Manila Standard - 2017 November 07 - Tuesday

Mom-daughter duo yields P15-m shabu

WELL DONE. Returning 200 members of the Philippine Air Force, who fought in the Marawi City siege since last May where they fought against the terroristinspired Maute group, get a hero’s welcome on arrival at Villamor Air Base Monday. Norman Cruz

GOVERNMENT agents seized shabu worth more than P15 million on Monday from a 72-year-old Taiwanese woman in a jail for women in Mandaluyong City and her daughter’s condominium in Manila.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency identified the suspects as Yuk Lai Sze alias Yuk Lai Yu and Anna Sy Balmeo, who is detained at the Correctional Institute for Women, and her daughter Diane Uy, who lives at 867 General Solano St., San Miguel.

PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon said their operatives raided the correctional before dawn Monday, after successfully buying shabu from Yuk Lai Sze earlier.

Seized from her were two kilos of suspected shabu in packs and jars worth P4.5

million; 135 grams of suspected shabu hidden in 27 pieces of panty liners worth P945,000; one million pieces of empty capsules; and one capsule with drugs.

They also found 19 checks totaling P633,593 and a check book, five automated teller machine cards, and a bank book that showed a deposit of P1.5 million under the name of Balmeo.

Agents also found five mobile phones, a tablet, a pocket Wi-Fi, unused foil and empty self-sealing plastic packs, 18,500 New Taiwan dollars, 801 Chinese yuan, 8,440 Hong Kong dollars, 40 Saudi riyals, 12 Qatar riyals and 20 dirhams, 16 US dollars and P110,982.

Carreon said 180 Bureau of Correction employees are now undergoing drug tests adminisNext page tered by PDEA.

VOL. XXXI • NO. 266 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Palace dares Sereno: Quit Chief Justice: Political forces threaten Judiciary

By John Paolo Bencito, Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz

C

HIEF Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno should resign to spare the judiciary from “further damage,” Malacañang said Monday.

Admitting that President Rodrigo Duterte wanted Sereno “to be removed altogether, by all means”-- Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said her possible impeachment would damage the judiciary.

“I call upon Chief Justice Sereno to really consider resigning if only to spare the institution from further damage,” Roque told reporters in a regular Palace news briefing.

The Palace spokesman called on the Chief Justice “to reexamine very carefully the effect of another removal to

the institution itself.”

“It cannot be that there will be a second instance that a sitting Chief Justice will be removed as a result of decision of the Senate. We cannot wait for that. If we were to wait for that, it is the finding of guilt that will undermine the independence of the judiciary,” he said.

“I don’t think the judiciary can survive another decision to remove another sitting chief justice,” he added, referring to the impeachment trial against the late Renato Corona.

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MM no-fly Trump open to meeting with NoKor’s Kim zone during Asean meet

By John Bencito and Maricel V. Cruz A NO-FLY zone will be implemented in Manila and nearby provinces starting Nov. 9 as part of the security preparations for the 21 heads of state and other delegates who will be flying to Manila for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, the Next page

WASHINGTON—US President Donald Trump would “certainly be open” to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, he said in an interview broadcast Sunday as he began an extended Asian tour.

Asked by journalist Sharyl Attkisson, host of the “Full Measure” TV show, whether he would ever consider sitting down with “the dictator,” Trump said he was holding meetings with numerous Asian leaders.

“I would sit down with anybody,” he said. “I don’t think it’s strength or weak-

ness, I think sitting down with people is not a bad thing.

“So I would certainly be open to doing that but we’ll see where it goes, I think we’re far too early.”

Trump’s conciliatorysounding comment came after months of fiery rhetorical exchanges between the two leaders, prompted by a series of internationally condemned nuclear and missile tests by the North.

The North has denounced Trump as a “mentally deranged US dotard,” or senile old man, and the coun-

SO NEAR MALACAÑANG. Diane Uy, daughter of a detainee at the Correctional

Institute for Women, is one of three arrested by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Monday which seized more than P15 million worth of shabu in separate operations against Uy near Malacañang and her mother, Anna Sy Balmeo alias Yuk Lai Yu, a 72-year-old Taiwanese—in Mandaluyong City. Norman Cruz

Who’s big brother ? senators ask Aegis Juris frat members

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

try’s ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun referred to him Sunday as “instable.”

Trump, for his part, has mocked Kim as “Little Rocket Man” and has vowed to rain “fire and fury” down on the North if it threatens the US or its allies.

Trump’s latest comment appeared to be something of a reversal from a Twitter message he sent just over a month ago, in which he said that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was “wasting his time” trying to negotiate with the North Korean Next page leader.

THE so-called “big brother” of the Aegis Juris Fraternity, in which members were implicated in the Sept. 17 death of UST law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III following a hazing during an initiation rites, has remained unknown.

During the resumption of the Senate public order and dangerous drugs hearing on Castillo’s death, Sen. Grace Poe questioned frat member Atty. Eric Fuentes, who was the “big brother” he mentioned in a chat group on Facebook.

Poe tagged the “connections” of a high-profile law office headed by lawyer Nilo Divina of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law that might possibly provide critical links in the case of Castillo III.

Maute cousin, 8 stragglers killed in mopping-up raid

Defense dept, lawmaker wary of China’s dredger

By Francisco Tuyay and Maricel Cruz THE Defense department has expressed alarm over Beijing’s latest action in the hotly-contested West Philippine Sea as a Chinese dredger ship headed for the Pagasa Island.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana admited Monday that Beijing’s latest move in the West Philippine Sea was a little alarming, despite bilateral agreements forged between China and the Philippines for the deescalation of the situation in the region.

Next page

By Francisco Tuyay

PH fires MRT 3 contractor

By Darwin G. Amojelar and Maricel V. Cruz

tract with Busan Universal Railways Inc. for the maintenance of the Metro THE Department of Railway Transit 3 (MRTTransportation on Mon- 3) system.

In a decision signed by day served its final decision to terminate its conNext page twitter.com/ MlaStandard

MARK VENTURA

SEIZED LUXURY. Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña shows one of 18 luxury cars worth more than P107 million seized due to undervaluation and failure to present the Authority To Release Imported Goods from the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The shipments arrived at the Manila International Container Port from Oct. 13 to 19. Norman Cruz (See story on B4) facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

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manilastandard.net

A COUSIN of Omar Maute and eight other stragglers were killed as government soldiers continued to mop up in Marawi City on Sunday, the military reported Monday.

Killed in fierce fighting was Ibrahim Maute alias Abu Jamil, a cousin of the late Maute brothers Omar and Abdulah, who led a five-month occupation of parts of Marawi City, said Col. Romeo Brawner, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Ranao.

Brawner said the main battle area was still off lim-

its to the public because of the danger posed by stragglers from the terrorist group that overran Marawi on May 23.

The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, said Minhati Madrais, wife of Omar Maute, was in charge of logistics and the finances of the Maute terrorist group during the five-month siege of Marawi.

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa said Madrais, an Indonesian national who was arrested Sunday, was a “hardcore” follower of the Islamic State and helped her husband spread the IS doctrine in the Next page Philippines.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Protests turn into ‘prayer for healing’ THERE is no widespread condemnation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug war, Malacañang claimed Monday despite the mass actions aimed at calling for an end to the killings that have claimed thousands of lives since the Duterte administration took office.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque described the protest rallies organized by the Catholic bishops on Sunday as a simple “religious activity” rather than an attempt to send out a political message.

“It wasn’t a rally. It was a prayer for healing, so I take the organizers’ words literally,” Roque told reporters.

He made his statement even as Senator Bam Aquino on Monday welcomed the Catholic Church’s initiative to spearhead the call for a stop to the drug war killings, saying it was the first and most important step in achieving much-needed healing in the country.

“We are happy with the call of the Church to the public to join the call to stop the killings,” Aquino said after the “Lord Heal Our Land Sunday” Holy Mass at the Edsa Shrine.

“As Christians and Filipinos, we’re agreed with the call of the Church to stop the killings and start the healing of the nation.”

Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on Monday appealed to the military and the police to stop the violence and drug-related killings and instead follow the rule of law.

CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said both institutions must aim at justice rather than revenge in the battle against crime and lawlessness.

“Choose to be requested rather than feared,” Villegas said during the “Lord Heal Our Land Sunday” Mass.

“If you have stumbled and waltzed with graft, rise up men and women in uniform.

Demand ethical leadership from your officers. Choose integrity not the quick fix,” Villegas said.

John Paolo Bencito

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The war of words has been deeply unsettling for US allies in the region, including Japan, where Trump met Sunday with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and South Korea, where he is to meet Tuesday with President Moon Jae-In. Trump then travels to China on Wednesday, Vietnam on Friday and the Philippines on Sunday.

The interview was broadcast as a letter by the US Defense Department emerged that said the only way to locate and secure all of North Korea’s nuclear weapons sites would be through a ground invasion.

A spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that Rear Admiral Michael Dumont sent a letter to several members of Congress in response to a request for details about the plan for military action against North Korea.

Ted Lieu, a Democratic member of Congress whom the letter was addressed to, posted a copy of the twopage correspondence on his website.

“The only way to ‘locate and destroy—with complete certainty—all components of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs’ is through a ground invasion” it said.

It added “a classified briefing is the best venue for a detailed discussion” of such a plan. AFP

Du30 sets bilaterals at Apec

By John Paolo Bencito

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RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is expected to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Russia, China and Vietnam when he leaves for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Da Nang starting Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Department said.

“On top of this would well Vietnam because it’s we’re looking also to meet be countries like China, the host country, and then with Russia,” Foreign Af-

fairs Assistant Secretary Leo Herrera-Lim said in a Palace news briefing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will not be attending the Asean Summit in Manila is on top of Duterte’s consideration in holding bilateral talks, Lim said.

Also on the works is a

bilateral dialogue with Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang or Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Vietnam, which is an hour away from Manila by plane, is currently the host of the Apec Summit.

The President will be meeting with US President Donald Trump for the first time during the Apec, where there is a

Palace...

found sufficient in form and substance.

Among the allegations in the impeachment case against Sereno is the alleged misdeclaration in her statements of assets, liabilities and net worth by supposedly hiding her P30-million earning as government counsel in the arbitration case involving the expropriation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

“There is no anomaly in her SALNs. It is unreasonable for anyone to expect her earnings from the Piatco case to be intact,” Deinla argued, reiterating that Sereno has invested her earnings in properties reflected in her SALNs. “She paid all the taxes and obligations. When it was recomputed, there was even an overpayment on her part,” the lawyer said.

Gadon’s complaint also cited her supposed extravagant spending of judicial funds by purchasing a P5-million Toyota Land Cruiser and traveling on first-class flights and hotels.

However, Deinla stressed that Sereno is not extravagant and has been actually living a modest lifestyle.

“There is definitely nothing wrong with the purchase of the vehicle. It was for security purposes and not for luxury. It was also approved by the full court as part of the SC’s regular procurement,” she said.

Lastly, Deinla reiterated that Sereno would not attend the hearing of the House committee justice on Nov. 20 for determination of probable cause in charges against her.

Just as in their previous statement, she invoked Sereno’s constitutional right to be defended by her lawyers as an accused in the impeachment case.

Three lawmakers on Monday criticized Roque’s call for Sereno to resign.

“Resignation is the sole prerogative of the person subject to the impeachment,” said Rep. Gus Tambunting of Parañaque City. “My position in these kinds of matters will always be to let the procedures provided by the Constitution go forward, respecting all the time our institutions.”

Rep. Rodolfo Albano III of Isabela said the impeachment process against Sereno, which is now on the determination of probable cause at the House committee on justice, should be allowed to progress.

Albano said Roque—being a lawyer himself—must acknowledged the separation of powers among the branches of government.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza shared a similar viw.

“I do not agree with my good friend Secretary Harry.

There’s nothing wrong with the chief justice undergoing impeachment and trial,” Atienza said.

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TURNOVER. Former Health Secretary Pauline Ubial hands over the DoH flag to her successor Francisco Duque III during the turnover ceremony at the DoH main office in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Norman Cruz

Mom-daughter...

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Correctional director Elsa Alabado had been replaced by lawyer Daisy Castillote because of the incident, he added.

Maute...

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Northern Mindanao police who arrested her in her house found bomb-making materials.

Her arrest came weeks after the military announced the end of the battle for Marawi that killed more than 1,100 people, including 165 soldiers.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday played down the capability of terrorist stragglers in Marawi to threaten the security of the city.

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“We have reports that they launched their big dredger, but we don’t know where it is going. We are constantly monitoring the movement of this ship,’ Lorenzana said at the sidelines of the Defense department’s 7th anniversary rites.

Lorenzana’s comment surfaced after party-list lawmaker Rep. Gary Alejano’s disclosure that the Chinese dredger ship was indeed on its way to the

In a followup operation at noon, PDEA agents searched Uy’s condominium unit and seized some P10 million worth of shabu.

Radio dzBB quoted PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino as saying that Uy tried to bribe PDEA agents

with P5 million, but Uy denied making the offer and said the shabu was planted.

The radio report said PO3 Walter Vidad, a member of the PNP Special Action Force and alleged bodyguard of Uy, was under investigation.

At present, a dozen of foreign militants—Malaysians and Indonesians, who survived the final assault leading to the liberation of Marawi City, are engaged in hit-and-run fighting with security forces at the periphery of the main battle area.

“They are no longer a force to reckon with because they can no longer hold the ground and sustain the fight.

They fire and run away,” Lorenzana said.

Among the foreign jihadists still holed up in the battle zone is Malaysian Amin Baco, who was earlier reported dead.

Baco was with four other Malaysian battle-trained fighters who slipped out of Malaysia following a crackdown of Muslim extremists there, and had sought sanctuary in Basilan and Sulu and established an alliance with Isnilon Hapilon’s Abu Sayyaf group.

Lorenzana said Baco was in the middle of the IS hierarchy in Southeast Asia.

With no leaders left above him, he could be taking over the remnants of the terrorists who overran Marawi, Lorenzana said, but would be unable to mass enough fighters to threaten the city.

Philippine territory in Pagasa Island.

Alejano voiced concern over the China’s recent launching of a 140-meter long and 28-meter wide dredging vessel named Tian Kun Hao. Alejano said the new super dredger of China was now the largest dredger in Asia and was actually dubbed as “Asia’s most powerful island maker.”

“The Tian Kun Hao is quite alarming in itself.

This newest addition in China’s maritime arsenal provides increased and faster capacity to dredge

and reclaim lands,” Alejano, an opposition, said.

“It would make it easier for China to build artificial islands and reclaim more reefs. Take for instance what China did when it reclaimed its seven reefs in 2013 to 2016.

Given the earlier aggressive reclamation activities of China, one cannot help but be alarmed on what this massive dredger could do,” Alejano added.

This developed as Alejano urged the Duterte administration “to establish our direction in the West Philippine Sea”

Sereno, who was appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III, is facing an impeachment case over her alleged betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution for failing to fully disclose his wealth, on top of other allegations of mismanagement in the affairs of the high court.

While the impeachment proceedings have yet to reach the Senate, Roque—a former member of the House committee on justice—said he had already read the complaint, Sereno’s response, and all the other replies.

“I’m very bothered by the allegations, which to my mind are supported not just by substantial evidence but very convincing evidence that some of the grounds may in fact be impeachable,” he said.

He added that his call for Sereno to resign also reflects the sentiment of the President, who had earlier challenged Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales to resign with him.

By his suggestion, Roque denied that he is undermining the judiciary, which he branded as the “weakest branch of government.” “[Sereno] has only to blame herself if she feels that the impeachment proceeding has affected the independence of the judiciary,” he added.

Roque made these in response to Sereno alluding to a “resurgence of political forces” that have “threatened and harassed” the independence of the judicial system.

During her keynote address at the 8th International Conference on the Training of the Judiciary, Sereno said that a good judicial system is only “as strong and independent as the belief and faith of the people in it.”

Sereno on Monday rejected the call of Malacañang for her to resign.

Her spokesman, lawyer Carlo Cruz, said resignation has never an option for the chief justice.

“The chief justice needs to face the impeachment proceeding precisely to preserve the dignity and independence of both the Supreme Court and the Office of the Chief Justice,” Cruz said in a statement.

“She has done nothing to damage the institution, and she has been doing everything to strengthen it,” Cruz added.

Sereno’s camp again denied the allegations in the impeachment case against her.

In a forum at the Manila Hotel, her lawyer Jose Deinla reiterated that Sereno has not committed any act of betrayal of public trust or culpable violation of the Constitution as insinuated in lawyer Lorenzo Gadon’s complaint, which the House has already

PH...

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Who's...

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During the resumption of the Senate hearing on the death of the Aegis Juris neophyte, Poe cited instances of the involvement of DivinaLaw, whose founder and managing partner is a member of the Aegis Juris Fraternity--the fraternity that carried out the initiation rites on Castillo on Sept. 17.

Poe said the Pacific Star Building, which houses Divi-

naLaw, is owned by Century Properties, whose corporate secretary is a “senior partner” at DivinaLaw. The senator also revealed that Century Properties also owns Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City where some Aegis Juris fratmen, including some elder brods, met in the afternoon of Sept. 17, hours after Castillo’s death.

Also in the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday called on the Depart-

ment of Justice to look into the possibility that hazing suspect-turned-witness Marc Anthony Ventura might be a “Trojan horse” in order to muddle the probe into Castillo’s death.

Lacson made the statement after he noticed inconsistencies in Ventura’s claims about him being a former master initiator of the UST-based Aegis Juris Fraternity that conducted the initiation rites for Castillo on Sept. 17.

DoTr Secretary Arthur Tugade dated Nov. 3, 2017, the agency noted the failure of Buri to address the issues raised in the notice of termination served to them last Oct. 17.

The DoTr cited reasons of termination such as poor performance, failure to put in service and subsequently ensure the availability of contractually obligated number of trains, and more importantly, for failure to put in operation reliable and

efficient trains and failure to implement a feasible procurement plan for spare parts.

The DoTr also said Buri failed to comply with the contractual requirements of a complete and up to date Computerized Maintenance Management System.

“It cannot be overemphasized that what is at stake here is the welfare and interest of the riding public...

This office could not just sit back and wait while watching Buri trifle and flirt with the lives of the commuting public, with its substandard performance,” Tugade said.

“higher than 50% chance” of having pull-aside meetings, Lim added.

The DFA official said that should the two leaders decide to meet, they will likely discuss national security both at the country and regional levels and their common “desire to grow the different engines of the global economy.”

Roque throws a party for media PRESIDENTIAL Spokesman Harry Roque threw breakfast buns and not hollow blocks at reporters on Monday and vowed to teach Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and President Rodrigo Duterte’s hordes of online supporters the virtues of journalism and the role of mainstream media in protecting constitutional freedoms.

Despite calls from a proDuterte blogger for him to make good on his vow to throw “hollow blocks” at a Malacañang reporter, Roque instead brought in loads of baked goods from a popular bakery-cafe in Quezon City as he reiterated his message to spare legitimate journalists from further attacks.

He likewise said he was also hopeful that Uson, who is leading the President’s legions of supporters, would take his comments well.

“I am calling out to the DDS [Diehard Duterte Supporters] and I was hoping Asec Mocha could be here to send the message. In due course, we will explain in a manner that all will understand why the rights of the free press are important,” Roque said.

John Paolo Bencito

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Interior Department said Monday.

“We are covering all the bases to ensure the safety and security of our Asean delegates, including their mobility and transfer from one place to another,” Interior officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said.

“We appeal to all our countrymen and the business community who will be affected by the restrictions. Please bear with us in the next few days.”

Cuy made his statement even as the Gabriela Women’s Party on Monday raised fears that US President Donald Trump will push for the full restoration of US military bases in the country when he visits the Philippines later this week.

Gabriela Party-list Rep. Emmi de Jesus said the “militarist push is very likely” as Trump is expected to play up the North Korean threat and with the Duterte regime already providing at least five agreed locations or military bases for the use of the US military.

Along with this, Tugade signed the establishment and composition of the MRT-3 Maintenance Transition Team that will temporarily take over the maintenance works of MRT-3 while the procurement of a new maintenance provider is being processed.

In the House of Representatives, at least three lawmakers on Monday welcomed the decision of the DoTr to terminate the MRT3 maintenance contract of Buri and the immediate takeover of the maintenance by the government.

News DFA extends PH grief over Texas killing

By Sara Susanne D. Fabunan THE Philippines through the Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday expressed its grief over the deaths of 26 people who were massacred by a lone gunman while attending church services in Sutherland Springs, a community east of San Antonio, Texas.

“We are saddened by this unimaginable tragedy in San Antonio that took the lives of many innocent men, women, and children,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

“The Filipino people grieve with the families of the victims of this unfortunate incident,” Cayetano added.

Cayetano also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of 20 other churchgoers who were wounded in the shooting.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said none of the 7,400 Filipinos in the city of San Antonio—which is 34 kilometers west of Sutherland Springs—were reported among the dead and wounded in the shooting.

Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz said the gunman, later identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, walked inside the First Baptist Church past 11 a.m. and fired his rifle at people attending church there.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BoC seizes 18 luxury cars

By Vito Barcelo

T

HE Bureau of Customs has seized 18 luxury cars worth more than P107 million, which were undervalued and failed to meet the requirements from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said the imported cars included 12 Toyota Land Cruisers, three Range Rovers, two Chevrolet Camaros, and one McLaren, all current models. They arrived at the Manila International Container Port last month.

MICP district collector Ruby Alameda said the shipments were consigned to Gamma Gray Marketing, which came from Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

“The luxury cars were seized because of undervaluation

and failure of consignee to provide the BIR’s Authority To Release Imported Goods or ATRIG,” Lapeña said.

The ATRIG is an authority issued by the BIR that allows the release of imported goods from the custody of Customs upon payment of rightful duties and taxes, or proof of exemption from payment thereof, and it must be issued prior to release from the BoC. Imported motor vehicles, apart from payment of customs duties, are subject to the imposition of excise tax, as provided for by pertinent revenue regulations from the BIR, he said.

“If we did not alert these shipments, these could have been released from customs custody without the required ATRIG and correct valuation. The fact that the importer cannot produce the BIR clearance and declare the correct value of shipments send a signal that something is questionable with the shipments,” he said.

Lapeña has also ordered an investigation of the Customs broker and consignee’s permit to import luxury cars, to determine their liability and possible violation of Revenue Regulations and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENT President Rodrigo Roa Duter te has submitted t o t h e C o m m i s s i o n o n A p p o i n t m e n t s (C . A .) f o r confirmation the ad interim appointments of the following of f ic ers in the A r med Forc es of the Philippines: Pe d r i t o D. C a m i l e t , J r. PA , (G S C - R e s e r ve) – C o l o n e l; a n d H a r r y C. A n g p i n g , PN , (G S C - R e s e r ve) – C a p t a i n The public may submit any infor mation, wr it ten repor t, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions i n f o r t y (4 0) c o p i e s o n t h e a b o v e a p p o i n t m e n t s t o t h e C A S e c r e t a r i a t , 6 t h F l o o r, P N B F i n a n c i a l C e n t e r, R o x a s B o u l e v a r d , P a s a y C i t y, M e t r o M a n i l a .

For the schedule of the public hear ings and any o t h e r i n q u i r y, c o n t a c t t h e C A S e c r e t a r i a t t h r o u g h t e l e p h o n e n u m b e r s 5 51 -7 5 3 2 , 8 31 - 0 8 9 3 , 8 31 -18 2 4 , 8 3 4 - 2 7 0 6 , 8 31 -15 6 6 a n d 8 3 4 - 2 713 .

0 6 N o v e m b e r 2 017.

H E C T O R A . V I L L AC O R TA Secretar y (MS-NOV. 7, 2017)

Duque vows RH Law will be carried out

By Macon Ramos-Araneta RETURNING Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday assured he will not hamper the implementation of the Reproductive Health Law, contrary to his previous stance on the controversial issue.

“Of course. Otherwise, I will be charged with dereliction of duty or gross neglect of duty,” said Duque when asked if he will enforce the RH Law, or Republic Act 10354.

When he was Department of Health secretary during the tenure of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2005 to 2010, Duque had maintained a hardline stance against the use of contraceptives as part of a reproductive health program.

Instead, the DoH strongly advocated for a natural family planning method.

“There’s a law now and we have to implement the law,” Duque told reporters during yesterday’s turnover ceremony at the DoH. The RH Law was enacted by thenPresident Benigno Aquino III in December 2012.

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Duque to the DoH after interim health secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial was rejected by the powerful Commission on Appointments.

Duque also noted that as a member of the executive branch of the bureaucracy, he is duty bound to implement RA 10354.

SSS union calls for quick end to 4 officials’ case THE Social Security System’s employees’ union—the Alert and Concerned Employees of the SSS or ACCESS—on Monday called for a speedy and impartial resolution of the ongoing case against four officials of the pension fund, saying the trial by publicity of the administrative complaint has already compromised the integrity of the institution.

Wearing a blue ribbon during the agency’s flag-raising ceremony, ACCESS president Amorsolo Competente asked SSS employees to show their support for the immediate and fair resolution of the complaint through proper investigation while observing due process.

Competente invited all SSS workers across the country to wear blue ribbons as a sign of unity “to discover the truth behind the controversy and show support for our beloved agency.”

“You may be thinking that we are here to defend the accused. No, we are defending the integrity of the SSS, because it also means the integrity of the country and the integrity of the Duterte administration,” he added.

(TS-D E C . 1, 2015)

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Opinion

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Diehard

I

T APPEARS new Palace spokesman Harry Roque has had a change of heart. After initially announcing that he himself would throw hollow blocks at the President’s critics, now it seems he is trying to win over the media—those he calls legitimate, at least.

To complete the gesture he brought pan de sal for Palace reporters at Monday’s press conference.

He then exhorted those who thought of themselves as DDS—Diehard Duterte Supporters, not the alleged death squad in the President’s home province—to recognize the role of journalists in upholding people’s

constitutional freedoms.

As a result, the President’s staunch supporters have expressed their dislike of Roque this early.

When the new spokesman was being interviewed over the radio last week, a commentator—a known DDS and contractor for the Department of Foreign Affairs—asked him to throw hollow blocks specifically at a female reporter whom he believed was biased against the President in her reportage.

Roque registered no objection during the interview. The reporter filed a complaint against the media organization where the program airs, before the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines released

a statement deploring the interviewer for inciting Roque to commit an act of violence.

But why is there even a need to throw bread or hollow blocks, literally or otherwise, at each other?

Only a terribly insecure administration would be sensitive to criticism and dismiss any negative publicity as fake news or the handiwork of destabilizers.

And only a legion of unthinking Pinoys would take down an individual or an organization for the plain fact that they are critical of the President, even without considering whether the points are valid or not.

That would be the definition of “diehard”— but it would hardly be the quality of a thriving, discerning, enlightened democracy.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

The NoKor nuke threat and the rearming of Japan (Part 2)

The Church gets played—again LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES LET’S not even talk about the size of the crowd, which varies wildly from a sparse 2,000 to an in-your-dreams 30,000, depending on who you talk to. Crowd estimates in this country will never be accurate, after all, as long as there are people who will belittle the drawing power of the organizers of a political rally and others who want to bloat actual attendance in order to push their agenda.

My problem with last Sunday’s “Heal Our Land” gathering along Edsa has to do with the supposed nonpolitical nature of the event.

Because judging from the presence of nearly all the members of the opposition to President Rodrigo Duterte, those who went

were definitely political— whether they call themselves Yellows, Blacks or Whites these days.

From both Houses of Congress, present were the Liberal Party minority in the Senate, together with the Magdalo Twins. Then there was the usual assortment of professional Yellow rallyattenders, whose names are too insignificant to mention here; suffice to say that none of these people could be convinced to attend to a patient with a paper cut if they were all trained doctors and the wound was on a Duterte supporter.

What it really was, I think, was yet another scam foisted on the gullible Church by the Yellow opposition. And because the leaders of the Church are always flattered when they are courted by politicians, they fell for the same old racket one more time.

The idea of a “healing”

event appealed so much to the political amateurs in the Church that they never even thought to ask why only Yellow politicians

It was another blatant attempt to use the Church to foment further division in a polarized political environment. were present during the rally. They were played, to use the contemporary lingo, and they didn’t even know they were being played.

Of course, not all the as-

sembled churchmen were clueless newbies. Some of them are actually political veterans, if of the hopelessly partisan kind.

One these is the alwayspolitical Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Archbishop Socrates Villegas, longtime acolyte of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and pretender to the still-vacant throne that the meddlesome Sin left behind. During his homily, Villegas even channeled his medieval clerical brethren, warning darkly of a curse that will befall the land (which they are supposedly trying their best to heal), unless the killings of drug suspects stops.

As for the rest of the clergy in attendance, they would be lying if they insist that the gathering was apolitical when they got to the venue. After all, even priests could not have

missed the printed-out posters placed at the shrine of Our Lady, which called Duterte and his officials all manner of unsavory names, decorated—in the manner of tombstones on All Souls’ Day—with lit candles.

No, there was no healing intended during that day, whose highlight was a Catholic Mass. What took place was another blatant attempt to use the Church in order to foment further division in an already polarized political environment.

And the Church, if it is to heal the wounds that divide Filipinos, must understand that the people have long seen through this charade. Even if the wouldbe Torquemadas and Richelieus amongst them will never admit it. *** I really had high hopes for Harry Roque as presidential spokesman. Roque, I even said, would succeed where

his predecessor, the fatherly preacher Ernie Abella, failed—in his own words, after all, Roque said he would throw hollow blocks at those who would throw the stones of fake news and unfair criticism on the government of Duterte.

Then Roque faced his first test of settling a brewing dispute that he himself started between the popular blogger RJ Nieto and Malacañang reporter Pia Ranada Robles (no relation to me). And he failed miserably.

In an interview last Friday on the program Karambola sa DWIZ, Roque was asked about his tough-guy position on critics of the president. Nieto, a co-anchor of the show, jokingly suggested to Roque that Robles—a reporter for the online news service Rappler—should be attacked with a hollow block because she always seemed to

FOR its part, Beijing shares the same sentiments of Moscow. Beijing equates the elimination of North Korea by American forces with a unified Korean peninsula flying the South Korean flag. Since South Korea is a staunch American ally, Beijing feels that allowing South Korea full domination of the peninsula is akin to having the United States as its nextdoor neighbor. That’s like having a mere barbedwire fence separating the trigger-happy soldiers of Communist China’s socalled People’s Liberation Army and the battle-hardened American troops on the Korean side who must do what their commanderin-chief, who is currently the unpredictable Donald Trump, orders them to do.

A scenario like that seems unacceptable to Beijing.

That leaves Japan as the remaining pivotal player in the ongoing Korean-East Asian nuclear poker game.

Unlike the United States, Japan does not need aircraft carriers to mount an offensive against North Korea.

Japan’s close proximity to North Korea means Japanese fighter planes and bombers can be launched against any North Korean target in minutes.

Likewise, a Japanese military initiative in North Korea has less political setbacks because the same will appear less threatening to Beijing and Moscow than an actual American offensive may look like.

Tokyo can also rationalize that any Japanese attack on North Korea must be seen as a pre-emptive strike because Pyongyang has been provocatively firing missiles over the Japanese archipelago as early as August this year.

There is, however, one legal obstacle facing Tokyo. Japan’s post-war constitution, imposed on

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Opinion China has upper hand while US is hobbled

by Trump

By Albert Hunt AN AMERICAN president, whose new administration is beset by chaos, meets an emboldened leader of the world’s other superpower.

It’s 1961, in Vienna, and John F. Kennedy, reeling from the Cuban Bay of Pigs fiasco, is bullied by Nikita Khrushchev with consequences. A year later, the leader of the Soviet Union surreptitiously put nuclear weapons 90 miles off American shores.

A number of foreign-policy experts cite this analogy in worrying about Donald Trump’s meeting later this week with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as part of his long current Asian trip. The stakes potentially are huge, including the threat of nuclear conflict in North Korea.

Today’s two superpowers are coming from different directions. President Xi, consolidating his hold, probably is the most powerful Chinese leader since Mao Zedong. It’s not just talk when he proclaims China is taking “center stage” in the world, replacing American influence on Asia and filling a leadership void in much of the rest of the world.

“China is more confident today than anytime in its modern history,” notes Tom Donilon, national security adviser to Barack Obama and an Asia expert.

Despite all of America’s economic and military power, it’s a weakened president who arrived in Asia this weekend. Trump is more unpopular than any previous president at this juncture; neither he nor the US command respect from many countries, and he is besieged by problems at home, especially a wide-ranging criminal investigation of his campaign and possibly him. None of that disappears because he’s 10,000 miles away.

“Trump is not going in with a strong hand,” says Graham Allison, the Harvard professor and former national security official who wrote a book on the potential conflict between the two countries.

“He may not know that.”

Moreover, a 12-day, fivenation Asian trip is punishing even for a president in good physical condition, which Trump is not, or who engages in careful preparation, which he does not.

There will be too many opportunities for mishaps.

There are favorable elements. Trump seems to have a genuinely good relationship with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. In Bei-

The Church...

From A4

come up with critical reports about the president.

No one, of course, took any of this talk-show banter seriously and literally— until Robles and her news organization did. Over the weekend, Robles and Rappler demanded that the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas sanction Nieto and DWIZ for threatening the life of the reporter.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines echoed the sentiment, as if Robles was actually in dire danger of being killed using construction materials.

The NoKor...

From A4

Japan by the United States during its occupation of the country after World War II, renounces war as an instrument of Japanese foreign policy. The constitution prohibits Japan from rearming itself to such an extent that it will be able to wage a war of aggression and conquest as it did in the 1930s and 1940s. Yes, Japan has a military arsenal today, but its constitution limits the scope of its military might to national defense.

In the decades following the end of the war, the Japanese found their pacifist constitution to their liking. Instead of spending their money on an

jing, the Chinese will roll out the red carpet, with parades, ceremonies and rhetorical flourishes proclaiming seminal successes. They know Trump loves flattery.

There are multiple substantive issues, including trade and real access to Chinese markets, not just a couple of deals likely to be announced, as well as frictions in the South China Sea, amid some indications of a less aggressive Chinese posture there. But North Korea, with its expanding nuclear threat, is the dominant question.

Trump plans to pressure Beijing to strong-arm the North to relinquish nuclear weapons. The Chinese have contempt for the regime in Pyongyang. Neither Xi nor Kim Jong Un have visited each other’s countries since taking power. Some Chinese officials privately refer to the North Korean as “little fatty.”

But the most unacceptable outcome for Xi is a regime collapse, a unified Korea. The Chinese won’t sit still for that.

Earlier this year, in a session at Mar-a-Lago, Xi explained the complexities of the Korean Peninsula to the U.S. president. This time he might offer another history lesson, reminding Trump that in 1950 General Douglas MacArthur assured Washington that a war with China over Korea was “inconceivable.”

Then thousands of Chinese troops poured across the border to attack the Americanled forces. More than two and half years later, President Dwight Eisenhower engineered a cessation to that conflict, after more than 2.5 million casualties, including more than 36,000 Americans.

The Chinese want to tamp down the tensions to avoid any conflict, to see the two sides stand down, and begin negotiations. Is that an opportunity Trump should and can seize?

The Washington Post’s David Ignatius, the eminent foreign policy columnist, reports that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and others have done a lot of preparatory work for this week. Let’s hope that’s sufficient, and Trump will pay heed.

President Kennedy, with a sense of history and diplomatic sensitivities, recovered from that disastrous Vienna summit. In the fall of 1962, he forced the Soviets to back down and remove weapons from Cuba in the closest the world has come to a nuclear confrontation.

A show of hands of how many believe Trump could do likewise? Bloomberg

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

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mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Where there’s smoke FORMATION GARY OLIVAR WHAT was Dinky smoking?

The Commission on Audit has asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development to continue to suspend its flagship Conditional Cash Transfer or 4Ps program until various leakages are plugged. Among them: As of 2015, some 1.3 million family beneficiaries of monthly cash transfers were actually above the poverty line. This was 30 percent of total beneficiaries, close to the 35 percent leakage rate earlier reported by the World Bank. COA blames the Aquino administration for expanding the program too rapidly, converting it from a selective behavioral modification program started under former President Arroyo into nothing but a huge dole-out.

Total program size ballooned to 4.4 million families, but IT support systems could only handle 300,000 households. As of last May, there were nearly 16,000 duplicate entries— mostly in the ARMM region—who had received unauthorized amounts worth P335 million.

No impact studies were done to see if 4Ps had in fact achieved its goal of “breaking the inter-generational cycle of poverty.”

The decline in poverty incidence in 2015 can’t be credited to this program,

since it produced its first batch of graduates only in that year, and since the maximum cash grant of P2,600 a month simply isn’t enough to lift the average poor family above the poverty line.

DSWD is headed for the time being by Undersecretary Noel Leyco, a former colleague of mine on the faculty of the Asian Institute of Management. With his finance and management background, here’s hoping that Noel will restore some fiscal as well as programmatic sense back to CCT. *** What’s the senator smoking?

Senate majority leader Tito Sotto has taken a lot of umbrage at a new House bill that proposes to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana. And because incoming Health Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque has come out in the bill’s favor, Sotto’s even threatened to oppose Duque’s confirmation, from his seat on the Commission on Appointments.

As a member of the entertainment profession in old and good standing, one who’s presumably more than passingly acquainted with the weed-smoking habits of his peers, the senator may understandably be over-reacting. Or he may see this issue as another opportunity to burnish his born-again squeaky-clean reputation.

Or maybe he just hasn’t read the bill yet. As it stands, HB 180, or the Philippine Compassion-

ate Medical Cannabis Bill, simply aims to legalize the processing of the entire cannabis plant into pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in various dosage forms, such as oil extract, tincture, suppositories, capsules, pills, spray and topicals. The entire industry would of course be subject to the strict regulatory oversight.

We won’t be the first country to venture into cannabis processing. It could be the newest addition to what ought to be our growing portfolio of agri-business exports. And it would bring pain management and therapeutic relief to so many victims of a wide range of ailments, here and abroad, from high blood pressure to multiple sclerosis to cancer.

Here’s hoping that the good senator and the good doctor come to a meeting of minds on what could be an important medical and industrial breakthrough for the country. *** Smoke the peace pipe, not smokin’ guns.

This is what Colonel Harold Cabunoc, the enterprising commander of the Philippine Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, wants to do with his adversaries from the New People’s Army. Last week, a total of 60 rebels in Sultan Kudarat province had surrendered to his troops, worn down by fatigue, hunger, and bad weather.

Cabunoc greeted them by listening to their gripes about poor government

response, land-grabbing, and lack of employment.

He then asked the provincial government to start up some high-impact projects, like day-care centers and more access roads. He also asked local tourism officials to employ the rebel returnees in their projects.

The colonel is a highly decorated young officer who clearly thinks out of the box. Just as Mayor Sara Duterte has put together a Davao City peace committee to engage the local rebels in localized peace talks, so too has the colonel innovated another peace-making approach: For local military and police commanders to go out of their way—assisted by good intelligence—to persuade disgruntled rebels to surrender, talk peace, treat them well, even help mainstream them back into the community.

Here’s hoping that DND, DILG, DoT, and other national agencies support such initiatives by their people in the field. It’s honey, not vinegar, that draws the bees.

And it may be the only way to rebuild peace in our country—not from the top down, but from the ground up, one community at a time. *** The bright boys over at research firm OpenSignal have come out with their latest ranking of countries by quality of Internet and telecom service. Millions of local mobile subscribers will hardly be surprised to learn that our country now ranks near the bottom— 66th out of 77 countries

surveyed—in terms of availability and speed of long-term evolution (LTE) technology, the 4G standard for mobile data access.

Some of the problem can be fixed by government, through the release and reallocation of new and more spectrum. Faster processing by local government units of cell site permit applications will also help a lot.

But most of the work is still the responsibility of the cellular companies. They should be out there building denser networks (more cell sites), relieving congestion (better traffic management), and adopting newer technologies like LTE-Advanced.

Tower-sharing is an old idea whose time has come. Perhaps the President can prod them to do all of these, in his usual inimitable style.

The telcos are likely to respond by pleading capital constraints. In that case, DICT Secretary Eli Rio should proceed with his earlier-announced plans to build out what may become a virtual, governmentowned third telco that will initially depend on longterm capacity leases from ISPs and other value-added service providers. Its areas of focus would be backbone network coverage and international gateway access.

Here’s hoping for some relief from government. It’s time the telco buccaneers stopped blowing smoke up our asses.

Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@yahoo.com.

More dissents in De Lima case

But it was Roque who really made the surreal story into a farce, by telling people to lay off Robles and other legitimate journalists.

Yesterday, Roque made a big show of bringing pan de sal to a Malacañang briefing, during which he said that critics who figuratively “stone” the president should, as the admonition goes, expect retaliation in the form of bread thrown back at them. Roque copped out—and he knew it.

In short, Roque wussed out of a controversy that he himself started. I’d love to see the contortions he’s going to make in the future, especially when real problems totally unrelated to the use of metaphorical speech arise.

OTHER than Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Marvic Leonen, four more magistrates of the Supreme Court, namely the Chief Justice herself Maria Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justices Benjamin Caguioa, Francis Jardeleza, and Estela Bernabe submitted their dissent to oppose the majority decision of the Court in the Senator Leila M. De Lima Vs. Hon. Juanita Guerrero, et al, G.R. No. 229781. October 10, 2017.

Chief Justice Sereno’s dissent follows the thesis that from the recital of drug offenses, it can be seen that depending on the particular allegations in the charge, most of the offenses under R.A. 9165 can be committed by a public officer in relation to office.

However, given the thousands of public officers included in the President’s drug list vis-a-vis the numerous means through which a drug offense can be committed in relation to public office chaos in the process of determining which prosecutorial body or tribunal has jurisdiction ensues. And this is not a question left for determination by the Department of

Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) alone, but the duty of the Court to clarify and settle the question of jurisdiction over the alleged acts of the petitioner could not have been committed unless in relation to her office.

Sereno points out that as petitioner was a public official and for having committed violations of R.A. 9165 by using her office as a means of committing the crime of illegal trading in dangerous drugs under Section 5 in relation to Section 3(jj), Section 26(b ), and Section 28, the case falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan and not with the Regional Trial Court. Sereno believes that it is more favorable to petitioner and all other similar public officials accused of drug offenses committed in relation to their office to be placed within the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction because first, the appeal route is shorter, by virtue of the fact that the review of convictions is generally elevated to this Court via the discretionary mode of petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45. Second, the direct elevation of a petition to the Supreme Court translates to the application of a tighter standard in the trial of the case.

For his part, Justice Caguioa believes that

the Information does not charge “attempt or conspiracy to commit illegal trading of dangerous drugs” under Section 26(b) of RA 9165. Instead, a reading of the body or factual recitals of the Information is that Petitioner is being charged with violation of Section 5 and not violation of Section 26(b ). To Caguioa there is nothing clearer—the purported offense described in the Information is illegal drug trading as a consummated crime, and not as a conspiracy to commit the same. Moreover, the the Information does NOT charge Petitioner with illegal “trading” of dangerous drugs as defined under RA 9165.

While the word ‘’trading” is attributed to Petitioner in the Information, the essential acts committed by Petitioner from which it can be discerned that she did in fact commit illegal “trading” of dangerous drugs as defined in RA 9165 are not alleged therein. Neither, he says, does the Information validly charge Petitioner with violation of Sections 27 and 28 of the Act. Justice Caguioa also argues that the Information does not validly charge Petitioner with any unlawful act under the Act. In his words, the patent glaring defects on the face of the Information such as the absence of the corpus delicti or

the “dangerous drugs” the use of the term “trading” is without the specific acts committed by Petitioner as there is no averment of any or all the elements of said unlawful acts, including her use of identified electronic device/s; the names of the so-called “high profile inmates in the New Bilibid Prison” are not provided; and the purported acts of the said inmates constituting illegal “trade and traffic [of] dangerous drugs” (from which the “proceeds” were derived) are not alleged—ll make the information fatally defective.

On his part, Justice Jardeleza is of the opinion that at the time of the alleged commission of the offense, petitioner was the incumbent secretary of the Department of Justice, a position classified as Salary Grade 31 and squarely falls within the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan. It is likewise clear from the allegations in the information that the crime was committed in relation to her capacity as then secretary of Justice; hence, the Sandiganbayan has exclusive jurisdiction over petitioner’s case. Without jurisdiction, Jaredeleza adds, the RTC could not have issued the warrant of arrest.

Jardeleza clarifies that the respondent judge violated petitioner’s constitutional

right to due process and to speedy disposition of cases when she issued a warrant of arrest without resolving the issue of jurisdiction over the offense charged. According to Jardeleza, she ought to have known that, under the Rules, she could not have proceeded with petitioner’s arraignment if she did not have jurisdiction over the offense charged. Respondent judge’s error is aggravated by the fact that the lack of jurisdiction is patent on the face of the information.

Finally, while concurring in some points of the majority opinion, Justice Bernabe also concludes that Senator De Lima’s case falls within the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan. She pointed out how this conclusion necessitates the dismissal of the case against her as it was erroneously filed with the RTC, which holds no jurisdiction over the same.

According to Bernabe: “It is well-settled that a court which has no jurisdiction over the subject matter has no choice but to dismiss the case. Also, whenever it becomes apparent to a reviewing court that jurisdiction over the subject matter is lacking, then it ought to dismiss the case, as all proceedings thereto are null and void.”

expanding military establishment like that of the Americans and the South Koreans, the Japanese put the bulk of their money on trade and technology. With American military bases operating in their country, the Japanese enjoyed a substantial discount in their expenses for national defense.

All that led to Japan’s quick post-war economic recovery, and the Japanese are not too keen on changing the present arrangement. That is why past attempts by the Japanese parliament to amend the constitution to allow the rearming of Japan have not received much support from the Japanese people.

The current situation on the Korean peninsula, however, may change the political equation in Japan. Prime Minister

Shinzo Abe wants to rearm Japan to prepare for any hostilities from North Korea. Tokyo also shares the same pecuniary perspective of Beijing and Moscow —the North Korean problem is bad for Japanese business.

Rearming Japan will certainly trigger opposition from countries which experienced atrocities committed against their populations by Japanese troops during World War II. Communist China is one of them, but its opposition under the current circumstances will be viewed as self-serving.

Simply put, Beijing considers a rearmed Japan as a regional military power in East Asia to reckon with. Such a scenario may upset Beijing’s current regional expansionist plans.

Although the Philippines

was ravaged by Japanese troops during World War II, and even though Manila was the most devastated city in the Pacific theater of the war, the current generation of Filipinos has no actual experience of the hardship historically associated with the Japanese Occupation. For many Filipinos, post-war Japan has been a friendly and helpful Japan, as seen in Japan’s continuing help in infrastructure development in the Philippines.

More importantly, post-war Japan has never threatened fundamental Philippine interests. Restated, the Japanese report card in the Philippines has indicated a very good mark in deportment.

Undoubtedly, Filipinos have embraced Japanese culture,

as confirmed in the proliferation of Japanese animated TV shows in the country, and the mushrooming of Japanese restaurants all over Metropolitan Manila. In addition, many Filipinas are married to Japanese nationals. To all intents and purposes, therefore, Filipinos of today genuinely view the Japanese as their friends.

Moreover, the Philippines has a stake in the Korean problem because any nuclear attack in the peninsula will result in a possible nuclear fallout, with radioactive particles blown into the Philippines by the winds from Siberia during the December to February months. Should that actually happen, Filipinos will not need Christmas lights during December nights. Metropolitan

Manila will simply glow by itself everyday, after dark.

That ought to raise serious health concerns for the Filipinos.

Precisely for all the foregoing reasons, it is unlikely that the Philippine government will oppose a rearmed Japan, if only to create a new source of regional security in East and Southeast Asia. That may compel Pyongyang to rethink its nuclear overtures.

Whatever the options of countries involved in the Korean problem may have at the moment, the fact remains that a North Korea with a nuclear arsenal jeopardizes the existence of the world. There must be an end to all that nuclear saberrattling from Pyongyang.

Under international law, the

North Korean leader must account for his threats to world peace. Nazi Germany’s Rudolf Hess was convicted by the international tribunal at Nuremberg for crimes against peace, so that should be sufficient legal precedent against the North Korean madman.

In time, the ideal solution is to eliminate North Korea as swiftly as possible and putting a demilitarized buffer zone between a new united Korea and both Communist China and Russia, to be administered solely by the UN. It shouldn’t be anything like the no man’s land currently separating the two Koreas.

On the contrary, such a buffer zone will be proof that world peace is possible in an era of nuclear weapons.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Saudi to hire nurses, therapists

By Vito Barcelo SAUDI Arabia will hire more than 1,200 foreign nurses and 100 respiratory therapists, including Filipinos, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said.

The POEA said qualified Filipino nurses who are interested to work in Saudi Arabia must register with the POEA, adding that the applicants do not need to pay any placement fee.

POEA deputy administrator Jocelyn Sanchez said that it is a government to government hiring scheme and there is no need to pay for any placement fee.

The salary for specialist nurses can start at P56,000 a month while respiratory therapists could earn as high as P109,000 a month.

The POEA also advised applicants not to deal with any recruitment agency since it is a government to government hiring scheme.

“Applicants should be aware of illegal recruiters who could post false information on social media,” the POEA added.

MMDA, PruLife sign MoA

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Monday signed an agreement with Pru Life UK to provide MMDA employees a P100,000 insurance package in case of accident while in the line of duty.

MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said Pru Life UK will be providing 7,000 MMDA employees with accident insurance coverage with premiums fully waived for one year.

He said the agreement, which was signed at the MMDA’s central office in Makati City, is in line with the life insurance firm’s advocacy to promote disaster preparedness among Filipinos and the well-being of motorists and pedestrians through the firm’s SAFE STEPS Road Safety program.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety is a groundbreaking public service initiative aimed at raising awareness about one of the world’s leading causes of death. It also aims to help save lives by disseminating clear and simple educational messages on road safety through a series of 60-second public service announcement videos.

“The MMDA appreciates its partnership with Pru Life UK not only in generating public awareness on road safety and the prevention of road accidents but also in the provision of accident insurance coverage for the MMDA employees. Our traffic constables, street sweepers and other field workers will surely value and benefit from such insurance coverage given the hazards that accompany their jobs,” said MMDA chairman Danilo Lim. Pru Life UK president and chief executive officer Antonio De Rosas said the firm and MMDA “share the commitment to advocate the increased public awareness on the importance of road safety.”

“We aim through this partnership to help decrease the number of road accidents in the Philippines and eventually build a more motorist- and pedestrian-friendly country.”

Ex-journo tabbed as Kabayan head

By Maricel V. Cruz and John Paolo Bencito

N

EWLY appointed Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday endorsed a former journalist to replace him as first nominee of the Kabayan Party-list.

Roque recommended his chief of staff, lawyer Romel Bagares, a former Philippine Star reporter, as his successor to continue pursuing the legislative agenda of the group which represents “marginalized sectors of the Filipino community, including the disabled, senior citizens, overseas

Filipino workers, fishermen, farmers, the poor.”

“The party can do with my Chief of Staff, Atty.

Romel R. Bagares, who has been accepted into Kabayan as a party member during the Special Congress of February 11, 2017 and nominated by its Regular Party Congress on October 28, 2017,

pursuant to its Constitution and By-Laws,” Roque said.

Bagares, in response, said he is “willing to take the challenge” as “Roque had filed more than 200 bills for the welfare of the Filipino people.”

Roque was appointed as Palace spokesperson last Oct. 30.

“As I transition to my new role, I hope to bring about continuity to Kabayan’s legislative agenda, including health coverage for every Filipino, protection for the rights of internally displaced persons, protection for journalists, and free meals for schoolchildren,” Roque said.

Roque will relinquish

his post as congressman as soon he receives his appointment and get a clarification if there is a need for him to undergo confirmation before the Commission on Appointments.

This developed as the Kabayan Party-list has disowned three nominees backed by Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, the second nominee.

Roque said in a Party Congress held Oct. 28 that 52 voting members of the party held that “the nominees submitted by Salo’s group, namely Atty. Ciriaco Calalang, Mr. Paul Hernandez, and Mr. Joshua Sebastian are not recognized.”

“Mr. Sebastian was impeached and expelled during the Special Party Congress of 11 February 2017; Mr. Calalang and Mr. Hernandez were never members of the Party-List, as they did not undergo the process of nomination and acceptance as members under its Constitution and By-Laws,” the resolution approved and adopted by the stated.

“Moreover, their nominations are invalid, these having come from the fake Board of Trustees established without warrant by the Party Congress, and as their nominations have not been affirmed and ratified by the

Party Congress,” the resolution added.

Roe also accused his former partymates of using his influence as new presidential spokesperson to obstruct the proclamation of another member and ultimately "destroy" the party-list.

Roque accused Salo of multiple violations of the House of Representatives Code of Conduct, which he urged the chamber to immediately act upon.

“Obviously, Ron Salo is delirious because I don’t know what power and influence he is referring to,” he said in a Palace news briefing “I am repeating my call to

Solon seeks probe on toll fee hike

LOOSE FIREARMS. Sultan Kudarat Province police Director Senior Supt. Raul Supiter (left) looks on while Gov. Pax Mangudadatu (center) inspects a M4 carbine Bush Master with M203. He is assisted by team leader PSupt. Salman Sapal (right) as the local government threw its support in the campaign against loose firearms and Community Anti-Terrorism Awareness. On Saturday, the police arrested a 10-member private armed group and seized 25 assorted high-powered guns, hand grenades, rifle grenades and more than 1,400 ammunition for various caliber, following the serving of search warrants at Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Tinalon. The operation resulted to the arrest of Msgt Rodolfo Cabos Ecija (ret.), father of Senator Ninoy Aquino town Mayor Jun Ecija, Sultan Kudarat Province. Authorities are checking if the suspects have links with pro-Islamic State militants which invaded Marawi City and left more than a thousand people dead. Mark Navales

Pili mayor suspended for graft raps

By Rio N. Araja THE Office of the Ombudsman on Monday announced the 90-day suspension of Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta Jr. of Camarines Sur for graft raps.

The Sandiganbayan sustained the motion of the Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor.

In a resolution, the anti-graft court's Seventh Division underscored that Section 13 of the Anti- Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act No. 3019 makes it mandatory for the court to suspend any public officer who has been arraigned under a valid Information.

“Once the information is found to be sufficient in form and substance, then the

Court must issue the order of suspension as a matter of course. There are no ifs and buts about it,” it read.

“The presumption is that unless the accused is suspended, he or she may frustrate the prosecution of the case, commit further acts of malfeasance, or do both.”

Bongalonta caused the dismissal of municipal employee Eileen Ceron despite the Ombudsman’s order that she should only be suspended. “[T]he accused knew fully well that the penalty of dismissal from the service has no legal basis, thereby depriving Ceron not only her office but also the salaries and monetary benefits attached thereto amounting to P955,285.06,” the information cited.

THE Toll Regulatory Board could face a congressional probe allegedly for approving an ‘anomalous toll fare increase for the North Luzon Expressway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate filed House Resolution 1435 asking the Committee on Transportation to conduct an investigation in aid of legislation on the provisional P0.25 per kilometer and P0.67 per kilometer toll hike of NLEX and STAR, which took effect on Monday, Nov. 6.

The TRB, however, said that the final toll increase is still subject to further hearings in order to give oppositors the chance to air their side.

In his resolution, Zarate accused the TRB of committing grave abuse of discretion in approving the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement it entered with the owners of the expressways, as it was made without prior notice and

Report abuses, Caloocan kids urged FORMER Caloocan City representative Mitch Cajayon, the Council for the Welfare of Children executive director, on Monday urged school children to report all forms of abuses, including online abuses and cyber-bullying, to authorities.

At the San Francisco National High School in Quezon City, Cajayon led the 25th year celebration of the national children’s month and kicked off the launch of “Pito, Bata, Pito! A Call 4 Help Campaign” (C4H) to symbolize the children's call

for support, help and immediate response in times of threat or danger due to violence against children or any emergency situation.

“We want to give children a voice from being victims of various crimes, specifically on illegal drugs, all forms of violence and exploitation,” she told reporters at a media briefing.

The council distributed whistles to the students of the San Francisco National High School so that they could “blow their whistles whenever they feel in danger and unsafe.”

Mental health advocates back passage of mental health law MENTAL health professionals on Monday called on lawmakers to pass the mental health law.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Dr. Bolet Bautista of the Psychological Association of the Philippines said the citizens’ mental health is important to the country's economy, and that the Senate and Congress must pass the bill as a "Christmas gift" to the people.

"A person or a group of persons having a stable mind can be translated to greater productivity and better economy," she told reporters.

She called on the House of Representatives to support and pass House Bill No. 6452 or the Comprehensive Mental Health Act on its third and final reading once session resumes on Nov. 20.

"Health is essential to development, and there is no health with-

out mental health," Dr. June Lopez of the Philippine Psychiatric Association said.

"The bill's passage into law will seal the government's commitment to promote mental health services to Filipinos who need it," she added.

Citing data from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization, the group said seven million Filipinos commit suicide every day, and that one in five Filipino adults suffer from a certain mental health concern.

Lopez said the most common mental health issues are depression and schizophrenia.

"This is a cause for alarm and should be addressed urgently," she noted.

With the bill's passage, mental health advocates can offer more programs to enhance the resilience of individuals, families and communities, she said. Rio N. Araja

order for Lin’s arrest at the request of the Chinese embassy in Manila and after learning that the Chinese government had already canceled the latter’s passport, thus making him an undocumented alien.

“He will be deported for being an undocumented alien and for being undesirable due to his criminal record for which he is deemed a threat to public

The group aims to gather one million whistles to be given to different school children nationwide in December.

Due to the high incidence of children falling victims to illegal drug trade and other forms of violence, Cajayon said, the CWC “sees the need to launch the campaign for children to be equipped in protecting themselves.”

“You may approach the barangays,” the group said, adding if they feel unsafe in the company of their friends or relatives. Rio N. Araja

PH shoot champs at arms show

GREYHOUNDS. Members of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, led by City Jail Warden JSupt. Ermilito C. Moral search the cells of inmates of the Quezon City Jail during ‘Oplan Greyhound’ which aims to search for illegal drugs and other contrabands. Manny Palmero

Immigration bureau orders deportation of Chinese fugitive THE Bureau of Immigration ordered the deportation of a Chinese fugitive wanted by Chinese authorities for economic crimes.

A certain Lin Ayong will be expelled following his arrest in Binondo, Manila by operatives from the bureau’s fugitive search unit, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

Morente said he issued the mission

public hearing as required in Section 3(d) of Presidential Decree No. 1112.

Zarate said the STOA specifies the fixed rate and amount of toll fees for the 25-year contract between the TRB and the expressways. It is also in the STOA where the proposed toll fees are specified.

But Section 3(d) of the Presidential Decree No. 1112 states that before toll rates may be issued, modified and promulgated, there must be prior notice and public hearing “to approve or disapprove the petitions for the increase.” “[T] he fixed toll rates are predetermined, thereby negating the legal procedure for toll increases as stipulated in Section 3 of PD No. 1112,” the resolution read.

Zarate added that as parties involved in the STOA refuse to disclose the contents of the contract, suspicions of over-collection and over-compensation favoring expressway owners become more apparent.

safety and security,” the BI chief said.

BI acting spokesman Grifton Medina said Lin is now detained at the BI detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City pending issuance by the bureau’s board of commissioners of the order for his summary deportation.

“He will be placed in our immigration blacklist and banned from

re-entering the Philippines,” Medina said.

Lin hid in the country since June 17 last year when he arrived in Manila as a tourist and did not leave since then.

The Chinese fugitive is the subject of a detention warrant issued by the public security bureau of Jinjiang City in Fujian, China on March 1 this year.

Vito Barcelo

MEMBERS of the Philippine team, who raked in medals during the 2017 IPSC Handgun World Shoot XVIII in Châteauroux, France last August, will hold a ‘meet-and-greet’ session with gun enthusiasts at the 25th Defense & Sporting Arms Show which opens on Nov. 16 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

World shooting champ Jethro Dionisio, president of the Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers, said some of the Pinoy top guns will share their memorable experience during the prestigious world shoot at the gun show exhibit venue 1 p.m. on Nov. 18.

The DSAS Part 2 will be open to gun enthusiasts until Nov. 20, Dionisio emphasized.

At the opening ceremonies, AFAD will honor the Philippine team for giving honors for the Filipinos.

AFAD has been supportive of Pinoy top shooters competing both in foreign also in local events.

Sports

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Marathon showcases NY’s resilience after truck attack N

EW YORK—Five days after the worst attack on New York since September 11, 2001, the city staged a show of defiance Sunday, with some 2.5 million people packing the streets to cheer on 50,000 marathon participants from around the world.

In a befitting finish, Shalane Flanagan, 36, became the first American in 40 years to win the women’s title, overcoming a slow start to capture her first major world marathon crown in an unofficial time of 2 hours 26 minutes 53 seconds.

The men’s title was taken by 24-year-old Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya in an unofficial time of 2 hours 10 minutes 53 seconds.

Many who had come to watch spoke of overcoming their fears as New Yorkers proved their resilience in the aftermath of a truck attack that killed eight people and wounded 12 others in Manhattan near the 9/11 Memorial.

Dense crowds lined the route as the elite women began the race at 1420 GMT and the elite men followed half an hour later in cool and cloudy conditions.

Spectators rang bells and held banners, while bands played songs in an atmosphere more festive and louder than ever.

“They didn’t win and we’re here and we’re going to have our marathon and we’re going to cheer,” said Karen Mesnick-Uretsky, who ran the marathon in 2006.

“It’s a lot of pride, not only for New York, but all the countries that came here.”

The city heavily bolstered security for the race, parking massive sand trucks to prevent vehicle attacks, stationing extra police on rooftops and deploying more anti-sniper units.

Hundreds of uniformed officers stood along the

route, while plainclothes officers blended in with the crowds of spectators.

President Donald Trump insisted in an interview that aired Sunday, as he began an extended Asia trip, that Americans should never accept terrorism as inevitable.

“We cannot just say, ‘Oh well, it’s going to happen, let’s get used to it.’ We cannot allow it to happen,” he said on the Full Measure syndicated television show. “I can tell you, the Trump administration is getting tougher and tougher and tougher.”

But awareness of the potential threat was a constant during the marathon. In iconic Central Park, where the race ended, a woman’s

amplified voice offered a repeated warning even before the race began: “Stay alert at all times.”

‘It did make me anxious’ Security in New York had already been boosted in 2013 after the Boston marathon attack that saw two youths of Chechen descent plant two bombs near the finish line, killing three people and wounding more than 250 others, including spectators.

The Islamic State group has described Sayfullo Saipov—the 29-year-old man charged with driving a rented pickup truck down a crowded bike path in Manhattan on Tuesday—as one of its own, prompting Trump

to call for his execution.

As the marathon began, New Yorkers said they were coming together in the aftermath of the latest attack to strike America’s most populous city.

In the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, Jean Schnell was waiting to see her daughter run past. Tuesday’s attack made her nervous, she admitted, especially because she is from Boston.

“It did make me anxious about coming to New York, and her running, but we were going to come support her anyway, so it didn’t really make any difference,” she said. “I think today you have to live your life.” AFP

Unesco, PSI to discuss Kazan sports policy

By Peter Atencio CREATING youth and sports programs geared towards sustainable development will be the highlight of discussions during a three-workshop between the Philippine Sports Institute and the United Nations Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization this Wednesday.

Talks, which will be held at the Philsports Multipurpose Arena in Pasig, will center on the implementation of the Kazan Action Plan, an international sport policy framework and a series of actions crafted during a sports summit in Russia last July.

“It’s all about youth and sports, and sustainable development. We have people from the UNESCO, the Asian Development Bank and ASEAN coming over to discuss this,” said National Training Director Marc Velasco.

Eagle Ridge Fore by Fore draws 400 participants THE Fore by Four Invitational, Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s signature member-guest tournament, will be held Nov. 10-11 with more than 400 participants seeing action in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

The field will be classified into five divisions using the two-man teams’ lowest handicap index for the month of October. Those in Class A (handicaps 0-10.9) will play Dye & Norman; Class B (1115.9) at Faldo & Aoki; Class C (16-21.9) at Norman & Dye; Class D (22 & up) and Ladies at Aoki & Faldo.

Those playing at Aoki and Norman will use the aggregate format while the best ball will be used at Dye and Faldo.

Meanwhile, the ERGCC hopes to provide a different kind of challenge after the country’s largest golf complex underwent renovation the last six months through the maintenance group WGC. “What we want is to provide the best service for the club’s upkeep. The members and guests will be happy to experience the true roll of the course,” said WGC chairman Winnie Gob. “The improvements done were not only to beautify the courses but also bring out the true challenge in each course is known for,” said general manager Boy Blue Ocampo.

The Fore by Four, sponsored by Ford Group, Kambal Pandesal, LK Golf and Rizgolf, will also stake two Toyota Wigo cars, one each for the winning member and his guest.

The series of talks is dubbed—the Sports and Sustainable Development Goals Youth Funshop.

Velasco said the Philippines is the first country to implement the plan, which seeks international cooperation in its programs over the next five years.

Caroline Baxter Tresise, who is UNESCO’s Consultant on Youth and Sport Social and Human Sciences, will be among the speakers with Velasco in the series of meetings.

Also speaking at the meeting are Deandra Wigati Farnita, community coach at Generations for Peace (Indonesia), and Jen Macapagal, who is the founder and president of Race2Share (Singapore/Philippines).

They will also have Cong Quach Hoang of Youth Action for Choice (Vietnam) and Lailatul Magfiroh, founder of Sporto App (Indonesia).

A runner is embraced after finishing the 2017 TCS New York City Marathon in New York. NYPD department had doubled the number of rooftop observation posts and countersniper teams in all five boroughs. More uniformed police officers, counterterrorism officers and police dogs will patrol the event. more than 50,000 runners from more than 125 countries and all 50 states are expected to pass before some 2.5 million spectators. Established in 1970, the annual race winds through all of New York City’s five boroughs. AFP

UST junior tossers extend perfect run to 10 games UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas made quick work of UP Integrated School, 25-20, 25-10, 25-7, to extend its perfect run to 10 matches in girls’ action of the UAAP Season 80 high school volleyball tournament Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Aside from bagging the twice-tobeat semis incentive, the Junior Tigress-

es moved two wins away from jumping straight to the best-of-three Finals.

Defending champion National University also claimed the other Final Four incentive as it eliminated Adamson University, 25-14, 25-15, 25-18.

The Bullpups improved to 8-1, while dealing the Baby Falcons

their eighth defeat in 11 contests to bow out of semis race.

Reigning boys’ titlist NU also emerged triumphant over Adamson University, 25-5, 25-15, 25-4, to tie Far Eastern University-Diliman, a 28-26, 25-13, 25-22 winner over Ateneo, in first place at 9-2.

In other games, UST drubbed the

UPIS, 25-13, 25-17, 25-14, while University of the East swept De La Salle-Zobel, 25-19, 25-17, 25-18.

The Junior Tiger Spikers and the Junior Warriors improved to 8-3 in joint third place, a game behind the Bullpups and the Baby Tamaraws in the race for the two twice-to-beat slots in the Final Four.

Foton tries to tighten hold on PSL lead Games Today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 2 p.m. – Foton vs Iriga City 4 p.m. – UST vs Cocolife 6 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Sta. Lucia

FOTON tries to tighten its grip on the leadership as it clashes with a depleted Iriga City squad when the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix rolls back to Filoil Flying V Centre today.

Action starts at 2 p.m. with the Tornadoes looking to punch their fourth consecutive victory in this prestigious club tourney bankrolled by Cignal, Mikasa, Senoh, Mueller, Grand Sport, Rebisco, Island Rose, Cloudfone, UCPB Gen and Asics, with ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

Meanwhile, guest team University of Santo Tomas makes its much-anticipated debut when it faces red-hot Cocolife at 4 p.m., while F2 Logistics tackles Sta. Lucia Realty in the 6 p.m. main battle.

Bannered by prized Serbian spiker in Sara Klisura and Montenegrin Dragana Perunicnic with another Serbian Katarina Vukamanovic at the backline, the Tornadoes appear unstoppable after racing to three straight victories.

Their previous conquest —a straight set domination of Generika-Ayala in the Spike on Tour in Bacolod City over the weekend— cemented their spot on top while rival Petron absorbed its first loss after falling to F2 Logistics in four sets.

But taking it easy appears to be the last thing on the mind of Foton coach Moro Branislav of Serbia.

“This is a very tough tournament. All imports are impressive and your local players have improved,” said Branislav, who is tipped to bank anew on Jaja Santiago, Maika Ortiz, EJ Laure and playmaker Ivy Perez.

“We have to take advantage of this momentum by claiming as many wins as possible. The tournament will be tougher in the latter period, so we must play our best this early.”

Champion Taiwan blanks PH, 3 to nil DEFENDING champion Chinese Taipei struck in the fourth and fifth innings to beat the Philippines, 3-0, in the final games of the 2017 Baseball Federation of Asia Under-15 Championship in Shizuoka, Japan.

Taking the lead with one

run in the fourth and adding two more in the fifth, the Taiwanese batters went on to settle for runner-up honors behind undefeated Japan.

Japan took the crown after it beat Korea, 1-0, finishing with a five-game sweep.

The Filipino batters, led by

pitchers Lloyd Crisostomo and Ethan Mitscheiner, ended their campaign at fourth place with their 2-3 win-loss record.

The other day, a 10-0 run in the first inning allowed the Philippines to pull off a 14-2 crushing of Hong Kong.

Peter Atencio

School for Better Beginnings wins crown

PH BATTERS. Members of the Philippine baseball team listen to team manager Ricardo

Jimenez for their final briefing prior to the team’s departure for Tokyo, Japan to participate in the 7th BFA Under-15 Baseball Championship. After losing to South Korea, 4-11, the Nationals won over Hong Kong, 10-2, on Monday. Other participating teams are Pakistan, Chinese Taipei and host Japan.

Host...

From A8

and now they are beginning to return to Russia,” Golts told AFP. According to the Federal Security Service (FSB), about 2,900 Russian jihadists, most of them from the Muslim-majority Caucasus republics, have fought in Syria. Between 2,000 and 4,000 more fighters from Central Asia now live in Russia.

The world’s most high profile sporting event, along with the Olympic Games, makes an ideal terrorist target.

Threats against players Every day, dozens of calls to commit attacks during the tournament from IS propaganda organs are published via social networks. Many of these involve threats against players.

But Pascal Boniface, director of the Institute of International and Strategic Relations in Paris, said these threats are put out “to attract attention”.

There is a risk of terror at “any global sporting event which attracts cameras and those with a desire to make an impact”.

Several months before the Win-

I N T ER NATIONA L School for Better Beginnings of Lucena City missed the Small Basketeers Philippines crown but made up big time by winning the Passerelle trophy recently in the Luzon Regional Finals of the twin basketball tournaments organized by the Best Center

ter Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi in 2014, bomb attacks killed 34 people in Volgograd, also in southern Russia, and “we were very worried about attacks” during the event, Boniface said.

FSB director Alexander Bortnikov revealed last month that a number of planned attacks had been thwarted ahead of the World Cup warm-up event the Confederations Cup in June.

Human rights concernsIn 2016 Russia set up an international “working group” charged with overseeing safety at the World Cup and bringing together the security

(Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center).

ISBB fought harder for a 67-66 edging of St. Louis University Laboratory High School of Baguio City to claim the Passerelle crown in this tournament sponsored by Milo and supported by Rain or Shine, Chris Sports and SKLZ.

services of 32 countries, despite diplomatic tensions between Moscow and the West, Bortnikov said.

“Every country is sending delegations and the common cause of the fight against terrorists goes beyond any disagreement they might have,” Boniface added.

Saint Petersburg police last week began deploying dogs trained to sniff out explosives on the underground network, while a list of sensitive areas which will be kept under particularly close watch— including luxury hotels, training grounds and tourist areas of host cities—was published. AFP

Don Bosco Academy of Pampanga crushed Urdaneta City National High School of Pangasinan, 7160, for third place.

The ISBB Passerelle boys’ win somehow eased their SBP counterparts’ 46-36 defeat to Berkeley School of Baguio in the other title match.

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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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

Sports

James Harden of the Houston Rockets goes for a lay up against two Utah Jazz defenders at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. AFP

Red Lions, SSC Stags clash in game of death S AN Beda College battles San Sebastian College in you-or-me, death duel that will determine the opponent of the rampaging Lyceum of the Philippines University in the 93rd NCAA basketball tournament at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

Gametime is set at 3:30 p.m.

The Lions will be fighting off rust after a 19-day break, while the Stags should be riding the momentum of their pair of huge playoff victories over the Letran Knights, 74-69, on Oct. 20 and the Jose Rizal Bombers,

85-73, on Oct. 24.

The winner of the duel will set up a best-of-three title duel with the Pirates, who swept their 18 elimination-round games to zoom straight to the finals.

Expect a physical and low-scoring game as the two

teams will be bringing along their league-best defense.

San Beda owns the stingiest defense in the league after it held down its opponents to an average of 65.8 points, while San Sebastian is not that far behind as it shackled its foes to a third-best 70.2.

“We all know San Beda plays really hard defense, same with us,” said San Sebastian College coach Egay Macaraya.

Emotions should also run high between the two squads as San Beda mentor Boyet Fernandez once called out San Sebastian’s Michael Calisaan for his “dirty plays,” a

Turn to A7

(MOA Arena, Pasay) 1 p.m.- San Beda vs St. Benilde (jrs) 3:30 p.m.- San Beda vs San Sebastian (srs)

statement that didn’t sit well with Macaraya.

Calisaan has been on a rampage since then.

Macaraya and Fernandez though would like to focus on the present.

“I have no problems with him (Fernandez), I’m just defending my player (Calisaan),” said Macaraya.

“We would like to focus on the game and give more concern on how we could

LOS ANGELES—James Harden was an unstoppable force, pouring in a careerhigh 56 points as the Houston Rockets rolled over the visiting Utah Jazz 137-110 on Sunday.

The all-star guard Harden also had 13 assists and made 19 of 25 shots from the field as he finished just one point shy of the team record of 57 set by Hall of Fame guard Calvin Murphy during the 1977-78 NBA season.

The 28-year-old American missed his final four shot attempts in pursuit of the franchise mark before leaving the game for good.

“No,” Harden said when asked if he was aware of the franchise mark. “We won, right?”

Harden finished seven of eight from three-point range while making 11 of 12 free throws.

With his final basket in the third quarter, Harden surpassed his previous career high of 53 points.

“To me, what makes him even more difficult is his intelligence as a player,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said.

“He’s able to recognize situations because he is so talented and sometimes you don’t see the subtleties of his game, his intelligence.

“He’s an intelligent guy and there was really not much we can do.”

Houston hit 23 of 39 three-point attempts, with guard Eric Gordon shooting six of 11 from deep while

adding 20 points.

Trevor Ariza tallied 14 points while making four of eight three-pointers. Nene added 13 off the bench.

All five Utah starters scored in double figures, but rookie guard Donovan Mitchell came off the bench to pace the Jazz offence with 17 points.

The Jazz darted to a 10-2 lead before the Rockets stormed back behind Harden, who scored 30 first-half points and made his first 10 shots en route to his sixth career 50-point game.

Elsewhere, the Boston Celtics used another smothering defensive performance and a balanced attack to win their eighth straight game with a 104-88 victory over the Orlando Magic.

Second-year guard Jaylen Brown scored a team-high 18 points for Boston, who have compiled the best record in the NBA by allowing the fewest points in the league (99.1 per game).

Al Horford had 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Celtics improved to 8-2 on the season.

Jayson Tatum scored 13 points, and Marcus Morris, in his first start of the season after returning from a knee injury, had 12 points and seven boards.

Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jonathon Simmons had 14 points for Orlando, while Nikola Vucevic tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. AFP

Parker gets high marks from Racela

By Peter Atencio COMING up with the big numbers in every game isn’t the job of the Jasper Parker.

But creating scoring opportunities is his main role for the team.

Far Eastern University coach Olsen Racela said this of the team’s 5’10” guard after they came away with a 79-63 win over the University of the East Red Warriors Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s not about his scoring. But it’s the way he orchestrates everything for us,” said Racela after the Tams stayed in contention for a Final Four seat in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The Tams, who now have a 6-6 win-loss record, got big points from Parker in this game as he knocked in nine of his 18 points in the final quarter.

They started pulling away on a three-point play from Prince Orizu and two freebies from Parker in the remaining 5:48, 60-55.

Parker, who played for Cesafi in Cebu in the early days of his college career, played above his averages of 9.1 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Parker’s three-pointer and charity in the last 2:06 allowed FEU to take a commanding 74-60 lead in the last 2:06.

Piccio targets 1st LPGT crown at Forest Hills

Host Russia faces threat of attack at World Cup MOSCOW—Russia says it will take extraordinary measures to combat any terrorist threat when it hosts the World Cup next year, as its military campaign in Syria makes the country a prime target for jihadists.

A bombing on the metro in Saint Petersburg in April that left 15 people dead was among the recent high-profile terror attacks on Russian soil.

The fear of more attacks was heightened after seven people were stabbed in Siberia in August in an attack claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, while the authorities have reported breaking up several jihadist cells across the country.

“There is a very real threat of an attack in Russia” during the World Cup, which runs from June 14 and July 15 2018, said Alexander Golts, an independent Russia expert specialising in security.

Russia has experienced a number terror attacks over the last 20 years and during two wars in Chechnya, but the threat has increased since Moscow’s military intervention in Syria in September 2015 to support President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, making it a priority IS target.

“The authorities say they have succeeded in destroying IS. But several thousand Russians have been taking part in (jihadist) conflicts

preserve our tradition at San Beda,” said Fernandez.

The tradition Fernandez is referring to dates back to 2006 when it made the finals 11 straight seasons, winning nine championships along the way.

The only year that the Lions didn’t bring home the crown came in 2009 when the “Pinatubo Three” of Calvin Abueva, Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual gave the Stags the championship and in 2015 when Aldin Ayo’s over-achieving Knights reigned supreme.

And Fernandez hopes there would be Finals No. 12.

“That’s our hope,” he said.

Games Today

Harden scores 56 as Rockets rip Jazz

Mia Piccio all primed up for the elusive LPGT crown.

MIA Piccio hopes to sustain her form coming off a Top 40 finish in the LPGA Q-School Stage II as she shoots for her first Ladies Philippine Golf Tour crown at the ICTSI Forest Hills Ladies Challenge unfolding tomorrow at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo.

Piccio has had a number of bad breaks in the country’s premier ladies circuit, including a one-stroke setback to Korean Lee Jeong Hwa at Manila Southwoods last last year. She tied for fifth in this year’s Champions Tour at Splendido and struggled to finish joint 15th at Mt. Malarayat last March.

But she exudes confidence as she heads to this week’s P750,000 event sponsored

by ICTSI following her joint 40th effort in Stage II of the LPGA in Florida that netted her a spot in the gruelling Final Stage later this month for a crack at next year’s LPGA Tour cast.

A slew of rivals, however, will be out to foil Piccio’s bid in the 54-hole championship, including former LPGA campaigner Cyna Rodriguez and the hottest player on the tour today, rookie Pauline del Rosario, who has won three of the last four tournaments in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf

Tournaments Inc. Two former leg winners from Thailand—Wannasiri Sirisampant and Amolkan Phalajivin—are also in the fold, guaranteeing fierce duel for top honors in the event serving as the eighth leg of the 10-stage circuit backed by Custom Clubmakers, BDO, Meralco, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Champion, Summit Mineral Water and K&G Golf.

Other Thais tipped to contend are Jaruporn P Naayutthawa, Supakchaya Pattaranakrueang, Tiranan Yoopan and Mookharin Ladgratok, also of Thailand.

Also seeing action are

Korean Euna Koh, Sarah Ababa and Chichio Ikeda, all former LPGT leg winners, South African Madeleen Grosskopf, Apple Fudolin, Anya Tanpinco, Sylvia Torres, Lucy Landicho, Sheryl Villasencio and Gretchen Villacencio.

Beefing up the compact but talent-laden cast are three amateurs in Isabela Maravite, Sam Dizon and Mafy Singson.

From Antipolo, the circuit moves to Splendido in Tagaytay for the penultimate leg of the 10-leg circuit on Nov. 21-23 before winding up at The Country Club for the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters.

GSIS Furies claim 1st win; Senate stuns PNP THE GSIS Furies claimed its first win of the season after toppling the Commission on Audit Enablers, 105–83, in the UNTV Cup 6 Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Arena.

Led by Best Player of the Game Rene Boy Banzali, the Furies now have a 1-2 record, while the Enablers are still winless after four games.

Meanwhile, the Malacañang-PSC Kamao retained its clean slate after beating the DA Food Masters, 91–78.

The Food Masters dominated the second and third quarters, but the Ka-

mao intensified its offense in the last quarter and snatched the lead until the final buzzer.

“Kailangan ko ma-address ko ang problemang iyan na slow start.

I told them na, ‘Guys, remember finalist tayo last year tapos wala pa tayo talo this season. Sigurado ko, ang kalaban natin pag-apak pa lang sa court na iyan sobra ang respeto sa atin niyan. Now, kung hindi natin rerespetuhin iyan, ganyan lagi mangyayari, magugulat tayo na malalamangan na lang tayo bigla.’ Suwerte pa kami sa ngayon dahil every time we decided to play,

buti nakakalusot kami,” Kamao head coach Louie Gonzales admitted.

On the other hand, Food Masters’ coach Zaldy Realubit believes that his players should intensify their endurance, individually and collectively.

“Hindi ko alam kung ubos na kami, pagod na kami. Hindi na namin nagawa ang dapat naming gawin sa fourth quarter. So tingin ko more practice pa kami,” Realubit said.

In another game, Harley Ng and Jeffrey Sanders were hailed as the Best Players of the Game after leading the Senate Defend-

ers to a 68–56 win over the PNP Defenders, who suffered their first loss in the league of public servants.

Senate Defenders’ head coach Mike Fermin said: “Almost two weeks break kami for this game. So with that two-weeks break, siguro nakatatlo o apat na ensayo kami diyan. Pinagpreparahan talaga namin ito. So we worked on our offensive sets kasi ang depensa meron naman. Pero ang offensive sets namin nagkakaroon kami ng problema—walang identity— nagkakanya-kanya kung The COA Enablers’ Estong Ballesteros elects to pass as GSIS Furies’ minsan. So nag-devote Anthony Cuevas hounds him on defense during their teams’ UNTV kami ng much time doon.” Cup game at the Pasig City Sports Center.

Century Properties gets P1-b funding from BDO

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Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

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SMC consolidates food, liquor units

GIFTS AND DÉCOR BRANDING.

The Philippine gifts, décor and houseware industry expects to regain its foothold of the global marketplace, with the unveiling of Ma’i, the industry’s unified brand at the recentlyconcluded 66th Edition of the Manila Fame, the country’s premier lifestyle and design event. Former tourism secretary Dr. Mina Gabor (left) hits the gong as a ceremonial gesture during the official launch of the Ma’i branding of the Philippine GDH industry. With her is Center for International Trade Expositions and Mission executive director Clayton Tugonon.

By Jenniffer B. Austria CONGLOMERATE San Miguel Corp. said Monday it is consolidating its beer and liquor business under food manufacturing unit San Miguel Pure Foods Co. Inc. via a share swap transaction.

San Miguel said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it would transfer 7.86 billion shares in San Miguel Brewery Inc. and 216.97 million shares in Ginebra San Miguel to SMPFC with a combined value of P336.35 billion as a part of move to consolidate its food and beverage businesses under one subsidiary.

SMPFC will then issue 4.24 billion shares to SMC. SMPFC will then increase

its authorized capital stock to P12 billion, comprising 11.6 billion shares with a par value of P1 each and 40 million preferred shares with a par value of P10 each, from P2.46 billion.

“After the SEC approves the amendments to deny preemptive rights for issuances of common shares and reduce the par value of common shares, and the company’s authorized capital stock is increased, it can and will have enough common shares to issue to SMC for the share swap transaction, as well as conduct a subsequent follow-on share offering to comply with the minimum public ownership requirement of the exchange,” SMPFC said.

Market surges to new all-time high

S

TOCKS jumped to a new record high Monday, after major companies announced healthy third-quarter earnings and ahead of the country’s hosting of the Asean summit later this month.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, climbed 146 points, or 1.8 percent, to close at 8,523.07, topping the previous record set two days earlier. The bellwether was also up 24.6 percent since the start of the year.

The heavier index, representing all shares, also

advanced 69 points, or 1.4 percent, to settle at 4,968.60, on a value turnover of P7.3 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 105 to 95, while 41 issues were unchanged.

Seventeen of the 20 major stocks ended in the green, led by San Miguel Purefoods Company Inc. which soared 50 percent

to P462, after parent company San Miguel Corp. said it would fold in its beer and liquor business under San Miguel Pure Foods via a share swap transaction.

Property developer Italpinas Development Corp. jumped 26.1 percent to P9.94, while Harbor Star Shipping Services Inc. advanced 11 percent to P3.14.

Conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. of tycoon John Gokongwei gained 4.1 percent to P77, while SM Investments Corp. of

SM Prime earned P20b in 9 months PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Monday third-quarter net income climbed 16 percent to P5.66 billion from the same period last year, boosted by strong revenues from residential and shopping mall businesses.

SM Prime said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the robust third-quarter performance pushed total profit in the first nine months to P20.05 billion, up 15 percent from P17.45 billion a year ago.

Nine-month consolidated revenues increased 12 percent to P64.69 billion from P57.78 billion, while overall operating income grew 16 percent to P30.14 billion from P25.87 billion.

SM Prime attributed the steady growth in revenues to higher rental revenues, improvement in same-mall sales and higher contribution from residential sales.

“SM Prime’s performance in the third quarter is a testament to the buoyant overall economy that benefits the whole property market. The timely expansion of our malls

IN BRIEF Govt, China firm settle rail dispute

THE Philippine government concluded an out-of-court settlement over its dispute with China National Machinery & Equipment Corp. or Sinomach, the former contractor of the 80-kilometer Caloocan to Malolos segment of the North Rail Project.

The Trade Department said the settlement agreement, which was approved by the Commission on Audit, was reviewed and certified legal and enforceable under Philippine law by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

It is expected to save the Philippine government more than $100 million or over P5 billion in potential payment of claims to Sinomach, as well as hundreds of millions of pesos in legal fees and arbitration costs.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the parties agreed to waive their claims against each other and declared that there would be no more payment by Northrail to Sinomach, and vice versa.

The settlement will put an end to the arbitration proceedings initiated by Sinomach in 2012 after it was notified by Northrail that it could no longer proceed with the implementation of the project due to serious legal issues in the contracts. Darwin G. Amojelar

JG Summit spending $197m in petrochem

JG SUMMIT Holdings Inc. of the the Gokongwei group tapped South Korean construction company Posco Engineering & Construction Co. to build the $197-million expansion project of its petrochemical business in Batangas province.

JG Summit senior vice president Bach Johann Sebastian confirmed the deal in a text message.

Posco E&C said it won a petrochemical contract for engineering, procurement and construction to ramp up the existing naphtha cracking center and establish a second stage pygas hydrogenation unit for JG Summit Olefins Corp., the petrochemical unit of JG Summit.

The project will expand the capacity of the NCC to 474,000 tons per year from 320,000 tons and build a second stage pygas hydrogenation unit at the petrochemical complex in Barangay Simlong, Batangas City.

The project is expected to be completed by 2020.

The expansion project is expected to boost ethylene production to 500,000 metric tons a year from the current annual capacity of 320,000 MT. JG Summit’s $1-billion naphtha cracker facility in Batangas became fully operational in 2015. The facility

and launches of our residential projects in the provinces are positively contributing to the strong performance of our Company.

Given all these, we remain optimistic that we are on track to meet our growth target this year,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said.

Mall revenues, which accounted for 60 percent of total revenues, climbed 10 percent in January to September to P38.58 billion, on higher rentals and expansion of existing malls and opening of new malls.

Same-mall sales posted a healthy 7-percent growth. SM Prime has 65 shopping malls in the Philippines and seven in China.

It plans to open two more malls before the year-ends, including SM Center Lemery in Batangas and SM Center Pulilan in Bulacan.

Meanwhile, the group’s residential business, which accounted for 32 percent of the consolidated revenues, also booked a 10-percent growth in sales to P20.5 billion from P18.66 billion a year earlier. Jenniffer B. Austria

tycoon Henry Sy rose 3.2 percent to P998.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks were largely flat Monday, as US President Donald Trump lashed out at “unfair” trade practices and China’s central bank chief condemned excessive debt.

The twin warnings cancelled out positive leads from commodity and share markets—after Wall Street set new records Friday— and a weaker Manila yen.

Standard Trump began his maraTODAY

thon Asia tour in earnest Monday by criticizing trade relationships with Tokyo and Beijing, saying that close ally Japan had been “winning” for decades at the expense of the United States, and calling commerce with China “very unfair”.

In particular, Trump’s criticism of a “massive trade deficit” that “has to come down” prompted concern among Asian exporters.

Markets were already nervous over the prospect of an escalation in rhetoric -- or even further missile and nuclear tests—from North Korea during the US president’s Asian tour.

Speaking in Japan, Trump called the North’s missile program “a threat to the civilized world and international peace and stability” and warned: “The era of strategic patience is over.”

Trump is due to visit South Korea from Tuesday

to Wednesday.

Hong Kong shares recovered from morning losses to end the day flat. Seoul lost 0.3 percent, following massive selling by institutional investors.

Shanghai stocks shrugged off warnings by China’s central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan about “hidden, complex, sudden, contagious and hazardous” threats to the economy from excessive leveraging.

With Bloomberg, AFP

CITIBANK N.A. Balance Sheet (Head Office and Branches) As of September 30, 2017 ASSETS

Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS

Current Quarter

Previous Quarter

1,443,481,252.44 61,926,854,885.51 1,058,114,423.01 25,386,314,345.73 15,942,360,655.57 13,149,000.00 192,732,565,416.65 19,055,625,000.00 102,217,630,824.12 73,037,189,838.68 1,577,880,246.15 1,058,704,102.37 227,434,200.00 895,007,046.81 4,155,599,598.55 304,839,584,926.64

1,359,324,337.64 60,355,710,983.48 1,017,668,002.86 29,952,367,207.16 16,150,695,399.38 13,149,000.00 198,940,836,700.11 13,374,550,000.00 102,780,156,529.23 84,504,677,542.33 1,718,547,371.45 1,218,271,254.49 227,434,200.00 842,275,138.47 4,551,398,807.66 314,629,131,031.25

617,018,620.45 191,393,846,143.59 33,877,328,271.01 3,009,732,754.07 3,000,000,000.00 9,732,754.07 8,430,348,062.75 18,534,256,693.05 31,457,288,792.81 287,319,819,337.73

540,207,697.83 195,133,088,508.97 27,790,846,147.30 7,208,461,168.66 7,200,000,000.00 8,461,168.66 8,371,963,132.70 16,045,751,216.61 43,601,618,964.53 298,691,936,836.60

Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Capital TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

4,261,738,508.31 98,179,589.48 13,159,847,491.12 17,519,765,588.91 304,839,584,926.64

2,679,167,114.05 98,179,589.48 13,159,847,491.12 15,937,194,194.65 314,629,131,031.25

CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commitments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advisory/Consultancy Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS

230,859,910.38 2,535,974,328.65 736,768,093.92 621,771,989.88 134,710,690,871.00 15,206,522,599.97 366,355,219,149.02 49,008,683.12 49,008,683.12 88,761,851,733.54 298,593,522.58 609,507,260,882.06

167,910,598.04 2,571,137,369.38 778,330,379.46 565,487,036.52 128,109,364,643.00 11,328,594,754.45 333,214,338,346.58 48,879,626.82 48,879,626.82 87,200,674,202.39 328,804,354.86 564,313,521,311.50

196,401,565,772.92 2,091,120,110.12

202,718,403,105.17 2,059,019,033.61

886,570,461.17 0.45 (1,204,549,648.95) (0.61) 413.84 235.87 4,517,316,576.08 98,416,967.24 0.05 42,547.51 0.00 9.08 0.02 20.01 17.63 16.91 16.91 -

865,034,706.52 0.43 (1,193,984,327.09) (0.59) 436.70 238.03 4,306,474,708.57 95,538,646.55 0.05 10.51 0.03 20.97 17.94 17.21 17.21 -

LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Subordinated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposit Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

was expected to deliver $1 billion in annual revenues to the group. Jenniffer B. Austria

MPIC infusing P6.9b into Indonesian toll unit

THE tollway unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is acquiring an additional 42.25-percent stake in an Indonesian infrastructure holding company for P6.9 billion.

MPIC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. signed an agreement with PT Matahari Kapital Indonesia to acquire PT Matahari’s shares in PT Nusantara Infrastructure Tbk (PT Nusantara), an infrastructure holding company with interests in tollroads, port operations, water, energy and telecommunications.

MPTC indirectly acquired about 6.6 billion shares or 42.25 percent of PT Nusantara, at an estimated amount of $132 million or P6.9 billion.

This adds to MPTC’s indirect holdings, through its wholly- owned subsidiary, MPT Asia Corp. and the latter’s Indonesian subsidiary, PT Metro Pacific Tollways Indonesia (PT MPTI), of about 42.25 percent of the total capital stock of PT Nusantara on a fully-diluted basis.

Together with PT MPTI’s earlier share acquisitions, PT MPTI will now hold a total of about 47.08 percent of the total issued capital stock of PT Nusantara on a fullydiluted basis.

“MPTC will support the existing management of PT Nusantara by sharing our brand of service and helping the Indonesian firm realize its growth potential, especially in the toll road sector,” MPTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said. Darwin G. Amojelar

Cotabato papaya exported to Korea

FARMERS from the town of Tupi in South Cotabato exported 2.3 metric tons of papaya to South Korea, the Agriculture Department said.

Agriculture Department Region 12 executive director Milagros Casis said farmers from Tupo initially shipped 1 MT of solo papayas in the last week of October, to South Korea. This was followed by a second shipment of 1.3 MT. “We are glad that our farmers from Tupi inked a deal with Nurida Company based in South Korea,” she said.

Nurida Company is a distributor of fresh fruits in South Korea.

Tupi farmers, led by RM Fruits as the consolidator, committed to ship two to three metric tons of solo papaya every week based on the supply agreement signed by both parties.

“This is a triumph for us since we are encouraging more farmers in Region 12 to think of the bigger market.

This is one of the priorities now of the Agriculture Department,” Casis said. Othel V. Campos

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans & receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans & receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) c. Common Tier 1 ratio (%) Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

-

-

Republic of the Philippines) MAKATI CITY ) s.s.

We, Dennis A. Topacio and Martin John McLeod of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of our knowledge and belief.

(SGD) DENNIS A. TOPACIO Local Regulatory Reporting Head

(SGD) MARTIN JOHN McLEOD Country Chief Financial Officer

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 26th day of October 2017 at City of Makati, affiants exhibiting their Driver License No. D02-81-009851 issued in Quezon City on April 21,2015 and Passport ID No. M8728214 issued in Australia valid until, June 02, 2018 respectively.

Doc No. 220 Book No. VIII Page No. 45 Series of 2017

NOTARY PUBLIC ATTY. THOMAS J.T.F. DE CASTRO Notary Public for Makati City Appt. No. M-159 until December 31, 2018 7th Floor Citibank Center Paseo de Roxas Makati City IBP No. 1057289, 1/5/2017 Makati Chapter PTR No. 5913949, 1/5/2017 Makati City Roll No. 57068 MCLE Compliance No. V-0019955 valid 04/15/16 to 04/14/2019

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Business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Security Bank posts hefty profit Century Properties gets S P1-b funding from BDO

By Julito G. Rada

ECURITY Bank Corp., the fifth-largest lender in terms of assets, meanwhile, registered a net profit of P7.4 billion in the nine-month period, up 12 percent on year, on the back of double-digit growth in core businesses.

Security Bank attributed the strong financial results to “a 24-percent or P2.8billion increase in net interest income to P14.3 billion.”

“Non-interest income including trading gains was P3.5 billion, a 15 percent or P0.6-billion decrease,” the bank said in a statement.

Security bank’s net income in the third quarter increased 21 percent to P2.14 billion

year-on-year, driven by a 22-percent growth in net interest income to P5 billion.

The growth in net interest income was on the back of a 38-percent year-on-year increase in loans to P370 billion and a 44-percent increase in deposits to P431 billion. Low-cost deposits grew 22 percent.

Wholesale loans rose 36 percent, with corporate loan growth recorded at 39 percent and that of middle market at 32 percent.

Consumer loans, accounting for 14 percent of the bank total loan portfolio. increased 67 percent.

Net interest margin stood at 3.2 percent in the third quarter of 2017, same as in previous quarter and higher than 3.1 percent at year-end 2016. Service charges, fees and commissions were up 2 percent to P1.6 billion.

Operating expenses, excluding provisions for credit and impairment losses, rose 17 percent, driven by a 22-percent increase in manpower cost with the staffing of new branches, retail lending and e-commerce

platforms.

Security Bank opened 19 new branches in the last 12 months from October 2016 to September 2017, inclusive of the eight new branches launched in the first nine months this year.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the secondlargest lender in terms of assets, meanwhile, booked an unaudited consolidated net income of P13.2 billion in the first nine months of 2017, up 5 percent year-on-year, on higher loans and deposits.

Metrobank, in a a disclosure to the stock exchange, attributed the increased income to its core banking business as it sustained the momentum in its loan expansion and lowcost deposits growth.

Fee income drivers continued to improve and operating expenses were again capped at a single-digit growth rate.

“We are pleased to report that our core earnings results are moving ahead of plans,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said in a statement.

By Jenniffer B. Austria CENTURY Properties Group Inc., through its mass housing unit PHirst Park Homes, has obtained a P1-billion loan from BDO Unibank Inc. to finance its house and lot project in Tanza, Cavite.

Century said PHirst signed a term loan facility with BDO Unibank to fund the land development and construction of its Tanza project, a 26-hectare horizontal community that will offer 2,877 housing units.

The project, which was launched in

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4.8 146,000 60 17,570 98 1,932,510 3.87 4,000 144.5 2,674,040 2.11 2,110,000 33.6 64,600 15.9 62,800 32 790,100 0.65 38,000 0.65 886,000 91.05 3,448,110 0.82 55,000 12.62 1,800 25 2,000 57.8 28,630 240 500 101 370 89 820 57.15 547,590 252 358,470 87 224,850 1.3 352,000

692,660 1,052,296 189,164,850 15,490 386,415,607 4,569,170 2,163,915 998,854 25,345,845 24,700 571,600 313,141,219 44,600 22,716 50,000 1,657,231.50 120,000 37,370 72,980 31,609,397.50 90,285,648 19,561,855 469,560

9,340 936,469 27,256,561 -191,768,846 10,750 616,290 -5,068,075 0 199,876,871 16,500 100,245.50 -7,550,037.50 45,870,970 -18,886,819 -

41 11.48 0.74 1.35 18.98 0.217 101 4.18 14.2 43.1 18.12 66 68 1.88 5.99 11.28 10.2 14.88 12.18 7.14 5.81 18 63.05 16 12.1 18.94 1.73 248.2 58.5 4.1 22.6 30.4 18.8 16.94 293.4 0.201 10.7 2.78 6.36 9.65 7.23 9.55 1.69 11.5 62.55 6.52 311 4.68 4.74 2.06 12.88 4.71 0.138 1.17 141.9 2.94 2.08 0.94

INDUSTRIAL 41.15 1,221,300 12.16 1,627,400 0.75 70,000 1.35 138,000 19.6 1,300 0.223 1,690,000 101 450 4.26 18,394,000 14.6 2,114,300 44.7 464,300 18.14 3,500 66 90 68 4,200 1.9 214,000 5.99 190,500 11.3 8,500 10.24 7,091,000 14.96 6,205,800 12.28 344,900 7.18 251,200 5.88 27,175,900 18.3 1,228,800 63.5 302,200 23.3 2,929,800 12.1 12,400 19.5 2,508,900 1.76 503,000 251 171,700 58.5 330 4.11 387,000 22.75 800 30.75 6,097,300 18.9 196,200 17.56 2,471,900 295.6 1,067,250 0.202 310,000 11 37,000 2.78 374,000 6.41 52,800 9.9 741,400 7.29 34,500 9.56 4,000 1.69 1,669,000 11.7 376,700 62.6 495,170 6.52 48,600 462 771,470 4.85 1,198,000 4.8 69,000 2.12 508,000 12.92 1,115,300 4.73 104,000 0.138 800,000 1.2 106,000 145.5 442,980 3 281,000 2.1 1,725,000 0.94 30,000

50,253,685 19,403,820 52,360 187,090 24,896 371,020 45,800 78,277,500 30,550,804 20,491,220 63,440 6,020 285,605 405,630 1,151,560 96,162 72,412,194 92,752,812 4,223,792 1,802,450 159,352,878 22,434,332 19,115,150.50 61,115,959 150,458 48,538,746 880,190 42,923,950 19,305 1,607,050 18,125 187,697,085 3,713,168 43,188,370 316,002,480 62,650 400,244 1,046,930 338,765 7,223,050 250,304 38,215 2,834,570 4,410,622 31,005,378 318,970 305,609,332 5,658,550 327,900 1,080,250 14,431,918 491,910 110,550 124,950 63,602,738 842,780 3,617,160 28,200

-10,453,930 -995,472 16,320 2,791,020 26,973,232 766,320 6,403,176 13,711,342 -88,344 190,945 -72,958,274 14,376,384 -1,419,892 579,988 -86,194 -3,114,626 56,000 7,075,000 38,390 60,271,705 69,934 19,288,524.00 121,356,236 -664,120 -270,039 -14,340 1,708,350 180,842 3,971,546 39,300 -28,709,140 5,367,800 4,780 5,629,516 -122,560 69,000 2,602,745 -117,560 622,700 -

0.35 74.2 16.1 1.07 0.465 0.465 1,089 8.5 15.8 7.79 5 5.2 0.2 1,202 77 0.83 5.86 17.4 6.85 0.052 1.37 2.09 108.6 2.62 998 1.44 302.6 0.255 0.185

0.335 72.15 15.66 1.07 0.445 0.44 1,059 8.46 15.48 7.6 5 5.2 0.191 1,186 74.35 0.79 5.65 16.98 6.77 0.049 1.25 2.07 101.3 2.62 967.5 1.43 292 0.25 0.185

HOLDING FIRMS 0.34 490,000 74.2 1,031,460 16.1 2,198,100 1.07 6,000 0.455 19,340,000 0.465 5,730,000 1,080 164,655 8.47 506,200 15.8 3,734,900 7.79 2,700 5 8,000 5.2 8,000 0.2 50,000 1,188 137,690 77 1,664,250 0.82 104,000 5.65 3,136,400 17.3 2,795,000 6.8 29,317,100 0.05 95,790,000 1.26 1,590,000 2.07 132,000 106.8 1,206,850 2.62 6,000 998 169,500 1.44 930,000 302.6 58,240 0.25 1,110,000 0.185 200,000

165,750 75,567,121.50 34,831,126 6,420 8,818,300 2,615,850 176,091,925 4,292,068 58,216,208 20,800 40,000 41,600 9,640 164,183,470 125,279,220.50 83,650 17,926,069 48,252,490 199,493,051 4,757,310 2,058,480 275,240 128,558,823 15,720 167,357,690 1,333,890 17,374,872 278,900 37,000

-12,055,703 -4,985,580 -18,722,310 2,969,579 11,342,064 74,353,450 -30,271,334 1,403,563 38,608,006 -65,266,026 50,000 -4,140 23,086,901 39,020,815 -228,530 -1,527,482 -

5.47 1.05 8.86 2.47 0.99 45 3.93 5.14 5.42 0.52 1.26 1.26 0.204 0.48 40.25 0.68 0.142 2 1.6 0.87 5.73 0.345 0.445

5.33 1.01 8.83 2.41 0.96 44.15 3.85 4.87 5.34 0.51 1.23 1.23 0.199 0.47 39.8 0.65 0.142 1.95 1.53 0.83 5.6 0.335 0.405

2,697,130 9,666,730 9,743 121,160 1,770,100 335,189,925 4,131,350 17,865,950 408,904 2,976,530 107,770 350,040 1,180,800 319,000 16,958,260 3,651,380 2,840 9,982,550 27,256,540 1,017,240 189,814,206 12,376,200 12,158,100

318,649 38,800 104,510,805 -438,110 -86,560 141,189 122,200 3,889,210.00 -2,171,670 555,350 337,640 -22,183,513 -17,300 183,250

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

AG FINANCE ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FIRST ABACUS MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK VANTAGE

4.82 59.3 96.5 3.88 144 2.28 33.45 15.9 32.45 0.65 0.64 90.5 0.8 12.62 25 58 240 101 89 58.55 250 87.1 1.32

4.87 60 98 3.88 146.7 2.32 33.6 16 32.45 0.65 0.65 91.3 0.83 12.62 25 58 240 101 89 59 254.8 87.1 1.34

4.67 59.3 96.5 3.87 143.1 2.11 33.4 15.8 31.9 0.65 0.64 90 0.8 12.62 25 57.8 240 101 89 57.05 250 86.5 1.3

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CONCEPCION CONCRETE A CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR ENERGY DEVT FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHIL H2O PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP PUREFOODS RFM CORP ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

41.2 11.7 0.74 1.37 19.8 0.22 102 4.36 14.2 44.3 18.14 67 68.1 1.9 6.1 11.56 10.22 14.94 12.46 7.24 5.82 18 63.1 16.7 12.14 19 1.74 248.2 58.5 4.2 22.6 30.95 19 17.34 295 0.205 10.8 2.81 6.4 9.65 7.32 9.55 1.71 11.7 62.55 6.55 311 4.7 4.76 2.11 12.96 4.72 0.139 1.18 141.9 2.94 2.13 0.94

41.5 12.2 0.76 1.37 19.8 0.223 102 4.36 14.64 44.7 18.14 67 68.1 1.9 6.1 11.56 10.24 15.02 12.46 7.24 5.88 18.3 63.5 23.3 12.16 19.58 1.77 251 58.5 4.3 22.75 31 19 17.56 297 0.205 11 2.89 6.44 9.9 7.35 9.56 1.71 11.8 62.65 6.7 462 4.85 4.8 2.14 13 4.82 0.139 1.2 145.5 3.08 2.13 0.94

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A FJ PRINCE B FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP TOP FRONTIER UNIOIL HLDG WELLEX INDUS

0.345 72.3 15.86 1.07 0.445 0.44 1,061 8.5 15.54 7.75 5 5.2 0.191 1,201 74.55 0.83 5.84 17 6.77 0.05 1.3 2.09 101.3 2.62 967.5 1.44 297.8 0.255 0.185

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

5.36 1.04 8.86 2.41 0.98 44.15 3.87 4.91 5.4 0.51 1.23 1.23 0.203 0.48 40.05 0.68 0.142 2 1.54 0.87 5.64 0.335 0.42

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.53 6.7 28.3 24.75 1.81 3.22 36.9 1.01 0.85 6.07

0.54 6.84 28.3 25.2 1.81 3.23 37.4 1.03 0.87 6.07

0.51 6.7 28.3 24.75 1.81 3.21 36.8 1.01 0.85 6

0.52 6.79 28.3 25.15 1.81 3.21 37.05 1.02 0.87 6.06

5,672,000 2,415,300 300 1,133,500 116,000 661,000 8,538,800 432,000 36,000 5,866,600

2,941,690 16,343,878 8,490 28,372,000 209,960 2,123,520 316,877,510 439,210 31,020 35,497,913

392,316 -2,911,285 208,150 -109,480 -74,580,710 -16,948,005

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN HAVEN HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY MELCO RESORTS METRO RETAIL NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL RACING PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

19.5 39.3 1.5 0.52 0.049 11 5.03 9.94 0.067 108 8.93 9.78 7.06 2.01 970 2,042 5.95 18.08 2.83 2.59 102.2 8.38 0.16 1.37 3.11 15.4 4.05 1.29 21.5 0.55 2.73 7.05 4.05 2.4 11.02 5.14 2.82 7.85 176.2 8.6 1,667 1.43 52 95.5 6.04 3.8 1.79 3.87 0.99 8.2

19.5 39.5 1.58 0.52 0.051 11 5.03 10.32 0.069 109 8.93 9.8 7.4 2.01 970 2,072 5.96 18.4 3.18 2.6 103.5 8.39 0.16 1.39 3.17 15.4 4.2 1.31 21.5 0.55 2.75 7.15 4.08 2.54 11.18 5.14 3 7.85 179 8.84 1,700 1.43 52 95.5 6.05 3.8 1.93 3.93 1.05 8.3

19.12 38.7 1.5 0.51 0.049 11 5.02 9.93 0.066 107.1 8.91 9.38 7.06 2.01 970 2,030 5.95 18.04 2.77 2.56 102.2 8.33 0.155 1.37 3.09 15.4 4 1.28 20.65 0.55 2.72 6.85 4.03 2.38 11.02 5 2.81 7.85 176.2 8.51 1,667 1.38 51.1 93.65 5.91 3.6 1.78 3.85 0.98 8.09

SERVICES 19.12 39.2 1.58 0.51 0.049 11 5.02 10.16 0.066 107.6 8.91 9.38 7.3 2.01 970 2,040 5.96 18.08 3.14 2.56 102.7 8.37 0.155 1.37 3.15 15.4 4.18 1.29 21 0.55 2.74 6.9 4.05 2.45 11.18 5.1 3 7.85 179 8.53 1,700 1.38 51.4 95 6.05 3.64 1.9 3.9 1.03 8.3

31,700 13,800 278,000 2,134,000 115,640,000 10,000 5,000 34,920,800 16,490,000 119,340 7,500 2,500,300 29,800 4,000 30 30,580 91,200 18,400 31,339,000 12,000 460,290 317,100 7,870,000 97,000 55,000 2,200 1,133,000 978,000 6,756,300 27,000 178,000 2,883,300 420,000 9,012,000 54,700 24,000 66,000 10,000 240 638,100 48,635 4,907,000 1,729,840 291,330 21,600 2,950,000 28,392,000 940,000 18,515,000 4,568,500

607,972 539,100 422,030 1,109,460 5,689,450 110,000 25,126 354,922,361 1,091,190 12,886,222 66,905 23,663,760 215,036 8,040 29,100 62,727,840 542,704 333,076 95,049,270 31,010 47,242,161 2,655,137 1,239,730 132,910 171,710 33,880 4,643,810 1,255,300 142,055,825 14,850 486,170 20,023,663 1,704,790 22,171,150 604,732 121,228 195,000 78,500 42,932 5,496,125 82,200,480 6,840,030 88,715,117.50 27,511,814 129,134 10,800,850 53,366,050 3,648,590 18,992,330 37,481,156

5,748 13,590 108,800 48,982,123 -3,099,017 932,790 8,605,080 8,752,850 -9,799,558 1,600 15,400 -720,990 -7,638,465 -1,780,991 -669,820 646,780 27,630 39,352 -3,642,090 -2,473,920 -24,635,741 -9,332,209 -1,470,940 7,147,180 191,960 47,040 -6,564,066.00

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

0.0025 1.74 5.04 1.85 2.09 1.65 0.375 8.03 2.97 0.265 0.173 0.181 0.01 1.99 7.48 1.83 1 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.28 7.85 8.91 41 0.0075

0.0025 1.76 5.04 1.85 2.09 1.68 0.375 8.09 3.05 0.265 0.173 0.183 0.01 2.04 7.54 1.85 1.03 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.29 7.95 9.05 41.95 0.0075

0.0024 1.73 4.89 1.84 2.09 1.63 0.375 8.03 2.97 0.255 0.165 0.169 0.01 1.93 7.38 1.79 1 0.012 0.014 0.011 2.28 7.85 8.69 40.95 0.0075

MINING & OIL 0.0024 89,000,000 1.73 5,874,000 4.89 45,600 1.84 7,000 2.09 1,000 1.63 3,498,000 0.375 40,000 8.09 13,600 2.99 19,163,000 0.26 50,000 0.167 24,580,000 0.169 1,990,000 0.01 20,400,000 2.03 1,104,000 7.39 8,475,300 1.85 182,000 1.02 2,808,000 0.012 800,000 0.014 500,000 0.011 6,700,000 2.29 22,000 7.95 1,021,400 8.69 6,742,200 41.95 885,400 0.0075 2,000,000

214,400 10,229,540 225,934 12,920 2,090 5,753,000 15,000 110,018 57,493,020 12,950 4,138,550 355,630 204,000 2,199,200 63,249,660 330,860 2,830,810 9,600 7,000 79,600 50,180 8,097,463 59,736,108 36,508,770 15,000

261,000 38,257 102,400 -796,850 -87,660 -1,012,600 42,100,425 -18,400 -51,600 -474,709 1,379,429 -7,337,680 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B FGEN PREF F GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2I

38.8 530 107.3 106 539 5.75 1.06 108 1,064 1,145 1,008 106 110.5 75.5 81.25 78.1 77.2 79.1

38.8 530 107.3 106 539 5.75 1.06 108 1,064 1,145 1,008 106 110.5 75.7 81.3 78.8 77.5 79.65

38.5 530 107.3 106 515 5.62 1.06 108 1,064 1,145 1,007 105.9 110.5 75.5 81.25 78 77.2 78.7

PREFERRED 38.8 58,600 530 100 107.3 500 106 900 515 56,050 5.71 11,200 1.06 12,000 108 500 1,064 11,000 1,145 4,600 1,007 830 105.9 70 110.5 50 75.7 17,880 81.25 30,100 78.8 15,220 77.5 12,790 79.65 16,960

2,266,395 53,000 53,650 95,400 29,495,010 64,132 12,720 54,000 11,704,000 5,267,000 835,890 7,416 5,525 1,353,416 2,447,018.50 1,188,232 988,888 1,337,697

-867,830 -15,454,060 24,166 -133,632.00 -

1,255,240

-

114,369,113 727,160 2,861,155

19,765,368 207,715

538,991

-

MS

PROPERTY 5.42 1.02 8.83 2.47 0.96 45 3.88 5.05 5.42 0.52 1.26 1.23 0.204 0.475 39.8 0.66 0.142 1.95 1.59 0.83 5.7 0.34 0.41

501,000 9,446,000 1,100 50,000 1,826,000 7,484,200 1,063,000 3,535,000 75,700 5,785,000 87,000 284,000 5,880,000 670,000 424,300 5,499,000 20,000 5,081,000 17,396,000 1,215,000 33,313,200 36,470,000 28,720,000

LR WARRANT

2.38

2.53

2.37

WARRANTS 2.48 513,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

7.91 3.87 5.34

10.06 4.1 5.34

7.91 3.62 5.29

9.94 3.62 5.31

FIRST METRO ETF

127.9

128.4

127.5

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

16,801,815

INDUSTRIAL

96,432,525

HOLDING FIRMS

174,805,128

PROPERTY

205,233,169

SERVICES

298,177,747

MINING & OIL

196,097,791

GRAND TOTAL

1,000,655,907

SME

12,365,400 196,000 539,600

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 128.4 4,210

VALUE 2,055.72 (up) 19.56 1,384,420,609.85 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,026.84 (up) 200.50 1,741,597,830.57 HOLDING FIRMS 8,765.47 (up) 209.79 1,350,471,016.63 PROPERTY 4,028.47 (up) 24.99 1,699.70 (up) 22.08 1,163,051,982.54 SERVICES MINING & OIL 13,308.11 (up) 27.16 1,277,307,310.91 PSEI 8,523.07 (up) 146.94 251,902,181.824 All Shares Index 4,968.60 (up) 69.70 7,287,259,522.24 Gainers: 105; Losers: 95; Unchanged: 41; Total: 241

2016, has begun land development for the first phase, which will initially offer 950 units.

Target completion for the land development of the first phase is on the third quarter of 2018.

PHirst also signed an agreement with BDO Unibank to provide house and lot buyers with flexible home loan terms.

“Following CPG’s tradition of quality and innovation, PHirst Park Homes is building a premium community in Tanza while elevating the standards of the first-home market category at competitive price points. We are proud of this partnership with BDO Unibank as it makes our homes more accessible to first-time home buyers but also attainable for them with flexible loan terms,” said PHirst Park Homes president Ricky Celis.

BDO Unibank senior executive vice president and head of institutional banking Walter Wassmer said the agreement with PHirst was in line with the bank’s commitment to support significant undertakings benefiting the greater population.

“As such, this funding agreement will further boost the supply of housing units in the country and fulfill every family’s dream of having their own home,” Wassmer said.

Construction of the first 878 homes is slated in the first quarter of 2018, for turnover in the third quarter of the same year.

Construction of the remaining 72 units is set to start by the second quarter of 2018, for turnover before the yearend.

IN BRIEF

Century Pacific posts P2.2-b profit

CANNED tuna producer Century Pacific Food Inc. said Monday consolidated net income rose two percent in the first nine months of the year to P2.2 billion as the double-digit growth in revenues was offset by higher input costs.

Century Pacific said in a disclosure to the stock exchange consolidated net revenue in the first three quarters of 2017 jumped 21 percent to P25.27 billion, mainly because of the sustained doubledigit growth of the branded businesses.

Branded food registered a 12-percent increase to P18 billion, while original equipment manufacturer exports grew over 45 percent to P7.3 billion.

The company posted a net income of P746.7 million in the third quarter, down 6.8 percent from P797.7 millio a year ago. Jenniffer B. Austria

China Bank names Whang as president CHINA Banking Corp., the eighthlargest lender in terms of assets, has a new president in the person of William Whang, who succeeded 42-year veteran Ricardo Chua effective Nov. 1, 2017.

China Bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday Whang was previously executive vice president and chief operating officer of the bank. He joined the bank in 2011 as head of the Institutional Banking Group focusing on corporate and commercial segments.

He then became head of the lending business segment, with added responsibilities in overseeing the consumer banking (housing, auto, credit cards) and remittance businesses.

“I am profoundly grateful to the China Bank board of directors for their trust and confidence in giving me the privilege to assume this very challenging role as president,” Whang said. Julito G. Rada

NGCP sends staff for China training GRID operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines is sharpening the skills of its personnel as part of the company’s thrust to build the strongest power grid and maintain the best power utility practice in Southeast Asia.

National Grid started its five-day Trailblazers’ program on Monday in Jinan, China, where it sent 26 engineers and other technical personnel from its operations and maintenance, planning and engineering, system operations, and quality and safety, to participate in a comprehensive learning program.

“The Trailblazers’ Program is a unique opportunity for our engineers to hone their skills and raise the bar of excellence for transmission services.

This will ensure that NGCP can keep up with the fast paced development of the country’s economy, and make Philippine transmission more globally competitive.

Improvement of an outdated and aging transmission system has always been NGCP’s primary mandate,” NGCP said in a statement. Alena Mae S. Flores

World

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 Ceasar Barioquinto, Editor

B3

UN climate talks open in Bonn

WAITING FOR ROYALTY. Traditional dancers wait for Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, to arrive at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, outside Kuching, on the island of Borneo. AFP

BONN―Five months after the world’s most famous climate skeptic said he would yank the United States out of the 196-nation Paris Agreement, the diplomats and leaders tasked with implementing it remained both defiant and concerned.

“We must preserve the global consensus for decisive action enshrined in the Paris Agreement,” Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who will preside over the 12-day summit, said in a statement.

“The human suffering caused by intensifying hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, floods and threats to food security caused by climate change means there is no time to waste.”

Texas mass shooting leaves US mourning S UTHERLAND SPRINGS―The United States was in mourning Monday after a gunman wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire with an assault rifle on the congregation of a small-town Texas church, killing 26 people and wounding 20 more in the nation’s latest shooting massacre.

President Donald Trump said the nation was living through “dark times” but guns were not to blame for Sunday’s carnage, which came just five weeks after the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

“I think that mental health is your problem here,” said the US president, speaking in Tokyo as part of his Asia tour. “This was a very―based on preliminary reports―a very deranged individual.”

“This isn’t a guns situation,” Trump insisted, calling it “a mental health problem at the highest level.”

The victims, who ranged in age from five to 72, were gunned down at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of some 400 people 50 kilometers southeast of San Antonio.

The gunman, widely identified as Devin Kelley, 26, was described by authorities as a young white male who was found dead in his vehicle after being confronted by a local resident.

The Air Force said Kelley served at a base in New Mexico starting in 2010 before being court-martialed in 2012 for allegedly assaulting his wife and child.

He was sentenced to 12 months in confinement and received a “bad conduct” discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told AFP. He was discharged in 2014.

Dressed all in black, Kelley fired outside the church before entering the building and continuing to spray bullets, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

“As he exited the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect.

The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. Our local citizen pursued the suspect at that time,” Martin said.

Law enforcement later found Kelley dead in his car, which had crashed on the Wilson-Guadalupe county line. It was not clear if he had killed himself or was shot by the resident who had confronted him.

Multiple weapons were found in the car, which was processed by bomb technicians.

“We have multiple, multiple crime scenes. We have the church, outside the church. We have where the suspect’s vehicle was located,” said Martin.

“We have been following up on the suspect and where he’s from. We have Texas Rangers at all the hospitals locating those and interviewing those who were injured.”

“There’s so many families who have lost family members. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters,” Governor Greg Abbott said, warning the toll could rise. AFP

Arriving in donkeys, Syrians seek Israeli medical aid MOUNT HERMON―The wounded Syrians, carried on donkeys through the pitch-black night, could be seen in the beam of a searchlight held by their unlikely saviors―Israeli soldiers.

They were high in the mountains, nearing the Israeli-occupied zone of the Golan Heights, where they were to receive medical treatment for their wounds even though Israel and Syria are officially at war.

Casualties from Syria’s sixyear civil war are taken to hospitals inside Israel several nights each week.

At the same time, Israeli soldiers return Syrians, who have received treatment, to the disengagement line that divides the

Syrian-controlled part of the Golan from that ruled by Israel.

It is another example of the many contradictions in the morass of the six-year Syrian conflict.

Israel does not take in refugees from the war, but its army says that it has facilitated the treatment of more than 3,100 wounded in Israeli hospitals since 2013.

The army acknowledges they treat any Syrian who needs it, including civilians or even rebels fighting President Bashar alAssad’s regime.

On a recent night, a procession of five patients made its way along Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Sheikh in Arabic and the highest point of the Golan Heights, avoiding gunfire

between warring groups on the Syrian side.

They arrive with assorted fractures and shrapnel wounds.

“They know that there are specific places which they can reach and where we wait for them,” says Tomer Kolar, the Israeli army’s chief medical officer for the sector.

“There is no ambulance on the other side. Sometimes they arrive in the back of a truck or by car, but on the Hermon they come with donkeys. When they arrive in the middle of winter, in the snow, they are sometimes in an extremely serious condition.”

Nearly two-thirds of wounded Syrians are taken to the Galilee Medical Centre in Nahariya, on

Israel’s coast near the border with Lebanon.

A hospital wing, located in the basement, has been set aside for the men and is under permanent watch while wounded women and children are placed in other departments.

Inside the men’s unit, patients rest and watch television.

One of them is Hani, 28, who had part of his face shattered by gunfire during an offensive on his village by Assad’s forces. He speaks on condition of anonymity for fear or reprisals when he returns home.

Hospitalized in Nahariya for more than a year, Hani lost an eye and underwent multiple operations. AFP

Questions for ASEAN at the 50th Anniversary point 2017 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the year when President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines, President Suharto of Indonesia, Prime Minister Thanat Khoman of Thailand, Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak of Malaysia, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore and the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam signed the documents that established the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This year has seen the holding of a number of high-profile events, the most important of which will be next week’s Summit meeting, which will bring together ASEAN’s leaders and the leaders of the Association’s dialogue partners. As chairman during ASEAN’s golden anniversary year, the Philippines has been presiding over the events.

The history books will record that ASEAN started life as The Three (Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia), then became The Six with the addition of Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. In time The Six became The Ten with the inclusion of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos upon the termination of the Vietnam War and of Myanmar upon the loosening of the Myanmarese military’s grip on power in that country.

In geographic terms today’s ASEAN is a highly significant entity. The Association’s territory stretches from the Andaman Sea in the west to Australia’s northeastern waters in the east and from the Philippines and Vietnamese seas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south. The applications for membership received from Timor Leste (the former Indonesian province of East Timor) and Papua New Guinea, if approved, would further increase ASEAN’s territorial coverage.

Like any major milestone in the life of an institution, 2017 has been a time for reviewing the accomplishments notched and the challenges faced by ASEAN. It also has been an occasion for looking forward and determining where ASEAN should and can go during the next fifty years.

ASEAN’s greatest accomplishments undoubtedly have been in the arena of economics. This is to be expected, considering that the Association was founded with economic and social, not political, objectives in mind. The establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the creation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) have been ASEAN’s crowning economic achievements during its first half-century of existence. Much, also, has been achieved by the Association in bringing its ten mem-

bers together socially and culturally.

The international community – and especially the Great Powers – welcomed the establishment of a grouping that sought to bring cohesion and cooperation to the countries of Southeast Asia, which for centuries was the focus of rivalry among Spain, Portugal, Britain, France and, later, the United States and Japan. Peace and stability in the region would, in their view, have better chances of being achieved with the existence of an entity like ASEAN. The erstwhile colonial and ideological masters have sought to maintain the closest of ties with their former colonies. So successful have their efforts been that inability to achieve regional policy solidarity at all times has been the greatest challenge faced by ASEAN during its first fifty years. The most worrisome manifestation of this challenge was ASEAN’s failure to reach agreement on a communique at the close of its 2015 Summit, which was presided over by Cambodia, a known close ally of China.

The issue that caused the failure, which was unprecedented in ASEAN’s history, was the insistence of the Philippines and Vietnam on the inclusion in the communique of wording regarding the two countries’ claim against China over parts of the South China Sea. There ASEAN stands as it begins its second half-century of existence.

Anyone who thinks seriously about the state and prospects of Southeast Asia’s regional organization needs to ask himself or herself these questions. The first is, has ASEAN reached a position of real influence in the world?

The second is, would ASEAN’s next half century be better served by the maintenance of its present governance arrangements – dialogues, consultative meetings and an annual summit meeting – than by a governance structure akin to that of the European Union (EU)?

If the truth must be told, ASEAN still does not cut a formidable figure on the world geopolitical stage. This is unfortunate and sad, considering ASEAN’s half-billion population – including two of the world’s biggest national populations – its vast territory, its having a First World member (Singapore) and its being a major producer of oil (Indonesia and Brunei), rubber (Malaysia) and rice (Philippines and Malaysia). True, ASEAN’s ten members are important when it comes to vote-tallying in the General Assembly of the UN, but as a bloc ASEAN is not regarded as a heavyweight.

For this state of affairs the Association has only itself to blame.

Regional groupings like ASEAN and the EU are powerful only to the extent that their members speak with one voice after having harmonized their positions on significant issues. Because of ASEAN’s policy of non-interference in other members’ internal affairs, ASEAN does not speak with one voice. Two instances quickly come to mind as examples of this, namely, the Philippines-Vietnamese-Brunei claims against China regarding the South China Sea and the Myanmar government’s oppression of its Rohingya citizens. When countries can play off its members against one another, a grouping or organization cannot be considered influential.

Could ASEAN, which was established principally as an economic-social-cultural grouping, have accomplished more for the regional economy during the period 19672017? The answer is a decided Yes. True, the fact that ASEAN’s members have similar productive structures has operated to hinder regional economic integration, but one gets the feeling that the regional governments have not gone all-out to explore and exploit the available production, trade and investment opportunities in the region.

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), expected with so much anticipation, has not really gotten very far after two years of operations. More resolve and more application of the whip are needed.

The conclusion of its first half-century of existence, and its embarking upon the next half-century, is a good time for the governments of the ten ASEAN membergovernments to consider far-reaching changes in the Association’s governance arrangements from the easygoing, loose, harmony-at-all-cost way of dealing with the region’s challenges and opportunities to a less structured, more results-driven approach to them. One of the main reasons why the US has gone very far is its well-structured governance. The opposite is true of ASEAN. E-mail: romero.business.class@gmail.com

Leaders from a score of nations are expected to take part in the 12-day talks running through November 17, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Inked in 2015, the Paris pact calls for capping global warming at “well under” two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and 1.5 C if possible.

So far, Earth’s average temperature has gone up 1 C compared to pre-industrial levels―enough to wreak havoc in many parts of the world.

Voluntary national pledges to reduce carbon pollution would still see the world heat up by a blistering 3 C, leaving a critical

“emissions gap,” and very little time to fill it.

“We have less than three years left to bend the trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions downward to avoid the very worst and most catastrophic impacts of climate change,” said Paula Caballero, global director for climate at the World Resources Institute, a Washington-based policy think tank.

That daunting task has been made all the more difficult by the US pullout, diplomats and experts said.

The problem extends beyond the likely shortfall in the reduction of US emissions, despite Trump’s vow to protect carbon-intensive, coal-fired power plants from closure. AFP

North Korean suspects named in murder trial SHAH ALAM, Malaysia―Four men suspected of plotting with two women to murder the North Korean leader’s half-brother were Monday named by police as North Koreans who fled Malaysia after the assassination.

They were identified at the trial of Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong, the women accused of killing Kim Jong-Nam on February 13 with nerve agent VX at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in a hit that stunned the world.

The pair, who were arrested days after the assassination and face death by hanging if convicted, pleaded not guilty to murdering the estranged half-brother of Kim Jong-Un when the trial began on October 2.

They say they were tricked into believing they were taking part in a prank for a reality TV show and their lawyers have blamed North Korean agents.

The charge sheet says four other individuals still at large are suspected of murdering Kim along with the women, but does not identify them.

On Monday Wan Azirul Nizam Che Wan Aziz, the main investigating officer, testified to the Shah Alam High Court outside Kuala Lumpur that the four were North Korean men who fled Malaysia after the murder.

They were known to the women by pseudonyms, he said.

Hong Song Hac, 34, was known as Mr. Chang; Ri Ji Hyon, 33, was known as Mr. Y; Ri Jae Nam, 57, was called Hanamori; and O Jong Gil was known as James.

An Interpol “red notice” was issued for the men after the murder at Malaysia’s request. This alerts police in Interpol member countries to share information on the suspects with a view to potentially arresting and extraditing them to face justice.

CCTV footage of the men, who entered Malaysia between late January and early February, around the airport on the day of the murder has been shown in court.

They were seen changing their clothes after the murder before departing. Three of the men left Kuala Lumpur for Jakarta, Wan Azirul said. He could not recall the destination of the fourth.

The murder sparked a furious row between North Korea and Malaysia, with Pyongyang blamed for ordering Kim’s death.

North Korea has denied the allegation. AFP Manila

INFORMATION SHEET FOR StandardDIRECT USEPUBLIC AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING

TODAYPROPOSAL FOR DIRECT USE AS FOOD AND FEED, OR FOR PROCESSING 3272 Corn

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Applicant’s Name Syngenta Philippines, Inc. Applicant’s Address 12th Floor, Two World Square, # 22 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, 1630 Philippines Telephone Number/ Facsimile Number, E-Mail Address of the Applicant Tel. +63 2 370 2100; Fax: +63 2 856 9260; E-mail: c/o ba_cau.duong@syngenta.com Name of Responsible Officer/Authorized Representative Duong Ba Cau, President and Commercial Unit Head, Philippines Felipe S. dela Cruz, Jr., Regulatory Affairs Territory Lead, ASEAN Description of the Regulated Article for Direct Use (mention the crop, transformation event, new trait conferred, name of the gene transferred, method of transformation, and advantages of the trait conferred) 3272 corn has been developed through modern biotechnology. It contains the amy797E gene which produces the alpha-amylase enzyme and the pmi gene which encodes the enzyme phosphomannose isomerase and allows the positive selection for the recovery of the transformed plants.

If to be imported, Country (ies) of Origin of the Regulated Article United States, Canada, or from other countries which will have cultivation approvals in the future Brief Summary of Potential Effects on Human and Animal Health and the Environment (summarize human and animal health and environmental assessments done and studies implemented indicating potential effects on human and animal health and the environment) 3272 corn has been adequately assessed to demonstrate its safety as food, feed, and its safety to the environment. Studies conducted show that the AMY797E and PMI proteins produced in 3272 corn do not have homology to any known or putative mammalian toxin and share no biologically relevant amino acid sequence similarity to known or putative allergen. There is no evidence that these proteins will interact to form new toxin or allergen. In addition, the modes of action of these proteins are distinct and no interaction has been detected. Furthermore, studies show that 3272 corn is nutritionally and compositionally similar to, and as safe and as nutritious as the conventional corn.

3272 corn will only be imported for direct use as food, feed, and for processing and will not be propagated in the Philippines. In the event that there is an accidental release of grains in the environment during the importation of the Third Party Importer, chances of survival of 3272 corn is unlikely since it will generally occur in industrial areas which are highly disturbed habitats unsuitable for significant plant establishment. The spilled grains have to reach the soil and need to be exposed to specific favorable conditions, such as light, moisture and temperature so that germination and plant establishment will occur.

Brief Summary of Potential Benefits (Describe how the new trait will benefit farming, the farmer, the environment, and society as a whole) Since 3272 corn will be a traded commodity, the society will be the main beneficiary in case importation will be required to supply the industry with grains of corn and corn products to feed millers, for use in poultry, livestock, aquaculture, and other industries.

Countries Where Approvals Have Been Granted (for FFP; for Commercial Propagation) 3272 corn has already been approved in United States (cultivation, food, feed, and processing), Australia/New Zealand (food), Brazil (food and feed), Canada (food, feed, and cultivation), China (food, feed, and processing), Colombia (food and feed), Indonesia (food), Japan (food, feed, and environment), Korea (food, feed and environment), Malaysia (food, feed, and processing), Mexico (food, feed, and processing), Philippines (food, feed, and processing), Russian Federation (food and feed), and Taiwan (food and feed).

The public is hereby invited to submit their comments to the BPI Director (within 60 days from date of publication) on the Proposal for the Importation of 3272 corn for direct use as food and feed, or for processing Director Bureau of Plant Industry San Andres, Malate, Manila E-Mail bpibiotechsecretariat@yahoo.com Approved for Publication: ___________________________ (SGD) GEORGE Y. CULASTE OIC-Director Bureau of Plant Industry Date:

(MS-NOV. 7, 2017)

SBMA ready for 25th founding anniversary rites

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

B4

tuesday, november 7, 2017

By Butch Gunio

LGUs Local government units

FLUVIAL PARADE. Colorful boats sail on the Pasig River during a fluvial parade of the different barangays of Mandaluyong City in celebration of its fiesta. Andrew Rabulan

Taguig chips in to Asean security The city government of Taguig is sending its men from the Disaster and Rescue Unit and Social Welfare and Development Office to join the 60,000 public officers tasked to ensure peace and order situation during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nation summit this month.

Mayor Laarni Cayetano said the DRU and SWDO personnel were formally deployed during their sendoff ceremony on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand for next week’s Asean Summit to be held in Manila and Pampanga from Nov. 10 to 14.

The ceremonial sendoff included around 12,000 military men to provide security to heads of state and delegates for the summit. They are a fraction of more than 60,000 personnel from different national and local government units who will be assigned to secure the summit.

Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Catalino Cuy said aside from the large deployment of troops, government resources are also prepared to monitor, respond and provide support during the event. Joel E. Zurbano

‘CA Fort ruling not final’

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

he city government of Makati on Monday downplayed the latest decision of the Court of Appeals, saying it did not categorically rule in favor of the City of Taguig on the ownership of the 729-hectare Fort Andres Bonifacio, popularly known as “The Fort.”

Lawyer Michael Arthur Camiña, city legal officer and spokesman of Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, said the appellate court did not overturn a previous court decision upholding Makati’s rightful claim over Bonifacio

Global City.

He said the recent ruling merely upheld a previous CA decision issued last March 8 on forum shopping filed by Taguig against Makati.

“The Court of Appeals decision mentioned in me-

dia reports today [Monday] did not rule on the legal and historical evidence presented by Makati to support its rightful claim over BGC, which was upheld in another decision by the CA,” Camiña said in a statement.

The city government has not received a copy of the decision to date.

Camiña noted that based on media reports, the decision merely upheld the court’s previous ruling on forum shopping, a logical consequence of a Supreme Court decision on the same issue.

“The said CA decision did not categorically rule in favor of Taguig. As pointed out by the separate CA decision upholding Makati’s ownership of BGC, Taguig not only failed to present concrete evidence to support its claim but presented fake and spurious documents to the courts,” he stressed.

“Makati’s claim is based on legal and historical evidence. That has not been disputed or overturned. We will continue to exhaust all legal remedies to assert our rightful claim,” Camiña vowed.

Following shooting attacks that killed scores of people in Texas and New York in the United States, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the city police to see to it that its security measures are fool-

ing jurisdiction over barangays Post Proper Northside and Post Proper Southside, which are located in the socalled Inner Fort area of the former military camp.

Apart from the two barangays, the disputed area also covers portions of barangays Cembo, South Cembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, Comembo, Pembo and Pitogo.

In its 2013 decision, the CA declared as “constitutional and valid” Presidential Proclamation Nos. 2475 and 518, which reinforced Makati’s ownership of Fort Bonifacio.

Cordillera crop output drops 1.7%

MASSKARA ART. Telecom giant PLDT made the MassKara Festival in Bacolod City even brighter with art works from the city’s

aspiring young artists, including out-of-school youths from five barangays. PLDT hosted a watercolor painting workshop where the work of 15-year-old Angeline Marie Braganza (fifth from left) that showed a mask in the process of being painted stood out.

Flanking Braganza were second and third placers Ricci Nicole Noble of Bgy. Banago and Jessa Hofilena of Bgy. 17, respectively. Also recognized with special awards were Angelo Balagan of Bgy. Alijis (third from left) for his one-color painting and Grecilla Justado of Bgy. 17 (second from right) for her opposites-themed painting. Also in photo are (from left) PLDT’s Head of Negros Customer Service Operations Zone Rene Santillan and Head of Media Services Jay-Anne Encarnado, and PLDT Head of Community Relations Katherine Diaz de Rivera (right).

proof to ensure the safety of the visiting heads of states attending the upcoming Asean Summit.

Estrada, citing the warning recently aired by Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, also called on the Manila Police

District to be wary of possible sympathetic attacks by individuals or groups still loyal to the defeated MauteISIS terrorists in Marawi.

“So far there are no security threats—no actual, direct or imminent threats.

But there are intelligence reports that we are closely

watching—the possibility of lone wolf attacks,” Estrada warned, quoting MPD director Chief Supt.

Joel Coronel.

“We are not being overly suspicious,” Estrada insisted, “but we should listen to the AFP’s advice to be more vigilant and more observant

of our surroundings.”

Coronel admitted that such lone wolf attacks, similar to the one carried out by the Uzbekistan-born suspect in the New York terror incident and the lone gunman that went on a shooting spree at a Baptist church in Texas, are possible

Smile Train partners with midwives’ group Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft lip and palate organization, recently took part in the 43rd Annual Convention of the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from October 19 to 21, which more than 3,000 midwives from all over the Philippines attended.

Kimmy Flaviano, Smile Train Philippines Foundation Inc. Country Director, together with Dr. Benjamin Herbosa, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and a

In its 37-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Marlene GonzalesSison, the appellate court dismissed Taguig’s complaint filed against Makati in 1993 in a Pasig Regional Trial Court for “lack of merit” and confirmed that the disputed area covering some nine barangays are “within the territorial jurisdiction of Makati City.”

The 2013 CA ruling lifted a preliminary injunction issued by the lower court in July 1994 that had earlier prevented Makati from exercis-

In Brief

Manila wary of lone wolf attacks after twin US shootings

By Bill Casas

SUBIC FREEPORT—The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is all set for a grand celebration this year in connection with its silver anniversary this month.

According to SBMA Administrator and CEO Wilma T. Eisma, the agency has prepared a month-long schedule of activities to mark the organization’s 25th year and the establishment of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, considered one of the best success stories of military base conversion in the world.

“Turning 25 is a very special milestone, and so we are going for some very special program for the SBMA,” said Eisma, an Olongapo City native who was among the volunteers that helped protect and preserve Subic Bay facilities after the US Navy withdrew its forces here in 1992.

“Subic has come a very long way— thanks to the sacrifice and hard work of a lot of people over the years, and honoring these people for what they did will be a big part of the celebration,” she added.

The celebration carries the theme “SBMA at 25: Celebrating the Past, Forging the Nation’s Future.”

local Smile Train medical partner, gave a brief discussion on cleft lip and palate, encouraging midwives to refer potential patients to the organization so they may receive proper treatment.

“We, at Smile Train, endeavor to give cleft children a second chance at life. A simple surgery, which we provide for free for children in need, not only creates a bright smile for the child, but can also provide the child an opportunity for a brighter future,” explained Flaviano.

BAGUIO CITY–Crop production in the Cordillera Autonomous Region for cabbage, carrots and white potatoes decreased by 1.7 percent last year as the three crops accounted for just 305,850 metric tons compared to the 311,269 metric tons produced in 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority stated.

Of the country’s total crop production, the PSA-CAR said the Cordillera contributed the biggest share at 82.9 percent or 253,404 metric tons, followed by Davao Region with a five-percent share of 15,297 metric tons, and Northern Mindanao at 4.5 percent or 13,629 metric tons.

Cordillera contributed 32.6 percent of white potatoes equivalent to 99,981 metric tons, 31 percent of cabbage or around 94,728 metric tons, and 19.2 percent of carrots or 58,695 metric tons.

Among the Cordillera provinces, Benguet had the largest production since it has the widest farming area for the three crops, and has the temperate weather suitable for producing highland vegetables to cater to the growing demand of semi-temperate vegetables. Dexter A. See

Noveleta’s ‘E to E’ Program praised NOVELETA, Cavite—The Enrollment to Employment (E to E) program of Mayor Dino Reyes Chua has bolstered the local government’s call center training program, with its graduates now working at various business process outsourcing (BPO) offices.

All students in the municipality are required to attend the training. They must be at least high school graduates, legitimate residents of Noveleta, and 18 years or older.

Senior citizens are welcome to attend the program as well. All prospective trainees are required to be present at the Mayor’s Office to enroll for the 15-day program.

All graduates of the training will be accompanied by the local government staff in the employment acquisition until they are hired.

The local government is aiming to promote and increase the level of employment in the country with their slogan “Bawal ang Tamad” in Noveleta.

Muntinlupa upgrades docs, data security

Kimmy Flaviano (right), Smile Train Philippines Foundation Inc. Country Director, and Dr. Benjamin Herbosa (left), discuss cleft lip and palate treatments as a picture of Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach posing with previous beneficiaries of the foundation is displayed behind them.

To ensure authenticity of submitted requirements and combat identity theft, the City Government of Muntinlupa is set to utilize Doxcheck Document Security System for verification of documents.

The city government, through the Business Permits and Licensing Office, signed an agreement with Doxcheck Inc., a Singapore-based company that provides proprietary technology for simplified and secure document verification and authentication, last Nov. 2.

Muntinlupa City is the first local government unit to avail of the security system.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said the partnership will speed up the process of issuance and verification of business permits and protect the welfare of business owners in Muntinlupa.

“The local government takes authenticating of documents in a higher notch as we aspire to be the benchmark of good governance and ease of doing business in the country,” Fresnedi said.

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

travel and leisure

tuesday, november 7, 2017

C1

Heavy downpour in Surigao Surigao City pays homage to San Nicolas de Tolentino with its Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival

S

urigao City, the provincial capital of Surigao del Norte, recently celebrated the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festival, after a ritual dance that originated from its early settlers, the indigenous Mamanwa tribe. The festival literally means “heavy downpour” and “all the very best” based on the belief that the heavy rains ensure bountiful harvest.

The dance festivities begin with the traditional mamanwa purification ritual using incense to drive away evil spirits. It is followed by animated dancing accompanied by trumpets and percussion, with the participants clad in colorful raiment accented by tribal

designs, such as the tubao scarf headdress, and brass bracelets and anklets.

Now on its 33rd year, Bonok-Bonok has become among the most award-winning and sought-after cultural festivals in Mindanao. The dance ritual has been passed on from generation to generation

and is celebrated in reverence to San Nicolas de Tolentino, the city’s patron saint, and to reflect Surigao’s rich cultural heritage.

This year’s theme, “Sajaw para sa Kalinaw” (Dance for Peace), highlighted the need to pursue a genuine and lasting peace in Mindanao and across the country.

The festivity also coincided with the 47th Anniversary of Surigao’s Charter Day, which included various sociocivic activities and cultural events.

Dubbed the “City of Island Adventures”, Surigao is composed of pristine islands with fine white sand beaches, lush marine sanctuaries, mangrove forests and cave systems.

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Elevate your shopping experience this season and get the chance to win memorable trips around the world and shopping sprees with exclusive perks care of SSI Group, Inc. (SSI), Mastercard, and Singapore Airlines, as they partner for the first time to bring shoppers across the nation, with incredible promos and experiences.

With the “Swipe to Travel” promo, SSI and Mastercard take you to a whole new world with a luxury destination raffle that will allow three lucky winners to enjoy a P200,000.00 shopping spree and fly to London, Paris, or Singapore.

Splurge on luxurious picks from SSI Group, Inc’s luxe labels such as Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Charriol, Givenchy, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, and

travel and surfing

A Reef Free the Sea Movement 2 participant riding the waves at Surfari Beginner’s Competition

Reef, a surf and lifestyle brand known worldwide, continues to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation with a fun-filled weekend in Baler for the Free the Sea Movement recently.

In partnership with WWF Philippines, Free the Sea Movement 2 was set in Baler, Aurora, one of the country’s top hotspots for surfing. The exciting three-day event treated guests to a slew of fun activities that had them experience the waves and beauty of Sabang Beach.

Free the Sea Movement 2 opened with a coastal cleanup and talk from Ruel Barte of WWF Philippines on sustainable tourism, a cause near and dear to Reef’s heart as it is in line with Reef’s global humanitarian outreach campaign “We Heart.”

“As travelers, we may be just passing through other beaches and cities but through our We Heart campaign, we want to educate people on the importance of leaving a positive impact on the local communities we visit,” “With more and more travelers discovering the beauty of our islands and with the rise of local tourism, now is a good time for us to educate people on the environmental impact tourism has and how we all need to work together to maintain our beaches so people can continue to enjoy them for years to

Surfari Beginner’s Competition grand prize winner, Shan Alejos (left)

come,” Marnelli Gaerlan, Marketing head for Reef, shared.

Reef spearheaded the coastal cleanup together with WWF, Surfari Philippines and, volunteers to remove wastes and objects not naturally part of the beauty of Sabang Beach. Afterwards, guests enjoyed what Sabang Beach is famous for – surfing on its amazing waves.

Volunteers had the chance to reconnect with nature and learn to ride the

The dance festivities begin with the traditional ‘mamanwa’ purification ritual

waves from lessons conducted by Nalu Surf Camp.

In the evening, Reef presented WWF a donation to benefit the organization’s environmental programs. Soundcloud Philippines’ Ann Clerigo and indie band Banna Harbera filled the night with amazing music as volunteers enjoyed drinking.

The next day opened with even more to offer surfing enthusiasts, as they witnessed the Surfari Beginners’ Competition. Shan Alejos won a customized surf board as she bagged first place for the Tandem category, followed by Mikaela Alde, with Joana Valencia coming in third place. In the singles category Juan Carlos Angeles won first place, Marcus Dieter and JP Pang, second and third place, respectively.

A festive after party with musical performances by Eazyhead, and new and classic party remixes by DJ Doms Badwolf and DJ CC capped the weekend.

“Baler was the perfect setting for us to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation, while at the same time, giving everyone a taste of what they can enjoy if we remember to care of our beaches – which is delicious local food and music, white beaches, clear water and of course, gigantic waves and surfing like no other!” Gaerlan said.

Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few, as you indulge in some well-deserved retail therapy. To top it off, sit back and relax in luxury as winners will be flying Business Class to London, Paris, and Singapore on Singapore Airlines, and will enjoy free luxury accommodations for two, a private and curated tour of the destinations, a professional makeover, and photo shoots around the scenic sites, among others. In London, winners will be treated to a traditional English afternoon tea and dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, while those who are jet setting to Paris will enjoy a dinner atop the Eiffel Tower at the acclaimed Le Jules Verne.

Turn to C2

SSI Group, Inc. launches Swipe to Shop and Swipe to Travel promos in collaboration with Mastercard and Singapore Airlines

Erap to swimmers

Go to public pools, not Manila Bay For the nth time, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada is reminding the public, especially Manileños, not to swim in the polluted waters of Manila Bay. Instead, Estrada said Manileños can use the city government’s well-maintained public swimming pools free of charge.

Estrada said he has recently been briefed by the Manila Health Department (MHD) about the water quality in

the Manila Bay: as in the past years, the bay still has a high amount of coliform or bacteria found in the feces of warmblooded animals.

Garbage and toxic chemicals in the bay may also cause rashes and other skin infections and in worse cases— dysentery, diarrhea and viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, he added.

Estrada said three large drainage Turn to C2

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tuesday, november 7, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

The Country’s Largest

mercury rising

T

By bob zozobrado

he SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia complex is currently the country’s biggest events venue and is the lead tool in our Department of Tourism’s thrust for an increased share of the lucrative international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) business. Owned by SM Prime Holdings, the humongous structure houses four exhibition halls, five function rooms, and 14 meeting rooms.

With a vast leasable space totaling 21,000 square meters, it has been the venue of highly successful international trade events, industry conventions, corporate functions, multi-sectoral and mammoth international exhibitions.

It first opened its doors to the public in November 2007, which is why, this month, the popular venue celebrates its 10th anniversary.

As an early celebration, management decided to put up a unique event recently and they called it “CulinaireFlight of Flavors” where they invited their friends, loyal patrons and those who have had important dealings with the events venue. They opened up one of the main halls and converted it into a Fantasyland of culinary delights.

The 14 food-and-beverage catering companies the venue has contracts with set up individual food stations all around the hall. Each dished out their respective specialty items, food that the establishment is known for—an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. Each guest was given at the entrance a Passport with the logo seals of the fourteen catering establishments.

For dinner, guests just had to go to each station and be served the culinary delights

The façade of SMX Convention Center at night

from that establishment then have his passport stamped. To be eligible to win any of the valuable raffle items given out at the latter part of the evening, the guest must have his passport stamped by all 14 establishments.

The well-decorated hall resembled a city’s busy downtown area as the more than 700 guests were pacing back and forth, getting their share of the delightful treats prepared by the different stations. It was actually like going to a 14-course “lauriat”; the only difference is that the culinary fare was not limited to Chinese specialties, but also had Korean, Spanish, Filipino, French, American, Mediterranean, etc.

The other thing that made it different from a “lauriat” was that guests were not seated all the time. In fact, it gave us a chance to exercise in between courses, as we had to walk to each station to get our food, then trek back to our assigned

A toast to the venue’s 10th Anniversary by (from left) Herley Broutin, Senior Branch Manager-Cebu Trade Hall and Sky Hall Seaside Cebu; Agnes Pacis, VP-Sales & Marketing SMX Convention Center; Peggy Angeles, EVP-Operations SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.; and Walid Wafik, VP-General Manager, SMX Convention Center

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From C1

pipes from Ermita regularly flushes out its contents in Manila Bay while refuse from Cavite and nearby towns and cities also empty out near Roxas Boulevard.

Despite an existing city ordinance banning swimming in any part of Manila Bay, many residents continue to swim in its polluted waters as the summer season approaches.

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Pamper your friends, indulge your loved ones, and finally buy what you’ve always wanted from SSI Group, Inc.’s contemporary fashion, food, and beauty staples such as Beauty Bar, Kate Spade, Lush, Marks & Spencer, Max&CO., Michael Kors, Samsonite, Tommy Hilfiger, TWG Tea, and Zara, among others.

Winners will be drawn via electronic raffle, making it easier for shoppers to participate.

“As we enter a new season of shopping, we at SSI wanted to make sure that we give our loyal patrons something new and exciting to make the holidays more memorable. And what better way than to bring together all that they love – travel, raffles, perks, and privileges,” shares Anton Huang, President of SSI Group, Inc. With just one swipe and with just one card, discover a bigger, newer, more exciting way to shop this season.

MHD chief Dr. Benjamin Yson encouraged the public to go instead to the five public swimming pools opened by the city government that can be used for free.

Except for District 2, each district in the city has its own public swimming pools, namely at Tondo Sports Complex, Andalucia gym, Dapitan Sports Complex, JCC Sports Complex, and Bagong Buhay swimming pool along Pedro Gil Street, according to Manila Sports Complex (MASCO) sports coordinator Alex Cortez.

dining table to enjoy eating it, then walk since day 1 of its operations, the reason original popular venue for large-scale again to another station, and back again to why the SM Group now has put up an events, the SM Megatrade Hall. our table, and so on and so forth until we entire “family” of convention centers With the country’s largest shopping completed visiting and getmall, a de luxe hotel, and ting food from all 14 staa big church right next to tions. Frankly, there was it, enhanced by the calmYOUR TUESDAY CHUCKLE really no time to ponder on ing and refreshing view of and evaluate the wisdom beautiful Manila Bay, the HUSBAND TO WIFE: You should learn to embrace your of such an unusual dining SMX Convention Center mistakes. Without batting an eyelash, she hugged him procedure because I, and has every reason to beimmediately!

I’m sure the other guest, come the most potent intoo, enjoyed the culinary strument of our Tourism fare served by each station. industry’s efforts to get a Bottom line, it was a fun and literally fill- throughout the country. There are now much bigger share of the coveted MICE ing event, and certainly a unique way to SMX Convention Centers in Taguig business. After all, size does matter! celebrate an anniversary.

(SM Aura), in Bacolod, and in Davao, SMX Convention Center at the Mall plus the Cebu Trade Hall, the Sky Hall For feedback, I’m at of Asia complex has been successful Seaside also in Cebu, and of course, the bobzozobrado@gmail.com

CEB celebrates the ASEAN ‘one’ spirit The Philippines leading airline, Cebu Pacific Air, joins the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), bringing CEB’s ASEAN One—a weeklong adventure in the Philippines—among key influencers of five ASEAN countries that are part of CEB’s extensive route network.

In time with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship this year, CEB flew top travel and lifestyle influencers to world-class destinations in the Pearl of the Orient, including Johanis Sani of Malaysia, Salshabilla Adriani of Indonesia, Pho Dac Biet of Vietnam, Elaine Jasmine of Singapore, and Baby Mojiko of Thailand.

The ASEAN One travelers visited the unspoiled islands of the Central Visayas region, where they were offered an exciting line up of activities that highlighted the similarities between the ASEAN nations—the rice and good food; fun with friends; revelry and dancing; and the rich marine life and clear blue seas.

“Cebu Pacific’s ASEAN One trip not only aims to strengthen the bond between the Southeast Asian nations, but also to show the Philippines’ various facets to our neighboring regions.

Through our invited content-creator

The ASEAN One travelers try Filipino dishes

guests from the ASEAN, we hope to share the abundance of experience in the Philippines—whether it’s travel for scenic landscapes, adrenaline-filled activities, culture-rich explorations, city life or a breath of serenity,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for Marketing and Distribution.

CEB currently offers over 100 weekly flights to seven ASEAN country destinations, with 11 weekly flights to Indonesia; 21 weekly flights to Ma-

laysia; 40 weekly flights to Singapore; seven weekly flights to Thailand; 15 weekly flights to Vietnam; five weekly flights to Brunei and four weekly flights to Cambodia.

Cebu Pacific’s ASEAN One influencer campaign is also made possible through its official hotel partners, Hyatt City of Dreams Manila, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu, Atmosphere Resorts and Spa in Dumaguete and Amorita Resort in Bohol.

No visa for Filipinos to Taiwan The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines announced that Filipinos can enjoy visafree entry to Taiwan, ROC, for a duration of stay up to 14 days if they intend to visit the ROC (Taiwan) for the purpose of tourism, business, visiting relatives, attending functions or events.

This will be for a nine-month trial period until July 31, 2018 as part of Taiwan’s goodwill and efforts of the “New Southbound Policy” to build closer people-to-people exchange of visits and an economic community between Taiwan and the Philippines.

A Filipino visa-free visitor must meet the following requirements: 1. An ordinary/regular passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the date of entry (Diplomatic and official passport holders are not eligible for visa-free treatment) ; 2. A return ticket or a ticket for the traveller’s next destination and a visa for that destination if it is required; 3. No criminal record in Taiwan; 4. A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking or host/sponsor’s contact information /or arrangements of tour, travel, visit, events and meeting etc.

However, those who intend to stay in Taiwan for more than 14 days or for the purpose of study, work, missionary,

employment and other gainful activities are still required to obtain appropriate visas before entering Taiwan.

Dr. Gary Song-Huann Lin, Taiwan Representative to the Philippines, emphasizes that as the Philippines is not only Taiwan’s closest neighbor but also Taiwan’s important partner of “New southbound policy”, the granting of visa-free privilege to all Filipinos is one of his longtime visions to build strong bilateral relations and a closer living economic community between the Philippines and Taiwan. It also aims to enhance the mutually beneficial bilateral tourism, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, economic, cultural, educational and people-to-people cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and the Philippines. Representative Lin is hoping that this historical visa-free initiative will attract more Filipino visitors to visit Taiwan, and lay solid foundation for a genuine friendly bonding between our two nations.

To reciprocate Taiwan’s goodwill and friendship, Dr. Lin would also like to urge the Philippine Government and Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) to grant visa-free treatment to Taiwan nationals as the Philippines has already given visa-free treatment to many other countries. “Through these significant efforts, we will surely en-

hance our bilateral tourism, economic, cultural, educational and other areas of cooperation and exchanges which will eventually bring mutual benefits to the peoples of Taiwan and the Philippines” emphasized Dr. Lin. Since 2016, the Taiwan Government has endeavored to liberalize and simplify visa regulations for Philippine nationals, including the free “Travel Authorization Certificate” (TAC) for qualified visa-free travellers and the payable e-visa (online visa). These two relaxed visa application systems will be suspended for Filipinos upon the implementation of the visa-free treatment as from Nov. 1, 2017. Passengers who enter Taiwan before Nov. 1 with valid TACs may continue to stay for up to 30 days. But for passengers who do not enter Taiwan before Nov. 1, their TACs will be no longer valid even within its validity. All approved e-visas before Nov. 1 (including the date) will still be valid to enter Taiwan with duration of stay up to 30 days. Those who have already obtained long-term & multiple Taiwan visas, which have been stamped on their passports, can still use their visas to enter the ROC (Taiwan).

For further ROC (Taiwan) visa information, you may check the website of TECO in the Philippines at www.roctaiwan.org/ph.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

ABS-CBN talents win big at 7th EdukCircle Awards KAPAMILYA artists and personalities were honored for their significant impact in the media industry as they picked up 27 recognitions at the 7th EdukCircle Awards.

Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin were recognized as Best Actor and Best Actress in a single performance, while The Greatest Love stars Sylvia Sanchez and Dimples Romana were named Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for a TV series.

Arjo Atayde who played the villain Joaquin in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and child stars Simon Pineda (Onyok in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano) and Justine James Quilantang (young Tristan in La Luna Sangre) won Best Supporting Actor for a TV series and Best Child TV Artist awards, respectively.

ABS-CBN program hosts were also honored a including Gina Lopez (Best Environmental Show Host), Anne Curtis (Best Female Variety Show Host), Billy Crawford (Best Male Talent Show Host), Luis Manzano (Best Game Show Host), Robi Domingo (Best Variety Show Host), and Toni Gonzaga (Best Female Talent Show Host).

Meanwhile, Magandang Buhay was named Best Entertainment Talk Show, while the tandem of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn

'SUPER MA’AM ' heats up

each episode

EdukCircle's Best Actress Angel Locsin and Best Actor Piolo Pascual

Bernardo was hailed as Most Influential Love Team of the Year.

Kapamilya personalities also earned recognition in the music category including Male Music Artist of the Year (Inigo Pascual), Female Music Artist of the Year (Yeng Constantino), Best Novelty Song Artist of the Year (Maymay Entrata), Most Outstanding Teen Artist of the Year (Darren Espanto), and Most Influential Male Concert Performer of the Year (Gary Valenciano).

Sharon Cuneta was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Popstar Royalty Sarah Geronimo was elevated to the Hall of Fame for Advertising.

Joining Sarah in the Hall of Fame (Comedy) is Vice Ganda who was also named as one of the Most

Influential Film Actors of the Year together with Coco Martin, Daniel Padilla, and Enrique Gil. Four out of five of the Most Influential Film Actresses of the Year also came from the Kapamilya network including Kathryn Bernardo, Liza Soberano, Angelica Panganiban, and Vilma Santos.

Primetime King Coco Martin led the Five Most Influential Male Celebrity Endorsers of the Year together with Daniel Padilla, James Reid, and Enrique Gil, while Kathryn Bernardo and Liza Soberano were also honored as Female Celebrity Endorsers of the Year.

Completing the list of winners are ASAP Birit Queens Jona, Angeline, Morrisette, and Klarisse who won as Most Influential Female Concert Performers of the Year.

G

MA Network’s primetime series Super Ma’am continues to receive fantastic feedback from loyal viewers as the show heats up each episode.

IN CHARACTER. Marian Rivera transforms into a superhero in the primetime series "Super Ma'am"

Tennis’ greatest showdown at Ayala Malls Cinemas EMMA Stone and Steve Carell star in the exciting and moving new film Battle of the Sexes, based on true events and revolves around tennis legend Billie Jean King’s historic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs. Oscar winner Emma Stone stars as King; Oscar nominee Steve Carell plays Riggs, the former champion who claimed that no woman would ever defeat him. The electrifying contest was viewed by millions worldwide.

The film, from directors Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, is heartfelt and infused with humor, relating the personal journeys of both players. It delivers insights into Billie Jean King’s pioneering achievements as well as her challenges, as she was coming to terms with her sexuality, while preparing for the match.

“Women belong in the bedroom and the kitchen,” declared former tennis champion Bobby Riggs, delivering a wildly controversial challenge to Billie Jean King, who dominated tennis in the 70s, with the assertion that no woman, not even the best, would have the strength and skill to defeat him.

The outrageous comments from the 55-year-old former champion provoked an immediate backlash.

King, 29, decided to accept the challenge, and the battle got

Emma Stone (left) and Steve Carell as Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs in the exciting and moving film, "Battle of the Sexes"

underway.

On Sept. 20, 1973, 90 million people watched as King and Riggs faced off at a spectacularly thrilling exhibition match, which went down in history as the “Battle of the Sexes.” “It was one of the most widely watched sporting events ever. It was epic,” says Valerie Faris. “It captured people’s imagination and attention everywhere.”

The engrossing new film from directing couple Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton (Little Miss Sunshine) examines the events leading up to the match, as the global publicity hoopla, initiated

by Riggs, rapidly accelerated. “It was circus-like, enormous, it was the first time that there had been so much hype around a televised sporting event,” says Emma Stone, who won the Best Actress Oscar for La La Land and delivers an uncannily powerful and nuanced performance as Billie Jean King.

“Billie Jean and Bobby were on the covers of magazines and newspapers, so the whole world was watching. It was like the sporting world’s version of the moon landing!”

Steve Carell, meanwhile, a keen tennis player himself, trained with Riggs’s coach, Lornie Kuhle.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Tuesday, November 7, 2017

ACROSS 1 Crazes 5 In a fog 10 Toppled 14 Breakdown 15 Conscious 16 Libretto feature 17 Funny Bombeck 18 Sherpa’s country 19 Basketball hoops 20 Sampled 22 Pollen-bearers 24 Fair grade 25 Bothersome 26 Intellectual 29 Speedway competitions 33 Exclamation of disgust 34 Vexation 35 Cattle pen 36 Greek vowel 39 First-aid item 40 Get 41 Magna — laude 42 Just hired 43 Briefcase closers 44 Plant with tendrils 47 Patronage 50 Spoil the finish 51 Seesaw support 54 Illicit payments 58 Asian mountains

59 Gap 62 Frat Z 63 No-frills hairdo 64 Opera hero, often 65 Vitality 66 No sweat!

67 Reporter’s angle 68 Go out with DOWN 1 Stew over 2 Atmosphere 3 Lowers the lights 4 Weightlifter’s move 5 Yellow flower 6 Impress deeply 7 Channel-surf 8 Destroy a tape 9 Shoulder muscles 10 Rural sight 11 Huron neighbor 12 Sketch 13 Edinburgh girl 21 Want-ad abbr.

23 Ohio city 25 Face or amble lead-in 26 Bossa nova kin 27 IOUs 28 Son of Val and Aleta 30 Rubberneck

31 Having keen desire 32 Large number 33 Eeyore’s friend 35 Party tray cheese 37 Room 38 Stage platform 39 Prickly seedcase 41 Hypo units 45 Swab target 46 Valued greatly 48 Blows hard 49 Drives forward 51 Pseudo

52 Longest arm bone 53 Neighbor of Thailand 55 Dracula actor — Lugosi 56 “L’—, c’est moi” 57 Compos mentis 60 Collected sayings 61 Pull a fast one

“Lornie and another friend of Bobby’s, (tennis pro) Doug Dean, would come up from San Diego and we’d meet three or four days a week; we would play tennis for a couple hours a day,” says Carell. “It was great.”

To some degree, observes Carell, the caricature of a bad boy that Riggs was presenting to the world began to consume him. “All this money and instant celebrity was being thrown at him but it was a double-edged sword because at the same time the fame was not really for who he was but for this persona he was playing.

People forgot he was a serious athlete and I think that hurt him,” Carell says.

Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions in bedrooms and boardrooms that continue to reverberate today.

A 20th Century Fox feature, Battle of the Sexes opens Dec. 6 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas’ Greenbelt 1 and Trinoma. Trailer link: https://www.facebook. com/20thcenturyfoxphilippines/ videos/10159492930085582/ Battle of the Sexe” is also the featured closing film (Nov.28) in this year’s Cinema One Originals.

Marian Rivera-Dantes is grateful for the amount of support the series receives. “Bonus na lang din talaga ‘yung magandang ratings, ang importante kapag lumalabas ako ang tawag nila sa akin Super Ma’am. Nakakakilig ‘yon, tsaka nakikita ko rin sa feed ko tina-tag ako ng mommies, nanonood mga anak nila ng Super Ma’am so at least may natututunan sila.”

In September, Super Ma’am was \included in the New York-based Social Wit List as one of the most buzzed about shows worldwide.

In the story, Tatay Chaplin (Al Tantay) finally sees Minerva’s transformation into Super Ma’am when the Tamawo attacked Trevor (Matthias Rhoads). Chaplin follows them and gets himself wounded protecting Super Ma’am from getting stabbed.

Meanwhile, Avenir (Kim Domingo) gets her hand on the sacred scroll and together with Rafa (Isabelle De Leon), they trek to Mt. Makiling where the Sakras would be, only to find out that the Sakras had long been in the possession of a certain Raquel Henerala. But Raquel has been dead for years so they trace the whereabouts of her husband—Chaplin—instead.

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

Negrenses go gaga over

ISAH V. RED

‘MY KOREAN JAGIYA’

"My Korean Jagiya" lead cast Alexander Lee and Heart Evangelista (second and third from left) joined by comedienne Divine Aucina (leftmost) and TV host Iya Villania spread cheers during Bacolod's MassKara Festival

A

T THIS year’s celebration of MassKara Festival, Ilonggo fans of the Korean-Filipino romcom My Korean Jagiya had manic day when the lead actors of the series joined the MassKara Festival, making it extra colorful and filled with Korean kilig or K-lig as they would say it.

No less than Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista-Escudero led the Kapuso stars when they treated their Negrense fans in a Kapuso mall show in SM City Bacolod.

Heart plays Gia in the series—the quirky, bubbly, and hopelessly romantic K-drama fan girl who somehow ended up marrying her idol, Korean superstar Kim Jun Ho, played by Alexander Lee.

Jun Ho marries Gia to secure custody over his nephew but finds himself falling for Gia. Treating their My Korean Jagiya supporters as well were Iya Villania-Arellano and Divine Aucina. They play Iya Kennedy Santos, Gia’s perky and cheerful best friend, and Clarissa, Gia’s shy and conservative cousin, respectively.

Since its pilot airing, My Korean Jagiya has been getting positive feedback and reviews from viewers and netizens. The series’ entertaining and relatable storyline have made its followers stay up late at night to watch how the love story of Gia and Jun Ho will unfold.

“We would like to thank our loyal viewers for making My Korean Jagiya one of the country’s most-watched shows every evening,” says Oliver Amoroso, vice president and head of GMA’s Regional TV Department. “The MassKara Festival is one of the Philippines’ most popular and colorful festivals. And this year, we are happy to bring the first-ever Korean – Filipino romantic comedy to Bacolod, closer to our Kapusong Negrense,” he adds.

Lee, visibly awed by the reception the cast got from

their Negrense fans, said, “Our mall show in Bacolod was a very shocking, overwhelming, and memorable.

Words can’t express how we felt when we entered SM Bacolod. I was totally unprepared for such warm welcome, especially since I wasn’t expecting that many people to show up. I won’t forget the time we went down the escalator... I saw the crowd and that made Heart and me speechless and tearful. We were so surprised that we looked at each other and were just overwhelmed. I had my sunglasses on at first to cover my tired eyes but I took it off to believe what I was seeing. We couldn’t believe that everyone was there for My Korean Jagiya. At that moment, I was holding back my tears and thought “all the hard work was worth it”. I’m just so glad that MKJ is bringing so much joy to the audience and I would love to give all the glory to God for giving me such good project.

Even when we were at the airport waiting for our flight back to Manila, we were still trying to ‘digest’ what had happened. We are so thankful to everyone for showing their love and support for us.”

In the meantime, more than two million have viewed Alexander’s video while eating a variety of

Filipino dishes. And among those that he ate was “balut” though he didn’t know what it was. Heart was very insistent that he ate it and he did.

Alexander was very accommodating, one reason his Filipino fans adore him. He doesn’t have qualms trying out anything Filipino. But he’s getting to be a little giddy staying too long in the country.

He said, “You know, when I first came to the Philippines, I was so nervous and worried about whether this project will attract the Filipino audience.

At the beginning, I was just happy enough that everyone in this project is so nice. It’s like I made a family in the Philippines. But then God is so good that I’m given more than expected – good ratings. Just makes me even happier.”

While Alexander is getting all the love from the fans of My Korean Jagiya, Valeen Montenegro and Edgar Allan Guzman are getting hatred and loathing.

The two play Cindy and Ryan, respectively, and both get in the way of the budding romance between Gia and Jun Ho. Viewers of the series are ready to defend Gia and Jun Ho from the two.

JANINE GUTIERREZ

remains loyal to the Kapuso Network GMA officers welcome Janine Gutierrez and nine with the Artist Center. I’m happy that we’re rerenewed her network contract and GMA Artist newing her contract with the Network that built her Management Contract recently. up. She’s going to do more projects here and we’re Acknowledged as one of today’s most promising very excited because this is her home and actresses, Janine feels very excited to renew her ties this is where her showbiz career bloswith GMA where she launched her career in 2012 somed. We want Janine to reach new with Makapiling kang Muli and top billed several heights and achieve bigger things in programs, like Villa Quintana, More Than the coming years.”

Words, Dangwa, Once Again, Legally Blind, Janine said, “I have complete and Day Off. trust and confidence with my “I’m very blessed and lucky to be signing home network which I consider my again with GMA. Dito ako family, my home.” natuto at naalagaan talaJanine is now currently ga and I’m so thankful that working on a project I’ll be spending the next about the environment years with them again,” entitled Unbroken Hearts she said. and she even recorded Leo Dominthe theme song in the guez, who United States with the i s famous record producer Red One. Janine is also manexcited about the release aging of the single soon. For the acsure, this new endeavor tress now will showcase her along with her singing abilities. Janine mother, LotLot de is also most excited Leon, looks forward to with her upcoming working with GMA and Primetime show on GMA Artist Center in givGMA. Dominguez said, ing the best opportunities “I can’t reveal the details for Janine in the coming but the next project is years. “I’m very happy definitely something new Janine Gutierrez renews her ties with GMA Network that I’m co-managing Jafor Janine.”

Thai actor, model crowned Mr. Universe Tourism 2017 Mr. Universe Tourism winner Richard Carter (center) with South Korea's Jin Stewart (right) and Canada's Kris Martin

RICHARD Ricardo Carter of Thailand bested 21 contestants from around the world to claim the inaugural Mr. Universe Tourism 2017 title at the finals night at Palacio de Maynila on Roxas Boulevard.

The 22-year-old, six-footone, actor and model was a strong favorite to win the newest male pageant presented by the Kabataang Sama-samang Maglilingkod (KASAMA), Inc., headed by Gerald D. Ortiz, Quezon Province 4th District board member, also organizer of the annual Mr. and Miss Philippine Youth that discovered actors Dingdong Dantes Dantes, Onemig Bondoc, and the late Rico Yan,

among others.

Carter, whose native name is Keng, starred in the 2015 hit gayromance movie Gray. As Mr. Universe Tourism 2017, Carter will be the global tourism ambassador and will have the chance to travel the world to promote tourism and his personal platform.

Kris Martin of Canada, a 27-year-old, working nurse at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute was named First Runner-up.

Marin was born in the Philippines but migrated to Canada with his family when he was seven years old.

Jin Stewart of Korea, a 26-year-old hip-hop dancer from Vancouver, Canada and currently

a student in Communications and Political Economy, finished Second Runner-up.

In the Top 10 semifinalists were John Jayarr Agustin of the Philippines, Ritesh Shetty of Mumbai, India, Philip Km of Myanmar, Atif Nazir of Pakistan, Ahmed Hassan of Sudan, Vu Linh of Vietnam and Landjeet Karam of Manipur, India.

Earlier, Agustin was awarded Best in Swimwear while the other Philippine representative CJ Querol won Best in Formal Wear. Thu Rein Htun of Yangon, Myanmar was named best in national costume.

Eton B. Concepcion / Photos: Ferdinand Abejon