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VOL. XXXII • NO. 160 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 • www.manilastandard.net • editorial@manilastandard.net

New Speaker sets sights on priority bills SO HELP THEM GOD. The Philippines’ first woman House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of Pampanga presides over the session of the House of Representatives Monday, shortly after ousting Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte with majority of her colleagues voting for her. Below, Rep. Lord Alan Velasco (right) and Rep. Alfredo Garbin bring the House mace, symbol of power and authority, to the plenary hall to legitimize Arroyo’s oath-taking. Ver Noveno

By Maricel V. Cruz

PEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday vowed to ensure the passage of priority measures of the Duterte administration.

Arroyo made the statement a day after she was elected to the chamber’s highest post. “I am extremely honored to have been supported by my colleagues at the House of Representatives to be their new Speaker,” Arroyo said in a statement. She vowed to push for the legislative agenda of the President in the House. Arroyo was elected Speaker by a vote of 184 -12, replacing Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez, who absented himself during the session called after the President’s State of the Nation Address. A total of 238 lawmakers attended the evening session. Others were out of the

session hall when the vote was conducted. President Rodrigo Duterte’s address was delayed by more than an hour as he met Alvarez and Arroyo separately over the leadership row. Arroyo, chairman-emeritus of LakasCMD, joined the President’s political party, Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino, in October 2017. “My joining the PDP-Laban is to consolidate support for the President. It is a matter of course as we have been talking about this for quite sometime,” she said. Arroyo took her oath then before Alvarez, who removed her from her post Next page

Rody’s threat to walk out settles feud By Macon RamosAraneta and Vito Barcelo A FEW minutes before President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his third State of the Nation Address to a joint session of Congress, he threatened to stage a walkout if the row over the House leadership were not settled. The bickering started after the camp of Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Next page

Arroyo-led House ratifies draft Bangsamoro law Dubious label on PH as 2nd most dangerous PARIS—Brazil has been described as the most dangerous country for land activists in 2017 with 57 killed, while the Philippines accounted for 48, although the latter has been top in Asia, the rights watchdog Global Witness said Tuesday. The international non-government organization, which has ofﬁces in London and Washington, D.C. told AFP more than 200 environmental activists were murdered last year as governmentsponsored killings linked to lucrative projects by vast agriculture multinationals soared. The rights group was established in 1993 and works to break the links between natural resource exploitation, conﬂict, poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses worldwide. Global Witness said it had documented 207 cases where activists were killed while trying to protect land from development, often for the production of consumer staples such as coffee and palm oil, making 2017 the deadliest year on record for environmentalists. Next page

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday ratiﬁed the proposed Bangsamoro Organic Law, one day after a dramatic leadership change that saw former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo wrest control from Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. A maneuver by the Alvarez camp to forestall his ouster also delayed the BOL’s scheduled passage on Monday. On Tuesday, the House created a ﬁve-

man transition committee intended to smoothen things out with Alvarez. The transition team was composed of Representatives Raneo Abu of Batangas, Fred Castro of Capiz, Arthur Defensor of Iloilo, Miro Quimbo of Marikina City and Arthur Yap of Bohol. The session adjourned at past 5 p.m. Tuesday, without having elected new sets of leaders under Arroyo. After her election as Speaker in the af-

Solons chime in on renewed war on drugs By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS on Tuesday were urged to rally behind President Rodrigo Duterte’s reinvigorated war against illicit drugs and ofﬁcial corruption, in keeping with his fresh commitment to protect Filipino lives and public resources.

Reacting to the President’s State of the Nation Address, Rep. LRay Villafuerte of Camarines Sur also said that with the President’s support for the just-completed work of the Consultative Commission (Con-Com), there is more reason now for the executive and legislative departments

Q: What is the “Democracy Fund”? A: It is one more device tapped by

Duterte stab at human rights triggers uproar

the draft Constitution to strengthen the party system. It is the central repository of donations and contributions made to political parties. In the management of such donations and contributions, the

CALOOCAN Bishop Pablo Virgilio David has criticized President Rodrigo Duterte for pitting human rights against human lives in his third State of the Nation Address as he promised to continue a “chilling” anti-drug campaign. “Such a statement implies that the victims of drug-related killings are not human lives!” David said in

Primer on draft Con-Com Charter Fr. Ranhilio Callangan Aquino Member, Con-Com 2018 (9th of a series)

ternoon session Monday, Arroyo vowed to have the BOL ratified as her first act as the leader of the House. “As I intend to carry out the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte, we will ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law today,” said Arroyo. In his Sona, the President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to sign the BOL into law in “48 hours” after reviewing the final

PRESIDENTIAL PROFILE.

President Rodrigo Duterte (left) poses with Elizabeth Zimmerman including their offsprings— Sebastian, Sara, and Paolo—and their respective spouses after his State of the Nation Address on Monday at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives in Constitution Hills, then poses with partner Honeylet Avanceña and their daughter Veronica, also at the Session Hall. Malacañang Photo

New York Daily cuts half of newsroom staff OPINION A4

Beauty blogger had Pinoy hackles raised KUWAIT CITY— A Kuwaiti social media star remained unapologetic Monday over comments she made against new laws aimed at improving conditions for Filipino

News

wedNesday, july 25, 2018 wed

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Congress gets 1st cash-based budget By Nathaniel Mariano

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said the Philippines will move toward the reality of an upper middle-income society as he submitted to Congress his first cash-based P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019.

The next day, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the President’s budget message for 2019, “Building a Bright Future for the Philippines and its People,” contained his budget priorities. “It includes intensifying infrastructure development, expanding programs on human development, building a more secure and peaceful nation, and other select major social programs,” Roque told reporters. He praised the Budget department for its speedy delivery of the budget pro-

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“As global demand for these products increases, there’s a scramble by business actors to get the massive amount of land they need to grow these products,” Ben Leather, senior campaigner at Global Witness, told AFP. “When people dare to stand up for their rights and demand that the environment be protected they are silenced in the most brutal way.” The watchdog said it had found evidence that government actors—soldiers or police—were responsible for 53 of the deaths. “That’s only the triggermen so we can guess that in the cases where criminal gangs or other non-state actors carried out the attacks, the state may well have been involved,” Leather said. “While in a shocking number of cases state actors pulled the trigger, in other cases where the government allowed businesses to enter without protecting local rights, they’re also complicit in the murders of these activists.” Global Witness’ report on environmentalist killings documents harrowing crimes around the world against communities daring to speak out against big businesses and government-led development. These include murder, but also death threats, intimidation, arrests, cyber-attacks, sexual assault and lawsuits. AFP

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a Facebook post late Monday night. In other developments: • “Thousands of people in the Philippines have died as a direct result of President Duterte’s murderous policies, which have mostly targeted the country’s poorest people,” Amnesty International said Tuesday. “Duterte’s claim to be a defender of human life is an insult to the families of these victims, especially coming after his public vow to continue the killings.” • Respect for human rights and respect for human lives are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, one reinforces the other,” Human Rights Watch said Tuesday. “President Duterte is seeking to perpetuate a dangerous deception by asserting that those who criticize the murderous excesses of his “drug war” are unconcerned about the toll that drug addiction inflicts on individuals and families.” “Is not the right to life the most basic human right?” said David, vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

posal after the President’s third State of the Nation Address Monday night. “In 2019, we will see sustained and more determined efforts to improve our agency spending performance, as we effect the shift to the annual cashbased appropriations system,” Duterte said in his message. “This 2019 budget, designed to be a modern and open budget for accountability and service delivery, will take us from dream to action, from possibility to reality, and from building to being.” Under the proposed 2019 budget, the

Education, Public Works and Interior Departments will receive more funds. The Education department will receive the largest share of the funds at P659.3 billion, which is P72.2 billion higher than its cash-based equivalent in the 2018 budget of P587.1 billion. Public Works will receive the second highest fund allocation for next year of P555.7 billion, which is 68.29 percent higher than its P225.5 billion budget the previous year. Meanwhile, in terms of sectoral allocation, social services remained the biggest recipient at P1.377 trillion, equivalent to 36.7 percent of the proposed budget. It was followed by the general public services, which included allocations for general administration, public order and safety, other general public services, and subsidies to local government

units at P709.1 billion. The defense sector will get P188.2 billion. The P3.757-trillion national budget for the succeeding year represents a 13.0 percent increase from this year’s cash-based appropriations of P3.324 trillion. According to Duterte, more programs and projects in the 2019 budget will be completed, delivered, inspected and accepted by the end of the year following the increase. Meanwhile, the total disbursement program for 2019 of P3.833 trillion represents an increase of 13.7 percent from 2018’s P3.370-trillion disbursement level. The increase is equivalent to 19.7 percent, an improvement over this year’s 19.2 percent. The increased disbursements will be supported by a 12.7-percent improvement in revenues amounting to P3.208 trillion from the 2018 level of P2.846 trillion.

SC grants Finance reprieve from LGU burden ruling because it would mean that the national government would have to incur more debt for the LGUs. The high court effectively addressed Domingo’s concern after it turned down the appeal of the petitioners for the payment of the arrears in the just share of the LGUs over the past 26 years, even as it ordered the increase of their Internal Revenue Allotment in the national budget. The high court denied the petition filed by Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas to apply the increase in IRA funds of LGUs in previous years, declaring that the application of the increased IRA funding for LGUs was prospective.

“It is true that with our declaration today that the IRA is not in accordance with the constitutional determination of the just share of the LGUs in the national taxes, logic demands that the LGUs should receive the difference between the just share they should have received had the LGC [Local Government Code] properly reckoned such just share from all national taxes,” says the decision written by Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin. “This puts the national government in arrears as to the just share of the LGUs. A legislative or executive act declared void for being unconstitutional cannot give rise to any right or obligation.”

speakership would ultimately weaken Duterte’s presidency as their interests are not always aligned. “Their interest are not the same. Duterte’s interest is to prolong his stay in power. GMA’s [Arroyo’s] interest is to reclaim power. That’s diametrically opposed. At some point, it will clash,” he said. Senator JV Ejercito, son of ousted President Joseph Estrada who was replaced by Arroyo, also expressed reservations. While choosing Arroyo as Speaker was the call of the House, Ejercito said he considers her “excess baggage” in the Duterte administration’s anti-corruption campaign. “There are ongoing cases against the former president and now congresswoman, so that doesn’t look good,” Ejercito said in a mix of Filipino and English. On Tuesday, the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio congratulated Arroyo. “Congratulations to SPGMA. A strong leader,” Duterte-Carpio said in a brief statement.

In February, the mayor called Alvarez an “insecure fat sleaze” for saying she was part of the opposition after she established a separate regional party. He later denied having said this. The Palace said it was eager to work wth the chosen leader of the House and vowed not to interfere with Congress’ internal affairs. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said that it has always been the Palace position not to interfere in purely internal matters of the House. “We are ready to work with the chosen leader of the House of Representatives. Now that Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is the House Speaker, we are of course able and ready to work with Speaker Arroyo,” said Roque. “We have had very good relations with Speaker Arroyo. She was one of the staunchest supporters of the President during the elections,” he added, noting that the President and the Pampanga representative share the same political agenda. “We foresee absolutely no problems in working with Speaker Arroyo.”

conference committee approved the BOL, one of the priority measures of the Duterte From A1 administration, following two weeks of marathon meetings to reconcile conflicting version of the measure approved by provisions of the proposed measure. congressmen and senators last week. The measure will replace the AutonoOn July 18, the 28-member bicameral mous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and is

the enabling law for the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the Aquino administration and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Once signed into law, the measure will be subjected to a plebiscite in November this year. Maricel V. Cruz

Ease of Doing Business Law. “The President has given his marching orders to all concerned into his third year in office,” Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations and local government, said. Opposition and Makati City Rep. Luis Campos Jr. welcomed the President’s resolve to upgrade the country’s telecommunications services by bringing in a third market participant. “We are counting on the third player to provide the effective market competition

needed to improve public access to reliable, high-speed internet services,” said Campos, author of a bill seeking to classify broadband as a basic telecommunications service. Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said the President’s Sona was “worth waiting for,” after it was delayed by more than an hour by a leadership change in the House. Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay said the President “delivered a fantastic Sona.” With Joel E. Zurbano and Macon Ramos-Araneta

forbidden from changing political parties for two years after an election and for two years prior to the next election? A: The purpose of the drafters in the ConCom was to draw attention to a party’s programs and plans of government rather than simply to the candidate. Therefore when a person is elected to office, the presumption is that he was chosen as an advocate and a champion of his party’s ideals. It would not be fair to allow him to foist upon the electorate a new set of policies and programs on which he was not voted. Similarly, if, during the entire period preceding an election, she advocates certain policies and programs of government, and then, two years before the next elections, turns her back on them, chances are that she does so not out of conviction but as a strategy to win votes.

cause elective positions are passed on to children or to spouses.

By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has allayed the fears raised by the Finance department that the economy will suffer if the national government is compelled to comply with its decision increasing the share of local government units in the national budget. In a decision released on Monday, the high court said the national government does not have to shell out P1.5 trillion in additional funds for LGUs to comply with its ruling. Earlier, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez warned of the adverse impact to the economy of the high court

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as deputy speaker for voting against the death penalty bill. Some senators expressed misgivings at Arroyo’s election. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who launched a coup attempt against Arroyo when she was president and who was jailed afterward, said she was the face of corruption when she was in power. A vocal critic of Mr. Duterte, Trillanes said she was unable to rehabilitate herself from several corruption scandals during her administration, including accusations of massive cheating during the 2004 elections. The Aquino administration had detained her on several charges during most of its term, but the Supreme Court eventually acquitted her of plunder over the alleged misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds, less than a month after Duterte took office. Trillanes said he believed Arroyo’s

arroyo-led...

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to quickly launch a nationwide information campaign on the proposed switch to a federal system of government. At the same time, Villafuerte appealed to all concerned government agencies to heed the President’s call for the speedier delivery of public services by strictly implementing in their respective offices the provisions of the

More families suffer from monsoon rain THE heavy rain and flooding caused by the southwest monsoon enhanced by tropical cyclones “Henry,” “Inday” and “Josie” have so far affected 250,536 families in 1,011 villages in Regions 1, 3, 4A, 4B, 6, the Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region. In other developments: • An air, sea and land command post has been established in Clark, Pampanga, to speed up the rescue, evacuation and mobilization of equipment and manpower in the rain-affected areas. • Trade department in Central Luzon has also sent eight teams to monitor the prices of basic goods in the calamity-stricken areas. • Classes and work on Tuesday remained suspended in some areas in Luzon due to the heavy rain and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon. In its 6 am update on Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the affected families were equivalent to 1,132,666 people. Being sheltered and aided in 302 evacuation centers were 14,551 families or around 61,674 people, while those being helped on the outside were 92,083 families equivalent to 384,621 people. Meanwhile, the damage wrought by the rain and flooding was placed at P817,301,517,68 or P455,800,000 for infrastructure and P361,501,517.68 for agriculture. PNA with Romeo Dizon

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Ar royo wrested the speakership from Davao del Norte Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. With 184 House members backing her based on a signed resolution, the former President took her oath as the new Speaker, becoming the 21st leader of the House of Representatives and the first woman to hold the post. In an interview with repoters before the start of yesterday’s session, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the President threatened to walk out if they did not fix their problems. Asked if the President were aware of the impending change in the House leadership, Sotto said: “Perhaps, he didn’t know.” “Because we told him that if he staged a walkout, there will be no more Sona,” said Sotto, who said the Senate contingent would also leave if he did. Sotto also said he sensed the President’s displeasure at what was happening. As soon as the President arrived at the Batasan Complex for his speech, “he already uttered words that I dont want to divulge,” Sotto said. The Palace on Tuesday disavowed any involvement in the change of leadership at the House, but acknowledged it had problems with Alvarez’s insistence that the 2019 elections be postponed. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said the President was “visibly concerned” by Alvarez’s proposal to postpone the 2019 local elections to allow Congress to facilitate Charter change. However, the Palace spokesman said the President observes the principle of separation of powers and has accorded the House full respect particularly in its choice for its leaders. Roque, who was with the President at the Sona, recounted some of the bickering among the lawmakers.

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Federal Commission on Elections is audited by the Commission on Audit. Q: Why not donate to the party directly, or to the candidate? A: Since parties are, by the terms of the draft constitution, public institutions, then funds for their support and the enhancement of the system are funds “impressed with a public character” and must therefore be handled by an agency of State. Furthermore, because there are incentives attaching to donations or contributions, it is necessary that there be a proper recordation of contributions and donations. Q: Under the Corporation Code, corporations are forbidden from making contributions to political parties or to candidates. What effect does the draft Constitution have on this provision of law? A: A constitutional provision always prevails over a statute. Insofar therefore as a provision of the Corporation Code

may prohibit what the draft Constitution now allows, the contradictory provision of the Corporation Code will be impliedly repealed upon ratification of the new Constitution. HOWEVER: because one of the basic rules of legal hermeneutics is to harmonize seemingly contradicting provisions, what corporations may do is to make contributions to the Democracy Fund for a party or candidate of its choosing. Contributions made directly to politicians or to political parties will remain disallowed. Q: Why should severe consequences now follow turn-coatism when the Constitution itself guarantees the right to free association? A: Turn-coatism is inimical to the formation of genuine political parties. In the Philippine experience, turn-coatism is what happens when politicians curry favor with the President and turn away from their parties to be aligned with his. When this happens, there tenacity with which candidates stand by their platforms and programs of government is absent and this degenerates into a matter of personal fealty. Q: Why should a winning candidate be

Q: Why is the draft very strong against dynasties? A: Federalism without an effective antidyansty provision is a deadly mix. Then the federated regions can easily become fiefdoms of dynastic families. Dynasties close the political playing field. Others who would otherwise be capable of public office are systematically excluded be-

Q: But is not the dynastic rule of one family the result of the people’s free choice? A: In many cases, dynasties are what they are precisely because they have cornered political influence and economic affluence—and also cornered the people’s vote. When one wins because one has rendered the electorate inebriated and pampered, the playing field is not even. Furthermore, when the people’s choice has already been narrowed at the outset, then the choice is not truly free. Q: How is the present anti-dynasty provision an improvement over that of the 1987 Constitution? A: The 1987 Constitution laid down a policy, leaving it to Congress to enact the law—which Congress, not surprisingly, never did! The Draft lays down the prohibition: father adn son, grandfather and grandson, husband and wife, husband and brother-in-law and other permutations within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity are covered by the prohibition.

Filipino domestic workers, despite a backlash on the Internet. Sondo al-Qattan faces criticism for a video posted on July 10 to Instagram, where she has 2.3-million followers, in which she attacked measures introduced in May that grant Filipinas working in the oil-rich Gulf state one day off per week and prevent employers from keeping their passports. Qattan, known for her Internet make-up tutorials, told AFP by phone that the outcry was “unjustified” and did not require an apology. “All I said was that the employer was entitled to keep the servant’s passport, and that many Kuwaitis and Gulf nationals agree with me,” said Qattan. “I have the right as a kafil [sponsor] to keep my employee’s passport, and I am responsible for paying a deposit of up to 1,500 dinars [around $4,900],” she said. Qattan insisted the practices are not an “insult to the employee, and do not concern humanity or human rights because I did not deprive the employee of her salary or beat her.” AFP

News Esperon to NDFP: You are desperate NATIONAL Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. called the National Democratic Front of the Philippines Tuesday as “desperate” to keep exiled communist party founder Jose Maria Sison relevant in peace talks with the government. In a statement, Esperon marked out the NDFP’s diatribe “against me and other government ofﬁcials [as] desperate attempts to keep Jose Ma. Sison relevant in the midst of the CPP/NPA/NDF’s immense decline.” At the same time, the Communist Party of the Philippines on Tuesday slammed the Armed Forces of the Philippines for allegedly “twisting facts” while trying to cover up military abuses in the evacuation of thousands of lumads in Surigao del Sur. In a news release, the communist group hit AFP Public Affairs Ofﬁce chief Col. Noel Detoyato for “dismissing the suffering and hardships of the evacuees by claiming they are only being used in the ‘bakwit tactics’ of the New People’s Army.” According to the CPP, Detoyato issued the statement after reports said soldiers had been conducting food, aid, and information blockades at Diatagon Gym in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, where 1,600 lumad residents were staying after evacuating from their communities in the previous weeks. Last Saturday, NDFP negotiating panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili ranted against Esperon for supposedly insinuating that Sison, on self-exile in The Netherlands, was seriously ill.

Militants urge SC: Stop TRAIN By Rey E. Requejo MILITANT lawmakers led by Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to stop the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN Law) for being unconstitutional. In a 71-page reply, the petitioners sought the issuance of temporary restraining order pending deliberation and resolution on the constitutionality of the controversial tax measure, contradicting President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address where he vowed to continue implementing the TRAIN law or Republic Act 10963. The petitioners argued that the TRAIN should be voided because it was passed by the House of Representatives without quorum as required in the Constitution. “The TRAIN Law was not validly passed. It became law in violation of the Sections 16 (2) and 27 (1) of Article VI of the Constitution, among others,” petitioners stressed. The petitioners debunked the argument of the Ofﬁce of the Solicitor General that ofﬁcial journals of the House during deliberations on the TRAIN Law on Dec. 13 last year where 232 out of a total of 295 members were present proved that the law was validly passed. “There is no evidence to prove the due enactment of RA 10963. On the other hand, there are several pieces of evidence proving that it was passed in violation of the quorum requirement in Section 16 (2), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution and the requirement of a bill passed by Congress in Section 27, Article VI,” petitioners said.

It’s final: Senior justice declines ACTING Chief Justice Antonio Carpio has ofﬁcially turned down his automatic nomination to the top judicial post left vacant following the ouster of Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno last month. “I am declining my automatic nomination for Chief Justice,” Carpio said, in a letter addressed to the 7-man Judicial and Bar Council. Carpio’s decision not to seek the chief justice post has left four other senior associate justices of the SC—Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, and Lucas Bersamin —as possible contenders for the most coveted post in the judiciary. As of this writing, none of the four has accepted their automatic nomination as top magistrate. Carpio’s earlier pronouncement that he would not seek the chief justice post out of propriety considering that he voted against the quo warranto petition against Sereno, prompting former chief justice Hilario Davide to call on the JBC to still consider Carpio’s automatic nomination.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Carpio lauds Du30 on WPS A CTING Chief Justice Antonio Carpio welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that the Philippines would not waver in defending the country’s interests in the West Philippine Sea despite strengthened ties with China.

“Well, that’s the correct position. We should never give up our rights there. That can be reconciled. We can continue to trade with China while we continue to defend our sovereign rights,” Carpio said in chance interview on Monday after the President’s State of the Nation Address. “There’s no incompatibility there because we have other relations with China. We have trade. We have cultural and all other matters. But we should not

do anything that will waive our rights to the West Philippine Sea,” he added. In a related development: • The Department of National Defense expressed support for Duterte’s efforts to settle the West Philippine Sea issue with China through diplomatic means. “The WPS issue represents just a portion of the sum total of our relations with China, thus, the DND supports the President’s efforts to manage it through

diplomatic means,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in message to the PNA Monday. “Having said that, however, the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines will defend our country’s sovereignty with all the means and resources available to us, if and when the need arises,” he added. Carpio said, however, it would be better if the President elaborated on how the country would protect its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte said the Philippines remained ﬁrm in its position on the WPS issue. “Our improved relationship with China does not mean that we will waver in our commitment to defend our interest in the West Philippine Sea,” Duterte said, adding this reﬂected in

Manila’s continued engagement with the Asian giant through multilateral and bilateral channels. In 2017, the government launched the ﬁrst bilateral consultative mechanism on South China Sea with Beijing, where all issues concerning the contested area were discussed in a “frank, in-depth, and friendly manner.” The Philippines, with several Southeast Asian countries, also engaged China towards the drafting of the framework of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea issue during its chairmanship in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2017. These efforts paved the way for an opportunity to manage the dispute without further escalating tensions in the strategic waters, Duterte said. PNA

Uniwide’s quest for justice based on recently obtained documents

ll deeds—noble or evil—will be revealed at some point. This is how the wheels of justice grind, when the good is rewarded and the bad condemned. For Uniwide Group founder Jimmy Gow and the company’s current president, Dr. Jesus L. Arranza, the quest for justice has begun, their crusade bolstered by recently unearthed official documents that hint at something sinister behind the fall of the No. 1 retail chain in the country in just one year—in 1997, when all its assets valued at P30 billion were wiped out and its value of stocks falling to below P1 from more than P7 apiece. Even the Ecology Bank, which was majority owned by Gow with 35 branches, was taken by a creditor bank without paying a single centavo. That the Uniwide Holdings Inc. (UHI) financial advisor and chief financial officer were preparing to put the company under receivership in 1998, leading to the firm’s liquidation years later, remained a mystery to those who witnessed its grandeur. Gow, after repeatedly reading and analyzing official documents related to the company that were released after a trial court ordered UHI’s liquidation in 2016, couldn’t help but come to the realization that—probably—Uniwide and its 27,000 stockholders were a victim of organized fraud. “I couldn’t help but ask myself, ‘was there a conspiracy among the people I trust—my banker, my financial advisor, my chief financial officer, my auditor, my lawyer, and those that the company had dealings with?’ Worse, the way the supposed rehabilitation of Uniwide was conducted and regulated, I think the design was more to liquidate than to help the company get back on its feet,” Gow stressed. It is worth noting that Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club reached its peak in net sales at P14.7 billion in 1997 and was the undisputed go-to outlet of sari-sari (small community) stores. Uniwide Holdings, on the other hand, just received a fresh P4.3-billion funding from its initial public offering (IPO) in August 1996. However, Gow recalled that in 1998, his chief financial officer Jaime I. Cagangis and financial advisor Equitable Bank led by George Go and Cesar Buenaventura, were already preparing to put Uniwide Holdings under receivership. “These are the issues that I want to be clarified--how come Uniwide Holdings, which just got P4.3 billion in IPO proceeds in 1996 (the money supposedly deposited at Equitable Bank) and had no debts, was being placed under receivership already one year later? Remember, it was Uniwide Warehouse Club which had debts, and it was a separate company from Uniwide Holdings,” Gow emphasized. Also, Gow wondered why all these companies were included: Uniwide Sales Inc., Naic Resources and Development Corp., First Paragon Corp. and Uniwide Warehouse Club Inc. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), meanwhile, appeared to have been remiss of its duties, Gow noted, as the regulator did not even carefully check the

records, especially the necessary approvals from Uniwide Holdings Board of Directors and its 27,000 stockholders. “There were no records on the stockholders’ approval on everything that happened.” As a matter of fact, then-SEC Chairman Perfecto Yasay approved it in just a week. “The speed to which it was approved was amazingly fast.”

Like no other

Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club, in its prime, was unmatched in terms of store sizes (minimum of 1 hectare per store), number of customers, checkout counters (around 60 per store), inventory and sales. Uniwide was a household name back then, much like today’s Puregold, Shopwise, SM and Robinsons Supermarkets — almost everyone was in Uniwide because goods ranging from plates to canned goods to fresh meat, fish and fruits were more affordable versus competitors. The warehouse club was so popular that in 1988, Uniwide had to initiate measures to somehow limit the traffic in some of its stores during its annual promotional season. It was even criticized in the media one time in 1991, when it held a midnight sale that lasted up to 4 a.m. because it caused major traffic jams in Metro Manila. According to the Rehabilitation Plan prepared by Buenaventura Filamor Echauz (BFE), the Uniwide Group employed around 3,560 people, and its operations concentrated in Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite and Tarlac. It already had 11 stores in 1991 and was so in-demand that banks saw the potential of doing business with the company, and lent the firm money without collateral. Its operations then was simple, there was Gow the owner, Efren Yap as general manager, a few store managers, and thousands of employees. Its transactions with suppliers were heavily based on cash. With gross sales reaching between P15 billion and P20 billion annually in the 1990s, Gow decided that it was time to expand its business and add more stores in the Philippines to further cement the company’s leadership in the retail space. He also started buying properties because he was getting good deals, as he was always ready to pay in cash.

Going public

“In 1992, Cabangis, who was then

at SGV as partner, approached me and told me to make Uniwide a listed company. He told me that he can raise more than P4 billion in the listing proceedings, and that he will resign from SGV to lead the company as CFO, provided that I pay him P5 million a year,” Gow said in a mix of English and Filipino. Gow agreed, seeing the potential that P4 billion of fresh capital can create for such a popular company among Filipinos. Thus, Uniwide Holdings was incorporated. Cabangis, who showed genuine concern and interest to help the company grow, was placed at the helm. He brought in about 100 people, including the comptroller, vice president for finance, asset manager and board of directors. UHI, according to BFE, served as the holding company for the real estate and franchising operations of the Uniwide Group. The retailing operations, on the other hand, were with the Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club Inc. (USWCI), which is 100-percent owned by the Gow Family. UHI’s Board of Directors included Gow and his daughter Cherrie, Cabangis, Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas and Cesar Virata. UHI was incorporated on Sept. 15, 1994, initially with an authorized common stock worth P500 million, which was later raised to P5 billion at a par value of P1 apiece. There were 27,000 investors that subscribed to the UHI’s IPO in 1996, raising P4.3 billion in new capital. Stocks were offered at P4.80 apiece, and then quickly rose to the P5-level. Only 35 percent of the total outstanding shares was floated to the public, with the rest still held by the Gow Family-controlled companies, including Uniwide Sales Inc. (USI), which owned approximately 50 percent of UHI. Gow personally owned 2 percent of UHI. Proceeds from the IPO were deposited in Equitable Bank, Gow said.

Financial crisis

The BFE report showed that the Uniwide Group’s assets as of May 31, 1999 were valued at P19.9 billion, while current liabilities, loans payable and other liabilities only amounted to P11.1 billion. In that period, Uniwide’s bank debts totaled around P6.95 billion. “The firm thus had adequate assets to cover liabilities,” the BFE noted.

But BFE said Uniwide’s performance was affected by the Asian financial crisis. In the first five months of 1999, it had a net operating loss of P383 million on total revenues of P2.7 billion. The financial advisor noted that this was due to low sales volume and reduced franchise fees and rents. Gow, however, stressed that what really caused the big drop in sales was the considerably low store inventory, reportedly due to the decision of Cabangis to stop paying the suppliers properly. Arranza, who was a long-time supplier of coconut oil to Uniwide outlets, recalled that he was invited to a meeting among the worried suppliers. Arranza said majority of the suppliers started to cut their deliveries to Uniwide because they were no longer being paid the same way the company was settling its dues before the crisis. The suppliers decided then that they will only make another delivery to Uniwide stores once the previous delivery has been fully paid. This meant that the worry was only on the matter of cash flow and not insolvency. Gow said he could not understand why Cabangis allowed this to happen when Uniwide was still generating enough sales. Also, the proceeds from the IPO were in the bank. According to the report of SGV, the IPO proceeds were deposited in a custodian bank it did not name. Gow surmised that this custodian bank was probably Equitable Bank, as he had been dealing with the financial institution for 35 years already at that time. Also, all the money that was pouring in from the IPO was being deposited to Equitable. Conspicuously, the IPO proceeds deposited in this custodian bank just disappeared in Uniwide’s financial books in 1997. This was also evident in the audit prepared by SGV submitted to the SEC in April 1998. Gow said Cabangis could have easily solved the liquidity shortfall, which, BFE noted, was impeding

the Uniwide Group’s operations that time.

day-to-day

The banks

Behind the scenes, Gow said Cabangis, his financial advisors Go and Buenaventura, and the creditor banks were already making deals. Whereas before the banks were happily dangling loans to Uniwide without collateral, they started to demand something to cover the new loans and debts accumulated by the company over time. This was when the banks started getting Uniwide properties and shareholdings. Gow cited the case of Land Bank of the Philippines. Gow narrated that Cabangis allowed Land Bank to get P3.8 billion worth of assets and shares of stocks for Uniwide’s P500-million debts. “All banks got this similar deal, they got my properties as collateral; all these without my knowledge. Even my board of directors did not know this. Bernie Villegas, a member of the board, admitted this to me, and without the stockholders’ knowledge; nobody knew,” Gow said. Equitable Bank (EBC), meanwhile, acquired his Ecology Bank that had 35 branches that time, Gow added. Uniwide owed EBC P1.73 billion. Gow said EBC did not even assign a single centavo value for the Ecology Bank. It also secured leasehold rights on several properties and the Uniwide Family Store. Gow said Equitable had full knowledge of Uniwide’s assets because Cabangis made Go and Buenaventura the financial advisors of the company. BFE’s rehab plan stated that Uniwide also owed these financial institutions: RCBC (P1.34 billion), UCPB (P995.5 million), PNB (P772 million), BPI (P610 million), International Exchange Bank (P100 million), Allied Bank (P262.5 million), ING (P100 million), Asian Bank (P200 million), East West (P100 million), East Asia (P44.59 million), Metrobank (P53.5 million), PB Com (P48.5 million).

File photos show the Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club outlets with the number of checkout counters, size of clientele, volume of store inventory and discounts offered unprecedented in the history of Philippine retail industry.

The rehab plans

The plunge

Gow recalled that in 1997, Cabangis went to ING Barring and planned another road show to raise more money, just like what they did in 1996 when they offered shares of Uniwide holdings in Europe, the US and other areas. “They were given more than P1 billion worth of shares at P5.80 apiece to be re-sold again. We had a buy-back agreement at P6.30 per share. But the market price of the shares later went up to P7.50. Then after three weeks, Cabangis, ING Barring, Asian Alliance, PCCI Financial, PNB Leasing, around 6 or 7 groups, with collective shares worth more or less P1 billion, sold their shares.” “When they sold, it triggered a negative reaction in the market because of the sudden unloading of shares. The stock prices plunged to below P1 in less than six months; this was the market reaction.” “These are the people who knew what was going on in the company; they knew that the assets of Uniwide were already given to the banks as collateral and that this company would have a cash flow problem,” Gow narrated. So in just a year after Uniwide Holding’s IPO, the company went bankrupt despite having P4.3 billion deposited in a custodian bank,

which was believed to be Equitable Bank, and about P30 billion in pooled assets, according to the audit prepared by SGV. “Everything happened in just one year--in 1997. All the assets were given to the banks, the P4.3 billion in the custodian bank banished, and the value of the stocks fell below P1 per share. So in 1998, Cabangis and my financial advisors were already applying for receivership. And the SEC, which was supposed to take care of registered companies, did not even look into all these, especially since Uniwide had so much money and assets,” Gow stressed.

The Walmart deal

Months before the IPO, Cabangis and his boss at SGV, Washington Sycip, went to Gow and offered to bring in international brand Walmart as an investor of Uniwide. Gow said Walmart was to invest P6 billion and was supposed to acquire six Uniwide buildings and lots. SGV was supposed to get a 3-percent commission from the deal. For three days, they were drafting the contract at Shangri-la Makati. Suddenly, however, Walmart representatives decided to drop the deal at the end of the third day, apparently due to the onset of the financial crisis.

The primary objective of the original rehabilitation plan, according to an SEC document, was “to ensure the servicing and eventual full payment of all petitioners’ (Uniwide Group) debts by stabilizing their operations and for them to prepare and take advantage of future opportunities for growth with the support of all parties; and that given the necessary breathing space with the support of their creditor banks, petitioners have the reason to be confident that they will be able to meet their obligations in due time.” The rehab plan, submitted to the SEC in October 1999, had 15 action plans, including the return of Uniwide to its core business of retailing and restructuring of all loans. On March 6, 2000, the receivership committee composed of Monico V. Jacob, chairman, and members Cornelio T. Peralta and Arthur N. Aguilar, presented the first amendment to the rehab plan, highlighted by the entry of French retailer Casino Guichard-Perachon, which committed to invest P3.57 billion. The amendment “calls for the total repayment of all loans via a combination of dacion en pago and cash payment at a discount.” Cabangis and the three-man SECappointed team handling the rehab of Uniwide managed to secure a 20-percent discount from the creditors. They will be paid through the dacion of the Uniwide assets and the money to be invested by Casino. The total debt that needed to be paid that time was reduced to only P9 billion because of the 20-percent discount that the creditors granted. Then-SEC Chair Lilia Bautista approved the plan on April 11, 2000. In that decision, the SEC noted that “the audit by the Cunanan auditors showed that the Gow Family did not take out funds from the Uniwide Group of Companies for their personal use.” Gow said it was supposed to be a done deal already. But in January 2001, Casino suddenly left, even leaving behind around P60 million in cash advances. On October 11, 2001, the receivership committee sought SEC’s approval for the second amendment to the rehab plan, which apparently dealt the more telling blows to Uniwide. It was approved by the corporate regulator a year later. This time, however, they allowed the banks to raise the original debts by 20 percent. This, according to Arranza, effectively increased the value of Uniwide debts by 40 percent, considering the creditors have earlier agreed to grant a 20-percent discount when the first rehab plan was worked out. “Aside from the additional 40 percent, Gow was made to shoulder all the costs to implement the dacion en pago,” Arranza said. “We were left without a choice, because the SEC appointed committee/ receivers were calling the shots. This was also the view of our

lawyers then,” Gow said. In the midst of all these, Gow said the members of the receivership committee even wrote a letter to him asking for a 2-percent success commission. Gow lamented how everything went so fast, when one by one his properties were taken by the banks under a dacion en pago scheme. “In 2003, BPI took my building in Libis, where our operations were headquartered,” he said. “The bank appraised the building at less than P400 million, but it is a two-hectare property with a multi-storey building whose fair market value was at P800 million.” He also complained how the banks appraised his properties at “unconscionably low” values, such as the iconic Good Earth in Avenida, whose value was pegged by a bank at only P300 million; a commercial lot near Corinthian Garden, whose value was slashed by half to only P30,000 per square meter; and a 70-hecatre lot in Naic, Cavite along Manila Bay, whose value was only appraised at P280 per square meter. “I believe what they did may be construed as a fraudulent act,” he said.

What the documents say

Gow, who gave Cabangis his full trust in running Uniwide, didn’t know what hit him, until he saw the documents released by a court in 2016. “We only learned of these documents and obtained copies when the SEC forwarded the Uniwide files to the Paranaque RTC to implement the liquidation of Uniwide holdings on August 23, 2016.” Note that before this, all records of Uniwide could not be located because of the series of transfers of corporate headquarters-- including the company files-- under the auspices of Cabangis since July 2003. “I was thinking that maybe that was the strategy of Cabangis — he’d put down the company completely,” Gow said. “Looking back, I think all these happened because of my decision to trust Cabangis.” Interestingly, according to the documents, the dacion en pago scheme, the 20-percent premium given to the bank debts, and the cost of implementing the dacion (including the capital gains tax equivalent to 6 percent of the transfer value) assigned to Gow, obliterated Uniwide’s assets, effectively liquidating it, instead of rehabilitating it. The appraised values of the dacioned properties were even balanced against the debts, dacion expenses and 20-percent premium. In the case of RCBC, for example, the receivers valued six Uniwide properties at P1,556,360,059.32 aggregate. The application of payment, on the other hand, showed debt repayment (principal and interest) as of June 30, 1999 at P1,242,494,369; the funding for dacion expenses at P63,366,816.52;

and premium on dacioned properties at P248,498,873.80, for a total of P1,556,360,059.32. “I’m still trying to figure out how a seasoned financial man like Cabangis did not seem to have notice these infirmities,” Arranza said. The SEC, on the other hand, did not even bother to scrutinize everything, Gow noted. In 2011, Gow said claims from Uniwide’s unsecured creditors have dropped to about P400 million. This further dwindled to only about P20 million in 2016. In 2013, the SEC ordered the liquidation of Uniwide Holdings assets, noting that it can no longer be revived, as its debts were too huge while it had minimal operations already. Uniwide disputed the SEC order, and elevated the case to the higher court. Uniwide's seven stores were closed, and the merchandise were transferred to the Uniwide Coastal Mall. However, in October 2014, Metropolitan Trial Court Judge Ramsay Pichay ruled in favor of the ejectment case filed by the Manila Bay Development Corp. (MBDC). The court padlocked the Coastal Mall then had the goods and equipment inside it auctioned off. Gow said in an unannounced auction, MBDC won the bid for only P30 million, when clearly the value of the goods seized would have easily exceeded P1 billion. For one year, Gow said HMR was taking out the items inside Coastal, and it took an equivalent of about 1,600 10-wheeler trucks to complete. “So if you value per truck at P1 million, the total value would easily be P1.6 billion.” This amount, Gow added, should be enough to cover the P1.6-billion debt payment being demanded by Allied Bank and PNB Leasing, which are seeking to acquire the MetroMall building in Paranaque. But Gow said MetroMall is owned by Uniwide Holdings, while the P1.6 billion is owed by Uniwide Sales Warehouse Club. The Coastal Mall, meanwhile, was built using money from the retail sales. Gow recalled that in just one year, Cabangis already spent P1.7 billion for the construction. “He even advanced P300 million to the suppliers and contractors that he picked himself,” Gow said.

Quest for justice

Today, Gow and Arranza are taking steps to rectify what they believe as the wrongs committed by the SEC appointed committee, Cabangis, the banks, his financial advisor and lawyers, with the hope that the truth will come out and the public will know what really happened to Uniwide. Gow said getting back some of his properties or receiving compensation from the “low valuation” of his assets would just be a gravy---because he is really after getting justice. (Advt) Paid Advertisement

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

What he did not address Arroyo. Why? Sara has a deep-rooted dislike of Alvarez when the latter said her new party would become a political opposition. Here’s another reason: Sara at one time went to Laoag, Ilocos Norte as a PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s fol- guest of the Marcoses. As we know too lowers may sing praises for his true-to- well, the Marcoses and Ilocos Norte the-script State of the Nation Address Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas has a falling out last Monday. when the latter accused Gov. Imee I thought, though, that he still did not Marcos of committing plunder over the dwell on the most important concerns purchase of vehicles. of the nation—the prevailing environOh well. We know all too well that ment of lawlessness and violence, the when it comes to politics, you cannot lack of jobs and the soaring prices of have permanent friends, just permagoods and services. nent interests. As a result, the President’s failure With Gloria as speaker we can exto address all these made his speech pect a revamp in the leadership and sound hollow. It was a letdown. committee chairmanships. Gloria At the very least, the speech was also should not forget who took the abbreviated and he did not ramble or mace—the symbol of her leadership. curse. The sound system was also turned While the President stressed the need off when she wanted to speak to her to continue the bloody war on drugs, followers. That was an insult from his message esthe followers of sentially was a Alvarez. chilling one—that What I did not the campaign will like was the rego on. This did not action of SenaAt least he neither sit well with the tor Grace Poe families of those cursed nor rambled. when Gloria who have been was installed as killed. Speaker. ObviTruth to tell, ously, Poe cannot forget that Gloria this was an implicit admission of his failure to fulfill defeated her father, Fernando Poe Jr. his promise of eradicating the drug in 2004. menace at the soonest time possible. My congratulations to the new I have repeatedly written about the Speaker of the House. I wonder: What’s reason why I believe the anti-drug next? campaign has failed. This is because he *** regards the issue as a peace-and-order The greatest fear of business and inproblem. But even if the last pusher is dustry in the pursuit of federalism by killed, so long as there is demand, he the Duterte administration is its impact cannot expect to solve the problem to on the national economy. the last day of his term in 2022. No less than Socioeconomic Plan*** ning Secretary Ernesto Pernia when he With the ouster of former Speaker talked about the uncertainty created by Pantaleon Alvarez and the installa- federalism. tion of Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Even foreign credit institutions like there is a reminder to people in power: Moody’s are not exactly confident in It is fleeting and temporary. federalism’s effect on the economy. Alvarez clearly offended many of his This is because some states may be colleagues with his dictatorial tenden- richer than others. cies. This is why there had been rumors *** about his ouster for so long. In contrast, Despite the inability of the PresiArroyo was friendly and supportive to dent to address the most important many. concerns of the country in his speech, Here is a bit of inside information: he was able to send the message that Last Sunday, Davao City Mayor Sara he wanted Congress to create a DeDuterte Carpio called some House partment of Disaster Management and members to oust Alvarez and install Turn to A5

TO THE POINT EMIL P. JURADO

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

A pleasant surprise

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte again surprised us all Monday, but this time in a good way, delivering his third State of the Nation Address minus his usual profanity and rambling digressions. In the 48 minutes it took him to go through the address, the President was on point, making clear what his administration’s priorities are.

The war on illegal drugs, he said, would continue despite criticism from human rights and religious groups, who condemn its rising death toll. But the President stood firm, and was clear in the logic behind his campaign. “If you think that I can be dissuaded from continuing this fight because of demonstrations...then you got it all wrong,” Mr. Duterte said. “Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives. The lives of our youth are being wasted and families are destroyed, and all because of the chemicals called shabu, cocaine, cannabis, and heroine.” The President was clear, too, that he would brook no corruption in his administration, not even from his friends and supporters, urging them not to make his job “lonelier” by forcing him to dismiss them. He then turned his attention to key economic priorities, starting with his drive to reduce red tape, which itself is an opportunity for corruption. Calling for an improvement in

frontline services, he ordered all agencies to faithfully carry out the Ease of Doing Business Act that was recently signed into law. “I particularly call the attention of the agencies with the [most] number of red tape-related reports from the public, make your services truly customer-friendly. Our people deserve efficient, effective, and responsive government services. They deserve nothing less,” he said. Turning his attention to Mindanao, the President vowed to bring the island closer to realizing all its potential. He cited the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which should have been signed Monday, as the way toward harmony and peace and away from war and human suffering. The President also defended his policy of forging closer ties with China, while committing to defend our interests in the West Philippine Sea. “Opening lines of communication and amicably managing differences have led to positive developments that

include renewed access of Filipino fishermen in the areas in dispute in the… West Philippine Sea,” he said. The President was direct in addressing criticism of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion and urged Congress to pass part two of the program to reduce corporate income taxes to give Filipino companies more funds with which to hire more workers and expand their business. He was also clear in his warning to the mining industry to stop practices that destroy the environment, and made a measured pitch for a draft federal constitution that would create an environment where every Filipino—regardless of social status, religion, or ideology—will have an equal opportunity to grow and create a future. Curiously, the President did not mention his ambitious Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, a centerpiece in the administration’s efforts to spur economic development and reduce poverty. We can only speculate that Mr. Duterte, who has previously expressed impatience with the slow pace of progress on this front, was also signaling his displeasure to the officials responsible for the program. We trust they got the message.

A presidential Duterte funds proved it’s hard to keep down someone with a strong political sense. No Speaker of the House has ever made it to the presidency, but there were those who tried: Eugenio Perez, CorALEJANDRO nelio Villareal and Jose de Venecia. DEL ROSARIO Arroyo did it the other way around. THAT was a different Rodrigo Roa She first became President and now Speaker of the House. Arroyo, an econDuterte we saw on Monday. For the first since he assumed power omist, is the first woman to occupy the on June 30, 2016, President Duterte House leadership. What else is in store for the former exuded presidential personae. The President delivered his third State of president? Perhaps as Prime Minister the Nation Address without resorting in a federal/parliamentary form of to rant-and- rave ad libs. Sticking to government setup? Why not when there a speech that was strikingly simple are women PMs in other parts of the but effective, President Duterte de- world like German Chancellor Angela parted from the usual recitation of Merkel and British Prime Minister accomplishments. Instead he laid out Teresa May, to name a few. The Philippines is a country endowed legislative priorities and acknowledged shortcomings. He then asked with plenty of women leaders. We can expect such the people to supwomen like retirport him in facing challenges to his ing Ombudsman administration. Conchita CarpioMorales, ousted “I promised to He asked the people Supreme Court give Filipinos a Chief Justice better life even if to support him in Maria Lourdes it means fighting facing challenges to his Sereno and even interests,” said the administration. Vice President President in his Leni Robredo if 47-minute speech she loses her poll before a joint session of Congress. protest against Presumably, the former senator “interests” he referred to was big busi- Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to run for senaness obstructing his reform programs tor in next year’s mid-term elections. If these three women win, it would be a to benefit the people. A sidelight to the President’s Sona refreshing change for the replacement was the behind-the-scene unseating of Senators Cynthia Villar, Nancy Biof House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez nay and Loren Legarda. Morales in an interview yesterday, by more than 180 of the 290 members of the Lower House who declared the said she is “not cut out for the political speakership position vacant in favor arena.” But her present sentiment of former President Gloria Macapagal could be changed if there is a signature campaign supporting her senatorial Arroyo. The dramatic comeback of the Pam- run. She is after all more than qualified panga representative after four years having been a former Associate under detention for alleged misuse of Justice of the Supreme Court prior to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Turn to A5

BACK CHANNEL

NY Daily News slashes half its newsroom staff By Thomas Urbain THE New York Daily News, the century-old tabloid known for its provocative headlines, made its own news Monday by slashing half its editorial staff, in the latest retrenchment in the newspaper sector. The daily owned by the media conglomerate Tronc said in an e-mail to employees that the move sought to address the newspaper’s “significant financial challenges.” A source familiar with the matter told AFP the cuts represent “nearly 50 percent” of newsroom staff.

Tronc declined to comment on the cutbacks or confirm precisely how many staff were affected, but the rival New York Post said the Daily News had some 85 editorial staff before the layoffs. The editorial staff will slashed be as the newspaper looks at a fundamen-

tal restructuring to focus on breaking news, mainly in areas of “crime, civil justice and public responsibility,” according to the note to staff, which was widely circulated on Twitter. “The decisions being announced today reflect the realities of our business Turn to A5

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

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Duterte means business

Civility

vious record. The budget will only get bigger and bigger. To finance that, the government wants to collect more and higher taxes and ease the way businessmen do business to expand the economy and therefore, the tax base. So you have the TRAIN Law—Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion. The first package has been in effect and has been blamed for the highest inflation rate in six years, largely because TRAIN increased tax on diesel, from zero in 2017 to P6 per liter by 2020. Diesel is the bellwether product that hikes the cost of transportation, utilities, agricultural products, and movement of goods and people. In the first four months, half of the inflation rate was contributed by

on their precious numbers. The least that could have been done was to respect the sitting President who was scheduled by law to speak at four LITO that afternoon. That the Chief Executive had to referee an internal squabble BANAYO in situ is something for the books. *** THE State of the Nation Address of The delivered Sona was to the point, President Rodrigo Duterte was almost up-ended, eclipsed even, by what tran- crisp and deliberate. It was a reassurspired in the process of changing lead- ance that the President was not about to ership in the House of Representatives cavil to populist pressure, as in the certification of the remaining packages of last Monday. For an hour and a half, and despite comprehensive tax reform and that of seeing on the video wall that the Presi- rice tarrification, which are not exactly dent had arrived on time, we had to popular with many sectors. This President, we are assured, will wait for God knows why, as the drama do what is right even if right is not alof the instant coup d’etat unfolded beways popular. hind closed doors. And his asking Congress to finally One perhaps salutary consequence of the delay of the President’s speech was pass a National Land Use Policy, a that for the first time in three Sonas, he bill that has been pending in several hewed closely to the prepared text. He refiled versions since the 1987 Conmust have realized that bladders could stitution resurrected this legislature, not endure an hour and a half or more alongside threats to oligarchs and greedy traders of extemporaneand those who ity. Except for continue to desome ad libs, such spoil the environas Pilipino transment—all these lations of certain That the Chief fortify the destatements made termination, the for emphasis, the Executive had to referee political will that brevity and crisp- an internal squabble in one admires most ness of the speech from Duterte. was a very pleas- situ is something for the Congress must books. ant surprise. realize that time is But observers in not an ally of the the Batasang PamFilipino people in bansa’s cavernous its march towards hall, and even outside, must have wondered why transi- progress, or even, as the President tions could not have been made with keeps saying, “making the lives of our people more comfortable.” some degree of civility. *** Never mind the requisites of statesA sour note, and inexplicably too ofmanship. In this day and age, the word ten, is an egregious spelling error in the might be an oxymoron. The Senate had its own transfer of Key Accomplishment Report for 2016leadership recently. All the senators 2018 released by Malacañang. On its cover, yes, it’s cover, the title had to do was show their previous presemblazoned is: The Duterte Adminiident a resolution signed by a majority that they had chosen another. Grace of station: Year II. (ADMINISTATION, take note). acceptance followed. After Norwegia and Rogelio Golez, But of course, one has to differentiand countless other gaffes, even spellate the more numerous House of 286 members. As usual, stealth precedes ing of a word used all too often in govthe political maneuvers involved in de- ernment? If there is a saboteur inside the capitations. PCOO, as once alleged, why hasn’t he Even the deft adjournment of the morning session by the presiding depu- been identified yet and exiled to the ty speaker which effectively, if tempo- tender mercies of Bato de la Rosa? Or rarily denied the call for reorganization if it is sheer incompetence, why hasn’t was no excuse to force the issue on the he or she been fired? Why continue to embarrass the same day. Change could have happened the day after, unless of course, presidency of the land? Onli in da the tacticians were unsure of their hold Pilipins!

VIRTUAL REALITY TONY LOPEZ PRESIDENT Rodrigo Roa Duterte means business. That is evident from his third State of the Nation Address Monday, July 23, before Congress in suburban Quezon City. The Sona was 4,870 words long, lasted 48 minutes and was applauded at least 28 times. The nearly boring speech was mainly about the economy and business. You cannot have a strong economy and do business without peace and order. Duterte translates peace and order in terms of his illegal drugs war. “It [the campaign] will be as relentless and chilling, if you will, as on the day it began,” he said. “These drug dealers know fully well that their business is against the law.” The people give him much credit for the success of the drugs war in which at least 4,354 “drug personalities” have been killed in the past two years and P21.29 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized. Seven of every 10 Filipinos say eradicating illegal drugs is Duterte’s No. 1 achievement. To me, Duterte’ three main achievements are: 1) the strong economy; 2) free college for all; 3) tax reform. All three will eventually result in a better or a comfortable life for most Filipinos. The President seems frustrated in his fight against corruption. I think that is because government is congenitally corrupt. Also, the government is run by no more than 200 families, the so-called political dynasties. “Time and again, I have stressed that corruption must stop,” Duterte said, adding: “Corruption is like a leech that it bleeds the government of funds programmed for its infrastructure and other social development projects. It saps the morale or the morale of dedicated and honest government workers. Corruption destroys those who succumb to its temptation and eventually it is the innocent who will suffer and bear its horrible consequences. The love of money is corrosive. And sadly, the desire to make the easy kind by being imaginative and manipulative, corrupts absolutely.” Even with rampant corruption, this ambitious government still earns plenty of money. The 2019 budget of P3.757 trillion is the biggest in the country’s history. That is on top of the 2018 budget of P3.323 trillion, the pre-

Arroyo will be an asset to Duterte whose main problems now are the economy, corruption, and peace and order.

only five products—fish (fishermen use diesel to fish), personal transport equipment (vehicles are run mainly by diesel), rice (irrigation pumps are run by diesel); electricity, gas and other fuels; and meat. Still, Duterte wants Package 2 of TRAIN approved pronto by Congress, before 2018 ends. He explains: “Package 2 will lower corporate income taxes, especially for our small businesses. Lower taxes mean they will have more money to invest and create more jobs. More than 99 percent of our businesses are micro, small, or medium enterprises and employ around 65 percent of our workers. The enactment of the Package 2 is what stands between today and millions of jobs in the near future.” TRAIN cannot be derailed. Says Duterte: “We cannot and should not [stop it]. We need this for sustainable growth that leaves no Filipino left behind. TRAIN is already helping poor families and senior citizens cope up with rising prices. We have distributed unconditional cash transfers to fourmillion people, and we will help six

million more this year.” By end July, Duterte vows “all five packages of my tax reform would have been submitted to Congress. Apart from TRAIN, rice tariffication, and Package 2, they include the mining, alcohol, and tobacco tax increase, reform in property valuation, reform in capital income and financial taxes, and an amnesty program.” To lower prices, Duterte has warned rice traders and manipulators, saying “the full force of the State shall be brought to bear upon you.” That sounds like rice manipulators will be the next target of tokhang. The President wants rice price reduced by P7 per kilo. Since rice is 20 percent of the consumer price index, a 20-percent rice price reduction should reduce the inflation rate considerably. Meanwhile, Duterte notes that the Ease of Doing Business [Act] “is a significant fight against corruption and improving service delivery.” He wants the mayors and governors, indeed, all government agencies, to listen—“faithfully implement this law and simply simplify the process. Make no mistake about it.” Duterte should ask the Securities and Exchange Commission to mend its ways. It takes SEC at least six months and for businessmen to make at least four follow up visits, to approve a company’s articles of incorporation. The process should take only two days at the most. But the SEC has computerized itself and apparently its going high tech has been sabotaged. And why did Duterte install Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as speaker? The House of Representatives is the origin of three very important initiatives— the annual budget, taxes, and impeachment. GMA is this country’s post—1986 economist-president. During her nineyear presidency, the economy more than doubled in value and per capital income nearly tripled. Since many of Duterte’s legislative measures are economic or businessrelated, it is good that an economist is at the helm of the House. And if Duterte makes mistakes, well, the House originates impeachment. GMA, of course, is a good leader as well as a good follower. She has a great sense of timing. She will be an asset to Duterte whose main problems now are: The economy, corruption, and peace and order. biznewsasia@gmail.com

Indonesia’s tattoo removers zap the sin from your skin By Dessy Sagita INDONESIAN tattoo remover Sandi Widodo does a brisk business zapping sin from skin—at bargain-basement prices. But there’s a catch for pious Muslims keen to shed body art at his Jakarta shop: They’ve got to recite 50 Koranic verses from memory and repent for their tattooed past. That’s a small price to pay for Riki Irawan, who hopes that getting rid of three tribal-style tattoos will bring him closer to God. But he has another reason for ditching the ink—his fiancee’s devout parents won’t let him marry their daughter unless he is tattoo-free. “The joy of having a tattoo is temporary,” the 31-year-old said. “It only lasts for a few weeks and after that your life is ruined.” Irawan is not alone in his regret judging by the volume of business at Widodo’s clinic, which has a waiting list of over 1,000 people. The stigma over tattoos has long faded in the West, with everyone from college kids to celebrities and athletes happy to display their body art in public. But in some Asian countries, tattoos are often associated with crime and loose morals. Tattoos are also frowned upon in Islam, making it especially tough for wearers in the world’s largest Muslim majority country. “It was uncomfortable to go into a mosque,” said Widodo, who still has a fading tattoo on the side of his face. “I tried to act normal but people were looking at me.” Remove tattoo and repent Widodo’s current profession is a long way from his former life as a success-

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Preparedness. Calamities hit many parts of the country and the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council is just an ad hoc body. Indeed we need a

ful tattoo artist in the Hindu-dominated resort island Bali, where local men frequently sport body art and there are few hang ups about the practice. His tattoo-seeking clients asked for everything from relatives’ names to elaborate, centuries-old designs still worn by the Southeast Asian archipelago’s indigenous people. A traditional practice known as hand-tapping—artists gently tap a stick mounted with a needle on a subject’s skin—has even enjoyed a revival in recent years. But for Widodo, finding religion marked a turning point and he turned his back on the business. “Tattoos are associated with negative stuff like drugs and partying,” he said. “So I decided to quit and sold my equipment.” Indonesia’s Muslim clerics say the choice is clear. “Tattoos are not allowed in Islam because you’re not only hurting yourself, but it is altering God’s creation,” said Huzaemah Tahido, an official at top religious body the Indonesian Ulema Council. “If possible, remove your tattoo and repent. If you can’t remove your tattoo because it’s too painful, then leave it but you must still repent.” Renny Rengganis, a practizing Muslim, has no plans to repent or ditch her tattoos. In fact, she wants to enlarge a design depicting a mother and son that covers three-quarters of her back, despite the objections of her devoutly religious relatives. “I didn’t get tattoos to rebel against anything or to express my right to do what I want with my own body,” said the 35-year-old public relations professional. “I simply like tattoos that have mean-

ing and wanted [them] inscribed on my body forever.” Drop your sins For those who do regret their body art, plenty of Indonesian clinics offer tattoo removal services. But most charge several thousand dollars for the repeated treatments necessary to clear color pigmentation —putting them out of reach for many ordinary Indonesians. In response, cheaper tattoo removal shops have opened in recent years including a service in Indonesia’s secondbiggest city Surabaya that also requires clients to recite Koranic verses. Islamic lender Bank Muamalat has sponsored a mobile tattoo removal van on the country’s main island Java. Years ago, cheaper options weren’t available for regretful tattoo enthusiasts like Widodo. So he set out to start a tattoo removal shop with a crowd-funding campaign that raised about $6,500—enough for a pair of laser removal machines. His shop—which has a sign that reads “Drop your sins, clasp the hand of a Muslim brother”—opened its doors last summer. Widodo has since removed tattoos from a few hundred customers and many more are eager to tap his 150,000 rupiah ($11) service. One of them, Maulidul Irfan, was so desperate to remove his tattoos—which he chalks up to teenage rebellion—that he tried everything from cashew sap and breast milk to harsh chemicals that scarred his skin, all without success. “I’m studying to be an Islamic study teacher so it would be embarrassing to have tattoos,” the 23-year-old said at the clinic. “People don’t always judge us on who we are now, but rather what we did in the past.” AFP

permanent government body for this that is headed by a Cabinet-level official. I would even say that this department should be merged with the Department of Environment. We need it like yesterday. *** While presidential assistant Christo-

pher “Bong” Go is denying he would run for the Senate, his photos appear every day over television and in newspapers. He even has billboards! In the first place, who is Bong Go, really? We are told he is a multi-billionaire—where did he get his money? www.emiljurado.weebly.com

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and the need to adapt to an ever-changing media environment,” the memo said. Top editors Jim Rich and Kristen Lee are departing as part of the reorganization, with the new editor-inchief Robert York coming from the Morning Call newspaper in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Rich said in a tweet on the latest cuts: “If you hate democracy and think local governments should operate unchecked and in the dark, then today is a good day for you.” New York Mayor Bill De Blasio denounced the job cuts. “It’s no secret that I’ve disagreed with the Daily News from time to time,” the mayor said on Twitter. “But Tronc’s greedy decision to gut the newsroom is bad for government and a disaster for NYC. Tronc should sell the paper to someone committed to local journalism and keeping reporters on the beat.” State offers help Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed dismay that the move came without any notice or request for assistance, pointing out that his father Mario Cuomo, governor in the 1980s, offered aid to the New York Post under similar circumstances. “Even though the Post represented an opposing active partisan interest, my father understood the value of a robust free press. So do I,” Cuomo said in

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her appointment as chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman. The coup against Alvarez was long in the works. It reached its tipping point when he kept advocating a no-elections scenario next year. Most of the congressmen felt threatened they would be out of the loop in a federal form of government proposed in the draft Constitution. Some say Alvarez’s downfall really started when he feuded with presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. There is a lesson to be learned here for the bellicose Alvarez. To win the war, a man has to choose his battle. Your concern is human rights, mine is human lives,” President Duterte said al-

a statement. “I urge Tronc to reconsider this drastic move and stand ready to work with them to avert this disaster.” The newspaper is known for some of the boldest front pages in the industry, including one last week with a cartoon image of President Donald Trump shooting Uncle Sam while holding hands with Russian leader Vladimir Putin below a headline that reads: “Open Treason.” Among its most famous was the “Ford to City: Drop Dead” in 1975 when then president Gerald Ford refused federal aid to stave off the Big Apple’s imminent municipal bankruptcy. In 2016, it reprised that theme with the headline “Drop Dead, Ted,” after Senator Ted Cruz denounced “New York values” in a Republican presidential primary debate. But the daily has faced the same financial troubles as much of the newspaper industry. Once among the largest US newspapers, it has fallen behind in the digital age and has failed to keep pace with crosstown rival The New York Times and its newsroom estimated at over 1,000. In 2017, Tronc purchased the Daily News for $1, while assuming its pension liabilities, after previous owner Mort Zuckerman had been absorbing losses estimated at $30 million annually. The Daily News has won 11 Pulitzer Prizes since its founding in 1919, including one last year for its reporting on police abuse of eviction rules to oust poor residents from their homes. AFP luding to the thousands Filipino families destroyed by the use of illegal drugs. He was also conveying this concern to the thousands of demonstrators massed outside the Batasang Pambansa protesting the alleged extrajudicial killings of illegal drug trafficking suspects. The President warned that his war on drugs will continue to be relentless. On Commonwealth Avenue where the militant demonstrators were gathered, placards painted a different picture of the state of the nation. Nothing much has changed: The prices of basic commodities are rising blaming, the Duterte TRAIN Law is increasing VAT and excise tax on fuel prices. The President’s weak response to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea was also denounced in placards carried by the protesters.

News

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

ARRAIGNMENT. Aegis Juris Fraternity members, led by their master Alvin Balag, are escorted by BJMP personnel outside the court room after their arraignment at Manila RTC Branch 20 presiding Judge Marivic Umali on Tuesday. Norman Cruz

Aegis fratmen plead not guilty Restore P2/minute charge, Grab asks LTFRB By Rio N. Araja GRAB Philippines is asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to reverse its order of a P10-million fine for supposed illegal P2 per minute charge on Grab passengers. In a 27-page motion for reconsideration, Grab through its registered company, MyTaxi.PH, said LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra and his board members must “reverse and set aside” their July 9 directive to penalize Grab and return the P2 charge to its customers for “utter lack of merit.” “Respondent MyTaxi.PH respectfully prays that this Honorable Board reverse and set aside its order dated July 9, and in lieu of, issue a new one dismissing the show-cause order and case for utter lack of merit,” it read. The transport network company (TNC) challenged LTFRB’s imposition of fines, which it said “is contrary to law.” It invoked Department of Transportation Order 2015-11 granting TNCs the right to “set fares subject to LTFRB’s oversight, and another order, DO 2017-11 issued on June 19, 2017, allowing them to have a “pre-arranged fare as authorized by the LTFRB.” Grab stood firm on its ground that DO 2015-11 was still “valid and effective until declared unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction.” “Moreover, the Honorable Board failed to establish that said department order has been impliedly repealed by any subsequent issuances of [the] Department of Transportation… As a rule, repeal by implication is frowned upon, unless there is clear showing that the latter statute is irreconcilably consistent,” it said. Despite such, Grab said it still subjected itself to the authority of the LTFRB and “complied” with its oversight functions.

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OT guilty. This was the plea entered by all 10 members of Aegis Juris frat ofﬁcials and members who were charged with violation of the Anti-Hazing Law in connection with the death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio “Atio” Castillo III. The plea was entered during their arraignment presided by Manila RTC Branch 20 Judge Marivic Balisi Umali, which lasted for about three hours before reaching the pre-trial proper. In entering the plea, all 10 denied the accusations filed against them, and filed a petition for bail through their lawyers. The accused, who were all present during the arraignment, were led by frat master Arvin Balag and members Mhin Wei Chan, Axel Munro Hipe, Oliver John Audrey Onofre, Joshua Joriel Macabali, Ralph Trangia, Robin Ramos, Jose Miguel Salamat, Danielle Hans Matthew Rodrigo and Marcelino Bagtang.

As this developed, Atio’s parents Carmina and Horacio Castillo said they were satisfied with the efforts of the prosecution. Carmina said she does not feel for any of the accused and only wanted justice for her son, and that the Aegis Juris be abolished as a fraternity. The RTC court later set the hearing of the petition for bail of the accused on Aug. 14, where the prosecution is expected to present its first of several witnesses. Expected to take the witness stand as its first witness is Marc Anthony Ventura, who confessed to participating in the spatula round of the hazing.

Ventura was cleared by the Department of Justice in a bid to turn him state witness, but will still need the approval of the courts to become one. Before the arraignment on Tuesday, the DoJ dismissed all petitions for review filed by both the fraternity members and the Castillo camp. In their petition, the fratmen wanted to have the charges against them dropped, while the Castillos wanted to reinstate the charges against UST Law dean Nilo Divina. The 10 Aegis Juris fratmen are currently detained at the Manila City Jail. Meanwhile, the DoJ dropped the murder charges against the 10 fratmen because according to the DoJ, “the cumulative acts of the respondent-members were not made for the purpose of killing Atio. The intention was merely to inflict physical harm as part of the fraternity initiation rites.”

SC upholds freeze on Revilla’s assets By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has denied the appeal of detained former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. to quash the order of the Sandiganbayan freezing his assets, in connection with the P224.5-million plunder case arising from the multibillion-peso Priority Development Assistance Fund scam. During its en banc session on Tuesday, the SC resolved to dismiss for lack of merit the petition of Revilla seeking for reversal of the February 2015 ruling of the Sandiganbayan First Division that issued a writ of preliminary attachment over bank assets and properties under his name and his wife, Bacoor City, Mayor Lani Mercado. Instead, the high court upheld the writ issued by the anti-graft court, saying it was “not the penalty of forfeiture envisioned by law, contrary to Revilla’s argument and that it is an ancillary remedy that can be availed of during the pendency of a criminal case of plunder without waiting for the final resolution of the bail petition before it can be issued.” The writ was issued upon motion by prosecution in October 2014 which sought garnishment of Revilla’s assets, properties and bank accounts saying there is a need to preserve the alleged ill-gotten wealth to ensure payments and recovery of such in favor of the state in the event that the accused is found guilty of plunder. Covered by the writ includes 44 bank accounts except those that were already closed by the senator when the scam was made public, 15 motor vehicles, 28 real estate properties, 5 shares in separate stocks valued at P1.14 million and a total of 12 shares in exclusive clubs and private companies. “You are hereby ordered to secure and attach the properties of accused Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., attach so much of the property in the Philippines of the said accused, not exempt from execution, as may be sufficient to satisfy the applicant’s demand in an amount not exceeding P224,512,500 in value,” the court order stated.

TOURISM ISSUES. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat was the guest speaker at the Bulong Pulungan at Sofitel Philippine Plaza to give an update on current issues, including the ongoing Boracay rehabilitation and other matters. Lino Santos

Napoles faces new graft charges THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of new charges of graft and malversation of public funds against detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and some agriculture officials before the Sandiganbayan for another involvement in a P5-million fertilizer fund scam. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales found probable cause to charge Napoles and officials from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit XIII in Butuan City for the irregularities in the procurement of fertilizers for the agricultural reinforcement project of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. Napoles, along with DA assistant regional director Edgardo Dahino, chief administrative officer Jessica Da-an, administrative officer Merylinda Santos, accountant III Gerry Leop, and private respondents Evelyn de Leon and Rodel Pontillas from the Philippine Social Development Foundation Inc. are set to face trial before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e)

of Republic Act No. 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation of public funds. Court records said that in May 2004, the DA regional office in Caraga entered into a memorandum of agreement with the municipality government of Del Carmen and PSDFI for the procurement of fertilizers with a project cost of P5 million. Upon scrutiny, the Ombudsman said the project did not have any appropriation since Republic Act No. 9162 or the General Appropriations Act of 2002, the source of funding, was effective only until December 2003, therefore it could not have served as the appropriation law for the MoA executed in 2004. DA officials released the entire fund to PSDFI without complying with Commission on Audit Circular No. 96-003 requiring funds to be released in three tranches. According to the Ombudsman, there were no fertilizers distributed in Del Carmen based on certifications issued by the municipality’s agriculturist. Rio N. Araja

Ombudsman ‘too excited’ to retire OMBUDSMAN Conchita CarpioMorales on Tuesday said she is just too excited to retire. She said she wants to spend her time to “industriously do nothing for the meantime.” “I’m euphoric. I could hardly wait for two more days,” she added. She said she has long been longing to “wake up pretty” on her first day of retirement. Morales said she is leaving the Office of the Ombudsman with such great pride, knowing that she has not done anything wrong as the chief graft buster. She said she was loyal to the rule of law in her entire career, and that “I shall always be loyal to the rule of law.” Instead of attacking her, she said President Rodrigo Duterte should even praise her “relentless campaign against corruption.” She said she had never caused misinformation or disinformation to the public, neither was she a victim of such. “I do not remember having come up with fake news, and neither have I remembered being able to receive fake news as is because we would always validate them.” Morales is retiring on July 26 after serving a full term of seven years. Last July 20, the Judicial and Bar Council released its shortlist of three candidates who would possibly take over the Ombudsman post. They are Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires, Ombudsman Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval and private lawyer Felito Ramirez, who initially got a vote of 6, 5 and 4, respectively. Rio N. Araja

Naia taxiway repair over —MIAA By Joel E. Zurbano THE Manila International Airport Authority has completed the repair of potholes found at the taxiway of Ninoy Aquino International Airport following heavy rains brought by monsoon rains and Tropical Depression “Henry.” Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Transportation undersecretary for Aviation and Airport, said the damaged portion was discovered at the Charlie 4 taxiway of the Naia. He explained that as early as last week, authorities had been attempting to conduct the repairs, but were delayed due to bad weather. “[MIAA General Manager] Ed Monreal and I had been planning since last week, but we needed good weather to do it,” he said. “As soon as Secretary [Arthur] Tugade learned of this, he texted me and asked for the repair schedule and the immediate timeline. ‘Let’s not compromise safety’ that’s the instruction to me,” added Tamayo. Monreal, meanwhile, said the repair of three out of the six potholes have been completed last Monday. “Immediate repair and swift action so as not to compromise the safety of the riding public. That’s why as soon as we got the chance, we got to work. Based on the inspection, no potholes where found on the runways,” he said The airport chief assured no flights were affected nor disrupted in the course of the repair work. In July 2017, airport authorities also ordered the closure of Naia main runway to give way for the emergency repair work of its damaged portion and ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.

Korean, American fugitives arrested By Vito Barcelo A KOREAN fugitive and an American citizen engaged in selling “ukayukay” were arrested and ordered deported by the Bureau of Immigration’s intelligence operatives in Cebu and Pampanga. Ordered deported were American Roy Frederick Barker and South Korean national Cho Jinrae, according to Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente. Barker was arrested in Cebu City last July 17 while Cho was collared in Angeles City, Pampanga last July 21. “Both of them are overstaying and undesirable aliens. They should be deported for blatantly violating our immigration laws,” Morente said. According to Immigration Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., Barker was already issued a summary deportation order by the BI Board of Commissioners for overstaying in the country and engaging in gainful activity without the proper visa. The American has been allegedly engaged in the “ukay-ukay” retail trade business which foreigners are forbidden to do under the law.

IN BRIEF Dominguez confident of tax reform package FINANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III is confident the timetables set by President Rodrigo Duterte on the submission of all comprehensive tax reform packages to Congress by end-July will be met, as well as the signing into law of the second package by yearend that will reduce corporate income taxes. Dominguez said in a statement the Department of Finance would extend all the technical support needed by Congress in heeding the President’s call for the passage of the second package this year for the benefit especially of the small and medium enterprises. “The DoF commits itself to the President’s stated deadline. Tax reform will bring about growth with equity and heightened productivity that will help us attain our aspiration to be a high middle-income country by 2022, lifting one million Filipinos from poverty every year,” Dominguez said. “The administration is serious about tax reform, and it is definitely serious about having package 2 signed by the end of the year,” he said. Julito G. Rada

Reyes: TV5 to meet 2018 revenue target TV5 Network Inc. said it expects to meet its revenue target for the year as it launched the ﬁrst-ever e-sports franchise model league in the Philippines. “We’re right on target. We’re hitting our numbers. We’re very hopeful that the rest of the year will be okay. But right now, our ﬁrst half was pretty good. We have some challenges, but by enlarge we are right at our numbers,” TV5 president Vincent Reyes told reporters on sidelines of an event. Reyes said the network was on track to break even by 2019. “The expectation is towards the end of 2019,” he said. Reyes also said the network expects to generate additional revenues with the launch the Road to the Nationals, a search for e-sports professional athletes in the country “It’s going to be a valuable content for the Media Quest group. For TV5, for Cignal, for ESPN5, that’s going to be valuable content for us that will be attractive to different demographic, a younger audience, a digital audience, that is very different from the traditional television audience,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

RFM’s net income flat at P314m in Q2 RFM Corp. of the Concepcion family reported a net income of P314 million in the second quarter of the year, nearly flat from P310 million year-on-year as expenses rose faster than revenues. RFM said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday net revenues in the second quarter of the year climbed 14 percent to P3.5 billion from P3.1 billion a year ago. Cost and expenses increased 19.7 percent to P2.07 billion from P1.78 billion a year ago. RFM reported a net income of 525 million in the first six months of 2018, up 3.3 percent from P508 million on year. First-half revenues grew 12 percent to P6.3 billion from P5.7 billion on strong sales in most businesses, including ice cream, flour, pasta, milk and private label. RFM said first-half revenues of the ice cream category rose 11 percent on year while institutional sales, including the bakery business, expanded eight percent. Sales of RFM’s other flagship brands— Fiesta pasta, Royal pasta, White King mixes and Selecta Milk—also posted a strong 17 percent growth during the six-month period. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business DoF: Court’s IRA ruling to affect govt finances By Julito G. Rada

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Tuesday warned that the Supreme Court’s ruling which increased the revenue share of local government units will affect the government’s ﬁscal position.

“We should communicate that this issue is not a simple matter. Both Fitch and Moody’s have put a red ﬂag as warning regarding this Supreme Court ruling. They are fully aware of the [ruling’s] possible risks,” Dominguez said. The Supreme Court early this month voted 10-3 to increase the coverage of the internal revenue allotment due local government units to include all national taxes. This would mean an effective increase in IRA funds for local government units, which include tax collections of other agencies apart from the Bureau of Internal Revenue. The Supreme Court has yet to release the full text of its decision. Global debt watchdogs Fitch Ratings and

Moody’s Investor Service flagged the ruling as a possible challenge to the Philippines’ public finance management program. Dominguez said the intended beneficiaries of the ruling should be made aware that the issue “is not a simple matter” and thus, should be implemented with due care to ensure that the government would maintain its strong fiscal position. Initial estimates showed that the national government’s IRA arrearages could reach P1 trillion to P1.5 trillion if the decision was retroactively implemented, Dominguez said in an earlier interview. This was based on the general statement issued by the Supreme Court that the “just share” of LGUs should be computed and sourced from all national taxes and not just from the national internal revenue taxes. Dominguez said the Development Budget Coordination Committee “would have to deliberate” on this issue. Other members of the DBCC aside from Dominguez are Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

ORTIGAS & COMPANY’S AWARD. Property

developer Ortigas & Company is recognized by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers with a bronze award for excellence in marketing innovation for its Estancia Vast Imaginarium project during the recent PANAta Marketing Effectiveness Awards. Receiving the award for Ortigas & Company are vice president and general manager of the Ortigas Malls Renee Bacani (third from the left) and marketing manager Monique Castañeda (second from the left). With them are PANA public relations officer Jake Lugay (left) and executive director Bobby Simborio.

Cebu Pacific set to open direct flights to Melbourne By Darwin G. Amojelar LOW-COST carrier Cebu Pacific said it expects to boost its market share in Australia with the launch of a direct service between Manila and Melbourne on Aug. 14. “Bookings for our Manila-Melbourne-Manila service are healthy. The bookings comprise of travelers who want to visit Melbourne and FilipinoAustralians who want to visit friends and relatives in various parts of the Philippines,” Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing Candice Iyog said. “Cebu Pacific fares between Manila and Melbourne start as low as P9,539― about 60 percent lower than prevailing fares of other airlines. We’re thrilled to extend the CEB effect to Melbourne,” she said. Melbourne is the second destination

Dominguez said while both credit rating agencies remained bullish on the country’s high growth prospects over the medium term, they both mentioned the SC ruling as a possible challenge to effective public finance management. Fitch Ratings announced on July 17 that it affirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade rating at ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook, citing the country’s strong macroeconomic performance, growth in investments and private consumption. “We expect domestic demand to maintain strong growth of 6.8 percent in both 2019 and 2020, which would maintain the Philippines’ place among the fastestgrowing economies in the Asia-Pacific region,” Fitch said in a statement. Responding to the latest rating decision by Fitch, Dominguez has said: “This is another recognition of the bold economic policy of the Duterte administration to fix the flawed tax system for the first time in over 20 years, and at the same time provide a steady revenue stream for its ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure development initiative as well as for social programs that would accelerate poverty reduction and grow the middle class.”

of Cebu Pacific in Australia, following the launch of its direct Manila-Sydney route in 2014. Cebu Pacific said that since it started direct services between Sydney and Manila in 2014, the airline helped spur travel and commerce between the two destinations. Tourism between the Philippines and Australia has increased by an average 16 percent yearly since 2014. Australia is one of the top sources of tourist arrivals in the Philippines, with over 120,000 Australians visiting the country in the first five months of 2018 alone. The Philippines is fast gaining popularity among Australian travelers as a holiday destination, rivaling Bali and Thailand. Moreover, the direct route between Manila and Sydney enabled more FilipinoAustralians to visit the Philippines fre-

quently. Filipinos are among the largest immigrant groups in Australia, numbering about 300,000 as of 2017. Data from Australia’s Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics showed that from January to April 2018, total passengers flown between the two destinations reached 149,029, up 3.7 percent from a year ago. Cebu Pacific said of the total passengers in the four-month period, it flew 59, 678 passengers, representing a 40-percent market share. Philippine Airlines and Qantas garnered a market share of 34 percent and 26 percent, respectively. The report also showed that in terms of air freight services, tcargo volume between Manila and Sydney grew 10 percent year-on-year to 3,427 tons in the first four months of 2018. Cebu Pacific garnered 48 percent of the cargo market share between the two destinations.

IRC Properties Inc. said the proposed $3.7-billion Makati subway is now ready for Swiss Challenge after the project received the go-signal from the city government of Makati. IRC Properties said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the Makati IntraCity Rail Transport System would now proceed to the Swiss Challenge process after the company and the city government of Makati executed a joint certiﬁcation for the project. “IRC wishes to inform the investing public that pursuant to Makati City Ordinance No. 2014-051 or the City of Makati PPP Code, as amended by Makati City Ordinance No. 2017017, a joint certiﬁcation was today executed between the Makati City government and IRC, certifying, among others, that IRC, as the proponent, is eligible to participate as the original proponent in the unsolicited proposal

and competitive/Swiss Challenge process,” IRC said. IRC Properties said along with foreign partners, it was now ready to participate and face competitive Swiss Challenge for the proposed project. IRC Properties received the original proponent status for the project in June. The IRC-led consortium proposed to construct an 11-kilometer intra-city mass transport system with up to 10 stations to connect key points in Makati’s two districts, with no cash out from the city government. The proposal is aligned with the national government’s aggressive infrastructure program and Makati’s goal to be a digital city. The proposed transport system will also complement the mass transport projects of the national government as it would be interconnected to the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, the proposed Metro Manila Mega Subway and the Pasig River ferry system.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

Neda renews call for rice tariffication THE National Economic and Development Authority on Tuesday renewed its call to Congress to pass the Rice Tariffication bill, saying it will help temper inflation and improve the agriculture sector. President Rodrigo Duterte, in his third State-of-the-Nation Address Monday, also asked Congress to consider as urgent the passage of the law amending Republic Act No. 8178, also known as the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, to stabilize rice prices and address artificial shortage. The president gave a stern warning against “rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors” who were manipulating the prices of rice to their advantage and to the detriment of the Filipino people. “There is no time to waste. All of us must rally behind the administration’s reform agenda, most especially the Rice Tarrification bill, which if implemented will make our agriculture sector competitive in the long-term,” Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said in a statement. Pernia said once the rice tariffication bill, filed before the 17th Congress, was signed into law and fully implemented, the prices of rice would likely go down. A preliminary estimate by Neda showed that headline inflation rate would be reduced by one percentage point if the domestic wholesale rice market reduced its price to the level of imported rice. Pernia also lauded President Duterte’s speech, which brought attention to some of the Philippines’ development agenda expressly laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the country’s socioeconomic development blueprint. Among these are the Ease of Doing Business Law, the bill establishing the Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund, the National Land Use Act, the comprehensive tax reform and the aim for a universal healthcare system. The Ease of Doing Business Law or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act (Republic Act No. 11032), which seeks to enhance market competitiveness in the Philippines, was signed into law by President Duterte on May 28, 2018. Julito G. Rada

Grab PH appeals P10-m penalty over ‘illegal’ P2-per-minute charge GRAB Philippines appealed with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to reverse the P10million ﬁne and reimbursement imposed by the agency over the former’s alleged illegal P2-per-minute charge. MyTaxi.Ph, the company behind Grab Philippines, in a 27-page motion for reconsideration asked LTFRB to reverse and set aside the P10-million ﬁne and reimbursement to its passengers for “utter lack of merit.” Grab said the LTFRB had no authority under existing laws and jurisprudence to declare Department Order 2015-011 as invalid. It said LTFRB was merely an attached agency of the issuing department―the Department of Transportation. “With all due respect, Grab asserts

that the Department of Transportation’s DO 2015-011 shall be deemed valid until it is set aside with ﬁnality in an appropriate case by a competent court,” Grab said. Grab said LTFRB was aware of the P2-per-minute fare component as early as nine months before April 19, 2018, when the agency suspended it. “Grab informed the LTFRB about the P2 per minute charge during its technical working group meeting on July 27, 2017 during which Grab presented its business model including its pricing scheme. In addition, Grab sent an e-mail to the LTFRB on Aug. 24, 2017 to provide a written explanation of Grab’s pricing scheme, the receipt of which was duly acknowledged by the LTFRB,” the ride-sharing app said. Darwin G. Amojelar

F OREIGN E XCHANGE R ATE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

Makati subway up for Swiss Challenge By Jenniffer B. Austria

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

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

SN ABOITIZ’S MILESTONES. SN Aboitiz Power Group attains safety records

without lost-time injury in its hydropower facilities in Isabela and Benguet. The achievement marks a significant milestone for SNAP Group, which inaugurated the 8.5-megawatt Maris hydroelectric power plant in Ramon, Isabela earlier this year. The Ambuklao hydro recorded LTI-free man-hours of 2,019,493 since April 2012, its running best record, while Binga attained 1,581,616 hours since October 2013 and Magathas achieved 1,019,008 hours LTIfree since March 2015. SNAP-Magat team members celebrate the milestone.

Currency

Unit

US Dollar

Peso

United States

Dollar

1.000000

53.4460

Japan

Yen

0.008982

0.4801

Pound

1.310400

70.0356

Hong Kong

Dollar

0.127426

6.8104

Switzerland

Franc

1.007760

53.8607

Canada

Dollar

0.759301

40.5816

Singapore

Dollar

0.732547

39.1517

Australia

Dollar

0.737900

39.4378

Bahrain

Dinar

2.644104

141.3168

Saudi Arabia

Rial

0.266645

14.2511

Brunei

Dollar

0.729874

39.0088

Indonesia

Rupiah

0.000069

0.0037

Thailand

Baht

0.029913

1.5987

UAE

Dirham

0.272272

14.5518

Euro

1.169400

62.4998

Korea

Won

0.000883

0.0472

China

Yuan

0.147373

7.8765

India

Rupee

0.014526

0.7764

Malaysia

Ringgit

0.246245

13.1608

New Zealand

Dollar

0.678400

36.2578

Taiwan

Dollar

0.032663

1.7457

Source: PDS Bridge

Business

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market advances; Meralco gains

HE stock market climbed Tuesday as investors generally welcomed President Duterte’s vow to complete a tax reform package before the end of the year and sustain the country’s economic growth.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 70.22 points, or 1 percent, to 7,447.02 on a value turnover of P4.4 billion. Gainers beat losers, 107 to 92, with 43 issues unchanged. Casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corp. advanced 5.2 percent to P10, while Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, gained 3.4 percent to P370. Globe Telecom Inc., the secondlargest telecommunications company, increased 3.4 percent to P1,799, while SM Investments Corp. of retail tycoon

Henry Sy Sr. rose 3 percent to P912. The rest of Asian markets advanced Tuesday, with Beijing’s planned stimulus measures pushing up Chinese shares as investors turn their attention to this week’s release of corporate earnings reports. Tensions persist over a potential global trade war, however, with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker heading to Washington on Wednesday to meet with President Donald Trump and try to avert an escalation of tit-for-tat tariffs. The US leader is already embroiled in a messy trade spat with China and Europe, while negotiations with Canada and Mexico to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement have stalled. Beijing signaled it would shift to a looser ﬁscal policy to shield the world’s second-largest economy from the worsening trade row with Washington,

prompting Chinese shares, buffeted for months by the spat, to make gains. Shanghai jumped 1.6 percent while Hong Kong advanced 1.3 percent. The gains were mirrored across Asia, with Tokyo and Seoul both rising 0.5 percent and Sydney adding 0.6 percent. Chinese policymakers have had to juggle competing priorities: transitioning the world’s second-largest economy to an expected era of slower growth, while also cleansing the ﬁnancial system of dodgy credit. That balancing act has become even more tricky as China’s export engine braces for the impact of US tariffs on Chinese goods, imposed by President Donald Trump to punish Beijing for “unfair” trade practices. Premier Li Keqiang stressed the government would accelerate plans to reduce taxes by more than 1.1 trillion yuan

($160 billion) and to issue 1.35 trillion yuan in local government special bonds for infrastructure. Beijing was widely expected to ease up on its credit clampdown—a campaign that has also weighed on Chinese stocks—in light of the new Trump-era realities. Focus has also shifted to a round of earnings reports expected this week from companies ranging from British pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline to Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors to US aerospace titan Boeing. Tech ﬁrms Amazon and Facebook will also report their results later in the week. Oil markets slipped after getting a lift on Monday when Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani engaged in a round of furious saber-rattling. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2018

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 59.95 10,110 96 1,458,570 129 1,120,140 1.52 100,000 33.05 258,200 16.48 600 14.58 69,500 3.5 26,000 9.62 1,400 0.63 5,000 1.53 9,000 0.54 597,000 73 7,000,350 1.03 208,000 11.88 2,300 47.5 463,500 187 3,390 107 630 28.75 15,300 202.8 336,660 1,860 105 84.2 51,360

605,785 139,347,214 144,543,149 152,000 8,546,570 9,888 1,013,438 91,300 13,288 3,150 13,770 316,690 510,951,447 213,040 26,918 22,056,890 632,146 67,410 439,290 68,600,266 195,580 4,324,511.50

598,612.50 4,636,472 -40,729,101 -1,041,670 262,292 40,564,270 -1,619,250 37,400 -30,289,606 -27,787.50

36.1 15.44 0.75 1.17 0.255 3.28 15.7 37.8 21.35 1.85 7.55 10.14 15.76 10.7 7.29 5.07 1.61 15.54 61.5 23 7.29 12.88 2.42 250 3.31 26.3 12 18.58 356.4 6.75 2.27 4.08 8.74 5.47 7.97 1.19 11.68 55 6 4.64 2.31 1.76 13.2 67.5 5.28 0.132 1.25 131 2.47 1.48

INDUSTRIAL 36.3 372,100 15.76 559,500 0.77 5,306,000 1.17 10,000 0.26 3,250,000 3.46 8,177,000 15.8 449,000 39 534,900 21.35 8,200 1.85 59,000 7.55 21,400 10.2 2,465,600 15.88 1,248,000 10.7 46,400 7.31 829,300 5.1 1,930,000 1.61 28,000 15.7 532,800 62.9 40,620 24 24,200 7.29 34,900 13.28 635,000 2.49 1,946,000 251 224,900 3.31 4,000 26.3 380,700 12.5 649,100 18.74 3,053,300 370 581,310 6.75 13,500 2.27 2,000 4.13 10,000 8.82 460,900 5.48 96,200 7.97 500 1.2 568,000 11.8 56,800 55.5 602,630 6.1 109,200 4.7 58,000 2.34 243,000 1.8 244,000 13.54 78,200 67.55 213,990 5.3 196,100 0.132 10,000 1.28 781,000 131 1,055,860 2.55 7,999,000 1.49 3,311,000

13,507,205 8,700,320 4,104,090 11,700 847,100 27,438,570 7,094,190 20,658,595 179,955 109,150 162,515 25,192,526 19,814,846 498,660 6,060,037 9,845,661 45,080 8,319,666 2,534,561.50 567,685 254,749 8,351,804 4,809,790 56,458,500 13,260 10,074,935 8,121,202 57,497,380 212,832,548 91,462 4,540 41,170 4,057,675 530,675 3,985 683,740 668,188 33,454,938.50 666,475 269,720 566,420 431,850 1,050,074 14,531,146 1,038,908 1,320 989,400 138,816,829 20,130,930 4,943,190

-630,035 -125,848 -241,990 -68,900 3,287,830 -5,176,080 -1,128,280 -150,435 -1,590,354 5,369,624 -4,343,806 -6,894,699 -2,790,492 994,216.50 4,800 -152,669 3,439,598 -5,020 -13,125,562 -6,620 -5,504,630 -1,246,296 -10,910,336 74,002,880 -4,540 839,669 3,709,649.50 -60,412 -4,680 131,048 -4,945,049.50 53,000 14,560,239 658,780 -

0.249 53.2 12 0.98 6.03 32.3 0.81 0.82 959 6.1 11.34 7.26 4.51 0.208 975 6 53.7 0.63 3.85 17.06 0.72 4.56 0.039 1.33 2.76 137.5 912 1.62 261 0.355 0.228

0.245 51.5 11.58 0.98 5.97 31.55 0.79 0.8 941 6.03 11.02 7.1 4.5 0.208 960 6 52.4 0.62 3.66 16.84 0.67 4.44 0.038 1.31 2.72 135.1 878 1.58 258 0.34 0.228

HOLDING FIRMS 0.248 520,000 53.2 453,380 11.8 7,852,400 0.98 9,000 6.02 90,100 31.8 158,600 0.79 12,200,000 0.81 5,835,000 955.5 138,520 6.1 4,386,100 11.26 3,595,100 7.1 26,200 4.5 14,000 0.208 10,000 975 108,570 6 5,600 53 1,674,200 0.62 3,000 3.8 6,090,000 16.94 2,832,300 0.67 14,912,000 4.51 21,783,000 0.038 11,400,000 1.31 724,000 2.75 595,000 136.5 180,290 912 139,310 1.59 149,000 260 1,660 0.34 7,060,000 0.228 10,000

127,800 23,905,519 92,943,796 8,820 542,332 5,045,885 9,662,900 4,717,720 131,951,315 26,737,937 40,392,344 186,096 63,020 2,080 105,024,145 33,600 88,715,896.50 1,870 22,600,630 47,980,672(38 10,313,940 98,097,710 433,300 948,640 1,628,650 24,587,568 125,650,555 237,470 431,018 2,419,850 2,280

1,166,300 -34,794,808 -12,160 159,150 2,624,030 -28,370,575 1,587,600 -6,039,798 7,072,315 70,293,521.50 16,806,500 ,163,726.0003) -1,862,200 -33,316,020 -12,574,923 -3,789,885 -124,452 -

7.74 0.98 14.2 1.93 0.73 39.1 3.22 4.65 5.5 5.82 0.435 0.91 1.03 0.222 0.41 8.92 26.15 0.61 0.116 1.45 1.24 1.57 4.7 0.6 0.44 0.54 3.59 19.58 2.05 3.28 37 1.15

7.57 0.96 14.2 1.85 0.72 38.6 3.15 4.58 5.3 5.82 0.425 0.89 0.9 0.218 0.405 8.82 25.25 0.59 0.116 1.43 1.23 1.44 4.63 0.59 0.435 0.5 3.4 19.4 2.04 3.22 36.35 1.13

1,359,960 1,442,850 105,080 132,380 55,580 300,592,295 2,079,210 522,460 147,691 6,402 3,655,050 75,940 5,341,140 291,270 44,600 4,926,398 13,009,085 449,230 2,320 5,462,910 531,500 23,533,560 98,293,180 3,667,800 276,600 4,656,560 7,350,310 69,534,882(1, 338,780 193,550 113,466,875 2,472,820

-416,314 63,869,770 -922,980 -129,000 890 1,632,050 44,140 26,620 2,937,470 -1,850,060 -26,780 -34,373,940 -35,400 116,840 959,900 045,749.9997) -232,560 11,809,475 -9,040

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

59.95 95.2 130.9 1.52 33.15 16.5 14.56 3.5 9.44 0.63 1.53 0.51 73 1.02 11.78 47.1 188.1 107 28.6 204 1,866 84

59.95 96 130.9 1.52 33.2 16.5 14.6 3.53 9.62 0.63 1.53 0.54 73.45 1.03 11.88 48.5 188.1 107 28.75 205 1,866 84.35

59.5 95.2 128.4 1.52 33.05 16.46 14.52 3.5 9.44 0.63 1.53 0.51 72.45 1.02 11.66 47 186 107 28.6 202.8 1,860 84

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

36.4 15.5 0.79 1.17 0.265 3.28 15.7 39.7 22.2 1.85 7.8 10.28 15.88 10.74 7.3 5.16 1.61 15.54 62 23.05 7.3 12.88 2.42 250.4 3.32 26.9 12 18.8 358 6.81 2.27 4.14 8.81 5.53 7.97 1.19 11.76 55 6 4.65 2.43 1.76 13.2 69.7 5.28 0.132 1.29 131.8 2.48 1.52

36.8 15.88 0.79 1.17 0.265 3.48 15.8 39.85 22.4 1.85 7.8 10.32 15.9 10.82 7.33 5.16 1.61 15.7 62.9 24.15 7.31 13.38 2.5 254 3.32 26.95 12.78 19.18 370 6.81 2.27 4.14 8.82 5.64 7.97 1.21 11.96 56 6.2 4.7 2.43 1.8 13.54 69.7 5.3 0.132 1.29 132.7 2.55 1.52

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

0.245 51.8 11.6 0.98 5.97 31.8 0.81 0.81 941 6.03 11.02 7.26 4.51 0.208 969.5 6 53.6 0.63 3.66 17 0.69 4.44 0.038 1.33 2.74 137.5 878 1.62 260 0.355 0.228

8990 HLDG A BROWN ANCHOR LAND ARANETA PROP ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS CEBU HLDG CEBU PROP A CENTURY PROP CITY AND LAND CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES CYBER BAY DM WENCESLAO DOUBLEDRAGON EMPIRE EAST EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE IRC PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND

7.74 0.97 14.2 1.93 0.73 38.75 3.2 4.58 5.3 5.82 0.425 0.91 0.9 0.218 0.41 8.83 25.5 0.61 0.116 1.44 1.23 1.55 4.68 0.6 0.435 0.51 3.49 19.58 2.05 3.28 36.55 1.14

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

7.63 0.76 5.95

7.65 0.76 6

7.4 0.75 5.92

7.54 0.76 5.95

365,400 49,000 1,491,300

2,766,618 37,200 8,879,049

736,549 -3,958,058

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

14 22.6 1.35 0.465 0.043 13.4 4.95 9.52 0.054 70 7 7.2 2.15 29 1,723 5.39 272.8 3.69 2.1 81 13.8 7.89 0.135 2.94 3.54 14.68 4.18 1.03 24.25 0.46 4.23 6.12 2.63 1.98 1.95 17.78 9.43 11.1 8.9 3.48 119.2 5.5 1,340 0.89 0.355 45.2 83 8.3 1.88 1.14 0.56 4.98 0.75 11.44

14.3 22.6 1.35 0.485 0.044 13.4 4.95 10.04 0.063 70.5 7.23 7.25 2.15 30.4 1,799 5.41 280 3.69 2.1 82.5 13.8 7.9 0.136 2.96 3.54 14.74 4.21 1.04 24.3 0.46 4.44 6.38 2.73 2.06 2.15 17.96 9.47 11.1 8.9 3.48 119.2 5.64 1,348 0.94 0.36 45.2 83.2 8.42 1.95 1.14 0.56 5.08 0.75 11.6

14 22.3 1.35 0.465 0.043 13.4 4.92 9.51 0.054 69.8 6.99 7.2 2.15 28.5 1,721 5.38 272.8 3.5 2.07 80.8 12.3 7.89 0.133 2.84 3.54 14.68 4.13 1.02 24 0.46 4.23 6.09 2.6 1.98 1.95 17.78 9.2 11 8.22 3.15 119 5.49 1,336 0.89 0.355 44.1 80 8.22 1.87 1.13 0.53 4.96 0.72 11.34

SERVICES 14.3 22.45 1.35 0.475 0.044 13.4 4.92 10 0.061 70 7.2 7.25 2.15 29 1,799 5.41 279 3.51 2.09 82.5 12.3 7.9 0.136 2.91 3.54 14.74 4.21 1.04 24.05 0.46 4.44 6.34 2.73 2.01 1.99 17.78 9.22 11 8.66 3.15 119 5.6 1,340 0.92 0.36 44.2 83 8.4 1.92 1.13 0.54 5.04 0.74 11.5

52,100 24,200 1,000 5,110,000 2,900,000 100 9,100 17,996,200 298,870,000 222,460 1,012,300 5,200 3,000 230,300 34,635 31,300 2,050 1,155,000 140,000 267,250 600 15,000 9,800,000 3,944,000 5,000 200 329,000 139,000 879,100 20,000 40,000 2,734,400 1,600,000 165,000 36,000 5,000 1,637,800 10,700 1,300 31,000 30 1,265,600 26,910 19,190,000 50,000 2,208,200 256,310 44,700 4,426,000 566,000 39,964,000 6,660,000 1,691,000 556,300

739,750 544,190 1,350 2,439,450 124,900 1,340 44,875 174,128,598 17,829,320 15,566,291 7,187,008 37,695 6,450 6,706,540 61,260,485 168,942 571,512 4,116,550 292,640 21,945,767 8 7,830 118,400 1,315,650 11,346,500 17,700 2,942 1,376,130 142,990 21,177,185 9,200 172,440 17,128,456 4,271,350 332,410 71,470 88,918 15,216,840 118,760 11,280 100,930 3,572 7,045,932 36,056,480 17,681,290 17,850 97,976,505 21,270,715 374,633 8,456,250 640,110 ( 21,830,020 33,519,000 1,240,270 6,399,910

14,180 100,850 -914,137 -6,828,799 -14,040 800 19,213,180 50,640 ,851,910.9996 -5,400 37,470 134,750 -1,848,420 8,095,305 2,104,090 513,480 4,316,710 -939,930 -49,976,845 -14,746,184 4,115 1,556,200 363,259.9999) 963,320 -15,671,700 -274,670 2,927,772

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

0.0025 1.44 3.95 21.4 1.95 0.3 7.29 2.12 0.235 0.12 0.126 1.51 4.28 1.21 0.55 1.09 0.012 0.013 0.012 2.92 4.44 10.9 31.55

0.0026 1.47 3.95 21.65 1.95 0.305 7.63 2.13 0.237 0.125 0.127 1.59 4.33 1.22 0.56 1.11 0.014 0.013 0.012 3.03 4.44 11.2 33.05

0.0025 1.43 3.9 20.55 1.88 0.3 7.21 2.09 0.218 0.12 0.126 1.51 4.28 1.18 0.54 1.06 0.012 0.013 0.011 2.87 4.3 10.7 31.55

MINING & OIL 0.0025 3,000,000 1.46 1,661,000 3.9 117,000 21.65 2,000 1.91 1,310,000 0.305 200,000 7.5 11,300 2.1 2,806,000 0.227 650,000 0.125 5,540,000 0.126 1,440,000 1.55 135,000 4.3 593,000 1.21 121,000 0.56 66,000 1.08 767,000 0.013 1,831,600,000 0.013 60,100,000 0.012 38,300,000 2.99 222,000 4.3 14,000 11.08 1,633,200 33.05 2,322,200

7,600 2,412,030 459,780 42,630 2,482,540 60,100 82,915 5,897,610 145,960 670,180 182,580 213,160 2,554,640 145,700 36,250 824,740 23,794,100 781,300 459,500 656,690 61,800 18,015,098 75,622,750

-27,320 241,300 420,180 -36,540 -922,100 54,000 122,200 1,190,672 -6,424,735

ABS HLDG PDR DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

21.2 101.2 107 5.18 970 99.6 1.03 1,030 1,040 101.3 106.2 975 76.05 79.1 75.05 76.7 76.7 75.3 75.45 75.5

21.45 101.2 107 5.18 970 99.6 1.03 1,030 1,043 101.3 106.2 1,000 76.05 79.1 75.05 76.7 76.7 75.3 75.5 75.5

21.15 101.2 107 5.18 970 99.5 1.03 1,030 1,040 101.2 106.2 975 76 79 75.05 75.3 76.5 75.25 75.45 75.25

PREFERRED 21.4 34,600 101.2 1,860 107 280 5.18 1,000 970 10 99.5 9,960 1.03 60,000 1,030 50 1,043 70 101.2 10,000 106.2 50 1,000 2,230 76 2,270 79 10,480 75.05 527,860 75.3 63,230 76.5 8,850 75.25 72,560 75.5 5,530 75.25 253,300

737,050 188,232 29,960 5,180 9,700 991,520 61,800 51,500 72,860 1,012,020 5,310 2,191,050 172,535 827,965 39,615,893 4,761,261 677,569 5,460,382.50 417,465 19,084,050

-74,515 377,470 -

LR WARRANT

2.48

2.55

2.48

WARRANTS 2.55 12,000

30,110

17,757,644 1,129,760

-316,587 12,680

910,195

162,069 42,117 4,040

NAME

PROPERTY 7.65 0.98 14.2 1.85 0.72 39.1 3.15 4.61 5.49 5.82 0.43 0.9 0.96 0.218 0.405 8.87 26.15 0.6 0.116 1.44 1.24 1.46 4.69 0.59 0.435 0.51 3.49 19.5 2.04 3.28 37 1.14

178,700 1,487,000 7,400 70,000 77,000 7,716,100 657,000 113,000 27,500 1,100 8,500,000 84,000 5,495,000 1,330,000 110,000 555,200 502,900 759,000 20,000 3,799,000 432,000 15,647,000 20,967,000 6,204,000 630,000 8,962,000 2,107,000 3,566,300 166,000 60,000 3,079,800 2,169,000

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.33 3.17

5.54 3.21

5.2 3.16

FIRST METRO ETF

110.5

110.8

110.3

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.1 1.01

10.18 10.1 1.01

10 10.1 1.01

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

13,672,043

INDUSTRIAL

50,148,977

HOLDING FIRMS

104,102,957

PROPERTY

97,431,046

SERVICES

426,491,600

MINING & OIL

1,952,939,568

GRAND TOTAL

2,648,438,983

5.2 3.17

SME

3,288,400 356,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 110.6 8,240 10 10.1 1.01

DDS

16,050 4,170 4,000

VALUE 1,831.18 (down) 5.13 1,055,633,268.99 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 10,650.42 (up) 11.76 899,286,356.94 HOLDING FIRMS 7,275.78 (up) 123.86 1,004,402,741.43 PROPERTY 3,666.22 (up) 34.34 SERVICES 1,456.19 (up) 14.62 676,947,103.03 MINING & OIL 9,959.82 (up) 217.08 640,110,094.37 PSEI 7,447.02 (up) 70.22 135,622,288.644 All Shares Index 4,505.23 (up) 31.91 4,431,800,267.28 Gainers: 107; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 43; Total: 242

Pryce posted net income of P711.89m in 1st six months By Alena Mae S. Flores PRYCE Corp. posted a consolidated net income of P711.89 million in the first half of 2018, up 22 percent P581.9 million year-on-year. Pryce disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that growth in the company’s consolidated revenues drove the improvement in the net income during the period. Gross revenue reached P4.83 billion in the first six months, up 14.2 percent from P4.23 billion a year ago. Sales of liquefied petroleum gas accounted for the bulk or 91 percent of the group’s total revenue, while those industrial gases, real estate and pharmaceutical products contributed the balance. LPG sales volume rose 13.5 percent in the Visayas and Mindanao regions and 2.35 percent in Luzon. Overall sales of LPG increased 7 percent in the first half of 2018 to 97,590 metric tons from 91,243 MT a year ago. “The growth in sales volume was achieved despite the rising LPG prices mainly because of the growing demand in fuel for household cooking,” Pryce said. The average LPG contract prices which affected LPG consumer behavior increased about 8 percent to $515 per MT from last year’s U$477. Revenue from the property business jumped 167 percent due to the sale of office condominium units of Pryce Tower in Davao City. Pryce said other subsidiaries also posted positive growths, namely industrial gases (up 10 percent) and pharmaceutical products (up 47 percent). The company’s operating income jumped 47 percent to P817.67 million from last year’s P555.40 million due to the increase in revenue and efficient management of operating expenses. “The ongoing expansion projects on the company’s marine-fed terminals and refilling plants nationwide are expected to encourage growth in LPG sales volume in the second half of the year as the LPG product becomes available over a wider area and brought even closer to the market dealers and consumers,” Pryce said.

FLI converting Timberland into leisure resort By Jenniffer B. Austria FILINVEST Land Inc. plans to convert Timberland Sports and Nature Club in San Mateo, Rizal into a commercial and leisure resort development. Filinvest Land disclosed the plan after obtaining the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission to voluntarily suspend its permit to sell the club shares of TSNCI, a move that will deregister the securities and exempt it from certain reportorial requirements under the Securities Regulation Code. “This approval is a ﬁrst step towards the conversion of TSNC from an exclusive private membership club to a commercial resort. TSNC will no longer offer non-proprietary club shares and has asked the SEC for the revocation of its license to sell club shares,” Filinvest Land said. Filinvest Land explained the new structure would allow it to renovate and upgrade the facilities without burdening club members and allow TSNC to open its facilities for weekend sport and mountain bike enthusiasts and to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing and Exhibits) market that will insure a self-sustaining business model and a more expanded resort and conference offering. “The planned renovation will upgrade TSNC facilities into a resort hosting an extensive range of amenities anchored on nature, health and wellness. TSNC has hotel rooms, function rooms and ballrooms to complete its offering as a resort and MICE destination,” Filinvest Land said. Filinvest Land senior vice president Francis Ceballos said TSNC had been receiving requests from non-members to experience the facilities at the mountain resort. TSNCI is located on one of the the highest points within Timberland Heights, the 677-hectare master-planned premier mountain resort township being developed by Filinvest Land in San Mateo, Rizal.

Sports

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

The Nationals give PH esports industry a boost By Ram Christian Agustin

Vincent P. Reyes (left), President and CEO of TV5, announces TV5’s involvement in the The Nationals, the first-ever esports franchise model league in the country set for launch in 2019.

Bayking wins reversal in PPS Valle Verde net tourney BLISS Bayking toppled second seed Paula Uy, 4-2, 5-4(1), to barge into the quarterﬁnals of the girls’ 16-and-under division of the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala Valle Verde Country Club National AgeGroup tennis tournament dominated by the seeded bets at the VVCC indoor and outdoor tennis courts in Pasig City yesterday. No. 1 Anna De Myer rolled past Sabina Favis to arrange a Last 8 duel with Elise Cruz, who outlasted Katherine Mercado, 5-4(7), 1-4, 10-8; third seed Justine Maneja clobbered Nina Sandejas, 4-0, 4-1, for a clash with Patricia Lim, who subdued Kaye Emana, 5-4(4), 4-2; No. 4 Kryshana Brazal whipped Lila Salvacion, 4-0, 4-2, to seal a showdown with Ma. Beatriz Cruz, who ripped Franchezka Malaki, 4-2, 4-0, while eighth-ranked Macie Carlos crushed Chelsea Roque, 4-0, 4-1, for a faceoff with Bayking, one of the leading players from San Carlos City. Renee Esteban, meanwhile, scored a walkover win over top seed Bea Acena from Ilocos, who failed to make it to the event due to inclement weather, to join the other big guns in the quarters of the premier 18-U side of the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro. She will next face No. 8 Francesca Cruz, who repulsed Lim, 3-5, 4-1, 10-8. Others who advanced were No. 4 Danna Abad, who trounced Gabrielle Sandejas, 4-1, 4-1; Dominique Malazarte, who ousted Salvacion, 4-0, 4-1; sixth ranked Carlyn Guarde, who survived Bayking, 4-2, 2-4, 10-7; No. 3 Denise Bernardo, who smothered Katherine Mercado, 4-0, 4-1; Beatrice Gomez, who upended Tiffany Roque, 4-5(7), 4-2, 10-4; and and De Myer, who came away with a 1-0 (ret.) win over Sophia Ochoa. The favorites also romped off with convincing wins in the boys’ side of the event that drew top and rising junior players Sultan Kudarat, Davao, San Carlos City, Los Baños, Ilocos, Lucena, Quezon City, Rizal, Pangasinan, Dumaguete, Agoo, La Union, Lipa, Cavite, Malabon, Cainta and Manila.

ESPORTS (electronic sports), an emerging industry in the Philippines using video games, received a huge boost on Tuesday with launching of The Nationals, the ﬁrstever esports franchise model league in the country set for launch in 2019. Six corporate partners, namely TNC Pro Team, HappyFeet eSports, BrenPro Inc., Cignal TV Inc., PLDT/Smart Communications and STI Education systems, have committed as founding teams of The Nationals, with an eye of discovering the best esports athletes through ESPN5’s series of esports tournaments, which start on August 4 with the DOTA2 Regional Qualiﬁers at the TNC in Morayta. “We are using the Road to The Nationals as the pool of talent to build the teams in The Nationals,” said Vincent P. Reyes, President and CEO of TV5. “This is esports like never before. Aspiring esports athletes now have a chance to get into a sustainable laying career. This is their time to seize the opportunity.” The Road to The Nationals will be

Lumapas bags 2 gold in Asean tilt nd

UALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Filipino trackster and Calabarzon’s sprint queen Jessel Lumapas claimed her second gold medal and the country’s ﬁfth overall in the ongoing 2018 ASEAN School Games late Monday afternoon at the Mini-Stadium in Bukit Jalil here. Lumapas, a Grade 11 standout of Nazareth School of National University, clocked 25.03 seconds in the girls’ 200m. Her teammate Decerie Jane Niala claimed the silver (25.07) and Indonesia’s Nuryanti Erna (25.25) took bronze. The 17-year-old Lumapas, who hails from Dasmarinas City, Cavite, said her gold medal quest is far from over as she is still aiming for another one in the 4x400m event scheduled Tuesday. She claimed her ﬁrst gold in the girls’ 400m run with a time of 57.46 seconds. “Tingnan ko lang po. Kakayanin namin ng teammates ko. May tiwala

naman ako sa kanila (We’ll see. We will do our best. I believe in my teammates,” Lumapas said at the sidelines of the athletics’ awarding ceremony. Competing in her last ASEAN School Games, the Fernando Dagasdas-mentored bet said she dedicates her medal to her parents. Meanwhile, tracksters Tara O. Borlain and Bernalyn Bejoy also salvaged runners-up medals in 800m girls’ event. Vietnam’s Ngo Thi Khanh Ny emerged with the gold medal after she timed two minutes and 13.90 seconds. Borlain’s 2:15.54 and Bejoy’s

2:17.51 secured them the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Over at the Gymnastics Gymnasium still in Bukit Jalil, Justine Ace de Leon scored the silver medal in the boys’ artistic gymnastics’ vault event. De Leon received a final score of 13.533 points for the silver medal spot, placing behind the gold medalist Trinh Hai Khang from Vietnam, who garnered 13.717 points. Althea Descutido also salvaged the bronze medal in the clubs’ event finals of the girls’ rhythmic gymnastics. In the latest ASG medal tally, the Philippines ranked sixth with five gold, five silver, and 10 bronze medals. Host country Malaysia has emerged on top with 23 gold, 24 silver, and 19 bronze medals followed by Indonesia (19-17-22), Thailand (12-16-19), Vietnam (12-7-6) and Singapore (68-10).

Belingon, Nguyen face off at ONE launching ONE Championship, in conjunction with Globe Telecom, is launched as the exclusive ONE Championship Super App launch sponsor in the Philippines at the ofﬁcial Reign of Kings kickoff press conference. Gracing the press conference with their presence were ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, as well as a handful of ONE Championship superstars ready to ignite the Mall of Asia Arena with action and excitement. Also in attendance are Globe CCO Albert de Larrazabal, Globe SVP - Content Business Group Nikko Z. Acosta, City of Dreams Manila SVP and COO Kevin Benning, Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra. Top bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon (18-5) of Baguio City, Philippines will go head-tohead with reigning ONE Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen (11-2) of Sydney, Australia in a highly-anticipated showdown for the ONE Interim Bantamweight World Championship. The two superstars both pack incredible power in each of their ﬁsts and will look to put on a show in Manila. “Kevin Belingon and Martin Nguyen are ready to put on a show. This matchup

Top bantamweight contender Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon (right) of Baguio City, Philippines and reigning ONE Featherweight and Lightweight World Champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen (left) of Sydney, Australia were presented in the ONE: Reign of Kings press conference on Tuesday at the City of Dreams. They are joined here by ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodton.

gives me goosebumps and I know everyone is excited to see how it unfolds. When you put two aggressive and explosive strikers in the cage together, it is sure to produce ﬁreworks. You literally cannot blink when these two guys ﬁnally meet at

the center of the ONE cage. Given how both are incredible ﬁnishers, I don’t expect this bout to go the distance. Bibiano Fernandes is lying in wait, and the winner of this bout goes on to unify the bantamweight world titles,” said Sityodtong.

Racing clubs pursue present betting, plan to offer new options THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE IN A meeting last Monday, representatives of the three horseracing clubs— Manila Jockey Club, Inc., Philippine Racing Club, Inc., and Metro Manila Turf Club Inc.—agreed to continue the present betting scheme for at least two more cycles or six weeks. The new betting scheme which features only one daily double (DD) and one forecast (FC) option each race day was implemented last month in an effort to stem illegal bookie operations. The DD and FC are among the most popular betting options in horseracing and to give up the previous scheme of

played across 10 locations all over the Philippines, with all kinds of gamers represented – PC, mobile and console. Each gaming platform will feature a game title, DOTA2 for PC, Mobile Legends for mobiles and either NBA2K19 or Tekken 7 for console gaming, offering a prize pool worth millions of pesos. After elimination matches to be held from August to October, the Final 8 teams for the different titles will battle it out at the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit 2018 to be held Oct. 27 and 28 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. To further elevate esports, a national sports association for the games was formed, the Esports National Association of the Philippines, headed by Joebert Yu. “The Road to The Nationals’ DOTA2, Mobile Legends and console game tournaments are all part of our NSA’s thrust to grow esports in the Philippines,” said ESNAP President Yu. “The three separate tournaments are ESNAP tournaments. This is ofﬁcially the biggest push to elevate Philippine esports.”

maximizing the schedule to accommodate as many DD and FC options as possible represents a loss in sales for the three clubs. However, in their recent meeting, the clubs’ managers resolved to continue with the revised scheme and to review the impact of the move after six weeks. They also plan to revive other betting options such as the place and double quinella, and to introduce the triple trifecta. According to a South China Morning post article from 1994, “in a double quinella, punters bet on which horses will come ﬁrst and second—in either order —in two races. In the triple trifecta, they will have to pick the first, second and third, also in any order, in three designated races.” The racing clubs are also looking into increasing the minimum bet of win and place bets from P5 to P20.

*** The racing industry is “in the doldrums,” to borrow from President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech at the National Information and Communications 2018 summit last month, where he used the phrase to refer to the Philippine economy in general. Gross sales in racing have been declining this year ever since the implementation of the tax reform law (TRAIN) at the start of the year, which doubled the documentary stamp tax (DST). Last year, gross sales of P7.37 billion yielded a net tax of P1.25 billion. This year, however, sales of the three racing clubs have dipped alarmingly— by 15.05 percent in February, 25.40 percent in March, 17.92 percent in April, and 22.71 percent in May. Sales are in decline because bettors are receiving lower dividends as a consequence of the higher DST. Thus there

is less interest among horseracing patrons to engage in their usual volume of wagering. Correspondingly, government revenue by way of taxes has also been reduced. Other effects of the TRAIN law such as high inﬂation have led to higher costs of operations for horseowners, horse breeders, racing clubs, off-track betting station operators, and horse trailer (transport) operators, among other businesses in the industry. With a history of nearly 200 years as a formal sport, it is only now, under this administration, that the Philippine Thoroughbred industry is in actual and immediate danger of dying out. *** Dr. Ortuoste, a writer and researcher, has a PhD in Communication. Facebook: Gogirl Racing and @ DrJennyO, Twitter: @drhoarsewhsprr and @DrJennyO

Pinay gymnast Althea Descutido salvaged the bronze medal in the girls’ clubs’ event finals in rhythmic gymnastics in the 2018 ASEAN Schools Games.

NBA 3X PH back in Manila on Aug. 25, 26 THE National Basketball Association announced that the NBA 3X Philippines presented by AXA will return to Manila for an eighth consecutive year on Aug. 25 and 26 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, and will feature an NBA player, an NBA legend, and a slam dunk team. The league’s international grassroots event platform will showcase a 3-on3 tournament featuring men’s and women’s teams combined with authentic NBA entertainment. Registration for NBA 3X Philippines 2018 begins on July 25 on a first-come, first-served basis at www.nba3x.com/ philippines and runs until Aug. 8, or until all slots are full. NBA 3X Philippines 2018 will stage a preliminary tournament in North Luzon on Aug. 11-12 and Metro Manila on Aug. 18-19, with the top teams in each division advancing to the finals at the SM Mall of Asia. The competitive 3-on-3 tournament includes divisions for boys (under-13, under-16, under-18, and open category), girls (under-18 and open category), an invitation only Celebrity Division featuring popular local personalities, and a division exclusive to AXA employees and distributors. “NBA 3X Philippines is a great way to continue the growth and development of basketball and 3-on-3 in the country,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson. “Together with AXA, we are proud to stage the eighth consecutive edition of NBA 3X Philippines as we celebrate the game with our passionate fans.” “This year, we are thrilled to expand the NBA 3X Philippines program as we bring the tournament closer to our customers in the North Luzon region,” said AXA Philippines President and CEO Raul Hora. “With the game’s popularity reaching greater heights, we at AXA Philippines are looking at this opportunity to share our story of how essential a game plan is through basketball and bring the NBA experience closer to Filipino fans.” All participants in NBA 3X Philippines 2018 will receive an NBA 3X jersey with special prizes for the overall winners of each division. Registration fees for the age divisions cost P1,000 per team, while open divisions are P1,600 pesos per team.

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

Clarkson included in PH team By Peter Atencio THERE is interest to have Fil-American cager Jordan Clarkson for the Philippine basketball team. The Philippine Olympic Committee has confirmed the inclusion of Clarkson’s name in the 18-man roster for the 2018 Asian Games that the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has submitted to the organizers. “We’re interested in inviting Jordan. It’s the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that’s making arrangements,” said Vargas. Clarkson is playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association averaging 13.9 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in the 2017-18 regular season. The SBP is involved in discussions with the Cavaliers management to get Clarkson released for the Asian Games. Since the next NBA season will be in October, Clarkson will have a window of opportunity to represent the country. If Jordan is allowed, he could be the Philippines’ flag-bearer. The present roster of the national squad includes the core of the Rain or Shine team as the composition of the regular national team (Gilas Pilipinas) was decimated by the suspensions handed by the FIBA on 10 players ranging from one to six-game bans as a result of the team’s brawl against the Australia Boomers during their FIBA World Cup Qualifier last July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright were slapped a one-game suspension each; Terence Romeo, Jayson Castro William, Andray Blatche and Jeth Rosario with three games each; and Roger Pogoy, Carl Cruz and Jio Jalalon were sanctioned for five games each, while Calvin Abueva was given the stiffest penalty of six games, due to a previous incident of unsportsmanlike behavior in a FIBA competition.

Protagonists of the coming best-of-seven 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, the San Miguel Beermen and the Ginebfra Gin Kings, are presented to the media by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial (center).

Cone: We’re looking to get them this time

By Jeric Lopez

HE last time Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel faced in the ﬁnals of the Philippine Basketball Association last season, the Gin Kings got manhandled.

This time around, Ginebra coach Tim Cone is optimistic of a different result. “San Miguel is always difficult to go up against, but I believe we may have the best chance in the league as we match-up well against them,” said Cone. “They got us the last time, we’re looking to get them this time.” The last time they met in a finale was just last season, wherein the Beermen lopsidedly took the 2017 Philippine Cup Finals, 4-1, to claim their third straight All-Filipino Cup plum at that time. As Ginebra and San Miguel Beer look forward to an epic best-of-seven 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals ahead, Cone and his Gin Kings are relishing another trip to the finals at the moment. “We’re just so happy to be back in the finals to play San Miguel, especially after our rocky start,” said Cone, whose squad

had to endure a 1-5 start in the conference before finding its mark to get to the finals. “There was a point wherein out mindset was to basically win every game to survive and here we are, on our way to the finals,” Cone said. Joe Devance echoed his long-time mentor’s sentiments. “It wasn’t easy but we’re here in the finals. We’ll put our best effort to have the result we want. We’re so blessed to be here,” said Devance. The Beermen and the Kings are the league’s best two teams at least in the last four years, and they could really figure in a fight for the ages. Theirs is a championship duel rich in subplots and replete in side battles. “It’s San Miguel versus Ginebra, As usual matinding laban ‘yan. I won’t be surprised if it goes down to a Game

Seven. It’s a great finals for sure,” said San Miguel Beer governor Robert Non. “Dalawang SMC teams yan pero parehong palaban yan. Ang hinihingi namin sa kanila ibigay ang lahat for the fans,” said Alfrancis Chua, sports director of San Miguel Corp. and governor of the Ginebra ball club. On one side is the SMB team which has been six-of-six in the finals in the last 10 conferences and on course for a possible grand slam, and on the other side is the Ginebra team which is the reigning backto-back Governors’ Cup champ. Both overcame a scrambling start in the midseason tourney to arrange a rematch of their 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup title duel. The Kings are now in full force and reinforced by two-time champion Justin Brownlee as they challenge the Beermen’s reign. Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter and SMB’s June Mar Fajardo are facing in each other for the first time in the pros, rekindling their rivalry in their college days in Cebu. Brownlee, meanwhile, is pitted against Renaldo Balkman in a curious duel between two players who fought side by side in their title run with Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.

Father-son Shell Helix Ultra duo claims PH GT top honors TEAM Shell Helix Ultra-Big Chill Racing reigned supreme in the third round of the 2018 Yokohama Philippine Grant Touring Championships behind the leading father-and-son tandem of Paul and Paolo Ivan Santos. The spectators of the rain-soaked Clark International Speedway witnessed a near dominant performance from the two right from the get-go as the young Paolo ended up dominating the 10-lap first race, crossing the finish line with a total time of 23:29.010, a good 2.614 seconds ahead of Paul, who made it a 1-2 finish for Team Shell Helix Ultra onboard their respective TS Tuning-Dax Santiano tuned Honda FD Race Cars. “This was actually the first time we finished 1-2 ever and we are very happy with the accomplishment. We credit this victory to the people behind us—Ding, Chong, Dax, and the rest of the guys for keeping our cars quick, and most of all, reliable,”said lead driver Paul Santos. Things were supposed to be deja vu in the second race. However, a slight mechanical miscalculation on the very last lap meant that Paolo had to

THE Arellano University Chiefs came up with a strong start and caused members of the Lyceum Pirates to worry. But CJ Perez rose to the occasion in the fourth period, knocking in 13 of 31 career-high points to power the Pirates to an 82-78 trouncing of the Chiefs yesterday at The Arena in San Juan. Perez scored two triples in the last period, with the last one giving the Pirates enough room to post their fourth straight victory in the 94th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament. His last trey found its mark in the last 3:54 on Reymar Caduyac’s assist, handing the Pirates a 72-61 edge in the remaining time. Coach Topex Robinson said he was not worried when the Chiefs took the lead early. “I don’t see it as a problem, but a challenge. Experience is the best teacher,” said Robinson. The Pirates were ahead, 58-54, in the beginning of the fourth when Perez touched off an 11-2 run with his first triple as they took a 69-56 spread with 6:31 left. Michael Canete hit 10 of 12 points in the first period as the Chiefs took charge, 33-19. When Canete turned the ball over, Jeric Serrano struck had twice on pair of turnovers as they took a six-point edge, 58-52, in the last 1:06 off a Caduyac’s drive. Later, Alvin Capobres hit 16 points for the San Sebastian Stags in their 8676 smashing of the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers for their second win in three games. The Chiefs, who got 11 points from Adrian Alban, have 1-1 win-loss slate, while the Heavy Bombers are winless after three outings. In the junior side, Lars Sunga led five teammates in scoring in double digits with 17 points for the Arellano Braves, who prevailed over the Lyceum Junior Pirates, 98-78, for their second consecutive triumph. The Braves banked on the charities of Miguel Sahali to move away on a 13-4 run and take a 42-32 halftime lead. Peter Atencio

back out from the lead, handing the win to Edwin Rodriguez, with Paul finishing second. Paolo had to settled for third place. The older Paul later added that his Race 2 finish was probably one of his hardest race challenges by far since he found it very difficult to consistently maneuver around the really wet race track. With three out of the six legs done and dusted for the 2018 season, Paolo sees an extension in his championship lead as he aims to become the 2018 National GT 200 Champion and Paolo Santos of Team Shell Helix Ultra-Big Chill leading the GT pack with Paul following him behind. Inset shows the father-son tandem of Paul (left) and Paolo Santos showing their trophies. Circuit Driver of the Year. “We still have half of the season to go, and anything can still happen. We like how things are for us right now, but we have to keep on preparing and fighting hard to maintain LOS ANGELES—The Dallas Mavericks have reThe Wurzburg, Germany, native was the ninth the lead, and eventually, seal the signed Dirk Nowitzki, which will make the German overall pick in the 1998 entry draft and was acquired 2018 title,” said Paolo. star the first player in NBA history to play 21 straight by the Mavericks via a trade with the Milwaukee In addition, Team Shell Helix seasons with the same team. Bucks. Ultra is preparing this early to deNowitzki is now set to begin his 21st season The 13-time all-star Nowitzki is the most decofend their 4-Hour Endurance Race with Dallas which will be an NBA record for a rated Maverick in franchise history. He was named Overall triumph two months ago as player with the same franchise. The previous re- Most Valuable Player of the 2006-07 season and they do battle once again in the yearcord of 20 was held by Kobe Bryant with the Los MVP of the 2011 NBA finals. ending 8 Oras ng Lilipinas this coming Angeles Lakers. Nowitzki, who turned 40 last month, is the December, also to be held at the Clark No details were released about the deal which was league’s only international player with more than Nowitzki International Speedway. announced on the team’s website on Monday. 30,000 career points. AFP

Mavericks sign Nowitzki for record 21st season

Korean eyes big comeback at Champion Tour

Lee Jeong Hwa

Perez rescues Pirates

TAGAYTAY—South Korean Lee Jeong-Hwa sets out for a big return on the ICTSI Champion Tour she once dominated as she rejoins the title hunt in the $75,000 event, which gets going today (Wednesday, July 25) at Tagaytay Midlands here. The well-built Lee, also a former Philippine Ladies Open champion, bested a stellar international ﬁeld and hacked out a pair of victories at Splendido and Manila Southwoods in the inaugural season of the ICTSI Champion Tour in 2016. She skipped the circuit last year but is back in the hunt, ready to

reclaim her once revered spot in the Philippine leg of the Taiwan LPGA-sanctioned circuit. She will be as much tested as the rest of the huge 104-player ﬁeld right at the start of the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. at the challenging up-anddown Midlands layout as the 23-year-old power hitter from Busan drew rising Taiwan amateur star Hou YuChiang and Thai Punpaka Phuntumabamrung in one of the featured ﬂights at 7:50 a.m. on No. 1. Hou bested a slew of pros to

finish joint second in the first of two Champion Tour events at Southwoods last week, a rain-shortened tournament which Thai Ploychompoo Wirairungreung ruled on a bogeyfree 10-under 134 card. Wirairungreung is also all primed up for another crack at the crown as she tries to match Lee’s feat with the 23-year-old ace from Chiang Rai hoping to sustain her impressive game against Singapore’s Koh Sock-Hwee and Yen Yu-Hsin, another amateur from Taiwan, in the 7:10 a.m. group, also on the first hole.

Ateneo exceeded expectations THE Ateneo Blue Eagles were not ready to represent the country in the recent 2018 Jones Cup Invitational Basketball tournament yesterday at the New Taipei City. They were supposed to only be there and prepare for the coming 81st season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament when it begins on Sept. 8. But, the squad went beyond their goals when they played like champions. Blue Eagles’ coach Tab Baldwin said this after they were honored during a lunch testimonial which Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. President Ronald Mascarinas held in their honor at Bar One, Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City. “We weren’t ready to represent the country. Our goal back then in January

was to begin representing ourselves for our team and supporters when the UAAP begins on Sept. 8. It was immature to put this team on a position to carry such a heavy burden. And I can only commend them for the effort, the will that they had to somehow marshal their forces, and play together before they really had a mature system in which to use to play together,” said Baldwin. The Blue Eagles ended up ﬁnishing fourth after Matt Nieto struck with 14 points for the Philippines-Ateneo Blue Eagles, which took a 63-70 setback at the hands of Iran at the end of the tournament in Taiwan. Thirdy Ravena contributed 12 points for the Blue Eagles, who missed a podium ﬁnish and settled for fourth place. Peter Atencio

LGUs

Jimbo Owen Gulle, Editor lgu@manilastandard.net editor.lgustandard@gmail.com wednesday, July 25, 2018

LoCaL goVerNMeNT uNiTS

Coast Guard Auxiliary donates 31K cc of blood

The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary NCR-CL headed by District Auxiliary Director Commodore Manny Idquival (3rd from left), held its second mobile bloodletting activity conducted by the Philippine Red Cross Pasay City Chapter at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies campus in Pasay City. Roy Tomandao

THE Philippine Coast Guard Auxilliary NCR-CL headed by its District Auxilliary Director Commodore Manny Idquival recently held its second mobile bloodletting activity conducted by the Philippine Red Cross Pasay City Chapter at the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies campus in Pasay City. The bi-annual activity was able to collect 31,050 cc of blood from donors who went through strict and rigid procedures before they were qualified. The screening process started at 8:00 o’clock in the morning where donors were asked to fill up forms and answer questions pertinent to their health status. Physical examination, blood typing and hemoglobin determination, interview and the actual blood extraction were performed by the medical team from PRC. Light snacks donated by sponsors were served to the donors. Idquival thanked the blood donors for their generosity. Likewise, gratitude was extended to the PRC team who assisted in this priceless project. The Philippine Red Cross Pasay City Chapter also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the officers and members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxilliary NCR-CL for the opportunity they have given by conducting this blood donation activity. Roy Tomandao

Disaster command post in CL In BrIef Senior high named after Muñoz Palma QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista has approved an ordinance establishing a senior high school in District 2’s depressed area named after the first female justice of the Supreme Court. He signed City Ordinance 2660 approving the local school board’s recommendation to name a senior high school in Lot 14, Block 4, Gravel Pit Road in Barangay Payatas after Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma. “In honor of her legacy, the senior high school to be established in Barangay Payatas will be named as Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Senior High School,” the ordinance read. The Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma Senior High School aims to initially offer academic and technical-vocational livelihood training tracks, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) strand, automotive and animation with Illustration. Palma was the first Filipino woman to be appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. Rio N. Araja

By Romeo Dizon

AN FERNANDO, Pampanga—An air, sea, and land command post was established in Clark, Pampanga to speed up the rescue, evacuation, and mobilization of equipment and manpower in disaster-affected areas here.

Even the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Luzon has sent eight teams to monitor the prices of basic goods and commodities in the calamitystricken areas in the region. The command post stationed at Clark will be supported by Philippines Air Force, Philippines Navy, National Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the regional government offices. The command post, located at Clark’s Air Force City, is the headquarters of Philippines Air Force inside the former American air base, complete with manpower, trucks, ambulances and equip-

ment for sea and land operations. Bobby Manalo, operations officer of the regional disaster council, said the command post will headed by Director Marlou Salazar of the RDRRMO in Central Luzon. Manalo said the command post will cover Regions I, II and III and others affected by the three typhoons that devastated these areas in the past three weeks. Most of them are now under a state of calamity as they remain submerged in floodwaters. The government decided to put up the organized command post to speed up as-

The CSR Program of the Year Gold Award was accepted by (from left) BDO Capital and Investment Corp. president Ed Francisco, Asian Banking and Finance editor in chief Tim Charlton and BDO Institutional Banking Group head Walter Wassmer at the Retail Banking Awards 2018 held in Singapore.

NV farmers get free fertilizer from DoST BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—At least 100 farmers in this town recently received free fertilizer from the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office. Mat Abella, DoST focal person on Carrageenan Plant Food Supplement, said the free fertilizer is given to the farmers to boost their rice and vegetable yield. “You should avail of this fertilizer while it is still free. Next year, this will be sold commercially already ,” he said. Abella said the CPFS, an invention of a Filipino scientist has been recently bought by a private company in the country . He said the 2,400 liters of CPS can cover 266 hectares of rice and vegetable plantation. Jun Domingo, a farmer and CPFS user from barangay Bonfal West here, said he was able to produce 130 cavans of rice in just 7,000 square meters of land in a one of his harvests.

By Rio N. Araja DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte has launched “Tapang at Malasakit Alliance” in Quezon City, following the renewal of a sister city agreement with Mayor Herbert Bautista, along with Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte. Held at the Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City, the launch was attended by Quezon City councilors, city officials, and representatives of various groups of overseas Filipino workers, solo parents, women, youth, senior citizens and even tricycle operators. “If you remember, we launched ‘Tapang at Malasakit’ when President [Rodrigo] Duterte ran in 2016. Those were his core values—courage and compassion,” the younger Duterte said. She said when her father assumed the presidency, the various members of the alliance had overlooked the original reason why they supported his candidacy. “All of his volunteers have already forgotten the reason why we supported his presidential candidacy. We want real change,” she added. In introducing the movement to the city’s constituents, Belmonte said, ‘Ang Tapang at Malasakit’ movement is encouraging volunteerism to serve the people. On July 23 in the morning, Bautista and Belmonte welcomed Duterte and other dignitaries from Davao in a landmark renewal of sister city ties that was first signed by then Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte and then Quezon City mayor Ismael Mathay in 1994.

BDO Foundation bags CSR Program Award from Singaporean mag FOR the second year in a row, BDO Foundation was conferred the prestigious Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year Gold Award by Asian Banking & Finance. It is the highest honor given by the Singaporebased finance publication to corporate foundations. Last year, the foundation was recognized for successfully rehabilitating rural health units all over the Philippines and helping improve the healthcare delivery

Transmission lines in Zambales partially restored, says NGCP OLONGAPO CITY—The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has partially restored transmission services affecting parts of Zambales. “NGCP restored transmission services to Zambalez Electric Cooperative (ZAMECO II) at 2:48am today, July 24 after shifting its load to Botolan Substation”, said Regional Corporate Communication Officer Ernest Vidal. Olongapo Electric Distribution Com-

sistance for the people in these areas, especially in evacuation, rescue operations, and delivering relief goods, and avert deteriorating conditions, Manalo said. Warren Serrano, DTI spokesman in Central Luzon, said businessmen must maintain the prices of basic commodities in these areas as provided for under Republic Act. 7581 or the Price Act. Serrano said DTI teams composed of three persons were fielded to 11 in Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. “They will visit enterprises like malls and public markets in the calamity-stricken areas to determine the prices of bottles and containers of water, fresh fruit, locally manufactured noodles, household liquefied petroleum gas, kerosene and rice comply with law, Serrano said. These basic goods are important during calamities, especially to the marginalized sector, he added.

Duterte opens ‘Tapang’ group alliance in QC

pany remains isolated, and without power since 12:27am, July 24. The power interruption was caused by the preventive shutdown of Olongapo substation after floodwater entered and affected substation facilities. “NGCP will immediately commence restoration acitivities as soon as flood water subsides,” Vidal assured. Sustained rainfall triggered flooding in 16 barangays in this city on Sunday. Butch Gunio

system in the country. This year, it was cited for developing a community for calamity-stricken persons with disabilities and supporting their livelihood. In line with its disaster response advocacy, BDO Foundation developed a community for Leyte-based PWDs, who were displaced and left homeless by Typhoon Yolanda. The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank constructed 100 typhoon-resilient resettlement homes in Sta. Fe, Leyte for the

disabled people and their families. The project was backed by the local government unit of Leyte, Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and the Foundation for These-Abled Persons Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the welfare of PWDs. The PWD community is touted as the first of its kind in the Philippines. BDO Foundation also built a multipurpose hall near the community to support the livelihood activities of the

beneficiaries. The PWDs currently use the structure to manufacture school furniture, which the foundation purchases for the school buildings it constructs. The award-winning program is aimed at alleviating the plight of disabled individuals, who have lost their homes and livelihood in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. The PWDs of Leyte bore the brunt of the disaster as many of them did not have immediate access to aid due to their disability.

INAUGURATION.

Royal Cargo Group CEO Michael Raeuber, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, and Royal Cargo president Elmer Sarmiento (from left) pose during the recent Royal Cargo North Hub inauguration in Plaridel, Bulacan.

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World

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Japan heat wave kills 65 in one week

OKYO―An “unprecedented” heat wave in Japan has killed at least 65 people in one week, government ofﬁcials said Tuesday, with the weather agency now classifying the recordbreaking weather as a “natural disaster.”

In the week to Sunday at least 65 people died of heat stroke while 22,647 people were hospitalized, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in a statement.

Both ﬁgures are “the worst-ever for any week during summer” since the agency began recording fatalities resulting from heat stroke in July 2008, an agency spokesman told AFP. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Tuesday that a total of 80 people had died from the heat since the beginning of July, and over 35,000 had been hospitalized. Among those killed was a six-yearold school boy who lost consciousness on his way back from a ﬁeld trip. “As a record heat wave continues to blanket the country, urgent measures are required to protect the lives of schoolchildren,” top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told reporters Tuesday. The government said it would sup-

ply funds to ensure all schools were equipped with air conditioners by next summer. Less than half of Japan’s public schools have air conditioning, and the ﬁgure is only slightly higher at public kindergartens. Suga said the government would also consider extending this year’s summer school holidays as the heat wave drags on. On Monday, the city of Kumagaya in Saitama outside Tokyo set a new national heat record, with temperatures hitting 41.1 Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit). And temperatures over 40 degrees were registered for the ﬁrst time in Tokyo’s metro area, where the government is promoting Uchimizu, a tradi-

tion where water is sprinkled onto the ground, as part of a summer heat awareness campaign. It was marginally cooler on Tuesday―36 degrees in Tokyo according to the national weather agency―but temperatures remained well above normal in most of the country, and little relief is forecast. “We are observing unprecedented levels of heat in some areas,” weather agency ofﬁcial Motoaki Takekawa said late Monday. The heat wave “is fatal, and we recognize it as a natural disaster,” he told reporters. The agency warned that much of the country will continue baking in temperatures of 35 degrees or higher until early August.

Officials have urged people to use air conditioning, drink sufficient water and rest often. Japan’s summers are notoriously hot and humid, and hundreds of people die each year from heatstroke, particularly the elderly in the country’s aging society. The heat wave follows record rainfall that devastated parts of western and central Japan with floods and landslides that killed over 220 people. And many people in the affected areas are still living in damaged homes or shelters and working outdoors on repairs, putting them at great risk. The record-breaking weather has revived concerns about the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which will be held in two years time in July and August. AFP

50 dead, 170 injured from Greek wildfires

IN BRIEF Woman savaged by pack of dingoes

ATHENS―Fifty people have died and 170 have been injured in wildfires ravaging woodland and villages in the Athens region, as Greek authorities rush to evacuate residents and tourists stranded on beaches along the coast on Tuesday. The death toll soared with a Red Cross official reporting the discovery of 26 bodies in the courtyard of a villa at the seaside resort of Mati. The bodies were entwined and severely burned, an AFP photographer at the scene said. They appeared to have been caught by the flames trying to reach the sea. The authorities had previously announced 24 deaths and scores of injuries with the majority of casualties found in their homes or cars in Mati, 40 kilometers northeast of the capital. Of the injured, 11 people were in serious condition. Port authorities told AFP they had found four bodies in the sea, including three women and a child who had apparently tried to escape the flames. There were fears the toll may rise further, as people remained unaccounted for. Interior Minister Panos Skourletis said rescue workers were “still searching if there are more missing”. “It’s a national tragedy,” civil protection agency official Ioanna Tsoupra told public broadcaster ERT. By dawn Tuesday, fires were still burning around the capital, while others broke out elsewhere during the night. Authorities were trying to evacuate inhabitants, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said. “Fifteen fires had started simultaneously on three different fronts in Athens”, he said, prompting Greece to request drones from the United States, “to observe and detect any suspicious activity”. Nine coastal patrol boats, two military vessels and “dozens of private boats” assisted by army helicopters were mobilised to help those stuck in the harbour in Rafina, one of the worst affected areas close to Mati. AFP

SCREENING.

Singer, songwriter and actress Colleen Fitzpatrick attends the 30th Anniversary Screening of Hairspray presented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, on July 23, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. AFP

SYDNEY―A woman has been savaged by dingoes in the Australian desert, with the mining worker describing how she feared for her life as the pack of wild dogs tore ﬂesh from her legs. Deb Rundle was on her lunch break at a site in the Pilbara region of Western Australia last week when she followed a small dingo after it snatched her phone. The 54-year-old said she then noticed three other nearby animals, and as she began backing away, they attacked. “There was blood everywhere on the ground. I just looked at my wounds and ‘Oh my God’,” she told Channel Seven television late Monday from her hospital bed. “I looked down and thought ‘Oh my God, am I going to die?, are they going to get me down?’.” Rundle, who will undergo reconstructive surgery to graft skin to her body, said she screamed for 10 minutes before co-workers came to her aid. “They just wouldn’t let go. I think once they had the taste they just didn’t let go,” she said of the feral dogs, which are native to Australia. A relative of the woman added: “She had bites everywhere but her head.” AFP

Nuke test site dismantled

Rush for vaccines in Hong Kong after China scandal

(MS-JULY 25, 2018)

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HONG KONG―Hong Kong clinics said they had seen a surge in demand for children’s vaccines Tuesday after a safety scandal rocked mainland China. The crisis stemmed from falsiﬁed production data of a rabies inoculation by a major mainland manufacturer. But the vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, given to babies and infants, were also found to be sub-standard, with doses already sold and administered. The mounting scandal has raised questions about the safety of China’s entire vaccine industry and has led some parents to seek treatment in semi-autonomous Hong Kong. The city already has a reputation for safer medication than mainland China and has seen a rush on its products in the past after health scandals over the border. One private Hong Kong clinic in the commercial hub of Tsim Sha Tsui said it had received hundreds of calls and messages, around six times the normal rate of inquiries, since the scandal broke over the weekend. Manager Jacky Ho described the demand as “explosive”, saying it was mostly from mainland Chinese parents looking for vaccines imported from countries other than China. “The closest place for them to get the vaccines is Hong Kong,” said Ho, who added the clinic’s inoculations come from England, France and the United States. A woman who gave her name as Mrs Yin, from Shenzhen in southern mainland China, said she had brought her two-year-old son to the clinic for three different types of vaccinations. “We are worried about the quality of domestic vaccines,” said Yin, who said she had spent HK$5,000 ($640) on the inoculations: PCV13 which protects against pneumococcal bacteria, Japanese encephalitis and the ACWY vaccination to protect against meningitis. She said she had made an appointment for the PCV13 jab before the crisis broke, but had added the other inoculations for good measure after hearing of the scandal. Another man from Guangdong in southern China, who gave his surname Chan said he had brought his one-year-old son to a private clinic in the same area for the PCV13 inoculation after making an appointment two months ago. “Now I feel very lucky that we came here. We have more conﬁdence in Hong Kong,” he told AFP. Private hospital Hong Kong Sanatorium said it had seen a rise in inquiries and had contacted suppliers to ensure “a stable supply of vaccines to meet the needs of patients in coming days” in a statement to AFP. AFP

SEOUL―North Korea has started dismantling some facilities at its main satellite launch station, seen as the testing ground for its intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to expert analysis of recent satellite images. If confirmed, the analysis by respected US-based website 38 North could signal a step forward after last month’s landmark summit between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, although some experts questioned the significance of the gesture. After the summit, Trump had declared the North Korean nuclear threat was effectively over, and US media reports suggest he is privately furious at the lack of any subsequent progress on the denuclearisation issue. His public statements, however, remain upbeat and the 38 North analysis came as the president pronounced himself “very happy” with the way talks were progressing with Pyongyang. The website said imagery indicated the North had begun taking down a processing building and a rocketengine test stand that had been used to test liquid-fuel engines at its Sohae Satellite Launching Station. Sohae, on the northwest coast of North Korea, is ostensibly a facility designed for putting satellites into orbit, but rocket engines are easily repurposed for use in missiles and the international community has labeled Pyongyang’s space program a fig leaf for weapons tests.AFP

Hundreds missing after dam collapse BANGKOK―Hundreds of people are missing and an unknown number believed dead after the collapse of a hydropower dam under construction in southeast Laos, state media reported Tuesday. Several dams are being built or are planned in Laos, an impoverished and landlocked communist country that exports most of its hydropower energy to neighboring countries like Thailand. Laos News Agency said the accident happened at a hydropower dam in southeastern Attapeu province’s Sanamxay district late Monday, releasing five billion cubic meters of water―more than two million Olympic swimming pools. The report added that the there were “several human lives claimed, and several hundreds of people missing.” Several houses in the southern part of the district were also swept away, the report said, and officials in the province put out a call for relief aid for flood victims. The $1.2 billion dam is part of a project by Vientiane-based Xe Pian Xe Namnoy Power Company, or PNPC, a joint venture formed in 2012. Among the companies involved in the project according to the Laos News Agency are Thailand’s Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding, South Korea’s Korea Western Power and the state-run Lao Holding State Enterprise. AFP

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 2018

nickie.standard@gmail.com

ElNella in New Jersey for

‘FIESTA IN AMERICA‘ Showbiz scion Garie Concepcion topbills 'The Lease,' a film aimed to be released internationally.

GARIE CONCEPCION plays lead in

Janella and Elmo to add zest in Fiesta In America’s cultural show happening next month in New Jersey.

FILIPINOS in North America are expected to troop once more to New Jersey next month. And why? It’s time for Fiesta in America once again. Sparks of real-life attraction could fly from one of Philippine TV and film’s hottest young stars at Fiesta In America on Aug. 11 and 12. On those two days, Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona will bring their much-ballyhooed love tandem at New Jersey’s Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus. The duo will share the concert limelight with all-time Filipino favorites, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, laugh-out-loud comic and singer Ogie Alcasid and superb New York-area artists. Janella, 20, is the daughter of Miss Saigon’s Jenine Desiderio and singer Juan Miguel Salvador. Acting and singing genes are in her blood, so to speak. Her first lead role was as orphan teenager in Sofie in ABS-CBN’s Oh My G! in 2015. That same year, Janella proved her musical chops when Star Music released her eponymous debut album. It reached no.1 and was immediately certified platinum, winning her the PMPC Star Awards for Music, Best New Female Recording Artist. Janella was cast with Elmo Magalona in the 2016 music drama, Born For You, triggering rumors about a budding off-screen romance. The other half of the dreamy duo also has the movies and music in his bloodstream. Elmo Magalona, 24, son of the late singer-actor-producer Francis Magalona and wife Pia, first broke into the limelight much earlier than Janella Salvador. In fact, Elmo appeared when he was just six months old on the cover of his father’s rap album, Freeman. Elmo’s passion for rap served him well when the two singers teamed up on the official soundtrack for Born for You. The album charted at no.1 on iTunes Philippines. In October 2016, the young heartthrob released his album, Elmo, which reached gold record status and solidified his credentials among fans of Pinoy rap music. Janella and Elmo are expected to heat up Fiesta In America’s cultural show, but the romantic team will not dampen the excitement for the two other main concert acts. Super comic and recording sensation Ogie Alcasid will impart his inimitable brand of parody and perform some of the biggest hits among his 12 gold records, three platinum records, and three double platinum records. Pop-rock icon Gary Lewis and the Playboys, on the other hand, will revive golden memories with their string of seven Top 10 hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, including “This Diamond Ring” (#1), “Count Me In,” and “Save Your Heart for Me” (both #2), “She’s Just My Style” (#3), “Everybody Loves a Clown” (#4), “Green Grass” (#8), and Sure “Gonna Miss Her” (#9). Fiesta In America’s milestone 20th Anniversary edition will be ushered in by a marquee Trade Pavilion. This year, no less than 14 exporters of handicraft, holiday décor, personal accessories, packaged food and other Philippine goods will exhibit their unique products under the Region IV-A (CALABARZON) banner. The Trade Pavilion will also feature tourism exhibits, immigrant-tailored financial and other services, free health screenings and self-improvement workshops, and Total Wellness presentations. The latter will include AARP workshops on how to prevent fraud online, and free sampling of healthful recipes and a workshop on “cultural eating” by Goya Foods as part of the event’s Total Wellness theme. A native food court stocked with regional delicacies, as well as artistic and fun activities for all age groups, will round up the festivities on both days. In the morning of Aug. 12, a Sunday Mass and a colorful Santacruzan pageant will launch the second day’s celebration. Fiesta In America’s community-tribute gala, the People’s Ball, will be held on Friday, Aug. 10, at the Meadowlands Hilton in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The People’s Ball will be highlighted by the presentation of awards for outstanding Fil-Am achievers in diverse fields. To attend, exhibit, sponsor or advertise, please call 212682-6610. For more information, send an email to info@fiestainamerica.com or log on to www.fiestainamerica.com. ‘Kaibigan’ now shooting Kaibigan is the story of a troubled Filipino high school student who surrounds himself with friends of bad character, creating problems for a popular Filipino student until they both discover the true meaning of friendship. Action, faith based .. real life and riveting ... the movie stars the Perkins twins, Jesse and Christian, Cesear Montano, Tirso Cruz, Alvin Anson, Emmanuelle Vera, Victor Basa, Judah Paolo and featuring Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin. Shooting started yesterday and continues for 21 days including rehearsals. The movie will be shot in English and Taglish. Initially, Kaibigan will be released in the Philippines, but it will also be released internationally. Acts of kindness It is an initiative that supports various causes and charities through art. Tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Solaire Resort & Casino, Manila, AOK will host “A Celebration of Smiles: Creating Smiles and Second Chances at Life through Art.” This art exhibit is for the benefit of Smile Train, the world’s leading cleft charity. The exhibit will be feature the work of Jon Ray Fernandez, Roberto Sanchez, Camy Francisco-Cabral, and Albrecht Behmel. Also to be featured are artwork made by individuals born with clefts under the care of Smile Train partner, Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation of the Philippines. Libon Town Fiesta Today is the feast of St.James the Greater, patron saint of the municipality of Libon in Albay province. The town is celebrating its annual town fiesta as they remember and venerate Santiago el mayor! Happy fiesta to all Libongeños!

paranormal thriller By Nickie Wang PREMIUM CONTENT. EasyTV offers premium channels like K Plus and NBA Premium TV.

LEVEL UP YOUR TV VIEWING

Watch premium channels sans cable subscription By Nickie Wang

INCE the advent of streaming services that allow consumers to watch programs whenever and wherever they want, traditional TV has become more aggressive to keep up with these emerging platforms.

It’s good to note that even though we are dominated by everything digital, a lot of people still prefer watching on big TV screens compared to just using their mobile devices when enjoying their favorite programs. In fact, based on the most recently available data gathered through an extensive survey by Kantar Media, traditional TV is far from meeting its demise as daily TV viewership has risen to 3.7 hours from 3.4 hours in 2014. Perhaps, this favorable viewing habit inspired the country’s leading media company to expand its market for TVplus. It now targets six million boxes sold by the end of 2018 (it has sold five million units as of May). Although it currently dominates the market for digital TV receiver, ABS-CBN’s TVplus has its own downside – it doesn’t have premium channels. Now, here comes EasyTV, another DTT (digital terrestrial television) service that offers not just local free to air channels but premium international channels, too. And because it’s a digital receiver, you don’t need a cable subscription to have access to quality and exclusive content. “Most of you guys would be familiar with ABS-CBN’s TV plus. There’s no denying that our product was inspired by TVPlus. They did a great job. They have around 5 million boxes deployed nationwide. In about 40 months they’re able to do that. What TV plus has been able to do was basically give viewers very clear channels. Prior to that, if you were not a cable television subscriber, you get poor TV reception,” Rene Esguerra, Chief Operating Officer of Solar Digital Media, told MS Entertainment during a roundtable interview with some select members of the press. Esguerra further said that EasyTV offers something very unique. It offers 15 premium local and international channels that provide multi-genre programming, ranging from general entertainment and kids, music and sports, to travel and lifestyle, to name a few. Apart from Solar Entertainment networks ETC, Jack TV, Solar Sports, BTV, and NBA Premium TV, Easy TV has MTVph, BOO, K Plus, Zoo Moo (world’s first children’s network channel devoted entirely to the animal world), Aniplus, Outdoor Channel, Gone Viral TV (popular online videos now on TV),

Zee Sine (Bollywood Entertainment), Shop TV, and History Channel. “Most people question why our box is a lot more expensive than TVplus. TVplus is P1499 in the market. But it offers you only the local channels. Our box, we retail it at P2,999. But the P999 is actually advance subscription for one year. So, the 15 channels are basically worth P999 per year. On a monthly basis that’s only P83,” Esguerra noted. The executive also made it clear that they are not competing with the current market leader. They are looking at positioning their product between those who have TVPlus and those who have cable television. “Most of the time you don’t get to watch all the channels available on cable, you just skip and go to the channels that you just want to watch. We have gone through the effort of being selective of the channels that we want to offer. We went through research to have a market feel to determine what the consumers really want or what is acceptable to local viewers,” Esguerra explained. Solar Digital Media, a subsidiary of Solar Entertainment Corporation, put emphasis on premium content when it launched the product on May 9 and made it available in the market on May 24. For instance, K Plus, it’s Korean channel that offers K-Drama and other K-pop content, was included in the lineup of EasyTV channels based on a research. “We have Korean content. ABS-CBN and GMA have Korean drama, too. But based on our research, viewers want Korean content in its original language but with subtitle in English. And we have programs simulcast in its airing in Korea and Japan,” Esguerra shared. The plan for EasyTV is to be rolled out nationwide but at the moment Solar wanted to ensure that the Metro Manila operation is close to perfect before they could deploy units outside the capital region. They are also planning on adding more channels later on depending on the information their research team would gather. In terms of sales, Esguerra wasn’t able to give exact figure on how many units have been sold since its launch in May 25 but he said that the performance of EasyTV has exceeded their expectations. They plan to deploy at least half a million digi boxes within the next 12 months.

Solar Digital Media COO Rene Esguerra (left) with Solar Entertainment Corporation Rene Esguerra talks about how to level up TV viewing President and CEO Wilson Tieng (right). with EasyTV.

SHOWING now in select theaters, The Lease, a paranormal thriller, stars Garie Concepcion in her first leading role. Talking to the media during the film’s premiere night at SM Cinema, Garie admits that the film directed by Italian Paolo Bertola and produced by publishing magnate, Mario Alaman, is a dream come true for her. “This is my first horror film and my first lead role in a film. And I’m very excited and at the same time nervous. I love horror films and I always dreamt of being a part of a horror film. So, with this film, it is a dream come true,” she stated. Garie further said that she knew about the film and the call for auditions only on social media. She just tried her luck and felt lucky to get the part. “I just found out the call for auditions on Facebook. I auditioned on the third day, and luckily I got the part. This project is really different because it’s a horror. It’s scary but there’s also heart in the film. The movie is family-oriented too,” she said. In the movie, Garie stars alongside Fil-Italian actor-director Ruben Maria Soriquez. They play husband and wife. The Lease tells the story of the family of halfFilipino and half-Italian engineer Romano Gonzales (Soriquez), who moved to the Philippines with his family for a big project. They found a beautiful villa online, which captured the heart of the family. However, on their first day in the villa, they immediately realize that they’re not alone. Theiy start seeing things that even puzzled their house help. Their beautiful home turned into a living nightmare as each and every one of them is haunted by the unknown. The family will uncover a terrifying secret that will change their lives. “We are planning to have an international release. We want to show the film in Italy and in Asia. We are talking to some of the people who can distribute the film in different parts of Asia,” the producer told MS Entertainment.

Leo Valdez, Rufa Mae Quinto in Cebu for ‘Your One Great Experience’

Leo Valdez

Rufa Mae Quinto

By Totel V. de Jesus BEFORE Filipino theater actors Red Concepcion, Gerald Santos and Fil-Am Jonjon Briones made it in Miss Saigon, there was Leo Valdez. He played The Engineer in more than 3,500 performances for 14 years from the mid-1990s up to 2008. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, one of the makers of the multi award-winning production, was said to have called Valdez as his favorite Engineer, a role that has become like “his second skin.” Many are wondering what happened to him after quitting the role and going into semi-retirement. He’s done some solo shows in the Philippines but not regularly for the past 10 years. Now he’s back for a onenight-only concert, surprisingly not in Metro Manila, where theater is very much alive. Valdez will serenade his fans in Casino Filipino in Cebu City on July 28, as part of the grand launch of its new tagline, “Your One Great Experience”. A week before his show, there’s singer-comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto with singer Bryan Termulo taking center stage for the grand launch on Saturday, July 21 at CF Cebu’s Tambayan gaming area. “Excited akong mag-perform at mas special ito for me dahil nakasama ako sa grand launch ng tagline ng CF Cebu which I want to be part of. I want to give the audience their ‘One Great Experience’,” she said. The good news is, CF Cebu Branch Manager Ricardo Uy said fans and other guests may watch the shows for free. “Even non-players may come and watch as long as they’re 18 years old and above. This is just the start of more exciting shows,” he said. He added visitors can look forward to more exciting celebrity shows this second half of the year as they rev-up their entertainment offerings in line with their new tagline. He assured they will continue to promote Visayan talents by showcasing them in the nightly entertainment events. Being an Ilonggo, Valdez is a true-blooded Visayan and lucky are they to have an international theater artist performing even for one night. “Before, the main audiences of our shows were the casino guests who were already here. But the crowd changed when we featured different artists and began inviting different groups. We’re happy with the outcome because more Cebuanos will have the chance to see their favorite artists. There’s no need to go to Manila to watch them perform,” Uy said.

@manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE

wEdnESday, juLy 25, 2018

By Paola Navarette

T’S the men’s turn this year at the MaArte Fair, a lifestyle exhibitioncum-fundraising event of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. that showcases unique Filipino craftsmanship to benefit the National Museum. The MaArte Fair will be held at The Gallery on the third floor of The Peninsula Manila on Aug. 10-12. For its tenth year, MFPI’s annual fundraising event will highlight the role of men in our lives by curating the “Pinoy Man Cave” collection. It will offer men’s apparel and accessories crafted by local designers such as Len Cabili’s Filip+Inna, Jojie Lloren for La Herminia Piña, Creative Definitions, Balay ni Atong, Natalya Lagdameo, and Tweetie de Leon Gonzales. Albert Avellana, president of MFPI, said the move to invite exhibitors offering unique finds for men was due to an observation that most of the men who attended previous fairs ended up holding shopping bags for their partners. “We will make it worthwhile for them when they accompany their wives and girlfriends to the fair this year,” said Avellana. The women, of course, can enjoy the three-day event checking out the diverse selection of jewelry, apparel, home décor, fragrances, and accessories offered by exhibitors such as Arañaz Bags, Two Chic, Beyond Borders, and Oscar Mejia Fragrances. Alongside the bazaar, MFPI will also hold MaArte Talks, a series of talks with select business owners who can provide new entrepreneurial tips and insights. What to expect at the MaArte Fair 2018:

100% Philippine cotton scarves

Creative Definitions will flaunt its 100 percent Philippine cotton scarves and shorts chiefly made for men in this year’s MaArte Fair.

Life

Ftoashiorwcase

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com

fashion and beauty

s m e t i n fashio for men

BAGS FOR GUYS. The MaArte Fair 2018, happening on Aug. 10-12 at The Gallery of The Peninsula Manila, will highlight men’s apparel and accessories such as this Federico leather bag from Cosimo Leathersmiths. (Photo from Cosimo Leathersmiths/Facebook) Aside from offering first-rate handwoven products to the local market, the brand pools its efforts to create an advocacy that aims to provide livelihood for the weaving communities in Negros. In 2016, co-founder Mike Claparols collaborated with Kabankalan weavers to enhance the community’s marketing industry and to persuade weavers to go back to using cotton. “Although they were set up three years prior, we decided to help them out because they needed marketing assistance in their products. Our main advocacy is to influence them to start using natural fibers, specifically cotton,” Claparols told Manila Standard. Claparols also mentioned that cotton used to be the fiber traditional weavers worked on, but with the scarcity of material in the previous decades, weavers have switched to synthetic threads.

“The only problem is that, 30 years ago, the polyester came in from China and there was a shift because it is much cheaper and stronger,” he said. While it is essential to keep the culture and craft of the traditional Negrense weaving alive, Claparols shared that they motivate their weavers to produce entirely new designs. “We’re training them to become more open and we share them the latest color palettes and trends in the market so that they can come up with their own creative designs,” he added.

Upcycled genuine leather bags

Lori Almario’s Cosimo Leathersmiths will feature its handmade bags upcycled from genuine leather cuttings and vintage leather jackets. Almario combined the knowledge

handed down from the eight-decade history of Gregorio family in leather crafting with her expertise in fabric to establish Cosimo in May 2018. “I really grew up with shoes because my family established Gregg shoes 20 years ago. Aside from that, I was in the garments industry for 12 years in the United States. I combined both of that and came up with this,” she said in an exclusive interview. The brand also prides itself in employing Filipino craftsmen and in inspecting and restoring the leather to keep the materials in top-notch quality. “We want everybody to be aware how our environment is being affected by everything that goes into the trash since the garments industry, specifically the fashion industry, is probably one of the biggest contributors of pollution,” added Almario.

Creative Definitions co-founder Mike Claparols

Handwoven scarves for men from Creative Definitions

Pearl earrings and necklace with tutubi beads by Natalya Lagdameo

Upcycled tire bags from Siklo Pilipinas

Stoneware pottery by Siegrid Bangay

Natural handcrafted perfume by Oscar Mejia III

Stylish fans from Crafted with Love

J. CAT BeAUTy, a makeup brand known for its trendy and colorful products at affordable prices, has launched a campaign that encourages beauty junkies to “turn up the volume.” “Turn Up the Volume” aims to inspire everyone who loves makeup to make bigger and fearless approaches to their looks. “Forget that makeup is meant to disguise flaws, instead start looking at makeup as a way to highlight your unique personality and creativity,” said Bwelle Madera, president of Bwelle Store enterprise, Inc., the official distributor of J. Cat Beauty in the Philippines. To demonstrate how they can turn up the volume, the brand tapped five Filipino makeup artists to present their bold takes on makeup during the campaign launch. J. Cat brand ambassadors Teena Arches, Hanna Pechon, Jherome Ramos, Katchie Mejias, and Min Ortiz represented five volumes of beauty, namely Pop of Color, Dare to Sparkle,

Makeup label encourages bold expressions

J. Cat Beauty’s five volumes of beauty: Pop of Color, Dare to Sparkle, Color Me Bold, Hologlam, and Full On Club Chic.

Color Me Bold, Hologlam, and Full On Club Chic, respectively. each station showcased some of J. Cat’s most popular products such as Lipfinity Matte Lipsticks, eye shadow palettes, liquid highlighters, Flash Metal, Holo Toppers, Rock Glitz eyeliners, and many more. Madera said he believes the quality of J. Cat Beauty products is at par with the premium brands and what makes the LA-born brand special is that all its products are highly pigmented, long lasting, and, most especially, crueltyfree. Influencers and celebrities around the world, from Michelle Phan, Desi Perkins, Tati Westbrook, to the Philippines’ own Arci Muñoz, have been raving about the brand’s high-quality products that don’t break the bank. Following its debut in the country last year, J. Cat Beauty currently has stores at Gateway Mall, Uptown Bonifacio, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls The 30th.—Bianca Grajo