Manila Standard - 2017 November 22 - Wednesday

No rev govt but plotters face arrest

VOL. XXXI • NO. 278 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

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PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday shot down rumors he would be setting up a revolutionary government, saying he would no longer use it against destabilizers planning against his administration.

“Don’t believe talks about coups...Let us just build a country,” the President said in Tagalog and English in his first speech before the military in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Duterte reiterated the same before sol-

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diers in a separate event, when he honored soldiers who fought in the Marawi siege.

But he clarified that while he would no longer declare a revolutionary government, he would just proceed with the arrests of those planning against him.

“From now on, I will decide on my own time when I will make it official that they are officially connected with the conspiracy and I’ll have to arrest them.” he said. Next page

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PLUNDER COMPLAINT. The Department of Transportation files Tuesday a plunder complaint against nine Cabinet members of then President Benigno Aquino III before the Office of the Ombudsman over an anomalous maintenance contract worth P3.8 billion for the Metro Rail Transit 3 in December 2015. Charged with plunder are: Former Transportation secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya, former Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas, former Budget secretary Florencio Abad, former Finance secretary Cesar Purisima, former Energy secretary Jericho Petilla, former Science and Technology secretary Mario Montejo, former Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin, former Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson and former Socioeconomic Planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

9 Aquino execs in plunder raps Roxas, Abaya named ‘principal conspirators’ in MRT mess

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo

By Rio N. Araja, John Paolo Bencito and Macon Ramos- Duterte rejected some lawmakers’ calls for him to sack Transportation SecreAraneta

T

HE Department of Transportation on Tuesday filed a plunder complaint against nine former Cabinet members of former President Benigno Aquino III before the Office of the Ombudsman over an anomalous maintenance contract worth P3.8 billion for the Metro Rail Transit 3 in December 2015.

tary Arthur Tugade amid the MRT’s problems.

“I will not do that. I have full trust on Tugade that he can correct the mistakes there and fix it. I would be resisting the call and if you want to put it in, I will decline the request,” the President said in an ambush interview in Pasay City.

Charged with plunder were former Transportation secretary Emilio Joseph Abaya, former Interior and Local Government secretary Mar Roxas, former Budget secretary Florencio Abad, former Finance secretary Cesar Purisima, former Energy secretary Jericho Petilla, former Science and Technology secretary Mario Montejo, former Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin, former Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson and former Socioeconomic Planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Next page

Alvarez: Scrap CA for speedy justice

By Maricel V. Cruz

HEAPS OF EVIDENCE. Transportation Undersecretary Reiner Yebra, at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, says Tuesday the complainants’ theory is that the former Cabinet officials were informed about the project, were aware that some provisions needed to be fixed but did not do anything.

Manny Palmero

SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez on Tuesday pressed for the abolition of the Court of Appeals and suggested other related reforms to speed up the disposition of justice.

Alvarez said the administration’s push for a shift to a federal system of government required structural changes not just in the Executive and Legislative branches of government but also in the Judiciary.

Citing the saying that justice delayed is justice denied, Alvarez said that, under the present system, cases Next page ALVAREZ

Duterte washes hands of ‘impeach CJ’ move

By Rey E. Requejo, Maricel V. Cruz and John Paolo Bencito PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday flatly denied having a hand on the impeachment case against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, after she called attempts to oust her as an “attack on democracy.”

“Ayaw kong makialam niyan ma’am [I don’t want anything to do with that],” Duterte told reporters in a chance interview in Taguig City.

“May narinig pa ko na si Sereno, Duterte is out to?

What, ako raw? You can ask anybody, I can guarantee you… magtanong siya diyan kung may nilapitan ako to impeach Sereno, except the public [I also heard that Sereno said I am out to...

What, me? She can ask if I approached anyone],” the President added.

In September, Duterte

Rody junks mining council’s proposal to lift open-pit ban

By John Paolo Bencito dent added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday reiterated that he would reject the recommendation of the Mining Industry Coordinating Council to lift the ban on open pit mining in the country.

“I don’t want to because it is destroying the soil and the environment,” Duterte told reporters in an interview in Pasay City. “‘Di na bale sana na may makita ako nung [I wouldn’t mind if I’d see a] scraped area, when I go back there to visit the place and I could see a lot of trees growing and the environment corrected of its destruction,” the Presi-

Charges vs Santiago ‘not gospel truth’—Palace MALACAÑANG on Tuesday insisted that they never said the allegations against former Dangerous Drugs Board chief Dionisio Santiago were true, but reminded government officials and employees that they have to be “purer than Caesar’s

wife” while serving the bureaucracy.

“I was very clear, if there are allegations in a complaint, we did not say they are the truth,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace news briefing.

In a statement, Rupert Colville, the Spokesperson for the UN OHCHR deplored the “repeated insults and threats of physical violence” against Agnes Callamard, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudi-

“And that is why I understand General Santiago was somehow hurt. But I emphasize, we have never alleged that they are gospel truth, they are allegations, which I’m sure, he can easily dispute,” he added.

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cial, summary or arbitrary executions, by the President “and his legion of supporters.”

“We condemn this treatment of Ms. Callamard, and the disrespect it shows to Next page

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While he acknowledged that mining operations could deliver “good profits,” Duterte is willing to let go of mining firms and investments if he will see the environment suffer.

“Okay, it’s good profit maybe, pero magtingin ako sa bayan ko na wala naman akong nakikita na trees na sumusunod [but if I look at my town and I don’t see trees growing in its place]...

I must see the trees growing or blooming, otherwise why will I suffer for you [mining firms] and deprive the country?” he said.

The President added: “Sisirahan kita [I would shut Next page

Pacman toys of resigning from politics

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

UN rights panel slams threats vs Callamard The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights on Tuesday condemned attacks and threats made by President Rodrigo Duterte against one of its special rapporteurs.

challenged Sereno and Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales to resign with him.

Just last month, the President also revealed plans to file an impeachment complaint against the Chief Justice for alleged corruption.

Meanwhile, Sereno plans to skip the House of Representatives impeachment hearing today and will instead send her lawyers on her behalf.

This came after Sereno sent to the House committee on justice a special power of attorney authorizing her defense lawyers “to exercise and protect her rights and interests in all stages of the impeachment proceedings.”

The chief justice’s authorization to her lawyers include the cross examination of witnesses of complainant lawyer Lorenzo Gadon, which House leaders wanted the chief justice herself to Next page conduct.

RED FOR COURAGE. Nearly 100 Catholic churches and schools across this predominantly Christian country of 106 million would be lit red today on a one-day campaign in honor of Christians who showed tremendous courage to stand up for their beliefs—even at the cost of their lives. Norman Cruz manilastandard.net

SENATOR Manny Pacquiao said Tuesday he had been thinking of resigning from politics due to the destabilizers and politicians with a “hidden agenda.”

But if the former world boxing champion quit who would be helping the poor?

Pacquiao told reporters he had told his wife Jinkee that he was thinking of resigning.

The neophyte senator said Next page

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News

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

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Move to stop ships to Panatag hit

By Maricel V. Cruz and Sara Susanne Fabunan

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STAUNCH critic of the Duterte administration on Tuesday denouced the reported move of the government to stop sending Navy ships to Panatag Shoal for more than a year now.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, an opposition member in the House of Representatives, said he received information that since January 2016 to the present, the Philippine Navy had not conducted a single mission to Panatag Shoal.

Navy ships are regularly sent to Panatag Shoal to bring supplies and food to the Marines assigned there.

“The frequent visits of Philippine Navy ships were noted

in 2012 during a standoff with the Chinese Coast Guard. In the years that followed, very few patrols were conducted. In 2016, the government eventually ordered the complete halt of patrols in the area,” Alejano said.

Alejano made the disclosure following the statement of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. the government had recently stopped sending Navy ships in Panatag Shoal for patrol-

ling. Esperon said the halt in Navy patrols was meant to ease tensions with China and avert harassment from Chinese forces.

Alejano disproved Esperon.

“His [Esperon’s] statement holds little to no merit at all since the Philippines has already stopped conducting Navy patrols for almost two years now. This is a clear attempt to hide the fact that we have long ceased our efforts to strengthen our claims on the disputed areas,” Alejano said.

“Apparently, we have already reduced our presence in Panatag since early last year—yet there still have been cases of Chinese harassment in the area in the months that followed. Instead of deterring incidence of harassment,

Chinese forces have become more bold and fearless. In fact, some of our fishermen have opted not to venture [out] anymore in Panatag for fear and worry of wasting their food and fuel just to be blocked by the Chinese,” he added.

Alejano, a former Marine captain, said the Philippines had been sending Navy ships to Panatag before because the Philippine Coast Guard had limited capability to conduct patrols that far.

“At an average, a PCG ship is sent to Panatag once a month and would stay there for just a day. This means that the presence of PCG in Panatag could be felt for only 12 days in a year. There were even instances that patrol was done for every two or three months only.

How can our government assist our fishermen when all our ships could do is to travel back and forth Panatag? This is tantamount to no effort at all,” Alejano said.

At the same time, Alejano said he received information that the Philippine government ordered its Armed Forces to stop the aerial patrols over Panatag Shoal.

“The AFP was ordered to desist from conducting aerial patrols over Panatag Shoal.

However, the AFP insisted otherwise. The compromise then was to conduct aerial patrols only once a month. It is extremely disheartening to see our own government limiting the AFP from performing its mandate,” Alejano said.

Palace to pursue cases vs ISIS without CHR help

By John Paolo Bencito and Rey E. Requejo MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said that it will be initiating cases on its own against members of the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group, since the Commission on Human Rights is doing nothing to give justice to the victims of atrocities committed by the jihadists.

Saying that they have “not heard any investigation conducted by the CHR on the atrocities committed by the Mautes,” Roque accused the constitutional body of “having other priorities” than investigating rights abuses.

“We will do this knowing that the CHR will not be any help in according victims of the Maute terrorist groups justice,” Duterte’s spokesman said in a Palace briefing.

9 Aquino...

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Former Transportation undersecretaries Edwin Lopez, Rene Limcaoco and Catherine Gonzales, ex-MRT3 general manager Roman Buenafe, former bids and awards committee head and members, and Mario dela Cruz of Busan Universal Rail Inc. were included in the plunder complaint.

“Our theory is that, they [Cabinet officials] were informed about the project. There were reports that they were aware of some provisions that needed to be fixed, [but they did not do anything],” said Reiner Yebra, undersecretary for legal affairs and procurement.

“They approved the contract.

That’s... the basis of our filing,” he added.

He said Aquino was spared from the complaint since he was not a member of the Government Procurement Policy Board.

He said Abaya and Roxas were the principal conspirators of the highly disadvantageous contract.

“We [only] actually responded to public clamor for accountability of those responsible for the poor condition of our train system,” he said.

DoTr Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Giovanni Lopez said the plunder complaint is backed by strong evidence to pin down the accused of pocketing public funds and enriching themselves.

“The contract was such a big conspiracy for the past eight months from the start of the contract with the Busan Universal Rail Inc.,” he said, add-

Alvarez:...

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in the courts took too long to resolve in the level of the trial court alone. After that, the cases might be brought to the Court of Appeals and then to the Supreme Court and take years before a final decision was reached.

“For the sake of our people, let us consider simplifying the process. I propose that the Court of Appeals, unless it can speedily resolve the cases brought to it... be abolished,” Alvarez said in his opening message at the start of the two-day Conference

Roque accused the CHR of being selective in the cases that they investigate.

“It is always atrocities allegedly committed by state agents. And their position has been consistent, the role is to document abuses of human rights committed by state agents, which is wrong, because international humanitarian law punishes everyone, even non-state actors,” he said.

“If you look at the case law of the international criminal court, majority of the accused are nonstate actors,” he added.

Roque made these pronouncements in response to a speech by CHR Commissioner Roberto Eugenio Cadiz last Monday, who said a government official and lawyer was “making mockery of human rights and rule of law.” ing Abaya and Roxas used the MRT 3 maintenance contract as a “fund-raiser.”

The Palace welcomed the filing of graft and plunder charges against the former Aquino Cabinet members, saying MRT 3 was still “crying for solutions” to problems they created.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, who earlier defended Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade against calls for him to resign, said they were taking positive steps to improve service on the commuter train system.

“I think Secretary Tugade knows that we’re looking up to him for a solution,” Roque said in a Palace news briefing.

“We’re crying for a solution and we’re crying for a quick solution and I’m sure that Secretary Tugade and [Undersecretary Cesar] Chavez are really taking all the necessary steps,” he added.

Following the government’s decision to rescind its contracts with maintenance provider Busan Universal Railways Inc., Roque said that the current administration is working to “procure a reliable maintenance contractor” and build new rails, buy new train cars and signaling systems for the MRT. “And meanwhile, there is a safety audit being conducted to ensure the safety of the riding public,” he added.

Roque said the ax should fall hard against officials involved in the procurement of the alleged anomalous MRT 3 maintenance service contract, blaming previous Cabinet officials for the various woes affecting the mass transport system.

With Maricel V. Cruz on “Judicial Institution Building and Reforms” at the New World Hotel in Manila.

He said the number of trial courts should be expanded in proportion to the size of the population.

He said the government must invest in the specialization of the trial courts to resolve particular cases and improve the capacity of the judges and staff through management training and further studies so those courts could render speedy and fair judgments.

Alvarez said only the cases as provided for in the Constitution should reach the Supreme Court.

Relatives of 58 Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre victims led by Maguindanao (2nd Dist) Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu (center) flashes a flashes a President Rodrigo Duterte sign during a pressconference and 8th years anniversary of Amapatuan Massacre at the House of Representatives.Mangudadatu and victim’s relatives wishes to meet President Duterte to ask help for immediate resolution of their case against the Ampatuans.Thrity two of the 58 victims are members of Media. Ver Noveno

Maguindanao massacre marks 8th year

Senators OK Du30 move to bring in new telcos

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE President Aquilino Pimentel III commended on Tuesday the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to allow the operations in the country of a third telecommunications carrier from China—seen as a move to put an end to Filipino consumers being held hostage by poor communications and data services.

The current telecommunications industry in the Philippines is dominated by PLDTSmart and Globe Telecom.

Pimentel said a third telecommunications firm was exactly what the country needed to end a telco duopoly mired in mediocrity-- a situation that had allowed them to hold the Filipino consumer hostage by poor communications and data services.

By acting decisively to address this problem, Pimentel said the President was showing the kind of political will necessary to address the long-standing problems of the country.

“Our people need fast, stable Internet speeds that are reasonably priced. Bringing in a new competitor helps achieve that,” he said.

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On Saturday, Duterte said he would only declare a revolutionary government if “things go out of control” and the government was in danger of being overthrown violently.

He also accused the media of “chopping” his statements to make it appear that he was doing so.

Earlier, Duterte said he would set up a revolutionary government and declare all state posts vacant if the Philippines plunged into chaos because of the alleged destabilization plots against him.

“If I declare a revolutionary government, you are all arrested; I am not scaring you,” Duterte told state-run PTV 4 last October.

Then President Corazon Aquino established a revolutionary government following the ouster of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

She abolished the 1973 Constitution and promulgated the provisional Freedom Constitution pending the ratification of the 1987 Constitution.

A revolutionary government allowed Aquino to declare all positions vacant and overhaul the bureaucracy.

In the Senate, Senator Panfilo Lacson said no revolutionary government under the administration of Duterte would prosper since it did not have the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

EIGHT years after the murder of 58 people on Nov. 23, 2009, in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan Town, the relatives, friends and supporters of the Maguindanao Massacre victims are appealing to President Rodrigo Duterte for justice by helping to facilitate the resolution of the cases against the killers.

The Maguindanao Massacre is considered the worst case of election-related violence in Philippine history.

In a press conference at the House of Representatives on Tues-

day, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu emphasized the need to resolve the cases against the alleged perpetrators including the late Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his sons.

“I am not here for a blame game,” Mangudadatu said.

“I just want to remind everybody that we are still here waiting for justice to be served. We are fervently asking for your help because the case is still pending and progressing very slowly.”

The case is being tried by

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221.

Mangudadatu said the relatives of some of the victims had died, such as Nancy dela Cruz and Mario Cadagdagon, the parents of journalists Gina dela Cruz and Jepon Cadagdagon.

“The wounds may have healed but the abuse and impunity that the perpetrators of the Maguindanao Massacre still remain fresh and bleeding. It will only stop when we have achieved justice,” Mangudadatu said.

Duterte...

in the truth behind the charges leveled against the chief justice, then it should welcome the cross-examination of complainant’s witnesses by the Chief Justice’s lawyers,” they said.

The chairman of the House committee on justice, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali, however, said they would not recognize the special power of attorney, saying Sereno is the best person to answer all the allegations leveled against her.

“They cannot defend the Chief Justice,” Umali said of her lawyers. “It has no bearing at all be-

cause what is material here is her presence for her to controvert the evidence to be presented by the complainant and the witnesses.”

Umali said Sereno’s lawyers will only be allowed to sit in the hearing, but will not be given the chance to talk.

“They [Sereno’s lawyers] can come, but they cannot speak because the rules do not permit such an arrangement,” Umali said, referring to the scheduled resumption of the impeachment hearing against Sereno Wednesday morning. With John Paolo Bencito and Macon Ramos-Araneta

bid to cut off the funding sources of the communist New People’s Army.

Saying that mining operations were mostly at the mercy of the NPA’s extortion activities, along with their legal fronts, Duterte warned that he will be cutting these funding sources “for they will no longer thrive.”

“We have to decide once and for all. If I go against the NPAs, everybody has to reconfigure

their relationship with the NPAs. Because if you continue to support [them] financially, I will close you down,” the President said in his speech before Marawi soldiers in Taguig.

“In the interest of the security of the state, all those funding the NPA here, we will trace you to everything,” he added.

Duterte claimed that mining companies are paying taxes to the NPA “without exception” for their businesses to continue.

On Monday, the Palace revealed that the former official, who was fired for contradicting President Rodrigo Duterte, also got fired for supposedly going on “extravagant” junkets abroad, bringing his “girl Friday” and receiving gifts from an alleged narco-politician.

Roque insisted that the President will fire anyone accused “even a whiff of corruption.”

“So even if this letter were anonymous, the President would still consider it and would still take steps to verify the truth of allegations.”

He also reminded presidential appointees that they all serve on the pleasure of the President.

“We have to be more pure— purer than Caesar’s wife in government service,” he added. John Paolo Bencito and Rio N. Araja

he felt disappointed because there were some politicians who were pretending to help the poor but only because they had a hidden agenda.

Pacquiao also said he was disappointed by people who were trying to destabilize the government.

“I don’t want to say bad things but I really hate those kinds of things,” he said.

In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives to the 15th Congress representing the province of Sarangani and was reelected in 2013 to the 16th Congress.

In June 2016, Pacquiao was elected senator and will serve a six-year term until 2022.

“This campaign, coupled with the repeated personal attacks From A1 on Ms. Callamard by President Duterte, seems to be designed to the Human Rights Council that intimidate her into not carrying appointed her, in the strongest out the mandate bestowed on her terms,” Colville said in a press by the Human Rights Council,” briefing at Geneva on Tuesday. he added.

The OHCHR defended Callamard from the constant tirades of Duterte and his supporters, saying that she “has clearly been acting fully in line with her mandate when commenting on the situation in the Philippines.”

Responding to the OHCHR statement condemning his attacks against Callamard, Duterte, speaking in Filipino, told the UN rapporteur: “Sabihin mo sa kanya, harapin niya ako dito, p***** i** talaga hiritan. Binabastos niya tayo.” John Paolo Bencito

From A1

“The chief justice need not repeat her position as stated in the motion of her counsel that in the impeachment proceeding before the honorable committee, she has the right to appear through counsel and a denial thereof is a violation of due process,” Sereno’s lawyers led by lawyer Alex Poblador said, in a two-page letter sent Tuesday.

“Since the honorable committee appears to be interested

Rody...

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you down]. How much do I earn from the [mining] taxation?

About 70 billion [pesos] a year?

I can let it go. So what kung wala tayo [if we don’t have that]?”

Earlier, Duterte warned mining companies to refrain from giving revolutionary taxes or risk closure for supporting terrorist elements, in a determined

Charges...

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Roque made these pronouncements after Santiago vehemently denied the allegations against him, adding that his supposed accuser is willing to come out to deny the letter complaint allegedly sent to Malacañang last month.

UN...

Pacman...

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News

Practice discipline, motorists are urged

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday urged motorists to practice selfdiscipline and observe the government’s Yellow Lane policy to further improve the flow of traffic on the 24-kilometer Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

Beginning today (Nov. 22), MMDA traffic enforcers will no longer be seen carrying placards along Edsa to remind motorists about the policy.

The agency will now strictly enforce the law and apprehend violators using its closed-circuit television cameras under the No Contact Apprehension Scheme.

During the first day of dry-run activity for the implementation of the Yellow Lane policy on Nov. 20, a total 287, mostly private vehicles, were flagged down and were warned by MMDA ground traffic personnel while 825 were caught by CCTVs. As of noon of Nov. 21, second day of dryrun, the MMDA apprehended 442 vehicles, 140 of them caught by ground personnel.

“We advised drivers to observe road policies and courtesy for us to have a safe and orderly flow of traffic,” said MMDA assistant general manager for planning Jose Arturo Garcia Jr.

CA junks raps vs Romero THE Court of Appeals has lifted the warrant for the arrest of 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Michael Romero in connection with a case for qualified theft filed against him before the Manila Regional Trial Court .

In a 21-page unanimous decision dated Nov 17, a copy of which released only Tuesday, the appellate court found that Manila RTC Branch 11 Judge Cicero Jurado Jr. had committed grave abuse of discretion for denying on Jan. 6 the Department of Justice’s motion to withdraw the criminal case against Romero, his mother Felicia Aquino, and another accused Edwin Jeremillo, as well as to lift the issuance of a warrant for their arrest.

The appellate court, through Associate Justice Magdangal de Leon, granted the consolidated petitions of Romero and Aquino, as it nullified the assailed orders and directed the withdrawal of the qualified theft case without prejudice to its refiling.

The CA said the trial court should have granted the DoJ’s motion for the withdrawal of the case filed by Senior State Prosecutor Peter Ong. Ong granted Romero and Aquino’s motions for reconsideration of the earlier resolution finding probable cause against them.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by lawyer Jerome Canlas, who has represented himself as the authorized representative of Harbor Center Port Terminal Inc. Canlas alleged the petitioners and Jeremillo stole P3.41 million from HCPTI in 2007 using their positions of trust and confidence.

In its motion to withdraw criminal information, the DoJ cited insufficiency of evidence and the existence of a prejudicial question pertaining to a controversy over the ownership of HCPTI pending before the courts.

Robredo: Another Marcos deceit THE camp of Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo has accused former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos of deceiving and lying to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal after he submitted a list of witnesses from the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan who were not registered voters.

In a manifestation and comment to the PET, Robredo’s lawyers Romulo Macalintal and Maria Bernadette Sardillo informed the PET that Marcos submitted names of proposed witnesses who were not registered voters of the precincts as stated in his list.

They stressed that some were not even registered voters during the May 2016 National and Local Elections.

There was no immediately available comment from the Marcos camp.

In his manifestation, Macalintal said: “In his vain attempt to convince the Honorable Tribunal to conduct a technical examination of election documents in the Provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan, Marcos has practically resorted to misleading if not totally deceptive representation.”

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Businessman, broker seek dismissal of Customs raps B

By Rey E. Requejo

USINESSMAN Kenneth Dong and Customs broker Mark Ruben Taguba have asked the Department of Justice to dismiss the criminal complaint filed against them by the Bureau of Customs arising from the P6.4-billion shabu shipment seized last May.

Dong and Taguba, also fac- Philippine Drug Enforcement ing drug charges in a sepa- Agency involving the same rate complaint filed by the shipment, again showed up

before the DoJ last Monday and submitted their respective counter-affidavits to investigating fiscal, Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit.

The two respondents denied BoC’s charges that they violated Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Dong argued there was no “direct material evidence” to

indict him for the importation of the 602.2-kilogram shabu shipment.

“My complicity to the crime, if this be the case, cannot be anchored on my business relationship or association, if any, with my co-respondents,” Dong said, in his counter-affidavit.

The businessman, who was released recently after being arrested over a rape case, admitted that he referred his co-respondent, businessman

Manny Li, to Taguba to facilitate the processing of the shipment of Li’s client, Hongfei Logistics.

According to him, he only translated to English the cargo’s packing list forwarded to him by Li, which was written in Chinese.

“I have not, in one instance or another, dealt with or personally transacted with any of the BoC employees responsible for the inspection/verification of imported goods,” he said.

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Adelle Chua, Editor

Empathy is a start

I

T WAS refreshing to hear President Rodrigo Duterte apologize last week for the recent mishaps on the MRT 3 commuter train system.

“We offer no excuse, but apologies... to the public for the inconvenience caused,” the President said after a car uncoupled on Nov. 16, necessitating the offloading of about 140 passengers, who had to walk on the rails to the nearest stop.

The President’s reaction, which spoke of empathy for working men and women, contrasted sharply with the dismissive arrogance of his predecessor, who once quipped that the worsening traffic in Metro Manila was a sign of a healthy

economy, or his former Transport secretary who said that congestion on the roads was not fatal.

Mr. Duterte’s straightforward apology also contrasted with the finger pointing that his own officials resort to when they are pressed to explain why public services remain so bad, one year after the current administration took over.

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, for example, has constantly harped on the anomalous maintenance contract that the previous administration had approved. Yet it was only this month that the Department of Transportation terminated that contract and took over the job temporarily, until a new contractor is appointed. In the meantime, service on the commuter train system has continued to deteriorate.

Nor has the department under Tugade done anything to address the unjust collection by the Land Transportation Office of millions of pesos in fees for new license plates that until today have not been delivered. Again, there is no doubt that the mess was created by the previous administration, but the least that this administration can do is to acknowledged that a wrong has been committed and that the public needs to be compensated, regardless of which specific officials were to blame.

In the same time, the Justice secretary has bemoaned the proliferation of illegal drugs in the penal system, a state of affairs that he blamed on his predecessor. Yet we learned only this month that a 72-year-old Taiwanese woman was running a lucrative drug business

inside the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City, which falls under the purview of the Justice Department. What, we are constrained to ask, outside of prosecuting his predecessor, has the Justice secretary done to actually keep illegal drugs out of the country’s jails?

We welcome the President’s sense of responsibility and wish he could impart it on the men and women in his official family.

But empathy is just a start. To have a real positive impact on public services, the President needs to demand more of his official family. It is not enough to say that they still enjoy his trust and confidence. They must show that they have earned these by their performance—or they must be shown the door.

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Will he, or won’t he?

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has threatened enemies of the state with a revolutionary government.

He faces so many problems—insurgency and illegal drugs among them. So now I ask again: Will he, or won’t he?

Some lawyers’ groups are saying that it has no basis in law and the Constitution will not allow it.

Of course it is outside the Constitution! It’s precisely a dictatorship! The President would have the power to abolish Congress, the Supreme Court, and local government units. This was what the late President Corazon Aquino did after she assumed office in 1986, post-Edsa.

Note that former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, the architect of the Marcos Martial Law in 1972, has said that President Duterte is facing more serious problems than the late strongman President Ferdinand E. Marcos did.

I am sure the President realizes the consequences of his options.

What needs to be done LOWDOWN

JOJO A. ROBLES IT’S a fair, if irrelevant, question: How will the filing of plunder charges against key Aquino administration officials involved in the systematic destruction of the MRT-3 improve the efficiency and reliability of the distressed commuter train line?

Of course it won’t.

But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.

It should be perfectly clear to everyone that the Duterte administration is unlike its predecessor in that it has not made a policy out of filing charges against high officials of the previous government. Thus, the plunder charges against nine former Aquino Cabi-

net secretaries, three undersecretaries and various other persons for the awarding of the P60-billion MRT maintenance contract to a shady Korean-led consortium yesterday represents a landmark of sorts.

In fact, the only prominent Aquino-era official who has been prosecuted by the government so far is Senator Leila de Lima, once the all-powerful secretary of justice. But De Lima is being tried in connection with her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, specifically through her use of her power to convert the national penitentiary into the undisputed capital of “shabu” distribution; the charges she is facing have to do with actual dangerous crimes, the sort of which President Rodrigo Duterte has been militating against since his days as

mayor of Davao City.

The white-collar plunder that is widely believed to have been committed at the MRT is just the kind of official skulduggery that Duterte has been loath to go after. Until yesterday,

Duterte, unlike Aquino, is not in the business of filing charges that cannot be made to stick.

that is.

It may be true, as some have alleged, that the suing of the Noynoy-era officials converted them into con-

venient scapegoats for the current crop of transportation officials, who have inherited the troubles created

by Joseph Emilio Abaya and his cohort. But the blame-tossing and buckpassing that have been elevated to an art form by the Aquino administration will only offer temporary relief for those now in charge of the train line.

The all-important question is this: Are there sufficient grounds to charge Abaya and the rest for what they did to a train system that was running perfectly well, before they came in and wrecked everything?

And the plunder charges filed yesterday, I’ve been told, have been prepared for many months. The fact that the government itself, through the Department of Transportation, brought the suit before the Ombudsman

against Abaya and his colleagues shows that the suit is part of a well-planned strategy to make those who brought the MRT to its knees pay for what they did.

And what Abaya and his co-respondents did is clear: they kicked out the wellrespected maintenance contractor who provided a reliable, efficient system, broke up what was once a single contract into many to spread the wealth to all sorts of unscrupulous characters and threw the 500,000 commuters who use the line daily under a slow-moving, dangerously decoupling but still lifethreatening train. *** The Aquino administration, during its blindly vengeful six years in office, filed all sorts of charges against perceived enemies

of the Chief Executive, charges that are only now being exposed as unfounded and unsubstantiated.

These made them so easy to dismiss using the once unheard-of strategy of employing only the evidence provided by the prosecution itself.

The pursuit of those responsible for the plunder of the MRT, judging from the painstaking manner in which so many damning documents were collected

by Duterte’s men, is way different. And while it is true that a lot needs to be done to bring the train line back to working, reliable order without having to go after those responsible for the present sorry situation, the process of dispensing justice is independent of that huge task and must be allowed to run its course.

Marcos had only the communist insurgency and the Moro independence movement, the Duterte administration has the IS-inspired Maute, Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, New People’s Army, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, militant groups and an opposition salivating for a return to power.

A revolutionary government may send chills down the spine of many Filipinos. But I do not think Mr. Duterte, tough and volatile as he is, would go through with it. He knows the consequences of his act.

To do this, he must have the support of the police and the military.

He also ought to know that when one becomes a dictator, he would ride a tiger from which he cannot

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Opinion In search of market signals in the $450-million Da Vinci

By Barry Ritholtz Economist Friedrich Hayek wrote that “price contains information.” So what information is contained in the almost a half billiondollar price for a painting?

The Last da Vinci, as the “Salvator Mundi” has been called, sold at auction last week for $450 million, a record and blowing past the previous high of $179 million paid at auction for Picasso’s “Les Femmes d’Algers” in 2015.

But before we debate just what this does mean, let’s quickly dispatch with what is does not: This isn’t a sign of a bubble economy or a top in equities. Why? As we discussed last time out, a single outlier transaction is merely an anecdote, and not a market.

Anecdotes tell us what a tiny subset of investors is doing with their money; it doesn’t measure the emotional state of the crowd.

Bubbles reflect a collective madness, when the masses go crazy with greed. As noted previously: “They are…one-off transactions in a ludicrously small market dominated by a ludicrously wealthy clientele. Given the choice between quantifiable data or anecdotal tidbits, you should always choose the data. So no, these sales are not proof of anything other than the simple truth that some people have very large bank accounts that they are unable to exhaust through normal profligacy or by paying insane prices for a handful of unique objects of art.”

Still, I spent the weekend mulling over what this transaction could mean. I came up with a few ideas and theories (some of which may be quickly disproven as more information about the mysterious buyer comes to light).

Scarcity: Consider, if you will, what comes up for auction on the art market. Modern artists (Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, Basquiat, etc.) are staples of the auction world. Impressionists (Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Pissarro, Sisley, et. al.) come up fairly regularly. Da Vinci doesn’t come up all that often for auction—the rest of his works are in museums (Tuscany, Louvre in Paris, Florence, Milan, Hermitage in St. Petersburg, National Gallery of Art in Washington). The lack of supply explains a lot. Fewer than 20 of da Vinci’s works have survived and they aren’t making anymore of them.

Combine that with the demand by Renaissance collectors or museums or rank and file billionaires seeking bragging rights Salesmanship: Did this price reflect brilliant hype? Some have made that case rather strongly.

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Otherwise, Abaya and his co-conspirators may actually start to believe that they’re already out of the woods. And the rest of us may actually end up convinced that the plunderers hiding under the skirt of those who claim to have a monopoly on righteousness and good governance will never be made to pay for their high crimes.

The Aquino administration loved to throw around the word “closure” to justify the then president’s thirst for personal political vendetta. In this case, the people are crying out for closure, as well—the closure of jail cell doors after Abaya and his fellow plunderers have been thrown

Jerry Saltz, art critic for New York magazine, was scathing in his appraisal of the painting before it went up for auction. But he leveled even more vitriol at this particular auction as a price-discovery mechanism, which he characterized as “an irresponsible knowing flimflam that defrauds a mass audience into thinking it is ‘appreciating’ an old master when it’s all smoky spectacle and mirrors.”

Art adviser Todd Levin took a more benign view of Christie’s salesmanship. “I have to take my hat off to them,” he told Artnet news.

“They have done the most brilliant marketing job with this Leonardo.”

Given the very short list of potential buyers for a work like this, it could be less a case of inefficient markets and more a case of slick retailing. Of the final price tag, $50 million went to Christie’s—perhaps the most deserved commission, ever.

Wealth Disparity: Forget the 1 percent or even the 0.1 percent; you need to be a member of the 0.001 percent to be able to throw around that type of money.

Many observers have noted that these vast sums of cash can only come about when there is enormous wealth inequality. The website Artsy observed last month that a new billionaire is minted in Asia every other day, and “they have a serious appetite for art.” Earlier this year, the site reported on a study that suggested growing inequality was “endangering the art market,” by driving out collectors of more modest means who support lesser known or emerging artists.

“The Salvator Mundi auction feels like a staged mockery confirming this infinite gap between the rich and poor,” Deutsche Welle, Germany’s public international broadcaster, editorialized, adding that a painting of Jesus that breaks all price records serves as symbol of a world and wealth gone awry.

Psychology: Finally, there are issues of ego and individual investor psychology at play. One could have purchased 10 paintings for $45 million each instead. But as Artnet wrote, “a single $450 million da Vinci simply makes more of a statement to one’s peers than 10 $45 million” paintings by anyone else. That makes this purchase a record ego stroke as well.

Perhaps this one sale tees up the art world for the next record auction. It might even make Congress think twice about passing tax cuts that favor the top 1 percent.

But what it doesn’t tell us is much of anything about the health of the economy or whether stocks are fairly priced. Bloomberg behind them is what the people need to see.

This is not, after all, the administration of Noynoy, who could not seem to do what needs to be done because of his absolute, unwavering focus on securing the innumerable pounds of flesh that he sought from people who had displeased or slighted him. And I cannot believe that Duterte, the former prosecutor and work-obsessed longtime mayor, is in the business of filing charges that cannot be made to stick, only because he needs to blame other people for the situation he finds himself in.

And the MRT will still be fixed and made to run hitch-free once again. Because both tasks, believe it or not, can be done simultaneously.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

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Consunji’s passion to build VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ THE late David M. Consunji began his construction business in 1954 with just P500, a second-hand cement mixer, and a brand new pickup truck.

Trained as a civil engineer (1947 UP), DM Consunji said, “the cement mixer was like a violin to me.”

Over the next 63 years, Consunji built a business whose portfolio of projects, reputation, quality of work, and profitability would ring like music to an entrepreneur’s ear.

Today, Consunji’s family holding company, DMCI Holdings Inc. (founded 1995) has a market cap of P205.8 billion. With the family’s 69.43 percent ownership, David left behind a P142.88 billion ($2.8 billion) wealth.

DMCI Holdings is a very efficient company.

It has only 12 employees, including eight executives and officers.

Yet, it had, as of Dec. 31, 2016, assets of P149 billion, equity of P75 billion, revenues of P57.2 billion, and profits of P12.83 billion.

The 2016 income was up 19

percent from P10.77 billion in 2015.

The founder David Consunji died on Sept. 4, 2017.

Born 1921, Consunji was 96. “Recognized locally as the father of the contemporary construction industry, DM built landmarks and redefined cityscapes for generations of Filipinos. He valued not the quick profit but the satisfaction of doing one’s work well, honestly and proudly. The board of directors, management, and employees of the DMCI group of companies deeply mourn his passing,” said DMCI Holdings.

For Consunji, construction was a profession, a calling, a passion and music. It was less as a business. He focused on quality and efficiency. After all, the projects and edifices he built carried his name. Most of the buildings in Makati were done by Consunji. As were many of the highways and structures that dot the skyline of Metro Manila and other major cities in the country. He was secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications from 1970 to 1975.

David’s son, Isidro Consunji, 68, inherits the company, the family culture of excellence, and the reputa-

tion for quality.

Sid is chairman, president and CEO of DMCI Holdings.

Sid has a bachelor of science in Engineering (UP), Master of Business Economics (Center for Research and Communication), Master of Business Management (Asian Institute of Management), and Advanced Management (IESE School, Barcelona, Spain).

DMCI Holdings has expanded to include four major subsidiaries: D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) DMCI Project Developers Inc. (PDI), and Semirara Mining and Power Corp. [(SMPC) (formerly Semirara Coal Corp.)]. In 2006, the company entered into a 50-50 consortium with Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which won the bid to acquire 84 percent stake in Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI).

In 2007, the company established a wholly-owned power generation subsidiary to engage in the construction, operation and maintenance of power plants.

Late in 2009, the company, through SMC, acquired a 2 by 300-megawatt nominal capacity coal-fired power plant located in the province of Calaca, Batangas.

Founded in 1954, the construction subsidiary DMCI

is an industry leader, noted for quality projects delivered on or ahead of time and its pioneering application of advanced engineering methodology. DMCI Holdings is the Philippines’ biggest coal producer. Coal is also the holding company’s biggest moneymaker.

Meanwhile, in just 10 years, DMCI Homes built the most comfortable, and resort-type communities for urban dwellers, in Quezon City, Taguig City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, and Parañaque City. The developments are complete with resort-type amenities and facilities, like wide open space around the housing structures, gardens with Koi ponds, rows of trees, and thick foliage.

The price ranges are within comfortable reach of the average Filipino family.

Back to the mixer in 1955, someone offered to buy it at 5x he paid for it.

He refused.In his memoirs, David explained: “To me, accepting [the] offer would have been like a violinist or a flutist selling his instrument—treating it like a commodity to buy and sell.

And of course, that would be unthinkable for a genuine musician. The concrete mixer was my equivalent of a violin. It was the tool

which formed the basis of my calling.”

Before 1955, David apprenticed “for four months without pay to be a builder, gradually learning about real estate and land development.” From his apprenticeship at Sta. Clara Construction, David took in more construction projects, and at the same time, handling on small projects on the side.

By the 1950s, Consunji decided: “Do construction work on my own.” His early projects were building chicken houses for the government. Beginning 1955, DM Consunji Inc. was helping shape Makati Central Business District.

Projects included the old Monterey Apartments, the Rizal Theater, and Tower One and Exchange Plaza.

The company also built the Shangri-La Hotels in Makati, Mactan and Boracay, Manila Hotel, The Westin Philippine Plaza, the Asian Hospital Medical Center, among other distinct landmarks. DMCI also constructed the Ortigas Center financial district South Metro Manila Skyway, LRT 1 North Extension, TarlacPangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway. biznewsasia@gmail.com

An OFW bank SO I SEE LITO BANAYO WE ARE deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our senior reporter and close friend, Christine Herrera.

Two weeks ago, she sent me a text message saying that she would “rarampa muna” in Bangkok. She would buy stuff to sell in some Christmas bazaars together with some friends.

She would be back by the 22nd, she said, and would I be in Manila by then, and give her and some other journalist friends a blowout?

Then last Sunday afternoon, our publisher sent me the shocking message about Christine suddenly writing 30 in Bangkok.

She will be sorely missed. My profound condolences to Lito Herrera and their daughters Nikki and Abbey, and the infant Malcolm Mason whom Lola Christine doted upon. *** Last Sept. 28, President Duterte issued E.O. 44 ordering the Philippine Postal Corp. and the Bureau of Treasury to transfer their shares in the Postal Savings Bank to Land Bank of the Philippines at zero value.

This effectively dissolved the Postal Savings Bank which started out as a thrift bank to encourage Filipinos to save, utilising the network of post offices all

Will...

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get off. It will devour him.

He also ought to know that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

I don’t think he would be as foolhardy. *** Former newspaper publisher Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. is now permanent ambassador to the United Nations. He opposed the government’s vote against the UN draft resolution to help the Rohingya minority. He said isolating and ensuring Myanmar would worsen the problem.

Will the President now fire Locsin? Recall that President Duterte asks appointees who do not agree with him to resign.

Actually, Locsin is correct since abstention from that

over the country at a time when banks were mostly present only in Metro Manila and a few large cities.

PSB became insolvent during the Marcos administration, with private savings bank starting to modernize and expand, such that it was mothballed. Given its financial condition, it made no sense to me as Postmaster-General in President Cory’s time to revive it. I instead launched the move to convert the Bureau of Posts into a GOCC. The PostalBank was eventually revived during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through a capital infusion.

But its operations remained unsustainable. At one time, its president, Rolando Macasaet proposed that it be converted into a bank for OFWs, using the postal system which is part of the Universal Postal Union, as conduit for overseas workers’ remittances to their families here, but then the succeeding PNoy administration and its newly-appointed officials did not act on Macasaet’s proposal.

Serendipitously, Rolly Macasaet, who hails from Zamboanga City, and I found ourselves together in the movement to field Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City for the presidential race of 2016. I volunteered in late December 2014, talked to the mayor on Jan. 7, 2015, while Rolly, who is an executive of the

giant San Miguel conglomerate, joined us in late February of 2015.

Rolly and I had the same concerns about OFWs. Not only was the postal bank a good remittance conduit.

We were more worried about how OFW earnings were being frittered away in basically dead investments, such as a concrete house standing in the middle of nowhere in some barrio. Not really bad, but basically a “dead” investment.

Or the ubiquitous jeepney, with a retired OFW still driving the contraption, or for those with less savings, the other ubiquitous contraption—a tricycle. Or a sari-sari store with hardly enough prospects for profitable operations.

Worse, so many of our overseas Filipino workers were being conned by Ponzi schemes hatched by the greedy and unscrupulous quick-buck artists feeding on get-rich-quick dreams of suffering countrymen.

So in one of those nights when we were with our then unconvinced presidential candidate, Rodrigo Duterte, when very few people were “crazy” enough to believe in his winning possibilities (yes, that is how some wizened political “analysts” dismissed us), we proposed converting the moribund postal bank into an OFW financial vehicle. It was eventually incorporated into our “Tapang at Malasakit— Tunay na Pagbabago”

platform for the DuterteCayetano tandem, put together by us and Vivencio “Vince” Dizon, now BCDA president, now Speaker Bebot Alvarez, now Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and his brother Paul Dominguez, now Executive Secretary Bingbong Medialdea, now SolGen Joe Calida, now Pagcor chairman Didi Domingo, now Pagcor president Fred Lim, now GSIS CEO Clint Aranas, now Philippine Postal Corp. chairman Norman Fulgencio, in a launching event hosted by now Presidential Assistant for Visayas, Michael Lloyd Dino.

A last minute “insertion,” I recall, was the creation of a Department of History and Culture, a “dream” of Vince Dizon, Rolly Macasaet, Atty. Chi Famador, then in the Senate staff of Senator Alan, plus Jimmy Bondoc and his “Takbo” artists’ group and this writer (and which I have proposed in this space before), which admittedly was not pre-cleared with our candidate.

When Sonny Dominguez became secretary of Finance, he immediately operationalized the Duterte-Cayetano promise to our OFWs. And because the existing Postal Bank was financially in extremis, he decided to piggyback the promise upon the resourcerich Land Bank of the Philippines.

With a new CEO, Alex Buenaventura at the helm

of LandBank, an entire year of preparatory groundwork was done, which included numerous consultations with DoLE Secretary Bebot Bello and his staff.

One month before the self-imposed deadline, the President made true a campaign promise to our OFW’s, who supported him immensely in the last elections. They were believers of the meaningful change that he personified, such that the overseas vote for Duterte was virtually unanimous in 2016. *** Last Oct. 7, MECO signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Kaohsiung Maritime University in Taiwan which provided firstly, that a training module would be crafted for our Taiwan OFWs to get training in mariculture and related skills, and secondly, devising a scholarship program for our OFW’s in Taiwan along such fields.

This is in line with our advocacy of providing our OFWs better, more economically-productive and potentially profitable micro-business ventures other than the ubiquitous jeepney, tricycle and sarisari tindahan, or the “justthere” concrete bungalow in the middle of a rice-field.

It is in line with Duterte’s promise to “make our lives more comfortable” by the end of his term.

Beginnings. The promise of meaningful change.

issue like what Singapore did was the best alternative.

Other countries in Southeast Asia may have noted against the UN draft resolution with Muslim majority Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, but considering the implications of a no vote, abstention should have been an alternative.

According to Locsin, the country should have abstained from the UN vote in deference to the Muslim and non-Muslim member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is right thing to do, he said.

The Rohingya issue is a complex one and that a plain no vote would not show our solidarity with other nations to protect human rights.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque himself said that the Philippines is concerned over the humanitarian

situation in Myanmar. We acknowledge that Myanmar has addressed the issue. *** Whenever there are calls for any official appointed by the President to resign, it’s always the same invocation that they will only resign if the President tells them to resign. Soon after, the President’s spokesman says that official still enjoys the trust and confidence of the President.

Santa Banana, what about the people’s faith and confidence in a public official for neglecting his job? Doesn’t that count?

It does seem that the loyalty of appointive officials is only to the appointing power.

The same was true during the BS administration.

Nobody wanted to resign because almost always, BS Aquino would say he still had

trust and confidence in his appointee. Change? The more people talk about change under President Duterte the more things remain the same, my gulay! *** Municipal jails in Metro Manila and the provinces are congested. Living conditions there are sub-human.

And with over a million surrenders now packed in those jails, it can only remind me of the black hole of Calcutta.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre should make the decongestion of jails a priority.

Or does he have other things on his mind, even though the senatorial election is months away?

Prison facilities are supposed to rehabilitate criminals. But how can inmates be rehabilitated when they are treated like pigs?

* ** The impeachment case against Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno gets more interesting as days go by.

Now, the Chief Justice is saying that the impeachment against her is a threat to democracy.

Sereno claims that all the cases filed against her are non-impeachable offenses under the Constitution. But if this is true, she should welcome all the charges against her. She would be given her day in court!

She must be told that even her predecessor was impeached, convicted and ousted for a non-impeachable offense like not declaring his dollar accounts in his SALN or Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

The problem here is that impeachment is a political exercise, not a court trial.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF BoI hit on ‘slow’ car industry LAWMAKERS on Tuesday scored the Board of Investments for the stunted growth of the country’s car development program, owing to its failure to lay down guidelines to its investors on issues affecting the industry.

At a congressional hearing conducted by the House committee on ways and means, deputy speaker and AAMBIS-OWA party-list Rep. Sharon Garin took note of the BoI's alleged biases against non-Japanese local assemblers and new players in the industry.

Similarly, Representatives Lyndia Bolilia of Batangas, Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol party-list and Manuel Zubiri of Bukidnon stressed the need for the government to come up with clear-cut guidelines with regard to its Motor Vehicle Development Program.

“Otherwise, the country will continue to lag behind its Asean neighbors in local automotive manufacturing,” Batocabe said.

Maricel V. Cruz

‘SWITX’ hub to open April 2018

By Joel E. Zurbano

T

HE government is hurrying the construction of the P3-billion Southwest Integrated Terminal Exchange, the first modern intermodal public transport terminal to be built in the country, which is projected to be completed on or before April next year.

The transportation hub, located in a four-hectare land along Coastal Road in Parañaque City, will provide seamless interconnectivity of the different modes of transportation from the neighboring provinces south of Metro Manila.

“This ensures a safe, convenient, and hassle-free travel experience for the commuting public,” said

Thomas Orbos, Metro Manila Development Authority general manager and concurrent Transportation undersecretary for roads and infrastructure.

Orbos said the facility, which will be fully operational by the second quarter of 2018, is among the five big-ticket infrastructure projects that the Department of Transportation will inaugu-

rate next year.

As of October 2017, the terminal is already 39 percent complete.

The terminal is envisioned to be a modern transportation hub that will significantly improve the commuting and terminal experience of passengers. “[DOTr] Secretary [Arthur] Tugade’s instruction was clear—It should be able to house an intermodal facility where people can easily transfer from one transport mode to another, and must have easy access to trains, cabs, and other public utility vehicles,” Orbos said.

The facility will be the first among several terminals that will be built around the peripheries of Metro Manila.

The strategic location will

maximize road usage and reduce the number of public utility vehicles plying the busy road networks such as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, particularly the areas of Baclaran and Taft Avenue.

Also, with the government’s Route Rationalization Plan that will be soon implemented, reorganization of routes will be a priority. This means provincial PUVs will only be allowed to load and unload in SWITX, avoiding Edsa.

SWITX was designed to resemble an airport terminal with multi-level platforms. It will have passenger terminal buildings, embarkation and disembarkation bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities, and parkride facilities.

‘Integrate ALS in drug rehabs’ SAYING that the vast majority of the 1.3-million drug surrenderees had a chance to secure quality education, Senator Win Gatchalian on Tuesday urged the Department of Education to pursue the integration of alternative learning system opportunities into government-run drug rehabilitation programs.

“I believe that inspiring recovering drug dependents with hope for a better future through education will strengthen their resolve to overcome their addictions.

Hope is a powerful anti-drug,” said Gatchalian, who serves as vice chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

He noted that the drug personalities who have surrendered to authorities since July 2016 are poor Filipinos who were uneducated. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Drivers will also have their own retiring room.

Closed circuit television cameras and baggage scanners will be installed and security personnel will be stationed 24/7 to ensure safety of passengers.

In order to make the terminal more vibrant, commercial spaces and offices will be occupying the premises.

This will also ensure a steady flow of passengers that will be using the new terminal.

During his term, President Benigno Aquino III signed Administrative Order No. 40, establishing transport terminals in the north and south of the metropolis to decongest Edsa and restrict provincial buses from entering the major thoroughfare.

12 alleged NPAs nabbed after attack

Bldg Code in eng’g courses pushed A PANEL in the House of Representatives has created a technical working group that will fine-tune a bill which seeks to include the National Building Code of the Philippines among the subjects of engineering courses.

The House committee on higher and technical education, chaired by Rep. Ann Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay, at a congressional hearing last Monday, stressed the need for the inclusion of the specific subject in engineering courses as the NBCP is presently not among the prescribed subjects for Civil, Electrical, Sanitary, Mechanical and Architectural Engineering.

“That is why I filed this bill so that when engineering students finish their course, they already have a background on the NBCP,” deputy majority leader and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., the bill's author, 3rd District, Pampanga), author of House Bill 5908, said.

Maricel V. Cruz

Catching a bus is also made easier with the On-line Bus Ticketing System, an intuitive online and on-site booking and ticketing system. Departure schedules will also be displayed on large screens.

Buses will likewise be equipped with Ultra-High Frequency tag for efficient managing, tracking, and monitoring inside the terminal premises. Vehicles and passengers’ queuing, loading, and unloading will all be systematized.

The terminal will also be equipped with Wi-Fi and charging points.

For added comfort, there will be air-conditioned lounges and waiting areas for passengers, as well as retail stores and food centers.

JUDICIAL REFORMS. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno speaks during a conference on Judicial institution Building and Reforms at the New World Hotel in Makati where he discussed the establishment of a Constitutional Court in the Philippines and the quest for a federal republic. Norman Cruz

A CLASH between army troopers and alleged members of the New People’s Army resulted in the arrest of 12 suspected NPA rebels in Barangay Utod in Nasugbu, Batangas, a military official said Tuesday.

According to Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, the 12 were onboard a jeep which was flagged down by members of Nasugbu police in a checkpoint around 10 a.m., Monday, following a firefight between soldiers and suspected rebels in the area.

“The checkpoint was set up in order to prevent the armed terrorists from fleeing from the encounter site,” he said in a press statement.

Major Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, Southern Luzon Command acting commander, said members of the 730th Combat Group of the Philippine Air Force under Maj. Engelberto Nioda will identify the apprehended individuals to verify if they are the same individuals present during the encounter.

The 12 are now under the custody of PNP Nasugbu.

Illegal recruitment scheme inside POEA uncovered

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment uncovered an illegal recruitment scheme inside the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency office involving several officials, security guards and janitors in the processing of overseas employment certificates for departing overseas Filipino workers in exchange for considerable amount of money.

Labor Undersecretary Dominador Say said Tuesday that several POEA officials are now under investigation while about 40 security guards and janitors would also be replaced for their alleged involvement in the illegal recruitment

schemes at the POEA. He said the POEA official who are found to be involved in the illegal recruitment will be suspended from duty, reshuffled, or removed from duty and charged if proven guilty.

The Labor official declined to name the POEA officials and other persons involved in the illegal scheme while the investigation is being conducted.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered the suspension on the issuance of OECs last Nov. 13 up to Dec. 1 due to reports of illegal recruitment and corruption at the POEA. The labor chief instr ucted undersecretaries Dominador Say and Ber nard Olalia to inves-

tigate and implement the suspension and cancellation of licenses of cer tain recr uitment agencies suspected of or engaged in illegal recr uitment.

The DoLE officials said that to prevent illegal activities inside the POEA premises, they will install CCTV cameras at every POEA office to monitor the modus of using janitors and security guards to deliver paperwork to involved officers.

While the entire agency is under investigation, those involved with the processing of direct hires, balik-manggagawa, and agency-hires will be particularly placed under high scrutiny, the labor official said.

An estimated 75,000 wouldbe OFWs were affected by the suspension that will make way for an investigation on POEA employees who allegedly issue OECs to illegal recruiters in exchange for huge sums of money.

Meanwhile, Say also advised applicants seeking overseas employment not to entertain individuals claiming to represent recruitment agencies but do not hold meetings in their offices.

Say said some individuals are using the names of licensed agencies to victimize would-be overseas Filipnio workers.

“Sometimes, itong mga pangalan ng licensed agencies na ’to, ay ginagamit ng mga

tao na hindi konektado sa licensed agencies na ’yun at nakikipag-meeting sa, halimbawa, coffee shop somewhere in Ermita,” Say said.

“Para sa publiko, I would like to advise them: ’pag hindi kayo inanyayahan at pinatawag sa central or main office, registered address ng agency na ’yan, at dun lang kayo kakausapin sa mga kanto kung saan-saan... ’wag ho kayong maniwala dahil ginagamit lamang ang pangalan ng agency na ’yun. Illegal recruitment ’yan, definitely illegal recruitment,” he added.

A list of licensed recruitment agencies is available on the website of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.

Villar cites significance of cooperatives

NO TO RECLAMATION. A fluvial parade consisting of around 20 boats manned by fisherfolks and anti-reclamation groups on Tuesday called for the scrapping of reclamation projects that will destroy their homes and livelihood along Manila Bay. Norman Cruz

SENATOR Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, underscored the significant contribution of cooperatives to combat poverty in the Philippines.

She noted that cooperatives are truly the government and the private sector’s partners in promoting agriculture-driven growth and entrepreneurial development.

She believes that nothing can equal the assistance being given by cooperatives in the development of communities, small businesses and the farmers and fisherfolks.

"We cannot simply ignore the very important role of cooperatives in fighting poverty not only in the fields but also in the agricultural communities of our country. And that is really the essence of the existence of cooperatives—to alleviate the lives of our countrymen especially in the rural areas," Villar said.

She said poverty in rural ar-

eas, where farmers and fisherfolks live, has remained one of the country’s problems. She said majority of the poor in the country are in the rural areas and in the agriculture sector.

She added that half of the country's population lives in rural areas and two-thirds are involved directly or indirectly in agriculture.

"So if we can reduce poverty in these areas, we can help avert poverty in the entire country," said Villar who has been advocating the creation of more cooperatives especially those involved in agriculture and supporting their growth.

Villar also said that she fought to retain their tax exemptions under the Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion tax package.

Villar said she explained to Finance officials that tax exemptions on cooperatives should not be removed because they need it for their growth so that more will benefit from them.t

Villar also said that she recognizes the most outstanding community enterprises through the yearly Villar SIPAG Awards by selecting the 20 Most Outstanding Community Enterprises every December. It acknowledges good practices or innovations of community enterprises, which create jobs and increase household income.

"As I cited earlier, job creation and livelihood generation are crucial in all of our efforts to reduce and eventually eradicate poverty in our country. But there are barriers and challenges that get in the way. Among which are lack of access to education or training and to entrepreneurial opportunities or support, such as availability of credit," she said.

As members of any cooperative know, she said, entrepreneurship is not all about earnings and profits. She said it also has another aspect, which is social entrepreneurship. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Meanwhile, hot pursuit operations are being conducted by Cavite police, Batangas police, and troops of 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

But human rights group Karapatan said nine members of their quick reaction team were illegally arrested by PNP and PAF Monday in Nasugbu.

Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general, said the nine were members of farmers’ groups Habagat and the Samahang ng Pinagkaisang Damdamin ng Barangay Quisumbing from Calaca and Lian, Batangas, respectively, were on their way to Barangay Utod to monitor human rights violations against civilians amid the ongoing military operations of the PAF against members of the NPA in Nasugbu.

Karapatan identified the nine as Leonardo Delos Reyes, 43; Carlos Sanoza, 62; Josefino Castillano, 50; Peping Sacdalan, 67; Robert Hernandez; Jocelyn Cabadin, 44; Jennelyn Bayani, 30; Orlan Cabadin, 19; and Anthony Bañaga.

She denied that they are members of the NPA.

Leila hits ‘inaction’ on foreign visitors

By Macon R. Araneta SENATOR Leila M. de Lima has lamented the Philippine National Police’s ‘repeated inaction’ which she said was an effective denial, on the visiting requests made by high profile visitors who came to the country to meet with her.

De Lima, who was supposed to meet with the delegates of the Global Progressive Forum in her detention center in Camp Crame last Nov. 11, claimed that the seeming tactical denial of high-profile visits “legitimizes oppression and political persecution.”

"Since there was no action on their request duly made even beyond the 10-day prior notice rule, these foreign dignitaries were effectively denied access to me,” said the senator who has been detained at the PNP Custodian Center in Camp Crame, on what she claimed was "trumped-up drug charges."

"What’s happening? These cannot be mere instances of administrative lapses and/or incompetence on the part of PNP authorities. It’s already a deliberate policy of oppression and violation of my rights,” she added.

Last Nov. 11, delegates of the GPF led by its President Enrique Guerrero Salom, along with Robert Hans Neuser, both of whom are members of the European Parliament, and Paolo Alberti, who is in charge of GPF Press and Communications, were barred from visiting De Lima despite complying with the 10-day required notice rule.

Sports Otico rips Japanese in Phinma net opener BRYAN Otico, fresh from his career breakthrough win at PCA Open last week, ripped Japanese Nowa Matsubayashi, 6-3, 6-2, to launch his title drive in Week 2 of the Phinma-PSC Juniors Tennis Championships at the Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park yesterday.

Otico, who skipped the first of the two-week Group 4 ITF (International Tennis Federation) 18-and-under event to compete in the PCA Open where he stunned veteran PJ Tierro in a five-set thriller, overpowered Matsubayashi with his superb all around game to complete the lopsided result. He will next face the winner in the Danial Ahmad Farid of Malaysia-Kyle Tang of Hong Kong duel.

Jose Maria Pague and Michael Eala also fashioned out a pair of straight-set triumphs to somehow make up for the early exits of Matthew Garcia, Stephan Lhuillier, Rucel Cero, Marco Ayala and Sebastien Lhuillier in the ranking event sponsored by the Philippine Investment Management Consultants (Phinma) and Technifiber and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta).

Pague thwarted Chinese Sida Zeng, 7-5, 6-3, while the sixth-ranked Eala, who reached the quarters in Week I ruled by Japanese Shunuke Mitsui over local bet Arthur Pantino, turned back Japanese Mikihisa Matzuzaki, 6-3, 6-4.

But Garcia dropped a 6-2, 6-3 loss to Kei Manaka; Stephan Lhuillier bowed to American Jericho Grollman, 6-2, 6-2; Cero yielded to Malaysian Darrshan Suresh, 7-5, 6-3; Ayala lost to Hong Kong’s Marvin Lee, 6-1, 6-1; and Sebastien Lhuillier succumbed to No. 5 Odeda Arazza of Indonesia, 6-0, 6-1, in the week-long tournament ITF-sanctioned tournament supported by Technifiber ball as official ball, official hotel Jinjiang Inn, Makati and the Philippine Sports Commission.

With Otico in the fold, Mitsui settled for the No. 2 seeding with the Japanese clashing with Filipino Joseph Tiamson at presstime.

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Romeo out of Gilas PH roster I

By Jeric Lopez

T SEEMS like Gilas Pilipinas will have to go to the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers without resident star guard Terrence Romeo.

As the National team left for Japan yesterday for its game there on Friday, Romeo wasn’t with the team and it is now very unlikely for him to be squeezed into the final line-up for the games ahead.

Reportedly, Romeo has been nursing several injuries, prompting him to miss practices both with Gilas Pilipinas and with mother team GlobalPort.

Initially, Gilas coach Chot Reyes left the door open for Romeo to be included in the final line-up should his injury heal just in time given what he can bring to the table, but now, it seems like the Nationals will have to do things without one of their usual scorers.

Without Romeo and also Jio Jalalon, who is likewise recuperating from a knee injury,

Reyes will have to get things done by relying more on guards Kiefer Ravena, Kevin Alas and Roger Pogoy to fill-in the voids and help Gilas regular Jayson Castro in the backcourt.

The Philippines opens its homeand-away qualifiers against Japan this Friday at the Komazawa Olympic Sports Stadium before coming home to play Chinese Taipei on Monday here in Manila.

Reyes will have to submit his final line-up of 12 tomorrow on the eve of the team’s game against Japan.

From the looks of it, it seems like Romeo, according to sources with knowledge of his situation,

star Andray Blatche is slowly but surely getting into the groove of things as he’s been with the team for the last four days to catch up and insert himself into the mix.

Blatche and Castro, with Romeo most likely gone, are expected to be the focal point of Gilas’ attack.

In The Name Of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF BASILAN BIDS AND AWARDSCOMMITTEE Provincial Capitol Bldg., Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 InvItatIon to BId for

SUPPLY and dELIvErY of ConStrUCtIon MatErIaLS for tHE ConStrUCtIon of PEo PErIMEtEr fEnCE , PHaSE I, ISaBELa CItY BaSILan. UndEr BaC PUBLICatIon 0012-2017

Name of Contract a) Supply and Delivery of Construction materials for the Const. of PEO Perimeter Fence 1. PR No. E-229-2017 2. PR NO. E-228-2017 TOTAL

Approved Budget for the Contract P1,713,274.00 1,382,575.00 P3,095,849.00

2. The Provincial Government of Basilan now invites bids for Procurement of Goods for the Supply and Delivery of Construction Materials for the Construction of PEO Perimeter Fence ,Phase I, Isabela City , Basilans . Said Procurement shall be chargeable against the existing appropriation of the Basilan Provincial Government . Bidders have completed within ten (10) years from the date of submission and receipts of bids, a contract similar to the project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II, Instruction to Bidders.

3.Bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using nondiscretionary pass/fail criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”.

4. Bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, 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 Provincial Government of Basilan and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00am to 5pm.

5. A complete Bidding Documents may be purchased in the amount of Five Thousand pesos (P5,000.00) for the procurement of the contract by interested Bidders from the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fees for the Bidding Documents and ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00) for Letter of Intent .It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the website of the Procuring Entity, provided that bidders shall pay the fee for the Bidding Documents not later that the submission of their bids.

Gina ‘Conviction’ Iniong (right) hammers Indonesia’s Priscilla Hertati Lumbangaol with an overhand right to the face during their match at the Mall of Asia Arena. ONE Championship

Iniong takes on Yamaguchi in Singapore

By Reuel Vidal SI NGA POR E — G i n a “Conviction” Iniong has absolutely no misgivings about returning so soon to the cage two weeks after her spectacular victory over Indonesian Priscilla Hertati Lumbangaol.

Iniong finished her foe in two rounds in front of a raucous hometown crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena last November 10 at ONE: Legends of the World.

She returns to the cage on Friday, to face ONE Championship top contender Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi in a three-round atomweight encounter at ONE: Immortal Pursuit at

the state-of-the-art Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Iniong takes the spot of ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee, who withdrew from her title defense against Yamaguchi after suffering injuries from a car accident nearly two weeks ago.

Iniong is hopeful that a victory over Yamaguchi will earn her a title shot against Lee. She battles Yamaguchi on the main card in Singapore three and a half years after she pulled off a split decision victory over the same fighter.

“I will face whoever ONE Championship wants me to face. I am ready, anytime.

But I have my eye on the

champion, and I want that belt. That is my ultimate motivation, to become world champion,” said Iniong.

“That is why I joined this organization (ONE Championship), to showcase my skills and to prove to the world that I have what it takes to be the best. My opponent is a good striker, so I have no doubt that this will be an entertaining contest.”

The Team Lakay standout has a clear vision in her mind when she faces the dangerous Yamaguchi.

“I will try to finish my fight in with a first-round knockout or submission.

This is an opportunity to put me closer to my dream. I am giving everything that I have

to get my hand raised this Friday,” she said.

Iniong has been a professional martial artist for the past seven years. She is a six-time national Wushu champion in the Philippines and has extensive experience in the Muay Thai circuit. Like the typical oriental fighter Iniong is quiet and reserved.

“Although I have been in this game long, I am still very shy. I do not think I will ever get used to talking to a large group of people. Speaking my mind and sharing my thoughts is a lot scarier than being inside that cage. I prefer to let my fists do the talking,” she said.

Games today (Wednesday) 1 p.m. – DLL vs USJ 2 p.m. – HCS vs LNS 3 p.m. – BTT vs HRC 4 p.m. – UMT vs NSN 5 p.m. – ALC vs FEU 6 p.m. – HFA vs KNC

of San Jose-Recoletos, 25-20, 28-26, and Bacolod Tay Tung HS repulsed Far Eastern UDiliman, 20-25, 25-22, 25-19, in Pool B of the inaugural staging of the week-long championship sponsored by Rebisco and organized by Metropolitan Sports and Events Group Inc. headed by Freddie Infante.

Action heats up today as the teams step up their respective bids in the single-round elims with the top two from each side will advance to the crossover semis. The winners will dispute the crown on Sunday, according to tournament director Johanz Buenvenida.

Solar TV will telecast the

games on a delayed basis.

National U was actually disputing the solo lead with Leyte NS at presstime with Hope Christian seeking a second straight victory against Koronadal and De La Salle-Lipa taking on FEU. Other matches pit Holy Rosary College vs Angelicum, Bacolod against USJ and Holy Family Academy vs UM-Tagum.

Rebisco is backing girls’ volley in its continuing effort to develop the sport and help produce the next generation of stars. The country’s top snackfood company has sponsored the national team’s participation in the Asian Seniors Women’s Championship in Laguna, the Asian Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Kazakhstan and the recent smash-hit Battle of the Rivals, which pitted Ateneo against La Salle at MOA.

cuss issues, and come up with ways to further develop football in the Philippines. Special attention is going to be given to national teams and youth teams.

The PFF has invited resource persons from here and abroad to share their expertise.

International speakers include Tuan Hoang Anh who led the U-19 team of Vietnam to qualify for this year’s U-20 World Cup Championship, Football Federation Australia Technical Director Eric Abrams, Japan Football Association Coach Education Director Kawamata Noriyuki,

Asian Football Confederation Deputy Technical Director Wim Koevermans and Japan Football Association Academy Coach Sakao Miho.

Azkals’ coach Thomas Dooley, Philippine Women’s National Team coaches Letecia Bautista and Marnelli Dimzon, PFF Grassroots Director Aquilino Pastoral III, PFF Technical Director Marlon Maro and PFF Coach Education Head Jose Ariston Caslib are each going to give updates about the respective groups that they mentor.

6. The Provincial Government of Basilan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 10:00 am, November 27, 2017 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province, which shall be open to all interested parties.

7. Bids must be delivered on Bid Opening to the address below on or before 10:00 am, December 4, 2017 at BAC Office, Provincial Capitol, Isabela City, Basilan Province. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated in ITB Clause 18.

8. 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.

9. The Provincial Government of Basilan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

10.For further information, please refer to: The BAC CHAIRPERSON LGU- BASILAN Bids and Award Committee C/O BAC Secretariat Ground Floor, Provincial Capitol Building, Isabela City, Basilan Province, 7300 Fax No.: 062 200 3416 & 062 200 3417 (SGD) INTAN GORDANA A. ABUBAKAR Chairperson, Bids and Award Committee (MS-NOV. 22, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines Province of Bataan City of Balanga BIDS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE OFFICE InvItatIon to BId no. Infra -112-2017 112

The Provincial Government of Bataan, through the Special Education Fund intends to apply the below listed project w/ corresponding Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC).

Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected a bid opening.

1.

Name of Project Approved Budget of the Contract (ABC) Improvement of Track and Field Facility for Senior High School Stand Alone =P=48,999,230.52 Brgy. San Ramon, Dinalupihan, Bataan

The Provincial Government of Bataan now invites bids for the above listed Projects. Completion of works is required within 180 Calendar Days. Bidders should have completed, at least one (1) contract that is similar to the contract to be bid. 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 open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility provided in the 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 Office of Bataan Bids & Awards Committee and inspect the Bidding Documents from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the same office.

Bid documents will be available only to eligible bidders upon payment of a nonrefundable amount of using standard rates approved by GPPB as stated on their Resolution No. 04-2012 listed below.

Approved Budget for the Contract 500,000 and below More than 500,000 up to 1 Million More than 1 Million up to 5 Million More than 5 Million up to 10 Million More than 10 Million up to 50 Million More than 50 Million up to 500 Million More than 500 Million

Maximum Cost of Bidding Documents (in Philippine Peso) 500.00 1,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 50,000.00 75,000.00

The Provincial Government of Bataan will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on November 29, 2017 at 10:00 A.M at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan.

Bids must be delivered on or before December 13, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. at Provincial BAC Office, PEO Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataan. All bids must be accompanied by a bid security in any of the acceptable forms and in the amount stated on IRR of RA 9184 or Bid Securing Declaration in standard form.

Hope Christian’s Anika Jaboneta fires a looper of hit against UM-Tagum defender Myka Sotis during their Rebisco Volleyball League clash in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

1st Football Coaches Conference to be held on Dec. 1 to 3 THE Philippine Football Federation, the governing body of local football, and MVP Sports Foundation, the CSR-arm for sports of the MVP Group of Companies, present the country’s first Football Coaches Conference.

The trailblazing event will be held from Dec. 1 to 3 at the Li Sing Giap Auditorium of the University of Asia and the Pacific in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The conference aims to bring together Filipino football educators and enthusiasts in a positive environment to share experiences, learn from global experts, dis-

will most likely miss out on the line-up.

In the FIBA Asia Cup last August, Romeo was Gilas’ top offensive weapon as he showed his scoring prowess to carry the team on his back the entire tournament.

On a brighter note, naturalized

1.The Provincial Government of Basilan intends to apply part of the sum of THREE MILLION NINETY FIVE THOUSAND AND EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY NINE PESOS (P3,095,849.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payment for the contract of the following procurement under the Office of the Provincial Engineer as distributed below; Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected a bid opening.

NU, Hope crush rivals in Rebisco tilt NAZARETH School of National University overpowered Holy Family Academy of Pampanga, 25-10, 25-12, while Hope Christian High School warded off University of Mindanao-Tagum, 25-20, 26-24, at the start of the 18-and-under Rebisco Volleyball League at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Laguna last Monday.

Leyte National HS held off Koronadal National Comprehensive HS, 25-20, 25-20, to join NSN and HCS in the early Pool A lead of the two-group tournament featuring the top high school volley squads in the land, including three each from the NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

De La Salle-Lipa crushed Cagayan de Oro’s Angelicum Learning Center, 25-12, 25-16; host Holy Rosary College of Sta. Rosa thwarted University

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

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

P0 M+ P0 M

Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend opening of Bids at Bataan BAC Office. Late bids shall not be accepted.

In case of the above dates is declared a special Non-Working Holidays, it will automatically reset on the next working days.

Other necessary information deemed relevant by the Provincial Government of Bataan Activities 1. Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid 2. Eligibility Check 3. Issuance and availability of Bidding Documents 4. Request for Clarification 5. Opening of Bids

Schedule November 22 – 28, 2017 Refer to date of Opening of Bids November 22 – December 13, 2017 December 1, 2017 December 13, 2017

The Provincial Government of Bataan reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: Ms. Aileen C. Sagun Provincial BAC / PEO Bataan Provincial BAC / PEO Office, Capitol Compound, Balanga City, Bataanp 047-237-9316 bac@bataan.gov.ph (SGD) ENRICO T. YUZON BAC Chairman (MS-NOV. 22, 2017)

Sablan out as UST mentor; Pido eyed

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

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

4-under 68 nets Pauline 1-shot lead TAGAYTAY—Pauline del Rosario recalled her fierce form and fired an eagle-aided four-under 68, storming to a four-stroke lead over a latecharging Chihiro Ikeda at the start of the ICTSI Splendido Ladies Classic at Taal Splendido Golf Club here yesterday.

Making up for her third place finish at Forest Hills Challenge ruled by Ikeda two weeks ago, del Rosario put on a strong start with three birdies in the first eight holes then rebounded from a three-putt miscue on No. 9 with a spectacular eagle from 40 feet on the par-5 10th to string a 34-34 card.

“I really prepared hard for this after Forest Hills, where I relaxed a bit coming off a long break,” said del Rosario, who came in the Antipolo leg brimming with confidence following a seven-shot romp at Pradera Verde and a brilliant come-from-behind win in Taiwan LPGA last August.

Ikeda, who edged Thai Wannasiri Sirisampant in sudden death to snap a year-long title spell in Antipolo, actually groped for form with a horrible 40 opening. But the former SEA Games gold medalist bounced back strong coming home, birdying three of the first four holes at the back then negating a bogey on No. 16 with closing back-to-back birdies.

She salvaged a 72 although her four-under 32 windup should augur well for her drive for a second straight championship in the country’s premier ladies circuit sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Sports SHARP CURVE. Motorcycle racers negotiate a sharp curve during the Unioil 4T Juniors Elite Grand Prix Underbone (150UB) Insider Racing Grand Prix at the Carmona Racing Circuit in Cavite. Winners are champion Mckinley Kyle Paz, runner-up Gian Carlo Mauricio and third-placer John Emerson Inguito. Sonny Espiritu

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers head coach Boy Sablan and his coaching staff are reportedly set to leave the team by the end of the month.

His exit from the team came after he handled the Growling Tigers for two seasons.

This year, UST ended its campaign in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament with a 1-13 win-loss slate.

Last year, the Tigers had a 3-11 slate.

At one point during Sablan’s tenure, the Tigers went 393 days without a UAAP victory.

Coach Pido Jarencio, who mentored the Tigers to three finals appearances, including one title, is reportedly one of the candidates out to replace Sablan.

He has expressed his desire to be back.

Jarencio quit in 2013 to coach the Globalport Batang Pier in the PBA. Then, Bong dela Cruz replaced him and handled UST to a 5-9 record in Season 77 and into a Finals’ stint in Season 78.

Meanwhile, in the UAAP Season 80 high school volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre, defending boys’ champion National University and University of Santo Tomas dispute the remaining Finals slot today at 8 a.m.

The Bullpups outlasted second-ranked Tiger Cubs, 25-16, 25-21, 17-25, 26-28, 15-11, last Sunday to force a do-or-die.

Far Eastern UniversityDiliman reached its first-ever boys’ Finals after beating fourth-ranked University of the East, 22-25, 25-23, 28-30, 25-17, 15-12, last Sunday.

The Tiger Cubs beat the Bullpups, 25-23, 12-25, 2522, 22-25, 15-10, in last Friday’s playoff to clinch the twice-to-beat bonus.

The much-awaited girls’ best-of-three championship series between NU and UST will be played on Monday at the San Juan arena.

The Bullpups and the Junior Tigresses topped first-time semifinalist Baby Tamaraws and De La Salle-Zobel, respectively, in the Final Four to meet in the title round for the fifth straight year. Peter Atencio

3 UAAP referees suspended

By Peter Atencio

C

OMING up with another strong start and finish will be the Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ goal when they meet the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their 4 p.m. rubber match today in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coach Nash Racela said this as the Tams and the Eagles clash for the last finals berth in their Final Four semifinal showdown.

“Just focus and play the whole 40 minutes. Coach Tab Baldwin will counter what we did,” said Racela after the

Tamaraws overpowered the Blue Eagles, 80-67, last Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws were led by guard Ron Dennison, who fired 17 points, including 3 of 8 three point attempts.

Led by Dennison, Richard Escoto and Prince Orizu,

FEU was able to match Ateneo’s 39 rebounds with their own 38 boards.

Coach Tab Baldwin commended FEU for playing a very sharp game.

In their rubber match, Baldwin said the Blue Eagles will try to figure out how they can get past the Tams.

“This is playoff basketball.

And they were sharper both ends. I have to figure out why they won,” said Baldwin.

Meanwhile, the officiating that went on during the Final Four encounter between the defending champion La Salle Green Archers and the Adamson Falcons last Saturday

Games Today (MOA Arena) 11 a.m. UE vs UST (women’s stepladder) 4 p.m. Ateneo vs FEU (men, Final Four)

is undergoing an evaluation.

Commissioner Rebo Saguisag said this after he placed the three referees Hernan Alejo, Ian Borbe and Noli Borbe, who officiated the game, under indefinite suspension.

“This is a provisional remedy. We are still in the process of evaluating the whole game,” said Saguisag in an interview with the Manila Standard, three days after the Green Archers won over the

Falcons, 82-75, in their Final Four showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.

The win put the Green Archers in the finals of the men’s basketball tournament.

“It is loud and clear that the calls were made by referees were downrightly unfair and biased. The manner the game was officiated was revolting and calls for immediate action in order to forestall its duplication in the future,” said Fr. Aldrin Suan, a member of the UAAP board of managing directors representing Adamson University, in his letter requesting for a review of the officiating.

Saguisag, who immediately acted on the letter, said that while an investigation is under way, the three referees have been pulled out of their duties in the men’s, women’s and junior tournaments.

A panel has been formed, with Mark Molina of host Far Eastern University and Ateneo women’s basketball coach Erika Dy making up the body.

“We are with you in avoiding a duplication, and if yesterday’s [Saturday’s] game is an indication, it is humbly submitted that we took a step in the right direction,” said Saguisag in his letter to Suan.

NLEX to extend road to Bataan B2

Business

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

B1

SEC hikes public float to 20%

By Alena Mae S. Flores

IN BRIEF

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday it approved with finality the increase in the minimum public ownership of listed companies from the current 10 percent to 20 percent.

SEC deploys new online registration

THE Securities and Exchange Commission said it is launching a new online registration system to replace SEC iRegister.

The company registration system or CRS will be fully implemented on Nov. 24 to allow quick and easy online registration of new corporations 24 hours a day.

SEC chairperson Teresita Herbosa said the agency was doing its job to continuously serve the public with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.

“The CRS is part of the continuing effort of SEC to serve the public better –it eliminates face-to-face interactions for the registration of new corporations, and most importantly, it is there to save the public’s time and effort and to further ease doing business in the Philippines,” she said.

CRS enables free and quick and easy registration of all new corporations online.

With a valid email address, users can create an online CRS account for their respective companies and/or create their own personal accounts, and may start filing single or multiple registrations simultaneously.

Alena Mae S. Flores

ATLAS’ 60TH YEAR. Atlas Fertilizer Corp., the largest compound inorganic fertilizer manufacturer, celebrates its 60 years of commitment to helping Filipino farmers and uplifting Philippine agriculture. At the grand celebration at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, near AFC’s Toledo City manufacturing plant are (from left) AFC president and chief executive Takashi Sumi, Agriculture Department director Leo Caneda and AFC chairman Delfin Lazaro.

Printers face new challenges

Espenilla vows to keep peso movement stable

THE Board of Investments said it plans to address the concerns of the local printing sector amid the influx of imported textbooks and related publications.

“There is finance memorandum order on this but apparently it was enforced by the Customs Bureau. We will look into this and hopefully we can settle the matter,” BoI governor-at-large Napoleon Concepcion said at the sidelines of two-day Asean Printing Industry Forum at the City of Dreams Manila.

Concepcion said the local industry was facing new challenges to growth such the fast turnaround of technology for printing equipment and the migration of readers from printed materials to online content.

A few smaller printing houses already shut down operations due to competition and the declining demand for printed materials.

“One big hindrance is equipment and the fast-evolving printing technology. That’s why our industry partners need to upgrade and collaborate with each other,” he said.

Othel V. Campos

PDIC pays P131.2m to depositors STATE-RUN Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. said it paid P131.2 million in deposit insurance to depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Goa (Camarines Sur) Inc. as of Sept. 30, 2017.

The amount represented 90.7 percent of the total estimated insured deposits of P144.6 million in the bank.

PDIC said the payments consisted of P13.4 million for 1,582 accounts with balances of P100,000 and below where filing of claims was waived, and P117.8 million for 483 accounts with filed claims.

The total number of accounts paid reached 2,065 or 74 percent of the total number of insured accounts. Payments for accounts with balances of P100,000 and below were made through postal money prders (PMOs) issued by the Philippine Postal Corp.

PDIC said it would continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Goa.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tuesday, November 21, 2017

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Currency

Unit

US Dollar Peso

United States Dollar

1.000000

50.9400

Japan

Yen

0.008879

0.4523

UK

Pound

1.323400

67.4140

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.128029

6.5218

Switzerland

Franc

1.006543

51.2733

Canada

Dollar

0.781006

39.7844

Singapore

Dollar

0.736974

37.5415

Australia

Dollar

0.754700

38.4444

Bahrain

Dinar

2.648305

134.9047

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266660

13.5837

Brunei

Dollar

0.734268

37.4036

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000074

0.0038

Thailand

Baht

0.030531

1.5552

UAE

Dirham

0.272301

13.8710

Euro

Euro

1.173100

59.7577

Korea

Won

0.000912

0.0465

China

Yuan

0.150830

7.6833

India

Rupee

0.015362

0.7825

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.241080

12.2806

New Zealand

Dollar

0.680600

34.6698

Taiwan

Dollar

0.033288

1.6957 Source: PDS Bridge

By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said Tuesday the peso will remain stable in the medium term, on the back of sound and solid macroeconomic fundamentals.

Espenilla said the local currency’s “controlled” movement was in line with the country’s robust economy.

“The peso movement mirrors the bullish economy... The peso will remain stable in the medium term...

We have also additional liquidity buffers, such as

the arrangements [on swap facilities] with Japan and Asean,” Espenilla said during a Security Bank Corp.sponsored economic forum in Makati City.

The peso on Oct. 25 fell to an 11-year low of 51.77 against the US dollar, pulled down by the country’s widening trade deficit and speculations on who the next Federal Reserve chairman would be.

It was the local currency’s weakest level in more than 11 years, or since it settled at 51.87 a dollar on July 25, 2006. The peso has since then recovered and closed at 50.74 against the

greenback Tuesday.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo earlier said there was a fundamental demand for US dollar for imports, outward investments and debt servicing.

Guinigundo said markets and investors should not be overly concerned about the peso movement because the peso was “flexible enough” to reflect the necessary adjustments in the macroeconomy to restore equilibrium.

“This is not the first time that we are hitting these lows in the peso dollar rate. With exports continu-

ing to rebound and with support from strong remittances and BPO receipts, we should see some mitigation in both the current account and the exchange rate,” he said.

“We have seen how the peso had appreciated to nearly 40 a dollar to as low as P55 to a dollar but the economy remained strong, stable and resilient.

There is much more than an exchange rate gyration,” Guinigundo said.

Guinigundo said the strength of the greenback was the effect of higher corporate demand for imports and trade financing.

The corporate regulator said it would publish a new circular announcing the increase in minimum public float, starting with companies planning to hold an initial public offering and list with the Philippine Stock Exchange. The order would become effective 15 days after the publication.

“For existing companies, are we are still looking at it. All options are on the table,” SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department director Vicente Graciano Felizmenio Jr. said.

Felizmenio said the SEC was expected to come up with a decision for existing listed companies by the first quarter.

“Increasing the current MPO level is part of the commission’s efforts to encourage more Filipinos to participate in the capital markets. In turn, this will enhance the overall attractiveness of listed shares in the Philippines,” it said.

The move will boost liquidity, improve price discovery and lessen the opportunities for price manipulation.

The SEC earlier said it wanted to raise the public float gradually from 10 percent to 25 percent, 30 percent and 35 percent.

It approved on Oct. 19 a resolution mandating a minimum 20-percent public float for companies applying for initial public offering.

Under the resolution, all companies that will file

WB unit invests P650m in Discovery hotel chain

Smart speeds up mobile internet

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE private sector arm of the World Bank invested P650 million in Discovery World Corp., the operator of Discovery hotel chain, to meet the growing demand for hospitality infrastructure in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, International Finance Corp. will subscribe to 216.67 million preferred shares at P3 per share, upon the request of DWC. DWC said in a statement through IFC’s investment, two new hotels would rise in El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines’ largest marine sanctuary, and La Trinidad, Benguet, an agriculture-rich mountainous region.

These projects will expand DWC’s portfolio that includes Discovery Shores Boracay, a multi-awarded luxury resort, and Club Paradise Palawan, an exclusive island resort in Coron.

It also owns Discovery Fleet which operates cruise boats for scuba safari expeditions in some of the world’s best diving sites.

The preferred shares to be issued to IFC shall be convertible to common shares at any time after the expiry of 48 months from the date of IFC subscription.

It will also be subject to a conversion ratio based on the number of preferred shares to be converted, average closing market price of common shares in the 120 days preceding the date of IFC’s notice to DWC of such conversion and discount based on the certain periods of conversion availment.

NEW SOUTHMALL TOWER. Las Piñas City mayor Mel Aguilar (center) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of SM Southmall’s South Tower. South Tower is the newest addition to the sprawling SM Southmall complex. It houses business process outsourcing offices and parking spaces. The city government of Las Piñas makes sure that it has a conducive environment for investors by actively engaging its stakeholders. With Aguilar are SM Supermalls senior vice president for operations Steven Tan (left) and assistant vice president for operations–Premier 4 Bernice Baculi.

BSP to relaunch incentives to encourage rural banks’ merger THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Land Bank of the Philippines and state-run Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. approved the relaunch of the Consolidation Program for Rural Banks, an incentive program designed to encourage mergers and consolidation among rural banks.

The program was set up to strengthen the rural banking industry, in recognition of the major role that rural banks play in providing essential financial services to communities, especially in their specialized or niche markets.

The Bangko Sentral said

the relaunched CPRB would be available for two years, from Oct. 26, 2017 to Oct. 26, 2019. The program, however, contains some enhancements.

For one, the eligibility to avail of the CPRB was relaxed by allowing proponent banks, even if less than five, to avail of the program provided that the resulting bank will have capital adequacy ratio of at least 12 percent and a combined unimpaired capital of at least P100 million.

The previous CPRB required at least five proponent banks with a combined capital of P100 million.

registration statements and with intention to list their shares for trading in an exchange shall apply for registration with a public float of at least 20 percent.

Public float of a company refers to the portion of the issued and outstanding shares that are freely available and tradable in the market and are nonstrategic in nature or those not meant for the purpose of gaining substantial influence on how the company is being managed.

Significant shareholdings of 10 percent or more of the total issued and outstanding shares of the company are considered strategic and thus excluded in the public float of the company.

All publicly-listed company shall at all times maintain a minimum public ownership of at least 20 percent.

The SEC said that if the minimum ownership of a listed firm fell below 20 percent at any time after registration, such listed company should bring the public float to at least 20 percent within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of such fall.

The current average free float requirement in the Asian region is at 25 percent, significantly higher than the mandated level of 10 percent in the Philippines.

The SEC said more countries were now advocating for higher public float and taking steps to encourage increased liquidity.

The qualifications of possible financial advisers that may be engaged under the program was expanded.

BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier earlier said despite the amendment, the primary aim of the program remained, which was to consolidate weaker banks that could result in a new bank.

She said the relaunched CPRB would be effective for two years, starting from the signing of the memorandum of agreement between BSP, PDIC and Land Bank.

CPRB was established in recognition of the need to further strengthen and en-

hance the viability of rural banks given their importance in providing essential financial services to the community, particularly in their specialized niche markets and in promoting financial inclusion.

Aside from encouraging mergers and consolidation, CPRB is also expected to enable rural banks to improve their financial strength, enhance viability and generate better return to shareholders.

The program is also expected to strengthen management and governance, generate synergies and economies of scale thru common infrastructure, systems and

resources, and expand market reach.

Fonacier said three groups of rural banks had previously applied to avail of the program but only one group might be approved within the year.

The Bangko Sentral said it was studying the possibility of unifying CPRB and the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks Plus because of their almost similar objectives. The SPRB Plus expired on Dec. 31, 2015.

Meanwhile, the guidelines of CPRB, approved by Bangko Sentral, PDIC and Land Bank expired on Aug. 25, 2017. Julito G. Rada

SMART Communications Inc. said it is deploying four-component carrier or 4CC aggregation technology in Metro Manila to provide very high LTE-Advanced mobile data speed to users with capable devices.

“Ramping up our LTEA deployment not only allows us to address the rapidly rising mobile data traffic among our customers, it also allows us to maximize the value of our investments in long-term evolution or the forerunner of LTE-A,” Joachim Horn, chief technology and information advisor at PLDT and Smart, said.

Smart said in a series of tests conducted recently in Marikina City using Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones, Smart’s LTEA network consistently delivered speed of over 300 megabits per second in a single-user scenario, and over 200 Mbps in a multiuser, daytime set-up.

“These real-world tests show that we have in place a network that’s capable of providing extremely high speeds at par with those delivered by operators in other countries,” Horn said.

“As more Filipinos acquire LTE-A capable devices, so will we benefit from significant improvements in the speeds and quality of internet in the Philippines,” he said.

Darwin G. Amojelar

B2

Business

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

NLEX to extend road to Bataan

By Darwin G. Amojelar

N

LEX Corp. will propose to the Toll Regulatory Board the extension of the North Luzon Expressway to Bataan province.

“We’re packaging the project, hopefully in three months we can submit the proposal but it’s part of our concession,” NLEX president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said.

NLEX Phase 3, with the project cost estimated at over P10 billion, is a 37.76-kilometer, two by two-lane expressway from Sto. Tomas, Pampanga to Dinalupihan, Bataan.

Franco said the company was expecting to complete the right of way acquisition in two years and start the construction by 2020.

Phase 1 of NLEX consists of four segments with a total length of 92 kilometers, including the rehabilitated and expanded 84-km stretch from Balintawak, Quezon City to Mabalacat, Pampanga and the 8.5km Segment 7 from Hermosa, Bataan to Subic Freeport.

Phase 2 of NLEX consists four segments with a length of 21 kilometers, involving the construction of the greenfield northern C5 to connect the existing C5 from C.P. Garcia Ave. in the University of the Philippines complex in Diliman, Quezon City to NLEX, and extend westward to MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City, turning south down to C3 in Caloocan City.

NLEX also expanded its San Fernando Interchange in Mabalacat City in Pampanga to ease mounting traffic issues within the vicinity of SM San Fernando and Robinsons Malls and match the progress in

one of the busiest tollway interchanges.

Two new bridges crossing the NLEX were built to function as separate carriageways, while the interchange ramps were widened to four lanes in each direction.

The east and west roundabouts along Jose Abad Santos Avenue were also removed to pave way for the installation of automated traffic signals.

Meanwhile, the Sta. Ines Interchange also in Mabalacat City is also being expanded to accommodate increasing traffic growth. NLEX is constructing a new right-turning ramp in the direction of the Mabalacat-Magalang Road and improve access to the SCTEX. Along the San Simon interchange, the main bridge is undergoing retrofitting as part of NLEX’s bid to ensure safety of motorists. Built in 1970s, the bridge needs repair to improve strength and durability.

Traffic impact studies are also in the works to decongest San Simon and Angeles interchanges.

Earlier this year, the NLEX fully opened to the public new expressway lanes between the Sta. Rita to San Fernando and Dau to Sta. Ines portions of the NLEX, which have since improved travel time and safer travel in Bulacan and Pampanga.

NLEX earlier said it was investing P29.43 billion in expressway projects between 2018 and 2020.

The projects include NLEX Segment 10 which is projected to be operational by the first half 2018; Segment 10 from C3 to R10 section to be completed by first quarter of 2019; and the Subic Freeport Expressway to be finished by the first quarter of 2019.

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2021.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 3.7 222,000 59 1,970 99.3 1,400,840 3.75 147,000 149 833,400 2.04 516,000 33.4 417,700 15.2 146,200 35 2,382,000 1.66 43,000 950 10 0.6 472,000 94 1,536,710 0.79 918,000 11.88 19,300 25 32,400 57.45 77,300 243 1,480 99 680 53 1,660,880 247.8 374,710 1,900 170 87 107,520 1.26 700,000

789,020 116,311 138,954,056 551,660 123,807,343 1,047,860 13,953,900 2,250,000 83,424,825 72,670 9,500 284,560 144,365,401.50 729,840 229,624 810,000 4,458,767.50 356,430 67,900 92,262,514 93,060,566 323,000 9,354,054 887,000

-10,610 -23,020 5,130,790.50 7,440 34,683,935 -51,600 4,872,100.00 20,127,965 9,500 52,711,378.50 108,108 -3,246,483 19,000 -6,753,375 -46,407,372 -3,698,252 -

40 12.26 0.7 1.33 17.1 0.221 114 3.97 15.22 42.85 18.2 63.05 1.89 5.3 11.2 10.34 14.6 11.5 7.2 5.74 17 61.3 22.5 11.84 18.7 2.01 251 58.55 4.06 3.46 28.8 18.12 17.78 321.6 0.2 7.8 2.35 5.9 9.57 7.4 1.55 12.1 57.3 6.4 482.2 4.87 1.92 4.5 2.01 12.82 5.11 0.137 1.18 137.7 2.03 25.1 0.65

INDUSTRIAL 40 1,515,600 12.38 1,025,700 0.73 213,000 1.35 29,000 17.5 30,100 0.223 2,910,000 114 30 4 18,710,000 15.5 1,042,600 44 616,900 18.68 8,800 63.05 1,000 1.89 296,000 5.4 72,800 11.44 11,500 10.34 6,880,300 14.76 188,300 11.7 1,684,900 7.25 650,300 5.75 4,908,600 17 1,732,500 61.5 532,320 22.8 1,001,800 11.84 11,900 18.7 1,826,900 2.06 1,744,000 254 1,040,390 58.55 454,830 4.11 64,000 3.6 1,126,000 28.95 2,166,000 18.12 135,300 18.06 4,712,900 323 1,029,090 0.205 1,460,000 8.4 87,200 2.37 425,000 6 84,700 9.6 3,935,600 7.6 43,100 1.57 872,000 12.48 400,600 57.3 443,570 6.96 263,200 487 9,920 5 7,543,100 1.92 1,000 4.6 131,000 2.01 534,000 12.84 1,684,900 6.09 2,086,300 0.138 150,000 1.2 171,000 139 1,229,730 2.04 3,818,000 25.1 600 0.67 1,231,000

61,094,745 12,689,224 152,560 38,910 529,868 658,330 3,420 75,123,590 16,336,378 26,801,780 162,918 63,099 560,330 388,764 128,872 71,209,046 2,773,316 19,657,646 4,709,643 28,254,107 29,684,724 32,710,943.50 23,016,470 141,448 35,003,930 3,563,320 264,966,984 26,630,296.50 261,520 4,211,010 62,690,340 2,465,112 84,458,776 332,859,444 293,170 704,007 1,015,250 507,348 37,864,307 322,369 1,358,300 4,983,610 25,650,041.50 1,793,659 4,820,076 37,712,102 1,920 610,470 1,108,790 21,641,250 12,085,347 20,670 205,100 171,057,607 7,899,640 15,060 818,490

-19,467,815 269,090 -79,300 -21,826,890 3,835,940 -336,325 28,500 5,077,418 379,032 -5,206,888 2,145,311 -18,802,881 4,479,602 -2,166 -18,560 -8,320,702 -94,150.00 -15,661,354 -12,720 -104,630 28,462,980 107,098 -46,765,582 228,574,670 -2,030 -898,960 22,982 -8,385,365 500,080 3,168 -19,340,744 -30,825 48,600 17,798,303 7,104,024 -125,109 -4,110 27,627,159 -208,770 0 -

0.35 70 15.98 1 7.05 0.39 0.39 1,022 7.76 14.7 8 5.1 0.186 1,185 7.73 73.5 0.7 5.69 18.24 6.73 3.47 0.048 1.2 2.07 110.9 2.53 980 1.55 190 289 0.25 0.189 0.197

0.33 69.3 15.5 0.96 6.85 0.36 0.38 1,008 7.6 14.56 7.99 5.1 0.183 1,170 7.71 71.5 0.66 5.49 18.14 6.62 3.47 0.046 1.12 2.05 109.6 2.53 966 1.42 190 279 0.25 0.184 0.197

HOLDING FIRMS 0.34 1,400,000 69.5 1,375,990 15.9 6,702,300 0.98 112,000 7 1,800 0.37 20,570,000 0.39 840,000 1,019 194,095 7.73 520,800 14.62 7,089,200 7.99 9,100 5.1 100 0.183 540,000 1,170 212,740 7.73 39,700 71.5 1,061,250 0.68 918,000 5.59 327,300 18.2 601,700 6.65 13,716,300 3.47 12,000 0.048 6,900,000 1.15 484,000 2.05 325,000 109.6 178,100 2.53 7,000 973 462,550 1.54 4,287,000 190 20 279 8,050 0.25 290,000 0.184 90,000 0.197 50,000

471,450 95,665,658.50 106,311,012 108,260 12,575 7,602,500 323,650 197,663,415 3,990,336 103,613,810 72,714 510 99,780 249,697,690 306,717 76,304,218 620,380 1,816,811 10,950,722 91,282,559 41,640 326,100 553,040 666,290 19,582,677 17,710 450,468,130 6,442,070 3,800 2,263,546 72,500 16,880 9,850

-3,400 -5,846,892 -4,173,228 -70,711,095 -2,017,376 30,227,510 -3,660 102,022,250 -23,430,795 -82,193 9,210,926.00 -9,123,046 2,913,471 -65,617,505 16,824 -72,500 -3,690 -

5.7 0.97 8.82 2.43 0.96 42.9 3.7 4.95 5.47 0.48 1.13 1.16 0.214 0.48 40 0.67 0.154 1.81 1.5 0.81 4.03 5.6 0.4 0.39 0.52

5.37 0.94 8.78 2.41 0.94 41.9 3.64 4.79 5.43 0.47 1.13 1.14 0.203 0.465 38.9 0.66 0.139 1.78 1.49 0.78 4.03 5.44 0.37 0.375 0.5

8,091,378 1,702,960 221,630 439,460 2,160,630 303,462,965 3,844,490 2,499,250 196,708 7,691,000 3,390 97,400 5,327,740 441,200 5,706,320 302,330 66,680 28,058,930 4,306,170 125,920 4,030 109,267,218 100,572,200 477,750 1,622,190

692,744 -14,250 -95,000 -36,450,295 -660,610 123,020 -2,983,700 55,800 582,715 -1,390 -16,513,100 77,902,558 -393,850 3,750 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

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

3.55 59.9 98.5 3.88 149 2.04 33.55 15.6 34.75 1.75 950 0.61 94 0.8 12 25 58.95 243.4 100 54.85 253.8 1,900 86.95 1.27

3.77 59.9 100.5 3.88 149.5 2.13 33.55 15.9 35.4 1.75 950 0.61 94.5 0.81 12 25 58.95 243.4 100 55.95 253.8 1,900 87 1.27

3.5 59 97.8 3.7 146.5 1.99 33.3 15.2 34.7 1.66 950 0.6 93.75 0.79 11.88 25 57.45 240 99 53 247.6 1,900 86.95 1.26

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

41 12.4 0.74 1.35 17.48 0.232 114 4.18 16.12 43.75 18.2 65 1.9 5.3 11.2 10.56 14.8 12.04 7.2 5.82 17.5 61.5 23.55 11.94 19.98 2.07 256.2 58.55 4.24 3.46 29.2 18.5 18.06 321.8 0.2 8.3 2.48 6 9.64 7.67 1.58 12.1 59 6.42 486 5 1.92 4.78 2.07 12.9 5.19 0.137 1.18 139.7 2.09 25.1 0.68

41.3 12.5 0.74 1.35 17.76 0.233 114 4.18 16.14 44 18.68 65 1.9 5.4 11.44 10.56 14.8 12.04 7.3 5.82 17.66 61.6 23.55 11.94 19.98 2.08 256.2 58.55 4.24 4 29.2 18.5 18.06 324 0.205 8.42 2.48 6.14 9.86 7.68 1.58 12.5 59 7.07 487 5.01 1.92 4.78 2.11 12.98 6.4 0.138 1.21 140 2.1 25.1 0.69

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

0.34 70 15.58 0.96 6.85 0.39 0.39 1,016 7.6 14.7 8 5.1 0.186 1,177 7.73 72.7 0.7 5.53 18.24 6.73 3.47 0.048 1.19 2.05 110.9 2.53 980 1.43 190 281.2 0.25 0.189 0.197

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

5.4 0.97 8.82 2.42 0.95 42.9 3.7 4.89 5.46 0.48 1.13 1.14 0.203 0.48 39.5 0.67 0.139 1.81 1.5 0.78 4.03 5.49 0.385 0.38 0.51

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

CLOSE

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

6.84 24.4 1.96 3.18 35.7 1.05 0.87 6.09

6.85 24.4 2.08 3.2 36 1.05 0.87 6.09

6.7 23.7 1.86 3.18 35.1 1.03 0.82 5.8

6.84 23.8 1.93 3.2 35.4 1.04 0.83 5.9

925,900 2,419,000 3,652,000 57,000 9,460,500 694,000 185,000 17,462,300

6,300,938 57,930,175 7,156,750 182,200 335,394,610 717,110 154,400 104,186,590

126,625 2,098,630 -97,000 67,040 -179,549,690 139,350 -15,283,291

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC DISCOVERY WORLD GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN HAVEN GRAND PLAZA 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 NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRAVELLERS WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

17.3 37.75 1.5 0.47 0.048 11.96 9.85 0.07 103.5 9.15 7.12 2.19 1,914 5.86 17.74 11.54 3.2 2.35 104 12 8.34 0.149 1.36 3.26 15.8 3.77 1.25 22.6 0.52 3.45 6.21 3.99 2.85 11.08 5.1 2.86 217.2 8.47 1,650 1.3 0.33 47.75 93.05 5.7 3.4 1.68 3.77 1 8.15

17.42 37.85 1.51 0.48 0.049 11.96 9.98 0.072 103.5 9.18 7.5 2.64 1,917 5.97 17.74 11.54 3.36 2.45 104.8 12 8.36 0.149 1.4 3.26 15.8 3.78 1.26 22.85 0.52 3.48 6.22 4 2.92 11.1 5.1 2.86 232 8.47 1,656 1.31 0.34 49.05 94 5.85 3.52 1.68 3.77 1 8.15

17.24 37 1.45 0.47 0.047 11.96 9.61 0.069 99.05 9.11 7.12 2.19 1,895 5.86 17.74 11.5 3.2 2.35 103 12 8.34 0.146 1.36 3.07 15.8 3.68 1.23 22 0.52 3.25 5.85 3.9 2.7 11.08 4.99 2.86 217.2 8.33 1,631 1.27 0.325 47.25 90.6 5.7 3.4 1.65 3.68 0.94 8.1

SERVICES 17.3 37.1 1.49 0.48 0.048 11.96 9.7 0.072 100.2 9.15 7.12 2.55 1,899 5.9 17.74 11.5 3.23 2.45 103.3 12 8.36 0.146 1.37 3.18 15.8 3.68 1.25 22.2 0.52 3.3 5.91 3.96 2.71 11.1 5.1 2.86 220 8.35 1,631 1.29 0.33 49.05 94 5.71 3.51 1.67 3.69 0.95 8.12

25,000 42,500 197,000 270,000 21,000,000 5,100 8,459,600 15,160,000 71,090 799,500 35,400 250,000 65,115 189,300 4,600 1,900 8,137,000 25,000 456,820 27,000 283,000 1,790,000 738,000 132,000 200 759,000 198,000 3,802,600 1,000 2,667,000 4,386,900 1,018,000 34,938,000 1,900 31,800 3,000 8,500 713,800 119,365 3,941,000 990,000 5,116,300 417,650 162,500 11,039,000 2,797,000 1,390,000 10,940,000 3,585,300

433,862 1,586,330 293,650 129,100 1,001,100 60,996 82,502,638 1,075,170 7,168,250.50 7,303,845 261,368 609,020 123,786,190 1,120,371 81,604 21,872 26,711,190 59,240 47,281,051 324,000 2,361,939 263,700 1,026,690 408,820 3,160 2,818,070 246,890 84,664,620 520 8,838,760 26,102,430 4,010,120 97,894,300 21,070 159,149 8,580 1,885,562 5,970,648 195,256,680 5,111,870 330,400 249,633,075 39,171,840.50 936,339 38,329,600 4,647,970 5,150,040 10,498,040 29,113,331

-5,190 87,830 230,400 -15,529,794 -1,786,267.50 51,183.00 -24,373,315 -1,480,480 12,007,470 88,500 -710,160 803,010 -3,751,000 4,135,891 -27,570 690,370 9,990 2,860 -1,353,020 -2,178,425 -17,095,510 -1,726,050 -61,725,070 -2,100,049 -1,177,850 2,922,920 1,864,590 82,450 2,715,649

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 UNITED PARAGON

0.0025 1.71 4.8 15 1.76 1.76 1.64 0.36 7.7 2.92 0.246 0.154 0.157 0.01 0.011 1.84 7 1.62 0.46 0.98 0.013 0.012 0.011 2.32 7.25 10.1 37 0.007

0.0026 1.88 4.8 16.5 1.76 1.76 1.65 0.36 8 2.92 0.255 0.154 0.157 0.011 0.011 1.84 7 1.65 0.46 0.98 0.013 0.012 0.012 2.32 7.26 10.98 37.1 0.0072

0.0024 1.69 4.8 13.5 1.75 1.75 1.62 0.36 7.47 2.83 0.246 0.152 0.155 0.01 0.011 1.8 6.71 1.5 0.46 0.95 0.012 0.012 0.011 2.26 7.01 9.84 36 0.007

MINING & OIL 0.0025 920,000,000 1.8 44,610,000 4.8 1,000 16.2 44,400 1.75 103,000 1.75 31,000 1.65 3,234,000 0.36 310,000 7.88 4,900 2.86 5,512,000 0.25 810,000 0.152 5,160,000 0.155 2,760,000 0.01 11,600,000 0.011 2,800,000 1.81 833,000 6.78 2,569,200 1.55 1,330,000 0.46 630,000 0.95 518,000 0.012 1,500,000 0.012 4,500,000 0.012 3,400,000 2.26 56,000 7.11 334,900 10.92 29,919,600 36.1 2,514,400 0.0072 11,000,000

2,285,200 80,297,870 4,800 684,884 180,400 54,350 5,296,180 111,600 37,396 15,834,680 199,510 790,190 430,580 119,700 30,800 1,513,980 17,437,795 2,040,500 289,800 497,650 19,000 54,000 38,700 127,550 2,370,080 310,848,927 91,071,700 77,200

4,800 -10,409,920 4,800 -33,100 -718,400 225,280 173,750 1,178,277 30,800 -348,481 -733,856 -38,721,775 -

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

37.2 520 107.1 104.5 521 5.59 1,050 1.07 106.1 1,075 1,150 1,018 105.7 114.9 76 82.1 76.4 78.2 80.6 79 80

37.2 520 107.1 104.5 521 5.59 1,050 1.07 106.1 1,075 1,150 1,018 105.7 115 76 82.5 76.4 78.35 81 79.5 80

36.9 520 107.1 104.5 521 5.5 1,050 1.07 106 1,049 1,141 1,018 105.7 114.9 76 82.1 76.4 78.1 80.5 78.35 80

PREFERRED 36.9 10,800 520 50 107.1 11,880 104.5 19,380 521 1,050 5.5 150,900 1,050 1,000 1.07 30,000 106 12,330 1,049 1,005 1,141 1,880 1,018 15,980 105.7 9,000 115 10,000 76 320 82.5 510 76.4 6,700 78.35 54,800 81 208,070 78.35 24,510 80 900

400,280 26,000 1,272,348 2,025,210 547,050 832,803 1,050,000 32,100 1,306,990 1,054,375 2,145,170 16,267,640 951,300 1,149,910 24,320 41,875 511,880 4,290,355 16,851,220 1,924,354 72,000

-270,080 -773,099 10,610 -32,000

LR WARRANT

2.35

2.35

2.25

WARRANTS 2.27 871,000

1,979,030

103,050

SME 10.86 3.16 3.67

74,181,738 1,024,680 11,593,300

175,552 -287,030 -4,135,580

25,224,135

125,900

NAME

MS

PROPERTY 5.4 0.95 8.8 2.41 0.94 42.05 3.65 4.85 5.47 0.47 1.13 1.16 0.209 0.465 39.05 0.66 0.154 1.79 1.49 0.81 4.03 5.6 0.395 0.375 0.51

1,478,700 1,787,000 25,200 182,000 2,288,000 7,141,900 1,049,000 515,000 36,000 16,270,000 3,000 85,000 25,290,000 940,000 145,400 452,000 440,000 15,634,000 2,888,000 160,000 1,000 19,681,200 259,340,000 1,260,000 3,181,000

ITALPINAS PHILAB HLDG XURPAS

11.14 2.87 3.61

12.54 3.2 3.8

10.5 2.84 3.61

FIRST METRO ETF

126.4

126.4

125.4

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL

SHARES

12,370,190

INDUSTRIAL

87,118,729

HOLDING FIRMS

79,828,805

PROPERTY

541,722,272

SERVICES

150,983,812

MINING & OIL

1,056,413,555

GRAND TOTAL

1,938,547,873

6,403,100 340,000 3,157,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 126.2 201,130

VALUE 2,087.13 (up) 2.34 745,582,840.03 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,922.05 (down) 79.35 1,773,901,331.166 HOLDING FIRMS 8,424.76 (down) 31.73 1,538,273,681.87 PROPERTY 3,826.58 (down) 38.62 SERVICES 1,635.50 (down) 4.69 1,143,250,133.865 MINING & OIL 12,092.16 (down) 27.55 1,334,016,096.855 PSEI 8,289.19 (down) 32.79 532,808,608.029 All Shares Index 4,851.68 (dow) 20.07 7,179,890,041.54 Gainers: 78; Losers: 124; Unchanged: 48; Total: 250

Villar firm seeks debt refinancing to cut risk VLL International Inc., a wholly-owned unit of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., has tapped the debt market to raise $350 million to refinance outstanding debts.

“The new bond issue, coupled with a liability management transaction, allows Vista Land to reduce our short term refinancing risk, extend our maturity duration and realize interest expense savings,” Vista Land president and chief executive Manuel Paolo Villar said in a statement.

“It also provides us an opportunity to continue diversifying our sources of funding, ensuring we continue to build key relationships not only with our investors onshore, but also with investors from Europe and Asia,” he added.

The $350-million new debt is part of the company’s $1-billion mediumterm notes program.

DBS Bank Ltd. and HSBC were joint lead managers and book runners for the new bonds, and are also joint dealer managers for the tender offer exercise.

China Bank Capital Corp. acted as domestic manager for the new bonds.

“The proceeds from the issuance will be used primarily for refinancing,” Vista Land said.

The company on November 10 announced a liability management exercise for the tender offer of its outstanding $51.8 million worth of 6.750 percent bonds due 2018 and $180.8 million in 7.450 percent bonds due 2019.

Any bonds not tendered will be redeemed by exercising the make whole redemption option on the target bonds.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Calaca’s bitcoins require SEC nod

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Securities and Exchange Commission wants Calata Corp. led by businessman Joseph Calata to register a plan to list on the crypto currency exchange.

SEC Commissioner Emilio Benito Aquino said the agency would assess the risks and benefits of crypto currency.

“He has to register. If he does not, it will be a registration violation,” Aquino told reporters.

Aquino said the SEC had no rules governing crypto currency but it could apply other jurisdictions that consider digital coins as securities. He added digital currency also had benefits like lower costs.

Calata earlier bared plans to list its shares in a cryptocurrency exchange, a new solution it proposed to shareholders once the Philippine Stock Exchange decided to delist the company for multiple disclosure violations.

A cryptocurrency exchange is an online platform where one can exchange one cryptocurrency for another cryptocurrency like bitcoin.

Calata said the company planned to have it shares listed in a cryptocurrency exchange in Europe over the next two months under Calcoins.

“We will be the first cryptocurrency in the Philippines that can be used for our day-to-day purchases.

We will lead it and we will do it,” Calata said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

Standard

World

TODAY

Amnesty blasts Myanmar for treatment of Rohingya YANGON―Myanmar’s suffocating controls over its Rohingya population amount to “apartheid”, Amnesty International said Tuesday in a probe into the root causes of a crisis that has sent 620,000 refugees fleeing to Bangladesh.

Scenes of dispossessed Rohingya in Bangladeshi camps have provoked outrage around the world, as people who have escaped Rakhine state since August recount tales of murder, rape and arson at the hands of Myanmar troops.

Myanmar and Bangladesh have agreed in principle to repatriate some Rohingya but disagree over the details, with Myanmar’s army chief saying last week it was impossible to accept the number of refugees proposed by Dhaka.

The Amnesty report details how years of persecution have led to the current crisis.

A years-long “state-sponsored” campaign has restricted virtually all aspects of Rohingyas’ lives, the Amnesty study says, confining the Muslim minority to a “ghetto-like” existence in the mainly Buddhist country.

The 100-page report, based on two years of research, says the web of controls meet the legal standard of the “crime against humanity of apartheid”.

“Rakhine State is a crime

scene. This was the case long before the vicious campaign of military violence of the last three months,” said Anna Neistat, Amnesty’s senior director for research.

Myanmar’s authorities “are keeping Rohingya women, men and children segregated and cowed in a dehumanizing system of apartheid,” she added.

The basis for the widespread hatred towards the Muslim group comes from a contentious 1982 Citizenship law.

Enacted by the then-junta, it effectively made hundreds of thousands of Rohingya stateless.

Since then, Amnesty says, a “deliberate campaign” has been waged to deny the Rohingyas’ right to live in Myanmar, where they are denigrated as “Bengalis” or illegal migrants from Bangladesh.

A system of identification cards is central to those bureaucratic controls, with Rohingya routinely issued one form of ID, only to see it later rendered meaningless.

“This is a system designed to make people hopeless,” said Laura Haigh, Amnesty’s Myanmar researcher.

She raised concerns that paperwork may be used to restrict the number of Rohingya returnees. Myanmar authorities have said they must be subject to a “verification” process. AFP

Trump declares N. Korea a state sponsor of terror BEIJING―China called Tuesday for extra efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis through talks after US President Donald Trump rebranded Pyongyang as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Beijing has repeatedly pushed for negotiations to end the standoff. Some analysts warned that the terror designation could further inflame tensions.

“We still hope all relevant parties can contribute to easing tensions, that the relevant parties can resume talks and [adopt] the correct track to resolving the Korean peninsula issue through dialogue and consultation,” said foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang.

“More should be done in that regard.”

China has pushed for a “dual track approach” which would require the United States to freeze its military drills in South Korea while North Korea would halt its weapons programs, but the proposal has not gained traction.

Trump on Monday promised a rapid escalation of US Treasury sanctions against the North after adding its name to a terror blacklist previously led by Iran and Syria.

“Should have happened a long time ago. Should have happened years ago,” Trump said.

He cited the death of a US student who had been held in a North Korean jail and the assassination by nerve agent of Kim’s elder halfbrother on foreign soil as reasons for the move.

However, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said sanctions and diplomacy could still pres-

sure North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un into talks on nuclear disarmament.

“We still hope for diplomacy,” he said, adding that punitive measures were already having a significant impact on Pyongyang’s economy.

There was no immediate reaction from North Korea, but an editorial in the ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun

before the announcement described Trump as a “mentally deranged moneygrabber” who was leading the US down an “irretrievable road to hell”.

The White House has said it will not tolerate the North’s testing or deployment of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to US cities. AFP

Human rights lawyer jailed for ‘subversion’ B EIJING―A prominent Chinese human rights lawyer was sentenced to two years in prison for “inciting subversion” on Tuesday, the latest jailing in an intensifying crackdown on rights defenders and activists.

Jiang Tianyong, 46, took on many high-profile cases including those of Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetan protesters and victims of the 2008 contaminated milk powder scandal, before being disbarred in 2009.

He sat in court flanked by two police officers as a judge read the sentence and told him he would also be deprived of political rights for three years, according to a video released by the Changsha Intermediate People’s Court.

The court accused him of “inciting subversion of state power” and defaming the government, following a trial that Amnesty International on Tuesday called a “total sham”.

“Jiang Tianyong has long been Manila

Republic of the Philippines StandardENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

TODAY

Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath, with the BOl within three (3) days from the date of this publication.

(SGD) NESTOR P. ARCANSALIN Director Resource-based Industries Service

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 18 August 2017, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) filed an Application seeking the Commission’s approval of their Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (ASP A) and of their Incidental Energy Supply Agreement Template (IESAT), with prayer for the issuance of a provisional authority.

In their Application, NGCP and TMI alleged the following: NATURE OF THE CASE This Application is for the approval of the Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (ASPA) between the NGCP and TMI, pursuant to the Decision dated 3 October 2007 in ERC Case No. 2006-049RC, entitled: “In the Matter of the Application for the Approval of Ancillary Services - Cost Recovery Mechanism (AS-CRM) of the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan, with Prayer for Provisional Authority” and approval of the accompanying “Incidental Energy Supply Agreement” template.

PARTIES 2.

3.

Applicant NGCP is a corporation created and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with office address at NGCP Building, Quezon Avenue corner BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City. It holds a franchise under Republic Act No. 95111 to engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through high-voltage back-bone systems of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities, and for other purposes. The franchise also includes the conduct of activities necessary to support the safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

Applicant TMI is a generation company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Philippine with office address in Barangay Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. It owns and operates a 100MW Power Barge (Mobile 1) in Barangay San Roque, Maco, Compostela Valley, which has been certified and accredited by NGCP to be capable of providing Contingency Reserve (“CR”) and Dispatchable Reserve (“DR”). The copies of the Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate of Filing of the Amended Articles of Incorporation, Amended Articles of Incorporation, General Information Sheet, and the Honorable Commission’s issued Certificate of Compliance for Mobile 1, are attached hereto as Annexes “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”, respectively.

Similarly, the PGC provides that NGCP is responsible for determining, acquiring, and dispatching the capacity needed to supply the required Grid Ancillary Services and for developing and proposing Wheeling Charges and Ancillary Service tariffs to the ERC3.

6.

Ancillary services (AS) as defined in Section 4b of the EPIRA, “refer to those services that are necessary to support the transmission of capacity and energy from resources to loads while maintaining reliable operation of the transmission system in accordance with good utility practice and the Grid Code to be adopted in accordance with this Act.” These services are essential in ensuring reliability in the operation of the transmission system and consequently, in the reliability of the electricity supply in the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids.

Pursuant to its mandate, NGCP invited and negotiated with all prospective generation companies capable of providing ancillary services, one of which is TMI.

9.

On 16 November 2016, NGCP issued Accreditation Certificate No. 2016-M011 for TMI-Mobile 1, certifying that the power plant has met and complied with the Standard Ancillary Services Technical Requirements of the ASPP. The copy of the Accreditation Certificate No. 2016-M011 for TMI-Mobile 1, dated 16 November 2016 is attached as Annex “E”.

WHEREAS, by virtue of the Writ National Capital Judicial Region of Execution issued by this Court, BRANCH 226, QUEZON CITY in the above-entitled case, wherein COMPACT MIX CONCRETE, COMPACT MIX CONCRETE, INC. Represented by WILLIAM O. GENATO, INC., Represented by WILLIAM Plaintiff, O. GENATO, are the plaintiff and RAYMUND SUPNET Doing -versusCIVIL CASE NO. business under the name and Q-07-61143 style COMASU CONSTRUCTION [Collection of a and TRADING are the defendants, Sum of Money] for the recovery by way of distraint of the sum (see attached Writ of RAYMUND SUPNET Execution) and to pay the cost Doing business under the name and style COMASU CONSTRUCTION and of suit, levy was made by the undersigned Sheriff, through the TRADING, Register of Deeds of Quezon Defendant. x-------------------------------------------x City, on the rights, interest, and participation of said defendant ORDER RAYMUND SUPNET Doing The Notice of Sheriff’s Sale dated business under the name and September 11, 2017 executed style COMASU CONSTRUCTION

by Nardo I. de Guzman, Jr. is and TRADING, in the personal hereby ordered to be published at the plaintiff’s expense in Manila property, more particularly Standard, a newspaper of general described as follows:

a.

Contingency Reserve i.

48 MW, less Pmin for Mobile 1 Unit 1; and ii. 48 MW, less Pmin for Mobile 1 Unit 2.

b.

Dispatchable Reserve i.

Up to 48 MW for Mobile 1 Unit 1; and ii. Up to 48 MW for Mobile 1 Unit 2.

Atty. Evelina R. Tamayo-Volante Counsel for the plaintiff 24 Magnolia Street, Lumang Bayan, Executive Village, Mayamot, Antipolo City [x] Raymund Supnet COMASU Construction & Trading Defendant Block 1, Lot 18, St., Matthew Street, Sacred Heart Village, Lagro, Quezon City Atty. Daniel F. Furaque Counsel for the Defendant Furaque and Associates

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region

BRANCH 226, QUEZON CITY

RAYMUND SUPNET Doing business under the name and style COMASU CONSTRUCTION and TRADING, Defendant. x-------------------------------------------x

deface, or destroy this Notice of Sale on or before the date of sale, under penalty of law.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, It shall be held on December 27, 2017 at the same time and place without further Notice.

(MS-Nov. 22, & 29, 2017)

Summation of Energy generated or dispatched in a particular interval hour due to Non-Firm Contracted Capacity, in kWh.

n

=

the number of days in the billing month.

Fuel

=

fuel oil, lube oil and related fuel rates, in PhP /kWh.

=

The monthly actual cost per liter of fuel oil, lube oil and related fuel shall be calculated based on the “first in, first out” procedure using the data of actual monthly invoices of deliveries, inventories and consumption.

HFR

=

Heavy fuel oil rate in Php/kWh

LOR

=

Lube oil rate in Php/kWh

HFCR

=

Heavy fuel oil consumption rate of 0.23580 liters/kWh or actual, whichever is lower.

LOCR

=

Lube oil consumption rate of 0.00240 liters/kWh or actual, whichever is lower.

PCPIm

=

Philippine CPI of the current billing month

PCPIb

=

Philippine CPI of 126.4 as of June 2011

UCPIm

=

US CPI of the current billing month

UCPIb

=

US CPI of 225.722 as of June 2011

ECPIm

=

EURO CPI of the current billing month

ECPIb

=

EURO CPI of 96.050 as of June 2011 [2015=100]

JCPIm

=

Japan CPI of the current billing month

JCPIb

=

Japan CPI of 96.4 as of June 2011 [2015=100]

PUXm

=

Peso to US Dollar exchange rate at the end of the current billing month

PUXb

=

Peso to US Dollar exchange rate of 44.8210 PHP /USD as of 17 May 2010

PEXm

=

Peso to EURO exchange rate at the end of the current billing month

PEXb

=

Peso to EURO exchange rate of 55.4032 PHP /EURO as of 17 May 2010

PYXm

=

Peso to Yen exchange rate at the end of the current billing month

PYXb

=

Peso to Yen exchange rate of 0.4851PHP/JPY as of 17 May 2010

S

=

total number of start-ups for the current billing month based on customers’ dispatch instructions.

VHFO

=

200 liters per engine per start-up/shutdown cycle.

VLube

=

10 liters per engine per start-up/shutdown cycle.

a.

If the CPI of current billing month is not published and available within two days from the end of the billing period, the most recent available published index shall be used.

b.

If the source of any of the foregoing indices is no longer available or is not been published or available for a prolonged period, the replacement index shall be selected by Service Provider.

c.

If any of the foregoing indices are re-based during the duration of this Agreement, Service Provider has the option to apply a corresponding adjustment to the inflation formula to conform with the rebasing of the subject indices.

A copy of the IESA template is attached herein as Annex “H”.

16. Consistent with the AS-CRM, all the related and incidental expenses which NGCP will incur as a result of the procurement and operation of the ancillary services shall be recovered from all the load customers in the Mindanao Grid.

ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE PRAYER FOR PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY 17. It is a declared policy of the State to ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power (Section 2b, EPlRA). With this end in view, there is a need to comply with the system requirements for AS to ensure grid system reliability. As mentioned above, NGCP has the mandate to procure the required AS. However, the Honorable Commission must first approve the contract before the same could be implemented. As the demand for power in the Mindanao increases, the requirements of the system to ensure stability, reliability and security likewise increases. Ensuring the integrity of the system is essential to protect the interests of the public. The absence of system reliability and stability will certainly discourage investments and growth.

18. Based on the current levels of available contracted AS in the Mindanao Grid, the CR and DR have not yet met the required levels. The copies of the Mindanao CR Availability and Mindanao DR Availability showing the required and available levels of CR and DR are attached as Annexes “I” and “I-1”, respectively.

19. Applicants respectfully submit that the immediate approval of the ASPA and IESA template by this Honorable Commission is a necessity to ensure the reliability and security of the Grid. In support of these allegations, NGCP submits a copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Engr. Lisaflor Bacani-Kater which is attached as Annex “J” and TMI submits a copy of the Judicial Affidavit of Mr. Benedick Salvador as Annex “K”.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, Applicants respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission to:

11. Schedule 4 of the ASPA provides for the agreed upon formula for the computation of the ancillary fees as well as the applicable maximum hourly rate for the ancillary services covered by the ASPA: Non-Firm:

Ancillary Service

Applicable Rates (Maximum Hourly Rate)

a)

Immediately ISSUE a provisional authority to implement the subject ASPA and immediately ISSUE a provisional authority to implement the subject IESA template; and

b)

APPROVE, after notice and hearing, the subject ASPA and the IESA template.

Applicants pray for other just and equitable relief under the premises.

Contingency Reserve (Primary Reserve)

Php2.25/kW /Hr

On 25 September 2017, the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (NASECORE) filed an Omnibus Petition for Intervention to the instant Application.

Dispatchable Reserve (Tertiary Reserve)

Php1.25/kW /Hr

The Commission has set the Application for determination of compliance with the jurisdictional requirements, expository presentation, Pre-trial Conference, and presentation of evidence on 07 December 2017 (Thursday) at ten o’clock in the morning (10:00 A.M.) at Big 8 Hotel, National Highway, Visayan Village, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

12. It is respectfully submitted that the rates represent reasonable recovery of opportunity cost in making available generation capacity to provide the procured AS.

All persons who have an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) days prior to the initial hearing and subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title ofthe case and stating the following:

13. The rate under the ASPA were subjected to a simulation with the following results:

Ancillary Service

PLEASE SEE ATTACHED:

COMPACT MIX CONCRETE, INC. (Sgd.) Nardo I. De Guzman, Jr. Represented by WILLIAM O. GENATO, Sheriff IV Plaintiff, WARNING: -versusCIVIL CASE NO. Its is absolutely prohibited to remove, Q-07-61143

=

CONTRACTED CAPACITY RATES AND IMPACT SIMULATION

CONDOMINIUM CERTIFICATE OF TITLE No.: 004-2014009166

NOW THEREFORE, by virtue of said Writ of Execution and in accordance with Rule 39, Section 18, of the Rules of Civil Procedure, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction to the highest bidder, FOR CASH and in Philippine Currency on the 20th day of DECEMBER 2017 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning or soon thereafter at the main Entrance of RTC Branch 226, Hall of Justice, Annex Building, Quezon City the rights, interest and participation of the said defendant in the abovedescribed real property in order to satisfy said Writ of Execution, together with the interest, cost, sheriff’s fees and expenses of sale.

Quezon City, Philippines, November 9, 2017.

G

A copy of the ASPA is attached as Annex “F.”

GRASS RESIDENCES TOWER 1 Unit No.: 1812-B (Sgd.) MANUEL B. STA. CRUZ, JR. Unit Type: 1 Bedroom with Presiding Judge Balcony Total Area: 23.04 Sq.M. Copy furnished: Compact Mix Concrete, Inc., represented by William O. Genato, Plaintiff 129 Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village, Quezon City

s X [(VHFOX Actual HF cost per liter) + (Vlube, x Actual LO cost per liter)] Total Energy

Notes:

10. Consequently, on 31 July 2017, NGCP and TMI entered into an Ancillary Services Procurement Agreement (“ASPA”) for TMI to provide the Mindanao Grid, on a non-firm basis for:

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

start-up fees applicable to DR, in PhP / kWh, for the current billing period

=

Total Energy = total energy delivered to all customers of Supplier for the current Billing Period.

In order to implement and regulate the procurement of AS, the Honorable Commission approved the Ancillary Services Procurement Plan (ASPP) through its Order dated 9 March 2006 in ERC Case No. 2002-253 and the Ancillary Services-Cost Recovery Mechanism (AS-CRM) through its Decision dated 3 October 2007 in ERC Case No. 2006-049RC.

8.

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

circulation in the Philippines selected by raffle pursuant to PD No. 1079, once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks.

SO ORDERED. October 18, 2017, Quezon City, Philippines.

Republic Act No. 9136 provides that it is the responsibility of NGCP to ensure and maintain the reliability, adequacy, security, stability and integrity of the nationwide electrical grid in accordance with the performance standards for its operations and maintenance, as set forth in the Philippine Grid Code (PGC), adopted and promulgated by the Honorable Commission, and to adequately serve generation companies, distribution utilities and suppliers requiring transmission service and/or ancillary services through the transmission system2.

5.

7.

=

ERC CASE NO. 2017-075 RC

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

1.

trols on civil society.

The government initially targeted political activists and human rights campaigners, but it has increasingly turned its attention to the legal professionals who represent them.

Jiang’s sentence was “a textbook example of the Chinese authorities’ systematic persecution of those who are brave enough to defend human rights in China today,” said Amnesty International China researcher William Nee. Nee said it was likely to have a “chilling effect” on other activists, since the evidence used against him was so minimal: critical social media comments, attendance of overseas trainings, and showing moral support to other human rights defenders facing trials.

“Many activists also do these things, and now they are likely to be frightened by how the government is spinning this case and demonizing Jiang Tianyong,” he said. AFP

Where:

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THERMA MARINE, INC., Applicants.

(MS-NOV. 22, 2017)

Republic of the Philippines

SSC

San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE ANCILLARY SERVICES PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THERMA MARINE, INC. (FOR MOBILE 1), AND APPROVAL OF THE INCIDENTAL ENERGY SUPPLY AGREEMENT TEMPLATE, WITH PRAYER FOR ISSUANCE OF PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY,

4.

Notice is hereby given that ATIMONAN ONE ENERGY, INC. is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOl) as New Operator of 2x600MW AOE Coal-Fired Power Plant in Barangay Villa Ibaba, Atimonan, Quezon on a Pioneer Status under Book I of EO 226 otherwise known as the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, as amended.

Jiang’s family has been unable to contact him since his sudden disappearance last November en route from Beijing to Changsha, where he had gone to inquire about detained human rights lawyer Xie Yang.

Xie was detained in the “709 crackdown” of July 2015, and his claims of being tortured in custody, which Jiang helped to publicize, prompted international concern.

In that crackdown, more than 200 people were detained, including lawyers who took on civil rights cases considered sensitive by the ruling Communist Party.

In August, Jiang told judges he was “ashamed” of having incited “subversion”.

Amnesty called the proceedings “an act of political theater” featuring testimony “most likely extracted under duress.”

There has been a resurgence of reports of public confessions since Chinese President Xi Jinping took power in 2012 and tightened con-

infiltrated and influenced by antiChina forces and gradually formed the idea of overthrowing the existing political system of the country,” the judge said.

The court said he had gone abroad for training on how to accomplish the goal and “applied for financial support from foreign antiChina forces.”

In the years leading up to his detention, Jiang had repeatedly met with foreign officials and politicians to discuss China’s human rights situation.

The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights has said he feared Jiang’s previous disappearance was in part retaliation for the lawyer’s assistance to UN experts.

ANTECEDENT FACTS

N OTICE

B3

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Indicative Rate Impact P/kW-mo

P/kWh

Contingency Reserve (Primary Reserve)

16.2556

0.0345

Dispatchable Reserve (Tertiary Reserve)

24.0824

0.0511

1.

3.

14. Until such time when the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), or any similar market, is in commercial operation in Mindanao, TMI’s load customers shall pay for the Incidental Energy Fee. 15. Under the accompanying IESA template, TMI shall supply Incidental Energy to TMI’s customers when it has been dispatched for ancillary services. TMI’s customers shall pay the corresponding Incidental Energy Fee relative to Contingency or Dispatchable Reserves computed as follows:

=

HFR + LOR + related actual fuel cost, in Php/kWh

=

HFCR x Actual HF cost per liter, in Php/kWh

LOR

=

LOCR x Actual LO cost per liter, in Php kWh

VOM

=

IFv

=

0.15245 Php x IFv + SSC kWh Inflation factor for VOM

2.

A concise statement of the Opposition or Comment; and

3.

The grounds relied upon.

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

Incidental Energy Fee

HFR

A statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file their Opposition or Comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding before Applicants rest their case, subject to the requirements under Rule 9 of the 2006 Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case and stating the following: 1. The name and address of such person;

A copy of the rate impact simulation is attached as Annex “G.”

Fuel

The petitioner’s name and address;

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

WITNESS, the Honorable OIC Chairman and CEO ALFREDO J. NON, and the Honorable Commissioners GLORIA VICTORIA C. YAP-TARUC and GERONIMO D. STA. ANA, Energy Regulatory Commission, this 18th day of October 2017 in Pasig City.

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

JOSEFINA PATRICIA A. MAGPALE-ASIRIT Oversight Commissioner for Legal

1 2 3

An Act Granting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines a Franchise To Engage in the Business of Conveying or Transmitting Electricity Through High Voltage Back-Bone System of Interconnected Transmission Lines, Substations and Related Facilities, and for other Purposes.

Section 9 (c) and (d).

Section 6 .3.1.2 of 2007 Philippine Grid Code.

(MS-NOV. 15 & 22, 2017)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

B4

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

QC gives P102m in aid to 11 LGUs

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

By Rio N. Araja

BIG CITY LIGHTS. The cities of Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong recently turned on their Christmas displays at their respective city hall complexes.

Main photo shows hundreds flocking to Muntinlupa City Hall to see the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas Tree — decked with Abaca cloth and Capiz lights as Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (inset) and local officials led the launching of the Filipino-inspired Christmas theme décor of the city hall, which sported 6,000 LED lights and recyclable materials. In Mandaluyong, Mayor Menchie Abalos led the ceremonial lighting of the blue Christmas lights around their own city hall building and Christmas tree. Manny Palmero

Manila monitors markets

By Bill Casas

M

ANILA Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the intensified price monitoring of “noche buena” products in Manila’s public markets to protect consumers as Christmas approaches.

Estrada said he does not want to hear complaints concerning scrupulous vendors and store owners who take advantage of the soaring demand for items

served on Christmas Eve and the Yuletide season.

“We will be implementing constant monitoring of the price movements of noche buena products to make

sure that the prices will not go far beyond the suggested retail price,” Estrada said.

Estrada noted that at the onset of the “ber” months, the prices of Noche Buena products usually start to go up, in most instances much higher than their suggested retail prices, especially starting November until Christmas Day and New Year.

These items include pasta, cheese balls, canned fruit cocktails, hams, macaroni,

spaghetti and tomato sauces, as well as fresh fruits.

With the updated SRP list of Christmas products provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, the city’s Market Administration Office said it has started its stricter daily price monitoring of not only Noche Buena products but also basic commodities such as rice, meat, sugar, coffee, and canned goods.

MAO chief Annie Balboa

said market masters in each of the 17 public markets in the city are now under strict instructions to monitor the prices of goods and report unscrupulous vendors and stallholders.

“Based on our daily monitoring, the prevailing prices of Noche Buena products in our public markets remain stable and we intend to keep it that way,” Balboa said.

With the stiff competition posed by big private super-

markets and malls, Balboa explained public market vendors in Manila even lower their prices than the SRP to attract more buyers.

Still, she assured MAO’s inspectors will remain extra vigilant against erring vendors and stallholders taking advantage of the strong demand for Noche Buena commodities.

Balboa said Estrada has reminded them to monitor the markets always.

QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista on Tuesday spearheaded the distribution of P102.1 million in financial assistance to 11 cities and municipalities that were ravaged by typhoons in 2014 to 2015.

Bautista said QC has been helping typhoon-hit areas not only through relief and rehabilitation efforts but also in improving the infrastructure facilities, especially government-owned facilities.

Under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, a local government may use its disaster risk reduction and management funds to help other local governments struck by calamities.

According to Bautista, the city council has given him the green light distribute the aid for the typhoon victims.

“It is one of the mayor’s thrust to help other local governments recover from the disasters,” Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Karl Michael Marasigan said.

The 11 cities and towns included Ligao City, Albay (P27.2 million), Naga City, Camarines Sur (P20.2 million), Ilagan City, Isabela (P14.7 million), Tabuk City, Kalinga (P12.7 million), Mahatao, Batanes (P7.5 million), Pola, Oriental Mindoro (P6.4 million), Province of Cagayan (P4.5 million), Flora, Apayao (P4.05 million), Ivana, Batanes (P2.08 million), Itbayat, Batanes (P1.3 million) and Batanes (P1.1 million).

Typhoons “Ferdie,” “Lando” and “Nona” hit the affected provinces.

Bataan U, CHED launch C. Luzon mango project

By Butch Gunio BALANGA CITY, Bataan—The Bataan Peninsula State University and the Commission on Higher Education are implementing a sustainable mango production project in Central Luzon.

Dr. Hermogenes Paguia, BPSU Director for Research and Research Team Leader, said 24 science and technology communitybased mango model farms in Bataan — two in each of its 12 towns — and 10 in the Zambales town of Palauig are adopted for the project.

He added 32 farmer-cooperators (22 from Bataan and 10 from Zambales) are participating.

“The project explores the potentials of cooperators’ existing mango trees as a viable economic activity by following science and technology interventions and proper management,” Paguia said.

“Farmer-cooperators are undergoing series of trainings and seminars on tech-

nology transfer and technical management to further develop their capability,” he added.

The project is funded under CHED DARE TO Research Grant, and has two years duration from 2017 to 2018.

It is being implemented in cooperation with Ramon Magsaysay Technological University, Bataan provincial and local government units, and the local government unit of Palauig, Zambales.

From 2013 to 2015, BPSU and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development implemented Science and Technology Community-Based Farming on mango production in Bataan involving 15 farmer-cooperators from Balanga and Abucay towns.

“The difference with the CHED DARE TO project aside that it covers Central Luzon area, there is research and product development component,” the director pointed out. Butch Gunio

General Trias officials led by Mayor Antonio Ferrer (center), Rep. Luis ‘Jon Jon’ Ferrer IV ( third from right), leads the ribbon cutting of the 4-storey, 20 classrooms building (inset) sponsored by Pagcor at the of Gov. Luis Y Ferrer II Senior High. Also in photo are (from left) Councilors Nanding Granados, Gary Grepo, Pafoo Lozares, Mario Amante, 6th District Board Member Jango Grepo, Cherrylou De Mesa, OIC School Division Superintendent and Principal II Mercilita Javier, Councilor Jonas Labuguen, BM Kerby Salazar, Councilors Jowie Carampot and Councilor Walter Martinez.

MALL OPENING. CityMall recently opened its newest branch in the city of Calamba, Laguna located at Barangay Halang. At the ribbon cutting ceremony are

Laguna 2nd District Rep. Jun Chipeco (center), Calamba Mayor Timmy Chipeco (fourth from right), Vice Mayor Ross Rizal (third from right), Councilor Gigi Alcasid (right), Actor Ronnie Alonte (third from left), Karina Rosero (second from left) and CityMall president Mr. Ferdinand J. Sia (left). Roy Tomandao

Jon Santos headlines charity show for Caritas Manila scholars CARITAS Manila, the social services ministry of the Archdiocese of Manila, invites the public to watch the upcoming “Laugh wins” with the funnyman of many faces, Jon Santos.

The performance will be at the Ceremonial Hall, Marriott Grand Ballroom, Resorts World Manila, on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m., with two

special guests—seasoned comic singer-actress Mitch Valdes and Isprikitik Improv.

The show promises an unforgettable two hours of music and laughter that will make problems and worries vanish if only for a while.

Laugh wins is for the benefit of Caritas Manila’s Youth Servant Leadership Program scholars and

Saint John Paul II Home For Priests Foundation, Inc. Caritas Manila Executive Director Rev. Fr. Anton CT Pascual encourages the public to experience joy while giving through the Dec. 2 performance.

“Laughter is the best medicine.

As the Christmas season is fast approaching share your laughter and

happiness in many different ways.

Let us all be entertained as we help our scholars. Let your joy and entertainment be the instrument of God to support the education of our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” said Fr. Pascual.

Tickets can be bought through Caritas Manila at Jesus St, Pandacan or dial 562-0020 to 25.

Gentri unveils new school building GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite― City officials led by Mayor Antonio “Ony” Ferrer and Rep. Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV recently unveiled a four-storey, 20-classrooms building sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. for the Governor Luis Y. Ferrer II Senior High School in South Square Village in Pasong Kawayan Dos here.

The new building will ad-

dress the classroom shortage in the city’s public educational system, city and Department of Education officials added.

Other city officials present were Vice Mayor Morit Sison, Provincial Board Members Kerby Salazar and Jango Grepo, and Councilors Jonas Labuguen, Nanding Granados, Gary Grepo, Pafoo Lozares, Mario Amante,

Jowie Carampot, Walter Martinez, Christopher Custodio and Flor Ayos.

The GenTri local government is also rushing to complete a four-storey, rightclassroom extension for the U-shaped Senior High campus pf the same school, which has a population of 1,650 students, according to Mercelita Javier, Principal of Ferrer II Senior High School.

Life fashion & beauty

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

wednesday, noVemBeR 22, 2017

c1

Only Naturals campaign says no to harmful chemicals

GOOD FOR THE SKIN. Naturals by Watsons products are made of Certified Organic ingredients from the best sources globally.

H

ave you ever wondered what are in the products you use to wash your face and hair and to moisturize your skin?

To give your skin and hair the best tender loving care, use only products that contain ingredients that won’t harm your skin.

For its Naturals line, Watsons has harnessed Certified Organic ingredients from the best sources globally.

For example, Paw Paw is obtained from australia. Marula is from africa, Olive from Italy and aloe vera from the United States and the United Kingdom.

So what are Naturals by Watsons products made without?

“You won’t find Parabens, Mineral Oil, Silicone, SLS and Isothiazolinone in any of the Naturals by Watsons products,” said Watsons group category manager Jared de Guzman.

Mineral oil, often called liquid petroleum, can clog pores. Parabens act as Watsons Switch and Save Ambassador Kylie Padilla

preservatives in our beauty products and are suspected to have harmful effects on the body with long-term use.

SLS help our shampoo become bubbly but they can make your hair and scalp dry. Silicones can congest your pores and cause acne. Isothiazolinone can cause allergies.

The Watsons Only Naturals campaign aims to help people learn more about the power of natural products by telling the public where they came from and what their benefits are, plus the lowdown on what harmful ingredients to avoid.

During the launch at Le Petit Souffle in Century Mall, Watsons introduced seven ranges formulated with Certified Organic ingredients Olive, argan, Marula, aloe vera, Paw Paw, Rice bran and Macadamia.

Olive moisturizes the hair and hydrates the skin.

argan, which comes from Morocco, has been called liquid gold. It has revitalizing and moisturizing properties.

Marula restores hair moisture and tames frizz. aloe vera soothes sensitive skin and scalp. It also strengthens hair from roots to tips.

Paw Paw keeps skin healthy with its repairing properties.

Rice bran from Japan whitens skin without drying it.

Macadamia brings back vitality to hair and scalp.

Present during the launch hosted by inez Bernardo was Watsons endorser Kylie Padilla. also gracing the event were GMa artist Center talents Arianne Bautista, Pauline Mendoza and Koreen Medina.

Naturals by Watsons are reasonably priced from P99 to P259. The line is exclusively available at Watsons and the SM Store Beauty Section. If you are a SMaC member, you can get 25 percent off on your favorite Naturals

by Watsons products until today.

No Time to Wait for these young achievers TeCHNOMaRINe, the luxury Swiss watch brand, embarks on a new campaign featuring young, successful personalities who have created their own opportunities and made a mark in their respective fields.

TechnoMarine’s “No Time to Wait” campaign believes these young individuals deserve acknowledgment for continuing to push themselves to higher ground and earn recognition in delivering excellence in their own careers without waiting for it to happen, and instead, make it happen through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, despite their young age.

The slogan “No Time to Wait” intends to inspire other young hopefuls

to act on and work for their goals that in their own ways, can realize their dreams. Through celebrating these young achievers, TechnoMarine highlights people who created possibilities to be successful.

These young ambassadors are former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Patrick Sugui, The Voice Kids 2015 finalist Kyle Echarri, fashion designer Rosenthal Tee, and artist Andre Drilon.

The 23-year old Patrick Sugui is a former PBB housemate from Teen Clash 2010 edition. The hit reality show has led him to acting opportunities, helping him land roles in primetime shows like Pangako Sa’Yo and

Technomarine’s ‘No Time To Wait’ ambassadors, (from left) Kyle Echarri, Patrick Sugui, Rosenthal Tee, and Andre Drilon, are an example of people who created their own opportunity

La Luna Sangre. Pat’s dream is to win an acting award someday. “I am committed to honing my craft, and right now, my focus is to improve my skills through acting workshops.” another young achiever is Kyle echarri who rose to fame from placing sixth in season two of The Voice Kids Philippines 2015. The 14-year old Filipino-american singer made a name after releasing his debut album titled It’s Me, Kyle in September last year. “This has always been my dream ever since I was a kid, so I try to give my best in everything that I do.”

Rosenthal Tee has been featured in the Mercedes Benz Stylo Spring Summer 2015 Show in Kuala Lumpur and New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2016 Show. a graduate of Fashion Design, Rosenthal has been eyeing to establish base in the country. “I’ve been saving my earnings from all the projects so that I could properly set up my business base here in the Philippines,” she said.

Completing the roster of TechnoMarine’s inspirational individuals is stylish dresser andre Drilon. More than just the guy who wears skirts, Drilon is exploring his creative side through collaborations with different artists in the industry. “I spend a lot of time trying to conceptualize and self-analyze – think about the projects I’m doing, the ideas I want to communicate through my art,” he said.

Founded in Switzerland in 1997, TechnoMarine offers watches that celebrate individuality, freedom and success with affordable, quality and unconventional designed watches – as a symbol of achievement of people who didn’t wait for things to happen but created their own opportunity.

TechnoMarine boutiques are locatedat SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, SM City Cebu, SM Lanang Premier, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza, and all MyDiamond boutiques.

Chinese superstar Yang Mi in Michael Kors ‘The Walk’ campaign

Yang Mi is Michael Kors’ first brand ambassador

MichAEl Kors is pleased to introduce Chinese actress Yang Mi as a brand ambassador.

The appointment solidifies the relationship between Yang Mi and Michael Kors that has been developing over the years.

Most recently, she collaborated with Michael Kors on an exclusive Mercer handbag available at DFS locations this fall.

In May, the actress attended Vogue’s Met Gala as a guest of the designer, sporting a custom Michael Kors Collection gown. She also sat front row at the Spring 2017 Michael Kors Collection runway show. Prior to that, she was the star of the global Michael Kors Young series events: 2015’s Young China in Beijing and 2016’s Young Power event in Shanghai.

“Yang Mi is the perfect combination of smart and chic,” says Michael Kors.“We’re happy to welcome her to the Michael Kors family.”

Boasting over 70 million followers on Chinese social media site Weibo, Yang Mi is a veritable superstar in China, and her global following is increasing daily. as a fashion style-setter, she has graced the covers of numerous magazines, such Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and L’Officiel in China.

“Yang Mi is one of the most influential trendsetters in China right now,” says John D. idol, Chairman and CeO of Michael Kors. “People love when she wears Michael Kors and we’re excited to continue our relationship with her as our brand ambassador.”

Her first campaign as a Michael Kors brand ambassador was Michael Kors The Walk, the brand’s seasonal street style campaign shot by Tommy Ton, this fall. She made her first public appearance in her new role at the Spring 2018 Michael Kors Collection runway show on Sept. 13.

Life

C2

wednesday, november 22, 2017 isahred@gmail.com

T

HE grand dame of timeless design, showcases her elegant touch, romanticism and feminine whimsy in Criselda Lontok’s 2017 Holiday Collection, titled Life In Bloom.

Criselda lontok

2017 Holiday Collection

Recently held at Rustan’s Makati, a spectacular fashion show featured a 60-piece collection of profusion of blossoms in an endearing palette that evokes Spring for all seasons. Carefully chosen

by Criselda herself, 10 lovely muses walked the runway showcasing some of the key pieces of the collection. These muses include Marivic Vasquez, Bettina Osmeña, Mia Borromeo, Dina Tantoco, Patricia Prieto, Marilou Batchelor, Alana Montelibano, Linda Ley, Erica Concepcion Reyes, and Toni Abad. All walking with elegance, sophistication, and regality, these women prove that Criselda’s pieces looks great on any type of women.

For this collection, Criselda works with her favorite, trademark fabrics such as jacquard, soft rich laces, organza, Mikado and chiffon, creating romantic silhouettes for her well-heeled clients.

Flowers in all their grandness are boldly incorporated as prints as well as through beautiful embroidery, appliques and other stylish interpretations.

A woman who delights in life’s simple joys, Criselda has always been attracted to bright, happy colors, and mirrors this in a grand gathering of roses, lilies, sunflowers, orchids and more. “I have found that nature, most especially blooms, give me the most profound joy.

Just seeing the fresh flowers, touching their petals, and smelling their sweet scents instantly lifts my spirits. With all that’s happening today, I believe that wehave to constantly remind ourselves to be positive, and what better way to do that than through what we wear,” beams Criselda Lontok, the renowned designer who has proudly dressed women for generations. This year, she celebrates her 34 years with Rustan’s Department Store. “Rustan’s has been a great partner in my journey. It was, in fact, Glecy Tantoco, the matriarch and founder of Rustan’s, who gave me my first break.” Criselda Lontok’s 2017 Holiday Collection features pieces made of jacquard, soft rich laces, organza, Mikado, and chiffon—creating romantic silhouettes that her well-heeled clients adore This Fall-Winter, Criselda appropriately captures the romantic moods of the season with a transitional palette of crimson, deep pinks, vibrant jewels tones and creams against black-as-night backgrounds. Whether heading off to an intimate gathering with friends or a gala at a posh hotel, the Criselda Lontok woman is dressed in regality. From dresses, dustcoats, or gowns, Criselda mesmerizes with her mark of luxury and elegance.

With over three decades in the industry, Criselda’s longevity as a designer is strongly founded on her sixth sense or strong instinct for knowing how women want to dress, to look good and simply feel good about themselves. She designs with a classic feminine sensibility that is loved by women of all generations.

She understands what women want and masterfully interprets that into timeless, elegant designs that bring joy and a

light to every woman who wears it.

“My designs - while conservative and for the sophisticated woman – is always playful and exciting. We are lovers of love and life, and so we should celebrate that in ways that bring us the most joy,” ends Criselda.

The Criselda Lontok Holiday 2017 Collection is available in Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway and Cebu.

Moroccan Argan Crème for soft dandruff-free hair Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer and Maybelline Magnum Big Shot Mascara

Get bright-eyed perfection in an instant IT’S no secret that all Filipinas today have to hustle through traffic, meet those deadlines at work, and keep up with social engagements, which will be at an all time high this coming holiday season.

All of these can leave our skin looking dull, tired and stressed. Though we can’t cheat eight hours of shut-eye by caking all that makeup on, you can make your eyes look bright and refreshed even before your first cup of coffee. For that instant bright-eyed look that is TDF, Maybelline New York, the world’s no. 1 makeup brand, finally brings you the Instant Age Rewind Concealer and the Magnum Big Shot Mascara. For sure, these two will be your new Maybelline favorites as they brighten up your eyes in just a few easy steps.

De puff, brighten, treat and conceal ALL IN ONE. the Instant Age Rewind Concealer promises to do all these in just two easy steps. All you have to do is twist and swipe to cover up those under eye dark circles with a special cushion tip that was customized, especially for the

delicate under eye area. This 2-in1 CONCEAL + TREAT concealer has Active Formula Haloxyl, which is the main ingredient in reducing dark circles and Goji Berry to hydrate the skin, so it does more than just conceal, but treats the skin as well- isn’t that amazing?

Now take that bright eye to the next level and take your big shot while flaunting your fullest lash look with the NEW Magnum Big Shot Mascara. The maker of the world’s most iconic mascaras brings you the most volumizing mascara that captures the biggest shot of volume in just one stroke. Go powerful with this waterproof mascara that’s equipped with a unique Big Shot brush that features wavy bristles to fully coat each lash to deliver fuller and bolder lashes.

Products are available in Maybelline counters nationwide and online at Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph/maybellineonline).

For more information about Maybelline, please visit www.facebook.com/ MaybellinePhilippines.

MOST women think that soft and dandruff-free hair is an impossible combination to have. For the longest time, it was widely accepted that having a healthy scalp also meant living with dry hair—that anti-dandruff shampoos were harsh for your hair.

Now, all that is in the past with a scientific breakthrough from Head & Shoulders, a pioneer in scalp health development and the world’s number one anti-dandruff shampoo brand, as they launch the new premium Head & Shoulder Suprême Series Shampoo and Conditioner with Moroccan Argan Crème in the Philippines—a first of its kind.

Head & Shoulders’ latest innovation fuses its scalp-to-tip know-how with brand new ingredients to create a product that answers what women want and need—beautiful, deeply moisturized, soft and dandruff-free hair. The Head & Shoulders Suprême Series with Moroccan Argan Crème comes in two variants: Head & Shoulders Suprême Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner infused with orchid perfume; and Head & Shoulders Suprême Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, made with honey.

Head & Shoulders Suprême Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner leaves the hair touchably soft and intensely moisturized from root to tip. On the other hand, Head & Shoulders Suprême Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner leaves hair feeling super soft and smooth leaving locks perfectly polished all day.

Both variants are infused with Argan crème and made with micro zinc technology that makes lusciously soft and 100 percent flake-free hair a reality.

Designed to be used with the shampoo, the new Head & Shoulders Suprême Conditioner, contains Behentrimonium Chloride (BTMAC) or Better Targeting Magnetic Attraction Compound which targets damaged areas

on the hair fibre for better conditioning.

BTMAC is a dual-functional molecule that helps restore the cuticle, gives softness to the hair, and enables ease of combing while retaining moisture for up to 24 hours. The conditioner is also blended with rich alcohols for enhanced conditioning benefits, and 0.5 percent ZPT for enhanced scalp benefits.

Head & Shoulders’ scientists have long known that an unhealthy scalp leads to unhealthy hair. In fact, scratching alone can cause damage to the hair fibre resulting to dull, lack-lustre strands. Specifically, it was shown that oxidative stress leads to having an unhealthy scalp, which then grows unhealthy hair. The best thing is that the new Head & Shoulders Suprême Series’ formula combines micro zinc technology and argan crème to effectively combat oxidative stress.

Saint Tiu, principal scientist, P&G Hair Care Asia Pacific comments, “Research from Head & Shoulders reveals

that an unhealthy scalp compromises the hair surface and effects how hair develop, meaning unhealthy hair is born from an unhealthy scalp. An unhealthy scalp will breed unhealthy new hair with damaged cuticles from the point at which the hair emerges, causing hair to be dry, dull and rough. With new Head & Shoulders Suprême with Argan Crème, scientists are able to give women beautiful, nourished and smooth hair, while at the same time caring for their scalp.”

The Head & Shoulders Suprême Moisture Series has a blend of floral and fruity notes for a great scent right from opening the bottle. Its brand new packaging design includes its iconic swan-shaped shampoo bottle and never-been-see-before new tube-shaped conditioner bottle holds a lot of promise for users.

No less than Sandara Park, Chie Filomeno, Janina Manipol, An Estrada, En Estrada, Michelle Dy, Cha Ocampo, Haley Dasovich, and Kianna Dy have been named as the new Head and Shoulders Suprême Ambassadors. These women show everyone that lusciously soft, dandruff-free hair is now possible. Equally proud of their dandruff-free hair are fellow ambassadors Mario Maurer, Nico Bolzico, and Jeron Teng.

“I’ve always wanted to keep my hair flake-free, but anti-dandruff shampoos could be harsh on the hair. I’m so happy with Head & Shoulders Suprême! It’s given me super-soft, beautiful and clean hair while leaving my scalp healthy,” said Sandara.

“I’m amazed at how my hair is so clean, without being dry and stringy. I didn’t know this was possible,” concluded Sandara.

Head & Shoulders Supreme Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

Manila

Standard

TODAY

MMFF completes its ‘Magic 8’ 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

FOR THE PROPOSED DREDGING OF CALATAGAN PORT, CALATAGAN, BATANGAS

I

T’S TRUE that it is difficult to reconcile artistic integrity and commercial success. But a wellmade film shouldn’t have to think about its box office performance because the audience would recognize right away if the film was good or trash.

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 127,949,300.63 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Dredging of Calatagan Port, Calatagan, Batangas (LFP BGS No. 045-2017). 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 depth of 4.50 meter below Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) B. Total Volume to be dredged = 205,000 cu m. C. Disposal of dredged soil materials 16.00 kms. away from the project site. Completion of the Works is required in 360 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.

MMFF Execom has announced the last four movies completing this year's "Magic 8:" (clockwise) "Ang Larawan,"

The Metro Manila Film Fes- "Haunted Forrest," "Deadma Walking" and "Siargao" tival has been underestimating the audience for years think- and independent film entries. ing is a film adaptation of a The film is set in a small town ing that Filipinos are not ready Hence, from big commercial Palanca-winning screenplay where a few women suddenly for intelligent and well-crafted movies like Coco Martin’s Ang which story revolves around went missing and their bodies movie.

That’s why when Panday, Vice Ganda’s The two gay best friends (Gamboa are found dead in the forest. LoMMFF Execom released the Revengers Squad, Vic Sot- and Guzman) whose friend- cals believe that the incident is first four films joining the an- to and Dawn Zulueta’s Meant ship is put to the test when linked to a mythical night creanual MMFF, the agency drew To Beh and Derek Ram- one of them is diagnosed with ture “sitsit,” which serves as flaks which also led to the res- say and Jennylyn Merca- cancer and asks the other to the essential horror of the entire ignation of four of its members do’s All of You, MMFF 2017 se- help him stage his fake death, film.

(Ricky Lee, Roland Tolen- lected a new roster of films that wake, and funeral as his dying And the fourth entry is the tino, Ed Lejano and Kara gives the festival a more diverse wish. musical Ang Larawan. The Alikpala). They noted that they lineup.

Siargao is Soriano’s first for- movie adaptation of the beloved were not seeing the reforms The four films are: Deadma ay into the romance genre after Filipino musical of the same that they tried to implement in Walking from T-Rex Enter- directing a few award-winning name features a star-studded 2016. tainment, directed by Julius movies. The film, which is cast. It centers on two siblings, Now, four films from T-Rex Alfonso and starring Joross filled with gorgeous shots from who are both struggling and surEntertainment, Ten17 Produc- Gamboa and Edgar Allan the country’s surfing capital, is viving. They are caught between tions, Regal Entertainment, and Guzman; Siargao by TEN17 billed as a romantic adventure succumbing to modernity or Culturtain Musicat Productions Productions, directed by Paul that promotes the province as a leaving behind their beliefs and have been named official entries Soriano and starring Jericho tourist destination. The story is traditions. According to Ampil, to this year’s MMFF completing Rosales and Erich Gonza- about a man who returns to his during previous interviews, the the so-called “Magic 8,” which les; Haunted Forest by Regal hometown where he meets a musical is also a story of a fawill all be screened beginning Entertainment, directed by Ian young woman who, on the other ther who faces numerous strugDec. 23.

Loreños and starring Jame- hand, trying to reconnects with gles after experiencing artistic According to MMFF Execu- son Blake and Jane Oine- her childhood friend. Accord- drought. tive Committee Chairman Tim za; and Ang Larawan by Cultur- ing to Soriano, the film is about Unlike the first four films that Orbos, the Rules Committee train Musicat Productions, di- finding home and realizing the were picked from the pool of applied a new vetting scheme rected by Loy Arcenas and star- simple things can bring life hap- submitted scripts, which list was for this year’s festival to as- ring Rachel Alejandro and Jo- piness. announced in July, these entries sure that there is no discrimi- anna Ampil.

The lone horror film in the were chosen from finished film nation among commercial The comedy Deadma Walk- festival is Haunted Forrest. submissions.

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 22 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.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 01 December 2017 at 10:00 a.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 9:00 a.m. of 14 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 14 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: 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 PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – Nov. 22, 2017

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

FOR THE ORMOC PORT EXPANSION PROJECT, PORT OF ORMOC, LEYTE

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 262,809,794.53 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Ormoc Port Expansion Project, Port of Ormoc, Leyte (LFP WLB No. 046-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Demolition, Removal and Excavation Works B. Construction of Back-up Area C. Construction of Platform and RoRo Ramp. Completion of the Works is required in 540 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.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders on 22 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.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 01 December 2017 at 10:00 a.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 9:00 a.m. of 14 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 14 December 2017 at 11:00 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: Large A – Ports, Harbor and Offshore Engineering

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF PORT OPERATIONS AND MULTIPURPOSE BUILDINGS, PORT OF BALINGOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 125,580,715.41 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction of Port Operations and Multi-Purpose Buildings, Port of Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, (LFP MOC No. 047-2017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction of Port Operations Building B. Construction of Multi-Purpose Building, Demolition and Removal Works. Completion of the Works is required in 450 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.

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 22 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.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 01 December 2017 at 10:00 a.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 14 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 14 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. Late bids shall not be accepted.

•

Required PCAB Registration: Medium B – Building and Industrial Plant

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.

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

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.

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 22 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.

The Philippine Ports Authority’s Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on 01 December 2017 at 10:00 a.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 14 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 14 December 2017 at 3:00 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: Large 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.

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

ADRIAN FERDINAND S. SUGAY Chairperson, PPA Head Office Bids and Awards Committee for Engineering Projects (HO-BAC-EP) Standard – Nov. 22, 2017

The Philippine Ports Authority now invites bids for A. Construction, Delivery and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation System B. Supply, Construct and Delivery at Staging Area of Solar-Powered Lighted Buoy Assembly C. Offshore Commissioning, Testing and Observation of Aids to Marine Navigation. Completion of the Works is required in 135 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.

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

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

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

The Philippine Ports Authority, through the Corporate Budget of the Authority for CY 2017, intends to apply the sum of P 330,216,066.04 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Proposed Construction and Offshore Installation of Aids to Marine Navigation at Ports of Tagbilaran, Tubigon, Tapal and Jagna, Bohol (Phase I), Bohol Province (LFP BHL No. 0482017). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

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

PPA Website: www.ppa.com.ph

INVITATION TO BID

FOR THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OFFSHORE INSTALLATION OF AIDS TO MARINE NAVIGATION AT PORTS OF TAGBILARAN, TUBIGON, TAPAL AND JAGNA, BOHOL (PHASE I), BOHOL PROVINCE

For further information, please refer to:

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

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

M. Standard – Nov. 22, 2017

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

M. Standard – Nov. 22, 2017

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Isah V. Red, Editor Nickie Wang, Writer isahred@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017

From left: Lola Tinidora (Jose Manalo), Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) and Lola Tidora (Paolo Ballesteros)

JOWAPAO’s ‘lola’ act levels up T

ELEVISION’S popular Lolas — Lola Tinidora (Jose Manalo), Lola Nidora (Wally Bayola) and Lola Tidora (Paolo Ballesteros) — take on a bigger challenge as they topbill their very own movie, the family-oriented Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs.

Zombies in theaters today.

Kisses is now a Star Pop artist PBB Lucky Season 7 2nd Big Placer Kisses Delavin finally introduced her highly anticipated debut album Kisses under Star Pop, Star Music’s new sublabel for the young market, to a jampacked crowd at SM North EDSA Skydome rcently.

The rising teen star pepped up the show with an opening dance performance and then serenaded her fans with songs “La La La,” “Alam Na This,” “Pretty Boy” and “Tulak ng Bibig, Kabig ng Dibdib.” She also capped the program with a performance of her album’s carrier single, “Di Ko Lang Masabi.”

MOR’s DJ Eva Ronda, the event’s host, revealed that Kisses’ album already sold 15,000 units prior to the launch.

Kisses thanked her fans and said that without them, her album would not have been possible. “I didn’t really believe in myself that I could have an album before, but because of your support, I told myself I could do this.”

Rayver Cruz and La Luna Sangre star Tony Labrusca joined her in the muchawaited album launch. Child star Awra Briguela also went onstage as judge to the “Miss Q & A” game participated by the audience.

The young artist introduced “’Di Ko Lang Masabi” in early October via MOR and it has, since then, topped various music charts. In 20 days, its official lyric video, uploaded on StarMusic’s YouTube channel, already hit 1 million views and currently has over 1.3 million views and counting.

She also hit a recordbreaking milestone with her grand album launch as tickets were sold out in 30 minutes after they were released.

These milestones add to the 2016 ASAP Pop Teen Sweetheart’s achievements this year after she came out from PBB. She became a guest celebrity VJ in MYX with Marco Gallo in July, starred in Wansapanataym Presents Amazing Ving, had her first movie with the MayWard loveteam -- Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber –in September with Star Cinema’s Loving in Tandem, and will soon star in ABS-CBNmobile’s digital series, Squad Goals.

Kisses’ debut album is now available in record stores nationwide and digital stores worldwide. For more information on Kisses album, visit Starmusic.ph or follow Star Music’s official social media accounts at facebook.com/ starmusicph, or @starmusicph on Twitter and Instagram.

Teen actress Kisses Delavin debuts as a recording star with the launch of her self-titled album

In the movie, Lola Tinidora, Lola Nidora and Lola Tidora are all agog over their granddaughter Charmaine’s (Caprice Cayetano) upcoming birthday.

They leave nothing to chance to make sure the celebration turns out to be perfect — something their apo will remember with much fondness.

While planning for the outof-town trip, they encounter a hitch, though — a zombie outbreak.

The lolas meet a group of terrified youngsters, namely Marcy (Ryzza Mae Dizon), Irish (Taki Saito), Aladin (Kenneth Medrano), Cath (Shaira Mae dela Cruz), Will (Miggy Tolentino) and Melo (Jayvhot Galang).

The three Super Lolas take it upon themselves to help save not only their grandchild but other zombie targets as well.

However, are they strong enough to win the battle?

Trip Ubusan: The Lolas vs. Zombies is considered as Jose, Wally and Paolo’s biggest movie as a comic trio although they have appeared together in one of Vic Sotto’s previous films.

The trio gained strong following worldwide via Eat Bulaga’s ‘‘Kalye Serye’’ segment that produced the phenomenal AlDub love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

The audiences simply love the wisdom and values the Lolas impart to viewers.

They continue to share these in the morning talk show, The Lolas’ Beautiful Show, where they also display their unique brand of wit, humor and fashion/ hairstyle.

Suspense, horror and comedy at its best — that’s what Lola Tinidora, Lola Nidora and Lola Tidora offer moviegoers in their first film venture under the direction of Mark Reyes.

Also in the cast are Angelika de la Cruz, Arthur Solinap, Lovely Abella with the special participation of Rochelle Pangilinan, J o s h u a Zamora, Niño Muhlach and Al Tantay.

T r i p U b u s a n : The Lolas Vs. Zombies is a joint production of APT Entertainment and M-Zet Productions.

Inspirational true story of love without limits GOLDEN Globe and a SAG Award winner Claire Foy and Academy Award®nominated actor Andrew Garfield team up in the highly-inspiring true love story in Breathe directed by Andy Serkis who makes his feature directorial debut.

Based on a script by twice Academy Award-nominated writer William Nicholson (Les Misérables), Breathe sweeps us into the lives of adventurous and charismatic Robin Cavendish (Garfield) and his wife Diana (Foy). Robin has his whole life ahead of him when he is paralysed by polio whilst in Africa. Against all advice, Diana brings him home from hospital where her devotion and witty determination transcends his disability.

Together they refuse to be imprisoned by his suffering; dazzling others with their humor, courage and lust for life.

Breathe is a heart-warming and highly emotional celebration of bravery and human possibility, a love story about living every breath as though it’s your last. Based on the true story of producer Jonathan Cavendish’s own parents, the movie shows how Robin’s handling of and reaction to his illness had a huge impact on mobility and access for the disabled.

With this act of defiance, Robin is already a pioneer, but he goes further, crusading for other severely disabled people to benefit from the kind of mobility he fought for himself. Confounding medical experts simply by surviving, he battles tirelessly for the rights of the disabled – with his beloved Diana always at his side.

Andrew Garfield vividly recalls reading the script for the first time: “I was on my travels, and I was told they needed an answer very soon. When I read it, I cried so much, I fell in love with it. I was so

moved by the story. It felt like a road map of how to live, in terms of following the footsteps of Robin and Diana. ‘How do you live a life of joy with the hand that fate deals you?’ That’s what it felt like to me. I was deeply moved by it. It felt so unique and specific, very different from other true stories one reads. It never felt saccharine or sentimental; it felt honest, specific, and full of wisdom. It answers the question: ‘how do you live your life?’ And there’s this whole issue of choosing joy in your life above all other ways, no matter what. I found that very inspiring.”

Claire Foy found herself fascinated by the real Diana Cavendish, who she plays in the film and who still lives in Oxfordshire. She is in now her 80s. Claire spent time with Diana before and during filming: “I felt very fortunate to have Diana to talk to,” she reflects. “She now has three grandchildren and a very full life. But she did this extraordinary thing for Robin, purely out of love. She’s just a very strong woman.

Celebrate love and life when Breathe opens nationwide in cinemas today from Pioneer Films.

Andrew Garfield is back in one of his most dramatic roles to date in “Breathe” co-starring Golden Globe winning actress Claire Foy