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‘Usman’ enters PAR, landfall on Friday THE state weather bureau on Tuesday said Tropical Depression “Usman” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Usman was spotted 955 kilometers east of Hinatuan town in Surigao del Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

Mayor Carlwyn Baldo

The storm, moving northwest at 20 km/h, is packing winds of 45 km/ hr and gustiness of up to 60 km/hr. PAGASA said Usman may further intensify into a tropical storm and make landfall in Eastern Samar on Friday. It may exit the country either on Sunday night (Dec. 30) or early Monday morning (Dec. 31).

VOL. XXXII • NO. 314 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Daraga mayor rejects politics in solon’s slay HE rival of assassinated congressman Rodel Batocabe in next year’s mayoral race in the town of Daraga said local politics was not behind his killing Saturday.

FULL-BORE PROBE. Police are looking into all angles, including politics, in the weekend assassination of Rep. Rodel Batocabe who is running for mayor in the May 2019 mid-term elections. His rival, Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, has said he will do everything to help in the investigation, while the Supreme Court itself says it will act on attacks on lawyers including that of Batocabe’s. Photo from UNTV

Mayor Carlwyn Baldo, who was set to run against Batocabe next year, said he would do all he could to help in the investigation. “We want to assure the public that everything is being done to solve the killings and to give protection to the innocent that as your mayor and as the chairman of peace and order municipal council that justice will be served to Congressman Batocabe,” he said in a statement. Batocabe and his police bodyguard, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, were shot dead Saturday afternoon as they were leaving a giftgiving event in Barangay Burgos in Daraga town, Albay. Police said they were investigating several angles in the killings, including a political motive. Witnesses told the police that at least three of the gunmen mingled with the crowd after the murder. A report from GMA News quoted bystanders said the killers got on waiting motorcycles to make their escape. Police said CCTV footage would enable them to identify the getaway vehicles. On social media, Batocabe’s wife Gerti said her husband could have been murdered over politics. Lawmakers and the governor of Albay have put together P30 million as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the killers. The Supreme Court, meanwhile, said it will act on spate of attacks on lawyers following the latest killing of lawyer and Ako Bicol Party-list representative Batocabe. Court Administrator Midas Marquez on Tuesday said Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin has received the online petition by officials and members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines urging the 15-member bench to take measures to protect lawyers after some of its members have been killed.

Immigration may lose authority to issue work permit to foreigners By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Labor and Employment is considering withdrawing the authority granted to the Bureau of Immigration to issue special work permits to aliens following reports of abuse and a rise in the number of illegal foreign workers. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the department would coordinate with the Department of Justice, which oversees the bureau. Bello issued the statement after lawmakers pressed the government to crack

down on hundreds of thousands of illegal foreign workers, saying they were taking jobs from Filipinos and possibly threatening national security. The issuance of SWPs is an avenue for corruption. The Bureau of Immigration has issued at least 200,000, mostly to Chinese nationals, while the DOLE has issued at least 160,000 alien employment permits. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, which is under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority

Urbi Et Orbi Don’t be greedy VATICAN CITY—Pope Francis on Monday assailed the “insatiable greed” of today’s consumerism, calling on people in his Christmas homily to make “sharing and giving” more a part of their lives.

Military all geared up vs NPA attacks By Francisco Tuyay GOVERNMENT forces have fortified their positions to repulse any attacks by the communist New People’s Army, which celebrates its 50th founding anniversary today, an official said Tuesday. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Noel Detoyato said government troops were ready to secure any community against any attacks by the New People’s Army, the CPP’s military arm. He made the statement even as Police

Chief Oscar Albayalde said the CPP had so far made no threats on the eve of its 50th founding anniversary. But he said government troops remained on alert and ready to repulse any attacks. The CPP announced a unilateral ceasefire in time for the holidays and for the celebration of its anniversary on Dec. 26. And following the communists’ raid in Tubigan, Agusan del Sur, last week that resulted in the kidnapping of 12 soldiers, Next page

CHRIST REBORN. Pope Francis kneels down to pray as he celebrates Mass on Christmas eve marking the birth of Jesus at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. In his homily, the pope said ‘by incarnating himself as a small child laid in a manger, Jesus allows mankind, through his flesh, to be reborn in love, breaking ‘the spiral of grasping and greed.’ AFP

Firecrackers in low supply, vendors up prices by 30% THE low supply of firecrackers from manufacturers in Bocaue ahead of the year-end revelry have forced vendors to increase their prices by 30 percent, a firecracker vendor said Tuesday. Ding Dinglasan says it is only this year that Bocaue, the firecracker capital of the Philippines, has experienced a firecracker shortage.

Non-stop service stalls deportation STRAIGHTFORWARD SERVICE. One for the books, the more than 1,400 hours of round-the-clock church service since Oct. 26 to stop police from enforcing a government deportation order against five members of a family who have been living in The Netherlands for nine years—under a law that police are not permitted to enter a church while a religious service is on.

AN UNINTERRUPTED church service in The Netherlands—intended to stop an Armenian family from being deported—has become well-known it has issued tickets for the Christmas period to control numbers, according to the American news-based Cable News Network. Next page

He made his statement even as dzBB radio said 13 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded in the last few days, which is 61-percent lower than the comparative figure last year. Over at the Health department, Secretary Francisco Duque III says officials led by Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje have visited some hospitals to evaluate their readi-

ness to treat fireworks-related injuries. “Our hospitals should be ready for any eventualities during this holiday celebration when alcohol and fireworks sometimes become the center of merriment,” Duque said. Dinglasan told UNTV that many firecracker manufacturers did not deliver Next page

YEAR ENDER

Senate tags 2018 as ‘prolific year’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Senate approved 95 bills that were passed into law since the start of the year and 85 other enrolled bills are awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval, making 2018 a prolific year for the chamber, Senate President Vi-

cente Sotto III said Tuesday.He acknowledged the experience, cooperation, and camaraderie of his colleagues for the Senate’s efficiency this year. Aside from the approved bills as of Dec. 13, 2018, Sotto said 19 bills are pending in the bicameral conference

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

News

Luneta draws 5K Xmas crowd D

RIVING rains from the northeast monsoon failed to stop, by police count, 5,000 people from staying at the bayside Luneta, a historical urban park in the capital city of nearly 16-million people, on Christmas eve to sunrise Tuesday.

The 58-hectare Luneta, adjacent to the old walled city of Intramuros in the heart of Manila, is one of the largest parks in Asia and is a favorite leisure spot frequented by residents on Sundays and holidays. The rains, dumped as well in the out-

skirts of the capital as in Cainta and Taytay towns near Laguna de Bay, also contributed traffic in some avenues leading to the heart of the city because of rising floodwaters that quickly subsided. The isolated thunderstorms on Mon-

day provided a cap to the 20 storms that had previously whacked the typhoon-prone country that averages 21 a year, according to weather observers. Police authorities, who monitored movements of residents during Christmas eve and those who went to the urban parks, reported no untoward incidents. They said Christmas celebration in the metropolis had been generally peaceful. One of those who went to Luneta was Ariel Tombo, who admitted his

family wanted to spend Chrtistmas differently in 2018, instead of staying at home—reason they flocked to Luneta. Some of the attractions visitors— some were from the provinces visiting relatives residing in Metro Manila—had their eyes on were the dancing fountain which undulated to the rhythm and beat of happy Christmas songs. The downside in the overnight stay at the Luneta by the visitors, according to garbage collectors, was the heap of trash strewn in nearly every corner.

Immigration... From A1

and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is also issuing working visas to foreigners. With SWPs, a foreign worker is allowed to work in the country for three months and is allowed to apply for a three-month extension. The DOLE, on the other hand, issues special working permits for short durations, for foreign workers such as singers who come here for a two- to three-day performance. But the DOLE said that some agencies were issuing SWPs to foreigners to work as sales personnel and even as construction workers.

From A1

“The Chief Justice will seek the concurrence of the Court in conducting an independent investigation and convening a dialogue between the members of the bar and the law enforcers,” Marquez said in a statement. The IBP petition, signed initially by 78 lawyers, called on the SC to “take immediate action to protect lawyers in the Philippines as they perform their function to protect their clients’ rights and uphold the rule of law.” The IBP made the appeal as it condemned the killing of Batocabe in Albay last Saturday. Just last month, lawyer Benjamin Ramos, was shot dead by two unidentified men at the public plaza of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Ramos was the secretary general of the National Union of People’s Lawyers-Negros who was actively assisting the families of the nine farmers killed in Sagay, Negros Occidental.Rey E. Requejo

Senate... From A1

Non-stop service... From A1

The round-the-clock service has been going on relentlessly since Oct. 26—more than 1,400 hours. Under Dutch law, police officers are not permitted to enter a church while a religious service is taking place. Reason church leaders conceived the idea of meeting non-stop to prevent the Tamrazyans, who have lived in The Netherlands for nine years, from being removed from the country, CNN said. The five members of the Tamrazyan family took refuge in the church on Oct. 25, 2018 after Dutch authorities turned down their request for asylum. The Dutch Minister for Migration, Mark Harbers, has thus far refused to use his discretionary powers to intervene and allow them to stay His office declined to specifically discuss the case when contacted by CNN. Last week, CNN quoted the church as saying it was disappointed by the Minister’s inaction and vowed to continue the service. “Just before Christmas, when we celebrate God’s humanityloving and peaceful deeds, we feel strengthened not to forsake our responsibility for the Tamrazyan family,” Rev. Theo Hettema, chair of the Protestant Church The Hague, said in a statement. Since then, hundreds of pastors and volunteers have taken part in the service. Axel Wicke from the Bethel church and community center in The Hague told CNN the service had become something of a “pilgrimage” for people across The Netherlands. “We have had to account for so many people who want to visit during Christmas,” Wicke said, adding that two of the services were being streamed on Christmas eve and Christmas Day. According to Harbers, the church provided an “extensive file with new information” to the Minister to help convince him of the family’s case. 21-year-old Hayarpi—the oldest daughter in the family of five— said on Twitter she had been encouraged by the full attendance at the church. This Christmas season, though, the family will spend time together holed up in a church that has offered them sanctuary, hoping and praying for a Christmas miracle.

Daraga...

HOLIDAY GET-TOGETHER. Families gather for

a picnic at Luneta Park Manila on Christmas Day. Norman Cruz

Military... From A1

Firecrackers... From A1

additional stocks, and these included Arial, Platinum and Diamond. “Dadalawa na lang. Dati lima iyan talaga,” Dinglasan said. “[Iyong] Arial hinahanap ng ibang tao pero wala na. Iyong Platinum marami ring naghahanap noon dahil magandang brand. Kaya lang wala rin silang parating, Iyong Diamond naman mga fountain lang kaya hahanapin yun.” Firecrackers like the so-called sawa now sells for P700 from the previous P500 per 2,000 rounds; P450 (from P300) per 1,000 rounds; and P200 (from P150) per 500 rounds. Decorative lighting devices, meanwhile, now sell at P25,000 for every 200 shoots, a P5,000 increase from previous price; P5,000 (from P3,500) for every 100 shoots; P2,500 (from P2,000) for every 49 shoots; and P800 (from P500) for every 16 shoots. Sparklers now sell at P35 (from P30) for each bundle while the fountain now costs P50 (from P25) for every piece. “Expected naman na mataas kasi kulang ang mga supply talaga. Mas maraming stock dati kaysa ngayon,” said Marcelo Angeles, a Marcelo Fireworks Dealer. Still, firecracker vendors are looking forward to the surge of buyers starting Dec. 27 until Dec. 31, when the demand for firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices peaks. Macon Ramos-Araneta

CPP chairman Jose Maria Sison ordered the NPA to escalate its attacks during the Christmas season. As a result, Detoyato advised Filipinos to remain vigilant. “As far as we peace-loving Filipinos are concerned, the CPPNPA has nothing to celebrate and no achievement to be proud of,” Detoyato said. Three days before the CCP’s anniversary, party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe was shot dead by still unidentified men in Daraga, Albay, an incident that the government blamed on the communists. The authorities have also blamed the NPA for the killing of dozens of policemen, soldiers and even village officials in attacks in the aftermath of President Rodrigo Duterte’s abrogation of the peace talks. Philippine Army spokesman Louie Villanueva said all field units were enforcing stricter security measures to thwart any attacks by the communists. “The Philippine Army along with its entire operational and tactical units have already stepped up its security measures,” Villaueva said.

committee and 45 other bills were approved on third and final reading. “Swift action was taken by the Senate without sacrificing the keen and prolonged debates on most of these very important bills,” Sotto said. Leading the list of bills that became law this year are the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the Philippine Identification System Act, the Filipino Sign Language Act, the National Payment Systems Act, the Personal Property Security Act, and the ‘Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.’ Major enrolled bills awaiting the President’s signature into law include the proposed Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, Universal Healthcare Program Act, the bill on Mandatory Philhealth Coverage for all Persons with Disabilities, the Social Security Act of 2018, the HIV/ AIDS Prevention Act, amendments to the charter of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the Mobile Number Portability Act, the Expanded Maternity Leave Act, and the bill creating the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. Other important bills pending in the bicameral conference committee include the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act, the National Integrated Cancer Control Program Act, and the bill expanding the supplemental appropriations for fiscal year for patients in relation to the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy. Sotto said the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which prepares for the establishment of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region on Muslim Mindanao, was the most challenging measure the senators worked on this year, as he noted the long debates that transpired before the bill was signed into law. The same is true, he said, regarding the Philippine Identification System Act, given the many discussions senators had on the issue. Despite this, Sotto said the speedy passage of bills can be attributed to the “wealth of experience” of the current Senate leaders, who are all veterans of legislative proceedings. “The people I work in tandem with have spent years in Congress so we really have a good rapport, including the Senate Minority Leader. Experience, cooperation, and camaraderie go a long way,” he said.

Urbi... From A1

“Mankind became greedy and voracious,” the leader of the world’s 1.3-billion Catholics said in an address to thousands of followers in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. “In our day, for many people, life’s meaning is found in possessing, in having an excess of material objects,” he said. “An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive.” The birth of Christ pointed to a new way to live “not by devouring and hoarding, but by sharing and giving,” he said during a Christmas Eve mass. We “must not lose our footing or slide into worldliness and consumerism,” he added. People should ask themselves: “Do I really need all these material objects and complicated recipes for living? Can I manage without all these unnecessary extras and live a life of greater simplicity?” he asked. Pope Francis, who turned 82 earlier this month, will deliver his sixth “Urbi et Orbi” address on Tuesday, Christmas Day—when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—to pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square. AFP

News

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

Solons pushes for separate funding program for soldiers

CHRISTMAS AT THE PARK. Families gather for a picnic and play at the Children’s Playground at the Luneta Park Manila on Christmas Day. Norman Cruz

By Maricel V. Cruz A LEGISLATOR on Tuesday expressed support for the establishment of a separate pension fund for soldiers to ease the burden of paying the pensions of retired military personnel from the Government Service Insurance System. Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Francisco Datol, Jr. vice chairman of the House Special Committee on Senior Citizen, broached the idea as President Duterte’s ordered the Departments of Finance, and Budget Management to draft a plan to establish a a soldier’s fund to be administered by the GSIS. The soldier’s pension fund will be separate from the pension fund of other goverment personnel now being administered by the GSIS. “I agree with the broad strokes of the solution Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno have disclosed so far and I am hereby committing to file and push for the draft bill as soon as the DOF and DBM have finalized it,” Datol, also member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare, said. Aside from the contribution from soldiers and the counterpart to be provided by the government through budgetary allocations, Datol proposed the augmentation of the fund through taxes imposed on firearms, bullets, explosives imported by private sector. “To lessen the premiums burden on retired soldiers who are now senior citizens and on the retiring military servicemen, I suggest that there be a particular tax on firearms, ammunition, and explosives imported by the businesses and private individuals and that proceeds of this tax go to the soldiers’ pension fund,” Datol said. In the middle of 1970s, then President Ferdinand E Marcos established the Armed Forces of the Philippines Retirement and Separation Benefit System to equalize the pensions of all military retirees. Aging military retirees have been complaining that their pensions are considerably lower than the pensions of recent and younger retirees, Datol said. The situation came about because of the drastic increases in the salaries of uniforned personnel during the imposition of Martial Law. However, military observers said the RSBS was “ill-fated” from the very start because the administration gave only P2 million as a start-up fund while actuarial studies conducted indicated that a P2-billion fund was needed to make the fund viable.

backs 2018 a banner year for PN, House bill promoting as it enters ‘missile age’ small, medium enterprises Y EAR 2018, which will end in a few days’ time, can be considered as a banner year for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially the Philippine Navy, as it formally entered the missile age and demonstrated its capability to sail beyond its territorial waters during deployments to the US, South Korea and Russia.

This is aside from projected deliveries of new assets for 2019, such as the AgustaWestland AW-159 “Wildcat” helicopters and the “Pohang”-class frigate donated by South Korea to the Philippines. The PN’s formal entry to the missile age took place off Lamao Point, Limay, Bataan last Nov. 21, when three of its multi-purpose assault craft fired the newly-acquired and installed Rafael Advanced Defense Ltd. SpikeER (extended range) surface-tosurface missile during a capability demonstration witnessed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Adm Robert Empedrad. During the exercise, the MPACs fired two Spike-ER missile rounds, which hit two surface targets. The said craft also utilized remote-controlled .50 caliber machine guns to neutralize another

target. An AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopter armed with 2.75inch high-explosive rockets also provided air support to the MPACs by firing its weapons. “Impressive. Not one (missile) round was wasted,” Lorenzana said in describing the SpikeER capability demonstration, which he witnessed aboard the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602). He said this is no mean feat considering that the seas were quite rough at the time. “(Modern) technology has come to the Navy and we will use this technology to protect our seas,” the DND chief emphasized. A single Spike-ER missile round costs an estimated PHP10 million, which makes accuracy for the PN a virtue. The first test-firing of the Spike-ER missile took place last Aug. 9 in the

same location. The weapon was ﬁred from one of the PN’s three Spike-ER armed MPACs. The MPACs were constructed by the Subic-based Propmech Corporation and activated on May 22, 2017. The PN MPAC Acquisition Project entered into a contract with Rafael, through SIBAT of Israel Ministry of Defense, for the supply and integration of the weapons systems to three Mark III MPACs. On April 15, 2017, Lorenzana approved the Notice to Proceed. The Spike-ER system, which arrived in the country last April, is the PN’s ﬁrst missile weapon capable of penetrating 1,000-mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a range of eight kilometers. More missile-armed MPACs needed to defend PH waters Empedrad, meanwhile, said missilearmed MPACs can be utilized to defend Philippine waters through the so-called “swarming tactic”, where these craft will be committed to engage larger and more capable ships posing a threat to the country’s waters. The PN chief added that the Navy needs an additional 42 MPACs to further enhance its capabilities to defend the country’s waters.

Holiday Piso Seat Sale resumes on Xmas Day—CEB By Joel E. Zurbano THE Cebu Pacific Air has announced its Holiday Piso Seat Sale promo for domestic and international flights resumed on Christmas Day. The promo was suspended temporarily last Monday after CEB experienced a system glitch affecting its online checkin and airport operations. According to CEB corporate communications director and chief information officer Charo LogartaLagamon airline technicians detected the problem around 8 a.m. Monday. In its earlier advisory, the airline said that it encountered intermittent system connection at the airport. “While we are using an alternate

system of check-in and boarding, please expect slower turnaround times, as we exert all efforts to restore the system.” “The system was restored about 7 p.m. [Dec. 24],” Lagamon told Manila Standard in a text message. On Christmas Day, CEB said that “[Piso] Seats are still up for grabs for ﬂights across domestic destinations such as Cebu, Caticlan (Boracay), Siargao and Puerto Princesa; or selected international destinations like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Fukuoka, Hanoi and Siem Reap for as low as PHP1.00 base fare.” The airline management said no fuel surcharge will be levied during the seat sale and the sale will run until 11:59

p.m. (Dec. 25) or until seats last. The travel period for the said promo is from July 1 to Nov. 30, 2019. “We thank our passengers, patrons and the public for their patience, understanding and support as we work on our full system restoration,” the CEB management added. Cebu Pacific Air Inc. is the largest carrier in the Philippine air transportation industry, offering low-cost services to more destinations and routes with higher flight frequency within the Philippines than any other airline. CEB and subsidiary Cebgo fly to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations, with over 107 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA.

BoC foils try to smuggle ‘ammos’ GOVERNMENT agents have foiled another attempt by arms smugglers who used balikbayan boxes to transport highend ammunitions worth P1 million from the United States. The shipment of six balikbayan boxes, which was consigned to a certain Arnel Velasco but coursed through Lario Vecencio, 54, of San Marcelino, Zambales, arrived at the Manila International Container Port on Dec. 6 and was sent by one Alex Agustin, of Gilroy, California. Authorities said the seized shipment was misdeclared as household goods and personal effects. Found inside the balikbayan boxes were 10 boxes of Riﬂe Line ammunition (50 cartridges of 30 carbine spm 110 gr/7.13 per box); 30 boxes of Wolf performance ammunition (20 cartridges of 7.62 x 39mm per box); 50 33-round magazines of 9mm Glock; 22 military backpacks and accessories; three used

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T-shirts; three BTLS bottled water and a bottle of hot sauce. MICP Customs chief intelligence officer Alvin Enciso said Vecencio was the same person who was arrested in September for his involvement in the same modus operandi in Port of Zambales. Enciso suspects that the syndicate behind the smuggling intended to sell these “expensive and specialized types of ammunitions in the underground gun market.” “There is a demand for high-end ammunition in the country and it reaps big profit, and that is why there are those who take the risk and continue to illegally import ammunition into the country,” he said. Last September, Customs agents seized firearms accessories worth P5.5 million also concealed in six balikbayan boxes declared as goods, and arrested two men, including Vecencio, who tried to claim the boxes at the Port of Zambales. Joel E. Zurbano

ALMS PLEASE. Indigenous people ask alms from motorists on Christmas day along UN Avenue in Manila. Norman Cruz

THE House of Representatives led by Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved a bill which strengthens the growth and development of the country’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). House Bill 8714, which was already passed on third and final reading at the Lower House, aims to strengthen and enhance the financing programs for MSMEs, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 6977, as amended, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises”. Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Cagayan de Oro City, principal author of the bill, underscored the need to strengthen the Magna Carta for MSMEs. “The MSME Sector accounts for 62.8 percent of total jobs generated by all types of business establishment in 2014. Of the total number of MSMEs, 90.3 percent are micro enterprises, 9.3 percent are small enterprises and 0.4 percent are medium enterprises,” Rodriguez said. He said that despite its importance to the economy of MSMEs, the lack of access to financing and related forms of support continue to be a major handicap to them. Rep. Michael Romero of 1-PACMAN, another author of the bill, said there is a need to create a more effective financial institution that is better geared to the meet the needs of the MSMEs. Under the bill, the National Government, its bureaus, offices and agencies are mandated to allocate at least 10 percent of all its procurement opportunities for goods and services to eligible MSMEs in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reforms Act”, and its implementing rules and regulations. The proposal expands the membership of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Council with the inclusion of the Secretary of Finance, three representatives from the MSME sector to be designated by a national organization representing and dominated by MSMEs as members. Likewise, the Executive Director of the Cooperative Development Authority; a representative of a national organization representing and dominated by MSMEs; a representative of the microfinance nongovernment organizations designated by the Microfinance NGO Regulatory Council; one representative from the women sector designated by the Philippine Commission on Women; one representative from the youth sector designated by the National Youth Commission and a representative from non-stock savings and loan associations designated by the Alliance of Non-stock Savings and Loan Institutions, Inc. shall form part of an Advisory Unit to the council. The bill also states that the Small Business Corp. shall have a Board of Directors to be composed of 13 members which shall include among others, the President of the Government Service Insurance System; and the President of the Social Security System.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

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‘Cut away’: Dual nationals feel cast adrift in Japan By Oceane Cornevin WHEN Yuki Shiraishi passes through immigration at Tokyo airport, she is hit with a wave of shame and embarrassment. While her parents whizz through the line for Japanese nationals, she is stuck with the foreigners, surreptitiously trying to hide her Swiss passport. Shiraishi is one of an estimated million citizens forced to give up their Japanese nationality when they became dual nationals. The issue was thrust into the spotlight when tennis star Naomi Osaka won the US Open. The 21-year-old has a Japanese mother, a Haitian father and was born in Japan but raised in the United States. She has dual citizenship but will technically have to decide by her 22nd birthday which flag to play under, unless Japanese authorities turn a blind eye to a special case. Shiraishi, now 34, is battling for change. With a group of others, she filed a suit this year against the Japanese government in a bid to reform what critics see as an antiquated and obsolete system. ‘I was being rejected’ She was born and raised in Switzerland, her parents working for the UN and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Shortly before she turned 16, she took her parents’ advice and obtained Swiss nationality to facilitate day-today administrative issues. It was only when she returned to Japan, six years later, that she realised what that decision meant. Her father, a lawyer, advised her to return her Japanese passport. “For him, there was no question of me living ‘hidden’, residing against Japanese laws by holding two passports in secret.” She went to the consulate and describes a sad experience of feeling thrown out by her own country. “I realised that, without any reason, I was being rejected. I was being cut away from my country even though I was born with a Japanese passport,

my two parents are Japanese and I still have very close ties with Japan,” she said. What really stung was when her name was transformed for official purposes from the traditional kanji letters to a Western-style alphabet. “I pretended that it was just an administrative thing. But in fact, it really hurt,” she said. Hitoshi Nogawa, who is also suing the government, lost his Japanese nationality after gaining a Swiss passport and blasts what he says is a law stuck in the past. “Japan was closed off to other countries for around 250 years and the lawmakers at the time never imagined that Japanese people would one day go to work abroad,” said the 75-year-old. Shiraishi said the law is “absurd” and has “stripped me of my nationality without my consent”. “I am Japanese and Swiss, like a child who sticks to two parents, not just one of them,” she said. ‘One people’ The relevant department in the justice ministry declined to comment on the specific case “because it could interfere” with the legal procedure. But authorities recalled that the law cuts both ways—it also allows people the freedom to give up their Japanese nationality if they choose. According to the letter of the law, anyone who has not chosen either way within the period prescribed is required to make a decision within a month or they are stripped of their nationality. In practice, though, the justice ministry has never sent such a demand. It says it was aware of 900,000 people with dual nationality between 1985 and 2016. But the actual figure could be larger or smaller. For Shiki Tomimasu, the attorney in charge of the suit, this makes the law all the more ridiculous. “Everything rests on a personal declaration so unless an individual admits to having dual nationality, the government will never realize.” Japan is one of around 50 countries

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Life-changing gifts

T WAS an eye-opener to learn that the late US President George H.W. Bush had secretly sponsored a seven-yearold boy named Timothy from the Philippines for 10 years.

Compassion International, a nonprofit organization that uses local churches to help children in poor communities around the world, told CNN that for a decade, the former US President sent funds that went toward Timothy’s education, extracurricular activities and some of his meals. Once the sponsorship began in 2002, Bush began writing to Timothy right away and the two became pen pals. “Dear Timothy, I want to be your new pen pal,” Bush began his first letter. “I am an old man, 77 years old, but I love kids; and though we have

not met I love you already. I live in Texas—I will write you from time to time—Good Luck. G. Walker” Bush used a pseudonym because his security team was concerned that Timothy might become a target if people found out he was in communication with a former US President. “His letters were the most sweet, spirited letters I have read from any sponsor, but he kept giving hints as to who he could be,” said Wess Stafford, the president of Compassion International at the time. His first security breach was sharing a picture of his dog. “Here is a picture of our dog,” he wrote. “Her name is Sadie. She has met a lot of famous people.” “She is a very good dog she was born in England. She catches mice and chipmunks, and she runs like the wind. G. Walker.” He also mentioned that he was famous enough to get invited to the White House for Christmas. Although sending presents was

not allowed, Bush would send them anyway, specially when he found out Timothy loved to draw and paint. It wasn’t until Timothy graduated from the program at age 17 that Stafford’s executive assistant f lew to the Philippines and told him who his sponsor was. Timothy was stunned, Stafford said. He really couldn’t believe the man he had been writing letters to was once the President of a nation. Stafford said that Timothy told his assistant he had no idea, and that the revelation was lifechanging. That was the last time the nonprofit heard from Timothy, despite efforts to locate him, Stafford said. “We may not know where Timothy is, but we know he’s now living a successful life,” Stafford said. “Sponsoring a child, even if they are still in the womb, can encourage them and guide them to become great human beings.” In this season of tinsel, giftwrapped presents and bright lights, it is quiet gifts like this that inspire.

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No place like home: Dublin boom fuels housing spiral By Joseph Stenson SHARING a studio flat in Dublin with two other people, Greek security guard Aris complains about the housing crisis that forces him to live in cramped conditions. “It’s quite rough,” said Aris, who splits the 850 euros ($970) a month rent for the 30-square-meter flat. With scant storage space, personal belongings are relegated to the ground. A kitchen hob is within arm’s reach of one mattress, while the other two are pushed together. “It’s not humane conditions to live in Dublin,” said 42-year-old, who moved to Ireland three years ago. Rocketing prices have impoverished renters and pushed families into homelessness, leading to weekly protests in the streets of Dublin by affordable housing campaigners. Aris’s situation is not rare in the capital, which is currently in the midst of a “perfect storm” that is driving the average rent to between 1,600 euros and 2,000 euros. Increased immigration, depleted stocks of social housing, an aversion to building tall structures and simple greed following a hardscrabble recession are all factors. Dublin’s increasing role as a tech hub is also bringing high-earners to the city, whilst Airbnb is capitalizing on the popularity of the city as a weekend-break destination—to the detriment of people looking for longterm rentals. At one point this year, the property site Daft.ie said there were just 1,258 properties available for long-term rent in Dublin, while Airbnb offered 1,419 short-term lets. ‘People are desperate’ The irony is that Ireland witnesses an unprecedented property boom in the run-up to the 2008 financial

crisis—a period known as the Celtic Tiger years. Construction of new properties ground to a halt after the crash, setting the scene for the current squeeze on housing stock as the Irish population grows rapidly due to a high birth rate and significant immigration rates. The results are clear in long-term rental advertisements: Rooms with vanishingly little floorspace are advertised for 1,000 euros and ranks of bunk beds in single rooms. “There’s such a pent-up demand for housing across all the tenures, that people are desperate,” said JohnMark McCafferty, head of housing charity Threshold. “There’s a whole suite of different situations, whether it’s people going into some level of poverty or people living in acutely overcrowded situations, and it’s affecting people’s quality of life.” At the bottom of the property ladder, people are falling off the lowest rung—unable to keep up with rents that have risen 10 percent on average in the last year alone. The most recent housing ministry figures show 1,295 families were in need of state-funded emergency accommodation during a single week in October. In August, images of a young mother staying overnight with six of her children in a police station—bedded down on metal waiting room chairs for want of emergency accommodation—shocked the nation. One month later balaclava-clad policemen and private security evicted protesters from a grandiose but empty house in central Dublin. Many saw the move as heavy-handed. Since then, major housing marches of thousands have been regular Turn to A5

San Miguel’s game changer

ONE major business event of 2018 has been the rise of San Miguel Corp. into a trillion-peso company in sales with profits of no less than P50 billion. Reaching P1,000 billion pesos in sales has been a dream of Ramon S. Ang, SMC’s visionary vice chairman, president and chief operating officer, since five years ago. A P1-trillion revenue level reinforces San Miguel’s claim that it is the Philippines’ largest company. It is already the most profitable and the most diversified Philippine conglomerate. The bragging right is significant given

The airport will have four runways with plans for another two later, to serve 100-million passengers, scalable to 200 million. that the Friday before Christmas, President Duterte’s cabinet acting as the board of the top policy making body National Economic and Development Authority approved San Miguel’s P750-billion new airport in Bulacan, just 17 minutes

by SMC’s Skyway north of the present NAIA. The NEDA approval is double-bladed. It carries no guarantees, which means San Miguel’s ambitious airport will not be guaranteed revenue, profitability, passenger volume, use by airlines, right of way rights, and other benefits usually given such a premium infrastructure project. It also appears to me the SMC airport will not be compensated for damages in case a succeeding government makes a crazy decision adverse to the airport’s profitability—like ordering that the facility stops charging passenger fees for its use. Such a loss could be massive. Imagine you are charging P500 per passenger as terminal fee and you have 100 million passengers a year. Instantly, you lose

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Opinion Rumbling Indonesia volcano could trigger more tsunamis, experts warn By Laurence Coustal ANOTHER tsunami could strike Indonesia, experts have warned, after a powerful wave caused by a volcanic eruption killed hundreds when it swallowed coastal settlements, taking earthquakefocused disaster monitors by surprise. What caused the tsunami? While tsunamis are often triggered by earthquakes, in this case experts believe the deadly waves were generated by an eruption of the Anak (or “child of”) Krakatoa volcano, which could have caused a large undersea landslide or flow of molten rock into the water. The tsunami “appears to have been caused by an underwater collapse” of part of the volcano, said David Rothery, a professor of planetary geosciences at Britain’s Open University. Anak Krakatoa is an island that emerged around 1928 in the crater left by Krakatoa, whose massive 1883 eruption killed at least 36,000 people. The tsunami that struck on Saturday was the third natural disaster to hit Indonesia in six months. The country has 127 active volcanoes and lies on the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent. Why was it so deadly? Anak Krakatoa, located in the Sunda

Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, is close to densely populated areas. The volcano has been particularly active since June, noted Jacques-Marie Bardintzeff at the University of ParisSouth. “We were helpless given how sudden” the event took place, Bardintzeff said. “The time between cause and effect was a few dozen minutes, which was too short to warn the population.” The killer wave struck at night, sweeping across tourist beaches and low-lying settlements on both sides of the Sunda Strait and catching both residents and disaster monitors totally unawares. “Signs that a tsunami was coming weren’t detected and so people did not have time to evacuate,” said Indonesia’s disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, who blamed vandalism, technical problems and limited budgets for the lack of warning buoys. But the Open University’s Rothry said such buoys, normally positioned to monitor earthquakes at underwater tectonic plate boundaries, would still have had limited efficacy. “Even if there had been such a buoy right next to Anak Krakatoa, this is so close to the affected shorelines that warning time would have been minimal given the high speeds at which tsunami

waves travel.” Simon Boxall of Southampton University said the region was in spring tide, “and it would appear that the wave hit some of the coastal areas at the highest point of this high tide, exacerbating the damage done”. While the tsunami was relatively small, Richard Teeuw, a disaster risk reduction expert at the University of Portsmouth in England said: “Such waves—aden with debris—can be deadly for coastal communities, especially if there is no warning.” Could more tsunamis be coming? “Devastating tsunami caused by volcanic eruptions are rare; one of the most famous (and deadly) was caused by the eruption of Krakatoa in 1883,” Teeuw said. “The likelihood of further tsunamis in the Sunda Strait will remain high while Anak Krakatoa volcano is going through its current active phase because that might trigger further submarine landslides,” he said. Sonar surveys would now be needed to map the seafloor around the volcano, but “unfortunately submarine surveys typically take many months to organize and carry out,” he added. Bardintzeff warned “we must be wary now that the volcano has been destabilized.” AFP

Forget eggnog, Ghanaians sip local drinks at Christmas By Stacey Knott COME December and Ghana’s coastal capital, Accra, is abuzz with people celebrating the holidays over a glass of Kokroko, pito or palm wine. For Ghanaians, it is traditional and locally made drinks that have been resurrected or often given a new twist that are de rigueur during the festive season. This month is all about “parties, drinking and enjoying”, says artist Tijana Jawarah Ali, sipping a scarlet Kokroko cocktail at a bar in Osu, the beating heart of Accra’s nightlife. The Kokroko is made with the Ghanaian spirit akpeteshie, a liquor that comes from sugar cane and is common in rural areas but is being repurposed by the glitziest bars and restaurants. At the Republic Bar, the cocktail is made with crushed ice and sobolo, a drink made from hibiscus leaves. Co-owner Raja Owusu-Ansah set up the venue in 2012 with the express hope of one day being able to show off local spirits, such as akpeteshie. When he was growing up, akpeteshie used to be served on special occasions in Ghana and he said he wanted to bring it into the mainstream. Artisan akpeteshie distillers now produce the bar’s own brand, relying on local farmers along the coast to supply the sugar cane. The result is a clear liquid, with a sweet aroma and flavour, similar to Brazil’s Cachaca, Owusu-Ansah says. Pito time In the nearby harbor city of Tema, Ghanaians battle the heavy festive season traffic to grab a seat at Pito House.

San Miguel’s... From A4

P50 billion, a year, if a crazy administration says no more passenger fee. So instead of recovering your P800 billion cost in 16 years (P800 billion divided by 50), you may never recover it. Such a deal is so unlike the deal given by the unlamented Aquino administration to Megawide with its contract to build and manage Cebu airport. Aquino’s Finance chief, Cesar Purisima, agreed to pay P20 billion to Megawide in the event the government decides to put up another airport near Cebu—a very likely event given the tourism boom. Still, RSA seems happy with the decision. “I can make it the most beautiful airport that will bring in millions of tourists and provide so many business opportunities to everyone, in addition to easing vehicular traffic with a highway and a train loop from Bulacan to Manila and back,” he vows. A brand-new airport like San Miguel will contribute up to 9 percent of total economic production or GDP. Current GDP is P17 trillion and 9 percent is P1.53 trillion. In three years or less, thus, the Bulacan airport pays for itself in terms of tremendous economic benefits. The Philippines is losing the tourism race in the region largely because Manila continues to operate the NAIA, an airport that it should have discarded five years ago, or converted its space into an entirely new business district. The Philippines attracts only seven-million visitors, half of whom are Filipinos, meaning not tourists. With

For over three decades at her neighborhood bar, 67-year-old grandmother Veronica Dakurah has been making her famous pito, a brew from dried sorghum and water. Pito has substance; it’s not carbonated but has a lingering sour aftertaste. Dakurah serves her pito in a calabash—a container made out of a hollowed gourd—or serves it in plastic bottles, both in the bar and to take away. Large iron cauldrons of her brown liquid brew for hours over an open fire made from wood and bamboo. Dakurah knows that demand will likely increase as the holidays reach a crescendo and partygoers flock to clubs and beaches to dance under the stars. “They know that pito has no chemicals, that’s why they like it,” she said, all the while patrons coming in and out of her simple bar. She serves two versions, one with alcohol and the other without. Pito, a drink traditionally served in the country’s arid north, is becoming more popular in the south. John Buabassah, a truck driver working in Tema, regularly comes in for a pito and chats with other people on the simple wooden benches. He sits with farmer Mamudu Sully and security guard John Acquah who both extoll the virtues of the drink. “I take pito and I feel strong all the time!” said Acquah, punching the air. Hibiscus beer and palm wine The enthusiasm for local drinks has flowed into the beer market. Traditionally, the beer market in Accra has been dominated by the big mul-

tinationals, such as Guinness Breweries Star beer and SAB Miller’s Club lager, which are found everywhere from highend hotels to shacks by the sea. But professional brewer Clement Djameh is increasingly receiving requests for his small batch beers, including his full-bodied golden caramelcoloured pale ale made with malted sorghum. Between parties, weddings and funerals, Djameh says he can’t keep up with demand. His Inland Microbrewery, set up in the outskirts of Accra in 2003, was the city’s first microbrewery and occupies the bottom floor of a large house. Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away in Washington, in the United States, others are following suit. Recognising the potential of a beer with African flavours, entrepreneur Kofi Meroe and his partner have made Hypebiscus pale ale, a premium craft beer with a floral top note of hibiscus. Meroe and his partner, who both grew up across West Africa, hope one day to sell their beer in Accra. “The market is very nascent in countries like Ghana, but it’s growing and the recent launch of a few strong local brands is an indication of that,” said Meroe. Demand is coming too from Ghanaians living abroad. Just outside Accra, Steve Ocloo, of Nkulenu Industries, is bottling palm wine for export, to be served on tables from Rio de Janeiro to London. “It would bring back the sweet memories that they will have of the natural palm wine at home,” he said.AFP

110-million population, the Philippines should be able to attract 100-million visitors easily. Singapore, an island you can sink in the middle of Laguna Lake with 24,000 hectares more to spare, has fivemillion people. It gets 25-million tourists. With one attraction, Angkor Wat, Cambodia also gets seven-million visitors. The world has one billion tourists. China alone sends out 100-million tourists a year. Manila captures only one million of them and half of them are gamblers. In the last 10 years, RSA has redefined San Miguel’s business. It is not beer, it is not hotdogs, it is not chicken, it is not carton boxes, it is not gasoline stations. It is development. San Miguel Corp.’s strategy is to help people enjoy and make progress in their lives through the many products and services San Miguel offers. San Miguel aims to make the world better. “We are enabling people by investing in industries that will make the biggest difference in their lives,” says its website. With 100 factories nationwide, San Miguel is more than a manufacturing behemoth. It is an even bigger infrastructure company. Its infra portfolio is the largest in the country. SMC is completing its 89.2-km Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway is nearly complete. It plans to extend TPLEX to be near Baguio. Its 14.82-km Skyway Stage 3 (from Makati to Balintawak, connecting the South and North Expressways), 22-km MRT-7(from Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan), Boracay Airport expansion, and Bulacan Bulk Water Supply

projects, are all on track. Its newest infrastructure projects—the 58.09-kmSouth East Metro Manila Expressway, or Skyway 4 (from FTI to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan); and the 56.86km SLEX-TR4 (from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena) are in the early stages of development. San Miguel is also modernizing the 52ha. Manila North Harbor. An absolute game changer is San Miguel’s plan to build a $15-billion brand new airport on 2,500 hectares in Bulacan, 17 minutes by skyway from Manila. It will have four runways with plans for another two later, to serve 100 million passengers, scalable to 200 million. It will also have a modern air cargo complex plus a seaside port nearby and an industrial and business complex. It is called an aerotroplis—a city built around an airport. With NEDA board approval, San Miguel’s airport has secured all the regulatory approvals at the highest levels. It is awaiting a Swiss challenge before an order to proceed is issued. Can Ramon Ang deliver the San Miguel airport despite the constraints? RSA has seven simple principles of business. They are: 1. Be a man of your word; 2. Know how to keep a secret; 3. Work harder than anybody else; 4. Be decisive; 5. Be a risk-taker; 6. Remember that nothing is impossible; and 7. Believe in a bigger purpose. biznewsasia@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

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NASA spacecraft hurtles toward historic New Year’s flyby By Kerry Sheridan A NASA spacecraft is hurtling toward a historic New Year’s Day flyby of the most distant planetary object ever studied, a frozen relic of the early solar system called Ultima Thule. Four billion miles (6.4 billion kilometers) away, the unmanned spaceship, New Horizons, is poised to zoom by at 12:33 am (0533 GMT) on Jan. 1, at a distance of just 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometers) from Ultima Thule. That’s more than three times closer than New Horizons came to Pluto when it zipped by the dwarf planet in 2015. So what is this strange object, which is named after a mythical, far-northern island in medieval literature and has its own rock anthem performed by Queen guitarist Brian May? “This is truly the most primitive object ever encountered by a spacecraft,” said Hal Weaver, project scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Relatively small, scientists aren’t sure about its exact size. But they believe it is about 100 times tinier than Pluto which measures almost 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometers) in diameter. Ultima Thule is also in a freezing area of space, suggesting it may remain well preserved. “Really, it is a relic from the formation of the solar system,” said Weaver. ‘Attic’ of the solar system Ultima Thule (pronounced TOO-lee) lies in the Kuiper Belt, a vast cosmic disc left over from the days when planets first formed. Astronomers sometimes call it the “attic” of the solar system. Scientists didn’t even know the Kuiper Belt existed until the 1990s. The Kuiper Belt begins some three billion miles (4.8 billion kilometers) beyond the Sun, past the orbit of Neptune which is the furthest planet from the Sun. “It is teeming with literally billions of comets, millions of objects like Ultima which are called planetesimals, the building blocks out of which planets were formed, and a smattering—a handful of dwarf planets the size of continents, like Pluto,” said Alan Stern, principal investigator on New Horizons. “It is important to us in planetary science because this region of the solar system, being so far from the Sun, preserves the original conditions from four and a half billion years ago,” Stern added. “So when we fly by Ultima, we are going to be able to see the way things were back at the

No place... From A4

fixtures, led by activist group Take Back the City. “Housing is a human right!” and “Homes for need not for greed!” have been staple chants in demonstrations. ‘They’re not doing enough’ Activists also occupied the offices of Airbnb—which has installed its European headquarters in the city. “Airbnb appears to have rapidly colonised vast amounts of our city, locking people out of homes,” the campaign group said in a statement. In November, they stormed the offices of the Residential Tenancies Board, a government body responsible for resolving rent disputes. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar’s government has tabled limits on let-

beginning.” High-speed, close encounter The New Horizons spacecraft is speeding through space at 32,000 miles (51,500 kilometers) per hour, traveling almost a million miles per day. At that pace, if it strikes a piece of debris as small as a rice pellet, the spacecraft could be destroyed instantly. “We don’t want that to happen,” said Stern. If New Horizon survives this flyby, it will do so while furiously snapping hundreds of pictures of Ultima Thule, in the hopes of revealing its shape and geology for the first time. New Horizons sent back stunning images of Pluto— including a never before seen heart shape on its surface—in 2015. This time, “at closest approach we are going to try to image Ultima at three times the resolution we had for Pluto,” Stern said. But the flyby “requires extremely precise navigation. Much more precise than we have ever tried before. We might get it, and we might not,” Stern added. Answers to come? Ultima Thule was first discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2014. Scientists figured out in 2017 that Ultima Thule is not spherical but possibly elongated in shape. It may even be two objects. It does not project the repeated, pulsing light scientists expect to see from a rotating cosmic object, raising puzzling questions. Could it be surrounded by cosmic dust? Enveloped by many tiny moons? Oriented in such a way that its pole is facing the approaching spacecraft? NASA hopes the flyby will reveal the answers. The first images are expected by the evening of Jan. 1, with release planned for Jan. 2. More, higher resolution shots should follow. Though no live images are possible at this distance, NASA plans to broadcast online during the flyby, featuring an animated video and music by Queen guitarist Brian May, who holds a degree in astrophysics and is releasing a musical tribute to accompany the event. “I was inspired by the idea that this is the furthest that the Hand of Man has ever reached,” May said. And Stern hopes this won’t be the end for New Horizons, which launched in 2006 and is powered by plutonium. “We hope to hunt down one more KPO (Kuiper Belt Object), making an even more distant flyby in the 2020s,” Stern said. AFP ting with Airbnb, as well as stiff penalties of 30,000 euros ($34,000) for landlords who breach rent inflation restrictions. The government is also aiming to encourage the building of new homes. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a Dublin development in November, Varadkar was ambushed by a local resident complaining about the slow pace of construction of new housing. “It took ten years to just build these two!” said 58-year-old Catherine Cooke. “How long is it going to take to build them over there?”, she added— gesturing to nearby land. Varadkar quickly headed off for his next engagement in a sleek motorcade. As the cars left, Cooke muttered: “They’re not doing enough.” AFP

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in the world that allows only one nationality. In Asia, China and South Korea also impose such a law. Atsushi Kondo, law professor at the University of Meijo near Nagoya in western Japan, said there was one main reason the government was unwilling to change the law. “The majority of the population want Japan to remain a country of one people and perhaps linked to that is the idea that we do not want to become a country of immigration.” AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

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News

INP retirees to receive P3.9-b pension

HE Court of Appeals has ordered the government to proceed with the payment of P3.9 billion in pension beneﬁts to retired members of the defunct Integrated National Police. In an eight-page decision dated Dec. 12, the CA’s Special 14th Division ordered the Philippine National Police and Department of Budget and Management to fully implement its 2016 CA decision for the release of beneﬁts to the INP retirees. The appellate court dismissed for lack of merit the petition of PNP and DBM assailing the order of Manila Regional Trial Court, Branch 32, in July last year, which applied the list of INP retirees and their respective pension amounts submitted by PNP for the implementation of the pension payment.

The CA denied the appeal of the PNP and DBM to await and apply a list from the Government Service Insurance System instead of the PNP list in the payment of pension differentials to the INP retirees. The PNP and the DBM said that the participation of GSIS in the payment of retirement beneﬁts is necessary as it is the only agency that can provide pension history of the INP retirees. The petitioners said the retirement pay must be subject to conditions and limitations to ensure that such public funds would be released only to rightful

beneficiaries. However, the appellate court rejected the argument of the petitioners, citing the position earlier submitted by the GSIS that “the responsibility to evaluate the list of retirees lies with the PNP as their employer.” “Here, the PNP and DBM cannot be permitted to further delay or thwart the execution of judgment against them by continuously rehashing allegations that have long been rejected,” the CA held in the ruling penned by Associate Justice Mario Lopez. The CA explained that the payment of retirement benefits to INP retirees with equal amount given to PNP retirees had already been affirmed with finality by the Supreme Court and that Congress had also already appropriated funds for this purpose by enactment of Republic Act 10633.

The appellate court also ruled that the RTC was correct in rejecting petitioners’ plea to withhold the payment of the pension to INP retirees pending submission of the list from GSIS. “The appropriation law is clear that the release of funds shall be based on the list of eligible INP retirees with the corresponding computation of their respective retirement benefits and pension, duly authenticated by the PN, which shall be submitted to the DBM for validation of the computed benefits... Likewise, the PNP and DBM need not await the verification from GSIS before releasing the funds,” it stressed. “Considering the INP retirees’ advance years, they can hardly afford another protracted proceeding and the courts should frown upon any attempt to deprive them of the fruits of the final and executory verdict,” the ruling said.

Associate Justices Zenaida GalapateLaguilles and Ronaldo Roberto Martin concurred with the decision. The PNP and DBM had initially released P900 million to 785 INP retirees in 2015 but only after receiving the list of verified beneficiaries from GSIS. INP was the forerunner of the current PNP, which was formerly merged with the Philippine Constabulary. Former INP members retired after the Philippine National Police was created, although some members choose to stay with the PNP until they reached the mandatory retirement age. A decision issued in May 2016 by the CA afﬁrmed an earlier ruling of Manila RTC Branch 32, which ordered the DBM to pay for the pension differentials of INP retirees covering the period from 1991 to 2006.

Motorcycle taxis should be allowed, says official By Maricel V. Cruz

TRAFFIC REPRIEVE. Motorists travelling along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or Edsa, a limited-access circumferential highway around the national capital city of Manila, experience some traffic palliative on the eve of Christmas and the day itself. Manny Palmero

Gov’t installs remaining land beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Agrarian Reform has installed the remaining beneficiaries of farmland in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones led the grant of certificates of land ownership to the remaining 171 beneficiaries of the agricultural portion of Hacienda Luisita that is covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. The sugarcane estate belonging to

the Aquino-Cojuangco families covers 4,915 hectares. The distribution of the sugarcane estate was the result of the July 5, 2011 decision of the Supreme Court in the case Hacienda Luisita Inc. versus Presidential Agrarian Reform Council et al. The high court declared as valid PARC resolution 2005-32-01 issued on Dec. 22, 2005, revoking the stock distribution option plan of HLI for violation of several provisions of the

stock distribution option agreement entered into between HLI and the farmers, and which ultimately resolved that the subject lands be placed under the compulsory coverage of the agrarian reform program. Under the arrangement, the farmers will receive shares of stock instead of physical land. On July 18, 2018, the department led the issuance of lot allocation certificates 6,212 beneficiaries of HLI. Out of those beneficiaries, 171 failed

Solon lauds law on health programs for moms By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Risa Hontiveros lauded the enactment of a law introducing health programs for mothers and infants during a child’s ﬁrst 1,000 days as the “perfect holiday gift” for Filipino families, saying the law must be implemented in full to help end infant malnutrition in the country. The Akbayan senator, who sponsored and co-authored the measure, hailed lawmakers and private sector advocates for the successful passage of Republic Act 11148 or the ‘Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.’

This will provide much-needed protection to mothers and children from malnutrition—which has life-long and even lifethreatening consequences. “I am elated over the support of my colleagues which led to the swift passage of this health measure that we can give Filipino mothers and our children. It is heartening to see our national leaders stand as one in the cause of promoting healthy nanays, healthy bulilits and a healthy citizenry,” Hontiveros said. “Since Christmas revolves around the story of the infant Jesus, the new law is the best holiday gift that we can give Filipino

mothers and their children so that they may live healthy, fulﬁlled and meaningful lives with their loved ones,” she added. Along with Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, the measure was co-sponsored by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Nancy Binay, Bam Aquino IV, JV Ejercito, Loren Legarda and Grace Poe, with inputs from Senator Cynthia Villar. At the House of Representatives, the measure was authored and sponsored by Quezon City 4th District Rep. Angelina Tan.

GIFTS GALORE.

A child opens his Christmas gift given by his baptismal godparents on Christmas Day, reflecting the joy children have during the season. Norman Cruz

to appear within the period set by the department to finally claim their rights over the lots. They were, however, given a second chance, but only 46 responded to the department’s call and were eventually allowed to avail themselves of the lot allocation certificates. As for the remaining 111, their disqualification was eventually lifted through on an order issued by then secretary Rafael Mariano on Feb. 16, 2017.

AN OFFICIAL on Tuesday urged the government to allow the operation of motorcycle taxis but said they should be strictly regulated to avoid accidents. “I am in favor of motorcycle taxis,” said Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. “They are very prevalent in the provinces and they’ve existed for a long time. I do not see why these should not be legalized. The government would then be able to properly regulate them if they’re legalized.” Romualdo made the statement in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order on the operation of the motorcycle-based ride-hailing app “Angkas.” As a result of the order, transport authorities have arrested Angkas drivers who continue to carry passengers. “The order of the Court has to be respected and followed. It is what it is,” Romualdo said. But he said many commuters preferred motorcycle taxis because of the horrendous trafﬁc in Metro Manila. “I think a lot of commuters will deﬁnitely be affected by the TRO,” Romualdo said. “I have not had the chance to try Angkas, but I have relatives and friends who are Angkas users and they say the service is truly very convenient.” Angkas stopped operating last year after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board banned it, but it was able to secure a preliminary injunction from the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court that allowed it to resume operations.

‘PH has delivered on promise to raise marine protected areas’ THE Philippines has marked the 2018 banner year as a “protector” of Coral Triangle, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Crisanta Dominguez, DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau director, said the country had delivered on its commitment to create more marine protected areas with the enactment of Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act. “The year 2018 was a good one for the Philippines in terms of our efforts and achievements as a member of the Coral Triangle initiative on coral reefs, ﬁsheries and food security,” she said. The initiative is a multilateral partnership of six countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and the Philippines—working together to sustain extraordinary marine and coastal resources in the region known as the global center of marine biodiversity by addressing crucial issues, such as food security and climate change. “One of the milestones of the Philippines is the legislation of additional 10 MPAs under the Act,” Dominguez said.

MPAs are areas in seas and oceans where human activity is regulated for conversion and protection of the natural resources within them. Rodriguez reported the full implementation of the coastal and marine ecosystems management program covering habitat assessment for E-NIPAS and MPAs, MPA networking technical assistance for local government units, support to 25 MPA network networks and 209 biodiversityfriendly enterprises, and inclusion of ocean acidification baseline study in select MPAs. Coastal stability assessment, mapping, impact monitoring resiliency studies and updating of coral reef baseline data were conducted in the West Philippine Sea and Philippine Rise or the Benham Rise. According to Dominguez, the effective MPA management is one of the five targets under the national plan of action. She said the government had intensified its effort to combat illegal fishing nationwide. Still, Dominguez called for continued support for initiatives to protect the coastal and marine resources. Rio N. Araja

Sports

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Catalan continues to chase ONE title AFTER stringing together five victories in 2018 Rene Catalan wants a shot at the ONE Championship strawweight division. Catalan harbors dreams of one day becoming the champion, and he knows he may have to put aside his respect for his fellow countryman to face him for the top prize in martial arts. If that situation ever presents itself, he says, he will be ready to take his opportunity. “If it pushes through, I won’t back down. Just give me enough time to prepare,” he says. “I always said I don’t want to fight a fellow Filipino, but if the fans want it, so be it. “I know how good he is, but I’m also confident with my skills. “If that opportunity for the title comes, I’ll be ready and expect me to perform at

my very best. I’ll fight like a young and hungry warrior on that night.” Catalan began the year with a victory against Peng Xue Wen via second-round stoppage at ONE: Kings of Courage in January. He followed that up with an impressive unanimous decision win over Indonesian star Stefer Rahardian at ONE: Reign of Kings in July. Those two successes proved the 40-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down as he aims to push his way to the front of the strawweight queue. “2018 has been a very challenging year. I always push myself to the limit. Each fight is a chance for me to prove that I’m one of the best,” he says. “I always make sure that I’m in tiptop shape. I’m just pushing myself more knowing that 2019 will present more challenges.”

Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok player Paul Lee (3) dribbles past a pair of Alaska Aces defenders Chris Banchero (4) and Ping Exciminiano.

Magnolia title vindicates Lee

34th GoldenMind Open, Kiddies chess tournament start January 6

EVERYTHING is set for the much awaited 34th GoldenMind Open and Kiddies chess tournament on January 6, 2019 at the second floor Tagumpay Canteen, P. Torres Street in front of Lipa City Public Market Parking Building in Lipa City, Batangas. The Open and Kiddies division champion will pocket P4,000 plus trophy while the second to fifth placers will take home P2,000 plus medal, P1,000 plus medal, P700 plus medal and P500 plus medal, respectively. Among the early entries in the one day Rapid tournament backed up by Jonas Punsalan Anciano, executive assistant of Batangas governor Hermilando “Dodo” Ingco Mandanas are Rafah Ramos and Anjella Guno. Golden Mind chess club president Alexandro “Allan” Osena said that the one-day event is open to players, regardless sexes and ages. Tournament registration fee is P350 for the Open division while for the kiddies category is P300 for member and P400 for non-member. Call or text Golden Mind chess club president Alexandro “Allan” Osena at 0916-792-2536 and 0939-217-0002 for complete details. The history o chess can be traced back nearly 1500 years, although the earliest origins are uncertain. The earliest predecessor of the game probably originated in India.

AUL Lee finally vindicated his blockbuster transfer to Magnolia two years ago by handing the franchise its first title in four years.

Lee took the place of two-time league MVP James Yap and for a while it seemed like Magnolia made a blunder setting up the trade. “Siyempre mabigat yun. Lahat ng tao yun ang tinitignan simula nung na-trade ako dito kapalit si kuya James (Yap). Yung ang tinitingnan ng mga tao kung makakapag-champion ako dito sa Purefoods franchise,” said Lee. Lee erased all the doubts by giving the Hotshots a special gift less than two weeks before Christmas in the form of

a title as the team beat the Alaska Aces to annex the 2018 PBA Governors Cup championship. Lee sank the game-winning basket which allowed Magnolia to post 79-78, Game 5 victory. The 29-year-old guard from Tondo also led all local scorers with 16 points, including nine in the final quarter, during the title-clinching victory, 102-86, in Game 6 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. He inexplicably lost to Mark Barroca

in the PBA Press Corps-Honda Philippines Finals MVP honor. But he probably doesn’t mind. After all he not only won a championship but the Best Player of the Conference award as well. Lee admitted it wasn’t easy filling in the void left by Yap early on. Yap was the acknowledged face of the team and delivered seven championships for the ballclub including a grand slam in 2014. But Lee said he couldn’t take the credit for the title which was the result of the collective effort of the Hotshots. “Lahat naman tulung-tulong kami,” he said. “Sinabi ko sa mga unang magtsachampion like sila Jio na tulung-tulong lang, maglaro tayo sa bawat isa. Maganda naman nag-respond sila ng maayos. Lee was picked second overall by Rain

Seahawks extend Carroll through 2021 NEW YORK, United States—Pete Carroll signed a contract extension Monday to remain coach of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks through the 2021 season, the deal coming a day after a playoff-clinching victory. The 67-year-old gridiron mastermind who guided Seattle to a 2014 Super Bowl victory will be among the NFL’s best-paid coaches at $11 million a year, according to a report on the NFL’s television network. “I’m excited to announce that we have extended head coach Pete Carroll through the 2021 season,” Seahawks chair Jody Allen said. “This will contin-

ue the championship culture that we have created in Seattle.” With a 38-31 victory over visiting Kansas City on Sunday, the Seahawks (9-6) clinched a wildcard playoff berth, reaching the post-season for the seventh time in nine campaigns under Carroll. “So grateful to Jody and the organization. I love this team and couldn’t be more proud,” Carroll said. Carroll’s regular-season record with Seattle is 88-54 with one draw while his playoff record in 9-5. The Seahawks won the 2014 Super Bowl and nearly repeated before falling to New England in the

2015 Super Bowl. This year’s playoff run by Seattle came in a season after four top players and two key assistant coaches departed, aided by the rushing skills of Chris Carson, the first 1,000-yard Seahawks rusher since Marshawn Lynch. “There weren’t very many people who thought we’d have a chance to be in this position, but the guys in the room did,” Carroll said. Should Carroll coach to the end of his extension, he will become the first 70-orolder NFL head coach since Marv Levy guided Buffalo at 72 in 1997. AFP

James apologizes for Instagram post LOS ANGELES, United States—American basketball star LeBron James has apologized for posting controversial song lyrics with the phrase “getting that Jewish money” on Instagram, where he boasts over 45 million followers. “We been getting that Jewish Money, Everything is kosher,” the Los Angeles Lakers forward posted in an Instagram story over the weekend, reciting lyrics from rapper 21 Savages’ song “asmr” while wearing a Lakers sweatshirt. Darren Rovell, a sports business analyst who formerly worked for ESPN, called attention to the post’s problematic use of stereotypes painting Jewish people as wealthy and tightfisted. “Surprised LeBron, who makes very few mistakes, put this out. Does quoting lyrics from a song absolve the person quoting from the responsibility behind the words?” Rovell tweeted. “I’d argue no, especially with a following of 45 million.”

Speaking to ESPN following the Lakers’ Sunday loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, James said “it definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody.” “Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone,” the 33-year-old basketball great said. “That’s not why I chose to share that lyric,” adding that he regularly posts song lyrics. “That’s what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the by-product of it,” he continued. “So I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn’t through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies.” The NBA does not plan to fine James over the post, ESPN said. James—who regularly speaks out on politics and sociocultural issues—also made waves over the weekend for comparing the US professional basketball and football leagues. AFP LeBron James

Raiders rip Denver Broncos in possible farewell to Oakland SAN FRANCISCO, United States— Dwayne Harris returned a punt 99 yards for a touchdown and the Oakland Raiders beat the Denver Broncos 27-14 on Monday in what might have been the hosts’ final NFL game in Oakland. Doug Martin and Jalen Richard added touchdown runs for Oakland in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention. The Raiders improved to 4-11 but will miss the playoffs for the 15th time in 16 years while Denver fell to 6-9, ensuring back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1971-72. It was the 174th Raiders win in their 303rd game at the Oakland Coliseum, which opened in 1966 and remains the only NFL stadium shared with a Major

League Baseball club, the Oakland A’s. A federal anti-trust lawsuit filed by the city of Oakland to recover damages related to the Raiders’ planned move to Las Vegas in 2020 prompted the team to retract a one-year lease offer for the 2019 campaign earlier this month, leaving the team’s home venue uncertain for next season. Quarterback Derek Carr and coach Jon Gruden were among the Raiders who after the game went to the “Black Hole”—an area where devoted Raiders fans dress in monster-themed Silver and Black outfits—and exchanged high-five hand slaps with supporters for what might be the last time. “Raider Nation is tough, gritty and loyal. We’ve had a lot of good times in that stadium,” Carr said. “Raider Nation

is the most loyal fan base in the world. We don’t know if we’re going to be here next year so I wanted to say thank you to all of them, thanks for having our back.” Gruden added: “Our fans fueled us. To share the victory with them is always special.” Options mentioned for Raiders 2019 home games include sharing the NFL San Francisco 49ers stadium in nearby Santa Clara, playing at the home of baseball’s San Francisco Giants, striking a deal with Oakland or playing home games in London, England. The NFL has staged games in London since 2007, playing three contests at Wembley Stadium this year. Raiders owner Mark Davis says he hopes to decide in a few weeks on the

team’s home for next season. Harris opened the scoring 4:50 into the game, matching the second-longest runback in NFL history. Martin added a 24-yard touchdown run and Dan Carlson added a 43-yard field goal for a 17-0 Oakland half-time edge, their biggest lead this season. Denver answered on Case Keenum’s 7-yard touchdown pass to DaeSean Hamilton but the Raiders responded on Richard’s 3-yard touchdown run. Keenum flipped a 19-yard touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton with 7:31 remaining, but Carlson added a 45-yard field goal to create the final margin of the Raiders’ first Monday night win since 2002 after seven losses in a row. AFP

or Shine during the 2011 PBA draft behind Jvee Casio who was selected by the then Coca-Cola Tigers. He was awarded Rookie of the Year and won his first ever PBA championship with the Elasto Painters, though he did not play in the championship series due to injury. On October 13, 2016, Lee was sent to Hotshots on a blockbuster trade in exchange for Yap. It was one of the most talked-about trades in years and elicited shocked reactions from basketball fans. Lee said he’s been blessed this year since aside for winning his first title with Magnolia, 2018 saw the birth of his first baby, Tokyo. “Wala na akong mahihiling pa. Napakagandang taon ito para sa akin. I’m very happy,” he said.

PGA Tour announces qualifying tournaments

BEIJING, China – Foison Golf Club’s Dye Course in Guangzhou will host three 2019 PGA TOUR Series-China Qualifying Tournaments, and then the Series will make history when it holds for the first time its final Global Qualifying event outside of Greater China. The Series’ third Global Qualifying Tournament is set for Laguna Phuket Golf Club in Phuket, Thailand. Aside from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau have also hosted official events, with Thailand to join the list. The First Global Qualifying Tournament will be February 19-22, 2019, with the Second Global Qualifying Tournament the following week (February 26-March 1). The Third Global Qualifying Tournament is March 5-8 in Phuket, with all three tournaments open to players from outside Mainland China. Foison Golf Club will also host the Mainland China Qualifying Tournament for China passport holders. That qualifier, also with a field size of 120 players, is set for January 22-25. The Tour will begin accepting applications for the Mainland Chinese Q-School on December 22, at 8 a.m., Beijing time. “We have watched numerous players show up at the Qualifying Tournaments, and a year or two later they are playing on the Web.com Tour and the PGA TOUR. It’s at the qualifiers where many of them are beginning their professional journeys, and we recognize the talent that has come through our Tour during its first four years,” said PGA TOUR Series-China Executive Director Greg Carlson. “As we announce these dates, it means another PGA TOUR Series-China season is just around the corner, featuring a mix of new players who will emerge from these qualifiers as well as those players who are returning. “This is also a new chapter in the history of the Tour as we stage an event away from Greater China for the first time. Playing in Thailand will provide players with a new cultural experience while playing a tournament on a worldclass golf course in one of the great resort cities in Southeast Asia,” Carlson continued. Each of the Qualifying Tournaments will feature fields of 120 players, with the winner of each 72-hole, stroke-play tournament earning a full exemption for the entire 2019 season.

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

A8 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

Sports

Stephen Curry (30) and Kevin Durant (35) of the Golden State Warriors exchange high-fives during a game against the LA Clippers on December 23, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. AFP

Dubs meet Lakers today N

EW YORK, United States—LeBron James, coming off an apology for a controversial song lyric post on Instagram, makes his 13th Christmas appearance Tuesday when his Los Angeles Lakers visit reigning NBA champion Golden State.

The Warriors-Lakers contest is part of the league’s five-game holiday slate, which also includes Milwaukee at New York, Philadelphia at Boston, Oklahoma City at Houston and Portland at Utah. James will match the second-most Christmas appearances in NBA history with retired stars Shaquille O’Neal, Earl Monroe and Dolph Schayes plus former Miami and Cleveland teammate Dwyane Wade, although ex-Lakers guard Kobe Bryant owns the record of 16 games played on December 25. After the Lakers’ 107-99 loss Sunday

IM Senador leads team to victory INTERNATIONAL MASTER (IM) Emmanuel “Manny” Senador proved unstoppable at the top board to lead Team Philippines to the Wah Seong Penang Chess League 2018 Championship was held recently at the Red Rock Hotel in Penang, Malaysia. Senador defeated Roy Marpaung to lead Team Philippines to a 3.5-0.5 in over Miracle Team Indonesia in the eight and final round. The Team Philippines finished with seven wins, one loss, 14 Match Points and 25.5 board points in eight outings applying the 15 minutes plus 10 seconds increment time control format. Apart from Senador, Team Philippines was made up of Arena Grandmaster (AGM) and Fide Master (FM) elect Robert Suelo Jr, Ian Cris Udani and Fide Master (FM) Nelson Villanueva. With the victory, Team Philippines’ performance boosted the nation’s morale, said former Polytechnic University of the Philippines top chess player Roberto Racasa, the man considered as the Father of Philippine Memory Sports. Other interesting match-ups in the final round are Suelo halving the point with International Master (IM) Anjas Novita in Board 2 while Udani blasted International Master (IM) Dede Lioe in Board 3 and Villanueva toppled Ricky Rismanto in Board 4. Team Philippines scored victories over Kelab Catur Hijau Kuning -Girls (4-0) in the first round; Chessmates State,Lady, U18G (4-0) in the second round; OXA 1Penang (3.5-0.5) in the third round; China 1 (3.5-0.5) in the fourth round; Chinese Children U12Boys (4-0) in the fifth round;Caste & Friends (3-1) in the seventh and penultimate round before crushing Miracle Team Indonesia in the final canto. Their only setback at the hands of East Java (1-3) in the sixth round. Suelo settled a truce with Andika Pitra while Villanueva split the point with Anam Khairul. Senador, meantime yielded to Kurniawan Muhamad Agus while Udani succumbed to Hakim Nuh.

to Memphis, James apologized to ESPN for posting lyrics from the hip-hop song “ASMR” by 21 Savage that included: “We been getting that Jewish money, Everything is Kosher.” “Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone,” James said. “That’s not why I chose to share that lyric... I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn’t through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody.” James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, led Cleveland into the NBA

Finals the past four seasons against Golden State, losing three times but bringing the city a long-awaited first NBA crown in 2016. James, who departed for the Lakers in July, has reached the past eight NBA Finals and nine overall with a 3-6 record, taking two titles with Miami as well as his crown with the Cavaliers, who now share the NBA’s worst record with Phoenix at 8-26. The Warriors, powered by stars Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, trail the Denver Nuggets by a percentage point in the fight for the Western Conference lead at 23-11 while the Lakers, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, are fourth at 19-14. The NBA Christmas lineup, televised to 215 nations, features 38 players from outside the United States, Utah having the most with six. Australia has the most international

players on offer with six, including 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers as they face the Celtics in the best Eastern Conference matchup on offer. It’s the start of a five-game road trip for the 76ers, who share third in the East with Indiana at 22-12 ahead of fifth-place Boston (19-13) as they try to integrate Jimmy Butler into the lineup following a trade last month with Minnesota. “We’re coming into a really great part of our year. It’s starting to get into a real interesting part in that you’re playing against really good teams,” 76ers coach Brett Brown said. “I want to see how the bench and our young players are developing,” 76ers general manager Elton Brand said. “Can we play with some of these teams that are elite, these West coast teams, on the road? It’s a huge stretch for us right now.” AFP

1st Eastern Visayas hoop tilt reels off TACLOBAN CITY— The Eastern Visayas Collegiate Athletic Association (EVCAA) will hold the first season of its collegiate basketball tournament on January 26, 2019. Julius Ross Lacaba, the tournament commissioner, said that the event is the first in Eastern Visayas. “Our vision is that we will be able to produce players who will compete in the national and international basketball tournaments,” Lacaba said. Lacaba added that EVCAA will conduct yearly sports tournaments and capacity building of in-house coaches. Comprised of different State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) in Eastern Visayas, EVCAA’s upcoming basketball tournament is being supported by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the basketball governing body authorized by the country and sanctioned by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Lacaba said EVCAA is patterned around the concept and structure of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), two of the premier collegiate athletic association in the country. “We have invited all the 10 SUCs in the region and most of them expressed willingness to join,” Lacaba said. According to Lacaba, the basketball tournament will give opportunities for student-athletes in the region to develop their skills and get more exposure, saying that the games will be live-streamed in social media and broadcasted live in a local television channel. “Our players joined the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Associations (SCUAA) and Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), but the games are only for one week. While EVCAA’s tournament will be played for the entire semester, during Saturdays and Sundays” said Lacaba. Meanwhile, Lacaba expressed his gratitude to Leyte 1st District Congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his wife First District Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez and the Tingog Sinirangan party list for supporting the tournament.

Kingad, Belingon lit up ONE Championship cage in 2018

Team Lakay’s Danny Kingad acknowledges cheers of fans as he enters the ONE Championship cage before another MMA fight.

THERE were plenty of exciting fighters who figured in electrifying matches inside the ONE cage in 2018 but easily among the best were Danny Kingad and Kevin Belingon. Former ONE Flyweight World Title challenger Danny “The King” Kingad needed a big performance to defeat Japanese newcomer Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu at ONE: Conquest of Heroes in September. The battle between Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes and Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon was not just a huge World Champion versus World Champion bout. It was Belingon’s opportunity to avenge his loss to the Brazilian in his first world title tilt back in 2016. The 22-year-old Kingad produced the goods to claim the victory and cement himself as one of the premier contenders to the title held by teammate Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio. Wakamatsu showed how dangerous a contender he is with a remarkable debut display that pushed Kingad to the limit. The Japanese contender impressed with his boxing skills as he dropped “The King” in the opening round. It seemed as if the Filipino star was on his way to a stoppage defeat, but Kingad showed his grittiness and will to win by scrambling his way out of danger before eventually turning the tables on his opponent with the aid of his ever-improving grappling game. Kingad turned to his wushu kicks to keep Wakamatsu at bay in the second

round as he gained a much-needed foothold in the contest, and he proceeded to dominate the third and final frame with a combination of hard leg kicks and powerful takedown attempts. The breathless three-round battle eventually went all the way to the scorecards, with Kingad earning the verdict via unanimous decision after a bout to remember in Jakarta. Belingon produced the best performance of his career at ONE: Heart of the Lion to defeat the most dominant world champion in ONE Championship history and capture the ONE Bantamweight World Title in the process. Belingon showcased his famed wushu striking to its fullest, as he peppered the defending champion with strikes, both from long range via his spectacular kicking arsenal, and up close with his rapierlike punches. The biggest factor in the contest was the Filipino’s vastly-improved ground game and takedown defense, which helped him defend attacks on the ground and scramble away from Fernandes’ black-belt, world-class Brazilian JiuJitsu skills. With Fernandes unable to lock up a submission, Belingon turned to his wushu to make the difference in the stand-up as he connected with a string of spectacular techniques to help sway the judges in his favor. It was tight, but he earned the split-decision win after the best all-around martial arts display of his 25-bout career.

Magnolia coach expects Calisaan to shine in the PBA By Peter Atencio COACH Chito Victolero has been keeping an eye on the games of Michael Calisaan since his college days with the San Sebastian College Stags in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament. In his last stint with the Stags, the 6’4” Calisaan averaged 14.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a steal. Calisaan’s final year with the Stags has left an impression with Victolero es-

pecially now that the Magnolia Hotshots have taken him in during the recent rookie draft of the Philippine Basketball Association. “Sinusundan ko ang laro ni Michael. I think babagay siya sa sistema namin,” said Victolero. Victolero talked about Calisaan’s game and his coming stint with the Hotshots after Magnolia captured the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup title by beating the Alaska Aces 102-86 in Game 6 at the Ynares Sports Center.

Calisaan is known for his big contributions in the Stags’ physical game. Victolero said the Magnolia Hotshots will have little time to rest before they start their campaign in the All Filipino Conference, which gets going on Jan. 13. And they will get to see how well Calisaan fits in when they start practices on Jan. 10. Calisaan, the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, will be around to add size and energy to their frontline.

The Hotshots finished with a 4-2 winloss in the best-of-seven affair with the Aces. In the coming conference, the 32-year-old Marc Barroca is again expected to lead the team along with Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon The team is upbeat with the return of Marc Pingris. The 37-year-old Pingris, who is ninetime PBA champion, will be back after undergoing surgery last March to repair a torn ACL.

IN BRIEF

Court orders bail for Nissan executive TOKYO—A Tokyo court on Tuesday granted bail for a Nissan executive accused of a key role in the ﬁnancial misconduct case involving auto tycoon Carlos Ghosn, who remains in detention. The Tokyo District Court said it had approved a request by lawyers for Greg Kelly and set bail for his release at 70 million yen ($635,000). Prosecutors can still appeal the decision, and it was not immediately clear when Kelly might be freed. The 62-year-old American was arrested on November 19 at the same time as Ghosn on allegations he helped him underreport his compensation at Nissan for years. The bail order comes after Kelly’s wife issued a video statement saying she was “extremely concerned about his health.” Kelly suffers from a spinal condition and was reportedly due to undergo surgery before his arrest in Tokyo. “Greg was tricked into coming to Japan and betrayed by a group of Nissan executives as part of a political power grab. Their dishonorable motives are clear,” Dee Kelly claimed. She said her husband, once Ghosn’s right-hand man, had been “caught up in an international plot by some at Nissan to take control.” AFP

Business

BCDA, CDC launch 4 new Clark brands THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Clark Development Corp. recently launched the new Clark brand integrating the four districts: the Clark Freeport Zone, Clark Global City, Clark International Airport and New Clark City. “Everyone wants to move to the big city. Good money, good jobs, a place to be productive. But the paradox is that cities don’t work for people, even though they’re full of them. It’s a pressure cooker of congestion, pollution and rent you can’t afford,” the manifesto reads. “Clark is different. Because it was built from scratch, crafted, to be built for people. To have the vibrancy of a city without the pressure of city life. And the energy of a culture that is happy and inclusive. It’s amazing what you can do when you’re in the right place.” Clark is a city that works. It’s a perfect mix of business, lifestyle, leisure, and modernity. Clark Freeport Zone, managed by the CDC, has continued to fuel growth not just in Pampanga but in the whole Central Luzon.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DOE-PALAWAN AGREEMENT. The Department of Energy under Secretary Alfonso Cusi signs an agreement with the provincial government of Palawan on November 28 for the Development for Renewable Energy Applications Mainstreaming and Market Sustainability project. Sealing the agreement (from left) are DREAMS project assistant national project director and chief of the National Renewable Energy Board Gaspar Escobar, DREAMS project national project director and director of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau Mylene Capongcol, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, Palawan Governor Jose Chavez Alvarez, UNDP country director Titon Mitra and UNDP program manager Floradema Eleazar.

DOTr expects Naia rehab to begin in Q3 of next year By Darwin G Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation expects the Naia Consortium to start the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by the third quarter of 2019. “They gave us the timeline, they are looking at September 2019 to start,” DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation Manuel Antonio Tamayo said over the weekend. Tamayo, however, said the proposal of the Naia consortium would still be subject to review and approval of the National Economic and Development Authority board and to a Swiss Challenge in accordance with the requirements of Republic Act No. 7718, or the

Build-Operate-Transfer Law. The consortium’s members are Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., AEDC, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. The Naia consortium in September secured an original proponent status from the DOTr, which is considered the first step in the rehabilitation and expansion of the international airport that currently operates beyond its rated capacity. The unsolicited proposal, which was submitted to the DOTr and Manila International Airport Authority on Feb. 12, 2018, aims to transform Naia into a regional airport hub and expand its capacity to meet the anticipated growth in passenger traffic. The Naia project supports the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program with its plan to develop the airport into a world-class facility and a regional air transport hub by upgrading its airside, landside and air navigation support― building on the gains already achieved

Dominguez orders Customs to donate rice shipments to DWSD FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III ordered the Bureau of Customs to donate the 30,000 bags of undocumented rice shipments intercepted earlier by the agency to the Department of Social Welfare and Development to help in the government’s anti-poverty and disaster relief programs. Dominguez issued the order to Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero after reporting the interception of the shipment that was tagged in Zamboanga City as undocumented imported rice. “Donate that to the DSWD. They can use that,” Dominguez told Guerrero during the latest executive committee meeting of the Department of Finance. The 30,000 bags of rice for donation to the DSWD are on top of the 16,000

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

Aboitiz Equity to allot P60b for water and power units

BSP cites importance of financial literacy BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. said financial education is a powerful tool that supports not only individual well-being but also economic growth. “Filipinos with the ability to understand, select and use financial services suitable for their needs can better take advantage of economic opportunities, and gain maximum benefit from participating in the formal financial system,” Espenilla said recently. “It is the BSP’s conviction that a financially-educated Filipino is an empowered Filipino, able to make wise financial decisions that positively impact personal financial circumstances, and consequently contribute to inclusive and sustained economic development,” he said. Bangko Sentral Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier said improving the financial literacy and capability levels of Filipinos requires collaborative effort among multiple stakeholders from the government and private sectors. Julito G. Rada

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

bags earlier turned over by the Customs under former commissioner Isidro Lapeña on Dominguez’s orders to augment disaster relief efforts for typhoon victims. About 9,000 bags of rice seized in the Port of Cebu were turned over by the Customs to the DSWD on Sept. 14. Another 6,921 bags in the Port of Zamboanga and 748 bags in the custody of the bureau’s Enforcement and Security Service were also donated to the DSWD on Sept. 19 and 24, respectively. The Customs said it donated to the DSWD 5,040 pieces of canned goods, 109 packages of emergency survival blankets, 350 boxes of bed sheets, blankets and towels, 1,332 boxes of brand new clothes, and 153 packages of face masks from the Manila International

Container Port on Sept. 21. According to a Customs report to Dominguez, the bureau will donate used clothing of various volumes seized from the ports of San Fernando in La Union, Manila, MICP, Legazpi City, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Subic. Earlier, Dominguez directed the Customs to immediately release smuggled rice and other food items seized by the agency to the DSWD to augment ongoing government preparations before typhoon “Ompong” struck Northern Luzon. Dominguez said “government-togovernment transfers in emergency situations can be legally fast-tracked” as in the case of the Customs’ release of the seized food stocks to the DSWD for disaster relief. Julito G. Rada

by the DOTr in terms of improving the trafﬁc of aircraft movements on its runways. The P102-billion proposal involves expanding and interconnecting the existing terminals of Naia, upgrading airside facilities, developing commercial facilities to increase airline and airpot efﬁciencies, enhancing passenger comfort and experience and elevating the status of Naia as the country’s premier international gateway. The project aims to increase capacity up to 100 million passengers a year from about 40 million passengers last year. The upgrade will elevate Naia to the level of major regional airports such as Changi in Singapore and Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. It is also seen to become a viable transit hub for Southeast Asia. Naia Consortium tapped Changi Airports International Pte. Ltd. of Singapore to provide technical support in the areas of master planning, operations optimization and commercial development.

CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. plans to spend up between P50 billion and P60 billion next year. AEV chief finance officer Manuel Lozano said in a recent interview while the conglomerate had yet to finalize the capital spending plan for 2019, the bulk of the investments would likely be for the expansion of the power business as well as the water and real estate units. Lozano said the company plans to file for up to P30 billion in bond shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission to partially finance the spending plan. “We will probably do a bond shelf registration and depending on our investment plan, will plan an offering later in the year or 2020. But we will likely do something on the retail bonds,” Lozano said. “A P10 billion a year bond offering is not unreasonable considering we are still growing our business,” he added. AEV also plans to raise $579 million to fund the acquisition of a 49-percent stake in AA Thermal Inc., the newlyformed thermal energy platform of conglomerate Ayala Corp. in the Philippines. “We have already have a group of banks that will lend us the amount. We expect to close that by the end of first quarter 2019,” Lozano said. AA Thermal’s assets will initially comprise of AC Energy Inc.’s limited partnership interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd Co., which owns and operates a 632-megawatt facility in Bataan province, north of Manila, and in GNPower Dinginin Ltd Co, which is constructing a 1,336-MW plant also in Bataan. Lozano, meanwhile, said real estate unit AboitizLand Inc. early this month opened a discount mall in Lipa Batangas. Called The Outlets, the mall will feature discount shopping all year round on the 9.3-hectare property Lima Technology Center. About present 25 percent of the mall, which has 25,000 square meters of leasable area, is leased out to retailers, offering premium international and local brands at reduced prices.

Copyright body reminds politicians to recognize intellectual properties By Othel V. Campos THE Intellectual Property Ofﬁce of the Philippines reminded all candidates in the upcoming elections to seek permission from the owner of the media creatives and arts when conducting their political campaigns. IPOPhl director general Josephine Santiago warned political candidates to go through the proper channels if they planned to utilize the songs, videos and other related creatives for their campaign. “We issued this reminder so that everyone will be aware, not only the political candidates, of the importance of respecting other people’s properties. We expect the candidates to seek permission for copyrighted items. They should respect

the public’s rights in general and the IP (intellectual property) rights of the owners, in particular,” she said. She noted that many political hopefuls package and craft their promotional campaigns using entertainment media as platform. Poster content and tag lines are also subject to intellectual property claims if used for campaign and during political sorties. “The owner of the trademark amd copyright should be compensated properly. This is a protection we give to original compositions and creatives like illustrations and even titles of movies and television series,” said Santiago. Violators of IP rights are liable civilly and criminally, she said. Penalties will be assessed based on the gravity of the offense and if the perpetrator is a repeat or habitual offender.

China allowing victims of IP theft to sue BEIJING―Victims of intellectual property theft in China could soon be allowed to sue for damages as Beiing looks to tighten its IP protection framework, state media reported Monday, with Washington clamoring for action on the issue. Victims can claim “punitive damages” under the draft law presented Sunday at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC, China’s legislature), the official Xinhua news agency reported. While there has been legislation protecting patents, trademarks and copyright, this law, if passed, will mark the first time victims of IP theft can sue for damages. “It is necessary to significantly increase the financial penalties for IPR infringements to better exert the deterrent effect of the law,” Shen Chunyao, deputy head of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee when presenting

the draft to lawmakers, told Xinhua. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at China’s lax IP protection laws, forced technology transfers and alleged IP theft, saying it costs the US as much as $600 billion per year, a charge China has denied. Chinese leaders on Sunday also announced they were looking at a new law governing foreign investment that would prevent the forced transfer of technology and give foreign firms the same privileges as Chinese companies. Those who flout intellectual property rules in China could soon find themselves subjected to bigger fines as the country looks to tighten its patent framework, state media reported Monday. It was presented on Sunday at a meeting of the NPC Standing Committee. Under the draft law, victims of IP theft can claim for damages, the official Xinhua news agency reported. AFP

‘YELLOW’ CHRISTMAS. A child arranges a Christmas tree as yellow vests protestors spend Christmas eve on a roundabout in Somain, northern France, on December 24, 2018. French President called for “order” on December 22, 2018 after a sixth weekend of “yellow vest” anti-government protests. AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Business

Wall Street th sinks for a 4 straight day; oil plunges N By John Biers

EW YORK―Wall Street shares plunged for a fourth straight session Monday as investors panned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin’s efforts to try to reassure markets.

Mnuchin on Sunday held a phone call with the six biggest US banks, reporting on Twitter that the CEOs have “ample liquidity” available. But market watchers said Mnuchin’s efforts raised fresh doubts about the US economic outlook, contributing to Monday’s retreat in a holiday-shortened session. The broad-based S&P 500 finished down 2.7 percent, a bitter finale to the lead-up to Tuesday’s Christmas holiday, when markets will be closed. Light trading volume likely exacerbated the losses. CNBC called the session the “worst Christmas Eve error” in terms of losses. “There’s simply no buyers out there,” said Manulife AM senior portfolio manager Nate Thooft. “Nobody is really willing to step in and take a stand that this is the bottom.” Earlier, Paris and London both finished lower, while Frankfurt was closed. All three major European markets will reopen Thursday. Oil prices also continued to pull back on worries about slowing growth. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate dropped 6.7 percent to $42.53 a barrel. Monday’s sell-off in New York was a continuation of the negative momentum from last week when both the Dow and Nasdaq suffered their biggest weekly losses since the financial crisis in late 2008. Key drivers included upset at the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate hike, the shock resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, the ongoing USChina trade war and a US government shutdown triggered Friday at midnight following unsuccessful budget negotia-

tions between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats. But there were more surprising headlines over the weekend, normally a sleepy news period near the peak time of the festive season. Mnuchin on Saturday released a statement on Twitter quoting US President Donald Trump as denying any plans to fire Fed Chairman Jay Powell following media reports that Trump had privately asked cabinet members if he has the authority to dismiss the Fed chief. On Sunday, Mnuchin on Twitter chronicled the phone call with heads of Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo, who confirmed that they face no liquidity issues and “markets continue to function properly.” Analysts expressed both surprise and alarm at Mnuchin’s Sunday statement, saying it might do the opposite of calming current jitters. “One of the risks... of making this kind of statement is that it could make market participants concerned that there was in fact a deeper issue at hand, if they were not already concerned in the first place,” noted currency analyst Fritz Louw at financial group MUFG. “It simply adds to the uncertainty that is already roiling markets.” Some analysts were also unnerved the reports over a possible Powell firing. “If Trump tries to remove Powell, it could throw the financial markets into deep chaos that makes the current market turmoil look tame,” said a note from Oxford Economics. AFP

Traders in this file photo work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on December 21, 2018 in New York City. AFP

AUCTION SALE. Customers hold up money as they bid for cuts of meat during the traditional pre-Christmas meat auction sale at Smithfield market in the city of London on December 24, 2018. AFP

Tokyo stock market slumps Study shows on fears over US economy UK retail sector TOKYO—Tokyo stocks plunged on Tuesday as the few Asian markets open on Christmas suffered a holiday rout on fears about the US economy and a government shutdown in Washington. Tokyo markets, which were closed on Monday for a national holiday, plummeted at the open on Tuesday, with the Nikkei closing down more than five percent—over 1,000 points. It was the worst finish since April 2017 and followed a brutal holidayshortened session on Wall Street that saw US stocks sink for a fourth straight session. In Asia, many markets were closed for Christmas, including in Australia, Hong Kong and South Korea. US and European markets are also closed for the holiday. But the downturn affected those bourses that remained open, with China’s benchmark Shanghai Composite Index tumbling over two percent during the morning session, though it recovered slightly by afternoon. Markets have been roiled by ongoing uncertainty in the United States, with Treasury Secretary Stephen Mnuchin widely panned for holding a call with the six biggest US banks and then reporting on Twitter that the six CEOs have “ample liquidity” available. Investors were also unnerved by weekend news reports that US President Donald Trump had asked about the possibility of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, accounts that

Mnuchin said Trump had denied. Last week, the central bank hiked rates, infuriating Trump who has ignored the traditional respect for the Fed’s independence, calling it “crazy,” “out of control” and a greater economic threat than China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped nearly three percent by the close on Monday, with the broad-based S&P 500 down 2.7 percent and the techrich Nasdaq Composite Index down more than two percent. The declines brought the S&P 500 to the brink of a “bear market,” considered a drop of 20 percent from its peak. CNBC reported the losses were the worst ever for Wall Street on Christmas Eve, a holiday-shortened session ahead of Tuesday, when markets are closed. Stephen Innes, head of APAC trading at OANDA, said Trump’s spat with the Fed and Mnuchin’s call with the banks had “markets running for cover.” Investors “have no conﬁdence in the administration. Markets are driven by perception and it is ﬂat-out bad,” he told AFP. A stronger yen was adding to the woes for markets in Japan, he added. “I can’t tell you where the bottom will be as there are various risks,” said Makoto Sengoku, a market analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute. “There are no signs of selling running its course or big buyers emerging,” he told AFP. AFP

Iran’s economic woes go beyond US sanctions; rial loses half of value TEHRAN―Iran’s government faces acute economic challenges as it announces its annual budget, expected on Tuesday, and not all of its problems are the result of US sanctions. The rial has lost around half its value against the dollar since US President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal in May and reimposing sanctions. That has driven up prices and blocked much of the foreign investment President Hassan Rouhani had hoped to attract, with the International Monetary Fund now predicting the economy will shrink by 3.6 percent next year. But analysts say many of the country’s woes pre-date Trump and the sanctions. Iran-based economist Mohammad Mahidashti says the banking system is the “biggest problem―riddled with ﬁctitious assets and non-performing loans.” Banks issued huge loans under Rouhani’s predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with little apparent care for whether they would be repaid. Parliament’s economic commis-

sion said in March that half of all these loans―worth around $27 billion at the time―turned sour. Desperately short of funds, banks have tried to attract fresh deposits with interest rates of 30 percent or more. While providing a much-needed source of liquidity initially, the interest on these deposits has only added to banks’ instability. Rouhani said recently that “unhealthy” banks were being kept aﬂoat by continuously borrowing from the central bank, and the debts of private lenders have doubled in the year to September. Banks are also saddled with unsellable properties after pumping cash into a construction boom that ran out of steam around 2013. “We have close to two million empty houses in Iran. There is simply no demand out there,” said Narges Darvish, an economics lecturer at Tehran’s Alzahra University. But the government is loath to let banks fail, fearing a public backlash― especially after the collapse of dodgy

credit agencies helped fuel widespread protests a year ago. The US withdrawal from the nuclear deal fueled a run on the Iranian rial, but was not the only factor behind the currency’s weakness. In September, central bank governor Abdolnasser Hemmati instead blamed “horrific growth in money supply.” Its data shows that the amount of cash flowing around the Iranian economy has increased 24 percent annually for the past four years. Given that Iran’s economy offers few profitable and secure investment opportunities, citizens had already long sought to change rial savings into dollars. And when rising expectations that the US would re-impose sanctions pressured the rial in earnest in early 2018, the government’s reaction was a mess, according to economist Mousa Ghaninezhad. “They claim they believe in the free market but they have no coherent strategy,” he told AFP. At one point, in April, the government forcibly shut down exchange houses

and tried to fix the rate at 42,000 rials per dollar―which only fueled panic and drove speculators into the black market. Recognising its mistake, the government reopened exchange shops and sacked the central bank governor a few months later. A fierce crackdown was also unleashed on those exploiting the situation, with dozens of traders put on trial and at least three businessmen executed since October. But the damage has been done. Imports are now vastly more expensive at the same time as sanctions make it harder to move goods into the country. Prices have been rising as a result― the cost of food and drink rose 60 percent in the year to November, according to the central bank. Despite a privatization drive, much of the economy remains in the hands of the state, either directly, or because groups connected to the government or military are the major shareholders. This has stifled the private sector, which struggles to attract investment and compete for projects, analysts say. AFP

axed 150,000 jobs in 2018

LONDON―Troubled UK high-street retailers shed almost 150,000 jobs this year, hit by high business property taxation, flagging growth and rising online sales, a study showed Monday. Some 148,132 jobs were axed as 20,000 shops and restaurants closed, according to Britain’s Press Association news agency which published data from the Centre for Retail Research (CRR). And more gloom is forecast next year as retailers continue to struggle in anticipation of Britain’s departure from the European Union. “While parliament is obsessed with Brexit, business rates and low growth are killing the high street,” said Professor Joshua Bamfield, who is director of the CRR consultancy. “We feel that 2019 is going to be a repeat of these dire figures unless or until the government takes action to provide a level playing field for both online retailers and the high street.” This year, a string of major British retailers fell victim to fierce online competition, rising business taxes and stretched household budgets―all coming amid Brexit uncertainty. One major casualty, British budget chain Poundworld, collapsed earlier this year with the loss of some 5,100 jobs. Department store chain Debenhams meanwhile decided to shut about one third of its shops. That came after its UK rival House of Fraser was rescued from collapse having been bought by retailer Sports Direct. Property specialist Altus Group argues that rising business rates―a taxation which is levied on non-domestic property use―have piled on pressure. Despite the gloom, official data showed last week that retail sales rebounded in November as shoppers bagged Black Friday bargains. Sales jumped 1.4 percent compared to October, the Office for National Statistics calculated, with non-food items helped by heavy price discounts. But the outlook for consumers is weak. Consumer confidence dived to a five-year low in December, according to a GfK survey published last Friday. “Consumer surveys show that people are not feeling confident about the future, despite an increase in wages,” said Stephen Beer, chief investment officer at Epworth Investment Management. “This is partly due to interest rates going up and the mood music from the Bank of England.” The central bank last week froze its main lending rate at 0.75 percent faced with “intensified Brexit uncertainties.” The BoE had in August voted unanimously to raise the rate by a quarterpoint to 0.75 percent amid Brexit-fuelled UK inflation. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Sick and hungry tsunami victims cram the shelters C ARITA, Indonesia― Desperately-needed aid ﬂowed into a stretch of Indonesia’s tsunamistruck coastline Tuesday, but humanitarian workers warned that clean water and medicine supplies were dwindling as thousands crammed makeshift evacuation centers.

Fears about a public health crisis come as the death toll from Saturday’s volcano-triggered disaster topped 400 with thousands more displaced―many left homeless after houses were ﬂattened by the killer wave. “A lot of the children are sick with fevers, headaches and they haven’t had enough water,” said Rizal Alimin, a doctor working for NGO Aksi Cepat Tanggap, at a local school that was turned into a temporary shelter. “We have less medicine than usual ... It’s not healthy here for evacuees. There isn’t enough

clean water. They need food and people are sleeping on the floor.” The powerful tsunami struck at night and without warning, sweeping over popular beaches on southern Sumatra and the western edge of Java and inundating tourist hotels and coastal settlements. The latest death toll stood at 429, with 1,485 people injured and another 154 missing. Experts have warned that more deadly waves could slam the stricken region now covered by mountains of overturned cars, boats, furniture and other debris. Many evacuees are too afraid to return home, fearing another tsunami. “I’ve been here three days,” said Neng Sumarni, 40, who was sleeping with her three children and husband on the school’s floor with some three dozen others. “I’m scared because my home is right near the beach.” Authorities are using sniffer dogs to try to find any survivors and victims’ bodies, while they have turned to drones to survey the devastated coastlines. “We are still searching for victims who might

still be buried under the rubble,” said Ketut Sukarta, head of the disaster agency in South Lampung on Sumatra. Abu Salim, with volunteer disaster aid group Tagana, said aid workers were scrambling to stabilize the situation. “Today we’re focusing on helping the evacuees in shelters by setting up public kitchens and distributing logistics and more tents in suitable places,” he told AFP on Tuesday. “[People] still don’t have access to running water ... There are many evacuees who ﬂed to higher ground and we still can’t reach them.” Aid was ﬂowing in mainly by road while two government boats were on their way to several islands near the Sumatran coast to help dozens of marooned residents. In shattered Way Muli village on Sumatra, Udin Ahok was coming to grips with the horrible choice he was forced to make: save his wife or his mother and baby. When the tsunami slammed into his house, the panicked Ahok fought to reach his sleeping 70-year-old mother and one-year-old son but then he saw his wife about to drown in the swirling waters. He plucked her to safety. AFP

ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION San Miguel Avenue, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF REGULATED ENTITIES’ EMERGENCY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECT, WITH AUTHORITY TO SECURE LOAN, FIRST BAY CORPORATION (FBPC),

Applicant. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x APPLICATION First Bay Power Corporation (FBPC), by counsel, and before this Honorable Commission most respectfully states: 1.

Applicant is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines, with main office at Kapitan Ponso Street Extension, Bauan, Batangas, where it may be served with summons and other legal processes, represented in this instance by its President, RAY FLORENCE T. REYES, of legal age, Filipino, married and with office address also at Kapitan Ponso Street Extension, Bauan, Batangas, duly authorized by the Board of Directors as evidence the Secretary’s Certificate, hereto attached as Annex “A”;

Herein applicant was organized primarily to operate as an electric distribution utility and presently operates as such in the Municipality of Bauan, Batangas;

On March 21, 2005, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed by and between FBPC and the Municipality of Bauan, Batangas, wherein the electricity distribution utility, including the 13.8 KV distribution lines, of the Municipality of Bauan, Batangas, under the service name of Bauan Electric Light System, has been leased with option to purchase. The said MOA was confirmed by the Sanggunian Bayan of Bauan, Batangas through Resolution No. 63, Series of 2005;

On June 23, 2007, a Deed of Absolute Sale of the distribution facilities of BELS, as appraised by the Commission on Audit (COA), was entered into between FBPC and the Municipality of Bauan, Batangas. The said Deed of Absolute Sale was confirmed by the Sanggunian Bayan of Bauan, Batangas on June 25, 2007 through its Resolution No. 68, Series of 2007. A copy of Resolution No. 68, Series of 2007, of the Office of the Sanggunian Bayan of Bauan, Batangas is hereto attached and duly marked as Annex “B”;

Likewise, on the same date of June 25, 2007, Resolution No. 69, Series of 2007, of the Sanggunian Bayan of Bauan, Batangas, was approved confirming the Deed of Condition Sale of 13.8 KV distribution lines of BELS between FBPC and Bauan, Batangas. A copy of Resolution No. 69, Series of 2007, is hereto attached and duly marked as Annex “B-1”;

On June 30, 2005, BELS was granted a franchise by the National Electrification Commission (NEC) to operate an electric light, heat and power systems for the purpose of generating and/or distributing electricity for sale within the Municipality of Bauan, Province of Batangas for a period of Twenty (20) years from the expiry date of its CPCN or up to June 30, 2019. Copy of the Certificate of Franchise issued in NEC Case No. 99-03 in favor of BELS is hereto attached and duly marked as Annex “C”;

In 2014, FBPC filed before this Honorable Commission an Application for the Approval of Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), docketed as ERC Case No. 2014-031. The case is now submitted for resolution;

Republic Act No. 10891, An Act Granting the First Bay Power Corp. (FBPC) a Franchise to Construct, Install, Establish, Operated and Maintain a Distribution System for the Conveyance of Electric Power to the End Users in the Municipality of Bauan, Province of Batangas, which originated in the House of Representatives, was passed by the House of Representatives and Senate on October 9, 2015 and May 23, 2016, respectively;

Republic Act No. 10891, took effect on September 2, 2016;

10. The existing capacity of the only substation of the First Bay Power Corporation will violate the standard substation loading of 70% by the year 2019. A major factor for the forecasted demand growth is a big load estimated to be 6 MW and is expected to partially operate in the last quarter of the year 2019. Below is a tabulated load forecast of the existing substation and its yearly loadings:

IN BRIEF 43 killed in Kabul govt compound attack

11.

North Korea slams UN rights resolution SEOUL―North Korea on Tuesday hit back at a latest UN resolution that condemned Pyongyang’s rights abuses, calling it a “serious... provocation” that would undermine peace efforts on the Korean peninsula. The UN General Assembly adopted last week a resolution—which passed by consensus without a vote—condemning the “systematic, widespread and gross” human rights violations in the isolated North. The impoverished but nuclear-armed nation, ruled by the Kim family through three generations, has been accused of state-sanctioned abuses including torture, rape and extra-judicial killings. It marked the 14th consecutive year the UN has passed such a document. The North has constantly denied any rights abuses in the country and labeled the UN criticisms as smear campaigns aimed at undermining its leadership. The North’s state-run Rodong newspaper slammed the latest resolution as a “serious political provocation against the [North] and a vicious move to tarnish its international image”. AFP

Existing Ss % Loading with the expected Spot Load 55.99% 76.41% 86.23% 93.46% 95.45% 97.54% 99.72% 102.03% 104.45% 107.01% 109.71%

In view of the above issue, FBPC intends to install a 15/18.75MVA substation to address the expected deficiency of the utility. The project is a result of a technical and economic evaluation performed on several project ideas that were formulated during the planning process. Below is the project being propose: Proposed Project

No.

Title Installation of a 15/18.75MVA Substation at Barangay Balayong, Bauan

Project Type

Project Category

Capacity

Substation Project

12. The brief Description / Rationale of the Proposed Projects is as follows: Proposed Projects

Project Description / Rationale

No.

Title

Installation of a 15/18.75MVA Substation at Barangay Balayong, Bauan

The project is intended to address the expected capacity deficiency of the utility brought about by a new big load. It will include the installation of a 15/18.75MVA substation and revision of the distribution system of the utility to best accommodate the increase in demand. Also included is a SCADA system for the new substation.

13.

The estimated cost of this emergency capital expenditure project is One Hundred Eleven Million One Hundred Eighty Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety (P111,188,990.00) Pesos, which will be funded by a loan from the financial institution/institutions with expected seven (7%) interest rate per annum for a period of ten (10) year years;

14.

The Unbundled Project Cost is shown below: Description

Cost (Php)

69kV Line 15/18.75MVA Power Transformer SCADA System Lot (800 m²)

1,750,000.00 76,780,900.00 8,150,000.00 2,800,000.00

13.2kV Line

11,600,000.00

Total

101,080,900.00

Project Cost with 10% contingency

111,188,990.00

15. The proposed Emergency Capital Expenditure Project will not have a direct impact on the current rate of FBPC considering that it rate is still bundled;

Spacey to be charged with sexual assault NEW YORK―Oscar-winning US actor Kevin Spacey is facing a felony charge for alleged sexual assault of a teenager in a restaurant in 2016, prosecutors said on Monday. Spacey will be arraigned at Nantucket District Court on January 7 on a charge of indecent assault and battery, according to the district attorney of Cape and Islands, Massachusetts. Prosecutors did not name the alleged victim of the July 2016 incident, but former Boston-based television news anchor Heather Unruh told a news conference last year that police were investigating a complaint by her son against the “House of Cards” and “American Beauty” star. Unruh told reporters the 59-year-old had sexually assaulted her son on the holiday island of Nantucket after plying him with alcohol late at night in a bar in July 2016. Unruh described her son at the time as a “star-struck, straight” 18-year-old. “Kevin Spacey bought him drink after drink after drink, and when my son was drunk, Spacey made his move and sexually assaulted him,” Unruh told the news conference in Boston.AFP

FBPC 15MVA 18.75 Expected Loading (kVA) 10499 14327 16168 17525 17897 18288 18698 19130 19585 20064 20570

Substation Capacity (MVA) Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028

KABUL―An hours-long gun and suicide attack on a Kabul government compound killed at least 43 people, the health ministry said Tuesday, making it one of the deadliest assaults on the Afghan capital this year. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the raid, which caps a bloody year for Afghanistan as long-suffering civilians and security forces are slaughtered in record numbers. Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told AFP the attack had “nothing to do with the militants”. Another 25 people were wounded in Monday’s massacre on a site where the Ministry of Public Works and an office that handles pensions and benefits for war veterans are located, spokesman Waheed Majroh said. Gunmen stormed the compound midafternoon after detonating a car bomb at the main entrance—opposite residential apartment buildings—sending terrified people running for their lives. Some jumped from windows several floors high to escape the militants. The suicide blast appears to have been a decoy, according to witnesses who told AFP they saw several militants enter the compound through a back gate. AFP

ERC Case No. 2018-____ RC

POWER

16. For purposes of and in connection with this application, FBPC hereby attached hereto the following documents, duly marked collectively as Annex “D”, in compliance with the requirements pertinent thereto, to wit: a) b) c) d) e)

Project Description; Justifications or Benefits to be delivered; Estimated Project Costs; Project Financing Plan; and Project Schedule;

17. That the above project is consistent with the Distribution Development Plan (DDP), the Philippine Grid Code (PGC), the Philippine Distribution Code (DDP), and other relevant government issuances; and in accordance with ERC Resolution on Capital Expenditure Projects; 18. That in compliance with the pre-filing requirements, FBPC is submitting the following:

ON THE BEACH.

A tourist has her photo taken wearing a Santa hat on Christmas Day on Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 25, 2018. AFP

Military Santa Claus updates live despite US government shutdown WASHINGTON―The US government shutdown may have temporarily dimmed Washington’s National Christmas Tree but never fear, Santa Claus still came to town―with the military tracking his path across the globe. Just as it has since the 1950s the Canadian and American defense agency NORAD delivered live updates on the man in the red suit’s international gift delivery route. NORAD eased the fears of good little boys and girls concerned the tracker might be down, after US lawmakers failed to agree on a budget, triggering a partial shutdown of federal services, including the maintenance of the Christmas tree outside the White House. “In the event of a government shutdown, NORAD will continue with its 63-year tradition of NORAD Tracks Santa on Dec. 24,” the agency tweeted of the tracker, the Pentagon’s largest public outreach program. “Military personnel who conduct NORAD Tracks Santa are supported by approximately 1,500 volunteers who make the program possible each and every year.” The 3-D, interactive website at www.noradsanta. org showed Santa on his delivery route, allowing users to click and learn more about the various cities along the way. Just after 0645 GMT, Father Christmas’s reindeer-powered sleigh was headed for Monterrey, Mexico, having already delivered more than six billion gifts.

In addition to tracking St Nick, volunteers donning military garb and Santa hats also respond to tens of thousands of calls and emails from eager children hoping to probe for details including their Christmas wish lists. The Trumps, who canceled their holiday trip to Mar a Lago, their residence and club in Florida, in light of the shutdown, took a turn ﬁelding calls from the White House on Monday evening. AFP

Medco Holdings, Inc. TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Special Stockholders’ Meeting of Medco Holdings, Inc. will be held on February 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Brasserie 21, 21st Floor, Security Bank Centre, 6776 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Only stockholders of record in the books of the Corporation at the close of business on January 8, 2019 (record date) will be entitled to vote at the meeting. Please bring some form of identification, such as passport, driver’s license or company I.D. in order to facilitate registration, which will start at 9:00 a.m. (Sgd.) Pauline C. Tan Asst. Corporate Secretary 31/F, Rufino Pacific Tower 6784 Ayala Ave., Makati City 811-0465 to 66, 840-3549 (fax) (MS-DEC. 26, 2018)

Certification from the Sangguniang Bayan of Bauan, Batangas that a copy of the application, with all its annexes and accompanying documents, attesting to the fact that applicant has furnished the said legislative body of the aforesaid application;

Certification from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Batangas that it likewise has furnished the said pertinent documents; and

Affidavit of Publication and Newspaper issue containing the published Application in its entirety in a newspaper of general circulation in the Province of Batangas; and

19. That the approval of this Emergency Capital Expenditure Project is needed to maintain efficient, reliable, and safety delivery of power to FBPC’s existing and future consumers, and will redound to the benefits of the consuming public within its coverage area. PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, applicant First Bay Power Corporation respectfully prays of this Honorable Commission that, after due notice and hearing and consideration, this application be approved. Other relief, just or equitable, is likewise prayed for. Cainta, Rizal for Pasig City, December 14, 2018.

ARNIDO O. INUMERABLE Counsel for Applicant FBPC 405 Elisa Street, U.E. Village, Cainta, Rizal PTR No. 5846984, 1-30-18, Q.C. IBP No. AR002036, 1-30-18, Q.C. Roll of Attorneys No. 28764 MCLE Compliance No. V-0007400, 4-23-15 CP #09298408040; Landline No.647-056 E Mail: attyinumerable@yahoo.com.ph REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) ) S.S. ) VERIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, RAY FLORENCE T. REYES, of legal age, Filipino, married and with office address at First Bay Power Corporation (FBPC), at Kapitan Ponso Street Extension, Bauan, Batangas, Philippines, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: 1.

That I am the President of FBPC and duly authorized to by the Board of Directors to file or cause the filing of an Application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for Approval of Regulated Entities’ Emergency Capital Expenditure Projects, with Authority to Secure Loan from a financial institution/institutions, as evidence by the Secretary’s Certificate, hereto attached as Annex “A”;

That I caused the preparation of the foregoing Application;

That I have read the foregoing Application and I attest that the allegations therein are true and correct of my personal knowledge and based on authentic records;

That I further attest that FBPC has not theretofore commenced any action or filed any claim involving the same issues and parties in any court, tribunal or quasi-judicial agency and, to the best of my knowledge, no such other action or claim is pending therein;

That if I should hereinafter learn that the same or similar action or claim has been filed or is pending in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any court, tribunal or quasijudicial agency, I shall report the said fact within five (5) days from discovery thereof to the Honorable Commission.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and affixed my signature this 20th day of December, 2018 in Bauan, Batangas. RAY FLORENCE T. REYES Affiant SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 20th day of December, 2018 in Bauan, Batangas, Philippines, affiant exhibited to his Passport No. EC3292418, issued in DFA NCR Central, on January 28, 2015 and is valid until January 27, 2020. Doc. No. ; 343 Page No. ; 69 Book No. ; CXX Series of 2018. (MS-DEC. 26, 2018)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

CPP-NPA ‘deceit, lies’ hit

N THE 50th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Tuesday, a ranking member of the organization called out its “deceit and lies” and said its armed wing, the New People’s Army, had “no chance of winning” its armed struggle against the government.

This developed as the Police Regional Office Cordillera condemned the NPA for attacking the CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) Active Auxiliary Patrol Base in Uma, Lubuagan, Kalinga at dawn on Sunday, Dec. 23, killing the base commander and hurting three other personnel. The CPP officer, who signed a statement sent to several media outlets in the Cordillera as “Ka Danny,” said he was “a witness that the CPP, NPA and NDF [National Democratic Front] are just using the party-list groups like Bayan Muna, ACT [Alliance of Concerned Teachers] and Anakpawis as fronts.”

“No chance of winning! We are the living witnesses, the former cadres and members of the crusade, of the wrongdoings of the NPA against the masses,” claimed Ka Danny, who said he was an 18-year member of the CPP and “official of the higher organ of the Legal and Unification Committee.” “Because if they are really sincere in what they are fighting for, there will come a time that they will succeed. But in reality, they are just using the implementation of peace talks to deceive the youth and try to teach them that the country is experiencing a wrong system!” added Ka Danny, who said he was

the “political officer” of three party-list congressmen from Bayan Muna, Anakpawis and ACT. Officials of the party-list groups could not confirm Ka Danny’s identity at press time. The statement was co-signed by Mario Ludades, one of the original 18 founders of the CPP and currently the spokesperson of the No to Communist Terrorist Group Coalition. An indigenous peoples’ leader in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ludades said only CPP founder Jose Maria Sison remains in the party from the original 18, “and he is continuously living the grand life in the Netherlands.” “It can be recalled that one by one, a lot of founders detached themselves from the group because of Joma’s dictatorial rule and being a self-centered style of leadership,” he said. For the last 50 years, Ludades said the communist groups failed in delivering their promises to their members, and instead of traversing the way to democracy

and success, thousands of lives have been lost “for the sake of their own war.” “Those intellectual youth and individuals, those who were victims of purging in the organization come from the peasant group, workers, laborers, students, indigenous people. They are the ones who lost their lives for the sake of the so-called ‘peoples’ war.’ But what really hurting is the fact that innocent civilians are the real victims of their war,” said Ludades. He said “great young people” like Edgar Jopson and Lean Alejandro became victims of the wrong ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF. “While currently, young children are being lured to fight as NPAs,” he added, noting that the leftists were using “legal fronts” like several youth groups “to deceive and brainwash the youth to join the ‘kilusan’ or movement.” Ludades and “Ka Danny” called on the youth “not to be deceived anymore and never patronize the fight being waged” by the communists. With PNA

Muntinlupa hosts International Robot Olympiad MUNTINLUPA City recently hosted this year’s International Robot Olympiad, an annual gathering of robot learners and mentors from member countries, with the theme “Save the Seas.” The event was the first IRO competition to be held in the Philippines since it started in South Korea in 1999. Countries which previously hosted the contest were China, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, US and Singapore. International Robotics Olympiad Committee president Kim Jong Hwan led the opening ceremony of the fourday robotics event at the De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Ayala Alabang. Also attending the ceremony was Philippine Robotics Team and Data Science and Technology Corporation president Anthony Gabitan, who expressed his utmost thanks to Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and the City Government of Muntinlupa for hosting the event and for his support in raising the flag of the Philippines in the world of robotics. “I envision that each student in the Philippines will become a productive innovator and inventor that will put Philippines in the center of global progress,” Gabitan said. Other officials joining the launching of IRO were Muntinlupa Deputy Administrator RJ Smith (representing Mayor Jaime Fresnedi), DLSZ President Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC, and members of IRO Technical Working Group.

Allianz PNB sets Bacolod lessons

Children of Manicani Island read from the books supplied by employees of Nickel Asia Corp. for the ‘Ang Library sa Manicani’, which makes up for the absence of a public library on the island, which is 45 minutes away by boat from the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar.

NAC employees Villars bring children of Tagaytay, donate books to Tondo to Christmas Village bash Manicani library SOME 500 different titles of books were transported to the island of Manicani in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, to fill up a new library. Simply called “Ang Library sa Manicani,” the project aims to encourage children in the island to read, with Nickel Asia Corp. making sure there are exciting books, some with very special and rare titles, as well as magazines, available in the new library to sustain the interest of everyone on the island. Manicani only has one high school and one elementary school serving almost 700 children, including those too young to enter formal school. There is no public library in the island, which is 45 minutes away by boat from the town of Guiuan in Eastern Samar, and the library that NAC built is designed like a resort. Painted in bright inviting colors, it is surrounded by fiesta-fun flags and beach umbrellas, so the children will be excited to visit and check out the books. NAC employees donated books for all ages – classics, masterworks, and contemporary, in Filipino and in English, pre-loved and newly bought – in participating with the company’s personal social responsibility (PSR) program. Books from Agatha Christie to Harper Lee; from Wimpy Kids to Robinson Crusoe; from volumes of young adult romance books to hard-reads like Jane Austen and Lewis Carrol were donated to the library. Copies of titles from Mark Twain, Anne Rice, Disney books, Grolier Illustrated and Encyclopedias, local author Bob Ong, and even entrepreneurial magazines, self-help bestsellers, and religious journals were included. With PNA

THE Villar family, led by former Senate president Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia Villar, celebrated their annual Christmas gift-giving get-together with some 150 kids from barangay Baseco in Tondo and barangay Iruhin in Tagaytay at the Christmas Village in Crosswinds, Tagaytay. Joined by Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and his wife Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Villar, Camille Villar, and grandchildren Emma Therese and Tristan, the family sang and played with the kids in the annual gift-giving affair hosted by the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance). “We are very happy to have spent this special time with the kids,” Manny Villar said as he watched kids aged 2 to 13 years old enjoy the Christmas Village set

up at the 100-hectare Crosswinds community in Tagaytay. The Villars, especially grandkids Emma Therese and Tristan, joined the Baseco kids in watching a magician show and playing parlor games. In the end, they handed out the Christmas presents to the kids. “Christmas has always been a special time especially for the children. This event is just one of our family’s way of giving back to the Filipino people,” Villar said. “We hope through this celebration, we are able to spread joy to the kids and their families this holiday season,” Senator Villar said. The Tagaytay Christmas party for the Baseco and Iruhin kids is an annual event organized by Villar SIPAG, now on its ninth year.

ALLIANZ PNB Life Insurance, Inc. recently conducted a series of financial planning seminars for students in Bacolod City, starting with St. Scholastica’s Academy and St. John’s Institute. More than 300 students attended the initial learning sessions at the two schools. For this initiative, Allianz PNB Life partnered with Jong Merida, President and CEO of Insight TM Corporation and Director of the Wealth Management Center for Communications and Research, Inc., which is a center of excellence for financial education. The financial literacy talk emphasized the importance of having a holistic approach to education, which includes the development of the youth’s ability to manage their money well. “We aim to prepare the youth to be financially responsible and to develop an entrepreneurial mindset by providing them with relevant finance principles and an understanding of the financial markets,” said Bernadette Pantoja, Allianz PNB Life Distribution Partner Head and Event Lead.

The Villar family, led by former Senate president Manny Villar and Senator Cynthia A. Villar, pose with hundreds of children of Baseco in Manila and Iruhin in Tagaytay during a Christmas party at Crosswinds in Tagaytay City. The Villars treated the children to a day filled with love and happiness, as they were joined by children Camille and son Tristan, and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and wife Justice Undersecretary Emmeline and daughter Emma.

Volunteers assist Davao women inmates

GIFTS FOR LAGUNA. Philippine International Trading Corp. CEO Usec. Dave Almarinez (in white shirt) distributes gift bags to residents of Brgy. San Antonio in Binan, Laguna. More than 1,000 families received gifts with the support of Laguna 1st District Board Member Abigail Alonte and the PITC families and staff. Roy Tomandao

DAVAO CITY—Local volunteer-lawyers are giving female inmates new ray of hope by helping them apply for plea bargaining to secure their early release. On Sunday, volunteer-lawyers, accompanied by psychologists and medical practitioners, visited the Ray of Hope Village—a jail facility for female inmates inside the Davao City Jail—to offer free legal and medical services. Lawyer Jaja Buenaventura, who organized the activity, said she and her friends pooled their resources after seeing the need to help women inmates who have otherwise been released if not for the lack of proper legal assistance. During the one-day activity alone, Buenaventura’s group managed to assist 16 inmates in their plea bargaining application. One of these is Gay (not her real name), who was arrested in an illegal drugs operation three years ago but whose case

has not moved in the courts since. Gay, who said she has not been visited by any of her friends or family members since her incarceration, wanted to plea bargain to shorten her trial and be released so she can start a new life. Jail Officer 1 Mary Karle Chua said if Gay’s plea bargaining is granted, she would be released and would only need to report regularly either in court or at the Department of Health because she tested positive for drug use. Since it was offered in October, Chua said there were already about a hundred inmates inside the facility who have been released through plea bargaining system. Chua said allowing the inmates to cut a deal with prosecutors helps in decongesting the jail. Currently, the city jail’s female dorm has a current population of 489, and 90 percent of them are facing drug cases. PNA

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE wEdnESday, dEcEMBE dEcEMBEr 26, 2018

Life

fashion and beauty WHAT’S HOT IN FASHION. Ruffles, pleats, graphics, and tie-knots are expected to prevail in women’s fashion in 2019, according to trend forecast website World Global Style Network.

Trend forecast website

reveals what’s in for 2019 T

HIS coming 2019, there will be new ways to celebrate individuality as the new year brings with it trends that are expected to be the hit.

Fashion expert Christine Benet, chairperson of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, revealed next year’s style necessities based on giant trend forecast website World Global Style network. With over 250 trend experts and data scientists catering to an immense number of insights and inspirations on fashion, lifestyle, and retail, WGSn has become one of the best trend forecasters in the world. Benet explained the prevailing 2019 trends deals with how Generation Z, present themselves. “Streetwear and opulence combined with graphics will continue to be the vibe next year,” she stated. “Generation Z, the demographic cohort following the millennials, is the most tech-savvy and socialmedia-dependent, and very much into self-expression. The combination of their high awareness of what’s fashionable in the West and patronization Instagramfamous brands results in the opulent, very Rococo-like streetwear, similar to what Gucci and Fendi have released recently,” she spilled. In the men’s market, streetwear will level up with hi-lo styling, where luxury pieces are paired with more casual clothes. Denim will once again exhibit youthful attitude with room for playing around with volumes of oversized garments and twists on established shapes. Meanwhile, knits will prove to be a refined year-round must-have. In the women’s wardrobe, zip-thru sweatshirts with dropped shoulders and relaxed silhouettes will give a nod to masculine dressing and the classic rugby top will make a comeback with elbow-length sleeves and wide collars. Streetwear, in general, will continue to break the contemporary design rules through “bad designs,” illustrating the banal and the mundane with subversive low-definition graphics, blurred photo

streetwear trend, but there are market segments in the Philippines that will stick to minimal, more conservative directions. They will pick up certain trendy details but may only apply it prints, distorted logo lockups, and pix- minimally,” she reiterated. Benet clarified that what may be elated and stretched typefaces reminispopular on the international runway, cent of the pre-digital 1990s. may not be applicable to the Last year’s spring/summer local industry. “Given that we are a tropical country, we mainly get inspiration from spring/ summer collections of fashion houses,” she noted. “Fall/winter pieces do not work well here in our islands given the short shelf and trend life so we will not see much of it when the year opens.” For those who religiously follow Pantone’s Color of the Year: Living Coral is the general color of 2019, Cavern Clay is hot in interior design, and Fiesta is for the wardrobe. “Fiesta is much more appropriate for our country given that our weather only goes around spring and summer,” shared Benet. “It will very much be reflected through streetwear with all the graphics and details that most Filipinos are Knits into right now.” will warm up tropical Philippines next year. Clockwise: Missoni, Luisaviaroma, Daniel Fletcher, and Besani

trends ruffles and ribbons will continue to make a statement this year, but with a more simple yet sophisticated touch. Must-haves are tie-waist knot details and stylized ruffles that accentuate asymmetrical fronts and silhouettes. Layers, too, will once again reign the runway and the stores with maximalist pleated skirts, deconstructed wrap dresses, dramatic paneled dresses with extra-long ribbed cuffs and central rib panel, and graphic garden sweatshirts with chiffon overlay. Despite the highlight on opulent and graphic streetwear, Benet, speaking from a merchandiser’s perspective, said that other spring/summer 2019 trends such as laces, craftwork, hats, bows, beige, and tutti-frutti colors will later on be broken down based on market segment by age and financial capability. “Most people will follow the

Photos courtesy of WGSN

Beatriz ‘Patis’ Tesoro (second from left) showing local fabrics to Deputy Speaker Linabelle Ruth Villarica and Representatives Maitet Collantes and Lianda Bolilia.

‘Kasuotan’ coffee table book empowers local fashion industries ManY hope the smashing success of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who put Filipiniana wear and other traditional Philippine attire and accessories in the spotlight, translates to a well-deserved and sustained support for the local fashion industry. “Kasuotan: Filipiniana Redefined,” a coffee table book by the women legislators of the 17th Congress, highlights such outstanding contribution of the local industries and talents as well as the accomplished legislators that champion them. Deputy Speaker Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, president of the association

of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc., said that in their latest fundraiser, “Children patients of the national Center for Mental Health will thank you,” as the proceeds from the book sale will help build the Paaralan at Palaruan ng Kabataan at the national Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City. It marks another opportunity for a relevant contribution by the women legislators who broke ground as they called attention to the human rights and care for mental health patients through the passage of the Republic act 11036 Turn to C2

First row, from left: Rep. Vini Ortega, Rep. Marisol Panotes, Rep. Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Deputy Speaker Baby Arenas, Deputy Speaker Villarica, Rep. Arlene Arcillas, Rep. Emmi de Jesus, Rep. France Castro, Rep. Arlene Brosas, Rep. Sarah Elago, Rep. Sol Aragones, Rep. Trisha Velasco-Catera, and Deputy Speaker Chedeng Alvarez. Second row, from left: Rep. Chiqui Roa-Puno, Rep. Michelle Antonio, Rep. Josy Limkaichong, Rep. Cheryl Deloso-Montalla, Rep. Queenie Gonzales, Rep. Maitet Collantes, Rep. Nettie Aggabao, Rep. Mikki Violago, Rep. Lianda Bolilia, Deputy Speaker Evie Escudero, Rep. Binky Noel, Rep. Bebs Mellana, and Deputy Speaker Sharon Garin.

Life

wednesday, december 26, 2018 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

A sleek black BOSS document holder featuring Jeremyville’s colorful cityscape and characters.

Boldly sleek and playful Luxury fashion label BOSS teams up with artist Jeremyville for its holiday campaign.

Leek BOSS design collides with playful Jeremyville artwork as the luxury fashion brand joins forces with the New Yorkbased artist and author on a new campaign and collection for the holiday season.

The limited edition collection features a cityscape inhabited by a unique cast of characters, which Jeremyville created exclusively for the BOSS holiday campaign. The four inhabitants represent a playful take on traditional holiday preparations. The lead characters include his now iconic bunny and, to celebrate Chinese New Year, a pig. These bold designs are printed in bright color on leather sandals, backpacks, document holders, and phone cases. The Hugo Boss logo and Jeremyville illustrations meet, as the cityscape is printed over a fully monogrammed Italian coated-canvas backpack. In a more understated interpretation, the characters are printed onto leather accessories, leaving a relief design. A grainy leather backpack showcases the Jeremyville bunny, a sleek sneaker is detailed with a raised pig motif, and sartorial loafers feature an all-over embossed cityscape.

Leather backpacks and sartorial loafers made more playful with Jeremyville’s illustrations.

The four characters in Jeremyville’s cityscape as figurines.

The individual characters come into their own as key charms and figurines. Available as single pieces, the figurines are also stackable, creating a new totem-like take on the Christmas tree. In the Philippines, BOSS is located at City of Dreams, Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, ShangriLa East Wing, and 158 Designer’s Blvd. Newport Mall.

Ray-Ban releases the newest pair to beat

Keds x kate spade new york holiday collection features sparkly, season-appropriate Ace Leather, Triple Decker, and Champion styles.

Shine in sparkly sneakers NOTHING livens up an outfit more than glitter, hence keds’ holiday sneaker collection, in collaboration with kate spade new york, features more styles glammed up with sophisticated shine and sparkle. Updating its Holiday line of glittered staples, the keds x kate spade new york collection introduces stunning additions to classic sneaker styles: Ace Leather, Triple Decker, and Champion. The pop of glitter at the heel of Ace Leather gives the all-white sporty sneaker a hint of sophistication. Polished in the front and party at the back, the Ace leather lace up sneaker takes minimalist accents to new style heights. Meanwhile, the much-loved keds Triple Decker silhouette boasts eye-catching sparkle and leg-lengthening appeal, the perfect highlight for any holiday outfit.

Those looking to make the ultimate holiday statement, kate spade new york Champion glittered shoes are their best bet. With fancy details like satin laces and shiny textures mixed with the perfect balance of comfort, this pair is basically a party on the feet. Aside from a new collection of Holiday stunners, keds is also offering a free limited edition tote bag for every P5,000 single-receipt purchase on keds footwear and accessories. Keds stores are at Glorietta 3, UP Town Center, SM North Edsa-The Block, SM Megamall, Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Manila, Festival Alabang, SM City Baguio, Robinsons Ilocos, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Bacolod, SM City Iloilo, Gaisano Mall Davao, and Centrio Cagayan De Oro.

RAY-BAN’S signature sunglasses take on a whole new form, taking cues from decades past. The eyewear brand launches a new pair of retro-cool sunnies in distinct oval shape. With small and colored sunglasses on a comeback trail, the Ray-Ban Beat is a hot accessory as it plays into the vintage minimalist movement—a double throwback to the iconic Beatles era of the ‘60s, later revived through the street grunge aesthetic of the ‘90s. This newest pair to beat features a uniquely oval shape, surrounded by a lithe metal frame, punctuated by an arresting punch of colored lenses. The Ray-Ban Beat is cool in that it never deliberately matches anything. Worn with streetwear athleisure, an overtly tight minidress, or structured solid co-ordinates, it can hold its own and make any wearer stand out in style. The Beat is made of a rubberized metal frame in gold or silver, with enamel contrasting the color of the frame. Its signature oval lenses come in classic black or brown, or with a trendy see-through style that comes in stand-out hues of pink, gradient coffee, or gradient burgundy. each Ray-Ban Beat is also marked with a distinct arch, a subtle touch that gives each pair its understatedly cool look. Ray-Ban Beat is available at Vision Express Philippines, Eye Society, authorized department stores, and other optical stores The Ray-Ban Beat takes cue from the iconic Beatles era of the ‘60s later revived through the street grunge aesthetic of the ‘90s. nationwide at P10,990 a pair.

The Beat features a unique cool look with its oval-shaped colored lenses, surrounded by a lithe metal frame in gold or silver.

‘Kasuotan’ ... From C1 Ace Leather Glitter in rose and Triple Decker Glitter in rose gold.

ria Cristina Roa-Puno, chairperson of the book project, coordinates with the Department of Health for the facilities needed while her co-chair, Rep. Alor the Philippine Mental Health Law in exandria P. Gonzales (Lone District, Mandaluyong City) shall oversee the November 2017. Antipolo City First District Rep. Ma- construction of the facilities located

within her congressional district. “Kasuotan” is priced at P2,500. Discounts for bulk orders are follows: 10 percent for 30-50 books; 15 percent for 51-100 books; and 25 percent for 101 books and above. Call (02) 931-5001 local 7278 or 0920-9620602 to order.

Entertainment Simply... From C4

“Working with Sam is like going back home also, back to where I started because my first full on rom-com was with Sam under Direk Cathy (Garcia Molina). So parangI feel more comfortable with him now than our previous films because we’ve matured so much as individuals,” said Toni. Visitors to Ayala Land’s largest sustainable estate Nuvali can now enjoy its annual immersive light and sound show. Presented in partnership with The Walt Disney Company Philippines, the show runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Nuvali football field, also known as The Fields, beside Ayala Malls Solenad. Now on its third year, Nuvali’s holiday light and sound spectacle has been titled Reimagine the Magic: A Festival of Lights. Well-loved Disney tunes play merrily as a field of 5,000 LED bulbs light up like an enchanted field of tulips. Aside from the musical of laser lights, the crowd favorite 50-meter light tunnel makes a return. Guests will also be enchanted by a number of Disney installations. For the first time, guests can also enjoy the Festival of Lights while supporting a cause. The show will have a fundraising event for the Hero Foundation which supports the families of fallen soldiers. Part of the P50.00 will be donated to the foundation. As a way of thanking donors, each donation will include a fast pass access to the show, a spot in the bleacher seats and Disney-themed bottled water. Interested guests may register and pay online or inside the venue itself. “We’ve had guests coming from Metro Manila and from neighboring provinces such as Batangas, Cavite and Laguna. Our intent is to bring Ayala Land’s Christmas tradition to the communities south of Metro Manila.” said John Estacio, Nuvali general manager. He adds, that aside from spreading the yuletide cheer this season, the show emphasizes the natural beauty of Nuvali by deriving inspiration from nature as seen with the tulips and Anahaw-like light installations. The estate’s open spaces and cool holiday breeze also encourages the community to spend more time outdoors. The Festival of Lights isn’t the only thing guests and residents can look forward to this holiday season in Nuvali. The Solenad Christmas Bazaar, featuring food and holiday gift items will run every weekend until Jan. 6. Reimagine the Magic: A Festival of Lights will be in Nuvali until Jan. 13. The show is staged in partnership with Mastercard, HSBC, Sunlife Financial and Globe Telecom. Nuvali is Ayala Land’s largest masterplanned, mixed-use development. The integrated ecocommunity has various residential developments from Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, and Amaia. The estate is also home to various retail, office and recreational establishments like Ayala Malls Solenad, Seda Hotel, Monochrome events place, One and Two Evotech, Camp N, Republic Wakepark and more. Institutional developments like Miriam College, Xavier School and healthcare QualiMed Hospital are also present to cater to the growing community within the estate. *** Enjoy the rest of the holidays!!!! *** More stories of these kinds at www. isah.red. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@isahvred. ΙŘ

FIVE VIDEOS to help you

get through holiday traffic

HIS Christmas season, you can make the rush hour trafﬁc or the long lines at the mall just a little bit more bearable with Smart’s Video Every Day, which lets you enjoy up to one hour of free video streaming every day on YouTube, iﬂix, iWant, Cignal Play, and NBA League Pass.

Celebrating Christmas in style should not mean breaking the bank, and fashion and travel vloggers LaureenUy lets you know the many ways to save without compromising style and comfort on her iWant show Laureen on a Budget.

Looking where to start? Here are five videos to help you make the most of your Video Every Day promo. 1. Get travel inspirations from WilDasovich on YouTube. If you’re still planning your holiday travels, you can definitely pick up valuable tips and lessons from vlogger WilDasovich, whose latest vlogs feature his family’s trip to Europe. You’d realize it’s not all sunshine and roses, as Wil would also reveal how he ruined their vacation and spent around $6,000 on a few mistakes. Head to his channel now to see how he rose from the difficult situation.

2. Feel warm and fuzzy with Snowed-Inn Christmas on iﬂix

4. Get inspiration for Noche Buena on Cignal Play’s Asian Food Channel. Stuck in traffic again? Make good use of the time by researching for Noche Buena recipes via episodes of the Asian Food Channel on Cignal Play. Those mouthwatering dishes will surely get your mind off the horrible holiday traffic.

5. Catch NBA action on NBA League Pass. With NBA League Pass, it’s going to be Christmas all-year round for diehard basketball fans that can stream regular season, play-offs, AllStar and select pre-season games, as well as other NBA insider and heart-pumping behind-thescenes videos.

nickie.standard@gmail.com

JC, Bela, Revilla brothers star in pay-per-view offers from SKY FRESH 2018 movies starring JC Santos and Bela Padilla, The Day After Valentine’s Day Day, and the Revilla brothers’ Tres lead the exciting lineup of pay-per-view offerings that are perfect for a holiday movie marathon this December. After the highly talked about 2017 box-office movie 100 Tula Para Kay Stella Stella, Bela and JC reunite with director Jason Paul Laxamana in The Day After Valentine’s Day Day. This movie was one of the entries in the 2018 PistangPelikulang Pilipino and tells the story of moving on from heartbreak. Lani (Bela) is a simple girl who likes “broken things” and Baybayin, the Filipino ancient alphabetic writing system. She stumbles upon Kai (JC), who is suffering from a heartbreak, and tries to help him move on as they spend Valentine’s Day together. Other movie treats to enjoy include Single Single: Love is not Enough Enough, Harry and Patty Patty, Petmalu, Unli Life, and The Hopeful Romantic. To avail of this movie pack, subscribe to SKY Movies Pay-PerView for only P30 for a five-day access. Call 418 0000 or visit mysky.com.ph/ moviesppv or text MOVIESPPV to 23662 to subscribe. Giving viewers a dose of adrenaline rush, meanwhile are the Revilla brothers, Jolo, Luigi, and Bryan as they band together for the first time in the action trilogy movie, Tres, a timely movie that revolves around the high-stakes world of anti-drug law enforcement, drug traffickers, and drug users. According to Jolo, Tres is only the first of the Revilla brothers’ joint projects as they plan to make more action and fantasy films in the near future. This movie also serves as the comeback film of Imus productions which produced the films of Jolo’s grandfather, NardongPutik, Pepeng Agimat and AngPanday. Also in the Star Cinema on SKYcable Pay-Per-View bundle are K9, Kasunduan, Riding In Tandem, K9 Delicti, We Will Die Tonight, Corpus Delicti and Pinoy Pride 45. The Star Cinema movie pack offer is available until Jan. 4 for only P30 for a five-day access. SKYcable subscribers can also access these movies from the comfort of their home or on any device anytime, anywhere via SKY on Demand. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office, visit www. mysky.com.ph/starcinemappv or just text STARCINEMAPPV to 23662.

Christmas season is cheesy rom-com season, and nothing says cheesy rom-com than the love story of two seemingly polar opposites who get stuck in a town called Santa Claus, Indiana, where they work together to save the town inn while unexpectedly growing closer to each other. It’s got all the elements of a feel-good movie that will likely leave you feel warm and fuzzy from all that holiday love.

Smart, TNT, and Sun customers can make the most of Video Every Day with Giga Surf 99, which comes with 2GB data for surﬁng and all apps and an additional 1GB per day to watch up to 1 hour of videos every day, valid for seven days.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018 51 Sit on the throne 54 Extremely wicked 60 Lahore language 61 Arbor 62 This, in Tijuana 63 Deportment 64 Revise 65 Lots and lots 66 Early vegetables 67 Single-minded experts 68 Sleep fitfully DOWN 1 Bug 2 Diva’s solo 3 Operatic prince 4 Eminent 5 High-rise units 6 Dueler’s sword 7 Bard’s tragic king 8 Does the wrong thing 9 Undergrad degs. 10 Tropical beat 11 Plum shape 12 Costa — 13 First orchard? 21 River in Asia 22 — Quixote 24 Hogshead

3. Stretch your Christmas budget with LaureenUy on iWant.

With Video Every Day, you have ready access to tons of amazing content to keep you entertained and productive while running all those holiday errands. Simply register to any Giga Surf promo by dialing *121# or via MySmart app and you can enjoy Video Every Day for as long as your promo is active.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Make a profit 5 “People” person, for short 10 Geologic sample 14 Thus 15 “Tosca,” e.g. 16 Grasping 17 Tumult 18 Draws close 19 Delicate fabric 20 Raiders 22 “Like a Rolling Stone” singer 23 Buddy, briefly 24 Cagney or Lacey 25 Something to bat 29 Huge house 33 Drive away an attack 34 Bluesman — Redding 36 Monster 37 Left Bank pal 38 Tree part 39 Untruth 40 Jiffies 42 Clued in 43 Waited in line 45 Naval officers 47 Metes out 49 Sundial numeral 50 Big bankroll

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

25 Clear a diskette 26 Aden’s country 27 Sagas 28 Tuba and bugle 29 Child 30 Ice structure 31 Hunter of myth 32 Has to have 35 Famed mummy 38 Morrison or Braxton 41 Oater weapons (hyph.) 43 Black hole, once 44 Neatest

46 Card game for two 48 Trophies 51 Kind of roast 52 Cleveland’s lake 53 Inventor’s spark 54 Iditarod terminus 55 Aquarius’ tote 56 Manage for oneself 57 Peace Prize city 58 Sporty trucks 59 Handy tools 61 Prohibit

Bela Padilla and JC Santos, starts of the film 'The Day After Valentine’s Day.'

Entertainment

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2018

An angel

IN SUIT

HAT do Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, By Nickie Wang Stripe’s John Collison, and Snapchat’s Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy have in common?

PEOPLE

All of them are millennial entrepreneurs and part of the list of the world’s top billionaires who embrace the digital space by utilizing new technologies to develop businesses. In the Philippines, there’s a company that uses the same strategy— incorporating technology and research into its practices—to better service its clients and stakeholders. And the man behind it is also a millennial, a 28-year-old entrepreneur who dreams big and make solid actions to turn them into reality. Experienced millennial CEO Jet Yu has a good history working in the real estate industry. He has a strong entrepreneurial skill in Advertising, Sales Management, Real Estate Economics, and Real Estate Transaction such as property acquisition and disposal, office space leasing, retail space leasing, industrial space leasing, property and facility management, and real estate research/advisory services. “Real estate business has evolved rapidly in the past ten years driven by the millennial market and technological advancements.I have passion for angel investments to foster and sustain Filipino ingenuity and innovation,” Yu, who is very critical in picking the right entrepreneurs to mentor and invest, told Manila Standard in an interview. Better known as one of the investorjudges in the previous seasonof CNN’s The Final Pitch, Yu graduated at the University of Asia and the Pacific with a Bachelor’s degree in Science in Entrepreneurial Management in April 2011. “As an angel investor, I’m always on the lookout for businesses that foster and sustain Filipino ingenuity and innovation. On the The Final Pitch, Isupported a team that pitched an application that simplifies the intimidating concepts behind stock investment so that common peoplewould know when and how to invest in different companies,” he shared adding that he is keen on pursuing ideas pioneered by Filipinos. Even before they were required to start their own business, a part of their curriculum in their third year, Yu had already put up a food kiosk selling siomai and rice meals at one of the LRT stations in Caloocan. “Managing a food kiosk was difficult and very time consuming so I had to sell the kiosk,” Yu, who came from a traditional Filipino-Chinese family who is also into real estate business, said.

At age 22, he had pioneered more than five successful businesses and at 23, he put up Prime Philippines. Barely one year in the business, in 2014, the company brokered the biggest transaction in Quezon City with a project that was worth P500 million. Now, PRIME Philippines is leading the real estate consultancy business in the country. In Quezon City for instance, it dominates the city holding 65 percent of its commercial lease transactions and several big ticket acquisitions. His new venture Greatwork business campus redefines the traditionally congested cubicle design of the office by introducing a co-working setup conducive to collaboration. Apart from the Philippines, the millennial CEO and investor has also strategically invested in several start-up companies in Singapore, and Hong Kong, and is continuously still in the hunt for property technology-related companies or PropTech. According to Yu, his five-year-old company is proud to be the country’s flag carrier in the field of commercial real estate. With P30 Billion worth of portfolio and various notable bigticket projects, the firm is proud to be the nation’s leader in its industry. The company is committed to its mandate of providing excellent services to its clients and to contribute to the progress of the Philippines through its industry. He also revealed that he plans to bring his company public by the year 2021. “The company’s growth for the past five years has been exponential. We have offices now in Manila, Davao and we have our first international office in Shanghai. The company has completed more than 100 real estate research projects and employs more than 100 fulltime employees,” he shared. When he put up his own company, his goal was simple, he wanted to challenge tradition and to create real estate solutions. With only half a decade from its start of operations in 2013, PRIME Philippines is committed to providing twice the impact and the service excellence. “When I was starting the company, it was hard, I was dealing with people twice my age. But my parents, the people who I consider my big influence, told me that before anything else, I need to build a good reputation and I should always prioritize character over skills,” he ended.

Jet Yu with PRIME Philippines employees and stakeholders during the company's 5th anniversary party early this month. Jet Yu with Mega Sardines and Mega Global Corp CEO and Founder William Tiu-Lim (left) and Quad X Executive Officer Dino Araneta (center) in one of the episodes of CNN's 'The Final Pitch Season 2.'

Millennial corporate honcho Jet Yu

HOLLYWOOD

‘Aquaman’ makes a big splash to top box office NEW Warner Bros. release Aquamanmade the biggest waves in North American theaters over the weekend with $67.4 million in ticket sales, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations estimated Sunday. That put it well ahead of two other new holiday-timed releases, as Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns took in $22.2 million for the three-day weekend, ﬂying slightly higher than Paramount’s Bumblebee at $21 million. Together, the three helped boost the year’s domestic box-ofﬁce revenue toward a record $11.8 billion, Hollywood Reporter said. Aquaman stars Jason Momoa in a title role infused with new swagger by director James Wan, with Variety

calling Momoa’sAquaman “a barechested Hawaiian super-stud with long, shaggy surfer hair and all-over tribal tattoos.” The look seems to work: The film has already taken in some $410 million outside North America. Mary Poppins, while lacking truly boffo opening numbers, is expected to follow past musicals in enjoying a long box-office run. The sequel to the 1964 movie stars Emily Blunt as the stern but kindhearted nanny (Julie Andrews in the original), backed by Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame. Dick Van Dyke, Mary Poppins’ Cockney-accented friend in the original film, makes a cameo.

Bumblebee, a prequel to the Transformers movies, stars HaileeSteinfeld and John Cena. It drew a lofty 94 percent rating from Rotten Tomatoes as all three of the top grossing new movies earned strong A- ratings from CinemaScores. In fourth was Sony’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, taking in $16.7 million. It has Peter Parker making way for Miles Morales as a black, Latino Spider-Man. And ﬁfth spot went to The Mule from Warner Bros., at $9.3 million. Clint Eastwood, who at 88 says this will be his last acting part, directs and takes the lead role as a destitute 90-year-old who turns to transporting cocaine for a Mexican drug cartel. AFP

Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman in the 2018 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name.

Toni established TinCan, from her name Celestine (her nickname before becoming a showbiz celebrity was and still is Tin) and Can, which implies she can also produce films.

ISAH V. RED

Toni Gonzaga ventures into film production MARY, Marry Me is possibly the romcom of the season, at least among the Filipino language films screening in theaters in Metro Manila and possibly nationwide. It’s Tincan’s debut on the film production arena. It is also the film’s lead star’s first foray into film production as producer. Supposedly, the film would have been underwritten by Ten17P, Paul Soriano’s production outfit, but after carefully weighing the screenplay’s value, Soriano decided it’s not within his company’s course he asked his wife, Toni Gonzaga, to put up a separate company affiliated with his to produce this type of films. And, gladly Toni established TinCan, from her name Celestine (her nickname before becoming a showbiz celebrity was and still is Tin) and Can, which implies she can also produce films. Helmed by RC delos Reyes, Mary, Marry, Me also stars Toni’s younger sister Alex Gonzaga and Sam Milby. “I remember when we were kids we would always look forward sa MMFF and pipila kami saisasamga movies na gusto naming mapanood. Then fast forward to 20 years later, kasamanakamingdalawanaisasapapanoorinngayongpasko,” said Toni. Mary, Marry, Me is the story of Mary Jane (Toni) and her estranged younger sister Mary Anne (Alex) who is set to marry the former’s ex-boyfriend Pete (Sam Milby). Despite the initial hesitation, Mary Jane’s commitment to make up with her sister enables her to set aside her uneasiness with her ex-boyfriend as she agrees to plan their wedding. “Masaya makatrabahoang Ate kokasiunasalahat feeling mo safe ka, feeling mo at home ka atwalakasa work kasinandoonang Ate mo. Yet at the same time mahiraprinsiyakasimasyadong perfectionist ang Ate ko and masyadorinniyangchinecheckat ino-observe lahatnggalawko so parangmeronakongnanaysa set,” Alex described the experience of working with her Ate during the presscon for the film a week before its opening yesterday. But, on another end, Alex noted that her sister played a huge part in bringing out her emotions. “Kasiwe’re never really sweet, we don’t really talk about our emotions for one another, so nungnandoonnasa part ngpelikulanakailanganngdramahan or confrontation parang mas mabilisakongnakakapitkasinga Ate kosiya,” Alex said. “Taposminsankapaghindina kami makaiyak, iniiba naming angmga lines para ma-relate saamin at maging true to life.” “I have so many concepts in mind and I think we waited for the right time namagkatrabaho kami. Lagikasingdapatmagkakatrabaho kami saTV until finally, I think this is the right time for us to do a movie together kasi we’re both professionals na to handle our relationship on the set,” said Toni. Continued on C4