Manila Standard - 2017 November 16 - Thursday

Japan donates 5 spy planes

By Francisco Tuyay THE Japanese government has donated five propeller-type Beech Craft aircraft to the Philippines to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities particularly in the disputed West Philippine Sea, an official said Wednesday.

Defense Public Affairs Chief Arsenio Andolong said the donation was announced during the bilateral talks between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and President Rodrigo Duterte during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

“We welcome that gesture of Japan and Next page

VOL. XXXI • NO. 275 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

Trump lauds PH: Most prime asset

By John Paolo Bencito

NI HAO. President Rodrigo Duterte (left) and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (right) inspect the honor guard during his official visit in Malacañang on Wednesday while pupils (inset) from Bagong Diwa Elementary School in nearby Pandacan wave flags saying ‘Ni hao Premier Li,’ some overheard as saying ‘ganxie nin de guanglin.’ AFP/JP Bencito

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he repaired damaged ties with the Philippines, which he described as “the most prime real estate from the military standpoint.”

Trump, who recently finished his tour of Asia, also said the previous US administration’s relationship “was horrible,” referring to Duterte’s strained relationship with Traump’s predecessor Barack Obama, who was critical of the Philippines’ bloody war on drugs.

“And now we have a very, very strong relationship with the Philippines, which is really important less so for trade in this case [than] for military purposes. It is a strategic location, the most strategic location,” Trump said during his speech to Asean leaders on the sidelines of East Asia summit.

“And if you look at it, it’s called the most prime piece of real estate from the military standpoint,” Trump said.

Trump, who trumpeted his “great relationship” with Duterte, raised a number of issues concerning the region in their meeting in Manila—including the rising tensions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and arresting Beijing’s growing militarization in the region that worsened with the territorial dispute over the South China Sea. Next page

PH, China ink $7.3-b deals Duterte felt ‘insulted’ Li points out Manila-Beijing relations ‘pretty high’

by Trudeau’s EJK remark

By John Paolo Bencito and Macon Ramos-Araneta

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s move to bring up the issue of human rights was a “personal and official insult.”

In a news conference late Tuesday night, Duterte said that he would only answer to a Filipino and not “any bullshit foreigner.”

“I said that I will not explain.

It angers me when you are a foreigner and you do not know exactly what is happening in this country,” the President said during a press briefing after the Asean Summit ended.

“You don’t even investigate. You only show before the United Nations a record of how many persons died, which you claimed to be extrajudicially [killed],” he added.

Trudeau in a press briefing on Tuesday said that he raised the issue of extrajudicial killings to Duterte when he had an opportunity to talk to the Philippine

leader before the Asean-Canada 40th Anniversary Commemorative Summit.

He added that Duterte was receptive of his comments.

Duterte, however, said he told Trudeau he could investigate: “I said why don’t you investigate first and find out the truth? Whatever happened, why are you not giving us in government the simple rule of the right to be heard?”

“You know, I was elected by the people of the Republic of the Philippines I only answer to the people of the Republic of the Philippines.

If you’re a Filipino even if you’re just a fisherman, and you ask me, I’ll explain to you patiently.”

On Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday clarified that Duterte only nodded when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau brought up human rights concerns and extrajudicial killing, and described it as “a fleeting conversation.” John Paolo Bencito

L

IKE the temperature in Manila, ties between the Philippines and China are “pretty high,” Chinese Premier Li Kequiang said, as both sides signed 14 agreements Wednesday for $7.34 billion in Chinese loans and grants to finance 10 big-ticket projects here, on top of a 150 million renminbi ($23 million) grant for reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“Winter has come to the northern hemisphere, but the temperature in Manila is still running pretty high. I think that somewhat reflects the temperature of China-Philippine relations, which [are] also going pretty high on the basis of the improvement in relations between the two counties,” Li said in a speech in Malacañang.

“We hope that we will contin-

ue to work together to strengthen this positive momentum and work together to make up for the time we might have lost,” he added.

Li, the first Chinese premier in 10 years to visit Manila, said Duterte’s twin visits to Beijing last year broke the ice amid tensions between the two countries.

Since the beginning of this year, Li noted the “boom” in

practical cooperation between Philippines and China.

After the first 10 months of the year, Li said that China has been the country’s top trading partner and has imported some 13,000 batches of tropical fruits from the Philippines.

Some 14 new flights have been opened between Philippines and China, and he expects some 1 million Chinese tourists to visit the country by the end of the year.

Duterte said that Manila’s efforts to seek better ties with Beijing are already “bringing in an early harvest of tangible benefits.”

“I am pleased to note the positive turnaround and vigorous momentum of Philippines-China relations. Mutual trust and confidence-building have led to increased interaction on many levels of our two governments.

Practical cooperation in many areas is bringing in an early harvest of tangible benefits. Altogether, these concerted efforts of the Philippines and China have secured

SUPPORTERS of President Rodrigo Duterte will file several criminal charges against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for making what they described as unfounded allegations against the Chief Executive.

A group led by former congressmen Jacinto Paras and Glenn Chong will file a complaint against Trillanes for inciting sedition, conspiracy to commit a coup d’etat and other offenses before

the Pasay city prosecutor’s office.

The charges against Trillanes stemmed from the statements he made in his privilege speech on Oct. 3 and his speech during the launching of the Tindig Pilipinas movement on Oct. 14 involving Duterte’s alleged deposit accounts.

The complainants include lawyers Nasser Marohonsalic, Nestor Ifurung, Eligio Mallari and Doy Bringas, Bantay Demokrasya and Kilusang Pagbabago-Sulu.

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Train mishap: Worker regains arm

By Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE 24-year-old information technology firm employee whose right arm was sliced off in an accident at the Ayala Station of Metro Railway Transit 3 in Makati City on Tuesday has had her limb successfully reattached by doctors, Transport Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said Wednesday.

Chavez assisted the opera-

tion of Angeline Fernando at the Makati Medical Center and assisted her family.

Chavez, who accompanied Fernando’s father Jose Jr. and mother Gloria, said Angeline’s attending surgeons told them that the “arm is reconnected to her body; the bone, the nerve and vessels are reconnected.”

“She is under observation at least until Friday. I have been Next page

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Asean music fest scrapped; 40 injured

Palace allies gang up on Trillanes

By Rey E. Requejo

peace, stability, and development in the region.”

China has commited $7.34 billion in soft loans and grants for 10 big-ticket projects, the construction of two bridges in Metro Manila and two drug rehabilitation facilities in Mindanao, and assistance in the rehabilitation of wartorn Marawi City in Mindanao, the Finance Department said.

Finance Department data show the loans committed by Beijing to Manila now total $7.19 billion for projects in the infrastructure, energy and public safety sectors, while grants amount to $148.22 million.

The 14 agreements, which were signed include financing for two key infrastructure projects—the $234.92 million Kaliwa DamNew Centennial Water Source of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the $72.49 million Chico River Pump Irrigation facility of the National Irrigation Administration. Chinese loans are expected to cover

ASEAN LANE. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority starts removing plastic barriers Wednesday which served as the special lanes for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings this week. Officials confirm there will be no more Asean lanes along Edsa and Roxas Boulevard in Pasay CIty, following the departure of world leaders who attended the summit. Manny Palmero

Marcos bucks Leni’s plea, insists on poll recount FORMER senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has asked the Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, to deny the plea of Vice President Leni Robredo to secure soft copies of

facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

S

the ballot images from the pilot provinces for the vote recount in connection with the May 2016 elections.

Marcos, who demanded a recount claiming he was cheated in

manilastandard.net

the vice presidential race, said he was the one who paid for the cost of decryption and printing of the ballot images from the pilot provinces amounting to P2,974,075.

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SOME 40 people were treated by medical teams Tuesday night after the Asean Music Festival concert at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City was canceled for safety reasons, police said Wednesday.

Metro Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde did not say what types of injuries were involved or how the concert goers were hurt, but said only that 31 were given “non-trauma” treatment.

Concert organizers canceled the show after the band Parokya ni Edgar played two songs, Albayalde said.

“After two hours of assessing the situation, the concert organizers finally decided not to push through with the concert for ‘reason of public safety,’” Albayalde said.

Albayalde said the concert goers dispersed without a problem at about 10 p.m., after being told that the rest of the show had been canceled.

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Trump...

From A1 During his visit, Trump got Duterte to agree to up-

hold the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement despite his previous threats to scrap the accord.

“The two sides likewise reaffirmed their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, as reinforced by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” reads a joint statement on the bilateral meeting between Manila and Washington held on Monday.

Duterte and Trump also criticized the “militarization” of the disputed South China Sea, a move expected to draw flak from Beijing.

“Both sides reiterated their commitment to uphold their principles including the freedom of navigation and overflight, and the exercise of self-restraint,” said a joint statement by the Philippines and the US. The two leaders also “stressed the importance of peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention.”

“They further underscored the need to continue pursuing confidence-building measures to increase mutual trust and confidence, and to refrain from actions that would escalate tensions, including militarization,” the joint statement added.

The two likewise raised the importance of human rights, but in the context on the campaign against drugs.

“The two sides underscored that human rights and the dignity of human life are essential, and agreed to continue mainstreaming the human rights agenda in their national programs to promote the welfare of all sectors, including the most vulnerable groups,” the joint statement added.

PH,...

From A1 85 percent of the total contract amounts for the two projects.

Another set of memorandums of understanding were signed between the Finance Department and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce to “jointly identify and study” an indicative list consisting of the second basket of key infrastructure cooperation projects for possible Chinese financing.

Among the proposed projects under the second basket are the development of the Subic-Clark Railway, Davao City Expressway, and Panay-Guimaras-Negros Inter-Island Bridge.

An Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation (grant agreement) on providing a 150-million renminbi (about $23 million) Chinese grant was

Train...

From A1 with Angeline’s father, Jose Fernando Jr., and mother Gloria Callos Fernando since 2:30 a.m. in this hospital,” Chavez said.

“I told the parents that our office will extend financial assistance and will request financial assistance from other government agencies. I will personally supervise this.”

Senator Grace Poe said what happened “was a very unfortunate incident that could have been prevented with a passenger railing safety feature.”

“The riding public faces so many of the MRT’s structural and technical time bombs that put in serious doubt the DOTr’s assurance that it is still

S'pore takes over Asean chair

By John Paolo Bencito and Sara Susanne Fabunan

S

INGAPORE will take over as the rotating chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations come Jan.1 next year, as the Philippines successfully concluded its hosting with three milestone agreements at the end of its chairmanship.

In a ceremony at the end of the 31st Asean Summit Tuesday night, President Rodrigo Duterte handed over the ceremonial gavel, which symbolizes the Asean Chairmanship, to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the closing ceremony of the 31st Asean

Summit and Related Meetings here.

“As the Philippines’ chairmanship of Asean draws to a close, I reiterate my commitment that my country, as Asean Chair, will remain steadfast in upholding the ideals and values we hold dear and in

working for the realization of our shared aspirations,” Duterte said.

Lee accepted the gavel from Duterte and congratulated the Philippines for a successful chairmanship.

The Singapore chairmanship is pushing for digital economy and e-commerce will be key themes of the country’s chairmanship.

Singapore will also try to promote cooperation between Asean and China as the country coordinator for dialogue relations between the two parties, Lee said.

Under the Philippine

chairmanship, Asean finalized the framework for a Code of Conduct of parties in the South China Sea and announced the start in its negotiations; the conclusion of a free-trade agreement between Asean and Hong Kong in a bid to strengthen trade ties with the port city responsible for most of the China-related trade; and the adoption of a landmark Asean consensus on the promotion and protection of rights of migrant workers.

“We have adopted and noted a number of declarations, statements, and ac-

tion plans across the three pillars of the Asean Community, and on Asean’s relations with Dialogue Partners, which reflect our desire for greater cooperation in addressing a multitude of concerns facing the region and our people,” Duterte said.

The much-anticipated conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership between Asean and its six trading partners were delayed due to disagreements among member-countries.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo noted that

the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ six dialogue partners—China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and India—could not find a common ground on “contentious issues” in the mega trade deal.

“Talks were not at a standstill; there was progress. We just couldn’t conclude it,” Rodolfo said in a recent interview.

Some of the hurdles, according to him, are those that relate to trade in goods, specifically the formula for cutting tariffs and other parameters related to tariff elimination.

Asean labor pact protects migrant workers—Bello

By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (left) hands over the gavel to Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a transfer of Asean Chairmanship at the closing ceremonies of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Manila on Nov. 14, 2017. AFP

likewise signed to aid the Philippine government’s quick recovery and reconstruction program for Marawi City.

China will also donate heavy equipment worth $3 million also for the government’s reconstruction efforts in Marawi.

The two sides also signed an agreement for the Chinese state-owned Bank of China to underwrite a $200-million issuance of Panda bonds or yuan-denominated securities, taking advantage of the Philippines’ renewed and strengthening ties with China.

Other trade and investments agreements signed were a memorandum of understading for Cooperation on Industrial Parks Development; MOU for Development Cooperation in Production Capacity; and an MOU on Investment and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and China’s

Development Bank.

In the areas of infrastructure, China has also provided a total of $148.22 million in grants, of which $99.27 million will be used for the construction of the Binondo-Intramuros bridge and the Estrella-Pantaleon bridge across the Pasig River, to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

Li and Duterte held the ceremonial groundbreaking activities for these two bridges in Malacañang.

Also signed were a memorandum of understanding on Jointly Promoting the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project and a $22.95-million grant for the construction of two drug rehabilitation facilities.

In defense, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on Defense Industry Cooperation.

Other agreements signed were MOUs on addressing

climate change, cooperation of field of intellectual property and strengthening youth cooperation.

Senators on Wednesday met with Li to discuss the strengthening of ties between the two countries.

At the meeting with Li were Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Miguel Zubiri and Manny Pacquiao.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua was also at the meeting.

Gatchalian on Wednesday hailed the progress toward settling longstanding territorial disputes, after China and the Asean agreed to begin negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Li said a peaceful South China Sea is a blessing for all countries, whereas turbulence serves no one’s interests.

“China, as the biggest lit-

toral state and a main user of the shipping lanes in the South China Sea, hopes to see peace, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight there more than any other country,” he said.

With the joint efforts of China and Asean countries, he said the situation in the South China Sea has notably eased and is showing a positive momentum.

But former ambassador to the US, Jose Cuisia Jr., lamented that the administration did not even bring up the UN Arbitral Tribunal’s decision favoring the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.

“We never even brought up the subject of the arbitral ruling in the discussions.

This was a lost opportunity to have gotten the support of Asean countries to get China to respect the rule of law and respect international law,” Cuisia told the ANC news channel.

safe to ride these trains.”

Senator Nancy Binay called the Transport Department and MRT 3 management to double the number maintainers and inspectors of MRT 3 trains and tracks to ensure passenger safety.

Angeline is working as a Senior Quality Engineer at iScale Solutions, an IT company based in Makati City.

She was an SM Foundation scholar at the Asia Pacific College where she finished Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

“She is a software engineer.

She lives in Pasay, a walking distance to the MRT Taft Station,” Chavez said.

Chavez also said Angeline’s mother told him: “Nahihilo si Angeline minsan pag maraming tao, lumalabas siya minsan

sa simbahan pag nagsisimba kami kasi nahihirapan siya huminga pag maraming tao.”

The reports showed that Angeline had just gotten off the train at MRT-3 Ayala Station when she felt dizzy and fell on the tracks.

An MRT station supervising officer said the accident happened around 2:30 p.m. at the northbound side of the train station. He added the woman fell into the platform and her hand got caught in a train coupler.

The incident prompted the MRT management to operate half-line or provisional service, carrying passengers only to and from North Avenue station in Quezon City and Shaw Boulevard station in Mandaluyong City for about two hours.

A netizen named Celia,

who witnessed the accident, posted in her Facebook “Please help pray for the woman who lost her right arm sa MRT Ayala Station just now. Still shaky while typing this. I was surprised na may babae sa riles trying to go up. Nakakalungkot MRT personnel are not at all equipped to help people when there is an emergency.”

“Good thing one woman was courageous enough to tend to her. She was asking for a cloth to use to her. I gave my cardigan. She tied it on her upper arm to hopefully stop the bleeding. And I had to tell the guards, please get a medic, call an ambulance. Lahat natataranta. No staff had the courage to take the arm from the riles. Please MRT management equip your people

for this kind of situation. Mas inuna pa ng iba magpicture sa tao at sa kamay nya na nasa riles pa. Sana naman wag nyo i-post yan sa social media!

Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Bernadette HerreraDy said the MRT-3 management should shoulder all medical, hospitalization, and related post-hospitalization expenses of Angeline.

She also said there is a need to have an insurance in light rail and railway services that will cover accidents and other unfortunate incidents.

“I also take this opportunity to call for much better security and crowd management measures at our light rail and railway facilities.

Obviously, the measures they have are not enough,” Herrera-Dy added.

Asean...

From A1

Palace...

From A1

Police said around 15,000 people attended the concert.

Earlier, portions of Ayala Avenue and nearby streets were closed, causing traffic in the central business district.

The group’s lawyer Manuelito Luna said the speeches made by Trillanes did not give him immunity from suits.

“The Oct. 3 privilege speech against the President and the government is not protected speech under the Speech or Debate Clause,”

Luna said.

In his privilege speech, Trillanes accused Duterte of having had bank accounts with transactions amounting to over P2 billion from September 2006 to December 2015.

He also claimed that the administration bought false information from “financial forensic expert” Daniel “Snooky” Cruz involving his

supposed offshore accounts in a bank in Singapore for P10 million to destroy his credibility.

In his speech during the Tindig Pilipinas launching, Trillanes announced several details of the supposed bank deposits of the President.

He claimed that one of the alleged accounts had deposits of P50 million at least 13 times.

Trillanes also said that, in another bank account, there were at least 20 deposits of P40 million to P50 million each.

He said Duterte bought in just one day insurance for his four children worth P80 million.

Luna said the senator’s acts of rumor-mongering and spreading false information were unlawful.

LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III gave assurances the safety and welfare of migrant workers would be protected under the labor agreement signed by Asean leaders in their just concluded Summit which would allow migrant workers to join unions and to prohibit employers from confiscating their passports.

The Asean Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Worker will benefit more than 800,000 Filipino migrant workers working in Asean countries, he said.

Before, workers were not allowed to form unions while it became a practice for many foreign employers to confiscate their passports which was a form of “blackmail.”

However, various labor groups noted the accord was not legally binding because several Asean labor ministers did not use the terms “legally-binding” and “morally-binding” in the consensus.

While some sectors lauded the accord, labor groups view the consensus as simply an expression of intention as any of the Asean’s 10 member states can opt out of it because of its non legally-

Marcos...

From A1 “Since Robredo did not contribute any share in the expenses and supplies for this undertaking, she should not be allowed by this Honorable Tribunal to obtain the soft [and even printed] copies of the decrypted images of the ballots, election returns, audit logs and other relevant documents for all the protested clustered precincts of the pilot provinces of Camarines Sur, Iloilo and Negros Oriental used during the last May 9, 2016 national and local elections,” Marcos said in a comment on Nov. 7.

In justifying her request, Robredo said the Commission on Elections assured the parties during the start of the decryption process on Oct. 23 that it would

Japan...

From A1 the addition of these five aircraft to our inventory will greatly enhance our capability to monitor and conduct search and rescue within out territory,” Andolong said.

Two of the aircraft has been delivered and the three remaining planes are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2018.

The Japanese maritime self-defense force have used the aircraft as trainer planes and were later reconfigured for photographic aerial surveys.

The TC90 twin turboprop Beech Craft has

binding nature.

“This agreement will definitely benefit our OFWs. Truly, there is a need to do so especially since we are in an era where our countrymen have increasingly chosen to work abroad,” said Senator Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Senate labor committee.

He said the agreement would complement and strengthen pending bills in the Senate to improve the benefits and protection of our OFWs. The Asean countries that do not want the accord to have a legally-binding effect are Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Brunei.

“But Asean member countries will still heed its provisions, which include, among others, allowing migrant workers to join unions and prohibiting employers from confiscating their workers’ passports,” Bello said.

In an interview, Bello said the Asean leaders would not sign the accord for the sake of signing, but would sign it with the intention to comply with the provision.

The Asean Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of Rights of Migrant Workers can be a way of forging bilateral agreements between each Asean nation to give the accord more teeth, he said. provide soft copies provided that the PET gave its consent.

“Thus, it would be for the benefit of the parties that they be allowed to secure the soft copies of the ballot images and other reports from the decrypted secure digital cards to protect their rights and interests in this election protest,” Robredo said.

“Should the Honorable Tribunal grant this motion, protestee Robredo will coordinate with Comelec on the procedure and supplies needed. This motion is not intended for delay but dictated solely by the foregoing exigencies.”

Marcos’ camp said the decryption and printing would take at least seven months.

Marcos lost to Robredo by 263,473 votes in last year’s elections which he claimed was marred by fraud. previously been leased by Japan’s defense ministry to the Philippines at $28,000 for five aircraft yearly.

Defense Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel Raymundo Elefante said the Philippine government would be installing surveillance equipment on the planes.

“The planes would not only be deployed in West Philippine Sea but also in Benham Rise,” Elefante said.

The Japanese government has agreed to help the Philippine military enhance its maritime patrols over the West Philippine Sea that is being claimed

by China.

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Travel rate hike for govt workers OKd

By Maricel V. Cruz

T

HE House of Representatives has backed a proposal increasing the daily local travel allowance of government officials and personnel on official business to P2,000 since the present rate of P800 is no longer attuned to the times.

Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, chairperson of the House appropriations committee, adopted House Resolution 243 urg-

ing President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an order to effect the increase.

Nograles said his panel would refer the approved

resolution for plenary action to have the proposal discussed and get the consensus among House members.

Nograles said the Budget department is currently studying, in coordination with agencies concerned, the possible adjustments on existing allowances and expenses for local and foreign travels of government personnel.

“The good news is that the DBM is amenable to increasing the daily travel expense of government officials and personnel on official business,” Nograles said.

At a congressional hearing, the Budget department recognized the intention of said resolution to adjust travel allowance rates for authorized local travels of government officials and employees.

But it said the proposed travel allowance increase shall be subject for review.

A DBM representatives earlier told the House appropriations panel that there is a Travel Rates Committee organized under EO 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987 which is mandated to review travel rates and rec-

ommend thereafter to the President for consideration.

It is headed by the DBM secretary and the members are the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and the Commission on Audit.

Rep. Eugene Michael de Vera of ABS party-list, author of HR 243, said the proposed executive order would amend EO 248 dated May 29, 1995, EO 248-A dated Aug. 14, 1995 and EO 298 dated March 23, 2004 which prescribed the allocation of P800 per day for the travel

expenses of government officials and personnel, regardless of rank and destination.

“The last adjustment was made in 2004, it has been 13 years since then. We all know that prices have increased.

By having this resolution, probably the President will listen to us in order that our poor government employees assigned officially to different destinations within the country would have enough money to use in their respective assignments,” De Vera, a lawyer, said.

De Vera, a deputy minority

leader, said at this point, government personnel find it difficult when they are assigned to different places for official business because of their insufficient travel allowance.

“It is the responsibility of the government to provide travel allowances to its employees in fulfillment of their official duties and responsibilities. There is a need to enable a proper representation by giving sufficient allowances that are commensurate to the duties and responsibilities and to the nature of the travel,” said De Vera.

6 residents abducted

by Sayyaf in Sulu

By Francisco Tuyay

MRT ACCIDENT. Department of Transportation and Railways Undersecretary Cesar Chavez discusses with the media the development on the accident involving passenger Angeline Fernando who

lost an arm when she fell off the platform at the Metro Rail Transit-3 Ayala station on Tuesday afternoon. Fernando fell into the space between the first and second cars. Her arm, however, was caught in the coupler linking the two train cars together. Manny Palmero

Air travelers urged not to take requests for packages

By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES on Wednesday advised air travelers not to accept any request to bring along packages in their trips, if they haven’t seen its contents, especially if the person making the request is not personally known to them.

This, according to Customs and Airport officials, would prevent members of international drug syndicate and other criminals to transport or smuggle prohibited substance into the Philippines.

“Smuggling of drugs, whether in large or small quantities, will never be tolerated,” said Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Villanueva Monreal.

Monreal said the Airport authority in close coordination with the Customs bureau and Police - Aviation Security Group heightened vigilance in the campaign against illegal drug trafficking in a bid to discourage international drug syndicates from using the Philippines as a transshipment point or dumping ground for their illegal substances.

Agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service revealed that unsuspecting air travelers are being paid to carry sealed boxes, cartons or packs without asking or knowing its content.

Gabriela dares DoH to fully implement RPRH Law

By Maricel V. Cruz TWO lady lawmakers on Wednesday dared the Department of Health under Secretary Francisco Duque III to go beyond family planning by fully implementing the Reproductive Health Law. Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list said while the re-certification of 51 contraceptives by the Food and Drug Administration is a positive development, the fight for

free and comprehensive healthcare remains an uphill climb.

“While the health department has moved for the full implementation of the RPRH law, we reiterate that reproductive health is not merely confined to birth control. We challenge DoH Secretary Duque to go beyond the family planning component of the law,” De Jesus said, adding that the full implementation of RH law would give women’s free and comprehensive access to health services.

De Jesus said her group pushes for the right of every couple to decide on the number of children they want, and that family planning should be an informed choice and not as an enforced or dictated decision.

Brosas, for her part, said the militant women’s group was dissatisfied with the way the government is implementing the RH Law. “Even if RPRH Law is in full swing, healthcare remains largely privatized or corporatized, and women still lack ac-

cess to basic healthcare services in farflung areas. Reproductive health is not just about the distribution of contraceptives,” Brosas said.

“With the cuts on the health budget for 2018, the struggle for accessible health care and maternal services options is not yet over. We may have access to birth controls but with the lack of public hospitals to cater to our less privileged sisters, RPRH Law will still be useless to them,” Brosas added.

Pimentel said better LGUs a good sign in shift to federalism

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Wednesday said the significant increase in the number of awardees in the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Seal of Good Local Governance for 2017 is a good sign as the country prepares for the shift to federalism.

LEARNING CENTERS.

Department of Education officials, headed by G.H. Ambat (standing, 4th from left), assistant secretary for Public Affairs Service and Alternative Learning System, and DepEd-ARMM headed

by Dr. John Magno (standing, 3rd from left), regional secretary, visit the Lenilitan BRAC Learning Center in Barangayt. Borongatan in Upi, Maguindanao on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2017. Since 2012, BRAC Philippines has established 2,108 learning centers across the ARMM that catered to more than 60,000 pupils. Omar Mangorsi

“Strong and capable LGUs mean we can reap the benefits of federalism earlier,” said Pimentel.

In 2016, only 306 LGUs received the same award.

He also congratulated all local government units tthat received the awards. He said 448 local government units, or LGUs, received the award, a significant increase over the 306 awardees last year.

Twenty-eight provinces, 61 cities, and 359 municipalities met the standards for the Seal of Good Local Governance, with the biggest number coming from Region I, which had 68 awardees.

To be awarded the Seal, an LGU must meet standards set in all four core areas (financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order), while

meeting the standards for at least one of the three essential areas (business friendliness and competitiveness, and tourism, culture and the arts, and environmental protection).

Awardees are given a marker that can be placed in their provincial capitol, city hall, or municipal hall, and are able to access the Performance Challenge Fund, a fund that can be used to support local development projects.

THE Abu Sayyaf terrorist group struck anew, as they kidnapped six innocent civilians, including two children at a remote village in Sulu Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the latest ASG hostage victims include three members of the Trinidad clan identified as Jessy, 55; Nene, 56 and Aloh, 22; three members of the Hapole family—Lucy, 21, and minors Junjun, 13 and Nelson, 7.

He said the victims were forcibly taken at gunpoint by the armed bandits at Phase 4, Kalamayahan Village, Brgy Latih, Patikul, Sulu at about 8:45 p.m.

Sobejana said at least 15 armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group swooped down on the said village and took the victims.

The latest kidnapping act by the ASG was immediately reported by concerned citizens to the Joint Task Force Sulu prompting the police operatives to dispatch quick reaction teams to verify the report parallel to the conduct of pursuit operations against the perpetrators.

Govt hit for ignoring case vs‘Luisita’

By Rio N. Araja THE Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas on Wednesday criticized the Duterte administration for lack of political will to make the kin of former President Benigno Aquino III liable for the Hacienda Luisita massacre on Nov. 16, 2004.

“Two years into his administration, [President Rodrigo] Duterte did nothing to prosecute the family of the former president.

With that, Duterte now has supreme accountability on the continued denial of justice for Hacienda Luisita massacre and human rights victims,” KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said.

Agrarian reform advocates commemorate today the 13th year of the Hacienda Luisita massacre when police officers opened fire at the protesting farmers demanding for higher wages, better working conditions and land on Nov. 16, 2004.

Ramos called on the government to prosecute and punish the perpetrators for the massacre and string of human rights abuses at the Hacienda Luisita.

He expressed fear that under the Duterte administration, Aquino and his clan “can get away with anything.”

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Opinion

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Costing an arm

M

ETRO Rail Transit commuter Angeline Fernando has had her severed arm reattached, and thankfully so, but this is hardly a consolation for the rest of us.

Fernando, 24, had the misfortune

of feeling dizzy upon alighting

the train at the Ayala station— and then losing her balance and falling into the tracks, her hand getting caught in a train coupler.

The severed arm was left on the tracks for some time, according to another passenger who witnessed the incident. It was fortunate there was a doctor who assisted Fernando until she was brought to the hospital.

The incident caused another service disruption—but of course, passengers are used to such interruptions. The MRT3 gets these as often as several times a day and for a host of reasons.

Just last week, the Secretary of Transportation, Arthur Tugade, exhorted the people to turn to prayers because the rail problems

are much to overwhelming. It seems we did not pray enough.

What happened on Tuesday serves as another call to the DoTR that it is not enough to cancel the contract with the service provider or charge transport officials from the previous administration in court. What is the plan, exactly, in the interim, while they are sorting out this mess? Hundreds of thousands of commuters still have to get to their destinations every day.

Fernando’s predicament underscores what is wrong about the MRT. A few weeks ago, a soiled

diaper got caught in the wires and caused yet another service disruption. We thought it was a fitting symbol of the state of the rails.

This recent incident, it turns out, is more apt. The volume of people was just too much and there were not enough safety facilities in place. Among others.

Failed public transport systems are only supposed to cause inconvenience, at worst. Ours poses real danger to riders. The tragedy is that people still take the MRT3, anyway, because they really don’t have much of a choice.

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

A clash of cultures THE difference between Asians and non-Asians stood out during the meetings in the Asean summit.

Note how the leaders of the Asean nations tried to skirt the human rights issues in President Duterte’s war on drugs.

On the contrary, US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were frank enough to remind President Duterte of the need to observe human rights and the rule of law.

Santa Banana, Trudeau was bolder when he raised the issue of EJKs. This is an issue that makes the President sensitive, to the point of launching tirades at his foreign critics.

Trump’s statement, on the other hand, was played down by Palace spokesman Harry Roque for reasons only he can divine.

Asians do not generally like offending others.

Trudeau’s dumb play LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES “JUSTIN Trudeau has a serious weakness,” according to the Canadian pundit R. Michael Warren, writing in The Star in 2014. “It’s his tendency to say dumb things in unscripted moments.”

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau tried to earn brownie points with the folks back home when he brought up the matter of alleged extrajudicial killings in a talk with President Rodrigo Duterte. But the handsome 45-year-old Canadian didn’t know that his bragging to the media about being the only leader during the Asean summit meeting in Manila to take up the issue with Duterte would bite

him in the behind when he was asked about the unresolved issue of the garbage brought here from his country four years ago.

The Canadian Liberal Party leader (yes, he belongs to a party ideologically affiliated with the local opposition LP) had to quickly end his press briefing when asked about the topic of more than 100 container vans from Canada loaded with medical and other waste brought into the Manila port under false pretenses as recyclable plastic.

The would-be champion of human rights was laid low by another issue that is equally close to the hearts of his fellow Liberals, that of protecting the environment.

Trudeau told the press that it was expected of Canada to bring up “strong and firm discussions on

human rights and rule of law around the world.”

But when asked about the uncollected Canadian garbage, something he promised that his government

It was as if Canada sent the wrong Justin.

Not the prime minister, but the pop singer surnamed Bieber.

would fix when Trudeau first arrived in Manila during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in 2015, he could only

say that it was “impossible” because it was against Canadian law to bring waste from foreign lands into his country—even if the waste had originally come from there.

“He should have said, ‘I have raised the matter [of the killings] with the President.’ Period,” observed Wilfrido Villacorta, a former Philippine ambassador to the Asean. “But he kept on talking. Of course, any host-leader would feel offended [because] this is intervention.

“There’s nothing wrong per se about raising [the issue of] human rights,” Villacorta added, “But to brag about it, I think [Trudeau] was playing up to the Canadian audience.”

Villacorta explained that Trudeau also offended Asean, which proclaimed that it approved a landmark

agreement on the welfare of migrant workers during the meeting. “The Rohingya question, the EJKs supposedly or the South China Sea, this is not the priority of Asean [in the Manila summit],” he said.

Duterte, who was reported to have only nodded when buttonholed by the media-savvy Canadian PM, later said that he felt personally insulted when the eagerbeaver Trudeau talked to him about supposed EJKs. But Duterte did not feel the need to insult Trudeau back on the spot, conscious as he was that he had to play the gracious Filipino host to a brash foreigner who was apparently not aware of the rules and traditions of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations— or even of basic etiquette for a guest to a foreign land.

It was as if Canada sent

the wrong Justin to Manila.

Not the prime minister, but the pop singer surnamed Bieber. *** What the acknowledged social media maven Trudeau did not understand was “the Asean Way,” the group’s controversial but highly effective approach to solving issues that respects the cultural norms of Southeast Asia. Wrote Logan Masilamani and Jimmy Peterson in the Foreign Policy Journal in 2015: “The Asean Way above all prioritizes a consensusbased, non-conflictual way of addressing problems.

Quiet diplomacy allows Asean leaders to communicate without bringing the discussions into the public view. Members avoid embarrassment that may lead to further conflict.”

It has something to do with culture. No Asian would tell his host that his house is dirty and that he must clean up. This is where Asians and nonAsians are fundamentally different.

Another example was when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that the barong Tagalog, tailored by designer Albert Andrada, was “scratchy” and “starchy.”

She was not aware that it was hand-woven out of pina.

Our culture is that we are not straightforward; we are hesitant to offend others.

This is also seen in how Asian leaders responded to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar—what the United Nations has called ethnic cleansing.

Nearly a million Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh. Many have died

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Opinion Forecasts for the new world order

By Daniel Moss AT A global economic conference in Dubai last weekend, the US was everywhere and nowhere.

In conversations at the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils, people wrestled with challenges to the global trading system, developing infrastructure for the 21st century, and restoring trust in experts and leadership. Donald Trump was never far off—his election being a kind of shorthand for the urgent task of restoring faith in an open and integrated world economy.

Two parallel themes were prevalent. The first was that China will be at least as important as, if not more than, the US in shaping what the world will look like in 2030.

Xi Jinping’s speech to the Communist Party congress last month seemed to encapsulate this, echoed by Trump’s deferential visit to Asia. China now appears to be the big force for stability, predictability and defense of the global trading system.

The second theme was questioning whether the US would even be a global player in the world of 2030. The whole premise of the global architecture built since 1945 is American leadership. Maybe this period of American introspection is a blip, and there’s more to the US than Trump’s nationalism. There are civil society, capital and global supply chains built by American corporations.

None of these are disappearing. And for all China’s gains, the US economy is still the world’s largest. It’s kind of mind-blowing that we have come to the point where serious people in serious forums ask whether the US can mount a forceful and credible defense of free markets.

Yet here we are.

There was a pervasive sense that peak US leadership has passed. That passing means a lot of assumptions need to be tested. Let’s start with trade, defense of which was a topic of considerable attention. There was widespread agreement that the current system needs to be both shored up and enhanced while addressing those left behind by dislocation.

Of course, the more time spent trying to shore up the existing system, the less time, intellectual energy and political capital is spent on developing a system that can address the needs of the future. Here again, US is critical.

But can America be bothered?

Questions like this inevitably led to an excursion into the politics of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Michigan, the three manufacturing-rich states that narrowly swung for Trump a year ago, delivering him the election. Trump voters in those three states might be amused that their predilections figured so prominently among elite discussions in the United Arab Emirates. (Internal Chinese politics didn’t get a hearing.)

One attendee mused that we may be in some interregnum period now, somewhere between the old US-led order and a new arrangement. Trump didn’t cause this interregnum, but he probably accelerated its arrival. What the new arrangement looks like is critical to how the world will look in 2030. And this is just in trade.

The councils press on with their task of envisaging the world of 2030. With or without the US. Bloomberg

A clash...

From A4

while escaping.

Expectedly, Asian leaders did not condemn the Myanmar government even if Nobel laureate Aug San Suu Kyi was already among them.

In contrast to the silence of the Asian leaders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Suu Kyi that the hundreds of thousands who fled Myanmar should be allowed to return. *** I have been asked whether I thought the Asean summit was a success. As a whole, I think it was— except for the fact that the leaders failed to address the issue of human rights.

Among the significant issues that were addressed were the protection of migrant workers and the Code

Trudeau’s...

From A4

The policy, they said, might “be usefully applied to global conflict management.” The Way is the expression of principles of fundamental importance to Asean, according to the group’s charter: consensus, non-interference, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and unity in diversity.

The Asean Way is not without its critics, who say that the approach can be only applied to Asian countries with specific cultural norms. The latest to call for the lifting of the consensus-based decision-making process of Asean is, in fact, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who proposed during a speech at a side event of the summit that a more Western “majority rule” voting sys-

of Conduct in the South China Sea. As former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said in a speech, full integration can be achieved by 2025. *** The recent rush of incidents of so-called drug mules arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport—Russians and a Colombian – just shows that as long as there is demand for illegal drugs, there will always be supply.

In fact, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency should dig deeper into why these drug mules from other countries are coming here.

The very fact that cartels and syndicates continue to use drug mules confirms demand is still high.

It is easy for the police to conduct raids on poor communities. But what about posh villages? tem for all the 10 members of the Asean be adopted; Arroyo recalled how the association was hamstrung by the need for consensus amid international pressure on Myanmar, an Asean member, to free rights leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention by her military captors.

It’s worth noting that Trudeau also bragged to the media that he had an “extensive talk” with Suu Kyi, who is now Myanmar’s leader but who is also facing charges of helping oppress the minority Rohingya Muslims in her own country. But, of course, that was also before the matter of the dumping of Canadian garbage in Manila was brought up.

The man is a clueless Liberal, after all. It’s only sad that when he left, he didn’t take his country’s garbage back home with him.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

A5

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Asean 2017: Growing as one OVERSIGHT DANILO SUAREZ THIS year, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations celebrates its 50th founding anniversary, with the theme, “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” The theme reflects the Philippine government’s advocacy to promote unity among the Asean members and its global partners. Luckily, the Philippines’ chairmanship of the 2017 Asean Summit coincides with this historic milestone event.

On Nov. 11, world leaders started coming to Manila for the 31st Asean Summit and Related Summits. The Summit was held at the Philippine International Convention Center

(PICC) from November 12 to 14. Besides the leaders of the 10 Asean member countries, over 10 country leaders from outside the region also came as dialogue partners, whom the Asean countries collaborate with on several issues such as economy, trade, sustainable development, and security. These dialogue partners were US President Donald Trump, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, European Council President Donald Tusk, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm

Turnbull, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In the formal opening of the 31st Asean Summit in the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on Monday, President Duterte delivered his opening remarks as the Chairman, where he highlighted the issues on terrorism and security. He sought for the cooperation of nations in addressing terrorism and extremism, which endangered the peace, stability, and security within the region. According to him, the series of meetings were excellent opportunities to discuss matters of regional and international importance. He also mentioned the problem of illegal drugs.

One of the highlights of the summit was the signing of agreement between the Asean member countries

and China on the crafting of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea (SCS). Signed on November 13 during the 20th Asean-China Summit, the signatories of this agreement aim to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the SCS, in accordance with the international law.

Another milestone of the group during the summit was the signing of the Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, which was also dubbed as a “landmark document,” or an agreement that aims to give social protection and access to justice and health services to the migrant workers within the region.

The summit also served as an opportunity for the Philippines to strengthen

its ties not just with its fellow Asean members, but also with its global partners such as the United States, Japan, Russia, and China.

Through the years, the Asean community has focused in economic integration and growth, and consensus-building, resulting to unprecedented growth.

It is now the world’s seventh largest market and the third largest labor force.

The Asean is projected to be the fourth largest economic bloc in the world by 2030. We see it clearly.

50 years later, traditional power blocs no longer view members of the Asean as lackeys but as strategic partners.

Happy 50th Anniversary to the Asean. Congratulations to the Philippines for the successful chairmanship of Asean 2017.

Back to the salt mines DUTY CALLS FLORENCIO FIANZA AFTER several days of forced vacation, it will be back to the salt mines come Monday. With all the holidays that we Filipinos already enjoy, the country must surely be leading the world for the most number of holidays in a given year.

Within the next few weeks, the Christmas season will again be upon us. We all know what that means—very little work gets done especially in the last two weeks of December because we celebrate the longest Christmas.

I do not know whether our leaders especially our economic team are assessing the negative effect of these long holidays to the economic productivity of the country. Even without any scientific data available, the loss in productivity must be considerable.

This is not to mention the hardship experienced by motorists who had to endure the constricted Edsa and the roads around the conference venue that were completely closed.

When the country hosts big international events such as the just concluded

Asean 50th Summit, it is a given that we all want the country to roll out the red carpet. After all, the pride of the country is at stake.

We Filipinos being noted for our hospitality would not want our guests to feel that our welcome is anything less.

But in planning for events such as the Asean or Apec meetings, would it not have been better to have held the event elsewhere instead of the National Capital Region where the disruption would not have been as huge? An argument against this of course, is that there is no other place with the kind of infrastructure other than the NCR capable of holding big international events.

But in fact, we did it before in Subic.

It is also about time we developed other areas as alternate sites for such events. Three of the best islands in the world are in our country. Palawan, Cebu and Boracay have been adjudged by travel magazines as offering sights that are second to none. Cebu and Boracay with a little more development should be able to host international conferences such as the recently concluded meeting. Pala-

wan of course needs more infrastructure development but now is perhaps the best time to do this and take advantage of the Build, Build, and Build infrastructure development program of the Duterte administration.

We cannot continue having the kind of work disruption that we just experienced. We have to develop alternate venues.

The event, however, was a huge success and congratulations to those who labored hard to make it the success that it was.

There were no glitches that the actress who used the Asean reserved lane for the visitors is now in hot water but I think the traffic authorities should just let it go at that. I do not think it was such a big deal and besides, she has apologized. If at all, it showed the kind of hardship that the motorists had to endure for several days. *** One of the developing stories that was buried by the hosting of the Asean summit was the ever widening rift between Senators Dick Gordon and Antonio Trillanes IV. Trillanes filed a plunder case against Gordon for misuse of government funds. It seems that funds coming

from the pork barrel of Senator Gordon was provided the Philippine Red Cross which he chairs and was spent without any proper accounting, so the accusation goes. Senator Gordon vehemently denied this. During the Senate hearing on the smuggling of 640 kilos of methamphetamine worth P6.4 billion, Senator Trillanes accused Senator Gordon of lawyering for the so-called Davao group.

As a result, Gordon filed a case against Trillanes for ethics violation which is now pending.

Whether both cases will ever see the light of day is something the public will have to wait and see.

My beef in the case is that two old and cherished institutions in the country have now been embroiled in politics which should never have happened. Last year, during those marathon hearings against then VP Jojo Binay, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines was also dragged into the controversy.

Now, it is the turn of the PRC to be dragged into a political controversy. In the United States, when Elizabeth Dole, the wife of former Senator Robert Dole was President of the United States Red Cross

and ran for senator, she resigned her position in the USRC to protect the institution from any impropriety or any accusation that the USRC is engaged in any partisan politics. We do not practice that here.

Senator Gordon is still Chairman of the PRC and former VP Binay, although no longer in office, is still President of the BSP. If what has happened recently is any indication, it does not look good for both organizations. Maybe Senator Gordon and then VP Binay should have resigned their positions while both are or were holding political positions to protect the two institutions that they both care about. But since we do not have rules of that nature, it has to be their call.

The same is true for senators who are endorsing certain commercial products.

In my youth, the scouting movement was purely voluntary and the President of the BSP was not a politician. The whole complexity of the scouting movement changed when it was made compulsory during Martial Law and when politicians started to enter the picture.

There really should be a rule that insulates purely civic organizations from the intrusion of politics.

Transracial dude, wannabe Pinoy?

JA DU, formerly called Adam, is a white male from Florida who thinks of himself as Filipino, saying, “Whenever I’m around the music, around the food, I feel like I’m in my own skin.”

His story appeared on USA Today, which reported that Ja Du drives a tuktuk, a vehicle that he said is widely used in the Philippines. He also claimed that he “grew up enjoying Filipino food, events, and the overall culture.”

“I’d watch the History Channel, sometimes for hours—nothing else intrigued me more but things about Filipino culture.”

Ever since Rachel Dolezal happened, transracialism has had more of a presence in public discourse. The term used to refer to parents of one race adopting a child of another (think Madonna and Angelina Jolie and their adopted children), but now has been coopted to mean “someone of one race who identifies with another.”

Ja Du, who is currently

in New Orleans, according to The Root’s Anne Branigin, not only identifies as Filipino but is also transgender.

His efforts could be regarded as a tribute to the attractiveness of Filipino culture, but alas, this fan of Filipiniana has got his Southeast Asian cultures mixed up. Tuktuks are a conveyance popular in Thailand, somewhat analogous to our tricycle.

“Ja Du” sounds more Vietnamese or Laotian than anything.

None of the articles I’ve read about him have mentioned that he has Filipino friends or has spent any great amount of time in a Filipino community, so his information about the culture is second-hand and in the two instances mentioned, erroneous.

He means no offense, says Ja Du. “If that’s who they [transracialists] are and they want to celebrate it and enjoy it,” he said in a WSTP-TV interview, “then you have to think ‘What harm is it doing?’

All they want to do is throw themselves into that culture and celebrate it.”

This was echoed by Tampa psychologist Stacey Schreckner. Although she has not worked with

clients who say they are transracial, her opinion is “live and let live.”

“If someone feels that they feel at home with a certain religion, a certain race, a certain culture, I think that, if that who they really feel inside, life is about finding out who you are. The more knowledge you have of yourself, the happier you can be.”

Others, however, would call this cultural appropriation. Branigin says ‘Filipino’ is not a race, but an ethnicity or nationality.

She calls Ja Du’s attempts to live as a Filipino as “white people nonsense.”

“This is not how it works,” Branigin says.

“Why are we treating religion, race, and gender as though they operate in the same ways?... Taking on an ethnic identity… is theft.”

In Dolezal’s case, there was an economic advantage to her claiming to be black—her last position was as a president of the Spokane, Washington branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Her own (white) parents, Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal, have called her “irrational” and “disconnected from reality.”

By her own admission,

she had identity problems growing up and so does Ja Du. That they both fixated upon non-white cultures is interesting. They can identify as part of a minority group, or underdogs, negotiating their own roles as they please within their chosen community, yet in a pinch, they can escape from adversity brought about by that identity because they are still white and possess all the privileges that brings.

That is why they cannot be fully Filipino. Race, a social construct, carries with it advantages and disadvantages that “adoptees” cannot fully experience by virtue of their birth.

Take the case of the Hey Joe Show guys, five returned Mormon missionaries who served in Cebu.

Sumner Mahaffey, Connor Peck, Tylan Glines, Davis Blount, and Jake Mingus post videos of themselves on Youtube speaking fluent Bisaya with an authentic accent. Similarly, Dwaine Wooley, an Australian married to a Filipina, speaks good Tagalog, while Kyle Jennermann, a Canadian in his late 20s, calls himself Kulas on his enthusiastic travel blog Becoming Filipino.

They have acculturated,

but not “transracialized,” because one can celebrate a culture without transforming into the same race as the people of that culture. As Jennermann says, “Simply put, I am not Filipino… Truth is I will never be able to say ‘I am Filipino’ (and never deserve/ would have the right to).

But there are so many simple beautiful things that I have experienced and witnessed that make up Filipino culture… I love the Philippines and would be honored to be able to call myself ‘part Filipino’.”

Like Shreckner, I believe that if it makes you happy and comfortable, then go for it. I would add the caveat, “as long as you are not hurting others.”

As Ja Du asks, what is the harm? If he wishes to pretend or play at being Filipino, and he derives satisfaction from that without anyone being harmed by what he is doing, then let him.

Perhaps he might even get it right, and ditch the tuktuk for a tricycle and change his name to Juana (or Jhoanna) de la Cruz.

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer. FB: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Asean to address malnutrition T

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Department of Health said Asean Leaders’ Declaration on Ending All Forms of Malnutrition was adopted by the leaders of the 10-nation largely economic alliance during the 31st Asean Summit.

lifestyle resilient to health threats and has universal access to healthcare.”

The Asean is home to 17.9 million girls and boys who are too short for their age (stunted) and face diminished mental development—with irreversible consequences for individuals, families, communities and countries.

It is imperative that Asean member states, without delay, scale up actions toward ending all forms of malnutrition, to make sure that the potential of everyone, everywhere, is unleashed by making malnutrition an injustice of the past.

Faster results at scale are necessary to achieve the six global targets for Improved Maternal, Infant and Young Nutrition adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, and the Sus-

tainable Development Goals by 2030.

The Asean leaders tasked the member nations’ Health Ministers to monitor the progress of the Declaration and support the delivery of nutrition-specific and nutritionsensitive interventions.

In March 2018, the Philippines will lead the formulation of the framework of action for nutrition and a strategic plan to implement the Declaration among the 10 Asean member states.

The 10 Asean member states have also agreed to adopt the “One Health” approach to tackle the pressing issue on antimicrobial resistance that will ensure a holistic, multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary approach in combating AMR at the regional and country levels.

The Philippine Department of Health which took

the lead in crafting the declaration said the signing of the document “is a historic achievement in the Asean that will contribute to the Asean vision of a healthy, caring, sustainable and productive Region resistant to emerging health threats and have universal access to health care.”

Globally, AMR has emerged as one of the serious challenges of the modern world with an alarming increase in rates of drug resistant infections observed across different regions and countries because of the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in the health, veterinary and agriculture sectors.

In 2014, the World Health Organization already raised the alarm that without effective action by governments and global leaders, the world could face a return to

the post-antibiotic era where drug resistant infections overtook cancer as the leading cause of human suffering and death by 2050 threatening the gains achieved with the discovery of antibiotics in the 20th century and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, attaining good health and well-being.

The Asean community quickly recognized the importance of taking action against AMR with the increasing incidence of of antimicrobial resistance in the region such as drug-resistant tuberculosis, methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus, macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, multi-drug resistant enteric pathogens and extremely drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in both the hospital and community settings.

Biodiversity protection measure is pushed

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations has recommended for plenary action a bill that The Declaration emIncreasingly, nutrition is seeks to create an improved bodies the highest level of seen as a maker and marker law for the protection and political commitment to- of development—essenpreservation of the country’s ward a multi-sectoral collab- tial to the attainment of the diverse flora and fauna. orative approach on food se- Sustainable Development This came after the comcurity and nutrition among Goals, medical experts said. mittee, chaired by Davao sectors such as agriculture, He said the transformative City Rep. Karlo Nograles, public health and nutrition, Agenda 2030 was grounded approved the funding proand social welfare and other in the ambition of leaving no visions of the unnumbered relevant stakeholders. one behind and served as an substitute bill with the working Health Secretary Fran- inspiration to one of the stratitle, “Ensuring The Presercisco Duque III said the tegic measures of the Asean vation and Management of Declaration confirmed the Sociocultural Community Protected Areas.” critical importance of ad- “to promote a community The measure is a condressing malnutrition, par- that is healthy, caring, sussolidation of House Bills 177 ticularly stunting, immedi- tainable and productive, and filed by Occidental Mindoro ately and strategically. one that practices a healthy Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato and HB 133 filed by AKOBicol Party-list group led by Rep. Alfredo Garbin.

Nograles said both bills advocate the rich biodiversity in the Philippines as well as the need to protect such biodiversity.

“We can achieve this through the establishment of a comprehensive system of integrated protected areas within

By Maricel V. Cruz and Bill Casas the classification of a national park as provided for in the A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Wednesday hit Constitution,” Nograles said. anew the National Police leadership over the The proposed statute for use of excessive force which included the use all intents and purposes of Long Range Acoustic Device or LRAD aims to improve Republic during a protest rally by militant groups against Act 7586 or the National the Asean Summit last Monday.

At the same time, Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Integrated Protected Areas Ariel Casilao denounced the filing of charges System Act of 1992. against protesters’ leaders in relation to the se“While NIPAS has served ries of protest actions. its purpose to some degree, “This was a clear harassment case to scare there remains dozens of locaactivists to discontinue their work with tions in the country that have various peoples’ organizations, a tactic used to be officially proclaimed as by previous governments” Casilao, member of protected areas so that they the Makabayan Bloc, said. may be accorded the necessary In a related development: governmental efforts toward • Street dwellers in areas in Metro Manila were preservation,” Nograles said. allegedly told to hide during the Asean Summit.

“These areas are teeming Authorities allegedly said if they did not with beautiful and unique nawant to hide, they would be taken away by sotive species that, once gone, cial workers. will never be seen again except In 2015, the DSWD was criticized for alon the Internet or in books.

INTERNET PROJECT. A memorandum of agreement to create high-speed Internet infrastructure project between the government legedly “hiding” homeless families in a resort If that happens, then it only and Facebook is signed Wednesday by Philippine Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vince Dizon, Facebook sourcing in Batangas one day before Pope Francis armeans we have failed in our manager for Asia and the Pacifi c Nico Roerich and Department of Information and Communication Technology OIC Eliseo Rio. The project is rived in the country for a papal visit. task to be God’s steward for called the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure.

Norman Cruz Former DSWD secretary Dinky Soliman dethese life forms,” he added. nied the allegations, saying the agency had been The proposed measure helping street dwellers well before the event. identifies around 100 areas According to reports, Dondon Sebastian, 48 that should be established as years old, one of the street dwellers staying along protected areas with land or Maria Orosa Street in Manila, said they were water classification of a naasked by unidentified men on Nov. 10 to hide tional park. projected gains of the country In his second State of the “Congress must fast-track

By Rio N. Araja from the delegates of the Asean summit.

These locations will add to host of the Asean will not suc- Nation Address in July, the the passage of the death penalty Sebastian said the men who were not in uniTHE Volunteers Against Crime ceed and be realized to benefit President vowed to continue return if it [really] wants to those that have been previously form and did not show their IDs threatened to and Corruption on Wednesday our people if corruption in the his promise to wipe out ille- help the President succeed [in declared as protected areas arrest them if they would not steer away from urged President Rodrigo Du- bureaucracy will still persist gal drugs, criminality and cor- his fight against corruption],” through Congressional action. the streets during the Summit. terte to “fulfill his promise of and remain unchecked and un- ruption.

The Philippines, which he said, adding “especially Sebastian is based in Zamboanga but moved getting rid of corruption under punished,” he told the Manila has a population of over 100 VACC said the Duterte ad- with the international support to Manila to try his luck working as a construchis term.” million, is said to be one Standard. ministration must not only during the 31st Asean Summit tion worker.

Dante Jimenez, VACC of only 17 “megadiverse” Speaking before the 140th remove from their posts cor- against crime, illegal drugs Lloyd Celebrado, 32, another street dweller founding chairperson, said anniversary of the Philippine rupt government officials, but and corruption.” countries inBLACK the world. who usually stays in Rizal Park, said they were CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW they welcomed Singapore’s Chinese Charitable Association charges must be filed, too. also Manila told the same thing.

It hosts 70 to 80 percent of He called on the lawhosting of the 31st Associa- Inc. last June, Duterte renewed Celebrado said they were threatened they the world’s lifeforms and is According to Jimenez, the makers to reduce the threshStandard tion of Southeast Asian Nations his commitment to get rid of the House of Representatives old amount for the charge of would beTODAY taken by personnel of the Departbelieved to harbor more diSummit that would tackle the is- corruption in the government must back the reimposition plunder, a non-bailable ofment of Social Welfare and Development versity of life than any other and brought to Manila Boystown Complex in sue for a “corrupt-free Asean.” country on earth on a per under his six-year term, which of death penalty for heinous fense, from P50 million to Marikina City or the Manila Reception and “All pledges of support in the ends in 2022. hectare basis. crimes and plunder.

P10 million only.

Action Center in Ermita.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Solon slams PNP for excessive force

VACC to Du30: Fulfill promise, get rid of corruption

Senate mediating heated dispute

Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission Markets and Securities Regulation Department IN THE MATTER OF : SEC MSRD order No. 33 : Series of 2017 CITY & LAND DEVELOPERS, INCORPORATED : Registration of Commercial Papers - Registrant : x-------------------------------------x ORDER Upon consideration of the Registration Statement and other papers and documents attached thereto filed on behalf of CITY & LAND DEVELOPERS, INCORPORATED, the Commission, in its meeting of 3 November 2017, favorably considered the application for registration of Four Hundred Million Pesos (P 400,000,000.00) worth of Commercial Papers, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code.

Let a Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale be issued in favor of the subject company authorizing the sale and distribution of the aforementioned securities.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the Issuer in a newspaper of general circulation and uploaded in its website within two [2) business days from its issuance. The corporation is hereby directed to furnish the Commission with a copy of the affidavit of publication of this Order.

SO ORDERED. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, November 6th, 2017.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director (MS NOV. 16, 2017) Manila

of the Philippines StandardRepublic Department of Finance

TODAY Securities and Exchange Commission

Markets and Securities Regulation Department IN THE MATTER OF : SEC MSRD order No. 32 : Series of 2017 CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION : Registration of Commercial Papers - Registrant : x-------------------------------------x ORDER Upon consideration of the Registration Statement and other papers and documents attached thereto filed on behalf of CITYLAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, the Commission, in its meeting of 3 November 2017, favorably considered the application for registration of One Billion Three Hundred Fifty Million Pesos (P 1,350,000,000.00) worth of Commercial Papers, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code.

Let a Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale be issued in favor of the subject company authorizing the sale and distribution of the aforementioned securities.

Let this Order be published at the expense of the Issuer in a newspaper of general circulation and uploaded in its website within two [2) business days from its issuance. The corporation is hereby directed to furnish the Commission with a copy of the affidavit of publication of this Order.

SO ORDERED. EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, November 6th, 2017.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director (MS NOV. 16, 2017)

SAILING TIME. Local and foreign tourists enjoy boating at Burnham Lake in the country's summer capital of Baguio, nestled more than 5,000 feet of the Philippines above sea level, Republic following the holidays from the Asean Summit and Related of Finance Summits inSecurities MetroDepartment Manila and Pampanga. and Exchange Commission Dave Leprozo Markets and Securities Regulation Department IN THE MATTER OF : SEC MSRD order No. 33 : Series of 2017 CITY & LAND DEVELOPERS, INCORPORATED : Registration of Commercial Papers - Registrant : x-------------------------------------x ORDER AN Upon ENVIRONMENTAL groupStatement Air Month.” consideration of the Registration and other papers and documents attached thereto filed on behalf of CITY & LAND urged UnitedINCORPORATED, Staes President Don- in itsHe cited DEVELOPERS, the Commission, meeting of 3 the painful memories November 2017,to favorably considered the application for registration of ald Trump take a second look of the gruesome deaths of 6,000 Four Hundred Million Pesos (P 400,000,000.00) worth of Commercial atPapers, the inissue of with global warming Filipinos accordance the requirements of Sections 8 and 12 ofand the the massive devastaSecurities Regulation Code. and climate change as they cited tions of a great part of our country Let a Certificate of Permit to Offer Securities for Sale be issued in studies pointing to the Philippines by super-typhoon favor of the subject company authorizing the sale and brought distribution ofabout the securities. asaforementioned among the topmost countries Yolanda (international name: HaiLet this Order be published at the expense of the Issuer in a gravely by these. yan) within that two ravaged the Philippines newspaperaffected of general circulation and uploaded in its website [2) business days from its issuance. The corporation is hereby directed Philippines November 8, 2013. to Clean furnish theAir Commission with a copyMoveof the affidavitlast of publication of this Order.Inc. Chairman Michael ment “Because of the continuing SO ORDERED. Aragon said “by virtue of Presi- threat to Filipino life and limb EDSA, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, dential Proclamation 1109-1997 we are urgently appealing to U.S. November 6th, 2017. the month of November has P. FELIZMENIO, PresidentJR. Donald Trump, to take VICENTE GRACIANO Director (MS NOV. 16, 2017)

SENATOR Win Gatchalian on Wednesday said the Senate was taking the lead in mediating the heated dispute between the National Electrification Administration and the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Inc. concerning the former’s disciplinary authority over the latter.

He said the meeting was set to create a solution that would benefit both parties.

A misunderstanding like this could possibly lead to technical issues.

“We don’t want this to affect our power consumers in Bukidnon,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Energy

Committee during the emer- mending this strained relagency consultative meeting tionship, said Gatchalian. last week facilitated jointly by He spelled out the followsaid committee and the com- ing agreements agreed upon mittee on cooperatives, chaired by both partie which aldo inby Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. cluded the appointment of Dr. Reported irregularities in Regin Mordeno, former Board Buseco had prompted NEA of Directors of First Bukidto issue Office Order No. non Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2017-80 to take -over the co- as the Acting Manager for operative’s internal and fi- BUSECO for a month. nancial management.

The other agreement Buseco answered by filing a reached by the parties is the complaint before the Office of publication must be made to the Ombudsman questioning fill up the vacant position of the legality of the order. general manager of Buseco “DuringCYAN the meeting we NEA’s conduct MAGENTA and YELLOW BLACKof an aumanaged to find rational so- dit of BUSECO’s books withlutions through certain agree- out pre-condition. Macon ments. This is the first step in Ramos-Araneta

Environmentalists urge Trump to look at climate change—again

been declared Philippine Clean

a second look at the issue of glob-

al warming and climate change.” it said.

Studies of the German Watch organization (particularly the Global Climate Risk Index), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), and many other credible studies have shown that the Philippines (although not a major contributor to the overall global carbon footprint of the world) is among the top list of countries most vulnerable to the deadly effects

of climate change.

The Philippines’ minor contribution to the total global carbon footprint is only 0.3 percent or less than one percent vis-à-vis the major carbon footprint contributions of the first world countries yet when fatal disasters strike due to global warming and climate change it is the Filipinos who suffers most.”

“Mr. President we do not intend to debate on your personal views on climate change but we

seek your compassionate heart for you to see the clear and present danger that continuously threatens all Filipinos due to global warming and climate change. The United States of America is a friend to the Philippines. Mr. President you are a friend to the Filipinos. The policies and decisions of the leader of the most powerful country in the world also affect us here in the Philippines, “ Aragon added.

Macon Ramos-Araneta

Sports 7-race category slated in Cycle PH at BGC CYCLISTS of all ages and skill levels gear up for a series of races as the Sun Life CyclePH unveils a seven-ride category event on Saturday (Nov. 18) at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

More than a thousand bikers have signed up for the weekend of fun, wellness activity and family bonding through cycling with the event also serving as the first of the two-part SunPiology, an annual fun run fund-raiser founded by actor Piolo Pascual.

Pascual himself will lead a slew of Star Magic artists in the premier Long Distance Ride, a 40km race from BGC to Kalayaan flyover toward Roxas Blvd then back again to BGC in two loops.

Focus will also be on the young bikers as they vie in the Tricycle Ride (100-m distance for two- to threeyear-olds), the Kids’ Ride (500-m for four- to fiveyear-olds) and the Family Ride (30-minute ride for six- to 15-year-olds with adult companion).

Other events on tap are the Solo Ride (30-minute ride for 6-15 year-olds) and Short Distance Ride (20km for 10 and above) while the Bid2Bike will give participants the chance to pedal side-by-side with their chosen celebrities, including three-time Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen and Pascual.

For details and mechanics of the Bid2Bike, visit www. sunpiology.com/bid2bike/.

Proceeds from the bidding will help send underprivileged kids to school under Pascual’s Hebreo Foundation.

The event, put up by Sun Life Financial Philippines in partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc. to promote active lifestyle, will start at 5:30 a.m. at the 9th Ave. cor 30th Ave. Celebrities joining the 20km bike are Delavin, Gallo, Ho and Iñigo Pascual while McEwen, Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca and Matteo Guidicelli will join Pascual in the 40km side of the event backed by BGC, DOT, Powerade, Rudy Project, F2P, 2GO, Ford, Trek, Cetaphil, Sanicare, Alaska, Alcoplus, Cignal and the Philippine Star.

Meanwhile, the centerpiece running event, organized by RunRio which features five categories, the 500-m dash for kids, 500-m walk for adults, 3K, 5K and 10K, will be held on Jan. 20, 2018 at Camp Aguinaldo in QC.

Russia reinstatement looms

S

EOUL—The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) will decide whether to reinstate scandal-hit Russia on Thursday after explosive doping revelations put a question mark over its participation in next year’s Winter Olympics.

Less than three months before the Games in Pyeongchang, a green light from WADA would be a huge plus for Russia as it fights to avoid a possible ban from the event by the International Olympic Committee.

Russia was declared “noncompliant” by WADA after the McLaren report alleged

state-sponsored doping from 2011 to 2015, culminating at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi—where the hosts topped the medals table.

Russia’s secret service and sports ministry were accused of orchestrating an elaborate plot that included using a “mousehole” to switch dirty samples at

the doping laboratory in the Black Sea resort.

Last week, WADA said it had obtained an “enormous” internal database of Russian drug test results from 20122015, findings from which are expected to be reported to Thursday’s foundation board meeting in Seoul.

Ripples from the controversy have spread wide after President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of inventing drugs allegations to influence next year’s presidential election.

“In response to our alleged interference in their election, they want to create problems

for the election of the president of Russia,” Putin said last week.

“Russia never had and, I hope, will never have a system of state doping of which we are being accused,” he said.

Sports minister Pavel Kolobkov has admitted he’s pessimistic about Russia’s readmission by WADA, which is demanding that it “publicly accept” the McLaren report’s findings.

“It is difficult as they have demanded the unconditional recognition of the McLaren report that we cannot accept as it contains too many discrepancies,” he told the R-

sport agency.

Russia partially accepts the findings of the report, compiled by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren, but Putin and others have strenuously denied the existence of a statesponsored doping program.

Progress has been made, and WADA has already partially lifted its ban on the Russian anti-doping agency, giving it the right to collect samples. It also audited the body in September.

But WADA also wants access to urine samples stored in Russia’s Moscow anti-doping laboratory as one of the key demands of its “road map” to

return to compliance.

However, even if WADA stops short of declaring Russia compliant in Seoul, it may not be fatal to the country’s chances of competing in Pyeongchang.

The IOC ignored WADA’s calls to ban Russia from last year’s Rio Olympics over the McLaren report, instead leaving the decision to individual sports bodies.

The Olympic body is expected to announce Russia’s fate at an executive board meeting in December in Lausanne, where it will hear the results of two investigations into Russian doping. AFP

Cars Unlimited stuns NLEX five IMPORT Dionte Ferguson split his charities with no time left to carry Cars UnlimitedFEU NRMF to a scary 88-87 win over NLEX-SCTEX in the Marikina City Basketball League at the Marikina Sports Center.

Ferguson atoned for his last two missed free throws in the closing seconds of the game.

He muffed a bonus charity while completing a dunk plus a foul on Ernest Reyes to level the score at 87-all.

Both teams went unproductive in their next offensive plays until Ferguson fished a foul from ex-pro Dexter Apinan as the buzzer sounded.

The Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF reinforcement missed his first charity shot, then sank the second one for the final tally.

Ferguson led the way for his squad with 15 points on top of 20 rebounds. He was having a field day inside the shaded lane in the absence of Cameroonian import of NLEX-SCTEX Ola Adeogun, who served a one-game suspension after incurring a flagrant foul penalty 2 in the team’s last outing against R. Lapid’s/Tito Rex. PBA player Byron Villarias, cousin of second overall PBA rookie pick Kiefer Ravena, scored 21 points for NLEX, followed by Apinan’s 20.

The Jojo Lastimosa-mentored Road Warriors absorbed their second straight loss after winning their first five games.

Cars Unlimited-FEU NRMF stayed unbeaten after six games.

Spain’s Rafael Nadal is presented with the ATP World Tour No 1 Trophy during Day One of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London. AFP

Nadal pullout leaves Federer as last star LONDON—Rafael Nadal’s dramatic withdrawal from the ATP Finals in London leaves Roger Federer as the only megastar standing at a tournament now looking seriously short of star power.

The Spanish world number one produced an astonishing never-say-die performance in his opening round-robin match at the O2 Arena late on Monday despite obvious discomfort, digging deep to save four match points before eventually succumbing to a tenacious David Goffin.

With Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray sidelined through injury, Federer is the only genuine star left in London and is the clear favourite to lift his seventh year-end title at the grand old age of 36.

For all the showbiz vibe at

the event, the numbers do not lie—all the remaining competitors at the tournament have a single Grand Slam title between them, compared to Federer’s haul of 19.

Nadal, who pulled out of the Paris Masters this month with a knee injury, said it was a “miracle” that he stayed so close to Goffin during his 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 defeat, insisting he had done all he could.

“My season is finished,” the Spaniard said. “Yeah, I had the commitment with the event, with the city, with myself. I tried hard. I did the thing that I had to do to try to be ready to play. But I am really not ready to play.”

“Is about the pain,” Nadal added. “I cannot hold with enough power to keep playing.

I tried, but seriously it was a miracle to be very close in the score during the match. It really doesn’t make sense.”

The Spaniard, who will be replaced in the event by his compatriot and world number 10 Pablo Carreno Busta, said he hopes to be ready for the start of the 2018 season.

“I am, of course, disappointed,” he said. “But I am not going to cry. I had a great season. I really appreciate all the things that happened to me during the whole season.

Thanks life for this unforgettable one.

“I am going to work hard to try to give me more chances the next season to keep being at the top and fighting for the most important things.”

Stellar year Nadal has had a remarkable

year after missing a significant chunk of 2016 through injury, winning a 10th French Open title, cruising to victory at the US Open and regaining the world number one spot.

But his latest injury will once again raise questions about how long his 31-yearold body can cope with the punishing demands of his physical brand of tennis.

“I can’t complain. I feel very lucky about all the things that are happening to me,” said Nadal.

“But on the other hand, it is true that I am probably the top player that had more injuries and more troubles in the careers of everyone. It is always about this challenge. But I am used to this and I know what I have to do. I think I am ready to do it.” AFP

SOGUILON MAKES WAVES. Aklan’s Kyla Soguilon

displays the five gold medals—50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 4x50m medley relay—and one silver—200m backstroke—she won in the Batang Pinoy Games Visayas Championships in Dumaguete City. Soguilon is 12 but she competed in the 13-15 years old category, where she emerged as the most bemedalled athlete.

Aranar, Nualla rule dancesport tournament

Jr Archers earn 1st semis slot JACK Macasaet made 11 points for La Salle Zobel as they upended University of Santo Tomas, 60-45, over the weekend in the 2017 Milcu Got Skills Elite Basketball showcase at the Lyceum gymnasium in Intramuros.

The Junior Archers finished the under-17 eliminations with a 9-1 record and earned the first semifinal slot in their bracket.

In the under-25 action, the Letran Knights turned back the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 66-57.

Japs Pambid topscored with 12 points as the Knight finished with a 9-4 slate.

The Lyceum Pirates, getting 14 points from Aldrin Clemente, won over Trinity University of Asia, 69-52.

The Pirates’ 9-3 card kept them in contention for the semis.

A7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

The champion pair of Sean Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla is shown with first runner-up Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen, second runner-up Ramu Ramos and Margaretha Christina Schrijver, third runner-up Edgardo Ladimo and Winnie Constantino and fourth runner-up Niñolito Otero and Joean Tan, with (from left) DSCPI Treasurer Gloria Alcala, Brazil Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral Souza and DSCPI President Becky Garcia.

SEAN Mischa Aranar and Ana Leonila Nualla and the pair of Gerald Jamili and Cherry Clarice Parcon won over their respective rivals to dominate the 21st DanceSports Council of the Philippines National Championship recently at the Philsports Multi-Purpose Arena, Pasig City.

Aranar and Nualla outclassed first runner-up Mark Jayson Gayon and Mary Joy Renigen to take home the Standard Grade A crown, while Jamili and Parcon defeated Michael Angelo Marquez and Stephanie Sabalo to pocket the Latin Grade A title.

Ryan June Dancal and Filomena Salvador beat Edwin Bonus and Ma.

Cristina Santos to cop the Professional Standard trophy of the event supported by Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Flawless, Muebles Italiano, Retro DCG-FM 105.9, Studio 116 Dance School, M Catering & Fine Foods and The Greenery Bulacan.

In other results of the competition organized by DSCPI President Becky Garcia, Gian Jose Yee and Cristy Glenn Hilario outsmarted Alfredo Suarez Marilou Nunez to rule the Grade B Standard, while Jeffrey Ruben Benarao and Therese Andre’ Quilaton won over Filemon Baguio II and Jhistine Glyde Baguio for the Grade B Latin crown.

Jose Michael Angelo Cabarles and

Chan, Wong fancied as Riviera amateur golf begins AIDRIC Chan and Paolo Wong brace for a fierce showdown as the 2017 Riviera MVPSF Amateur Championship gets going Thursday at the Riviera Golf Club’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite.

Chan, coming off a runaway victory in the recent NGAP Northern Luzon Regional Golf Championship, drew with Marc Newman and Don

Petil in the 7:50 a.m. flight while Cangolf Amateur Open winner Wong will start at 8:10 a.m. in the company of Matthew Abalos, Luis Castro and Paolo Barro.

Others tipped to contend in the 54-hole championship sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation and serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour are Carlo

Villaroman, Pierre Ticzon, Carl Corpus, GJ Katigbak, Leandro Bagtas and Riggs Illescas along with Koreans Kim Joo Hyung and Back Seung Hyeon.

Kristine Torralba and Sofia Legaspi, on the other hand, banner the ladies division of the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippi-

ens and host by Riviera GCC, are Marianne Bustos, Isabela Miravite, Kayla Nocum and Koreans Jung Yeah Eun, Kim Hui Won and Rho Hyun Ji. Also on tap are the Mid-Amateur division and the seniors category.

The Championship division will be played Thursday, Friday and Sunday while the mid-am and seniors classes

Rica Joy Parcon beat Roderick Abella and Mio Ishida for the Grade C Standard title, while Ben James Ramos and Jade Mae Desono won over Samson Orlanes and Mae Pabuaya for the Grade C Latin crown.

Brazil Ambassador Rodrigo do Amaral and Madame Lais Souza, Matthias Emperhoff (Entertainment Director of Shangri-La, The Fort) and Mrs. Giging Garcia (wife of former PSC Chairman Ricardo Garcia) were present in the competition.

The next DanceSport event is the 2018 DSCPI 1st Quarter Ranking and Competition at the Philsports MultiPurpose Arena (Ultra) on March 10, 2018. For inquiries, call the DSCPI Secretariat at 637-2314.

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

A8

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

Sports

Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets’ 7 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. AFP

Masked-man Kyrie leads Celts to victory NEW YORK—Masked man Kyrie Irving scored 25 points to lead the Boston Celtics to their 13th consecutive NBA victory on Tuesday with a 109-102 triumph at Brooklyn.

The Celtics, whose 13-2 record is the NBA’s best, are on their longest win streak since winning 14 in a row in November and December of 2010, with the team record of 19 consecutive wins coming in November and December of 2008.

Irving suffered a facial fracture Friday in Boston’s 90-87 victory over Charlotte when Australian teammate Aron Baynes elbowed him accidentally. That forced the 25-year-old guard to miss Sunday’s 95-94 victory over Toronto.

A plastic protective mask allowed Irving onto the court against the Nets and he responded by hitting 8-of20 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free throw line as all five Boston starters scored in double figures “It’s a piece of plastic on your face,” Irving said. “It’s the difference in having something over your face.

It’s almost like having somewhat foggy blinders on.

Lions gun for 21 crown st

N

OW that they’ve had the feel of a championship game, the Lyceum Pirates won’t be able to offer any excuses anymore.

after handing Lyceum its first setback in the season, a 94-87 beating.

They have a chance to finish the championship series if they beat the Pirates at 3:30 p.m. today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Earlier, the La Salle Greenhills Greenies will go for a sweep of the best-ofthree junior finals when they fight the defending champion Malayan High School Red Robins at 1 p.m. in Game 2.

Games Today

(Game 2 at the Araneta Coliseum) 1 p.m. LSGH vs Malayan (jrs) 3:30 p.m. San Beda vs Lyceum (srs)

tor Boyet Fernandez.

He noted that they had 19 turnovers in Game 1, which was better than the 23 and 22 turnovers that they committed against the Pirates in their previous games.

In Game 1, Robert Bolick Jr. came up with his best game of the season with 24 points.

Bolick Jr. and Javee Mocon spoiled the Pirates’ looming celebration with spirited endgame plays in

the fourth period.

Donald Tankoua led SBC with a 27-point, 20-rebound performance. He then took charge after Lyceum’s Mike Nzeusseu scored on another inside play in the final 1:42.

With the Pirates threatening, 82-83, Bolick scored on a triple and then he converted three freebies and a driving shot after the Pirates turned the ball over following misses by Season MVP CJ Perez. Peter Atencio

Coach Topex Robinson said the Pirates will need to hold their ground against the defending champion San Beda Red Lions and match their aggressiveness in order to even the series in the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association best-

of-three men’s basketball finals.

“I told the players na hindi na tayo bago sa championship. With that loss, there’s no more excuse to say that we’re new to this,” said Robinson.

The Red Lions boosted their bid for a 21st crown

F2 aims for firmer hold on top spot

PBA board meeting scrapped; Revilla traded to Phoenix

Games Today

(Filoil Flying V Centre) 4:15 p.m. – Cocolife vs Iriga City 7:00 p.m. – Generika-Ayala vs F2 Logistics

POWERHOUSE F2 Logistics aims for a firmer hold on the top spot when it clashes with Generika-Ayala today in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Action erupts at 7 p.m. following the 4:15 p.m. encounter between Cocolife and Iriga City in this prestigious club league sponsored by Mikasa, Grand Sport, Senoh, Mueller, Rebisco, Island Rose, Cloudfone and UCPB Gen. Bannered by a pair of powerful imports in Maria Jose Perez of Venezuela and Kennedy Bryan of the United States, the Cargo Movers remained unbeaten following Foton’s sorry loss to rival Petron in this tournament that also has Gerflor and Gold’s Gym as technical sponsors and ESPN5 as official broadcast partner.

The Blaze Spikers creamed the reigning champions, 25-21, 25-22, 12-25, 25-20, in a fierce four-set battle that lasted for nearly two hours, before a massive holiday crowd late Tuesday.

Lindsay Stalzer and Hillary Hurley displayed another strong offensive game, finishing with 23 and 20 points, respectively, while middle blockers Mika Reyes and Remy Palma took care of the defense to help Petron survive a 29-point explosion of Serbian Sara Klisura.

With that, the Blaze Spikers took the second spot behind the Cargo Movers with a 5-1 win-loss card, while the Tornadoes fell to third with a 4-1 mark as the tourney approaches the crucial stretch of the single round eliminations.

By Jeric Lopez THERE is still no solution to the current dilemma of the Philippine Basketball Association.

What was once scheduled to be an annual meeting and a resolution of sorts turned into a vacation as the supposed board meet-

ing in Los Angeles didn’t push through.

Missing four board members, including coming chair Ramoncito Fernandez of NLEX, the planning in Los Angeles didn’t go according to plan and as a result, the league will go home facing tahe same problems.

The PBA still needs

For the Red Lions to wrap it, they will have to watch out for their turnovers and the pressing game of the Pirates.

“The players now understand that if we take care of the ball, we have a good chance of beating LPU,” said San Beda College men-

to deal with the situation of commissioner Chito Narvasa, his future and the league’s status ahead.

Now, the board is hoping that it can finally come to a solution once and for all for the league to move forward.

Meanwhile, LA Revilla, after expressing his displeasure with Kia for trad-

ing its top pick in the last draft, was traded by the Picanto to Phoenix in exchange for rookie Jayson Grimaldo and a 2018 second-round pick.

Revilla, upon knowing Kia was eager to deal away the first selection in the draft, openly expressed his frustration on the direction

of the franchise.

Not too soon, he was informed by the team not to attend practice as he was shopped around and eventually dealt to the Fuel Masters.

He will be a nice addition to Phoenix’s backcourt as his playmaking skills are set to help the squad in the coming season.

Thai wrests control; Tabuena pulls out

Thai Pasavee Lertvilai checks the contour of the green on No. 9.

THAI Pasavee Lertvilai shook off a pargame with birdie-blitz in the last 10 holes for a three-under 69 in scorching condition, seizing a one-stroke lead over two locals as Miguel Tabuena withdrew due to injury at the start of the ICTSI Wack Wack Championship at WW East course in Mandaluyong yesterday.

Lertvilai, out to atone for his playoff setback to obscure Rene Menor in the ICTSI Splendido Classic last September, gunned down four birdies in an eight-hole stretch from No. 9 that negated his lone bogey on the par-4 No. 12 where Tabuena hit a root beneath the ball and winced in pain in his right wrist.

The winner of the inaugural PGT Asia kickoff leg at Southwoods decided to pull out of the fourth leg of the PGTA so as not to aggravate the injury. He had a three-over card with six holes to play.

With Tabuena out, in-form Justin Quiban and Zanieboy Gialon stepped up to provide the early local challenge with identical 70s while Tony Lascuna and Rolando Marabe Jr. stood a shot farther back at 71 and Benjie Magada, Jhonnel Ababa and Dino Villanueva matched par 72s on the tight, demanding par-72 layout.

Quiban, coming off an impressive joint fifth place finish in the Manila Masters at Southwoods last Sunday, sustained his hot form and rammed in three birdies at the front of the tight layout to wrest control. But he stumbled with a double-bogey on the tricky, dog-leg No. 12 and needed to birdied the par-5 13th to tie Gialon at second.

Gialon, seeking to snap a long title spell, also fired three birdies in the first 10 holes but missed joining Lertvilai at the helm with a bogey-birdie-par-bogey stint from No. 13.

He had a 34-36.

“When I take off the mask, I can see everything.

When I have the mask on, I’m really dialed into what’s in front of me, my peripherals are a little cut off, but it’s just something you get you used to.”

Irving, who joined the Celtics in an off-season trade with Cleveland, wore a mask for 19 games with the Cavaliers in the 2012-13 season.

“Just wearing a mask for precautionary reasons,” Irving said. “Hopefully, it’ll get better in the next few weeks.”

When Tuesday’s game was over, Irving pulled the mask of his face and saluted Boston fans who were chanting “M-V-P, M-V-P,” —for Most Valuable Player —at him.

“I don’t worry about him getting a rhythm too much,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “He’ll find that and obviously he made huge plays late in the game again.”

Marcus Morris added 21 points and 10 rebounds while Al Horford contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds for Boston and called Irving’s return “great” for the Celtics. AFP

NU Lady Bulldogs open title bid on a high note NATIONAL University opened its title-retention bid in the women’s division with a 5-2 victory over De La Salle yesterday in the UAAP Season 80 taekwondo tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym. Sisters Rhezie and Rheza Aragon led the charge for the Lady Bulldogs, who are tipped as one of the favorites in the three-day tournament.

University of the Philippines took the solo lead in men’s action with a 4-3 win over defending champion University of Santp Tomas and a 6-1 conquest of Ateneo.

In other women’s results, UST dominated University of the East, 6-1, while Ateneo, behind last season’s top rookie Pauline Lopez, edged UP, 4-3.

De La Salle bounced back from its defeat to NU in the afternoon session with a 5-2 dismantling of Far Eastern University.

Other men’s opening bouts showed NU prevailing over De La Salle, 5-2, and FEU emerging victorious over UE, 5-2.

Meanwhile, UST won the juniors championship with Israel Cantos bagging the MVP honors.

NU, which lost to UST via tiebreak, finished second, while De La Salle-Zobel nosed out last year’s titleholder UE via tiebreak to claim third place.

World Cup queen Tabora hopes to extend her streak

By Randy Caluag NEW CROWNED World Cup champion Krizziah Lyn Tabora arrived Tuesday night from Hermosillo, Mexico, still in disbelief of her conquest of the prestigious Quibica AMF Bowling Cup. “Hindi ko po talaga inaasahan na mananalo ako dito, I just went there to enjoy and play my game,” said the 26-year-old, who joined an elite list of Filipino World Cup titlists.

Tabora was given a victory party at the Manila Polo Club by her teammates and coaches Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo in the Philippine Bowling Federation, as well as by supporters including Putch Puyat

of Puyat Sports and Philippine Olympic Committee president Peping Cojuangco.

“It’s been a good year and sana magtuluy-tuloy po,” added the rising star who, earlier in the year bagged the bronze in the ladies’ team event in the Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia and the singles’ silver in the Asian Indoor Games in Turkmenistan.

Tabora, who beat Malaysia Siti Safiyah in the finals, became the fifth Filipino bowler to win the title, along with Nepomuceno, Coo, Lita de la Rosa and CJ Suarez.

Nepomuceno is now the head of the men’s and women’s national team, while Coo was appointed team manager

with her position as chairperson of national team’s affairs.

Tabora, however, is not expected to receive cash incentives if the National Athletes Cash Incentives Act of 2001 is to be strictly followed.

Unlike other world championships, bowling’s World Cup does not fall under the category of major competitions that are entitled to cash incentives from the Philippines Sports Commission.

Under the law, gold medalists in world-level championships that are held at least every two years with the participation of at least 45 countries, stand to receive P1 million in cash rewards.

The World Cup of bowling

is held every year, but Nepomuceno said it is probably the sport with the biggest number of participation by member countries. This year had 68 competing countries.

Coo said they would appeal to the PSC chairman William Ramirez for consideration.

“Hopefully, kahit papano mabigyan naman ng incentives na magagamit pa rin ni Krizziah for further training,” said Coo. The former World Cup titlist said elite bowlers need expensive equipment nowadays unlike before “when we only rely on our skills to win in competitions. Now, we bring at least 10 balls. We also purchased an expensive oiling

World Cup champion Krizziah Lyn Tabora with staff and teammates in the Philippine Bowling Federation

machine that we use for different specifications of the tournament.”

Coo said Tabora will join the national team that will leave for the World Championship next week and that means only a few days of rest

for the World Cupper, who now ranks third in the world.

Tabora has a total of 8799 points behind top-ranking Jenny Wegner of Sweden (8914) and second-running Rocio Restrepo (8838) of Colombia. Siti is at fourth with 8676.

Stocks skid; SM Prime, DMCI fall

B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

B

Remittances drop 8.3% to $2.19b

By Julito G. Rada

IN BRIEF

M

ONEY sent home by Filipinos working overseas dropped 8.3 percent in September from a year ago, pulled down by lower remittances from landbased workers and the closure of some global correspondent banks of their money service facilities.

Growth raised to 6.7% in Q2 THE Philippine Statistics Authority adjusted upward the gross domestic product growth in the second quarter from 6.5 percent to 6.7 percent.

“The top three contributors to the upward revision were financial intermediation; construction; and real estate, renting and business activities,” the PSA said.

With the first-quarter growth earlier placed at 6.4 percent, average growth in the first semester reached 6.6 percent, within the government’s target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for the year.

Meanwhile, the PSA said the growth in the net primary income from the rest of the world was revised downward to 7 percent from 8.6 percent, previously. Despite the adjustment, the growth in gross national income, formerly known as gross national product, was maintained at 6.8 percent.

The PSA revises the GDP estimates based on an approved revision policy, consistent with international standard practices on national accounts revisions.

The PSA will release the official third-quarter GDP data on Thursday.

Globe adopts Alipay GLOBE Telecom Inc. said GCash is adopting the cashless payments model of Alipay, China’s leading third-party mobile and online payments platform, which is enjoying unprecedented success in China, India and the rest of Asia to give people ease, convenience and security when purchasing goods and services.

Alipay is operated by Ant Financial which earlier entered into a joint venture with Globe and Ayala Corp. to boost the operations of Mynt, parent company of GCash mobile wallet service.

“I believe e-payments have a tremendous amount of potential in the Philippines given the continuous growth of smartphone penetration and the number of unbanked Filipinos.

Only a very select group of Filipinos have access to financial services so we want to provide that access to them,” Globe president and chief executive Ernest Cu said.

“Part of financial services is cashless payments. It has taken off in other countries like China and India where the people have realized its value because of the convenience and security that it provides -- merchants and buyers don’t have to prepare change, e-money cannot be easily stolen, payments can easily be tracked, among other things,” he said.

About seven of 10 Filipinos are currently unbanked while nine of 10 do not have access to formal credit. This situation has led to the popularity of cash payments in the country.

Darwin G. Amojelar

SMC’s toll unit nets P2.2b THE tollway unit of San Miguel Corp. said net income fell 15.5 percent in the first nine months, on higher operating expenses.

South Luzon Tollways Corp. said net income amounted to P2.18 billion in January to September, down from P2.58 billion in the same period last year.

The company said net income in the third quarter alone amounted to P720.39 million, down 14.8 percent from P845.59 million last year.

Revenue from toll operations rose 6.69 percent to P4.30 billion from last year’s P4.03 billion.

SLTC attributed the increase in the toll revenue from the higher traffic volume due to the expansion of housing communities and consumer socioeconomic activities in the south of Manila.

“These development enhanced the volume for class 1 vehicles. Traffic volume for Class 3 vehicles also went up mainly due to the thriving Calabarzon, the second most densely populated region after NCR,” SLTC said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

PH-NEW ZEALAND ENERGY DEAL. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern witnesses the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David Strachan. The deal aims to strengthen and enhance the cooperation between New Zealand and Philippines on geothermal energy. Sonny Espiritu

ICTSI wins labor dispute case in Port of Portland

By Darwin G. Amojelar

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said Wednesday the United States Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. issued a decision in favor of the port operator’s subsidiary ICTSI Oregon Inc. over a labor dispute against the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

“The US Court of Appeals found ILWU guilty of violating federal labor laws and upheld two National Labor Relations Board decisions declaring that ILWU engaged in deliberate work stoppages and slowdowns, made false safety claims, and engaged in other coercive conduct against ICTSI Oregon and its customers,” ICTSI said

in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The NLRB earlier said that for the period September 2012 to June 2013, ILWU members worked in a deliberately slow manner and disrupted productivity at Terminal 6 at the Port of Portland.

Early this year, ICTSI Oregon and the Port of Portland mutually agreed to terminate a 25-year lease agreement to operate the container facility at the port’s Terminal 6.

The port will receive $11.45 million in compensation to rebuild business and additional container handling equipment, spare parts and tools at the terminal.

ICTSI, which is led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., earlier reported a net income of $149.3 million in Janu-

ary to September, up 5 percent from $141.9 million in the same period last year.

Excluding the one-time gain on the termination of the sub-concession agreement in Nigeria, consolidated net income attributable to equity holders would have been flat in the first nine months of 2017.

Gross revenues from port operations in the first nine months increased 10 percent to $918.3 million from $835.0 million reported in the same period in 2016.

ICTSI handled consolidated volume of 6,836,611 twenty-foot equivalent units in the first nine months of 2017, or 6 percent more than 6,435,192 TEUs handled in the same period in 2016.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that cash remittances declined to a five-month low of $2.186 billion in September from $2.38 billion a year ago. They were also lower than $2.499 billion registered in August this year.

The 8.3-percent year-onyear decline in August was the steepest since the 10.9-percent fall recorded in April 2003.

“This was attributed to the 11.7-percent drop in cash remittances from landbased workers which offset the 6-percent increase in transfers from sea-based workers,” the Bangko Sentral said in a statement.

“There are reports that a number of global correspondent banks have closed their service facilities on money service business, reflective of the increasing global trend to reduce correspondent banking relationships and focus more on home market. This may have partly affected remittances flows during the month,” the regulator said.

The countries that registered the biggest declines in cash remittances in September were Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Australia.

“For Saudi Arabia, the decline in remittances could partly be the result of the continued repatriation of overseas Filipino workers under the Saudi Arabian Amnesty Program which started last March 2017,” the

Agriculture sector grew 2.3% in the third quarter AGRICULTURE and fishery production grew 2.3 percent in the third quarter from a year ago, led by gains in the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors, the Philippine Statistics Authority said Wednesday.

“At current prices, gross value of production in agriculture amounted to P382.5 billion. This was 6.27 percent higher than the previous year’s record,” the PSA said.

Data showed that in the first three quarters, agriculture recorded a 4.64-percent growth in output, an improvement from the 1.5-percent decline in the same period last year. The sector’s growth in January to September was supported by the 8.4-percent expansion in harvested crops and 4.6-percent increase in poultry output.

Livestock production grew 0.9 percent in January to September, while fishery output declined 2 percent.

The PSA said that in the third quarter alone, the crops subsector which contributed 46.89 percent to the total agricultural production increased 5.2 percent.

“Production of palay improved by 14.17 percent but that of corn declined by 2.74 percent.

Output gains were also noted among the major crops such as coconut, sugarcane, banana, pineapple, tobacco, peanut, mongo, cassava, sweet potato, tomato and rubber,” it said.

The crops subsector grossed P209.8 billion in the third quarter it terms of current prices, up by 7.2 percent from last year’s gross receipts.

Livestock production inched up by 0.91 percent in the third quarter and accounted for 18.37 percent of the total agricultural output. The subsector’s gross earnings amounted to P68.9 billion at current prices and registered an increase of 14.88 percent from last year.

PH, US set to start talks on free trade

By Othel V. Campos

RCBC PROMO. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. launched SAVEcation Raffle Promo, a campaign that will bring lucky depositors to destinations in any of its identified 21 countries in 6 continents. RCBC representatives Carmela Limjap (left) and Dannuel Delizo explain the SAVEcation Raffle Promo mechanics during the media launch at the Executive Lounge of RCBC Plaza.

BCDA plans to build Luzon’s ultra high-speed internet infrastructure THE Philippines is expected to have faster internet once the proposed Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project is completed by 2019, state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority said.

The project will have a capacity of 2 terabits per second, almost equal to the current combined capacity of Globe and PLDT-Smart.

The project, a joint effort of BCDA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology, involves the development of an ultra high-speed internet infrastructure, according

to BCDA president Vince Dizon.

Dizon said the agency would build the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure to avoid the earthquake and typhoonprone Luzon Strait that could include two cable landing stations in Baler, Aurora in the east and Poro Point in San Fernando, Pampanga in the west. The stations will be connected by a 250-kilometer cable network corridor.

The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project leverages the geographical advantage of the Philippines by providing a terrestrial bypass route for international submarine

Bangko Sentral said.

The Saudi government on Sept. 26, 2017 extended the amnesty program anew and a total of 8,467 undocumented Filipinos already availed of the initial offer, the Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier.

Cash remittances coming from the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan, United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Germany and Hong Kong comprised about 72 percent of total cash remittances in the first nine months.

Cash remittances in January to September reached $20.781 billion, up 3.8 percent from $20.025 billion in the same period last year.

Personal remittances, which include non-cash items, also posted its lowest value in five months at $2.442 billion, down 7 percent from $2.626 billion a year ago. This brought personal remittances in the first nine months to $23.164 billion, up 4.8 percent from $22.108 billion on year.

Personal remittances from land-based overseas Filipinos with work contracts of one year or more including other household-to-household transfers rose 5.1 percent to $18.4 billion in the nine-month period, while those from sea-based and land-based Filipinos with work contracts of less than one year increased 3.5 percent to $4.8 billion.

cable owners seeking diversity from the Luzon Strait, which has a history of multiple simultaneous submarine cable breaks.

BCDA estimated that the two cable stations alone would cost about P975 million.

The cable will provide direct connection to Luzon from internet hubs in the US and Asia.

The DICT will build the national backbone and provide the last mile connectivity as a part of its flagship programs that include the national broadband plan, free public WiFi and the national

government portal.

“This in an integral part of national broadband plan which will enable the government to significantly reduce government internet cost and improve internet speed.

All connectivity projects and government line agencies and LGUs will flourish now having an international gateway at low cost,” said DICT officer-in-charge Eliseo Mijares Rio Jr. The government said with the project moving, it would achieve its goal to provide fee WiFi access to about 250,000 sites across the country.

Free WiFi access will be

provided in public places like parks, public libraries, public hospitals, train stations, airports and seaports.

The DICT will operate the cable stations for five years, renewable for another 25 years while maintaining the facilities.

In exchange for utilizing the bypass infrastructure, Facebook will provide the Philippine government with spectrum equivalent to at least 2 million Mbps, significantly expanding the capacity available for the government’s connectivity programs.

Othel V. Campos

A FILIPINO delegation will visit the United States later this month for a bilateral strategic dialog that is expected to open the negotiations for a free trade agreement, an official of the Trade Department said Wednesday.

Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo said a bilateral strategic dialogue was arranged with the US that would lead to the initial talks for the proposed FTA. “We are relieved that the US government has recognized the Philippines interest for an FTA. It was announced by the White House that the US may soon accommodate the Philippines’ request for discussions,” Rodolfo said.

US President Donald Trump visited the Philippines on Nov. 13, and Filipino officials “suggested that a free trade agreement also be concluded between the US and the Philippines” while American officials agreed to study the proposal.

Following the meeting between Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte, the two countries issued a joint statement at the sidelines of the Asean Summit in Manila.

The two countries said they “decided to further deepen the extensive USPhilippine economic relationship” and “discussed ways to expand on their mutual commitment to free, fair and balanced trade that increases economic opportunity for all.”

B2

Business

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks skid; SM Prime, DMCI fall National Book Store drops T HE stock market sank Wednesday as global oil prices continued to tumble on the back of warnings of slowing demand and rising stockpiles.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 106.20 points, or 1.3 percent, to 8,273.44 on a value turnover of P5.9 billion.

Losers beat gainers, 109 to 76, with 53 issues unchanged.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. fell 1.4 percent to P35.50, while Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of office spaces, dropped 3.1 percent to P5.32.

DMCI Holdings Inc., which is into power generation, coal mining, water distribution, construction and property development, slumped4.5 percent to P14.42, while JG Summit Holdings Inc. of industrialist John Gokongwei sank 4 percent to P73.45.

Asian energy firms, meanwhile, extended a

global sell-off Wednesday, dragging regional equity markets.

Both main oil contracts were down more than one percent as investors were spooked after the International Energy Agency cut its forecast for crude consumption, saying recovering prices and a mild early winter were weighing on purchases.

The Paris-based group said the sector would likely be oversupplied in the last three months of the year and 2018, while the US industry body announced a huge jump in stockpiles last week.

The news comes after recent gains in crude fueled by a production cut by the Opec cartel and a brewing crisis in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

“The long-awaited short-term correction in oil prices finally occurred overnight,” said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley.

“Given the bullish run and extended long positioning across commodities in general in recent times, it was only going to (take) one straw to break the camel’s back.”

The losses in oil prices—which follow Tuesday’s 1.9 percent fall in WTI and 1.5 percent drop in Brent—battered Asian energy firms.

The sell-off filtered through to wider stock markets, which have been on a broad decline since hitting multi-year highs last week.

Tokyo plunged 1.6 percent, with a stronger yen and a slight slowdown in Japanese economic growth adding to the waning optimism. The Nikkei had ended at a quartercentury high last Thursday.

Hong Kong lost one percent, Shanghai shed 0.8 percent, Sydney was 0.6 percent off and Singapore gave up 0.8 percent. Seoul eased 0.3 percent, and Taipei was 0.5 percent lower.

Among the biggest losers Tokyo-listed Inpex dived 3.7 percent and Japan Petroleum Exploration tumbled 4.2 percent, while PetroChina and CNOOC in Hong Kong each plunged around three percent. Woodside Petroleum sank 1.4 percent in Sydney, while Rio Tinto was 2.7 percent lower. With AFP

backdoor bid to list shares

By Jenniffer B. Austria NATIONAL Book Store of the Ramos Group has dropped plans to do a backdoor listing of its retail assets through listed Vulcan Industrial and Mining Corp.

Vulcan said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Wednesday it would still keep its investments and subscription to the shares of the company.

“The Board of Directors of the National Book Store group has informed the company that it will no longer pursue a back door listing

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 4 207,000 59.75 39,810 98.6 631,680 3.84 39,000 141 1,945,720 2.09 2,567,000 33.35 282,100 15.7 2,402,300 34.75 3,555,300 7.97 20,500 0.69 5,000 1.69 7,000 0.63 2,771,000 93.5 696,060 0.79 107,000 12 4,300 24.6 1,200 58.1 26,810 240 670 55 3,635,590 250.2 376,780 87 48,970

817,260 2,368,599 62,257,996.50 149,760 274,436,003 5,409,060 9,416,315 37,476,080 123,443,295 163,535 3,450 11,830 1,687,730 65,130,323.50 85,550 52,176 29,680 1,563,169.50 163,572 197,483,588.5 ( 94,261,610 4,264,630

766,486.50 -29,721,343 -29,878,295 3,940 2,284,150 6,240,000 -46,167,010 -26,814,469 -1,284,955 41,493,569.5) 15,806,612 1,825,235.50

41.4 12.04 0.72 1.34 16.5 0.216 4.1 15.96 160 42.95 17.52 62.55 65 1.89 5.39 11.3 10.6 14.7 12.1 7.24 5.71 17.28 61.25 24.25 11.9 21 1.9 255.8 62.95 4.01 3.12 29.6 18.24 18.72 318 0.197 8.9 2.41 5.8 9.84 7.05 9.7 1.61 12.3 60.9 6.41 476 5.15 4.8 1.98 12.9 5.06 0.138 1.16 135.4 3.35 1.92 0.65

INDUSTRIAL 41.4 1,202,200 12.16 1,218,200 0.73 218,000 1.35 520,000 17 62,500 0.22 240,000 4.1 5,401,000 16.02 2,044,900 160 650 44.95 470,800 17.54 6,300 62.55 680 67.4 1,180 1.91 205,000 5.4 135,700 11.3 36,400 10.84 8,220,200 14.88 188,500 12.42 278,700 7.24 222,000 5.71 1,320,900 17.3 757,700 61.3 144,750 24.85 925,800 11.96 41,900 21.2 2,561,400 1.95 2,164,000 255.8 621,060 62.95 100 4.01 113,000 3.12 4,000 29.6 717,100 18.4 59,400 18.8 3,564,400 319 947,800 0.197 310,000 9.5 15,200 2.41 3,884,000 6.08 55,400 9.9 2,439,300 7.39 39,700 9.7 1,000 1.63 468,000 12.6 885,300 61 410,470 6.42 4,900 481 20,990 5.21 1,391,700 5 63,000 1.99 937,000 12.9 82,500 5.2 185,800 0.138 480,000 1.16 64,000 135.5 765,000 3.35 50,000 1.97 5,123,000 0.75 9,366,000

50,059,210 14,811,194 160,880 699,600 1,038,094 52,210 22,324,860 32,720,964 106,200 20,614,690 110,888 43,807.50 78,473 388,570 734,616 411,376 88,680,904 2,800,196 3,451,556 1,614,822 7,550,795 13,116,708 8,890,888.50 22,965,545 500,754 54,202,180 4,170,570 159,425,424 6,295 453,400 12,480 21,359,910 1,090,500 67,004,602 302,966,294 61,250 141,032 9,681,800 332,371 24,139,624 16 288,066 9,700 757,280 11,059,102 25,033,526.50 31,512 10,077,704 7,323,830 314,120 1,886,660 1,064,608 974,422 66,240 74,750 103,687,061 167,500 10,152,330 6,784,070

-20,572,550 5,801,198 8,040 -4,926,090 25,381,370 2,543,265 -18,457.50 19,100 15,794,810 458,956 -571,788 288,241 -4,802,742 1,039,240 -4,930,850 -3,633,785 7,176 4,911,195 -5,870 54,633,386 -16,081,055 -79,112 57,203,816 118,316,488 -793,960 33,706.00 ,383,087.0003 16,300.00 11,040 14,641,598.50 -2,039,218 -3,878,721 -710,150 -9,030 -43,571,288 1,028,990 -322,000

0.34 71.75 15.6 1.01 7.03 0.435 0.425 1,050 8.02 15.2 8.15 0.187 1,180 75.95 0.72 5.68 18.14 6.79 0.048 1.3 2.07 113.5 2.58 964 1.59 297 0.245 0.192 0.204

0.34 70.75 15.4 1.01 7 0.42 0.425 1,022 7.95 14.42 7.89 0.186 1,155 73.45 0.71 5.6 18 6.72 0.047 1.2 2.07 112 2.58 944 1.46 289.2 0.23 0.192 0.198

HOLDING FIRMS 0.34 20,000 70.95 968,210 15.42 4,077,300 1.01 3,000 7.03 8,500 0.425 2,890,000 0.425 560,000 1,028 130,205 7.97 2,366,900 14.42 9,501,200 8 246,700 0.186 370,000 1,175 72,490 73.45 1,440,120 0.72 155,000 5.64 1,623,200 18.1 1,087,000 6.75 58,313,300 0.048 7,800,000 1.24 982,000 2.07 7,000 113 378,350 2.58 16,000 964 257,840 1.59 4,803,000 296.8 3,790 0.23 3,410,000 0.192 10,000 0.198 850,000

6,800 68,752,611.5 ( 62,926,734 3,030 59,685 1,226,900 238,000 134,157,370 18,970,308 139,217,794 1,973,870 68,880 84,643,850 106,323,791 110,230 9,152,934 19,646,294 12 393,273,868 370,700 1,242,300 14,490 42,484,974 41,280 246,672,345 7,437,150 1,117,584 800,400 1,920 170,420

43,592,169.5) -33,777,590 -56,946,270 451,456 -88,578,948 -10,234,065 -39,002,531 1,848,140 ,147,540.0003 38,763,499 31,546,008 -36,375,740 -70,050 -5,784 -

5.42 1.01 8.76 2.6 0.96 43 3.83 5 5.42 0.51 1.18 1.2 0.203 0.48 38.55 0.67 0.139 1.93 1.54 0.82 5.6 0.34 0.38 0.55

5.31 0.98 8.75 2.5 0.93 42.15 3.8 4.88 5.36 0.485 1.15 1.15 0.2 0.475 37.75 0.67 0.138 1.9 1.5 0.81 5.32 0.325 0.375 0.51

765,069 1,068,210 108,501 1,116,200 1,538,580 286,975,855 1,604,460 2,543,890 65,474 35,162,545 456,790 631,750 929,810 147,900 14,625,430 5 469,000 44,460 18,168,300 6,926,790 135,690 159,411,253 6,767,400 420,300 3,627,250

-126,000 -72,030 -88,527,080 -408,790 -552,930 6,504 -8,362,995 20,050 4,800 ,105,499.9997 -371,180 -41,700 -5,946,060 -43,908,161 -187,500 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

3.76 59.4 100.8 3.84 142 2 33.4 15.6 34.65 7.99 0.69 1.69 0.6 94.9 0.8 12 25.4 58.5 244.2 52 249.2 87

4 59.75 100.8 3.84 143.9 2.19 33.45 15.7 35.1 7.99 0.69 1.69 0.63 94.9 0.8 12.18 25.4 59.4 244.2 55 255 87.15

3.72 59 98 3.84 140.5 1.95 33.3 15.6 34.2 7.97 0.69 1.69 0.59 93.2 0.79 12 24.6 58.05 240 52 249.2 86.95

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS ASIABEST GROUP BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL 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 MABUHAY VINYL 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

41.6 12.34 0.74 1.35 18.4 0.216 4.14 15.98 165 43.85 17.9 65 67.4 1.9 5.68 11.58 10.78 14.7 12.12 7.3 5.74 17.4 62 25.5 12 21.6 2.03 258.8 62.95 4.01 3.12 30 18.3 18.98 321.8 0.198 9.02 2.5 5.88 9.9 7.1 9.7 1.62 12.36 60.95 6.41 490 5.15 4.98 2.05 12.9 5.09 0.138 1.18 136 3.35 1.95 0.84

42.2 12.34 0.75 1.36 18.4 0.22 4.2 16.04 165 44.95 17.9 65.2 67.4 1.91 5.68 11.58 10.88 14.9 12.6 7.3 5.74 17.4 62 25.95 12 21.8 2.03 258.8 62.95 4.06 3.12 30.1 18.5 19 321.8 0.198 9.8 2.5 6.19 10 7.42 9.7 1.63 12.6 61.05 6.5 490 5.47 5 2.06 12.94 5.45 0.138 1.18 136.4 3.35 2.02 0.84

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 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 ZEUS HLDG

0.34 71.6 15.56 1.01 7.02 0.43 0.425 1,030 8.01 15.1 7.89 0.187 1,172 74.9 0.71 5.68 18.06 6.76 0.048 1.23 2.07 113.1 2.58 960 1.46 289.2 0.245 0.192 0.202

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 PHIL REALTY

5.4 1 8.75 2.5 0.96 42.6 3.8 4.9 5.36 0.51 1.18 1.2 0.203 0.48 38.55 0.67 0.138 1.92 1.54 0.81 5.51 0.335 0.38 0.52

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

7.02 24.5 1.82 3.2 36 1.03 6.68 0.84 6.2

7.05 24.6 1.95 3.2 36 1.06 7.1 0.88 6.22

6.61 24 1.82 3.2 35.5 1.03 6.67 0.84 6.15

6.7 24 1.87 3.2 35.5 1.05 6.8 0.86 6.15

8,087,300 1,973,700 2,687,000 9,000 7,087,700 5,646,000 56,800 51,000 760,300

55,093,919 47,643,790 4,995,590 28,800 252,186,270(12 5,930,450 381,140 44,120 4,701,735

1,260,522 -18,877,655 1,409,440 3,001,539.9999) 10,080 1,738,128

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

17.8 37.5 1.49 0.49 0.047 11.72 4.9 10.42 0.073 98.95 8.8 9.3 7.2 3.13 1,020 1,990 5.92 18.2 3.3 2.38 102 12.48 8.35 0.146 3.23 15.4 3.75 1.3 23.1 2.85 6.8 4 15.52 2.89 11.08 5.1 2.86 8 203 8.1 1,650 1.36 0.35 49 91.55 6.18 3.4 1.68 3.75 0.91 8.25

17.8 37.85 1.54 0.49 0.047 11.96 5.23 10.56 0.073 100 8.8 9.3 7.21 3.13 1,020 2,000 5.92 18.2 3.34 2.38 103 12.5 8.35 0.148 3.28 15.4 3.75 1.3 24.75 2.85 6.85 4.01 16.8 2.93 11.08 5.15 2.86 8 220 8.35 1,689 1.38 0.355 49 91.8 6.18 3.42 1.71 3.8 0.93 8.3

17.5 37.5 1.49 0.48 0.046 11.72 4.9 10.26 0.07 98.8 8.8 9.22 7.07 3.13 1,020 1,970 5.88 18.2 3.13 2.38 101.7 12.48 8.31 0.145 3.2 15.4 3.65 1.26 23 2.74 6.65 3.94 15.5 2.8 11.08 5 2.86 8 203 8.1 1,648 1.36 0.345 48.1 91.4 5.98 3.38 1.64 3.75 0.9 8.11

SERVICES 17.5 37.85 1.54 0.48 0.046 11.96 5.23 10.28 0.07 99 8.8 9.27 7.07 3.13 1,020 1,970 5.88 18.2 3.23 2.38 103 12.5 8.34 0.148 3.27 15.4 3.74 1.28 23.85 2.75 6.73 3.96 16.8 2.81 11.08 5 2.86 8 215 8.2 1,650 1.36 0.35 48.6 91.55 5.98 3.41 1.7 3.75 0.93 8.11

123,800 12,800 105,000 1,020,000 31,900,000 5,000 17,000 2,569,300 19,910,000 345,470 30,000 484,400 58,000 2,000 1,250 41,750 401,000 100 5,700,000 1,000 322,190 2,000 355,500 2,410,000 41,000 200 971,000 445,000 7,643,600 37,000 1,254,800 491,000 2,500 14,007,000 1,400 19,800 2,000 1,800 6,550 314,300 61,275 682,000 740,000 7,122,300 1,025,060 50,300 736,000 6,398,000 314,000 3,135,000 1,288,000

2,174,674 483,185 158,020 493,100 1,469,000 59,078 87,920 26,518,946 1,409,590 34,200,542 264,000 4,480,496 417,113 6,260 1,275,000 82,500,645 2,360,749 1,820 18,437,560 2,380 32,995,144 24,986 2,966,880 351,590 133,090 3,080 3,590,400 567,170 185,016,350 102,420 8,418,193 1,952,560 40,456 39,906,310 15,512 99,585 5,720 14,400 1,406,100 2,583,068 101,698,230 934,400 258,800 345,916,615 93,842,961 ( 302,200 2,505,330 10,786,090 1,181,810 2,869,080 10,569,994

175,000 60,620 -273,600 -2,092 -7,044,274 5,228,168 14,420 -25,019,075 680,900 -9,636,545 -134,110 61,740 -14,955,955 -1,904,307 -15,870 -13,690 92,450 -96,204.00 -50,561,655 267,750 54,194,740 69,927,692.5) -116,300 774,430 358,600 -48,760 -3,337,855

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

0.0025 1.67 4.91 1.76 1.67 0.37 7.9 2.98 0.26 0.154 0.156 0.011 2.01 6.8 1.62 0.465 1 0.012 0.013 0.012 2.26 7.51 8.66 38.5

0.0025 1.68 4.92 1.76 1.67 0.37 7.99 3.03 0.26 0.155 0.156 0.011 2.03 6.94 1.62 0.47 1 0.012 0.014 0.012 2.27 7.55 8.92 39.15

0.0024 1.64 4.85 1.76 1.63 0.36 7.88 2.95 0.255 0.152 0.154 0.01 1.89 6.75 1.55 0.465 0.98 0.012 0.012 0.012 2.26 7.41 8.53 37.5

MINING & OIL 0.0024 82,000,000 1.64 4,939,000 4.9 404,500 1.76 7,000 1.65 941,000 0.36 30,000 7.88 300 3.03 10,924,000 0.255 20,000 0.152 16,210,000 0.155 4,030,000 0.01 13,600,000 1.89 1,580,000 6.85 1,913,400 1.61 344,000 0.47 60,000 0.98 245,000 0.012 4,300,000 0.014 640,600,000 0.012 136,100,000 2.26 14,000 7.52 851,900 8.62 3,538,300 37.5 2,405,300

196,900 8,173,950 1,984,648 12,320 1,546,200 10,900 2,377 32,750,770 5,150 2,483,900 624,450 142,800 3,060,860 13,076,243 536,340 27,950 240,770 51,600 8,091,400 1,633,200 31,650 6,376,642 30,728,382 91,696,765

-66,943 11,753,870 158,320 2,650,487 -2,878,800 -11,300 -1,751,790 254,269.00 -32,458,945

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B PF PREF 2 PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

37.2 520 520 105 521 5.65 1,039 1,045 1,018 105.9 112.9 76.5 82.45 82.3 79.85

37.2 520 520 106.5 521 5.7 1,039 1,045 1,018 105.9 112.9 76.95 82.45 82.35 80.1

37.15 520 520 105 521 5.52 1,030 1,045 1,018 105.9 110.5 76.4 82.45 82 79.85

PREFERRED 37.15 16,100 520 800 520 100 106.5 310 521 1,500 5.52 105,200 1,039 1,195 1,045 5 1,018 880 105.9 300 110.5 200 76.95 32,480 82.45 4,000 82 6,020 79.85 4,040

598,690 416,000 52,000 32,715 781,500 580,873 1,240,885 5,225 895,840 31,770 22,556 2,488,490 329,800 495,297 322,599

-170,890 -580,873 -

LR WARRANT

2.31

2.34

2.3

WARRANTS 2.3 234,000

539,810

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

12.76 3.3 4.14

15.26 3.4 4.26

12.4 3.22 4.1

15 3.25 4.14

FIRST METRO ETF

126

126.2

125.3

USD DMPL A1

10

10

10

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 5.42 0.99 8.75 2.52 0.94 42.2 3.81 4.9 5.42 0.485 1.15 1.17 0.2 0.475 37.75 0.67 0.139 1.9 1.5 0.81 5.32 0.33 0.375 0.54

142,200 1,078,000 12,400 433,000 1,650,000 6,777,100 420,000 519,000 12,100 71,317,000 394,000 548,000 4,620,000 310,000 384,900 700,000 320,000 9,541,000 4,611,000 167,000 29,497,800 20,470,000 1,120,000 6,805,000

TRADING SUMMARY

SHARES

FINANCIAL

20,731,826

INDUSTRIAL

61,675,791

HOLDING FIRMS

102,694,706

PROPERTY

188,235,009

SERVICES

113,455,770

MINING & OIL

925,863,695

GRAND TOTAL

1,422,014,004

SME

8,088,800 127,000 1,131,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 125.3 5,890 10

DDS

1,000

-

114,087,072 416,890 4,698,690

-5,684,420 32,500 -584,170

739,705

-

10,000

-10,000

VALUE 2,048.58 (down) -19.74 1,035,562,407.99 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,002.97 (down) -91.16 1,120,243,659.85 HOLDING FIRMS 8,467.75 (down) -128.21 1,449,474,613.25 PROPERTY 3,831.32 (down) -49.1 1,652.8 (down) -6.22 914,798,168.795 SERVICES MINING & OIL 12,248.92 (down) -264.91 1,062,552,268.621 PSEI 8,273.44 (dow) -106.2 203,533,414.854 All Shares Index 4,864.15 (down) -49.76 5,906,126,142.95 Gainers: 76; Losers: 109; Unchanged: 53; Total: 238

of its retail assets,” Vulcan said.

“In light of this development, Vulcan will act accordingly and revisit its strategy and explore various ways to deliver value to our shareholders, While there is no other agreement planned at this time, the company assures the exchange that it will make timely and proper disclosures should one be had with NBS or any other party in the future,” it added.

Vulcan said NBS’ decision would not affect the composition of the board of directors and the public float.

NBS, the country’s leading seller of books and school and office supplies, in 2013 announced plans to do backdoor listing via Vulcan, which is also controlled by the Ramos family.

NBS in 2014 subscribed to P3.4 billion worth of shares in Vulcan in preparation for the backdoor listing.

Vulcan earlier obtained shareholders’ approval to increase the company’s authorized capital stock to P4 billion from P600 million to accommodate NBS’ subscription, change its corporate name to National Book Store Retail Corp. and revise its primary purpose from mining to retail company.

Vulcan holds mineral exploration rights in several parts of the country and operates a rock aggregates project in Rizal province.

EDC’s profit dips slightly to P6.6b on Leyte quake

By Alena Mae S. Flores GEOTHERMAL and wind power leader Energy Development Corp. reported a consolidated recurring net income of P6.6 billion in the first nine months, down 6.5 percent from over P7 billion year-on-year.

EDC attributed the lower consolidated recurring net income attributable to equity holders of the parent to the impact of the magnitude 6.5 earthquake that struck Leyte island on July 6.

EDC’s Leyte business unit, the largest among the company’s operating units, was generating almost 540 megawatts of electricity at the time of the earthquake.

The company has since brought back to service all of its major units, except for two 60-MW units in the Mahanagdong geothermal plant.

“We expected the effect of that major earthquake in July on our third quarter results”, EDC chief financial officer Nestor Vasay said in a statement.

“However, we’ve successfully brought back to service our damaged units earlier than we originally forecasted, and at the same time strengthening our facilities. Our other business units have also been helping in cushioning the financial impact of the earthquake by way of cutting back on their forecasted OPEX for the rest of the year”, Vasay said.

EDC posted P24.6 billion in consolidated revenues during the nine-month period, down 3.1 percent from the P25.4 billion year-onyear.

Manila

Standard

Business/World TODAY

TransCo’s telecom bid is impractical BILLIONAIRE and Alibaba founder Jack Ma told the inconvenient truth about the state of the Philippine internet when he visited the country late October, and he was dead right about it. But TransCo president Melvin Matibag’s offer to improve internet speed using the power grid was ill-advised.

“I arrived late last night and I tried to test the speed of Philippine [Internet]. It’s no good,” the Alibaba founder said in an audience that included Ernest Cu, chief executive officer of Globe Telecom Inc., and PLDT Inc.’s chief revenue officer Eric Alberto.

The Philippines has the slowest internet speed in the Asia-Pacific region with an average of 5.5 megabits per second (mbps), according to content delivery provider Akamai’s Global State of the Internet report in May. The global average internet connection speed, meanwhile, is 7.2 mbps.

Gen. Eliseo Rio, the current officer-in-charge of the Department of Information and Communications Technology, did not wait long to forward his own views on improving internet speed in the country. He conceded that one of the main problems was the lack of cell sites to handle the country’s volume of data traffic.

Echoing the statements of major telecommunication companies, Rio said the 25 or so permits needed to build one cell site tower had kept the total number of cell sites in the country at around 20,000 compared with the requirement of at least 67,000.

Vietnam, he added, had 70,000.

Aside from pushing for the signing of an executive order to reduce the permits required by local government units and national government agencies to build towers and limit the approval or disapproval to seven calendar days, Rio and the DICT are also planning to increase Wifi access points in public places to provide people with free services and help decongest existing cell sites.

One other DICT plan that looks practical and cost-efficient on paper is to tap the existing power transmission lines of National Transmission Corp., or TransCo, and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to help bring broadband connectivity to the rest of the country.

TransCo recently announced its intention to diversify into telecoms by making use of its power transmission assets. “We want to be a provider of telecom facilities. We will compete with the telcos,” said Matibag. “We want to diversify TansCo, amend the charter of TransCo by converting, not only as transmission company but also telecom company.”

The idea of broadband over power lines has been around for a while but has never seemed to get off the ground either in the Philippines or abroad. PLDT Inc. and sister company Manila Electric Co. in 2012 pursued a similar BPL project but ultimately decided against it due to unresolved interference problems.

“After several trials in Metro Manila, we found the broadband over power lines project unstable because of electrical usage interferences. That’s why it was terminated,” former PLDT president Napoleon Nazareno said.

American telecoms company AT&T has been trying to develop BPL for more than 10 years now but to no avail. It recently revived these plans with an announcement of its new Project AirGig—which has been described by the company as “deep in the experimentation stage.”

Studies have shown that aside from interference and signal degradation, BPL products are often delayed into the market due to technical issues. They also carry high prices and show a field performance that did not match laboratory results.

“You could get connected, but the connection wouldn’t always be good or stable,” said Julius Kunstler, principal analyst for telecommunications at Ovum. “Power lines were never made to handle communications. Think about it, you’re asking electric network to handle communications besides electricity.”

There are opportunities for this technology and specific uses for certain industries, but questions remain about whether quality internet delivery over BPL will materialize.

In the end, new ideas and efforts to provide Filipinos with better Internet are always welcome. It is easy, however, to claim to have the right solutions and answers to issues that are actually far more complicated than we think.

E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market has been ignoring bad national governance THE performance of a stock market historically has tended to act as a barometer of a citizenry’s sentiment toward their government and their assessment of its performance. When they perceive their government to be acting in a competent, sober and humane manner, they buy securities heavily and thereby lift the stock market. They do the opposite—i.e., stay away from the market—when they perceive their leaders to be acting in an incompetent, erratic and oppressive manner.

But there are times when stock market activity, as portrayed by the market’s composite index, behaves in a manner that is not in keeping with the historical pattern.

That is the case with the recent activity of the Philippine Stock Exchange (Phisix) as indicated by the Phisix Composite Index.

The Phisix index has in recent months been moving upward in fairly steady fashion, with advances recorded by all the index’s components. Early in October the index touched 8,500, which for so long had seemed a distant target.

The steady upward movement of the Phisix index has taken place against the backdrop of growing dissatisfaction with the implementation of President Duterte’s war against illegal drugs and increasing domestic and international condemnation of the

thousands of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) caused by that operation. The international and Philippine media have all along been highly critical of Mr. Duterte’s war, with news reports, editorials and opinion pieces blaming the Chief Executive’s fiery speeches and provocative comments for the extra-judicial rampages of Philippine National Police operatives.

The growing malaise and skepticism among the citizenry has been captured by successive SWS (Social Weather Stations) surveys, which have recorded progressive drops in the public’s approval and trust ratings of Mr. Duterte.

Nor has Mr. Duterte been providing the kind of fodder that directly relates to investor sentiment. His “Build, Build, Build” program has yet to get off the ground and his vaunted tax reform program is stalled in Congress. And some key indicators of a sound and thriving economy —especially the unemployment rate, the balance of payments (BOP) and the foreign direct investment (FDI) tota—have been moving in the wrong directions.

So, why has the Philippine stock market been doing so well of late? There are two possible explanations.

One explanation is that the stock market players who have been buying shares during the last few months have done so despite—and in full awareness of —Mr. Duterte’s indifference toward the thousands of EJKs and the national and worldwide condemnation of that indifference.

In other words, Mr. Duterte may

B3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

China to send special envoy to North Korea B EIJING―China will send a special envoy to North Korea this week, state media said Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump concluded an Asian tour to rally support against Pyongyang’s nuclear threats.

Friday’s trip by President Xi Jinping’s special envoy, Song Tao, is likely a diplomatic push

by China to resolve the nuclear standoff, though the official Xinhua news agency merely said he will discuss last month’s Chinese Communist Party congress.

As Beijing prepared for the mission, Pyongyang maintained its war of words with Trump, with a ruling party newspaper saying the US president deserved the death penalty for insulting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. China’s announcement came a day after the end of Trump’s five-

nation tour of Asia, during which the US leader held meetings with Xi and urged him to act fast to rein in North Korea, warning that “time is quickly running out”.

Trump has urged the region to take a united stance against the threat posed by isolated North Korea, which has sparked global alarm with its nuclear and missile tests in recent months.

As tensions have surged China has backed a series of United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang and imposed banking restrictions on North Koreans, putting the Cold War-era allies at odds.

Song will be the first Chinese official to make an official trip to North Korea since October 2016, when vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin visited. Xi has never met Kim. Washington has pressed China to intensify use of its economic leverage over North Korea to strong-arm Pyongyang into halting its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Song, who is head of the Communist Party Central Committee’s international affairs department, will present to Pyongyang the “consensus” for a peaceful solution that Trump and Xi reached during their meetings, said Wang Dong, foreign policy specialist at Peking University.

“China is now actively making diplomatic efforts,” Wang told AFP. “The envoy’s visit is to persuade North Korea, hoping that North

PREMIERE.

Actor Bill Pullman speaks on stage during AFI Fest’s Los Angeles premiere of ‘The Ballad Of Lefty Brown’ on November 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. AFP

Joy as Australians support same-sex marriage SYDNEY―Emotional celebrations erupted across Australia Wednesday as voters emphatically endorsed same-sex marriage after more than a decade of divisive debate, and political leaders immediately took the first steps to enshrine the historic shift in law.

Thousands of marriage equality supporters took to parks and squares across the vast continent, hugging, dancing and singing under clouds of glitter when the results of the two-month-long postal survey were announced.

“This means everything, this means everything,” shouted Chris at a huge rally in Sydney, fighting back tears and hugging his partner Victor.

“It has been fantastic. I have been with my partner for 35 years and he was so joyed up that he burst into tears,” added another reveler, Gerry Boller.

Almost 62 percent of the 12.7

million people who participated voted “yes” to the question “Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?”

Just 38.4 percent voted “no”, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which carried out the poll.

Irish-born Qantas Airlines chief Alan Joyce, who is openly gay and campaigned strongly for the “yes” campaign, also fought back tears as he spoke of his delight.

“I was so proud of Ireland in May 2015 when they became the first nation in the world to vote for marriage equality... But today I am even more proud of Australia, the country of my selection,” he said in Sydney.

Nearly 80 percent of eligible voters took part in the poll, with the “yes” vote winning a majority in all of Australia’s states and territories.

be everything that his critics say he is but such investors have kept buying shares anyway.

The other possible explanation, not good for Rodrigo Duterte’s ego, is that the people whose shares-buying has been boosting the stock market have been totally ignoring the Chief Executive and have just gone and done their thing.

Their collective feeling apparently has been that as long as Mr. Duterte does not act unconstitutionally—by disregarding laws and confiscating property for instance—they will follow market trends and make all the profits there are to be made from buying and selling stock.

Which of the two possible explanations is the more plausible one?

The latter one, I think. The market players who have boosted the Phisix Composite Index to its current highs have found themselves faced with two things: Mr. Duterte and his bad governance, on the one hand, and stockmarket trading profits on the other. Since they could not do anything about Mr. Duterte and his bad ways, they decided to turn their gaze away from Malacanang and focus on the stock market instead.

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

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, a moderate conservative who backed the “yes” camp, hailed the result of the non-binding vote and vowed to move a bill in favor of marriage equality by Christmas.

Australians “voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love,” Turnbull said at a press conference in Canberra.

“Now it is up to us, here in the Parliament of Australia, to get on with it. To get on with the job the Australian people have tasked us to do and get this done, this year, before Christmas. That must be our commitment.”

Within hours of the vote result, Dean Smith, a Senator from Turnbull’s Liberal Party who is gay, introduced a bill that would legalize gay marriage while allowing religious institutions and clergy to refuse to celebrate same-sex unions if it conflicts with their beliefs. AFP

Korea will return to the track of peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue,” he said.

US officials want Chinese authorities to clamp down on unauthorised trade that they say is still trickling across the North Korean border.

“China can fix this problem easily and quickly, and I am calling on China and your great president to hopefully work on it very hard,” Trump said alongside Xi last Thursday.

For his part, Xi repeated his plea for the issue to be resolved through negotiations, saying China was ready to discuss a path toward “enduring peace and stability on the peninsula”.

On Sunday, Trump said Xi stated that “he is upping the sanctions against” North Korea, but he did not provide details and China has not announced any new punitive measures. AFP

Tillerson to press Suu Kyi on Rohingya NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar― Washington’s top diplomat arrived in Myanmar Wednesday to press civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the country’s powerful army chief over the violence-torn Rakhine state, where troops are accused of atrocities against the Rohingya Muslims.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s one-day stop in the capital Naypyidaw comes as global outrage builds over an army clampdown that has driven more than 600,000 Rohingya out of the mainly Buddhist country since late August.

While Myanmar’s military insists it has only targeted Rohingya rebels, refugees massing in grim Bangladeshi camps have described chilling and consistent accounts of widespread murder, rape and arson at the hands of security forces.

The UN has said the army campaign likely amounts to ethnic cleansing of a minority that has faced years of systematic oppression.

Tillerson’s first stop in Myanmar was a closed-door meeting with army commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing, who he spoke with in one of the capital’s massive, marble-floored halls.

Ahead of the face-to-face a senior US State Department official said Tillerson would urge the general to rein in violence, make it safe for Rohingya to return and allow a “credible investigation” into abuses.

The official did not comment on whether the diplomat would raise the threat of military sanctions―which US lawmakers have pushed for back home.

“We think Burma (Myanmar) has made a lot of progress in the past few years and we would not want to see that progress reversed because of an inadequate response to a crisis like this,” the official said. AFP

LGUs

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

B4

Thursday, november 16, 2017

LocaL government units

RIDING THE WAVE. Lanuza town in Surigao del Sur is fast becoming a surfing haven in Mindanao. With other attractions such as Magkawas Falls, Campamento Cave, Marine Sanctuary, and the Herrera Ancestral House, Lanuza has positioned itself as the consummate eco-tourism getaway.

Lanuza town is Mindanao’s new surfing destination The coastal town of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur has emerged as the new surfing haven of Mindanao with the successful conclusion of the 15th Lanuza Surfing Festival.

The tournament is the second leg of the Philippine Surfing Cup Tournament which goes around the country’s surfing circuit in search for national athletes who will compete in the Asian Games in 2018 and the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Located at the mouth of Doot Poktoy River, the Surfing Paradise spot is noted for having one of the country’s longest right hander waves on the Pacific Ocean seaboard.

According to Lanuza Mayor Salvacion Azarcon, the sporting event aims to make the town as the surfing haven and sports adventure tourism spot in mainland Caraga region. She said the tourney is an avenue to promote the town’s attractions such as Magkawas Falls, Campamento Cave, Marine Sanctuary, and the herrera Ancestral house which make Lanuza a consummate eco-tourism getaway.

She said that this year’s edition of the event is special as it serves as a buildup activity to the municipal centennial founding day in June 2018.

In addition to Doot Poktoy, the town still has pockets of lesser known surf spots known only to avid waveriders.

The weeklong surfing fest included fringe activities such an agri-aqua trade fair, coastal cleanups, evening concerts, beach dance contests, surfing clinics, and the Miss Surfing Lanuza pageant which selected Kylah Sanchez of Cebu City as the town’s ambassadress of goodwill and tourism.

CBCP slams church attack

By Vito Barcelo

C

OTABATO Cardinal Orlando Quevedo condemned the attack on a Catholic chapel by unidentified armed men in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The cardinal said armed men set ablaze the chapel in Barangay Labu-Labu in Maguindanao and destroyed religious statues.

“This criminal act is an abhorrent desecration of a place of Catholic worship,” Quevedo said.

Police are now investigating the desecration of the chapel that took place on the evening of Nov. 9. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The cardinal said the destruction of the religious statues is “gravely disrespectful” of Catholic beliefs.

“Such a crime is most disturbing and provocative,” Quevedo said, as he expressed hope that the incident will not affect the

“harmonious” relationship between Muslims and Christians in the area. he urged the public, government officials, and the archdiocese’s partners in the Bangsamoro peace process to help security forces in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

SBMA granted privilege to fly biggest PH flag every day

By Butch Gunio SUBIC BAY FReePORT —Local visitors and tourists alike can now enjoy the majestic view of Subic Bay with the dignified Philippine national flag flying on its pole 24 hours a day,

including weekends.

This developed following the amendment of Republic Act No. 8491, also known as “The Flag and heraldic Code of the Philippines,” to designate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone as place where the Philippine flag should be

permanently hoisted.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman and administrator Wilma eisma said she received the advisory from executive director Ludovico Badoy of the National historical Commission of the Philippines.

“This allows us to fly the Philippine flag 24 hours a day, every day of the week.

And this is an honor we gladly receive, and a matter of deep pride for the SBMA,” eisma said. eisma said with SBMA holding a month-long cel-

ebration for its 25th year anniversary that will culminate on Nov. 24, the Philippine flag would again be at the center of the activities, most of which will be held in front of the SBMA administration building where the huge flag is located.

Bataan scholars receive cash grant BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Vice Gov. Cris Garcia led the distribution of cash reward for top 30 scholars under the local government’s Iskolar ng Bataan program in each of the 12 towns of the province. each scholar recieved P5,000, with the top scholar per town receiving an additional P5,000.

The overall topnotcher, Jake Paras from Dinalupihan, received an additional P5,000 for a total cash prize of P15,000.

“Continue studying hard to achieve your dreams. The provincial government thorugh the leadership of Gov. Abet Garcia is here to help you,” Garcia said.

“The Iskolar ng Bataan program will continue to help Bataan students with their education,” the vice governor added.

Before becoming vice governor less than a year ago, Garcia was the original coordinator of the Iskolar ng Bataan. Butch Gunio

Only recently, suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked a chapel in Pigcawayan town, North Cotabato, and destroyed not only religious icons but also desecrated the Sacred host.

The church leader also

called on religious leaders to condemn such abuses while “prevent[ing] religious bigotry, hostility and conflict.” he enjoined the clergy, the religious, and the lay faithful “to be always alert to the ongoing threats of violent extremism.”

Aboitiz, PBSP commit to plant 1 million trees The Aboitiz Group recently firmed up its longstanding commitment to the environment, partnering with the Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. to plant an estimated one million trees and reforest large areas in Luzon and Visayas under the group’s flagship nationwide treeplanting program, A-Park.

These partnerships, valued at approximately P46 million, were affirmed by PBSP executive director Rey Laguda; Aboitiz equity Ventures, Inc. president and chief executive officer erramon Aboitiz; PBSP president Armin Luistro; RAFI president and CeO Jon Ramon Aboitiz; and Aboitiz Foundation president Susan Valdez.

“The Aboitiz way has always emphasized the core value of responsibility, not just in

our work, but equally important how we interact with our surroundings. A-Park trees will not only help combat climate change, but also provide livelihood opportunities for our community stakeholders,” erramon Aboitiz said.

The A-Park program is a nationwide reforestation initiative of the Aboitiz Group, with the planted trees playing key roles in the group’s overall carbon sequestration thrust as well as the ongoing international action on climate change.

The program is also the Aboitiz Group’s contribution to the government’s greening efforts in partnership with the Department of environment and Natural Resources.

The Aboitiz Group, through A-Park, continues to be one of DeNR’s largest National Greening Program partners to date.

3 Mindanao executives attend Jica water training

V IS FOR VENETIAN. Masked characters regale and

bring holiday cheer to mall patrons at the Venice Grand Canal at Mckinley Hill in Taguig City. The mall will hold a Grand Christmas Parade on December 9. Manny Palmero

Davao City gears up for Pasko Fiesta celebration

By F. Pearl A. Gajunera DAVAO CITY—The local government of Davao is now set for the upcoming month-long Pasko Fiesta celebration that aims to ensure a joyful holiday season for every Dabawenyos.

Mayor Sara Duterte said that it has always been the objective of the city to give

back to the Dabawenyos every December through the Pasko Fiesta activities.

“Pasko Fiesta is designed to let the Dabawenyos enjoy the festivity,” she said.

“We doubled the prizes this year for some events to encourage more participants,” Duterte added.

For this year’s Pasko Fiesta, the city allocated P17

million for the entire event, which will also cover the food packs for all security personnel who will help in maintaining peace and order during the entire celebration.

“This year’s celebration is almost the same as last year’s Pasko Fiesta. The difference is that we allocated bigger prizes for the events,” she said.

There will be 22 events tabled for the city’s Pasko Fiesta celebration this year, including a band parade and a parol parade.

Different activities were also scheduled for children; members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; indigenous peoples; senior ctizens; and persons living with hIV.

ThRee representatives from Mindanao recently completed a water resources management course in Japan, one of the programs under the Japan International Cooperation Agency Knowledge Co-Creation Program.

Makmod Pasawilan of the Mindanao Development Authority, Ardi Abril Layugue of the National economic and Development Authority Region IX, and Arvilyn Omblero of the Iligan City Waterworks System joined 15 other young leaders from the Philippines for a month-long classroom and on-site training in Tokyo and hokkaido.

The program aims to share knowledge on laws, policies, mechanisms, strategies, programs and projects, river systems, and best practices in the entire spectrum of water resources management.

“As an environmental planner and development manager for Mindanao, I saw the need to learn more on water resources management to address the current and future issues concerning water such as scarcity, ground water subsidence, salt water intrusion, sediment disasters, and flooding,” said Pasawilan, who is the lone Bangsamoro representative to the program.

Life

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com

shopping

thuRsday, noVemBeR 16, 2017

c1

Ayala Malls Cloverleaf boasts an exciting mix of business, retail, dining, and lifestyle entertainment options—all of which brought together on the 11-hectare estate.

A

NOTher exciting and dynamic township rises in the bustling north with Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Balintawak, Quezon City, becoming the new haven for city-dwellers, professionals, students and families who seek a warm and welcoming respite in the CBD.

new shopping center

north of ManiLa

envisioned to become one of Metro Manila’s master-planned, contemporary green urban developments, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf boasts an exciting mix of business, retail, dining and lifestyle entertainment options—all of which is beautifully brought together on the 11-hectare estate.

Ayala Malls Cloverleaf is conveniently located at the crossroads of the metro’s busiest thoroughfares, edsa and NLex. It is also directly connected to the LrT Balintawak station and close to the soon-to-be-completed Skyway Stage 3 extension project along A. Bonifacio Avenue, which will cut MakatiBalintawak travel time to a 20-minute drive. With its strategic location, Cloverleaf will be one of the most accessible establishments in the northernmost tip of Quezon City.

In addition to hosting a transport Shops at Ayala Malls Cloverleaf terminal, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf features several residential projects, Avida and Alveo, five towers featuring office spaces for various enterprises; and Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, the anchor regional mall at the center of the township and first in the CAMANAVA (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela City) area. While built to meet the demands of the dynamic community, Cloverleaf also considers the universal need for relaxing spaces, building expansive walkways and lush gardens to envelop the open areas.

Shakey’s branch at Ayala Malls’s newest township in Balintawak, Quezon City From left: Ayala Malls Group Leasing Head Mark Sablan, Area Head of Northern Ayala Malls AC Legarda, Estate Head of Cloverleaf Jay Teodoro, and RJ Ledesma

Just recently, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf officially welcomed its first guests.

“Ayala Malls Cloverleaf was crafted to fit the various lifestyles of the people in the community. here, in the north, people were looking for a place where they could chill and relax, and escape the busy-ness of the city,” shares Rowena Tomeldan, head of Ayala Malls Group, Ayala Land Inc. “Ayala Malls Cloverleaf thus brought together different merchants, offering a diverse mix of experiences – from pampering to dining

to retail shopping. We aim to be the community’s go-to place for everything.”

Delighting the residents and visitors in the community, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf houses several mall anchors including robinsons Supermarket, robinsons Department Store, and six cinemas, which brings everything you need, from fashion to tech, home and other novelty items. here, the shopaholics and mall-goers will find their favorite international and foreign brands such as h&M and Uniqlo, Turn to C2

Star Wars: Force Friday II at SM Mall Of Asia The Star Wars Force Friday II event was held recently at the SM Mall of Asia atrium. The event marked the global launch of merchandise from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which saw excited Star Wars fans of all ages present to be among the first in the Philippines to get their hands on the products. This

global launch event was held simultaneously in different countries and cities.

Toy Kingdom in partnership with The Walt Disney Company (Philippines) unveiled toys and merchandise from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Last Jedi.. Star Wars fans had the rare oppor opportunity to get a first look at the newest line of toys and collectibles, while toy collectors also had a glimpse of the limited-edition items.

Aside from the unveiling of the toys, Star Wars enthusiasts enjoyed exciting activities such as the “Jedi” tutorial.

Star Wars: Force Friday II is in its second year, with the first being the 2015 global launch event that simultaneously happened in 12 countries and 15 cities.

Star Wars enthusiasts also gathered at SM Mall of Asia at 12 midnight to wit witness the unveiling of toys and merchan merchandise from the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi toys and merchandise are now available at all Toy Kingdom express outlets in The SM Store, as well as Toy Kingdom stores in selected SM Supermalls.

Toy Kingdom offers Star Wars: The Last Jedi toys and collectibles

Noel Bazaar inks partnership with AirAsia for the airline’s seat sale promo

Noel Bazaar levels up Christmas shopping

ChrISTMAS shopping in Noel Bazaar has never been more rewarding as the country’s biggest Christmas bazaar and Air Asia have partnered for the airline’s exclusive seat sale promo.

In the tie up, Noel Bazaar shoppers can avail of a limited number of promo tickets from AirAsia on a first come, first served basis.

Apart from enjoying shopping for various items from over 500 participating merchants, ranging from fashion and beauty products, gifts, toys and novelty items, Noel Bazaar visitors will also be rewarded by AirAsia.

The first 5000 shoppers will be given a Noel Bazaar Shopping Passport with discounts and promos from selected merchants. Once they have completed the stamps, they will be entitled to join the raffle draw where they have a

chance to win airline tickets for two to any local destination.

Winners will be announced at the end of the bazaar.

The Noel Bazaar Series 2017 will take off at the World Trade Center Manila on Nov. 16-19 and will return for another run on Nov. 24-30. They will be swinging South to Filinvest Tent Alabang on Nov. 30-Dec. 3 and will make its final stop at the SMX Convention Center Pasay on Dec. 14-17. Shoppers can also enjoy cashless shopping through Globe’s GCash scan to pay, with 10 percent rebate for every transaction.

Part of the proceeds from the bazaar will go to GMA Kapuso Foundation.

For inquiries on the Noel Bazaar Series, contact CUT Unlimited Inc. at (02) 3727023-25, or email info@eventsbycut.com.

Life

c2

thursday, november 16, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

Longchamp celebrates the art of being a woman

T

HiS fall, Longchamp is celebrating women in all their splendor, their independence, and their modern takecharge attitude as they constantly reinvent themselves.

A flashback to the revolutionary 1970s, from bold new colors to comfy yet sophisticated fabrics, Sophie delafontaine takes us on a journey to the very core of women who own their femininity. Gorgeous, rich hues of lilac and amethyst leave lasting imprints, while red, pink, and coral beautifully complement throughout. Longchamp’s Fall 2017 collection embodies the fully liberated self-sufficient woman.

On the front lines stand two new bags that write their own fashion code.

The ‘Pénélope Arty’ dons an understated medley of metallic, glazed, and suede leather for a 3d op art effect, like an artwork by Victor Vasarely.

The ‘effrontée’ (French for ‘brazen’) really lives up to its name. Breaking free of convention, it delves into a cheeky composition of contrast and negative space as it cuts seductive, arabesque lines. decidedly modern, graphic, and abstract, optical trends animate the readyto-wear collection. A lambskin coat with

Longchamp’s Fall 2017 collection embodies the fully liberated, self-sufficient woman

metallic sleeves in the Op Art line covered in mesmerizing stripes. Shifting patterns in the Vibration motif magnified by the intensely plush suede on an ankle-length

dress. Lamb’s wool or goat hair lavishly draped on coats and cropped jackets that change it up here and there with light pastels. This collection roars into town like

an invitation for women to break free from run-of-the-mill styles and colors towards unabashed ownership of sensuality and womanhood.

Maximize space with stylish pieces of furniture

Anny It’s All About Chrome collection is composed of six colors in chrome finish

It’s all about chrome with Anny Be iT in fashion, cosmetics or interior design—the chrome trend is on everyone’s lips and possibly the most hyped trend of the year. With the boom of lush metallic in all shapes and forms on runways, red carpets and social media alike, it’s no surprise how this is becoming one of the biggest nail trends as well.

Always on the hunt for the latest trends, Anny is bringing this hot new obsession directly onto our nails— pastel, iridescent chrome nails that can simply be applied at home. With the new collect’s All About Chrome, tion it’s Anny presents six trend colors in the super hip chrome look.

This liquid chrome comes in beautiful shades of rose-gold, bronze, pink, rose, green and silver.

The shimmering rose-gold #annycorn is a timeless elegant classic that complements all skin tones with its soft romantic hue. With the innocent unicorn tears, an iridescent orange shade, nails become a real eyecatcher, and a definite mood booster.

The metallic pink shades of twinkle

twinkle and magic candygirl make every woman shine, with their vibrant colors that scream confidence. The elegant silver born to sparkle, nails are effortlessly put in the limelight in any occasion, and the bright turquoise funky rainbow drops makes us dream about summer and the sea.

With these lustrous shades that give a smooth and glistening delivyet matte finish, ANNY deliv ers the perfect accessory to this hip fashion trend. Along with this stunning range of colors, everyone loves the unmatched professional quality of ANNY nail polishes. They provide ex excellent coverage and a perfect gloss that go on smoothly; fast-drying and long-lasting. ANNY nail polish are carefully crafted with the specially developed expert Gel 1, that forms a protective film that increases the coverage of the polish, and high-quality resin that gives nails long-lasting glamour.

It’s All About Chrome by ANNY is available for P495 at leading department stores nationwide.

CONdOMiNiUM units often have limited spaces, which can be a challenge when choosing furniture pieces for spacious and inviting interiors.

BLiMS Fine Furniture Condo Collection offers stylish and multifunctional furniture pieces that can help homeowners make the most of small spaces.

The Pretorio Center Table is perfect for the receiving area. Made of luxurious Carrara marble top that sits on stainless steel base, it comes with four separate pentagonal tables that can be reconfigured to suit your space. Pair it with the Cosmos Sofa Bed, a compact sectional sofa that has storage underneath and converts into a large bed for when you have family and friends over; and the Minami Ottoman, a 3-in-1 fabric ottoman which can be a bench, storage, and coffee table.

Who says limited space means small bed frames? BLiMS gives you enough space for sleeping with its multifunctional dallas Bed Frame, a 60 x 75 in. fabric upholstery which comes with tufted headboard and lift top storage base where you can hide your valuables. You may also opt for the 60 x 75 in. fabric upholstered Oslo Bed Frame with tufted headboard and canyon storage drawer and metal slats.

Tidy up your space with pieces from the Nantes Collection from France, which are made from Sonoma oak lamination with serigraphy design.

The collection includes a shoe cabinet, a country chic swivel tower adjustable shoe rack with mirror, country chic storage cabinet with 3-door and 1-drawer cabinet with tapered legs, bar table with shelves for your beverage collection, and the tapered-leg 3-drawer dresser for all your clothes.

Without a doubt, these multifunctional pieces easily responds to design challenges, especially with limited space. BLiMS Fine Furniture can turn your home inspirations into reality and bring your family lots of wonderful moments for many years. To know more about BLiMS Fine Furniture, go to blimsfurniture.com.ph or visit BLiMS branches near you.

BLIMS offers multifunctional furniture pieces that help maximize space such as Nantes shoe cabinet (top) and Cosmos Sofa Bed (bottom)

Solution

to hangover problems

A NeW product is available in the Philippines – dr.

Park’s Morning Power. it is a patented and multi-awarded product from Korea that uses Globefish Protein to reduce and relieve hangovers, dissolve alcohol and improve liver function. it is mported and exclusively distributed by Farmer & Brown Healthcare distributors, inc.

New shopping...

From C1

Dr. Park’s Morning Power

as well as fitness brands Anytime Fitness and Slimmers World.

While the men have their tech and gadget go-tos, the kids will discover their new favorite playground in Ayala

Malls Cloverleaf, which now has Kidzoona, Time Zone, and Toys R Us. exciting the gourmands of the North, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf also becomes a new foodie destination with an array of dining options, which aim to excite the palate and delight the epi(curious). Have your fill of your hawker favorites such as Turks, Reyes Barbeque and Hokkaido

Takoyako, among others. Try out the delicious, new food concepts from Banawe and Binondo such as Tra Vinh Authentic Vietnamese Noodles, Tacoman by Silantro, Neil’s Lechon Cebu, Mr. Ube Rice & Noodle House, Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken and Botejyu express. To help you satiate your sweet tooth, take to eng Bee Tin for their famous hopia.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

Globe LIVE, 9Works Theatricals bring back ‘A Christmas Carol’

Kapuso Foundation steps up fundraising efforts for Marawi youth, or donate time and join reliefpacking operations.

Meanwhile, a link to the initiative “Kapuso Para sa Kawal”, which adopts a three-pronged approach to serve amputee soldiers who fought terrorists and insurgents, can also be seen on the microsite. The project aims to replace lost limb (or limbs) with prosthetics, rehabilitate by providing psychological and physical therapy, and help regenerate sources of livelihood so the injured soldiers can continue to lead productive lives.

“Ibangon ang Marawi” MTV GMAKF also created a music video for the theme song of its project entitled, ”Ibangon ang Marawi” which was composed and sung by young residents GMA Kapuso Foundation distributes food and hygiene kits to the residents of Marawi of Marawi City. Composed by Aslanie Malawi and sung by 13-year-old Johanisah GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMA wounded who were traumatized by the “Lovely” Racman, the song poignantly Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), has conflict, and steps on how people, in invites everyone to unite and help Marawi launched multi-platform efforts to raise their own way, can help aid the recovery City rise again from the rubble. funds for its plans to help rebuild war- of the city and its residents. torn Marawi City.

Through GMAKF, everyone can Giving Hope by your choice GMAKF’s project dubbed, “Rebuild take positive action to help Rebuild of gift this Christmas Marawi” includes constructing typhoon Marawi – by giving hope, sharing love, GMA Network recently organized resistant classrooms and the distribution donating to build new classrooms and its yearly painting contest called Art of food and hygiene kits in temporary Gap 2017, featuring the works of GMA shelters (tent cities). A related project, employees and talents – also to help “Kapuso Para sa Kawal” is also in the Rebuild Marawi. The winning paintings works, particularly aimed at injured for this year’s Art Gap, with the theme soldiers, to help them get back on their “Peace and Giving”, are featured in GMA feet again.

Kapuso Foundation’s 2017 all season greeting card set. The set, composed of Rebuild Marawi Microsite 10 unique greeting cards, is being sold to GMA New Media, Inc. created a the public for One Thousand Pesos per microsite for GMAKF, which provides box beginning this November, in time for different ways for people to get involved "Ibangon ang Marawi" MTV Christmas gift giving. in the Rebuild Marawi project. The site, volunteering. Send inspiring letters Those who want to order may call which can be accessed via the link www. and artwork to displaced families and GMAKF at 982-7777 local 9903 or gmanetwork.com/RebuildMarawi, soldiers stationed in the city, send Halal 9905. Proceeds from the sale will go to features the latest news on Marawi City, relief goods and/or hygiene kits, donate funding various projects of GMA Kapuso first-hand stories from the displaced and in cash for the future of the Filipino Foundation.

THE “spirits” of the season are brought to life once again as Globe LIVE and 9Works Theatricals brings Menken & Ahrenn’s A Christmas Carol back on stage for this holiday season. After its successful 2016 run, the whole family can once again create new traditions by reliving the Charles Dickens classic through impeccable production and classic music.

A Christmas Carol tells the story of a miserly man who finds happiness in sharing the joys of the season after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

On Dec. 1, A Christmas Carol premieres with some new cast members and a new production set that shouldn’t be missed at the Globe Iconic Stage, BGC Amphitheater, Taguig. This time it will star Franco Laurel as the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Reprising his role as the curmudgeon Scrooge is Miguel Faustman.

Globe LIVE’s strengthened partnership with 9Works Theatrical in staging award winning Filipino productions helps Filipino talent shine even brighter on the family-friendly venue. Efforts, such as these, allow quality theater productions to reach a wider audience.

Selena Gomez performs at 2017 American Music Awards® (Left photo) Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, and Julia Roberts.

(Right photo) Roberts and Tremblay in a scene from "Wonder"

Julia Roberts, Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson in ‘Wonder’ “YOU are not ugly, and anyone who cares to know you will see that.”

The world is full of insecurities, but when one kid changes the way people see things, it breaks barriers and sets in new norms for everyone around us, seeing how people that love us the most would do anything for us to fit into the society and that we should spread the thing the world needs these days, Kindness.

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio and directed by Stephen Chbosky, the amazing story stars Academy Award winning actress Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.

Wonder tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman (Jacob Tremblay). Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters mainstream school on his fifth grade.

MULTI-PLATINUM singer and actress Selena Gomez will perform her brand-new single at the 2017 American Music Awards.

The influential and inspiring pop superstar, who continues to redefine her role as an artist, is a fan favorite at the American Music Awards having taken home the award for Favorite

As his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.

During her appearance in The Late Show with James Corden, Julia Roberts who plays Auggie’s mom Isabel Pullman, had nothing but praises as she sums up what Wonder is all about.

“We can always use more kindness in our lives, but I think right now is really a good time to be reminded of maybe sharpening our kindness skills.”

The film co-stars Hollywood’s Mandy Patinkin, Crystal Lowe, Daveed Diggs, and Izabela Vidovic.

Wonder is sure to spread kindness to everyone as it hits theaters nationwide.

Pop star Selena Gomez

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Thursday, November 16, 2017

ACROSS 1 Jungle slitherers 5 Comic-strip dog 9 Tart plum 13 Summit 14 Set down 15 Amorous archer 16 Wandered 18 Viewpoint 19 Tack 20 Zones 22 Rand of fiction 23 Be firm 25 “Bambino” of baseball 27 Bearings 30 Foot soldiers 34 Funny story 37 Running shoe name 39 Insurance center 40 Handwriting on the wall 41 Take potshots 43 Baroness Karen 44 Distance around 46 At the center of 47 Path 48 Homeless animals 50 Novel about Mars (hyph.)

52 Table extender 54 Ribs or needles 58 Wield an ax 61 Boom-box issue

64 Movie double’s job 65 Queen of the Misty Isles 67 Bargain 69 Sponges up 70 Golden Fleece ship 71 Microwave 72 Prince William’s wife 73 — LaRue of early Westerns 74 Fiddling despot DOWN 1 Familiar deer 2 Cruise setting 3 Accumulate 4 Mushy 5 Fiesta cheer 6 Fictional plantation 7 Level 8 More peculiar 9 Lie on the beach 10 Annika Sorenstam’s grp.

11 Like some hair 12 Blissful spot 15 Raoul or Fidel 17 Hubby of Lucy 21 Calendar abbr.

24 Decades 26 Degradation 28 Ms. Foch

29 Reads hastily 31 Shuttle dispatchers 32 More — meets the eye 33 Wine served warm 34 Works out 35 Not mention 36 “The King and I” actress 38 Grand in scale 42 Touch up 45 Scavengers 49 — Paulo

Female Artist – Pop/Rock in 2016, as well as providing show-stopping performances of her powerful track “Same Old Love” in 2015 and her passionate song “The Heart Wants Wha t It Wants” in 2014.

A truly gifted singer, Gomez makes her return to the AMA stage with the world television premiere of her brand new single “Wolves.”

The “2017 American Music Awards,” the world’s largest fan voted awards show where music enthusiasts watch their favorite artists and pop culture icons come together to honor idols, newcomers and recordbreakers in the contemporary music scene, will celebrate 45 years of music live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. on RTL CBS Entertainment.

51 53 55 56 57 58 59

Celebration Student’s worry Charming Stage direction Shorthand pro Bird of prey Essayist’s pen name 60 Cried 62 Inoculants 63 Quiche base 66 Pigskin prop 68 Wow!

According to Joe Caliro, Globe head for Creative Marketing and Multi-Media Services, and the musical’s executive producer, “A Christmas Carol’s second run is part of our effort to encourage our customers in creating new traditions with the whole family. We chose to stage A Christmas Carol again because it resonates with the colorful holiday celebrations here in the Philippines. It also teaches us the valuable lesson of giving, which is what the season is all about. With the successful it had last year, we wanted to offer it once again to eventually make it a Filipino Christmas tradition that everyone can enjoy.”

Making this year’s production extra special is Globe LIVE’s support for the HERO Foundation through the “Wall of Miracles”. To be able to support more military orphans and send them to school, all of A Christmas Carol’s show will have the “Wall of Miracles” display that guests will be invited to decorate with Christmas ornaments that will be sold at the venue.

All the proceeds from the sale of the ornaments alongside an additional donation from Globe LIVE will be turned over

to the HERO Foundation.

A non-stock, non-profit organization, HERO stands for Help, Educate and Rear Orphans. It has been providing educational stipends to military orphans. The financial support helps keep orphans in school as it covers much needed requirements such as school supplies, transportation, meals and even a portion of their tuition fee.

Globe LIVE is the original live productions arm of the telco company that aims to offer customers more entertainment experiences that are out-of-the-box, online and offline. Globe LIVE continues to be a purveyor of world-class entertainment, and with its partnership with 9Works Theatrical, is once again providing a venue for local theater to be appreciated by Filipinos.

The Globe LIVE and 9Works Theatricals staging of Menken & Ahren’s A Christmas Carol will run from Dec. 7 to 10, Dec. 14 to 17, and Dec. 21, 22, 25 to 27 at the Globe ICONIC Theater, BGC. To know more about the show schedules and buy tickets, visit http://glbe.co/acc-tix.

"Haplos" lead stars Rocco Nacino and Sanya Lopez in Palawan

Isah V. Red, Editor

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017

ISAH V. RED

Biggest Kapuso stars in regional shows nationwide The cast of "Super Ma'am" during their mall show in Bacolod City as part of the MassKara Festival celebration

"Alyas Robin Hood" cast members Dingdong Dantes (center) with Solenn Heussaff and Andrea Torres invade Cebu

From left: Ivan Dorschner, Addy Raj, Klea Pineda, Inah de Belen, and Martin del Rosario graced Vigan's Raniag Festival in Ilocos Sur

The cast of "My Korean Jagiya" during the Kapuso Mall Show in celebration of Bacolod City's MassKara Festival

Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes takes a photo with his fans in Cebu

F

ROM Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao, GMA Network’s biggest stars treated their fans in various festivals and mall shows last month.

Dingdong Dantes flew to Cebu on Oct. 28 for back-to-back Kapuso Mall Shows in Gaisano Capital South and Gaisano Island Mall Mactan. Together with the Alyas Robin Hood star were leading ladies Andrea Torres and Solenn Heussaff Heussaff.

Dingdong thanked the fans for their continued support to GMA Network’s roster of primetime shows—Super Ma’am, shows— Ma’am, Alyas Robin Hood Hood, and My Korean Jagiya. Seen every weeknight, the shows are three of the mostwatched Kapuso programs nationwide in October based on data from Nielsen Phils. TV Audience Measurement.

Meanwhile, the fantastic series Super Ma’am heated up the celebration of this year’s MassKara Festival in Bacolod City when Marian Rivera-Dantes led the Kapuso Fans Day at the Gaisano Mall Bacolod on Oct. 19. Joining Marian were Matthias Rhoads, Ashley Ortega, Enrico Cuenca, and Kim Domingo.

After Bacolod, the Super Ma’am stars headed north on Oct. 21 to spread fun in Pangasinan. Together with Marian during the Kapuso Fans Day in Magic Mall Urdaneta were Jerald Napoles, Kristoffer Martin, and Joyce Ching.

Bringing ‘k-lig’ to their Negrense fans as well were the stars of the hit Korean-Filipino romcom My Korean Jagiya.

Philippine TV’s Sweetheart Heart Evangelista-Escudero personally thanked the avid supporters of her top-rating rom-com series when she went to SM City Bacolod on Oct. 22 as part of the MassKara Festival celebration. She was joined by her leading man Alexander Lee who made hearts flutter with his charm. Their co-stars Iya Villania and Divine Aucina made the mall show extra fun as well.

Heart and Alexander previously treated their fans in Luzon when they were featured in a Kapuso Mall Show in Robinsons Place Pangasinan on Oct. 14. Joining the My Korean Jagiya couple were the members of Top One Project or T.O.P. From Bacolod, the stars of My Korean Jagiya went to Cebu on Oct. 28 for a meet and greet session with their Cebuano fans. During the back-to-back Kapuso Mall Shows in Gaisano Capital South and Gaisano Island Mall Mactan, Heart and Alexander were joined by co-star Edgar Allan Guzman.

In Ilocos Sur, the Kapuso Network once again made the week-long celebration of Vigan City’s Raniag Festival extra special by holding a Kapuso Night on Oct. 26. This year, Martin del Rosario, Ivan Dorschner, Addy Raj, Inah de Belen, and Klea Pineda lit the Plaza Burgos with their presence. They made sure fans had a great time through their

song and dance numbers.

Capping off this year’s Raniag Festival and World Costume Festival (WCF) were Glaiza de Castro and Migo Adecer as the hosted the WCF Judging and Awarding Program on Oct. 30.

On Oct. 14, Migo was in Bicol for a Kapuso Meet and Greet in Tabaco City in Albay. Also on Oct. 17, Super Ma’am stars Matthias Rhodes and Meg were featured in the Kapuso Mall Show in LCC Mall Legazpi.

Haplos stars also met with their fans in Palawan. Rocco Nacino and Sanya Lopez sizzled in their Kapuso Mall Show in SM City Puerto Princesa on Oct. 15.

“October was indeed a busy month for us and for our Kapuso stars. But it was a month filled with wonderful memories,” says Oliver Amoroso, vice president and head of GMA’s Regional TV Department.

“We witness first-hand the warm reception of Filipinos towards our various programs and artists. Thank you for the continued support. We promise to treat you with more events in the future,” he ends. *** GMA Network Inc. signed a co-production deal with JU Entertainment Movie and Drama Inc., a Philippine company with Korean counterpart, to produce the Filipino version of the widely successful television series Boys

Zumba Christmas party @ Sunshine Place Sunshine Place opens its doors to everyone on Nov. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon of free Zumba Party.

It is the Senior Recreation Hub’s pre-holiday gift.

Join ZINs Kate Morales, Lei Valle, Chuvie Mayapis, Richard Salas, Zarah Elias, Larry Dominguez Jr. and Mae Jill Ricafrente as they lead Zumba enthusiasts in the Christmas fitness party.

Registration starts at 1:30 p.m.

For inquiries, please contact T. (632) 856-4144 / 856-4162, M. (0917) 515-5656 or E. seniorhubjupiter@gmail.com.

Over Flowers based on the Japanese manga series Hana Yori Dango, which tells the story of a spunky school girl who receives a scholarship grant to enter a prestigious academy. She then captures the interest of four rich, popular and handsome guys collectively known as F4 (short for Flower 4).

The said series has been locally produced in several countries like Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

“We hope that we live up to their expectations and I know the talent of the Filipinos is something to be proud of worldwide so I’m sure that we won’t disappoint,” adds GMA Films and GMA Worldwide Inc. President Annette Gozon.

Meanwhile, JU Entertainment Movie and Drama Inc. Chief Executive Officer Son Jong Wook looks forward to a successful partnership with GMA Network. “I would like to thank GMA for the partnership. Looking forward to a fruitful relationship with the Network and we are all excited with this project.”

Also present in the contract signing were JU Entertainment Movie and Drama Inc. Vice President Oh Jae Jun, Cube 9 Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Lee Dong Hee and Cube 9 Entertainment Vice President Kim Jae Sung.

The project is slated to begin its production soon.

Alyanna Asistio (center) during her contract signing with GMAAC

pregnant with her second baby.

Her husband Mark Escueta and son Pele were with Jolina. In fact Mark and Pele showed on screen the ultrasound photo of the baby.

“Pele is finally becoming a kuya. Thank you, Lord. We really prayed hard for this and I am so happy for Pele, not just for Mark and me,” said Jolina.

The big revelation was part of Magandang Buhay’s two-part special for Jolina, who was celebrating her birthday and 30th year in show business.

Before that, Jaya, Kyla, Erik Santos, and Jason Dy dropped by to talk about their friendship with Jolina.

An instant family reunion also happened as the show brought together the Magdangals and the Escuetas.

*** No need to blow a candle or wait for the heavy rains as the groundbreaking Korean fantasy drama of 2016, “Goblin,” returned to television last Monday on ABSCBN’s Kapamilya.

Relive the award-winning fantasy love story top billed by Korean actor Gong Yoo, who plays the well-loved character of Kim Shin, a man cursed to live forever as a Goblin or immortal protector of souls. After 900 years, he finally meets a woman that can end the curse— Erin, the Goblin’s bride. He, however, falls in love with the sweet and innocent young lady and risks both their lives in the name of love.

*** Alyanna Asistio is the newest addition to GMA Artist Center family after she signed a co-management contract on Oct. 26.

Alyanna believes that GMA Artist Center will guide her in turning her dreams into reality.

“I’ve prayed so hard for this day to come. I can’t wait to start working and making my dreams come true one by one with the Kapuso family beside me. Thank you for the trust,” she shared. *** Jolina Magdangal announced in Magandang Buhay Tuesday GROWING FAMILY. TV host Jolina Magdangal with husband Mark last week that she is nine weeks Escueta and son Pele