Manila Standard - 2017 November 02 - Friday

NY TERROR ATTACK: 8 KILLED, 11 HURT

Sayfullo Saipov

ACT OF TERROR. Police gather at the scene in lower Manhattan in New York City Tuesday afternoon (Wednesday in Manila) after eight people are reported dead and at least 11 injured after a truck mowed down pedestrians and cyclists and rammed into a school bus.

According to police, the driver went down the wrong way of a bike path on the West Side Highway, hitting pedestrians and cyclists. The suspect, 29-year-old Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, (top) is in police custody. AFP

NEW YORK —A pickup driver killed eight people in New York on Tuesday, mowing down cyclists and pedestrians before striking a school bus, in the city’s first deadly attack blamed on terror since Sept. 11, 2001.

Eleven others were seriously hurt when the truck driver struck in broad daylight just blocks from the 9/11 Memorial, on the West Side of Lower Manhattan, close to schools as children and their parents geared up to celebrate Halloween.

“This was an act of terror and a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians, aimed at people going about their lives who had no idea what was about to hit them,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Law enforcement sources identified the perpetrator as Sayfullo Saipov, 29. He was arrested in Missouri on a traffic fine last year.

The Uzbek citizen living in Tampa, Florida had recently been staying in New Jersey, where the truck was rented, reports said.

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Indonesian terrorist nabbed AN INDONESIAN militant who joined gunmen loyal to the Islamic State group in a five-month battle for Marawi City was arrested there on Wednesday, police said.

The military last week declared the end of fighting in Marawi but admitted there could be “stragglers” in the area after what authorities said was an IS bid to establish a Southeast Asian caliphate there.

Police said they arrested the 22-yearold Indonesian in Marawi after village officials found him trying to flee, adding he would face rebellion and terrorism charges.

“He is part of the siege and an initial [encounter] in Piagapo,” provincial police chief Sr. Supt. John Guyguyon told Next page

VOL. XXXI • NO. 261 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

‘Talks may ease tensions’ Du30, Abe discuss perils of war amid NoKor threat

China eyes world-class army; Asian neighbors start to worry BEIJING, China—Chinese President Xi Jinping’s pledge to build a “worldclass army” by 2050 is making his neighbors nervous, but analysts say Beijing’s military ambitions do not constitute a strategic threat—for now.

With purchases and construction of fighter jets, ships and hi-tech weaponry, China’s military budget has grown steadily for 30 years, but remains three times smaller than that of the United States.

Reds told: Give up, we’ll talk

By John Paolo Bencito LABOR Secretary and chief government peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III on Wednesday expressed hope that peace negotiations with the communists would soon resume even as President Rodrigo Duterte made another fresh call for the rebels to “surrender.”

“In my view, the prospect of resumption is very bright and we are just waiting for the final instruction from the President because I’m aware that the President, on his first day of assumption of office, declared openly that his legacy to the country was lasting peace for our countrymen,” Bello said in Next page

Now, Beijing wants to catch up.

“We should strive to fully transform the people’s armed forces into a worldclass military by the mid21st century,” Xi told 2,300 delegates of the Chinese Communist Party, which he heads and which controls the army.

The comments, made during the party’s twicea-decade congress, were aimed in part at domestic nationalists, but also intended to show other coun-

By John Paolo Bencito and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

tries “China’s desire to be strong economically as well as militarily,” said James Char, a military analyst at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

During China’s so-called Century of Humiliation, starting around the mid-19th century, the country lost almost every war it fought, and was often forced to give major concessions in subsequent treaties.

“That’s why China, more than any other country,

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ANILA and Tokyo appeared to differ on the prospect of dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a bid to de-escalate tensions in the region over Pyongyang’s nuclear and ballistic missile development.

Returning from a two-day official visit in Tokyo, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, President Rodrigo Duterte said that he failed to raise his proposals for the US, Japan, China and South Korea to sit down with the North Korean leader to tackle Pyongyang’s weapons development and missile tests.

“No. We just talked about the perils of a war and all others were just incidentals. The main issue re-

ally is the, I said, miscalculation— any of the countries involved— [would lead to destruction],” Duterte told reporters in Davao.

200 killed in NoKor nuke site collapse (Story on B3) What was agreed upon was to work in close coordination to step up pressure on North Korea—a line that he, Abe, and US President Donald Trump had in common. Next page

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‘Yolanda’ survivors hit out at snail-paced housing

By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY— Storm survivors have blamed Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino for their lack of decent housing after President Rodrigo Duterte tasked him to complete the housing backlog on Nov. 8 last year.

“Your intervention in November 2016, Mr. President, made us believe that change has finally come to victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

We welcome your assigned assistant, thinking he would follow through and ensure all of us will enjoy the ‘Biyaya ng Pagbabago,’ a group of storm victims said in their letter to the President.

While the survivors expressed appreciation to the investigation by the House Committee on Housing into the alleged corruption be-

hind the issue, they accused Dino of being the reason why Duterte’s housing program remained snail-paced.

“However, the dismal condition we are now in demonstrates the failure of Mr. Dino and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas. We suffered three long years under the Yellow administration.

But our continued suffering under your administration could only [be] because your point man in the Visayas is all about PR and not actual performance,” they said.

In their letter, received by the Office of the President on Sept. 29, the survivors asked Duterte to “call the attention [of] and discipline Dino for not doing his job you specifically assigned to him regarding the state of the victims of super typhoon Yolanda.”

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PRESIDENTIAL REPORT. President Rodrigo Duterte, returning from an official visit to Japan Tuesday night, notes in his arrival speech at Davao City’s Bangoy International Airport, Japan’s pledge of assistance amounting to almost $9 billion as well as economic, defense and security cooperation between the two allies. Malacañang Photo

Du30 tells agencies to probe charges vs kin Two top SSS

By John Paolo Bencito and F. Pearl A. Gajunera PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he would let independent agencies probe the drug smug-

gling and corruption allegations against his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, and his son-in-law, Manases Carpio.

Duterte’s remarks came after incarcerated Senator Leila de Lima, an adversary

of the President, called him to go after “real drug lords” who are apparently “living right inside under his own household.”

“Who would believe if I investigate my son and my

room of our house.

I told them I could not recall what I saw, but the fact that all of them ran for their lives when I shouted “Lolo, Lolo, Lolo” was more than enough to confirm that I indeed saw his ghost. He was and apparently lingering in the area to make his presence felt.

Ghosts are real, indeed.

TWO Social Security System officials linked to a stock investment controversy have resigned, the pension fund’s chairman Amado Valdez said Wednesday.

The SSS officials are Vice President for the Equities Investment Division Reginald Candelaria and Senior Vice President and Chief actuary George Ongkeko Jr. Candelaria filed his resignation last week while Ongkeko filed his last month. The SSS has already accepted Candelaria’s

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Halloween tale: I saw the ghost of my grandpa

By Ben Cal

SEA OF MOURNERS. Heedless of the rains drenching the metropolis Wednesday, surviving relatives and friends make an affectional frame of All Saints’ Day mourners, a sight reduplicated in other graveyards in predominantly Christian Philippines, where almost 90 percent of its 106 million people are Catholics. Norman Cruz twitter.com/ MlaStandard

I SAW the ghost of my grandfather when I was a two-year-old toddler.

His ghost popped out from a huge wooden post inside our house in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, one evening during the nine-day prayer for the eternal repose of his soul.

His sudden appearance in the midst of the novena facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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sent all those attending the prayer meeting―including my grandmother Magdalena Clarin Bautista, my parents Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Cal (nee Milagros Clarin Bautista), and relatives scampering to different directions and leaving me alone behind.

As a 24-month-old baby, I was unaware of the whole episode until I was four, when my grandma and parmanilastandard.net

ents asked me whether I indeed saw the spirit of my grandfather, the late Dr. Andres Bautista, that night of All Souls Day on Nov. 2, 1947. My grandpa died on Oct. 25 that same year.

They related to me in detail what transpired that evening when suddenly I shouted “Lolo, Lolo, Lolo,” pointing my finger to a huge wooden post in the receiving

officers quit amid scandal

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Don’t reward policemen for doing their job’ MORE than three out of five Filipinos, or 65 percent, disagree in giving cash incentives to police officers for every killed suspect allegedly involved in illegal drugs, according to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations.

The survey, fielded among 1,500 respondents, revealed that among the 65 percent who opposed the measure, some 46 percent of them strongly disagree while only 19 percent somewhat disagree.

Only 15 percent of those surveyed agreed with the cash reward, leading to a net agreement score of -50 (65 percent disagree minus 15 percent agree).

Indecision, meanwhile, is at 20 percent.

In previous speeches, President Rodrigo Duterte floated the idea of offering a P2-million reward, along with all-expense paid trips to Hong Kong for anybody who could help neutralize policemen involved in the narcotics trade.

In a 2016 CoA report, Malacañang’s expenses on awards and prizes for exemplary policemen shot up to P6.857 million from P110,000 in 2015—an increase of around 6,200 percent.

Duterte had earlier admitted giving away money to police during command conferences so they can use it for drug busts.

In the same survey, more than half of respondents, or 51 percent disagree that persons who use drugs or are involved in the illegal drug trade do not have the capacity to change anymore. John Paolo Bencito

Reds...

From A1 a GMA News TV interview.

Bello said the panel was working to address the contentious issues such as the release of political prisoners.

“Slowly we are addressing these and our respective committees in the panel are addressing these situations..but we still have to wait for the President to give us the gosignal to return to the peace table,” he added.

Returning from a two-day official visit to Tokyo, Duterte on Tuesday night reiterated the communists must surrender first, and assured them of houses and jobs if they would give up their armed struggle against the government.

“Look, I am addressing myself to all the soldiers of the New People’s Army. Magsurrender na lang kayo ngayon at ibaba ninyo ang inyong baril o i-surrender ninyo,” he said.

Despite repeated moves to dissuade the communist rebels, the President said he was “not ready to give up” the peace talks which got suspended twice.

“Fifty years in the making, then you add another 50 years.

We can talk continuously with the left. I am not about ready to give up everything and anything in the—in the, in the altar of peace for our country,” he said.

“I do not fight them with money or… I’m just saying na kung mag-surrender kayo, ayaw na ninyo gusto ng patayan, or pumatay ng kapwa mo Pilipino, mag-surrender ka na. Bigyan kita ng bahay automatic, at bigyan kita ng trabaho,” he added.

In the same interview, Bello welcomed Wednesday the move of presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to talk with the local New People’s Army, saying this would not have any conflict with the national policy.

Two...

From A1 resignation, while Ongkeko’s is still on hold pending clearance.

Valdez made his statement even as a lawmaker on Wednesday urged the SSS leadership to look into the other investment dealings of the state-run pension fund.

At the same time, Rep. Ariel Casilao demanded the resignation of four SSS executives over allegations of “serious dishonesty and grave misconduct.”

“It is disgusting that these corrupt SSS officials are raking personal huge payouts us-

PH holds China to its promise

“China has put it on record that near the Pag-asa Island and the Scarborough…China has committed to us [that they will] not build anything there. I hope that they would honor that commitment to

us. I really hope and pray,” Duterte told reporters upon his arrival in his hometown Davao City Tuesday night.

Asked about his response should China decide not to honor its promise, Duterte

said the question should be answered by Beijing, not him.

“Yes, [I am holding on to that commitment], because if I commit, as President of a sovereign state, what comes out of my mouth is what it is.

Anything less than commitment, you will lose the respect of others and the rest who are giving us assistance,” Duterte said.

“I have been clear on this. I did not grab anything, but this is mine,” he said, referring to waters and features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

In a Kyodo News report,

‘Talks...

From A1

purpose of dialogue“ was meaningless in resolving North Korean threats.

Duterte, however, insisted on the need to talk with Pyongyang, whose nuclear arsenal is sparking fears in the region.

“Everybody, I said, the one thing maybe, which is sorely lacking now is communications,” the President said.

Duterte also said only China “has that kind of competence” to talk with Pyongyang about the “costs of a nuclear blast.”

In a Kyodo news report, a Japanese government spokesman said afterward that Abe and Duterte shared an awareness of the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and affirmed

the importance of the thorough implementation of relevant UN sanctions.

Duterte has apparently softened his stance since earlier describing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “fool” and a “son of a bitch” who is “playing with dangerous toys.”

In September, following the passage of United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for tougher economic sanctions against the North, Manila suspended trade relations with Pyongyang.

North Korea’s provocative actions came ahead of Trump’s first presidential visit to South Korea next week amid an escalating war of words between him and Kim.

six of them men who died on the spot, and two others pronounced dead in hospital.

Eleven other people were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Five Argentines were among the dead, the Foreign Ministry said. Brussels said a Belgian woman was killed and three other Belgians were wounded.

European allies and Mexico’s president condemned the attack. “Together we will defeat the evil of terrorism,” said British Prime Minister Theresa May. French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Our fight for freedom unites us more than ever.”

Malacañang expressed its condolences to the families of those killed and injured in the attack, and said there were no reports of Filipinos being hurt.

US media said the suspect shouted “Allahu akbar” and police chief James O’Neill confirmed that he made a statement when he exited the vehicle.

“If you just look at the M.O. of the attack, that’s consistent with what’s been going on. So that along with the statement has enabled us to label this a terrorist event,” O’Neill said.

He was later operated on and was expected to survive, US networks reported.

The FBI and New York police urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation, which the mayor said preliminary information suggested was a

lone wolf assault.

The attacker struck in TriBeCa, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. In the aftermath of the attack, worried parents and children were seen being evacuated from a nearby public school.

“There was a smell of gunshots,” said John Williams, 22, who arrived at the scene 30 seconds afterward en route to the park. “There was a man lying on the ground. It looked as if he’d been shot.”

“When the cops shot him, everybody started running away and it got a little bit crazy right there. So when I tried to look again, the guy was already down,” a witness who gave his name only as Frank told local television network NY1.

Heavily-armed police fanned out across the city of 8.5 million, home to Wall Street, Broadway and one of the biggest tourist draws in the United States.

Security was stringent at airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems, with bag searches at Manhattan’s Grand Central transit hub and police stationed along a subway platform in Brooklyn.

A planned Halloween parade went ahead as scheduled, albeit under tight security and a large police presence, as State Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered the new World Trade Center to be lit red, white and blue “in honor of freedom and democracy.” AFP, with John Paolo Bencito and Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

and neglect with the fourth anniversary of the tragedy this Nov. 8, 2017 fast approaching,” said Fr. Jose Elmer Cajilig, KP’s lead convenor in Region 6 and co-convenor in the Visayas.

“The Yolanda issue had led to the defeat of the Yellow administration in 2016 because of three years of corruption, footdragging, and incompetence. One year into the new administration is already too long even for a patient people,” Cajilig said.

According to him, they will give priority in helping Yolanda survivors.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas belied the news article that came out on Manila Standard headlined “Yolanda Housing Czar hit” dated Oct. 30, saying

Halloween...

From A1

By John Paolo Bencito

P

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte remains hopeful China will keep its promise to stop the construction of new features in the disputed West Philippine Sea waters, after discussing the issues of maritime security and freedom of navigation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his two-day official visit to Japan.

“We condemn these tests and call on all concerned stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to peacefully resolve the situation,” Duterte said at a joint press appearance after his meeting with Abe on Monday, during which they also agreed on infrastructure, counterterrorism and public safety initiatives.

Abe, meanwhile, said that he and Duterte had agreed to “cooperate to address common issues,” including North Korea.

The Japanese leader and Trump, who recently spoke by phone earlier last month, both agreed that ”dialogue for the

NY Terror...

From A1 President Donald Trump denounced him as “very sick” and a “deranged person.”

Confronting what could be the most serious terror-related incident since taking power less than a year ago, the Republican commander-in-chief announced that he had ordered the Department of Homeland Security to step up his “extreme vetting program” on foreign travelers to the country.

The United States “must not” allow Islamic State jihadists to “return, or enter” the country after being defeated overseas, Trump said, albeit as New York officials declined to link the assailant to a specific group.

Police said he drove a rented Home Depot pickup down a bike and pedestrian lane, where tourists and New Yorkers were out enjoying brilliant fall sunshine, at 3:05 p.m. (1905 GMT), before colliding with a school bus, wounding two adults and two children.

The suspect then exited the vehicle brandishing weapons that were subsequently identified as a paintball gun and pellet gun, before being shot in the abdomen by a police officer and taken into custody, police said.

Television footage showed the mangled wreckage of the pickup truck, bicycles crushed to smithereens and bodies wrapped in sheets and lying on the ground.

Eight people were killed,

‘Yolanda’ ...

From A1 Also, they asked for Dino’s replacement as in-charge in the completion of “Yolanda” housing project.

“Simultaneous with addressing the corruption that led to this situation, please give priority to providing us with decent housing before year ends.”

Meanwhile, Kilusang Pagbabago in the Visayas, another group supportive of Duterte, said it “will work closely with the appropriate government agencies and will not stop until the root causes are uncovered and prosecuted.”

“Yolanda survivors are still suffering because of corruption ing SSS remittances as investments,” Casilao said.

Rep. Luis Campos Jr. on Wednesday urged the National Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman and the Capital Markets Integrity Corp. to investigate the alleged self-dealing by four senior SSS executives in the stock market.

“We are astounded at the manner in which the SSS’s secondhighest ranking executive officer and three subordinates allegedly took advantage of their positions in transactions and acted for their own interests rather than for the interests of the pension fund,” Campos said. Maricel V. Cruz

As the eldest grandson, I remember my Lolo Andres carrying me on his breast while lying in his bed and giving me “broa” cookies that I munched with gusto.

I presumed that he was fond of me considering that he bore his first grandchild at the age of 65 since he married late in his life.

As a physician, he was the best doctor in town during his lifetime, being a graduate of Yale University in the United States in the early 1900s, according to my grandmother.

a Japanese government spokesman said Abe and Duterte “discussed” the issues of maritime security and freedom of navigation, including in the South China Sea, but declined to elaborate further.

While Japan is not a claimant in the dispute between China, the Philippines and four other countries in the South China Sea—it worries about the impact of China’s expansionary activities on crucial shipping lanes in the disputed waters and faces a separate claim by Beijing to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East

China Sea. Duterte, who confirmed speaking with Abe about the issue, only gave assurances he would raise the maritime issue to his Chinese counterpart within his term to discuss “what is really in store for us all.”

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar earlier said the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China are expected to announce the start of negotiations for the actual code of conduct in the South China Sea, when the Philippines hosts the

The reclusive country has made significant strides in its atomic and missile technology under Kim, who took power after the death of his father and longtime ruler Kim JongIl in 2011.

Since then he has overseen four of the country’s six nuclear tests and hailed atomic weapons as a “treasured sword” to protect the nation from invasion by the United States.

Trump is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Nov. 12 to participate in the special gala celebration of the 50th annivesary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

In a press briefing in Washington, US State Press Secretary James Brady said Trump will

participate in bilateral meetings with President Duterte and other leaders on Nov. 13 during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of US-Asean relations at the US-Asean summit.

Brady said that both Trump and Duterte have a “warm rapport,” citing the “exchanges of letters” between both Presidents.

Trump’s Asian trip will cover Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

“The President’s travel is going to underscore his commitment to longstanding US alliances and partnerships, and reaffirm US leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Brady said.

China...

From A1 dreams of a strong army. Not to bully other countries, but to defend ourselves,” said Ni Lexiong from Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. But Xi’s call to build a military that can “fight and win” has alarmed China’s neighbors, several of whom are embroiled in tense border disputes with the superpower.

This summer India and China engaged in a bitter, weekslong military confrontation over a disputed area in the Himalayas.

Japan regularly faces off with Chinese maritime patrols close to the Senkaku islands, which are called the Diaoyu in Mandarin and claimed by Beijing.

And Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, despite rival claims from countries including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Beijing has reclaimed islands it controls in the sea in order to cement its claims and installed military aircraft and missile systems on them, causing tensions to spiral in recent years.

“Chinese activities are a security concern for the region encompassing Japan and for the international community,” said a recent Japanese defense report.

“It is incontestable that the country’s rise as a military

power is setting off an arms race in Asia,” said Juliette Genevaz, China researcher at the France-based Military School Strategic Research Institute.

“This arms race in Asia has several causes,” she said, noting North Korea’s nuclear weapons program as one of the contributors.

But, “China’s military buildup and reclaiming activities in the South China Sea [are] a major factor.”

China’s military expenditure in 2016 was an estimated $215 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, putting it in first place in Asia, well ahead of India ($56 billion), Japan ($46 billion) and South Korea ($37 billion).

The country has not participated in any conflict since a month-long border war against Vietnam in 1979 that killed tens of thousands of people and a 1988 skirmish, also with Hanoi, over the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, that left 64 dead.

But it has been busy boosting its military activities abroad.

This year, Beijing opened its first foreign military base, in Djibouti. Since 2008, its navy has participated in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.

The country is the largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations among the permanent members of the Security Council, with some 2,500 soldiers and military experts deployed. AFP

the report was erroneously attributed to PA Michael Lloyd Dino.

“The Presidential Assistant for the Visayas was never appointed by the President to be the ‘Yolanda Housing Czar.’

It said: “PA Dino received verbal instructions from President Rodrigo Duterte on November 8 last year when both visited Tacloban City, to relocate immediately the Tacloban Yolanda Housing beneficiaries from the danger zone to the housing units on different relocation sites in Tacloban.

“On 17 December 2016, PA Dino formally thanked the different line agencies and LGU of Tacloban during a thanksgiving ceremony for their full cooperation after relocating the beneficiaries in less than 20 days.

“On 14 January 2017, PA Dino formally handed over the work he did in Tacloban City to government line agencies during a meeting presided by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco in Davao City.

“The President’s task to PA Dino was to immediately relocate the housing beneficiaries in Tacloban, who initially refused to be displaced and relocated due to lack of infrastructure facilities.

“Through cooperation of the different government line agencies, NGOs and LGU of Tacloban, PA Dino was able to provide the relocation site with power, water and transportation while health services were put in place in the newly built communities.

“PA Dino was not tasked by the President in the construction

of houses for Yolanda Housing Project. Construction of the Yolanda Housing units is undertaken by the National Housing Authority.

“The Presidential Assistant for the Visayas continues to monitor the progress of the Yolanda Rehabilitation Projects in the Visayas as part of its mandate to advise the President,” OVAP’s Assistant Secretary Anthony Gerard Y. Gonzales said in a statement published on its official Facebook page.

Earlier, Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez thanked Duterte for his “swift for the swift action on building the housing for the Yolanda victims and relocation programs” and Dino “for setting the tone and the pace of the rehabilitation efforts.”

He cured thousands of patients.

My Lola said she was only 16 when she first met my Lolo, who was a visiting doctor in Bohol in 1913.

He fell in love the first time he saw my Lola. The next thing she knew, my Lolo had proposed to marry her despite the age gap of 17 years.

My Lola Magdalena was one of the 17 siblings of Protacio Clarin. According to my mother, my Lolo Andres asked permission from my great grandfather, Protacio, a classmate of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

My grandparents bore three

children: Milagros Bautista, my mother, and her two brothers, retired Army Ist Lt. Jose Bautista, who fought the Japanese in World War II, and Judge Antonio Bautista. All of them are dead.

They left behind 17 grandchildren. The Clarins are one of the biggest clans in Bohol.

When I was a boy, my grandma proudly showed me a letter of Rizal addressed to my great grandfather, Protacio. The letter of Rizal to my great grandpa Protacio was written in Spanish.

She had kept the letter as a priceless memento. But when she died on Jan. 1, 1977, we could not find the letter despite

our efforts to locate it.

My grandmother told me that when my Lolo Andres was gravely ill he knew, being a doctor, that death was coming soon and called her and their three children to say good-by.

But before he breathed his last, he finally acceded to call a priest to confess his sins.

Fluent in Spanish, his last words were: “Adios, Magdalena.” He died a happy death.

As we observe with solemnity All Souls’ Day, I pray to God for the eternal repose of the souls of my parents, grandparents, relatives and friends with great hope that they are in Heaven.

31st Asean Summit in Manila from Nov. 13 to 14.

The summit might come out with a statement welcoming the adoption of the framework for the code of conduct that was approved in August, Bolivar said.

“Not to prejudge the outcome of the Asean-China summit [but], of course, we are hoping that the leaders will announce the start of the negotiations on the code of conduct based on the framework that was recently approved. That’s the big-ticket item in terms of the South China Sea,” Bolivar told reporters in Malacañang.

Du30...

From A1 son-in-law? You? Can you investigate your mother and father? I leave it to the independent agencies,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City, soon after arriving from a two-day official visit to Japan.

“If they are really guilty, so be it,” Duterte said in a mix of Filipino and English. “Didn’t I give that order when I was mayor? What was my order to the police? Shoot the suspect even if it’s my son. And that statement remains. Shoot him.

If he’s a drug user, shoot him.

Extrajudicial killing, if you want. And I can understand that.”

De Lima, who’s in jail on drug charges, defended former Interior secretary Manuel Roxas II and Minority Leader Senator Franklin Drilon from allegations that linked them to the illegal drug trade in Iloilo, and said the President should investigate his own son and son-in-law.

The two have been accused of being members of the Davao Group that was behind the smuggling of P6.4 billion worth of shabu through the Bureau of Customs.

Earlier, Ricky Serenio, a supposed bagman of the Berya drug group, claimed in a sworn statement that Drilon and Roxas were protectors of slain drug lord Melvin Odicta Sr. Odicta reportedly once controlled the illegal drug trade in Iloilo, Drilon’s hometown.

Both Drilon and Roxas have denied Serenio’s accusations.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II earlier said that a preliminary investigation could be conducted based on Serenio’s affidavit, which may serve as a complaint.

Indonesian...

From A1 reporters, referring to a military operation in April against the militants in a town 45 minutes away from Marawi.

Hundreds of local and foreign gunmen who had pledged allegiance to IS rampaged through Marawi, the principal Islamic city in the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23. They took over parts of the city using civilians as human shields.

An ensuing US-backed military campaign claimed the lives of more than 1,100 people, displaced 400,000 residents and reduced large parts of the city to rubble.

The Indonesian militant arrived in the Philippines last year upon the invitation of the Filipino head of IS in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, according to Guyguyon―citing the gunman’s account given to interrogators.

Hapilon, who was on the US government’s list of most wanted terrorists, was killed last month along with fellow militant leader Omarkhayam Maute.

The Indonesian fighter, from Medan, said his group was involved in a 2016 suicide attack that killed eight people in the Indonesian capital Jakarta and was claimed by IS, Guyguyon added.

The militants had plotted to bomb military camps in the Philippines but this did not happen because of the Marawi attack, Guyguyon said.

Authorities said they recovered a gun, a grenade and an undisclosed sum in Philippine, Indonesian and Saudi Arabian currency from the arrested militant.

There are still about 20 remaining fighters holed up in Marawi but they are surrounded by troops, Guyguyon said.

“They are not attacking [our forces] but when you enter, they retaliate.” AFP

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DoJ hit for accepting Ventura in WPP

By Rey E. Requejo

T

HE lawyer of one of the respondents in the Horacio “Atio” Castillo hazing case has assailed the Department of Justice for accepting Aegis Juris fraternity member Marc Anthony Ventura as state witness to pin down those allegedly responsible for the death of the University of Santo Tomas freshman law student.

Lawyer Paris Real, Bose, one of the 23 fratmen counsel of respondent Alex implicated by Ventura in

Castillo’s death, argued that Ventura is not qualified as government witness and for coverage of the DoJ’s Witness Protection Program.

“Mr. Ventura, under Section 10 of the Witness Protection Program, is actually disqualified from becoming a state witness due to the fact that he actually participated in the supposed hazing, punching of the late Atio Castillo as he admitted in his sworn affidavit,” Real said in an interview.

The lawyer argued that as an officer of the fraternity and one of the master initia-

tors and also secretary, Ventura does not qualify as the least guilty of the offenses charged against the fratmen.

“He should be considered not as the least guilty, but as the most guilty not only because of his decision but practically because of what he did. Whatever it is, his admissions cannot be admitted against and cannot be used against his corespondents on the basis of the res inter alios acta doctrine [law doctrine which holds that a contract cannot adversely affect the rights of one who is not a party to the

contract],” Real said.

But Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had explained earlier that Ventura is eligible as state witness especially since his statement is necessary for the prosecution of the cases.

Aguirre said the witness need not be the least guilty of the offenses, but only needs to be not the guiltiest among the respondents.

Meanwhile, the Aegis Juris fraternity also moved to have members of the media penalized for reporting on the supposedly confidential affidavit of Ventura.

Real asked the investigating panel of the DoJ to issue a show cause order against journalists who reported the contents of the affidavit.

During a hearing last Monday, the lawyer asked the panel chaired by Assistant State Prosecutor Susan Villanueva to order the media to explain why they should not be held criminally liable for the leakage of Ventura’s affidavit.

The motion intends to subject journalists to disciplinary actions and hold them criminally liable for violation of Section 7 of the

Witness Protection Program Act. Real said that his action was “in light of the fact that the procurement of that particular sworn statement of Mr. Ventura had been done without any written authority from the Department secretary as well as no written order to that effect in which case that is clearly penalized and a serious violation of Section 7 of the Witness Protection Program Act.” The defense lawyer said that members of the media could be held liable for online libel.

No to medical marijuana —Sotto

By Maricel V. Cruz

FLOWERS AND PRAYERS.

Thousands flock to Manila North Cemetery to visit the tomb of their dearly departed with flowers and solemn prayers on a rainy All Saints’ Day. Ey Acasio

Female soldiers vacationing in HK—Duterte

By John Paolo Bencito SOLDIERS who fought in the five-month Marawi siege were already on an all-expense paid trip to Tokyo and Hong Kong, President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday night.

“They are already

there,” Duterte said, when a reporter asked about his promised vacation to soldiers.

The President said he brought at least 17 battalion commanders to Tokyo while the female soldiers were having a vacation in Hong Kong.

“The one I went to Tokyo with are the top commanders. I invited them [to come with me] for a respite. They don’t need go to Hong Kong with the ladies. That would be trouble,” Duterte said.

“The ladies are already there [in Hong Kong],” he

added.

Budget airline Cebu Pacific paid for their airfare while he took care of their allowances, the President said.

“Sabi niya, ‘Sige, ako na lang ang––iyo na lang ang baon pati hotel,’” Duterte said.

Duterte earlier promised a Hong Kong vacation for the female soldiers who fought for the liberation of Marawi when he visited the frontlines of the besieged city in September.

On Oct. 17, Duterte declared Marawi City free from terrorists following

the deaths of terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute a day before.

Latest data showed that a total of 47 civilians, 165 soldiers and police officers, and 920 Maute members have been killed in the firefight in Marawi City since May 23.

Filipinos troop to cemeteries despite heavy rain

By Bill Casas THOUSANDS of Filipinos still went to cemeteries in Metro Manila despite the rain that damped the grave yards on Wednesday, All Saints’ Day, as an annual tradition in the country.

People who visited the tombs of their dear departed brought with them candles and flowers, as well as food for the family, while others spent the night beside the tombs of their family members.

Two alternate entrance gates were opened at the Manila South Cemetery to accommodate the visitors, expected to number around half a million.

Engineer Maribel Bueza, Manila South Cemetery director, said 30 wheelchairs have been made available at the entrance.

According to the Manila City Hall, those who need help in locating the tombs of their loved ones may visit www.manilasouth-

cemetery.com.ph to locate the grave site.

At the Manila North Cemetery, 100 e-tricycles were on standby to bring visitors inside for free.

Some areas were hard to access due to tombs being built close to each other.

But to help locate the deceased, one can access http://www.manilanorthcemetery.com to locate the grave site.

Meanwhile, at the Loyola Memorial Park in

Marikina City, those who stayed overnight slept in tents to avoid being wet from the rain.

The Philippine National Red Cross reported two cases of minor injuries at this cemetery: one, a minor who got hurt while fixing a folding bed, and a senior citizen who slipped.

At the Pasay Public Cemetery, meanwhile, vendors of candles and flowers opened their stalls before 6 a.m.

Visitors have started arriving, with a few bearing paintbrushes to give tombs a fresh coat of paint. Police were visible in the area.

Police said no crime was reported overnight.

A help desk of the police has been set up to assist the public for any concern.

At the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, there were also a number of people who stayed overnight to avoid the crowd arriving on All Saints’ Day.

Some of them arrived at 3 p.m. Tuesday intending to sleep over with family members.

The tombs of former President Corazon Aquino and her husband, former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. were seen surrounded by flowers, among them those sent by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Aquino family, led by former President Benigno Aquino III, already visited over the weekend.

DAR sets up agrarian ‘justice on wheels’

By Rio N. Araja

WEATHER UPDATE. Weather senior forecaster Chris Perez provides some updates as Tropical Depression ‘Ramil’ continues to move closer to the Calamian group of islands based on satellite feeds. Manny Palmero

AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Rosalinda Bistoyong has set up the “agrarian justice on wheels” to pilot at agrarian reform communities to declog and fast-track the resolution of agrarian cases.

She said she saw a need to intensify aggressive efforts to resolve agrarian reform disputes.

With renewed commitments and bolstered faith, she added the Department of Agrarian Reform will now be on its toes to fulfill its mandate to emancipate the farmers and empower them to become a new breed of small landowners capable of

improving their welfare.

Targets on support services consisting of farm organizational and continuing capacity development of beneficiaries, provision of capital through socialized credit and microfinance; transfer of technology, farm inputs, and farm equipment distribution will also be on high gear to make farmerbeneficiaries more productive in cultivating awarded lands.

“With concerted efforts and effective coordination, we will do and can do it,” she cited.

Bistoyong, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureau directors, regional and provincial directors vowed to complete all land and acquisi-

tion and distribution targets, such as certificate of land ownership awards consisting of 48,000 hectares and subdivision of collective CLOAs totaling to 42,943 hectares.

Such “important” undertakings would stir DAR to a responsive agency of government, converging side by side with other Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program implementing agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Justice and National Housing Authority to bring the farmers to a higher level of development.

THE position of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III allowing the “compassionate use”of medical marijuana drew censure from Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who advised the newly-appointed DoH chief to study the matter thoroughly.

“He should review RA [Republic Act 9165],” Sotto said, referring to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Compassionate use if allowed. No need for a bill...Aralin muna nila yung [RA] 9165,” Sotto said, saying he will object to the position of Duque during the Health secretary’s confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments.

Duque, who was appointed last week by President Rodrigo Duterte, said he is in favor of medical marijuana for “compassionate use.” Duque was referring to House Bill 180 or otherwise known as the proposed Philippine Medical Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act. The proposal, approved at the House committee level last month, seeks to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Senator Gringo Honasan, chairman of the CA health committee, agreed with Sotto’s view, saying the compassionate use of marijuana is “already in the law.”

“Technically, it’s already in the law that with a doctor’s certification that it’s for medical/compassionate use, it is allowed,” Honasan said in a text message.

RA 9165 states that the government should “achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.”

But Senator JV Ejercito, chairman of the Senate health committee, meanwhile, said he is “open” to the proposal legalizing marijuana for medical use.

“If it will help in saving lives, why not? As long as parameters are in place to prevent its abuse, I am open to the idea,” Ejercito said.

“Of course, any substance abuse is a concern. We need to put safeguards to prevent abuse,” he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who sought to provide a comprehensive public health approach to the country’s drugrelated policy, has also proposed the use of marijuana upon the approval of the Food and Drug Administration.

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Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Still not easy

A

RECENT survey shows that while the Philippines has made marginal improvements in enabling companies to do business here, it has been outpaced by other members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

According to the 2018 World BankInternational Finance Corporation Doing Business Report released this week, the Philippines is at 113th place among 190 economies.

Last year, we were at 99th place.

The survey measured ease of doing business in a key city—in this case,

Quezon City—in terms of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

The survey measured countries’ distance to frontier scores—the distance of each economy to the “frontier” which represents the best performance observed on each of the indicators across all economies in the Doing Business sample since 2005.

The Philippines’ DTF actually inched up year on year, from 58.32 to 58.74. It also registered notable improvements in getting electricity and in paying taxes.

Nonetheless, the overall DTF remains below the regional average of 62.70 for East Asia and the Pacific.

There are many other figures to cite, but we think we know exactly what these latest results are telling us.

First, all the bravado from the mouths of our officials amount to nothing when measurable, not anecdotal, indicators are needed. Business here on our shores is the only way we can sustainably lift people from poverty—and all the ills that go with it.

Second, while there are equally important issues to address simultaneously, the report already tells us the areas where we are doing poorly.

We are sure our economic managers

can take a hint from what the international document is pointing to.

Finally, remember the adage that it never pays to compare yourself to others and just focus on your own progress? That makes for a good motivational speech—but not in this case. That the Philippines saw a slight improvement is insignificant when taken together with the fact that the rest of the world, or at neighboring economies, improved so much more than we did. There is a finite amount of foreign investments to go around.

If other countries perform better than we do, it is natural they will get the additional investments, and we will be left with the crumbs—if there are still any to pick up.

OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ

Grid or greed?

Does Roque know his job?

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

THE appointment of former Party-List Rep. Harry Roque as presidential spokesman raises a lot of questions, and these have confused a lot of people.

Is a presidential spokesman a mere mouthpiece of the president, period? Can the spokesman advise the President on what he should say or not say?

Is a spokesman a mere interpreter of what the President says?

I really don’t know the job description of a spokesman; what I do know is that he deals with the media and the people.

He cannot be adviser because the President already has an adviser on all matters—on human rights, on legal issues, and many other things.

Thus I believe Roque’s duty is to be a mouthpiece—convey what the President wants to say or interpret what he means.

I have known presidential spokesmen, and they tell me if they have to lie to protect their boss they would do it. That’s their job.

So when Mr. Duterte told Roque not to lie, he was asking him to do the impossible. This is why Speaker Ernesto Abella could not fit in—as a pastor, he could not lie.

President Duterte must define Roque’s role.

Meanwhile, I was really surprised when Roque said he would throw hollow blocks at the President’s critics.

Perhaps the President needs to clarify what his new spokesman should do.

*** Metro Manila is the best place to stay in during the All Saints’ Day holidays.

Motorists can go any-

where they like free from the horrendous traffic in the metro.

I am also told that it seems everybody has gone to Baguio City and that Session Road has become a big parking lot.

with it is receive calls. I can’t text.

Old age has its blessings. People offer me their seats. Security guards help me out of the car and back in. When I go to the bank, I don’t wait for my turn. *** My past is still fresh in I am an old man at 90 my mind. years, but I think I have been blessed that my *** mind is as sharp as ever.

There have been groups I do forget names and calling for the end of tyrplaces sometimes, but anny and fascism, obvithey come back to me ously referring to Presiafter a while. I walk, al- dent Duterte’s threat of beit with a cane, and I can imposing a revolutionary still pound on my Olym- government. pia typewriter. Yes I use What is obvious a typewriter to write my about these groups is column which I then fax that they are led by to the Standard. has-beens from the BS My son Eric bought me Aquino administration. a phone but all I can do They deplore martial

law? I think many in Mindanao want martial law to remain to contain any further threat of terrorism.

The problem with these groups is that people cannot relate to what they are fighting for. All the political noise is not doing the country any good. *** After Mr. Duterte ordered the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to lead the war on drugs, there have been less killings of drug suspects from poor communities, Still, let us not forget the many killings that have been unresolved.

Those responsible for them must be held accountable.

THE Philippines used to suffer from insufficient electricity supply, poor power transmission, and pricey power rates.

Fortunately, through the implementation of certain laws and policies, we have started to see some improvement in the country’s power sector.

Republic Act 9136 or the “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001” was enacted to improve the electricity supply industry in the country. This law led to the restructuring of the different components of the power sector. Generation was privatized through the sale of generation assets.

The ownership of transmission assets were retained by gover n ment- ow ned TransCo, but the operation, maintenance, and expansion of the grid was privatized through a concession.

The 25-year concession was awarded in 2007 to the consortium of the Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp.

(MOGRC), Calaca High Power Corp. (CHPC), and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), through a public bidding process, to operate the country’s power transmission system. This consortium is the privatelyowned, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which was also granted by the Congress a 50-year franchise to operate, maintain, and develop the stateowned power grid.

NGCP’s nationwide operations include 21,000 circuit kilometers of lines, 20,000 transmission towers, and 140 substations.

Turn to A5

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can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion Dealing with wildfires Bloomberg editorial HAVING burned through almost 14,000 square miles of western forest, killed dozens of people, and cost federal agencies almost $3 billion, this year’s extensive wildfires have had one positive effect: They’ve gotten Democrats and Republicans in Congress finally to act.

Senators from Washington, Oregon and Idaho have introduced legislation that would let timber companies clear brush and harvest trees from federal lands in parts of the so-called wildlife-urban interface, rendering it less vulnerable to uncontrollable fires. The companies would be able to do this without going through the usual demanding environmental reviews. The agreement would make it possible to spend more on both fire-fighting and forest management.

This wouldn’t solve the wildfire problem, which is rooted in the larger calamity of climate change. It wouldn’t even provide for fire suppression on a grand scale: Just 1 percent of national lands would be covered by the legislation. But it would make a difference where lives are most at risk. The measure is an essential first step toward closer political cooperation on the issue, and it deserves support.

Failure to act up to now illustrates Washington dysfunction all too well. Wildfires have overwhelmed the Forest Service’s fire budget in the past several years, leading the agency to borrow from other accounts, using money that’s needed to manage forests and make them more resistant to wildfires. Both parties understand this needs to change—separate provision needs to be made for big fires—but partisan quarrels over fire prevention have blocked reform.

Republicans have wanted to grant timber companies leeway to thin forests without exacting environmental review. Democrats have insisted on strong protections for vulnerable species and waterways. The new compromise is based on work by Forest Service scientists showing a need to prioritize restoration work in the most vulnerable forests, many of which are dense with combustible ponderosa pines.

The legislation further narrows the focus to federal lands closest to communities and water supplies.

For the next 10 years, any thinning and restoration performed on the remaining 99 percent on national lands would remain subject to the usual environmental review. In the meantime, separate legislation in both the Senate and the House would provide emergency funding for wildfire-fighting, in much the same way that money is allocated for other natural disasters.

It’s a shame that it took this year’s raging fires to push Congress to fix something that should have been fixed a decade ago. But if lawmakers act now, the US will be better prepared to face the next wildfire season.

Grid...

From A4

The SGCC has the highest stake in the consortium, owning 40 percent of the company, while CHPC and MOGR own 30 percent each. The NGCP being majorly owned by a Chinese entity is a national security concern. It is alarming that our national power grid is effectively controlled by the Chinese.

Last year, I filed House Resolution No. 280, a resolution calling for an investigation in aid of legislation to review the participation of foreigners in the ownership and operations of the NGCP, which is currently pending in the House Committee on Energy. It has been a year since this resolution was filed. I remember raising this concern in one of the committee hearings and during the plenary deliberations of the 2018 budget. The leadership still has to show decisive action in resolving this issue.

Apart from serious Constitutional issues, whether or not NGCP can discharge its express mandate is still on debate. For instance, the NGCP is required to

expand the grid and to improve the country’s energy infrastructure.

However, electricity is not available to numerous areas in the Philippines.

I am deeply concerned by the casual manner with which these issues are being handled. In the first instance, we are facing a serious national security threat by allowing a foreign entity to own majority of the NGCP. The leadership should engage in a continuing investigation to determine issues of ownership and control. If the outcome violates the Constitution, I entrust the leadership to require a change in corporate structure that abides by the Constitutional mandate.

I am unimpressed by the NGCP. The NGCP has not shown any significant improvement in providing electrical power to the entire Philippines. If nothing the serious issues remain without definite resolution, I will be forced to push for zero budget for the concerned agencies.

In the circumstance, our vigilance is justified.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Taking care of veterans DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA TAKING care of veterans, be it in the military or police, differs from country to country. Some countries take care of their veterans very well while others do a poor job at it.

One country that takes care of veterans very well is the United States. The retirement package of veterans there is sufficient to take care of their needs and pensions are indexed to inflation. In addition, their children get to go to college free and their medical needs are taken care of by government no matter where they live.

This is because there is a veteran’s hospital located in every state.

I have a friend who served three years in the Coast Guard but since he has a medical condition, his medical treatment is taken care of by the government including a free kidney transplant which he had more than a year ago. His eldest kid just entered college free and he receives a disability pension of more than $5,000 a month.

We cannot find any-

thing resembling that kind of service in this country.

The lobby of veterans in the US is also so strong that any politician that would just think of curtailing existing benefits would be gone in the next election.

South Korea also has a good retirement package for veterans because they try to follow closely the American system.

Some European countries like the United Kingdom and France also have a history of treating the veterans well. The Hotel Invalides in the middle of Paris used to be where disabled and wounded French veterans were housed during the time of the French monarchy.

The building is basically empty now. France, however, had a problem with its World War II veterans from its colonies. They were treated like second class citizens like Filipino US veterans who fought for the US during World War 2. Pensions were given but only at a fraction of their US and French counterparts. Filipino veterans were just awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom but there are so few of them left to see it happen because the vast majority of veterans

are now dead. Better late than never one might say, but it is also an indication of how we as an ally have been treated all these years.

How does our country compare to those more advanced countries in the treatment of veterans? Not very well I am afraid.

The only thing going for veterans in this country was that every time active serving personnel receive salary increases, so does the retired component. Now, even this will be gone. The pending doubling of basic salaries for active serving uniformed personnel will not include the retirees. The last administration when it increased the basic pay classified the increase as allowances simply to exclude veterans. But the move of the current administration is to double the basic salaries of our uniformed personnel and will clearly not include the retirees.

Whether this can be done without amending previous laws is another matter and I hope a class action suit by all veterans could be brought to the Supreme Court to challenge the impending government action.

Budget Secretary Diokno is the mouthpiece of those who are saying that

the government will not be able to afford such a huge increase if the retirees are included. The staggering amount of anywhere between 4 to 6 trillion pesos is being mentioned which will allegedly bankrupt the country in the long run. We do not know where this figure came from or whether it is accurate. It is their duty to publish the study if there was one and not keep it to themselves. Looking at this impending basic salary increase, we must ask why the increase has to be 100 percent if the country cannot afford it. Is it only because the President said so? Why not convince or advise the President to simply increase the basic salary by say 33 percent so that even the retirees can also included. An increase of 33 percent in basic pay is already huge not to mention the allowances that active personnel are already receiving.

It is better to increase the basic pay gradually rather than in one single stroke. All the retirees cannot just be completely excluded. After all, they have also given the best years of their lives fighting for the country.

And why exclude all veterans? Why not include

the elderly pensioners who are 65 years old or older?

This is the segment of veterans who are hard up and struggling to survive decently and can no longer work. In spite of government figures of low inflation, prices have gone up a lot higher most specially in medicines and food.

Those who are 56 to 65 years old can at least still work and perhaps wait a little longer.

A blanket exclusion of all retirees is utterly heartless and unfair. These actuarial studies that Secretary Diokno used are not conclusive and there are alternatives.

We have a number of former military and police officers in Congress. In fact, there are three in the Senate. Senators Honasan, Lacson and Trillanes.

These gentlemen can team up with the uniformed retirees in the House to try to come up with an alternative plan so as not to exclude the retirees in this next round of salary increases. Any increase would be good for the veterans. Maybe these Congressional members who used to wear a uniform may not need the pension increases but the vast majority of their fellow retirees who are trying to make both ends meet, need their help.

From ‘laglag-bala’ to ‘laslas-maleta’ IT’S only been a couple of years since that spate of laglag-bala incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport drew attention to airport thieves preying on helpless travelers.

The story broke in mainstream media in a big way in 2015 and the months leading to the 2016 elections.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, at the time a candidate, vowed to clean up NAIA and many Filipino frequent travelers and those working and residing abroad voted for him on the strength of this and his other promises of reform.

After he was elected, the laglag-bala incidents trickled to a very few, if any.

However, with that particular trick exposed, two other modi operandi seem to have sprung up—the laslas-maleta and what I’m going to call ‘Game and Watch’.

In laglag-bala, a bullet or several are inserted in a suitcase. When the bag is inspected and the bul-

lets found, the traveler is shaken down for money to avoid the inconvenience of a lawsuit or even jail time, as under Philippine law it is illegal to carry unlicensed firearms and live ammunition on an aircraft.

Laslas-maleta is more straightforward—it’s a box cutter or other sharp implement along the length of the zipper tape beside the teeth chain. Last week, netizen Marty de Leon posted photos of a gaping suitcase, slashed along the length of its zipper and with contents exposed. The bag belonged to his parents who had flown in from Japan.

Marty’s father Gobby said that some P20,000 worth of makeup and other items that they intended as presents for Christmas were missing from the bag.

Was the bag actually slashed? I work in an airport and I haven’t heard yet of a suitcase bursting along its zipper in that manner.

And it is part of handling procedures for ramp workers to bag and tape up damaged luggage before it goes on the belt to the carousel. This is not an isolated occurrence—on that

same post, other netizens commented having gone through similar bag-slashing incidents.

A recent high-profile laslas-maleta, or rather bukasmaleta, theft happened last August when four baggage handlers at Naia admitted to stealing the jewelry case of Hulya, wife of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, from her luggage. The stolen items were found in the locker of the one of the perpetrators.

In the Game and Watch modus, airport workers tried to game the bin inspection procedure to lift an Apple Watch belonging to the grandchild of netizen Jorge Hizon’s sister.

The grandchild was told to place the watch in the bin, but it was not in the bin after it passed through the xray machine. After Hizon’s sister stood her ground and complained, an airport worker produced the watch, claiming it had fallen under the x-ray machine.

The perpetrators of laglag-bala and Game and Watch seem to be airport personnel who work in inspection and security—it is at these points that the

shakedowns and thefts occur. Laslas-maleta, though, can happen at any point and particularly on the ramp.

For the former, a government agency is in charge.

For the latter, it is the concern of airlines, who should implement stricter control and monitoring of their baggage handlers.

In both cases, passengers, if they wish, should lodge complaints with the PNP Aviation Security Group and the manager of the terminal, so that proper investigations can be conducted.

Incidents like these place the country on the map of ‘worst destinations.’ It’s difficult enough to entice tourists to come over given the multitude of other, safer, places they can go. The fear of theft and extortion takes away from the experience of “it’s more fun in the Philippines.” And to think at this point they haven’t even stepped out of the airport, but already they’ve been robbed.

People go to great lengths now to safeguard their luggage. A familiar sight close to the Philippine Air Lines check-in counters

at the San Francisco International Airport is a fellow who sells luggage locks and performs a unique service —wrapping luggage in plastic wrap. This became popular at Naia and other airports during the laglagbala scandal.

Cling wrap and the newfangled spandex luggage covers help protect suitcase zippers, which are the most vulnerable parts of a suitcase—a mere ballpoint pen jammed in between the teeth chain can open it up, leaving the sliders with the lock intact.

With the holiday season approaching, it’s expected that many balikbayans and OFWs will make the trip back home to be with their families. It’s a good idea to buy sturdy padlocks and a box or two of cling wrap before the journey. It’s better to be overcautious than to lose those pasalubongs and Christmas presents to the incorrigible thieves that still infest Naia.

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer.

FB: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste

Rich nations need a cure for the baby bust

By Noah Smith SHOULD rich countries try to get their citizens to have more children? Social conservatives generally say yes. Centrists often tentatively agree, worrying that the financial burden of paying for aging populations will be intolerable for a shrinking base of young workers. Liberals often counter that more people in rich countries would just put pressure on the environment, and that population problems are better solved by higher immigration.

The truth is, the right answer to this question probably varies from country to country. In the US, boosting fertility isn’t a big priority. The US has a total fertility rate of 1.8 children per woman, which is reasonably close to the replacement rate of 2.1—i.e., the rate that leads to long-term population stability. Also, the US tends to be welcoming to immigrants, and (at least, up until now) has been able to attract large numbers of the skilled immigrants who contribute most to fiscal and financial sustainability.

But for rich countries in Europe and East Asia, the picture isn’t so rosy. These countries have historically defined their national identity less in terms of universal ideals and more in terms of shared ancestry and ethnicity—as much as liberals would like to change that fact, it means that countries such as Germany, Japan and South Korea probably can’t import enough people to cancel out aging without risking a xenophobic backlash. Also, these countries are in a much worse situation in terms of fertility— Japan’s rate is at 1.46, Germany’s at 1.5 and South Korea’s at a startlingly low 1.24. Without more babies, these countries’ economies are in danger.

How can the government raise fertility? Social conservatives often claim that a more religious society is the answer, pointing to the high birth rates of groups like Mormons and Hasidic Jews. But while religion may be a personal motivator for having kids, there’s little evidence that governments can do much to harness this effect on a broad scale.

For example, Iran installed a theocratic government in 1979, and it aggressively enforces traditional values. But its fertility rate is now below replacement level. And Saudi Arabia, where traditional values are also strictly enforced, continues to see its own fertility fall precipitously.

If even Iran and Saudi Arabia have seen birth rates fall this much, it seems like there’s little hope for a governmentdriven religious baby boom in Europe or Asia.

So what government policies do raise fertility? Singapore’s failure to raise birth rates by encouraging marriage and paying people to have more kids has been much publicized, leading some to believe that pro-natalist policy is useless. But Singapore might be a special case—it’s a city-state, with extremely high population density. Countries with more room for lowerdensity suburbs may be a different story.

The most obvious solution —paying people to have children—sometimes causes a

short-term spike in birth rates.

But a lot of this is probably due to timing—parents who were planning to have kids at some point have them earlier in order to claim the benefit immediately. Over the long run, some of these direct childbearing subsidies leave fertility unchanged. Some studies have found that childbearing subsidies raise fertility even after timing effects are netted out, but the effect is modest.

But there are two other policies that show more promise as long-term birth rate boosters. These are child-care subsidies and paid-parental leave. Both of these policies make it easier to bear the burden of child-rearing—in economics terms, they reduce the opportunity cost.

The reduction in opportunity cost from not losing your position on the career ladder when you have a kid, or from not having to give up your job to take care of a child, is probably a lot bigger in dollar terms than any government baby bonus could ever be.

There is encouraging evi-

dence that these policies boost fertility. Demographers Olivier Thevenon and Anne Gauthier surveyed the evidence in rich countries, and found that “policies that facilitate the work-family balance seem to have a strong influence on the decision to have children or not.” In other words, it’s not just a timing effect—policies to make it easier for people to both have kids and hold down a job or career change the whole decision of whether or not to have children. Other studies tend to corroborate this finding.

So countries like Japan, Germany and South Korea do have a way out of their low-fertility trap that doesn’t require potentially destabilizing levels of immigration. Paid parental leave and heavily subsidized day care aren’t cheap, but they work.

And even countries like the US, where fertility isn’t a pressing issue, should consider alleviating pressure on struggling young parents by adopting some of these profamily policies.Bloomberg

News

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

I-ACT impounds over 9k vehicles

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Inter-Agency Council on Traffic has impounded more than 9,000 vehicles in its continuing operations against illegally parked vehicles and other road obstructions to ease traffic in the metropolis.

The I-ACT's new team Task Force Alamid conducted its latest operation in the cities of Pasay and Parañaque, where at least 30 illegally parked vehicles were towed and brought to the impounding site operated by the Metro Manila Develop-

ment Authority.

The team also towed and cleared all parked vehicles and other road blockages obstructing traffic flow near the four terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Task Force Alamid is a composite team organized

to help confront various traffic-prone areas and situations causing a slowdown in movement of vehicles in Metro Manila and peripheral areas.

I-ACT chief and concurrent MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos said the campaign will be intensified in the coming days. Stricter law enforcement action against undisciplined and irresponsible drivers will be imposed, he added.

“The war against illegal parking might be an uphill climb, but we will overcome. Strength in unity, the

I-ACT Task Force Alamid is in action,” said Orbos.

Launched last Oct. 19, the Task Force is a special team composed of personnel from the MMDA, Department of Transportation, Police Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and local government unit traffic officers.

It was organized to help unclog traffic-prone areas and help enforcers manage traffic in critical areas of Metro Manila—such as roads leading to and from seaports, airports and bus

terminals—in time for the holiday season, when traffic is expected to be heavy.

The authorities also target critical areas during busy periods, including bus stops and no-stopping zones, which are notorious for illegal parking and illegal picking up and dropping off passengers and goods.

In August, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order strengthening the I-ACT to find solutions to the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila and prevent billions in economic losses.

The Council, under the

Executive Order, will also covering the neighboring provinces of Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan.

The President, during his second State of the Nation Address, said he wants all roads in the country's biggest cities cleared of all illegally parked vehicles to ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the metropolis.

The government's road and bridge projects will mean nothing if they will remain filled by illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions, the President said.

Duterte said he directed

the MMDA and the local government units to immediately clear the roads and major thoroughfares of all unnecessary obstruction including vehicles parked on the street.

He is planning to have a golden age of infrastructure under his term with big-ticket projects such as roads, airports, and bridges.

Through this persistent campaign, the government is hoping it will be able to change the selfish behavior of most irresponsible drivers and individuals violating traffic rules.

Sandigan sacks ex-Lucena mayor

By Rio N. Araja

BACK HOME. Distressed overseas Filipino workers look relieved upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City on

Wednesday. PNA

THE Sandiganbayan has convicted a former mayor from Laguna and three other local officials on alleged irregularities in the bidding for a P36-million automation project for the Lucena City government’s revenue generation system in 2002.

In a 74-page decision penned by Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez, the Sandiganbayan Third Division sentenced ex-Lucena City mayor Ramon Talaga to an imprisonment of six years.

Ofelia Garcia, the former city planning and development officer and technical evaluation committee chairperson, along with former budget officer and bids and awards committee member Ester Matibag and former assistant city treasurer and BAC member Mercedita Capulong, were also convicted.

Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang and Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez concurred with the decision.

The anti-graft court found Talaga and the rest guilty beyond reasonable doubt of illegally awarding the contract to ITfirm Amellar Solutions without a public bidding.

The Sandiganbayan also meted out perpetual disqualification from holding any other public office against the four convicted officials.

Visa upon arrival Pimentel lauds BSP’s continued check-clearing work during Asean tack to help PH attract Mazuists

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

By Bill Casas THE country’s visa upon arrival or VUA program will drive devoted followers of Mazuism, considered a cultural phenomenon, to look at the Philippines as its next festival hub, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said Wednesday.

Teo said two months since she pressed the Department of Justice to roll out the VUA option to Chinese citizens, arrivals from China surged by 54.92 percent, from 61,766 arrivals in August last year to 95,687 this year.

“If these figures are any indication, the Philippines can certainly piggyback on VUA to attract more Chinese travelers, considering that a huge number of this market are package tour buyers. I am confident this ease in visa requirement is an attractive proposition for the country to host big-ticket events such as a Mazu culture festival,” Teo said, pointing to the 300 million Mazuists worldwide.

Mazu is a Chinese sea goddess revered as a patron of seafarers, fishermen and sailors, but now generally regarded by believers as a powerful and benevolent “Queen of Heaven.” Mazuism is most popular in Taiwan, and her temple festival is a major event in that country and overseas Chinese communities.

Teo was among personalities from across the globe invited by Friends of the Philippines’ Foundation in the recent Mazu cultural tour festival held at Tin Hau Temple at Coloane in Macau, which has hosted 15 successful editions of the event.

“As a country blessed with so many heritage festivals ourselves, the Philippines can draw out from Mazu cultural tour festival’s overwhelming turnout year on year,” the Tourism chief said.

“A game changer for Philippine tourism, VUA can also become a major turning point in attracting the fast growing Mazuism all over the world,” she added, citing Mazu as example of a cultural movement that has turned into a widespread phenomenon overnight.

Among the DOT’s plans of growing cultural festivals in the country is paving the way for cultural diversity to flourish, the tourism chief disclosed.

SENATE President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III welcomed the announcement of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. that the BSP’s PHILPASS and cash servicing units would remain open during the Asean holidays from Nov. 13 to 15.

“The BSP is doing the banking sector, the business sector, and our countrymen a great service by doing this,” said Pimentel, who earlier urged the BSP to keep PHILPASS—the BSP’s check clearing system—up and running during the Asean summit.

“This is a positive development because it does not make sense for banking and business operations nationwide to be essentially paralyzed just because there is a threeday holiday in the nation’s capital;

the Philippines, after all, is not just Metro Manila,” said the senator from Mindanao.

Espenilla earlier told the media that the BSP “will definitely operate PHILPASS” and its cash servicing units during the coming holidays.

According to Pimentel, the BSP governor’s directive, together with the decision of banks and the Philippine Stock Exchange to remain open during the Asean holidays, would ensure that “the country will be open for business, not just open for Asean.”

“Our hosting of the Asean Summit is an honor, and we should all work together to make it a success,” stressed the Senate chief.

“If there are steps that can be taken to minimize the disruptions in the lives and the livelihoods of our countrymen, then by all means let’s do what has to

be done,” he added.

Nov. 13 to 15 have been declared special non-working holidays in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Bulacan, as these areas would be most affected by Asean events in the National Capital Region and Clark Field, Pampanga.

In addition, the Metro Manila Council also announced that classes in all school levels would be suspended on Nov. 16 and 17.

Pimentel stressed that businesses are adversely affected if Malacañang suspends work in government offices during events like a transport strike, or declares extended stretches of work suspensions because of activities like the Asean Summit and other related activities.

He cited the negative impact on the business sector by government directives suspending work in government offices in instances

that do not include regular holidays nor inclement weather.

“I believe that at some point we have to rationalize and limit our national and local holidays because we already lose so many work days a year because of extreme weather phenomena like typhoons,” the senator said.

“If we want to attract investors and continue to grow our economy, we have to do this if we want to be able to compete with the other developing Asian economies,” he added.

Pimentel called on the Executive Department to exclude the units involved in check clearing of BSP from work suspension orders, to ensure that check clearing operations would remain uninterrupted.

“Because when check clearing operations are suspended, this disrupts the operations of many

businesses who receive payments or must make payments,” he said.

Another consequence of the suspension of check clearing operations, added Pimentel, is the suspension of the operations of the Philippine Stock Exchange and the country’s banks.

Classes and work in government offices were suspended during the jeepney strike from October 16 to 17, with the private sector allowed to exercise discretion about suspending work.

However, check clearing, one of the critical BSP operations, was suspended on October 16.

Thus, businesses were unable to make banking transactions on that day. Pimentel said these government work stoppages, on top of the country’s numerous national and local holidays, were bad for business.

Forum in November tackles Asean leadership amid new world order PRIVATE think tank Stratbase ADR Institute is holding a conference on “Asean Leadership amid a New World Order” on Nov. 8 at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel to highlight the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as a model of regionalism and as a global player that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

“In view of Asean’s 50th anniversary and the dramatic changes that its member-states have undergone during that period, the conference will feature insights on Asean’s ability to make use of its strengths and capture its potential as a global platform for cooperation,” said professor Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase.

Manhit said the demand for meaningful cooperation in Asean is increasing. “In an ever-more integrated world, the Philippines and its neighbors share their challenges, whose political, economic, and socio-cultural aspects transcend country borders and link together 600 million people,” he said.

“As Southeast Asia more closely integrates with the rest of East Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, the causes and consequences of our countries’ actions have also broadened,” Manhit said.

Former Ambassador Albert del Rosario, chairman of Stratbase, will keynote the highprofile conference that will be attended by distinguished leaders in security, economics and international affairs from different countries.

The first session of the conference will tackle “Protecting the Asean Community from Evolving Political-Security Challenges.” Stratbase partnered with the Philippines Inc. and US-Philippines Strategic Initiative to facilitate the session.

Manhit said the topic is relevant as the AsiaPacific region continues to cope with threats to the stability of inter-state relations and to the welfare and ways of life of its people.

“For Southeast Asia, the challenge in the South China Sea persists, as states trade moves aimed at improving their respective positions in the waterways. In this panel, we focus on the state of play in the disputes, and how the affected countries intend to pursue avenues of cooperation that reduce the risk of violence and escalation, such as the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, and promote the peace and stability of the region such as through cooperation on maritime humanitarian and search and rescue activities,” Manhit said.

PH COMMITS TO PROTECT MIGRATORY SPECIES. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia extends the government’s commitment to support global efforts to protect migratory species and their habitats critical to their survival at the closing of the week-long 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMSCOP12) at the Philippine International Convention Center. Speaking in behalf of DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, Garcia underscores the need to promote political support and public awareness as ’conserving migratory species is a shared responsibility.‘

Sports

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Thunder, Lakers crush foes

L

OS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 28 points but reigning NBA MVP Russell Westbrook claimed bragging rights as the Oklahoma City Thunder thumped the Milwaukee Bucks 110-91 on Tuesday night.

American Westbrook finished just shy of his fourth triple double of the season, scoring 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and collecting nine assists for the Thunder in front of a crowd of 18,700 at the Bradley Center arena.

The game was billed as a matchup between the defending league MVP Westbrook and the early season front run-

ner for the award Bucks superstar Antetokounmpo.

But unlike Greece’s Antetokounmpo, Westbrook got plenty of help from his supporting cast Tuesday as Paul George scored a team-high 20 points and Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 17.

Jeremi Grant also finished with 17 for the Thunder, who shot 49 percent and im-

proved to 4-3 on the season.

“I thought we played a great game on offense in the first half,” Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said.

“We really moved the ball well and we generated highquality shots.”

The 22-year-old Antetokounmpo led the Bucks but failed to reach the 30-point mark for just the second time this season.

Antetokounmpo, who grew up in Athens and is of Nigerian descent, hit nine of 14 shots, including a pair of three-pointers. But Milwaukee shot just 42.1 percent overall as they lost their second game in the last three.

“They just played better than us,” Antetokounmpo said.

“They were more physical than us. We need to do a better job of being ready, especially against teams like OKC.” Oklahoma City wasted little time setting the tone, using a 16-0 run to jump out to a 20-8 first-quarter lead.

Antetokounmpo drew his third foul just a minute into the second quarter and spent the next eight minutes on the bench.

Milwaukee struggled to keep pace without him and fell behind by as many as 24 before going into halftime down 60-42.

In Los Angeles, Julius

Randle came off the bench to score 17 points and lead seven players in double figures as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the red-hot Detroit Pistons 113-93.

Kyle Kuzma added 16 points, Larry Nance tallied 14 and 12 rebounds for the Lakers.

Reggie Jackson and Tobias Harris scored 18 points each for the Pistons, who dropped to 5-3 on the season.

Lakers stop Pistons “I don’t think we are going to play that great every night but it shows that our team is capable of being a very good basketball team when we are playing together,” said Lak-

ers coach Luke Walton.

The Pistons were coming off back-to-back wins against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday and the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

The Clippers were the last unbeaten team before Detroit rallied from 13 points down in the third quarter to win 95-87.

In Indianapolis, the Pacers also used a balanced scoring attack to crush the Sacramento Kings 101-83 as Lithuanian forward Domantas Sabonis delivered his third double-double of the season with 12 points and a careerhigh 16 rebounds. AFP

Garcia deserves Euro Golfer of Year ANTALYA, Turkey—Masters champion Sergio Garcia deserves to be named European Tour ‘Golfer of the Year’ according to Justin Rose, one of the Spaniard’s main competitors for the honour.

Garcia is the standout favourite to win the award, which will be presented at the end of the European Tour season, for the first time on the back on his Masters play-off victory over Rose earlier this year at Augusta National.

Rose is well placed to finish top of the Race to Dubai money list but even if he achieves that, he believes Garcia would still be more deserving of the European golfer accolade.

“We all aspire to end a season being awarded the ‘Golfer of the Year’ title but given Sergio has won three times on the European Tour this year and one of those was a Major Championship, then he must be favourite,” said Rose.

Rose: Unfair to expect too much from Tiger ANTALYA, Turkey—Major winners Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington stressed the importance of not placing too much expectation on Tiger Woods, after the American great announced his return to competition next month.

Woods will tee-up later this month at his own 18man Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

It will be the 14-time major winner’s first appearance since he withdrew after one round of February’s Dubai Desert Classic.

Rose, who claimed a remarkable comeback victory at last week’s WGCHSBC Champions, is excited that the former world number one will be back in action.

“It is cool Tiger is coming back to competition and it seems clear through some of his recent tweets that he has been gearing up for something and the obvious and logical choice would seem to be the Hero Challenge,” said Rose ahead of this week’s Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.

“It is going to be special and fun to see him playing there as we all have missed him.

“I do feel expectations for a first time ever will be down and there will be more curiosity than expectations, but Tiger is a determined and confident guy, and he will come back believing he can do well.

“So, it would be totally unfair to place any expectations on Tiger and we all should be pleased that he does seem healthy and capable of playing golf again.” AFP

“Sergio’s season has been the highest of the highs given he won a first Major in his career and he would be my own choice for ‘Golfer of the Year’.”

Englishman Rose teesup in this week’s $7 million (6m euros) Turkish Airlines Open having captured a first Tour title in two years last Sunday in Shanghai.

The effort took world No.6 Rose to third on the Race to Dubai standings but still just over two million points behind compatriot Tommy Fleetwood, with Garcia second some 800,000 points adrift of Fleetwood.

However, Garcia is not competing this week while both the Spaniard and Rose have elected to skip next week’s Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, the Tour’s penultimate event.

Rose won the Race to Dubai title in 2007 while Fleetwood’s prior best finish was 19th in 2014. Garcia’s best was third in 1999. AFP

Julius Randle (30) of the Los Angeles Lakers goes to the basket against the Detroit Pistons at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. AFP

State to appeal for longer Pistorius sentence JOH AN NESBU RG — South African prosecutors on Friday will argue for Oscar Pistorius to be given a longer jail sentence, saying the six years he is serving for killing his girlfriend is “shockingly low”.

The National Prosecution Authority will present its case to a one-day hearing at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.

Judges are expected to hand down their ruling at a later date.

The Paralympic athlete shot dead Reeva Steen-

kamp in the early hours of Valentine’s Day in 2013, when he fired four times through the door of his bedroom toilet—an act, he says, that came from mistaking her for a burglar.

Pistorius was originally convicted of culpable homicide—the equivalent of manslaughter—in 2014, but the appeal court in Bloemfontein upgraded his conviction to murder in 2015.

Pistorius, 30, who is being held at the Atteridgeville Correctional Centre prison in Pretoria, will

not be in court on Friday.

“We believe the sentence is shockingly low,” NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku told AFP. “The court has discretion to deviate from the minimum sentence for murder of 15 years, after considering the circumstances, but we say that you cannot go so far below.

“We cannot allow a situation where we create a precedent for a person sentenced for murder. It is inappropriate if you look at the gravity of the offence.”

Mfaku denied that the NPA was pursuing Pistorius due to his fame.

“It is not personal, we are addressing a principle here, we would have done this for anyone,” he said.

‘Pay for his crime’ A spokesman for the Pistorius family was not immediately available to comment, but his lawyers have previously said they accepted his current sentence.

At his sentencing last year, High Court judge Thokozile Masipa listed mitigating factors, including the athlete’s claim he

believed he was shooting an intruder.

“He cannot be at peace.

I’m of the view that a long term of imprisonment will not serve justice,” Masipa said.

But Steenkamp’s father Barry told the court that he wanted Pistorius to “pay for his crime”.

Members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) women’s league, who attended many court sessions, have criticised the sentence for failing to send a message against domestic violence in South Africa. AFP

Sacred Heart, Hua Siong march to Visayas finals

Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu beats St. John Institute of Bacolod, 57-43, in the SBP division of the 32nd SBP-Passerelle twin tournament Visayas regional finals

THE Sacred Heart SchoolAteneo de Cebu and Hua Siong College of Iloilo advanced to the nationals after their impressive win at the Visayas regional finals of the 32nd SBP-Passerelle twin tournament, the longest-running twin tournament in the country, held at the Iloilo Sports Complex.

In the SBP division, the SHS-Ateneo blocked every opportunity to keep their opponent—St. John Institute of Bacolod - from scoring, making it impossible to close the gap and ending the game with a final score of 57-43. Third place was given to Hua Siong College of Iloilo after defeating St. Mary’s Academy of Capiz, 52-37.

Meanwhile, Hua Siong College of Iloilo had a harder time securing the Passerelle regional championship title against Bacolod Tay Tung High School. After an intense match, Hua Siong College of Iloilo won with a score of 5753, while University of St. Carlos came in 3rd after winning against Hercor College, 45-26.

Other regional playoffs will be held on Oct. 28 and 29 in Pangasinan for Luzon and on Nov. 11

and 12 in Davao for Mindanao.

SHS-Ateneo and Hua Siong College of Iloilo will represent the Visayas in the upcoming 32nd season of the SBPPasserelle Twin Tournament national finals on Dec. 2 in Cebu.

The twin-tournament also annually gives the much-coveted Sportsmanship award to deserving schools not only for the exemplary skills showed by the students in playing basketball but also for the discipline and fair play shown by parents, coaches, school staff and guests who attended the event.

This year, the award was given to Bacolod Tay Yung High School in the Passerelle division and St. John’s Institute of Bacolod in the SBP division.

Organized by the country’s premier sports clinic, Basketball Efficiency Scientific Training Center, the 32nd SBPPasserelle Twin Tournament is supported by MILO, in cooperation with Rain or Shine Elasto Paints, Chris Sports, and SKLZ. It provides a venue for under 15 and under 12 age groups to apply what they learned in basketball training and showcase their skills.

Eagles capture Globe 7s rugby title THE Eagles Rugby Football Club took the crown in the recent 2017 Globe 7s League at the Subic Bay Freeport grounds.

RFC finished undefeated after beating Subic Sharks, 45-0, and Makati Chiefs, 24-19, in the Premiership preliminary finals.

Then, they put away the Clark Jets, 43-0, in the Premiership Cup finals to earn the title for the second year in a row.

The Eagles conceded only 70 points throughout entire tournament.

In the Premiership semifinal, the Eagles were shaken by the Makati Chiefs as they fought back from 17-19 down in the final play of the game.

But the Eagles regained their composure and stole the match by scoring a converted try underneath the posts by Francis Tagalia in the dying seconds.

Meanwhile, the Loros took out the Challenger title, while the Ibons shut out Albay Vulcans, 35-0, to win the Championship division.

On the other hand, the Lady Eagles won over the Santos Knight Frank Lady Mavericks and Makati Lady Chiefs in the Women’s Premiership.

“A fantastic finale to a domestic competition. Some close games and some upsets, that’s the nature of the sport. It’s brilliant to see more homegrown players excelling in the sport and competing with our national team players,” said organizer Jovan Masalunga of Philippine Rugby.

Peter Atencio

Flame lands in S Korea for Winter Games INCHEON—The Olympic flame arrived in South Korea on Wednesday, 100 days ahead of the opening ceremony for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games.

South Korean Olympic gold-winning figure skater Kim Yu-Na and the country’s sports minister carried the flame, in a white security lamp, down the steps at Incheon airport after a flight from Greece.

It had been kindled from the sun’s rays in a ceremony at the ancient Temple of Hera in Olympia.

“Today is a very important and proud symbol of our work and passion in bringing one of the most exciting sporting events ever to our country,” said chief organiser Lee Hee-Beom.

“We want the Olympic torch relay to connect you to the Games, and ignite passion and excitement in every corner of Korea,” Lee added.

The 2,018-kilometer torch relay was led off by 13-year-old figure skater You Young — although she is too young to compete in the Games—who jogged past hundreds of cameras wearing a “1” tag on her chest.

A total of 7,500 torchbearers will carry the flame, organisers said, symbolising the 75 million people who live on both sides of the divided Korean peninsula.

Slow ticket sales The Games will be held from Feb. 9 to 25, but have been marred by slow ticket sales and the looming menace of nuclear-armed North Korea, just 80 kilometres away from Pyeongchang across the Demilitarized Zone.

Over the two weeks of the Games, 1.18 million tickets are available, with 180,000 sold internationally so far.

But South Korea is far from the traditional winter sports markets of Europe and North America, making domestic sales crucial, and South Koreans have bought little more than 160,000. AFP

LOTTO RESULTS 6/55 00-00-00-00-00-00 6/45 00-00-00-00-00-00 4 DIGITS 0-0-0-0 3 DIGITS 0-0-0 2 EZ2 0-0

P0 M+ P0 M

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

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

Sports

Blue Dragons are Martin Cup kings

Corey Seager (5) of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammates after defeating the Houston Astros 3-1 in game six of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. AFP

THE Diliman College Blue Dragons turned back the San Beda Red Lions, 58-53, recently to win the senior division title of the 15th Fr. Martin Cup Division 2 basketball tournament.

Cameroonian cager Adama Diakhite struggled for form but still led with 15 points for the Blue Dragons in their winnertake-all showdown with the Lions at the St. Placid gymnasium inside San Beda-Manila campus in Mendiola.

Kristoffer Torrado made 11 points, while Aldrin Ligon fired nine points for the Blue Dragons in this this cagefest is supported

by Slick Tight Hair Pomade.

In their three finals’ appearances this year, this is the Blue Dragons’ second crown after they clinched the 23rd Fr. Martin Cup Summer crown.

“We struggled in our last five games. But the players wanted this game and the title. They gave

their best effort,” said Blue Dragons’ coach Rensy Bajar, whose team is supported by Jerome Ngo of Gerry’s Grill.

Diakhite’s hook shot in the last 3:38 stopped the Red Lions’ rally in the final period as the Blue Dragons gained a six-point cushion afterwards, 56-50.

Eugene Toba topscored with 18 points for the Red Lions, while Joaqui Mariano contributed 14.

Toba kept the Red Lions’ close, 50-56, with his triple in the last 6:41.

But then, Toba missed two of four attempts by the Red Lions in the last 48 seconds, allowing the Dragons to keep their lead.

Rickson Gerero’s trey with 11.8 ticks to go was their final basket, keeping the Blue Dragons out of reach.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said all is set for the start of the 13th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open cagefest on Nov. 18. Registration is still open for participants.

Dodgers force a Game 7 L

OS ANGELES—The Los Angeles Dodgers rallied for a 3-1 victory over Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros on Tuesday to force a game seven showdown for the 2017 World Series.

through five one-hit innings, it looked for a time as if that might be enough.

But the Dodgers finally broke through against the Astros ace with two runs in the sixth.

Austin Barnes led off the bottom of the frame with a single.

Chase Utley, part of a double substitution by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, reached first when he was hit by a Verlander pitch.

That brought Taylor to the plate with no outs and two on. Taylor’s double down the first base line scored Barnes to tie the game with two runners in scoring position and still no outs.

“I was just focused on staying short and finding a

way to put the ball in play,” Taylor said. “(Verlander’s) got electric stuff. That fastball up and really good slider. So I wanted to be as short as possible, not try to do too much or overswing.”

Seager’s high fly looked like it might be headed for the left-field seats.

It was caught at the track but gave Utley plenty of time to race home and give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead.

The Astros threatened in the top of the seventh against Dodgers relief pitcher Tony Watson, but left runners on base for the third straight inning.

“The fifth inning, sixth inning, seventh inning, we had pressure on them and they

just made pitches or made plays,” said Astros manager A.J. Hinch. “Obviously small margin here in this game and these two teams.”

Pederson homers The Dodgers extended the lead to 3-1 on Pederson’s one-out homer off relief pitcher Joe Musgrove in the seventh.

It was Pederson’s third homer of the Series and his fourth of these playoffs.

Closing pitcher Kenley Jansen came on in the top of the eighth and retired the Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel and Brian McCann on seven pitches -- Gurriel continuing to draw deafening boos from Dodgers fans angered by his racist gesture toward Los

Angeles’ Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish in game three.

Jansen set down three straight in the ninth to end it.

Houston will have to regroup before sending Lance McCullers to the mound against Darvish on Wednesday.

Swept in their only prior World Series appearance in 2005, the Astros came into game six bullish about their chances with Verlander on hill.

The former Cy Young award-winner who arrived in a trade from the Detroit Tigers on August 31, had been 4-0 in four prior post-season starts for the Astros.

He ran into trouble in the second inning, needing 23 pitches to work around a oneout single by Yasiel Puig. AFP

Corey Seager’s sacrifice fly put the Dodgers ahead for good in the sixth inning and Joc Pederson added a solo homer in the seventh as the Dodgers knotted Major League Baseball’s best-ofseven championship series at three games apiece.

The Dodgers host game seven on Wednesday, seeking a seventh title and their first since 1988. The Astros are bidding for a first title since their inception in 1962.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a

battle,” said Dodgers center fielder Chris Taylor. “Two teams that really want it.”

George Springer’s solo home run off Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill in the third inning staked the Astros to a 1-0 lead.

It was Springer’s fourth homer of the series and the 14th for the Astros—tying the World Series record set by the San Francisco Giants in 2002.

With Astros starting pitcher Verlander rolling

Pioneers, Spurs win in PGBL

Torres vows to take fight into the ground

THE Globalport Spurs remained unbeaten in the 4th PSC-PGBL Willie Caballes Cup, even as the Best Center Pioneers also snatched their first win on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Jerome Lagunzad went full throttle to lift the Spurs over Dymons, 57-47, as they notched their second win in as many games in the tournament.

Back to his usual lethal form after seeing limited action in the season-opener, Lagunzad scored 23 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and had four steals to give the Spurs the vital numbers to secure the pole position in the tournament presented by the Philippine Basketball Association and the Philippine Sports Commission.

A marked man entering the game, Aldo Aviñante managed to sneak through the swarming defense to contribute 10 markers.

The efforts of the supporting cast were also in great display as eight other Spurs players came out scoring for a balanced attack.

Rookie Paul Ryan Tan led the Dymons with his 11 points and four rebounds.

They actually engaged the Spurs in a close battle in the first half, but eventually ran out of gas in the final 20 minutes.

Kevin dela Cruz added 10 markers and four boards for the Dymons which fell to 0-2.

Equally impressive in the first game were Christian Jacinto and the BEST Center Pioneers as they trounced the defending champions Tigerscribes, 65-62.

Maliksi signs max P10M pact with Elite

By Jeric Lopez

By Reuel Vidal

Jomary Torres (left) grabs the leg of Rika Ishige during their ONE Championship fight in Macau won by Torres.

YANGON, Myanmar—Filipino ONE Championship Atomweight fighter Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres exuded confidence as she bared her game plan for her coming fight during one-on-one interviews with international media at the Rose Garden Hotel here yesterday.

Torres battles Indonesian kickboxer Nita Dea at ONE: Hero’s Dream at Thuwunna Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Myanmar’s sporting icon ONE Championship World Middleweight Champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang takes on heavyweight Alain Ngalani in a non-title open weight bout in the main event.

Torres said she will take the fight into the ground and will not trade long range hits against her kick-boxer opponent.

“Striking is really her strength.

I will try to wrestle her. For me it would be dangerous to try to fight her striking game. If I’m not careful she could connect with powerful strikes,” said Torres in Filipino.

Torres won her last fight against Thai martial arts superstar Rika “Tinydoll” Ishige by submission via rear naked choke in the second round at ONE: Kings & Conquerors in Macau, China last August.

Torres rocked Ishige several times with her heavy handed punches in the first round which Ishige barely survived. Torres stalked Ishige in the second round. Ishige tried to keep Torres at bay with kicks to the body. Instead, Torres grabbed Ishige’s right leg, took her down to the canvas and started raining down ground and pound blows.

Ishige turned around to avoid hits to her face. With Ishige’s back turned to her Torres slipped her arm under Ishige’s jaw and choked her into submission.

Despite the decisive victory Torres said she wasn’t as prepared as she wanted to be against Ishige. She is better prepared now against Dea. “I will avoid just trading strikes with Dea. I will not risk that. I’ve prepared hard for this fight. I am confident of winning. I don’t know what round. But I know I will win,” said Torres with conviction.

Filipino MMA fighters Eugene Toquero, Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado and Burn “The Hitman” Soriano will see action in the undercards at ONE: Hero’s Dream.

The veteran Toquero tries to arrest an alarming three-fight losing streak (against Stefer Rahardian last April; Danny Kingad, December 2016; and Adriano Moraes, March 2016 ) when he takes on Ma Hao Bin of China.

VASTLY improving Blackwater is leaning its fortunes on Allein Maliksi in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Confident enough of the swingman’s scoring prowess, the Elite signed up Maliksi to a two-year, P10 million deal to lock him up as he is set to continue being one of the vital cogs in the team.

With Maliksi re-signed, Blackwater looks forward to having high hopes in the upcoming 43rd season.

Along with Maliksi, critical chargers JP Erram, Mike DiGregorio and Mac Belo are all expected to make the Elite an intriguing team.

Blackwater is coming off its best campaign in its franchise history.

The Elite entered the post-season for the second time in the season-ending Governors’ Cup and made the most out of it, pushing eventual runner-up Meralco to the brink after almost making it to the semifinals when it forced a knockout game in the quarterfinals before bowing out.

Fury wants Trump in his corner for Joshua fight L O N D O N — Fo r m e r world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury wants US President Donald Trump in his corner as he mulls “the biggest fight ever” against reigning IBF and WBA champion Anthony Joshua.

Last weekend Joshua, 28, successfully defended his titles against Carlos Takam in Cardiff and either WBO champion Joseph Parker or WBC champion Deontay Wilder appear the most likely next opponents.

But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is also eyeing an all-British showdown with Fury next year.

Fury, 29, this week contacted Trump on Twitter to ask him to join his ringwalk, asking the US president who he thinks would win a bout with Joshua. “@realDonaldTrump who do you think wins the fury vs AJ fight? You can walk me out if you want, be a part of the biggest fight ever,” he tweeted.

A number of personal issues have kept Fury on the sidelines since November 2015, when he defeated Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles, and he remains without a boxing licence.

But he believes a bout with Joshua would resemble Muhammad Ali’s legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman in Kinshasa in 1974.

Fury posted an im-

age of the two all-time great combatants on Instagram, along with the caption: “This is what’s to come!

“The old champ coming back to fight a man who every1 thinks will ko me, same as Ali vs Forman the stylish Ali vs the mummy Forman! We all know what happens in this fight!

“I know you all got me whooped, but I will not lay down or be afraid of some muscles & I have the mentality of a winner

a man who has never lost a fight.”

Fury, who is still waiting for a final ruling from UK Anti-Doping on a suspended drugs ban after the hearing was adjourned in July, also laid down the gauntlet to Wilder.

“AJ & Wilder I’m coming back for you pair my mission is seek & destroy the only thing on my mind is destruction who ever gets in my way will be dealt with accordingly. AFP

US President Donald Trump speaks at a meeting with business leaders on tax reform at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP

Crude prices near $55 on reduced inventories

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Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

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Credit Suisse readies PH expansion IN BRIEF

By Julito G. Rada

S

WITZERLAND-based Credit Suisse AG is expanding its presence in the Philippines, joining the list of 10 Asian banks that entered the country after the government further liberalized the banking industry.

PH, France set to sign $115-m loan

THE Philippines will soon sign an agreement with Agence Française de Développement of France for a 100 millioneuro ($115-million) loan to support the Local Government Finance and Fiscal Decentralization Reform Program, Sub-program 2, the Finance Department said Wednesday.

The LGFFDR2 program loan is a part of the national government’s external financing program to partially support the general budgetary requirements of the government.

It is being co-financed by AFD and the Asian Development Bank, with the latter providing $250 million.

The Finance Department’s International Finance Group said the 100-million euro program loan from AFD would help the Philippine government achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty by creating a conducive fiscal framework for inclusive growth.

It would also help develop an adequate and equitable resource framework for fiscal sustainability, strengthen public financial management to assist efficient local government unit service delivery and foster good local governance, transparency and accountability.

Julito G. Rada

Fly-by-night travel agencies now proliferate

THE Philippine Travel Agencies Association warned the public against fly-by-night travel agencies as travel becomes increasingly affordable to many Filipinos.

The association said it was now reviving plans to open a travel agency school not only to bolster the manpower pool but also to further professionalize the industry.

PTAA president Marlene Dado Jante said the operations of their members were being affected by those that were presenting themselves as legitimate travel agencies without the necessary permits, accreditations and trainings.

“We want the public to closely check the credibility of a travel agency before doing any business with them. People should be very wary of these so-called travel agencies with zero or very questionable track records. It not only puts their travel at risk but also impacts the reputation of legitimate travel agencies,” she said.

“PTAA members have all the necessary government permits, have existing offices, networks and partners, and are continuously receiving regular professional and educational development programs from our association to further expand their operations and improve their services,” she said. Othel V. Campos

Airlines seek govt support

THE historic first Philippine Aviation Day, put together by the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines, recently gathered key aviation stakeholders who saw the opportunity for local aviation to gain from the ongoing regional air travel boom.

ACAP charter chairman and Philippine Airlines president Jaime J. Bautista said the air transport sector makes a major impact on the local economy.

“Local air travel continues to connect people around the world while providing ease of travel and cost competitiveness,” he said.

He said while Acap members Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, CEBGo, Philippines AirAsia were rival airlines, “we compete aggressively in a healthy contest where there can be only one winner: the flying public. The result is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic domestic aviation networks in the world.”

Acap member airlines passed two key resolutions at the summit’s conclusion. They pledged to work in partnership with Philippine government agencies and concerned stakeholders for the advancement of Philippine civil aviation and endorsed the urgent recommendations adopted recently by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines calling for Asia/Pacific governments to invest in aviation infrastructure and air traffic management systems.

NATURAL GAS POLICY. The Department of Energy holds a public consultation on the implementing guidelines of the Philippine Natural Gas Regulation, a policy issuance that will govern the entry and development of a liquefied natural gas terminal and its related facilities in the Philippines. Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos (right) listens to inputs on the proposed regulation during the public consultation at the DoE headquarters in Taguig City.

San Miguel unveils long-term plan to expand expressways

By Darwin G. Amojelar SAN Miguel Corp. unveiled a long-term expansion program to increase the capacity of its southern Metro Manila toll roads to help the government ease traffic congestion in the metropolis.

San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said the group’s infrastructure arm was now ready to implement the expansion of South Luzon Expressway, Skyway sys-

tem, Naia Expressway and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road and was just waiting for the go-signal from the government.

“All technical studies for the expansion of all our southern Metro Manila toll roads are now complete and ready for construction. We’re just waiting to get final approval for each of these projects from the Toll Regulatory Board,” Ang said.

He said the massive expansion could be completed by unit San Miguel Holdings

Corp. in three years.

These projects are expected to decongest not only the traditional chokepoints at the Alabang viaduct, the Sucat and Bicutan interchanges, Magallanes, the C5 entrance and exit to SLEx and the NAIAx entry to Skyway, but also the traffic on public roads leading to these major entry and exit points.

“There is no stopping the Philippines’ growth. With this, more people will be traveling, more goods will

be transported, so we expect that traffic volume will just get worse,” Ang said.

“The expansion of these major expressways is long overdue. But we’ve done our homework. We’ve invested to complete the studies and designs, and we’ve submitted all of these to the Toll Regulatory Board for their review. All these projects can be completed within three years, provided government gives us the green light to proceed right away,” Ang said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said in an interview the Swiss bank already submitted documents to establish a local office.

“Credit Suisse has already applied to us and it has already given its documents…,” Fonacier said, adding the Bangko Sentral might approve its application for a representative office before the end of the year.

Credit Suisse Bank belongs to the Credit Suisse Group, a Swiss multinational financial services holding company headquartered in Zürich.

The company is organized as a stock corporation with four divisions: investment banking, private banking, asset management and a shared services group that provides marketing and support to the other three divisions.

Credit Suisse is set to become the first European bank to expand its presence in the Philippines, after the country liberalized the banking sector three years ago. While the Swiss bank was already present in the Philippines, the country was being served from its Asia Pacific department based in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia department based in Singapore.

It is a major financial advisor to the Philippine government and major cor-

Araneta investing P10b in Laguna hydro plant

By Jenniffer B. Austria BUSINESSMAN Gregorio Araneta III is spending P10 billion to build an 800-megawatt pump storage hydropower plant in Pangil, Laguna.

Araneta said Gregorio Araneta Inc. was now conducting a predevelopment feasibility study on the project which would have an initial capacity of 170 MW. The project will sit on a 270-hectare property. He said the company would acquire more properties within the area.

The predevelopment feasibility study on the project will be done by 2019 while construction will be completed after two years.

The company hopes to secure power supply agreement for the project over the next one and a half years.

Araneta said aside from

the hydro power project in Laguna, the company also planned to build a power plant in Mindanao.

The proposed hydro plant will add to the group’s current energy portfolio of clean energy projects which include a 280-MW solar farm in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental which is the biggest in Southeast Asia and seventh largest in the world.

Araneta said unit Energy Oil and Gas Holdings Inc. also submitted an unsolicited proposal to build a $2-billion integrated liquefied natural gas project in Bataan.

He said while the project was rejected by state-run Philippine National Oil Co., he was still hoping that the government would reconsider the project given the country’s need to achieve energy stability.

MetroPac eyes more foreign toll road deals

STOCK MARKET SEMINAR. AB Capital Securities Inc., one of the country’s top brokerage firms and online stock trading pioneers, takes part in the Philippine Stock Exchange’s stock market seminar roadshow in Iloilo City. Shown is ABCSI’s Cebu branch head Marianito Abangan (right) as he assists participants in filling up stock investing application forms.

PH slides to 113th in World Bank’s ranking of ease of doing business THE Philippines slid to 113th in the World Bank’s 2018 ranking of 190 economies in terms of ease of doing business from 99th place in the previous report, mainly because of the change in methodologies.

“This rank is not comparable to the one published in the Doing Business 2017 report, because of methodology refinements,” the World Bank said.

The report said the country’s score or the distance to frontier metric actually improved to 58.74 this year from 58.32 last

year, with 100 considered the frontier, or the best performance.

It showed, however, that the Philippines ranked behind other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore which placed 2nd globally; Malaysia, 24th; Thailand, 26th; Vietnam, 68th and Indonesia, 72nd. New Zealand, which received a score of 86.55, topped the global list, followed by Singapore, Denmark, Korea, Hong Kong and the United States.

A high ease of doing business ranking means the

porations and operates a securities trading company in Makati City.

Bangko Sentral Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. earlier said more foreign banks planned to establish presence in the Philippines to take advantage of the country’s positive growth prospects and the more liberalized banking system.

The Bangko Sentral allowed 10 Asian banks to fully operate in the country, including Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.; Singapore’s United Overseas Bank Ltd.; South Korea’s Shinhan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea and Woori Bank; Taiwan’s Cathay United Bank, Chang Hwa Bank, First Commercial Bank, Hua Nan Bank and Yuanta Commercial Bank Co. Ltd. Fonacier said six more applications were currently pending at the Bangko Sentral, including two from Taiwan, one from Indonesia, two from China and one from Korea.

She said the Taiwanese banks were interested in putting up an overseas banking units while the rest were more inclined to put up local branches.

Republic Act 10641, which further liberalized the banking industry in 2014, allows a foreign bank to own up to 100 percent of an existing local bank or a new subsidiary.

regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. The rankings are determined by sorting the aggregate distance to frontier scores on 10 topics, each consisting of several indicators, giving equal weight to each topic.

The World Bank report titled “Doing Business 2018: Reforming to Create Jobs” noted the Philippines implemented two key reforms in the past year to improve the business climate for small and medium enterprises The Philippines, repre-

sented by Quezon City, improved its business regulations as captured by the Doing Business indicators in absolute terms, which means the country was narrowing the gap with the global regulatory frontier.

The country also stood out regionally in resolving insolvency, with a global rank of 59. The Philippines scored 14 out of 16 possible points on the strength of the insolvency framework index, which was higher than the average of 12 points in OECD high-income economies.

“The focus of the Doing Business report is on promoting regulatory reform that strengthens the ability of the private sector to create jobs, lift people out of poverty and create more opportunities for the economy to prosper,” said Rita Ramalho, acting director of the World Bank’s Global Indicators Group which produced the report.

“The Philippines is making steady progress in carrying out reforms that can make it easier for entrepreneurs to start and operate a business,” Ramalho said.

METRO Pacific Investments Corp. expects to close toll road deals in Indonesia and Malaysia in the next 12 months, expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, a top executive said.

“We are in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines now. I am quite optimistic we will have an investment in both countries [Indonesia and Malaysia.

At least one within the Asean region [this year] and the other one next year,” MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan said.

“We want to build eventually a Pan-Asean tollways group,” he said.

MPIC has a 29.45-percent stake in Don Muang Tollway Public Company Limited, a major toll road operator in Bangkok, Thailand.

The concession for DMT runs until 2034 for the operation of a 21.9-kilometer six-lane elevated toll road from central Bangkok to Don Muang International Airport and further to the National Monument, north of Bangkok in Thailand.

MPIC through Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. also owns a 44.9-percent interest in CII Bridges and Roads, which has various road and bridge projects in and around Ho Chi Minh City.

MPIC operates the North Luzon Expressway, SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway and Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway. Darwin G. Amojelar

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Crude prices near $55 on reduced inventories

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IL extended gains above $54 a barrel in the longest winning streak in three months as US industry data showed both crude and gasoline inventories declined last week.

Futures added as much as 1.1 percent in New York after rising 4.2 percent in the four sessions through Tuesday. Crude stockpiles dropped by 5.09 million barrels, while gasoline supplies fell by 7.7 million last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report.

US oil inventories probably decreased a fifth time in six weeks, according to a Bloomberg survey before government data Wednesday.

Global benchmark Brent crude topped $60 a barrel last month for the first time since July 2015, while West Texas Intermediate, the US marker, is set for the highest close in two years as Saudi Arabia and Rus-

sia signaled support for extending supply cuts well into 2018. The market was also buoyed by conflict between the Iraqi central government and Kurdish forces that threatened crude production from northern fields in the Opec nation.

“The pace is slow but the oil market’s heading toward rebalancing,” Seo Taejong, a Seoul-based analyst at Korea Investment & Securities Co., said by phone. “Surging US crude exports are currently dragging the nation’s stockpiles, but this can be a doubleedged sword because while falling inventories are good for prices, it can also mean US production can be boosted.”

WTI crude for December delivery traded at $54.93 on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 3:59 p.m. in Singapore, up 55 cents. If the current session ends at that level, it would be the highest close for frontmonth prices since July 2015. Total volume traded was about 43 percent below the 100day average. Prices climbed 5.2 percent last month.

Brent for January settlement rose 35 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $61.29 a barrel on

the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The December contract expired Tuesday, up 47 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $61.37. The benchmark traded at a premium of $6.18 to January WTI. An Energy Information Administration report Wednesday is forecast to show US crude inventories fell by 1.3 million barrels last week, according to the median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of analysts. Gasoline stockpiles probably dropped by 1.55 million barrels. Daily exports of American crude climbed for the sixth time in seven weeks to 1.92 million barrels in the week ended Oct. 20, according to EIA data.

Saudi Arabia will need oil to trade at $70 a barrel next year to break even, the Washington-based International Monetary Fund said Tuesday in its Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. has hired a slate of traders from rivals to turn around commodities business after it suffered the worst quarterly performance in the firm’s history as a public company. Bloomberg

Tokyo, Seoul stock markets lead rally; Wall Street gains HONG KONG―Tokyo and Seoul led a rally in Asian shares Wednesday, on the back of strong earnings reports across the region including tech giants Sony and Samsung.

The buying, after a muted start to the week in Asia, tracked overnight gains on Wall Street that saw the Nasdaq close at a fresh record.

Along with solid US economic data and growing expectation that a centrist, continuity candidate will take over at the US Federal Reserve, the outlook for global growth remained broadly positive.

Asia has witnessed an impressive profit reporting season so far, with Sony the latest electronics blue-chip company to announce it was expecting record annual profits.

Sony stocks surged 11.4 percent, with strong results attributed to its PlayStation games division and a booming smartphone parts business, as well as a hit with the newest Spider-Man movie.

Honda also revved up its annual profit outlook on motorcycle purchases, while a fall in

Nissan passenger car sales after an inspection scandal appeared to have already been priced in by investors.

Tokyo finished at a fresh 21year high, trading up 1.9 percent, as firms benefited from a weak yen making their products more competitive in foreign markets and inflating repatriated profits.

The announcement from Japan’s central bank Tuesday that it would keep its ultra-loose monetary policy unchanged, even though overseas counterparts have started turning off the stimulus taps, also contributed.

Seoul shrugged off data showing October exports rising by less than expected, with shares up 1.3 percent, led by Samsung.

The flagship tech firm logged a record profit of $10.0 billion for the third quarter.

Hong Kong was trading up 0.9 percent, with the latest evidence of the city’s equity rally coming from internet giant Tencent’s ebook arm. The country’s answer to Amazon’s Kindle Store, China Literature has reportedly raised US$1.1 billion for a Hong Kong listing next week. AFP

England ready to hike rate on Brexit

Economy cannot absorb ‘Build,’ monetary expansion THE government of a capitalist country has at its disposal a number of means for delivering economic growth in an environment of political and social stability. By far the most important of these means are monetary policy and fiscal policy. The monetary policy is made by the BangkoSentral ng Pilipinas and fiscal policy is controlled by the Department of Finance, which supervises the revenue-collecting agencies of the government.

One of the key lessons drummed into students in economics school is that the operations of the monetary authority and the operations of the fiscal authority are essentially antithetical to one another because the mandate of DoF is economic growth and that of the BSP is monetary stability. Excessive spending by a growth-obsessed government, by generating inflation and creating massive budget deficits, makes life difficult for the BSP, which then has to take measures intended to restore stability to the nation’s markets.

These measures may take different forms, but they have a common objective, namely, to restore to a sound level the amount of money available to the economy.

Monetary policy and fiscal policy must, to the greatest extent possible, operate harmoniously and with close coordination. Given that fiscal policy is the domain of people with electoral mandates while BSP officials are unelected individuals, policy disagreements are sometimes resolved in favor of the government’s fiscal needs.

Coordination and accommodation between the DoF and the BSP clearly are the order of the day if the government’s growth objectives are to be attained without damage to the nation’s monetary environment.

A government may try to pursue a program of very rapid growth, but such a program will grind to a halt the moment hyperinflation, huge budget deficits, massive loss of reserves and erosion of general business confidence begin to set in.

One of the best pre-World War II US Federal Reserve Board chairmen, Marriner Eccles, put the situation aptly when he said: “The principal task of a central bank is to lean against the prevailing winds.” He explained his statement by saying that monetary policy and fiscal policy—the Fed and the US Treasury— should not move in the same direction and that when the Treasury is in an expansionary or contractionary mode, it is the Fed’s job to deploy countervailing force so as to prevent the economy from going off the tracks.

Which brings me to a published report of a recent newspaper interview with the new Governor of the BSP, Nestor Espenilla Jr. The BSP’s CEO was quoted as saying that he was inclined to inject more cash into the economy at this time and, to achieve that expansion, he favored a lowering of the reserve that the BSP requires banks to maintain with the BSP against their deposit liabilities. The required reserve—arguably the most potent of the BSP’s monetary tools—currently stands at 20 percent. Mr. Espenilla indicated that he would like the reserve to be brought down to a singledigit figure. On the basis of BSP data, such a reduction would result in the injection of approximately P700 billion into the national monetary stream.

Considering that the Governor must be aware of the administration’s well-publicized intention to spend P8 trillion on infrastructure between now and the end of President Duterte’s term, I’m trying to figure out what was in the Governor’s mind when he made the reported statements. Does Mr. Espenilla think that the BSP operates in a vacuum? Does he think that his favored monetary expansion does not have to take into account the “Build, Build, Build” program’s likely impact on the economy? And has he assessed the economy’s capacity to absorb—in terms of consumer prices and resource availabilities—all the additional purchasing power unleashed into the economy by “Build, Build, Build” and his proposed monetary expansion?

No “leaning against the prevailing winds” for Governor Espenilla. Wherever he is, Chairman Eccless must be shaking his head.

E-mail: romero.business.class@yahoo.com

YEAR OF THE DOG. Sony’s latest entertainment robot “aibo” is displayed during a press preview at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo on November 1, 2017. Japanese electronics giant Sony is marking the year of the dog by bringing back to life its robot canine—packed with artificial intelligence and internet capability. AFP

UnionBank goes digital, bares new client service UNION Bank of the Philippines is embarking on a voyage into the future—one that does away with lines and enters the world of touch screen, augmented reality and digital interaction.

“From the brick-andmortar branch in Banking 1.0 to today’s online banking of Banking 2.0, The ARK is where UnionBank will experiment with Banking 3.0 as we move from transactional spaces to interaction spaces,” said UnionBank president Edwin Bautista.

“There’s no map to our

destination, but our sails are out and the winds are steering us in the right direction.”

The ARK stands as the platform for innovate development and innovative partnerships to flourish.

UnionBank is currently in talks with retailers that will be setting up customer experiences with The ARK as it launches in November. Its first few guests can expect banking with service like no other, with no long queues but instead, delightful encounters with the bank’s new features.

As unconventional as it sounds, however, The ARK

by UnionBank hopes to win over select clientele that is very comfortable with digital technology but still prefers the warmth of face-toface transactions.

“No doubt the next generation is dictating changes upon the banking industry,” said Bautista. “But we also don’t want to isolate clients that have been loyal to us for the past 35 years. We built The ARK so that nobody would get left behind.”

The ARK is not just a bank, it’s a “third space.”

While banking, one can make make a latte at the coffee bar or log on to the Internet to get some work done.

UnionBank has designed The ARK to become a destination before and after work, providing room for off-site productivity and encourage creative tech ideas not just from its partners, but its customers as well.

UnionBank is pioneering this concept and paves the way for the new age of banking. The ARK serves as the vehicle for this change, wherever it may lead.

VICTORY FOR UBER. Drivers of companies Uber, Cabify and 99 Taxi celebrate after what they consider a partial victory after the Senate voted to relax the demands for ride-sharing companies in Brazil, in Brasilia on October 31, 2017. The Brazilian Senate decided to relax the demands for Uber and other companies and returned to the Chamber of Deputies a bill that according to the owners of this private transport application was going to make its activities in one of its main global markets unfeasible. AFP

LONDON―The Bank of England, on guard against soaring Brexit-fueled inflation, is on the precipice of lifting its key interest rate Thursday for the first time since 2007, according to analysts.

Policymakers are expected to increase the central bank’s main interest rate by a quarter-point to 0.50 percent from its current record low after a twoday gathering.

The BoE had hacked back borrowing costs to ultra-low levels during the global financial crisis and beyond―and is now mulling over a gradual path of monetary policy tightening to combat spiking inflation.

“This will be a very gradual process of rate normalization to discourage excess credit growth for consumers, underpin sterling and send a signal that rates are too low as inflation recovers,” Manulife equities head David Hussey told AFP. A quarter-point increase would reverse an emergency rate cut that was implemented in August 2016 following the shock Brexit referendum.

“The Bank of England looks set to pull the trigger on the first rise in interest rates since 2007,” said CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson.

The bank’s nine-strong monetary policy committee had hinted at the last meeting that a hike was around the corner as the weak pound ramps up the cost of goods imported into Britain, and therefore consumer prices.

The MPC panel had voted 7-2 to freeze borrowing costs in September, with two members urging a quarter-point increase to address spiking consumer price levels.

Official data subsequently showed Britain’s annual inflation rate hit 3.0 percent in September―the highest level for more than five years.

That news has tipped the scales in favor of a November rate hike, as the BoE seeks to keep inflation near a 2.0-percent target.

“With inflation set to rise even further... the Bank of England needs to get its act together and concentrate on its mandate and keep a lid on inflation expectations,” said Hewson. AFP

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

‘Mueller probe just getting started’ W

ASHINGTON―Special prosecutor Robert Mueller’s explosive charges against three former aides to President Donald Trump’s campaign are merely the starting steps of an aggressive probe into possible collusion with Russian election interference, analysts say.

TOURISTS. In this photo taken on October 31, Chinese tourists in traditional costumes pose for a picture in Beijing. AFP

200 dead in tunnel at North Korean nuclear test site TOKYO―More than 200 people are feared to have died when a tunnel caved in at North Korea’s nuclear test site after its latest detonation, a Japanese news report said Tuesday.

A tunnel collapsed at Punggye-ri in early September, days after North Korea conducted its sixth and largest underground nuclear test on September 3, TV Asahi said, quoting unnamed North Korean sources.

Some 100 workers were involved in an initial collapse. Another cave-in occurred during rescue operations, leaving at least 200 people feared dead in total, the Japanese broadcaster said.

The accident was triggered by the test, TV Asahi added.

Experts have warned that the underground tests could cause the mountain to collapse and leak radiation into the atmosphere near China’s border.

The latest test-the sixth at the site since 2006―triggered landslides in the detonation area and beyond, according to satellite pictures taken the day after.

The images published by the 38 North website showed changes in the surface at Punggye-ri where the ground had been lifted into the air by the tremors. Small landslides followed the course of stream beds.

The blast caused a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, according to the US Geological Survey, followed a few minutes later by another with a magnitude of 4.1.

Japan assessed the yield from the test of what the North said was a hydrogen bomb at 120 kilotons, eight times the size of Hiroshima in 1945.

It is very unusual for North Korea to acknowledge any major accident, especially anything that involves its nuclear program.

Lee Eugene, a spokeswoman at South Korea’s unification ministry, said: “We are aware of the report but do not know anything about it.” AFP

Another actor accuses Spacey of harassment NEW YORK―A Mexican actor became the latest to accuse Kevin Spacey of sexual harassment Tuesday, predicting more such claims would emerge as Netflix suspended production of the two-time Oscar winner’s hit series “House of Cards.”

Roberto Cavazos, who acted in several plays at London’s Old Vic theater when Spacey was artistic director there from 2004 to 2015, said the Hollywood star routinely preyed on young male actors.

“It seems the only requirement was to be a male under the age of 30 for Mr Spacey to feel free to touch us,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

The accusation echoed the claim made Sunday by American actor Anthony Rapp, who said Spacey made a “sexual advance” on him at a party in 1986, when he was 14 and Spacey was 26.

Responding to the allegation―and the outraged backlash in its wake―streaming giant Netflix announced it has suspended production of the sixth season of “House of Cards,” the award-winning political drama starring Spacey.

The suspension was “until further notice, to give us time to review the current situation and to address any concerns of our cast and crew,” said Netflix and producer Media Rights Capital. AFP

The former FBI chief sent a resounding message of much more to come when he unveiled money laundering charges against Paul Manafort, Trump’s former campaign chair, and Manafort deputy Rick Gates, and a plea deal with campaign foreign policy advisor George Papadopoulos for lying about contacts with Russians.

And he also demonstrated in the plea deal with Papadopoulos that five months after taking over the investiga9.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

tion, he has enough evidence to aggressively target anyone linked to Trump, taking the air out of calls to shut down the politicallycharged probe.

That was evident in what attorney Aaron Zelinsky, a member of Mueller’s team, told the Federal District Court in Washington in the Papadopoulos case in early October.

“There’s a largescale ongoing investigation of which this case is a small part,” he said ominously.

“This is very

EXCERPTS FROM CASH FLOW ANALYSIS SHOWING RATE IMPACT IN TERMS OF RATE PER KWH 2015

ERC CASE NO. 2017-059 RC

2018

2019

54,612,000

63,287,000

67,521,000 288,982,000.00

8,172,207.28

12,056,633.15

10,941,750.60

13,758,263.67

Current year collection @ PhP0.4004/kWh at 97% collection efficiency

19.747,587.86 20,474,650.20

21,210,645,46

24,579,911.36

26,224,346.15 112,237,141.02

Loan proceeds from financial institutions, PhP

37,256,687.88 60,934,600.10

74,950,629.11

Applicant.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

50% of income on leased properties

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 15 June 2017, Surigao del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURSECO I) filed with the Commission its Application dated 8 May 2017 (Application) for approval of its Capital Expenditure program for years 2015 to 2017, with motion for provisional authority.

SURSECO I alleged the following in its Application: SURSECO I is a non-stock, non-profit electric cooperative, duly organized and existing under and by virtue of the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal offices at San Fernando, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; It holds an exclusive franchise from the National Electrification Commission, to operate an electric light and power distribution service in the City of Bislig and certain municipalities in the Province of Surigao del Sur, namely: Barobo, Tagbina, Hinatuan and Lingig; LEGAL BASES FOR THE APPLICATION

Total Cash Inflows, PhP Available cash for disbursment

Project Code S-EXP-CON S-REHAB-Dist

Project Code E-AMOXFRMR E-KWHM O-NA-KWSD O-NA-BS O-NN-AT O-NA-H Meters O-NN-FOC

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PLAN 5.

The proposed projects are discussed in detail in the cooperative’s Capital Expenditure Plan for the years 2015 to 2017 together with supporting data and justifications presented in ERCspecified templates;

6.

Financing Plan. SURSECO l’s proposed projects will be financed from funds to be acquired through loans from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Rural Electrification Financing Corporation (REFC). Presented in the table below are the CAPEX plan financiers to be pursued and the corresponding costs to be financed, to wit:

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC EVALUATION

NEA REFC TOTAL 7.

Project Cost to be financed 143,555,235.57 29,586,681.52 173,141,917.09

2016

35,992,945.76 1,263,742.12 37,256,687.88

32,611,660.70 28,322,939.40 60,934,600.10

2017 74,950,629.11 74,950,629.11

Cash Flow. SURSECO l’s cash flow shows that it can viably pursue and implement the 3-year CAPEX Plan without necessarily causing a significant increase in its electricity rates.

The table below presents its Annual CAPEX Budget, to wit: Sources of Funds

NEA/REFC CAPEX Permit Fee Total CAPEX Plan Cost to Customers 8.

2015

2015

2016

3,784,300.00 279,425.16

2017

Total

9,973,653.38 17,586,666.82 31,344,620.21 457,009.50

562,129.72

1,298,564.38

4,063,725.16 10,430,662.88 18,148,796.54 32,643,184.58

Further, the whole capital expenditure structure of SURSECO 1 also considered previous indebtedness incurred in financing past CAPEX projects outstanding as of year 2014, such that including the amortization of said indebtedness will have the cash flow shown in the Table below, as follows:

Particulars Revenue from RFSC CAPEX Plan Amortization CAPEX Permit Fee Previous Loan Amortization Total CAPEX Plan Cost Net Cash Flow

2015 19,747,587.86 3,784,300.00 279,425.16 7,766,271.84 11,829,997.00 7,917,590.86

2016 20,474,650.20 9,973,653.38 457,009.50 6,414,177.87 16,844,840.75 3,629,809.45

2017 21,210,645.46 17,586,666.82 562,129.72 4,431,347.88 22,580,144.42 (1,369,498.96)

TOTAL 61,432,883.51 31,344,620.21 1,298,564.38 18,611,797.59 51,254,982.17 10,177,901.34

254,616.42

254,616.42

254,616.42

254,616.42

1,273,082.10

57,258,892.16 81,663,866.72

96,415,890.99

24,834,527.78

26,478,962.57 286,652,140.21

57,258,892.16 89,836,074.00 108,472,524.13

35,776,278.37

40,237,226.24 286,652,140.21

37,256,687.88 60,934,600.10

74,950,629.11

-

-

173,141,917.09

4,431,347.88

4,431,347.88

4,431,347.88

27,474,493.35

New amortization NEW CAPEX), PhP

3,784,300.00

9,973,653.38

17,586,666.82

17,586,666.82

17,586,666.82

66,517,953.86

279,425.16

ERC Permit Fee, PhP Total Cash Outflows, PhP Cash balance ending, PhP, excess/(shortfall) Excess/(shortfall) on RFSC PhP/kWh

457,009.50

562,129.72

49.086,684.88 77,779,440.85

97,530,773.53

22,018,014.70

22,018,014.70 268,432,928.67

8.172,207.28 12.056.633.15

10,941,750.60

13,758.263.67

18,219.211.53

18,219,211.53

0.2004

0.2174

0.2698

0.0630

0.1607

0.2287

-

-

1,298,564.38

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 10. SURSECO 1 respectfully repleads herein the foregoing allegations; 11. As shown in the Table on Paragraph 4 above, some of the proposed projects have schedules of commissioning which are expected to happen while the instant application is pending; 12. Furthermore unforeseen situations or occurrences may arise which might necessitate the immediate implementation of any of the proposed projects; 13. In view thereof, SURSECO 1 respectfully moves for issuance of a provisional authority while the instant application is pending, to implement any of the proposed projects as it becomes necessary and urgent under specific circumstances, to enable the cooperative to deliver a safe, more reliable and efficient electric service to its consumers;

Uprating/Upgrading of Tabon Substation from 5 to 10 MVA Rehabilitation of M1 San Fernando Substation 7,480,000.00 2016 Total 28,322,939.40 PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION LINE PROJECTS Project Cost Year of Project Title (PhP) Implementation Expansion of Primary and Secondary Lines 5,076,683.00 2015-2017 Rehabilitation of Distribution Lines 14,391.383.74 2015-2017 Total 19,468,066.74 PROPOSED OTHER NETWORK RELATED PROJECTS Project Cost Year of Project Title (PhP) Implementation Replacement of Defective and Overloaded 12,040,606.41 2015-2017 Transformer Replacement of Old and Defective kWh Meters 9,259,743.79 2015-2017 Procurement of kWh Meters and Service Drop 13,559,255.71 2015-2017 Contingency/Buffer Stock 6,886,511.14 2015 & 2017 Procurement of Special Equipment and Tools 1,263,742.12 2015-2017 for Comprehensive Analysis Procurement of High-End kWh Meters 1,428,840.00 2017

Fiber Optic Cabling 51,382,939.64 2015-2017 Total 95,821,638.81 PROPOSED NON-NETWORK RELATED PROJECTS Project Cost Year of Project Code Project Title (PhP) Implementation O-NN-INF Infrastructure Development 9,500,000.00 2017 O-NN-LOGIS Logistics and Support 17,306,400.00 2017 O-NA-MOBIL Moibile Power Station 341,472.14 2017 O-NN-GIS Establishment of Geographical Information 2,381,400.00 2017 System Based Map Total 29,529,272.14 GRAND TOTAL 173,141,917.09

173,141,917.09

6.414,177.87

Project Cost Year of (PhP) Implementation 20,842,939.40 2016

Project Title

Source of Funds

-

7,766,271.84

The proposed CAPEX Projects subject of the instant application are summarized hereunder, as follows:

C-SANFER-SS

TOTAL

Old debt (old amortization)

THE PROPOSED PROJECTS

C-TAB-SS

2016

CASH OUTFLOWS

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9136, ERC Resolution No. 26, Series of 2009 and other pertinent laws and rules, the instant application is being filed for the Honorable Commission’s consideration and approval of SURSECO l’s proposed Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Program for Years 2015 to 2017;

Project Code

254,616.42

CAPEX requirement

THE APPLICANT

4.

50,845,000

CASH INFLOWS

x----------------------------------------------------------------x

3.

2017

52,717,000

Forecasted energy sales, kWh Cash balance beginning, PhP, excess/(shortfall)

SURIGAO DEL SUR I ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (SURSECO I),

2.

was the shiny object that was distracting everybody. Papadopoulos was the critical piece of the story yesterday.”

The case against Papadopoulos, 29 and unknown until March 2016, when he was named a Trump campaign foreign policy advisor, hinges on many communications he had from London with the campaign headquarters.

They show him discussing with several senior campaign officials arrangements for meeting Russian officials, obtaining “dirt” on Trump rival Hillary Clinton, and potentially arranging a Trump meeting with Russians.

The evidence showed little of the campaign’s response to Papadopoulos and masked the names of those with whom he communicated. AFP

Rate Impact. The CAPEX Plan is envisioned to have the least rate impact focusing on a capital expenditure plan that will bring the most value to SURSECO l’s customers at the most reasonable and justifiable electricity rate or at the least cost of service. Presented in the Table below is the annual rate impact of the CAPEX Plan on SURSECO l’s RFSC, to wit:

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAM FOR YEARS 2015 TO 2017, WITH MOTION FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

1.

much just the beginning,” said Washington attorney Bradley Moss, a specialist in national security cases.

Mueller, who has not been heard from since taking over the Russia probe as independent counsel five months ago, opened his case with blockbuster charges Monday against Manafort, the veteran Republican campaign strategist, and business partner and campaign associate Rick Gates.

Both were both charged with money laundering, hiding offshore bank accounts and related crimes in relation to millions they earned working for former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych.

While he looms large in the Trump campaign story, said Moss, “Manafort

SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTARY AND PRE-FILING REQUIREMENTS 14. Finally in compliance with the documentary as well as pre- filing requirements for the instant application, applicant is submitting herewith the following documents which are being made integral parts hereof, to wit: Annex Markings A

that:

Nature of Document Capital Expenditure Plan for 2015 to 2017

B to B-1

Affidavit of Posting of Notice to Consumers, with the Notice to Consumers

C

Affidavit of Undertaking that the corresponding application for approval of concerned agencies shall be filed, when required

D

Judicial Affidavit in Support of the Motion for Provisional Authority

E to E-1

Proof of furnishing of copies of the Application to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bislig City and Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Sur

F to F-2

Publication of the Application in a newspaper of general circulation within SURSECO l’s franchise area or where it principally operates, with Affidavit of Publication PRAYER

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission 1.

upon initial review and pending evaluation of the instant Application, SURSECO 1 be allowed provisional authority to implement the proposed projects as may be deemed necessary and urgent under specific circumstances; and

2,

after due notice and hearing, SURSECO l’s proposed Capital Expenditure Program for Years 2015 to 2017 be approved accordingly,

Other reliefs, just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 23 November 2017 (Thursday) at nine o’clock in the morning (9:00 A.M.), at SURSECO l’s Principal Office, San Fernando, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: i.

The petitioner’s name and address;

ii.

The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding and the way and manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and

iii.

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicant rests its case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure. No particular form of Opposition or Comment is required, but the document, letter, or writing should contain the following: 1)

The name and address of such person;

2)

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3)

The grounds relied upon.

All such persons who wish to have a copy of the Application may request from Applicant that they be furnished with the same, prior to the date of the initial hearing. Applicant is hereby directed to furnish all those making such request with copies of the Application and its attachments, subject to the reimbursement of reasonable photocopying costs. Any such person may likewise examine the Application and other pertinent records filed with the Commission during the standard office hours.

WITNESS, the Officer-In-Charge (OIC), Chairman and CEO ALFREDO J. NON, and the Honorable Commissioners GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 20th day of September 2017 at Pasig City.

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal Service M. Standard – Nov. 2 & 9, 2017

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

B4

Thursday, november 2, 2017

No mountain high enough for school-in-a-bag

LGUs LocaL government units

Volunteer mountaineers from the PLDT Mountaineering and Outdoors Club Inc. and the Smart Mountaineers Club deliver the Smart School-in-a-Bag, donated by the PLDT Employees Credit Cooperative Inc., to the students of Lanipew Barrio School in Kibungan, Benguet (inset).

Traders support Lantern Festival

By Romeo Dizon SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga—This city has launched an innovative way to enjoy the coming Christmas season and to attract more tourists to the 109th Giant Lantern Festival.

The innovation includes the dressing-up of all business establishments holiday-style from Nov. 6 to the end of the year as part of the festival’s annual celebration.

Businesses that are to decorate their establishments are those along Jose Abad Santos Avenue, MacArthur Highway, Lazatin Boulevard, and other major thoroughfares of the city.

This was contained in an executive order issued

by Mayor Edwin D. Santiago last month under the First Inter-Commercial Establishment Christmas Decor Competition.

Ferdinand Caylao, chairperson of the competition, said all business establishments along the major roads of the city are enjoined to display their respective Christmas décor, like lanterns, prominently starting Nov. 6 up to Dec. 31.

Caylao said the establishments may choose their own designs that symbolize or connote their products, like banks, restaurants, car dealers, hospitals, manufacturers, traders, bottling companies, and others.

But Santiago stressed the Christmas decor must be produced and handcrafted by Fernandinos to boost the city’s lantern industry, which is becoming a sustainable livelihood of the city’s people for local and foreign markets.

AS THE sun was setting on the mountains of Benguet province, the first few climbers from a group of 41 employees from PLDT and Smart Communications started the assault. The steep final leg of the six-hour trek would end in Sitio Lanipew, in the remote and off-grid mountaintop municipality of Kibungan.

The climbers struggled through the difficult ascent, made more challenging by the occasional rain showers and the disappearing light, all the while mindful of the items they were lugging on their backs— assorted gadgets that would bring digital learning to the students of Lanipew Barrio School.

Waiting for them at the school were students, teachers, parents and other members of the community, who would receive the Smart School-in-a-Bag, donated by the PLDT Employees Credit Cooperative Inc. with the support of the PLDT Mountaineering and Outdoors Club Inc. and the Smart Mountaineers Club.

The oversize bag contains a laptop preloaded with K-12 content, mobile phone, LED TV, solar panels, Smart Bro Pocket Wi-Fi units, and five tablets loaded with a literacy app and the “Maging Laging Handa” series of disaster preparedness videos.

The climbers began their journey after clocking out at the end of a workweek.

They had spent the night on the road to Baguio City, then gone on a five-hour, winding jeepney ride to Barangay Amilongan on the boundary of Ilocos Sur and Benguet.

Erap frowns on alms

By Bill Casas

A

S CHRISTMAS nears, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Wednesday cautioned the public against giving money to street children, saying most of them use it to buy drugs and addictive inhalants such as contact cement or “rugby.”

Estrada noted this is the time hundreds of homeless children, including Christmas carolers, start to frequent the city streets asking for alms and “aginaldo” or Christmas gifts from motorists and pedestrians.

“Giving money won’t help them. Instead of buy-

ing food, they would buy drugs, so let’s refrain from giving them cash,” he said.

Citing recent government reports, Estrada said the number of street dwellers, both adults and minors, using shabu, marijuana, and other illegal drugs has gone down since the start

of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term last year.

However, the prevalence of street children addicted to solvents such as rugby, cough syrups, glue, acetone, gasoline, and paint thinner, which can easily be bought over the counter, remains high, the mayor said.

“This is a hidden epidemic that we should address. Drug use among street children poses serious threats to both their health and their chances for reintegration into society,” Estrada pointed out.

The Reception and Action Center of the Manila Department of Social Welfare said a

big number of street children they rescued in the past are substance abusers.

“The children using rugby, the ones we call ‘rugby boys’, are getting younger and younger,” noted RAC officerin-charge Laura Clemente.

In their street dweller rescue operations in 2016, Clemente reported RAC rescued about 5,500 vagrants, both minors and adults.

From January to September 2017, more than 4,000 have been taken off the streets, 49 percent of whom were minors.

Another serious health issue affecting street children is sexually transmitted dis-

eases, Clemente divulged.

She said they recently rescued five boys found to have STDs, and a teenage girl who got impregnated by a teenage partner.

The young boys with STDs were “contracted” by homosexual men for sexual services for only P100, Clemente said.

“Five boys are reported to have STDs. One boy was not even circumcised yet.

We reported this to the police and the authorities are now trying to find these men who used the boys.

The root cause must be cut,” Clemente said.

The rescued street peo-

HALLOWEEN SPIRIT.

Mayor Gila Garcia of Dinalupihan, Bataan (left) and Municipal Administrator Rolly Rojas appear as Wednesday and Gomez Addams of the Addams Family movie during the Trick or Treat for children in the town’s annual Halloween party at the Bahay ni Impo, Butch Gunio

2nd batch of ‘Carrots’ rehab patients in Caloocan graduate THE second batch of drug rehabilitation patients of CARROTS, or the Community Assisted Rehabilitation and Recovery of Outpatient Training System, has graduated from the program run by the Ca-

RABIES AWARD. Tanauan City Mayor

Antonio C. Halili (7th from left) joins Vice Mayor Jhoanna C. Corona (8th from left), city councilors (from left) Angel Atienza, Joseph Castillo, Gileen Canobas, Jhon Magpantay, Ben Corona, Jun Goguanco, Eric Manglo, and City Administrator Junjun Trinidad (4th from right) in representing the City Health Office and City Veterinarian’s Office as they receive the award for the ‘Best City in Vaccination Coverage’ for the World Rabies Vaccinations Day 2017. Roy Tomandao

loocan Anti-Drug Abuse Council in partnership with the city’s churches.

Caloocan Mayor Oca Malapitan welcomed 107 trainees who graduated from the three “pods” or shelters of illegal drug surrenderers—Our Lady of

Lourdes in Camarin, Our Lady of Lujan in Bagong Barrio, and San Roque Parish on A. Mabini Avenue.

Caloocan Bishop Pablo David, Vice Mayor Maca Asistio, Caloocan City Police Commander Senior Supt. Jemar Modequillo,

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s Joshua Arquero, former Commission on Human Rights chairperson Etta Rosales, barangay chairmen and families of graduates attended the rites.

“Their [trainees’] regen-

eration has not yet ended. In Caloocan, after their graduation, there are still 10 months to two years of aftercare services to ensure family support and their well-being, to ensure no returning to their destructive habits,” Malapitan said. Jun David

ple are turned over to the city-run Manila Boystown Complex in Marikina City for temporary safekeeping, where the children will be enrolled in the Fugoso Integrated School that offers Alternative Learning System for free, said MDSW chief Nanet Tanyag.

At both facilities, Tanyag said, the street dwellers have decent shelters, clothes, foods, medicines, and proper healthcare. The adults undergo development activities such as skills and livelihood trainings and basic business management courses.

1,084 in Marawi trained

by Tesda SOME 1,084 internally displaced persons or IDPs in Marawi City have received skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Tesda director general Guiling Mamondiong said the training will give the IDPs a new lease on life following the war in Marawi, which was finally liberated from terrorists last week.

Their new skills are expected to open new opportunities for the IDPs when they find jobs here and abroad, Mamondiong said.

He expects an increase in the number of students who wanted to enroll under the Tesda scholarship program after the Marawi siege.

The Tesda chief encouraged the people of Marawi who want to avail of the scholarship to visit the nearest agency office or check its official website www.tesda.gov.ph for information.

Of 1,084 IDPs, 1,002 completed courses such as cake making (leading to bread and pastry production); dressmaking; massage therapy; carpentry; preparing and cooking hot meals (leading to Cookery NC II); pastry making; silk screen printing of T-shirts; preparing poultry and vegetable dishes (leading to Cookery NC II); and AgriCrops production NC II. Jun David

C

Life

Ole HAAn, the iconic American lifestyle footwear and accessories brand and retailer, is delighted to announce its fall 2017 extraordinary Women, extraordinary Stories campaign featuring fashion icons Christy Turlington Burns and Karlie Kloss, lensed by acclaimed photographer Cass Bird.

Showcasing these extraordinary women and laced with the narrative of the unique relationship between Burns and Kloss, the campaign features candid video vignettes, intimate and editorial photographs, and classically cool styling by Karla Welch. extraordinary Women, extraordinary Stories explores the meaningful relationship between Christy and Karlie, bound by a shared desire for purposeful change. each has been inspired to channel the success of their modeling careers to work towards positively impacting women’s lives through their respective initiatives: Kode with Klossy, empowering young women and girls to learn to code as well as become leaders in tech and, every Mother Counts, providing support to mothers around the world with access to essential maternity care. through a rare photo essay and video shorts, Bird captures intimate anecdotes and life lessons shared between Kloss and Burns as they aspire to do more, place passion with purpose, and embody the extraordinary. “When someone is extraordinary,” says Karlie, “they are being genuine to their unique passions and chasing their dreams.”

Christy notes, “What any of us do on any daily basis is very ordinary, very routine. extraordinary is really born from being your best possible self in any of those given moments.”

David Maddocks, chief marketing officer and general manager of Business development concurred, “Cole Haan is a rare leader among fashion and lifestyle companies in that we continuously seek to invent or reinvent footwear and accessories through beautiful design, research-based engineering, and with a thoughtful eye to style. for the launch of Cole Haan Collection and the release of the newest silhouettes in our Grand Series of products, we sought two equally rare individuals.

What makes Karlie and Christy beautiful isn’t what they project on camera; it’s what they choose to do off camera. living extraordinary lives filled with purpose is something everyone can aspire to have in common with them.”

In addition to Cole Haan Collection, Kloss is featured in the Grandevølution Modern Monk, which is designed with dual density Grand.ØS foam for ultimate cushioning and energy return within a sleek, modern silhouette. Performance and tradition are integrated in the footwear, offering supreme comfort without sacrificing style. the Grandevølution collection starts at P11, 900 and is available on www.ColeHaan. com and in all Philippine stores.

shopping

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com thuRsday, noVemBeR 2, 2017

c1

Extraordinary

women, stories

Cole Haan has stores at Ayala Malls The 30th, Glorietta Mall, Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Center, Shangri La Plaza, Conrad Manila, SM San Lazaro, Ayala Center Cebu.

EMPOWERED. Fashion icons Karlie Kloss

and Christy Turlington Burns are featured in Cole Haan’s Fall 2017 campaign

Christmas with Crate & Barrel

It defInItely seemed like #ChristmaswithCratePH when the global retailer recently welcomed the holidays at SM Makati. the sights and sounds of Christmas were everywhere as the store was decked in holiday style, and music added to the season’s cheer. In preparation for the holidays, Michelle Aventajado and Sabrina Go of Mother’sWhoBrunch shared with the guests how to make delectable and mouthwatering holiday treats like Potluck Phyllo Cups with Bacon Mushroom and tomato Chorizo, Holiday Poutine and Chicken & Grape Salad which the guests had a taste of afterwards with hot chocolate.

More than that, it announced great gift ideas and a series of promotions and

freebies that can boost everyone’s holiday spirit. A minimum spend of P8,000 at Crate & Barrel until dec. 31 entitles shoppers to gifts that inspire the spirit of giving. these include entertaining essentials, such as porcelain condiment spoons, wine glass writers and cocktail glasses amongst others.

“Christmas is one of the most highly anticipated times of the year at Crate and Barrel, and we’re excited to treat our customers to a delightful shopping experience,” says Jane Dee, brand marketing head. “Our lineup of the season’s best gifts will truly be a great addition to a festive holiday celebration.”

Make Crate & Barrel your one-stop destination for the holidays, whether

you’re ticking off items on your own wish list or buying gifts for loved ones. there are entertaining essentials, an amazing selection of home and decorative items for gifting and specially curated Christmas hampers that starts from P2,000 and up. Crate & Barrel’s unique items, offered alongside the most desired merchandise from top international brands, set it apart as the only place you need to shop this holiday season. follow @crateandbarrelph or check out #ChristmaswithCratePH for gift ideas and inspiration on preparing the perfect holiday feast.

Share your #ChristmaswithCratePH experience and get the chance to win more gifts when you tag the store on Instagram.

The Polo Bar in Lacoste’s Standard Premium concept store

LaCoste’s

Standard Premium concept store

Michelle Aventajado of Mother’s Who Brunch shares how to make Potluck Phyllocups with Bacon Mushroom and Tomato Chorizo among other holiday eats perfect for the coming Christmas at the launch of #ChristmaswithCratePH.

This Crate&Barrel Christmas Hamper worth P8,000 includes Gala Double Old Fashioned Glass, Cocktail Mixing Glass, Bar Spoon with Muddler, Multi Glass Swizzle Sticks and a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

lACOSte has finally unveiled its latest store concept in trinoma. the newly renovated boutique was transformed into the first Standard Premium concept store in the Philippines, aiming to elevate a stronger brand identity that vividly portrays its dnA and rich heritage.

As it consistently embodies the global store design, customers will experience french elegance, that’s definitely très chic! the current collection is meticulously displayed against a backdrop that combines dark wood, steel furniture, stone-finished walls, and clean archi-

tectural lines—exuding that joie de vivre, reminiscent of lacoste. lacoste in trinoma has been the top store since it opened in 2007. It is located on the third level of the Quezon City mall.

It occupies more than 200 square meters of prime retail space and offers a complete range of products: apparel, leather goods, fragrances, footwear, eyewear, watches, and underwear. Undeniably, lacoste is a premium casualwear and lifestyle brand loved by most filipinos.

Lacoste Accessories is located at Gateway Mall and Glorietta 4.

Life

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thursday, november 2, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

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IVING in the city can be quite a challenge.

Besides the worsening pollution, urbanites need to conquer the long commute and heavy traffic on a daily basis.

Outsmart the city life

Outsmart all the challenges of city life with Urbanize bags, perfect for different kinds of city dwellers—the busy young professional, the urban commuter, the city adventurer or the active one. Urbanize continues to curate brands from across the globe to bring innovative solutions and products that enable city dwellers to remain urban brave no matter how tough challenges in the city are.

Urbanize’s U-Grind Collection merges comfort and convenience. The bags in this collection are designed to enable urbanites to efficiently organize their daily essentials without compromising style, keeping them all the more ready for the tough day ahead.

The U-Active Collection, meanwhile, complements the active urbanites. UActive bags are designed to match an active lifestyle, allowing for better and more storage space while being durable and on the go.

Backpack for urban professionals

For the young professional who’s always on the go and the urban commuter who needs to hop from one meeting to another, the U-Grind Daily Backpack is the perfect partner.

Secure gadgets with the backpack’s dedicated compartments for 14- to 16inch laptops and 6- to 7-inch tablets.

Pocket organizers are also built in for accessories, clothes and other essentials.

The U-Grind Daily Backpack, which comes in black, blue, and brown variants, is made of nylon for durability. It features a padded back support for a more comfortable use.

Easy-carry, stylish commuter bag

Today’s busy millennials need a bag that can fit all their needs while still being trendy and modern. Compact yet stylish, the U-Grind Commuter Shoulder Bag allows urbanites to move more freely without worrying about leaving or losing anything.

The bag is also ideal for urban travel adventurers who enjoy exploring one city to the next. With its easy-to-carry

Urbanize’s U-Active backpack has several pockets and ample storage, while the U-Grind sling bag features easy-to-access design

design, the bag is also perfect for a day’s trip to the park or mall.

Stay connected, check emails or get updated on social media happenings even while outside. The U-Grind Commuter Shoulder Bag secures 6- to 7-inch tablets with its dedicated compartment.

A front zip pocket ensures easy access to small essentials and accessories.

The bag to match an active lifestyle time and need to bring a lot of stuff. It social media friends and access to Designed to provide increased functionality, the U-Active Collection is the ideal workout companion for busy, sporty urbanites.

This bag features various pockets for greater storage space and organization, perfect for urban professionals who want to squeeze in some gym

also has side zippers for easy access to workout essentials.

For gym enthusiasts who need to stay fashionable for an evening date or meeting, the bag’s shoe organizer is an added bonus. The dedicated compartment for 14- to 16-inch laptops ensures always-on connection with

email to stay updated with work.

Get these bags at all Urbanize outlets in U.P. Town Center, Gateway, ShangriLa, The 30th, Glorietta 3, Uptown BGC, Venice Grand Canal, Kiss & Fly NAIA Terminal 3, Alabang Town Center, The District-Imus, and Solenad and Serin.

How to chart and achieve your ambitions at an early age

Children participating in activities that stimulate mental and creative skills

Scott’s launches chewable DHA Gummies for little explorers SCOTT’S DHA Gummies is a rich source of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), an essential fatty acid for healthy brain development, and normal brain growth in children. Available in delicious orange and strawberry flavors, Scott’s DHA Gummies provides 15 percent of the recommended intake of DHA+ePA per daily serving of three gummies, based on the guidelines from WHO and FAO. Scott’s DHA Gummies helps moms give their child the right foundations to flourish and build their future. DHA is an important building block of the brain, and a well-functioning brain supports a child’s cognitive abilities such as learning, attention, memory, and problem solving. With each gummy microencapsulated with a patented technology that locks in the goodness of fish oil without the unpleasant taste and smell, moms would have an easy time giving their kids Scott’s DHA Gummies every day.

“By the age of six, a child’s brain by weight is already 90 percent developed.

It is therefore crucial for children dur-

ing their early years to take DHA to help with their brain development,” said Jon Derrick Lee, country head for Skin Health and Nutrition, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines. “But we understand that some moms might find it difficult for their growing child to drink milk, or struggle to eat DHArich foods such as fish. Scott’s DHA Gummies is a perfect supplement to a child’s diet to ensure he gets DHA in a convenient and yummy format.”

Scott’s recently launched its new DHA Gummies through a two-day mall event at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. Kids and their moms explored the ocean aboard the Scott’s KidDiscovery Submarine and found out how DHA helps support brain development through an underwater adventure. Kids were able to participate in activities that stimulate mental and creative skills.

More information on Scott’s DHA Gummies can be found at www.scottskids.com/ph. Scott’s DHA Gummies is available in Mercury Drug, Watson’s and leading supermarkets nationwide.

We All have dreams and ambitions in life. Some have more modest aspirations; others dream bigger and aim higher. But one thing’s for sure, it’s never too early to start planning—and preparing—to achieve your goals, no matter how big or small they are.

Two young and very successful individuals know this to be true: Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, founder of social enterprise Rags2Riches, and Gian Javelona, CeO of Orange Apps, participated recently in a panel discussion organized

by AXA Philippines, the leading global insurer. The two entrepreneurs shared their own personal stories of success and achievement, the paths they took to get to where they are right now.

“Don’t underestimate the little things,” says Ruiz, who started as an assistant to her missionary mom. It also pays, she says, to have faith and endurance to be able to face the challenges that are sure to come. “You really have to plan and invest for the long term.” even before she founded Rags2Riches

Reese Fernandez-Ruiz and Gian Javelona

some nine years ago, Ruiz knew she wanted to provide opportunities for others, “to make an impact in the country and world.”

Javelona wanted to build something useful and to prove that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. ”I really wanted to give hope and provide jobs,” he says of his company OrangeApps, a mobile app for schools. At the same time, he wondered why there isn’t a tech company in the Philippines. He set out to fill the void.

Both Ruiz and Javelona, whose experiences provide valuable lessons to aspiring entrepreneurs, believe that “you don’t put your eggs in one basket,” or you don’t spend all your money in one go and in one place, and that “the sooner you start, the faster you learn.”

AXA’s MyAmbition, an affordable investment and life insurance plan that’s the first in the country to be made available online, will help budding entrepreneurs put Ruiz and Javelona’s insights on how to achieve goals early into actual practice. MyAmbition is a single-pay life insurance plan that also lets you grow your money by investing in a fund suited for you, whether you are a conservative investor, have a moderate appetite for risk, or is more aggressive. What’s more, you also get life insurance coverage of 125 percent of the single premium or the Account Value, whichever is higher. All these benefits can be enjoyed with just a few clicks through a simple and convenient online application.

iphoto

Outstanding Kasambahays JCI Senate Philippines with Palawan Express Pera Padala recently presented 10 model household helpers who won this year’s Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards in a colorful vaudeville-themed awards ceremony at the BF Resort Village tennis club in Las Piñas.

In photo are Melissa Agnes Lauresta Palawan area manager, and (front row, eighth from left) Dionisia Pacquiao, Palawan endorser, with 2017 winners (front row, second from left) Mila Gamboa of Tarlac; Joseph Bayona, Valenzuela; Esteban Amar, Quezon City; Teresita Alatan, Zamboanga City; Ernestina Rosales, Cebu City; and Lily Primavera, Makati City; Wilma Semira, Batangas; Zosima Jumuad, Paranaque, and siblings Teresita and Maria Tardesilla, both from Manila. Beaming with pride (back row) Benjie Paras, Palawan endorser, and son Andrei, Palawan CEO Bobby L. Castro, JCI National President Juanito “Dodong” Sia, Palawan Chairman Angelita M. Castro, JCI Senator and 2017 search Chairman Micael Cornelio L. Pacia.

Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards, now on its second year, is an annual search for outstanding local household helpers who have demonstrated uncommon loyalty and dedication to their vocation.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

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IND yourself having excess data from your monthly plan? How about needing more for your usual mobile binging? Or would you just want to find out which mobile data plan is perfect for you? Let power couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico take you through Globe Data Drills, the latest video series showing how easy it is to make the most out of your mobile data plan.

Data Drills is a multi-part video series tackling the most common concerns on data usage, including finding the right data plan, what to do with leftover data with Data Rollover, or how to get additional data allocation with AddSURF - all fueled by the charm and humor of the #Sosbolz couple.

Globe SVP for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira shares her excitement to partner with Solenn and Nico for the data education campaign. “We always want to make sure our

customers understand their data needs better, and know how to make the most of it, in an easy-to-understand and entertaining way. This is why we collaborated with Solenn and Nico to bring Data Drills,” says Cabreira. “Their natural chemistry as a couple and their funny antics make it all the more fun to watch and learn from,” Cabreira said.

To catch all Data Drills videos, visit globe.com.ph/ DataDrills or watch them on YouTube.com/globeph.

SOLENN HEUSSAFF, NICO BOLZICO

take on data usage education

‘Lion King’ tickets on sale tomorrow MICHAEL Cassel Group in association with Disney Theatrical Productions confirmed that tickets to the Manila premiere of the world’s no.1 musical, Disney’s The Lion King, will be on sale to the general public starting tomorrow.

The production is also proud to officially introduce the sponsoring presenters of the Manila season – Globe and Visa.

After bringing a multitude of worldclass musicals to the Philippines, Globe Telecom is honored to announce they will be an instrumental part of the upcoming presentation of the world’s number one musical, Disney’s The Lion King, to Filipino audiences. Senior Advisor for Globe Telecom’s Creative Marketing and Multimedia Business and the company’s live productions arm, Globe LIVE, Joe Caliro, said that the company is committed to having Filipinos experience the best first-class productions and international

phenomena, such as The Lion King. “We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration and are looking forward to connecting our customers to this iconic global smash hit,” Caliro said. “This is one production that should not be missed,” he added “We are privileged to sponsor and support Manila’s first staging of Disney’s The Lion King, which is the most successful single piece of entertainment of all time.

Through this partnership, our cardholders will now be able to enjoy early access to tickets when they purchase using their Visa cards. As part of the Epic Experiences by Visa platform we will continue to bring cardholders more unique and meaningful experiences in dining, travel, retail and entertainment in the Philippines,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country manager for Philippines and Guam.

To celebrate this announcement, Globe platinum, Globe postpaid customers and

Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to The Lion King before the general public whilst also enjoying 10 percent off tickets. This special priority booking offer is only for a limited time, until today only.

They can do online booking through www. ticketworld.com or visit any Ticketworld branches.

A talented international cast will star in the landmark musical event which begins performances in Manila at The Theatre at Solaire on March 18. The Manila premiere is presented by Concertus Manila.

Earlier this month, the full cast for the international tour was announced. The principal cast includes Ntsepa Pitjeng who is returning to the role of Rafiki, having performed the role in the USA, UK, Brazil, and Switzerland productions. Direct from London’s West End production is Mthokozisi Emkay Khanyile in the role

of Mufasa. Also from the United Kingdom is music theatre performer Antony Lawrence as Scar.

Australian actor Andre Jewson will play Zazu; the charismatic New Zealand born performer Jamie McGregor will play Timon and South African favorite Pierre Van Heerden will return as Pumbaa.

Joining the company are six actors from the Philippines. Sharing the role of Young Simba will be Julien Joshua Dolor, Pablo Palacpac and Juan Gabriel Tiongson; sharing the role of Young Nala will be Sheena Bentoy, Uma Martin and Felicity Napuli.

Rounding out the principal cast are South African performers Calvyn Grandling, playing the much-loved role of Simba, the upand-coming star Noxolo Dlamini as ‘Nala’, Candida Mosoma who returns to the role of Shenzi, Bjorn Blignaut as Banzai and Mark Tatham as Ed.

SGIFFL opens with ‘Angels Wear White’ THE modern-day noir, Angels Wear White, by Chinese directorproducer, Vivian Qu, will open the 28th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) on Nov. 23 at the Marina Bay Sands.

The thriller has been nominated for three awards at the 54th Golden Horse Awards, including Best Feature Film, Best Director and Best Leading Actress. It was also the sole Chinese entry in competition at the 74th Venice International Film Festival.

Vivian Qu’s second directorial feature sketches a portrait of female A scene from the Chinese crime drama "Angels Wear White" objectification and corruption in modern-day China. The Chinese- experiences physical and cinema. Her latest feature film, French collaboration whisks psychological abuse from her Angels Wear White, showcases her viewers to a small seaside town, mother in light of the humiliating prolific cinematic style in telling a where two schoolgirls, Wen (Zhou incident, echoing the film’s hard-hitting story of the society’s Meijun) and Xinxin (Jiang Xinyue) portrayal of the prejudice against marginalized through the camera are assaulted by Liu, a middle-aged women in today’s society. The lens and brings to fore a rare high-ranking district commissioner suspenseful and intense thriller female perspective towards the in a motel. Mia, a motel receptionist unveils the masks shrouding the state of oppression. The selection (Vicky Chen), nominee for the Best once-peaceful southern coastal of the opening film for this year’s Leading Actress at the 54th Golden town, as the audience is drawn to Festival reaffirms our commitment Horse Awards) is the sole witness to question the difficult choices that to championing film talents the incident but keeps mum for fear the characters, who are trapped in and cinema of the region, and of losing her job. a world that offers them no safety, showcases the promising future of What ensues is an uphill battle have to make.

Asian cinema.” against the ills of society when Executive Director of SGIFF, Angels Wear White is Vivian Attorney Hao’s (Shi Ke) efforts Yuni Hadi, said, “Vivian Qu has Qu’s second foray into a featureto press charges against Liu seem made a name for herself as one length film after her directorial futile in the face of the perpetrator’s of the few female filmmakers and debut, Trap Street, which premiered collusion with the police. producers in China and has been to critical acclaim at the 70th Venice One of the victims also a strong advocate for independent International Film Festival in 2013.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, November 2, 2017

ACROSS 1 Rough-cut 5 Went away 9 Take suddenly 13 Gigi’s friend 14 A Guthrie 15 Derrick 16 Strait-laced 18 Shade-loving plant 19 Antlered animal 20 Torso muscles 21 Hidden away 22 Fitted one within another 24 Kitchen utensil 26 Unwrinkle 28 Daunt 32 Terra — 35 Bigfoot’s kin 37 Domed tent 38 Festive night 39 Quiet 42 Uproar 43 Zest 45 Boulder’s st.

46 Curly-tailed dog 48 Firedog 50 Install electricity 52 Hair tint 54 Chips and dips 58 Owned apartments 61 Come in second

63 Narrow inlet 64 Full-grown 65 Silliness 67 Enjoys 68 Lawn pest 69 Singing brothers 70 Look after the hens 71 Double dates 72 Mexican dollar DOWN 1 Safe harbor 2 Novelist — Zola 3 Lantern parts 4 After expenses 5 Rio Grande town 6 Clapton of Cream 7 Flattened bottle 8 Coal measure 9 Food supplier 10 Unduly hasty 11 Before 12 Form droplets 15 Make sore by rubbing 17 Wagner works 21 Municipal 23 Cratchit boy 25 Later! (2 wds.)

27 Synthetic fabrics 29 Imported car 30 Court summons

31 Still-active volcano 32 Greek-salad cheese 33 Film director — Reitman 34 Separate violently 36 Scaleless fish 40 Click-on items 41 Job holder 44 Encircled 47 Green parrot 49 Very funny

people Debate subjects Macaroni type Illegal act High fliers Right to decide (hyph.)

58 Farm animal 59 Comic-strip dog 60 Microwave 62 Ibsen’s home 65 Lb. or tsp.

66 Drop bait on water 51 53 55 56 57

It was also awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Boston Independent Film Festival, the Dragons and Tigers Award - Special Mention at the Vancouver International Film Festival and was screened in Singapore’s Italian Film Festival – Special Venice Edition in 2014.

Vivian has also produced a series of critically acclaimed Chinese independent films including Black Coal, Thin Ice, which won the Golden Bear at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.

Sharing on the selection of her sophomore feature to open the Festival in Singapore and its Southeast Asian premiere, Vivian Qu said, “I am honored and excited to present Angels Wear White on my first visit to Singapore! I hope the film finds resonance with the audience.”

The 28th SGIFF, which runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 3, will take place across various venues, including Marina Bay Sands, Shaw Theatres Lido, National Museum of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore, The Arts House, Filmgarde Bugis+, Objectifs and SCAPE. The SGIFF is an event of the Singapore Media Festival, hosted by Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA).

Search for documentaries TAIWAN International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is looking for documentaries that are most creative, closely connected to social and human interests, and have unique points of view.

The 11th TIDF will take place on May 4 to 13, 2018. Three major competitions with 11 awards and more than $70,000 total cash-prize await. The entry deadline is Dec. 8.

Filmmakers are encouraged to submit documentaries completed after Dec. 1, 2015.

All forms and lengths are welcome. No entry fee. A Taiwan Premiere is required, except for Taiwan films.

Founded in 1998, Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF) is one of the major professional platforms for documentary in Asia. It encourages cross-border films and those filmmakers challenging the aesthetics of documentary filmmaking. TIDF is a biennial event, which takes place in May every other year.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017

A

FTER the announcement of GMA’s upcoming primetime series with Rhian Ramos, Max Collins, and Lovi Poe, netizens have been wondering who will play the man the three actresses had maintained a relationship at one time or another.

Finally, GMA Network proudly announced that Dennis Trillo will play Liam, the exboyfriend of Zoe (Rhian), Darcy (Max) and Alex (Lovi).

Dennis’s resumé is exceptionally impressive and his stature continues to be formidable every year. He has starred in a myriad of films and TV series and portrayed challenging and offbeat roles.

He returned as Gabriel in the sequel of Mulawin vs Ravena and was commended for his role as the happy-go-lucky playboy in the hit primetime series Juan Happy Love Story opposite Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista.

Last year, he was the first Filipino to receive the Asian Star Prize at the 11th Seoul International Drama Awards for his role as Emman in the primetime series My Faithful Husband.

Dennis played an even more unforgettable character in the ground-breaking primetime soap My Husband’s Lover. The Kapuso Drama King received the Highly Commended Award for the Best Actor in a Leading Role category at the 19th Asian TV Awards for his portrayal of a homosexual in the highly publicized teleserye.

He bagged the Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series award at the 2011 Golden Screen TV Awards for his role as Raul in the afternoon drama Sinner or Saint.

Dennis also starred in Hiram Na Alaala, Temptation of Wife, Biritera, Endless Love, Gumapang Ka sa Lusak among many other noteworthy performances.

On the big screen, one of his most memorable characters was portraying a transgender woman in the 2005 war film Aishite imasu 1941: Mahal Kita. His riveting performance

After the action fantasy "Mulawin vs Ravena," Dennis Trillo returns on the small screen via GMA 7's upcoming drama series, "The One That Got Away"

of Ignacio Basa was met by rave reviews from critics and fans alike and earned him a slew of awards including Best Actor at Luna Awards; Best Supporting Actor at FAMAS Awards; Best Supporting Actor at the 30th Metro Manila Film Festival; Movie Actor of the Year at PMPC Star Awards for Movies; Best Performance by Male or Female in Leading or Supporting Role at Young Critics Circle; and Breakthrough Performance by an Actor at Golden Screen Awards.

The Kapuso actor was also hailed as Best Actor at the 2016 FAMAS Awards and 32nd Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for the historical-biographical film Felix Manalo where he played the title role.

This star-studded movie also bagged two Guinness world records during its worldwide premiere at the Philippine Arena for the “largest attendance for a film screening” and the “largest attendance for a film premiere.”

He once again showcased his versatility as an actor in the comedy film Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo May Boyfriend as the closet gay Diego and in Cinemalaya 2014 box-office hit The Janitor in which he played the role of a cop-turned-vigilante tasked to execute the masterminds of a gruesome crime.

And for his upcoming primetime show on GMA 7, Dennis is going to breathe life to Liam. A smart and handsome entrepreneur, he comes from a wealthy family and lives in their ancestral house together with his nanny. He likes all things vintage and is an animal-lover.

He likes women with sense of humor, which is the common trait among his exes: Zoe, Darcy and Alex.

No less than multi-awarded and esteemed film and TV director Maryo J. Delos Reyes helms this program.

DENNIS TRILLO

is ‘The One That Got Away’ IT’S hard to pin down what we define as “Filipina beauty.” The faces gracing our billboards, TV screens, and magazines can vary greatly in looks—from their skin color to their facial features, and even their age. With different ethnicities having helped shape and diversify how Filipinos look, equally beautiful women can end up looking totally different from each other. So, what is the standard for Filipina beauty?

For the MAAT Golden Ratio Search for the Best Face of the Philippines, beauty is based on the ancient measure of the golden measure or divine proportion.

The measurement of 1.618:1 is believed to create the harmony of proportions and symmetry that our brains are hardwired to perceive as attractive in everything from nature, architecture, to people’s faces.

After an extensive search, Merz Aesthetics’ MAAT campaign has found the top 12 finalists who have the chance to be named the Best Face of the Philippines and represent the country in the ISDS convention in Bangkok, Thailand amongst other Best Faces of Asia. BEST FACES OF THE PHILIPPINES. (From left) Claudine Custodio, Jessie Efenio and Via Namit are some of the finalists of MAAT Golden Ratio Search for the Best Face of Get to meet the lovely ladies who made the cut. the Philippines International property specialist Iera Trespeses Calungsod aspires to achieve her dream of becoming a model and philanthropist, and fulfill her full potential by joining the search. Redellene “Redz” Garcia works in strat pricing, and is involved in doing a variety of volunteer work, while Via Kristina Namit wants to do her mother proud by joining the search. considers the search a good opportunity to show the wants to promote awareness and understanding lupus and getting treatment. She hopes that people Jessie Lou Efenio is a business manager who world how diverse and unique our country is. Flight of mental disorders. Model and blogger Angeline see her participation in the search as an inspiration to juggles working in the family business with caring attendant and commercial model Anthea Juna Yeo believes in doing things for a purpose, and live life against all odds. for four kids. Then there’s multi-hyphenate Camille Ruiz considers the program as a great way to build hopes to inspire confidence and positivity in Which of these deserving ladies will be chosen Dominique Salvacion who lives her life aiming to character; while Nesza Isabel Salvador, a social Filipinas. Freelance interior decorator and model to represent the country at the ISDS convention in empower every person she encounters, and didn’t media analyst and model, cites self-development Claudine Carole Custodio wants people to see Bangkok, Thailand? Visit Ultherapy Philippines’ want to miss out on this chance to inspire confidence and making a positive impact as her reasons for the beauty in everything to help them keep a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ in others.

UltherapyPH/ for more information on the MAAT positive outlook. participating.

Noelle Erika Ancheta Mison who has a deep Student, model, and host Trisha May Duncan has Golden Ratio Search for the Best Face of the Psychology grad student Marie Frances De knowledge on the culture and heritage of Filipinos, Guzman continued her studies because she been through the harrowing difficulty of dealing with Philippines.

Meet Philippines’ 12 Best Faces

NEWEST ADDITION

to GMA Artist Center family GMA Artist Center welcomes Sophie Albert to the Kapuso family as she signed a management contract with the Network’s talent management arm on Oct. 13.

Sophie feels excited to call the Kapuso Network as her new home and looks forward to doing more quality projects. “Being in a new environment feels exciting for me and of course being able to act with GMA’s talented and brightest artists. I’m also open to try new things that

will challenge me as an actress,” she shared.

When asked about who she wants to work with, “Yung mga iniidolo ko dito sa GMA ay sina Marian, Lovi, Solenn and Heart. I can’t wait to meet and work with them soon.”

Present at the contract signing were GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago – Lara and co-manager Manny Valera.

Sophie Albert is welcomed by GMA Artist Center as its newest member