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Pinoys mourn Kobe’s passing Palace leads tribute to frequent PH visitor By Riera U. Mallari and MJ Blancaﬂor

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 348 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

HE Palace on Monday led the country in expressing condolences to the loved ones and fans of NBA Star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash. Bryant was a frequent visitor to the Philippines and was loved by his Filipino fans, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said. “On the hard court, he was a sight to behold with his dexterity and accuracy in sinking that ball in the ring. He was a master of his craft,” Panelo said. “The Office of the President is saddened after learning about the tragic news of the death of the NBA superstar and legend.” Bryant died Sunday when a helicopter he was riding in crashed and burst into flames in thick fog, killing all nine people on board including his teenage daughter, and plunging legions of fans around the world into mourning. Bryant, 41, was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers and crew when their Sikorsky S-76 helicopter slammed into a rugged hillside in Calabasas, west of Los Angeles. There were no survivors. Senator Sonny Angara said because he was bringing his daughter to a basketball tournament, it could be said that Bryant died with his sneakers on. He said during the prime of Bryant, he was a superstar waited on by a staff of hundreds. In retirement, he was happiest as a coach-cheerleader. Filipino fans adored Bryant, who visited the country six times—the first in August 1998 and the last time in June 2016, just two months after he retired from the NBA. “I love it there [Philippines],” he said in a previous interview. “It’s amazing,” he said of his prior visits, “I have such a great time, aside from the food. Amazing,” added Bryant, whose favorite Filipino food was lumpia or deep-fried spring rolls. Bryant’s first visit to the country will be remembered most for his iconic photo taken with then President Joseph Estrada and his Next page “Tinikling” dance.

50 OFWs in Wuhan homesick—Bong Go By MJ Blancaflor, Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey E. Requejo, Vito Barcelo and Willie Casas UP TO 50 out of the 150 Filipinos in Wuhan, the Chinese city at the epicenter of the new coronavirus outbreak, want to come home, Senator Christopher ‘‘Bong’’ Go said Monday. Go, talking to CNN Philippines, said their plight was discussed at a meeting he attended with officials of the departments of Health and Foreign Affairs. “We are ready to send an airplane if we need to take them home from China. The problem is if China will allow it,” Go said in Filipino. He added that it was important to make sure that the Filipinos are clear of the coronavirus before they are allowed to reenter the Philippines. The Philippine Embassy in Beijing confirmed that none of the 150 Filipinos in Wuhan has been infected by the 2019 novel coronavirus that already killed 81 people in China. Next page

Interview with an icon By Jimbo Gulle City Editor

Virus death toll hits 81; draconian measures eyed

IN TRUTH, I am not a huge fan of Kobe Bryant, the effervescent global basketball icon who passed away Sunday (Monday in Manila), stunningly in a helicopter crash in California. But the year was 1998, the month was August, and I was a greenhorn 21-year-old sportswriter for the Manila Standard. I was waiting patiently in line along with other media types to ask the budding Los Angeles Lakers star—who, incredibly, was a year younger than me—what his thoughts were of visiting the Philippines for the ﬁrst time as a bona ﬁde National Basketball Association professional. The press conference was at a hotel in Mandaluyong City, next door to the mall where he would grace a 3-on-3 Next page

CHOPPER CRASH SITE. Los Angeles County Fire Dept. firefighters and coroner staff (left below) check the wreckage at the scene of a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday (Monday in Manila). Nine people were killed in the crash which claimed the life of NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, carried on his shoulders in the 2014 file photo (above) at the start of the friendly game between the United States and China during a friendly match in Qualcom Stadium in San Diego, California. Inset above, in 1998, during Bryant’s courtesy call on the 5’6” President Joseph Estrada in Malacañang. The latter playfully tries to stop the ball from the 6’5” shooting guard in his impeccable Barong Filipino. AFP

Further lowering of Taal danger level seen By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday said it may downgrade Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 in Taal Volcano, Batangas, should the decline in volcanic activity continue for two more weeks. “We have to observe within two weeks

as our stand-down procedures in lowering the alert,” PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum told a TV interview. “We can shorten that if the continued downtrend is very deﬁnite.” In its 8 a.m. bulletin Monday, PHIVOLCS said Taal Volcano’s sulfur emission plunged to 87 tons per day compared to Jan. 13’s 5,299 tons per day. Next page

THE death toll due to the new coronavirus strain has spiked to 81 in China despite unprecedented quarantine measures and travel lockdowns. A team of experts mapping the outbreak said Monday governments need to impose “draconian” travel restrictions to stop the coronavirus in China from becoming a global epidemic. Scientists at the University of Hong Kong presented a briefing warning that the spread of the deadly SARS-like virus that ﬁrst emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan was accelerating. “We have to be prepared that this particular epidemic may be about to become a global epidemic,” said Gabriel Leung, head of the team. “Substantial, draconian measures limiting population mobility should be taken sooner, rather than later.” Leung leads a group of researchers who are mapping the virus, which has so far infected more than 2,700 people in China and killed 81 people. Next page

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

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House bloc bats for ABS-CBN permit renewal By Maricel V. Cruz THE Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives on Monday filed a bill renewing the franchise of broadcast network ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN’s franchise to operate is set to expire in March 2020. Under Republic Act 3846, radio and television broadcast stations are required to seek a franchise from Congress before being allowed to operate. The group, led by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, filed House Bill 6052 as few session days are left for the House to deliberate on the proposed measures that pertain to the franchise renewal of the broadcasting network. “One of the largest and oldest networks in the Philippines is on the verge of a shutdown pending legislative approval of the renewal of its congressional franchise, which expires on March 30, 2020,” the group said in the bill filed Monday morning. Zarate said the non-renewal of the ABS-CBN franchise will cost the jobs of some 6,730 regular employees, 900 non-regular workers and more than 3,325 talents, as per the number of employees listed under the media corporation’s report to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Philippine Stock Exchange. “Yet, an even bigger ripple of the ABS-CBN shutdown is its cost to freedom of the press, in particular, and to democracy in the country,” the bill said. Earlier, the House leadership assured broadcast network ABS-CBN that it would be fair and objective in reviewing its application for the renewal of its franchise. HB 6052 has to be referred to the House Committee on Rules before it could actually be referred to the Alvarez’s panel for deliberation. Congress will adjourn on March 15.

Further... From A1

The Taal Volcano Network recorded only 170 volcanic earthquakes, while activity in the main crater in the past 24 hours was characterized by weak to moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes 50 meters to 800 meters high that drifted northeast. “There are some low frequency volcanic earthquakes, but these are just [a] few. That would indicate there is still movement underneath,” Solidum said. He said PHIVOLCS is not yet ruling out the possibility of a huge eruption. “The chance of explosive eruption just got slimmer, but that does not mean there would be no more possibility of an eruption,” he said. PHIVOLCS on Sunday downgraded the volcano’s Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 due to the decline in volcanic activity in the past two weeks. Families affected by Taal’s eruption climbed to 103,443 or equivalent to 394,094 persons in the four CALABARZON (Region 4-A) provinces, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. In its 6 a.m. update Monday, the NDRRMC said 38,377 families or around 137,447 persons from the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon, are temporarily sheltered in 532 evacuation centers while the rest are staying with either friends or relatives and being aided outside. NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad on Sunday said residents living outside the 7-kilometer danger could return to their homes after PHIVOLCS on Sunday lowered the alert status of Taal Volcano. The lowering of the alert status enabled local government units to allow some of the evacuees to return to their homes. Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas has given residents of towns and cities in the province, except Agoncillo and Laurel which are still under lockdown, an option to return to their homes or work. Towns, where residents have an option to return, are Alitagtag, Balete, Cuenca, Lemery, Lipa City, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Taal, Talisay, and Tanauan City. The volcano island remains under permanent lockdown. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said lawmakers and policymakers should start drawing up a comprehensive longterm plan for the rehabilitation of the province of Batangas. Sotto said that while government had started implementing short-term strategies to address the immediate needs of residents affected by the eruption, these would not be enough to help the province get back on its feet again. “We have to start pooling our ideas to rehabilitate Batangas. We need permanent solutions to resolve post-disaster concerns and help Batangueños recover,” Sotto said. With PNA

Gov’t widens scope of VFA review Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said he received new instructions from the Office of the President to expand its study to include the possible impact of the VFA termination on foreign relations and other agreements the Philippines had with the US, such as the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. “We have just been instructed today to expand the scope of our study to include a preliminary impact assessment on the possible termination of the VFA, Guevarra said in a text message sent to reporters. Duterte’s order to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States was not a “decision on a whim” as alleged by his critics, the Palace said Monday.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President was a “tactical” and “thinking” leader who merely responded to Washington’s acts that “assaulted” the country’s independence. Senator Imee Marcos weighed in on the issue and warned the Philippines could lose custody of US Marine Corps lance corporal and homicide convict Joseph Scott Pemberton if the government canceled the Visiting Forces Agreement. The VFA gives the Philippines legal jurisdiction over American military personnel who commit crime under its laws. “The US might be glad if there was no more VFA. The Philippines will lose its authority on the criminal cases if this happened,” Marcos said.

Another senator said the reason for scrapping the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States is wrong. Senator Panfilo Lacson said “I will be very blunt that it’s for the wrong reason.” “Of course they are trying to rectify that by saying that finally it broke the camel’s back, so to speak. But if that’s really the reason, I don’t see it as proportionate with what’s at stake. Because initially that was the only reason advanced by the President. He threatened to abrogate if the US will not correct it.” The Philippines could seek military assistance from Russia or China should it end its Visiting Forces Agreement with the US, an official said Monday. “He [Duterte] did say that we can go to Russia, we can go to China for assistance in battling these terrorists,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told ANC’s Headstart. “It’s the prerogative of the President if he wants our country to be friends with other superpowers like the People’s Republic of China and Russia, then so be it.”

50 OFWs...

ippines are under investigation for possible 2019-nCoV infection as of Monday morning. All 11 had traveled to Wuhan. Three of them—two in Aklan and one in Cebu—were cleared and sent home but eight were still confined in hospitals pending the results of their tests, the Health Department said. Of the 11 patients, two were from Metro Manila, and three each were in Western and Central Visayas. Mimaropa, Northern Mindanao, and Eastern Visayas had one each. Six of them are males and five are females. The oldest person under investigation—a 76-year old man—is confined in Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa, while the youngest is a five-year-old boy from Wuhan City. He was confined in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu and tested negative for nCoV. Authorities were still waiting for the laboratory results of the others, Duque said. Duque urged the public to take precautions by avoiding the consumption of raw meat, washing their hands frequently and using face masks. He also advised Filipinos to avoid shaking hands since physical contact with others increases the risks of spreading the virus. Weveral Chinese schools located in Manila City and Quezon City suspended classes on Monday amid fears of coronavirus, but Duque said there was no need to do so for now.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said private schools have a “higher degree of autonomy” than public schools to suspend classes, but she urged them to consult their respective local government units first. The schools which suspended classes are the Hope Christian High School, St. Stephen’s High School and Uno High School, which said they were gathering travel details of their students and staff during the Chinese New Year break. In related developments: • Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko’’ Domagoso on Monday urged the public to avoid circulating unverified reports on the social media that there is a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus at Metropolitan Hospital in Binondo, Manila. In a statement, Domagoso said that “no confirmed case of novel coronavirus at Metropolitan Hospital.’’ • The Trade Department filed notices of violations to some 18 establishments found to have overpriced surgical masks and N95 masks, since the eruption of Taal Volcano on Jan. 12. The establishments face penalties of up to P300,000 per store. Health officials urged the public to use face masks to guard against the harmful effects of ash fall—and as a precaution against the spread of viruses. • A lawmaker on Monday said government agencies concerned should have not allowed flights from Wuhan, China to land in the country despite the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the Chinese city. Rep. Lawrence Fortun

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Justice department on Monday widened the scope of its study on the possible termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States on the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

From A1

“[There’s] no report of any Filipino in Wuhan infected by the novel coronavirus thus far. But they are advised to stay indoors and avoid contact with an infected person,” Philippine Ambassador Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said in a text message on Sunday night. Data from the Department of Foreign Affairs said there are at least 150 Filipino nationals in Wuhan, which has been placed on lockdown in an attempt to contain the outbreak’s spread. In a separate advisory, the DFA advised Filipinos to take necessary precautions and follow the advice from local health authorities in their areas. As Wuhan is on lockdown, the Philippine Consulate in Shanghai has requested Filipino community leaders to provide them assistance. The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong also issued an advisory urging Filipinos in the territory to cooperate with the Hong Kong government, as it raised its response level to the highest “Emergency Response Level.” The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday also urged Filipinos abroad to take precautions. The Palace on Monday said it has no plans yet of evacuating Filipinos based in Wuhan. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said that 11 patients in the Phil-

Virus... From A1

In a sign of the mounting official concern, Premier Li Keqiang visited the ground-zero province of Hubei to oversee containment efforts in Wuhan, a city of 11-million people where the coronavirus emerged late last year. The government has sealed off Wuhan and neighboring cities, effectively trapping tens of millions of people, in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. Thousands of foreigners have also been ensnared in the lockdowns, triggering a scramble from some countries to orchestrate evacuation flights from Wuhan for their citizens. Twenty-four new deaths were confirmed in Hubei on Monday, and another in the southern island province of Hainan, bringing the overall death toll to 81, while confirmed infections swelled to more than 2,700 nationwide. A nine-month-old baby in Beijing was among those infected, authorities said, making her the youngest person to have been confirmed to have con-

tracted the virus. And thousands more patients with flulike symptoms were suspected to have the virus. Authorities around the country have also imposed aggressive curbs on transport during the usually high-traffic Lunar New Year holiday season now underway, in a race to cut off transmission routes. Typically hundreds of millions of people criss-cross China in jam-packed buses and trains during the Lunar New Year holiday, a time for family reunions. The government said Monday it would extend the national holiday, initially due to end on Jan. 30, for three days to limit population flows. While the epicenter remains in Wuhan and the central Chinese province of Hubei, it has since spread to some of the country’s biggest cities—including Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing, and the southern cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou. “We are expecting to see epicenters of self-sustaining epidemics in these other major city clusters on the mainland,” Leung predicted.

Interview... From A1

competition staged by his shoe sponsor at the time (no, not Nike). I stepped up to the mic, gazed at Kobe seated at the dais some 20 feet away, and blurted out my question. I don’t even remember what I asked him, but was genuinely pleased, and blinded, by the smile that he shot back at me. Again, because I’m a fortysomething now, I don’t recall what Kobe replied either. But I can remember, as I lingered near the microphone to ask a followup question that day, that he was amazed that Filipino drivers could weave through traffic as easily as he could slither past defenders on the way to the basket. “I was really scared, man. We were passing cars by a hair on our way from the airport, and I was holding onto the doors, checking if they were locked, as I was swinging from side to side,” said Kobe—or something to that effect. Later, he explained that Manila traffic was unlike anything he had experienced on the highways of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, or Italy, where he had spent his childhood. Later, another journalist—a lady who would be a workmate and friend of mine later in life—asked Kobe what he was looking for in a girlfriend. That is inane, I thought, until I realized that hey, Mr. Bryant here is one of the world’s most eligible bachelors. As true “ballers” would know, you’ve got to shoot your shot. That day, sadly, was my one and only shot at covering a man who would become one of the world’s biggest sporting stars. I was a sportswriter for several years more after that, but I would only be able to observe him from afar, while keeping a keen eye on his statistics as I employed him in my fantasy basketball teams. Unlike my sportswriter-friends, I would not be able to wit-

Given those cities have major regional and international transport links it was “highly likely” they would spread the virus further afield once those cities have self-sustaining outbreaks, he added. The Wuhan virus has been detected in a dozen other countries—as far afield as North America and Europe—but only via a handful of people who traveled primarily from the epicenter in Wuhan. With the virus having spread to around a dozen countries, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus headed to Beijing to meet government officials to discuss “providing further protection against the outbreak,” he said on Twitter. The WHO last week stopped short of declaring the outbreak an international public health emergency, which would have prompted more concerted international action including possible trade or travel restrictions. The United States, France and Japan were among the countries looking to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan on Monday. AFP

ness or record Kobe’s six other visits to the Philippines—the last one in June 2016, a few months after he retired, after two decades with the only NBA team he would ever play for. They even had the good fortune to be coached by “The Black Mamba” and play for him in one of those visits. So why write about Kobe now? Like millions across the world who absorbed the gut-punch report of his demise on Monday morning, I had to come to terms with what Bryant meant to me and my generation, people who fully expected him to live for several decades more while he imparted his “Mamba mentality” to our children, and maybe to our grandchildren. Inevitably, this leads me to the similarities I have with Kobe. We were both born in the ‘70s. We both went straight from high school to the pros (I was recruited to write for the Standard a few months after my HS graduation). We were both considered wunderkinds in our professions, but I could never agree with being called the Kobe of local sportswriting (by at least one well-meaning friend anyway). The parallel that hits me the most, however, is our shared fatherhood. Kobe has four girls by his wife Vanessa, and in a cruel twist of fate, his second-eldest daughter Gianna, a budding hoops star in her own right, was with her father and seven others as the Sikorsky they rode in a heavy fog spiraled to their deaths and exploded on a Calabasas hillside. My daughter is just two years older than Gigi. I could never imagine dying in an accident, much less alongside any of my family. But that is how God decided to take away Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and their seatmates on that fatal chopper ride, from the world. Yes, I’m not a huge fan of the Laker legend, but like others, I loved him as a competitor, I hated him as an opponent—and now I feel a lot hollow inside, knowing that one of my generation’s heroes isn’t available for an interview anymore.

Guevarra earlier said his department was supposed to submit its memo on the termination of the VFA to Duterte on Monday. The memo would cover “the procedure for termination only, not the wisdom of the executive action,” he said. “The legal side would be easy. The impact assessment [of the VFA termination] will have to be thoroughly studied, Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. Under the VFA, the US retains jurisdiction over American military personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines―except if the crimes are of particular importance to the Philippines. EDCA allows the United States to rotate troops in the Philippines for extended stays and allows the US to build and operate facilities on Philippine bases, for both American and Philippine forces, but not permanently. MDT, on the other hand, assures both the Philippines and the US that they will support each other in case of an external attack from another party. With MJ Blancaflor and Macon Ramos-Araneta

of Agusan del Norte said authorities must be able to impose the strictest protocols amid the threat of the virus, which has claimed the lives of some 81 people in China and infected others in many countries. “Why were we still allowing flights from Wuhan to land in the Philippines in the first place? Why did we have to wait for their announcement of lockdown before deciding to prohibit entry of flights coming from a place already confirmed to be the epicenter of the outbreak of a fatal virus that has turned epidemic?” Fortun said. • Major airlines in the Philippines offered a refund and rebooking of flights to travelers going to China. “Please be advised that effective immediately, passengers of Philippine Airlines with confirmed tickets to and from Xiamen, Jinjiang, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau issued on or before 24 January 2020 for travel between 24 January until 29 February 2020 may request for rebooking, rerouting or refund with waiver of penalties,” said PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna. The Cebu Pacific Air, on the other hand, offered passengers with flights between the Philippines and Shanghai, Canton, Beijing, Shenzen Xiamen, Hong Kong and Macau booked on or before Jan. 24, 2020 and traveling until Feb. 29, 2020, to rebook their flights, obtain a refund in full, or store the value of their tickets in a fund for future use. With Othel V. Campos and Maricel V. Cruz

Pinoys... From A1

Bryant came back nine years later in September 2007. He was also in the country in July 2009, July 2011 and August 2013. In 2011, Bryant played with the UAAP and Philippine teams at the Araneta Coliseum. “I enjoy sharing the game of basketball and you know, Manila, of all the places that I’ve traveled, this has so much passion and enthusiasm for the game,” he said during that visit. “That’s why I love coming back because I enjoy being around kids. I enjoy being around people who have the same passion.” In 2013, he donated $150,000,00 to victims of Typhoon “Yolanda,” which devastated Samar and Leyte and killed 6,300 Filipinos. A day before Bryant’s death, the City of Valenzuela inaugurated on Sunday a Los Angeles Lakers-inspired basketball court aptly named “House of Kobe” located at Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. “The PBA has lost a dear friend in Kobe Bryant who leaves behind fond memories of his unforgettable visits to our country. Kobe was an exceptional basketball player, but beyond his athletic skills, he was known for his caring heart and love of family. His life was an inspiration and a lesson to everyone that with hard work, dedication and self-sacrifice, nothing is impossible,” said Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial. Bryant’s death sent shock waves throughout the world, with basketball stars stunned by the news. “Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe,” former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson wrote on Twitter. Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan said Bryant was “like a little brother” to him. “Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling,” Jordan said. “We used to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much.” Tributes to Bryant flooded in from former US presidents, pop stars and athletes from different sports, a sign of how the man known as the “Black Mamba” had transcended basketball. “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” former US President Barack Obama wrote on Twitter. American football star Tom Brady wrote simply: “We miss you already Kobe.” Brazilian soccer star Neymar paid tribute to Bryant after scoring for his French club side Paris Saint-Germain, making the number 24-Bryant’s old shirt number―with his fingers. In Bryant’s hometown Los Angeles, pop iconoclast Billie Eilish, who cleaned up at the Grammys on Sunday with five awards, mourned the loss of the basketball hero. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and AFP

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

BI barred 38k plus passengers in campaign vs. human trafficking

Villar blames DA for Pinoy kids’ ‘poor’ performance By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rio N. Araja

By Vito Barcelo THE Bureau of Immigration barred more than 38,000 Filipino travelers from leaving the country last year due to its unrelenting campaign against human trafficking in the different international ports. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the 38,522 persons whose departures were deferred last year is 16 percent more than the nearly 33,000 travelers who were stopped from leaving in 2018. “The men and women manning our ports deserve to be commended for their vigilance. So long as there are people who are victimized by trafficking syndicates we will not relax our guard,” Morente said. “We are duty-bound to remove them from harm’s way.” BI-POD chief Grifton Medina said most of the passengers were not allowed to board their flights for failure to comply with requirements for overseas bound passengers which are spelled out in guidelines promulgated by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. Medina said the guidelines have been implemented in the past few years in order to combat human trafficking and illegal migration in the country’s ports of exit. According to BI-TCEU chief Ma. Timotea Barizo, about 85 percent or nearly 33,000 of the said passengers were stopped at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while the rest were stopped in the airports of Mactan, Clark, Iloilo, Kalibo, and Davao. Barizo said passengers were often intercepted for misrepresentation or for submitting fraudulent supporting and travel documents. She added that more than 400 passengers were turned over to the IACAT for investigation and filing of charges against their handlers and recruiters. It will be recalled that due to the government’s successful drive against trafficking, the Philippines has consistently retained its Tier 1 ranking in the US State Department’s 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report.

MASS OF GRATITUDE. Residents touch a statue of their patron saint Guillermo after attending a Mass in Talisay, Batangas province on Jan. 27, two weeks after nearby Taal Volcano erupted. Authorities on Jan. 26 said a major explosion of the Philippines’ restive Taal Volcano no longer appeared imminent, and they partially lifted a mass evacuation order, but warned residents should still remain ready to flee. AFP

Palace: Gov’t to sack more corrupt officials By MJ Blancaflor

HE latest corruption perception index by the Transparency International showing that the Philippines continues to “struggle to tackle corruption” would prod the administration to sack more corrupt officials, the Palace said Monday. The Philippines scored 34 out of 100 in the index, indicating the country has higher level of corruption compared to other Asia-Pacific countries such as New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Brunei, South Korea and Malaysia. The CPI 2019 report said in the vibrant economic powers like China, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines there were restrictions on public affairs and efforts to silence dissenting voices. “It will goad us to sack more corrupt

officials. Sack. S-A-C-K. Provided of course there is evidence to show that they are,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing. Panelo also admitted the Duterte administration has been struggling to combat corruption, but said this does not mean it is a failure on its campaign. “We’ve been fighting corruption. And as we have seen, the President has been firing top government officials and complains against erring government officials. [T]hey have

Locsin’s stand on OFW death lauded THE workers group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said it supports Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin’s demand to punish those behind the murder of Filipino household worker Jeanelyn Villavende with the death penalty. TUCP Party-list congressman Raymond Mendoza said the perpetrators should receive the same manner Villavende was tortured, raped and brutally killed. Locsin drew the ire of Kuwaiti officials for issuing the statement, according to Mendoza. “The TUCP Party-list and the TUCP family of unions are authorizing and supporting Foreign Secretary Locsin’s strong position in demanding from Kuwaiti government to punish the Kuwaiti employers of our Jeanelyn Villavende with death penalty for the perpetrators in the same manner she was tortured, raped and brutally killed,” he said. “We urged Mr. Locsin to be steadfast in this demand and pursue all means until real justice for Jeanelyn is achieved, “ Mendoza said. The TUCP condemned the efforts of Kuwait government to whitewash the case by

its willful dishonest medical death report indicating Jeanelyn died from mere “physical injuries.” In testimony into the inquiry in aid of legislation of the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs on the death of Villavende, Mendoza, chairman of committee, said an autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation on her remains showed that she was tortured in various forms in several times for several weeks, raped, sodomized before she was killed by the suspects on Dec. 28, 2019. “We also share with Secretary Locsin the position of the department in renouncing all forms of ‘blood money’ being offered by the couple to absolved themselves from the punishment of their heinous crime inflicted on Jeanelyn,” he said. “We also commended Mr. Locsin for hiring the best local lawyer to fight for the case of Jeanelyn as an important step in our struggle for justice rendered for her,” Mendoza said. Vito Barcelo

More oil firms slash pump prices by as much as P0.40 per liter By Alena Mae S. Flores MORE oil firms cut pump prices by as much as P0.40 per liter effective Tuesday to reflect the movement in prices at the world oil market. The oil firms cut the price of diesel by P0.40 per liter, P0.35 per liter for kerosene and P0.30 per liter for gasoline. “Petron will implement the following price rollbacks effective 6 a.m. on Jan. 28: P0.30 per liter for gasoline, P0.40 per liter for diesel and P0.35 per liter for kerosene. These reflect movements in the international oil market,” Petron Corp. said in its advisory. Aside from Petron, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Total Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum, PTT Philippines, Chevron Philippines, Seaoil Philippines also issued separate advisories of the price cut. Last Jan. 18 to 21, most of the oil companies also cut the price of gasoline by P0.85 to P0.90 per liter, diesel by P1.70 per liter and P1.60 to P1.65 per liter for kerosene. Prior to today’s rollback, year-to-date adjustments stand at a net decrease of P0.95 per liter for gasoline, P1.50 per liter for diesel and P1.64 per liter for kerosene. World oil prices have softened recently as oil producers, Russia and nine other countries are entering their fourth year of production cuts aimed at supporting oil prices with the group slashing 1.7 million barrels per day until March. Saudi Arabia is also planning to further cut 400,000 b/d and OPEC and its allies will meet again March 5-6 in Vienna to decide on the future of the deal. Demand from the Asian market declined due to healthy supply and weak demand as driving activity tapers off during the winter. The oversupply situation in Asia was also seen in the Middle East.

been charged in the Ombudsman and in the courts,” the Palace official said. Panelo, however, recognized the limitations of Chief Executive’s power because of the “due process clause of the 1987 Constitution,” saying President Rodrigo Duterte cannot just dismiss officials outright. He also said evidence is needed to prove corruption complaints. “It will be different if all of these have been appointed by the President so he can just dismiss all of them outright,” he said. “The problem is this: There are many complaints of corruption but the President, as a lawyer, needs certain documentary and testimonial evidence to give him the basis and many Filipinos are still afraid to reveal themselves or to give evidence of this sort,” Panelo added.

SENATOR Cynthia Villar on Monday blamed the Department of Agriculture for the “poor performance” of Filipino students and for failing to produce efficient and competitive farmers. “Of course, because our dairy production is 1 percent of the demand. Ninety-nine percent are imported. This means that if a child is poor, he cannot drink milk since it is of course expensive and imported. You are a poor kid, can you buy imported? So that’s the problem,” said Villar in an interview after yesterday’s hearing on building gardens in public schools and urban gardening and vertical farming. Because of this situation, she said most poor children cannot drink milk. “If that’s the case, the development of their mental ability would be affected,” said Villar, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture and food. “What I’m saying, it is not only the Department of Education [DepEd] who should be blamed, but our inability to provide good nutrition to our children,” she said. She particularly took to task the government’s dairy program for the poor students who do not perform well in school. She pointed out that the Philippine Carabao Center and the National Dairy Authority, which have been operating for 26 years, have no clear programs. Due to the absence of cheap milk, poor students can no longer afford to drink that resulted to their poor performance in their classes. “It’s typical that children should be allowed to drink milk to improve their mental ability. If the dairy production is small, children will no longer drink milk. More or less, the development of their mental ability is affected,” she said. She said the PCC has also been allocating funds for the procurement of new vehicles instead of using them for dairy programs. During the public hearing, Villar also said our students was adjudged second to the last in terms of performance in reading comprehension.

Opinion

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Smartmatic’s background PRESIDENT Duterte announced last week that since Senator Ronald dela Rosa's United States visa was canceled, meaning he would not be allowed to enter American soil ever again, he (Duterte) would also cancel the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement with the US. Forgive me but I cannot see the logic in the President's threat.

Elections are the bedrock of democracy. Santa Banana, the cancellation of Bato's visa was for his being the chief of the Philippine National Police when President Duterte launched his war on drugs, and for being one of the jailers of Senator Leila de Lima. It has absolutely nothing to do with the VFA and Duterte's move to cancel it! The President cannot just terminate the VFA. It's a treaty ratified by the Senate, even as there are those in the opposition that claim otherwise. I would believe retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the best Chief Justice we never had, when he said that since the VFA was ratified by the Senate, the Senate should be consulted. My , Bato must have something we don't have. Imagine, just because his visa was canceled, a treaty will be terminated! Be that as it may, Dela Rosa could go down in history as a senator truly responsible for terminating a treaty. China and the communists could not be happier. *** Elections are the bedrock of democ-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

racy. Hackneyed, yes, but it does ring true now and for all time. Without a free and honest way to choose leaders, how indeed can there be any functioning democracy? It really should concern us all whether the system we are using is giving voice to the real will of the people, or making a mockery of it. I must confess I have written against Smartmatic as a result of what I have been reading that it has been responsible for machinations for cheating. I have been wondering whether the Comelec has done anything in the wake of derogatory reports about Smartmatic, which is banned now in some countries. I have tried my best to unearth things to support the accusations. My exhaustive search led me to discover that Smartmatic now has ongoing projects in Argentina, London and Denmark, all three to be delivered in 2020. It also led me to verify reports about the company's 2019 projects in Argentina, where it provided a solution that election officials have hailed as the fastest in history. What is curious is that the government candidates were soundly beaten in the elections, and yet the poll officials were praising the product of the polls. My gulay, losers admitting their loss! I have also uncovered that all these negative reports about Smartmatic have been coming from rival technology providers that want it out of contentions, especially a group led by a former Comelec official who has been lobbying for a mixed manual-automated counting technology. My gulay, that will send us back to the days of manual counting that was prone to manipulation! If Filipino politicians were as mature as the ones in Argentina, we would have been a first-world country long ago! Researching on Venezuela, I learned two things: First, Smartmatic, much to my

Good riddance to a bad deal

E WELCOME the administration’s decision to terminate the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States.

Ratified by the Philippine Senate in 1999, the VFA was inequitable from the start. In fact, because the United States saw this as an executive agreement, the VFA was never approved by the US Senate. The primary effect of the VFA is that it allows the US government to retain jurisdiction over American military personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines, unless the crimes are "of particular importance to the Philippines." This means that in most cases, the US can refuse to detain or arrest accused personnel, or may instead prosecute them under US. jurisdiction. Also under the VFA, local courts have one year to complete any legal proceedings. The agreement also exempts US military personnel from visa and passport regulations in the Philippines. Since its ratification in 1999, the United States has used the VFA twice

to keep American servicemen accused of violating Philippine laws under US jurisdiction. In 2006, the US military maintained custody of four servicemen accused of rape while visiting Subic Bay. During their trial by a local court, they were held by American officials at the United States Embassy in Manila. A second Philippine court case under the VFA is the one following the death of Jennifer Laude, also involving a US Navy ship docked at Subic Bay. This case happened after the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement was signed. In 2014, a 26-year-old Filipino transsexual was beaten and strangled in Olongapo by 19-year-old Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, who had been unaware that Jennifer Laude was transgender. Pemberton was detained by the US

Navy, first on board his ship and then inside Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, located in Quezon City. He remains detained at a compound in Camp Aguinaldo guarded by Filipino and American security personnel, and not in an ordinary jail as demanded by the victim’s family—and contrary to Philippine law. All these are reasons enough to terminate a patently inequitable agreement. It is unfortunate, therefore, that the administration has tied the issue to the cancellation of a Philippine senator’s US visa, which has no logical connection to the privileges granted to American servicemen in the Philippines. It is also unfortunate that, to spite the United States, the President has espoused the dubious view that somehow, unlike the Americans, the Chinese respect our sovereignty. China may be a key trading partner and even a benefactor—but its bullying in the West Philippine Sea shows no more respect for our sovereignty than do the Americans.

Turn to A5

War and peace in the Middle East

THE Middle East, always a cauldron of armed conflict, was once again on the brink of a major armed conflict with the assassination of a top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and the retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on US military bases inside Iraq. Although both Iran and the United States backed down and lowered their rhetoric, the tension remains. And ironically with the release this week of the so-called peace plan— what Trump has described as the deal of the century—this tension has been heightened. Among others, the plan has been rejected by the Palestinians and most other actors in the region. The possibility of war in the region gives an occasion to recall the international rules of war also known as international humanitarian law especially so since many are questioning whether or not the US was justified in its action to assassinate a top general of a sovereign country. Moreover, President Trump himself earlier tweeted that the US would target sites that were "important to Iran and the Iranian culture" if Iran retaliates. The assassination of Soleimani came in the aftermath of the seven-year Syrian civil war and the defeat of the Islamic State. The long-drawn Syrian civil war and the fight against ISIS was a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions with combatants from all sides committing all sorts of war crimes and savagery without regard to any civilized rules of combat. The ISIS may have been temporarily defeated but there is yet no guarantee that they will not resurrect as the roots of their emergence remain. The rules of war or international humanitarian law (as it is known formally) are a set of international rules which is a branch of international law that sets out what can and cannot be done during an armed conflict. These rules are anchored in the fundamental principles of humanity, of distinction between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives, of proportionality, and of military necessity.

The rationale behind this set of rules is to maintain some humanity in armed conflicts, save lives, reduce suffering and limit the effects of armed conflict. The core of this IHL can be found in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 as developed and supplemented by two further agreements: the Additional Protocols of 1977 relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts. Thus, there is the Geneva Conventions for the amelioration of the condition of the wounded and sick in armed forces in the field, the amelioration of the condition of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of the armed forces at sea, and treatment of prisoners of war, the protocols that lays down the rules governing the conduct of combatants during hostilities or the protection of the civilian population against the effects of hostilities.

Baneful is this scourge of humanity called war. There is also the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war including its additional protocols which includes treatment of civilians in hostile territories and the population in occupied territories. There are also rules on the declaration of war such as Section III of the Hague Convention of 1907 requiring hostilities to be preceded by a reasoned declaration of war or by an ultimatum with a conditional declaration of war as well as the United Nations Charter (1945) specifically article 2(4), prohibiting “the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” Or Article 51 of the Charter which states: “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.” Violations of these laws can be Turn to A5

For the House, it’s an out-of-the-box first SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano may have once again attracted his fair share of abuse from bashers in both mainstream and social media for his recent move to hold a session of the House of Representatives in Batangas last Jan. 22. However, it looks like it's his damnthe-torpedoes-full-steam-ahead leadership style that's at work here. What was his rationale for convening the Committee of the Whole at the Batangas Convention Center? Simply this: To hear first-hand what had to be done to respond to the needs of evacuees who had been forced to leave their homes following the Jan. 12 Taal Volcano eruption. Cayetano said the lawmakers would “listen to the first responders, listen to those who are directly affected” by the eruption. "It is time for us to act. But it is also time for us to listen," he added. This, he explained, is part and parcel of his wish to transform the Lower Chamber of Congress into the "House of the People." And this explanation got the support of his colleagues, with a total of 204 members in attendance during the plenary session in Batangas, which was the first time the House held an out-oftown session. Transporting the House of Representatives for a session in a

disaster-stricken location was done for symbolic reasons, Cayetano later said, and reflected the lawmakers’ genuine compassion for the eruption victims. After all, going to right where help for people in distress was urgently needed was the practical thing to do.

The Batangas session produced valuable suggestions from those directly hit by the disaster. The Batangas session produced valuable suggestions from those directly hit by the disaster. The concerns raised there would serve as input for the lawmakers to craft a long-term rehabilitation plan for the

Taal-affected communities. Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, chair of the House committee on disaster management, has been tasked to oversee the formulation of this plan in coordination with other House committees, particularly those on agriculture and food, social services, tourism, health, basic education, housing and urban development, local government, micro, and small and medium enterprise development, among others. The lawmakers will also seek the cooperation and expertise of various government agencies and the private sector in crafting the rehabilitation plan. While the House cannot be first responders, Cayetano emphasized, it can harness the vast network of 300 members and obtain the support of other government agencies to help put together a long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction plan for the Taal-affected areas. The Batangas session adopted two resolutions. The first, HR 655, urges the immediate release of funds for the aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation, livelihood, development and social programs and services to communities adversely affected by the Taal volcano eruption. It also directs the appropriate Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

FQS at 50 THIS Friday, a fairly large crowd of veterans of the so-called First Quarter Storm of 1970 is expected to descend upon the precincts of a well-known sports and social club in Greenhills to celebrate the golden anniversary of their life-changing experiences on the evenings of Jan. 26—before the old Congress building—and Jan. 30—in front of Malacanan Palace—way back in 1970. With or without his leave, I’ll thank our generous host for the event, Len Oreta Jr., the amiable husband of former Senator Tessie Oreta, one of the sisters of the late Ninoy Aquino. Not many may know that Len was actually thrown into the Camp Crame stockade twice—first after habeas corpus was suspended in August 1971, then again after martial law was declared in September 1972—allegedly for running guns for his brother-in-law. As with other such get-togethers, I expect to see a lot of us trying to recognize each other’s faces after the ravages of half a century, trading war stories together with advice on how to cope with arthritis and diabetes, and—of course—arguing about sundry issues of the day. If anything, ours was a very argumentative generation. We may also be remembering friends from the past—the company we kept on the battlements—who’ve passed on, especially those killed during the martial law years. No matter what one may think now about who was right and who was wrong during those years, everyone of us carries a memory— locked away in our hearts—of at least one person who meant something to us back then, but who is no longer with us. *** My own involvement started much earlier, in the ripeness of my second year in high school, when I was recruited into Kabataang Makabayan by the legendary Arthur Garcia, who would soon perish in a military encounter in Tarlac. I learned about the Left at the feet of the even more legendary Joma Sison, in his cramped little apartment on Retiro Street. I cut my teeth on the violent rally of October 1966 at the height of the Vietnam War, when policemen chased us away from the Manila Hotel where

US president LBJ was then visiting. In December 1969, at a rally before the US Embassy against another visiting dignitary, US vice president Agnew, I was picked up with others and thrown into a cell of what was then police precinct 8 on UN Avenue. Back then, our tolerance for being roughed up was still pretty low. So it was ostensibly mass indignation over our arrest that became a reason for several rallies the following January, leading up to the one before Congress on the 26th, where President Marcos was delivering his State of the Nation Address.

If it took over a century to create the mess we’re in, we may not be entitled to a quick fix shorter than that. My only vivid memory from that day was getting up on the driveway balustrade in front of the crowd, grabbing the microphone from “moderate” student leader Ed Jopson (who, by supreme irony, would go on to become an even more committed leftist than I ever was), then—just moments into my speech—seeing a cardboard coffin sail overhead from the crowd towards Marcos as he was making his way to his car. Of course the riot police reacted as expected, and the rest of it—including the even larger indignation rally before Malacañan on the 31st—has entered history’s books. A couple of years later, in November 1971 while habeas corpus was suspended, I found myself inside the Crame stockade on charges of subversion—a capital crime then--where I would meet Len Oreta and many old friends as well as new ones. This happened even before martial law was declared the following September. It only confirmed my unfortunate knack for getting into trouble ahead of others. *** Quickly enough, the mass actions that took place from January to March of 1970 were labeled a “first quarter storm”, borrowing—not for the first time—from a similar period during the Maoist upheaval in China. Today, 50 years on, what are we to make of those events that have spawned books,

movies, and an overly romanticized assessment? At the most basic level, going through any kind of life-threatening experience—especially when part of demonstrably historic events—is bound to leave quite an impression on young and malleable minds. For many of us, it was possibly the most exciting time of our lives, certainly enough to trade war stories over this Friday. The historicity of it all, though, is quite another matter. Over half a century, many revisionist views have come up—many of which I agree with: about the legitimacy of the ex martial-law crackdown, about the excircum tent of complicity behind the circumstances leading to martial law that implicates various parties on both sides of the political divide, about the legacy left behind by Marcos. Were all the casualties of that era, as well as the misdirection of lives even if not lost—were they worth it? Fifty years on, I find myself still infuriated over many of the same issues we were raising back then. The only comfort I can find lies in the thought that perhaps my timeline is too short, and thus my expectations too high. If it took over a century to create the mess we’re in, we may not be entitled to a quick fix shorter than that. What gives me hope is the interior changes that took place in most of my generation as a result of that period. Some of us—not many—have persisted with the old ideological nostrums, their moral indignation seemingly impervious to mounting evidence that those nostrums don’t work. Many others have taken up ordinary lives, raised families, pursued careers—content that their individual contributions, no matter how small or undramatic, can collectively help to build a better nation. Not too many have gone into politics. There were just too many who died or were killed. Political leadership skipped an entire generation. A surprising number, though, have become spiritual and even returned to organized religion, especially Christian. I would like to think that this reflects their realization—purchased at such a great cost—that the world can’t be perfected by human will, talent, or good intentions alone. It’s this kind of insight—passed on from one generation to the next within families—where redemption, and vindication, may alone lie. Readers can write me at gbolivar1952@ yahoo.com.

Crackdown on Chinese mafia, fake tourists

IT'S welcome news that the Philippine National Police will set up special complaints desks for Chinese nationals victimized by crime in the country. This is a growing concern for the general public.

It goes beyond the issue of crime. Newly-designated PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa announced the move on the heels of the increased cases of crimes involving Chinese nationals, including kidnapping for ransom, extortion, illegal drugs trafficking, human trafficking and prostitution. The establishment of the Chinese

Smartmatic’s... From A4

surprise, is not a Venezuelan company. It is actually a multinational company headquartered in London. Yes, the founders are Venezuelans, but it's like saying that Google, co-founded by Sergey Brin, is a Russian company. This whole thing makes me wonder: How valid is it to judge companies on the birthplace of their founders? Second, I discovered that in 2017, Smartmatic practically fired its client, the National Elections Commission of Venezuela. Further, my research found that during the Venezuelan Constitutional Assembly elections, Smartmatic officials blew the whistle on authorities

War... From A4

regarded as war crimes cognizable by the International Criminal Court creat-

complaints desks simply means that police assistance becomes more accessible to the Chinese anywhere and anytime they are here. Apparently, the need for a more systematic procedure in dealing with Chinese cases has risen not only due to the rampant kidnappings but also in view of the massive influx of Chinese migrants into the country, coming in droves over the past decade or so as “tourists.” Many have also chosen to stay and work or engage in business in here. Notably the crime spree that hogged the headlines caused alarm among Metro Manila residents as the abduc abductions turned out to be perpetrated by Chinese groups themselves, organized kidnap-for-ransom gangs or loan shark hitmen. Authorities have also uncovered a widespread network of prostitution catering to the Chinese clientele, vic victimizing trafficked women from China and remote areas in the Philippines. In numerous cases, notorious Chinese mafias have likewise been found involved in wide-scale illegal drugs trafficking in the country. In the past, arrested Chinese drug lords had been given VIP treatment in jail until they "disappeared."

Needless to say, the PNP and other law enforcement authorities must keep up the good intelligence work they’ve been doing amid the burgeoning arrival of Chinese in the country. To their credit, Beijing authorities have coordinated and helped in the arrest of Chinese fugitives and seizure of smuggled illegal drugs, particularly "shabu" in the country. Unfortunately, the nagging issue of Chinese migration from mainland China goes beyond the rampant incidence of crime involving Chinese nationals. Chinese tourists-turned-laborers have been reportedly given preferences in employment in Chinese-backed construction projects in the country, jobs that millions of unemployed Filipinos could have secured. It seems that the multiple agencies that grant all sorts of dubious visas have actually lost track of precise tally of Chinese migrants in our country. In fact, protection racket for undocumented Chinese aliens had been a source of wealth for corrupt immigration authorities, especially in the past administrations. Perhaps, Congress should take another look into this serious matter.

who were trying to pad the election participation rate by at least a million voters. My search on countries blacklisting Smartmatic has taken me to several news reports about LA County awarding a US$350-million contract for the development of a new system. The real test will be the 2020 presidential elections in the US. Some food for thought: LA County is the largest voters jurisdiction in the US. With so much at stake, I imagine every bidder for this particular election project going through the wringer. *** To go or not to go. This is President Duterte's dilemma on whether he should attend the Trump-Asean summit in the US.

I think Duterte should first be consistent about his rants against the Americans. Logic dictates that if he wants to be consistent with himself, he should not attend the summit. There are reports coming from Washington that Duterte would be given diplomatic honors and immunity due him. More than anything else, Duterte must show he has a word of honor. Thus, I believe that Duterte should not go to the US. *** Some 56 people have already died from the Coronavirus scare. Some 2,000 have been infected. Just how China and the Philippines will face this threat is a matter of speculations. One way to stop the virus from spreading is to ban the entry of mainland Chinese to our country.

ed under the 1998 Rome Statute. This was applied in two recent conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Thus, even the most powerful country like the United States must obey these rules when waging war so that Mr.

Trump, and the Iran government for that matter, cannot just target cultural sites or strike at civilians and other non-combatants, which, as we discussed above, are in violation of international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes.

An early look at 2022 presidential race AS THE term of the incumbent President of the Philippines progresses, the list of individuals widely believed to be (1) interested in seeking the highest position in the land and (2) capable of mounting a credible Presidential run lengthens. The present political situation is no exception, and as President Rodrigo Duterte heads into the last third of his term, the names of six individuals—three women and three men—have been placed on that list by Filipinos. The three women are Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Cynthia Villar and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte; the men, not arranged in order of significance, are Senators Panfilo Lacson and Christopher Go and former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Even if the 2022 presidential election is still over two years away, I believe that a look at the qualifications and electoral-success prospects of these six. The three women clearly are the leaders of the pack. If the election were held today, the successor to President Duterte could well be probably one of them. Vice President Robredo clearly has the inside track in the coming presidential race. There are several reasons for this. For starters, she already occupies a high official position—the Vice Presidency no less. Leni Robredo will carry no baggage going into the contest; on the contrary, she will carry the respect and prestige enjoyed by her late husband Jesse, former Secretary of the Interior and Local Government and mayor of Naga City. Jesse Robredo was Mr. Clean and his widow is Mrs. Clean. And, last but by no means least, Leni Robredo is the titular head of the Liberal Party, an old-time party that is currently lying low but is bound to come back to life as 2022 election approaches. The reason—the one and only reason—why Mayor Sara Duterte has to be considered a potent candidate in the coming presidential election is that she is the presidential daughter. A candidate who is a daughter or son of the Chief Executive must be accorded utmost seriousness as a candidate to succeed Daddy. This is not to say that “Inday Sara” is without important attributes of her own; not at all. She has an Ateneo law degree and a large part of the sweeping victory of the HPP (Hukbong Pagbabago ng Pilipinas) in the 2019 election must be credited to her energy, charm and organizational skill. However, as some past Presidential elections have shown, an administration’s superior resources cannot always be counted upon to bring its Presidential candidate to the finish line. Sara Duterte’s victory prospects in 2022 will depend almost entirely on whether the majority of voters want Malacañang to be occupied by another Duterte in

For the... From A4

House committee to immediately call the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to a House committee briefing to assess the situation and determine the needs of the affected localities and the total budget requirements to address the calamity. The second, HR 662, expresses the support and commitment of the House to work with all the concerned government agencies to pass the proposed supplemental budget to facilitate the effective and responsive assistance to those affected by the volcanic eruption. Cayetano assured the people of the full support of the House to the President’s request for a P30-billion supplemental budget to augment the funds needed to assist the areas affected by the volcanic eruption. The House will also determine if the amount is sufficient, so that it can increase the supplemental budget if necessary. The existing P16-billion national disaster risk reduction and management fund is obviously not enough to cover the requirements of the Taal evacuees because part of this amount

In a world constantly in turmoil with war increasingly being utilized and justified as a necessary tool of state policy, states and non-state actors need to strictly follow some rules if only to put some semblance of civility in an other-

the succeeding six years. Reelectionist Cynthia Villar topped the list of winners in the 2019 senatorial election, with a respectable margin over the No. 2 winner. The record shows that something always happens to Senate-contest topnotchers: They become giddy and sooner or later are seduced by the thought of making a run for the highest position in the land. Cynthia VIllar, chairperson of the committee on agriculture, has thus far not given a hint about her plans. If she decides to make a go for it, Senator Villar will be carrying into the fray whatever baggage her husband, former Senate president Manny Villar, carried with him in his unsuccessful 2010 presidential run.

There are three women and three men this early in the day. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, the man who invariably appeared behind President Duterte in his pre-Senate days, has been active and highly visible since his first day in the upper chamber of Congress. In the process he has unmistakably signaled an interest in going to the very top of the governmental ladder. He is involving himself in some of the most controversial issues of the day and at times has sounded like Presidential Spokesman No. 2. Senator Go’s electoral success prospects should not be underrated; he is smart and he is rich. Because of his very close association with President Duterte, it can be said, at this juncture, that his political stock will rise or fall with that of the Chief Executive. But it’s early days yet and many things can happen between now and May 2022. Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson has a deep yearning to be president of the Philippines; unfortunately his two runs for the nation’s highest office were unsuccessful. The gentleman from Cavite has been a dedicated and honest Senator—he has never accepted his annual pork barrel allocations—and his virtual oneman crusade against the pork barrel system has endeared him to his corruption-weary countrymen. Ping Lacson is not done yet; he almost certainly desires to make a third run for the presidency. If he receives really strong financial backing from his supporters in the business sector and elsewhere, Senator Lacson will be a formidable candidate. Third time lucky, perhaps? Though he is still deep in his electoral protest against 2016 Vice Presidential winner Leni Robredo, Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has already announced his candidacy for president in 2022. He has to be regarded as a major candidate because of his surname and his money. But if he couldn’t even win as a candidate for vice president, how can he be elected president?

is already allocated for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, while another portion would be spent to aid earthquake victims in Mindanao last year. About P7.5 billion would be left under the fund. Local government officials and evacuees expressed their gratitude to the lawmakers for holding the plenary session in the province, which gave them the opportunity to personally ventilate their urgent concerns and uncertainties about their situation. The evacuees, local officials and congressional representatives from Batangas also welcomed the efforts of the House to develop a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for communities affected by the volcanic eruption. Apart from developing a rehabilitation plan, the House also wants to fasttrack approval of the bill creating the Department of Disaster Resilience. This has gained much urgency considering that the country is among the most vulnerable to natural calamities and the devastating effects of climate change. The House Committee on Appropriations has already approved the funding provisions required under the still-unnumbered substitute bill creating the DDR. ernhil@yahoo.com

wise uncivilized way of resolving differences. Surely, baneful is this scourge of humanity called war. Facebook: Dean Tony La Vina Twitter: tonylavs

News

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Faustino to Reds: We’ll break you D

AVAO CITY—The newly-installed commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command has vowed to end the communist insurgency and bring genuine peace in his area. “Anchoring on the intent of the Commander in Chief to end local communist armed conﬂict, as stated in the Executive Order 70, the Eastern Mindanao Command will remain resolute in its commitment to comply and endeavor to defeat the communist terrorist group and to ﬁnally declare the Filipino people as victors against these menace of the society which has been causing chaos, economic sabotage, and exploitation of the vulnerable communities for more than 50 years now,” Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino said in his speech during the change of command ceremony held here on Saturday. Faustino assumed the command from

acting EastMinCom chief, Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario. Prior to his new assignment, Faustino led the Army’s 10th Infantry Division while Rosario held the EastMinCom post in a temporary capacity after its chief, Gen. Felimon Santos, was named as AFP chief-of-staff. “The Eastern Mindanao Command has spearheaded the fight against the communist terrorists for several years already, and our efforts and innovations in ending local communist armed conflict have become the benchmark of success for the whole AFP,” said the 55-year-old official, who once served as chief of the 11th Intelligence Service Unit in Davao City.

“We will continue to do so. Not because it is part of our mission, but because it is the righteous thing to do in my almost three decades of service to the nation,” Faustino said. “I have come to understand not just the ideology behind this communist terrorist group but also the endless manipulations, the deceptions, the utter horror brought about this group to our children, to our families. Countless innocent children have died, families broken, and parents suffering from the loss of their loved ones. Enough is enough. this has to end,” he pointed out. Faustino, whose area of responsibility covers half of Mindanao’s land area, said he will “take the ﬁght to the heart of their ideology, to the center of their comfort zones, and to the deepest and remotest guerrilla bases.” “We will not tire. We will not falter. We will break them hard so that no Filipino will become hostage to this godless communist ideology ever again,” he said. Faustino said he is taking advantage of every opportunity to ﬁnd solutions to the

decades-long armed rebellion. “Before, ending this insurgency is just a dream, a longing. While others have seen this as a dark tunnel with no end in sight, Eastern Mindanao Command has seen it otherwise,” he said. “For several generations, we have come to believe that the insurgency is a very complicated conﬂict. But here, this is no longer the case, because at this very moment, the Eastern Mindanao Command is no longer alone in this ﬁght,” Faustino noted. “Our stakeholders, the local chief executives—from barangay chairmen, mayors, governors, representatives; the different national and local government agencies, and bureaus, people’s organizations, private individuals, and business groups, have all mustered their strength and rallied behind us,” he said. According to Faustino, good governance will be the key in addressing the communist rebellion, which is embodied in the “Wholeof-Nation” approach adopted by the govern-

ment under Executive Order No. 70. “The solution is quite simple—good governance and unity. Our indefatigable leaders, including the whole government machinery, have come to realize and set the bar on how to turn a dream into reality,” he said. Faustino said a majority of NPA members who surrendered to the command were facilitated by local government units. “Indeed this is a very good indicator of the growing trust and confidence of our communities to our local local officials and to the local government. It also indicates that our local government units are really participating to attain our common goal of establishing conflict-resilient communities,” he said. “I am calling perceived enemies of the state who are continually holding ground to conduct atrocities against innocent people, especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters, to join the mainstream of the society,” Faustino added.

2 Maute ‘supporters’ surrender in Lanao Sur TWO alleged supporters of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group have surrendered to security authorities in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. The military identiﬁed them as as 20-year-old Farhan Salik alias Orak and 38-year-old Alimoden Maunada. The two turned themselves in and yielded a riﬂe to the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Gacap following an encounter in the boundary of Piagapo and Balindong towns on Jan. 24. Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, commander of the battalion, said a Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander and a barangay chairman mediated to speed up the surrender.

GRATEFUL IN SULU. Some 2,000 members of the Moro National Liberation Front meet in Indanan to thank the government for taking steps to fulfill the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF.

Fishers group criticizes DENR over Manila Bay rehab claim By Willie Casas THE decrease of coliform levels in certain areas of Manila Bay does not equate to development of the rehabilitation, as it still does not address the sources of pollution that deteriorates its marine environment, a statement by the militant fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) said. PAMALAKAYA’s statement was in reaction to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, who announced that levels of fecal coliform bacteria in major outfalls draining into Manila Bay had “drastically decreased,” one year after the government started its rehabilitation campaign. PAMALAKAYA questioned the improvements claim of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which heads the 13-agency Manila Bay Task Force, saying “ecological and marine disturbances still occur in major fishing areas of the Manila Bay.” The group recalled the fish kill that hit the southern part of Manila Bay in October last year wherein at least two tons of fish were found floating dead, shellfish species were also affected by the fish kill. “Ironically, the DENR has been brag-

ging about the improved water quality of Manila Bay and yet, ecological disturbances such as ﬁsh kill and constant depletion of ﬁsh catch arise. Thus, we raise the question on the effectivity of the government’s ongoing rehabilitation drive that costs the public coffer a whopping amount of P42 billion,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA national chairperson, said. PAMALAKAYA slammed the DENR secretary for “keeping mum” on reclamation projects pending and already approved across Manila Bay. “Secretary Cimatu failed to include on his report that while rehabilitation is ongoing, several reclamation projects are underway, while some of the big-ticket reclamation projects are under the process of acquiring environmental permits and area clearances. These projects that run contrary to the essence of rehabilitation will prove that the government’s rehabilitation per se is a sham,” Hicap added. PAMALAKAYA challenged the DENR to “check the waters where reclamation projects are ongoing as they are potential source of heavy metal substances and construction wastes,” as well as to release a comprehensive report on the status of Manila Bay one year after the rehabilitation campaign.

PhilHealth to release funds AS A quick response to the calamity and in to provide continuous health care services from the affected Health Care Institutions brought about by the Taal eruption, PhilHealth said it shall release funds under the interim reimbursement mechanism. The IRM will provide substantial aid to affected HCIs in the aftermath of the calamity. The IRM is pursuant to PhilHealth Circular 34 s-2013 on the provision of special privileges to those affected by a fortuitous event, PhilHealth said in a press statement. The funds will enable hospitals, primary care facilities, Manila NOTICE OF Standard ambulatory surgical clinics, freestanding dialysis centers, and EXTRAJUDICIAL TODAY SETTLEMENT maternity care package providers to continuously provide Notice is hereby given health care services to affected Filipinos, provided that they that the estate of the late are accredited as of Dec. 31, 2019 and have applied for reNelly Reyes Ledesma who died on November newal for CY 2020, PhilHealth said. . 29, 2018 in Makati City More than a billion will be made available to affected hosis the subject of an Extrajudicial Settlement pitals based on a facility’s average reimbursement per day. An of Estate among Heirs initial release of P322.3 million shall be made this week to identified as Doc, No. 64; Page No. 15; Book No. cover 50 percent of claims of affected facilities currently in 171; Series of 2020, in the process with the agency. Notarial Registry of Atty. John Domingo A. Ponce, The said release will be deductible from the computed Jr., a notary public for and IRM fund of the facility which can later be increased dein the City of Makati. (MS-JAN. 28, FEB. 4 & 11, 2020) pending on the need of facilities upon request.

MNLF in Sulu welcomes GPH-MNLF peace dev’ts INDANAN, Sulu—Around 2,000 members of the Moro National Liberation Front in this province met here last week to thank the government for taking steps to fulﬁll the remaining commitments under the 1996 Final Peace Agreement signed between the government and the MNLF. They also vowed to continue supporting the Duterte Administration’s Peace and Development Agenda. “President Rodrigo Duterte and I have met at least 16 times already, and I am impressed by the dedication of our President to fast-track the implementation of the peace agreement.” MNLF Founding Chairman Nur Misuari told the MNLF members gathered inside Camp Astanah Bud Nagha in this town on Friday. “In our meeting I asked him: ‘Brother President, can we fast-track the peace process to ensure the full implementation of government commitments during your time?’ The President replied: ‘I understand your concern. I, myself, want to fast-track the peace initiative to achieve long-lasting peace in Mindanao during my term,’” Misuari shared. He was referring to the Dec. 13 meet-

ing in Davao City, where President Duterte met with members of the newly-established Government-MNLF Peace Coordinating Committee. The committee has been primarily tasked to seek the cooperation of the MNLF in achieving immediate peace in Sulu by, among others, helping to combat the Abu Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF relatives from the ASG members engaged in illicit activities to return to the folds of the law. Early this week, Duterte signed the appointment paper of Misuari as the Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to sustain the gains of GPH-MNLF peace process. The President said he chose the MNLF chairman for the post due to his vast experience in dealing with the OIC, as well as the leadership skills he displayed as the governor of the now dissolved Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Responding to the President’s acts of goodwill, Misuari vowed to secure the full support of OIC member-countries to ensure the completion of the remaining deliverables contained in the Tripartite Review Process of the 1996 peace accord.

“I am appealing to all members of the MNLF to support the initiatives of the government [to ensure the full] implementation of the 1996 peace agreement,” he told his comrades during the gathering. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr, who was in Sulu to attend the MNLF gathering, announced the arrival of top OIC ofﬁcials next week who will facilitate the visit of the organization’s Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen. The OIC was instrumental in resolving contentious issues which arose at the peace negotiations between the government and the MNLF during the Ramos administration. The inﬂuential Islamic block mediated the talks until both parties signed the historic peace deal. In 2016, the OIC also helped address key concerns related to the implementation of the GPH-MNLF peace agreement, leading to the conclusion of the TRP. Based on the results of the TRP, two commitments have yet to be complied with on the side of the Philippine government. These include the establishment of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund and the creation of the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee.

IN A HUDDLE.

House Majority Leader and Leyte Rep Martin Romualdez (left), during a huddle Monday CYAN MAGENTA YELLOWwith BLACK the lady Deputy Majority Leaders during the privilege speech hour at the plenary of the House of Representatives. Ver Noveno

Sports Leishman wins at Torrey Pines; Rory denied LOS ANGELES—Australia’s Marc Leishman fired eight birdies in a seven-under par 65 on Sunday to win the US PGA Tour title at Torrey Pines by one stroke from overnight leader Jon Rahm. Leishman started the day four shots behind Spain’s Rahm, but his storming run on Torrey Pines’ South Course gave him a 15-under total of 273. Rahm, meanwhile, fired a twounder 70 for 274, two shots in front of American Brandt Snedeker and Rory McIlroy—the Northern Ireland star who could have regained the world number one ranking with a victory. “Playing well helps,” said Leishman, who has come from behind in all five of his PGA Tour victories. “I didn’t actually hit it that well off the tee today, so I don’t know what the knack is. Putting, always, you’re not going to win tour events if you’re not putting well. “I putted probably as good as I’ve ever putted today,” added Leishman, who had five birdies on the front nine. He drained par-saving putts at the 12th and 14th, and rebounded from his ony bogey of the day at 17 with a birdie at the last that proved enough for victory. Leishman’s victory came on Australia Day—also the same day that fellow Aussie Lucas Herbert claimed his first pro victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy and Rahm struggled in the final group, Rahm playing his first five holes in four-over with two bogeys and a double-bogey. An eagle and four of his five birdies on the back nine—including three birdies to end his round—weren’t enough to compensate. McIlroy, meanwhile, began bogeybogey on the way to 69. Tiger Woods missed the green on his opening approach and began with a bogey but dropped his approach inches from the cup at the second to set up a birdie and added another tapin birdie at the par-5 sixth to pull within three strokes of the lead. The 15-time major champion finished with four birdies in a twounder 70 that left him tied for ninth on 279. He remains in search of a record 83rd career PGA Tour victory—having tied Sam Snead’s mark at the Zozo Championship in Japan in October. As he came off the course Woods learned of the death in a helicopter crash of Kobe Bryant—the NBA great who started his pro career the same year as Woods. “People were yelling, ‘Do it for Mamba.’ Now I understand,” Woods said. “Unbelievably sad.” AFP

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Muguruza makes quarterfinals M

ELBOURNE—Two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza underlined her return to form as she beat ninth seed Kiki Bertens in 68 minutes to reach the Australian Open quarter-ﬁnals on Monday. The unseeded former world number one won 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena and faces German 17th seed Angelique Kerber or 30th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia in the last eight. Just three of the top 10 seeds remain —top seed Ashleigh Barty and seventh seed Petra Kvitova meet in the quarterfinals. The other is Simona Halep, the fourth seed, who plays Estonian 28th seed Anett Kontaveit. The 26-year-old Muguruza reunited with Conchita Martinez, her fellow Spaniard and the 1994 Wimbledon champion, at the start of the year in the hope of reviving her failing career.

Muguruza, who has suffered a barren 18 months, said she was enjoying having Martinez on her coaching team. “When you talk to another player you don’t have to put too many words, you right away understand each other,” she said. As part of her reboot, Muguruza spent a few days in the off-season climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to clear her mind of tennis. Muguruza ended 2019 ranked 36 in the world, the first time since 2014 that she had finished the year outside the top 20. But she has flickered back to life in 2020, reaching the semi-finals in Shen-

zhen at the start of the year before pulling out of Hobart in the quarter-finals with a virus. “First day I was not feeling good at all (in Melbourne) but every day it’s improving,” she said. Muguruza emphatically won the first set in 30 minutes against a shell-shocked Bertens. She took the momentum into the second set, breaking for a quick 1-0 lead, only to be broken back immediately. The resurgent Spaniard broke Bertens once more for 3-2 and comfortably held for 4-2. Muguruza broke again for a 5-3 lead and put Bertens under pressure with some powerful groundstrokes from the back of the court. She failed to put Bertens away on the first match point but sealed the win with another big forehand, this one pinging down the line. AFP

Muguruza

NBA... From A8

Shown here are (from left) PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart President & CEO Al S. Panlilio; PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan; Hidilyn Diaz; Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President Monico Puentevella; and MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director Ryan Gregorio

Weightlifting champ Diaz meets benefactor SOUTHEAST Asian Games gold medalist and Olympic weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz made a courtesy call to PLDT-Smart Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic qualifiers. Diaz is a beneficiary of the MVP Sports Foundation, an organization under the MVP Group of Companies, that supports Filipino athletes as they train to bring honor to the Philippines in their re-

spective sporting events. “We have always believed in the importance of sports in shaping individuals and communities for the better. With this, we want to congratulate Hidilyn in her recent success, and wish her all the best in her upcoming events. She is an inspiration to us all,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman and CEO. “For me, there’s no magic formula for

success, particularly in sports. You have to prepare for it, you have to do your best in order to win. You have to train smarter and harder,” said Diaz. Diaz is set to compete in her last two Olympic qualifiers, the Rome World Championships this month and the IWF Asian Championships in Kazakhstan in April. For more information, please visit www.smart.com.ph.

championship in 2000. “It was tough getting out there. I just hate to see it happen like that to him and his daughter.” Clippers coach Doc Rivers spoke to reporters before his team took on the Magic in Orlando. “We’re all Lakers right now,” Rivers said, calling himself “lucky” to have had a chance to coach against Bryant— who won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers. “He was such a great opponent,” Rivers said. “It’s what you want in sports. He had that DNA that very few athletes can ever have—the Tiger Woodses and Michael Jordans. “Looking at my young players and seeing how devastated they are,” Rivers said as he lost his battle to hold back his tears. ‘Killed in car smash’ One of the most moving tributes came from former Laker Brian Shaw who played four seasons with Bryant. In 1993, Shaw’s parents and sister were killed in a car smash in Nevada and he wanted to share his coping skills with the fans of the NBA star affectionately known as the ‘Black Mamba’. “I want to try to help some of those who feel like I feel right now,” said Shaw using a tissue to wipe away the tears. “I am 53 and I’ve dealt with a lot of death in my time. “My family died in a car accident. One of things that kept me going was while they were here, we lived, and we made a lot of memories together. And now that they are gone that’s all that you have. “For those Kobe fans out there feeling like I feel right now, just think of all the joy he brought to you. “Those are the memories you are going to have to rely on going forward..” Atlanta Hawks rising star Trae Young wore No. 8—another of Bryant’s former jersey numbers—to honor the star in the warmup before the Hawks beat Washington 152-133. Young said he was just getting to know Bryant and his basketball-playing daughter. AFP

Ahead of big match, Folayang Forum tackles recognized as one of ‘50 greats’

cycling tourney

THE Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum will discuss the coming PRURide PH 2020 in its Tuesday’s session at the Amelie Hotel Manila. Pru Life UK SVP and Chief Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga joins race director Ian Alacar in the 10:00 a.m. public sports program to talk about the March 11 to 15 event in Clark Pampanga. More than 2,500 cyclists are expected to join the meet, including 18 local and international professional teams which will race in the UCI 2.2 stage races accredited by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The weekly session is presented by San Miguel Corp., Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. The program is aired live via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and aired on a delayed basis over Radyo Pilipinas 2 from 1 to 2 p.m. and later at 6:30 p.m. After Tuesday’s session, the Forum will be suspended for about a month to give way for the preparations and holding of the Annual PSA Awards Night set March 6 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. The weekly program resumes second week of March.

BEFORE Eduard “Landslide” Folayang takes center stage at ONE: FIRE & FURY on Jan. 31, he will be enjoying a new accolade. Folayang, who will be taking on Pieter “The Archangel” Buist at the Mall Of Asia Arena this Friday, was named as one of the 50 greatest Filipino athletes of all time last January 22 at the Sheraton Hotel in Makati. Folayang joined the likes of boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, pool wizard Efren Bata Reyes, and four-time bowling World Champion Paeng Nepomuceno. “Everything we do, we must put it to heart,” Folayang said. “If we continue to embody the values of martial arts, then it will be easier to influence the people with what we do.” The 36-year-old also credited ONE Championship for his meteoric rise from being a national wushu competitor to being one of the most recognizable faces in mixed martial arts. “ONE is so instrumental in putting me where I am today. Their platform reaches far beyond the Philippines. We’re getting known outside of the country and it’s because of ONE Championship,” Folayang said. “The good thing about it is that they’re focusing on the values of martial arts. I wouldn’t be here without ONE. I am al-

ways grateful because without them I would not have been part of this,” he said. “[ONE CEO and Charmain] Chatri [Sityodtong] is doing such a great job in pushing for this because now you’ll see that many athletes want to join ONE Championship.” While he has already cemented his legacy as an athlete having two runs as the ONE Lightweight World Champion and multiple gold medals as a wushu practitioner, Folayang does not plan to stop now. The end goal will always be to inspire others—and he can do it better with positive results. “One way or another, of course we need to win. The more you win, the more audience you inspire,” Folayang said. “It’s hard to talk and influence people when the results are contrasting. When they see good results, for sure it will attract them.” Folayang continues his legendary career when he takes on Buist at ONE: FIRE & FURY on 31 January at the Mall Of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. Watch the event live and dine with your ONE Championship heroes with the Boodle Feast VIP package, which includes two tickets for the event and access for two to the Boodle Feast on January 29 at the City Of Dreams.

LADY ALTAS WIN. Libero Angel Rose Bautista (1) of the Jose Rizal University

Lady Bombers ____ the ball during her team’s bout with Perpetual Lady Altas in the NCAA Season 95 women’s volleyball tournament at the Fil Oil Flying V Centre in San Juan City on Monday. Lady Altas of team owner Tony Tamayo won in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, 25-20, for a 4-1 win loss record in the league. Dennis Abrina

Builders... From A8

to the semis of the tournament organized by UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon by finishing 1-2 in the two-phase elimination round. The Scores First Game DA 71 - Silva 23, Fernandez 14, Comerciase 8, Dematera 8, Casaysayan 8, Mastelero 8, Hassan 2.

JUDICIARY 68 - Mustre 18, Tolomia 16, Ybañez 11, Malinao 8, Dela Cruz 7, Salamat 5, Litonjua 2, Serrano 1, Mrquez 0. Quarters: 28-19, 41-30, 58-45, 71-68. Second Game NHA 77 - Lustestica 18, Vitug 17, Dizon 11, Mercado 9, W. Tibay 8, Crisostomo 6, R. Tibay 4, M. Dizon 2, Palad 2. PITC 74 - Vassallo 21, Taplah 16, Lopez 11, Juan 8, Martin 7, Porto 6, Regalado 5. Quarters: 23-19, 45- 40, 57-58, 77-74.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

NBA world mourns death of a legend LOS ANGELES—The NBA grappled with the sudden death of league great Kobe Bryant on Sunday, players saying they felt sick to their stomach taking to the court without having ample time to absorb the shocking news. A haunting moment of silence preceded the Houston Rockets’ game against the Nuggets in Denver, which tipped off just hours after the helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles in which Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine who perished. In San Antonio, where the Spurs hosted the reigning champions Toronto Raptors, both teams took 24-second shot-clock violations on their first possessions of the game in honor of Bryant —who wore the number 24 in the later years of his career. And in a move that other NBA teams are also expected to adopt, the Dallas Mavericks announced that they were retiring the number 24 jersey. Several NBA stars said they were reluctant to step on the court after learning the news. “I don’t even know how we are supposed to play this game tonight,” said Portland’s Damian Lillard said before scoring 50 points in a 139-129 win over Indiana. “It makes you sick to your stomach. It is disturbing. “It is bigger than just our heroes and the people we look up to dying. It goes deeper than that.” Newly-retired Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade described Sunday as “one of the saddest days of my lifetime,” adding that he couldn’t believe Bryant was gone and that his family had been sharing Kobe stories all day. “It seems like a bad dream that you just want to wake up from. It is a nightmare,” he said. “It is not going to go away soon. We will weep forever.” ‘We should honor him’ Eight NBA games were on tap Sunday, and the prevailing mood in every arena was sadness and shock. Lillard said their coach Terry Stotts told them to go out and honor Bryant by not holding back. “It was on all of our minds. In the time outs... it hurt all of us in our hearts. I look up to him. He’s our hero. It is sad man, real sad day.” Reigning NBA finals MVP Kawhi Leonard said all of Los Angeles was feeling the loss. “No words can explain the impact he had on the floor,” said Los Angeles Clippers Leonard. “We are a team from Los Angeles so we know the LA history with him. It is just sad.” New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson was preparing to start just his third career NBA contest against Boston when he was floored by news of the death. “I couldn’t focus at first when I heard the news,” said Williamson, who was born the year Bryant won his first NBA Turn to A7

Kobe Bryant’s relentless spirit inspired NBA, fans Kobe Bryant of the US scores during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games against Greece at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. Bryant died Sunday when a helicopter crashed and burst into flames in foggy conditions in suburban Los Angeles, killing all nine people on board and plunging the sports world into mourning. AFP

ASHINGTON—Kobe Bryant used a ferocious competitiveness and uncanny shooting touch to become an NBA icon, leaving behind a legacy that has inﬂuenced the newest generation of league talent and fans worldwide.

19-year-old employee of a hotel where Bryant was staying ahead of knee surgery. Bryant was accused of rape. He admitted to adultery but said he did not commit rape. In 2004, the case was dropped after the accuser refused to testify in a trial, and Bryant issued an apology saying he could understand how she might feel there was not consent. From his 81-point game, the second- behind two from Chamberlain. A separate civil suit was settled under Some say Bryant saved the best for last, best scoring performance in NBA history, to five NBA titles in 20 years of daz- scoring a league season-high of 60 points terms kept private. In 2011, Bryant made an apology for uszling performances with the Los Angeles against Utah in his final NBA game in ing a gay slur to describe a referee Lakers, Bryant delivered a reand paid a $100,000 fine imposed lentless attitude that attracted by the NBA. a global following before his Knee and ankle injuries death Sunday at age 41 in a mounted as years began to take helicopter crash. a toll on Bryant. He missed most Bryant joined giant center of the 2013-14 season with a left Shaquille O’Neal to spark the knee injury and much of his Lakers to NBA titles in 2000, penultimate campaign with a 2001 and 2002, becoming torn right rotator cuff, then anat the age of 23 the youngest nounced his retirement by sayplayer to capture three titles. ing, “My body knows it’s time A bitter feud with Bryant to say goodbye.”After retiring, saw “Shaq” depart, with BryBryant became a children’s ant portrayed as never havbook writer and wrote the ing had childish ways while movie “Dear Basketball”—last O’Neal never outgrew them. year’s Academy Award winner That left Bryant without the People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and inside force needed to capture Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at for Best Animated Short Film. Basketball ‘is life’ the crown until Spain’s Pau LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles. AFP Kobe Bean Bryant, the son of Gasol arrived, and the Lakers former NBA player Joe “Jellywon titles in 2009 and 2010 with Bryant 2016, becoming the oldest player in league bean” Bryant, was born in Philadelphia in in command and later patching things up history to crack that milestone at age 37. “I love everything about this game,” 1978 while his father played for the NBA’s with O’Neal. Bryant sparked the US Olympic team Bryant famously said. “For me, it’s not a 76ers, the child named for the Japanese beef to gold medals at the 2008 Beijing and part of life, it is life, and it’s a part of me.” seen on a menu and his father’s nickname. The elder Bryant played from 1984 to In all, Bryant finished with 33,643 points, 2012 London Olympics and became a global celebrity as much for his personal- 7,047 rebounds and 6,306 assists over 1,346 1991 in Italy, giving young Kobe a global career NBA games. He was an 18-time worldview as he grew up dreaming of ity as his playmaking. Bryant’s fierceness was legendary and NBA All-Star, the 2008 NBA Most Valu- following his dad into the NBA. “When I was growing up in Italy, it led him to nickname himself the “Black able Player, the NBA Finals 2009 and 2010 Mamba” for his ability to strike quickly NBA MVP and matched a record as a four- opened up a whole new world to me and I thought anything was possible,” Kobe time NBA All-Star Game MVP. with deadly scoring accuracy. told AFP in 2009. Kobe faced controversy There were spectacular nights, but Bryant became one of the first NBA But it wasn’t a smooth path to starnothing topped his 81-point effort against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006, dom. In addition to nagging injuries that players to seek out a growing fan base in a mark surpassed only by Wilt Chamber- slowed his later seasons, Bryant faced a China, blogging for Chinese internet gimajor rape controversy that delivered a ant SINA in 2009. lain’s 100-point game in 1962. “As a kid growing up, I never in my Bryant scored 65 points in a 2007 win body blow to his endorsements image. Bryant, a father of four who married wife wildest dreams thought I would have over Portland, then followed with 50 points against Minnesota, 60 at Memphis and 50 Vanessa in 2001, faced his darkest hour in this big fan base halfway around the more against New Orleans—the third-lon- 2003 when he was arrested in Colorado world in Beijing and Shanghai,” Bryant gest run of 50-point games in NBA history over a sexual assault allegation filed by a told AFP. AFP

Heartbroken Filipinos react to Bryant’s passing FILIPINOS on Monday mourned the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other passengers. Here are their thoughts. Malacañang Palace— Mr. Bryant was a frequent visitor in the Philippines. He was well-loved by his Filipino fans. #RIPMamba PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial—The PBA has lost a dear friend in Kobe Bryant who leaves behind fond memories of seven unforgettable visits to our country. Kobe was an exceptional basketball player, but beyond his athletic skills, he was known for his caring heart and love of family. His life was an inspiration a n d a lesson to everyone that with hard work, dedication and self-sacrifice, nothing is impossible. At 41, Kobe is gone too soon but his legacy will last forever. The PBA mourns the passage of a man who has touched the lives of millions. Rest in

peace, Kobe. Senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao—The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez—“This is too much. My heart.” Basketball star Kiefer Ravena—Lost for words. No the news i wanted to hear when i woke up. Life’s short man. Appreciate everybody around you to the fullest! Do not take anything for granted. You were one of the reasons i played the sport, Kobe. You

are the reason why i want to be great. Ginebra point guard LA_Tenorio—We didn’t just lose a legend. We lost a great family man and an inspiration to aspiring basketball players

PBA legend Benjie Paras—I remember in 1996, I was in LA watching the Lakers game. Fans loved him. Hindi pa siya masyadong ginagamit. I saw the way he played. Sabi ko, “sisikat ‘to.”

Musical artist TJ Monterde—You will surely be a part of the stories Im gonna be telling my future kids, man. Thank you for the inspiration. Forever in our hearts. Cant believe Im

saying this, RIP KOBE. Actress Bianca Gonzalez— “I didn’t know if I could do it. It was my daughter Gianna who put things in perspective for me. ‘You always tell us to go for it, sooo.. you gonna talk about it, or you gonna be about it?’ [laughs] She gave me that final push.” Kobe on writing and creating #DearBasketball

Judiciary’s Midas Marquez shoots against the Department of Agriculture defenders during their UNTV Cup game last week at the Paco Arena. The Food Masters won, 71-68, to stay in the semis hunt.

Builders reach UNTV semifinals Games Sunday (Paco Arena) 3:30 p.m. – NHA vs Agriculture 5 p.m. – PITC vs Judiciary

NATIONAL Housing Authority booked a return trip to the semifinals with a thrilling 77-74 win over the Philippine International Trading Corporation last week in the 8th UNTV Cup at the Paco Arena in Manila. Antonio Lustestica once again shone brightest for the Benneth Palad-mentored NHA Builders by firing 18 points apart posting three rebounds and a steal. NHA’s win in the annual tournament for public servants assured itself of the No. 3 seeding no matter what happens in its last match in the quarterfinal round against the Department of Agriculture Food Masters on Sunday also at the Paco Arena. The win likewise arranged for themselves a semis date with the No. 2 Department of Environment and Natural Resources Warriors. The fourth and last semifinalist will be known on Sunday as the Food Masters made the race for the last semis berth doubly exciting with a surprising 71-68 victory over the twotime champions Judiciary Magis. The Poch Juinio-mentored Food Masters played minus several key players due to previous commitments but they still managed to prevail – thanks to the 23-point performance of Sherwin Silva. Agriculture’s victory forged a three-way tie for second to fourth places with PITC and Judiciary—all with similar 6-5 records. The fourth semifinalist will face top seed and defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines in the other semis pairing—also a bestof-three affair. AFP and DENR sdvanced outright Turn to A7

IN BRIEF Juul Labs vows to comply with law E-CIGARETTE firm Juul Labs Philippines on Monday expressed its support to Republic Act 11467, saying it is taking immediate steps to comply with the law ahead of the set deadline of Feb. 7, 2020. Juul said in a statement it was helping the world’s one billion adult smokers transition away from combustible cigarettes— the leading cause of preventable death worldwide—by listening to and working cooperatively with regulators, public health officials and other stakeholders. “JUUL Labs is supportive of measures that ensure vaping products reach only the adult smokers for whom they are intended and are not used by non-nicotine users, especially those who are underage,” it said. It said in accordance with RA 11467, JUUL Labs Philippines will no longer make Mango, Creme and Mint JUULpods available for purchase at any JUUL Labs-owned kiosks nor JUUL.ph website, and will stop fulfilling retail orders for these flavors from any of its retail partners. Julito G. Rada

PayMaya teams up with Valenzuela City PAYMAYA Philippines Inc. has teamed up with the Valenzuela City government to provide end-to-end cashless payment solution that allows businesses and residents to secure permits in the fastest and most convenient way through the country’s first integrated online permit application platform—the Paspas Permit system. Through the partnership, business owners and residents can conveniently settle their fees using a PayMaya account as well as any debit or credit card at Valenzuela City Government website via PayMaya Checkout. “As part of our commitment to the Ease of Doing Business Law, we’re constantly improving our integrated permit application system using digital technologies for the benefit of our residents and more than 18,000 businesses in the city,” Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said. “Our partnership with PayMaya is a key component in making our permit processing service more efficient,” he added. Orlando Vea, PayMaya founder and chief executive, said the partnership can definitely help in fostering growth and development in Valenzuela City. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

Pernia urges wider public participation to battle corruption THERE is a need for an increased public participation in the government’s anti-corruption initiatives to curtail graft in the country, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said Monday. Pernia’s statement came in the wake of the release of the 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), where the Philippines placed 113th out of 180 countries, dropping 14 spots from its position in 2018. This translates into a percentile rank of 37.2, falling short of the 2019 target in the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan Results Matrix. In terms of score, the Philippines garnered 34 points out of 100, which is lower from its 36 points out of 100 score in 2018. This means the country reverted to its 2017 and 2012 levels. “We must improve engagement with our citizens to build trust and confidence in the government. Stamping out corruption must be done as a nation; everyone has a role to play to free our country from the shackles of corruption,” Pernia said. In the Asean region, the country declined to seventh place out of 10 countries; its previous ranking was 5th in 2018. The Philippines experienced the steepest decline in percentile rank this year at -7.78 notches. Transparency International, which publishes the annual index, attributed the decline in the perceived shortcomings of exercising the full democratic rights of citizens and stakeholders in the country. “Let us encourage our citizens to report incidents of corruption through the 8888 hotline. But we also appeal to people to promote integrity by not giving false information,” Pernia said. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

UnionBank posts record P14-b profit By Julito G. Rada

NION Bank of the Philippines, a unit of the Aboitiz Group and the eighth-largest lender in terms of assets, said net income in 2019 hit an all-time high of P14 billion, driven primarily by sustained strength of its core businesses. The bank said in a statement Monday the 2019 net profit was more than double the earnings posted in the previous year. The profit translated into an above-industry return on equity of 16.3 percent and return on assets of 2 percent. Bank president and chief executive Edwin Bautista told the Manila Standard the bank planned to surpass this year the remarkable performance in 2019. “We will try... the economic outlook is robust,” Bautista said in a phone interview. He said in an earlier statement reaching the record income in 2019 was a timely

achievement as the bank celebrated its 38th anniversary. “I am glad of the strong growth we achieved and the superior returns we delivered amid integration of new subsidiaries and continued investments in digital transformation. Our digital strategy was key as we scaled up our businesses while maintaining lean operations,” he said. Union Bank treasurer and chief financial officer Jose Emmanuel Hilado said the bank’s 2019 performance was supported by solid fundamentals given a healthy loan portfolio and steady margin recovery.

Bank president and chief executive Edwin Bautista

“Trading gains also boosted the bank’s bottom line. Moreover, CitySavings delivered their targets for the year given

successes in the salary loans and motorcycle business,” Hilado said. Revenues increased 44 percent from a year ago, driven by the sustained doubledigit increase in loans, substantial margin growth and strong trading gains during the year. Customer loans rose 21 percent to P393.4 billion due to the solid business expansion in SME (+40 percent), credit cards (+35 percent), consumer loans (+31 percent), and commercial lending (+16 percent). Margins rose 113 basis points from its bottom levels in January 2019, driven by asset repricing efforts, placement of funds in cost-efficient instruments, and the impact of cuts in policy rate and reserve requirement ratio during the year. Union Bank’s total assets grew 15 percent to P770.9 billion as of end-December 2019.

Del Monte sells 13% holdings to Singaporean firm for $130m By Darwin G. Amojelar

First international PH flower show readied EVENTS and floral designer Jerry Sibal, who has worked with some of the biggest international celebrities, will officially launch the first Philippine International Flower Show at thePhilippine International Convention Center on January 29 at four in the afternoon. The PIFS, which will be held on October 15-18, 2020, is the first show of its kind that will bring together players in the industry from government tourism, agriculture and trade officials, local government executives, farmers and horticulturists, investors in flower propagation, technology providers, to end-users like hotels and other flower enthusiasts. “We have this great opportunity to create a new sustainable and socially-conscious industry to uplift floriculture, horticulture, business and tourism here,” says Manilaborn Sibal, who migrated to New York City in 1991 and who has since been regularly coming back to the Philippines for various advocacy projects. “There is always a possibility for growth. We only have to think big and ask ourselves how we are going to do it.”

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor

100TH ANNIVERSARY. The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of China Banking Corp. Shown are China Bank chairman Hans Sy (left) and president William Whang switching on the LED lighted 100th anniversary logo at the bank’s headquarters in Makati to signal the start of the centennial celebration. China Bank is commemorating the important milestone by preserving its legacy while moving forward to better serve its stakeholders.

DPWH set to start construction of Quezon-Bicol expressway THE Department of Public Works and Highways said it expects to start the construction of the Quezon-to-Bicol expressway project this year. “The feasibility study already completed, so we’re gonna start this year,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said. According to the DPWH, the project will start at Pagbilao, Quezon and end at the Maharlika Highway in San Fernando, Camarines Sur. “The project will have an indicative length of approximately 220 kilometers and will be an alternative option of travel from Quezon and the Bicol provinces,” DPWH added. The agency said the project aimed to

provide a fast and developed alternative for commuters to use since the original road being traversed by the people will go through the “poblacions” of the different municipalities. It will also provide a safe and direct route to the provinces of Bicol since the original route traverses through the mountainside and other fragmentary roads. The project will offer a direct and fast route between both provinces, while the trade of goods is expected to prosper not only between Quezon and Bicol but also in the northern part of Luzon because travel time for trucks will be reduced. The DPWH said the Quezon-Bicol

Expressway project would be classified as a “project of national significance” due to its function to connect Quezon and Bicol provinces, which are fast developing provinces of Southern Luzon. The DPWH is also building the P11.98-billion, four-lane extension of Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase I that connects Cabanatuan City and San Jose City, passing through the municipalities of Talavera and Llanera in Nueva Ecija. The 35.70-km expressway will provide a free-flowing alternative route and decongest traffic along Pan-Philippine Highway between the cities of Nueva Ecija and the town of Plaridel in Bulacan province. Darwin G. Amojelar

DEL Monte Pacific Ltd. on Monday said it signed a deal with a Singaporean company to sell a 13-percent stake in Del Monte Philippines Inc. for $130 million. Del Monte and indirectly whollyowned subsidiaries Central American Resources Inc. and DMPI entered into an agreement with SEA Diner Holdings Pte Ltd. for the proposed sale of 363.65 million ordinary shares of DMPI. SEA Diner focuses on investing in leading companies in the consumer sector in China and Southeast Asia. The company and its affiliates have invested over $1 billion in ASEAN and Chinese consumer businesses to date, including consumer product companies and technology companies. The food category has been a key focus for the SEA Diner and its affiliates, with a particular emphasis on food products that have a large addressable market in China. The sale of 13 percent shares to SEA Diner came after DMPI deferred its public offering in 2018 due to adverse market conditions DMPI said it would use the proceeds from the sale of the shares to pay debts and fund expansion plans. Del Monte Group’s net debt amounted to $1.4 billion as of fiscal year 2018, significantly lower than the net debt of $1.7 billion in 2017. The company added it would use the funds raised from the proposed sale for the group’s capital restructuring plans, given that DMPI was unable to conduct the proposed public offering due to volatile market conditions that showed no signs of improving. DMPI said it was teaming up with SEA Diners to help the company expand its fresh fruit sales in China.

PEZA launches 1st economic zone institute By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority launched its first-ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Institute in Batac City, Laoag, Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Mariano Marcos State University. PEZA and MMSU signed on January 23, 2020 a memorandum of agreement following the soft inauguration of the university’s new National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (NBERIC) Building. The infrastructure will house the SEZ Institute office as well as bureaus of the Trade Department’s Negosyo Center and shared service facilities. “The SEZ Institute aims to provide skills training, research, etc. based on the industry identified in the region and be partner with SUCs with competence to transform every Filipino worker into multi-skilled, world class, and rich human capital, addressing one of the efficiency factors investor are looking for,” said PEZA director general Charito Plaza. She added “the agreement is the first step to involve SUCs in attracting investors to the Philippines and address-

ing some of the efficiency factors investors are looking for.” Plaza also invited the LGUs to make use of their idle lands and create economic zones in their area, bringing economic development to the countryside. PEZA encouraged the state university to apply as a Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) park, which will allow it to team up with foreign universities and offer similar programs. Once certified, the university will be attractive not only to Filipinos but also to foreigners, Plaza said. “I encourage all institutions to become involved in the creation of ecozones in the country, which will become economic drivers to grow smart towns, digital cities, and eventually create new metropolitan areas in every region,” said Plaza. The SEZ Institute is one of the 10-point programs and special projects to be successively implemented as PEZA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The programs and projects aim to fully industrialize and enhance the efficiency factors and competitiveness of the Philippines as an investment haven in Asia.

ECONOMIC BRIEFING. Citi Chief of Research for Pan-Asia Johanna Chua (leftmost) shares Citi’s economic outlook, along with Citi economist for the Philippines Nalin Chutchotitham (middle). Citi’s economic team projects a 2020 growth rate of 6.2 percent for the Philippines. They are joined by Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (second from left), Citi country treasurer and head of markets and securities services Paul Favila (rightmost) and Citi Philippines head of corporate sales for markets and securities services Grace Kim (2second from right).

Business

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH, Asian stock markets decline T HE stock market fell Monday along with the rest of Asia on fears over the global economic impact of a deadly new SARS-like virus.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 35.78 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,587.63 on a value turnover of P4.3 billion. Losers overwhelmed gainers, 119 to 69, with 43 issues unchanged. Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. sank 4.4 percent to P9.87, while Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is into toll roads, water and electricity generation, hospitals and infrastructure, declined 3.3 percent to P3.24. Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, fell 2.8 percent to P294, but online gaming operator PhilWeb Corp. jumped 8.7 percent to P4.12.

Oil prices, meanwhile, plunged more than two percent on Monday to extend last week’s sell-off, while safe-haven assets including the yen and gold rallied. Most regional markets were closed for the Lunar New Year break, but Tokyo was open and fell two percent. Bangkok plunged nearly three percent on worries about the Thai travel sector, while Mumbai, Wellington and Jakarta also suffered losses. Both main oil contracts tumbled more than two percent, having dropped more than six percent last week owing to concerns about the effects on demand in the world’s number two economy. As the death toll from the Chinese epidemic jumped to 80 with those affected worldwide approaching 3,000, analysts said there were growing fears the crisis could become as bad as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak that hammered Asian markets

in 2003. The outbreak of the coronavirus has led China to lock down the epicenter of the disease, Wuhan—a city of 11 million people—while imposing tight travel restrictions on a number of other cities including Beijing. The move comes during the Lunar New Year holiday when hundreds of millions of people criss-cross the country and spend billions of dollars. The government decided late Sunday it would extend the holiday and related school closures beyond January 30 end date to “reduce population flows,” state media said. The outbreak has led to the cancellation of festivities, along with temporary closures of Beijing’s Forbidden City, Shanghai’s Disneyland and a section of the Great Wall. Stephen Innes at AxiCorp warned the economic shock to China and the

world—just as a growth slowdown appeared to be easing—could be massive. “The biggest threat to the global economy is not just because the disease spreads quickly across countries through networks related to global travel,” he said in a note. “But also because any economic shock to China’s colossal industrial and consumption engines will spread rapidly to other countries through the increased trade and financial linkages associated with globalization.” He added: “Unlike 2003 where SARS was less impactful on the developed world market, the rest of the world could feel the pinch this time around.” If the new virus has the same impact on China as SARS, the falls could be worse than projected, Innes said, because consumption is a bigger part of the country’s economy and its overall growth trajectory is weaker. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Monday, January 27, 2020

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

FINANCIALS 52 30,000 82.7 1,002,900 156 258,470 0.88 70,000 25.15 1,343,200 12.12 271,900 4.2 50,000 1.19 6,000 0.41 1,210,000 64.8 579,000 0.85 66,000 12 224,800 20.45 10,000 33 601,200 170.2 100 60.05 38,670 22 37,800 188.5 76,630 60.9 60,660

1,560,000 82,851,702.50 40,114,799 61,690 33,651,645 3,284,434 210,180 7,140 497,300 37,532,438 56,560 2,697,600 204,500 19,591,350 17,102 2,327,854.50 831,600 14,382,240 3,695,381.50

4,200,518.50 10,488,565 12,550 -976,814 6,048,648.50 -17,000 -361,200 -6,653,615 -8,600 -917,329.50 -1,892,775 -1,369,733.50

32.95 2.1 11.3 0.56 1.21 3.31 0.229 1.57 14.86 165 11.02 61.6 66 2.13 4.91 8.8 13.56 8.94 7.22 20.75 66.1 1.74 36.5 1.95 12.84 7.68 1.3 211 41.5 4.85 3.13 6.9 9.93 10.92 15 291 4.8 1.82 4.1 3.9 9.6 11.78 30.85 4.7 5.12 1.67 1.7 1.14 9.5 73.9 9.11 0.118 0.98 158 2.57 1.25 0.95

INDUSTRIAL 33.2 278,700 2.13 1,287,000 12.1 1,222,000 0.56 1,704,000 1.21 157,000 3.4 6,995,000 0.232 910,000 1.58 13,784,000 14.98 460,600 165 40 11.58 4,652,400 61.6 1,240 66 4,660 2.13 76,000 5 409,900 8.92 273,100 13.7 7,300 8.95 37,600 7.23 30,400 21.05 1,378,800 66.5 62,800 1.79 24,968,000 37 21,100 2 1,941,000 12.9 125,400 7.78 106,600 1.3 479,000 213.2 219,790 41.5 300 4.85 2,000 3.13 28,000 7.13 2,000 10.22 6,916,000 10.94 23,800 15.4 490,600 294 250,490 4.85 7,000 1.82 140,000 4.15 3,000 3.9 1,229,000 9.94 136,500 11.94 21,700 31.1 295,600 4.74 40,000 5.2 47,900 1.69 1,121,000 1.8 5,000 1.26 6,838,000 9.5 52,900 73.9 79,260 9.32 266,700 0.118 490,000 1.02 233,000 159.5 387,500 2.57 2,000 1.28 6,269,000 0.97 1,086,000

9,241,365 2,731,420 14,571,240 976,440 190,830 23,987,090 210,040 21,956,410 6,896,066 6,600 53,629,730 76,774.50 310,153 162,590 2,082,413 2,414,599 99,810 337,149 219,591 29,048,580 4,172,611.50 44,494,990 778,140 3,817,630 1,612,492 823,335 628,010 46,923,360 12,450 9,700 88,110 14,030 70,131,787 261,300 7,461,054 73,954,632 33,800 256,170 12,350 4,812,140 1,334,432 256,388 9,181,560 188,040 246,080 1,913,010 8,800 8,687,700 508334 5,914,744.50 2,484,171 58,720 230,610 61,869,247 5,140 8,011,830 1,044,010

1,053,355 -108,210 1,747,972 136,120 16,030 -4,274,080 1,507,042 1,650 56,694 825,086.00 -13,750 -25,757 72,200 -7,226,355 3,001,505 -221,750 1,693,610 385,800 -33,092 10,506,232 15,554,564 1,264 -1,253,426 -8,248,798 -171,710 -674,830 -10,620 -223,235 5,080 87,150 -193066.9997 -3,302,667 89,920 -24,200 15,169,695 -53,760 2,910

0.86 52.25 10.84 0.7 6.22 10.8 0.92 0.97 738 2.62 6.4 5.9 13.08 3.75 780.5 75.25 0.495 3.71 10.28 0.58 3.2 4.45 1.18 147.1 2 1,025 0.8 190 176.4 0.215

HOLDING FIRMS 0.89 16,860,000 52.8 593,620 10.92 1,155,700 0.71 5,060,000 6.22 1,500 10.84 35,800 0.92 2,321,000 0.99 232,000 738 157,720 2.67 570,000 6.45 354,300 6.21 8,744,900 13.08 15,100 3.75 11,000 785 20,270 76.1 318,100 0.52 1,086,000 3.74 404,000 10.5 2,389,000 0.59 158,000 3.24 20,565,000 4.45 6,000 1.19 105,000 147.4 84,580 2 8,000 1,025 82,615 0.84 409,000 190 20 180 3,670 0.236 980,000

14,856,150 31,367,197 12,616,110 3,645,770 9,330 394,904 2,166,140 226,680 116,773,990 1,508,540 2,276,287 53,196,456 197,508 41,340 15,910,135 24,188,561.50 553,515 1,515,340 25,068,244 91,660 66,748,330 26,700 125,240 12,492,385 16,010 85,409,480 334,870 3,820 658,788 214,800

-893,050 -635,756 -445,258 10,650 165,400 -4,759,700 -336,470 -233,351 -31,120,130 -8,117,185 9,120,116.50 -327,120 15,019,608 -25,711,170 -4,383,668 -25,852,765 -401,154 -

14.72 0.68 9 1.59 0.8 41.35 1.68 4.6 6.6 0.51 0.75 0.182 0.39 9.25 17.94 0.405 0.105 1.5 1.09 4.24 0.234 0.4 1.19 0.34

PROPERTY 14.72 426,000 0.69 180,000 9 10,000 1.92 5,639,000 0.81 1,358,000 41.6 28,759,100 1.69 2,275,000 4.69 52,000 6.6 200 0.52 2,194,000 0.75 1,000 0.187 140,000 0.39 430,000 9.25 154,000 18 386,900 0.41 550,000 0.105 10,000 1.52 7,509,000 1.09 515,000 4.26 7,916,000 0.236 24,070,000 0.4 820,000 1.22 1,409,000 0.345 460,000

6,270,720 125,910 90,000 10,767,790 1,091,190 1,194,475,990 3,868,060 242,530 1,320 1,140,480 750 25,610 167,700 1,430,523 6,968,132 223,900 1,050 11,363,630 561,350 33,715,080 5,786,090 328,000 1,697,450 159,850

659,456 31,500 25,840 81,142,610 64,940 16,320 -916,848 -3,686,746 -97,300 -1,921,890 -18,163,250 -290,420 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK

52 82.3 155.8 0.89 25.1 12.1 4.05 1.19 0.43 64.55 0.86 12 20.45 31.95 172 59.25 22 190 60.1

52 83 156 0.89 25.15 12.18 4.32 1.19 0.43 65 0.86 12 20.45 33.2 172 60.5 22 190 61.2

52 82.3 153.2 0.88 25.05 11.94 4.05 1.19 0.41 64.5 0.85 12 20.45 31.9 170 59.25 22 186 60.1

ABOITIZ POWER AC ENERGY AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS AXELUM BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CONCRETE A CONCRETE B CROWN ASIA DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG FRUITAS HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO PANASONIC PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

33 2.15 11.3 0.59 1.22 3.63 0.229 1.66 15 165 11.86 62.5 67.1 2.14 5.93 8.99 13.7 9.09 7.22 21.2 66.1 1.84 36.85 1.95 12.84 7.8 1.3 216 41.5 4.85 3.39 6.9 10.48 11 15 302.2 4.84 1.85 4.1 4.03 9.95 11.8 32 4.7 5.2 1.8 1.7 1.22 9.79 76.05 9.24 0.121 0.99 162.1 2.57 1.31 0.98

33.3 2.18 12.1 0.59 1.24 3.65 0.233 1.66 15 165 12.1 62.5 67.1 2.14 5.93 8.99 13.8 9.09 7.23 21.25 66.8 1.84 37 2 12.9 7.8 1.36 216 41.5 4.85 3.39 7.13 10.48 11.1 15.44 302.2 4.85 1.85 4.15 4.03 9.95 11.94 32 4.74 5.2 1.8 1.8 1.4 9.79 76.15 9.63 0.121 1.03 162.1 2.57 1.31 0.98

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE A GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

0.87 52.5 11.1 0.76 6.22 11.62 0.95 0.99 748 2.72 6.42 6.2 13.08 3.77 791 75.25 0.5 3.71 10.3 0.58 3.32 4.45 1.21 149.8 2.01 1,036 0.86 192 176.4 0.218

0.9 53.25 11.12 0.76 6.22 11.62 0.95 0.99 748 2.72 6.5 6.24 13.08 3.77 793.5 76.85 0.53 3.76 10.54 0.59 3.32 4.45 1.23 149.8 2.01 1,045 0.88 192 198.9 0.238

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

14.72 0.69 9 1.64 0.82 41.4 1.72 4.6 6.6 0.52 0.75 0.184 0.39 9.44 18.02 0.43 0.105 1.52 1.09 4.28 0.25 0.4 1.2 0.355

14.72 0.71 9 2.07 0.82 42 1.75 4.71 6.6 0.53 0.75 0.187 0.39 9.44 18.26 0.43 0.105 1.53 1.09 4.28 0.25 0.4 1.23 0.355

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

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

2.22 28.3 2.07 3.15 40.75 2.55 2 7.29 5.61

2.25 28.3 2.07 3.2 41.5 2.58 2.11 7.29 5.85

2.17 27.6 2.05 3.15 40.55 2.5 1.9 7.2 5.5

2.17 27.6 2.06 3.2 41 2.56 2 7.29 5.75

383,000 1,517,300 18,000 24,000 1,830,900 1,237,000 9,393,000 326,800 78,200

839,900 42,431,455 37,170 76,000 75,243,775 3,179,930 18,922,280 2,371,259 437,849

8,995,665 44,500 36,342,480 -1,096,270 -427,941 -

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GRAND PLAZA HARBOR STAR IMPERIAL INTL CONTAINER ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHIL SEVEN CORP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

9.58 17.1 1.34 11.4 0.435 0.046 3.27 10.32 83.8 5.34 4.75 8.55 2,004 5.3 9.59 1.35 1.56 132.5 0.104 3.92 13.68 2.75 12.1 0.41 3.18 2.1 0.95 0.95 2.54 2.7 7.4 4.3 140 4.3 1,061 0.58 0.4 39.8 79.5 9.2 2.56 0.63 0.285 0.59 18.84

9.58 17.1 1.34 11.4 0.435 0.047 3.29 10.4 83.8 5.34 5.49 8.89 2,020 5.32 13.18 1.35 1.6 134.7 0.107 3.92 13.68 2.85 12.3 0.41 3.2 2.1 1.15 1.15 2.6 2.71 7.4 4.3 141 5.17 1,062 0.58 0.415 39.8 79.5 9.44 2.56 0.64 0.285 0.61 18.86

9.53 16.8 1.34 11.22 0.41 0.045 2.99 9.87 82.8 5.22 4.74 8.52 1,995 5.28 9.59 1.25 1.56 131.4 0.104 3.7 13.68 2.57 11.38 0.405 3.18 2.04 0.95 0.95 2.47 2.2 7.35 4.3 140 4.02 1,038 0.56 0.39 39.1 75.6 9.2 2.49 0.61 0.275 0.59 18.78

SERVICES 9.53 16.8 1.34 11.28 0.42 0.047 3.04 9.87 83.05 5.33 5.48 8.84 2,002 5.29 13.08 1.3 1.6 132.5 0.106 3.77 13.68 2.58 11.56 0.405 3.2 2.06 1 1.1 2.52 2.26 7.4 4.3 141 4.12 1,045 0.56 0.41 39.75 79 9.2 2.53 0.63 0.285 0.61 18.84

2,800 332,800 1,000 168,500 1,760,000 15,900,000 1,191,000 8,632,900 139,120 440,600 341,000 38,500 3,210 287,300 1,100 3,723,000 29,000 541,470 1,230,000 1,723,000 500 1,069,000 2,259,000 590,000 234,000 349,000 711,000 934,000 2,489,000 2,371,000 6,200 2,000 2,230 104,006,000 61,020 4,829,000 8,600,000 77,200 41,340 253,100 855,000 13,445,000 7,110,000 205,000 505,100

26,782 5,636,076 1,340 1,902,516 733,600 743,100 3,666,460 87,016,808 11,547,952.50 2,326,526 1,819,721 332,615 6,435,565 1,521,981 12,038 4,831,250 46,040 71,773,732 130,290 6,550,350 6,840 2,846,160 26,233,862 240,100 746,000 715,870 746,460 976,990 6,308,270 5616190 45,658 8,600 313,820 480,354,860 63,990,810 2717290 3,473,750 3049370 3,217,897 2,340,645 2,146,910 8,412,470 1,970,250 122,550 9,508,298

1,028,248 -20,195,035 -815,568 -444,770 -685,400 32,376,546 -534,870 139,320 -2,105,076 -99,660.00 33,000 -30,470 -1422610.0001 149,260 753,130 -27,613,885 -136909.9997 -11,850 -937689.9997 863,114.50 -220,920 3,087,000 5,854,358

ABRA MINING ACE ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING ATOK BENGUET A CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0015 8.1 1.09 2.54 10.84 1.15 3.1 0.27 1.53 0.212 0.097 0.8 3.2 1.04 0.46 0.73 0.01 0.011 0.01 2.94 8.93 22 0.0057

0.0015 8.1 1.1 2.6 12 1.15 3.18 0.27 1.54 0.212 0.099 0.85 3.2 1.04 0.47 0.74 0.011 0.013 0.011 3.2 9.12 22 0.0057

0.0015 7.85 1.07 2.54 9.9 1.15 3.06 0.27 1.5 0.204 0.096 0.8 3.02 1.01 0.46 0.7 0.01 0.011 0.01 2.94 8.75 21.2 0.0056

MINING & OIL 0.0015 625,000,000 8 175,000 1.08 943,000 2.6 4,000 12 21,000 1.15 2,000 3.1 920,000 0.27 160,000 1.54 1,348,000 0.21 1,160,000 0.097 1,510,000 0.81 241,000 3.2 4,370,000 1.04 3,000 0.465 150,000 0.74 110,000 0.011 9,200,000 0.012 762,200,000 0.011 15,100,000 3.1 508,000 9.12 482,300 21.65 99,300 0.0056 8,000,000

937,500 1,388,314 1,020,480 10,220 226,938 2,300 2,844,850 43,200 2,036,880 237,800 146,430 196,980 13,555,160 3,090 69,650 78,130 99,900 9,901,400 166,000 1,571,690 4,292,579 2,127,805 45,000

40,386 -88,400 55,520 -513,660 142,580 -254,452 -549,075 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2R CPG PREF A DD PREF FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

15.5 500 100.9 100 108 420 5.15 980 990 100.1 990 77 75.2 75.1 76 75.8 75.9 76

15.5 500 100.9 101 108 420 5.2 980 990 100.1 992 77 75.2 75.1 76 75.8 75.9 76

15.34 500 100.9 100 108 420 5.15 980 990 100 990 77 75.2 75 76 75.8 75.9 76

PREFERRED 15.4 85,700 500 200 100.9 2,190 101 12,010 108 50 420 4,000 5.2 237,000 980 3,410 990 10 100.1 28,860 990 6,290 77 990 75.2 1,200,000 75.1 18,400 76 40,000 75.8 50 75.9 13,000 76 800,000

1,321,798 100,000 220,971 1,201,010 5,400 1,680,000 1,225,555 3,341,800 9,900 2,888,884 6,227,700 76,230 90,240,000 1,381,340 3,040,000 3,790 986,700 60,800,000

-1,012,258 -705,555 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.41

1.42

1.28

562,000

762,200

409,000 3,380,700 7,498,000

1,628,620 37,879,815 6,849,330

-141,050 30,272 -46,500

765,306

30,090

MS ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

3.88 10.38 0.88

4.1 11.92 0.94

3.88 9.94 0.86

FIRST METRO ETF

114.3

113.4

USD DMPL A1

10.2

Trading Summary

FINANCIAL

6,957,268

INDUSTRIAL

88,712,721

HOLDING FIRMS

72,546,870

PROPERTY

104,114,924

SERVICES

188,730,295

MINING & OIL

1,432,631,313

GRAND TOTAL

1,904,994,707

SME

4.02 11.72 0.92

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 114.1 6,720 10.2

DDS

2,950

VALUE 1,814.38 (up) 4.01 347,101,079.14 FINANCIAL 9,594.98 (down) 133.74 INDUSTRIAL 639,216,637.122 7,296.45 (down) 51.91 HOLDING FIRMS 756,690,524.87 PROPERTY 3,969.75 (up) 7.43 1,534.34 (down) 10.32 SERVICES 1,590,082,965.235 7,975.98 (up) 7.79 MINING & OIL 877,242,937.37 7,587.63 (down) 35.78 PSEI 41,019,576.6548 All Shares Index 4,495.34 (down) 28.23 4,298,502,324.18 Gainers: 69; Losers: 119; Unchanged: 43; Total: 231

Meralco unit, City of Dreams launch rooftop solar project By Alena Mae S. Flores LUXURY integrated casino resort City of Dreams Manila on Monday inaugurated a P76-million, 1.2-megawatt rooftop solar project at the topmost level of its parking building as part of a longterm sustainable program. City of Dreams teamed up with the renewable energy provider subsidiary of Manila Electric Co., Spectrum and Global Professional Services Company GHD, on the solar project to reduce the environmental impact of operations. “This venture is a significant step in our vision to be sustainable in our operations. Utilizing clean and renewable energy is only one of our numerous green initiatives and we hope that as we set the bar for sustainable operations, we also inspire positive change as we all take part in the growing movement towards a more sustainable future,” City of Dreams Manila senior vice president and chief operating officer Kevin Benning said. Officials say the 1.2-MW solar project generates about 20 percent of City of Dreams’ total consumption of about 6 MW to 7 MW with a payback period of seven years. The 3,120 solar panels have a guaranteed generation capacity of almost 2,000 megawatt-hours a year and will reduce the carbon emissions of the integrated resort by over 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Under its long-term “Sustainable Dreams” program, the luxury resort launched various sustainability initiatives, such as a vermi composting facility and greenhouse nursery; a coffee program with local farmers through Philippine Coffee Board Inc., recycling of used coffee capsules with Nespresso in cooperation with ABS-CBN Foundation, recycling of used batteries with the Bantay Baterya initiative, and Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Recovery project. Spectrum president and Meralco first vice president and head of customer retail services and corporate communications Victor Genuino said City of Dreams would save about three percent of its monthly bill with the newly-completed solar installation.

Phoenix OKs transfer of 72 retail stations PHOENIX Petroleum Corp. approved the transfer of 72 company-owned, dealer-operated retail stations worth P700 million to unit PFL Petroleum Management Inc. Phoenix disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday the move formed part of its capital investment in PPMI as earlier approved by the board on June 24, 2019. The board authorized the transfer of Phoenix’s allocated capital expenditure budget of P2 billion to wholly-owned subsidiary PPMI last year and “thereby increase its investments of same amount to PPMI for the purpose of retail expansion.” Phoenix earlier approved the capital call on subsidiaries, including PPMI, for P429.625 million. “The capital infusion shall correct capital deficiencies in the subsidiaries as well as for the use of expansion of their respective operations,” it said. Phoenix is one of the country’s most aggressive oil companies today and has diversified to other businesses, which recently include road transport with a capitalization of P57 million. “The objective is to simplify operations. As road transport is a non-core activity, there are efficiencies that can be unlocked by possibly joining with established partners with proven track records and expertise. By having a potential partner, we can also minimize the exposure specially to HSSE (health, safe, security and environment,” risks,” said Phoenix senior vice president Raymond Zorrilla earlier. Phoenix was established in 2002 in Davao City, Philippines. It listed on the PSE in 2005 to capitalize on investor confidence, and has since expanded to over 615 retail stations around the country as of end March. It continues to strengthen its position in the retail and commercial petroleum business and has supporting interests in lubricants, LPG, asphalt, financial technology, and retail convenience stores. It also has trading offices in Singapore and has investments in LPG retail in Vietnam. Alena Mae S. Flores

World

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rockets hit US embassy in troubled Iraqi capital

AGHDAD―Three rockets slammed into the US embassy in Iraq’s capital on Sunday in the first direct hit reported after months of close calls, as thousands of protesters kept up anti-government sit-ins across the country.

THE VIGIL CONTINUES. This photo taken on January 26, 2020, shows medical staff members wearing protective clothing to help stop the spread of a deadly virus that began in Wuhan, and police officers collecting information from drivers and passengers at a highway checkpoint in Tengzhou in China’s eastern Shandong province. China on January 27 extended its biggest national holiday to buy time in the fight against a viral epidemic, as the death toll spiked to 81 despite unprecedented quarantine measures and travel lockdowns. AFP

IN BRIEF Iranian airline stops on highway

TEHRAN―An Iranian passenger plane overshot a runway as it landed Monday in the southwestern city of Bandar-e Mahshahr, barreling into an adjacent highway without causing casualties, state TV reported. “Arriving at Mahshahr airport, the pilot landed the aircraft too late and this caused him to miss the runway,” the broadcaster quoted the head of Khuzestan province’s aviation authority as saying. This “caused the aircraft to overshoot the runway and stop in a boulevard” next to the airport, Mohammadreza Rezaeia said. The McDonnell Douglas jet, belonging to Iran’s Caspian Airlines, was flying from Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport with 135 passengers plus the plane’s crew. State TV reported that all were safe. A state TV reporter traveling on the plane told the broadcaster that the aircraft’s “back wheel had broken off, as we saw it was left on the runway” and said the plane had been moving with no wheels before it ground to a halt. Iran’s aviation authority said “the cause of the incident is being investigated”. The Islamic republic had been planning to upgrade its decrepit fleet after longstanding US sanctions were lifted following the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. AFP

Brazil storms death toll up to 44

BELO HORIZONTE―The death toll from days of intense storms and flooding in southeastern Brazil has risen to 44, authorities said Sunday. In addition to the dead, the number of injured stands at 12 and that of the missing was lowered from 25 to 19, local Civil Defense officials said. The dead have yet to be identified. Many were buried by landslides or in the debris of collapsed houses, which in many poorer parts of Brazil are shoddily built. Officials said some 17,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in 58 towns and cities across Minas Gerais state, including in the capital Belo Horizonte, as well as in nearby areas. More than 10,000 others had to flee in two neighboring states. Images taken from the ground and the air, some posted on social media, showed the vast sweep of the disaster, with damaged houses, fallen trees and downed utility poles, overflowing rivers, collapsed bridges and flooded neighborhoods. The torrential rains -- the worst since records were first kept 110 years ago -- eased off on Sunday, but authorities said the risk of new landslides would continue through Friday in towns in the Belo Horizonte area. From India, where he is on an official trip, President Jair Bolsonaro said the government was doing “everything possible,” while adding that in such a large area “it is difficult to serve everyone.” Regional Development Minister Gustavo Canuto and Governor Romeu Zema of Minas Gerais state flew over the affected area and promised afterward in a news conference to prioritize humanitarian aid for the homeless. They announced immediate aid of 90 million reais (about $22 million). AFP

6.3 quake strikes Solomon Islands

SYDNEY―A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Solomon Islands on Monday, the US Geological Survey said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The powerful quake struck just after 4 pm (0500 GMT) at a depth of 17.7 kilometers some 140 kilometers southeast of the Pacific nation’s capital Honiara, the USGS added. The Solomon Islands Met Service said there was no tsunami threat from the undersea quake. Garedd Porowai, marketing team leader for Solomon Islands Tourism, said the tremor was “not the biggest” he had felt but it “gave us quite a jolt here in the office”. There was no visible evidence of damage in Honiara’s central business district, he added. The Solomon Islands are regularly rocked by strong quakes. In 2013, the country was hit by a tsunami after an 8.0-magnitude quake, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands homeless after buildings were destroyed. AFP

China virus shocks Asia’s tourism sector TOKYO―A deadly virus that has prompted travel restrictions in China is sending shock waves through Asia’s tourism industry, which has become increasingly reliant on the growing numbers of Chinese visitors. At least 81 people have died since the new strain of coronavirus emerged in China’s Wuhan, and millions are now under an effective quarantine, with all flights in and out of the city grounded and a ban on Chinese tour groups domestically and abroad. The measures come amid a boom in Chinese foreign travel, with the number of tourists from the country increasing nearly tenfold since 2003, according to a report by research firm Capital Economics. But businesses in destinations that rely on the huge numbers of Chinese tourists are already feeling the heat, with complaints of “deserted” beaches and shops, and concerns about the future. The outbreak carries echoes of the SARS crisis, which paralyzed regional travel and battered local economies from late 2002. Chinese tourist numbers then fell by around a third. “If they fell by a similar amount again, it would knock around 1.5-2.0 percentage points from (gross domestic product) in the most vulnerable countries,” Capital Economics said. In Japan, the fall in Chinese visitors was already being felt in Asakusa, a popular tourist destination near the Sensoji temple.

“We’ve definitely been seeing less people this year,” said Yoshie Yoneyama, 31, manager of a shop selling traditional Japanese sweets and a rice-based drink called amazake. “I think there are less than half the numbers of last year or the year before,” she told AFP. The number of Chinese holidaying in Japan has exploded from around 450,000 in 2003 to 8.4 million in 2018, accounting for 27 percent of all inbound tourists as Tokyo works to expand the sector. But it will now be “very difficult” for Japan to achieve its target of 40 million tourists in 2020, Yuki Takashima, an economist at Nomura Securities, told AFP. And the effects will be felt beyond hotels, restaurants and tourist sites, because many Chinese tourists visit Japan specifically to shop. Electronic appliances and beauty products usually top of their lists, Takashima said, so retail outlets will see their bottom lines affected. The crisis has already sent Japan’s key Nikkei index plunging, with stock in Shiseido -- a cosmetics brand popular with Chinese tourists -- plunging more than five percent on Monday. “We can expect those stocks to continue to fall like dominoes,” said Stephen Innes, chief market strategist at AxiCorp. But he said Japan would be better placed to weather the storm than another top destination for Chinese tourists: Thailand.AFP

The attack marked a dangerous escalation in the spree of rocket attacks in recent months that have targeted the embassy or Iraqi military bases where American troops are deployed. None of the attacks has been claimed but Washington has repeatedly blamed Iran-backed military factions in Iraq. On Sunday, one rocket hit an embassy cafeteria at dinner time while two others landed nearby, a security source told AFP. A senior Iraqi official told AFP at least one person was wounded, but it was not immediately clear how serious the injuries were and whether the person was an American national or an Iraqi staff member working at the mission. The US embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The US State Department called on Iraq late Sunday to “fulfill its obligations to protect our diplomatic facilities”. The attack took place earlier in the day than usual, with AFP reporters hearing the booms on the western bank of the river Tigris at precisely 7:30 pm (1630 GMT). Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi and Speaker of Parliament Mohammed Halbusi both condemned the incident, saying it risked dragging their homeland into war. Iraq has already been dragged into a worrying tit-for-tat between the United States and Iran over the last month. A similar attack on a northern Iraqi base killed an American contractor, and the US retaliated with a strike on an Iran-backed faction known as Kataeb Hezbollah. Less than a week later, a US drone strike killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani outside the Baghdad airport -- prompting Iran to fire ballistic missiles at an Iraqi base where US troops are stationed. Some 5,200 Americans are stationed in Iraq to lead the global coalition fighting the Islamic State militant group, but the US strike on Baghdad has rallied top Iraqi figures around a joint call to order them out. Vehemently anti-American cleric Moqtada Sadr organised a mass rally in Baghdad on Friday, where thousands of his supporters called for American troops to leave. Sadr had previously backed separate anti-regime protests sweeping Iraq’s capital and south, even though he controls the largest bloc in parliament and top ministerial posts. Bolstered by his own protest on Friday, Sadr announced he was dropping support for the youth-dominated reform campaign rocking the country since October. AFP

AFTERMATH.

A view of the damage after a landslide in Vila Bernadete, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, on January 26, 2020. - The landslide buried several houses, leaving four dead and seven missing. Two days of torrential rain in Minas Gerais state have left at least 30 people dead, several injured, 17 missing and more than 2,500 homeless following the series of landslides and house collapses, Civil Defence officials said. AFP

How the world discovered the Nazi death camps PARIS―The images of what the Allies found when they liberated the first Nazi death camps towards the end of World War II brought the horror of the Holocaust to global attention. Many of the ghastly pictures were at first held back from the broader public, partly out of concern for those with missing relatives. The concentration and extermination camps were liberated one by one as the Allied armies advanced on Berlin in the final days of the 1939-1945 war. The first was Majdanek in eastern Poland, which was freed on July 24, 1944 by the advancing Soviet Red Army. But in France, it was only the following year that media coverage was encouraged by the provisional government led by General Charles De Gaulle set up after the liberation of France. In June 1944, as it became clear that Germany was losing the war, Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler ordered some camps be evacuated before they were reached by Allied troops, and that their

prisoners be transferred to other locations. This mainly concerned camps in the Baltic states most exposed to advancing Soviet troops. Officers of the Schutzstaffel (SS) paramilitary in charge were ordered to cover up all traces of crimes before fleeing. The sprawling Auschwitz-Birkenau complex in southern Poland, liberated by the Red Army on January 27, 1945, was gradually dismantled from mid1944 and its more than 60,000 prisoners evacuated. When the Soviets arrived, only 7,000 prisoners remained, unable to walk and follow their comrades on what became known as “Death Marches” to other camps. The discovery of the first camps had little impact on the public at large because the images were not widely shared. Russian and Polish investigators photographed the camps at Majdanek and Auschwitz, and US army photographers

made a documentary on Struthof, the only Nazi concentration camp based in what is now France. But France in particular did not want them broadcast to avoid alarming people with relatives missing after being deported, captured or conscripted. A turning point came on April 6, 1945 with the discovery of Ohrdruf, an annex of the Buchenwald camp in Germany. When American forces―accompanied by US war correspondent Meyer Levin and AFP photographer Eric Schwab―entered Ohrdruf, they came across a still-blazing inferno and skeletal prisoners executed with a bullet to the head. The Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe, Dwight Eisenhower, visited the camp on April 12, describing afterwards “conditions of indescribable horror”. The Allied leadership decided immediately that all censorship should be lifted so the world could see evidence of the Nazi atrocities.AFP

China now the second biggest weapons maker STOCKHOLM―The opaque Chinese arms industry has made the Asian nation the world’s second largest producer of munitions, a clear shift from a decade ago when China relied on imports, researchers said in a new report Monday. The report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) suggests that China’s weapons production, which has previously been shrouded in mystery owing to a lack of transparency, has grown as three of the world’s top 10 arms companies are Chinese. “We can with confidence say that China is the second largest arms producer in the world, behind the US and ahead of Russia,” Nan Tian, co-author of the report, told AFP. The report notes however that the lack of transparency remains an “important caveat” when studying the Chinese arms industry. The vast majority of the estimated $70-$80 billion (63 to 72 billion euros) worth of Chinese munitions sold every year are bought by the different branches of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). This still represents a dramatic shift over the last 10 years as China in the past was a big importer of weapons from Russia and Ukraine. “They no longer need to rely on other countries for their weapons,” Tian said. Chinese arms companies are also much more specialized than their international counterparts. Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the country’s largest arms company, for instance, mostly produces aircraft and avionics, while most large non-Chinese producers cover a wide range of military products. AFP

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Modern jeepneys now ply 3 cities in Bulacan area

Marawi ‘bakwit’ flees wrath of Taal too

By Orlan L. Mauricio

By Nash B. Maulana

MEYCAUAYAN—At last, daily commuters in the three component cities of Bulacan are now fully-served by modern jeepneys under the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. The third batch of 30 units of 23-seater Isuzu jeepneys belonging to the Pasang Masda Cooperative has started plying the ‘Meycauayan-Malolos’route (via north Luzon expressway) this week after the ceremonial launching last Wednesday. City Mayor Linabelle R. Villarica and Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the blessing of the 30 modern jeepneys together with Pasang Masda president Obet Martin, and Isuzu Philippines Corp. president, Hajime Koso. Mayor Villarica, who served as deputy House Speaker during the 17th Congress, told mediamen that the modernization of common carriers is a big step in ensuring the safety and comfort of the riding public, especially daily commuters and daily wage-earners, who complain about unbearable traffic especially during rush hours. The jeepneys are airconditioned. Tugade said the 30 brand-new Isuzu jeepneys are equipped with features required under the PUVMP guidelines such as Automated Fare Collection System, GPS tracking system, dash cameras, CCTV, and Wi-Fi. The jeepneys are also Euro IV engine-compliant. Tugade underscored the importance of unity and cooperation of the government and private sector. He said he is just following the marching order of the President Duterte who told him “to make the Filipino life convenient and safe.” “Today, the modernization program is an answer to that marching order, wherein we, at the Department of Transportation, are committed to make the Filipino life comfortable, safe, and convenient,” Tugade added. The first batch of 16 Isuzu-jeepneys under the government’s PUV-MP started serving commuters in the province last Aug. 19 last year. The ‘e-jeepneys’ (or electronic jeepneys) started plying the route from Sampol Market in the City of San Jose Del Monte to Santa Maria town and then to Meycauayan. This is the first route in Bulacan to be included under the PUV modernization program. The second batch of another 16 units of e-jeepneys were deployed before the Christmas season to service the growing commuters along the route. Under the PUV modernization system laid down by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, public utility vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to travel as public transport.

LIPA CITY―A young mother of two, Nashiba Radia’s family left Marawi City in 2017 to escape the siege there to faraway Lemery, carrying her two young children Mohammad Reihan and Hafizah Radia, and whatever it was that they could pick-fold-andpack of their household belongings. At their tender age, the young siblings, now five and four years old, again had to experience being among thousands of internally displaced persons, as the family had to move―again―from Lemery town to this city, after the eruption of Taal Volcano triggered massive evacuation on Jan. 12. Minus their “Abi” (father) who would have to stay more often tending makeshift stalls for fellow Maranao Muslims, some generous relatives have shared a roof of shelter for the Radias in San Nicolas here. The Bangsamoro humanitarian team led by lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo spotted the kids wearing protective masks in their mom’s tow. They were rushing to a queue of residents receiving packages of emergency relief assistance from Moro volunteers working on the discharge and distribution of goods from a panel truck in Barangay Sabang here. Nashiba Radia, 23, says in times when there was hardly anything that the family earned from her husband’s stall- tending for Maranao vendors, the family survives mostly on generosity of those sending in relief goods for displaced families like them. “Because our package of assistance also included N95 masks, we gifted them with these masks and they were just too happy to wear it,” said Sinarimbo, a spokesperson for BARMM Chief Minister Al Hadj Murad Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, and head of BARMM-READi.

HELP KEEPS COMING. Workers of the City Government of Navotas unload relief packs and other assistance to families

in Batangas and Cavite affected by the Taal Volcano eruption on Sunday. The city donated 1,600 hygiene kits, P300,000 worth of medicines, and 300 sacks of rice for evacuees in Batangas City and Trece Martires. Andrew Rabulan

Belmonte declares war against illegal gambling By Rio N. Araja

UEZON City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday ordered Quezon City Police District’s Col. Ronnie Montejo to run after illegal gambling operations in the city.

She ordered the crackdown on all forms of illegal gambling, saying the city government cannot tolerate such. Even fiesta celebrations with cockfighting or “sabong” and all games in funerals, such as “sakla,” will no longer be allowed, Belmonte stressed. In giving her marching orders, she told Montejo to launch an all-out war to stop its operations and apprehend those behind it. “We will launch a full-scale operation

against all forms of illegal gambling, such as jueteng, video karera, EZ-2 and loteng, even small-scale operations in our barangays,” the city mayor said. She appealed to residents that it would be better to put their money on legitimate gaming operators such as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office that remit revenues to the government. Montejo vowed there would be major accomplishments against illegal gambling within a week.

Belmonte

Belmonte recently gathered the city’s 142 village executives to inform them about the strict implementation of the city ordinance against illegal gambling. She tasked barangay officials to closely monitor and report any gambling operation, and provide intelligence reports on illegal bet collectors or “bookies.”

Apalit heeds Pineda’s appeal, gives P500K to volcano victims APALIT, Pampanga―This first-class municipality on Monday donated cash and goods totalling almost P500,000 to the victims of Taal Volcano’s eruption. The cash donation was received personally by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas from Apalit Mayor Oscar Tetangco, who visited the ashfall-stricken province Sunday. Apalit’s cash donation was P200,000 from the mayor and municipal council and an additional P187,175 coming from the 12 barangays of the coastal town. Known for its water-based tradition called Apo Iru Fluvial procession from June 28 to 30, Apalit also donated 665 sacks of clothes, 439 packs of goods composed rice, sardines, coffee, sugar, dish wares, bread, biscuits, hygiene kits like toothbrush, toothpaste, diapers, citron buds, sanitary napkins, water, bathing and laundry soap, underwear, towels, blankets and matROTARY AWARDS. Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go (right) and Labor Secretary Silvestre tresses. Bello III receive trophies from BH Party-List Rep. Bernadette Herrera (left) during the Rotary Golden The donations of Apalit were in response to the appeal of Wheel Awards 2019-20 on Sunday at Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, Quezon City. The awards represent Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda to assist the victims of the vol‘their service to mankind and in doing good deeds to the world, and service that is done with excellence cano eruption. and with integrity,’ Rotary Club said in a statement. Manny Palmero Pampanga experienced the same disaster during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, but because of the resilience of different sectors the province, business and nongovernment organizations, the province was able to recover. Romeo Dizon

PCL Bicol chair Salceda highlights local lawmakers’ value THE Philippine Councilors League, with its 17,000 members strategically distributed in local government units nationwide, can be mobilized as a potent force for constructive nationbuilding and should support the national government agenda for real and meaningful reforms. PCL Bicol regional chair, Polangui, Albay Councilor Jesciel Richard Salceda who also rep-

resents his local group in the Albay Provincial Board, said local governments’ legislators should support and help push the reform agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. PCL members, he stressed are “modernizing agents of society” in pushing for constitutional reforms that will fortify the role of local governments in pursuing

local economic development. “It is high time the league’s strength and role in nation-building, which have remained unexplored be fully mobilized to help attain the country’s desired socioeconomic growth,” he added. Aspiring for the PCL national chairmanship, Salceda has been going around to campaign for initiatives and political reforms such as term extensions of elec-

tive local government officials and constitutional change. He also strongly espouses local economic development, climate change adaptation and effective local disaster risk reduction initiatives. Jesciel Richard Salceda is a nephew of Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, who chairs the House Ways and Means Committee.

DONATION. Mayor Mary Marilyn DG. Lambino (third from left) of Mangaldan, Pangasinan turns over a check for P150,000 to Rolanda Macatangay (center) Municipal Treasurer of Lemery, Batangas, as part of their financial assistance to the municipalities affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano. Mayor Lambino also handed checks to the municipalities of Taal, San Nicolas, Talisay, Laurel and Agoncillo worth a total of P900,000. Also in photo are (from left) Mangaldan Human Resources Officer Helen Aquino, Councilor Teresa Abalos, Councilor Juvy Frialde, Budget Officer Julieta Petonio and Emilio de Guzman.

Tondo man leaps to death from 5th floor of mall By Joel E. Zurbano AUTHORITIES are investigating the case of a man who died after he reportedly jumped off the fifth floor of the Starmall Shopping Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Sunday night. Pete Anthony Ventura, a resident of 1028 Hermosora Street, Barangay 200, Tondo, Manila, died on the spot due to severe head and body injuries. Reports released by the Southern Police District showed that Ventura jumped to his death at the ground floor of Starmall around 7:10 p.m. Roselyn dela Marquez, a sales lady and resident of Sampaguita Street, Magmanlac Apartment, Las Piñas City, said

while she was manning her stall, she heard a loud sound and was surprised upon seeing a man lying on the floor. Ventura was wearing a black shirt, blue basketball shorts, and slippers. Footage from the mall’s closed circuit television cameras, according to the SPD report, corroborated Dela Marquez’s story. The CCTV showed that Ventura “jumped off from the fifth floor inside the Starmall building, and as a result the victim sustained injuries which caused his instantaneous death,” the police report added. The Muntinlupa City Police Station is investigating the case and is not discounting suicide.

Life

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT By Monica Sanchez

HINA has locked down 13 cities, closed down establishments and tourist sites, halted wildlife trade, and canceled its Lunar New Year celebrations in an effort to contain and prevent further spread of the deadly coronavirus that’s gripping the nation.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

Protect yourself from coronavirus

And other viral respiratory infections

The new strain of coronavirus has taken the life of 56 people in China with 688 new cases diagnosed on Saturday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,975. As of Jan. 26, Australia has one confirmed case of the virus, Macau has five, Hong Kong has six, France has three known cases (the first European country to be affected), Japan has four cases, Malaysia has confirmed four cases, Nepal has one, Singapore has three, South Korea has three, Taiwan has detected three, Thailand has eight cases, United States has three confirmed cases, and Vietnam has two. While the virus hasn’t reached our shores yet, when the five-year-old Chinese boy placed under observation tested negative for the virus, our government has heightened precautions against the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). On Jan. 25, two patients were put under observation in a hospital in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan after they showed symptoms of infection. According to the World Health Organization, common signs of coronavirus infection includes fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and death. The 2019-nCoV is just one type of coronavirus. The Centers for Disease WASH THEM WELL. Experts strongly advise practicing good hand hygiene, as in washing hands regularly and thoroughly, to help Control and Prevention says coronavi- prevent transmission of viral respiratory infections.

ruses are a large family of viruses that circulate among animals, including camels, cats, and bats. “Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with MERS and SARS,” said the CDC. To help prevent the spread of the virus, the CDC encourages the public, especially those who are infected or being evaluated as well as those who provide healthcare and in close contact with someone confirmed or being evaluated, to wear a mask. Experts assert masks can help prevent the spread of droplets associated with respiratory illness. “If you’re unwell and you wear a mask, it can be effective because obviously you’re not coughing into your hand, so you’re not going to shake someone else’s hand [thereby] interrupting that method of transmission,” Dr. Nathalie MacDermott, a clinical lecturer at King’s College London, told Euronews. But a hospital epidemiologist opined that there is no reason for the general population to wear face masks, unless they’re infected. “Masks should minimize exposure, but they should be combined with good hand hygiene and social distancing,” Andrew Pekosz, a professor of molecular biology and immunology at Johns Hopkins University, was quoted as saying. Standard precautions include regular and thorough hand washing using soap and water for at least 60 seconds (following it up with hand sanitizer or 70 percent alcohol is recommended), and practice of cough etiquette which means covering mouth and nose with tissue paper when coughing or sneezing. It’s also best to take multivitamins and drink lots of water to boost immunity, avoid crowded places and close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, and properly wash and cook meat.

Patients infected with the new strain of coronavirus (2019-nCoV), first detected in Wuhan, China, have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. AFP

Fitness trackers can help predict flu outbreaks—study A RECENTLY published research reveals wearable fitness trackers may help in predicting influenza outbreaks in real-time. The study published on The Lancet Digital Health journal says wearable devices which collect data such as heart rates improve surveillance of infectious diseases. Resting heart rate tends to spike during infectious episodes and this is captured by wearable devices such as

fitness trackers and smartwatches. “Responding more quickly to influenza outbreaks can prevent further spread and infection,” says study author Dr. Jennifer Radin of Scripps Research Translational Institute. “We were curious to see if sensor data could improve real-time surveillance at the state level.” “In the future as these devices improve, and with access to 24/7 real-

A study reveals that fitness trackers may help improve the surveillance of infectious diseases.

time data, it may be possible to identify rate of influenza on a daily instead of weekly basis,” she adds. The researchers reviewed de-identified data from 200,000 users who wore a Fitbit wearable device that tracks users’ activity, heart rate, and sleep for at least 60 days during the study time from March 2016 to March 2018. Of the 200,000, 47,248 users from California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania wore a Fitbit device consistently during the study period, resulting in a total of 13,342,651 daily measurements evaluated. The average user was 43 years old and 60 percent were female. Users’ average resting heart rate and sleep duration were calculated, as well as deviations to this to help identify when these measures were outside of an individual’s typical range. During each week, a user was identified as abnormal if their weekly average resting heart rate was above their overall average (by more than a half or a full standard deviation) and their weekly average sleep was not below their overall average (by more than half a standard deviation). The data were compared to weekly estimates for influenza-like illness rates reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Heart rate and sleep duration captured by wearable fitness trackers have been utilized to help predict influenza outbreaks.

By incorporating data from Fitbit trackers, influenza predictions at the state level were improved. In all five states there was an improvement in real-time surveillance, and the closest alignment with CDC data was found when abnormal resting heart rate was defined as half a standard deviation above normal and sleep more than half a standard deviation below. “Clinical researchers are us-

ing wearables to pioneer new ways around how we understand, prevent and treat disease, and identify better approaches to keep people healthy and deliver more meaningful health outcomes. We’re excited by the potential wearables can play in helping to better predict the flu and the positive impact on both those with the flu and the healthcare system,” Fitbit said in a statement to CNN.

Life

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

EVERAL articles have been written about it, celebrities and a few of your friends swear by it. But questions and concerns remain about the efficacy and safety of intermittent fasting or IF.

To help the uninitiated and those curious to try IF, a health professional from Makati Medical Center gives the lowdown on Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Aniston’s diet plan.

HEALTH BULLETIN

The sense and science behind intermittent fasting

What it means

According to Maricar M. Esculto, RND, MD, IF is not an eating pattern by definition. “An eating pattern is defined as a combination of different foods or food groups. As its name suggests, intermittent fasting is more of alternating eating and abstaining from food.” “It is a way of eating that focuses more on ‘when’ than on ‘what’ you eat,” she explains, adding that such a practice is not new, citing various religions, including Catholicism and Islam, that observe fasting at specific times of the year. Further, this pattern has been present years before when prehistoric ancestors who hunted for their food did not eat until they caught their next meal.

How to do it

“There are different ways to do intermittent fasting,” adds Dr. Esculto. “The most popular and simplest is 16/8 or fasting for 16 hours and eating within eight hours.” She continues, “For example: you can eat from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. then abstain from eating from 9:01 p.m. to 12:59 p.m. In EatStop-Eat, fasting lasts for 24 hours. In other words, one can skip dinner and abstain from eating until dinner the next day. In the 5:2 diet, you spend two days in a week eating no more than 500 calories a day.” Water, tea, and black coffee are allowed during the period of fasting. To put simply how it works: eating for a certain period naturally limits the person’s caloric intake. “It lowers the insulin level in the blood and if the person has no intake of food for a prolonged period of time, fat will be mobilized to supply the body’s energy needs,” says Dr. Esculto. But just because the focus of IF is the time of eating not what a person eats, dieters who think they can eat all they want during IF’s eating phase will be disappointed, says Dr. Esculto. “It’s still all about eating sensibly, avoiding high-calorie foods, and practicing portion control. If you binge-eat after your fast, then you are sabotaging your weight-loss goals.”

Advantages and disadvantages

Aside from the desired weight loss (case in point: talk show host Jimmy Kimmel shed 25 lbs. in 2015 via IF), the eating/fasting pattern has also been credited for reducing inflammation, decreasing Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) or

TIME TO DINE. Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that focuses on the time of food intake, for instance fasting for 16 hours and eating within the remaining eight hours of the day. “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease. “IF has been credited for triggering the increase of the brain hormone BDNF (brainderived neurotrophic factor) and protecting individuals against Alzheimer’s disease, however, this was observed among animal models so far,” points out Dr. Esculto. While it sounds too good to be true, IF comes with a few caveats. According to Dr. Esculto, “Hunger is the chief complaint of those on intermittent fasting, especially if they’re just starting. People initially feel weak and not as mentally sharp, too.” Experts have also discovered that depriving yourself of food for some time increases the body’s level of cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone. Moreover, IF isn’t for everyone—particu-

IF lowers insulin level in the blood, as well as reduces inflammation and bad cholesterol level.

larly women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, as well as individuals with diabetes, low blood pressure, a heart condition, history of eating disorders, and other pre-existing conditions. “It is strongly recommended to consult with your physician before trying this way of eating,” advises Dr. Esculto.

The verdict

While intermittent fasting has been used as a safe way to initiate weight loss or break a weight-loss plateau, doctors do not recommend it be practiced long-term. “I would rather people develop a healthy attitude towards food and eating,” asserts Dr. Esculto. “Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein. Eliminate processed and junk foods. Exercise regularly.”

MEDS AND MORE

Relief for itchy skin

Physician’s personal approach applied in new clinic Dr. Joel Lopez opens his clinic in Centuria Makati, offering the latest treatments and services on holistic medicine.

Aesthetic Room

Colon-Hydro Therapy Room

GLOBALLY recognized physician Dr. Joel Lopez, known as one of the first doctors to incorporate Functional Medicine in his practice, has recently opened his clinic in Makati. The clinic offers Dr. Lopez’s expertise in diverse medical specializations such as Biological Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Age Management Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, and holistic treatments of Chronic Degenerative Diseases and agerelated disorders. Born and raised in Manila, he started his medicinal journey in Far Eastern University and later on pursued his Internal Medicine Residency training in the University of Illinois, Chicago. Right after his studies, he immediately worked as a physician in Alabama, Florida, and Indiana, USA. Dr. Lopez currently has an office in San Francisco, California. He continues to pursue his goal of helping and educating more people about the science of holistic medicine, today with J. Lopez, M.D. Medical Group Inc. The group consists of profes-

sionals with concrete medical foundation who aim to transform the lives of their patients for the better. Dr. Lopez’s Philippine clinic in Centuria, Makati offers the latest treatments and services that help improve patients’ well-being. “Based on statistics, 25 percent of healthcare is spent during the last years of a person’s life. So, it’s better if we spend this money on preventing illnesses and having a greater quality of life,” said Dr. Lopez. According to him, he uses a more personal approach to his patients, “my belief is that everybody is different, so my approach on one individual will be different from another.” Dr. Lopez is an active member of the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American College for Advancement in Medicine, American Institute of Functional Medicine, Society for the Advancement of Hormones and Healthy Aging Malaysia, American Academy of Ozone Therapy, and the Orthomolecular Health Medicine Society.

HEALTH and nutrition company Bayer Consumer Health introduces two new products that help ditch the itch caused by eczema, allergies, and dry skin. The Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream is a steroid-free formula that calms irritated skin naturally by helping stabilize skin barrier that has been damaged due to irritations, and reinforces the skin barrier thus helping in the healing process. It contains ceramides, natural lipids, and dexpanthenol that work together in repairing the damaged skin barrier while relieving the itch and lessening the redness of eczema. Meanwhile, the Bepanthen SensiDaily Moisturizer is an all-over daily moisturizing cream that strengthens skin barrier and provides long-lasting hydration. It is made with prebiotics that help maintain the skin’s natural microflora, glycerin, natural oils, and vitamin B3. According to its makers, the moisturizer is clinically proven

Bepanthen Itch Relief Cream and SensiDaily Moisturizer

to help keep skin eczema-free for up to three months. Both products are fragrancefree, hypo-allergenic, and are suitable for all ages including infants. They are available in all leading drugstores nationwide.

1 kilo malunggay in 1 capsule PACKED with 27 vitamins, nine essential amino acids, 46 antioxidants, and numerous minerals and high concentrations of protein, malunggay has earned for itself the tag “superfood,” making it a soughtafter vegetable. According to experts, an individual needs to consume half a kilo a day

Nutrawell Malunggay food supplement

to get the health benefits of malunggay. As a solution, Nutrawell offers Nutrawell Malunggay capsules. Nutrawell Malunggay is made from premium malunggay leaves with no extenders and fillers, and is encased in vegetable capsules that dissolve quicker than regular capsules, enabling fast absorption of nutrients. One capsule is equivalent to one kilogram of malunggay. When taken daily, it helps boost the body with the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. It also helps reduce risks of developing heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it is extremely helpful for pregnant and lactating women who may want to increase the production of their breastmilk. It’s available at Generika Drugstores nationwide.

Entertainment

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 nickie.standard@gmail.com

SNAPSHOT

complaints, Sonic was reworked, which led to the ﬁlm’s release date being pushed back from Nov. 8 to its Valentine’s Day opening next month. AFP

‘Sonic’ cast makes colorful appearance at movie premiere ACTOR Ben Schwartz with SEGA CEO Haruki Satomi and comedian Jim Carrey (inset) attend the Sonic the Hedgehogmovie premiere at Paramount Studio in Los Angeles, California. The cast, which also include James Marsden, made a colorful appearance as they stepped out to meet movie fans on

Saturday. Sonic the Hedgehog is based on the popular video game, which premiered in 1991. The original trailer for the ﬁlm sparked backlash from fans that weren’t happy with the digital animation of their beloved character. Following

Extra International From C4

New Voices

Internationally-acclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers

Powerhouse diva Dessa

ELEBRATE life and love with OPM icon Hajji Alejandro, the internationallyacclaimed Philippine Madrigal Singers, and powerhouse diva Dessa in Powerhouse Valentine happening on Feb. 14 at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel Manila in Araneta City. With stage direction by Calvin Neria and musical direction by Elmer Blancaﬂor, Powerhouse Valentine is a dinner concert that showcases the bravura of Hajji, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and Dessa as three of the best Filipino artists in live entertainment in an unforgettable evening of excellent music. With an awe-inspiring career that spans for almost 45 years, Hajji is a legendary Filipino artist who is one of the major proponents of OPM who recorded and popularized such mammoth hits as “Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Panakip Butas,” and “May Minamahal” among many other masterpieces. Hajji has performed live not only in sold-out venues here in the Philippines but the world over as well romancing generations of music lovers with his immortal classics and distinct brand of artistry. The Philippine Madrigal Singers or simply the Madz on the other hand, is the very ﬁrst choir in the world to win the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in 1997 which they took home again in 2007, making the group the only choir in the world to win the award twice. For almost 60 years, the Madz has been performing around the world bringing honor and prestige to the country as they are named Artists

Powerhouse Valentine at Novotel Manila For Peace by UNESCO while being the first Filipino choir to perform at the iconic Teatro Colon in Argentina and while being the very first choir in the world to receive the Brand Laureate Premier Award as the world’s best chorale ensemble from the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation to mention a few of the countless recognitions that they have brought home to the country. While Dessa is one of the most sensational live performers in the world with a vocal range and electrifying stage persona that never fails to amaze and enthrall audiences around the world. Her mainstream career kicked off after she bested the most experienced contestants in Kazakhstan in The Voice of Asia in 1993 where she also won the FIDOF award as best singer, the SAGA Yoshinogari Festa award in 1998 in Saga, Japan, and the Best Interpreter award in the 1999 Asia Song Festival in Malaysia. In the field of recording, D e s s a recorded the anthemic b a l l a d s “Bring Back The Times,” “Saan Ka Man Narooon,” and “Lipad Ng Pangarap.” Together, Hajji, the Madz, and Dessa will dazzle and thrill Filipinos in a world-class, oncein-a-lifetime Valentine musical spectacle that will encompass such genres as soul, disco, jazz, and R&B. Part of the proceeds of Powerhouse Valentine will be donated to its official beneficiary, the Philippine Cancer Society. Tickets to Powerhouse Valentine are available at TicketNet and TicketWorld. OPM icon Hajji Alejandro

A-list presenters at the glamorous downtown Los Angeles event Saturday included Al Pacino, Leonardo DiCaprio and Alfonso Cuaron, with Judd Apatow returning as host. Like the Oscars, the DGAs were criticized this year for excluding women from the top prize shortlist. DGA president Thomas Schlamme said the movie industry “still have a lot of work to do” on boosting diversity but pointed to the recently introduced firsttime director category, featuring three women. Alma Har’el (“Honey Boy”) won the prize, praising fellow female nominees Mati Diop (“Atlantics”) and Melina Matsoukas (“Queen & Slim”) as “the future.” The category means “new voices like us can be included and celebrated,” said Har’el, voicing support for a campaign to assist new mothers in the movie industry. Around 50 Hollywood women including Amy Schumer, Amy Poehler and Greta Gerwig recently co-signed a letter stating women “are penalized for having children in a way that their male counterparts are not.” Zeitgeist film American Factory, a film about a

US Rust Belt factory reopened by a Chinese billionaire, and which was produced by the Obamas, won best documentary. “When we started (the film), we didn’t have President Donald Trump even, let alone trade wars and the conflict with China,” director Julia Reichert told AFP. “I think we’re kind of a zeitgeist film.” The DGAs also honor television —Bill Hader won for directing dark hitman comedy Barry, in which he also stars, while the limited series prize went to Chernobyl. Superhero series Watchmen won the drama prize, seeing off an all-HBO shortlist including the much-maligned final season of Game of Thrones. Although lower key than the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild awards, the DGAs are longer-running and offer prestigious recognition from 18,000 voters including top directors. “To be nominated alongside these absolute legends is very surreal for me,” Waititi told AFP. “I am amongst the greats right now.” The Oscars will be handed out in Hollywood on Feb. 9. Andrew Marszal, AFP

SKY to raffle off Hokkaido trip for two SKY's Go Hokkaido Flyaway Promo runs until Feb. 25 and is available to all SKY Fiber, SKYcable and SKYdirect Postpaid subscribers.

ENJOY a fun getaway in the “Land of the Rising Sun” to start the year right with SKY’s “Go Hokkaido Flyaway Promo” where a subscriber and a travel companion will win an all-expense paid 5D/4N trip to Hokkaido, Japan. This exciting ﬂyaway is made possible with Hotel 101, which put together a fun-ﬁlled itinerary for the lucky SKY subscriber. The winner will have the chance to go on fabulous escapades, including a trip to Sapporo’s famous Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, the Sapporo Old Government Building, the festive Shiroi Koibito Park, Tanuki Koji/ Susukino shopping street, North Snowland in Chitose, Lake Shikotsu, Mt. Moiwa,

Sapporo Beer Garden, Otaru Canal City, Music Box Museum, Kitachi Glass Factory, Mitsui Outlet Park, and get to dine at the Gyuya Edohachi. Subscribers just need to log on to mysky. com.ph/myaccounts, register their SKY account number, or update their mobile numbers and/or email addresses until Feb. 25 to qualify for the rafﬂe promo. The promo is available to all SKY Fiber, SKYcable and SKYdirect Postpaid subscribers. The winner and his travel companion must have valid passports for six months from the travel period and must have a Japan VISA. Travel promo period is from March 23 to 27. For more details, visit mysky.com. ph/gohokkaido.

RitKen...

ko sana makatrabaho ko ulit sila again, soon. Mami-miss ko rin ang locations na pinupuntahan namin like Bataan. First time kong ma-experience na magpabalik-balik from Batangas to Mindoro. At mami-miss ko rin ang paglangoy-langoy ko rito sa dagat, kasi hilig ko talaga ang dagat at dito sa OOTB natupad ‘yun. Ang dami kong eksena na sumisid ako sa dagat at nakita ko ang mga coral reef at mga isda. And mamimiss ko ang luto ni Tita Amy Austria dahil lagi syang nagdadala ng pagkain sa set,” he says. Respect for other people is what Rita will take with her from OOTB. “Respect people’s time, respect kung ano man ang naging desisyon ng tao, and learn to adjust. Kasama ‘yun sa respect eh. Malaking bagay ‘yun kasi halos majority ng cast ay veteran actors. Nakita ko kung paano nila nire-respeto ang trabaho nila at mga taong kasama nila sa show,” she says. She shares that she will miss the Baes and their “Home Baes” the most. “Kahit na maliit at magulo, marami kaming napagdaanan doon. At syempre mami-miss ko ang production staff.” In a few days, the millennial fairy tale One of the Baes will ﬁnally come to an end. As the love story of Grant and Jowalyn (Team JowAnt) blooms, another one begins with Carmina and Paps (Team CarPaps). Will Team JowAnt, Team CarPaps, and the rest of the Home Baes family ﬁnally get their own version of happy ever after? Don’t miss the last chapter of One of the Baes, this Jan. 31, after The Gift on GMA Telebabad.

From C4

One of the Baes aimed to empower women on the high seas. It also paid tribute to our Filipino seafarers by featuring reallife maritime students from Maritime Academy of Asia and the Paciﬁc (MAAP) in the production. Ken, who plays Grant in the series, shares that the OOTB opened his eyes to the reality that maritime students face in achieving their dreams. “Habang ginagawa namin ang One of the Baes, naranasan at nalaman namin kung gaano kahirap ang buhay ng mga estudyante na gustong maging marino. Dati parang ang dami kong complaints about life. Pero nu’ng naranasan ko kahit papaano isabuhay ang buhay nila, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na wala akong karapatang mag-complain pa sa buhay. Hindi biro ang ginagawa ng mga estudyanteng marino dahil buhay nila ang isinasakripisyo nila, matupad lang ang pangarap nila at ‘yun ang pinaka-importanteng natutuhan ko sa One of the Baes.” He adds that he will deﬁnitely miss his OOTB family. “Sobrang mami-miss ko ‘yung mga co-actor ko at ang mga staff dahil sila ang nakakasama ko almost every day sa loob ng maraming buwan. Iba kasi ang nabuong samahan sa OOTB. Dati, kinakabahan ako kasi ang dami naming veteran actors na makakatrabaho. Nagkabaliktad, sobrang sarap pala nilang katrabaho at ‘yung kaba ko nawala dahil ang cool nila lahat. At ang mga staff, wish

Nickie Wang, Issue Editor nickie.standard@gmail.com

Entertainment

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

RitKen to choose between love and career in OOTB finale THEY sailed and braved the rough seas. The millennial fairytale One of the Baes marked the ﬁrst-ever primetime series of the RitKen love team―a dream come true for all RitKen shippers. Viewers were all aboard in following the story of Jowalyn and Grant in the said romantic-comedy series produced by GMA News and Public Affairs. Since its pilot airing, OOTB charmed its way to Filipino TV households and stirred interest among netizens. In the series, Jowalyn Biglangdapa (Rita Daniela) is resolved to become a ship captain, and tries to avoid romantic

entanglements along the way. Grant Altamirano (Ken Chan), on the other hand, is convinced he already met his one great love during his childhood and is on the verge of meeting her again. While showcasing environmental awareness through his vlogs, he sets out to look for her. Jowa discovers that going after her dream will not be smooth sailing, especially when people like Alona Aragoza (Melanie Marquez) and Xtina Aguilar (Joyce Ching) will do anything to pull her down. But with the support of her adoptive father, Paps Fernando

(Roderick Paulate), and her friends in the Home Baes, Jowa succeeds and finishes her studies and finally becomes a captain of the ship. Meanwhile, Grant learns that recognizing one’s true love can be challenging at times and that the past can cloud one’s perception of the present. At first, he thinks that he has found his childhood love in Xtina. Meeting Jowa changes everything as he finds himself falling in love with his friend. In the end, Grant discovers that Jowa indeed was the girl who saved his life when they were young. Continued on C3

Local Tinseltown's

Three Kings

‘1917’ scoops top Hollywood director prize for Mendes HOLLYWOOD’S directors handed World War I thriller 1917 their top annual prize Saturday, one of the ﬁnal major award shows that typically spells success at next month’s Oscars. The win makes British auteur Sam Mendes hot favorite for the best director Oscar—the Directors Guild of America Awards have correctly predicted the victor the past six years running. The movie, which follows two British soldiers on a perilous mission across no man’s land, has already scooped the Golden Globe for best drama, and has 10 Oscar nominations. Mendes praised the work of fellow nominees Martin Scorsese (The Irishman), Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood), Bong J o o n ho (Parasite), and Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit.) “To those who kick dirt on the grave of the movies—not so fast,” he said, dedicating the

Rita Daniela and Ken Chan, otherwise known as RitKen, are singing their swan song this Friday as screen fades out to black on 'One of the Baes.'

win to his grandfather, whose life inspired the film. “I know it sounds a bit loopy but I did feel he was with us in a couple of occasions when I was struggling,” said Mendes. Victory also boosts the film’s frontrunner status for the best picture Academy Award. The win comes more than two decades after Mendes first received the DGA award for American Beauty, a victory that led to Oscars wins for that film. Mendes told AFP his first win had been “frightening to be pitched into this sort of frenzy,” adding: “I’m 20 years older and I’m probably a little less scared.” The film’s two lead actors paid tribute to Mendes. “He’s a master of so many mediums... he’s pretty much done it all,” said George MacKay. “We’ll be very excited to see what happens at the Oscars—I’ve never been before!” his co-star Dean-Charles Chapman told AFP. Continued on C3 Sam Mendes' '1917' has already scooped the Golden Globe for best drama, and has 10 Oscar nominations.

Celebrating 40 years of ABBA music THIS coming Valentine Season, fall in love again with the music of the international tribute group Abbamania in a series of concerts. Europe’s leading tribute band continues to entertain audiences with its outstanding vocals and musical performances live on stage. ‘‘You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life with Abbamania,” as the group celebrates 40 years of iconic ABBA. Abbamania’s widely acclaimed tribute to ABBA is a sensational two hour show featuring record breaking and timeless hits like “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando,” and “Chiquitita.”

Dust off your platforms, put on your flares, and come along and enjoy an unforgettable night with Abbamania. See the tribute band perform live at the following venues: Feb. 11 and 12 at New Frontier Theater; Feb. 13 at Aquino Center Tarlac; Feb. 14 at The Tent at Solaire; and Feb. 15 at Laus Group Event Center San Fernando, Pampanga. Tickets available at Ticketnet 89115555, Ticketworld at 8891 9999, and SM tickets at 8470 2222. This show is brought to you by MR. P Entertainment Productions, Home Radio 97.9, NEO Retro 105.9, Wish FM 107.5 and MOR 101.9.

Abbamania is rated as the number one Abba production in the world.

IOLO Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, and Derek Ramsay are considered local Tinseltown’s A-list leading men. And having them in one room is extremely rare because that would mean overwhelming star power.

The three kings of local showbiz made every jaw dropped when they gathered at Dunkin’ Aurora Blvd. outlet and surprised its loyal patrons as they came in full force to grace the newly-renovated branch in Quezon City. People queried whether they have considered working in one project outside their contract as Dunkin’ Donuts celebrity endorsers. “If Dunkin’ was able to put us three together then why not? I mean, we can do something else. Just like my vlog, I’m able to express myself better and connect with fans,” Piolo said instantaneously. To which, GMA’s primetime king Dingdong replied, “Nabitin nga ako sa shoot namin. So, I guess we should all do something different.”

A-list celebrities and Dunkin' ambassadors Derek Ramsay, Piolo Pascual, and Dingdong Dantes.

Piolo is open to the idea of doing a movie with co-endorsers Derek and Dingdong, “Deﬁnitely, sana may magproduce, malay natin ang Dunkin’ gawan kami.” During the event, Derek shared that like Paolo and Dingdong, he’s also going is going to venture into vlogging. Apart from doing two movies this year, and one of them is with girlfriend Andrea Torres, clogging excites him so much because of the material he and his team already have. “We might launch the vlog early February, we wanted to launch it last year but a lot of things had happened, and we’ve got so many materials to share with our fans,” Derek shared. The newly redesigned Dunkin’ Donut outlet is located at 33 Aurora Blvd., cor. Balete Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. Meanwhile, if you need your ﬁll of good vibes this 2020, the newly-renovated Dunkin’ Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City branch is ready to put you in a wonderful mood through its upgraded 360 design and great tasting coffee and donuts. All the elements are aligned with the Dunkin’ Proud design strategy, encouraging both Dunkin’ Donuts new and long-time patrons to experience and celebrate the brand that has been serving them in the Philippines for almost 40

years. The outlet banners its signature orange and magenta colors, brought to life by artworks, one of which even bears local elements such as a tarsier, a jeepney, a pawikan and the Mayon Volcano. It has also a community table that encourages sharing and interaction, which has a provision for power supply to make it more convenient for students and businessmen who frequent the outlet. For senior citizens and PWD customers who love their Dunkin’ coffee, couches are placed on the sides to give them their own space to relax. And for those who just want to grab and go, there is a dedicated take-out counter. Lastly, the warm white lights, plus cozy café-style tables and chairs, make it even more enjoyable to have their favorite world-famous Dunkin’ coffee and donuts. To make it a year of good vibes, Dunkin’ Donuts offers the Dunkin’ SariSari Bucket filled with 10 Choco Bang, 16 Premium Munchkins and 12 Dunkin’ Yan for P299. It is available in all Dunkin’ outlets until Jan. 31. “There will be five more like this,” Derek referring to the new themed Dunkin’ 360 design and newly-launched meals. “And they’re dropping Donuts, just Dunkin’ to give it a better recall. Just like first name basis.”