Manila Standard - 2017 November 18 - Saturday

ROQUE, USON JOIN SENATE RACE PIMENTEL

BENITEZ

COMMUNICATIONS Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson and Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque will run for the Senate under the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban in 2019, House Speaker Pantaleon

TOLENTINO

Alvarez, the party’s secretary general, said on Friday.

Alvarez made the announcement at a mass oathtaking in Cebu.

In a text message, Alvarez said Uson and Roque were part

NOGRALES

of the “partial list” of their party’s candidates for the senatorial race.

“It’s only a partial list,” Alvarez said when asked to confirm the reports that, apart from Uson and Roque, the others in the

USON

senatorial slate were Reps. Karlo Nograles (Davao City), Alfredo Benitez (Negros Occidental), Geraldine Roman (Bataan) and former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino.

ROMAN

ROQUE

PDP-Laban president and Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III earlier bared his personal choices to be included in their party’s line-up.

Pimentel did not include either Uson or Roque in his list,

which he disclosed to reporters on Oct. 6.

Nograles, Tolentino, Roman and Benitez were among Pimentel’s personal choices along with House Majority Leader Next page Rodolfo Fariñas.

Cops bare terror plot vs Asean gab

VOL. XXXI • NO. 274 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

POLICE on Friday said they foiled a terrorist attack by arresting three Abu Sayyaf members in Metro Manila ahead of the Asean Summit.

Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa said police seized guns, ammunition and

grenades from the three suspects when they were arrested in Quezon City on Nov. 10.

He identified the suspects as Abdulgaffar Jikiri, Alim Sabtalin and Sadam Jhofar, all from Basilan, and said they were arrested because of

security operations for the Asean Summit.

Although none of the suspects admitted it, Dela Rosa said they were planning a terror attack that would damage the reputation of the government as host of the Asean Summit.

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People’s choice: Condom or food Church asks how they want money for RH law be spent T

ANOVULATORY DRUG. An unidentified health worker holds Friday

some contraceptive pills inside the community clinic in Tondo, after the Catholic Church has said the money the government will use to distribute free hormonal contraceptives could be used to buy food and essential medicine the masses need. Norman Cruz

HE Catholic Church said Thursday that the money the government will use to distribute free hormonal contraceptives could be used instead to buy food and essential medicine that ordinary people need.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines statement came after the Supreme Court lifted a two-year restraining order that prevented the government from fully carrying out the Reproductive Health Law. Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, said people should realize the implications of the Health Department bid to fully imple-

By Francisco Tuyay

force.”

He also said troops who violated international humanitarian law and human rights would be disciplined.

Amnesty International alleged Friday that government troops detained and tortured civilians trying to flee Marawi City.

The military campaign to retake Marawi claimed the lives of more than 1,100 people including around 900 militants, displaced 400,000 residents and reduced large parts of the city to rubble.

Amnesty called on Manila to investigate claims of “serious violations of international humanitarian law and other serious violations and

PHILIPPINE National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa said gun holders and owners can help the government fight terrorists, like the ones who overran Marawi City in May. “I wish all gun owners would unite so they can stop a repeat of the Marawi siege,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino during an arms show in Mandaluyong City.

He said organized gun owners could deter terrorist groups.

“I wish all the gun holders for example in the cities of Cotabato, Davao, Iligan, and Cagayan de Oro would organize themselves so that they can become a deterrent to a possible takeover like the Marawi siege,” he said.

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THE Department of Transportation is investigating the train detachment incident at the MRT-3 Ayala station last Nov. 16.

“Upon initial investigation of the unfortunate incident, it was found that the Messma Card of the decoupled Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) #68, the 3rd car in Train No. 5, is missing. The Messma Card functions like a black box that records all applied interventions,” the Dept. of Transportation said in a statement Friday.

Citing MRT-3 Safety Chief Technician Ruel Jose, who led the initial investigation, DoTr said

there was no electrical fault, as there was no damage to the mechanical parts of the coupler.

“We ask: What is the motive?

Who has the capability of removing the black box? Was this an attempt to cover up a mistake on the operation of Train No. 5? Or was there an effort to sabotage the entire operation?” DoTr asked.

“These questions are being addressed right now through proper and scrupulous investigation,” it added.

In response to calls to temporarily stop the operations of the MRT-3, DoTr said they wanted the public to know that the agency Next page

By Joel E. Zurbano

ARMS SHOW. PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa entertains Friday Steven Frederic Seagal, a 7th-dan black belt in aikido and Hollywood actor, producer, screenwriter, director, martial artist, and musician who holds American, Russian, and Serbian citizenship during the 25th Sporting Arms Show at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Manny Palmero

Tokyo train departs ‘20 sec. early,’ deep apology issued TOKYO—A Japanese railway operator has issued a deep apology for the “tremendous nuisance” caused by a train departing 20 seconds early, surprising even a nation

renowned for both punctuality and politeness.

The Tsukuba Express train linking Tokyo and the capital’s northern suburbs pulled out of Minami Nagareyama twitter.com/ MlaStandard

Dela Rosa said licensed and trained gun holders could shoot it out with terrorists before the military arrived.

Dela Rosa said he already organized gun owners in Davao City so they could fight off terrorists.

On Friday, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla said government troops found more firearms and explosive devices in different parts of Marawi City.

These included nine highpowered firearms and explosives buried in the shallow waters of Lake Lanao and at the village of Torongan, also in Lanao del Sur. Padilla said soldiers found two M16 machine guns, three rifles and two grenade launchers buried in Barangay Torongan. Next page

Police out to enforce smoking ban

MRT detachment: ‘Sabotage?’

By Darwin G. Amojelar

sion to lift the restraining order marked a victory over the influential Catholic Church, which opposes all forms of artificial contraception.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said 51 types of contraceptive pills, coils and injectables could now be distributed to the public after the Food and Drug Administration certified they did not cause abortions, defeating a petition filed by a Catholic group.

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‘Bato’ exhorts gun owners to help govt fight terrorists

Military vows to probe rights group report of troop abuses THE military on Friday said troops observed the proper guidelines for their actions during the five-month siege of Marawi City, but would nonetheless investigate allegations that some soldiers were guilty of violating international humanitarian law.

At a news briefing, military spokesman Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr. said they would give an official response to the allegations once they receive the report from Amnesty International.

But he noted that AFP chief Gen. Leonardo Guerrero has already stated that the military observed the rules of conflict, “which provides for the necessity and proportionality in the use of

ment the law.

“We should ask the people.

Will you agree to buy billions of pesos worth of pills and condoms? Will thoese make you full when you need food? When you get sick, will the pills and condoms make you better?” he said in Filipino.

The CBCP questioned the wisdom on spending P4.2 billion on contraceptives.

The Supreme Court deci-

Station at 9:44:20 instead of 9:44:40.

“We deeply apologize for causing tremendous nuisance to customers,” said the Tsukuba Express company. facebook.com/ ManilaStandardPH

“There was no complaint from customers over this incident,” said the firm, which added that no one missed the train due to the premature deNext page parture.

S

manilastandard.net

THE National Police Commission has ordered the Philippine National Police to strictly enforce the nationwide smoking ban in public places and conveyances.

Lawyer Rogelio Casurao, Napolcom vice chairman and executive office, issued Memorandum Circular 2017-003 directing PNP personnel to apprehend violators of Executive Order 26 approved

by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 16, 2017.

Casurao said the directive enjoined the members of the PNP, together with the Smoke-Free Task Force under the city and mu-

nicipal governments, to strictly carry out the provisions of E.O. 26 including the apprehension of violators and the institution of criminal proceedings for violations, in accordance with relevant laws, rules and regulations, and in observance of due process.

“With 10 Filipinos dying prematurely from tobacco-related diseases every hour according to the World Health Organization, the Napolcom sternly calls for the cooperation of the police and the local government units to take firm action against violators who endanger and neglect the right of every citizen to breathe clean air,” Casurao said.

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HAYASUGIRU. A Japanese railway operator has deeply apologized for the ‘tremendous nuisance’ caused by a train departing 20 seconds early, surprising even a nation renowned for both punctuality and politeness. The Tsukuba Express train linking Tokyo and the capital’s northern suburbs pulled out of Minami Nagareyama Station at 9:44:20 instead of 9:44:40. AFP

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Military...

From A1 abuses of human rights law” in a report on the violence, a month after President Rodrigo Duterte declared the city liberated from pro-Islamic State gunmen.

“Philippine government forces violated the prohibition against torture and other ill-treatment of detainees, and allegedly committed the crime of pillage,” the report said.

The rights group said it interviewed eight people, including seven Christian construction workers, who described how they were subjected to “sustained beatings and threats of execution” by Philippine marines.

Amnesty also said it spoke with several people who alleged that government forces looted civilian property of television sets, antiques, and computers while the militants stole weapons, jewelry and money from homes.

“Government forces may also have carried out disproportionate air and ground attacks,” it said, adding that the civilian death toll from bombings and militant killings “is likely significantly higher than the official count.”

Hundreds of local and foreign gunmen who had pledged allegiance to IS rampaged through Marawi, the principal Islamic city in the mainly Catholic Philippines, on May 23.

The rebellion was put down with the help of US and Australian surveillance planes and drones, with China and Russia also sending weapons to Filipino troops.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis last month praised the Philippine military for upholding human rights during the brutal urban battle.

But Amnesty said it had documented “a variety of serious violations of international humanitarian law by all parties” in the conflict.

Tokyo...

From A1 Japanese railway services, including shinkansen bullet trains, are famous for their world-beating punctuality.

Even the slightest delay prompts an effusive apology from the train guard, which often lasts longer than the hold-up itself.

With trains running the same route every few minutes to cope with huge numbers of passengers, even brief delays can back up the whole network causing overcrowding.

Stations in Toyko employs dozens of staff -- with their famous white gloves— to ensure the prompt departure of trains and to manage the crush during rush hour.

The bullet trains in Japan are also famed for their customer service, with one offering passengers an onboard footbath to soothe their travelling woes.

The train firm said it was “surprised” by the attention the story was getting, saying: “We have issued similar apologies for trains that departed earlier than scheduled before.” AFP

Roque...

From A1 Pimentel said he, too, would seek reelection.

Sought for comment, Roque confirmed that he took his oath as a PDP-Laban member, but said he did not have funds for a Senate run.

Over in Malacañang, the Palace on Friday denied that the government is employing a “keyboard army” to amplify support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, which is drawing massive criticism here and abroad as a result of the high death toll resulting from it.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said there was no need to employ such group as Duterte earned 16-million votes in the 2016 elections.

“The Presidential Communications Operations Office does not employ a ‘keyboard army’,” Andanar said.

“What President Duterte has are millions of supporters, 16 million of which turned up at the polling precincts throughout the land.”

DoJ transfers Russian drug suspects

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

T

HE Justice department is making arrangements for the transfer of two suspected Russian drug traffickers to a “comfortable” detention house as pledged by President Rodrigo Duterte during the bilateral meeting of between the Philippines and Russia.

Duterte committed to Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that the drug suspects Yuri Kirdy-

ushkin and Anastasia Novopashina would enjoy a “working functional justice system.”

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said both suspects were now undergoing trial for drug trafficking charges.

Aguirre said Kirdyushkin was detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City while Novopashina was being held at the Pasay City Jail.

“They are in detention.

I am making arrangements to implement the order of President Du-

terte, Aguirre said.

He made his statement even as the Dangerous Drugs Board requested a P15-million budgetary allocation from the Senate finance committee to determine the number of drug users in the country.

Senator Panfilo Lacson made the revelation during the Senate interpellation of the proposed 2018 budget of the DDB Thursday night.

“They requested for a P15-million funding so they can conduct a more accurate survey on the number of drug users,” Lacson said when asked by Senator Risa Hontiveros on the conflicting claims on the number of drug users.

Lacson said he suggested to the DDB to put the money “into good use by getting a more reputable survey firm so we can, more or less, be certain whenever

we deal with the figures.”

Hontiveros had questioned the DDB on the real number of drug dependents in the country.

She said the DDB under its former chairman, retired general Dionisio Santiago, was using the estimate of three to four-million drug users in the Philippines.

But Dionisio was reported to have admitted that the number was a “guesstimate.”

Sereno's lawyer tells Gadon: ‘Review law, Constitution’

HOLIDAY SHOPPING. Visitors take a selfie with the Christmas-themed decor welcoming shoppers to the annual Noel Bazaar at the World Trade Center. Norman Cruz

People‘s...

From A1 “It is now all systems go for us in the Department of Health to implement the [Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health] law,” Duque told reporters.

For years, the Church has waged a bruising battle against government efforts to promote birth control despite the country’s widespread poverty and ballooning population.

The Reproductive Health Law granting access to contraceptives was passed in

Train...

From A1 had been considering this option since the first quarter of this year.

“But, while the DoTr and Secretary Arthur Tugade are aware of the system’s current condition, we must also consider the 500,000 commuters that rely on the MRT-3 system daily,” DoTr said..

In the Senate, Senator Grace Poe wants Transportation Secretary Tugade to personally ensure the safety of Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) passengers amid the glitches and technical issues bugging the train system.

In an interview on GMA News’ Balitanghali on Friday, Poe said Tugade should explain how his department intended to address the problems of the MRT-3.

Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, earlier proposed the temporary shutdown of MRT operations, after one of the MRT coaches detached from the train running northbound from Ayala to Buendia station.

Transportation Undersecretary for Rails Cesar Chavez earlier said Tugade was “seriously considering” a temporary shutdown of the MRT “because of its poor condition.”

But Chavez said the DoTr would only heed Poe’s suggestion if it discovered that all of the line’s trains were no

‘Bato’ ...

From A1 Two other high-powered firearms were found near the

2012 despite strong Church opposition. However abortion remains illegal.

A religious group filed a case with the Supreme Court charging that many of the government-issued contraceptives were abortifacients and therefore banned.

This prompted the court to issue in 2015 a restraining order on the 51 contraceptives pending a finding by the FDA. Government stocks of the contraceptives, acquired before this court order, are now being de-

livered to health offices and development groups to ensure they can be distributed before they expire, Duque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a fierce critic of the Catholic church who was elected last year, has promised to deliver the free contraceptives to women as part of his reproductive health push.

Despite Church lobbying to cut funding for contraceptives, Duque said the government had budgeted P4.2 billion for implementation of the law this year.

The head of the government’s Population Commission, Juan Antonio Perez, said the two years that the court order was in place had likely resulted in 500,000 unplanned pregnancies.

Perez said that the Philippines had 20 million women of reproductive age, six million of whom were already using contraceptives.

Perez added a million more were expected to start using contraceptives each year now that the ban had been lifted. AFP

longer running.

The DoTr and the MRT-3 management said they understood the public’s dismay.

“We hear you. We are not belittling the magnitude of the problem, but, we assure the public that the maintenance team is doing all it can, and working overtime to ensure the safety of the entire system. In fact, since the MRT-3 was put under internal management, fewer unloading incidents have been recorded and more...trains are being rolled out consistently,” DoTr said.

“The MRT3 problem is not easy. We acknowledge that it cannot be solved overnight.

But, the government is not giving up. The DoTr will not give up. We will do our best until the Filipino people get the service they deserve,” it added.

In a separate statement, Busan Universal Rails Inc., the former maintenance provider of MRT-3 said it categorically denied any responsibility or involvement in the present incidents of the MRT-3.

“The MRT-3 is now entirely in the control of the government. It must be asked what are the qualifications of the engineers presently responsible for the maintenance after the BURI contract was suddenly terminated and its expert engineers were immeiately banned from entering the depot,” BURI said.

“The continuing glitches

are proving our position right, and these additionally show that the DoTr doesn’t appear ready to assume our work contrary to the breast beating of the USec for Railways.

The DoTr takeover should be monitored even more closely now,” it added.

Also in the Senate, Senator Juan Edgardo Angara has called for the passage of a bill that seeks to strengthen the emergency medical services system in the country after a female passenger lost her arm in an accident at the MRT-3 Ayala Station in Makati City early this week.

According to recent reports, doctors successfully reattached the severed right arm of the victim, Angeline Fernando.

Fernando’s parents are thankful a fellow passenger, who happened to be a medical intern at the Chinese General Hospital, Dr. Charlie Jandic, was quick to assist Fernando when the accident happened.

Angara said: “We can say that Angeline is still lucky because she was saved and she’s now in good condition. We are thankful there was a passenger with medical training who hastily helped.

“But we don’t have a Dr. Jandic in all incidents like this. So we are pushing for the enactment into law of the Emergency Medical Services System Act.” Chavez was quoted in a news report saying that while

MRT staff, particularly the safety and security unit, are trained to respond to emergencies, “at the time of the incident, there was no MRT staff on the platform” except two security guards who assisted Fernando.

Angara’s Senate Bill 1573 mandates the development and institutionalization of emergency medical services system to ensure that there are enough qualified emergency medical service personnel in the country.

Emergency medicine is a specialized discipline in the medical field focused on giving timely and coordinated health and safety services to victims of sudden illness or injury, prior to them reaching hospitals, health centers or any healthcare facility.

According to data cited at the 2013 Asian Conference on Emergency Medicine, the Philippines only has 3,300 recognized emergency medical service personnel.

Also, out of the approximately 1,800 hospitals in the country, only 200 or 11 percent can be considered emergency hospitals which have facilities that are capable of providing quality emergency medical care.

“We need to reverse this situation by mandating local government units to establish emergency dispatch centers with adequate and qualified personnel,” the lawmaker said. With Macon RamosAraneta

lake, Padilla added.

The latest recover brought to 399 the number of firearms recovered by security forces who are conducting clearing operations in Marawi City.

Troops also found 16 unused explosive devices, he said.

In the main battle area and surrounding areas, troops were scouring for explosive

devices and potential booby traps before residents would be allowed back into their homes.

Padilla said 10 more villages would be cleared next week.

THE spokesman of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno on Friday advised lawyer Lorenzo Gadon to “review his law,” saying the chief magistrate, like every citizen, had the right to counsel.

Jojo Lacanilao said Gardon “wants to take away” Sereno’s constitutional rights.

“Lorenzo Gadon should review his law. Any impeachment proceeding, while political in character, does not take away the constitutional rights of the respondent. This political process is imbued with judicial character akin to a criminal prosecution,” Lacanilao said.

“This means that the respondent, in this case Chief Justice Sereno, should be accorded the right to counsel and the right to crossexamine the complainant and the witnesses through her lawyers―the same rights that are guaranteed to every citizen of this country to ensure due process. This is what our Constitution clearly says.”

Lacanilao made his statement even as an opposition leader in the House of Representatives on Friday took the cudgels for Sereno whose presence was demanded by the House com-

mittee on justice as it deliberates on the probable cause of the ouster complaint filed against her on Nov. 22.

Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said Sereno need not accede to the invitation of House justice committee chairman Reynaldo Umali to appear during the hearing on the impeachment case against her.

“The Chief Justice can effectively and legally appear through her counsel on record who could also cross-examine the complainant and his witnesses on her behalf,” Lagman, a lawyer, said.

Lacanilao said it would be a “mockery” of the law if Sereno was denied her right to counsel and crossexamine.

“It would be a pathetic farce if these constitutional rights are denied by Congress whose members have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution,” he said.

“It is no mystery why Attorney Gadon wants to take away these constitutional rights from Chief Justice Sereno. He is afraid of his own ghost for putting together lies after lies in his impeachment complaint to unjustly unseat the chief Justice and forward his crooked agenda.” Maricel V. Cruz

Police...

From A1

products: -First offense: a fine of not more than P100,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both; -Second offense: a fine of P200,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than two years, or both; -Third offense: in addition to a fine of not more than P400,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than three years, or both, the business permits and licenses, in the case of a business entity or establishment, shall be revoked or canceled.

Recent study made by the World Health Organization revealed that smoking killed more than seven million people a year worldwide.

WHO said more than six million of those deaths were the result of direct tobacco use while around 890, 000 were the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

It reported that tobacco use was the leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment worldwide.

“Nearly 80 percent of the more than one-billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobaccorelated illness and death is heaviest. Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development,” the organization stated.

WHO also said in some countries, children from poor households were frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income.

E.O. 26 is a reinforcement of Republic Act No. 9211, also known as Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits smoking in certain public places and the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to and by minors, and in certain places frequented b y m inors.

Under the law, the penalty for: • Smoking in prohibited places and for violation of DSA (designated smoking area) standards: -First offense: a fine of P500.00 - P1, 000.00; -Second offense: a fine of P1, 000.00 - P5, 000.00; -Third offense: a fine of P5,000.00 - P10, 000.00 and revocation of the business permits and licenses to operate.

• Selling or distributing to/ buying from minors; selling of tobacco products within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of schools, playgrounds, and other facilities frequented particularly by minors; and failing to properly post signage required in point-of-sale establishments offering, distributing, or selling tobacco products: • Fine of at least P5,000.00 or imprisonment of maximum of 30 days and at the court’s discretion, revocation of business licenses or permits in the case of business entity or establishment.

• Violation of advertising and promotion of tobacco

Cops...

From A1

Jikiri, he said, posted hints of plans to stage terror attacks in Metro Manila in his Facebook page.

He said Jikiri posted photos of high-powered firearms and improvised bombs with captions that said these would be used to kill nonbelievers and unsympathetic

Muslims.

Jikiri also supposedly posted photos of a mall and a park in Metro Manila.

Community leaders in the Salam compound in Culiat, Quezon City helped in the arrest, Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said the arrests were not announced earlier to avoid alarming the public.

The suspects were charged with violating gun and explosives laws.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

DoJ drops ex-Bucor chief from Leila’s case

JBC names 3 candidates for CA’s top post

By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Araneta THE Department of Justice has dropped former Bureau of Corrections chief Rafael Ragos as an accused in the criminal complaint filed before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court against Senator Leila de Lima for allegedly conspiring to commit illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

This paved the way for State prosecutors led

by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong to file an amended charge sheet before the Muntinlupa City RTC, Branch 204, confining the case against De Lima and her ex-lover and Ronnie Dayan.

In the amended complaint, De Lima and Dayan are now being charged for conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading, a violation of Section 26 (b) in relation to Section 5, Section 3 (jj) and Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The DoJ prosecutors indicted De Lima for conspiracy and confederating with Dayan to commit illegal drug trading.

“The inmates of the [NBP], not being authorized by law and through the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices, willfully and unlawfully traded and trafficked dangerous drugs,” the charge sheet stated.

“Thereafter [the inmates] gave and delivered to De Lima and/through Dayan, the proceeds of illegal drug trading amounting to P5 million on 24 November 2012 and another P5 million on 15 December 2012,” it said.

TERROR GROUP. Quezon City Police District Director, Police Chief Superintendent Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar reports to National Capital Region Police Office Chief, PDir Oscar Albayalde, the arrest of three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group Urban Terrorist Group who allegedly plan a terror attack in Metro Manila. They were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives last Nov. 10, 2017 in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City. Eleazar identified the suspects as Abdul Gaffar Jikirialias Abu Bakar Jikiri, 19, from Tuburan, Basilan; Alim Sabtalin, 19, from Lamitan, Basilan and Sadam Jhofar, 24, also from Tuburan, Basilan.

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa said the three ASG members will be detained at Camp Crame. Manny Palmero

Refund workers’ money, labor group asks BIR, DoF

By Vito Barcelo

L

ABOR group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines demanded that the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Finance to return in cash an estimated P5 billion which it claimed were unlawfully collected from minimum-waged workers nationwide for seven months since 2008.

In a Jan. 24, 2017 ruling, the Supreme Court nullified several provisions of BIR

Internal Revenue Regulation 10-2008 that disqualify Minimum Waged Earners from

tax exemptions on their bonuses and other compensation benefits such as overtime pay, hazard pay, holiday pay, and night shift differential pay including fringe benefits in excess of P30,000 including those who received their 13th month pay bonus.

However, the BIR continued to collect taxes on the basic wage, bonuses and other benefits from millions of minimumwaged workers nationwide from June to December 2008 despite of a law exempting minimumwaged workers from such taxes starting July 6, 2008, according to LU-

TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay.

He said that the High Court also directed the BIR to grant a refund or allow a refund through withheld tax adjustments or a claim for tax credits by those subjected by IRR 10-2008.

The labor group insists a cash refund including its legal interests the collected money earned from 2008 to 2017.

“We cannot understand why the BIR and the DOF is quick to squeeze money from the workers but it takes forever for them to return those.

Shame on you! Those are workers’ blood money,” Tanjusay said.

“Some minimumwaged workers who were subjected to tax may have remained a minimumwage earner up to this day but they cannot claim for tax credit because they are exempted from income tax. Some may have been promoted and some may have been unemployed.

Some have become OFWs. Some are already deceased,” Tanjusay said, adding: “In fairness to the workers subjected by the regulation, the best option here is a cash refund.”

The SC ruling stemmed from petitions filed by lawmakers, individuals and labor groups including the TUCP, he added.

Nograles files bill to boost First Filipino-Canadian senator Tobias Enverga, 61 PCIC’s strength, capabilities

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives’ committee on appropriations has recommended for plenary approval a substitute bill seeking to strengthen the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. and improve its capability to provide farmers with additional government support to raise agricultural production.

The committee, chaired

by Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles, passed the substitute bill after approving its appropriations provision under Subsection 6.3 under Section 6 titled “Premium Subsidy,” which provides that unnappropriated and/or unreleased government premium subsidy for policies written for the period from May 1, 1981 up to Dec. 21, 2011 shall be

programmed for payment by the government.

The yearly sums for the specified years will be included in the budgetary appropriations for submission to Congress starting the fiscal year following approval of the bill, in addition to the premium subsidy requirement of the year involved, Nograles said.

Approval of the substitute bill was endorsed by the committee on government enterprises and privatization chaired by Rep. Jesus Nonato Sacdalan of North Cotabato.

It substituted House Bills 40, 436, 2445, 3534, 3560,4107, and 4578 authored by Reps.

Arthur Yap, Anthony Bravo of COOP-NATCCO partylist, Rosanna Vergara of Nueva Ecija, Orestes Salon of AGRI Party-list and Christopher de Venecia of Pangasinan, respectively.

FILIPINO-CANADIAN and Canadian government officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are mourning the passing of Tobias C. Enverga Jr., the first Filipino-Canadian senator who died on Friday.

He was 61.

Senator Enverga passed away while in a parliamentary trip to Columbia on the morning of Nov. 16, with his wife, Rosemer, by his side.

Enverga was survived by his wife Rosemer and daughters Rystle, Reeza and Rocel.

In giving tribute to Enverga, Trudeau said that “Senator Enverga served Canadians long before his appointment to the Senate in 2012, and was the first Filipino-Canadian elected to public office in the City of Toronto,” Trudeau said. “As a senator, he continued to actively promote the values of

multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusiveness. He was well-respected by colleagues in both Houses of Parliament.”

Andrew Scheer, the leader of the Conservative Party that Enverga was a member of, also expressed deep sadness on learning of the senator’s passing.

Scheer described Enverga as a “cherished colleague” and a “friend to so many across Canada.”

“The tragic loss of his welcoming and sunny personality leaves a large hole in the lives of all who knew him,” Scheer said in a statement.

“Senator Enverga was the kind of person who could make anybody feel welcome and valued, a quality that is so important for those who act as ambassadors for communities of new Canadians.

He embodied what we all want to see more of in public

life,” he said.

“Senator Enverga’s commitment to his community, his country, and to Canada’s diversity and pluralism will be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Senate and in the Conservative family,” he added.

The Speaker of the Senate, George J. Furey, also recalled the many contributions of the senator not only to the government but also to the community.

“Senator Enverga will be most remembered as a fierce advocate for persons with disabilities and a tireless champion for multiculturalism. He was respected by all of his colleagues for his kindness, his warm sense of humour and his unparalleled work ethic,” Furey said in a statement.

“In every aspect of his parliamentary work, Senator Enverga was not shy about sharing his deep love for Canada,” he added.

“It has been a privilege to serve with him and I know he will be dearly missed by everyone in the Senate family,” Furey said.

Senator Enverga was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and recognized by the President of the Philippines with the ‘Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino’ presidential award in 2008.

Enverga was born in the Philippines on Dec. 2, 1955.

Before his appointment to the Senate of Canada on Sept. 6, 2012 by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Enverga was a school trustee on the Toronto Catholic District School Board and served as a project manager at the Bank of Montreal for more than 30 years.

Information regarding his funeral or memorial service arrangements will be announced later, his office said in a statement.

Bill allowing access to data transmission OKd THE House of Representatives has backed a measure that seeks to promote open access in data transmission and provide additional powers to the National Telecommunications Commission.

As defined under House Bill 6557, “data transmission” refers to the process of sending digital or digitized analog signal over a communication medium to one or more computing network/s, communication or electronic device/s.

It enables the transfer and communication of devices in a point-to-point, point-tomultipoint and multipoint-to multipoint environment.

The bill, with Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez as one of the principal authors, had been approved on second reading and is up for third and final reading approval when Congress resumes session on Monday, Nov. 20.

The term data transmission includes the provision of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services but does not include the provision of Basic Telephone Services.

On the other hand, the bill refers to “open access” as the system of allowing the use of data transmission and/or distribution systems and associated facilities subject to fair, reason-

able, and non-discriminatory terms in a transparent market.

Rep. Victor Yap of Tarlac, chairperson of the committee on information and communications technology and principal author of the bill, said as the Philippines struggles with limitations of infrastructure, it is necessary to ensure open access allowing every option to improve data transmission to be explored.

“Data transmission is a key factor in communications and this measure seeks to establish a regulatory framework to develop efficient and effective data transmission in the long term,” Yap said. Maricel V. Cruz

BENGUET’S 117th YEAR. Benguet Gov. Crescencio Pacalso (right) and Dr. Melvin Carlos of the Department of Science and Technology help slice a strawberry cake during the 117th Benguet founding anniversary and Agri-Techno Fair held at Benguet Sports Complex in La Trinidad, Benguet on Nov. 15, 2017. PNA

THE Judicial and Bar Council has endorsed to President Rodrigo Duterte the nominations of three aspirants for the presiding justice of the Court of Appeals, which was left vacant by the appointment of Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. to the Supreme Court last July 12.

The seven-man JBC, concurrently chaired

by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, shortlisted CA Acting Presiding Justice Remedios SalazarFernando, CA Associate Justices Romeo Barza and Marlene Gonzales-Sison.

Fernando, who served as commissioner of Commission on Elections before her appointment to the appellate court, got seven votes from the JBC members; Barza with five votes and Sison, four.

Barza is one of the founding members of the Carpio Villaraza Cruz law office before being appointed as Makati City judge and subsequently as CA associate justice.

Besides Sereno, the seven-man council, which is constitutionally mandated to screen and vet nominees to the President for vacant posts in the judiciary and the Offices of the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman, is also composed by exofficio members, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, along with Senator Richard Gordon and Mindoro Oriental Rep. Reynaldo Umali, who shall have a term sharing seat in the JBC. Rey E. Requejo

Asean members adopt ‘One Health’ approach

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

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat not only in the Philippines but also the whole Asean with major implications in health, trade, agriculture, the economy and global security.

He said the Department of Health is very pleased to lead the initiative as the country’s main contribution in regional health cooperation during this important period of the PH chairmanship.

“DoH is ready to share our country experience in implementing the one health approach with other Asean member states that is embodied in our National Action Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance,” he said.

The Philippine Department of Health which took the lead in crafting the declaration said that the adoption 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.

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Opinion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Freedom and licentiousness

F

REEDOM House released its 2017 report, an assessment of online freedom, and it found that governments around the world are dramatically increasing their efforts to manipulate information on social media, thus threatening the notion of the Internet as a liberating technology.

The report cited the global use of paid commentators and political bots to spread government propaganda, even as this practice was pioneered only by China and Russia, according to Freedom House president Michael Abramowitz.

“The effects of these

rapidly spreading techniques on democracy and civic activism are potentially devastating,” he said.

It would not at all be difficult to imagine the environment of confusion and disbelief. Here at home, even government officials are prone to spreading un-

verified information so long as it suited the purposes of their political patrons.

It could very well just be carelessness, but it could also be deliberate. It is easy after all to claim good intentions and honest mistakes, especially in a country so little inclined to verify information on their own before passing it as legitimate.

Take, for example, that misquote of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who faced pressure to address the issue of garbage from Canada that had been shipped here.

Videos of the press conference showing Trudeau saying it was theoretically possible to get the garbage back abound. But pro-administration bloggers, including one who had been appointed as a communication official, posted on social media a graphic that showed him saying the exact opposite.

Canada’s leader has to make good on his word— the people should see to that and it’s an issue that deserves another piece altogether. For this one, we are reminded that there is a world of difference be-

tween “possible” and “impossible.” Failure to get it right, deliberately or not, is indefensible; it is likely why Palace communicators have been mum on the matter.

Everyone is free to express one’s opinion on any matter. Such is the bedrock of democracy. But all opinion must be based on fact.

Mangling the facts for desired results and taking advantage of the masses’ gullibility is questionable when done by ordinary citizens. It is plain sinister when committed by public officials.

HAIL TO THE CHAIR VICTOR AVECILLA

Zubiri’s obvious desire for publicity (Part 2)

Lifting the TRO and funding the RH law POWER POINT ELIZABETH ANGSIOCO THE Food and Drug Administration has at last approved the application for recertification of 51 contraceptives put on hold because of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on contraceptives issued by the Supreme Court in 2015.

The decision is contained in FDA advisory No. 2017 302 dated November 10, 2017. This issuance means that the 51 contraceptives in question, including the controversial subdermal implants Implanon and Implanon NXT, after thorough evaluation, have been determined to be safe, effective, and most importantly, non-abortifacient.

This means further, that the

TRO that has adversely affected government’s family planning (FP) program, is finally LIFTED. What does the lifting of the TRO mean? One, this means that the more than 210,000 units of implants stored in Department of Health warehouses may now be used in the provision of FP services to women of reproductive age who want to use them. These implants were purchased by DoH before the TRO and have been kept in storage because of the restriction. Most of the stocks will expire in 2018, some in June, and others in September.

Two, now that the TRO is lifted and contraceptives recertified, Market Authorization Holders (MAHs) of these commodities may now bring them into the Philippine market again. It will be recalled that women have

been complaining because their chosen brand of pills could no longer be found.

This happened because the certification of these pills have expired, and until they

Let us not allow the law to again be hijacked, this time, due to lack of funds.

get recertified, it is illegal to sell them here.

Three, the lifting of the TRO also means that government can now purchase supplies that have gone out of stock. At the moment,

Progestin Only Pills (POP) are no longer available. This is the type of oral contraceptive given to breastfeeding mothers. If the TRO has not been lifted, even the Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC), the type of pills ordinarily used by women, will also be out of stock in a few months.

The lifting of the TRO can pave the way towards the full implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law, at last! The law turns five years old in December but it has never been fully implemented because of the legal hurdles it has faced. The law’s family planning component has been weak primarily because of the TRO. DoH is now in the process of downloading the subdermal implants to local health centers and nongovernment organizations

helping government in implementing the RH law.

In a matter of days, these will already be available to women. Since there are more than 210,000 units of implants that will expire

by September of next year, this means the service providers must move fast in educating women and finding those who want to use implants as their FP method.

We have to note here that the expiration of implants refer to the date that it needs to be inserted and not the length of effectiveness of the contraceptive. For as long as it is inserted before the expiry date, it remains effective for three years.

The ease of use and length of effect are the reasons why the implant is quite popular among women.

The DoH announcement that it will immediately

release funds for purchase of needed contraceptives, especially those that are no longer available is a welcome development.

Government procurement process is complex and time-consuming. It will take months, maybe even up to half a year before the supplies can be made available to end users. The process should start as soon as possible.

Budgetary allocations for FP is important. In fairness to the DoH, family planning is one program that has budget projections that are thoroughly studied and analyzed. They developed the Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) based on targets set by the RH law and President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 12 on Zero Unmet Need for FP. To meet these objectives, the

UNLIKE Zubiri, the DoJ is in a better position to investigate the UST hazing incident because it has the personnel with the requisite competence, expertise and experience in conducting criminal investigations. Since criminal investigations may lead to the prosecution of certain individuals, constitutional rights must be safeguarded. Thus, criminal investigations are better left to investigators who are lawyers. Since Zubiri is not a lawyer, and considering that he has no training in criminal investigation, it is doubtful if Zubiri understands or appreciates the concept of constitutional rights.

That doubt necessarily arises because Zubiri was very angry when the witnesses invoked their constitutional right against self-incrimination.

Besides, since when was it illegal for a witness to invoke a constitutional right? Section 21, Article VI of the Constitution explicitly provides that the rights of persons who appear or who are affected by legislative inquiries shall be respected.

On another point—if Zubiri’s committee investigation is really a Senate inquiry in aid of legislation, there seems to be no plausible reason for Zubiri to appear on national television to denounce the witnesses who merely invoked their constitutional rights. Searching for information that may be useful for legislation is one thing; appearing on national television to denounce persons who refuse to reveal information in a legislative inquiry is another.

Assuming that Zubiri really wants to obtain information which the Senate can put to good use in the enactment of new

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Opinion

By Diego C. Cagahastian KEY Chinese officials are all over the place this month—President Xi Jinping in Da Nang, Vietnam for the Apec Business Summit (Nov. 10-11 ) and state visit to Laos (Nov. 14) and Prime Minister Li Keqiang in Manila for the 31st Asean Summit and East Asia meetings (Nov. 13 to 14) and official visit to the Philippines.

Xi and Li are seriously taking on their roles as peripatetic leaders of the world’s second-biggest economy to give a human face to China’s policy of openness and peace and development for all.

The two top Chinese leaders were out of the country last week selling China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which is based on the idea of reviving the Old Silk Road and infusing Chinese aid to the countries that it would traverse, helping them develop and in return, boosting China’s potential as the future’s No. 1 economic power.

President Xi and Prime Minister Li had just emerged from the highly successful 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China, which set the master plan for the economic and political development of China for the next 5 years and even later.

Xi’s election as general secretary of the Communist Party and the subsequent formation of the seven-man Standing Committee of its Politburo with Li and five others signaled the consolidation of power behind Xi and Li, augur well for China’s continued development and prosperity along the lines of Xi’s socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Most reassuring for the Philippines was Premier Li’s announcement that his country will give a grant of 150-million Renminbi or about P1.15 billion for the rehabilitation of war-town Marawi City.

Government estimates place the cost of rebuilding the city which was recently flattened by the onslaught of religious violence sponsored by the rouge Islamic State at P50 million.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra said the Chinese grant will go a long way in helping his constituents who lost their homes to rebuild their lives following the man-made tragedy.

He also cited the initial Chinese donation of 47 heavy equipment recently, including 8 excavators, 8 wheel loaders, five compactors, five track-type tractors, five bulldozers, 8 dump trucks, 8 cement mixers and a container van. DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said these items came from China’s Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Program. Even before Li arrived for a visit, DPWH personnel had been using the Chinese equipment for the ground preparations in Marawi.

Li’s trip to Manila cleared a lot of doubts about China’s plans and intentions in Asean and in the Philippines. While the festering problem of the South China Sea still exists, President Xi Jinping and President Duterte have struck an informal modus vivendi on how to handle the situation: To play is down and avoid a flashpoint that could ignite more trouble for the two countries.

And while Xi assured Duterte that the fears of Chinese militarization is “nothing” (to worry about), here now was Li putting ink to paper in 14 agreements, mostly hard and big-ticket projects, that clearly would jump-start Philippine progress and prosperity.

Wherever he goes and whenever he makes a statement, the prime minister reflects the Chinese line of strategic, long-term goals and policies.

He said at the joint press conference with Duterte following their bilateral talks, “My suggestion is that our two sides may sit down together to discuss and formulate cooperation plans in these areas, lasting for the next five or even 10 years to take forward our cooperation in these specific fields, to send out (a) message to people of the two countries as well as the international community that China-Philippines relationship will continuously go forward and the people-to-people friendship between us will be further strengthened.”

The Chinese government’s head noted that both China and Manila are countries with large population so that it is to the benefit of both to develop opportunities some more and to treat each other as big mutual markets.

Always stressing cooperation, Li said, “If we can work together, I believe, it will all bring benefits to the people of both countries and the region as a whole.”

Following these exchanges of gratitude and platitudes, Duterte and Li witnessed the signing of 14 financial, infrastructure, and cultural agreements between the two nations.

These include the Second Basket of key infrastructure projects cooperation between the Department of Finance and the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, exchange of letters on dangerous drugs abuse and treatment and rehabilitation centers, two bridges across Pasig River, industrial parks development, Philippine National Railways south long hall project, agreement on production capacity and investment, agreement on the provision of goods for addressing climate change, defense cooperation, intellectual property, financing agreement on the Chico River pump irrigation project and the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam project, the 2017 Renminbi bond issuance underwriting accord with the Bank of China, and a financial agreement between BCDA and China Development Bank.

Lifting...

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CIP contains projections on how much will be needed for FP on a per method basis yearly.

Based on the CIP, the DOH needs a total budget of P1,630,391,453.00 for

2018 for FP in 2018. However, the DOH only requested an FP budget of P342,482,000.00.

More importantly, perhaps because of the TRO and the existing supplies, the Health Department DID NOT REQUEST for any budget for implants and condoms for 2018. The CIP

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Legarda on climate mitigation, adaptation

EVERYMAN

The peripatetic Xi and Li

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

I HAVE just arrived from Bonn, Germany where I attended the 23rd Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Once again, the Philippines sent an outstanding delegation led by an able and focused Secretary Manny de Guzman, vice chair of the Climate Change Commission, in the first week.

I am proud to have served once again as an adviser to our delegation. This was my 18th COP, missing only the years 2004-2008 when I consciously did not work globally on climate, preferring to immerse myself in thinking through the issues of adaptation. President Duterte is the fifth president of the Philippines I have served in these negotiations and I am glad that we have been quite consistent about prioritizing both mitigation and adaptation.

Last Monday, Senator Loren Legarda, who became the head of our delegation in Bonn, delivered two speeches that espoused this view of mitigation and adaptation.

In a side event sponsored by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, and Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, Senator Legarda recalled how the people of Fiji, the COP President, and other climate

vulnerable nations are seeing the destruction caused by rapid onset events, more commonly known as extreme weather events. According to Legarda: “We are also already dealing with the slow onset events or creeping impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and ocean acidification.”

As expected, Senator Legarda emphasized the 1.5°C goal that the Philippines and other members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) has been espousing.

According to her: “For vulnerable nations like ours, it is actually 1.5°C that gave birth to Paris, because without this long-term temperature threshold goal, this agreement would have been like many others— with no driver of ambition and transformation, and blind to consequences.”

Legarda then praised the the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for rising to the critical task of assessing all of the science related to the 1.5°C target.

The report is expected to propose enhanced climate action “by highlighting what more can be done now and in the near future to better align with 1.5 and by indicating how significant the additional risks are for just half a degree.”

The Senator also praised other member nations of the Climate Vulnerable Forum for continuing to lead the charge in addressing climate change. Quoting from an analysis of Climate Action Tracker released last week, Legarda pointed out that only Mo-

rocco and the Gambia have nationally determined contributions that are compatible with 1.5˚C. She also highlighted that four out of the five countries which have 2˚C-compatible climate action plans are also members of the CVF: Bhutan, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and the Philippines.

Senator Legarda promised to do everything in her power to ensure the Philippines’ NDC will soon be rated 1.5˚C-compatible as well. She laid down the argument for this very clearly.

“We continue to pursue a development path consistent with 1.5 degrees not only because we know it is the best way to protect our people and climate, but also because we know it will also spur economic growth.

However, there is more than just energy to consider in the transition to clean energy-powered economies is critical to climate action.

The race to 1.5˚C-compatible economies presents to the ambitious an opportunity to transform development itself.

To start, we need climateresponsive plans and policies that would allow us to upgrade virtually all facets of our economies, which can only produce massive jobs and pump prime our economies. This can be done by first filling the staggering gap in local and national climate data through a research framework that encompasses both the rapid onset and slow onset impacts of climate change.

Having a deep understand-

ing of our vulnerabilities will enable us to plan better and smarter.

We would therefore need to garner international climate finance support for data-gathering technology and bottom-up capacity building measures to enable a better understanding of our risks and investment opportunities.

And while we need to ensure that the pledges amounting to 100 billion dollars in public finance annually are delivered with the right balance, this figure pales starkly in comparison to private finance, which we need to tap with urgency.

We need financing and derisking facilities that unlock investments in critical infrastructure assets outlined in the vulnerable country-led Climate Infrastructure Blueprints, including urban services, transport, water, energy, sustainable landscapes, and ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Working closely with our development partners, and with boldness, we can more rapidly de-risk investments even as we rapidly increase incentives that pull in the right kind of private sector capital towards climateresilient, sustainable and inclusive plans that likewise contribute to the fight to keep warming within the 1.5 degree threshold.”

Another speech in Bonn, delivered also last Monday, gave Senator Legarda a chance to share her thinking on adaptation. According to her, adaptation has always been at the center of the

Philippines’ climate change strategy. We see this in the Climate Change Act, in the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, and the National Climate Change Action Plan.

Senator Legarda did not forget to highlight the importance of getting more definitive commitments from developed countries to finance adaptation in the UNFCCC process. This is consistent with our demand for climate justice. Echoing what many of us have been saying for years, Legarda argued that adaptation should be placed on equal footing with mitigation.

Indeed, we need scaled-up, continuous, predictable, and adequate financial support for adaptation.

In teaching and writing about climate change, I have observed that the first decade of climate negotiation and action was focused on mitigation by developed countries of their carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions. This was followed by a second decade which saw the need for the big developing countries like China and India to also reduce or stabilize their emissions; but alongside this was the emergence of adaptation as an agenda equal to mitigation.

Today, on the third decade of the UNFCCC, climate justice is rightly the emerging priority. As Senator Legarda emphasized in Bonn, all our actions, adaptation and mitigation, must now be through this lens.

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Asia’s cities could save the planet ate almost 20 percent of energy-related greenhousegas emissions—a proportion that’s likely to rise as onetime farmers move into more energy-intensive modern homes. Yet less than 10 percent of the $4.6 trillion spent on construction in 2015 went into energy-efficient “green” buildings.

The reasons are many: Some energy-saving technologies and designs have only recently become widely accessible. There is a widespread belief among many developers, especially in poorer countries, that building green costs considerably more than traditional methods. Officials

in many countries are lax about enforcing building codes for energy efficiency.

But there is now software that can give architects and engineers access to the most efficient designs and quickly certify their work.

As for cost, the World Bank estimates that building green raises construction costs less than 2 percent on average. And new business models, such as so-called energy savings companies, popular in China, can enable commercial developers to better afford energyefficient technologies.

The challenge also presents rich countries, which are supposed to be contrib-

uting to a Green Climate Fund to assist poorer ones in reducing their carbon emissions, with a more politically palatable way to help. Europe, for instance, has plenty of knowledge to share on designing green certifications and building codes. More important, Western banks could play a critical role in marshaling new financial instruments, such as green construction bonds, to pay for all these new buildings.

Asian governments also need to do more to encourage homeowners and builders to make greener choices.

Part of the task involves providing reliable certifications and educating the public

about the virtues of energyefficient buildings, so that property buyers choose and will pay a premium for them. At the same time, officials must do a far better job of getting local governments to adopt and enforce tougher building codes.

Asia’s urban leaders need to worry about much more than buildings, of course.

They’ll have to map out cleaner and more efficient systems for public transportation, waste, water and so on. At the same time, if the world’s fast-growing cities can make more of their new buildings more green, they will play a crucial role in fighting climate change.

hazing problem, or to amend the existing anti-hazing law, the prudent thing for Zubiri to do is to wait for the results of the investigation being conducted by the DoJ, and from there, act accordingly. That way, the information derived by the Senate from the DoJ will have the credibility and the reliability needed for crafting proper legislation, and none of the personality politics that often distort the truth.

Right now, if there is any entity that is sorely lacking in credibility and reliability, it must be Zubiri—the same senator who once resigned from the Senate to pre-empt the Senate Electoral Tribunal unfavorable decision and who said that he relinquished power “to save the country from being divided” because the accusations of election fraud made against him were “unfounded.”

To be worthy of its label, an “inquiry in aid of legislation” should be concerned more with how the problem of hazing can be properly and adequately addressed by new legislation, and not with who are actually guilty of the hazing. Zubiri’s conduct during the inquiry has almost none of the characteristics of the former and all of the trappings of the latter.

There is another area of concern.

A legislative inquiry should not be a forum for judgment.

That is a concern of the courts of law. Although the Senate is not a court of law, that does not mean a legislative inquiry conducted by the Senate need not be impartial. For remedial legislation to be truly curative of a nationwide malady, its foundations should be established on an impartial legislative inquiry.

The news media reported that Zubiri is a classmate and a good friend of the father of the hazing victim. If that is so, many will suspect that Zubiri may have already made up his mind that the

witnesses are guilty. That may also mean that the ongoing Senate inquiry stage-managed by Zubiri is not out for information, but for a conviction. In the interest of impartiality, therefore, Zubiri ought to inhibit himself from participating any further in the legislative inquiry.

Even assuming that Zubiri’s close ties with the Castillo patriarch are not close enough to unduly influence his deportment during the legislative inquiry, there will always be the perception, correct or otherwise, from the witnesses summoned to the inquiry, that Zubiri is no longer an impartial “investigator.” In that situation, the witnesses will have more reason not to cooperate in the inquiry as long as Zubiri is there.

When a legislative inquiry no longer serves its avowed purpose, and has in fact become nothing more than a one-sided inquisition seeking private vengeance instead of legislative reform, that is not the legislative inquiry which

the Constitution had in mind.

In such an event, the inquiry must perforce end.

The historical record reveals that legislative inquiries have not done much to solve social ills and problems.

Take for instance the recent Senate “investigation” of the smuggling of P6 billion worth of narcotics at the Bureau of Customs. It led to nowhere after the public got bored of the televised quarrel between Senator Richard Gordon and the confrontational Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. What ultimately happened to that large scale illegal drug haul remains a mystery today.

Numerous other so-called legislative “investigations,” either in the House or in the Senate, have suffered the same fate. That’s because when the publicity value of the issue is gone, the “investigation” dies down as well.

Thus, Zubiri’s enthusiasm in the legislative inquiry on the UST hazing incident will also wane when other issues arise, particularly those

which have publicity value.

In the end, politicians will always be politicians.

All is not lost, however, for the Castillo family.

The public outrage at what happened to the late Horacio Castillo III is enough to prompt the DoJ to speed up its own investigation into this hazing nightmare, with a view towards the filing of appropriate criminal charges against everyone liable under the law for the death of Castillo III. There are also enough level-headed legislators who seem determined to craft appropriate amendments to the existing anti-hazing law, once the DoJ arrives at its findings and makes its recommendations.

The criminal prosecution of the actual wrongdoers must commence at the soonest possible time, and a tougher law against hazing must be enacted soon thereafter. Like the government campaign against dangerous drugs, there should be an end to the horror that is hazing.

says that for the said year, P258,201,379.00 will be needed for implants and P148,723,994.00 for condoms. Now this can be a problem for the implementation of the RH law.

As already explained, the present supply of implants will expire in September of next year. This means

that if government will not purchase this contraceptive early next year, we might again run out of needed stocks for the last quarter of 2018 and up to the first half of 2019. Without the needed budget, how will the DoH procure implants? Without the supplies, again the FP program will suffer.

The national budget has already been approved by the House of Representatives. It is in the final stages in the Senate. The next step is the Bicameral Conference Committee to reconcile the differing allocations. As what Rep. Edcel Lagman said, now that the TRO is lifted, the budget

for family planning must be provided. Included here are the budgets for condoms and subdermal implants, especially the latter because of the expiring commodities.

It is still possible to put in the needed budget for FP. Pro-RH members of the Bicam should see to it that

this is done so the RH law’s full implementation is not hindered again. Let us not allow the law to again be hijacked, this time, due to lack of funds.

Bloomberg editorial THE world’s cities will add 2.5 billion more residents by 2050, more than half of them in Asia. The effect of this great migration on climate change will depend in part on what kind of homes, factories and office buildings they live and work in.

It’s a seemingly minor but significant issue that should attract attention from officials gathered at this week’s United Nations-sponsored climate talks in Bonn. (Michael Bloomberg, the founder and owner of Bloomberg LP, is the UN special envoy for cities and climate change.) Buildings gener-

Zubiri’s...

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legislation to address the

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Gutierrez asks DoJ to dismiss tax case ACTOR Richard Gutierrez has asked the Department of Justice to dismiss the tax evasion complaint filed against him by the Bureau of Internal Revenue for being “premature.”

In a five-page rejoinder affidavit, Gutierrez stressed that the BIR should have determined first if he has tax deficiencies amounting to P38.57 million in 2012 before filing tax evasion and perjury complaints against him.

Gutierrez manifested to the DoJ that he and his company R Gutz received just last Sept. 11 the BIR’s “final notice” to make available its books of accounts and other related documents covering the year 2012.

“This only means that the complainant was still on the process of tax examination of R Gutz documents for the year 2012, the same taxable year covered by the tax evasion case filed against me and R Gutz,” the actor stressed.

“This just affirms my allegations that the tax evasion case filed against me and R Gutz by the complainant for the taxable year 2012 was premature because it has not yet exhausted all the procedures in establishing tax due and deficiencies,” he said.

In fact, the BIR just issued its final notice for the determination of tax due and deficiency for the taxable year 2012 on September 11, 2017 “when the tax evasion complaint has long been filed and submitted for resolution,” he added.

The BIR filed the tax evasion case on April 21 against Gutierrez before the DoJ, which has yet to issue a resolution on the issue.

Then, on Aug. 17, the BIR filed falsification and perjury cases against the actor before the DoJ related to the first case. This case was submitted for resolution last Thursday. Rey E. Requejo

PH capiz lanterns shine in S. Korea FILIPINO holiday spirit has blended into the kaleidoscope of dazzling Korean imagery and the world’s colors with the display of Philippine capiz lanterns at the ongoing Seoul Lantern Festival 2017.

The exhibit of the capiz lanterns along the Cheonggyecheon Stream is sponsored by the Department of Tourism as part of the annual lantern festival held since 2009 to promote international tourism exchange.

While this year’s lantern festival provides a glimpse of Korea’s upcoming hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the Philippine exhibit caught the interest and admiration of many among thousands of visitors at the festivity that began last Nov. 3 and ends Nov. 19.

“We are proud to showcase our elegant capiz lanterns in downtown Seoul for all the world to see the lantern or parol that symbolizes of the longest celebration of Christmas in the world, which is in the Philippines,” said Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. The authentic Filipino lanterns serve as a beacon to the Philippines, noting that South Korea continues to be its top tourist market, Teo said.

The Seoul Light Lantern Festival, held every first Friday till third Sunday of November along the 1.2- kilometer stretch from Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul to Supyo Bridge, portrays an overall sports theme to promote the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Bill Casas

Bike lanes back in force

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE Metro Manila Development Authority will resume enforcing the motorcycle lane policy on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and other areas in the metropolis to ease traffic this holiday season.

Beginning Wednesday (Nov. 22), the MMDA will start apprehending riders violating the policy on Edsa, Circumferential Road-5 (C-5 Road), Commonwealth Avenue, and Macapagal Avenue.

Riders without helmets

and proper safety gear will also be apprehended.

Under the policy, the designated motorcycle lane shall be the fourth lane from the right sidewalk and shall run the length of Edsa and other assigned areas. The

lanes are “non-exclusive,” meaning private vehicles may also use them.

Motorcycle riders may deviate from the motorcycle lanes when making a turn or U-turn at authorized intersections and U-turn slots. They should gradually shift lanes not less than 200 meters away from the turning point, while making the appropriate signals.

Depending on the violation committed, riders will be fined from P500 to P1,000.

The establishment of the motorcycle lanes is based

on Memorandum Circular 12-01 Series of 2012 approved by the Metro Manila Council, the governing board and policymaking body of the MMDA. Jose Garcia, MMDA assistant general manager for planning, said motorcycle lanes are necessary to promote a more orderly flow of traffic along major thoroughfares and reduce the number of fatal accidents involving motorcycles.

MMDA records showed that motorcycle crashes remained the leading cause of death and injury on Metro Manila roads.

The 2015 Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System report stated that motorcycles have the “highest fatality accident rate” with 262 total deaths, followed by trucks (129) and private cars (125).

Reckless motorcycle riding was also the top cause of deaths and injuries on Metro Manila streets in 2016, the MMRAS reported.

Aside from the motorcycle lane policy, the MMDA will also strictly enforce the Yellow Lane rule along Edsa.

“We are appealing to

riders, private motorists and bus drivers to stay on their designated lanes,” said Garcia.

The yellow lane—first two lanes from the sidewalk—is designated for public utility vehicles classified as “high occupancy vehicles.”

“Private vehicles should get out of the yellow lane.

Only those turning right to any intersection can drive inside the yellow or bus lanes,” said Garcia.

Bus drivers that would go out the yellow lane will be charged with P500 fine plus P200 for reckless driving.

Vehicle imports boost BoC take

BIKERS BEWARE. The motorcycle lane currently occupied by all sorts of vehicles along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue is now dedicated to two-wheeled vehicles anew, the Metro Manila Development Authority said Friday.

Andrew Rabulan

THE increase in importation of motor vehicles helped improve the Bureau of Customs’ revenue collections for Nov. 3 and 10 as it tallied P3.45 billion and P3.839 billion for those days, respectively, Customs Commissioner Isidro Lapeña said.

Lapeña said the agency mid-November collection performance showed strong growth, as it reached more than P3 billion in revenue based on the preliminary collection data from the bureau’s Financial Service.

He pointed to the rise in volume of imported cars and other vehicles at the Port of Batangas, which has the highest percentage share in the total BoC daily collection at P1.109 billion, 96.2 percent higher than its target.

“The revenue collected on the 3rd and 10th of November are 22.2 percent and 54.1 percent higher than the target daily collection of P2.492 billion,” Lapeña said.

Initial figures for the Nov. 3 daily collection showed the Port of Manila

raking in P478.72 million, 19.2 percent higher than its target; the Manila International Container Port taking in P792.12 million (2.2 percent higher); the Ninoy Aquino International Airport earning P293.77 million (36.7 percent higher); the Port of Iloilo with P48.19 million (245 percent higher); and the Port of Cagayan de Oro with P64.37 million, 2.3 percent higher.

For Nov. 10, Batangas collected P1.94 billion (243 percent better than target); Cagayan de Oro with P85.67 million (36 percent better); the Port of Davao at P252.44 million (244 percent better); and the Port of Limay at P189.2 million (115 percent better).

“I am very optimistic that the figures can still progress once the rest of the outports submit their mid- November collection reports,” Lapeña added.

The October revenue performance also made BIR history after hitting the P42billion mark. Vito Barcelo

Israel gains 3-million tourists, 17,000 Pinoys among them MM cities ISRAEL recently received its three-millionth tourist for 2017, even as its tourism director for the Philippines reminded Filipinos they can visit the Holy Land visa-free for 90 days if they have a valid passport.

More than 17,000 Filipinos have already visited Israel as of October, and that number could hit 20,000 by yearend, said Hassan Madah, Director of the Israel Ministry of Tourism Philippines.

The number of Filipino tourists to Israel is up 62 percent compared to the same January-to-October period last year, Madah said.

Israeli tourism data showed 14,600 Filipinos visited the Holy Land in 2016. Its all-time record for annual tourist arrivals so far is 3.54 million, which it is poised to break heading into the last two months of the year.

“This has been the best year of incoming tourist arrivals for Israel, and Philippines continues to be an important contributor for us. Our effort towards promoting Israel is yielding positive results, and we are witnessing successful outcomes of our increased investments in the Philippine

market,” Madah said.

Tourism is an important contributor to the Israeli economy, and since the beginning of the year, the industry has brought in $4.1 billion into their country, he noted.

Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin recently welcomed the country’s threemillionth tourist for the year, Ioana Isac, accompanied by her partner Mihai Georgescu from Romania, with a festive reception ceremony at the Ben Gurion International Airport.

Levin and Tourism Ministry Director-General

Amir Halevi then accompanied the excited couple to their awaiting limousine, as they set off for a dream holiday experience prepared by the Israeli government.

The trip started off with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu taking the couple through a private tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, starting with the Tower of David museum to the ancient fort that traces its foundations back to the Second Temple Period in the first century BC. “This is a special day and an historic milestone as we break the three-million-

tourist barrier, and we are set to end the year with an amazing achievement, the likes of which have never been reached since the establishment of the State. The huge investment that we are making in marketing Israel around the world and our collaborations with airlines and tour operators is bearing fruit,” Levin said.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism worked with several airlines to increase their flights in Israel and is pushing towards increasing the marketing activities in the country. Sara Susanne D. Fabunan

SSS: Q1 undistributed collections just P817m STATE-RUN Social Security System on Friday said its undistributed collections stood at P817 million as of the end of the first quarter of 2017, a 28.2-percent drop from the P1.135 billion recorded at the end of 2016.

SSS president and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc also clarified that the undistributed collections were member loan payments and not contribution payments of its members.

“There has been a substantial reduction of undistributed or unposted member loan payments from the recorded P1.8 billion in 2015 and P1.135 billion in 2016 to P817 million as of the end of March 2017,” Dooc said.

Earlier the Commission on Audit called the attention of SSS in its 2016 Annual Financial Reports on Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations for the P1.135 billion of undistributed col-

lections under its “other current liability-member loans [OCL-ML].”

Dooc explained there are various reasons for the failure to post member loan collections in a member’s ledger, such as the failure of employers to submit or update the collection list, invalid entries of employees, and employers with unbalanced transactions.

“There are cases that the loan dates indicated by employers in the date granted portion of our SSS forms do not match the SSS records of an individual, thus unposted and unmatched payments occurred,” he added.

SSS said it has addressed the issue with regular reconciliation and clean-up of unpostables to resolve the errors. Dooc said posting of loan payments will soon be based on the Cash Collection System instead of the current manual encoding.

GETTING CLOSER. Two boys examine a Christmas Nativity decoration welcoming shoppers to the annual Noel Bazaar at the World Trade Center in time for the Yuletide season. Norman Cruz

gain, give out taxes

WITH more than a month before the yearend, the city government of Manila has already earned P9.7 billion in revenues—just P462 million less than its 2016 total collections of P10.2 billion.

The Office of the City Treasurer credited the city’s steady financial growth to Mayor Joseph Estrada’s efficient and good fiscal management in the past four years that saved the city from bankruptcy.

“Our city is now practically debt-free, and we have since stabilized our finances, resulting to more infrastructure projects and social welfare programs for 1.7-million Manileños,” Estrada said.

From January to October 2017, the city’s revenue collections reached P9.74 billion, which Assistant City Treasurer Ma. Jazmin Talegon is positive could still increase by the months of November and December and ultimately surpass the 2016 revenues.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has turned over a total of P131.6 million in real-property tax shares to the locality’s 142 barangays for the third quarter of 2017.

Bautista tasked the Barangay Operations Center and Treasury Office to spearhead the distribution of the tax share, from which District 1 was able to get P7.3 million, while District 2 had P9.7 million.

The city government gave District 3 P17.9 million; District 4, P27.1 million; District 5, P33.2 million, and District 6, P36.4 million.

District 2’s Barangay Pasong Putik, home to three large department stores—Robinsons Nova, SM Fairview and Ayala Land’s Fairview Terraces—got the highest share at P1.068 million, followed by District 5’s Nagkaisang Nayon with P1.062 million, and District 3’s Socorro with over P948,000.

Bill Casas and Rio Araja

Sports

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Celtics rally to beat Warriors

Sun Life Cycle PH reels off at BGC

N

EW YORK—Rallying from a 17-point deficit, the Boston Celtics stretched their win streak to 14 games by beating Golden State 92-88 Thursday in a showdown of the NBA’s top teams.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 22 points after learning of his best friend’s death only hours before and Kyrie Irving ditched a plastic mask protecting facial fractures to score 11 of his 16 points in the final five minutes to spark Boston’s triumph.

Boston improved the NBA’s best record to 14-2, having last lost in their home opener to Milwaukee on October 18, while the defending champion Warriors, who had been atop the Western

THREE-TIME Tour de France green jersey winner Robbie McEwen joins Piolo Pascual and a slew of Star Magic artists as they banner the cast in the Sun Life Cycle PH, which gets going today (Saturday) at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

A total of 1,200 bikers and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are participating in the inaugural staging of the event serving as the first of the two-part SunPiology, an annual fun run fund-raiser founded by Pascual.

The event fires off at 5:30 a.m. at the 9th Ave. cor. 30th Ave. featuring seven categories, including the highly popular Bid2Bike where participants will pedal side-by-side with their chosen celebrities, including McEwen, Pascual, and triathlon campaigners Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca and Matteo Guidicelli.

Other sporting celebs joining the weekend of fun, wellness activity and family bonding are Gretchen Ho, Iñigo Pascual, Marco Gallo, Kisses Delavin, Ysabel Ortega, Ivan Carapiet and Alex Diaz.

Other events on tap are the Tricycle Ride (100-m distance for two- to three-year-olds), Kids’ Ride (500-m for four- to five-yearolds), Family Ride (30-minute ride for six- to 15-year-olds with adult companion), Solo Ride (30-minute ride for six- to 15-year-olds), Short Distance Ride (20-km for 10 and above), and Long Distance Ride (40-km for 10 and above).

The premier 40-km race will start at BGC to Kalayaan Flyover toward Roxas Boulevard then back again to BGC, going through the course in two loops.

The event, held in partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc. and backed by the BGC, DOT, Powerade, Rudy Project, F2P, 2GO, Ford, Trek, Cetaphil, Sanicare, Alaska, Alcoplus, Cignal and the Philippine Star, is also staged to raise funds for the underprivileged kids under Pascual’s Hebreo Foundation.

Conference, fell to 11-4 with their seven-game win streak snapped.

“They were just tougher and smarter,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who joked before the game that “the fate of the universe rests upon the results.”

In the only other game, Houston’s Chris Paul returned after missing 14 games with a bruised left knee and the Rockets ripped host Phoenix 142-116.

Houston moved atop the Western Conference at 12-4 after scoring the

with 14 seconds remaining to put the Celtics ahead to stay.

Kevin Durant missed a baseline jumper and Boston grabbed the rebound, setting up Jayson Tatum’s two free throws to produce Boston’s biggest lead and final victory margin.

After Brown learned of the Wednesday death of his best friend, Trevin Stede, he was not going to play. But a call from Stede’s mother inspired him.

“I feel like he was with me,” Brown said. “I felt like it was me and him.”

Irving praised Brown’s inner strength and performance.

“It’s never a good thing when someone’s going through it,” Irving said. “You do your best to

console them but at the end of the day it’s the strength within themselves and he showed a lot of that.

“To go out there and perform the way he did, I knew exactly where the game ball was going.”

Al Horford had 18 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for Boston and Marcus Morris and Tatum each contributed 12 points.

Durant led Golden State with 24 points but Curry was 3-of-14 from the floor for only nine points in his first game back from a bruised right thigh.

“We had control of the game despite how bad we all were shooting,” Curry said. “We just couldn’t sustain our defense when they made a couple of runs.” AFP

Local bets Bahonsua, Banico carry tennis fight for Siquijor LOCAL girls Ellaine Rose Bahonsua and Faith Kiarrah Banico saved the day for host province Siquijor at the recent Cebuana Lhuillier Age Group Tennis Championship Series leg by taking three titles, two

by Banico and the other by Bahonsua, a perennial winner in the regional circuit.

Bahonsua, who hails from San Juan, Siquijor, posted an

easy 6-1, 6-2 straight-set victory over Bohol’s Rica Trexie Gudelusao for the girls’ 16-under crown, though she was thwarted by Angela Cabaral from Bais City when they clashed for the 18-under title, with Cabaral winning 6-1, 6-1. Banico defeated Cebuana Tiffany Claire Nocos by retirement to claim the girls’ 12-under crown and

added a share of the 10-under unisex title, where she teamed up with Shara Louise Paliwag and defeated individual unisex titlist Abdel Qadri Matarul from Zamboanga del Norte and partner Nicholas Andrei Tan, 4-2, 4-1.

Other winners in the tournament that saw the entire tennis community providing all-out support to the visit-

ing players, including a fellowship dinner and billeting, were veteran Stephen Zion Guia from Dipolog following a 6-1,6-0 win over Jessy Ysyldjre in the 16-under boys’ championship match; Dapitan City’s Jason Saavedra, who posted a 4-6, 6-4, 10-4 win over Guia in the boys’ 18-under; and Southern Leyte bet Sal Andrei Eugenio

Lago, who ruled the boys’ 14-under after a 6-4, 6-1 win over Makati City’s Alejandro Barrientos.

Lago was a double winner as he won earlier the boys’ 12-under at the expense of Matarul 6-2, 6-1.

“We are happy with the big turnout of entries, 180, in Siquijor, and happier too that the entire community there

went all out in welcoming the visiting players. This is how a sports grassroots program should be, a collaboration of different stakeholders,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President/CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, who initiated this tennis program 11 years ago, with the cooperation of Dunlop Sports in recent years as official ball.

Manila

MABUHAY MILES GOLF CHAMP.

Standard

TODAY

Ramon Manuel Briones (center) receives the Over-all Net Champion’s trophy plus bags of goodies from Philippine Airlines President Jaime J. Bautista (right) at the close of the 25th Mabuhay Miles Elite Invitational Golf Tournament held Tuesday at The Orchard Golf & Country Club in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

Briones bested close to 200 Mabuhay Miles members, who aspired for bragging rights at the silver edition of the prestigious tournament. At left is awarding ceremony host Pops Fernandez.

Pantino crushes Ishii, makes ITF semifinals ARTHUR Pantino knocked down winners in varying forms and came away with an emphatic 6-2, 6-2 victory over Japanese Ryota Ishii to roll into the boys’ singles semifinals of the Phinma-PSC Juniors Tennis Championships Week I at the Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park yesterday.

But while the second-seeded Pantino notched his second straight-set win in row and stayed in the title hunt in the Group 4 ITF (International Tennis Federation) 18-and-under event, compatriots Jose Antonio Tria and Michael Eala succumbed to strong foreign opposition in the quarterfinals.

Tria, who earlier beat Taiwanese Kung Chun Jui, 6-1, 6-2, dropped a 6-2, 6-4 setback to third ranked Taiyo Yamanaka, while Eala, who toppled Japanese Kei Manaka, 6-3, 6-2, in the second round, also yielded a 6-2, 6-4 loss to No. 4 Muhammad Arazza of Indonesia.

most points in any NBA game this season.

The Celtics are on their longest win streak since taking 14 in a row in 2010 and five shy of the club record from December 2008.

Irving was supposed to don his mask for two weeks suffering a facial fracture last Friday, but removed it in the third quarter as the Celtics, trailing 66-49, scored 19 consecutive points to set up the last-minute drama.

Klay Thompson’s 3-pointer with 1:22 to play lifted Golden State ahead 88-86 but the Celtics equalized on two Irving free throws after he was fouled by Thompson.

Draymond Green missed a 3-point shot and then fouled Irving, who sank two free throws

Melanie Dizon also failed to sustain her charge in the girls side of the event sponsored by the Philippine Investment Management Consultants (Phinma) and Technifiber and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) as she bowed to second seed Lisa Mays of Australia, 6-2, 6-4, and missed the semis.

That leaves the Philippine Tennis Academy stalwart Pantino as the last Filipino hope with the Cebuano ace, a member of the national junior Davis Cup squad, facing Yamanaka for a berth in the finals of the first of two ITF-sanctioned tournaments supported by Technifiber ball as official ball, official hotel Jinjiang Inn, Makati and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Top seed Shunsuke Mitsui of Japan overpowered Malaysian Shamirul Shahril Adam Das, 6-0, 6-2, to set up a Final Four duel with Arazza in the upper half of the 32-player draw.

F2 tries to extend streak to 6 LIPA CITY—Surging F2 Logistics seeks Games Today to extend its red-hot streak to six when it (De La Salle Lipa Sentrum) battles guest team Victoria Sports-UST 4 p.m. – Foton vs Sta. Lucia 6 p.m. – Victoria Sports-UST vs when the Chooks to Go-Philippine SuperF2 Logistics liga Grand Prix rolls to De La Salle Lipa Sentrum here on Saturday.

Action kicks off at 6 p.m., following the showdown between reigning champion Foton and Sta. Lucia Realty in the 4 p.m. curtain raiser of this prestigious club league sponsored by Mikasa, Grand Sport, Senoh, Mueller, Rebisco, Island Rose, Cloudfone and UCPB Gen. It’s going to be a very special edition of “Spike on Tour” as the league that also has Gerflor and Gold’s Gym as technical sponsors and ESPN5 as official broadcast partner pays special tribute to the victims of the battle in Marawi City.

In partnership with De La Salle Lipa, the event will be called “Laro Para Sa Marawi” to commemorate the lives lost in the embattled city.

But come game time, all eyes will be fixed on the Cargo Movers.

00-00-00-00-00-00 P0.0 M+ Despite missing the league’s first two weeks to give way to the annual DIGITS 00-00-00-00 University Games in Dumaguete City, F2 Logistics DIGITS 00-00-00 still came out firing as it won its first five matches to occupy the top spot of the EZ2 00-00 nine-team standing.

LOTTO RESULTS

6/45 4 3 2

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

BONIFACIO DRIVE, SOUTH HARBOR, PORT AREA, MANILA 1018, PHILIPPINES, P.O. BOX 436, MANILA, PHILIPPINES TEL. NO. (0632) 527-8356, FAX NO. (0632) 527-4855 HTTP://WWW.PPA.COM.PH

INVITATION TO BID

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF BAUAN PORT, BAUAN, BATANGAS

FOR THE PROPOSED ILIGAN PORT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PORT OF ILIGAN, ILIGAN CITY, LANAO DEL NORTE

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 30,551,091.87 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Bauan Port, Bauan, Batangas (LFP BGS No. 044-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 125,027,231.55 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Iligan Port Improvement Project, Port of Iligan, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte (LFP LNI 043-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Dredging along the berths and maneuvering areas of the Port to a designed depths of 5.00 meters and 8.00 meters below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) B. Total Volume to be dredged = 60,000.00 cu. m. C. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 98 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Widening of Access Trestle (Area = 810.13 sq. m.) B. Construction of Back-up Area With RoRo Ramp on Fill (Area = 3,207.25 sq. m). Completion of the Works is required in 420 calendar days. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using non-discretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.” Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, cooperatives, and partnerships or organizations with at least seventy five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for Engineering Projects and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 20 November 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P 25,000.00).

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 20 November 2017 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS (P 50,000.00).

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Philippine Ports Authority, provided that bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 27 November 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 27 November 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the PPA Function Room, 7th Floor, PPA Bldg., Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila, which shall be open to all prospective bidders.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 1:00 p.m. of 11 December 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before 9:00 a.m. of 11 December 2017. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in the bidding documents.

Bid opening shall be on 11 December 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium A – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

Bid opening shall be on 11 December 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the 7th Floor, PPA Building, A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidder’s representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Port, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

The Philippine Ports Authority reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to:

For further information, please refer to:

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila

BAC Secretariat, Philippine Ports Authority 5th Floor, PPA Bldg., A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor, Port Area, Manila Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

Telephone/Fax No. 527-47-35 527-83-56 to 83 loc. 539

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP)

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – Nov. 18, 2017

Standard – Nov. 18, 2017

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

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

Sports

Tams underdogs in UAAP Final 4 CONSIDER the Far Eastern University Tamaraws as an underdog in the Final Four setup of the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.

The Tams have a long way to go, considering that they are the last squad to make it to the semis after their 71-54 victory over the third-seed Adamson Falcons.

And with an awesome fighting spirit, Tams’ coach Olsen Racela is confident that they will be able to hurdle the challenges that will come their way when they clash with twice-to-beat, and top seeded Ateneo Blue Eagles at 4 p.m. this Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

On the other hand, Blue Eagles’ head coach Tab Baldwin is expecting a tough encounter with the Tamaraws, but at the same

Game Today

(Final Four at the Araneta Coliseum) 4 p.m. La Salle vs Adamson (Senior Final Four)

Games Sunday

1 p.m.UST vs FEU (women playoff) 4 p.m. Ateneo vs FEU (Senior Final Four)

time upbeat that members of the team will step up when the time comes.

“Even though if we won today, we got to leave it behind. The golden apple that we’re still after is still in front of us. So, what really matters is the next game, right?” said Baldwin after the Blue Eagles took a 76-79 loss to the La Salle Green Archers.

Because of this, Ateneo missed an opportunity for an outright Finals berth.

Meanwhile, the defending champion La Salle Green Archers are expected to be more focused when they clash with the Adamson Falcons at 4 p.m. today at the Big Dome. Peter Atencio

Firefighters face Enablers Players, officials, coaches and supporters of the San Beda College team celebrate the Lions’ 21st title conquest. Lino Santos

Bolick’s shooting, Lions’ defense key SBC title run

By Peter Atencio

R

OBERT Bolick Jr. remembered the day when San Beda College lost to Lyceum in the first round.

That’s when the Red Lions missed seven of nine good attempts from inside the paint and out, allowing the Pirates to beat them, 96-91.

The count was tied at 89-all when the Pirates finished with a 7-0 windup and won a game that eventually became part of their historic 18-0 sweep in the elimination round

of the 93rd National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.

That day, Bolick said he did not practice his outside shots, his triples especially.

And that’s why they lost.

In the days that followed, the 6’1” Bolick said he never forgot what happened. He has since worked on his outside game, to go

with his defense.

“From that day na natalo kami sa LPU, I took it personal. Kasi sabi nila, wala akong shooting. So from that day on, after practice, I’d shoot at the seven spots for 20 minutes.

And I always visualize if it’s going to be a close game,” said Bolick.

Bolick’s endgame accuracy would eventually contribute big to the defending champion San Beda Red Lions’ two-game sweep of the Pirates in their best-of-three finals series.

He fired 18 points, including the dagger trey in the last 50.9 seconds that

paved the way for the win as the Red Lions’ claimed their 21st crown, three better than Letran’s 18.

On the other hand, Finals MVP Donald Tankoua felt he had to settle down in defense in the final quarter.

And doing so allowed him to keep Lyceum Pirates’ big man Mike Nzeusseu at bay.

Holding the 6’6” Nzeusseu down to three points in the final period and at bay in the fourth period, Tankoua said he was able to find opportunities for the Red Lions.

Coach Boyet Fernandez said their efforts to make a

Games Sunday

2 p.m. COA vs BFP 3:30 p.m. Ombudsman vs PDEA 5 p.m. Malacañang-PSC vs Judiciary

team is a slow-starter, a problem that needs fixing.

“As a coach, sa akin magsisimula ‘yun. Ibahin ko muna ang approach sa practice plan. Nandito na tayo sa middle ng season going to the next round medyo malalakas na ‘yung kalaban. Hindi pwede na mag-slow start kami. I need to address that problem,” said Gonzales.

Judiciary Magis’ Warren Ybanez (#3) shoots a jumper against the NHA Builders.

Thai, Quiban tie Gialon in ICTSI golf

PSC to support elite athletes aiming for ‘20 Tokyo Olympics

THAI Pasavee Lertvilai shot a gutsy 73 in exacting condition while Justin Quiban rallied with three straight birdies from No. 14 to save a 74 as they caught a faltering Zanieboy Gialon at the helm in the rain-hit third round of the ICTSI Wack Wack Championship at WW East course yesterday.

With the wind finally blowing and adding to the challenge at the tight, challenging layout, pars and

By Peter Atencio PLANS continue to take shape on efforts to raise funds to support the campaign of an elite group of athletes, who will pursue qualifying slots to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Businessman-spor tsman Dennis Uy has been tasked to do this job under a program known as “Siklab 2020.”

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and Philippine Sports Institute head and national training director Marc Edward Velasco have gone into discussions, with Uy over this.

And now, officials of the PSC are now working to identify and finalize a list of 28 athletes, who can be included in the program.

“We will support from life support, to coaches and training, for them to qualify (for the Olympics,” said Ramirez.

Initially on the roster is Mariya Takahashi, who topped the women’s under 70 kg judo event, in the recent 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Her name has been part of a long list of athletes the PSC is considering to support.

During the Games, the 16-year-old Fil-Japanese judoka overcame defending champion Surattana Thongsri of Thailand, winning by ippon in 48 seconds.

Velasco said he is closely monitoring those who are in his long list of candidates.

stop at endgame and score crucial points afterward proved to be the key to their title conquest.

“And that’s the proof I have right now. And I’ve already proven it to the boys.

That maybe offense can win you 18-0. But defense will win you a championship,” said Fernandez, who returned this year to coach the Red Lions to their third crown under his guidance.

Fernandez steered SBC to two titles back in 2013 and 2014 before he left, and it looks like, they are capable of winning some more in the future.

THE Bureau of Fire Protection Fire Firefighters battle the winless COA Enablers at 2 p.m. in the UNTV Cup Season 6 on Sunday at the Pasig City Sports Center.

The Firefighters are coming off their biggest win of the tournament yet, a 104-97 shocker over the AFP Cavaliers last Sunday.

“Sinabi ko sa mga players hindi namin kakayanin ‘yan kung magpa-practice lang kami, kailangan naming mag-extra effort talaga, magpractice sila ng individual kapag wala kami practice,” said BFP playing coach Gilbert Malabanan. “Sikreto namin ‘yung depensa at playing as a team. Alam din namin ‘yung roles namin, kung sino ‘yung shooter, sino ‘yung libre.”

The second game at 3:30 p.m. features the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Drug Busters and the Ombudsman Graft Busters, while Malacañang-Philippine Sports Commission Kamao will attempt to maintain its clean record against twotime champion Judiciary Magis at 5 p.m.

Kamao head coach Luie Gonzales admitted that his

bogeys proved to be the norm although Lertvilai, Quiban and Gialon came through with late birdies to force a three-way tie at one-under 215, guaranteeing a wild, wooly finish in the $100,000 championship put up by ICTSI. Tony Lascuña, five behind Gialon after 36 holes, made it a four-way battle for the top $17,500 purse in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. as he pooled a 216 after a 73.

The many-time Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit winner actually grabbed a piece of the lead at two-under overall despite an even par card through 17 holes but bogeyed the par-4 18th for the second straight day.

“I’m still at it anyway.

No lead is safe here at WW East and it’s going to be anybody’s race tomorrow (today),” said Lascuña.

American Nicolas Paez fired one of the day’s three best scores of 71 to

force another three-way tie for fifth at 218, just three shots off the pace, with James Ryan Lam and obscured Rolando Marabe Jr. turning in 72 and 73, respectively.

Marcus Both blew a two-under card after 11 holes as he bogeyed four of the last seven holes. But the Aussie ace’s 54-hole aggregate of 219 put him just four strokes adrift, a deficit not too big to overcome on a course as tough as the fabled WW layout.

Pro league sticking to ‘Luzvimin’ format

By Jeric Lopez

Justin Quiban recovers with late solid iron play that set up a cluster of birdie putts.

THE Philippine Basketball Association is sticking to its Luzon-VisayasMindanao format for the coming 43rd season.

After deliberation, the

league board decided that it’s best to keep the threegame format as it enjoyed success last season.

In the format, the PBA will play three different AllStar games in the different venues (one each for Luzon,

Visayas and Mindanao), featuring the brightest stars of the season ahead.

For now, Batangas is being considered for the Luzon leg and Davao for the Mindanao leg, while nothing is set in stone for

Visayas yet. Still, nothing is final as of yet.

Also, the league is considering to hold simultaneous games in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, similar to what it did in the opening of the 2014-14 season.

Igorot hailed as KIX R U Tough Enough toughest Pinoy A 20-YEAR-OLD Igorot man hailing from the “City of Pines” has been declared the Philippines’ toughest!

Renz Lou Lagria bested 9 other competitors doing a series of physical and mental challenges to win the title of Toughest Pinoy at this year’s KIX R U Tough Enough? final showdown held at the SM Mall of Asia last Oct. 20.

On its third year, the competition introduced the “Man vs. Woman” edition with ambassadors Aubrey Miles and Arnold Aninion. Hundreds tried out for the title but only 5 men and 5 women faced off in R U Tough Enough? final showdown.

Renz won not just by being physically tough, but by being focused on his goal.

He shared that he had to train without any help from a professional trainer. The only thing that kept him going is his strong dedication and discipline.

When asked if he ever thought of

quitting, he quickly responded, “Never.

Hindi ko hinayaang may makapasok na negative sa isip ko. Iniisip ko lang na I can do everything, I can do it.”

The new toughest Pinoy is a Baguio native who has started his love for fitness as young as 8 years old when his father would bring him to gyms and various sports events. Renz shared that his family is also his number one inspiration and on the day of R U Tough Enough? final showdown, his family even came all the way down from Baguio to support him.

Beyond the title and bagging the cash prize of P250,000, Renz sees his win as a stepping stone to playing a more active role in the fitness industry. He wants to help other people who also aspire to improve themselves.

“Dinededicate ko po ito lahat ng mga nag e-effort diyan. ‘Yung mga negative, mga low ang self-esteem, kasi I’ve been

there. Fitness actually helped me to be confident, to believe in myself. Fitness really did a lot, binago niya ‘yung attitude, mindset and discipline ko,” shared Renz.

R U Tough Enough? Philippines is sponsored by Fisherman’s Friend, the powerful adult candy with added benefits, supported by venue partner SM Mall of Asia, gym partner Gold’s Gym, supporting partner Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation, as well as cable partners Cablelink, Cignal TV, Destiny Cable, Gsat and SKYcable; and media partners Philstar, Philstar global, WhenInManila.com and Action Asia.

R U Tough Enough? is brought to us

by KIX, the ultimate destination for action entertainment. KIX is available on (Cablelink Ch. 31, Cignal TV Ch. 264, Destiny Cable Ch. 10, Gsat Ch. 117, and SKYcable SD Ch. 63 and HD Ch. 242).

For more information, you can log on to www.KIX-TV.com.

Renz Lou Lagria raises his trophy as the hosts, led by Aubrey Miles, flank him.

Petron gets nod to refinance securities B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

B1

IMF: Economy to grow stronger

By Julito G. Rada

T

HE Philippine economy is poised to grow stronger in the long term, especially if the government pursues vital economic reforms, International Monetary Fund resident representative to the Philippines Yongzheng Yang said Friday.

Yang cited the implementation of tax reform and fiscal prudence while meeting development needs, and the amendment to the charter of Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas.

“The economy is robust and the outlook is robust... the economy has great prospects. This is a good opportunity to implement reforms

to sustain growth and make it inclusive,” Yang said.

The IMF earlier projected the Philippine economy to grow this year by 6.6 percent and 6.7 percent in 2018. The IMF also predicted the economy to expand stronger by 6.8 percent from 2019 to 2022.

He said amending the Bangko Sentral charter would make the regulator function more effectively, especially in the area of price and financial stability.

Despite the bright growth

prospects, Yang warned that risks both from external and domestic fronts could hinder economic growth going forward.

On external front, he cited the impact of the US monetary policy tightening, where another rate hike could be possible before the close of the year. He said another rate hike could affect financial conditions globally, including the Philippines.

Yang also cited the sharp

economic slowdown in China, the global financial market volatility, and policy uncertainty in the US and Brexit.

He said the spillovers to the Philippines from the external risks would be in the form of trade of goods and services, capital flows, asset prices and exchange rate.

On the domestic front, Yang cited the potential overheating due to rapid credit growth, natural disasters as well as security-

related events.

The first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act or TRAIN) was approved by the House of Representatives in May. The Senate is currently deliberating on the measure.

Finance Secretary Carlos DomingueZ III remained optimistic the TRAIN could be signed into law before the close of the year to allow the government to im-

plement the tax reform in January next year so that its benefits could be felt at the soonest possible time.

The economy grew 6.9 percent in the third quarter, faster than the expectations of most economists, on the back of the strong performance of industry and services sectors.

This brought the year-todate growth to 6.7 percent, above the lower limit of the official target range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent this year.

Tax, fiscal reforms to sustain expansion

WINE FESTIVAL. The 17th Grand Wine Experience slated on Nov 24 at the ballroom of Marriott Hotel, Resorts World is now on its final preparation. This year’s edition will present “Degustation,” with over 500 wines and spirits to match the medley of the finest, international cuisine. Organized by Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralphs Wines and Spirits, the festival is now the biggest wines and spirits event in Asia. PWM chair Robert Lim Joseph ((fourth from right) shakes hands with Resort World Resort president and CEO Kingson Sian. With them during the press launch luncheon hosted by Marriott at CRU Steakhouse are (from left) PWM director Ronnie Joseph, Tourism director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, Marriott Hotel general manager Bruce Winton, Robi Joseph and PWM director Raymond Joseph.

MetroPacWater mulls over 26 potential projects in PH, Asia

By Jenniffer B. Austria METROPAC Water Investments Corp., a whollyowned water utility unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., plans to develop 26 potential water infrastructure projects in the Philippine and Southeast Asia.

MPW president Laurence Rogero said in a recent briefing the 26 projects would involve the company in water concession projects, wastewater and bulk water distribution.

It also plans two more international projects after recently venturing into the Vietnam water market with the acquisition of a 45-percent stake in BOO Phu Ninh Water Treatment Plant Joint Stock Company for P615 million.

Rogero said the 26 pipeline projects once finalized would have a potential volume capacity of 3,214 million liters per day and benefit a population of over 19 million.

The projects include bulk

water distribution in Iloilo worth P12 billion and bulk water in Pampanga involving development of 200 mld of water. The company in both projects received original proponent status from the respective local government units. They will be subjected to Swiss Challenge.

Rogero said MPW is currently developing the P2.8billion bulk water of Iloilo City.

“The next step is the distribution. Because of the

efforts we have done and results ... on the bulk water side, we are now in the position to further expand partnership with 9the) Iloilo water district,” Rogero said.

He said MPC would continue to look for investment opportunities in some 500 water districts across the country.

Rogero, meanwhile, said Southeast Asian countries were welcoming the investments of Philippine water companies following the

success of Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. in their concession areas “In Southeast Asia, (the) only successful water privatization is that of the Philippines. So they are welcoming of possible investments of Philippines companies because they also want to see improvement in their networks,” Rogero said.

MPW is operating water projects that collectively provide 150 MLD of water in Cebu, Laguna and Iloilo.

IN BRIEF

Roxol ethanol plant stopped

LA CARLOTA City Mayor Luis Jalandoni III of Negros Occidental issued a new cease-and-desist order to Roxol Bioenergy Corp. because of foul odor coming from its ethanol facility.

Jalandoni, in an order issued on November 15, said his office suspended the mayor’s permit of Roxol and directed the company to temporarily cease and desist from operating the ethanol plant and its accessories.

“The... suspension may be lifted at any time should Roxol Bioenergy has demonstrated in good faith true and genuine activities showing substantial mitigation of obnoxious foul odor,” the office said.

It said Roxol Bionergy should mitigate the foul odor in compliance with its permanent pollution control program and plan of actions submitted to the office of the mMayor.

The move followed the resolution passed by the Liga ng mga Barangay on November 15 calling for the temporary closure of the facility. Alena Mae S. Flores

Cebu Landmasters in joint venture LISTED property developer Cebu Landmasters Inc. signed a P4-billion project with two Mindanao-based companies for the construction of a mixed-use development in the Davao City.

CLI told the Philippine Stock Exchange it recently signed a joint venture agreement with Yuson Strategic Holdings Inc., represented

by Frederick Yuson, and Davao Filandia Realty Corp., represented by Jason Huang. The joint venture firm has been named YHES (Yuson Huang Excellence Soberano) Inc. CLI’s new project in Davao City is a mixed-use development that will include an internationally-branded hotel, convention facilities, four residential towers, and a boutique retail podium. This is the latest addition to CLI’s growing mixed-use portfolio, which also includes the Base Line Center in Cebu, 38 Park Avenue in Cebu IT Park, and Astra Centre in Mandaue City. Darwin G. Amojelar

GMA Network’s profit decreases GMA Network Inc. said net income fell 25 percent in the first nine months of the year due to weak advertising spending.

The broadcasting network, which airs Channel 7 on free TV, posted a net income of P2.32 billion in the January-to-September period from P3.11 billion year-on-year.

GMA’s net income, however, rose 5.3 percent to P771.85 million in the third quarter from P733.03 million on year.

The company’s profit guidance for the year was over P3.9 billion.

The company’s total revenue amounted to P11.79 billion in the first nine months from P12.80 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated airtime sales topped the revenue chart with an 89 percent share equivalent to P10.52 billion by the end of September this year, arising from the combined contributions of Ch-7, GNTV-11, Regional TV and Radio. Darwin G. Amojelar

BULLISH KOREANS. South Korean businessmen stay optimistic on possible business ventures in the Philippines as a Korean delegation, composed of representatives from various energy-related companies, visited Manila to explore investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector. The delegation had an investment briefing facilitated by Board of Investments director for International Investments Promotion Service Angelica Cayas (second from right).

With her are Cheong Choi (second from left), head of the delegation, Sang Seok Kim (left) of the Korean Standards Association and Ddrector Patrick Aquino (right) of the Energy Policy and Planning Bureau of the Department of Energy.

THE passage and implementation of the government’s tax and fiscal reforms is needed to sustain a higher economic growth such as the 6.9-percent expansion registered in the third quarter the year, the Finance Department said Friday.

The third-quarter economic expansion brought the yearto-date average to 6.7 percent, already above the lower limit of the target range of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. The strong performance of the industry and services sectors drove the growth higher.

“Solid macro-economic fundamentals will continue to support the country’s robust economic growth. The strong fiscal position backed up by robust revenue collection will support double-digit expansion in public construction which is one of the main pillars of growth,” the DoF said.

It said greater investments in infrastructure and social services such as education, health, and social protection would sustain a higher long-term growth path and translate the same into inclusive development.

“In this regard, the passage and implementation of fiscal reforms to finance these game-changing investments is most urgent,” the DoF said.

The first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act or TRAIN) was approved by the House of Representatives in May. The Senate is currently deliberating on the measure.

Finance Secretary Carlos DomingueZ III remained optimistic the TRAIN could be signed into law before the close of the year to allow the government to implement the tax reform in January next year.

Commenting on the better-than-expected 6.9-percent growth in the third quarter, Dominguez said an even better growth could be achieved in the succeeding quarters as the Duterte administration accelerated infrastructure spending and human capital development to boost the economy and move closer to financial inclusion.

Julito G. Rada

PH, China sign underwriting deal on $200-m Panda bonds FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and the top executive of the Bank of China signed this week an underwriting agreement for the planned $200-million Panda bond float of the Philippine government.

The DoF said in a statement Friday Dominguez signed the agreement with Bank of China chairman Chen Siqing in ceremonies held in Malacañang.

Bank of China is the lead underwriter for the issuance.

Dominguez thanked the Bank of China for assisting the government in facilitating the planned Panda bond issue and in organizing a Philippine economic briefing in September in Shanghai to enable local officials to present to Chinese investors the economic gains of the Philippines.

As lead underwriter, the

Bank of China committed to form an underwriting team that will purchase the Panda bonds that the Philippine government will issue, and then resell it to the Chinese market for a profit.

The underwriting agreement also named Bank of China as the book-runner of the Panda bond issue.

“We thank the Bank of China for taking the lead in helping us gain a foothold in the panda bond market.

We are very happy that the BOC has come to our assistance. We also welcome the Bank’s efforts in bringing the Philippines’ growth narrative to the Chinese investors as demonstrated in the last Philippine Economic Briefing in Shanghai, and look forward to a strengthened partnership,” Dominguez said at the signing ceremonies.

Julito G. Rada

BoI grants incentives to nine renewable energy projects

By Othel V. Campos THE Board of Investments approved nine renewable energy projects with a combined cost of P26.7 billion after qualifying for incentives under the Renewable Energy Act and the special laws list of the 2017 Investment Priorities Plan.

“Production of renewable power is becoming cheaper and it is fast becoming a better alternative towards

addressing power-sufficiency and cost-effectiveness in the economic development of our country,” said Trade Undersecretary and BoI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo.

“In other parts of the world, renewables like solar are already cheaper than fossil-fuel based power and these countries are already transitioning to a 100-percent renewable electricity. Sooner or later, we have to face

this inevitability with the expectation it will bring down power costs while ensuring enough power supply for the country,” Rodolfo said.

One of the approved projects was the P3.5-billion hydropower plant of Alsons Energy Development Corp.

Located in Barangay Amsipit and Nomoh, in the municipality of Maasim, Saranggani province, the Siguil Hydro Power project will produce 15.1

megawatts of electricity when it starts commercial operations in August 2020.

It will employ 20 personnel to man operations.

The system aims to capture the flow of Siguil River from Barangay Nomoh to Barangay Amsipit through a power station equipped with a turbine and generator. The water will be returned to the Siguil River and be discharged finally to Sarangani Bay.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Friday, November 17, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

50.9130

Japan

Yen

0.008846

0.4504

UK

Pound

1.319300

67.1695

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128049

6.5194

Switzerland

Franc

1.006137

51.2255

Canada

Dollar

0.784006

39.9161

Singapore

Dollar

0.737463

37.5465

Australia

Dollar

0.758800

38.6328

Bahrain

Dinar

2.646903

134.7618

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.5765

Brunei

Dollar

0.734754

37.4085

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.030358

1.5456

UAE

Dirham

0.272287

13.8629

Euro

Euro

1.177100

59.9297

Korea

Won

0.000913

0.0465

China

Yuan

0.150868

7.6811

India

Rupee

0.015316

0.7798

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.239521

12.1947

New Zealand

Dollar

0.685000

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033288

34.8754 1.6948 Source: PDS Bridge

B2

Business

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks bounce back; Meralco rises

T

he stock market rebounded Friday on the strongerthan-expected economic performance in the third quarter of the year and on news that Donald Trump’s tax cuts had moved a step closer.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 104.64 points, or 1.3 percent, to 8,311.08 on a thin value turnover of P5.6 billion. Gainers edged losers, 98 to 91, with 56 issues unchanged.

Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, added 1.1 percent to P322, while major property developer Ayala Land Inc. climbed 2.9 percent to P42.75.

SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon Henry Sy Sr. advanced 2.6 percent to P965.50, while Universal Robina Corp., the largest snacks food maker,

rose 3 percent to P139.

The rest of Asian markets built on the previous day’s gains and headed into the weekend on a positive note Friday.

House Republicans pushed through a landmark overhaul of the tax system on Thursday, providing the base for a record close in the Nasdaq on Wall Street at the end of a volatile week for global equities.

The plan, hailed by Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan, would mark the biggest changes in three decades and see huge reductions for corporations and individuals.

Those gains filtered through to Asia, where Tokyo ended 0.2 percent higher, though an earlier rally was pared by a stronger yen.

Hong Kong added 0.8 percent and Sydney put on 0.2 percent. Singapore added more than one percent, while

Taipei gained 0.7 percent. Wellington and Bangkok were also well up, while Jakarta gained 0.7 percent to put in on course for a record close.

But Shanghai dipped 0.5 percent and Seoul was marginally lower.

The broad gains came at the end of a week that saw heavy selling fueled by profit-taking and dealers’ worries that a rally in recent weeks had gone too far, pushing valuations too high.

“If the Senate can get its bill passed and if President Trump does end up with something on his desk he can sign into law stocks in Asia, America, and globally should catch a strong updraft and bid tone,” said Greg McKenna, chief market strategist at AxiTrader.

However, while the tax success in the House of Representatives came as a welcome boost, analysts warned there was still a long way to go for an agree-

ment to get through the Senate.

The Republicans in the upper house have a wafer-thin majority and are already struggling to get all their members onside and there are worries the reforms could go the same way as the Obamacare repeal earlier in the year.

“Passing the legislation is a major win for President Trump but there is still work to be done if the bill is to make it through the US Senate,” Cai Lewis, senior adviser at ASR Wealth Advisers, said in a note.

“I have said before that I think that the bill will ultimately pass, which will make way for debate on the much-lauded US Infrastructure bill. Now to see if Trump has learnt the lessons from the failed Obamacare repeal attempts and takes a more pragmatic approach when trying to woo votes in the Senate.”

With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.97 7,000 59.8 170,290 97.55 1,315,300 3.83 72,000 146.2 3,142,910 2.1 450,000 33.55 220,600 15.96 3,003,800 34.2 1,052,700 7.8 300 1.67 16,000 945 110 0.62 485,000 93.8 958,620 0.84 866,000 12.2 700 57.9 77,080 243 860 100.1 10 89.9 2,150 54.9 748,790 250 375,170 86.9 27,530 1.3 10,000

27,810 10,073,371 128,279,091.50 277,490 459,788,885 948,830 7,388,800 46,860,484 36,130,410 2,340 26,840 104,850 296,500 88,956,960 717,970 8,540 4,457,217 207,224 1,001 192,470 41,618,125.50 93,750,976 2,392,442.50 13,000

3,113,532 -13,509,801.50 -97,250 77,873,807 5,089,245 -14,324,715 -10,000 -183,000 10,969,594 -76,410 -1,426,988 -19,584 -25,019,613 26,961,038 -529,992.50 -

40.1 12.18 0.73 1.33 16.1 0.22 100 4.18 16.1 43.85 17.6 62.5 65.05 1.89 5.3 11.24 10.6 14.6 12.24 7.2 5.72 17.2 61.5 24.45 11.88 19.2 1.85 257.4 4.08 3.16 22.65 28.75 18.18 18.12 318.2 0.195 8.5 2.48 5.89 9.68 7.2 9.3 1.58 11.98 59.9 491 4.96 4.72 1.85 12.9 5.03 0.138 1.17 135 1.93 0.67

INDUSTRIAL 41.2 587,100 12.52 1,619,700 0.73 75,000 1.36 191,000 17 19,100 0.226 6,620,000 114.5 450 4.23 6,005,000 16.1 600,300 45 604,600 17.8 7,100 64.95 270 67.9 80 1.9 211,000 5.49 353,300 11.54 7,000 10.64 3,493,100 14.8 170,000 12.4 285,100 7.3 627,700 5.74 3,880,300 17.4 983,600 61.6 123,020 24.55 271,900 11.88 230,600 19.46 3,095,500 1.89 1,202,000 259.8 733,970 4.19 165,000 3.31 90,000 22.65 100 28.9 301,500 18.2 670,600 18.2 2,411,000 322 1,533,970 0.198 3,090,000 8.5 24,700 2.48 6,725,000 6 76,100 9.69 2,657,400 7.5 63,500 9.4 19,200 1.59 1,461,000 12.54 862,300 59.95 1,157,480 494.6 10,420 5 1,578,000 4.95 24,000 1.98 906,000 12.94 103,600 5.07 171,100 0.138 710,000 1.18 31,000 139 794,800 1.97 1,970,000 0.69 2,139,000

24,079,720 20,167,494 54,830 256,730 320,386 1,502,470 48,118 25,406,530 9,747,364 27,110,150 125,740 17,414 5,261 400,250 1,886,567 78,730 37,425,880 2,515,034 3,513,682 4,572,310 22,264,609 17,116,028 7,579,414.50 6,708,505 2,744,046 60,839,959 2,256,950 190,297,856 686,980 293,570 2,265 8,713,655 12,202,160 43,875,582 491,573,456 603,810 213,178 16,715,030 453,835 25,801,963 466,337 181,780 2,322,570 10,709,210 69,529,000 5,200,108 7,892,396 115,350 1,746,790 1,341,514 880,469 97,980 36,570 109,069,498 3,885,060 1,481,250

4,821,570 -43,142 -5,044,310 3,102,164 -81,000 2,632,602 619,994 -376,620 3,684,197 50,208 -22,514.00 -4,225,138 1,074,384 -4,338,658 111,600 128,510,692 -2,265 -5,047,540 1,949,248 10,332,302 235,546,526 502,150 -2,410,580 38,035 -17,673,008 -38,920 1,618,230 2,692,532 -5,754,073 365,306 6,248,703 -159,540 760,196 4,563 15,260,575 -

0.34 72 15.5 1.05 7 0.415 0.43 1,025 8 14.68 8 1,180 7.63 74.9 5.3 5.35 0.72 5.61 18.32 0.395 6.7 0.048 1.21 2.07 114.1 2.58 976.5 1.52 290 0.23 0.19 0.198

0.34 69.5 15.28 0.96 6.93 0.385 0.39 1,010 7.7 14.48 7.85 1,157 7.63 73.1 5.3 5.35 0.68 5.5 18.1 0.395 6.56 0.046 1.18 2.06 113 2.58 950 1.45 285 0.225 0.188 0.198

HOLDING FIRMS 0.34 20,000 70 593,530 15.5 6,743,800 1.05 83,000 6.94 106,100 0.395 21,480,000 0.41 3,320,000 1,013 298,055 7.7 1,316,800 14.5 5,364,200 7.85 1,400 1,169 47,395 7.63 3,000 74 645,800 5.3 4,000 5.35 200 0.71 299,000 5.5 1,582,200 18.3 1,929,500 0.395 20,000 6.69 12,711,100 0.047 10,200,000 1.21 163,000 2.07 144,000 113 137,930 2.58 2,000 965.5 146,820 1.48 870,000 290 790 0.23 60,000 0.19 390,000 0.198 1,160,000

6,800 41,840,658 103,694,512 83,120 738,263 8,499,900 1,329,500 302,869,195 10,307,271 78,070,814 11,105 55,398,470 22,890 47,865,157.50 21,200 1,070 205,790 8,761,941 35,233,556 7,900 84,436,496 478,900 194,230 297,140 15,604,700 5,160 141,849,200 1,283,510 228,926 13,650 73,720 229,680

5,967,936 -44,203,024 671,640 80,000 -106,638,000 -5,478,650 -12,643,856 -7,672,210 8,578,271.50 2,307,147 15,859,320 -7,250,410 -32,900 6,696,085 44,897,880 -2,752 -

5.42 0.98 8.82 2.52 0.97 42.75 3.8 4.88 5.46 0.49 1.15 0.203 0.48 40 0.68 0.138 1.9 1.52 0.81 4.16 5.46 0.345 0.395

5.4 0.93 8.58 2.5 0.94 41.9 3.75 4.8 5.35 0.47 1.15 0.2 0.47 38.3 0.66 0.138 1.84 1.49 0.79 4.15 5.35 0.33 0.365

1,040,916 6,079,090 43,380 508,460 1,592,480 314,211,560 3,422,160 1,029,420 99,506 15,474,700 125,350 526,530 305,600 19,652,470 124,440 15,180 58,049,020 15,002,220 148,100 332,050 185,926,665 13,052,250 1,414,900

295,890 -125,000 -13,749,275.00 -897,740 40,950 -2,106,650 10,050 4,800 1,986,150.00 4,693,140 2,850,600 98,174,438 83,750 -4,400

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 IREMIT MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK VANTAGE

3.99 59 97.45 3.9 146.5 2.19 33.3 15.6 34 7.8 1.68 1,000 0.6 91.5 0.87 12.2 58 244.8 100.1 88.5 55.5 250.2 87 1.3

3.99 59.8 97.9 3.9 147 2.19 33.55 15.96 34.6 7.8 1.68 1,000 0.62 94 0.88 12.2 58 244.8 100.1 90 56.1 251.8 87.3 1.3

3.97 58.5 97.1 3.83 145.4 2.06 33.3 15.6 34 7.8 1.67 945 0.6 91.5 0.8 12.2 57.7 240 100.1 88.5 54.05 249 86.8 1.3

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

41 12.38 0.75 1.35 16.12 0.22 100 4.3 16.3 45 17.8 62.5 65.05 1.89 5.35 11.28 10.78 14.8 12.36 7.25 5.72 17.2 62 24.45 11.92 20.35 1.88 260 4.08 3.16 22.65 28.75 18.4 18.22 318.6 0.195 8.54 2.48 5.9 9.71 7.42 9.68 1.6 12.48 61.35 495 5.1 4.72 1.94 13 5.03 0.138 1.17 135.1 1.94 0.67

41.3 12.56 0.75 1.36 17 0.232 114.9 4.3 16.32 45 17.8 64.95 67.9 1.9 5.49 11.54 10.92 14.8 12.4 7.3 5.74 17.5 62 25.35 11.94 20.35 1.93 260 4.22 3.33 22.65 29.05 18.4 18.3 324 0.198 8.9 2.5 6.12 9.8 7.55 9.68 1.6 12.54 61.35 510 5.1 4.95 1.98 13 5.2 0.138 1.18 139 2 0.71

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT KEPPEL HLDG A KEPPEL HLDG B LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG 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 15.46 0.96 7 0.4 0.405 1,016 8 14.6 8 1,161 7.63 73.45 5.3 5.35 0.72 5.61 18.1 0.395 6.6 0.047 1.21 2.06 113.9 2.58 958 1.47 290 0.23 0.188 0.198

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

5.4 0.98 8.7 2.51 0.94 41.9 3.78 4.85 5.36 0.49 1.15 0.201 0.47 38.3 0.66 0.138 1.89 1.52 0.8 4.16 5.35 0.335 0.37

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.53 6.71 23.8 2.1 3.18 36 1.04 6.8 0.83 6.1

0.53 6.87 24.25 2.16 3.18 36.6 1.04 7.49 0.88 6.2

0.52 6.7 23.75 1.88 3.18 35.75 1.02 6.75 0.83 6.04

0.52 6.86 23.95 2.06 3.18 35.75 1.02 7.45 0.84 6.2

3,682,000 2,219,300 4,259,300 6,803,000 23,000 6,079,400 172,000 1,100 26,000 2,537,800

1,916,990 15,136,563 102,510,025 13,976,190 73,140 218,563,825 176,960 7,678 21,870 15,537,736

15,600 325,298 -18,663,925 -305,970 -31,800 459,350 -675 -5,872,175

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

17.42 37.6 1.52 0.475 0.05 10.2 0.07 100.3 8.82 9.25 7.12 1,920 5.9 18.2 3.06 2.38 101 13 8.34 0.144 1.39 3.1 15.3 3.7 1.27 22.75 0.52 2.75 6.69 3.96 15.64 3.14 11.08 5 210 8.45 1,675 1.34 0.34 49.3 92 5.94 3.33 1.65 1.9 3.8 0.9 8.25

17.42 37.8 1.55 0.48 0.051 10.38 0.072 102.7 8.82 9.37 7.12 1,944 5.9 18.2 3.32 2.44 105 13 8.35 0.15 1.39 3.28 15.8 3.84 1.28 23.65 0.53 2.82 6.73 3.99 16 3.14 11.08 5.1 214 8.45 1,677 1.35 0.36 49.3 93 5.94 3.59 1.65 1.9 3.81 1.05 8.25

17.2 37.6 1.39 0.47 0.047 10.02 0.07 100 8.82 9.25 7.12 1,915 5.8 18.2 3 2.36 101 12 8.32 0.144 1.39 3.1 15.3 3.7 1.25 22.45 0.52 2.75 6.54 3.96 15.64 3.03 11.08 5 210 8.2 1,651 1.33 0.325 47.3 91 5.88 3.31 1.62 1.9 3.75 0.89 8.12

SERVICES 17.3 37.8 1.54 0.47 0.049 10.02 0.071 100.4 8.82 9.27 7.12 1,915 5.81 18.2 3.3 2.44 105 12 8.35 0.15 1.39 3.28 15.8 3.83 1.25 22.85 0.52 2.82 6.57 3.96 16 3.09 11.08 5.09 210 8.35 1,660 1.33 0.34 47.85 92 5.88 3.36 1.65 1.9 3.79 1.05 8.18

72,900 13,500 1,926,000 4,110,000 22,840,000 5,166,900 19,420,000 294,510 5,400 477,300 2,300 38,575 1,174,000 22,700 14,119,000 49,000 586,740 14,100 392,000 3,800,000 21,000 139,000 1,100 1,137,000 1,500,000 2,977,400 15,000 287,000 1,178,500 563,000 800 10,550,000 1,000 5,900 27,370 158,100 62,035 3,788,000 1,350,000 6,516,200 193,690 55,200 4,607,000 4,373,000 3,000 153,000 27,039,000 5,191,900

1,260,154 509,465 2,790,660 1,938,250 1,109,080 52,652,674 1,375,710 29,795,056 47,628 4,440,156 16,376 74,085,375 6,844,738 413,140 45,150,130 116,310 60,855,206 171,550 3,269,943 562,090 29,190 447,810 16,880 4,319,060 1,887,990 68,099,550 7,900 793,860 7,778,791 2,235,250 12,764 32,530,700 11,080 30,063 5,755,050 1,304,516 103,183,055 5,066,440 461,450 312,844,810 17,817,461.50 327,256 15,674,380 7,154,980 5,700 577,540 26,822,740 42,486,382

5,166 845,510 -156,750 -9,866,184 -709.9999 5,142,726 229,005 -32,052,245 -1,069,910 30,680 10,183,935 -64,000 -832,060 -622,450 -9,712,445 1,968,644 -19,850 -62,180 -236,460 -25,444,050 -1,756,100 66,500 -90,611,840 -11,005,894.50 -1,373,320 895,170 192,840 6,146,810 13,059,321.00

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

0.0024 1.67 4.81 14.1 1.76 1.78 1.62 0.36 7.6 2.91 0.248 0.154 0.156 0.01 0.011 1.86 6.79 1.65 0.465 0.98 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.29 7.41 9.05 38

0.0027 1.71 4.82 14.9 1.76 1.78 1.68 0.365 7.95 2.94 0.255 0.155 0.156 0.011 0.011 1.9 6.88 1.65 0.465 0.98 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.32 7.45 9.18 38

0.0024 1.66 4.8 14.1 1.76 1.77 1.6 0.36 7.45 2.87 0.247 0.152 0.155 0.01 0.011 1.86 6.79 1.54 0.465 0.97 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.29 7.39 8.83 36.8

MINING & OIL 0.0025 6,503,000,000 1.67 2,741,000 4.8 113,000 14.9 500 1.76 4,000 1.78 60,000 1.68 3,939,000 0.365 260,000 7.95 2,200 2.93 4,812,000 0.255 360,000 0.153 4,570,000 0.155 5,000,000 0.01 28,200,000 0.011 100,000 1.89 277,000 6.82 953,100 1.61 131,000 0.465 100,000 0.97 302,000 0.012 5,200,000 0.012 197,900,000 0.011 16,600,000 2.32 11,000 7.39 286,400 8.98 5,629,200 36.8 3,498,800

16,736,600 4,626,470 542,950 7,270 7,040 106,680 6,472,040 94,650 16,635 14,004,200 89,010 698,690 775,450 296,700 1,100 519,750 6,505,289 202,280 46,500 293,980 62,400 2,374,800 182,600 25,390 2,121,645 50,873,452 129,707,185

304,600 -610 -4,810 3,089,300 -174,800 558,000 27,900 1,730,689 -364,737 -1,130,207 -88,060,420

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF F FPH PREF C GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PNX PREF 3B SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

37.5 549 516 104.6 108 517 522 5.5 1,020 1.07 109 1,049 114.9 77 82.45 78.1 81.5 79 79.85

37.5 549 535 104.6 108 517 522 5.5 1,020 1.07 109 1,049 114.9 78.05 82.95 78.1 81.5 79 79.85

37 549 516 104.6 108 517 521 5.45 1,020 1.07 106 1,049 114.9 77 82.45 78.1 81.5 78.5 79.85

PREFERRED 37 689,000 549 180 535 1,010 104.6 90 108 11,000 517 30 521 2,000 5.47 1,039,600 1,020 980 1.07 1,000 106 7,670 1,049 1,500 114.9 100 78 17,830 82.8 39,300 78.1 1,280 81.5 5,000 78.5 13,900 79.85 30,700

25,581,555 98,820 521,350 9,414 1,188,000 15,510 1,042,030 5,694,188 999,600 1,070 816,030 1,573,500 11,490 1,373,931 3,257,210 99,968 407,500 1,097,850 2,451,395

2,097,990 -5,674,420 407,500 -

LR WARRANT

2.29

2.41

2.27

WARRANTS 2.36 163,000

383,020

-

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

13.52 3.05 3.97

13.52 3.05 3.98

12.3 3 3.8

12.9 3 3.9

45,686,240 249,800 14,007,510

250,238 -2,828,080

FIRST METRO ETF

125.7

126.1

125

25,424,751

71,820

USD DMPL A1

10

10

10

8,000

-8,000

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 5.42 0.96 8.58 2.5 0.96 42.75 3.8 4.86 5.46 0.485 1.15 0.202 0.48 38.75 0.67 0.138 1.84 1.51 0.79 4.15 5.42 0.34 0.395

192,600 6,397,000 5,000 203,000 1,663,000 7,393,300 905,000 212,000 18,300 32,170,000 109,000 2,620,000 650,000 502,500 187,000 110,000 31,378,000 10,027,000 185,000 80,000 34,294,800 38,540,000 3,670,000

T RADING S UMMARY

SME

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 126.1 203,370 10

DDS

SHARES

VALUE

13,385,467

957,324,117.76

INDUSTRIAL

62,576,980

1,351,382,722.311

HOLDING FIRMS

70,107,675

974,103,488.313

PROPERTY

197,410,812

1,006,194,977.935

SERVICES

149,091,421

1,014,787,679.46

FINANCIAL

3,602,700 83,000 3,633,000

MINING & OIL

6,784,124,137

237,411,942.94

GRAND TOTAL

7,284,227,566

5,626,606,351.38

800

FINANCIAL 2,069.43 (up) 9.08 INDUSTRIAL 11,059.05 (up) 96.38 HOLDING FIRMS 8,441.42 (up) 115.69 PROPERTY 3866.40 (up) 54.69 SERVICES 1,653.51 (up) 10.43 MINING & OIL 12,118.50 (down) 108.28 PSEI 8,311.08 (up) 104.64 All Shares Index 4,873.82 (up) 39.14 Gainers: 98; Losers: 91; Unchanged: 56; Total: 245

Petron obtains nod to refinance securities

By Alena Mae S. Flores PETRON Corp., the bigger of the two oil refiners, received consent to refinance $750 million in undated subordinated capital securities issued in 2013.

“Undated subordinated capital securities of the company was duly passed by the requisite majority of holders of the securities. Accordingly, the company and the trustee entered into a supplemental deed amending certain terms and conditions of the securities and the trust deed,” Petron said in a disclosure.

The management of Petron Corp. authorized the solicitation of consents from the holders of the company’s $750-million undated subordinated capital securities in October.

The securities are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. Petron has sought approval of certain amendments to the trust deed dated February 6,2013 as amended and supplemented from time to time.

“The company intends to issue new undated capital securities to repurchase, refinance and/or redeem the 2013 securities and is seeking the proposed amendments by way of the consent solicitation to confirm its ability to issue the new securities,” Petron said.

Petron said the new securities were expected to be senior to the 2013 securities.

The company issued the undated subordinated capital securities in two tranches at $500 million and $250 million, respectively, in 2013.

Petron, controlled by San Miguel Corp., owns a 180,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Bataan The company is pursuing the expansion of the Bataan refinery and plans to lease land on the industrial park of PNOC Alternative Fuels Corp. in Limay, Bataan.

8990 says listing of preferred shares set 8990 Holdings Inc. is set to list its series A preferred shares offering with the Philippine Stock Exchange on December 1 in order to raise funds to fund its mass housing expansion.

The company said Friday the offering period began on November 17 and would end on November 23.

“So far, we are extremely happy with the market’s response. Our goal for 2017 is to strengthen our balance sheet.

The P5-billion preferred shares issuance is part of our strategy to achieve this, allowing us to focus more on expanding our portfolio of mass housing projects across the country,” 8990 chief operating officer Willie Uy said.

The preferred share issuance is cumulative, non-voting, nonparticipating, non-convertible, redeemable peso-denominated with an issue size of 50 million shares at P100 apiece. 8990 has the option to redeem the preferred shares in whole on the fifth anniversary of its listing date.

Otherwise, a step-up rate will replace the current dividend rate on the fifth anniversary of its listing date, unless the preferred shares are redeemed by the company.

8990 said the P5-billion offering was the first tranche of its 100 million preferred shares shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission valid for three years.

The PSE approved the company’s application for the listing of the shares on the main board of the PSE on November 8, 2017. Alena Mae S. Flores

Standard

TODAY

Pentagon steps up attacks in Somalia WASHINGTON―The US military has quietly increased the tempo of its operations in Somalia, conducting a growing number of drone strikes against AlQaeda affiliated Shabaab militants and other jihadists.

Since the start of the year, America has carried out 28 drone strikes in the Horn of Africa nation, with 15 of these coming since September 1, the military’s Africa Command (AFRICOM) said.

That’s a big increase from last year. According to the London-based Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which maintains a tally of US operations in Somalia and elsewhere, there were 15 antiShabaab air strikes in the whole of 2016.

The surge in activity comes as the US watches for an influx of fighters from the Islamic State group, which has lost almost all its territory in Iraq and Syria.

The US conducted a pair of drone strikes against IS in Somalia on November 3, the first time it has hit the jihadists there.

Though the Pentagon has provided few details about the strikes, spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said this week that US forces had killed 40 Shabaab and IS fighters in a series of five strikes on Somalia between November 9 and 12.

On Wednesday, AFRICOM announced a sixth strike that killed “several” Shabaab militants 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu. AFP

1.

SYDNEY―Aboriginal children are subjected to “shocking” treatment at youth detention centers in northern Australia, an investigation revealed Friday, after a video of violence against mostly indigenous boys sparked outrage.

The damning report said detained children suffered physical abuse, were en-

couraged or paid to perform humiliating acts and denied essentials like food, water and the use of toilets.

It also found that isolation was used inappropriately and punitively, which “caused suffering to very many young people and likely caused them enduring psychological damage”.

The government or-

C

OX’S BAZAR― Widowed and alone 21-year-old Umme Kulthum had hoped for a fresh start in Bangladesh, but was forced into prostitution instead, falling victim to what aid groups and officials say is a growing trafficking scourge targeting refugees.

Women and children make up the majority of the more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar for neighboring Bangladesh, many escaping with only the clothes on their back and desperate to survive any way they can.

Confined to congested tent cities near the border without any prospect of work, refugees are willing to take whatever comes their way -- and many have fallen prey to traffickers, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

MIAMI―Passenger pigeons were once so plentiful they could darken the daytime sky when they flew over North America, but oddly, their abundance may have played a role in their extinction, researchers said Thursday.

Though it may seem counterintuitive, the pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius), evolved quickly and in the process, lost certain traits that might have been useful for surviving in smaller groups, said the study in the journal Science.

The findings have implications for other creatures threatened by swift changes in the world around them.

“Our results suggest that even species with large and stable population sizes can be at risk of extinc-

Young girls in particular are at high risk, with the IOM documenting cases of refugees being lured with promises of marriage or jobs in big cities that end instead in forced labour or sex work.

“In one case, a number of adolescent girls, who were promised work as domestic helpers in Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong, were forced into prostitution,” the IOM said in a statement this week.

Kulthum lost her husband in the ethnic violence that tore through Myanmar’s Rakhine state this year.

Separated from her parents and

tion after a sudden environmental change,” said the study led by Beth Shapiro, a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Numbering three to five billion before they began to decline in the 1800s due to a surge in hunting, these social birds were once “the most abundant bird in North America, and possibly the world,” said the report.

And although large populations of animals tend to be genetically quite diverse, researchers were stunned by their analysis of four extinct pigeon genomes, which were compared to two modern carrier pigeons.

They found that passenger pigeon diversity was “surprisingly low,” said the study.

Researchers also found areas of very high diversity in the genomes, which told researchers the birds had been around for 20,000 years or more―another surprise.

The last passenger pigeon died in a US zoo in 1914.

Until now, the prevailing theory was the birds went extinct due to a booming commercial hunting industry that forced their populations to become demographically isolated, leading to lots of inbreeding, lower genetic diversity and weaker health.

But the latest findings suggest the reason was more complex.

The birds evolved quickly and may have adapted to large social groups, hunting and breeding together.

Flying in gargantuan masses, their sheer size protected them against predators.

But in smaller groups, the theory goes, these defenses fell short, leading the birds’ relatively quick die-off in the matter of a few decades.

“Passenger pigeons may have evolved traits that were adaptive when their population was large but that made it more difficult for them to survive after their population was diminished by the commercial harvest,” said the report. AFP

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NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GILDA CATALINA C. LIM was extrajudicially settled by and among her heirs as per affidavit executed on November 03, 2017 and entered as Doc. No. 324, Page No. 65, Book No. 8-A Series of 2017 of the notarial registry of Atty. Jose B. Dunluan, a notary public for and in the City of Mandaluyong.

Advertising Department 832-5547

(MS-NOV. 4,11 & 18, 2017)

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF CY 2017 BEFF -BATCH 3 SCHOOL FURNITURE PROGRAM

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF CY 2017 BEFF -BATCH 3 SCHOOL FURNITURE PROGRAM 1.

1.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON, through the Fiscal Year CY 2017 GAA RA No. 10924 intends to apply the sum of Thirty Five Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php35,155,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of CY 2017 BEFF-Batch 3 School Furniture Program. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

3.

Batangas City Lipa City Tanauan City Total

4.

5.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission oftheir bids.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity. provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON will hold a Pre-Bid Conference2 on November 24, 2017 at 11 :00 am. to be held at the Director’s Office Conference Room, which shall be open to prospective bidders.

6.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON will hold a Pre-Bid Conference2 on November 24, 2017 at 10:00 am to be held at the Director’s Office Conference Room. which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before December 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. . All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in lTB Clause 18.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before December 7. 2017 at 11:30 a.m .. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any ofthe acceptable forms and in the amount stated in lTB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on December 7, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at the Director’s Office Conference Room. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

Bid opening shall be on December 7. 2017. 11:30 a. m. at the Director’s Office Conforence Room. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON reserves the right to reject any and all bids declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its lRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

8.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure .of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to :

9.

For further information, please refer to:

Ann Geralyn T Pelias DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Drive. Cainta. Rizal 6477487 & 6474914 www.depedcalabarzon.ph

Ann Geralyn T Pelias DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangqlan Drive, Cainta, Rizal 6477487 & 6474914 www.depedcalabarzon.ph (SGD) ANN GERALYN T. PELIAS BAC Chairperson

Mav be deleted ill case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000.00) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

1 (MS-NOV. 18, 2017)

96 96 64 73

Php21,360,000.00 4,272,000.00 4,272,000.00 2,848,000.00 Php32,852,000.00

Laguna

20 ,160

448

Php19,936,000.00

Sta Rosa City San Pablo City Calamba Binan City Total

2,880 4,320 5,760 2,880 36,000

64 96 128 64 800

2,848,000.00 4,272,000.00 5,696,000.00 2,848,000.00 Php35,600,000.00

Rizal

20,160

448

Php19,936,000.00

Antipolo City Total

5,760 25,920

128 576

5,696,000.00 Php25,632,000.00

Cavite

20,160

448

Php19,936,000.00

Cavite City Dasmarinas City Imus Bacoor Total

1,440 4320 4320 2,880 33,120

32 96 96 64 736

1,424,000.00 4,272,000.00 4,272,000.00 2,848,000.00 Php32,752,000.00

CIuster V -------------ABC -------Php15,664,000.00 Quezon

11,520

256

Php11,392,000.00

Lucena City Tayabas City Total

2,880 1,440 15,840

64 32 352

2,848,000.00 1,424,000.00 Php15,664,000.00

2.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON now invites bids for the Procurement of CY 2017 BEFF School Furniture Batch 3. Delivery of the Goods is expected for the Contract duration of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”. (i)

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

4.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepED Region lV-A CALABARZON (BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hour at 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

5.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on November 17, 201 7 from the address below and upon payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,OOO.OO). Note: For lot procurement, the maximum fee for the Bidding Documents for each lot shall be based on its ABC, in accordance with the Guidelines issued by the GPPB; provided that the total fees for the Bidding Documents of all lots shall not exceed the maximum fee prescribed in the Guidelines for the sum of the ABC of all lots.}.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhiIGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that Bidders shall pay the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

6.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON will hold a Pre-Bid Conference2 on November 24, 2017 at 10:30 am. to be held at the Director’s Office Conference Room. which shall be open to prospective bidders.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before December 7, 2017 at 10:30 a.m .. All Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

Bid opening shall be on December 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at the Director ‘s Office Conference Room. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

The DepED Region lV-A CALABARZON reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information, please refer to: Ann Geralyn T. Pelias DepED Region lV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Drive, Cainta, Rizal 6477487 & 6474914 www.depedcalabarzon.ph (SGD) ANN GERALYN T. PELIAS BAC Chairperson

(SGD) ANN GERAL YN T. PELIAS BAC Chairperson 3

4,320 4,320 2,880 33,120

Amount

CIuster IV -------------ABC -------Php---32,752,000.00

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on November 17, 2017 from the address below and upan payment of the applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the amount of Twenty Thousand Pesos (Php20,000.00). Note: For lot procurement, the maximum fee for the Bidding Documents for each lot shall be based on its ABC, in accordance with the Guidelines issued by the GPPB; provided that the total fees for the Bidding Documents of all lots shall not exceed the maximum fee prescribed in the Guidelines for the sum of the ABC of all lots.}.

TTC 480

CIuster III -------ABC ------Php-----Php25,632,000.00

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON (BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hour at 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

No. of ES/JHS armchair 21 ,600

Cluster II ------ABC------------Ph 35, 600, 000. 00

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON now invites bids for the Procurement of CY 2017 BEFF School Furniture Batch 3. Delivery of the Goods is expected for the Contract duration of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section U. Instructions to Bidders.

(i)

Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, and to citizens or organizations of a country the laws or regulations of which grant similar rights or privileges to Filipino citizens, pursuant to RA 5183.

Mav be deleted ill case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000.00) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

Division Batangas

Only those Cooperatives are allowed to participate.

2.

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON, through the Fiscal Year CY 2017 OAA RA No. 10924 intends to apply the sum of One Hundred Forty Two Million Four Hundred Thousand Pesos (php142,400,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of CY 201 7 BEFF -Batch 3 School Furniture Program. Bids received in excess of the ABC per Cluster shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

Cluster I ----------ABC --------Php32, 852,000.00

35,550 pieces --ES/JHS armchair 790 sets --------ES/JHSS (TIC)

Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on November 17, 2017 from the address below and upon poyment ofthe applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest Guidelines issued by the GP PB, in the _ amounl of Forty Thousand Pesos (Php40,000.00). Note: For lot procurement, the maximum fee for the Bidding Documents for each lot shall be based on its ABC, in accordance with the Guidelines issued by Ihe GPPB; provided thatlhe tolal fees for the Bidding Documents of all lots shall not exceed the maximum fee prescribed in the Guidelines for the sum of the ABC of all lots.}.

1

She later learned the man who promised to marry her had been paid 8,000 taka ($100) to deliver her there.

“I became scared, but didn’t have the least idea what was in store for me,” she told AFP in the border district of Cox’s Bazar.

“I was sold to become a prostitute,” she said, weeping at the memory of the ordeal.

Human trafficking networks have expanded as the refugee population has climbed and are now “rife” throughout the camps, the IOM said. AFP

INVITATION TO BID PROCUREMENT OF CY 2017 BEFF -BATCH 2 SCHOOL FURNITURE PROGRAM

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON now invites bids for the Procurement of CY 2017 BEFF School Furniture Batch 2 . Delivery of the Goods is expected for the Contract duration of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days. Bidders should have completed, within five (5) years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

(MS-NOV. 18, 2017)

children during the journey to Bangladesh, she was approached by a Rohingya man after arriving in Kutupalong, a gigantic camp housing hundreds of thousands of refugees.

His marriage proposal offered a brighter future away from the squalor of the camp and a chance to lay her unhappy memories to rest.

But the couple were never married.

Instead Kulthum―not her real name―said she was taken to a brothel, where she was dosed with methamphetamine and forced to have sex with up to seven men a day.

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Cainta. Rizal

5.

3

a ban on the detention of children under 14 and wider engagement with Aboriginal organizations for child protection.

The federal government on Friday described the commission’s findings as “abhorrent”, pledging to work with the territory government to address the recommendations. AFP

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Cainta. Rizal

Interested bidders may obtain further information from DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON (BAC Secretariat) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below during office hour at 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

7.

highest levels”.

It added that the region’s government failed to provide proper support to children and families, to prevent youth detention.

The commission has called for the closure of Don Dale and made a raft of recommendations to overhaul the territory’s youth justice system, including

Republic of the Philippines Department of Education REGION IV-A CALABARZON Gate 2 Karangalan Village, Cainta. Rizal

4.

6.

hooded and shackled to a chair, which was likened to the treatment of suspected militants in Guantanamo Bay. The royal commission looking into the Northern Territory abuse said the “shocking and systemic failures occurred over many years and were known and ignored at the

Passenger pigeons, now extinct, needed big flocks to survive

The DepED Region IV-A CALABARZON, through the Fiscal Year CY 2017 GAA RA No. 10924 intends to apply the sum of Ninety Six Million Nine Hundred Twenty Thousand Six Hundred Pesos (Php96,920,600.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Procurement of CY 2017 BEFF -Batch 2 School Furniture Program. Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

(i)

dered the royal commission, a national inquiry, into youth detention last year after public broadcaster ABC aired footage showing children being tear-gassed and mistreated at the Northern Territory’s Don Dale detention center in 2014 and 2015.

The disturbing scenes included a 17-year-old boy

Trafficking of Rohingya rife

Furniture Package for Kindergarten: 1 -modular table (wood & steel) 1 -chair (plastic) 43 sets 1 -cuddy (all wood) 1 -display shelf (all wood) Science Laboratory Table & Stool --336 sets (wood & steel) Working Table & Stools set -----------1,211 sets (wood & steel) ES/JHS Armchair -------------------------79,830 pcs Teacher’s Table/Chair --------------------1,774· sets SHS armchair (40. CL) ----------------2,560 pcs SHS Teacher’ s Table/Chair set--------164 set

3.

B3

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017 Cesar Barrioquinto, Editor

Probe: Aboriginal children suffer shocking treatment

One Lot ----------------Approved Budget for the Contract ----Php96,920,600.00

2.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

World

Manila

Mav be deleted ill case the ABC is less than One Million Pesos (PhP1,000,000.00) where the Procuring Entity may not hold a Pre-Bid Conference.

1 (MS-NOV. 18, 2017)

3

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Dino Ray Directo III, Editor

B4

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

An artist rendering of how Tesla's e-truck will look like

Trucks &Buses

TESLA

keeps industry on its heel Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III

After being delayed for the second time, will Tesla's e-Truck be finally launched this month?

Metal FRESH

UPS goes electric, ditches diesel trucks

DAF Principal visits RP distributor FOLLOWING the successful launch of its sprawling truck facility and future site of its showroom, DAF Trucks N.V. of the Netherlands sent an emissary as a sign of its commitment to develop the brand in the domestic market. “I am happy with the way Pioneer Trucks is representing DAF in the Philippines. Our partnership is strategic to the long term plans of the brand in the Southeast Asian market,” states Geert van Genugten, Area Director for Asia-Ocenia Sales Operations of DAF N.V. Aaron Go, managing partner of Pioneer Trucks, the exclusive distributor of DAF Trucks in the country, acted as tour guide for Genugten as they went around the provincial dealers of DAF around the country.

“We showed our partners at DAF our dealer network and our readiness to expand and carve out a profitable niche in the country,” adds Go. DAF Ph is set to introduce the new generation CF and XF trucks, which set a new standard in transport efficiency and driver comfort. Engine innovations, new drivelines and aerodynamic optimizations result in up to seven percent lower fuel consumption. The new generation CF and XF also feature lower weight for increased payload and an updated interior and exterior design for the highest driver comfort and greatest appeal. These excellent new trucks provide customers with the lowest operating cost and the highest uptime.

PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business.

UPS and Unique Electric Solutions LLC (UES LLC) will design, build, test and make the conversions. The project supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s aggressive goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 by replacing diesel vehicles with clean technology.

“Public-private partnerships help push innovation forward and transform industries,” said Carlton Rose, President, global fleet maintenance and engineering, UPS. “This program will help UPS develop and deploy electric delivery trucks faster and more affordably. Because they are cleaner and quieter, electric vehicles are ideal for dense urban environments like New York City and are a critical part of our strategy for the future.”

NYSERDA is providing $500,000 in funding to develop and test the conversion system. If successful, the Bronx-based project is expected to bring a production version of the converted truck to the streets of New York City

by Spring 2018. In addition to producing a new, cost-effective all-electric conversion kit, the project will deliver a blueprint for converting up to three UPS vehicles a day. This could lead to the conversion of up to 1,500 UPS delivery trucks, which is about 66% of UPS’s NYC fleet, operating in New York City by 2022.

The conversions will be based on unique electric vehicle technology developed by Unique Electric Solutions. The core system features a 225kW Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) with a high voltage back bone optimized for the duty cycle of UPS delivery trucks. SRMs are simpler, cheaper and better suited for electric vehicles over conventional induction motors and do not rely on the use of magnets made from imported rare earth metals like permanent magnet motors do. Overall, the UES SRM propulsion system provides more miles per battery charge, reducing charging times and increasing energy efficiency up to 20%.

This project is part of UPS’s commitment to helping cities and states around the world reduce carbon and other tailpipe emissions as urban areas and e-commerce grow. UPS operates more than 770 electric or hybrid electric vehicles in urban settings around the world. They are part of a fleet of more than 8,500 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide. UPS recently set a goal that by 2020 one in four vehicles purchased annually will use alternative fuels or advanced technology. The company

I

NITIALLY planned to be introduced to the public last October 26, TESLA has again rescheduled the launch date of its electric truck sometime this month, although no date has yet been set. Industry insiders have revealed that an on-line invitation from the California based EV manufacturers have been leaked regarding its target launch date supposedly later this week.

Fresh images leaked on-line (possibly from TESLA) shows the front fascia of the electric truck, with the front head lamps mounted lower than the conventional design of standard trucks. Elon Musk, TESLA’s forward thinking Founder and CEO, is hoping to fix all bottlenecks by the middle of this month to fast track the production and simultaneous launch of the Model 3 and the e-Truck. It was revealed that Model 3 production had fallen way short of its initial 1,600 target, with only 260 models produced and 220 delivered thus far. Around 20,000 Model 3’s were expected to be produced by the end of this year.

Musk also addressed the damage caused

by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and other surrounding islands. Tesla is set to increase battery production for the affected areas which in turn has diverted production away from the launch of the all-electric semi-truck.

Despite the delays, Musk remains optimistic and has described the electric car company’s first commercial vehicle as a “beast”, whetting the appetite of the industry by adding, “it’s unreal”. Reuters earlier reported that the truck could have a real-world range of between 200 and 300 miles after speaking to a source close to the company.

According to Scott Perry, an executive at US-based fleet operator Ryder System Inc., who allegedly met with the maker earlier this year, Tesla will kick off with a small-range model before later expanding to rival longdistance rigs capable of more than 1,000 miles on a single charge.

Perry said he met with Tesla officials earlier this year to discuss the technology at the automaker’s manufacturing facility in Fremont, California.

“Right out of the gate I think that’s where they’ll start,” Perry told Reuters. He also suggested the first Tesla truck would be a “day cab” with no sleeper section, as found in many US and European lorries. It’s likely Tesla will add this feature, as and when the vehicle is capable of a longer usable range.

Isah V. Red, Editor Bernadette Lunas, Writer isahred@gmail.com satuRday, noVemBeR 18, 2017

The Astrodome a day after Yolanda (left) and today (right)

TacLoban rises from the Yolanda’s debris

C1

Life

HealtH and environment

By Isah V. Red

I

Tacloban Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez (left), former Mayor and Tacloban hero Alfred Romualdez (right) at Anibong in Tacloban.

Survivors visit their departed

F YOU’RE a frequent traveler and Tacloban City in Leyte is one of the cities in the country you visit regularly, you certainly could be thinking whether it should remain on your list.

Why shouldn’t it?

After all, it has been four years since Yolanda nearly wiped the city off the map with 6,300 people recorded to have died and more have yet to be found up until last week’s commemoration of the typhoon’s noxious effect on the city.

Last week, with other members of the press, we landed on the rebuilt and expanded Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which days after Typhoon Yolanda the members of the Liberal Party (then the ruling party in the national government) suggested it be transferred to the neighboring town whose mayor was, of course, a party mate. The Taclobanons are glad the suggestion died a natural death as the party lost control of the national government when Rodrigo Roa Duterte, then mayor of Davao City, won the elections and became the President of the Philippines.

The road from the airport to the city’s central business district no longer gave us the feeling of sorrow as we saw on both sides houses then devastated by the typhoon are now standing proudly and seem to welcome us saying “we’ve moved on.”

Tacloban City scheduled three days of memorial activities, from Tuesday till Thursday, in remembering the thousands who perished when super typhoon “Yolanda” struck four years ago.

“We wanted the memorial to be meaningful and heartfelt,” said Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, whose husband Alfred was mayor then and who is now regarded by fellow Taclobanons as the hero of Yolanda, which of course the mayor dismisses with a shy smile. “No, I am not the hero,” he said during a speech after a Thanksgiving Mass before Taclobanons at the renovated Astrodome that served as shelter to many residents during the typhoon. “We are all heroes as we have risen together from the destruction of the typhoon and are moving on to tell the whole world that we’re strong and we have the will to survive.”

Husband and wife team on a mission to make Filipinos better drivers

IN PHILIPPINE Motorsports, two names are at the front position of its accelerated growth and development today: the indefatigable husband and wife team of JP Tuason and Jeanette Ipapo Tuason, the driving force behind the Tuason Racing School who are on a mission to take Philippine racing to the top.

“From being perceived as an elitist sport, we want to make racing accessible to people,” says Jeanette, vice president for Marketing and Business Development of TRS and JP’s real life racing partner. “We aim to provide world class training so that the Filipino racer can be at par with other race car drivers all over the world.”

Empowered by this mission, TRS, which they founded in 1999, offers core Race Training classes in Basic Circuit Racing, Basic Karting, Formula Car Testing, and High Performance Driving. Among their well known graduates include Mike Toledo, Cito Beltran, Gabby de la Merced, Michelle Bumgarner, Rhian Ramos, and Sam YG. “We have trained everywhere in the world and collaborated with other racing schools so that our graduates will have access to all opportunities,” Jeanette says. “Our vision is to eventually have our drivers compete on equal footing skill-wise with first world countries. “ From this and along with the increasing popularity of their racing classes, expansion to Racing Team Management, Events Management including Teambuilding sessions for corporate clients, a California Superbike School for riders and motorcycling enthusiasts in partnership with CSS founder Keith Code of the United States, and a classroom and hands-on Educational Program that focuses on Road Safety and Defensive Driving Training became inevitable.

Perhaps the most popular local racing event that they organize is the Vios Cup, along with other exciting races like the Ford Focus Cup, the Marlboro Red Rush, the Ford Fiesta Cup, Smart Addict-Ford Lynx, among others. Now on its fourth season, the Vios Cup has been attracting celebrities and novice drivers alike,

and has become a much anticipated event in the country.

As their way of giving back, Road Safety has been one of their key advocacies, to “create better drivers on the road and on the track.” To date, over 20,000 drivers have attended JP’s driver safety seminars in the last eight years. They do road safety seminars in schools, for corporate fleets and even PUV drivers says Jeanette.

JP Tuason was already enjoying a celebrated and multi-awarded career in motorsports before shifting gears as an entrepreneur. At age 13 he had garnered numerous title finishes in karting before moving up to ralley cross, touring cars, and the prestigious Formula 3 circuit both here and across Asia. He also received further training from top racing schools as Skip Barber, Bob Bondurant, and he is the only certified Filipino BMW M driver Trainer.

Jeanette, a mother of five and concurrently a motoring journalist apart from her role at TRS, is equally responsible for Tuason Racing School’s diversification into new areas, with her entrepreneurial spirit and keen understanding of the ins and outs of the racing industry.

The next exciting stage in TRS’ diversification is the introduction of the Formula V1 race car, outfitted with a 1.5 liter engine with 110 horsepower, with a top speed of 200 kph, a single seater, kit race car assembled in the Philippines in partnership with West Race Cars Japan. The same cars are popularly raced in Japan with similar race series being introduced in China and Taiwan.

Indeed, the success of the Tuason Racing School is very much the result of the passion and dedication of JP and Jeanette and the complimentary support that they provide each other. And as TRS continues to grow, so goes Philippine motorsports as it steadily takes the lead in the region and beyond.

For more information on Tuason Racing Tuason Racing School co-founders and life partners, JP and Jeanette Tuason School, visit www.tuasonracing.com.

It was the second Thanksgiving Mass of the four-year commemoration. The first one was at Anibong where the front hull of a cargo vessel, MV Eva Jocelyn, that was sideswept to the shore of Anibong, a barangay of fisherfolk, was transformed into a memorial with a mini lagoon where mini candles lit was floated after the mass and the speeches by the former Mayor and his wife, the incumbent.

MV Eva Jocelyn is now a tourist destination. “It is now the Anibong Memorial Landmark that will serve as a reminder to future generations how the city recovered from the ruins,” said Mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez.

On Wednesday, Nov. 8, a commemorative walk from the Tacloban City Hall to the city convention center was held early morning after which a thanksgiving Mass at the Astrodome was celebrated. A program featuring music by the I Love Tacloban Band and Wency Cornejo interspersed the speeches of the ex-Mayor, the incumbent Mayor, and President Duterte’s representative, Undersecretary Wendel Avisado, presidential assistant on Yolanda Rehabilitation.

After the activities, we stole a couple of hours to take a look at the city and how it is four years after. And much to our delight, the central business district is alive and busy with people from other parts of the province fueling the city’s fast recovery.

And we were kind of looking for something that would remind us of Yolanda and we saw very little, like several abandoned buildings and houses.

At nearby Palo, The Oriental Leyte, which was washed away by Yolanda is again alive and ready to receive guests.

The lobby is well decorated with Christmas trimmings, and the staff, mostly Leyteños, welcome anyone who wants to take look with a warm smile.

Taclobanons hope they wouldn’t have to face another Yolanda in the future, but if they did, they are ready, say the Romualdezes.

No, Erap won’t allow return of ‘Hepa lane’ food vendors UNLESS they secure health and sanitary permits, food vendors at the so-called “Hepa lane” in Morayta, Manila will not be allowed to resume operation, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said today.

Describing the serious health risks the recently shutdown popular street food hub pose to the public as “an accident waiting to happen”, Estrada stressed he could not wait for an epidemic to break out before doing something decisive.

Estrada also warned the concerned barangay officials that he will file administrative charges against them if they will allow the return of the food stalls.

In compliance with Estrada’s directives, members of the city’s Department of Public Services (DPS) and Manila Police District (MPD) have been stationed along R. Papa Street in Morayta, the area dubbed as Hepa lane, to drive away food vendors attempting to return.

In coordination with the concerned barangays, Task Force Manila Cleanup chief Che Borromeo said Estrada has ordered them to continuously monitor and guard the University Belt at all costs.

Borromeo has led a series of clearing operations on R. Papa Street, the latest was on Wednesday, that targeted food stalls with no business, sanitary, and health permits.

Not a single one of the food stalls, according to the Manila Health Department (MHD), has access to clean, running water, an indication that foods cooked and served to customers, including utensils, were not being properly cleaned or sanitized.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Life

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saturday, november 18, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

By Robbie Pangilinan

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Fit like Mama

eleBRiTy fitness trainer Kat Garcia-Geronimo believes it can happen. The mother of two has made it happen to her own body and her clients’ bodies. Fitness is possible and achievable. geronimo, creator of the fitness program Body By Mama Kat, is the personal trainer of Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Ultimate pop superstar Sarah Geronimo, sexy actress Jessy Mendiola, Congressman Lucy Torres-Gomez, La Luna Sangre star Kathryn Bernardo, and TV host Bettina Carlos.

Her passion for fitness started when she gave birth to her second child. “i wanted to get fit and strong for my kids. And i wanted other moms to be able to do that, too. i started out as a mom trainer and then transitioned to being a celebrity coach not long after my posts are becoming popular,” says Mama Kat, whose instagram posts have become her fitness diary where she shares everything, from nutrition to supplements and samples of her workouts. “it’s all because of passion and the willingness to spread my love for wellness and proper training,” adds the functional/ core specialist and metabolic conditioning coach.

Kat wakes up at 5 a.m. on weekdays to cook and prepare her kids for school and have breakfast. she hits the gym, does a few house chores and fetches the kids from school. Then she meets her clients for one-on-one training, three maximum. she also does wellness talks.

Kat’s six-pack abs is not the result of strict dieting. she admits she does not do diets at all.

“i go for balanced meals, no processed food, no bad fats and less refined sugar,” says Kat. Mama Kat believes that health is everything.

“We only got one body and it must be top priority to nourish it more than anything. i want people to realize that health is the only wealth that no one can take away from them,” she says.

Kat also advises supplementing one’s diet with a natural immune booster. Kat takes Malungai lifeOil for this pur pose. “i use lifeOil for immune boost, it has helped toughen my immune system and gives me a good amount of energy throughout the day,” shares Kat who also recommends lifeOil to her clients.

“More than multivitamins, lifeOil is the only thing you will ever need that has everything in it,” she adds.

Malungai lifeOil capsules give complete malunggay nutrition as it is the only oil-form malunggay food supplement in the market. it is made from pure malunggay leaves and seeds oil extract and contains Active Chlorophyll, an essential nutrient we get from eating fresh, green leafy vegetables. Malunggay oil is a long-chain fatty acid that is filled with omega 3, which is not found in powder-filled capsules made from semi-dried malunggay leaves.

SCN FORM NO. 1 (R.A. NO. 9139)

Fitness trainer to the stars, Kat Garcia-Geronimo (left) shares tips on how to be healthy and fit The wonder plant moringa oleifera contains 13 different essential vitamins and 16 minerals. it has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, four times more Vitamin A

suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

001447

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF SUN MI HWANG to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, to SOUTH KOREA of which at this time I am a citizen or subject. I will reside continuously in the Philippines from the date of the filing of this petition up to the time of my admission to Philippine citizenship.

PETITION

14. My character witnesses are GENITA T. MENDOZA and LEONOR G. ZAMORA both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 137 MALAKAS ST., DILIMAN, Q.C. and 137 PRK. 2 BRGY. STA LUCIA, CALUMPIT, BULACAN respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know me, the circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares:

15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the duplicate originals or certified photocopies of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

1. My full name is SUN MI HWANG, but I have also been known since childhood as SUN MI or I have been judicially N/A . authorized to use the alias name(s)

[ / ] a. Petitioner's birth certificate [ / ] b. Petitioner's alien certificate of registration (ACR) [ ] c. Petitioner's native-born certificate of residence (NBCR) [ ] d. Petitioner's marriage certificate, if married [ ] e. Death certificate of his/her spouse, if widowed [ ] f. Court decree annulling his/her marriage or granting legal separation, if such was the fact [ ] g. Birth certificates of petitioner's minor children [ ] h. ACRs of petitioner's minor children [ ] i. NBCRs of petitioner's minor children [ / ] j. Affidavits of financial capacity by the petitioner, duly supported by bank certifications, passbooks, stock certificates, or proof of ownership of other properties [ / ] k. Affidavits of at least two (2) credible witnesses who must be Filipino citizens of good reputation in petitioner's place of residence [ / ] l. Medical certificate from a government hospital stating that petitioner is not suffering from mental alienation or a user of prohibited drugs or otherwise a drug dependent and that he/she is not afflicted with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or any incurable contagious disease. [ / ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ ] n. Certifications stating that petitioner's minor children are enrolled in public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ / ] o. Petitioner's income tax returns for the past three years [ / ] p. Petitioner's receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

SCN CASE NO. x------------------ x

2. My present place of residence is 12-A TIMES ST., WEST TRIANGLE City/Municipality of QUEZON CITY Province of METRO MANILA and all my former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) 4-B EXAMINER ST., WEST TRIANGLE, Q.C. (15 YEARS) 3. I was born on JULY 13, 1994, in QUEZON CITY, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of SOUTH KOREA. 4. My father's name is YOUNG SOO HWANG and he was born on NOVEMBER 05, 1964, in DAEGU, KOREA. He is a citizen or subject of SOUTH KOREA. My mother's name is HYEON JEONG HWANG and she was born on JULY 16, 1969 in SEOUL, KOREA. She is a citizen or subject of SOUTH KOREA. 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which I derive an average annual income of N/A , inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances.

My wife's/husband's trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A .

(Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained:BS SPORTS SCIENCE, (2) name of school: UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS and (3) years graduated: 2016] who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

NBI, BARANGAY, POLICE, RTC, MTC AND OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR CLEARANCES

7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A.

WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No, 9139.

8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows:

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 29 day of JUNE, 2017.

N/A

Date of Birth N/A

Place of Birth N/A

PRAYER

Residence N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Place of Dates of Highest Grade School Study Completed Q U E Z O N C I T Y QUEZONCITY 2000 to 2004 GRADE 4 CHRISTIAN ACADEMY M I R I A M C O L L E G E KATIPUNAN 2004 to 2008 GRADE 7 GRADE SCHOOL MIRIAM COLLEGE HIGH KATIPUNAN 2008-2012 4th YEAR SCHOOL

SUN MI HWANG Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 12-A TIMES ST., WEST TRIANGLE, Q.C. Telephone Number: 0927-1386914

Name of School

Right Thumbmark of Petitioner

Petitioner's signature and right thumbmark

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality:

Name of Child N/A

Name and Place of School N/A

Date of Enrollment N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one's ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not

and two times more protein than yogurt.

Malungai LifeOil capsules are available in Mercury Drug and all leading drug stores nationwide.

Say goodbye to harsh makeup removers Applying makeup is part of every Filipina’s beauty routine, but after a long day out and about, removing makeup seems to be like a chore.

While there are several ways to remove makeup, some women opt for alternative products to remove their makeup, such as baby oil, cleansing balms, toner or cold creams that can be too harsh on the skin and strip its natural moisture. Other women use makeup removers that are not effective enough in removing stubborn makeup, leading to excessive rubbing and tugging that are harmful to the skin let Biore Cleansing Oil, from the no. 1 Make Up Remover Brand in Japan, change your experience on the usual and alternative makeup removers. it has gentle yet highly effective formula that can effortlessly dissolve

stubborn makeup while also removing any excess dirt and grime. Because of its high cleansing ability, you don’t need to repeatedly tug or rub your skin just to remove waterproof mascara – saving you from skin sagging and premature wrinkling. no need to worry about panda eyes due to makeup residues when you wake up.

What most women love is the soft clean bare skin that they get after washing off their makeup with Biore Cleansing Oil because it leaves no oily residue, unlike the usual baby oil or makeup remover oil.

To use, simply slather an ample amount of Biore Cleansing Oil on your face and massage it on your face in a circular motion, especially on the eye area. Rinse it with water when all makeup are dissolved.

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition:

6. My civil status is SINGLE, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/A. She/he is a citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides N/A

Name

than carrots, four times more calcium than milk, three times more potassium than bananas, three times more iron than spinach, three times more Vitamin e than almonds,

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF QUEZON CITY) S.S. I, SUN MI HWANG of legal age and a resident of 12- A TIMES ST., WEST TRIANGLE, Q.C. after being duly sworn, depose and say that I am the petitioner herein, that I have read the foregoing petition and know the foregoing petition and known the contents thereof, and that the same is true of my own knowledge.

SUN MI HWANG Name and Signature of Petitioner Driver`s License No. N25-12-608984

SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at QUEZON CITY, this 22 day of JUNE 2017.

(MS-NOV. 4,11 & 18, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Biore Cleansing Oil gently and effectively dissolves stubborn makeup as well as excess dirt and grime on the face

Solution for diabetic skin

A sCienTiFiCAlly and clinically validated skin care product in U.s.A., Olivamine, is now available in the philippines. it is a specialized formula that addresses skin related conditions for people with diabetes.

Diabetics suffer from nerve damage and poor circulation that slows tissue healing, they are highly prone in developing dry and itchy skin which can lead to further complications if left untreated e.g. developing skin tear, skin ulceration, venous insufficiency or venous stasis, skin infection and in worse scenario, amputation.

Diabetes is a chronic disease and is increasing in both prevalence and incidence worldwide. Diabetes exerts a major impact in third-world countries, particularly in the philippines. it is said that Asia will see the greatest increase in the number of people with diabetes by 2025. Based on studies, there is an alarming growth rate of diabetes in the philippines. in the 2014 prevalence estimates published by the international Diabetes Federation, there are about 3.2 million cases in the philippines with a 5.9 percent prevalence rate in adults between the ages of 20 and 79 years. Around 1.7 million people with diabetes remain undiagnosed.

Diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication affecting 15 percent of people with diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers are associated with decreased mobility, and qualitative studies support clinical observations of their negative psychological and social effect, including increased family tensions, reduced social activities, limited employment and financial hardship.

DFUs represent a significant health and socioeconomic problem and are a major cause of morbidity — due to pain, incapacitation and limb loss and mortality.

Another complication noted is neuropathy, which occurred in 36 percent of the patients. Diabetic neuropathy is common in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and is a risk factor for amputation. it causes more than 60 percent of the foot ulcers in diabetic patients. it is characterized by numbness thus diabetic patients may injure or damage their feet without them noticing it. This would then gradually worsen and lead to ulcerations.

Diabetes is also seriously associated to venous insufficiency or venous stasis. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes results

when the body cannot produce enough insulin on its own, which in turn affects the amount of glucose that is present within the blood. When there is an excess of glucose within the blood, it can greatly weaken vein walls and cause severe damage to them over time. Venous ulcers are the most common form of leg ulcers, accounting for almost 80 percent of all lower extremity ulcerations.

Approximately one third of patients with chronic venous insufficiency will develop venous ulceration before the age of 40.

For people with diabetes, it is of utmost importance to be aware of potentially serious skin complications related to the disease. in most cases, skin problems in diabetes can be managed with early diagnosis and treatment. With Olivamine, medical professionals and patients are guaranteed with safe and effective treatment for the prevention of ulcerations. good leg and foot care may help prevent wounds or ulcers from becoming problematic.

Olivamine is a precise fusion of small molecule powerful antioxidants, hydroxytyrosol, with n-acetylcysteine, methylsulfonylmethane, B vitamins and other amino acids that are capable of penetrating the epidermis to promote cellular repair and wound healing. The small molecule technology of Olivamine gives its strong distinction versus competition in the market, the active ingredients effectively penetrate the skin layers and diffuse into cells. Commonly used topical creams and gels in the market have large molecules like aloe vera, silicones, petroleum which only work at the skin surface level and do not have direct action on the cells to improve healing.

Olivamine restores cells back to a healthy state while reducing healing time by 50 percent in compromised skin conditions. its unique ingredients keep the skin hydrated, and provide penetrating nutrition to the epidermis, which is especially important when vascular flow is poor or compromised, as with diabetic conditions. Olivamine was proven to have 8-15x more antioxidant activity than the most antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables.

Favorable changes in skin hydration, texture and viability will be noticed with twice daily regular use.

Olivamine is marketed by Isopharma in the Philippines and can be purchased from select branches of Mercury Drug and MedExpress.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017

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Isah V. Red, Editor • Nickie Wang, Writer

DENISE LAUREL

How bounced back from cancer scare

F

LIPPING through her IG, it’s easy to see why Denise Laurel makes a great fitspiration to other women. The actress and celebrity mom looks great and she never seems to run out of energy. One day, she’s working out. Next day, she’s working on her scenes. Then, you’ll see her playing with her son and then, the week after, she’ll be boxing. And she makes sure to always give her hundred percent.

Saw that video of her boxing? She says she’s rusty but we wouldn’t want to jump in the ring with her, as she’s definitely not pulling any punches.

But, keeping fit is not just for looking good or even for the roles that she plays. It’s for the people she loves. She takes care of her body and her health so she can live longer and spend more time with her son, Alejandro. Her focus on health came about when she had a cancer scare last year. It was a wakeup call for her.

“At that very moment, I wasn’t afraid—of being sick, having cancer, even dying. I immediately brought my attention to my son and his future. And what am I to leave behind for him. Who’s going to take care of him if something happens to me?”

It was then that Denise realized a much greater and urgent need to take care of herself so she could con-

Actress Denise Laurel makes sure that securing her health is the top priority

tinue looking after Alejandro. Now, she makes sure that securing her health is the top priority. Sure, she may be working out to look her best for showbiz but that’s not the only reason anymore. She realized that she also needs to look after herself and her health so she would be able to take care of her loved ones. During her cancer scare, all she could think of is who will take care of Alejandro?

That’s also why Denise went the extra mile to make sure that she’s financially protected for any uncertainties in the future. Her cancer scare made her think about what goes beyond leading a healthy lifestyle— securing her health for her son. That’s when the idea of getting insurance came in.

“To be honest, until this happened to me, I just found insurance so complicated. The moment I hear insurance, it’s all numbers, death, and taxes.

It was just all a part of that thing that you don’t want to think about at the moment. But then when I had the cancer scare, it made sense all of a sudden,” she notes. “It makes you feel secure, because you’ll always have something to look after you.”

According to Denise, insurance does not have to be scary. “There are plans like FWD Set for Health that is very comprehensive. It protects you until you’re 75 years old and if you don’t use it by the time you’re 75, it’s like savings. They give you back your money and you can use it for retirement.”

Being a fitspiration should not end with you simply aiming to be the best version of yourself in front of the mirror. More importantly, being the right kind of fit means having the right mindset to prepare and protect your future, so you can enjoy the present with your loved ones and live without fear or hesitation.

Sylvia, Arjo first TV team-up in

‘ALL THAT MATTERS’

POWER COUPLE. Certified hitmakers Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado in a concert that highlights their contribution in local music industry

Jessa and Dingdong all set for ‘20/30 Anniversary Concert’ CELEBRITY couple and certified OPM hitmakers Jessa Zaragoza and Dingdong Avanzado are jointly celebrating decades of music career success with the 20/30 Anniversary Concert happening on Dec. 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

The Phenomenal Diva commemorates her 20th year in showbiz while The Original Prince of Pop marks his 30th anniversary in the industry.

Joining the couple in their one-night show are guests Xian Lim, Klarisse de Guzman, Lloyd Zaragoza, Daryl Ong, Angeline Quinto, and Ogie Alcasid. Their daughter, up and coming singer Jayda Avanzado, will also surprise the audience with her powerful vocals.

The musical event, produced by Star Events and Resorts World Manila, highlights Jessa and Dingdong’s OPM

SYLVIA Sanchez and Arjo Atayde will prove that exceptional acting talent runs in the family as they team up for the first time in the newest Kapamilya series All That Matters airing soon on ABSCBN. The seasoned actress will play Sonya, a mother who is dedicated to giving her family a good life no matter the consequences.

Her son Arjo, on the other hand, will portray Paco, Sonya’s loving son.

“It is a privilege for me to be part of this teleserye. We will try to touch people’s lives with our story and to give inspiration to our viewers,” said the former FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano star.

“After Gloria (The Greatest Love), you will now have another mother to love -- Sonya. We

are offering you a new teleserye that will surely touch your hearts and will make your families even closer,” the awardwinning actress added.

Also in All That Matters are Ariel Rivera, Teresa Loyzaga, Sue Ramirez, Yves Flores, Maris Racal, and Marlo Mortel with Nikko Natividad, Rommel Padilla, Nanding Josef, Anna Luna, Mercedes Cabral, Rubi Rubi, Viveika Ravanes, Sharmaine Suarez, Ces Quesada, Arnold Reyes, Maila Gumila, and Junjun Quintana.

Mother and son tandem Sylvia Sanchez and Arjo Atayde to star in Kapamilya’s newset series, “All That Matters”

contribution that have made them a power couple in the industry.

Tickets to the “20/30 Anniversary Concert” are now available at P6,454.00 (SVIP), P5,378.00 (VIP), P4,088.00 (gold), P2689.00 (silver), and P1,291.00 (bronze). Interested parties may call Ticketworld at 8919999, log on to ticketworld.com.ph or call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or log on to smtickets.com.

Lifestyle TV on a world tour

Reality shows headlining Lifestyle TV’s program roster this month

LIFESTYLE TV hops on a worldwide journey through the Philippine cable premiere of Korean food hunt series John Torode’s Korean Food Tour Tour, action-packed challenge show 50/50 50/50, and gastronomic event TV special Around the World in Small Plates Plates.

John Torode’s Korean Food Tour is a new 10-part food and travel series in which Australian chef and Masterchef UK judge John Torode makes his way through the nation’s top 100 dishes in his travels to the mountains, the cities, the countryside and the coast. He also comes up

with his versions of the oriental fare in his own kitchen in Gangnam, Seoul.

Dreaming of an all-expense paid getaway? 50/50 is a thrillfilled travel show where hosts Samantha Brown and Chris Grundy surprise unsuspecting strangers and offer them 50 hours of blissful sabbaticals worth up to $50,000! The only catch is they have to drop everything—work, obligations, commitment—and leave right at that very second.

Lifestyle also airs the TV special of the biennial gathering of top chefs, Around the World in

Small Plates, recently held at 8 Rockwell in Makati City. Some of the most in demand chefs including JP Anglo, Tina Legarda, Robby Goco – as well as Lifestyle’s very own, Chef Claude Tayag of Chasing Flavors and Chef Sandy Daza of Casa Daza - took guests on a global tour with exclusive offthe-menu dishes through this curated charity dinner event.

Lifestyle TV, a pioneer in local lifestyle programming, serves as a TV guide with a wealth of relevant and insightful content for the multi-faceted Filipino women. |It balances a mix of acquired

and locally produced programs that bare the ever-changing wellness, living and entertainment craves of its viewers.

Catch Korean food series John Torode’s Korean Food Tour every Friday, 6 p.m. and getaway challenge show 50/50 every Wednesday at 10 p.m. with backto-back episodes. Around the World in Small Plates also airs at 9 p.m. Fridays with replays on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sundays.

Lifestyle TV is available on SkyCable and Destiny Cable channel 52, and Sky Direct channel 31.

H

SMALLmakers to largeof contractors often deal with the decutting edge water which offers a range of features that a releases from the Axor collections (Seen mand offiprecision, accuracy and alignment in their xtures recently released traditional property brokerage firm does here). construction applications. products in the Philippine market normally The unica E not shower set is provide. a flexible that allow users to easily choose handheld piece with a flat and round showerhead, plus a glassy finish. Rainmaker setheir options, and enjoy care-free lect are multi-jet overhead showers which wash and shower experiences.

Hansgrohe is known for its function- uses both air and water pressure to produce al select water control, and extra-large bath rain.

Hansgrohe products are distributed by showerheads known as the XXL feel-good Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor Kuysen enterprises, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18,importer 2017 of over globshower collections. jdlacsamana@gmail.com Following the flow of big and premium al bathroom and kitchen brands.

earn a commission on the lead; and a lead Homes also introduced a “Book-A-Tour”—via a generation and exchange service whose ded- ride-sharing app—where one can schedule visits icated Customer Relationship Management at their own time, and also ride for free.

C4

A single misalignment is one of the quickest ways to ruin the project that may affect the design and quality aspects of the infrastructure altogether. Laser devices such as Bosch’s GCL 2-15 G professional combi Laser level device are designed to simplify precision work for tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians, installers and drywallers—even in unfavorable lighting conditions such as bright environments.

They have proven to be a reliable companion in positioning windows exactly, or hanging ventilation HEAVY METAL. or ceramicThe roof tiles andalso shingles cater to the high-end market. ducts and ceilingsClay, accurately. device notiTHE Outlook by Lamudi—a com- acknowledging the industry’s best fies the user when there are irregularities in the surprehensive report on Philippine of the best using data generated face: the product’s laser lines will flash if the device real estate— will be launched from the said survey. notices any serious abnormalities. on November 29 at the Marquis “The event will gather the inEvents Place in Taguig. dustry’s thought leaders for a day The unveiling of the nationwide of discussion and knowledge sharsurvey of 10,000 property seek- ing on what drives the real estate ers will coincide with an event sector,” said Lamudi’s managing

Property showcase event director Bhavna Suresh Chathambeth.

The thought leaders, she said, will come from the industry’s major sectors—namely, top-level representatives from real estate players specializing in mixed-use or township developments; representatives

Builder on the roof Big buy

Choosing the best roofing material for your home in Manhattan

“H

from the design and innovation sector; and those from the residential and affordable housing segments.

Lamudi’s research team is currently analyzing the results of the survey, and a first look of the report will be made available in early November.

Value for money for Kapampangans

cover more area, requiring less joints. Both ordinary and long span sheets are readily available in the market. lent acoustic properties that during heavy rains country.

But while G.I. roofs, popularly dubbed AVING a roof over In the Philippines, most house-builders prefer pre-paintas “bubong na yero”, are the cheapest material would not create too much noise (this is also our heads” is one of ed long-span metal roofing made of GI sheets. Other metavailable, they also corrode and deteriorate the called drumproofing). the most important Most builders swear by pre-painted longspan als such as aluminum, tin, and copper can also be used to fastest if not painted properly.

G.I roof sheets, however, are acknowledged metal roofing as practical and economical, main- produce pre-painted long-span roofing sheets, albeit more sayings one will come across JENRA, the Pampanga-based retail chain , recently by builders as economical and practical. And ly because there are less joints which mean less expensively. opened branch, Jumbo(and JENRA Dolores, when building a home.

GI sheets its are newest already factory-painted usually coated they don’t have to look boring: there are GI chances of leaks. in zinc-aluminum San Ferndandotocity. make it more durable and rust reInterestingly, a roof isn’t just a structure over sheet roofs that are stamped and molded to look Pre-painted long-span metal roofing is chosen with The fifth store in Tan Song Bok (TSB) Realty our heads: it’s also known as the “spine,” or the like clay roofs and are already available in terra by mid- to mid-upper class markets, and able to sistant). and Development Corporation’s line of commercial Elegant but impractical backbone of the structure – the one that protects cotta colors to resemble clay roofs. better resist corrosion. Some suppliers warrant shopping centers, Jumbo Jenro Dolores willcater be the Clay or ceramic roof tiles and shingles to or shields the home’s “vital organs.” their pre-painted products up to 15 years against Economical as they come in terms of selling area, elegant and is envisioned to thebiggest high-end market.

They look but are very In the Philippines, homeowners are spoiled GI sheet roofs are the most economical in corrosion. be a and retailrequire shopping haven amidst the bustling commetal under sheeting and battens for for choices in roofing materials avail- terms of cost per square meter, and the required These type of roofing also perform better heavy munity of Dolores. to keep them in place.

They seldom pose a leaking able locally, including pre-painted long-span support structure is also most economical. It is against leaks, being cut according to the length The development of JENRA supermarkets around but when they do, it would be a big task metal roofing, corrugated GI (galvanized iron) the easiest to patch up, as well, since these can required, thus avoiding horizontal overlapping, problem, Pampanga has increase urbanization of the province. sheets, clay or ceramic roof tiles, fiber cement be easily performed by a homeowner. which is one of the causes of leaks. They are also to resolve.

The concrete brand introduced facilities for The roof deck isstate-of-the-art one of the most diffi cult types shingles, asphalt and wood shingles. Some Under extreme situations where the the GI installed using a special type of screw called the improved shopping conveniences for residents on of roof to maintain and to repair when leaking sets in.

Even homeowners prefer laying out a the concrete roof has been rusted through and through and ‘tekscrew’ with rubber washer, which is reportthe province. the most expensive type of waterproofi ng could fail at the roof deck. looks like cheddar cheese, one can choose to edly water tight.

TSB Realty is the developer of JENRA establishThe most commonly used roofing material by hire a professional company to apply a material Roofing experts claim that long-span metal slightest mistake during application. Sometimes, it takes ments in whole Angeles City and deck area justMabalacat. to solve a small leak, berank and type of application are the unpainted called ‘roof foam. This is sprayed on and leaves roofing trump commercial-length roofing sheets redoing the Other JENRA locations are source in Sto.ofRosario; PLAYA Laiya, an upstretches for 1.5 kilomethe strength of the tourcause it is so diffi cult to fi nd the the leakAngein the corrugated G.I. roofing for the low-end market, a 1.5-inch thick layer of waterproofed, insulated as these eliminate overlapping joints and miniles City ; Dau, Mabalacat City; and Sindalan. scale residential area in ters, and can be enjoyed ism of San Juan, Batanconcrete. which we see in many communities around the hard foam-in-place.

This shield also has excel- mize the potential for leaks. Long-span sheets ASCOTT Residence Trust (Ascott Reit) recently San Juan, Batangas was by Playa Laiya’s residen- gas, and this has been the acquired the 224-unit DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel recently launched by real tial community everyday. inspiration of Landco to New York – Times Square South for US$106 million estate developer Landco.

The residential prop- develop a leisure tourism (See photo).

The development of- erty comes with the estate in the area,” said THE Malate Construction The freehold property is located in Midtown Manfers beach homes that are privilege of being able Cris M. Zuluaga, Landand Development Corporahattan near Times Square, one of the most visited just two and a half hours to access the Playa Laiya co CEO. Playa Laiya’s tion (MCDC) recently anlocations in the world, with more than 40 million away from Metro Manila. Beach Club. beach range nounced properties that it is focusing on visitors each year.

But the biggest attraction “The beach front of from growth200-450 outside ofsqm, MetroaverMa“This acquisition would strengthen our foothold in nila, particularly Laguna and is the pristine beach that Laiya has always been aging at Php,16,000/sqm.

New York, which saw record high visitor arrivals in Batangas, as well as Cagayan 2016,” said Bob Tan, Ascott Residence Trust ManDe Oro. “We don’t just build agement Limited’s (ARTML) chairman. houses, we build homes,” Ascott Reit’s serviced residences are mostly opclaimed MCDC president erated under the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset and But CEO Giovanni J. OlivaLIVING in the Philmost consumers The sealant that eas- which has “iwas crack” brands. They are mainly located in key gateway citHe different added thatstandards MCDC ippines, which goes res. have ily dries up and hardens technology. This slowies such as Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Guangzhou, business units de Sto.cement Tomas inhas Sto.aTomas are notwhen just built to through months of mon- homes of quality it comes like ten- includes curing sealant is transHanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Ecoverde and Ovialand, has Batangas, which marries open last, but are also a sight to soon every year, means to sealants.

Since they dency to crack because formed into a tough, THE Department of Tourism (DOT) and Philippine Airlines P500 milliongasket capitalization. and old world Sure Ital- arubber-like London, Melbourne, Munich, shootout, New York, Architect Melvin long days of rain. The behold. discover leaks only when spaces it becomes brittle. which (PAL), recentlyManila, unveiled the 5th Anilao underwater one focuses on houses ian charm. “iwas MCDC has built Ecoverde a member of Perth, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. smartest way to protect Patawaran, they’ve started already, Seal’s crack” offers reasonable moof Paris, the world’s largest underwater macro photography contest.

P450 thousandand to P1.7 homes for Fili- worth Heritage Conservation Ascott Reit is anenthusiasts indirect from wholly your house is to apply the they think the quick dry- nearly comes20,000 in handy. tion, contraction exSome photography all owned over the subsidiary world are while Ovialandcrackcaters past 30 million, has beenisdesigning expected to come forLimited, this “world cupofofAsia’s underwater photo comof CapitaLand one largest real essealants to repair cracks Society, ing variant the most pino It families is an over all thepurpose pansion, without the P1.8 million to P3 milyears.

MCDC’s projects. petitions,” now on its fifth year, from November 28 to Decemand leaks. effective.

It is not. “elastomeric sealant”, to ing, or losing adhesion. tate companies.

The MCDC group, which lion market segment.

Sun-kissed community

Built to last

No cracking sealant

Biggest underwater photography competition

These include Terrazza

ber 2 in Mabini, Batangas. Comprising the panel of judges at this year’s shootout are nature photographer and Lennart Nilsson Award winner David Doubilet; aquatic biologist and photojournalist Jennifer Hayes; Palme D’or winner Scott “Gutsy” Tuason; Singapore-based underwater photographer William Tan; Tobias Friedrich, award-winning photographer from Germany; and Yoshi Hirata, Philippines-based Japanese marine biologist.

The competition will have two classes: open class for participants with any type of camera and accessories, in which published and professional photographers will automatically be placed; and compact class, exclusively for participants using cameras without interchangeable camera lenses.

The categories for the competition will be: Macro/Supermacro, Marine Behavior, Nudibranch, Fish Portrait, and Cephalopod. Two special categories are also offered at this year’s competition: blackwater and bonfire, which feature animals found and photographed by doing either blackwater and bonfire dives; and GoPro/iPhone special beginners, a new category for participants who use GoPros, smartphones, and the like for underwater photography.

“The DOT will implement a strict “No Marine Life Manipulation” policy, and employ spotters and dive guides to help ensure the protection and conservation of marine life during the competition,” promised Undersecretary for Tourism Development, Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

Resort-inspired community

Sustainability advocate AYALA Land, Inc. (ALI) was listed recently in the Sustainability Yearbook 2017 as one of the most sustainable companies across the globe.

The yearbook was established in 2004 and has since been released annually by RobecoSAM, a specialist in sustainability investing. Each year, RobecoSAM surveys over 3,400 listed companies worldwide that are eligible for inclusion in one of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

The companies are asked about the economic, environmental, and social factors that contributed to their success, which are not covered by conventional financial analyses. The Sustainability Yearbook helps investors identify companies that are strongly positioned to create long-term shareholder value.

Anvaya Cove (shown in photo) underscores the company’s legacy of sustainable development through the seamless integration of the site’s natural landscape into its masterplan.

QUADRUPLE A builder-developer DMCI Homes is currently building The Celandine, a 45-level tower In along A. Bonifacio Avenue, Balintawak in Quezon City, touted to have one of the largest amenity areas among the condominium developments in this emerging growth district in Metro Ma-

nila. DMCI Homes is known for building resort-inspired communities in Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City.

It normally devotes at least 70 percent of the land area of its projects to green spaces and amenities. DMCI Homes has also incorporated its proprietary Lumiventt de-

Attention to detail

sign technology to the project to afford more breathing spaces for residents. The design allows natural lighting and airflow to permeate the building through sky patios and breezeways, while single-loaded hallways and garden atriums create an open feel to the building interior.

Set for turnover next year, the Bristolat Parkway Place is designed by CASAS + Architects, with the façade conceptualized by California-based Architecture International.

Interiors are by Hirsch Bedner Associates–Philippines.

Restaurants, retail outlets, and other offering are envisioned at the building’s retail promenade. A short walk away is the members-only Palms Country Club, and the Festival Mall.

The units themselves, in one-, CURRENTLY being built at the corner of Parkway and Corpo- two-, and three-bedroomsconrate avenues in Filinvest, Alabang city is the Bristol at Parkway figurations, are generouslyPlace, a 40-storeys project by Filligree. sized and tastefully designed.