liberation” theology in his small, impoverished central American nation.

His radio sermons condemning government repression came to be heard throughout the land.

On March 24, 1980, the man dubbed the “voice of those without voice” was shot in the heart, killed by a single bullet as he prepared communion at the start of a bloody civil war which claimed some 75,000 lives.

‘Gave his life’ Overnight hundreds of pilgrims from across Central America celebrated the impending canonization in El Salvador’s capital. AFP

News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

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Boracay reopens for dry run from Oct. 15-25

By Rio Araja AN INTER-AGENCY task force in charge of the rehabilitation of Boracay will closely monitor compliance with the guidelines it has laid down to protect the resort island from destructive practices during its partial reopening from Oct. 15 to 25.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, head of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, said the 11-day dry run would allow government to test all systems put in place during the sixmonth rehabilitation of Boracay.

He appealed for cooperation and understanding from all stakeholders and local tourists, who will be among the first to experience a reinvigorated tourist paradise.

“We will be monitoring a lot of things, from managing the entrance, exit, and stay of the tourists, to enforcing rule of law on establishments that have been found to be non-compliant to laws and regulations,” he called on.

He said the government would strictly enforce the “no compliance, no operation” policy for establishments not only during the dry run but beyond Boracay’s formal reopening on Oct. 26.

“We will not hesitate to close hotels and other establishments that would operate without clearance from the BIATF,” he said.

Cimatu urged tourists to make sure they book their accommodations with compliant hotels and similar establishments, a complete list of which will be released by the Department of Tourism.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is deploying at least 30 environmental enforcers to check on Boracay’s water quality, solid waste management, drainage and sewage systems, and occupation on forest areas and “We are trying to correct the mistakes of the past, and we have succeeded in finding a solution to cleaning the environment. We do not want to backslide on what we have started,” Cimatu said.

LP chief chided for meddling in House affairs A STAUNCH ally of Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Sunday advised Senator Francis Pangilinan to abide by Congress’ inter-parliamentary courtesy, adding that the former president has been treating Liberal Party members fair and square.

Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats secretary-general, defended Arroyo’s decision to name Pangasinan Rep. Rosemarie Arenas as caretaker of the lone district of Batanes a year after the death of Rep. Henedina Abad. Arenas replaced Quezon City Rep. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., a former Speaker and stalwart of LP like Pangilinan.

“I cannot understand why Kiko Pangilinan, who is a senator, is meddling in the affairs of the House of Representatives. I would like to remind Senator Kiko of the parliamentary courtesy, which we have religiously observed and given utmost importance,” he said.

Pangilinan, LP President, lashed out at Arroyo for her “petty vindictiveness” following the replacement of Belmonte last Wednesday night shortly before Congress went on its month-long Halloween recess.

“If I were Pangilinan I would be very careful about accusing others of vindictiveness,” said Pangilinan.

“Speaker GMA is leading the House of Representatives and she has been very fairly treating members of the LP. So what vindictiveness is Senator Pangilinan talking about?”

“As far as I can remember, the appointment of the caretaker is lodged upon the Speaker. I remember when [former Dinagat Islands Rep.] Ruben Ecleo was dropped from the rolls by the House of Representatives, his political nemesis Akbayan party-list Kaka Bag-ao [who is a member of the Liberal Party] was appointed caretaker of his district in Dinagat Islands. When [the late Negros Occidental] Cong. Iggy Arroyo died in 2012, the caretaker of his district was then Speaker Sonny Belmonte. There is therefore no tradition to speak of. There is likewise no rule on the appointment,” Pichay said. Rio Araja

FARM FRESH Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano formally open the TienDA Malasakit Store in Taguig City that sells farm-to-market produce in an effort to help families cope with the rising prices of commodities. Norman Cruz

Senate bill: No garage, no new car T

By Macon Ramos Araneta

HE Senate has started the process of ironing out the details of a bill which would require prospective vehicle owners to present proof that they have a parking space or garage for their new automobiles thus clear the side streets of obstructions.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian says his proposed measure Senate Bill No. 201, also known as the Proof-of-Parking Space Act, will help ease traffic congestion in the country.

The lawmaker considers the bill to be quite relevant at this time, since this will instill a culture of responsible vehicle ownership among Filipinos.

“The concept really here is responsibility when you buy vehicles. We are now putting the responsibility on the car owners. If you buy cars, you have to make sure that you have a parking space for your own vehicle,” Gatchalian said during the public hearing of SBN 201.

“I think this is quite relevant at this time because, if you try to pass the side streets to avoid traffic in major thoroughfares, there is a greater chance that you’ll get stuck in traffic due to the cars parked along the narrow streets,” he added.

The Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship has formed a technical working group to study the measure after receiving full support from different civil society and government representatives during the committee’s recent public hearing.

LTO records showed that the numbers of registered motor vehicles from the year 2015 until 2017 reached 10,410,814.

There are an estimated new 1,000 registrants each day, 600 of which are newly purchased vehicles.

Under the Proof-of-Parking Space Act, individuals and businesses based in

Metro Manila would only be allowed to purchase new vehicles after the execution of an affidavit confirming that they have acquired, either through purchase or lease, a parking space for the vehicle sought to be purchased.

The bill also mandates the Land Transportation Office, Metro Manila Development Authority, and local government units to conduct frequent inspections of major and minor thoroughfares across the National Capital Region to remove illegally parked vehicles and to penalize vehicle owners who refuse to comply with the law.

While Gatchalian says he recognizes the critical role of SBN 201 in the Duterte administration’s push to solve the

transportation crisis, he says it would be up to LGUs to lead the charge in implementing the proposed law.

“It is better to have a national policy so that the local governments may impose that national law. The local government are also quite sensitive to the comments of their own constituency.

In this proposal, we are giving them ample time to locate their own parking spaces,” the senator said.

“The present administration is in a good position to achieve real, tangible change by overhauling Metro Manila’s outdated public transportation system.

Alleviating the constant struggles of the commuting public should be one of government’s top priorities,” he added.

Vehicle owners have turned side streets into their own private parking space, thus blocking traffic flow. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a measure requiring prospective vehicle owners to show proof of parking space before they are allowed to buy new autos.

MWSS assures Metro residents of water security ‘til 2037 WATER security is assured in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces under the coverage area of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System for at least the next five years or even until the end of the water concession agreement in 2037.

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco gave the assurance over the weekend even as he discussed other possible water sources that would provide the additional water requirement of the MWSS service area.

“Our assurance to the public is that there will be adequate water supply in the next five years until the end of the conces-

sion agreement,” Velasco said during the maiden Real News Forum at Rolando’s Farm to Table Restaurant in Quezon City.

Apart from Velasco, those who attended the Real News Forum were MWSS RO Chief Regulator Patrick Ty, Maynilad’s AVP/ Corporate Communications head Jennifer C. Rufo, and Manila Water’s Corporate Communications head Jeric Sevilla Jr. According to Velasco, MWSS is looking at solving the problem of water at least initially up to 2037.

The agency has already identified projects that could be undertaken within the

duration of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term. Potential medium-term water sources are the Laguna Lake (900 mld), Sumag River (188 mld); Tayabasan River (175 mld) and Wawa River (500 mld).

The Wawa Dam project has been proposed by Oscar Violago and involves the construction of an 82-meter dam in Montalban in the province of Rizal and could produce 500 mld to augment water coming from Angat Dam. International Container Terminal Services Inc. owner Enrique Razon has partnered with Violago and expressed interest in the project. The project would be undertaken under a Joint

ALL FOR WATER SECURITY. MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco (third from left) explains the agency’s medium-term water

source projects at the Real News Forum. With him are from left Manila Water’s Jeric Sevilla, Jr. Maynilad’s Jennifer Rufo, and MWSS RO Chief Regulator lawyer Patrick Ty.

Venture Agreement or Public-Private Partnership but would still be subject to Swiss Challenge.

A feasibility study on the project is being undertaken and expected to be done in six months. Velasco said all inputs such as financial costings of those involved including the concessionaire should be considered. The MWSS Board would do an audit review of the study and it is up to the Board to approve it.

Under the plan, Manila Water will buy raw water coming from the dam and treat the water to maintain its quality and standard. The quality of water would impact on how the water will cost.

Pursing the Wawa Dam project is more cost efficient and faster to implement.

According to Velasco, MWSS is always guided by two things in undertaking new water source projects: “mabilis gawin at mura ang tubig.”

Aside from these potential mediumterm sources, MWSS is also proposing the development of the A-B-C- projects as alternative sources of water with a combined capacity to 1,950 mld. The so-called projects include maximizing the untapped water and water wastage from Angat; the Bayabas Dam Project in Doña Remedios, Trinidad, Bulacan; and the Candaba MultiPurpose Impounding Dam in Pampanga.

All these projects can be completed within the term of President Duterte.

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Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

Who’s afraid of the bear market?

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

However, when experimenters studied this game, they found some very unusual behavior. They asked three different groups to play the game.

The first group was very unusual; they had a specific form of brain damage— these individuals couldn’t feel fear. The second group of players were people like you and me—seemingly without THE bellweather Philippine Stock Exchange Index is in bear-market any evidence of brain damage. The territory. A bear market is a lengthy third group consisted of people who had period where investment prices fall brain damage but in parts of their brains and widespread pessimism causes the unrelated to the processing of emotion negative sentiment to be self-sustaining. (and hence fear).

Who do you think fared best? Not Last Friday’s close brought the index to 7,004.77 or 22.7 percent below its Jan. 29 surprisingly, it was the group with the peak of 9,058.62. The sell-off has erased inability to feel fear. They invested in 84 more than P2 trillion of investor wealth percent of the rounds, whereas the socalled normals invested in 58 percent of over the last eight months.

Are you pessimistic? Are you fearful? the rounds, and the group with non-fearrelated brain damage Will you buy or sell? invested 61 percent of Let’s play a simple the time. game. At the start of The group who the game, you are couldn’t feel fear given P200 and told Bottom line: displayed their real the following: The Nothing lasts edge after rounds in game will last 20 which they had lost rounds. At the start of forever. money. Following such each round, you will rounds, they invested be asked if you would more than 85 percent like to invest. If you of the time—pretty say yes, the cost will be P10. A fair coin will then be flipped. If optimal behavior. This was a huge contrast it comes up heads, you will receive P25. If with the other groups, who displayed it comes up tails, you will lose your P10. seriously suboptimal behavior. In fact, so Now, there are two things we know bad was the pain and fear of losing even about this game. First—and perhaps P10 that these groups invested less than most obvious—it is in your best interest 40 percent of the time after a round in to invest in all rounds due to the unequal which they had suffered a loss.

You might think that, as time went on, nature of the payoff. That is to say, you stand to make more than you lose in each people would learn from their mistakes and round; the expected value per round is hence get better at this game. Unfortunately, P12.50, giving a total expected value to the evidence suggests a very different the game of P250. In fact, there is only a picture. When experimenters broke the 13 percent chance you’d end up with total 20 rounds down into four groups of five earnings of less than P200, which is what games, they found that those who couldn’t you’d have if you chose not to invest at all feel fear invested a similar percentage of the and just kept the initial endowment. The time across all four groups. However, the second thing we know is that the outcome normals started off by investing in about 70 in a prior round shouldn’t impact your percent of the rounds in the first five games, decision to invest in the next round—after but ended up investing less than 50 percent all, the coin has no memory.

Turn to A5

For all the wrong reasons

F

ORMER Makati mayor Junjun Binay and his sister, incumbent Mayor Abigail Binay, have exchanged a few words over who among them should run for mayor in 2019. Both seem determined to run, but none of them, it seems, want to do so for the right reasons.

Junjun Binay, mayor of Makati between 2013 and 2015 when he was suspended over a graft case, said 13 out of 16 Makati councillors and 80 percent of barangay officials had withdrawn their support from Abby, and pledged support for him, requesting that he run again.

He said his sister should run for Congress instead, since she has been a congresswoman before, and could easily retake her seat.

He said residents of Makati have missed “the Binay brand” of governance since he was

gone, and if Abby runs against him, it will not be Binay versus Binay but Binay versus Campos, his sister’s married name.

Abby bristled at what she deemed a sexist comment, saying she was born a Binay and she would die one.

She added that their father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, had already decided that she, not Junjun, would run to be Mayor of Makati, the country’s financial center.

“Daddy told him not to run,” Abigail told reporters. “Junjun, I hope you listen to our father.”

She said she already had the

endorsement of her father’s UNA party, and that the former vice president would run for Congress under the same banner.

Abby said Junjun could run under another party, but she would win anyway because Makati voters trusted her.

She also confirmed that she and Junjun haven’t talked to each other since he invited Makati politicians and officials to his birthday on July 12 and snubbed her.

We hope the Binay siblings find a way to resolve their conflict, whether or not their father mediates.

The people of Makati, whom the Binays say they want to serve, expect no less than genuine leadership, statesmanship and humility from those they vote into office.

Siblings

the Senate was beyond fixing.

In typical Erap humor, he simply said: “Ateneo-La Salle kasi.” Jinggoy finished at the elite Ateneo; JV from the other elite university, De La Salle, perennial rivals in sports and elsewhere.

The current surveys say Jinggoy has the edge. Not only was he a movie actor himself; he has always used his father’s screen OTHER than the loss of a son or daughter, alias, Estrada. probably nothing could hurt a parent more JV, a businessman before getting drawn than seeing his children quarrel, especially into politics, has always used the real surat a later age. name, Ejercito.

We often hear of siblings quarreling over But it’s months away before voters inheritance. Some even bring their claims troop to the polls, and issues will be thrown to the courts of law, especially when the against another. Will the siblings both win, patriarch or matriarch dies intestate, that is, as Erap hopes? Or will they cancel each without a last will and testament. other out?

Some quarrel over parents’ properties Whatever happens, the telenovela-like even when these are still very much alive. rivalry probably rankles in the patriarch’s We have seen years ago the children of a heart. wealthy haciendero classmate of former *** President Marcos There are many fight bitterly, with such stories in Philone faction supportippine politics. Dyed by the widow, nasties sunder due herself of the anto sibling rivalry.

Is there no one cien riche, and the In Iloilo’s fifth other group of sibelse? district, the Tupas lings bitterly fightbrothers are at each ing their mother in other’s throats. court. It was ugly.

One fielded his Even now, busiwife against his ness gossip rebrother in the previous election. The wife volves at what would likely happen when lost to the brother. Now he wants a grudge a multi-billionaire taipan dies, as eventually fight against the brother who is incumbent all will. The billionaire has several chil- representative of his father’s long-held disdren from different mothers, and even now, trict. boardroom rivalries are silenced only by the Some dynastic siblings hide their dislike patriarch’s imperious presence. But what of each other by divvying up the territory, happens when he goes? as in one holds the governorship, and These days, au courant political news is another the congressional district. This about siblings quarreling against each other is what has happened to the Amantes of for the same elective position.

Agusan del Norte, where former Governor Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, better Angel inherited her late father Edelmiro’s known as JV, former mayor of San Juan, congressional district while brother Erlpe like his older brother and father were, is inherited her gubernatorial post. Even if seeking his first reelection in next year’s they did not exactly like each other, they mid-term elections. wisely swapped positions when term But his older brother, Jinggoy, who pre- limits caught up with them, preserving the ceded him as mayor of San Juan and also as dynasty’s hold. senator of the realm for two terms, wants to The Villafuertes of Camarines Sur were come back to the Senate. in similar fettle. Patriarch Luis and former And the battle royale seems set, even be- governor, now congressman LRey fought yond their father’s intervention. each other bitterly, and when LRey’s son Patriarch of the political clan is former Migz succeeded him to the gubernatorial president, now Mayor of the City of Manila, position, no less than the patriarch Louie Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Ejercito is his real challenged his grandson. family name, and Estrada his screen name But now, with a common political enemy, when he was a movie great who used the Majority Floorleader Nonoy Andaya wanting better-known screen name as political nom to run for governor after his term as congressde guerre. man expires next year, the news from BicolWhen I chanced upon Mayor Estrada at andia is that the Villafuertes, pere et fil, have a recent wedding where he stood as sponsor, patched up to support incumbent Gov. Migz I asked if the upcoming sibling rivalry for Turn to A5

Cast of characters THE Commission on Elections this past week was a scene of madness, with the filing of certificates of candidacy for the May 13, 2019 mid-term elections.

There are candidates who are imbued with mission to serve. Some, with the illusions they are the epitome of public servants.

But we live in a democracy and the minimum requirement is that a candidate must know how to read and write.

And so the Comelec office in Intramuros was swamped with

These are the names to watch out for in the 2019 polls.

legitimate candidates including even those who should be barred outright for delusion that only they could deliver public service. Take the case of the candidate who fancied himself a king who wanted to change the name of the country. Because he talked nonsense, we did

not bother to take his name and his stupid spiel.

Some of the newcomers who are seeking a Senate seat include former Philippine National Police chief and Bureau of Corrections Director Ronald dela Rosa. Folk singer Freddie Aguilar also thinks he can sing his way to the Senate.

But the candidate most talked about was Lito Atienza.. There was a lot of speculation that the three-term mayor of Manila would challenge incumbent Mayor Joseph Estrada.

But Atienza, after serious thinking of his political options, decided to run for a third term in Congress as a Buhay Party-List representative.

“I felt I could serve the country better on a Turn to A5

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

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Opinion

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

Feeling poor

Teddy Boy on ICC POINTLESS. This is how incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin described the country’s decision to withdraw from membership in the International Criminal Court. It was Teddy Boy as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York who served the Duterte administration’s decision to withdraw in the midst of the undiplomatic efforts of the ICC prosecutors to “investigate” possible violations in the country’s war on drugs.

In withdrawing from the ICC and the Rome Statute, then Ambassador Locsin noted: “It is my duty to give you this.. a sad day but a day sure to come because human rights has been politicized. We resisted US pressure not to join until we finally signed on, only to have it weaponized against our democracy fighting an existential threat from the drug war.”

One recalls that on a number of occasions the then-UN Human Rights Chief and a number of UN employees particularly Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard tried to bamboozle the administration into submission on its intensified drug war using, among others, data from polluted sources.

At one point, Callamard even went to the extent of practically calling the Duterte administration a dictatorship, a totalitarian state which has no regard for due process and the rule of law while she was in the Philippines as an “academic.” In that speech she delivered before so-called human rights advocates and academics at the

CROSSROADS

JONATHAN DE LA CRUZ University of the Philippines, Callamard went out of her way to harangue the administration for its so-called sins and human rights violations, freely claiming that it was an academic statement not a conclusion. And to think that she was being assigned to precisely investigate the situation. Wow.

A withdrawal would be just right.

Then came another tirade from another rapporteur concluding that the Duterte war on drugs was a wholesale violation of the declaration on human rights. And they have not really begun any kind of official inquiry on the matter.

Then came the statement of Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio during the hearings before the High Tribunal on the country’s withdrawal. The Senate minority group claimed was illegal

and that President Duterte’s action was tantamount to grave abuse of discretion.

Senate Minority leader Frank Drilon insisted that the Chief Executive cannot by himself withdraw from a body and a convention which was concurred in by the Senate itself. Well, that seems to be ill-advised and a very narrow reading of executive action.

In any event, one cannot but agree with Ambassador/Secretary TeddyBoy that indeed there is no point with our continued stay with the ICC. Even Justice Carpio’s contention that our withdrawal will “lessen our capability to stand up against foreign aggressors (principally China)” as we navigate our way in an increasingly highly polarized world did not wash as far as Teddy Boy is concerned.

Said Teddy Boy: “Aggression is a crime that ICC might pick up but only if the aggression is committed by an ICC member.. No serious offensive power—US, Russia, China—is a member of ICC—so doubly pointless to stay.. And ICC picks and chooses those who it thinks are easy prey to prove its usefulness.” Justice Carpio missed this point. What happened?

Anyway, it is just right that we withdrew. And it is fitting that our incoming Secretary of Foreign Affairs was the one who submitted the letter of withdrawal. For if truth be said, this issue will continue to be one of the planks of the anti-Duterte tirades, here and abroad.

They will surely get a mouthful from Teddy Boy.

Where the race gets exciting AS ASPIRANTS for elective positions troop to Commission on Elections offices all over the country to file their respective certificates of candidacy, the focus now shifts from the highest inflation rate in recent years, Mocha Uson’s resignation, the Philippines getting elected to UN Human Rights Council, Kris Aquino’s alleged weakening immune system, the government’s war against illegal drugs, the Red October hysteria, to the country’s favorite pastime—the elections.

And what more opportune time for polling firms to release results of election surveys than during the period for filing of COCs? Expectedly, different polling firms have come up with almost identical front runners for their senatorial survey in the 2019 political derby.

Social Weather Stations has Senator Cynthia Villar running first, followed by Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetamno, Senator Koko Pimentel, returning Senators Lito Lapid , Jinggoy Estrada and Mar Roxas, incumbent Senators Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara, former PNP Chief Bato dela Rosa, former Senator Serge Osmeña and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos.

Just within the winning circle are Senators Bam Aquino, JV Ejercito, presidential adviser on political affairs and former MMDA top honcho Francis Tolentino and special assistant to the president Bong Go. Ed Malay’s The Center came up with almost identical results, although the results of his survey put Poe-Llamanzares edging Villar for first place.

Also, Osmeña missed Malay’s Top 12 as Tolentino took 12thplace, which is not surprising as while those landing in any polling firm’s top may have already been assured of getting elected (the only question is that of whether they would actually land in the ranking the polling firms placed them), it is actually the last three places where the

Siblings From A4

against Andaya, and the battle will be quite interesting, the rivalry bitterly intense. *** But the hottest news these days is about the Binays of Makati. Incumbent Mayor Abigail Binay Campos who is running for her first reelection to the premier post of the nation’s richest city, with former mayor Jejomar Junior snapping at her heels for turning her back on the “Binay brand” of politics.

The Binay brand, which he defines as hugging the poor constituents, going around in shorts and being “sensitive” to constituent’s needs. Ate Abby, it is said, is more detached, aloof even.

But she does her homework, and the

Cast...

From A4

national scale if I stayed in Congress, There are pending issues of national significance in the House which need serious deliberations.

These are the federal/ parliamentary form of government proposed under Charter change, and the return of the death penalty,” said Atienza.

As a pro-life advocate, Atienza is visceral against capital punishment. He does not believe the death penalty will lessen the incidences of heinous crimes.

Atienza is buoyed by the result of a poll done by a foreign firm showing him and the Buhay Party-List as most active and leading group in the House of Representatives.

3.5 percent, the last three places are still actually up for grabs—although it might be a tall order for Go to overtake the 12th placer considering his low 12-percent share.

The rivalry between siblings Jinggoy and JV could also affect the final standing especially with the Supreme Court ruling allowing the prosecution in the former’s plunder case to use records from the AMLC to strengthen the case against him.

JV, in fact, despite landing outside the Top 12, could actually dislodge Jinggoy.

According to Malay, the negative publicity directed toward former President Noynoy Aquino and the Liberal Party, especially on social media, may have

dampened Bam’s reelection bid.

Maly also took note of the surprise surge of Tolentino into the so-called Magic 12, citing this could be attributed to the effect of Tolentino’s sorties throughout the country in recent months. He said that Tolentino reportedly hit the campaign trail earlier than the others in an apparent bid to avoid a repeat of his 2016 experience.

As Presidential Political Adviser, Tolentino on many occasions represented the President in the oath-taking of officials who were elected in the recent barangay elections. In recent weeks, Tolentino has been shuttling between Cagayan Province and Itogon, Benguet as head of the government’s relief efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Ompong.

Malay said they rechecked the figures corresponding to Tolentino and his high visibility in these calamitystricken areas as well as those delegated to him by the President account for this respectable showing in the pre-poll survey.

Actually, Tolentino’s entry into the winning circle, be it according to the SWS or Malay’s The Center Pulso ng Bayan, is not surprising considering the placed 13th in the 2016 senatorial elections, behind jailed Senator Leila de Lima. Tolentino ran as an Independent candidate without the support of any political party and a campaign that is hampered by lack of adequate logistics.

With regard to Go, President Rodrigo Duterte’s most trusted lieutenant, he has to work overtime if he indeed is serious in his political ambitions. He can take the cue from Senator Joel Villanueva who surprised political pundits when despite a poor showing in pre-election surveys, almost grabbed the top spot in the 2016 senatorial race.

It ain’t over until the votes have been cast and tallied, as they say. And the race is off to an exciting start.

projects she has launched, the change she has begun, are there for the constituents to appreciate, she counterclaims.

She went to the Comelec offices armed with a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance as UNA official candidate, signed by its chairman and founder, the Binay patriarch himself.

But Jun-jun says he will run against her nonetheless, with the constituents’ clamoring for a return of his Binay brand. The Binay brand which has ruled Makati since Cory Aquino named Jejomar Binay OIC, birthing a dynasty that hopes to rule for generations on end, from patriarch to matriarch to patriarch once more, to Junior, to Ate, and beyond.

That brand has transcended the local when the patriarch ran for vice president in 2010, along with “the” Erap, and graduated

into national politics with a tour de force nobody expected until it was too late.

The same brand had to go back to local because another local politician from deep South entered the national scene for the first time with an Intensity 5 gale force in 2016.

Pere Jojo will run for congress in Makati’s first district, with fils et la souer slugging it out for mayor, unless Jojo and Dra. Elenita, coming back from a pilgrimage in Italy, can invoke heaven’s wrath upon one or the other.

One wonders, like Brad Pitt’s Achilles in the epic movie Troy adopted from Homer’s classic, if the political drama in Makati could possibly ring out with an “Is there no one else?” challenge from anyone else.

In Makati and everywhere else in this benighted land, where politics has become torrens title.

Because it wants to be able to operate independently, the polling firm preferred to be unidentified.

With Atienza out of the running in the country’s capital, poor Manila will have to settle for a mayor in Estrada who’s in his mid 80s, Alfredo Lim who’s 90, and former actor and vice mayor Francisco Domagoso, aka Isko Moreno, who’s in his 50s.

Manila with its myriad problems like uncollected garbage, runaway crime and proliferation of illegal drugs needs more than a couple of old men and someone younger with questionable qualifications.

The cast of characters as candidates in next year’s midterm elections is replete with political dynasties. Aside as Manila mayoral candidate, Erap has two sons—

Jinggoy and JV Ejercito—in the senatorial race. JV, Erap’s son by former actress and now San Juan City mayor Guia Gomez, is flabbergasted that his half-brother Jinggoy is also running and could split the votes between them. Jinggoy is out on bail from his plunder case.

The Binays of Makati are candidates in the midterm elections. Former Vice President Jejomar Binay is gunning for a congressional seat. Daughter Nancy Binay is seeking reelection in the Senate.

To highlight the dearth of candidates in Makati other than the Binays, two Binays—incumbent Abigail and brother Junjun—are the ones contesting the mayoralty o fthe country’s premier city.

The Cayetanos, Alan Peter and Pia, are

race gets exciting.

In SWS’ survey, Number 10–12 placers garnered 24–25 percent of voters’ share while those landing in Numbers 13–16 got 12–22 percent.

With a margin of error of (plus/minus)

It’s off to a great start.

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as imports continue to boom, thanks to the government’s infrastructure campaign, consequently widening the trade deficit and putting additional pressure on the peso.

In fact, data from the Philippine AMID the official arrival of the political Statistics Authority revealed a ballooning circus—the week-long filing of certificates trade gap for the first eight months of of candidacy for the 2019 elections the year at $26 billion, a far cry from the began on Thursday—the latest survey $15.7 billion in the same period last year. by the Social Weather Stations painted The deficit is seen to far exceed overseas what should be a sobering picture for all Filipino cash remittances.

“We expect the peso to fall to P58 those gunning for elective positions in against the US dollar by the end of next government.

According to SWS, Filipino families year,” Capital Economics said. “A weak who consider themselves poor increased currency is a concern for the authorities by 1.1 million over the last quarter, from because of the upward pressure it will put 11.1 million to 12.2 million between June on import prices.”

In many ways then, the combination and September. The highest in four years, the 4-percent jump also means that self- of internal and external factors is seen to rated poverty incidence—at 52 percent— create a perfect storm of easing momentum for the Philippine economy. And while the now afflicts a majority of Filipinos.

It is little surprise that the near-decade- government might be doing something high inflation, in particular the surging cost to cushion the impact of inflation—rice of food, has been singled out as the culprit. tarriffication, reforms in food policy, fuel tax suspension, On the back of and other social successive record mitigation highs, 8 percent measures—the of those surveyed same can’t be c o n s i d e r said for some themselves More than ever for of its key policy “newly poor,” or directions that those who rated this election, people could impact themselves not may just vote with their more people in poor one to four the long term. gut. years ago.

For instance, Another on the heels of important finding the deleterious is the significant impact on rise in self-rated infl ation of the poverty in Luzon outside Metro Manila (12 percent) and Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Mindanao (5 percent). While unchanged, Law comes the Tax Reform for Attracting the 67-percent rating in the Visayas is the Better and High-quality Opportunities highest in the country. Perhaps the only or TRABAHO bill, the second phase of good result is the 17-percent drop in Metro the government’s tax reform package. In Manila, which may mean that residents are addition to industry players, the Philippine starting to feel the impact of government Economic Zone Authority had been clear in its opposition of the proposed measure, interventions.

Many groups are rightly quick to lay the citing a projected P298-billion loss in sobering statistics at the feet of the Duterte revenues for domestic businesses.

If enacted, the TRABAHO law will administration. After all, Duterte and his men had run a campaign built on massive reduce corporate income tax but also grassroots support and a supposedly pro- rationalize tax incentives, key features poor stance. It also represents a stinging that local firms find appealing. But PEZA repudiation of some pronouncements by Director General Charito Plaza warned the government’s economic managers that local companies are also bound to that insensitively downplay the impact of lose business as economic zone locators conduct a lot of business with domestic inflation as insignificant.

For its part, Malacañang said it suppliers.

“If our exporters will put out, affected “understood the people’s sentiment,” will be our domestic suppliers. For and assured the public that measures had been put in place “to cushion the impact example, the zero VAT for local purchases of inflation and bring food on the table incentive of our exports—how much local of poor families.” Former Presidential purchases did our industries in PEZA Spokesperson Harry Roque said it was purchase from local businessmen, from “the order and desire” of President Duterte local suppliers?” Plaza said.

The measure could thus spell disaster that “no Filipino family should be hungry.”

That’s well and good. But if the self- for the already weakening export sector, rated poverty figures represent immediate not to mention further impair the country’s sentiments of people on the ground, things already subpar competitiveness in the in the macroeconomic horizon are not region. All in all, stagnant investment in looking good either. Foreign think tank key industries and even capital flight do Capital Economics predicts the record- not bode well for the economy, possibly high inflation—and its impact on consumer starting a cycle of slow growth.

And while all these are happening, spending—to slow down the country’s economic growth to 6 percent next year, it’s the ordinary Filipinos who have no choice but to suffer in the meantime. well below the government’s targets.

“Higher oil prices, a weaker peso, and These economic issues, while perhaps disruption to food supplies from Typhoon abstract to some, are deeply felt by the ‘‘Mangkhut’’ [Ompong] mean inflation is most marginalized sectors of society. likely to remain above the central bank’s The biggest threat to this administration then may not be political at all, not some target until late 2019,” the group said.

In addition, as the Bangko Sentral ng covert ouster plot by a conspiracy among Pilipinas has been forced to raise its key its enemies. The biggest risk may be the interest by a total of 150 basis points to grumbling of millions of stomachs and the stave off inflation, industry pundits say recession of a once-robust economy.

Less than a year before the 2019 midthe move will also contribute to lowerterm elections, the people, more than ever, than-expected GDP numbers. The export sector is also seen to suffer from an can be expected to cast their votes based expected ease in external demand, even on their gut.

Who’s....

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of the final five games. The longer the game went on, the worse their decision-making became.

You may be wondering why I am telling you this story—well, it naturally parallels the behaviors that investors exhibit during bear markets. The evidence above suggests that fear causes people to ignore bargains when they are available in the market, especially if they have previously suffered a loss. The longer they find themselves in this position, the worse their decision-making appears to become.

Of course, this game is designed so that taking risk yields good results. If also candidates. Alan resigned as Secretary of Foreign Affairs to seek a House seat with an eye on the Speakership. Pia who vacated her House seat to return to the Senate is seen as among the top candidates to land in the win column.

A surprise entry among the candidates is former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. He voiced his intention to join the Senate race because he wants to discuss and debate with those who think they have a grasp of the issues of federalism, charter change and foreign policy. The former Senate president who spends most of his time reading and writing has crafted a deep and lengthy Study of the Draft of the Proposed Federal Constitution.

“Even if I don’t win, I can at least

the game were reversed and taking risk ended in poor outcomes, the normals would outperform the players who can’t feel fear. However, the version of the game outlined above is a good analogy to bear markets with cheap valuations, where future returns are likely to be good.

The bottom line: Nothing lasts forever: More often than not, recent extraordinary economic and financial events tend to reverse.

Never forget legendary investor Sir John Templeton’s valuable advice, “To buy when others are despondently selling and to sell when others are avidly buying requires the greatest of fortitude and pays the greatest ultimate reward.” eric.jurado@gmail.com illuminate the issues of the proposed federalism in a forum, public debate and on the campaign trail. It’s important for the people to be well-informed in case federalism under a new Constitution reaches the plebiscite stage,” said Enrile, citing the reason for his candidacy.

There are a lot of people, including myself, who believe Enrile would win because of name recall, even if he does not hit the campaign trail. Appearances in televised debates and discussions would be JPE’s advantage factor to show that among today’s politicians, he is one of the very few who can speak with authority on legal matters.

The man is 94 years old but his political sense and amazing memory are uncanny.

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News

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Tulong-Trabaho’ bill OK’d on final reading

T

HE House of Representatives has unanimously approved on third and final reading House Bill 8139 or the proposed “Tulong-Trabaho Act” which seeks to institute a Philippine Labor Force Competency Competitiveness Program and free access to TechnicalVocational Education and Training.

The bill, principally authored by Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, aims to 1) strengthen the qualifications of the Filipino workforce to meet the challenges of

the rapidly evolving workplaces and work structures; 2) provide for more innovative approaches to TVET to meet industry requirements; 3) facilitate access to quality

TVET; and 4) encourage the participation of industry and communities in competencies formation.

The measure provides for the creation of a “Tulong-Trabaho” Fund to cover training fees of qualified recipients with access to TVET programs to be determined by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Board.

Access to the fund shall be made available to any person who is at least 15 years old and is no longer in school and does not have a regular job or is not undergoing any form

of training for a particular job, such as outof school youth, unemployed adults, and those intending to work in the emerging sectors or industries.

Part-time or underemployed workers who intend to develop and expand their current skills and technical-vocational training may also avail of the fund.

A joint congressional oversight committee shall also be created to monitor and review the implementation of the measure as well as the disbursements of the Tulong-Trabaho Fund.

The committee shall be composed of three members each from the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and the House Committee on Labor and Employment, to be appointed by the House Speaker, and the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture and the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, to be appointed by the Senate President. At least one member from each Committee shall represent the minority.

PROTECTING THE COUNTRY’S FUTURE.

John Rey Rollo of Sarangani province attaches his pledge of commitment during the First National Conference on Children in Emergencies at Dusit Hotel in Makati City. Diana B. Noche

UHC bill to lower price of medicines

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

THE enactment of the Universal Health Care bill will ensure all Filipinos will have access to quality and affordable medicines, a lawmaker said on Sunday.

“We are now a step closer to ensuring that every Filipino family will have access to health services without causing them financial hardship. One of the goals here is the free checkup and laboratory tests. This will also make medicines affordable,” Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said.

Angara is one of the authors and sponsors of Senate Bill No. 1896, which was approved on third and final reading last week.

Under Section 25 of the proposed measure, “drug outlets shall be required at all times to carry the generic equivalent of all drugs in the Primary Care Formulary.”

According to the Department of Health, generic medicines now account for 65 percent of the total pharmaceutical market in terms of volume sales.

The Generics Act of 1988, authored

by Angara’s father, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara, requires doctors to prescribe generic drugs, which are 50 to 70 percent cheaper than their branded counterparts.

“Studies have shown that medicines in the Philippines are five to 30 times more expensive than those in other parts of Asia,” the younger Angara said.

Amid rise in teen pregnacy, parents urged to teach RH

‘Give cash award to winners in Asian paralympics’

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Juan Edgardo Angara commended Filipino athletes who won medals in the recently concluded 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, adding that they also deserve cash awards under the law for bringing pride and honor to the country.

“We would like to congratulate and commend our athletes with disabilities as well as their coaches and trainers for their outstanding performance. The cash rewards they will receive are well deserved under the expanded athletes incentive law,” Angara said.

Under Republic Act No. 10699, which Angara authored, Filipino athletes, including the differently abled, and their coaches are entitled to cash incentives as a way of recognizing their achievements.

The Philippines ranked 11th in the medal standing of the Asian Para Games, hauling 10 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals as the meet ended Friday last week.

Under the law, winners in the Asian Para Games will receive the following cash awards: P1 million for gold medalists; P500,000 for silver medalists; and P200,000 for bronze medalists.

Prior to the enactment of RA No. 10699, winning differently-abled athletes were granted only token incentives because they were not covered by the old National Athletes Incentives Law.

Eriguel seeks reelection in La Union

By Rio N. Araja THE widow of slain former La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel filed her certificate of candidacy to officially signify her bid for Congress reelection.

Sandra Eriguel, who was elected as La Union 2nd District representative in 2016, is seeking a second term.

“Together with the friends and supporters of Franny, we, the people of La Union would like to put an end to political violence and continue the legacy and good achievements of my husband,” Eriguel said.

“Franny is well loved and respected by his constituents because of his leadership and good governance,” she said.

“It is just fitting that we continue his dreams and ideals.”

Her husband was brutally murdered along with three supporters on May 12 in what was described to be a politically-motivated killing.

The late Eriguel served three terms as mayor of Agoo and two terms as congressman of La Union’s second district.

WITH three teenage pregnancies for every 50 pregnant women in the country, Save the Children Philippines has called on parents to take an active role in educating adolescent children on reproductive health.

Save the Children Philippines chief executive officer Albert Muyot said the country has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Southeast Asia, and the problem has not changed in the last 10 years.

“These girls face health problems and are at risk of falling into a cycle of poverty,” Muyot said.

Earlier this year, Save the Children Philippines launched the program: Heart to HEART (Healthy, Empowered, Responsible Teen) as a new and innovative approach to foster dialog between parents and their adolescent children.

The six month curriculum uses activity-based methodologies to engage small groups of parents with very young adolescents or those 10 to14 years old in reflection and learning on gender norms, puberty, pregnancy prevention, and sexually-transmitted infections.

Muyot said the Department of Education should also widen access of teenage mothers to Alternative Delivery Modes to prevent them from dropping out of school.

ADMs allow learners, including pregnant teenagers, to continue their studies at home. It was originally designed to address problems of seasonal absentee learners and congested classrooms in schools.

WHAT’S UP SANTA? Colorful Christmas decors and Santa Claus figurines adorn the showroom of the Natural Art Flowers and Decor in Manila where they make import-quality

decorations. Lino Santos

Sports

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

Hidilyn starts Olympic quest

Huang tows Tigers past Tamaraws

By Peter Atencio

H

IDILYN Diaz isn’t expected to get a podium finish these days.

Focus will be on Diaz qualifying to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics instead of winning medals in qualifying tournaments.

AFTER a bad start early in the season, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers’ game is finally picking up steam.

Zach Huang showed the way as the Growling Tigers repulsed the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 78-70, to post their third consecutive victory yesterday in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

Four players led by Huang scored in double digits as the Growling Tigers improved their win-loss record to 4-4 at the start of the second round.

Huang came up with a careerhigh 20 points and six rebounds, hitting 10 in the last quarter.

So far, UST’s record has the number of wins which they achieved under Boy Sablan two years ago.

With the count tied, 39-all at the end of the fourth period, the Growling Tigers went on a 10-0 run to break away from the Tamaraws.

“We’re grateful na kung ano yung pinaghandaan namin ay lumalabas. But it’s still a long way to go. We’re going to keep working hard,” said Growling Tiger coach Aldin Ayo. From there, Huang joined up with Germy Mahinay who came up with another scoring blast to put the Growling Tigers further ahead, 65-54, with 3:55 remaining.

The Tams once again struggled without Arvin Tolentino after he got called for another disqualifying foul, and his second following his return from another one-game suspension.

UST also drew double digits from Marvin Lee with 17 points, five assists and two steals while Renzo Suibido had 14 points. Mahinay tallied 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

On the other hand, CJ Cansino only had five points but worked hard under the boards with 12 rebounds.

Richard Escoto had 12 points for the Tamaraws, whose winning streak ended at three and now has a 5-3 card.

Tolentino made 11 before he was thrown out for hitting Huang in the face with 15.9 ticks left in the game.

Diaz’s coach Tony Agustin said this as Diaz and six other lifters start joining Olympic qualifiers next month.

“Hindi kami nag-eexpect. Basta makapasok lang sa top eight,” said Agustin.

Diaz’s quest for qualifying slots

begins with the IWF World Championships, which will commence from Nov. 1 and will go on until Nov. 10 in Ashqabat, Turkmenistan.

She will be joining the 55 kg category, which is higher than the 53 kg. event.

So far, Diaz is undergoing many changes with the way she prepares under a new lifting coach Gao Kaiwen.

Gao, who came aboard last June, has been making Diaz lift heavier weights with a new routine and techniques that he has been introducing her.

Agustin shared his thoughts after receiving an incentive of P1 million from the Philippine Sports Commission, as part of his incentive for helping Diaz win the gold in the recent Asian Games.

He is among 26 coaches who earned a total of P8 million in cash bonuses for their contribution in the Philip-

pines stash of four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes in the Asiad.

Nestor Colonia and Jeffrey Garcia are joining Diaz.

Elreen Ann Ando and Ellen Rose Perez, young aspiring members of the national team like Kristel Macrohon, and Rose Ramos.

National head coach Leonardo Llena will spearhead the delegation.

During Friday’s awarding ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, golf coach Jesselito Zamora, who helped Yuka Saso win golds in the individual and team event of the Asiad, got P1.999 million in incentives from the PSC.

Local, foreign aces resume hunt at Luisita

Ababa: Jhonnel Ababa Hidilyn Diaz proudly display the Philippine flag after winning a gold medal during the 2018 Asian Games in this file photo. Diaz starts her quest for an Olympic gold medal when she joins qualifying tournaments starting with IWF World Championships in Turkmenistan. AFP

Nabalan shines as NU sweeps UAAP first round NATIONAL University completed another first round sweep and stretched its unbeaten run to 71 games with a 91-58 rout of Far Eastern University Saturday in the UAAP Season 81 women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ria Nabalan had 18 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two blocks while reigning MVP Jack Danielle Animam chipped in 15 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals for the Lady Bulldogs.

Valerie Mamaril paced the Lady Tamaraws with 14 markers while Fatima Quiapo contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

FEU ended up in joint second with De La Salle with five wins and two defeats.

Sai Larosa and Tin Capilit each scored 13 points as Universiry of Santo Tomas edged University of the East, 53-51, to tie Adamson University in fourth place at 4-3.

The Lady Warriors, who drew 20 points from Anne Pedregosa, fell at 1-6.

The scores: First Game NU (91) – Nabalan 18, Animam 15, Pingol 10, Camelo 9, Cacho 9, Itesi 8, Harada 6, Cac 3, Ceño 3, Bartolo 2, Canuto 2, Del Carmen 2, Fabruada 2, Goto

2, Layug 0.

FEU (58) – Mamaril 14, Quiapo 11, Taguiam 10, Antiola 7, Castro 7, Vidal 4, Adriano 3, Bahuyan 2, Bastastas 0, Payadon 0.

Quarter scores: 24-6, 50-23, 74-38, 91-58.

Second Game UST (53) – Larosa 13, Capilit 13, Irebu 7, Rivera 5, Gonzales 5, Aujero 4, Sangalang 4, Magat 2, Ferrer 0, Tacatac 0.

UE (51) – Pedregosa A. 20, Requiron 14, Cortizano 9, Ganade 3, Pedregosa P. 2, Francisco 2, Borromeo 1, Cuadero 0, Strachan 0.

San Beda’s Mocon chosen NCAA Player of the Week EVER since losing to the Lyceum Pirates last August 21, Javee Mocon and the San Beda Red Lions have been a team on a mission.

The mission? To get back at them.

“Babawi kami sa LPU,” the graduating San Beda forward once declared on live TV. And in their final game before their final elimination round showdown with

the Pirates, the 23-year-old made sure to send one last statement to Lyceum, tallying 24 points and 11 rebounds during San Beda’s 90-52 drubbing of the Arellano Chiefs last Thursday.

For this, Mocon was hailed as the Chooks-to-Go/Collegiate Sports Press Corps NCAA Player of the Week.

But the San Beda lifer is hoping that it’s not just him who is hyped for the up-

coming contest.

“Sana springboard sa amin ito going into the Lyceum game, especially for our bench players. Kailangan namin silang lahat for that game,” he said.

Though having clinched a twice-tobeat advantage in the NCAA Season 94 Seniors Basketball Final Four, decorated Red Lions head coach Boyet Fernandez is still going all out as they end their

elimination round campaign.

“We will treat our final two games as playoff games. We will be ready,” he said.

Mocon bested fellow Red Lion Robert Bolick, Letran’s duo of Bong Quinto and JP Calvo, and Lyceum’s CJ Perez for the weekly honor given by print and online writers covering the Grand Old League.

Ilas, Jorge seize NGAP regional lead BERNICE OLIVAREZ-ILAS birdied the last hole to save a 71 and broke away from a tight pack with a threestroke lead even as Josh Jorge stormed ahead with a 72 in men’s play after two rounds of the NGAP Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship at the Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga yesterday.

Tied with Kim Seo Yun after 18 holes with 69s, Ilas took solo control with a gutsy even par 34 going out then checked a shaky backside stint with two birdies in the last five to salvage an even par card at the par-71 bunker laden layout that continued to bedevil the games of the Elite amateur field.

With a 140 aggregate, Ilas built a three-stroke cushion over Kim, who fumbled with an opening 37 for a 74 and 143, while Laurea Duque failed to sustain a hot 32 start with a wobbly finish of 39 for a 71 and a 144 in the event serving as part of the PLDT Group’s National Amateur Golf Tour organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

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sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

That moved Ilas 18 holes away from duplicating her feat in 2016 where she humbled some of country’s top pros in the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Jorge, one shot behind erstwhile joint leaders Sean Ramos and Jet Hernandez, leaned on a steady frontside game of 34 then emerged on top in an error-filled backside battle among the contenders, his closing 38 and a 72 putting him on top of the heap at 147, now two shots up on Ramos, who fumbled early with a 37 and matched Jorge’s 38 for a 75 and a 149.

Hernandez kept Jorge at bay with a frontside but lost grip of the lead with a double bogey-riddled 42, dropping to third at 150 after a 76 while Masaichi Otake also made a 76 for a 151 in the tournament backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Cignal, Metro Pacific and hosted by Beverly Place Golf Club.

Francis Lanuza and Miguel Olivarez-Ilas also put in a pair of 34s but succumbed to the demanding backside and hobbled with 40 and 41, finishing with 74 and 75 for 158 and 162, respectively.

LOOKING LIKE A CHAMPION. Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a winner against Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles semi-finals match at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament.

Djokovic won to advance to the finals. AP

THE men of the Philippine Golf Tour and PGT Asia set out for back-to-back duels at the demanding Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 16, all ready and raring to slug it out in two rich tournaments following a month-long break on the two circuits.

Jhonnel Ababa, the last winner at ICTSI Club Filipino de Cebu last month, heads the 80-player field in the P4 million ICTSI Luisita Invitational where five of the nine leg titlists go all out to match Jobim Carlos’ two-title feat in the final leg of this year’s 10-stage PGT put up by ICTSI. They include Eagle Ridge champion Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands, Philippine Masters titlist Jerson Balasabas, Del Monte winner Nicolas Paez of the US, Bacolod stop victor Justin Quiban and Ababa. Missing this week’s championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are Korean Kim Joo Hyung, winner at Pueblo de Oro, and Negros leg playoff titlist Juvic Pagunsan.

La Salle, NU stake table tennis titles

DE LA SALLE and National University hope to keep their women’s and men’s championships Monday in the UAAP Season 81 table tennis tournament at the UP CHK Gym. The Lady Paddlers, gunning for a five-peat, stake their perfect record against University of Santo Tomas in the best-of-three championship series opener at 9 a.m.

The young Bulldogs, seeking a second consecutive crown, take on undefeated UST in their own Finals opener at the same time.

De La Salle, which is eyeing its seventh women’s title overall, registered an immaculate 14-0 slate in the eliminations to gain an outright passage to the Finals.

The Tigresses arranged a championship rematch with the Lady Paddlers after sweeping University of the Philippines, 3-0, in the step-ladder semifinals Saturday.

NU, on the other hand, had to go through the hard way to make it back to the men’s championship as it toppled Far Eastern University, 3-0, in the stepladder semifinals.

With five newcomers, the Bulldogs of coach Judit Yulde were able to finish second with a 12-2 card behind the Growling Tigers, who went 14-0 in the elims.

UST is making its fourth consecutive finals appearance and the second straight against NU.

Sports

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

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

NLEX Road Warriors guard Larry Fonacier (12) tries to dribble past two Meralco Bolts defenders, from left: Mike Tolomia and Baser Amer. PBA Media

Can James, Lakers bring Hollywood ending?

LOS ANGELES—LeBron James embarks on the latest and possibly final chapter of his glittering career with the basketball world watching and wondering if the greatest player of his generation can deliver a Hollywood ending.

Ever since James confirmed his blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers in July, skeptics have asked whether the 33-yearold’s move to California was motivated by basketball or his budding entertainment industry portfolio.

If James was truly determined to add more championship rings to his collection of three titles, the theory went, a more logical destination would have been Houston or Philadelphia, where his arrival might have elevated either franchise to potential super-team status.

Instead he opated for the Lakers, mired in mediocrity after the worst five-year period in club history and failing to make the playoffs since 2013.

“Strictly a business decision,” was the withering verdict of TNT commentator Charles Barkley on James’ move. “He’s on the downside of his career. He wants to be a big Hollywood mogul.

He’s going to be driving by the beach every day.”

James and those familiar with his reasons for choosing the Lakers have dismissed the skeptics out of hand.

“My decision was based solely on my family and the Lakers,” James said.

“I’m a basketball player. I play ball, that’s what I do. That’s what I live by, and when I do it the way I do it, everything takes care of itself.”

And as James points out, his successful forays into the entertainment world, which have included movie roles and documentary and television producing, were well-established before his arrival in Tinseltown.

“My business took care of itself way before I became part of the Lakers franchise,” James said.

Bolts post electrifying come-from-behind win

By Jeric Lopez

B

ASER AMER is back in his element.

Amer scored the game’s last six points in the final minute to tow the Meralco Bolts to a 108-105 come-from-behind win over the NLEX Road Warriors to snap their six-game losing streak in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City last night.

The talented spitfire took charge in the fourth to lead the Bolts’ brilliant rally, scoring 17 of his 22 points in the last 12 minutes of the game.

None were bigger than his six points in the final minute that completed Meralco’s furious comeback.

Amer knocked down the go-ahead triple from the left elbow with 13.6 seconds left to give the Bolts a 108-105 lead as the deadlock was broken.

“Coach Norman (Black) told me to take it if I’m open’” said Amer of his big shot.

That proved to be the dagger as Juami Tiongson’s last bid to send the game to overtime went astray after getting swatted away by Allen Durham.

That capped Durham’s amazing night as he scored 30 of his 36 points in the second half to keep Meralco afloat while adding 18 rebounds and seven assists for a near triple-double.

Meralco trailed for most part of the game and was down big, 82-66, in the early part of the fourth.

But with Amer and Durham keeping

them in the game, the Bolts were able to rally back and eventually steal the win.

Meralco improved its record to 2-6 to move to 10th and keep its chance of making the top eight while NLEX fell to 4-5 after losing its third straight game.

Amer was also responsible for tying the game after a completed three-point play with 46.2 ticks left that evened the count at 105-all. NLEX import Aaron Fuller finished with 31 points and 13 rebounds for his own double-double.

The scores: Meralco Bolts 108 - Durham 36, Amer 22, Newsome 14, Hugnatan 12, Hodge 10, Caram 8, Lanete 2, Salva 2, Jamito 2, Faundo 0, Atkins 0, Tolomia 0.

NLEX Road Warriors 105 - Fuller 31, Fonacier 21, Quinahan 17, Ighalo 9, Galanza 6, Tallo 5, Marcelo 4, Taulava 3, Rios 3, Soyud 2, Baguio 2, Paniamogan 2, Tiongson 0, Monfort 0.

Quarter scores: 13-17, 36-39, 66-80, 108-105

SEAN RAMOS battled back from two down and pounced on Josh Jorge’s final hole mishap to snare the men’s crown with a 68 while Korean Kim Seo Yun outduelled Bernice Olivarez-Ilas on the third playoff hole to clinch the women’s title in the NGAP Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship at the Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga yesterday.

Jorge actually forced a tie at four-over overall total after Ramos bogeyed the par-5 17th but the former cracked under pressure and bogeyed the last for a 71, another par-5, enabling Ramos to claim the win on a 217 aggregate that included rounds of 74 and 75.

It was Ramos’ second straight championship after ruling the Canlubang Amateur Open last week.

And it was sorry setback for Jorge, who flashed resiliency after an opening triple bogey 8 and a bogey on the second as he rattled off four birdies in the next seven to salvage and even par card and regain a one-stroke lead over Ramos, who shot a 33, at the turn.

But Ramos took charge with birdies on Nos. 12, 14 and 16 only to drop to a share of the lead again with a bogey on the penultimate hole.

Masaichi Otake skied to a 77 and wound up third at 228 while Jet Hernandez pooled a 231 for fourth after an 81 followed by Francis Lanuza (79-237), Miguel OlivarezIlas (81-243) and David Guangko (78-244).

Kim, on the other hand, came out of two bogey duels with Ilas with a par on the third extra hole, which the latter bogeyed, to share the spotlight with Ramos in the 54hole championship which served as part of the PLDT Group’s National Amateur Golf Tour organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Kim rallied with a backside 35 and a 72 in regulation for a 215 to tie Ilas, winner of the pro event here in 2016, who blew a fivestroke lead with nine holes to play with a closing 40 for a 75 in the event backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Cignal, Metro Pacific and hosted by Beverly Place Golf Club.

Laurea Duque placed third with a 217 after a 73 while Rianne Malixi rallied with a 71 for fourth at 224 followed by Kristine Fleetwood (74-228) and Weifang Gao (79-241).

August Cruz scored a wire-towire triumph in men’s division Group I, pooling a 151 after a 77 to beat Bernardo Chang Jr., who had a 159 after an 80, in gross play while Alan Alegre took the net crown with a 146, four shots ahead of Santino Diokno.

Davao extends winning streak

LeBron James (23) is congratulated by teammates Brandon Ingram (14) and Josh Hart after scoring a basket during a pre-season game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings. AFP

Tagle, Estonian advance to quarterfinals of 2018 Youth Olympics BUENOS AIRES—Nicole Oliva made the country proud by qualifying in the 400-meter freestyle event against the world’s best junior swimmers in the 2018 Youth Olympics at the Olympic Park here.

The 16-year-old didn’t land a medal but her sixth-place finish and clocking of 4:16.61 seconds was enough to provide hope that the national swimming team can cling on in future meets. ``We have somebody special here after she swam faster in all her races,’’ said Philippine Swimming Inc. president

Ramos, Kim rule NGAP Northern Luzon golf

Lani Velasco. ``We didn’t expect this.

Nicole is the first Filipina to qualify in four QTAs (qualifying time A).’’

Oliva also qualified in the finals of the 200m freestyle and swam in the heats of the 100m and 800m free.

After a promising stint in these Games wherein the trip of the Filipino athletes were bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, Oliva will compete in the Olympic trials in the United States February next year.

She will also participate in the SEA Age Group Championships in Cambo-

dia in July and the SEA Games hosting of the country later in the year.

Ajna Kesely of Hungary pocketed the gold medal in the 400m freestyle (4:07.14) while Delfina Pignatiello of Argentina (4:10.40) and Marlene Kahler of Austria (4:12.48) placed second and third, respectively.

Oliva’s father Mark recounted that Nicole learned to swim when a lifeguard in Cebu City saw bright potential in her and taught Nicole to swim for a decade every time their family is in the Philippines.

``Our next big goal is to qualify Nicole in the (2020) Olympics. I think we can expect much more from Nicole in the Olympics,’’ said Velasco.

Meanwhile, archer Nicole Tagle has forged a partnership with Hendrik Oun of Estonia in the mixed international event Saturday at the Technopolis.

In kiteboarding, Filipno-Norwegian Christian Tio placed a strong third in two of his last three races while golfers Yuka Saso and Carl Janno Corpus will start their stint in the mixed international event at the Hurlingham Club.

DAVAO Occidental continued its streak in the MPBL Datu Cup but not before grinding it out against Laguna even as San Juan got back on the winning track late Saturday at the Marist School Gymnasium in Marikina.

The Cocolife-supported Tigers fought back from 22 points down in the third period before turning the tables on the Krah-backed Heroes, 72-66, for their sixth win in a row.

Davao Occidental improved its winloss record to 8-3 for solo second spot in the southern division of this tournament put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

Laguna saw its four-game winning run snapped as it fell to 6-5.

Ex-pro Leo Najorda played his best game of the season as the multiple PBA champion finished with 25 points, including two triples.

He had five of his team’s last seven points and his jumper with 22 seconds left gave Davao Occidental a 67-66 lead.

In the second game, San Juan spoiled a breakout performance from Gerald Anderson, who came away with 11 points, but the Knights still went on to win convincingly over the celebrity baller’s squad, Marikina, 77-65.

The Knights, backed by Go-For-Gold, improved their record to 9-2, tied with Manila in second to third places of the northern division.

Mike Ayonayon led the way for the Knights with 16 markers while John Wilson and Larry Rodriguez had a double-double showing to help San Juan get back on the winning track.

IN BRIEF

Business

Energy World set to complete LNG hub ENERGY World Corp. plans to complete in 2019 a liquefied natural gas hub in Pagbilao, Quezon province that will supply LNG to its 400-megawatt natural gas plant in the same area.

EWC said in its latest disclosure to the Australian Securities Exchange the construction works at the LNG hub “are well advanced.”

The company said LNG in the meantime would be delivered by LNG carrier “Ocean Quest” sailing the flag of Norway. It is owned by Hong Kong LNG, a subsidiary of Energy World International Ltd. It said construction of the gas-fired power plant was also in advanced stages, with the gas turbines are in place.

“Works are ongoing to bring these turbines into commercial operations as soon as possible after financial close of the project with the target date of the first unit being brought into commercial operation in 2019 and the second unit within four months thereafter subject to capacity availability on the transmission systems,” the company said. Alena Mae S. Flores

DoE reviews several major energy projects THE Department of Energy is evaluating several large-scale power projects that could receiver a certificate of energy project of national significance under Executive Order 30 that streamlines the procedures for major projects.

The big ticket projects include the Wawa Pumped-Storage hydro project of Olympia Violago Water & Power Inc.; 500-megawatt Kibungan Badeo Pumped Storage Hydro power of Coheco Badeo Corp.; and the 100.8-MW solar farm power project of Total Power Inc. Other projects that filed applications and under evaluation with the DoE are Repower Energy Development Corp.’s 10-MW Pulangi IV Hydropower project in Pangasinan; water-to-energy projects in Pampanga and Batangas of Green Atom Renewable Energy Corp.; the 70-MW Camarines Sur wind power project of Cornerstone Energy Development Inc.; 1.7-MW Tagpangi River hydro of Everyhydro Corp. and Hedcor Inc.’s 20-MW Sablan 1 hydro power project.

Transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines also applied for CEPNS for several transmission projects.

Alena Mae S. Flores

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

B

Cavite given deadline for its plan to develop Sangley airport

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PH mulls over issue of catastrophe bonds THE Department of Finance is studying the possibility of sponsoring catastrophe bonds (Cat Bond) to help cover disaster-related risks in the Philippines and separate pesodenominated securities to offshore investors.

The proposals, along with a plan to come up with SDG bonds—securities linked to attaining the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—were discussed by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III with executives of Citi Group on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Bali, Indonesia.

Jay Collins, Citi vice chairman for Corporate and Investment Banking, said the Philippine government under a Cat Bond would serve as sponsor, with the World Bank issuing the bond to qualified investors.

Depending on the insurance coverage and its trigger, the Philippines as sponsor of the Cat Bonds will get paid the principal contributed by investors if a catastrophe occurs. But if there is no trigger, investors would make a positive return on their investment in the bonds. Julito G. Rada

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

RBS SUPPORTS 1,500 STUDENTS. World Vision Philippines teams up with Rex Book Store Inc. to help spread awareness about the conditions of children living in poverty, without access to education and uplifting learning environments. Rex Book Store pledges support for 1,500 students for three months. At the annual thanksgiving dinner at Sofitel Philippine Plaza are (from left) Rex Book Store chief operating officer Timothy Buhain, chairman Dominador Buhain and World Vision Philippines executive director Eduardo Cabral.

Manila Water bags P1.5-b water project in Tanauan M

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ANILA Water Co. Inc. said it bagged the P1.5-billion 25-year water project in Tanauan City, Batangas.

Manila Water said in a disclosure to the stock exchange wholly-owned subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc. received the notice of award from the Tanauan Water District for the implementation of the joint venture project.

It involves the design, improvement, upgrade, rehabilitation, and expansion of water supply and sanitation facilities in Tanauan.

MWPV expects to deliver a potential billed volume of 13.18 million liters per day to TWD which currently serves 48

barangays in Tanauan City.

Under the contract, MMPV will handle the financing and construction of such facilities and infrastructure in the service area of the TWD, and the management, operation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation facilities and the provision of the services necessary or incidental in the TWD’s service area.

MWPV was formed as Manila Water’s vehicle for expansion within the Philippines, with a focus on geographic expansion.

MWPV was recently granted a 25year franchise to provide water and sanitation services in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. It also received a notice of award from the Pagsanjan Water District for a joint venture in water supply and sanitation services provision.

MWPV said it was also working on the submission of a bid proposal for New Clark City, a water and used water concession project of the Bases Conver-

sion and Development Authority.

The project will have a concession period of 30 years, with an estimated capital spending of P10 billion.

MWPV’s projects include those with LagunaAAA Water Corp., Boracay Island Water Co., Clark Water Corp., Manila Water Consortium Inc. and Estate Water, an operating division under MWPV which operates and manages the water systems of townships developed by Ayala Land Inc. Aside from local expansion, Manila Water is also expanding across Southeast Asia with several projects in Vietnam and Thailand.

Manila Water reported in August that it had several overseas projects in the pipeline. For Indonesia, the water utility firm submitted a bid for the West Semarang Water Supply project – a water supply PPP with a 25-year contract period and estimated capital spending of $34 million.

THE Department of Transportation warned the Cavite provincial government that it may consider the proposal of a private consortium to develop Sangley Point into an international airport, if the local government unit fails to revise its bid before the end of the year.

“There’s [Cavite government proposal] no progress since it was discussed last month. It’s a governmentto-government proposal and there’s also a private group proposal. But under the rules, the priority is the government,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters.

“But of course I will give them [provincial government of Cavite] a deadline. If I will give them a deadline, [we can have] something before the end of the year, otherwise … let us wait,” Tugade said.

When asked if the agency is open to other proposals, Tugade said: “It will come once the hurdles are gone to discuss the private group proposal,” he said.

Tugade said one of the obstacles is the proposal of the provincial government of Cavite to develop Sangley Point into a major gateway.

The legal department of DOTr issued a memorandum on June 15, asking the department to refrain from signing an agreement with the Cavite provincial government on the proposed international airport.

The legal department cited the lack of technical and financial capability of the Cavite provincial government to implement an international airport development project.

Sangley Airport Infrastructure Group Inc., a consortium led by Solar Group’s All-Asia Resources and Reclamation Corp., also submitted an unsolicited proposal to build Philippine Sangley International Airport for $12 billion.

The proposed regional airport hub could accommodate about 120 million passengers a year once it is fully developed.

Cavitex asks TRB to approve toll hike CAVITEX Infrastructure Corp. said it will file a petition this month with the Toll Regulatory Board to increase the toll at Manila-Cavite Expressway to recover its investment for road enhancement.

“The construction is already completed, but there is a certification that needs to be signed. It is called the certificate of substantial completion. So, once it was signed by the independent consultant, then we will have to file a petition to TRB,” Cavitex president and chief executive Luigi Bautista said.

Bautista said the operator of the expressway would file a petition for an additional toll of P0.20 per kilometer,

or a total of P1.40 for the 7-kilometer road enhancement of Cavitex.

The company completed the P800-million first phase of the road enhancement project and opened two of the four lanes of the southbound flyover of Cavitex in August.

The first phase covers the road widening from Manila International Airport Road to Zapote and the southbound flyover on the intersection of Pacific Ave. The southbound flyover aims to improve traffic management at the intersection of Pacific Drive and Cavitex, which was managed via a stop-and-go signaling system before the flyover opened.

Cavitex allocated P300 million for phase 2 of the enhancements.

Phase 2 covers widening of three bridges in Wawa, Las Piñas and Parañaque, with construction targeted to begin in September and to be completed by second quarter of 2019.

The road widening will increase road capacity by 25 percent, which is now hitting a daily traffic of 145,000 vehicles.

Cavitex is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., which also operates the North Luzon Expressway and the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Guinigundo: Economy still resilient despite several external challenges

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo assured international investors that the Philippine economy remains resilient despite the range of global economic challenges impacting the region, including rising oil prices, inflation and pressure on emerging markets’ currencies.

Guinigundo said in a series of roundtable meetings at the sidelines of the 2018 IMFWorld Bank Annual Meetings in Bali Nusa Dua, Indonesia that the Philippine government remained confident on the resiliency and potential of the economy.

“We are very confident in the underlying strength of our economy. The Philippines remains one of the best performing economies in the fastest growing region in the world,” Guinigundo said.

“GDP growth remains strong, FDI inflows are at record levels, infrastructure investment

is booming, and we have historically low levels of public sector debt,” he said.

Guinigundo, asked on the threats posed by faster inflation to the booming economy, said the September data actually showed that core inflation had declined slightly, demonstrating that the BSP’s decisive monetary policy decisions combined with a range of nonmonetary actions were starting to have their desired effect.

Inflation in September climbed to 6.7 percent from 6.4 percent in August, putting the average in the first nine months to 5 percent, above the target range of 2 percent to 4 percent earlier set by the BSP for the year.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said he was expecting inflationary pressures in the Philippines to temper over the coming year and return to the target band of 2 percent to 4 percent by 2019.

Guinigundo said the exchange rate movements of the peso were expected.

LATVIA CELEBRATES 100 YEARS. The Republic of Latvia celebrates a hundred years as an independent state.

Latvia consul general Robert Lim Joseph said centenary celebrations started from 2017 and will take place until 2021 to commemorate different stages of Latvia’s path to statehood – from the historic decision of the Latgalians in 1917 to unite with the ethno-cultural regions of Kurzeme and Vidzeme, to the actual proclamation of the Republic of Latvia in 1918, freedom fights of 1919 and up to Latvia’s international de iure and de facto recognition in 1921. Shown are Latvia President Raimonds Vejonis (second from right) and First Lady Iveta Vejonis (right) as they welcome Joseph and wife Ida Manalo-Joseph during the 9th Biennial Worldwide Consular Meeting in Riga.

Restored Chinese trade route opens doors to Filipinos

By Othel V. Campos XI’AN, China―A restored ancient Chinese trade route in this city is opening its doors to Filipino workforce and businessmen as part of a plan to create borderless trade among Asean members and the so-called Silk Road countries.

The Tang West Market Group, a group of business people of varied nationalities, is offering huge support to Filipino merchants who are willing to set up enterprises particularly in food that can help liven up the culinary mood in the city.

“We’re very interested to have Philippine culture here in Tang West Market. Our interest is more on the cultural side. We want to house as much culture as possible, create a synergy that will draw in more tourists in this place,” Silk Road Specialized Committee of the Institute of Dunhuan

and Turpan Studies of China Prof. Ji Hu said over the weekend.

There are more than 200 establishments owned by some 4,000 foreign businessmen in the city.

Hu said a Filipino businessman used to a restaurant in the city, but was not able to keep the business for some reason.

He said that the group was now considering leasing out commercial spaces to Filipino entrepreneurs at very minimal costs “practically free” for the first few years “just like what we did for our Indian investors.”

Many Indian merchants are operating within the Tang West Market including owners of restaurants and shops selling Indian goods.

Interested Filipinos who want to put up businesses in the Tang West Market are advised to secure work visa. The Tang West Market Group said it would assist them in the pro-

cessing of documentary requirements including loan availment from China banks.

Tourist traffic in Xi’an peaks to a high of 100,000 per day during the Spring Festival every Lunar New Year.

The Tang West Market Group wants to create more cultural events to draw more tourists.

Hu said Filipino culture is a rich culture that could help drive the local economy of Xi’an and create trade opportunities for Philippine exporters to bring in furniture, the best Filipino food products and even Filipino fashion.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is an ambitious program to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks along six corridors with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth.

B2

Business

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market braces for volatile trading

By Jenniffer B. Austria

T

RADING at the Philippine Stock Exchange is expected to remain volatile this week as investors anticipate more market drama in the coming weeks amid concerns of rising interest and inflation rates and the continued depreciation of the peso, which could weaken the overall economic growth.

With the index dropping below the 7,000-point level last week, BDO Unibank Inc. chief investment strategist Jonathan Ravelas said there was still room for the market to try the 6,500-point mark.

“Expect some bargain hunting at those

levels but could be limited towards the 7,100/7,300 levels. Otherwise, the next key level for the market is 6,000 once the 6,500 levels give way,” Ravelas said.

While the movement of Philippine shares would continue to take their cue from Wall Street’s performance, online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said investors should be reminded that the country’s economic fundamentals remained intact.

“What has been cast aside however is economic growth. This fundamental has been clouded by emotions that whipsawed Wall Street, prodding some to give in to their emotional whim and quickly press the panic button,” 2TradeAsia.com said.

“Bottom line: economic growth remains supported with employment generation in line with targets, as more weight is being allotted on the fiscal side,” it added.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week dropped 1 percent to 7,004.77 on volatile trading both here and abroad, while the All Shares Index declined 1.4 percent to 4,301.80.

The index hit an intra-week low of 6,790.58, the lowest level in 21 months, before returning to the 7,000-point level. The PSEi year-to-date is now down 18.2 percent.

Sectoral indices ended mixed, with the industrial and mining and oil indices posting week-on-week gains, the while financials, holding firms, services and property registered week-on-week declines.

Foreign investors were net sellers by P2.77 billion, while the average daily value traded stood at P4.8 billion.

Weekly top price gainers were ISM Communications Corp., which rose 18.7 percent to P2.92; Jollibee Foods Corp., which advanced 6.1 percent to P262;

and Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., which climbed 2.5 percent to P80.

Weekly top price losers, meanwhile, include Now Corp., which dropped 23.1 percent to P5.60; Holcim Philippines Inc., which dropped 12.4 percent to P5.85; and GT Capital Holdings Inc., which fell 8.3 percent to P700.

Global stock markets, meanwhile, attempted to rebound Friday with mixed results one day after ferocious losses sparked by worries over rising US interest rates and the fallout from trade fights.

Wall Street stocks finished a gloomy week on a high note, with the S&P 500 advancing 1.4 percent. But the session was hardly drama-free and included a midday swoon that briefly took the Dow into negative territory.

Even with Friday’s gains, the S&P 500 lost 4.1 percent for the week, its worst since March. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS WEEKLY STOCKS REVIEW STOCKS

OCTOBER 8-12, 2018 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. 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 Sun Life Financial Union Bank Vantage Equities

58 110.00 81.20 2.50 1.30 29.1 6.87 15.8 11.56 4 8.59 1.62 829.50 0.490 66 0.87 11.6 23.80 42.10 72.6 102 186 28 140.9 1820.00 66.00 1.17

78,650 14,591,220 5,217,140 38,000 279,000 954,100 1,500 20,100 5,556,500 337,000 1,200 130,000 1,340 2,762,000 9,004,730 2,512,000 33,700 200 164,900 6,850 1,890 3,370 4,754,200 5,818,920 665 220,680 426,000

FINANCIAL 4,582,454.50 1,610,239,776.00 426,277,414.50 95,790.00 373,150.00 27,212,115.00 6,935.00 316,088.00 64,503,342.00 1,358,460.00 10,164.00 211,180.00 1,077,370.00 1,329,070.00 592,472,791.50 2,227,640.00 388,648.00 4,850.00 6,995,720.00 513,447.50 193,518.00 626,070.00 133,471,210.00 811,087,620.00 1,229,295.00 14,538,484.00 498,420.00

Aboitiz Power Corp.

Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons.

Asiabest Group Basic Energy Corp.

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

First Holdings ‘A’ Fortune Cement Ginebra San Miguel Inc. 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 Phil H2O 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.

Vulcan Ind’l.

34 17.9 0.9 1.27 25.65 0.214 90.2 17.66 2.1 13.38 190 34 66.95 37.2 1.69 4.5 7.07 10.380 14.64 8.05 7.01 7.09 1.51 15.6 63.85 25.95 25.05 5.85 11.7 1.700 262.00 44.95 4.8 3.4 13.00 25.2 10.9 15.6 0.183 351.80 6.00 1.64 4.10 8.57 4.4 8.60 0.94 10.84 53.8 6 4.70 2.18 2.8 1.52 11 89.5 5.2 0.122 0.90 137 2.41 1.73 2.12

13,000,900 3,252,500 43,890,000 2,144,000 247,000 15,960,000 80 19,800 41,279,000 6,776,600 20 1,832,100 110 1,864,800 147,000 26,000 36,000 13,068,900 1,032,200 792,700 6,645,700 29,602,500 25,000 3,040,700 1,028,250 3,700 68,900 1,053,400 3,079,400 3,600,000 3,664,000 1,300 104,000 32,000 700 3,868,500 447,000 36,304,500 2,130,000 822,280 1,000 430,000 177,000 1,906,100 426,000 102,700 1,736,000 202,800 1,290,040 1,800 9,142,000 1,870,000 40,000 1,206,000 1,462,000 6,554,300 1,269,000 2,450,000 1,045,000 5,118,060 173,000 14,959,000 23,149,000

INDUSTRIAL 427,234,815.00 58,278,782.00 39,899,340.00 2,667,990.00 6,328,715.00 3,346,340.00 7,241.00 344,624.00 85,754,670.00 91,173,718.00 3,800.00 63,048,975.00 7,267.00 69,932,755.00 250,110.00 115,200.00 250,237.00 133,848,796.00 15,454,188.00 6,364,651.00 46,538,988.00 209,759,197.00 42,880.00 48,023,094.00 66,251,318.50 92,705.00 1,728,020.00 6,510,880.00 36,747,558.00 6,111,880.00 917,455,704.00 53,650.00 499,380.00 106,460.00 9,100.00 99,638,140.00 4,895,066.00 534,770,394.00 373,270.00 288,289,578.00 6,000.00 707,050.00 719,070.00 16,081,864.00 1,901,270.00 902,752.00 1,650,910.00 2,157,314.00 48,016,526.50 10,705.00 44,245,400.00 4,160,660.00 112,370.00 1,792,740.00 16,152,864.00 571,530,480.00 6,602,890.00 298,930.00 924,300.00 675,985,890.00 419,570.00 25,767,020.00 48,004,730.00

Abacus Cons. `A’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor `A’ ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp `A’ Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp.

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

Lopez Holdings Corp.

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

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

0.410 46.05 11.72 0.80 6.11 1.160 1.170 900 6 12.00 5.71 7.15 0.202 700 5.81 45.50 4.89 0.55 4.52 13.42 0.520 4.94 0.0380 1.220 2.250 2.69 167.00 871.50 1.35 0.85 268.000 320.00 0.2220 0.196

88,270,000 7,124,300 19,374,600 72,000 108,700 39,612,000 12,799,900 928,100 17,998,100 13,180,300 600 13,690,600 320,000 768,070 2,900 8,699,800 300 1,307,000 441,000 30,462,800 14,810,000 78,703,200 45,500,000 209,000 3,245,000 8,000 2,193,040 1,199,910 217,000 289,000 43,720 40 13,510,000 510,000

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 Interport `A’ Interport `B’ Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil. Estates Corp.

Phil. Realty `A’

7.050 0.75 11.98 1.950 0.600 39.300 2.33 4.36 5.2 0.420 0.90 0.920 0.218 0.400 7.650 1794 0.540 0.103 1.43 0.96 2.39 2.55 4.13 0.610 0.4100 0.405

506,900 15,879,000 18,700 118,000 4,246,000 39,675,000 5,713,000 855,000 89,800 55,420,000 252,000 642,000 8,870,000 120,000 1,959,000 2,171,600 658,000 920,000 22,355,000 10,063,000 79,777,000 46,713,000 63,403,000 450,187,000 3,823,000 3,000,000

OCTOBER 1-5, 2018 Close Volume Value 58.45 115.20 81.00 2.40 1.36 28.85 6.87 15.1 12.38 4.27 8.59 1.73 825.00 0.520 66.2 0.91 11.5

191,440 6,900,330 7,380,540 134,000 367,000 840,100 2,600 187,200 1,334,900 721,000 7,400 505,000 1,220 507,000 11,009,340 615,000 39,400

11,165,338.50 818,650,099.00 604,864,354.00 329,110.00 537,960.00 24,085,775.00 17,918.00 3,005,756.00 16,715,836.00 3,015,870.00 63,571.00 876,520.00 1,001,225.00 266,020.00 739,440,175.50 565,030.00 459,410.00

42.95 73.5 100.2 184.1 25.5 144.8 1900.00 65.95 1.17

200,400 17,120 680 4,600 286,500 4,477,740 1,590 108,120 193,000

8,624,555.00 1,251,466.50 73,398.00 855,152.00 7,302,045.00 663,147,574.00 3,019,890.00 7,164,299.00 226,780.00

33.6 18.3 0.95 1.27 26.75 0.220 110 17.90 2.18 13.5 192 34 65 38 1.71 4.6 7.39 10.000 15.36 8.34 7.01 7.07

8,837,000 4,773,400 43,229,000 4,427,000 347,500 4,850,000 760 5,300 26,894,000 3,954,500 1,290 2,518,300 870 5,024,800 277,000 11,000 32,700 19,545,900 483,600 252,100 2,601,400 9,295,200

297,479,760.00 86,860,456.00 43,031,520.00 5,573,880.00 9,453,105.00 1,054,610.00 76,154.00 93,562.00 62,908,850.00 52,780,260.00 248,956.00 86,746,695.00 57,270.00 192,616,790.00 476,910.00 49,780.00 238,238.00 189,797,712.00 7,409,816.00 2,115,480.00 18,285,657.00 65,725,631.00

16.28 64

4,250,100 198,530

68,699,754.00 12,669,396.00

25.55 6.68 12.2 1.840 247.00 41.05 4.8 3.24 12.50 25.25 11.16 14.02 0.184 356.00 6.40 1.78 4.06 8.64 4.76 8.98 0.94 10.66 53.65 5.9 4.85 2.45 3.1 1.61 12 93.05 5.2 0.124 0.96 133.5 2.43 1.9 2.07

386,200 542,300 7,643,900 1,863,000 2,958,150 100 165,000 15,000 10,000 4,117,600 499,200 23,849,900 1,620,000 1,124,550 24,900 5,693,000 201,000 8,267,900 343,000 346,300 9,331,000 221,000 1,310,010 105,900 304,200 11,201,000 4,000 1,502,000 461,900 6,719,560 1,288,800 1,170,000 632,000 3,772,640 81,000 17,094,000 40,649,000

10,238,315.00 3,661,627.00 95,209,332.00 3,473,330.00 741,119,038.00 4,105.00 792,500.00 49,470.00 125,000.00 101,999,465.00 5,721,488.00 355,384,694.00 288,480.00 387,891,344.00 152,393.00 10,249,550.00 827,310.00 70,779,428.00 1,644,090.00 3,126,271.00 9,031,280.00 2,335,844.00 70,003,687.50 606,250.00 1,498,372.00 27,327,890.00 12,400.00 2,404,850.00 5,545,394.00 647,961,488.50 6,867,348.00 145,120.00 629,690.00 519,818,095.00 197,430.00 33,955,390.00 86,569,090.00

HOLDING FIRMS 37,212,450.00 327,783,790.00 226,376,458.00 61,780.00 664,568.00 45,810,060.00 16,864,820.00 833,196,440.00 107,719,431.00 157,888,548.00 3,447.00 97,345,577.00 63,750.00 536,474,835.00 16,844.00 405,500,365.00 1,467.00 728,030.00 1,948,520.00 404,821,358.00 8,093,980.00 391,381,884.00 1,692,100.00 243,810.00 7,438,720.00 21,520.00 364,276,095.00 1,036,049,805.00 295,030.00 244,250.00 11,890,510.00 12,800.00 3,129,310.00 99,970.00

0.420 47.10 11.78 0.93 6.14 1.250 1.240 935 5.9 11.72 5.64 7.10 0.203 764 6.10 49.05 5.06 0.57 4.66 14.34 0.550 4.76 0.0370 1.180 2.360 2.69 172.90 870.00 1.40 0.83 281.000 320.00 0.2550 0.216

55,230,000 10,177,800 8,375,400 132,000 60,900 41,947,000 12,995,000 1,026,590 34,326,600 19,926,800 9,200 2,270,600 110,000 394,290 78,600 5,126,360 10,000 1,377,000 1,776,000 16,980,100 6,111,000 73,813,000 35,600,000 555,000 2,143,000 1,000 1,951,220 1,848,370 1,141,000 353,000 11,940 140 11,330,000 320,000

23,308,600.00 483,316,065.00 101,456,024.00 116,910.00 372,369.00 54,263,540.00 16,927,560.00 946,013,600.00 199,916,588.00 234,377,874.00 53,272.00 16,116,891.00 21,690.00 313,125,920.00 496,587.00 262,730,399.50 50,600.00 734,480.00 7,278,860.00 247,871,834.00 3,449,310.00 349,298,570.00 1,349,400.00 673,410.00 5,181,640.00 2,690.00 333,214,584.00 1,613,329,545.00 1,590,700.00 288,410.00 3,343,580.00 45,980.00 2,943,850.00 68,110.00

PROPERTY 3,618,293.00 11,786,420.00 201,082.00 232,240.00 2,562,910.00 1,544,210,050.00 13,466,440.00 3,708,130.00 465,176.00 23,241,450.00 229,400.00 580,540.00 1,900,770.00 48,000.00 15,505,275.00 40,572,016.00 365,240.00 95,370.00 31,986,890.00 10,458,170.00 194,313,670.00 120,057,330.00 260,895,960.00 261,133,600.00 1,765,400.00 1,222,750.00

7.230 0.82 11.96 2.030 0.630 39.000 2.39 4.35 5.2 0.440 0.94 0.930 0.230 0.400 8.290 19.48 0.560 0.110 1.44 1.11 2.49 2.48 4.16 0.600 0.4450 0.430

2,056,900 4,308,000 7,100 145,000 1,862,300 36,799,700 4,333,000 795,000 239,900 11,470,000 211,000 418,000 6,030,000 870,000 405,600 1,856,700 662,000 560,000 11,512,500 3,041,000 52,866,000 26,198,000 39,659,000 111,446,620 7,770,000 1,030,000

14,861,325.00 3,627,510.00 84,156.00 334,160.00 1,418,020.00 1,447,682,245.00 10,496,220.00 3,485,710.00 1,261,129.00 5,015,250.00 201,890.00 380,920.00 1,369,120.00 332,900.00 3,365,306.00 36,381,184.00 363,590.00 61,740.00 23,142,700.00 3,370,280.00 126,635,410.00 64,666,460.00 166,286,930.00 48,107,353.40 3,431,450.00 435,250.00

STOCKS

OCTOBER 8-12, 2018 Close Volume

OCTOBER 1-5, 2018 Close Volume Value

Value

Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp.

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

31.00 3.56 19.90 1.93 3.15 34.20 1.14 5.69 0.770 5.700

53,400 5,785,000 8,720,200 1,552,000 232,000 38,849,700 3,859,000 1,884,900 565,000 15,564,300

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” FEUI 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 Jockey Melco Crown Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp.

Pacific Online Sys. Corp.

PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. Phil. Racing Club 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

9.6 20.25 1.36 0.435 0.040 13.86 1.57 8.40 0.0570 67 7.8 4.82 8.95 2.23 14.12 890 2100 5.08 310.00 2.59 93.05 2.00 11.6 7.65 0.114 2.9200 3.14 14.2 3.50 0.88 17.04 15.00 5.2 6.99 2.18 1.44 1.63 5.610 11 7.55 3.01 8.8 106.00 3.69 1400.00 0.350 0.820 43.00 80.00 7.00 2.62 0.740 0.51 5.2 0.610 10.860

103,700 116,300 61,000 12,970,000 17,300,000 1,000 21,901,000 30,529,800 69,460,000 793,440 117,300 15,708,700 300 15,000 1,326,900 730 433,515 931,700 15,820 8,220,000 5,487,330 6,000 46,800 43,100 8,470,000 28,796,000 88,000 7,300 3,504,000 316,000 5,990,800 400 688,300 25,347,200 4,416,000 173,000 20,000 119,937,200 83,000 11,200 74,000 2,000 658,570 8,496,000 399,410 7,170,000 23,863,000 4,058,000 2,758,500 289,100 107,686,000 29,889,000 172,913,000 18,883,500 7,680,000 7,985,900

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’ 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

0.0025 1.46 2.69 16.00 1.0100 1.93 0.300 7.09 1.830 0.206 0.107 0.111 0.007 1.28 4.31 1.05 0.6200 0.9700 0.0130 0.0130 3.25 15.20 0.0120 3.5900 26.00 0.0068

MINING & OIL 1,738,200,000 5,161,100.00 9,698,000 14,136,330.00 831,000 2,303,570.00 49,700 791,724.00 74,000 74,010.00 4,765,000 9,053,050.00 683,200 223,268.00 64,800 456,958.00 8,491,000 15,385,610.00 1,750,000 351,850.00 2,160,000 233,690.00 1,340,000 146,850.00 12,000,000 84,900.00 132,000 156,930.00 3,427,000 14,853,410.00 730,000 727,010.00 3,722,800 2,657,860.00 6,509,000 6,453,020.00 101,900,000 1,327,300.00 4,400,000 57,000.00 4,062,000 13,274,610.00 11,318,600 174,357,836.00 67,500,000 795,100.00 449,000 1,579,050.00 8,983,200 224,549,715.00 38,000,000 252,700.00

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 House Preferred Leisure and Resort MWIDE PREF PCOR-Preferred A PCOR-Preferred B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC Preferred B SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred I

20.2 100.4 475 498 98.9 101 480 489 4.93 963.5 945 95.55 1.02 100 1010 1037 100 102 1000 75.5 77.5 74.85 75 75.2 75 74.9 74.7

665,000 10,300 7,410 1,130 216,340 71,150 51,100 9,070 471,100 350 1,490 11,150 617,000 24,000 20 15 30,090 840 14,460 83,750 52,910 99,820 86,630 234,070 50,330 76,880 176,710

LR Warrant

2.340

718,000

Italpinas Xurpas

4.63 1.93

6,187,500 8,198,000

First Metro ETF

105.1 10 10

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

1,673,300.00 21,463,300.00 172,387,612.00 3,029,710.00 726,720.00 1,319,092,000.00 4,285,590.00 11,031,591.00 423,780.00 90,466,026.00

31.40 3.88 19.80 1.96 3.15 34.30 1.14 6.3 0.740 5.900

83,000 1,850,000 4,430,100 1,082,000 128,000 49,940,800 9,001,000 676,600 459,000 12,323,700

2,610,770.00 7,243,440.00 88,692,357.00 2,149,860.00 407,080.00 1,720,688,320.00 10,130,950.00 4,327,326.00 343,940.00 73,687,530.00

10.64 21.5 1.43 0.460 0.041 13.02 1.85 8.12 0.0610 67.2 8 4.8 9.00 2.25 20.10 890 2270 5.25 312.40 2.62 9545 2.04 11.6 7.60 0.115 2.4600 3.2 14.26 3.45 0.96 17.10 16.00 5.82 7.06 2.30 1.51 1.65 7.300 10.98 8.85 3.39

108,200 106,600 15,000 67,360,000 37,600,000 137,000 19,978,000 29,767,400 81,260,000 448,490 103,200 7,549,000 89,100 3,000 302,500 400 250,680 1,046,600 15,640 5,351,000 2,894,650 38,000 182,600 28,300 2,670,000 32,648,000 208,000 7,500 3,093,000 1,072,000 4,155,300 1,600 539,400 23,816,600 2,446,000 192,000 33,000 6,706,800 47,500 13,100 48,000

1,165,066.00 2,312,990.00 21,450.00 31,654,300.00 1,510,500.00 1,849,452.00 38,479,270.00 245,571,454.00 5,008,420.00 48,831,936.00 825,665.00 38,515,285.00 771,600.00 6,750.00 6,516,055.00 356,000.00 557,802,780.00 5,543,173.00 4,805,190.00 14,445,720.00 271,512,675.50 74,720.00 2,429,254.00 217,780.00 309,590.00 81,361,850.00 671,990.00 112,190.00 11,024,040.00 991,100.00 68,921,862.00 26,150.00 3,128,312.00 165,864,890.00 5,913,230.00 284,370.00 50,900.00 49,473,674.00 521,960.00 115,481.00 149,270.00

100.00 4.23 1390.00 0.375 0.850 44.00 78.00 7.45 2.45 0.810 0.52 5.19 0.660 10.840

193,960 1,030,000 351,940 2,730,000 12,132,000 4,338,600 5,477,330 360,300 69,844,000 63,364,000 125,549,000 5,795,700 5,631,000 12,315,100

19,232,786.50 4,334,400.00 489,117,410.00 1,018,950.00 10,350,490.00 189,493,375.00 433,464,240.00 2,716,615.00 163,451,400.00 55,191,030.00 70,750,180.00 30,047,479.00 3,743,090.00 133,205,014.00

0.0026 1.45 2.90 17.48 1.0200 1.92 0.300 7.08 1.830 0.201 0.110 0.110 0.007 1.27 4.23 1.12 0.6800 1.1000 0.0140 0.0130 3.27 15.74 0.0120 3.5000 25.10 0.0074

1,899,700,000 22,180,000 382,000 58,800 20,000 1,146,000 910,000 31,100 2,776,000 1,050,000 6,660,000 3,260,000 76,000,000 104,000 2,462,000 126,000 3,488,000 2,796,000 226,200,000 2,000,000 3,575,000 30,840,500 137,900,000 450,000 8,511,300 13,000,000

4,835,100.00 33,837,810.00 1,137,520.00 1,047,988.00 20,990.00 2,197,780.00 271,700.00 220,711.00 5,092,400.00 213,100.00 751,810.00 361,070.00 527,800.00 126,910.00 10,579,800.00 139,880.00 2,354,270.00 3,159,260.00 3,396,100.00 26,100.00 11,841,290.00 507,603,056.00 1,659,900.00 1,599,760.00 213,231,275.00 88,400.00

19 100.5 485 495 100.4 102 480 490 5.06 911 945 98 1.02 99.8 1010 1050 103 101.2 999 75 76 75 75 74.5 75.2 75 75

183,600 45,000 4,280 4,370 59,450 26,120 1,000 19,520 1,122,200 4,320 840 25,230 190,000 11,280 200 605 420 1,590 14,180 14,370 139,300 152,250 145,210 77,850 4,570 148,810 143,890

3,497,082.00 4,513,700.00 2,075,904.00 2,142,282.00 5,948,965.00 2,650,000.00 480,000.00 9,564,340.00 5,717,461.00 3,911,575.00 792,465.00 2,410,100.50 194,220.00 1,138,348.00 200,500.00 633,985.00 43,208.00 164,884.00 14,147,347.50 1,078,285.00 10,666,244.00 11,428,886.00 10,854,990.00 5,820,800.00 342,862.00 11,119,159.00 10,732,080.00

2.310

436,000

1,023,480.00

5.16 2.16

3,527,700 5,437,000

18,537,373.00 12,442,020.00

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 140,180 14,713,180.00

106.8

76,110

8,190,910.00

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 16,850 168,716.00 36,190 352,893.00

10.1 10

30,750 40,020

310,118.20 400,200.00

SERVICES 1,029,376.00 2,377,440.00 84,010.00 5,765,700.00 674,800.00 13,860.00 36,220,210.00 252,758,344.00 3,968,130.00 52,595,477.00 935,845.00 60,611,037.00 2,689.00 33,450.00 20,639,435.00 652,450.00 964,356,860.00 4,797,856.00 4,840,870.00 21,596,790.00 514,132,834.50 12,390.00 548,228.00 329,365.00 953,470.00 77,131,920.00 267,840.00 105,852.00 12,331,330.00 283,900.00 102,545,112.00 6,000.00 3,622,076.00 178,015,213.00 9,736,070.00 242,880.00 29,110.00 660,496,227.00 912,502.00 90,105.00 225,790.00 17,600.00 68,676,557.00 29,979,350.00 559,116,325.00 2,462,400.00 20,047,420.00 170,321,110.00 212,305,250.00 2,041,135.00 268,084,840.00 22,076,980.00 88,430,395.00 97,999,409.00 4,731,310.00 88,076,596.00

PREFERRED 13,167,034.00 1,032,140.00 3,529,580.00 553,590.00 21,499,295.00 7,204,075.00 24,528,000.00 4,434,750.00 2,370,918.00 319,745.00 1,363,500.00 1,064,044.50 634,540.00 2,398,396.00 20,200.00 15,575.00 3,009,261.00 85,722.00 14,410,132.50 6,283,672.00 4,069,132.00 7,326,343.00 6,456,034.50 17,556,223.50 3,763,163.50 5,743,330.00 13,184,130.00 WARRANTS & BONDS 1,689,320.00 SME 29,154,986.00 16,229,360.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Abra Mining MRC Allied Ind. Transpacific Broadcast NOW Corp.

SSI Group Oriental Pet. `A’ Abacus Cons. `A’ Interport `A’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp.

Boulevard Holdings

VOLUME 1,738,200,000 450,187,000 172,913,000 119,937,200 107,686,000 101,900,000 88,270,000 79,777,000 78,703,200 69,460,000

STOCKS Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Ayala Land `B’ SM Prime Holdings SM Investments Inc. Globe Telecom Jollibee Foods Corp.

Ayala Corp `A’ Security Bank Universal Robina NOW Corp.

VALUE 1,610,239,776.00 1,544,210,050.00 1,319,092,000.00 1,036,049,805.00 964,356,860.00 917,455,704.00 833,196,440.00 811,087,620.00 675,985,890.00 660,496,227.00

Ayala Land eyes further expansion in SE Asia MAJOR property developer Ayala Land Inc. is preparing to further expand its presence in Southeast Asia as it scouts for several investment opportunities outside of the Philippines.

Ayala Land chief finance officer Augusto Bengzon said in a recent interview the company was in discussions over potential overseas acquisitions after making its first investment in Malaysia in 2015.

“We should see that (deal being finalized) soon. Soon for us within the next three years. We are doing things today wherein we will see the benefits in three years,” Bengzon said.

Bengzon declined to provide details on the planned deal. He said the company’s strategy in terms of overseas acquisition was to invest in a local company with a land bank to provide opportunity for growth.

“When you look at our intentional strategy, we are focused on Asean region and potentially second tier cities.

Our preferred mode of entry is through organization or company that would provide us opportunity for growth,” Bengzon said.

Ayala Land in 2015 first invested in Malaysian property firm MCT Bhd., a move that enabled it enter the Malaysian market and become a key player in the Malaysian real estate market.

It initially acquired 9.16-percent interest in MCT through a private placement with $43 million (P1.9 billion).

Ayala Land’s stake in MCT increased to 32.95 percent on the same year after it entered into call option agreements with the two founders and majority shareholders of the Malaysian company.

The property company early this early raised its stake in MCT to 66.25 percent after acquiring shares held

by Sri Dato’ Sri Goh Ming Choon, a major shareholder of MCT, and subsequently conducting a tender offer.

Established in 1999 as a construction company, MCT Bhd is a property development company specializing in mixed-use projects that include retail, office, hotel and mid- to affordable residential units.

Jenniffer B. Austria

AC Energy bares two solar power plants in Vietnam

By Alena Mae S. Flores AC Energy Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Corp. in partnership with AMI Renewables Energy Joint Stock Co., has signed the engineering, procurement and construction and financing documents for the development of solar plants in Vietnam.

The joint venture over the weekend announced plans to build solar farms totaling 80 megawatts in the provinces of Khanh Hoa and Dak Lak. The solar farms are expected to be commissioned in time for the June 2019 solar feed-in tariff deadline.

“We are excited to expand our development initiatives in Vietnam and work with our local partner AMI Renewables,” said AC Energy President and chief executive officer Eric Francia.

AC Energy will participate with at least a 50-percent economic share in the projects.

“We appreciate the strong commitment of Vietnam government to promote renewables, and the strong support from our banking partners that are providing project finance,” Francia said.

The projects are estimated to cost $83 million to be financed through debt and equity.

Indovina Bank of Vietnam and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. of the Philippines will provide non-recourse financing for the Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa projects, respectively.

AC Energy formed a platform company with AMI Renewables last year to build renewable energy plants in Vietnam, including the 352-MW Quang Binh wind project.

AC Energy is the energy platform of Ayala, one of the largest business groups in the Philippines.

AC Energy has over $1 billion of invested and committed equity in renewable and thermal energy in the Philippines and around the region.

extrastory2000@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Rescuers retrieve bodies of 9 climbers KATHMANDU―A rescue team Sunday began retrieving the bodies of nine climbers killed in a violent storm on Nepal’s Mount Gurja, a freak accident that has left the mountaineering community reeling.

A helicopter dropped four mountain guides at the camp where the South Korean climbing expedition was staying when powerful winds and snow swept through, killing the entire team and scattering their bodies as far as 500 meters away.

“All nine bodies have been found and the team are in the process of bringing them down,” said Siddartha Gurung, a chopper pilot who is coordinating the retrieval mission.

A second helicopter along with a team of rescue specialists and villagers were also involved in the mission, which has been hampered by strong winds as well as the camp’s remoteness in the Dhaulagiri mountain range of Nepal’s Annapurna region.

The bodies of the climbers―five South Koreans and four Nepalis-will be flown to Pokhara, a tourist hub that serves as a gateway to the Annapurna region, and then to Kathmandu, said Yogesh Sapkota of Simrik Air, a helicopter company involved in the effort. AFP

Business/World

B3

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Critics march against Trump

C

HICAGO― Thousands of people made their disdain for President Donald Trump heard Saturday at a rally and march in Chicago aimed at galvanizing support for Democrats in the coming November midterm elections.

A giant “Baby Trump” flew over the crowd. Trump was depicted as “El Diablo” on a high-flying flag. Demonstrators waved “Vote Blue” banners―the message was unmistakable.

Angered by the bitter fight over new US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kava-

naugh and what they called the “antiwoman agenda” of the Trump administration and the Republican Party, women―and men―descended on the Windy City’s picturesque Grant Park.

The “March to the Polls” event― which began in the downtown park and wrapped up after a two-blocks-long crowd marched to the center of the business district―came just as voter registration deadlines neared in most states and early voting ramped up in more than a dozen states including Illinois.

Hillary Clinton appeared in a video message played on a giant screen, encouraging people to register to vote.

“Imagine being able to hold this administration accountable,” Clinton said, echoing the general sentiment that the election is a barometer of Trump’s popularity.

Saturday’s demonstration included

a street festival-like “Voter Village” where dozens of community groups and politicians set up booths to reach new voters and encourage political involvement.

“We wanted to lead into the midterms and encourage women to get out and vote,” Jessica Scheller, head of Women’s March Chicago, which organized the event, told AFP. The loud crowd of thousands of men, women and even children, marched through downtown Chicago chanting “Vote them out!” Some were encouraged to head to early voting locations nearby to cast ballots.

Iyahna Wilson, a 19-year-old volunteer who assisted in the march, voted for the first time―motivated by racial justice issues and gender rights.

“I never really thought that my vote was going to make a change,” Wilson

Turkey says Saudi not cooperating

Storms smash into Portugal, Spain

LISBON―Storms packing nearly 180 kilometers-per-hour winds hit Portugal early Sunday, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power before carrying heavy rain on into Spain, authorities said.

The region around the capital Lisbon and the center of the country at Leiria and Coimbra were worst hit with trees uprooted, cars and houses damaged and flooding reported.

With electricity down, dozens of people also left their homes and fled to safety.

Leslie was dubbed a “zombie” hurricane as it first formed on September 23, only to meander through the Atlantic Ocean for weeks.

There were fears it could be the worst storm to hit the region in more than 150 years, but it weakened before reaching the Portuguese coastline in the early hours of Sunday.

“It’s a post-tropical storm now and is already in the far north of the country,” meteorological institute head Jorge Miranda told the Lusa news agency. AFP “It’s still raining but the situation will

Sanctions on schools banning gay students

SYDNEY―Australia’s conservative government will ban schools from expelling students over their sexuality, after a public outcry over the issue that threatened to sway the result of a crucial by-election and change the balance of power.

Laws allowing faith-based schools in some states to discriminate against gay students and teachers were highlighted in a review into religious protections that was leaked in the media last week.

The report―commissioned to placate the right wing of the governing coalition after Australia voted to approve gay marriage last year―called for the policy to be enshrined in federal laws.

The ensuing public outcry, with even Catholic organizations rejecting the prospect of discriminating against gay students, came ahead of an October 20 byelection that could cost the government its wafer-thin parliamentary majority.

The by-election―triggered when former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull resigned from parliament after being ousted as leader by Scott Morrison―fueled fears of a voter backlash in the blueribbon seat. AFP Support of gay rights is particularly

ALLAN PAMIS

GREEN LIGHT

told AFP moments after she exited a downtown polling location, raising her hands up in celebration.

It is that mindset that organizers were fighting to change with an event they specifically aimed to take place in the run-up to the midterm election.

“I would like women to take charge of the midterms,” protester Sarah Sieracki told AFP. The 23-year-old from the nearby Republican-dominated state of Indiana was the type of voter organizers were hoping to encourage to get involved.

She was carrying a “Grab ‘em by the midterms” sign -- a play on an infamous remark made by Trump.

“Women need to vote. They need to get out,” said Sieracki.

“We need to rally the young millennials and the people coming up, turning 18 [years old].” AFP

CRASH. Turkish police forensic experts examine the wreckage of a truck, carrying migrants, after it crashed in Izmir, on October 14, 2018. Fifteen people, including children, died when a vehicle carrying migrants plunged off the highway into a river-bed in western Turkey, state media said. The vehicle, believed to be a lorry, was traveling from Aydin towards the Aegean city of Izmir when it flipped over and fell into the river several meters below, state-run Anadolu news agency said. The nationality of the migrants was not made clear, nor was it known where they were heading.Turkish television pictures showed the stricken wreckage of the vehicle, which was reduced to burned-out metal by the impact of the crash. Large numbers of emergency service personnel were sent to the scene.

Turkey is a key transit points for migrants from troubled countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. AFP

Fine French wine fetches $558,000 at NY auction NEW YORK―A bottle of 1945 Romanee-Conti wine fetched a recordsmashing $558,000 at an auction held at Sotheby’s in New York Saturday, which saw two bottles break the previous record.

The final price, including taxes and commissions, was 17 times the auction house’s $32,000 upper estimate for the fine French wine.

Romanee-Conti is widely considered the best Burgundy wine, and is one of the world’s most prestigious producers.

Its domain, in the Cote de Nuits region, spans less than two hectares, producing between 5,000 and 6,000 bottles per year.

The bottle is one of 600 produced in

1945, just before the vines were pulled up for replanting.

A few minutes after Saturday’s sale, another 1945 Romanee-Conti was sold for $496,000.

The previous record for a standard wine bottle was held by an 1869 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, sold in Hong Kong in 2010 for $233,000.

But of all sizes, a $310,700 3-liter 1945 Mouton-Rothschild scooped the previous record at a 2007 auction in New York.

Saturday’s lots came from the personal collection of Robert Drouhin, who from 1957 to 2003 directed wine producer Maison Joseph Drouhin, one of Burgundy’s most prominent.

Elsewhere at the auction, a bottle

of 60-year-old 1926 Scotch whiskey fetched $843,200―failing to break a $1.2 million record set in October.

Founded in 1924, The Macallan distillery, of Carigellachie, northern Scotland, produced just 40 such bottles in 1986. Unlike wine, whiskey stops maturing once bottled.

Twelve of them, including that sold Saturday, had labels illustrated by Peter Blake, who designed the Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album cover.

Three of the 1926 whiskeys―one with Blake’s illustrations, and two others featuring artwork by Italian Valerio Adami―fetched more than $1 million each at auction over the past six months. AFP

Why we need more women in corporate boards

HARVEY Weinstein, a former American producer who is accused of sexual abuse by more than 80 women, sparked thousands of women to share #MeToo stories of sexual abuse in different social media platforms. Sexual harassment, an evil that has plagued the corporate field, involves predatory male bosses committing unwanted sexual advances against female subordinates. In the Philippines, the relevant law on sexual harassment is Republic Act No. 7877, or the “Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995.” In the said law, sexual harassment may be committed in a workrelated/employment environment and in a training/ education environment.

What then is a possible solution to curb this evil? A good remedy, in my opinion, is to include more women in corporate boards because there is a glaring link between power and sexual harassment in the workplace.

According to Prof. Ben Voyer, a professor of creativity marketing at ESCP Europe, power has consequences in terms of three important aspects of our psychological functioning: how we process information; how we experience emotions; and how we behave. Powerful individuals are more capable of concentrating on important information and getting less distracted by peripheral information.

Voyer adds that power affects our capacity to take the perspective of others and empathize. It is crucial in understanding the emotions of victims. Power is crucial in understanding sexual harassment as

perpetrators might be less capable of understanding the emotions of their victims. Power-holders exert different types of behaviors. Powerful individuals are more likely to be action-focused and make first moves.

Power can also act as a trigger for men and women who are high in tendency to sexually harass, adds Voyer. This means that power is not a definite trigger for every man but will definitely play a role for those with a predisposition.

In another research by Allyson Zimmerman, as cited in the Forbes article “The link between Power and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” by Karen Higginbottom, she stated that the larger issue of sexual harassment is a clear disparity of power at the top of an organization. According to Zimmerman, when there is a disparity of power in an organization, you see sexual harassment increase and when power is shared across gender, you see harassment decreasing.

Zimmermann is keen to point out that having women in leadership positions alone doesn’t totally block bad behavior in the workplace but it does reflect an environment that women can be viewed as colleagues, not prey. This is about looking beyond how women are being viewed not only in corporations but in society as a whole.

The greater representation of women in corporate boards will pave the way for greater accountability of corporate officers who commit sexual harassment and those people who ignore the plight of the victims when

ISTANBUL―Turkey on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of failing to cooperate with a probe into the disappearance of a journalist inside its Istanbul consulate, as US President Donald Trump threatened “severe punishment” if it turns out he was killed.

Comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu represented a hardening of Ankara’s hitherto circumspect tone over the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who has not been seen since he stepped inside the consulate on October 2.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate and lurid claims have been leaked to media that he was tortured and even dismembered, while Trump has also struck a pessimistic tone about the missing journalist’s fate.

Saudi Arabia insists Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor whose writings have been critical of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, left the building safely but has yet to offer visual evidence of this.

The outcry surrounding his disappearance threatens to not just harm brittle Turkey-Saudi relations but also alarm the kingdom’s supporters in the West and tarnish the reform drive spearheaded by the crown prince.

“We’re going to get to the bottom of it and there will be severe punishment,” Trump told CBS’s “60 Minutes,” according to an extract of an interview that was released on Saturday.

“As of this moment, they [Saudi] deny it and they deny it vehemently.

Could it be them? Yes,” Trump said in the interview, which was conducted on Thursday.

At the White House on Saturday, Trump said that “nobody knows what happened” at the moment, and reiterated that he does not want potential repercussions for Saudi Arabia to include limitations on arms sales.

“I actually think we’d be punishing ourselves if we did that. There are other things we can do that are very, very powerful, very strong,” Trump said, without providing specifics.

Speaking about Khashoggi’s fate, Trump said: “Our first hope was that he was not killed, but maybe that’s not looking too good ... from what we’re hearing.”

Ankara had said that a search of the consulate had been agreed but this has yet to materialize amid reports the two sides are at odds over the conditions of entry into what is Saudi sovereign territory. AFP

it comes to proper investigation and resolution of their complaints. In order to achieve this, there has to be a serious and active initiative Manila on the part of corporations REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Department of Transportation to restructure the composi- Standard TODAY LAND TRANSPORTATION FRANCHISING AND REGULATORY BOARD tion of their boards, and to East Avenue, Quezon City give women more power Application for a Certificate of a Public and critical roles when it Convenience to Operate a Transport Network Vehicle Service. comes to governance.

Allan Pamis is a lawyer at the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Office of the General Counsel. He earned his Political Science, M.B.A. and Law degrees from De La Salle University. He is also a Doctor of Business Administration student of the same university. He can be reached at edgarallanpamis@yahoo.com.

The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

MA. ZELINDA BORROMEO, Applicant, x-----------------------------------------x

CASE NO. TNVS-2018-17622

NOTICE OF HEARING Applicant filed an application requesting for authority to operate a Transport Network Vehicle Service within METRO MANILA accessible to motor vehicle traffic and vice versa with the use of ONE (1) unit/s.

NOTICE is hereby given that this application will be heard by this Board on NOVEMBER 5, 2018 at 9:00 A.M. at its Office at the above address.

At least five (5) days prior to the above date, applicant/s shall publish this Notice once in one (1) daily newspaper of general circulation in Luzon.

Parties opposed to the granting of the application must file their written oppositions supported by documentary evidence on or before the above date furnishing a copy of the same to the applicant`s and may if they so, desire appear on said date and time.

This application will be acted upon by this Board on the basis of its records and documentary evidence submitted by the parties, unless the Board deems it necessary to receive additional documentary and/or oral evidence.

Witness the Honorable ATTY. MARTIN B. DELGRA III, Chairman this 26th day of JULY 2018.

Atty. CARL SHA JEMINAH F. MARBELLA Officer-In-Charge, Legal Division (MS-OCT. 15, 2018)

LGUs

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

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monday, october 15, 2018

LocaL government units

NEW TRACKS. Officials line up for the Track Laying Ceremony of the PNR Main Line North Extension to Governor Pascual, Malabon City on Friday. From left are Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, Malabon City Vice Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Malabon City Rep. Federico Sandoval, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Philippine National Railways General Manager Junn Magno, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commissioner Greco Belgica, and DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan. Andrew Rabulan

Dipolog City cited for infrastructure, gov’t efficiency

By Ayunan G. Gunting THE Dipolog city government has once again been named “Most competitive component city” in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The city scored the highest points in both infrastructure and government efficiency.

Mayor Darel Dexter Uy was on hand to accept the accolade last week from the Regional competitiveness committee of the Department of Trade and Industry during the ZamPen barangay negoyso Summit and the annual Zamboanga Peninsula Exposition.

The events were held at the lM Metro Hotel convention center in Zamboanga city. “The latest award received by the city of Dipolog recognizes the performance of our local government in improving our overall competiveness score in this year’s cities and Municipalities competitiveness Index (cMcI),” said Mayor Uy. “This is the fourth year that Dipolog was adjudged as the best of the best in Region 9 in terms of competitiveness.” The cMcI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities. created by the national competitiveness council, the rankings are based on the overall competitiveness score, which is the sum of the main pillars which pool data from several sub-indicators. These main pillars are economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure, and resiliency.

Scores are determined by the value of the actual data as well as the competitiveness of the submitted data. The level of competitiveness of the city or municipality is dependent on how high the score it obtains.

This framework was adopted from a system that was developed by Michael Porter, the renowned university professor of the Harvard business School.

Famous for his theories on economics and business strategy, Porter’s framework is also used in a number of global surveys on competitiveness.

The city of Dipolog was also recognized as the “Most Improved lGU,” having achieved a 7-match performance improvement in the national competitiveness ranking. Its lGU also placed second in the regional ranking in two other pillars, Economic Dynamism and Resiliency.

Dubbed as the gateway to Western Mindanao, Dipolog city is situated in the northwestern area of Zamboanga del norte. according to the Philippine Statistics authority, the city’s population as of 2015 stood at 130,759.

SBMA, Eisma finalists for 15th Stevie Awards

By Butch Gunio

S

UbIc baY FREEPoRT—The Subic bay Metropolitan authority and its chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma have been named finalists in the Stevie Awards, given annually by the american business awards organization to recognize accomplishments and contributions of companies and business people worldwide.

The 15th annual Stevie awards cited the SbMa as finalist for organization of the Year under the government or non-profit organization category.

Eisma was named finalist in this year’s category for Female Executive of the Year in a government or non-profit organization.

Eisma said the twin nominations bring honor for the whole agency, and serve as recognition of the efforts of the SbMa employees to make the Subic bay Freeport Zone a premier investment center and a catalyst of economic growth.

“The SbMa has grown to be a better organization due to the culture of ‘malasakit’ in the agency, which this administration has actively promoted,” she said.

“When we give our all because of this concern for the common good, we are bound to give our best performance and this recognition is one result of this hard work that SbMa employees are doing,” she added.

Finalists in the Stevie awards were selected by the average scores of more than 200 professionals worldwide on five specialized juries.

EARLY BIRDS. Emilio Ramon Ejercito (second from right) shows his Certificate of Candidacy for Governor of Laguna at the office of Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Patrick E. Enaje (second left) in Sta Cruz, Laguna. With Ejercito are his son John Paul and wife Maita, who are running for mayor and vice mayor of Pagsanjan, respectively, under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Inset shows Angeline ‘Sweet’ Halili (center) after filing her COC for mayor of Tanauan City, Batangas. With her are City Election Registrar Ricky Juan B. Reyes (left) and lawyer Herminigildo G. Trinidad Jr., her running-mate under the United Nationalist Alliance. Roy Tomandao

a WoMEn’S group in Makati city is supporting the candidacy of former mayor Jejomar Erwin binay in the mayoralty race this coming midterm elections.

“With the potential entry of Junjun binay in the mayoralty contest, we are ready to support and campaign for a mayor who always assured women in Makati that city Hall had their back,” said Marjorie bindoy, a member of Makati Women’s Kalipi.

“Vice president Jojo binay was instrumental in helping us put up Women’s Watch in

By Robbie Pangilinan Tacloban city continues to mourn the passing of world-class dance performer and choreographer Jesus “Jess” De Paz, leyte Dance Theater’s founder and artistic director, who died on September 28 after battling lung cancer.

During the 10th “Sangyaw awards,” Tacloban recognized the dance troupe founded by De Paz for the honor it gives to the city.

Tacloban city Mayor cristina Gonzales-Romualdez extended her and the local government’s condolences to the family and said that De Paz will always be remembered for his “extraordinary life devoted to the arts.”

The Mayor’s statement read, “Stories of triumph and tragedy of Taclobanons were told through his music and dance.”

De Paz introduced Waray folk songs and dances to both local and international audiences and showcased the socio-cultural features of the region and the Philippines in dances.

Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin shared that the leyte Dance Theater’s performances abroad were always wellreceived and warmly applauded for showcasing our rich Filipino culture and heritage; while Rey Dacul, former university student of De Paz who is now in the United States, called De Paz “the real, true artist and ambassador of our country in the field of dance around the world.”

“Jess de Paz was more than a cultural icon. He was a visionary who saw the potential in others and the greatness in the culture that binds together the people of our region. His achievements… account him as one of the pillars of our local culture, not only by preserving it but by celebrating it as a living and vibrant testament to who we are as a people,” added Philip Jude acidre of Tingog Sinirangan partylist in Eastern Visayas.

Central Luzon products gain ‘Bagwis’ mark

San Fernando, Pampanga—an estimated 448 products in central luzon were certified as bagwis in compliance with the Philippines national Standard, the Department of Trade and Industry said Friday.

The bagwis is a regional trade mark for DTI-certified Establishments for Seal of Excellence of products based in the region.

If one is looking for excellent and safe products, look for a bagwis trademark coming from any seven provinces of central luzon, including aurora.

Judith angeles, DTI regional director in central luzon said the awardees who received the seal of excellence for their products include bulacan, 97; Pampanga, 82; Tarlac, 77; bataan,75; nueva Ecija 66; Zambales,48; and aurora, 21.

Those who received the seal of excellence were mostly gold, bronze and silver, angeles said.

The awardees received their certification during the 44th national Standard Week held last Friday at the office of the DTI at the government center here and attended by manufacturers and organizations. They include the liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, association of Sanitary Wares association of Philippines, Steel angles Shape and Sections Manufacturers, Philippines association of black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes Manufacturers Inc. Philippines, Electric Wires Manufacturers associations and other companies in the region. Romeo Dizon

DENR to regulate Nueva Vizcaya upland spring waters for irrigation baYoMbonG, nueva Vizcaya—officials of the Department of Environment and natural Resources said that free flowing spring waters in the upland towns of Sta. Fe and Diadi will soon be regulated for conservation and to maximize its use for domestic and irrigation purposes.

Edna Willie, Planning officer of the DEnR here, said an Information Education and communication campaign has been initially conducted among water users along the national highway stretch in barangay oriwong in Diadi and in barangay Poblacion in Sta. Fe towns to encourage the stake-

Makati women back Junjun for mayor

By Joel E. Zurbano

The winners for the gold, silver and bronze Stevies will be announced in the 15th annual awards dinner on november 16 in new York city. More than 600 women and their guests from around the world are expected to attend the presentations, which will be broadcast live on livestream. along with Eisma, the finalists in the Female Executive of the Year in the government or non-profit organization of more than 2,500 employees are: Deanna Wise, EVP & cIo of Dignity Health, San Francisco, california, and Maria da Glória Guimarães dos Santos, presidentdirector of Serpro of brasilia, brazil.

The finalists for organization of the Year, government or non-profit with more than 10 employees, are: the SbMa; bob Woodruff Foundation of new York; Plan International canada of Toronto, canada; and The Welsh air ambulance charitable Trust in Wales, United Kingdom.

Tacloban still mourns art icon De Paz

2000. When Mayor Junjun took over in 2010, he encouraged us and provided the support we needed so that our group could grow and help more women,” said bindoy in Filipino. bindoy explained that Women’s Watch and Kalipi are volunteer women’s groups in Makati that assist battered women. based in Makati’s barangays, these groups work with the Makati Social Welfare Department to facilitate legal assistance for victims of violence against women and their children under Republic act 9262, or the anti-Violence against Women and Their children act of 2004.

holders to practice efficient use of free-flowing water.

“These are identified pilot areas for the implementation of water conservation measures among the villagers who are not aware of the precious importance of water to other areas,” she said.

Willie said the IEc campaign was

conducted in partnership with the DEnR regional and provincial offices, national Water Resources board, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of agrarian Reform, Department of agriculture, and the local government units concerned. Ben Moses Ebreo

WET PARK TOUR. Senator

Cynthia Villar (left) gives the participants of the series of dialogues in securing biodiversity and protection and conservation of the environment a tour of the Las Piñas—Parañaque Wetland Park. They were invited by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, which is hosting the Asia Multi-Actor Dialogue Seminars to Build Social-ecological Resilience through the Incorporation of Ecosystembased Solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions.

Lino Santos

Life

bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @mStandardLIFe

food

monday, october 15, 2018

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T’S a little past 1:00 p.m. and I have already downed two glasses of chocolate martini—a shot of espresso shaken with vodka, Kahlua, chocolate syrup, and ice. It is, I believe, a luxury most journalists cannot afford—drinking alcohol, that is, before the editorial cycle for the day has begun. The alcohol usually comes after the newspaper has been put to bed.

But we were celebrating the Philippine Coffee Month, and that intense espresso shot, I told myself, cancels out whatever trippy effects the vodka and Kahlua may produce.

The chocolate martini is just one of seven coffee-based drinks served at Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. At Oz Bar,

bOttOMs UP! Holiday Inn & Suites Makati serves seven coffee-based drinks, including (from left) Chocolate martini, Barako millionaire, and Affogato.

Coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin

salad Grilled chicken rette ig na vi e ffe co with

(Move over, Superman) This is a job for coffee

From left: Coconut coffee, mint coffee, lemon coffee, and iced coffee mojito

other coffee cocktails are Affogato (single shot of espresso shaken with vodka, Kahlua, and crème de cacao poured over with a single scoop of vanilla ice cream); Bailey’s Affogato (regular affogato spiked with a shot of Bailey’s); and Barako millionaire (a shot of espresso blended with Bacardi, Fundador, and condensed milk).

Citron Cafe, on the other hand, offers a selection of iced coffees: the sweet and minty Mojito Coffee; the Hanoi-inspired Coconut Coffee; and Lemon Coffee, which has a refreshing and summery citrus flavor.

Taking pride in locally-produced coffee, the hotel uses premium Arabica from Sultan Kudarat, a full-bodied, high grown dark roast coffee with a balanced acidity and a fuller body.

“Our guests enjoy the coffee we serve in the hotel and we are proud to say that it is 100 percent Philippine grown.

We have always served locally-sourced coffee and will continue to do so as we do believe in the local industry and we

Spicing up fried chicken FROM the house that fried chicken built comes a new spicy fried chicken variant.

Max’s Restaurant now serves its new Spicy Chicken. This latest addition to the homegrown restaurant chain’s menu puts an exciting twist to the well-loved Max’s Fried Chicken, as it is tossed in a special chili pepper seasoning that promises to leave diners craving for more.

The spicy variant is best paired with Max’s house blend banana ketchup, offering the right balance of sweet and spicy.

want to do our part in the sustainability of local farmer efforts,” said Holiday Inn & Suites Makati hotel manager Andy Belmonte.

And for the whole month of October, coffee will be present not just in the hotel’s drink selection but in the dishes served at Flavors restaurant as well.

Coffee rubs on steak and chicken roasts were used to create a deeper flavor for the roast. The grilled chicken salad and the chili and mango zesty quinoa salad were also given a delicious twist with coffee vinaigrette. Coffee lovers will likewise rejoice in the dessert spread that now includes mocha velvet cake and cappuccino truffle brulée cake.

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati likewise partnered with the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. and the International Women’s Coffee Alliance in mounting the month-long celebration for one of the world’s most popular drinks.

PCBI president Chit Juan, however, underscored how the domestic coffee

industry can use a “pick me up” shot itself not just to address supply requirements but to make local beans globally competitive as well.

“We consume about 150,000 metric tons of coffee annually but produce a maximum of about 35,000 metric tons of coffee beans. That means we import the rest,” said Juan, adding that the coffee industry can still expand with government and private sector support.

According to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, the government’s Philippine Coffee Industry Roadmap 2017-2022 will boost domestic production and ensure that the local coffee industry will be at par with top producers such as Colombia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Lopez said with the roadmap, the country is expected to increase coffee production to 214,626 metric tons by 2022.

Now that is something worth a cup of coffee or two.

I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com.

bites

“Customers can now enjoy a spicy, ‘Sarap To The Bones’ Fried Chicken with the new Max’s Spicy Chicken.

Head to your nearest Max’s Restaurant, try our new Max’s Spicy Chicken, and have a great dining experience!” said Max’s Restaurant national business unit head Paolo Serrano.

Max’s Restaurant is offering the Spicy Chicken Family Platter at only P529. For those who wish to have a spicy feast with friends or family, there

Max’s puts a spicy twist to its classic fried chicken with the new Spicy Fried Chicken.

The Spicy Fried Chicken is best paired with Max’s house blend banana ketchup, offering the right balance of sweet and spicy.

is also the Spicy Chicken Platter Bundle which includes the Max’s Spicy Chicken together with a choice of one best-selling soup, large plain rice, four glasses of iced tea, four Caramel Bar Ice Cream, and one plush toy for P1,399.

In addition to Spicy Chicken, Max’s Restaurant also offers Honey Glazed Chili Crispy Pata.

This dish made of premium pork knuckle stir fried in garlic and ginger, and then lathered with local honey and served with Max’s pata sauce.

To order, visit www.maxschicken. com, or leave a message on Max’s Restaurant’s Facebook Messenger chat bot, or dial 7-9000.

s coated dragee dark chocolatetra ex e’s nt Co l Villa de

Chocolate holiday treats VILLA del Conte launches two new flavors of its extra dark chocolate-coated dragees, just in time for the holiday season.

In addition to the best-selling Almond Dragees, there are Coffee Bean and Bretzels—both covered in extra dark chocolate.

Exquisitely rich and authentically artisanal, these mouthwatering treats from Padova Italy are perfect as gifts for the upcoming holidays.

Villa del Conte has stores in Greenbelt 5, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Magnolia. For bulk orders and to know more about Villa Del Conte’s indulgent creations, contact (02) 893-2575, visit www.villadelcontecioccolato. com, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @VillaDelContePh and on Twitter @villadelconte.

Life

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monday, october 15, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Epicurious

Red Crab

Brotzeit

California Pizza Kitchen Shi Lin

Wobbly Pan

Sumosam

Balboa

Feast on world’s flavors

T

RY on a variety of tapas, take a bite of Thai barbecue, and get a slice of crepe cake all in one day as Shangri-La Plaza rolls out a delicious spread for mall guests at GourmetFest, happening at the Grand Atrium from Oct. 18 to 21.

The four-day food fair offers new flavors and old favorites from participating restaurants serving varied cuisines— from Asian to American to European.

“We’re delighted to host the GourmetFest once again,” says Lala Fojas, executive vice president and general manager of Shangri-La Plaza. “We always look forward to gathering our roster of restaurants and show mall guests that the Shang is the go-to destination for the best food in town.”

Rich Hispanic flavors come to life at Spanish bistro Wobbly Pan, where guests can indulge in tapas, paellas, and more. At Brotzeit, diners go through an authentic German culinary experience.

Pasto carries signature Italian dishes while Balboa fuses Italian cuisine with American dining.

For those looking for something sweet and light, Paper Moon’s crepe cakes and La Creperie’s famous crepes are a must-try.

Discover Asian favorites with a twist as Teppanyaki chefs at Akira and grill

Diners at Shangri-La Plaza get a chance to win a trip for two to Singapore via Singapore Airlines with hotel accommodations and Singapore Explorer Pass Tickets in the GourmetFest Dining Promo.

Those who will dine in any restaurant at Shangri-La Plaza from Oct. 17 to Nov. 18 with a minimum spend of P500, get one stamp on their GourmetFest Promo Card. Five stamps qualifies the bearer for the raffle, and they can present the promo card to the concierge counters to get one raffle coupon.

Beginner cooks and foodies can look forward to discovering the ultimate culinary experience as Metro Channel and Metro.Style launch the first leg of the “Metro Kitchen Series” on Oct. 20, 3:00 p.m. at the Grand Atrium.

Inspired by the interplay of Filipino and Spanish flavors, culinary stars Chef Sandy Daza and Chef Robby Goco, as well as Wobbly Pan’s Chef Rolando de Garcia, will be showcasing their masterful interpretations in their respective demonstrations.

masters at SumoSam take Japanese dining to the next level. Foodies will surely enjoy Zao, which offers a taste of Vietnam. They are also guaranteed to take delight in Arya’s Persian cuisine as well.

Spice things up at Thai BBQ and Pepper Lunch, or warm up with a bowl or two at Ganso Shabuway. Shi Lin’s xiao long bao soup dumplings are also sure to be a crowd hit.

Those looking for more familiar fare will savor the all-American offerings of Epicurious and Tender Bob’s, as well as the unique sandwiches at Pages Deli and Pepi Cubano. Fill up on pizza with a twist at California Pizza Kitchen, and don’t miss the spread by Red Crab, where seafood lovers are sure to get their fill of fresh, juicy crabs.

Aside from discovering a world of delicious eats at special prices, guests can also look forward to live demos and workshops led by some of the best chefs For inquiries, call (02) 370-2597/98 in the country, as well as exciting pro- or visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial. mos from restaurants.

Put a twist to the usual holiday dinner by serving a spread best enjoyed outdoors.

Summer spread for the holidays ONE of the many good things during the summer season is outdoor party, complete with barbecue and refreshing booze. But it doesn’t mean there’s no reason to enjoy the flavors of summer during “ber” months.

Invite family and friends over for dinner and drinks, and put a twist to the usual holiday dinner by serving this spread best enjoyed when entertaining guests outdoors.

Peel-and-eat Pepper Shrimp

A perfect match for cocktails, this shrimp recipe brings out the freshness of the shrimp with a rosemary-flavored twist.

How crispy are Jollibee crispy fries?

Peach and Bacon Frittata

Jollibee’s latest online video shows a ‘malata’ performance on the court.

TO HIGHLIGHT the “crispy-sarap” pated shining moment, only to let the perfect complement to classic Jollibee in every bite of Jollibee’s Jolly Crispy cheering crowd down because of her favorites or as a flavorful, satisfying Fries, the fast food giant has released an lackluster performance. This moment snack on its own. serves as the perfect segue into the di“This new ad is a great way to advertisement to prove it. rect opposite of malata: illustrate the unique crispy-sarap “Malata” (limp) means a general kada bite goodness of the Jolly lack of energy, pep, and enthusiasm, Crispy Fries,” said Kay Segis Segisand when used to refer to food, a mundo, Jollibee senior market marketlack of crunch, lively flavor, or ining manager for complementary teresting textures. products.

Jollibee’s latest online video hiShe added, “The funny scenarlariously captures how unfortunate io definitely captures the feeling malata—especially in a traditionwhen you get soggy, limp fries— ally crispy favorite—can be with Jolly Crispy Frie it’s not fun and you end up feeling on-point comedic performances s are m e of 10 0 percent real po dismayed.

Plus, malata fries don’t and crave-inducing beauty shots covered with special coad ta to es ating to make ev ery piece crispy. pack the flavor and the unparalleled of the Jolly Crispy Fries. enjoyment of snacking on crispy, By focusing on situations where golden, perfectly cooked potatoes. malata just wouldn’t cut it, the video, crispiness served up There’s truly nothing else like the Jolly available on Jollibee’s Facebook and You- in every bite of the Jolly Crispy Fries.

Made with 100 percent real pota- Crispy Fries.”

Tube pages, shows a scene familiar to toes and covered with special fries many Filipino teens: a volleyball game.

In this scenario, the character is put coating to make every piece extra Jolly Crispy Fries are available in reguunder the spotlight for a highly antici- crispy, Jolly Crispy Fries serve as the lar (P39), large (P60), and jumbo (P72.).

Anything that involves bacon is almost always an instant hit. This summer frittata is an unexpectedly amazTaco Burger ing combination of sweet peaches and Half taco and half burger, this hybrid salty, smoky bacon that brings fun and recipe will surely be a new favorite adventure to the dining table. among kids and adults alike. Big, loaded, and deliciously over-the-top, the taco burger brings the best of both worlds with every bite.

Rosé Spritz

Brick Oven-style Chicken

No basting and not much waiting involved, this chicken recipe is very easy to make and very savory to taste. For quick dinners that aim to impress, this is a definite must-try.

What’s a get-together without cocktails? Share stories and fun times over a glass or two of this refreshing summer drink.

To know how to prepare these exciting summer recipes, tune in to the premier of “Giada on the Beach” on Oct. 18, 9:00 p.m. on The Food Network.

Entertainment

LAUGH OUT LOUD

World’s oldest female comedian in Manila for a show OCTOGENARIAN Lynn Ruth Miller is hauling her creaking bones and her bag of funny tricks for a two-day Manila show on Oct.18 and 19.

Regarded as the world’s oldest female comedian, Miller is an Ohio-born funny woman who brings with her laughs about her advanced age and how sex is like at 85.

“I make aging sound like it’s fun,” Lynn says of her brand of comedy.

Dubbed the new Joan Rivers of Fringe Comedy at The Edinburgh International Fringe, Lynn is a regular at the San Francisco Punchline, The Stand in Scotland and The International in Dublin and is now chomping at the bit ready now to do her storytelling, cabaret and stand-up comedy throughout the world to prove that her aging has been amazing.

She started her comedy career at 71.

She made it to Las Vegas in America’s Got Talent in 2008, won People’s Choice in 2009 Branson Comedy Festival, the finals in Bill Word’s Funniest Female Contest 2009 and semifinals in the SF International Comedy Competition, the top 100 in Britain’s Got Talent and won both nights of the Texas Burlesque Festival without taking off anything that matters.

She was the 2013 TO&ST winner for Granny’s Gone Wild: best cabaret Edinburgh Fringe. That show was performed at the Soho Theatre in London in March 2014. In August, she performed her fourth solo show Not Yet Dead, a compilation of stories and songs about her life directed by Sarah Louise Young with songs written by Young and Michael Roulston to 4 and 5 star reviews.

Now, for her first time in Manila, Lynn is treating Filipinos to two shows aptly called Aged to Imperfection (Oct. 18) and Barely Standing (Oct. 19).

“I’m hoping to make everyone laugh,” she says, as if it was any doubt that the woman who throws incontinence pads at the audience and makes jokes about the joys of aging (“There are many joys to aging, for example, I wake up in the morning”) could be anything but hilarious.

“There’s no more PMS. When I tell you I’m going kill you, I mean it!” she jokes.

Join Prime i Events and Lynn Ruth Miller and don’t miss the chance watching a woman who’s barely standing crack jokes about her life, her age and everything in between.

Catch Lynn Ruth Miller on Oct. 18 at the Relik Bar in BGC and on Oct.19 at the Union Jack Tavern in Makati City. The shows will be opened by ventriloquist Ruther Urquia and hosted

by Aldo Cuervo. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and shows start at 8:00 p.m..

Tickets are available at Ticketnet (www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-555) at Ticketbooth at 887-5131 or by calling 0920-9717055 or 0917-5703057. Tickets are priced at P1,000 for advanced buyer and P1,250 at the door.

World's Oldest Comedian Lynn Ruth Miller is staging a two-day show where she talks about the benefit of getting old and being a comedian with a pension.

and escape for a while

T

The cast of CCP's 'Baka Naman Hindi' led by seasoned actor Ricky Davao (2nd from right)

HE Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Baka Naman Hindi with a comeback of actors Ricky Davao and Rina Reyes as they play husband and wife for the Filipino version of Georges Feydeau Feydeau’s farce, A Flea in Her Ear Ear. “I’m happy to be back here at the CCP,” Davao said in a press conference held at the CCP Main Theater Lobby, Oct. 2.

Ricky, who plays “Victor Delgado,” has memorable performances in many plays such as Bongbong at Kris, In Frailty’s Grace Grace, Silang Nalugmok sa Gabi, Lihis, Felipe de las Casas Casas, Hedda Gabler, and he was also in the very first production of Tanghalang Pilipino, the Dalagang Bukid.

“My father (Charlie Davao) was in the play. I must have been about thirteen then. It was the very first play I had ever seen and I was fascinated,” Davao reminisced adding that

VOLLEYBALL superstar and beauty pageant titlist Michele Gumabao continues to widen her horizon as she takes on another field – hosting.

The Philippines’ representative to Miss Globe 2018 was recently launched as one of the hosts of the new-look The Score, the flagship program of ABSCBN’s sports channel Sports + Action (S+A) that debuted its new format this month.

In the presscon for the program held in ABSCBN, Michele said she can never turn her back from sports.

“I think iba ‘yung passion talaga when you play sports and when you watch sports. ‘Pag naglalaro kasi ako iba yung feeling sa loob ng court, ibang feeling to be with your teammates,” said the former DLSU Lady Spikers star player.

The program’s main anchor, Mico Halili, added the sports community is lucky that Michele did not leave volleyball to focus on pursuing showbiz.

Michele was a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother: All In and is the sister of Kapamilya actor Marco Gumabao Gumabao.

Mico added that apart from her skills as a player, Michele is also special in terms of her ability to breakdown the game.

“When I interviewed her before, immediately nakita ko iba ‘yung pagtingin niya sa sport, iba

Monday, October 15, 2018

48 Tack on 49 Prepare clams 50 Water regulator 53 PFC mail drop 54 Synagogue leader 58 Strong desire 61 Not dull 62 Coin maker 63 Release (2 wds.)

64 Nibbles on 65 Mountain route 66 Dirty look 67 Corrosion DOWN 1 New York baseballers 2 I had no —!

3 Jung’s first name 4 Hobbyists 5 — Wiedersehen 6 Looks displeased 7 Singing birds 8 Stately trees 9 Tempe inst.

10 Pines for 11 Palo — 12 Fibbed, plus 13 Loosen, as a grip 19 Emulates a frog 21 No different 25 Told 26 Tiny aperture 27 Give the go-

recently as Julian in Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral, and admitted that speaking Tagalog fluently in his every dialogue is a challenge.

Also, the other cast members are Nazer Salcedo, Nelsito Gomez, Raffy Tejada, Gilleth Sandico, Mosang, Anthony Falcon, Jef Henson Dy, Ronnie Martinez, and Wenah Nagales.

The play centers on Victor, the characters don’t know he has a doppelganger who works as a porter named Dodong in a hotel. All hell breaks loose as the other characters couldn’t tell which one of the two they are dealing with.

“I’m sure you’re going to like this one,” Davao assured.

The play will be staged at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater) on Oct. 18 to 21 at 8:00 p.m. and Oct. 20 to 21 at 3:00 p.m.. Tickets are available at the price of P1,000 and P1,200 pesos—with discounts for students, senior citizens, government employees and g r o u p s — a n d available through the CCP Box Office (832-3704) and Ticketworld (891-9999).

Beauty queen Michele Gumabao joins ‘The Score’

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Easily split mineral 5 Wouldn’t hurt —— 10 Rival of Harvard 14 Holland export 15 Eurasian range 16 Lamb’s pen name 17 Prefix for “trillion” 18 Expresses in precise form 20 Preserves fish 22 Calendar divs.

23 Wash out 24 Is entitled to 26 Pie container 27 Takes for granted 30 Warns (2 wds.)

34 Mountain flower 35 Grain containers 36 Confidant 37 Alvarez or Bunuel 38 Swamped 40 Occupation 41 Hall-of-Famer Mel — 42 Depot info 43 Rainbow band 45 More overgrown 47 Least busy

the play, which had late great Vic Silayan and Bernardo Bernardo as cast members, plays a significant part in his childhood.

Playing the role of Victor’s wife, Alicia, Rina was a regular performer for Tanghalang Pilipino and she was part of Bienvenido Noriega’s Bituing Marikit, and she appeared with her mother Baby O’Brien in Bayan-Bayanan.

The director of the film, Dennis Marasigan, said that the play suits the Filipino audience as the characters talk in Filipino and are familiar to the audience.

He also explained that Baka Naman Hindi is the play’s title for it is a familiar expression for every Filipino.

“When you watch the play, you would discover that there’s a part of our history where people only think of their own welfare, that there are people in our society who really think nothing but their own advantage,” Marasigan said.

Joining Davao and Reyes are brilliant actors and actresses on the theater scene.

Actor Lou Veloso wants to have a different persona in the play, while Tex Ordonez de Leon said that she didn’t have any hurdles regarding the chemistry of all the casts.

“Never pa akong nakagawa ng farce,” said Rafa Siguion Reyna, who played

ahead 28 Brown in butter 29 Hotel offering 30 Scale notes 31 Speculate 32 Tiger teeth 33 Navy 35 Univ. degrees 39 Series of battles 40 Congress member 42 Pillow filler 44 Jet engine noise 46 Boat cranes 47 Lackey 49 Meanness

50 Mae West persona 51 Where Mongolia is 52 Hosp. workers 53 Pharaoh’s god 55 Suitor 56 Poker stakes 57 Part of MIT 59 Gore and Capone 60 Hide — hair

yung pag-explain niya sa game,” he said.

Michele, who plays in the Premier Volleyball League for the Creamline Cool Smashers, has already showcased her volleyball know-how and communication skills as game analyst of ABS-CBN Sports. But in The Score, she will have more on-screen time as she will be doing features and interviews for the show.

“We’re going to bring to our viewers a closer, in-depth look at our athletes, share with them what’s life out of the court because that’s what everybody wants to know,” she said.

Joining Michele and Mico in the program’s sports squad are other popular athletes including legends Allan Caidic, Eric Menk, and Jimmy Alapag and current stars Beau Belga, Joe Devance, Chris Newsome, and LA Tenorio.

Also part of the program is another athlete-turned-host Gretchen Ho, who Michele has fought many battles with back in their days as varsity players in the UAAP. The Score airs from Monday to Friday at 1:00 p.m. on the ABS-CBN Sports Youtube channel and 6:00 p.m. on primetime on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

C3

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Simply...

From C4

VIPs, celebs mark World Pandesal Day

Despite the Feb. 6 fire that razed to the ground Quezon City’s pioneer and award-winning 79-year-old Kamuning Bakery Café and caused losses, owner Wilson Lee Flores, his staff and bakers remained optimistic.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, Flores is inviting the public to the annual “World Pandesal Day” starting at 11:00 a.m. at the ruins of the bakery along Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, Quezon City.

Some 70,000 pan de sal and other food will be given away to the guests.

Quezon City Vice-Mayor Joy Belmonte will lead Kamuning Bakery’s will be among the guests of honor during the celebration.

On Oct. 28 at 8:00 a.m., there will be a medical, dental and optical mission at Kamuning Bakery Café in cooperation with Chinese General Hospital led by its CEO Dr. James G. Dy. The public is invited and can have free consultation with the doctors during the mission.

These Oct. 16 and Oct. 28 events are the last two events to be held here, before Kamuning Bakery Café’s ruins are totally demolished, except for two surviving pugon brick ovens that will be retained for heritage preservation during its reconstruction.

With hashtag #WorldPandesalDay, this is a unique socio-civic and cultural endeavor to highlight the importance of the Philippines’ humble yet popular pan de sal, to underscore the importance of all people helping solve the age-old problem of hunger.

Wilson Lee Flores said an inspiration for World Pandesal Day is the Bible story of a poor boy who gave five loaves of bread and two fishes, which faith in God multiplied to feed thousands.

On Oct. 12 at Quezon City’s anniversary celebration at Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel, the city government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista gave Wilson Lee Flores the “Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Award”.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte said, “My warmest greetings to the Kamuning Bakery Café as it celebrates World Pandesal Day. Food plays an integral part in our people’s identity as it reflects our culture and history which have been shaped by various influences of the past.

This milestone does not only celebrate the ingenuity of our bakers and their unyielding passion for bread, but also empowers local community bakeries as they preserve and pass down traditional cooking methods.”

President Duterte added, “This administration looks forward to working closely with you in solving the problem of hunger that is rooted in poverty and social inequality. Together, let us work towards achieving our goal of a brighter, more prosperous and sustainably progressive nation. I wish you a fruitful and meaningful celebration.”

Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said, “Wilson Flores’ acquisition of the bakery added to the popularity of this Filipino bread through his promotion of the vanishing traditional baking methods, his World Pandesal Day initiative and his Pandesal Forum which has gathered media people, artists, thinkers and government leaders as well as ordinary folks in his bakery to talk about national and international issues or simply to shoot the breeze while enjoying freshly-baked pandesal.

I am glad that Kamuning Bakery Café has resumed its operation as the maker of artisanal breads and an affordable venue for relaxed discussions.”

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

C4

Entertainment

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

ISAH V. RED

It’s a better and brighter

‘Magandang Morning with Julius and Zen’

DZMM listeners and DZMM TeleRadyo followers have certainly heard and/or seen the difference in the Saturday and Sunday morning show Magandang Morning with Julius and Zen these days.

The show recently got a boost with new segments on DZMM TeleRadyo (also available on ABS-CBN TVplus and cable TV).

Simulcast on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, the program hosted by broadcast journalists Julius Babao and Zen Hernandez is still your news-driven show spiced up with interviews and commentary on the week’s biggest issues.

Recently, it introduced new segments to provide their loyal listeners and viewers useful tips and information that they can use in their day-to-day life.

In “Ano’ng Meron,” Julius and Zen share places that families can go to, or activities they can try to bond and relax over the weekend.

In “Kayod-Kayod,” they give listeners a glimpse of the lives of Filipinos at work while everybody else are having their day-off, like policemen, nurses, and vendors.

Julius and Zen also feature the other side or the lighter side of people in the news in “Dahan Dahan Lang.”

The program still feature a rundown of the hot topics in the country, interviews with newsmakers, flash reports from DZMM Radyo Patrol, and in-depth discussions on current issues that the show has been known for since its inception in 2003.

Original anchor Julius shared his excitement as the program undergoes a transformation on its 15th year. “It brings joy to me to know we have developed a loyal following through the years. I am happy that the show is evolving as we continue to explore more ways to improve the program and make it more interesting for our listeners and viewers.”

Zen, meanwhile, continues to relish the opportunity to work with a broadcast veteran like Julius, who helped her learn the ropes as a radio newbie when she joined the program in 2015.

“I felt excited and nervous to work with him at first. He was surprisingly a very warm person and probably the least intimidating person even though he was already a well-known journalist. I still look up to him now but he has also become a friend so the tense feeling that comes with being in the same program with a journalist of his caliber is already gone.”

Julius also has good words for Zen, his third co-anchor in the show after his wife Tin-Tin Bersola-Babao and Nina Corpuz-Rodriguez.

“We complement each other because Zen is also a journalist. We are like sparring and dancing when discussing issues. We know how to take turns in asking questions or in expressing our thoughts. I am proud of how far she’s gone in her career and she deserves it because she is an intelligent and articulate journalist who always comes to work prepared,” he explained.

Continued on C3

Fil-Italian Silvia Cortesi is the Philippine bet in this year's Miss Earth pageant The men of 'Los Bastardos' pose for a promotional shot with their leading ladies. The sexy drama airs today on ABS-CBN's primetime block.

NEXT BIG LEADING MEN

GMA Network inks partnership with Miss Earth

Jake, Diego, Marco, Albie, and Joshua compete in

‘LOS BASTARDOS’

By Nickie Wang

“I

WAS born to do this.”

That was Jake Cuenca’s brief answer when asked about his role in Los Bastardos, which is based on the Cardinal Bastards series of Precious Hearts Romances.

This much anticipated sexy drama premieres today.

Jake is joined by Diego Loyzaga, Marco Gumabao, Albie Casiño, and Joshua Colet who all play brothers pitted against each other by destiny in their constant battle for power and recognition in their family.

“We feel so privileged to be the faces of the show. It’s a huge honor because apart from acting skills, the series was looking for physically fit men. That’s what the show was looking for and just to be appreciated and being cast in this series, it’s already an accomplishment” Marco said.

While most Precious Hearts Romances series center on female leads, Los Bastardos stands out for having male lead characters and their point of view as the centerpiece of the story. And just like what the trailers for the show have shown the viewers, the series will feature half naked men...like almost all the time.

“It’s not about the women this time. It’s about the guys -- what guys have to go through from different walks of life,” Diego stated.

“I’m happy that I was chosen to be one of the bastards, to show my walk of life being a bastard myself. So, I’m happy to be here,” Diego added in response to the question

about his character hitting so close to home.

Since the lead cast would be showing off their sculpted physique in many parts of the drama, fans were curious how they feel about being objectified. Newcomer Joshua said he doesn’t have issues with that.

“I can’t speak for them (his co-actors) but for me, that’s okay. I get paid to do this. What’s important is I enjoy what I’m doing.”

“We work hard for our body, we diet, we go to the gym everyday, so what’s the use of our hard work if we’re not going to show off what we’ve been working hard for?” Marco added.

The latest book in the Precious Hearts Romances Presents tells the story of five brothers who must fight against each other for the right to the power and money of the Cardinal family, led by its patriarch, Don Roman Cardinal, played by senior actor Ronaldo Valdez.

Don Roman will lead a happy life with his small family until tragedy strikes which will lead him to look for true love from four other women. He will sire five sons from five different women. There is Isagani (Jake), Don Roman’s long-lost son with his first love; Joaquin (Diego), the only son who’ll grow up under his care; Matteo (Marco), who will grow up with the rival family of the Cardinals; Connor, who will become a conman bent on destroying the Cardinal wealth; and Lucas (Albie), whill will grow up not knowing the man he serves is his own father.

In their intertwined lives, they start learning the truth behind their real identities revealing the different worlds they grew up in and how they are bound together by the same blood.

Set to make their hearts beat are Marijoy Apostol, Mica Javier, Jane Oineza, Maxine Medina, Ritz Azul, and Kylie Verzosa.

Also joining the cast are Perla Bautista, Ana Santos, Joyce Ann Burton, Pinky Amador, Jeffrey Santos, Isabel Rivas, Lito Pimentel, Rosanna Roces and Bert Reyes.

Los Bastardos premieres today, Oct. 15, on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold after Kadenang Ginto.

BEHIND every successful sports team are individuals who work hard to uplift each other.

This is the central message of Toby’s Sports’ acclaimed short film titled Liga, which was launched as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the country’s largest multi-brand sports retailer.

Liga, which has garnered almost a million views as of this writing, tells the story of Kevin (played by Art Artienda), a member of a championship-bound basketball team who feels that his efforts and sacrifices have gone unnoticed and underestimated, and that his time to shine in the league is long overdue.

When the team’s star player gets injured at a crucial point in time, Art Artienda plays the lead role in ‘Liga,’ Toby’s Sports' acArtienda’s character faces a dilemma: claimed short film which extols the value of teamwork. now that the ball is in his hands, is he Festival 2019, Live Action Shorts Film Festival 2018, going to take a once-in-a-lifetime shot International Shorts Festival Australia 2018, and the Los to show the rest what he’s truly got, or Angeles CineFest 2019 as semi-finalist.

“Liga best expresses the values that propelled will he set aside his personal ambition Toby’s Sports to where it is now, 40 years after it was for the greater good?

Directed by Chris Cahilig and launched in the country as a modest toy shop. The masterfully shot by Patrick Ferrer, Liga, short film celebrates the importance of teamwork, in just a week after it was officially launched, the same way that we at Toby’s Sports pay tribute to was selected to participate in four international every member of our growing family who contributes film festivals, namely Dramatic Shorts Film to our continuous success in the industry,” says Toby

GMA Network seals its partnership with Miss Earth as this year’s official broadcast partner of the prestigious beauty pageant for environmental awareness. The contract signing was held on Oct. 8 at GMA Network Center.

Present in the contract signing were GMA First Vice President for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, GMA Program Management Assistant Vice President Mitzi Garcia, Carousel Productions Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck and Vice President Peachy Veneracion Veneracion. Joining them were Miss Earth 2018 candidates Miss Earth Canada Jaime Vandenber, Miss Earth Chile Antonia Figueroa, Miss Earth England Abbey-Anne Gyles-Brown, Miss Earth Hungary Réka Lukács, Miss Earth Mauritius Kirty Sujeewon, and Miss Earth Philippines Silvia Celeste Cortes Cortesi.

Abacan is delighted that Miss Earth chose the Kapuso Network to air this prestigious international event on its 18th year.

“We are glad it’s another addition to the pageants that we are actually airing on GMA. The only thing I could tell my new partners is that you are welcome here in GMA and hopefully, this is going to be a very big and very strong partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, Schuck expressed her excitement for the strong partnership of Miss Earth and GMA, “First, I am so excited that I am now a Kapuso. Of course, we’d like to work with GMA closely. We’ve always been open to suggestions and any collaboration. With this partnership, our main goal is really to make Miss Earth’s advocacy really known to the world.”

She feels positive for this year’s pageant and says that the competition will be bigger, “We are having 90 candidates, and together we will be going around all over the Philippines to promote our eco-tourism. We have a lot in store for the viewers, and we are proud to say that we stay loyal to our advocacy, especially with our stage that is environment-friendly.”

The Philippines will be hosting the Miss Earth 2018 coronation night on Nov. 3, which will be aired on GMA Network on Nov. 4.

Claudio, president of Quorum International Inc., the parent company of Toby’s Sports.

“As we move forward, we will continue to embrace the digital medium in sending our message across and promoting our advocacy, making greatness more achievable for every Filipino, whether in sports or in life,” Claudio adds.

Toby’s Sports celebrated its 40th year of dominance in the industry with a grand event called “It’s Game Time” last Aug. 30 at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City, where Liga was first shown to the audience.

Attended by executives, members of the media, guests and special performers, the anniversary affair paid tribute to the men and women behind the success of Toby’s Sports and coincided with the retirement of its chief executive officer, Bobby Claudio.

Liga’s production was also made possible by assistant director Clark Lopez, line producer Melai Entuna, production manager Yani Bautista, production designer Carmela Danao, production coordinator Johanna Evangelista, crowd coordinator Bambi Selda, and writer Yuji Gonzales. It also stars Jolec Jeronimo, Jindric Macapagal, and Allan Villafuerte.

Liga can be viewed at Toby’s Sports official Facebook page, www.facebook. com/tobyssports.