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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 27 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WOMEN POWER. Hundreds of Philippine National Police officials and non-uniformed personnel (topmost photo) join in the month-long celebration of the PNP 2019 National Women’s Month Celebration themed ‘We Make Change Work For Women’ at Camp Crame on Friday. Top photo shows activists in Manila performing, also on Friday, the ‘One Billion Rising’ dance to mark the celebration. PNA, AFP

No work visa, no job for aliens Manila hottest property market MANILA is the hottest luxury home market in the world, beating out the likes of Boston, Tokyo and Paris, property consultancy Knight Frank says. Luxury prices shot up 11 percent in 2018 as the

Labor chief says new policy memo out next week By Vito Barcelo

HE Department of Labor and Employment said Friday it will not issue alien employment permits to foreigners wanting to work in the Philippines unless they secure a work visa from their country of origin.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the department is drafting a new memorandum to stem the inﬂux of foreign workers. Silvestre observed that most of the foreign workers entered the country under a tourist visa and were allowed

to work after securing an AEP from the DOLE or a special working permit or provisionary working permit from the Bureau of Immigration. This would no longer be allowed, he said, as foreigners seeking to work here must Next page

‘Napoleon complex’ did bilionaire in

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, shifting to high gear in his administration’s drive against corruption, has ﬁred Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Ofﬁce general manager Alexander Balutan “due to serious allegations of corruption.” Palace Spokesm a n Salvador P a n e l o ’s statement Friday Next page

BALUTAN

By Vito Barcelo VISITING Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Friday warned against borrowing money from other countries for projects, saying it is better for countries like the Philippines to grow within its own means. In an interview with GMA resident analyst Richard Heydarian, Mahathir was asked about his thoughts on dealing with foreign investments in light of the Philippines’ aggressive borrowing Next page

PARIS—A penis enlargement procedure cost a billionaire diamond trader his life, as he suffered a heart attack on the operating table of an upscale medical clinic in the City of Lights. According to local media reports, Ehud Arye Laniado, 65, ultimately died from complications during surgery. Next page

Malacañang fires Balutan of PCSO for ‘corruption’

Mahathir warns vs foreign debts

Poll body junks debate bid by opposition bets

BROTHERS FOR PEACE. President Rodrigo

Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad clink their glasses for a toast underlining their countries’ being partners for progress during the state banquet hosted by Duterte in Malacanang on Thursday. Malacañang

Lacson insists wiretapped info violates PH law By Macon Ramos-Araneta WIRETAPPED information from foreign sources linking Filipinos to crimes such as illegal drugs is a violation of Philippine law and the state’s policy to protect its citizens, Senator Panﬁlo Lacson said Thursday. Lacson likened the situation to a person who bought marijuana in a country where it is legal, but is arrested for violating the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Act once he or she brings it into the Philippines. Lacson, a former chief of the national police, contested Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s pronouncement that if the wiretapped conversation Next page

By Vito Barcelo

La Mesa Dam level at 12-year low THE water level in La Mesa Dam reached its lowest in 12 years on Friday, and may go down to its critical level of 69 meters in the next two days in the latest sign of the worsening El Niño phenomenon.

THE Commission on Elections on Friday denied the request from the Otso Diretso opposition Senate slate to organize a debate with Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabaho candidates, citing logistical issues and time constraints. Next page

The state weather bureau’s dam monitoring section said that as of 6 a.m. Friday, La Mesa Dam’s water level was at 69.16 meters, 7 meters lower Next page

DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. Jun Nuñez, head wortks controller (inset) changes the numbers to properly reflect the water level at the La Mesa Dam which is now at a low level following the scorching heat of the tropical sun, not helped any by the threatening El Nino phenomenon. Manny Palmero

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Du30: Law for women will be run By Vito Barcelo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday vowed to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women, a law that seeks to eliminate gender-based discrimination as the world observed International Women’s Day on March 8.

In a statement to mark the event, the President also called for the creation of platforms to discuss best practices, gaps and challenges in pursuing gender equality and development in local governments all over the country. Duterte said it was his administration’s “firm commitment” to ensure women’s greater participation in society. “Together, let us work in solidarity

with all appropriate institutions to address the strategic needs of women and recognize their innumerable contributions to society,” the President said. A self-confessed womanizer, Duterte has often been criticized for his jokes about women in his speeches. The President has also consistently joked about how his salary is not enough because he has two families to support.

But the President has also signed a law that extends the paid maternity leave from 60 days to 105 days. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, one of the authors of the bill, said private companies need not worry about hiring female employees despite the higher costs, citing the strength of women workers and the benefits of achieving gender equality in the workplace. “I don’t think it’s fair for companies to give preference to a male applicant even if his female counterpart is more qualified for the job, just because they want to avoid the cost of maternity leave benefit. That’s discrimination,” Angara said. Citing a study by the International Finance Corp., the senator said bring-

ing in more females into the workplace helps promote women’s rights and was a good business practice. He also cited a separate study by McKinsey Global Institute which showed that investing in initiatives that support women in the workplace is a “win-win” situation as both employers and employees obtain real benefits. Senator Aquilino Pimentel III stressed the need to ensure the proper enforcement of laws meant to uphold women’s welfare, saying “well-intentioned legislation becomes toothless without proper implementation.” Vice President Leni Robredo reminded her fellow Filipinas that women are “unbreakable” and stronger when they stand together in overcoming obstacles.

Mayon crater Survey: People glad to use smartphones, socmed glows with 2 quakes, plume MAYON Volcano showed some activity on Friday, as state volcanologists recorded six volcanic earthquakes and two rockfall events over 24 hours. Two of the earthquakes were related to phreatic eruption events that occurred at 8:11 a.m. on Thursday and 6:27 a.m. on Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in a statement. “These phreatic events generated 500- and 300-m high grayish ash plume from the summit before drifting southwest, respectively,” PHIVOLCS said. A “fair crater glow” could be observed on the summit of the world famous volcano at night, it added. At present, Alert Level 2 prevails over Mayon, meaning the volcano “is at a moderate level of unrest.” Sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents and ashfall can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of Mayon, PHIVOLCS reminded the public.

Poll body... From A1

Poll spokesperson James Jimenez said the Comelec en banc has deliberated on the request and denied it for three reasons: • Granting Otso Diretso’s request would be tantamount to giving preferential treatment to some senatorial candidates or slates; • It would be practically impossible, logistically, to conduct meaningful debates involving all 62 candidates, without risking allegations of preferential treatment; and • There are considerable time constraints, with only about two months remaining. Last week, the Otso Diretso sent a letter to Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas, and asked the poll body to facilitate a public debate between their candidates and those of the administration-backed HNP. The opposition candidates filed the letter after HNP campaign manager, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, said she preferred to have a third party to organize such a debate. The opposition slate specifically wants to have a face-off for the May 13 midterm polls against the 13 HNP senatorial candidates. The HNP has earlier snubbed the opposition party’s invitation to a debate at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo.

Manila... From A1

capital city of the Philippines got a boost from a robust economy, a shortage of luxury homes and increased appetite for them by the wealthy foreigners living there. The ranking of 100 cities is based solely on how much their luxury home prices increased last year. The only other Asian city in the top 10 list was Singapore, where prices jumped 9.1 percent. Tokyo came in 11th, rising by 6.8 per cent; Paris, 19th, up by 5.3 percent, and London, 91st, down by 4.4 percent. Beijing was tied for 25th place, was up by 4 per cent and ranked the highest among mainland China cities. Hong Kong was tied for 47th place, up by 1.8 percent. Luxury property is defined as the top 5 per cent of each market by value. Mainland renters outpace Western tenants as the biggest spenders for luxury rental homes in Hong Kong.

WASHINGTON—A survey in 11 emerging economies—including the Philippines—showed people in those countries happy to be connected with smartphones and social media, even if they worry about the impact of digital lifestyles on society and on children. The Pew Research Center report found the vast majority of adults in these countries have access to a mobile phone of some kind, with 53 percent using a smartphone capable of accessing the Internet and running apps. Across these countries, a median of 64 percent use at least one of seven different social media sites or messaging apps. The report is based on surveys con-

ducted among 28,122 adults from Sept. 7 to Dec. 7, 2018 in Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, South Africa, Kenya, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Lebanon, Jordan and Tunisia. There were variations across these countries, but strong majorities said mobile phones have been beneficial for education and the economy. Most of these people say they personally benefit from the technology: more than nine in 10 say the devices have helped them stay in touch with loved ones, and nearly eight in 10 said they use them to get news and information about important issues. But when asked if mobile phones and

social media have been good for society, the responses are mixed, with many expressing concerns about the impact of digital technologies on children. Some 79 percent of adults surveyed said people should be very concerned about children being exposed to harmful or immoral content, and nearly twothirds said mobile phones have had a bad influence on children in their country. “The rapid advancement of the mobile-social package invites people to think about the role of these devices in their lives and to look around and see how they might be affecting their societies,” said Lee Rainie, Pew’s director of Internet and technology research. AFP

No work visa,...

not involve bringing huge numbers of foreigners to live in the country, because that might disturb the political equations in the country,” Mahathir told ANC in an interview. “If huge numbers of any foreigners [come] to live and stay in the country... you have to do some rethinking as to whether it is good or bad, or the limits that you have to impose on them,” Mahathir said. The DOLE, meanwhile, came under fire from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines for a proposal to limit the number of Filipino construction workers working abroad as a way of dealing with a shortage of skills in the construction industry here. “Setting a limit on the number of construction workers to work abroad will only widen and worsen our problem. We actually do not have problem on construction workers. In fact, we have a surplus of construction workers. Our main problem is: We have a shortage of trained and certified construction workers because wages are low, benefits are meager, and working conditions are highly substandard,” TUCP president Raymond Mendoza said in a statement. He said limiting the number of con-

struction workers allowed to work abroad will only compel workers to go underground using backdoor schemes to work abroad because salary, benefits and working conditions there are far better than what they get here. “Once they go underground, they will become undocumented and illegal workers abroad hiding from the law. This is highly problematic,” Mendoza said. He said the real solution to the problem on shortage of certified skills in construction is to improve the way the government treats them by raising the salary, benefits and working conditions so that they will no longer aspire to work abroad. The government’s assessment, training and certification of skills must step up and be made more accessible and affordable for workers, he added. “The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority must conduct more assessment, training and skills certification even on Saturdays and Sundays and even on holidays, conduct these even in worksites to increase the pool of skill-certified construction workers. TESDA must also accredit private institutions to facilitate certification,” Mendoza said.

well dried out. “Our well dried up. We have another source of water supply but it is starting to dry up, too,” Santiago told UNTV News. In another development, grid operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has placed the Luzon Grid under yellow alert for several hours on Friday, the third consecutive day it has advised that the grid is suffering from low reserves. The company said it declared a yellow alert from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then again at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. “This is due to insufficient operating reserve. Yellow Alert means that the reserve power is low,” the company said. Municipal Agriculturist Rommel Calingasan said they experienced El Niño too early this year, and that they usually experienced it in April and May. “We already felt the drought in January. Our farmers already felt their irrigation supply weakening, and at

the same time the water current in our rivers slowed down as well,” Calingasan said. Over 4,000 farmers in San Jose are affected by El Niño with over 1,300 hectares of farmland destroyed. The total damage cost over P55 million. “It is too hot, we already requested for cloud seeding. Unfortunately, during evaluation there is no possible source of clouds to start the process.” Zamboanga was the first city that was put under a state of calamity due to severe drought. Water production in the area has already decreased by 50 percent with 600 hectares of the farmlands affected. Meanwhile the local government allotted P13 million for mitigating measures including cloud seeding operations, the rental of tankers for water distribution, the purchase of alternative crops, drilling rigs for farmers and others. Alena Mae S. Flores

From A1

obtain work visas in Philippine consulates or the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices abroad before they can come here for employment. Bello said that the new memorandum will be released before March 15. On Thursday, visiting Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned the Philippines against letting in foreigners who could “disturb” the country’s domestic political stability. At least 200,000 Chinese have flocked to Manila since Duterte’s 2016 election, many of them employed by online gaming firms that cater to Chinese players, a Senate inquiry was told late last year. Some Filipino politicians have alleged this drives up property prices, takes away jobs from locals and even affects tax revenues. Mahathir, who has suspended several of his nation’s major projects with China, warned during an official visit to the Philippines against allowing a surge of foreigners. “Foreign direct investment should

La Mesa Dam... From A1

compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of water in Metro Manila, is at 201.75 meters―still over its critical level of 180 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration said. Manila Water earlier said increased water demand of around 1.7 billion liters per day as a cause of the decreasing water level. Also, San Jose town in Occidental Mindoro province is now under a state of calamity, as 11 island villages and 17 agricultural villages in the area continue to experience severe drought. According to Jojo Santiago, one of the farmers in San Jose, it has become difficult for them to get water after their

Lacson... From A1

came from a country where wiretapping is not illegal, it “may be passed on to the Philippine government and considered admissible in Philippine courts.” “Mr. Secretary, possession of wiretapped material is also an offense,” Lacson said in a post on his Twitter account Thursday. Under Republic Act 4200 or the Anti-Wiretapping Law, it is unlawful for any person not authorized by all the parties to any private communication or spo-

‘Napoleon complex’... From A1

The Belgian-Israeli dual national was said to have suffered the deadly heart attack just moments after getting an unknown substance injected into his penis. Citing Belgian media reports, The Sun on Wednesday claimed Laniado was a victim of the so-called

ken word to secretly record such communication. Section 2 of the law adds it is also unlawful “to knowingly possess” records or copies of any communication or spoken word secured via wiretapping. Violators of the law, even those who aid or permit such wiretapping, face imprisonment of up to six years. Offenders who are public officials face perpetual absolute disqualification from public office. Lacson also said Malacañang’s claim that its information on politicians involved in illegal drugs was based on wiretaps done by foreign governments does not make things right, except if those who conducted the wiretapping were armed with judicial authorization. Napoleon complex―meaning he was obsessed with his small size. While Laniado’s net worth is unknown, he had been forced to hand over more than $5 billion in penalties to Belgian authorities after getting into trouble for tax evasion. His company, Omega Diamonds, confirmed his death in a statement Wednesday. “Farewell to a visionary businessman,” the statement said.

China offers to finish SCS ‘code’ by 2021 BEIJING―China has offered to conclude negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea by 2021. In a press conference here Friday, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said more member states of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations supported their proposal to conclude the COC negotiations in three years. “The COC negotiation is gathering pace under a clear road map. China offers the goal of concluding the negotiations in three years, in other words by 2021,” Wang said. “It shows China’s seriousness and commitment to this endeavor. And more and more Asean members agree with and support China’s proposal to speed up the negotiations.” Wang made his statement even as President Rodrigo Duterte and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad called for the peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea, and for an effective code of conduct to help promote a “sea of peace, stability and prosperity.” The two leaders held a bilateral meeting in Malacañang on wide-ranging issues, including enhancing cooperation on security, trade and investment, and peace and development in the Bangsamoro autonomous region. “We emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight over the South China Sea as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes,” Duterte said. “This is without resorting to the threat or use of force in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law.” Wang did not disclose details of the COC as the talks were still underway, but he noted that it would be an upgrade of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea or the DOC. PNA with Vito Barcelo

Mahatir... From A1

to finance 75 projects aimed at boosting the economy and making the country more competitive. “If you cannot repay, you’ll come under the influence or direction of the lender... If you cannot pay your debt, you find yourself subservient to the lender,” Mahathir said. “It is better for us to grow within our means. If you have the capacity to borrow, it must be because we can repay. But when you borrow money which we cannot repay, you are endangering your own freedom.” The Malaysian leader also vowed to extend help to the Philippines in resolving insurgencies in Mindanao, saying they only “weaken nations.” “We know that such insurgencies only weaken nations. Only peace brings about wealth and prosperity. As long as there is result to conflicts and wars, there will be no development,” he said. President Rodrigo Duterte and Mahathir reached an agreement on security cooperation after their expanded bilateral meeting at Malacañang on Thursday. The Malaysian PM left the country at 3 p.m. yesterday. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez has assured the public that the Philippines is not drowning in debt to China. He said the government had been screening its debt to China using the same standards as with any other loans. The Duterte administration has committed to invest over P8 trillion until 2022 on the 75 projects. This pushed the country’s total debt to a new high of P7.293 trillion in 2018.

Malacañang... From A1

chased the pronouncement of Florante Solmerin, deputy spokesperson at the Office of PCSO General Manager, that Balutan “opted to resign” due to “personal reasons.” “We hope that this will serve as a stern warning to all government officials and employees that there are no sacred cows in the current administration, especially when it comes to serving the Filipino people with integrity and loyalty,” Panelo said in a statement. In a related development: Police Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, Cagayan Valley Regional Director denied allegation from PCSO that he was protecting illegal gambling operations in Nueva Vizcaya province. The PCSO tagged Espino as protector over the jueteng activities of Globaltech’s Peryahan ng Bayan because of the laters refusal to conduct raids on Peryahan ng Bayan operations. Espino in a text message to the Manila Standard, said, “PNP PRO 2 is not protecting Globaltech. We are just following legal procedures and legal mandate.” With Brenda Jocson

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Firefight hurts 4 soldiers, but NPAs suffer heavy losses By Francisco Tuyay

DRILLING MACHINE. Photo shows a miniature version of the drilling machine which will be used for the construction of the country’s first 36-kilometer subway that will have

15 stations from Quirino Highway in Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. The subway will traverse seven localities and pass through three of Metro Manila’s business districts. PNA

Foul play seen in OFW ‘suicide’ THREATS from his foreign co-workers allegedly drove an overseas Filipino worker in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to commit suicide, but his wife suspected foul play. Roger Dayanan was found dead by hanging at his workplace on Wednesday afternoon in an apparent suicide. His wife, Gilda Merced Dayanan, said she learned about the supposed suicide of her husband through Roger’s Filipino friend and co-worker. However, Gilda Merced said she did not believe Roger killed himself, saying they just had a video call last Tuesday noon and their last conversation was a normal routine call, and that he did not act strangely. “Tinawagan ko yung mobile phone niya (Roger) alas-dose (Wednesday) dahil tuwing alas dose ay magkatawagan kami. Ring lang ng ring ang cellphone nya, hindi nya sinagot. May number ako sa kasama niya na si Donato. Nag-text ako, sabi ko saan ba si Roger, bakit ‘di nya sinagot tawag ko? Nag-text back si Donato at sinabi niyang nagbigti daw si Roger,” Gilda said.

Singapore-bound CEB flight diverted A CEBU Pacific Air flight bound for Singapore had to be diverted to Brunei after it encountered technical problem early Friday morning In a statement, the airline management said Flight 5J 803 (Manila-Singapore) has diverted to Bandar Seri Begawan at 1:45 am following a technical problem detected in the aircraft en route to Singapore. “Another aircraft has been dispatched from Manila to take affected passengers to Singapore,” Cebu Pacific said. “Meanwhile, the return flight, 5J804 (Singapore to Manila), will be delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience as the safety of our passengers is our utmost priority.” CEB officials said all affected passengers will be provided meals and refreshments. Joel E. Zurbano

Du30 appoints 36 new prosecutors MALACAÑANG has appointed 36 more prosecutors under the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday said that the new prosecutors under the NPS were appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte last Thursday. “Another batch of NPS appointments coming out before 25 March 2019,” Guevarra said. Among the new appointees, two have been designated to the DOJ main ofﬁce in Manila, namely, Assistant State Prosecutor Herbert Calvin dela Peña and Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Jaugan, Mariza de los Santos. Five new appointees will be assigned to the Manila City Prosecutor’s Ofﬁce, namely: Deputy City Prosecutor Jessie Melendez Bautista; Assistant City Prosecutors Joker Paul Ayonayon de Ala and Maria Cristina Sampaga-Manuel; Senior Assistant City Prosecutors Aquil Pangarungan Ismael and Maryjury Madrid-Songgadan. Rey E. Requejo

Despite outburst, Lacson calls NCRPO’s Eleazar a hero By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Joel E. Zurbano

ETWEEN National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar and the extortionist cop, the former is a “no-brainer choice of a hero,” according to Senator Panfilo Lacson as he defended the NRCPO chief’s outbursts. “Yes, I understand his frustration and why he displayed such anger, having gone through the same experience almost 20 years ago,” said Lacson, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police. Eleazar was roundly criticized after he was seen grabbing the hair of Police Corporal Marlo Quibete of the Eastern Police District drug enforcement unit, who was arrested for extortion in an entrapment operation in Pasig City on Wednesday. The police official forced Quibete to show his face to the media. He then grabbed his collar and continued to admonish him. Quibete reportedly extorted P200,000

from the family of a drug suspect whom they arrested. Lacson recalled an incident sometime in November 1999 right after he assumed the top police position. “Deja vu. In November 1999, on my ﬁrst night as CPNP, I hit the ground running with my anti-kotong campaign and there was this CHPG team who shot it out with a team of Special Action Force personnel whom I tasked to kickstart a relentless operation against mulcting policemen,” Lacson said. He said that the shootout resulted in the killing of an SAF operative while three others were wounded. “After I visited the wounded in the hospital, I proceeded to the police

station where the kotong cops were detained after being arrested. In anger, I wanted to shoot them myself,” recalled Lacson. “I remember doing almost the same ritual that P/Maj General Eleazar did,” he added. Senator Win Gatchalian, for his part, said that while police should practice maximum tolerance, he also acknowledge that there are some policemen who continue to taint the image of the government. “If you remember, the palit puri pag may nahuli drug suspects, rape yung anak, kamag anak, nangyari yun, nangyayari ngayon,” he said. Gatchalian, however, said Eleazar could have lost his temper because of what the policeman did. “I can’t blame him because there are many scalawags at that point in time. His frustrations came out, but as a whole we as public servant should always observe maximum tolerance,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier took the cudgels for Eleazar, saying that the police ofﬁcial did the right thing since there are still police ofﬁcers who are involved in irregularities. With PNA

DENR orders closure of 2 fastfoods in Or. Mindoro By Rio N. Araja THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Friday issued a cease-and-desist order against two popular fastfood restaurants in Oriental Mindoro for polluting Calapan River. Michael Drake Matias, DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau lawyer-director for Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (Mimaropa), ordered the closure against Jollibee Foods Corp (Calapan 1 and 2) and Chowking Foods Corp. (Calapan) for operating without

discharge permits and releasing partially treated wastewater exceeding the allowable efﬂuent standards. The DENR ofﬁcial said that such was a clear violation of the provisions in the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. The establishments discharged wastewater that not only threaten but “in fact contributed to the failing quality of the receiving body of water, in this case, the Calapan River, which is an established water quality management area,” the order read. Apart from the closure, the affected

establishments are also liable for ﬁnes ranging from P10,000 to P200,000 per day of violation in accordance with RA 9275 and its IRRs. implementing rules and regulations. “We take off from the rehabilitation efforts done in Boracay and Manila Bay. We are conﬁdent that we can also save Calapan River by strictly enforcing the law with the help of the local government unit,” Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Reynulfo Juan said. The DENR warned that it would issue more cease-and-desist orders against establishments found violating environmental laws “soon.”

FOUR government troopers were wounded while scores of New People’s Army suffered casualties after army soldiers foiled the rebels’ attempt to attack another construction firm in Quezon province Friday morning. Capt. Patrick Jay Retumban, head of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said the four wounded soldiers from a platoon of out Ranger were trailing a group of NPAs operating in Infanta, Quezon when they saw a separate group of rebels in Sitio Salok, Barangay Magsaysay at about 8:07 a.m. Retumban said the encounter site was located just three kilometers away from the Northern Builders, the contractor of the Kaliwa Dam project, whose 12 pieces of equipment were torched by the NPAs last Feb. 7. Lt. Col. Christopher Diaz, commander of the 80th Infantry Battalion said the latest clash was a result on an intelligence packet that detailed the rebels plan to burn construction equipment belonging to the Northern Builders. Retumban said the fighting were still raging and additional forces have been deployed in the area to pursue the fleeing terrorists, while the four wounded soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital for treatment. Authorities believed that the group of NPAs were the same terrorist elements the military had engaged in Luisiana, Laguna last Feb. 14 which resulted to the death of John Carlo Alberto, alias “Damian and Inigo” a student of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. The NPAs where Alberto belongs fled at the boundary of Laguna and Quezon shortly after torching heavy equipment of Northern Builders but were intercepted by army troopers, which ignited the firefight that killed the UPLB student.

OP validating complaints of misconduct vs local officials By Vito Barcelo THE Office of the President is validating several complaints against local government officials who are being accused of misconduct in office, abuse of authority, dishonesty, dereliction of duty and alleged link to illegal drugs. The OP said it is coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the validation process to erase suspicion of bias because of the election period. One of the complaints received by the OP is a 15-page complaint filed by lawyer Reyzandro Unay against Northern Samar governor Jose Ong Jr., who was accused of habitual absences since assuming his post in July 2016. In the complaint, Unay said that there was never an instance since Day 1 of his term that Ong served out a full-week in office, or even just most of the workdays of any week. The complaint said that being absent in the office not only shortchanges the people for the salary the governor gets, but dishonor the trust reposed on him by his constituents in violation of his oath office. Unay added Ong deliberately failed to investigate the mayor of Lao-ang Northen Samar who was previously named by President Rodrigo Duterte as among the narco-politicians who is protecting the illegal drug trade in his locality.

PACC taps DAR execs to probe own people THE Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission has tapped two Department of Agrarian Reform ofﬁcials to help in the investigation of corruption within their ranks. PACC Chairman Dante Jimenez tapped DAR’s legal services director Marvin Bernal and anti-corruption task force director Alexander Alimuddin Ali to assist and help the PACC evaluate cases, and to police their own ranks to ensure public accountability and good governance. “We cannot do it alone. We need your help and we will have our regular meetings. If you have some creative ideas for the commission to adapt, tell us because we have around 100 million Filipinos who are expecting so much from the promises of the President to minimize the corruption in our bureaucracies,” Jimenez said. The initiative to deputize the agencies is pursuant to Executive Order 43 granting the PACC the power to enlist their support to assist the commission in the investigation of cases falling within their jurisdictions. Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones created an anti-corruption task force to back initiatives of President Rodrigo Duterte to ﬁght corruption in government. He directed the agency’s anti-corruption task force to conduct thorough investigations into information received by the department. He also enjoined DAR employees to cooperate in the drive against corruption. Rio N. Araja

CAMPAIGN SORTIE. Otso Diretso candidates Gary Alejano, Erin Tañada (2nd from right), and Samira Gutoc (rightmost) campaign at Barangay Fatima Satellite public market in General Santos and at the Magsaysay public market in Digos City. Norman Cruz

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Justice, forgiveness in sex abuse scandal TOMORROW is the first Sunday of Lent, a season of repentance and conversion. The Gospel calls on us to reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert. In the short gospel of Mark, Jesus was brought by the Spirit into the wilderness where he stayed for forty days. After which he went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” This Gospel of Mark marks Jesus’ preparation for public ministry. He stayed in the desert for 40 days fasting, praying and being in communion with his Father in heaven.

There is no path to the resurrection except through the passion and crucifixion.

Forty is a significant number not only in the life of Jesus but in the history of salvation. The Jews stayed in the desert for 40 years, Moses stayed on Mt. Sinai for 40 days while receiving the law. Thus, 40 signifies a period of trial and chastisement. In the Gospel, Jesus stayed in the wilderness for 40 days during which God allowed Satan to tempt the Messiah. The desert is a desolate place; there, we become most vulnerable to the attacks of the devil. But the Gospel tells us that like Christ, praying, fasting, and focusing all senses towards God, we can overcome this sense of desolation and the temptations. Surely, it is when we are in the state of constant comfort and luxury that we are tempted to be complacent in our faith and charity such that we readily fall into the

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

wiles of Satan and into all forms of sin. The sex abuse scandals now buffeting the Catholic Church show us that no one is immune from temptation. Even consecrated individuals who by virtue of their vows are the Alter Christus on earth have succumbed to the temptations of the flesh. This has been exacerbated and perpetuated by the cover up committed by many Church leaders. Motivated mostly by the need to avoid scandal, the actions have and are lacerating further the wounds of victims. Our very own Cardinal Chito Tagle eloquently framed this in the first presentation delivered during the Meeting of the Presidents of the Bishops’ Conferences on Safeguarding of Minors held in Vatican City last February 21-24, 2019: “The abuse of minors by ordained ministers has inflicted wounds not only on the victims, but also on their families, the clergy, the Church, the wider society, the perpetrators themselves and the Bishops. sorBut, it is also true, we humbly and sor inrowfully admit, that wounds have been in flicted by us bishops on the victims and in fact the entire body of Christ. Our lack of response to the suffering of victims, even to the point of rejecting them and covering up the scandal to protect perpetrators and the institution has injured our people, leaving a deep wound in our relationship with those we are sent to serve. People are rightly asking: ‘Have you, who are called to have the smell of the sheep upon you, not instead run away when you found the stench of the filth inflicted on children and vulnerable people you were supposed to protect, too strong to endure?’” Cardinal Tagle highlighted what is at stake in this crisis resulting from the sexual abuse of children and the Church’s poor handling of these crimes: “Our people need us to draw close to their wounds and acknowledge our faults if we are to give authentic and credible witness to our faith in the Resurrection. This means that each of us and our brothers and sisters at home must take personal responsibility for bringing healing to this wound in the Body of Christ and make the commitment to do everything in our power and capacity to see

A convenience mentality

N ENVIRONMENTAL group has found an ingenious way of driving home its urgent message on the prevalence of single-use plastics in the country.

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives said that one year’s worth of sachet use in the country can cover the entire Metro Manila one foot deep in plastic waste. According to the group, Filipinos use more than 163 million plastic sachet packets, 48 million sando bags and 45 million "labo" bags (thin plastic bags used in wet markets) in one day. So if Filipinos discarded 163 million plastic sachet packets a year, and assuming each packet were 5cm x 6cm in size and 1mm in thickness, they can be arranged side by side and stacked 312 times—around 12 inches high— covering an area equivalent to the entire National Capital Region. The numbers are an extrapolation of data collected from household waste assessments and brand

audits in six cities (Quezon City, Navotas City, Malabon City, City of San Fernando in Pampanga, Batangas City, Tacloban City) and seven municipalities in Nueva Vizcaya—over a five-year period. The report also found that cities and municipalities deal with a greater number of branded plastic waste—consumer products marketed in sachets—than unbranded waste. Ten companies are responsible for 60 percent, and four multinational companies are responsible for 36 percent, of all branded waste collected in the sample sites. Froilan Grates, GAIA’s executive director for Asia Pacific, says addressing the issue is a shared responsibility—from the national government to local governments, communities and individual households.

The national government can regulate the use of plastic bags, LGUs can manage up to 80 percent of the waste through composting and recycling, corporations can stop packaging their products in single-use plastics. Individuals, despite the prevalent “tingi” mentality, can purchase products in bulk and rely less on plastic bags. Perhaps it is difficult to imagine the adverse consequences of plastic waste on a hot summer day. It is also very easy to continue with habits and mindsets we have had all our lives. But when the rainy season comes, and plastic waste blocks the waterways, causing flooding and untold damage to people and property, that is when we remember anew that we cause part of the problem in our own, seemingly insignificant ways. To counter this, it is high time we challenged our habits of convenience, so we can effect part of the solution in our own spheres.

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Criminalizing public spaces sexual harassment THE Bicameral Conference Committee has already threshed out the differing provisions of SB No. 1558 and HB No. 8794, the bills that criminalize gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces. The Committee report entitled “Safe Spaces Act,” however, has yet to be sent to Malacañang for the signature of President Duterte. While there is an existing anti-sexual harassment law, its coverage is severely limited as it only applies to workplaces. The reality is that sexual harassment in its various forms happen everywhere and not just in workplaces. The “Safe Spaces (hopefully, soon to be) Act” is much more relevant to our existing context. For instance, street harassment is very common in the form of cat-calling, wolf-whistling, and the like but the existing law is irrelevant to these cases unless the parties involved are coworkers. This bill covers these acts. While victims of sexual harassment remain to be largely women, the bill recognizes that other genders, especially members of the LGBTQI community are also targeted. The bill’s intent is to protect all persons from gender-based sexual harassment and certainly, women will benefit if this bill becomes a law. The bill covers public spaces like streets, alleys, government offices, parks, public markets, and schools. It also covers establishments that are privately owned but are open to the public like malls, restaurants, bars, and the like. Public utility vehicles are likewise covered. The bill criminalizes online genderbased sexual harassment. This is quite important since the Internet and other information and communication technologies are being used to sexually harass, abuse, threaten, and violate people, particularly women and those of different genders, sexual orientation, and identities. Online harassment has become very common and a law should penalize this. The Safe Spaces bill recognizes that sexual harassment between peers, not

only between a superior and a subordinate, happens in workplaces and educational and training institutions. Indeed, power relations premised on sex or gender exist even among peers. Another vital thing that this bill does is to comprehensively cover the many and varied acts of sexual harassment that happen in our environs. For instance, the bill includes the following as gender-based streets and public spaces sexual harassment: “Catcalling, wolf-whistling, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, persisted uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance, relentless requests for personal de-

It will be interesting to know what the President would do. tails, statement of sexual comments and suggestions, public masturbation of flashflash ing of private parts, groping, or any advances, whether verbal or physical, that is unwanted and has threatened one’s sense of personal space and physical safety, and committed in public spaces…” Gender-based online harassment is defined as “online conduct targeted at a particular person that causes or likely to cause another mental, emotional or psychological distress, and fear of personal safety, sexual harassment acts including unwanted sexual remarks and comments, threats, uploading or sharing of one’s photos without consent, video and audio recordings, cyber-stalking, and online identity theft.” Section 11, Specific Acts and Penalties for Gender-based Sexual Harassment in Streets and Public Spaces, further specifies the acts that are criminalized and corresponding penalties are indicated. “Cursing, wolf-whisting, cat-calling, leering and intrusive gazing, taunting, unwanted invitations, misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs, perTurn to A5

Faith in the Belt and Road Nothing wrong with due diligence. THERE’S a tremendous campaign of disinformation and fake news against the Philippines’ ongoing projects and financial cooperation with China, but the Duterte administration has forcefully debunked the detractors’ claims again and again. China’s loans constitute only 4.5 percent of all Philippine foreign debt while

the Japanese loans amount to 9.5 percent, the rest with Western financial and com commercial banking institutions which can easily be verified by anyone seeking the facts. Should we wonder why the detractors don’t make that effort to look into the real data? We shouldn’t, their interest is to sabotage the country’s progress and the

Independent Foreign Policy of the country today. The constant repetition of false and fake news creates an almost permanent damage in the perception of media audiences. It is vital for the concerned government, media and citizens to step up the campaign to correct the wrong impresdevelopsions. Otherwise the Philippines’ develop ment program will be sabotaged beyond repair. Like the Philippines, other countries that were victimized by the disinformation or fake news campaigns of the Western media and regional and domestic cohorts have learned their lessons from tasting

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Opinion Should we undertake an official review of the Mutual Defense Treaty? By Ambassador Albert del Rosario THE subject of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the US has been recently revisited leading to certain developments. The good news is the US official statement that “As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attacked on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea would trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defense Treaty.” For this development, we commend Filipino and American officials who had contributed in releasing an official statement that we view as one of the

most important since the ratification of the MDT in 1951. Having succeeded in moving forward, the not-so-good-news is the current debate about whether or not an official review of the MDT should be officially undertaken. We take the view that any agreement may be improved, but the prevailing circumstances will need to be carefully taken into account and assessed. With the recent clarifying statement by the US on defending the Philippines in the South China Sea, it is our firm belief that for now this is sufficiently appropriate as far as the MDT is concerned.

What we must avoid at all costs is to launch an official review of the MDT while permitting our most powerful northern neighbor to exert both external force and internal influence to achieve results for its sole benefit. We note its inclination not only in defense and security but also in areas of vital and strategic importance. As adequate as it may already be, our MDT can no doubt be improved, but it is the wrong time to do this—not when we have willingly allowed ourselves to have been made increasingly weakened by our northern neighbor’s doctrine of domination.

Nothing to feel sorry for, Gen. Eleazar! DESPITE President Duterte’s approval of NCRPO Chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar’s rough handling of a rogue cop, the Metro Manila police chief apologized publicly for losing his cool on a policeman caught extorting P200,000 from an illegal drug suspect. Gen. Eleazar, who is known to be strict and a disciplinarian officer, apologized after he was seen on live video practically manhandling PO2 Marlo Quibete, of Drugs Enforcement Unit of the Eastern Police District. And who wouldn’t get furious when this

Faith... From A4

the bitter fruits of Western duplicity, especially American media disinformation. One of the major piece of disinformation by Western media is the Chinese and Sri Lankan financial arrangements for the Hambantota Port which has been the “poster child” of US claims of the “China Debt Trap.” China in fact was a lifesaver for Sri Lanka which used the $1.1-billion debtequity swap with China to relieve its debt burden mainly coming from ADB with RS (Rupees) 533.8 billion, International Development Associaton for Rs. 291.1 billion, Japan Rs. 457.5 billion and India for Rs. 37.4 billion. China hold only Rs. 117.3 billion of Sri Lanka’s debt, less than 10 percent. The Hambantota Port has in fact vastly improved its performance under the management-lease according to the Colombo Gazette I reviewed, increasing vessels handled, by 136 percent. The New York Times started the Sri Lanka fake news about the Hambantota debt trap in 2016. It’s just like the Forbes article by Anders Corr in May 2017 reporting China’s loans to the Philippines interest rate will range from 10 percent to 20 percent when the actual fact is 2 percent. Corr wrote: “More likely, at 10-percent interest, the new debt could go to $452 billion, bringing Philippines’ debt: GDP ratio to 197 percent, second to the worst in the world.” How silly that several columnists in the Philippines repeated this Sri Lanka fake

Justice,... From A4

that children are safe, are cared for in our communities.” The Archbishop of Manila, who did not hesitate to show his emotions while speaking in the meeting, exhorted his audience and this is a message to all of our bishops and religious leaders, not to be afraid. According to him, we must not be afraid, indeed we should set aside whatever hesitation we have to come nearer to the wounds of the victims and their loved ones because we are afraid of being wounded ourselves. Cardinal Tagle emphasized the necessity of going through this passion: “Yes, much of the wounds we will suffer are part of the restoration of memory we must undergo, as did those disciples of Jesus. The wounds of

Criminalizing... From A4

sistent unwanted comments on one’s appearance, relentless requests for personal details, use of words, gestures or actions that ridicule on the basis of sex, gender or sexual orientation, identity and/or expression, persistent telling of sexual jokes, use of sexual names, comments and demands and any statement that invades a person’s personal space, or threatens the person’s sense of personal safety carry with them the following penalties: For first offense: P1,000.00 fine and community service of twelve hours including attendance in a Gender Sensitivity Seminar (GSS); second offense: im-

“kotong” cop, still had the nerve to lie that no other cops in his unit were involved in the extortion try when his text messages proved otherwise? Quibete, who demanded money in exchange for the release of Aris Ochoada, was arrested in an entrapment conducted by the NCRPO Special Operations Unit early Wednesday morning. Ochoada claims he was framed so he sought the help of the NCRPO Chief. I understand that General Eleazar, along with the Philippine National Police top brass headed by P/Director-General Oscar Albayalde, are working so hard to reform the PNP, and restore its good image. The PNP must mean business in straightening up its ranks, so owing to command responsibility, EPD Chief Director Bernabe Balba along with 15 cops belonging to the EPD drugs unit, including its chief P/Maj.

Arnold Paranom have been relieved from their posts. Aside from being booted from the service, Paranom and his men will be charged with extortion in court. It is indeed as frustrating for Gen. Eleazar and as it is on the part of the general public to encounter cases where policemen who swore to serve and protect turn out to be the criminal offenders. People are likewise tired of hearing cases of crooked cops getting away with their crime so it was not at all surprising that viewers actually cheered at seeing the cop get a good dressing down from the general. During the live report on my program Tutok Erwin Tulfo over Radyo Pilipinas, it hit 25 thousand views and 2,000 shares within a few minutes. Many viewers said the kotong cop deserves more than what he got. I think so, too.

news incessantly, and so many swallowed it as gospel truth. It is not only the Philippines and Filipinos waking up to the truth that any “debt trap” has been from the US and its allies with their predatory financial institutions. Bangladesh and Myanmar have learned their lessons as their loan application to the World Bank were denied due to terms the two countries could not accept and hence returned to seek China’s financial assistance and were granted. Bangladesh’s Hasima government which last 2018 just won a fresh mandate, had been applying but was denied by the World Bank for $billion needed for the construction of its vital Padma Bridge that will link the country with the rest of Asia raising its GDP by as much as 2 percent. Bangladesh tried to finance it on its own fearing the debt trap, until they learned the China Debt Trap story being debunked. And then it turned to China and was given $3-billion assistance at 2-percent interest for the rail line including 66 main bridges, 244 minor bridges and 14 new rail stations. To be complete in 2022 it is now seen as a link to the BRI and opens up tremendous trading potential with Myanmar and the rest of the region. A 2-percent boost to its GDP is no chicken feed. It is the same case with Myanmar which had started to fear the so-called debt trap scrapped the construction of a railway between China’s Ruili and Kyaukpyu at the west coast of Myanmar for a shortcut bypassing the Malacca Strait, however realizing the fake news that the Hambantota

scare was Myanmar has again signed on to China’s BRI with the MOU for the establishment of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, hoping for China to also transfer its labor-intensive industries to Myanmar. Anyone can verify these good news in reliable Myanmar English news sites. The past few days, during the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad Mahathir, some mainstream Philippine newspapers have been selectively highlighting statements of the guest that would create that “China scare,” this is no different from all the rest of the scare mongering the purveyors of fake anti-PH and China cooperation fake news. There are at least 250,000 Filipinos working in Hong Kong with a population of only 7.3 million, a hundred thousand in Taiwan which has a population of 23.5 million. There are only 200,000 Mandarin speaking online gaming legal Chinese workers in the Philippines of 105-million Filipinos. Malaysia has a population of 31.62 million with over six-million Chinese-Malaysians, and a Third Wave of Chinese immigrant businessmen, Mahathir used this as an election issue but now Mahathir is the first one to sign up to attend the April BRI Forum, rushing ahead of Duterte. The Philippines, Bangladesh and Myanmar’s positive experiences with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and financial cooperation debunk with finality the repeated disinformation and fake news of detractors, though there is nothing wrong in continuing due diligence.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

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Unilateralism in the guise of upholding defense agreement to China which declaration effectively acknowledged that those disputed islands belong to China. The Taipei Peace Treaty signed the following year reiterated the same provision, but ordering the return of those islands instead to the exiled Kuomintang government in Taiwan obviously because of the US support for THE end of the Cold War saw states’ refocus- the Chiang Kai Shek government. The renewed antagonistic posturing of the ing in terms of identifying their national interests. From that standpoint, states began to US against China soon developed after it rereassert the primacy of securing their interest alized that the economic growth of China was not on the basis of ideological affinity. Rather, against its own interest in the global market. the removal of ideology in favor of pragmatic That rivalry today has nothing to do with ideoland practically application was to equate their ogy but the US is trying hard to blend it with Sinophobic undertones. Before that, it was the interest as sovereign entity. With the end of the Cold War, states re- US that contributed to the economic miracle of verted to the old Westphalian concept of the China by allowing the massive migration of its sovereignty of state. The network of military own production plants to that country, thinking alliances suddenly lost its value and relevance. that cheap labor would forever work to its adToday, states seek to identify their national in- vantage. Today, invoking the Mutual Defense Treaterest rather than reaffirm their alliances on the basis of ideology. This means that countries ty with the US sounds monotonous. As one must first identify and validate what constitutes would put it, it seems the US is the one invoktheir national interest. Only then could the alli- ing the treaty to secure its own interest against ance subsist beyond the political limitations of China, and not the other way around. Its policy makers continue to ignore that our muthe Cold War. The problem, however, is that the valida- tual defense treaty with the US has lost much tion of what constitutes the country’s national of its intrinsic value. The operational value of interest has narrowed down the scope that the MDT has always been designed to work in makes military alliances relevant and viable. favor of the US, which reason why some call it The end of the Cold War changed the paradigm an executive agreement than of a treaty. As the US persists in invoking to render military alliancits applicability, the es anachronistic. After Philippines could only all, countries seldom follow as an unwilling have identical and parmember. Our tension allel interests, a miliwith Malaysia over the tary dictum that justiThe US will never Sabah claim in 1968 fied NATO’s slogan catalyzed the truth that an attack against come to our assistance that the US will never one would be an attack if their participation come to our assistance against the rest of the if their participation in members. However, in a possible conflict is a possible conflict is measuring alone by not in pursuit of their not in pursuit of their degrees and proximity interest. how each state will act interest. Since the creation in defense of the other of the now-defunct is more than enough to Southeast Asia Treaty remind that each can Organization in 1954, act differently to every member-counit was the member-coun given circumstance. This explains why many were appalled tries that contributed more to the defense of the when US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said region than of the US coming to their defense during his visit to the Philippines that the US in conflicts classified as regional wars. The would come to the defense of the Philippines if Indian-Pakistan war erupted three times, and it is attacked, without naming the country likely the US as the promoter of that collective deto commit the aggression. Pompeo purposely fense agreement, never came to the assistance avoided mentioning China because he knows of Pakistan despite its being an original memthat given the political situation, his declaration ber of SEATO. Similarly, during the war in Indochina, could draw sharp reaction than endear Filipinos to rely on the so-called protective umbrella SEATO members contributed one way or the other to stop the North Vietnamese invasion of Uncle Sam. The renewed vigor of President Duterte to of South Vietnam, drove out the communist pursue closer ties with China awakened many Pathet Lao in Laos and the Khmer Rouge in that the Philippines and China have more in Cambodia despite the fact that the three Indocommon in their desire to achieve progress and chinese states were not members of SEATO or that the members of the alliance had an existing prosperity. The ideological affinity upon which the US defense agreement with any of them. Today, some quarters in the defense estabseeks to justify its presence in this part of the world no longer exists. Rather, many Filipi- lishment are again taking their cue from Washnos see their presence in the South China Sea ington to revise the MDT to include the disas in pursuit of its own interest. It is no longer puted islands in the South China Sea. Maybe ideology that goads the US to remain in South China would not rush to start a conflict with the China Sea. In fact, the strong statement is more Philippines over that issue. Certainly, however, of an imposition for the Philippines to adopt a that move could spoil the agreement between policy to impede our deepening economic ties the Philippines and China for a joint exploration to extract oil in the South China Sea. It with China. The US needs only to be reminded that it is would be very difficult for the Philippines to the principal architect why there exists a diplo- answer if China insists that those islands are matic row between this country and China in not part of our territory to be covered by our the South China Sea. If only the US observed Mutual Defense Treaty with the US. Some suspect that the US only needs to see the longitude and latitudinal demarcations in the Treaty of Paris on Dec. 10, 1898 for which the Philippines locked in a juggernaut to derail it paid $20 million to Spain for the title of ced- the agreement, hoping that China would come ing this archipelago named after Felipe II, there across to allow the entry of Shell, Chevron would be no conflict in our claim over those and Philex Petroleum Corporation alongside with its state-owned CNOOC and of the coununinhabited islands. In fact, it is the same title that excluded the try’s PNOC. Unless a possible compromise Scarborough Shoal down to the Spratly group is reached to marginalize anew the share of that was handed by the US to the Philippines PNOC, the area could remain a tinder box for the naval forces of China and the US, and perwhen it granted us our independence in 1946. It is embarrassing because the US even an- manently stall the joint venture agreement to nounced in the Treaty of San Francisco in 1951 the detriment of the country. that Japan should relinquish its sovereignty over the Spratlys including the Paracel islands rpkapunan@gmail.com

the Risen Lord reminded the disciples of betrayal, their own betrayal and abandonment of Jesus when they saved their own lives out of fear. They fled at the first moment of danger, afraid of the cost of discipleship, and in Peter’s case, even denying that he even knew the Lord. Jesus’ wounds also remind them and us that wounds are often inflicted by blindness of ambition and legalism and misuse of power that condemned an innocent person to die as a criminal. The wounds of the Risen Christ carry the memory of innocent suffering, but they also carry the memory of our weakness and sinfulness.” Tagle explains that this is an act of faith: “If we want to be agents of healing let us reject any tendency that is part of worldly thinking that refuses to see and touch the wounds of others, which are Christ ś wounds in the wounded people. Those

wounded by abuse and the scandal need us to be strong in faith in this moment. The world needs authentic witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, who draw close to His wounds as the first act of faith. I will be stressing: this is an act of faith.” One of the most important sections of Tagle’s presentation was his reflection on justice and forgiveness where we often are tempted to frame in “either/or” terms: “We strive either for justice or we try to offer forgiveness. We need a shift to a “both/and” stance as we deliberately ask these questions: How can we serve justice and foster forgiveness in the face of this wound of sexual abuse? How can we prevent distorting forgiveness so that we do not equate it with just letting the injustice slide away or move on and dismiss the wrong? How can we keep an accurate view of forgiveness as offering a startling mercy of unconditional

love to those who have done wrong, while at the same time, we strive for justice? How can we renew the Church by a firm correction of a definite wrong and walk with the abused, patiently and repeatedly begging forgiveness, knowing that giving such a gift can heal them even more?” Finally, Cardinal Tagle meditates on the resurrection, how we could learn from the Risen Lord and his disciples by looking at and touching the wounds of victims, families, guilty and innocent clergy, the Church and society. By beholding Jesus, our Messiah, who himself was wounded by betrayal and abuse of power, we are able to also see the wounds of those hurt by those who should have protected them. According to Tagle: “In Jesus we experience the mercy that preserves justice and celebrates the gift of forgiveness. The Church hopefully would be a community of justice com-

ing from communion and compassion, a Church eager to go forth on a mission of reconciliation to the wounded world in the Holy Spirit. Once again, the Crucified and Risen Lord stands in our midst at this moment, shows us his wounds and proclaims: “Peace be with you!” May we ever grow in our faith in this great mystery.” In Cardinal Tagle’s reflections on the sex abuse crisis is encapsulated the journey we are asked to traverse this Lent. As individuals, families, communities, and Church, we are called to conversion, to repent and change our ways, and to work for justice and practice forgiveness. Lent is followed by Easter but there is no path to the resurrection except through the passion and crucifixion.

prisonment of six to ten days, or fine of P3,000.00; and third offense: imprisonment of eleven to thirty days AND a fine of P10,000.00. Making offensive body gestures at someone, and exposing private parts for the sexual gratification of the perpetrator with the effect of demeaning, harassing, threatening or intimidating the offended party including flashing private parts, public masturbation, groping, and similar lewd actions are punishable by: First offense: fine of P10,000.00 and community service of twelve hours inclusive of attendance in GSS; second offense: imprisonment of eleven to thirty days, or a P15,000.00 fine; and third offense: imprisonment of one month and one day to six

months, AND a fine of P20,000.00 Stalking and any of previous acts when accompanied by touching, pinching, or brushing against the body of the offended person; or any touching pinching, or brushing against the genitalia, face, arms, anus, groin, breasts, inner thighs, buttocks or any part of the victim’s body will be meted the following punishment: First offense: imprisonment of eleven to thirty days, or a P30,000.00 fine, with attendance in a GSS; second offense: imprisonment of one month and one day up to six months, or a fine of P50,000.00; and third offense: imprisonment of six years, or fine of P100,000.00.” Listed as punishable gender-based online sexual harassment re: “acts that use

information and communications technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims through physical, psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, and sexist remarks and comments online whether publicly or through direct and private messages, invasion of victim’s privacy through cyberstalking and incessant messaging, uploading and sharing without the consent of the victim, any form of media that contains photos, voice or video with sexual content, any unauthorized recording and sharing of any of the victim’s photos, videos, or any information online, impersonating identities of victims online or posting lies about victims to harm their reputation, or filing false abuse reports to online platforms to

silence victims.” The penalties for gender-based online sexual harassment are prision correccional in its medium period (imprisonment of two years, four months and one day to four years), or a fine of not more than P500,000.00. Sexual harassment is rampant and we need a law that will help minimize this abuse and provide recourse to victims. The Safe Spaces bill should become a law. I hope that Congress will soon forward the bill to Malacañang for the president’s signature. It will be interesting to know what Duterte will do.

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Arroyo lauds new RORO ports

IN BRIEF Du30 to distribute land titles

By Maricel V. Cruz

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte led the distribution of 3,423 certificates of land ownership award, and campaign for the administration’s senatorial candidates in separate events in northern Negros on Friday. In Sagay City, Duterte was welcomed by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, together with Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones and Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino. He was assisted by Castriciones in the ceremonial distribution of land titles to the representatives of the 2,495 agrarian reform beneficiaries, during the program at Balay Kauswagan scheduled to start at 4 p.m. DAR said the CLOAs covered 1,609 hectares of acquired land from 141 landowners in eight cities and 11 municipalities in Negros Occidental. Out of the 2,495 ARBs, 485, who received land titles for 457 hectares, received basic and appropriate support services from the DAR and other concerned national and local government agencies through the Land Tenure ImprovementProgram Beneficiaries Development Integration Strategy. PNA

PEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday commended the Maritime Industry Authority for the establishment of eight Roll On-Roll Off terminals on missionary routes.

Arroyo, as president from 2001 to 2010, initiated the creation of a nautical highway to speed up transportation of goods that resulted in the decrease of the price of certain commodities in urban centers. In addition, Arroyo’s nautical highway opened up new markets for products that were traditionally marketed certain regions or in certain localities. Arroyo said the openining of terminals by the MARINA would result in greater connectivity and strengthen economic interactions of the various islands of the archipelago.

“I am glad that the MARINA is working towards supporting the growth of trade and greater connectivity in the country. These new missionary routes will increase the efﬁciency of transportation and shipping which will ultimately spur growth in the regions,” Arroyo said. The MARINA made the announcement during the Oversight Committee on Transportation hearing spearheaded by Arroyo to check on the status of the RORO system, a project she started when she was president. MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narci-

so Vingson Jr. presented the new routes at the oversight meeting conducted in Hilongos, Leyte earlier this week. The new eight RO-RO missionary routes were the following: Daanbantayan, Cebu to Calbayog City, Samar; Tabuelan, Cebu to Ajuy, Iloilo; Laoay, Bohol to Cagayan de Oro; San Juan, Batangas to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Iloilo City to Cuyo, Palawan; San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate to Pasacao, Camarines Sur; San Andres, Quezon to Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Lucena, Quezon to San Fernando, Cebu. Vingson that that being missionary routes, the proponent shipping operator will enjoy a ﬁve-year route exclusivity or protection of investment. On top of this, the operator will be granted a 50 percent discount on the regular fees to process all applications and renewal of ship documents, licenses, certiﬁcates, and permits.

Troops launch simultaneous drive against Sulu bandits

Solon pushes for 1st 1,000 Days Act A HOUSE leader on Friday called for the immediate implementation of Republic Act 11148 or the First 1,000 Days Act. Deputy Speaker and AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin lauded the efforts of the Department of Health, the National Nutrition Council Governing Board, and all stakeholders involved in the drafting of the implementing rules and regulations of the said law. She, however, said that “time is of the essence” and stressed the need to expedite its release. Garin warned that the delayed implementation of the First 1,000 Days Act will only hamper the nation’s progress and that the next generation of Filipinos is bound to face its repercussions. “The future of our country is in the hands of healthy and productive Filipinos. How can we usher a new generation of healthy and productive Filipinos if providing the basic nutritional and developmental needs of both mother and child are delayed? We must all remember that the crucial stage of brain development occurs during the first 1,000 days of life. This includes important primary structures and processes that support one’s fundamental behaviors,” Garin said, citing the policy statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Maricel V. Cruz

By Francisco Tuyay

CAR CROOKS. Four suspected car thieves were killed in an encounter between the PNP-Highway Patrol Group in Poblacion, Muntinlupa City on Friday. The PNP-HPG recovered police uniform and IDs at the crime scene with a volume of shabu and three short firearms and a shot gun. Lino Santos

11 TESDA officials accused in graft case MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF THE ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL CENTER - BUTUAN, INC. (Registrant) x--------------------------------------------x

: REGISTRATION OF SECURITIES :Initial Public Offering :

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that on 19 February 2019, a sworn Registration Statement (“RS”) has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on behalf of ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL CENTER - BUTUAN, INC. (the “Company”) for the registration of Two Hundred Twenty-Eighty Thousand (228,000) shares with par value of one thousand pesos (PhP1,000.00) per share broken down as follows: Primary Offering (To be offered and sold by way of Initial Public Offering)

36,000 common shares

Equivalent to 3,600 blocks or 10 shares per block at an offer price ranging from Php200,000 up to Php400,000 per block

Issued and Outstanding Founder’s Shares (Not included in the Offer)

600

With par value of Php1,000.00 per share

Issued and Outstanding Common Shares (Not included in the Offer)

131,400

With par value of Php1,000.00 per share

Issued and Outstanding Preferred Shares (Not included in the Offer)

60,000

With par value of Php1,000.00 per share

TOTAL

228,000

According to the documents presented, the following persons are the directors and executive officers of the Company: NAME

POSITION

AMADO MANUEL C. ENRIQUEZ, JR. REY ANTHONY P. ROBLES FREDILYN G. SAMORO SYLVIA B. HANGOS GERALDINE P. MALBAS FERJENEL G. BIRON DEANNA RAE C. LIBARIOS GEANIE A. CERNA-LOPEZ MARIETTA T. SAMOY DANILO C. REGOZO ANTONIO S. MONTALBAN, JR. PSYCHE C. NEBRADA AGNES JEAN M. VILLAFLOR ARMANDO S. AALA DOROTHY MILDRED S. CU

The establishment of the new routes, which were proposed by shipping operators, is done in support of the Road Rollon/Roll-off Terminal System as well as the priority program relating to the upgrading of domestic shipping. This is further in line with the development of the nautical highway under the 10-year maritime industry development plan. While the acquisition of a proponent shipping operator’s Certiﬁcates of Public Convenience is being processed, the MARINA will issue a letter approval to give the operator four months to start vessel operation on its proposed route. The eight new industry-proposed missionary routes are in addition to the 19 missionary routes opened in January 2019. By February 2019, interest to ply the unserved routes ﬂooded in as shipping operators submitted applications to serve seven of the 19 routes.

Chairman Vice Chairman Director/President Director/Vice President Director/Corporate Secretary Director Director/Treasurer Director Director Director Director Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director

The Registration Statement, its attachments and any amendments therein (collectively referred to as “RS”) are open for inspection by interested parties during business hours. Copies thereof, photostatic or otherwise, shall be furnished to every party upon request at such reasonable fees as the Commission may prescribe. Said RS and its updated version may be downloaded from the company’s website: www.acebutuan.com.ph

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR Director (MS-MAR. 9, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

AN EMPLOYEE of the Technical Education and Skills Authority filed a P1.4-billion graft case against 11 officials of the agency after the TESDA board found evidence of a conspiracy to rig the procurement of special toolkits for TESDA scholars on behalf of their preferred contractor. In her graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman, TESDA employee Armina Flora Tayko-Villanueva accused her colleagues Pilar de Leon, Imelda Ong, Luz Victoria Amponin, Maria Magdalena Butad, Renato Geron, Gaspar Gayona, Dante Navarro, Maria Clara Ignacio, Gracia dela Rama, Conrado Duque and Leonardo Pinac of allegedly violating Republic Act 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices law. Villanueva, in a press statement, said the 11 reportedly conspired to rig the bidding for the procurement of P1.4 billion worth of starter toolkits on Special Training for Employment Program or STEP. Former members of the TESDA bids and awards committee, the 11 were accused of having caused the delay of the awarding of said contract to the winning bidder which Villanueva said was compliant with all regulatory requirements. The 11 invalidated the win of the bidder to

cause a rebidding in favor of their long-standing contractor, ACMI, who lost during the first round of the procurement bids due to lack of competency and standing, Villaueva said. TESDA records show that most of the contracts entered into by the agency had ACMI as third party supplier. Some of these contracts involved procurement of vehicles, production of printed materials and several others. Villanueva tagged Pilar de Leon, chief of the TESDA administration office, as the mastermind behind what she described as the anomalous rebidding. This is the same person, Villanueva said, that manipulated the payments of multi-million pesos to several ghost training schools in Regions 3 and 4, based on an investigation initiated by former TESDA Director General Guiling Mamondiong. Mamondiong appointed Villanueva as head of a team which investigated De Leon and Atty. Imelda Ong. Several firms which are already closed and not operating as training skills schools continue to receive multi-million peso payments after presenting TESDA coupons.

MILITARY forces on Friday waged simultaneous air and ground campaign against a large concentration of Islamic State-affiliated Abu Sayyaf Group in the hinterlands of Sulu. At break of dawn Friday, fighting still raged as helicopter gun ships and attack planes conducted air strikes and artilleries against some 200 ASG members in Brgy. Kabbun Takas, Patikul, the military said. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the 200 ASG bandits were under their leaders Radulan Sahiron and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan who were spotted converging in Sitios AgasAgas and Limasan in Brgy. Kabbun Takas. There had been no specific numbers of casualties on both sides while fighting was reported continuing in the outskirts of Patikul, Sulu, the supposed haven of the terrorists. The offensive against the terrorists was part of the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to pursue the culprits of the Jolo Cathedral twin bombings which left 23 individuals including five soldiers dead and wounded 123 others last Jan. 27. Military ground commanders believed the consolidation of 200 ASG bandits was part of their plan to launch terror attacks. “This military offensive is launched before they could carry out whatever terroristic action they are planning which I believe something big as they have consolidated such number of terrorists,” JTF Sulu Commander, Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr. said. “We have stepped-up our tactical offensives against the ASG following the monitored and validated consolidation of the ASG terrorists in the hinterland of Patikul,” Pabayo added. Anticipating diversionary attacks by the ASG, tight security was enforced in Metro Jolo.

‘Anti-corruption campaign should be in curriculum’ IN THE fourth week of the campaign, senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad urged the government to start with the young in its anti-corruption campaign. Manicad, a multi-awarded broadcast journalist, lamented that one of the driving forces behind his decision to run for a “higher level of public service” was the unending spate of issues he reported on which stemmed from corruption. “As a reporter, you see the poorest of the poor experiencing lack of proper housing, lack of medicines, lack of social services... The Filipino people are suffering because of corruption, and it has to stop,” he explained in a press statement. Manicad maintained that for an anti-corruption campaign to be more effective, it should start in the elementary grades. “The Department of Education should include the government’s anti-corruption campaign in the GMRC (Good Manners and Right Conduct) subject,” Manicad said. Aside from the GMRC, the DepEd could also incorporate the campaign in subjects such as English, Filipino, social sciences and the arts. “Young Pinoys should be staging plays, writing essays, doing projects that depict the value of integrity against the ill effects of corruption in society,” the former broadcast journalist said.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. PTT Philippines has launched its ‘Paaral Program’ aimed at reaching out to 10,000 elementary students from at least 100 public schools in remote barangays in the country. Supported by the Department of Education, the Thai oil firm’s project will provide educational materials and tools for both the students and their schools in exchange for at least 10 trees per student that they need to plant inside their respective school compound. Photo shows (L-R) Sukanya Seriyothin, president and CEO, PTT Philippines Corp.; Brig. Gen. Augusto dela Peña (partly hidden), 15th Strike Wing Commander, Philippine Air Force; Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng; Auttapol Rerkpiboon, chief operating officer, PTT Thailand’s Downstream Petroleum Business Group and Chairman of the Board, PTTOR; Camilo Gudmalin, DSWD Undersecretary for Special Concerns; and Jiraphon Kawsawat, president and chief executive officer, PTTOR, during launching held in Makati. Manny Palmero

Sports

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Mighty Sports honored by Filipino sportswriters

Mighty Sports representative Dominic Uy receives the company’ plaque of appreciation from the PSA during its recent Awards Night.

FOR its long involvement in various sports and civic organizations and its dominant showing during the 2016 Jones Cup, Mighty Sports has been honored by the Philippine Sportswriters Association during its recent Awards Night at the historic Manila Hotel. Amateur basketball, junior golf, and futsal are just some of the sports Mighty Sports have supported—not to mention carving out a niche of its own in international basketball arena. “We are deeply touched with the recognition conferred to us by the prestigious media organization,” said Mighty Sports co-team owner Alex Wongchuking. “This recognition will further inspire us to help the needy but talented athletes.” “The Mighty Sports family won’t waver in our support of the country’s grassroots programs, and we are willing to do our own share in helping win the country’s first Olympic gold,” added Wongchuking.

Junior PH athletes steal spotlight

LAGAN CITY—Junior track athletes Anne Katherine Quitoy and Charmaine De Ocampo stole the spotlight from their seniors with record-breaking performances and multiple gold-medal hauls at the close of the 2019 Ayala—Philippine Athletics Championships Friday afternoon here at the Ilagan City Sports Complex.

Quitoy, the Bacolod City native and Palarong Pambansa champion, threw the spear by 44.71 meters in girls’ javelin to erase a 21-year-old record of 44.54 meters set by legendary thrower Rosie Villarito back in the 1998 national open. The hurl of 18-year-old Quitoy was meters ahead of her closest competitors

Lanie Carpentero (41.93 meters) and Tina Rosete (34.28meters), who settled for silver and bronze medals, respectively. De Ocampo, on the other hand, also sent a strong statement as the most promising runner today with an astounding four-gold and two-silver medal finish at the end of the three-day trackfest organized by the

Mixed gender relay 4x400 champs (from left) Robyn Brown, Francis Medina, Eloisa Luzon and Mico del Prado

PATAFA and supported by the City of Ilagan, Ayala, Milo, Philippine Sports Commission, Soleus, L.TimeStudio, Cherrylume, Foton, Asian Athletics Association and the International Association of Athletics Federation. The Cavite Province standout De Ocampo emerged as the most bemedalled athlete in the APAC with gold-medal wins in the 1,500 meters (5:09.98) yesterday to add to her earlier mints in the 800 meters, 4x100 and 4x400 girls’ relays. She just fell short in the 4x400 mixed gender relay and the 3,000-meter run and settled for the silvers. National team members also hogged the spotlight with Francis Medina, Robyn Brown, Kristina Knott, Eric Cray and Anfernee Lopena also finishing with multiple gold medals. Hurdlers Medina and Brown clinched three gold medals apiece following their wins in the men’s and women’s 400 meter hurdles, respectively. They also added mints with wins in the 4x100 men’s and 4x100 women’s relay events, respectively. They ended their strong showing in style in the first ever 4x400 mixed gender relay together with Eloisa Luzon and Mico Del Prado after clocking in 33.44 seconds to complete a triple-gold medal haul. Today’s top Filipino sprinters Cray and Knott also reigned supreme in the 200-meter run to highlight the last day of the national open, which also serves as qualification of the national team pool

members for the coming Southeast Asian Games this November in New Clark City. Veteran SEAG campaigner and multiple gold medalist Cray clocked 21.92 seconds in the said event to prevail over Mohammad Irfan Qabeel Daud (22.59 seconds) and Yann Guang Marcell Tan (22.88 seconds) of Singapore, who settled for the silver and bronze medals, respectively. This was Cray’s second gold medal after anchoring the national team’s 4x100 men relay victory during the first day, with teammates Lopena, Jomar Udtohan and and Clinton Bautista. The meet’s fastest woman Knott, for her part, zeroed in on the 32-year-national record of legend Lydia De Vega (23.35seconds) after a 23.63-second run in the 200 meters to win the gold over national teammates Zion Corrales Nelson (24.03seconds) and Kayla Richardson (24.51seconds). Like Medina and Brown, the Orlando, Florida native Knott also emerged as a triple-gold medalist with earlier wins in 4x100 women relay and the centerpiece 100-meter run. Hailed as this year’s fastest man with a victory in the centerpiece event 100-meter dash, national team veteran Anfernee Lopena also has a chance to be a triplegold mint winner with an upcoming race in the 4x100 mixed gender relay along with Eloisa Luzon, Kyla Richardson and Cray as of press time.

time, supporting a good cause, which is to fund the scholarship program of the foundation. We’re glad to be supporting this annual endeavor of AmCham as it not only benefits the less fortunate but also gives us the opportunity to be part of a community that helps those in need,” Manager for Policy Government and Public Affairs Atty. Raissa Bautista shared. AmCham Foundation has been fueling up learning for many years now, providing scholarships to high school, vocational and college students since 1986. Through its member companies, the organization sponsors tuition fees, uniforms, subsistence allowances, school supplies, project fees, and even on-the-job training and employment assistance. To date, the program has helped more than 2,000 youth scholars graduate and secure good employment. A number of former scholars are now employed at reputable Filipino and multinational companies. Chevon Philippines employees take part in the 8th AmCham ScholaRUN.

Shazwan, Roxas rule Prima badminton singles MALAYSIAN Shahrul Shazwan and Maria Alyssa Roxas captured recently the open singles titles of the 12th Prima Pasta Badminton Championships at the Powersmash badminton courts in Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. Shazwan regained his title by beating national player Ross Leenard Pedrosa, 2118, 21-17, in the finale to bag the men’s open singles crown of the tournament supported by the SMART Communications through MVP Sports Foundation and APACS Makati. Shazwan of JC Badminton also avenged his last year’s lost in the semifinals by crushing Rabie Jason Oba-ob, 21-16, 2118, in the final four to advance to the final round against Pedrosa.

Boysen Paints, Morning Maria Alyssa Roxas bested Star Milling CorporaJanelle Anne Andres, 21-14, tion., Mabz Builders, ILO 21-19, to capture the womConstruction, Monocrete en’s open singles’ title. She Construction, Pioneer Indefeated Kanna Baba, 21-16, surance, Promax Interna21-18, in the semifinals of tional, Regent Foods Corp., the competition sanctioned RFM Corp, Gardenia and by the Philippine Badminton Del Monte Phils. Association. In other results, Mikaela Jewel Angelo Albo, meanJoy Miranda De Guzman won while, copped two titles over Jochelle Alvarez, 21-13, after ruling the boys’ sin21-17, for the girls’ U-19 title, gles under-19 and 17-under Shahrul Shazwan while Anthea Marie Gonzacrowns. He outplayed Lyrden Laborte, 21-14, 21-8, in the boys’ Un- lez outclassed Viana Meryl Antonio, 21-14, der-19 and Francis Sarmiento, 21-5, 21-13, 21-14, for girls’ U-17 crown, and Mark Anthony Bernal crushed John Herbert Peralta, in the boys’ U-17 championship rounds. The tournament was backed by 21-15, 21-8, for boys’ U-15 plum.

7-Eleven Tour cycling listup now ongoing FRESH from the 7-Eleven Trail 2019, the premier mountain biking event in the country, 7-Eleven is now embarking on another road cycling event – the 7-Eleven Tour 2019. After seven years, 7-Eleven is following up the successful Tour 700 with the 7-Eleven Tour 2019. The event, which takes place on April 7 at Clark Global City in Mabalacat, Pampanga, promises to gather professional and weekend road bike enthusiasts for a grueling road race challenge. The Tour 700: Bayani ng Barangay debuted in May 2012 not just to celebrate the opening of 7-Eleven’s 700th store, but also to create a sporting event that will bring the best riders together in a single day race, while also providing a challenging opportunity for newbie cyclists. This year, 7-Eleven Tour 2019 will be comprised of two categories, 48KM and 106KM. The courses will start at Clark Global City and will take the participants to SCTEX heading to Subic and back. Over 5,000 cyclists from various backgrounds and age groups are expected to join. Log on to the event’s official website at https://tour711.com/ and register now because the period for signing up is only until March 24.

Pekaf opens drafting camp

Chevron joins 8th AmCham ScholaRUN to help students ABOUT 200 employees of Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, and Chevron Holdings Inc. put on their running shoes last March 3 for the 8th AmCham ScholaRUN. The fun run is an annual fund-raising initiative of the American Chamber of Commerce Foundation Philippines Inc. to help send students to school was held at the Central Park, SM Seaside Complex in Pasay City. More than 4,000 employees from AmCham member companies, many of whom arrived as early as 5AM joined the run, filled the seaside complex, and showed their enthusiasm in supporting the scholarship program. The participants chose from various categories to join in—three-kilometer run, five-kilometer run and a 10-kilometer run. “We’re glad to be institutionalizing ScholaRUN as part of our employee program, promoting wellness and, at the same

One of the premier sources for customized jerseys and athletic apparel, Mighty Sports made heads turn in 2016 when it won the Jones Cup via a remarkable 8-0 sweep. But Mighty Sports’ bid for a golden sweep in the Merlion Cup in Singapore in the same year was foiled by Shanghai, 78-77, no thanks to three charities given to the Chinese club with no time left. Among the schools and organizations it has helped are Xavier School, University of the Philippines in the UAAP, College of St. Benilde in the NCAA and the PBA Press Corps. Mighty Sports started to create “noise” when it reigned supreme in club tournaments, including the Philippine Commercial Basketball League in 2013 and the Bulacanbased Republica Cup. Mighty Sports was one of 27 personalities and entities who received citation from the oldest media organization in the country.

THE Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation opens its 1st National Drafting Camp at the Philsports Arena, Pasig City today. The camp will run until March 10. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Chairman and President of PEKAF, will grace the camp during the closing program to personally congratulate the athletes. The camp’s participating athletes are all gold medalists of the Individual Forms, Padded Stick, and Live Stick events of the PEKAF National Battle of the Champions held last July 2018. PEKAF, recognized as the National Sports Association for Arnis by the Philippine Sports Commission, is hosting the National Drafting Camp ahead of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Athletes who will excel in this camp will be drafted as members of the Philippine National Arnis Team, which will represent the country in the upcoming 2019 SEA Games.

Parañaque vs Laguna in NBL opener PARAÑAQUE begins its title-retention bid on Saturday when it takes on Laguna in the opening day of the second season of the National Basketball League at the Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The Aces battle the Pistons in the second game of the doubleheader at 6 p.m. right after the first game between the Taguig Generals and the Dasmariñas Ballers at 4 p.m. Parañaque coach Harold Sta. Cruz said the Aces have kept their core intact, led by last year’s finals Most Valuable Player Noy Bermudes, Jess Quilatan, and Richmond Sunga. “Sinabi ko tapos na ‘yung last season.

Games Today

(Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex) 4 p.m. – Taguig vs. Dasmariñas 6 p.m. – Parañaque vs Laguna

Kung kaya namin i-defend ‘yung championship, why not? Hard practice pa rin kami para pagdating sa game, laging go hard,” said Sta. Cruz. Laguna made a big impression entering the second season of the league after sweeping the preseason. The Dasmariñas Ballers, meanwhile, will go up against the Taguig Generals as they aim to return to the finals after bowing to the Aces in last season’s championship series.

Sports

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

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

Bolts trip Batang Pier in double overtime By Jeric Lopez MERALCO showed its grit and willed its way to a thrilling 126-123 doubleovertime victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier to snap its three-game losing streak and get a much-needed boost in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday. Chris Newsome was spectacular all game for Meralco, scoring a team-high 28 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals in a complete game and a near triple-double while Baser Amer scored eight of his 23 markers in overtime to help the Bolts escape. After barely surviving and sending the game to overtime twice, the Bolts took charge in the second extension, scoring the first eight points to finally close out in a highly-contested affair. Ranidel De Ocampo’s basket started the second overtime period and then, Amer knocked down back-toback triples to give Meralco a 121-113 advantage with 2:12 remaining. With Stanley Pringle still fighting, NorthPort fought back through a 10-4 run to inch within just two, 123-125, after the fiery spitfire’s basket with 12.3 seconds remaining. Nico Salva split his freebies to stretch Meralco’s lead to three, 126123, with four seconds left. The Batang Pier failed to even put up an attempt in the last second as Meralco forced a turnover, completing its tremendous grind. Meralco improved to 3-5 to get itself back in the chase for a top eight spot while NorthPort dropped its fourth game in a row, sliding to 2-4 in the process. The Bolts rallied in the final 30 seconds of the regulation period to send the game into overtime. The Batang Pier were actually ahead 106-100 with just 30 seconds left but the Bolts fought tooth and nail to tie the score and send the game into overtime. Chris Newsome drained the gametying basket following a perfectly executed alley-oop play off Nard Pinto’s inbound pass with two seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 106-all. In the first overtime, it was Salva who sank a hook shot with 34.8 seconds left to tie it again at 113. Stanley Pringle led all scorers with a game-high 33 points for the Batang Pier. Meanwhile, the action continues today with another pivotal double-header at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Alaska (3-2) looks to solidify its spot at No. 3 when it goes head-tohead against ailing Magnolia (1-4) at 6:45 p.m. in a rematch of the 2018 Governors’ Cup Finals.

Lady Falcons extend UAAP win streak DEFENDING champion Adamson University topped University of Santo Tomas, 7-1, for its seventh straight victory Thursday in the UAAP Season 81 softball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. It was only the second time this season that the Lady Falcons yielded a run, but it hardly mattered as the San Marcelino-based squad continued their perfect run. De La Salle blanked Ateneo, 3-0, to seize solo third at 5-3, half-a-game behind idle National University (5-2) in the race for the twice-to-beat semifinals incentive. University of the Philippines fashioned out a 12-5 win over University of the East. The Lady Maroons moved in a tie with the Tigresses in fourth spot at 4-4. In baseball, Ateneo overpowered UP, 23-6, to raise its league-best record at 5-1. De La Salle beat titleholder Adamson University, 6-5, for the second time in a row, while UST bested NU, 9-4. The Green Batters and the Growling Tigers remained level in second place at 4-2, while the Falcons dropped at 3-3.

NorthPort Batang Pier forward Sean Anthony (10) is fouled by Meralco Bolts counterpart Cliff Hodge while driving to the hoop. PBA Media

Park rules TCC Invitational L

AGUNA—Sung Hyun Park scored an expected victory in the ﬁrst The Country Club Ladies Invitational here yesterday but in startling fashion as amateur Yuka Saso put up a world-class challenge all day before yielding in the end, enabling the world No. 1 to clinch a two-stroke victory despite a closing 74.

Just when everybody braced for a Park romp following her bogey-free 66 that hiked her lead to four Thursday, Saso provided not only the challenge but also the drama in a third straight high noon duel with the world’s best, pulling to within one with two holes left only to blow it all with a wet double bogey on the par-3 17th of the TCC layout. That gave Park the cushion she needed to secure the victory as she closed out with pars for her worst card (36-38) in three days for a seven-under 209 total, including an opening 69, beating Saso by two as the latter birdied the tough closing

hole to save a 72 and a 211. “We make mistakes…that’s okay,” said Park, referring to her bogey on No. 15 off an errant drive that allowed Saso to threaten within one and sparked hopes for a possible playoff or a shock reversal in the $100,000 championship the former was expected to dominate with her world class skills and form. But the Fil-Japanese pulled her tee-shot into the water on the 17th. Instead of taking a drop, she opted to hit another shot but into the bunker, paving the way for Park’s march to victory in the latter’s first official tournament since claiming the

Sung Hyun Park takes a selfie after winning the TCC Ladies Invitational.

world top ranking last Tuesday after ruling the Women’s World Championship in Singapore. The two-time Major winner thanked her fans, including close to 30 Korean women making up the “Park’s Army,” and those who are based here. “I really had fun in the past three days and the course was in great shape,” added the 25-year-old ace, who pocketed the top purse of $15,000, way off the $225,000 she received last Sunday. Like in Singapore, the new Solaire brand ambassador took the TCC Ladies crown the hard way as Saso, unfazed by the status and caliber of her rival, more than proved her worth in the last 18 holes, battling the world’s best shot-for-shot and putt-for-putt. “She’s a pro material,” said Park of the 17-year-old reigning Asian Games champion, who impressed her as early as Tuesday during her golf clinic.

Cebu CC remains overall leader CEBU—Drawing 36 points from burly Bayani Garcia’s even-par 72 effort yesterday, Cebu Country Club continued to lead in the overall race of the 72nd Philippine Airlines Interclub, with Manila Southwoods regaining the Championship Division pace at Mactan Island Golf Course here. The Founders Division campaigners pooled a third round 131 over the tight and bouncy layout near the international airport, as they take a 376 tally into today’s final round at the Cebu Country Club course they all call home. “We prepared so hard to win the Founders,” playing captain Marco Sarmiento, who will play in the final round, said. “We never expected for any of this (leading the overall race) to be happening. But now that we’re here, we’ll definitely go for it (overall championship).” Should Cebu CC sustain its magnificent performance, this will mark just the second time in the long and rich history of the country’s unofficial team championship that this will happen, with the first taking place when Aguinaldo pulled out the feat in 1988 also here in Cebu. Marc Gonzales fired 35 and Jon Alvarez posted 33 with Cebu CC

counting either 27 of Eric Deen and Martin Mendoza. Southwoods matched Cebu CC’s 131 after getting 36 points from Sean Ramos, 33 from Masaichi Otake and 32 and 30 points, respectively, from Aidric Chan and Jae Hyung-jhun. The Carmona-based squad, seeking to duplicate Canlubang’s five-peat in the 1990s, threw away the 28 of the veteran Jun Jun Plana. “I am still confident with my final round team,” non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano said as Yuto Katsuragawa, the teen Japanese national team member, comes out for Southwoods together with Carl Corpuz, Josh Jorge, Chepe Dulay and former junior world champ Kristopher Arevalo. Luisita made a move and grabbed second spot in the Championship Division, eight points behind Southwoods, after shooting a day-best 132 built around the 35 of Luis Guerrero and the 34 of Josef Bucay. Jhondee Quibol and Elee Bisera scored 32 and 31 for the Luisitans. Del Monte was another four points behind after a 117, even as surprise first round second placer Tagaytay Highlands continued to slow down with a week-

Southwoods veteran Jun Plana blasts out of the bunker during the 72nd Philippine Airlines Interclub in Cebu. Charles Dantes

worst 104 to be at 337 and 35 points off the Championship Division pace. Orchard stayed in second in the Founders after a 122, 23 points behind Cebu

CC. Orchard is 13 points ahead of the third-placed Forest Hills squad and could wind up winning the bracket if Cebu goes on to rule the overall division.

Bucks bounce back from losses to punish Pacers

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes to the basket against the Indiana Pacers on March 7, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

LOS ANGELES, United States—Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points and made 12 rebounds as the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks regained their swagger by cruising to a 117-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday. The Bucks season had hit a snag as they were coming off losing back-to-back games for the first time this season when they failed to hold big leads against the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz. The mini slump didn’t last long, though, as they bounced back nicely against the Pacers and Khris Middleton added 27 points for the Bucks, who improved to a NBA-best 49-16 on the season. “The last two games we had trouble holding onto a lead,” said Middleton. “It was great to get this win and get back to what we do.” Myles Turner had 22 points and Bojan

Bogdanovic 17 for the Pacers, who lost star guard Victor Oladipo to a season-ending injury last month. The loss also ended Bogdanovic’s streak of five straight 20 point games. The Bucks have now beaten the Pacers in four out of five contests this season. Milwaukee went on a 12-0 run early in the fourth quarter to take command of the game. Pacers Kyle O’Quinn scored a basket to cut the Bucks’ lead to 84-74 to start the final quarter. Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova sparked the run with a three pointer and Antetokounmpo capped it with a driving layup to make it 9674 with 8:21 remaining. “We just tried to play hard and get back on track,” Antetokounmpo said. “We got back to our old habits and started defending and helping one another on defence.” AFP

IN BRIEF

Aboitiz Equity posts net income of P22.2b

ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc., the holding company of the Aboitiz Group, reported a three-percent increase in consolidated net income to P22.2 billion in 2018 from P21.6 billion in 2017. “We remain conﬁdent about the longterm prospects of our businesses in fueling our country’s economic growth, which, in return, generates greater demand for our products and services,” said AEV president and chief executive ofﬁcer Erramon Aboitiz in a statement. AEV said non-recurring losses reached P891 million from previous year’s P2.3 billion, consisting of net unrealized foreign exchange losses and asset impairment costs. Without the one-off losses, core net income in 2018 totaled P23.1 billion, down three percent from P23.9 billion in 2017. “From investing to meet infrastructure demand to providing innovative solutions to empower small businesses, and through our new multi-country platform, we leverage our capabilities to drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities,” Aboitiz said. Alena Mae S. Flores

Business

SSS succeeds versus delinquent employers

STATE-RUN pension fund Social Security System posted a more than 75 percent compliance rate from 115 delinquent employers as a result of its Run After Contribution Evaders Campaign in the regions in 2018. SSS president and chief executive Emmanuel Dooc said 87 out of 115 pre-identified delinquent employers subjected to RACE Campaign fulfilled their statutory obligations under the Social Security Act of 1997 on the back of an intensified collection and awareness campaign of the pension fund. “The number may seem small, but the impact of this campaign is directly linked to a 13.9-percent increase in collection of members’ contributions from P159 billion in 2017 to P180 billion as of December 2018,” he said. “After visiting 10 cities nationwide, we are glad that the RACE Campaign has fulfilled its purpose of raising our employer’s awareness on their responsibilities as business owners. Likewise, employees learned how to assert their right to social security after having conversations with them during the operations,” Dooc said. Julito G. Rada

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DUTCH SHIPBUILDER. Trade and Industry Secretary Secretary Ramon Lopez (right) discusses with Damen Shipyard Group chairman Kommer Damen several investment opportunities in the Philippines, including the Hanjin facility in Subic, in a meeting on March 4. Dutch shipbuilder Damen focuses on the production of smaller vessels, like yachts, cruises ships, navy ships and tug boats.

BSP readies debt paper, surveys market sentiment By Julito G. Rada

HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will take the pulse of the market on its planned debt paper after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the BSP Charter amendments into law. “We are going to conduct marketsounding exercises... Once we got the details, we will give it to the Monetary Board,” said Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo Friday. He said the Bangko Sentral was likely to get the approval of the board before proceeding with the planned debt paper issue. The new BSP Charter embodies a package of reforms that will further align its operations with global best

practices, improve the central bank’s corporate viability, and enhance its capacity for crafting proactive policies amid rising interlinkages in the financial markets and the broader economy. In line with current international trends, the law removes money supply and credit levels as basis for determining the monetary policy. The focus on these indicators has declined among central banks over the years, as fostering price stability now considers a broader set of indicators. The revised charter also restores the central bank’s authority to issue debt papers as part of its regular operation. This gives the BSP greater flexibility in determining the timing and size of monetary operations. Deputy Governor Maria Almasara Cyd Tuano Amador said in a previous briefing the Bangko Sentral would avoid competing with the national government in the issuance of debt papers. “We’ll deliberately work on the op-

erational details so that there will be no competition between the national government and the BSP,” she said. Amador said the BSP wanted to have an expanded toolkit, an arsenal of policy instrument that could be used to ﬁne-tune monetary aggregates in the economy. “We have the current instruments and you very know about that already. But this one, particularly, the restoration of the authority to issue central bank debt papers... it’s a structural surplus liquidity absorption tool. So as to when it will be used it will be dictated by the times,” Amador said. The amended charter also widened the coverage of institutions under BSP supervision to include money service businesses, credit granting businesses and payment system operators. This puts the BSP in a strategic position to address potential risks arising from the linkages of banks and these ﬁnancial entities.

NEW BSP CHIEF.

President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath of office of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno in Malacañang Thursday. Diokno takes over the reins of the BSP from Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. who passed away on February 23. An experienced economist and professional manager, Diokno served as Budget Secretary immediately before joining the BSP. He holds a Master of Arts in Political Economy from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and a PhD in Economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in Syracuse University in the United States.

Cusi is open to resolving the woes of electric co-ops ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi is interested in resolving the issues plaguing electric cooperatives around the country. “I am always open, DoE (Department of Energy) is always open. DoE is a government institution that is open to all,” Cusi said. Cusi, however, said he had not received any formal communication from The Philippine Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives on a meeting proposed by electric cooperatives in Davao City on March 19. Cusi stressed that he holds ofﬁce at the PNOC Complex in Taguig City that handles issues related to the energy sector. “We are reviewing not just the ECs performance... distribution utilities and generation companies are also reviewed,” Cusi said. “We are serving the public. We cannot leave the welfare of the public to the sweet time of the ECs or the DUs,” he said. Cusi stressed he was just doing his job and would not be cowered and distracted “by fear of what the affected party will do.” “I will not tolerate inefﬁciencies and non-performance on the job,” he said. He said he respected the position taken by Philreca, representing the country’s 121 ECs. “We have to do the right thing for our country at all times. We cannot turn a blind eye to the pressing need for improved access and quality electricity services in some parts of the Philippines,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

PSALM starts sale process for Napocor’s QC property

Marubeni, DMCI bag LRT Line 2 contract

MARUBENI Corp. of Japan and D.M Consunji Inc. secured an electric and mechanical contract from the government for the two additional stations eastward of the LRT Line 2 East Extensions Project for $62 million. Marubeni, as consortium leader, will be responsible for overall administration and the procurement of E and M railway systems, while DMCI will handle trackwork procurement and construction, and the installation of E and M systems. DMCI is the contractor responsible for constructing a viaduct and two new stations –Emerald and Masinag—for the project. Construction on these items will soon be completed. The project is a part of the “Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project,” which is being ﬁnanced with a 43.2-billion yen from Japan. The project will contribute to the reduction of both trafﬁc congestion and air pollution in Metro Manila. The existing Manila LRT Line 2, which was awarded to Marubeni in 2000 and completed in 2004, is a 13.8-km elevated metro line with 11 stations connecting to east and west of Metro Manila. Darwin G. Amojelar

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

DILG plays key role in telecom tower infrastructure plan DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año is expected to play a key role in the country’s communications tower infrastructure. Tower company builders in the past have met obstacles in securing permits from local governments. Department of Information and Communications Technology Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr., facing an overwhelming number of 50,000 towers to be constructed in the Philippines, has assured the tower companies of pooled government assistance in support of their commitment to build as many towers at the shortest time possible.

To achieve an unencumbered and smooth implementation of DICT’s common tower policy, Rio organized the stakeholders in the telco infrastructure―from the telcos and the towercos to the government―to forge a common shared agreement. Rio said he would implement the powers and functions of the DICT to achieve President Duterte’s goal of vastly improving internet services by 2020. The DICT recently accomplished the landmark project of President Duterte after it declared a third telecom player. Año, former Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief, meanwhile, is in a position to help the tower companies

(now totaling 12) fulﬁll their mission with the local government units behind him. The government is aware that the Philippines has the lowest tower density in Asia of 0.14 compared with the international standard of 0.5 tower per 1,000 subscribers. China, at 1.43, has 1.8 million cell sites of the latest record. Local government units in both underserved and unserved areas can help the country catch up with the rest in the digital world. With much improved and more affordable internet services made available especially in these ‘missionary routes’, inclusive growth is assured.

POWER Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. will solicit this year the best conceptual design and master plan for its 5.1-hectare Diliman property, also called the National Power Corp. complex, in preparation for its eventual privatization. PSALM said the completion of the master plan for the Napocor complex, which houses the Napocor office, National Transmission Corp. and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, would determine the privatization timeline. The Diliman property is a 5.1-hectare property at the heart of Quezon City’s Central Business District. PSALM said due to a strategic location and on-going high-rise development in adjacent properties, it is considered a prime property with high potential for residential, commercial and mixed-use development. PSALM has launched a contest open to local and international architectural companies to come up with the best and most energy-efficient conceptual designs that may be the basis of the master planning and design development for the Diliman property. A pre-contest conference that aims to discuss the property and explain the terms of reference of the contest will be held on March 14, 2:00 p.m. at PSALM’s Quezon City office. PSALM will also entertain questions and clarifications that interested architectural firms may have on the contest mechanics. All interested architectural firms are encouraged to attend. Deadline for submission of expressions of interest and first stage requirements is on March 22 at 4:00 p.m. They must be sent to the Office of the President and the chief executive of PSALM. PSALM earlier announced plans to privatize the Napocor complex and its 44-hectare Bagac property in Bataan. PSALM president Irene Joy BesidoGarcia earlier said the two properties were two big ticket real items that will first be privatized. “Of course, we cannot privatize it in-

BSP chief says bank reserve cut depends on data THE Monetary Board will continue to be data-dependent in deciding when to resume the reduction in reserve requirement ratios of banks which is one of the highest in the region, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Friday. Diokno, in his first briefing at the Bangko Sentral as its fifth governor, said he considered the reserve requirement in the Philippines “still too high.” “As I said, our policy will be determined by analyses, evidencedbased, and will be decided upon by the board. I cannot on my own decide on the cut in the reserve requirement but (it) will be taken up by the board,” Diokno said. “As you know, we have a well-represented and a very wise board, and old board. So we will decide based on the data, evidence and situations. In my capacity, I said the reserve requirement is still too high,” Diokno said. The reserve requirement, or cash reserve ratio, is a central bank regulation employed by most, but not all, of the world’s central banks, that sets the minimum amount of reserves that must be held by a commercial bank. In February 2018, the Monetary Board made a one-percentage point cut in the reserve requirement of banks from 20 percent to 19 percent. The board said the operational adjustment would support the Bangko Sentral’s shift toward a more marketbased implementation of monetary policy as well as its broad financial market reform agenda. The regulator followed it up with another one-percentage point cut in May 2018 from 19 percent to 18 percent. The two RRR cuts were made outside the scheduled policy meetings. Julito G. Rada

Business

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stock market falls on profit taking T HE stock market fell Friday on proﬁt taking to end a two-day rally and on renewed concerns of a global growth slowdown.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index declined 84.68 points, or 1.1 percent, to 7,797.11 on a value turnover of P5.3 billion. Losers beat gainers, 111 to 94, with 48 issues unchanged. Conglomerate SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group lost 3 percent to P940, while Aboitiz Power Corp. dropped 2.2 percent to P34. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest lender in terms of assets, slipped 2.1 percent to P78.15, but Philippine National Bank, the ﬁfthlargest bank, surged 11.1 percent to 59.90.

The rest of Asian markets tanked and the euro struggled to recover Friday as the European Central Bank’s decision to slash its growth and inﬂation forecasts added to increasing pessimism about the global outlook. The announcement—and an extension of stimulus—is the latest warning of a lean road ahead after China unveiled a target for growth that would be its slowest in three decades and as the US Federal Reserve indicated it will hold off any fresh rate hikes this year. It also threw a spanner in the works for investors in the region—particularly Shanghai—who had been chasing a rally fueled by optimism that China and the United States will hammer out a deal to end their trade war. Adding to the selling pressure was data showing Chinese exports plunged 20 percent last month, while imports were also sharply down—both missing

expectations by some margin. While the ﬁgures were skewed by the Lunar New Year break, they highlight ongoing troubles in the world’s numbertwo economy, which is growing at its slowest pace for three decades. “All these different variables are beginning to come together to paint a more dismal outlook for global growth,” Lindsey Piegza, chief economist at Stifel Nicolaus & Co., told Bloomberg TV. The ECB said interest rates would be stuck around historic lows until the year’s end at best, with bank boss Mario Draghi warning the eurozone was “coming out of, and maybe we still are in a period of continued weakness and pervasive uncertainty.” Thursday’s news sent the euro into a tailspin to hit a near two-year low against the dollar, while equity markets across Europe and the US ended in the red.

Those losses continued in Asia, where Shanghai, which has surged about a quarter so far this year, shed more than 4.4 percent, while Hong Kong was off 1.8 percent and Tokyo ended two percent lower. Sydney sank one percent and Singapore 0.9 percent, with Seoul 1.3 percent off and Taipei 0.7 percent down. Draghi cited “factors... mostly of external source,” including “the threat of protectionism” and “geopolitical considerations,” and analysts pointed out that the eurozone was in a precarious position. “With the eurozone likely the next target for (Donald) Trump’s trade-talk embrace, a slowing economy, a central bank very low on monetary bullets, an inability by members to mount a joint ﬁscal response and an impending Brexit... it is no surprise that the euro fell out of bed,” said OANDA senior market analyst Jeffrey Halley. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.95 1,020 86.3 1,129,670 2.4 39,000 133 835,860 1.35 41,000 27.55 50,000 17.86 2,200 12.3 128,900 4.39 74,000 8 2,500 0.63 21,000 770 250 0.465 60,000 78.15 1,358,650 1 95,000 13.94 113,300 22.9 2,600 59.9 2,750,800 184.6 2,590 58.1 1,130 26.7 258,300 167.8 77,120 61 13,790 1.14 10,000

60,129 97,978,053.50 91,680 111,143,108 55,550 1,379,575 39,294 1,584,172 320,040 20,000 12,630 195,850 27,950 106,799,483.50 94,230 1,579,000 57,855 158,481,974.50 478,652 65,926 6,881,990 13,006,256 836,517.50 11,400

58,950 -63,251,749.50 6,028,090 -9,450 -248,230 -442,458 -172,920 -23,250 11,247,748 -19,800 -201,600 22,664,008 -86,874 -9,981.50 3,220,640 776,866 -104,912.50 -

34 15.5 1.01 1.42 0.237 2.58 15.56 121 28.8 15.8 40.95 71.05 1.86 6.24 6 11.46 15.76 9 7.52 22 74 26.3 2.9 9.54 12.68 1.65 316 51.05 3.43 11.52 27 12.1 19.66 376 0.2 5.87 1.33 3.74 6.74 8.7 1.33 11.62 48.55 5.9 4.79 1.83 2.69 1.35 12.5 105.6 6.38 0.128 1.01 141.8 2.73 1.63 1.32

INDUSTRIAL 34 2,368,600 15.9 206,200 1.01 860,000 1.46 1,048,000 0.243 20,000 2.59 10,390,000 16.06 192,900 121 190 29.45 75,600 15.8 1,600 40.95 200 71.05 10 1.86 165,000 6.24 1,000 6.07 24,000 11.54 661,800 15.8 1,067,000 9.05 1,608,600 7.52 12,800 22.2 2,335,000 74.1 416,550 26.3 29,700 3.03 13,527,000 9.57 1,083,000 13.06 1,582,700 1.65 157,000 317.6 566,000 51.5 510 3.5 48,000 11.96 26,600 27.1 299,800 12.3 115,000 19.9 1,172,700 376 80,930 0.2 1,800,000 5.87 23,600 1.36 13,391,000 3.74 112,000 6.76 1,918,300 8.81 22,300 1.34 2,293,000 12 264,000 48.8 372,200 5.9 93,000 4.79 1,000 1.83 249,000 2.72 20,000 1.36 160,000 12.6 37,200 106.4 1,342,190 6.4 52,400 0.128 1,510,000 1.06 118,000 142.3 196,580 2.73 10,000 1.63 767,000 1.37 8,013,000

81,448,225 3,316,542 869,030 1,504,480 4,800 27,328,390 3,095,740 22,990 2,202,185 25,292 8,195 710.5 308,870 6,240 145,748 7,611,900 16,873,402 14,726,362 96,691 52,173,625 30,878,898 781,295 40,543,970 10,359,784 20,571,586 262,930 179,773,418 26,260.50 166,340 308,444 8,101,730 1,420,672 23,250,412 30,479,036 362,020 141,301 18,193,860 423,070 13,014,026 198,666 3,054,700 3,145,584 18,191,305 548,710 4,790 457,770 54,180 217,210 468,320 143,932,630 335,360 194,210 123,850 28,050,008 27,300 1,253,590 10,927,560

-23,336,800.00 1,144,562 -101,000 -404,880 1,948,700 -420,935 -8,195 -710.5 19,100 9,090 -96,042 7,329,460 2,383,830 -73,250 -6,102,610 -28,755,011 28,260 -5,950,935 -3,393,512 -31,890 -6,819,298 445,550 -31,002 14,153,982 -5,143,504 -7,527,870 -11,250 2,217,350 35,240 -715,740 -202,538 -11,012,560 -295,000 37,000 -7,940 364,430 17,521,381 64,000 3,912,434 -147,600 398,370

0.78 59.5 14.62 0.79 6.5 21.4 1.46 1.46 948 7.77 11.7 14.32 0.249 1,000 69.45 5.86 0.6 5.1 15.8 0.58 4.97 0.042 1.13 3.03 178.5 968 1.39 450 283 0.243 0.375

0.75 58.75 14.44 0.74 6.5 20.6 1.41 1.43 933 7.75 11.46 14 0.234 990.5 66.9 5.86 0.56 5.03 15.32 0.55 4.91 0.041 1.13 2.97 173.4 940 1.38 450 273 0.24 0.355

HOLDING FIRMS 0.75 15,479,000 58.8 950,040 14.62 3,655,100 0.75 827,000 6.5 300 21.15 138,000 1.43 6,227,000 1.45 492,000 939.5 155,940 7.75 6,970,900 11.56 1,516,600 14.3 253,200 0.249 230,000 993 113,540 67 3,678,710 5.86 500 0.56 495,000 5.03 212,100 15.8 2,482,700 0.58 170,000 4.92 14,307,000 0.041 33,100,000 1.13 1,000 3.02 1,606,000 174.1 640,090 940 99,050 1.38 11,000 450 70 277 6,680 0.24 2,950,000 0.365 23,130,000

11,731,980 55,879,687.50 53,109,510 618,130 1,950 2,875,065 8,892,560 711,410 146,322,135 54,029,258 17,547,082 3,608,872 56,880 112,868,870 249,836,248.50 2,930 278,390 1,072,076 39,096,246 95,550 70,483,170 1,373,800 1,130 4,830,630 112,241,718 94,027,010 15,190 31,500 1,873,000 710,500 8,442,600

-147,500 -12,006,533 22,919,208 1,950 631,325 -297,050 12,488,280 1,861,499 -10,952,196 108,168 53,536,830 86,144,952 -16,520 -299,718.00 5,338,052 -4,200 8,213,240 -12,300 243,780 12,192,381 -52,316,590 -258,302 -965,100

12 0.8 10.22 1.96 0.88 43.85 2.61 4.29 6.86 0.49 0.92 0.94 0.249 0.41 9.95 22 0.51 1.52 1.25 5.45 0.405 0.47 1.93 0.455 2.9 46.4 23.8 2.1 3.15

11.7 0.79 10.22 1.85 0.86 43 2.55 4.2 6.5 0.48 0.86 0.91 0.243 0.405 9.8 21.4 0.5 1.46 1.22 5.35 0.395 0.455 1.85 0.45 2.78 45 23.2 2.01 3.15

422,404,482 455,180 2,044 37,430 871,030 312,952,235 7,727,140 1,229,190 12,223 2,490,700 240,030 56,940 732,510 110,500 2,500,270 9,233,145 238,600 6,488,580 4,318,480 84,553,756 3,291,000 611,950 10,953,310 630,500 496,710 67,760 79,034,640 4,063,270 85,050

-3,332,414 -47,400 -8,600 -37,153,795 -3,419,980 -62,550 -9,000 8,190 -228,520 556,785 19,000 1,370,750 49,543,836 -455,000 37,600 -76,500 -25,440 -2,899,345 50,400

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND FIRST ABACUS MANULIFE MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK VANTAGE

58.95 88.2 2.33 133.8 1.35 27.6 17.88 12.26 4.33 8 0.6 795 0.47 79.7 0.99 13.88 21.2 53.9 184.8 58.5 26.65 169.9 61.4 1.14

58.95 88.25 2.4 133.8 1.4 27.7 17.88 12.4 4.39 8 0.63 795 0.47 79.7 1 14 22.95 60.05 185 58.85 26.8 170.9 61.4 1.14

58.95 86.1 2.33 131.5 1.35 27.5 17.86 12.16 4.32 8 0.6 770 0.465 78.05 0.99 13.66 21.2 53.6 184.6 58.1 26.5 167 58 1.14

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

35 15.96 1.01 1.48 0.237 2.68 15.56 121 28.9 15.82 41 71.05 1.91 6.24 6 11.5 15.92 9.01 7.57 22.5 74.4 26.45 2.95 9.59 12.68 1.73 319.8 51.05 3.45 11.66 27.1 12.18 19.8 378.6 0.2 6 1.4 3.78 6.8 8.95 1.34 11.74 49 5.91 4.79 1.85 2.72 1.35 12.6 106 6.5 0.135 1.1 144 2.73 1.64 1.33

35.2 16.64 1.02 1.48 0.243 2.7 16.2 121 29.45 15.82 41 71.05 1.91 6.24 6.09 11.54 15.92 9.31 7.65 22.6 74.4 26.45 3.03 9.59 13.1 1.73 319.8 51.5 3.5 11.96 27.1 12.46 19.98 378.6 0.21 6 1.4 3.78 6.84 8.97 1.34 12 49.1 5.91 4.79 1.85 2.72 1.37 12.6 108.9 6.5 0.135 1.1 144.5 2.73 1.65 1.39

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 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL JG SUMMIT JOLLIVILLE HLDG LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.78 59.5 14.62 0.79 6.5 20.65 1.41 1.45 948 7.76 11.68 14.3 0.234 998 67.75 5.86 0.56 5.1 15.6 0.56 4.97 0.041 1.13 2.97 176.7 955 1.39 450 275 0.242 0.36

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

12 0.79 10.22 1.9 0.87 43.1 2.6 4.25 6.86 0.48 0.88 0.91 0.249 0.405 9.95 21.6 0.51 1.52 1.23 5.42 0.4 0.46 1.88 0.455 2.81 45 23.55 2.01 3.15

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

38.55 1.54 7.22 0.8 7.25

38.8 1.59 7.24 0.8 7.3

38.1 1.51 7.05 0.8 7.2

38.1 1.56 7.2 0.8 7.24

2,164,300 1,847,000 582,000 79,000 8,508,800

83,073,710 2,820,160 4,184,201 63,200 61,627,216

-14,627,485.00 -63,240 -30,400 -47,021,930

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM JACKSTONES LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PAXYS PH RESORTS GRP 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

12.1 21.4 1.28 0.425 0.046 15.76 2.84 12.18 0.076 85 5.66 7.1 15.28 891 1,913 5.75 380 2.87 114.9 11.08 7.12 0.133 5.68 3.15 15.28 3.27 0.9 19.82 0.6 2.95 2 2 16 2.98 9.4 10.38 3.44 5 131 2.87 1,060 0.95 1.33 48.55 86.9 8.5 2.34 0.7 0.44 5.57 0.66 15.1

12.1 21.4 1.28 0.425 0.047 16.3 3.09 12.3 0.078 85.15 5.66 7.1 15.5 891 1,936 5.75 385 2.98 115.2 11.08 7.12 0.133 5.68 3.15 15.3 3.33 0.91 19.82 0.62 3.05 2.02 2 16 3.16 9.4 10.38 3.44 5.1 133.5 2.87 1,095 0.95 1.39 48.85 87.4 8.5 2.37 0.71 0.44 5.62 0.67 15.58

11.82 21 1.28 0.42 0.045 15.74 2.81 12.1 0.071 84.95 5.6 7 15 890 1,913 5.72 375.2 2.85 113 10.7 7.12 0.13 5.57 3.15 15.22 3.27 0.89 19.5 0.6 2.9 1.97 1.96 16 2.96 9.4 10.3 3.44 4.99 129 2.8 1,060 0.91 1.31 48.05 85.5 8.32 2.34 0.7 0.435 5.55 0.64 15.06

SERVICES 12 21.3 1.28 0.425 0.047 15.88 2.91 12.14 0.071 85 5.63 7 15.06 890 1,923 5.72 383.8 2.98 114 11 7.12 0.13 5.62 3.15 15.24 3.3 0.9 19.68 0.61 3.01 2.02 1.96 16 2.98 9.4 10.3 3.44 5.1 129.2 2.85 1,075 0.93 1.31 48.85 85.5 8.5 2.35 0.7 0.435 5.61 0.66 15.2

52,500 64,200 5,000 840,000 7,100,000 128,100 1,443,000 8,065,600 532,300,000 145,380 937,900 26,200 324,800 400 11,290 79,100 2,120 5,436,000 3,787,420 4,300 9,500 1,860,000 2,568,000 11,000 22,300 724,000 182,000 72,100 1,565,000 2,264,000 36,000 9,000 100 3,080,000 1,900 22,400 1,000 56,600 464,230 517,000 119,850 2,485,000 50,562,000 807,800 641,700 32,000 10,213,000 1,158,000 5,130,000 125,000 1,675,000 12,704,400

626,040 1,363,950 6,400 355,500 330,600 2,035,596 4,297,110 98,671,858 39,348,030 12,359,060.50 5,269,627 184,800 4,903,238 356,020 21,715,090 453,350 804,786 15,684,180 430,021,825 46,236 67,640 243,960 14,398,743 34,650 340,322 2,388,620 162,340 1,411,460 954,300 6,667,950 71,850 17,680 1,600 9,382,360 17,860 232,136 3,440 283,168 61,681,764 1,460,530 129,021,280 2,301,210 68,203,730 39,347,585 55,483,754.50 267,724 24,045,830 812,070 2,239,400 698,948 1,095,070 194,117,818

-97,500 -5,104 66,630 33,125,876 31,630 -400,460.50 -11,240 -52,046 17,820 7,209,650 -410,900 82,704,968 -26,200 -417,620 -180,950 -50,752 57,550 -254,010 10,380 3,440 -170,007 -632,390 -19,689,840 160,500 -1,729,930 11,392,495 -15,894,306 -108,510 2,792,250 5,830 -217,500 -17,623 -345,190 32,544,260

101,100 1,802,050 316,660 183,154 403,820 465,320 1,140,040 286,200 9,671 785,090 1,067,300 78,750 1,310 25,400 299,070 8,793,130 106,550 64,820 451,100 192,900 6,000 249,600 9,595,040 18,486,878 27,735,991 7,800

-150,000 -80 33,974 -465,320 -21,800 -7,400 -16,200 138,420 7,585,280 -469,578 790,897 -

PROPERTY 11.9 0.8 10.22 1.96 0.88 43 2.56 4.26 6.85 0.485 0.9 0.94 0.243 0.41 9.94 21.5 0.5 1.51 1.22 5.45 0.4 0.455 1.89 0.45 2.78 46.4 23.5 2.05 3.15

35,495,700 576,000 200 20,000 1,008,000 7,222,600 3,005,000 289,000 1,800 5,140,000 269,000 61,000 3,010,000 270,000 252,800 426,400 477,000 4,318,000 3,522,000 15,609,400 8,220,000 1,340,000 5,792,000 1,400,000 178,000 1,500 3,353,600 1,954,000 27,000

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

0.0021 1.51 2.94 13.2 1.26 1.2 2.18 0.3 7.76 1.49 0.265 0.125 0.131 0.0083 1.07 2.83 1.09 0.6 0.93 0.013 0.012 0.012 3.96 15.18 20 0.0078

0.0022 1.51 2.98 13.7 1.29 1.2 2.22 0.3 8.17 1.49 0.275 0.125 0.131 0.0086 1.11 2.83 1.09 0.63 0.94 0.013 0.012 0.012 4.05 15.18 20.45 0.0078

0.0021 1.49 2.92 13.2 1.21 1.15 2.18 0.295 7.76 1.47 0.255 0.125 0.131 0.0083 1.07 2.71 1.04 0.6 0.93 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.95 14.74 19.9 0.0078

MINING & OIL 0.0021 48,000,000 1.5 1,203,000 2.92 107,000 13.7 13,700 1.29 331,000 1.16 400,000 2.22 521,000 0.295 960,000 8.17 1,200 1.49 531,000 0.265 4,130,000 0.125 630,000 0.131 10,000 0.0086 3,000,000 1.1 272,000 2.73 3,208,000 1.09 102,000 0.63 106,000 0.93 485,000 0.013 16,000,000 0.012 500,000 0.012 20,800,000 4.05 2,420,000 14.8 1,237,800 20.35 1,376,700 0.0078 1,000,000

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B DD PREF FGEN PREF G FPH PREF C GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PNX PREF 3A SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

20.3 474 497 100 98.25 102.5 450.4 5.72 899 95 0.99 100 998 99 1.8 970.5 75.45 76.9 72.6 73.35 74.95 72 72.5

20.3 474 497 100 98.25 102.5 476.8 5.82 899 95 0.99 100 998 99 1.8 970.5 75.45 76.9 72.6 73.35 74.95 72.05 72.5

20.3 465 497 100 98.25 102.5 450.4 5.56 895 95 0.99 100 998 99 1.8 970 75.45 76.85 72.6 73.35 74.95 72 72.5

PREFERRED 20.3 11,500 465 4,820 497 10 100 1,000 98.25 70 102.5 50 450.4 310 5.82 24,300 895 70 95 2,830 0.99 1,000 100 830 998 920 99 120 1.8 1,000 970 300 75.45 10 76.85 430 72.6 5,000 73.35 10,540 74.95 6,000 72 18,980 72.5 15,000

233,450 2,275,304 4,970 100,000 6,877.50 5,125 139,888 137,604 62,750 268,850 990 83,000 918,160 11,880 1,800 291,110 754.5 33,062 363,000 773,109 449,700 1,366,875 1,087,500

-1,800 -363,000 21,615 14,500

LR WARRANT

1.89

1.9

1.81

WARRANTS 1.9 85,000

157,100

-64,180

4,360,425 13,279,390

7,108 952,220

946,920

132,767 6,630

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.18 1.46

5.18 1.48

5.02 1.42

FIRST METRO ETF

117

115.4

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.3 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

7,570,414

INDUSTRIAL

72,930,497

HOLDING FIRMS

120,586,116

PROPERTY

117,448,049

SERVICES

662,277,195

MINING & OIL

108,213,042

GRAND TOTAL

1,099,059,442

10.3 10.2

5.03 1.43

SME

859,500 9,165,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.2 8,160 10.3 10.2

DDS

12,890 650

VALUE 1,760.86 (down) 17.50 561,730,295.69 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,580.39 (down) 55.91 810,768,112.28 HOLDING FIRMS 7,798.76 (down) 111.88 1,136,981,578.59 PROPERTY 3,945.68 (down) 36.29 1,550.64 (down) 0.59 1,151,609,287.16 SERVICES MINING & OIL 8,139.15 (down) 1.53 1,550,620,466.82 PSEI 7,797.11 (down) 84.68 72,690,077.399 All Shares Index 4,817.22 (down) 28.74 5,302,989,959.68 Gainers: 94; Losers: 111; Unchanged: 48; Total: 253

DMCI Holdings posted P14.5-b net profit in ‘18 By Jenniffer B. Austria DIVERSIFIED conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. booked a net income of P14.5 billion in 2018, down two percent from P14.8 billion in the previous year, on the weak performance of the coal and power generation businesses. Consolidated revenues, however, improved three percent to P83 billion from P81 billion in 2017. “Our real estate, construction, off-grid power, mining and water businesses delivered healthy returns in 2018 but the weaker-than-expected performance of Semirara Mining and Power Corporation tempered our consolidated proﬁts,” said DMCI Holdings chairman and president Isidro Consunji. “SMPC faced a series of unforeseen setbacks like the prolonged shutdown of Unit 1 of Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corporation, inclement weather and China’s soft ban on coal imports,” said Consunji. Excluding non-recurring gain of P38 million in 2018 and a one-time loss of P281 million in 2017, core net income of DMCI Holdings fell four percent to P14.5 billion DMCI Holdings recorded P3 billion in net income in the fourth quarter, nearly unchanged from P3.1 billion year-on-year. The nearly eight-month shutdown of SMPC’s power plant and a decline in coal sales volume, meanwhile, led the the group’s lower core net income contribution of P7.4 billion from P8.1 billion in the previous year. Property unit DMCI Homes registered a nine-percent increase in net earnings to P3.9 billion from P3.6 billion as revenues rose three percent, boosted by a one-time gain of P715 million on sale of land. Net income contributions from the core business D.M. Consunji Inc. jumped 16 percent to P1.2 billion from P1 billion due to a 12-percent increase in revenue and recognition of variation orders from projects nearing completion. Off-grid energy business DMCI Power saw its net earnings surge 30 percent from P359 million co P465 million. The double-digit growth was driven by a 25-percent increase in energy sales volume. DMCI Mining posted a net income of P117 million, up 4 percent from P113 million in 2017.

Aboitiz Equity to sell P5b worth of retail bonds CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. plans to issue up to P5 billion in fixed retail bonds in the first half of 2019. AEV said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the issuance of the first tranche of its P30-billion fixed-rate retail bonds equivalent to P3 billion, and with an oversubscription option of up to P2 billion. “Depending on market conditions, the Series A Bonds are expected to be offered to the general public during the first half of 2019,” said AEV. The company appointed BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and First Metro Investment Corp. as joint issue managers and underwriters of the bond offering. AEV plans to list the bonds with Philippine Dealing and Exchange Corp. AEV this year plans to spend between P50 billion and P60 billion to mainly finance the expansion of the power business and the water and real estate units. The last time AEV raised capital from the local bond market was in 2015, when it raised P24 billion worth of fixed-rate bonds maturing in October 2020, 2022, and 2027. AEV’s food unit Pilmico International in 2018 acquired a 75-percent stake in one of Asia’s largest privately-owned agribusiness corporations, Gold Coin Management Holdings Limited (Gold Coin), for $334 million. The acquisition paved the way for AEV to further expand its animal feed footprint in the region. Gold Coin is a major producer of animal feeds. It operates livestock and aqua feed mills across 11 countries in Asia. AEV last year also started construction of a P12.6-billion bulk water project in Davao City. The project will provide the Davao City Water District with over 300 million liters per day of safe water. The Apo Agua project plans to start operations by the first half of 2021. Share price of AEV on Friday rose 0.3 percent to P58.85. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Ex-Trump campaign chief jailed for 47 months

IN BRIEF

Shark refuge found in Galapagos

QUITO―A new breeding ground for endangered hammerhead sharks has been found in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s government said. This natural refuge off the island of Santa Cruz is home to about 20 of the sharks, the environment ministry said. It is the second such refuge detected in the archipelago. The first, found in 2017, was shown to host around 30 hammerheads. At the new one, researchers attached tracing devices to five of the sharks as part of efforts to monitor and protect the ecosystem they live in, said Eduardo Espinoza, who led the expedition in which the refuge was found. Hammerheads grow slowly and are not particularly fertile reproducers. This and the danger posed by commercial fishing has placed them in danger of extinction, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Ecuador in 2016 established a vast marine reserve to try to protect the sharks. The islands are home to more than 2,900 marine species. The Pacific islands 1,000 kilometers west of the coast of Ecuador have one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, with flora and fauna that live nowhere else. Know for their beloved giant turtles, the Galapagos inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. AFP

Severe flooding hits Indonesia

BANDUNG―At least two people were killed and six more were missing after torrential rains and severe flooding in parts of Indonesia, the disaster agency said Friday, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people. Heavy rain has pounded Indonesia for days, forcing the Citarum river―dubbed “the world’s dirtiest”―on Java island to burst its banks, and causing deadly flash floods in the eastern part of the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago. Residents in a dozen communities on the outskirts of Bandung city, east of the capital Jakarta, were forced to wade through streets filled with chest-high water in places. Images from the scene showed residents being moved to safety on pontoon boats and small wooden vessels. Floods and landslides killed a pair of residents in East Nusa Tenggara province on the island of Flores, the agency said. Six others are still missing and three people were injured, said national disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. Flooding is common during Indonesia’s rainy season, which runs roughly from October to April. In January, at least 70 people were killed when floods and landslides hit South Sulawesi province. The latest floods have affected over 30,000 people in parts of West Java and East Java provinces, the disaster agency said. The Citarum-a nearly 300-kilometer water body that is a key source for hydroelectric power for Indonesia’s most populous island Java and tourism hot spot Baliregularly bursts its banks during torrential rains. The World Bank declared it the most polluted river in the world a decade ago, a description widely picked up by media and environmentalists. AFP

British PM May piles pressure for Brexit deal LONDON―Prime Minister Theresa May was to pile the pressure on Brussels on Friday, saying their willingness to budge could determine whether British MPs finally back a Brexit deal next week. May was to say the European Union had some choices to make if it wanted to secure a withdrawal agreement and see Britain leave the bloc in an orderly fashion on March 29. Talks between British and EU officials to break the Brexit deadlock are set to last into the weekend, ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote in London on Tuesday on whether MPs will accept the deal. With just three weeks to go until the scheduled departure date of March 29, concern is growing about the possibility of Britain crashing out of the bloc after 46 years of membership with no deal in place. British MPs have so far rejected the withdrawal agreement struck between London and Brussels, chiefly due to concerns over it’s “backstop” solution. Talks since have focused on the “backstop”, which is designed to keep the Irish border open but which critics say could indefinitely lock Britain into a customs union with the EU. May was to address an audience of workers in Grimsby, the North Sea port that is home to one of Britain’s biggest fishing fleets. May will say that the government remains determined to secure legally binding changes to the backstop in advance of Tuesday’s vote on the withdrawal agreement. “Just as MPs will face a big choice next week, the EU has to make a choice too,” May will say, according to her Downing Street office. AFP

GRAND OPENING. The Dancing Fire Entertainment group performs during the Dream Nashville Grand Opening at Dream Hotel on March 7, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. AFP

More woes as blackout hits much of Venezuela C ARACAS―Most of Venezuela plunged into darkness on Thursday evening as a blackout served up more misery for people enduring an economic crisis that has fueled a potent challenge to President Nicolas Maduro’s rule.

The socialist government quickly blamed the outage affecting 23 of the country’s 24 states on what it called sabotage of a major hydroelectric dam. In Caracas, trafﬁc lights went out and the subway system ground to a halt, triggering gridlock in the streets and huge streams of angry people trekking long distances to get home from work. The blackout in the capital was total and hit at 4:50 pm (2050 GMT), just before nightfall. Caracas is one of the world’s most crime-ridden cities so people set out for home early, well before the sun went down. Commerce was shut down because most transactions are done with debit or credit cards. Hyperinﬂation has rendered the local currency, the bolivar, almost worthless. Telephone services and access to the internet were also knocked out. The

capital’s international airport was hit, according to social media posts from would-be travelers. A Copa Libertadores football game in the city of Barquisimeto was postponed. As night set in, the nationwide outage dragged on and some people in Caracas banged pots and pans -- a traditional Latin American method of letting off steam. About seven hours after the mess started, the lights did come back on in some buildings in eastern Caracas. Venezuelans are wearily accustomed to blackouts. For years they have been common in the west of the oil-rich country, but have eventually spread to Caracas and other areas. “We are tired. Exhausted,” said Estefania Pacheco, a sales executive forced to walk 12 kilometers (seven miles) from her ofﬁce in eastern Caracas to her home across town. “It is so sad every time this happens,” said the mother of two. Critics blame the government for failing to invest in upkeep of the electrical grid, although the government often blames what it calls sabotage when the lights go out. This time, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez alleged that “extremist sectors” had waged “a large scale attack.” She insisted power was back on in some eastern states. The state power company Corpoelec said there has been sabotage at a big hy-

droelectric plant called Guri in Bolivar state. It gave no details. The facility is one of the biggest in Latin America. “It’s part of the electric war against the state,” the company said on Twitter. “We won’t allow it. We’re working to re-establish the service.” A year ago, Maduro asked the armed forces to provide security to protect the country’s hydroelectric facilities but power outages continue. Maduro tweeted that the blackout was part of a war directed by what he called US imperialism. It will fail, he added. “Nothing and no one can defeat the people of Bolivar and Chavez,” Maduro said, referring to the liberation hero Simon Bolivar and Maduro’s predecessor and former boss, the late socialist icon Hugo Chavez. Maduro is struggling in the face of a challenge by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has declared himself to be interim president and is now backed by some 50 countries led by the United States. Guaido says Maduro’s rule is illegitimate, arguing that his re-election win last year was fraudulent, and he wants Maduro to resign from the Miraﬂores Palace and make way for new elections. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Maduro is wrong to blame the US or any other country for Venezuela’s woes. “Power shortages and starvation are the result of the Maduro regime’s incompetence,” he tweeted. AFP

ALEXANDRIA―US President Donald Trump’s former campaign chief Paul Manafort was sentenced to nearly four years in prison by a federal judge on Thursday for tax crimes and bank fraud in the highest profile case yet stemming from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation. Judge T.S. Lewis immediately came under fire from Democratic lawmakers for imposing what they described as a relatively light sentence on the 69-year-old Republican political consultant and lobbyist. Prosecutors from the Special Counsel’s office had argued for a stiff prison term for Manafort, the first target of the Mueller probe to be convicted in a criminal trial. Ellis said that while Manafort had committed “very serious crimes,” he had previously led an “otherwise blameless life” and the advisory sentencing guidelines calling for 19 to 24 years behind bars were “excessive” and disproportionate to sentences for similar offenses. “The government cannot sweep away the history of all these previous sentences,” the judge said. Manafort was convicted by a jury in August of five counts of filing false income tax returns, two counts of bank fraud and one count of failing to report a foreign bank account. He is one of a half-dozen former Trump associates and senior aides charged by Mueller, who has been investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. The charges against Manafort were not connected to his role in the Trump campaign, which he headed for two months in 2016, but were related to lucrative consulting work he did for Russian-backed Ukrainian politicians from 2004 to 2014. Prosecutors alleged that Manafort used offshore bank accounts to hide more than $55 million he earned working for the Ukrainians. The money was used to support a lavish lifestyle which included purchases of luxury homes and cars, antique rugs, and expensive clothes, including an $18,500 python jacket. His conviction was a stunning downfall for a man who also worked on the White House bids of Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole. Speaking from a wheelchair and wearing a green prison jumpsuit with the words “Alexandria Inmate” on the back, Manafort told the court that his “life, professionally and personally, is in a shambles.” “I feel the pain and shame,” said Manafort, who the defense says suffers from gout. “To say that I feel humiliated and ashamed would be a gross understatement,” he said. Judge Ellis said he did not hear Manafort express regret or remorse but he said the sentencing guidelines were “way out of whack.” AFP

In Mexico, those searching for missing kin can also disappear HUITZUCO DE LOS FIGUEROA, Mexico―Maria Herrera is scraping at the earth on a hill in the town of Huitzuco, in southern Mexico, looking for the mounds or sunken spots that indicate a decaying corpse. At 70 years old, Herrera is hoping against all odds to ﬁnd her four missing sons―two who disappeared in 2008, and two who vanished in 2010 looking for their brothers. “Every time we come to one of these nasty places, we suffer.... Who heard their screams of pain? Who heard their last words?” she said through tears as she dug in the dirt with a group of 100 other activists in the violent state of Guerrero. The small, gray-haired grandmother is the face of a dirty secret that has haunted Mexico for years: the countryside of Latin America’s second-largest economy is littered with bodies. More than 40,000 people are missing in Mexico, which has been swept by a wave of violence since the government declared war on the country’s powerful drug cartels in 2006. Herrera regularly goes out searching for her sons with other relatives of the “disappeared.” But she is also part of a smaller, even

more tragic group: some 20 families who have lost children not once but twice, when the ones who remained went looking for their missing siblings and ended up disappearing too. Herrera’s family comes from Pajacuaran, a small town in western Mexico where most people are farmers or emigrate to the United States. She and her husband decided they wanted something different for their eight children. They started a small business selling household goods door to door, then used the proﬁts to launch a nationwide gold exchange. Part of the business, she said, involved traveling the country to buy and sell gold—which is what Jesus Salvador, then 24, and Raul, then 19, were doing in Guerrero in 2008. Traveling with ﬁve employees in an SUV carrying nearly $90,000 in cash and gold, they did not realize a bloody cartel turf war was just breaking out in the state. “My brothers had no idea when they arrived,” said Juan Carlos, 41, their older sibling. He and his family believe a local cartel mistook the brothers and their co-workers for members of a rival group and had some crooked cops arrest them. AFP

PREMIERE. Brooke Butler attends the Premiere Of Lionsgate’s ‘Five Feet Apart’ at the Fox Bruin Theater on March 07, 2019 ,in Los Angeles, California. AFP

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

NATURE LIVING AT BAMBOO LANE. Pueblo de Oro is building a new 1.6-hectare mixed development in Cagayan de Oro called Bamboo Lane. Fitted with amenities such as parks, playgrounds, community jogging paths and ample parking space, Bamboo Lane is located within the lush trees and foliage of the valley portion of the Pueblo de Oro Township along San Agustin Avenue. Each townhouse has two bedrooms and two toilets and bath. Bamboo Lane also offers units with expandable layouts for easy renovation. For the past 20 years, Pueblo de Oro has built residential developments across the country – from Cagayan de Oro, to Mactan and Lapu-Lapu in Cebu; San Fernando, Pampanga; Calamba, Laguna, and Batangas.

Go where the money is, at Bonifacio Global City

HE growth of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is currently presenting an interesting investment opportunity within the hospitality industry. As ofﬁce buildings and commercial areas continue to rise in the business district, accommodations for both business and leisure travellers become necessary. Latching on to this demand, Boutique developer C-5 Mansions Development Corporation recently launched the Aspen Hotel project in select ﬂoors of its Ridgewood Towers Premier project in Fort Bonifacio. Guaranteed returns, potential bonuses

“The fast rise of office and commercial components in the Bonifacio Global City poses an increased demand for short-term accommodations”, said C-5 Mansions general manager Alfonso Keh Jr. “There are no hotels in the Taguig and Makati side of C5, and Aspen Hotel can fill this gap.” The real estate company and its hotel industry partner Novel Residential Concepts Inc. held a private function with top brokers last week to present the unique investment proposition of Aspen Hotel. The business concept will offer units for sale at the 14th to 19th floors of Ridgewood Towers Premier solely for Aspen Hotel operations. Under the business proposition, the automatic hotel unit lease agreement on the luxury property’s rooms will earn for its investors a minimum guaranteed rent of 6% per annum based on the total cost of the unit investment. Bonus rents depending on the hotel’s occupancy rates

are also offered, with investors potentially earning up to12% rent per annum. Real estate brokers who attended the brieﬁng recognized the opportunity presented by the project for their class A clientele. This presents an alternative asset class which can yield higher rates than bank time deposits and a shield against the volatile stock market. The hotel’s proposition gives a good balance of yearly return and capital appreciation that is secured by real estate whose title will be under the buyers’ names. The C-5 Mansions recently won the the 2018 best affordable condo of the year in Luzon by the Philippines Buyers’ Choice Property Awards of property portal Lamudi for its Ridgewood Towers Premier project. Investors and real estate brokers can e-mail ptan.ridgewoodtowers@gmail. com to learn more about the Aspen Hotel automatic hotel unit lease program.

Better balance CHAMPIONING SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE USE. Sodexo On-site Services Philippines, Inc., from the French multinational Sodexo, recently banned the purchase and usage of all single-use plastic straws and stirrers for all of its client sites. Sodexo champions sustainable resource usage for its clients and relevant stakeholders in the Philippines. Sodexo also committed to phase out other singleuse plastic products, such as take-away plastic bags, wraps, and cutleries by 2020. In recent years, environmental groups have targeted plastic straws as a starting point in addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution. In a study by the UN in 2018, the Philippines was reported to be one out of five countries who produce half of the world’s waste. Sodexo operates in over 500 clients’ sites in the Philippines, including over 30 food sites, across the country and serves more than 600,000 meals on a monthly basis.

At the Client Speaks session were Congresswoman Roman (third from left). With her were (from left): Standard Chartered’s Ortiz, Moks Gonzales and Mai Sangalang.

REINVENTING COOKING.

WATERFRONT LIVING LIKE YOU NEVER IMAGINED. Fancy living in a rainforest setting while being a few steps away from all you love about the city? The Acqua Private Residences, a six-tower community by the historic Pasig River, at a point where Makati and Mandaluyong cities meet, may be just what the doctor ordered. At the core of this award-winning development of Century Properties, is a central amenity called The Pebble, Acqua’s four-storey waterfront clubhouse and focal point of the entire development. The Pebble is a modern interpretation of a smooth river stone with a large cutout in front providing an almost window-like vista. It features three iconic waterfalls that seemingly flow into the mighty river below. The Pebble houses a health, wellness and fitness center, a 25-meter glass lap pool with jacuzzi, and a café and juice bar (Shown in photo), among others. Five out of six towers in Acqua – Niagara, Sutherland, Detiffoss and Iguazu – are already complete, while the last one, Novotel Suites Manila, is scheduled for completion this year.

Small domestic appliances (SDA) manufacturer Tefal’s unique spherical pot rice cookers have arrived in the Philippines, and are set to revolutionize the way Filipinos cook their staple food. Round in shape unlike the usual rice cooker, the Tefal optimal and initial spherical pot rice cookers take inspiration from the palayok, or the traditional Filipino claypot. Both variants use the exclusive Tefal’s spherical pot technology, with a 62-degree angle that gives off circular heat convection. The Tefal rice cooker optimizes cooking functions with its 35 built-in cooking programs that can cook a variety of ingredients beyond rice including clay pot, porridge, congee, steam, slow cook, soup, or even dessert.

STANDARD Chartered Bank Philippines recently launched a series of initiatives aligned with this year’s global campaign theme #balanceforbetter. The Philippines’ oldest international bank believes that balance drives a better working environment and commits to an inclusive workplace. The celebration kicked off with a session under the bank’s learning series entitled “Clients Speak - Insights that Inspire” featuring Bataan 1st District Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, the ﬁrst openly transgender woman elected to the House of Representatives. Roman shared that her life experiences opened her eyes to the challenges of women which inspired her to champion and advocate female causes such as social acceptance, gender equality and empowerment. She said that she believes in the power of diversity and respecting the rights of every individual regardless of education, race and gender. Highlighting female talent and leadership, Standard Chartered Bank also held a leadership talk with its ﬁrst Filipino female CEO Lynette Ortiz. “As an institution, we have been purposeful about providing opportunities for women to achieve balance and equality,” she said. “We pay tribute not only to the almost 44,000 women within our network but to all the women out there to celebrate our wins and commit to continue to challenge the status quo and explore limitless possibilities.

Life YOUNG LIFE

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

Who shape the world?

Women!

NTERNATIONAL plus-size model and body positivity advocate Kat Gumabao recalled how taking diet pills and doing crash diets before never made her feel happy; her self-worth “nonexistent.”

“Shaping my own world cannot be just shaping my own world. It means being an instrument to other people as they shape theirs. There is no such thing as living for yourself anymore. I think a life living only for yourself, a life purely for personal recognition, is dull and boring. Being of service to others is what we need to do now,” said Alindogan. Trans woman Heart Diño believes that being an empowered woman is a continuous journey of learning. From her days as chairperson of the UP Student Council, where she helped shine a light on LGBTQ issues and advocacies, she continues the ﬁght by being herself and sharing her story. “It is not easy to be a transgender person in the society we live in. It’s not easy to speak and tell our stories. People judge us, silence us, and invalidate us. But we still need to do it,” she said. Tiffany Uy does not let her illness stop her from going after her desires in life. When she was ﬁrst diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease which causes her own immune system to turn against her healthy cells, she felt shame and isolated herself from others. But when she learned how to accept help from the people around her, she powered through her sickness and achieved things other people never thought she would. Uy graduated cum laude from UP Diliman and recently completed the grueling Spartan race. “I shape my own world by realizing that if you really set your mind to it and really work hard and maximize what you have, you can achieve your goals,” said Uy. These women prove that anyone can break down barriers and shape their world, and in turn help others shape theirs. Levi’s encourages women to share their story of overcoming obstacles on social media using the hashtag #IShapeMyWorld. –Bernadette Lunas

“There were lots of time I wanted to hide under a rock,” she shared. But one day, she decided to change the path she was taking and to appreciate herself. “Every day in your life is an opportunity to change the way you go. It’s never too late to decide you want to get the things you deserve,” she beamed. Today, Gumabao actively uses social media to promote body positivity and empower women of all shapes, colors, and sizes. In this day where plus-size women still face humiliation from people whose standards of beauty is being skinny, Gumabao reiterates the only voice that matters is hers and that even though she might not be the “sexy” in the eyes of others, she is sexy in her own terms. “I care more of what I think of myself and what God think of myself than what other people think of me. Because if the love for yourself comes from deep within your heart, nothing that the world says matters,” she enthused. Gumabao is one of the four women Levi’s Philippines has tapped to spread the message of its #IShapeMyWorld campaign. The said campaign celebrates women who have made bold and brave choices to lead the life they want to live and to make a difference in the lives of others. “We want to inspire a revolution with I Shape My World in the Philippines. For the second year in a row we have gathered women from different walks of life, each with her own advocacy, to share their stories. Through this, we hope to inspire young women to live their lives without apologies and make this world a better place for everybody,” said Levi’s Philippines marketing manager Kat Costas. Also part of this campaign is journalist Jamela Alindogan, whose career has let her meet people from all walks of life, and see the best and the worst of societies. This awareness has led her to establish Sinagtala Foundation, an organization that helps women and children in conﬂict areas. Most recently she found herself in the thick of Marawi siege. “I have never been to a place of both hope and despair,” she said. She uses her capability to live a life of service to others, while being a good mother to her own child.

NO APOLOGIES. Body positivity advocate Kat

Gumabao, LBGTQ advocate Heart Diño, journalist and Sinagtala Foundation founder Jamela Alindogan, and lupus warrior Tiffany Uy share their inspiring stories of how they shape their world.

A toy for every child

Children from Eugenia Ravasco Day Care Center in Parañaque City are all smiles while holding their toys. With them are Eugenia Ravasco president Adriana Yepes, Sister Geisa Beyuma, program manager Lenny Galleta, and The SM Store vice presdent for operations Ma. Cecilia Abreu.

A total of 53,139 toys brought smiles to less fortunate kids from all over the country through the Share-A-Toy project of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom. Booths were set up at all The SM Store and Toy Kingdom branches nationwide where shoppers donated new and pre-loved toys for the beneﬁt of less fortunate children. These toys were turned over to various schools, orphanages, local hospitals, and churches. Among these were the Eugenia Ravasco Day Care Center, kids supervised by the Parañaque Development Foundation Incorporated, Camp Aquino Station Hospital, Cabanatuan City Day Care Center, and Marilao Central School in North Luzon. Children from Likha Molino IV Elementary School, Felicidad Sy Pediatric Ward, and Lipa Archdiocesan Social Action Commission Inc. in South Luzon also received toys. The donated toys also reached children in the VisMin area through the Life Care Community Services Foundation Inc. and Jeepney Bata Children Ministry in Visayas, and Communal Elementary School and Northern Mindanao Medical in Mindanao. Customers who made kids happy through their donations also received a treat. Each donation entitled them to a P50 discount coupon, valid until Dec. 31, which can be redeemed for every mini-

mum P500 single-receipt purchase of regular-priced toys at any branch of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom.

Day care pupils from Eugenia Ravasco Day Care Center happily receive their gifts.

Life

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

The Philippine Educational Theater Asssociation invests in young artists through its program on creativity and innovation—Arts Education Matters.

PH representative to Young Chef Olympiad placed 5th FILIPINO student-chef Valery Jane Rodriguez Anthony ranked ﬁfth out of over 50 competitors from around the world in the recent Young Chef Olympiad held in India. The YCO 2019, organized by India’s International Institute of Hotel Management, in association with United Kingdom’s International Hos-

couldn’t be more grateful for it,” Anthony beamed. Anthony, a culinary student from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management was trained at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in d’Asti, Italy and at Michelin-starred restaurant Il Picolo

Benilde culinary student Valery Jane Rodriguez Anthony (left) and Chef Mentor Thomas Edward Fung Chua (right) with Young Chef Olympiad chairman Dr. Suborno Bose at a ceremony in India.

pitality Council, tested not just the “cheftestants” mastery of skills, but also their expertise, creativity, techniques, and innovation in two-prequalifying rounds held across various key cities in India. Anthony, who placed second in the eliminations, joined nine other top-notchers from Singapore, England, United Kingdom, United States of America, Romania, Scotland, France, New Zealand, Jordan, and Sweden to the grand finals where she finished in the top five. The young aspirant shared that working with all participating chefs broadened her knowledge and skills, and honed her to become a better cook. “It was a great training ground. It also taught me how to handle pressure and criticism and I’m pretty certain that it will be helpful for my future career.” “Being able to represent the country in this competition was such an incredible learning experience and I

Principe in Luca, Tuscany, Italy. She was guided for this particular tournament by Chef Mentor Thomas Edward Fung Chua, an industry practitioner, restaurateur, and SHRIM faculty member. While in India, Anthony and Chua showcased Warm Halo-Halo, the duo’s take on the Philippines’ classic, during the United World of Young Chefs, which allowed the apprentices and mentors to share a particular dish with fellow participants, judges, organizers, and special guests. They reinvented the traditional dessert into a soup quite similar to ginataang bilo-bilo made from coconut milk broth mixed with sweetened monggo (mung beans), kaong (sugar palm fruit), and nata de coco (coconut gels) topped with jackfruit, small sago (tapioca pearls), saging na saba, caramelized sweet potatoes, macapuno, and a mixture of desiccated coconut, muscovado sugar, and pinipig (rice ﬂakes).

Discovering the young artists of San Jose

RLOU Raymundo, Jr., a 17-year-old student of Antique National School always wanted to share his talent, but never had the chance until a theater group opened in their town in San Jose de Buenavista in Antique.

“I wake up at 3:00 am to cook, and will spend the entire morning selling the food, so that I can have my 20 pesos baon (money) for my class in the evening,” he shared. “I’ve always loved performing but I did not have the means to share and enhance my talents then.” Thanks to Teatro Tubigon, a theater group established through the partnership of the Philippine Educational Theater Association and the local government unit of San Jose, Raymundo has found his voice and gained his conﬁdence despite his personal challenges. Deo Dame Saligumba and Demie Paza, also students of Antique National School, are both known singers prior to joining Teatro Tubigon. Now they are recognized as versatile theater actors and future leaders of their organization after joining a series of PETA's theater workshops. According to Saligumba, the theater association is responsible for igniting her interest and love of theater and appreciation of her heritage. “PETA’s workshop is not just about acting, more importantly, it teaches us young people to understand and take pride in our own heritage and culture.” Saligumba added, “Aside from acting, I am now able to teach and facilitate activities for our group. I feel good that I am able to impart and share what I have learned from PETA with my peers. The

Panay region is the municipality of San Jose de Buenavista, the capital of the province of Antique. “Antique National School has a population of 7,000 students, but in the past years, only three to ﬁve students will enroll in the arts track under the K-12 program. There was very little interest in the arts,” shared Arvin Pereyra, teacher of Special Program in the Arts. He continued, “In fact, the SPA has existed in the last 10 years, but the school did not have a theater group until now. That is why we are very thankful to PETA that we are given the support we need to build Teatro Tubigon.”

Erlou Raymundo, Jr. shares his talent on stage.

workshop made me realize that I am a leader too.” Paza, meanwhile, said “PETA has taught me to be more versatile. It has given me confidence and has allowed me to collaborate with my peers.” Through the years, PETA has developed hundreds of young artists and cultural leaders, and founded numerous youth drama groups across the archipelago. Now on its 51st year, the association continues to invest in the youth through its program on creativity and innovation, Arts Education Matters, which aims to use the power of theater to engage young people in vital social concerns, helping them become more informed, responsible, and pro-active citizens. The project directly targets students to become cultural creatives and helps basic education teachers to be innovators in classroom education. As part of this project, PETA focuses its resources in Central Luzon, Western and Central Visayas, and Central Mindanao. It reaches out to far flung areas that are seedbeds of rich cultural heritage and tradition but are currently lacking in platforms for theater to flourish in universities and colleges. One of PETA’s recent partners in the

Demie Paza and Deo Dame Saligumba of Antique National High School.

Currently, Teatro Tubigon is planning to expand to other universities and communities in Antique to develop a network of young artists in the municipality. Through the Arts Ed Program, PETA hopes to continue enlivening and strengthening the arts in the regions and provide opportunities for people to express themselves and act in ways that can contribute meaningfully to the betterment of their community. For more information call (02) 7266244 or email petafr@petatheater.com or petatheater@gmail.com.

FEU Institute of Technology launches Innovation Center FAR Eastern University, Institute of Technology (FIT) has recently opened its allnew Innovation Center, designed for its students and faculty who are interested in entrepreneurship. Spanning 1,170 square meters, the hub houses 14 specialized function rooms equipped with the latest tech learning tools. It offers a 360-degree support program for projects with commercial potential and signiﬁcant societal impact. “There are many creative Filipinos that only need the right resources to materialize their vision,” said FEU President

Dr. Michael Alba. “We acknowledge the potential of these young minds and the strength of their abilities, which is why we created the Innovation Center. I am positive that through this new platform, our creative students and teachers will be able to have breakthroughs that will beneﬁt society immensely.” The facility will serve as a think-tank and incubation center for business ideas. Project proposals will undergo market validation, product development and prototyping, and intellectual property and management assistance to ensure maximized commercial potential and competi-

tive Technology Readiness Level. Complementing the comprehensive programs are the top-notch equipment. The Innovation Center boasts highspeed Internet connection that can accommodate complex operations on various software including Canvas, an online Learning Management System. It has a high capacity storage system that can host different computer science and IT projects. The hub is currently exclusive and free for FEU students and faculty. Its doors will eventually open to other interested parties once guidelines are set.

From left: FEU Tech senior executive director Dr. Benson Tan, FEU vice president for corporate affairs Gianna Montinola, FEU Tech Board of Trustee member Arthur Tan, and FEU president Dr. Michael Alba led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for FEU Institute of Technolgy's Innovation Center.

Entertainment Simply...

Singing Contest

winners named

HIELAH Faye Labadan won the Grand Prize in the Embassy of Japan’s recently concluded J-pop Anime Singing Contest Grand Finals at the SM Cinema Centerstage in the SM Mall of Asia.

Shielah, who performed “Yuki no Hana” by Mika Nakashima also won an all-expense paid four-day trip to Japan. A joint project of the Embassy of Japan, together with the Japan Foundation Manila and SM Cinema, the 10th J-pop Anime Singing Contest aims to create a platform for young Filipino talents to share their love for Japanese music and culture, which contributed to the further deepening of ties between Japan and the Philippines. Racianne Castro Elorde won second place for her rendition of the song “Sincerely” by True, and Julius Matthews placed third for his version of the song “Marine Snow” by Sukima Switch in this showcase of Filipino talents sharing a mutual fondness for J-pop music and.

DOWN 1 Repute 2 Eurasian river 3 Ill temper 4 Delicious fish 5 “The Mermaid Tavern” poet 6 Provokes 7 Helmsman’s dir. 8 Ballpark employee 9 High voices 10 Out of control 11 Klein of fashion 12 Good, for Pedro 14 Pluses 20 Wife of Geraint 22 Arkin or Bede 24 Kinds 25 Like circus lions 26 Aristocracy 27 Alcove 29 Basketball posi-

Special awards were also given to other ﬁnalists: Bandai Namco’s Best for Marjorie Gocela, Mayden, PatYam and Zaine Gabarda; and Toei’s Favorite for Tensai and Nicx. The J-pop Anime Singing Contest panel of judges included the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) Director Ms. Junko Sato, the Japan Foundation Manila Director Hiroaki Uesugi, All Nippon Airways Sales Manager Takahiro Kimura; Center for Pop Music Philippines Head for Sales, Marketing & Talent Management and Voice Coach JJ Manuel, and Toei Animation Philippines General Manager Nestor Palabrica. The J-pop Anime Singing Contest is one of the many exciting cross-cultural events at the SM Cinema Centerstage in SM Mall of Asia.

Shielah Faye Labadan, 2019 J-pop Anime Singing Contest grand prize winner, sings 'Yuki no Hana' by Mika Nakashima.

Jessica Soho, GMA execs

join New York Festivals Grand Jury GMA Network continues to make a mark in the global scene with three representatives being invited to the 2019 New York Festivals’ Grand Jury, namely Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa Flores, First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, and broadcast journalist Jessica Soho. In addition to being a Grand Jury member, Flores will also again be part of the NYF’s Advisory Board. Flores, who concurrently serves as GMA News Online’s Executive Vice President for Editorial, has been credited for the comprehensive growth of GMA Network’s News and Public Affairs organization that currently airs more than 30 regular programs, as well as numerous public affairs specials. Under her leadership, GMA News and Public Affairs has earned the distinction of being the most awarded broadcast news organization in the country. Valdellon, meanwhile, has worked in television for more than two decades as a producer, executive producer, and program manager of documentaries, public affairs, reality TV, and drama programs. In 2011, she spearheaded the launch of GMA News TV, which is now regarded as the leading local news channel. She was creator of the social realist

Saturday, March 9, 2019

53 Make waves 56 Agree exactly 60 Hunch 61 Surprise 63 Work like a dog 64 Greenish-yellow pear 65 Film critic — Ebert 66 Gossip tidbit 67 Tart plum 68 Gardener’s buy 69 Hunter’s garb

nickie.standard@gmail.com

J-POP ANIME

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Gists 5 Ukraine’s capital 9 Swedish import 13 Met highlight 14 European capital 15 Former Atlanta stadium 16 Shopping center 17 Of durable wood 18 Corncake 19 Iron and helium 21 Obscure 23 Obligation 24 Ginger ale 25 Racquet game 28 Citrus trees 32 “The Greatest” 33 Furnishings 36 Everest or McKinley 37 Jagger of the Stones 39 Bed supports 41 Letter encl. 42 Space, poetically 44 Welles or Bean 46 Feel sorry about 47 Most profound 49 Rich 51 Faucets 52 Hound’s track

From left: Akihiro Hosoya, All Nippon Airways General Manager, Hiroaki Uesugi, The Japan Foundation Manila Director, and Takahiro Kimura, All Nippon Airways Sales Manager.

From C4

Playlist’s many firsts All those who watched Playlist: The Best of OPM Friday last week at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was treated to many firsts that might not happen again in the near future. Featured performers Joey Generoso, Jinky Vidal, Jay Durias, Juris Fernandez, Meds Marfil and Ice Seguerra were together on stage for a show for the very first time. They ventured into the area of the new Pinoy pop music by performing songs like “Mundo” by IV of Spades, “Buwan” by JK Labajo, “Maybe The Night” by Ben&Ben and “Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw” by December Avenue. Also in the program were medleys of songs popularized by their contemporaries like “Alapaap,” “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “With A Smile,” “Ligaya,” and “Huwag Mo Nang Itanong” by the Eraserheads and “214,” “Hinahanap-hanap Kita,” “Himala,” “Liwanag Sa Dilim,” and “Ulan” by Rivermaya. Fast-rising singer Janine Tenoso ventured into this territory of extraordinary music talent by presenting her own share of hits for the first time at the Big Dome, like “241,” “Jealous,” “Bulong,” and “Di Na Muli.” Last but not least, This Band, the group behind the current big selling tunes “Kung Ayaw Mo Na” and “Hindi Na Nga” made a special appearance at the opening of the show. Playlist: The Best of OPM was a Viva Live production directed by GB San Pedro. *** No harm intended Saying that they just wanted to make the people smile during campaign rallies, former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) and senatorial aspirant Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said that there was no harm intended in the jokes both he and his close friend, actor Phillip “Ipe” Salvador, usually deliver in campaign sorties. Bong Go also said that he and Philip Salvador wanted to make the people happy during such campaign sorties because they don’t like audiences to get tired of the promises the candidates say during rallies. “Ma’am Kris Aquino, paumanhin po talaga,” the former SAP humbly apologized, as he faced hundreds of supporters in a campaign rally of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) political party in Manila on Wednesday. After receiving word of Kris Aquino’s response towards the jokes, both Go and Salvador avoided mentioning the actress’ name in their introductory comedic skits. “Gusto lang po namin kayong pasayahin. Ngayon, medyo mayroon po akong nasaktan, kaya eto po, humihingi po ako ng paumanhin po,” Go told the members of the audience in Manila recently, stressing that the banter is merely part of their comedic performance. “Part ng script lang po ‘yung intro joke namin ni Ipe. Hindi na namin gagamitin ang joke na ‘yun,” he assured. Go continued, “Ang importante po ay mapatawa namin kayo at mapangiti, hindi po ‘yung puro pulitika na lang po ang naririnig ninyo.” Before letting Philip Salvador sing the song, “Nandito ako”, Go, a selfconfessed movie fan, quipped, “Diyan ko po siya (Salvador) napanood noon kasama si Kris. Ngayon, ito po ang totoo. “At oo, minahal niya po si Kris,” he stated. *** Visit www.isah.red for more stories. Follow me on Facebook (@isahvr), Twitter (@isahvred) and Instagram (@ isahvred). ΙR

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

tion 30 Result 31 Warrior’s horse 34 Thickens 35 Paddle cousin 38 Didn’t fall behind (2 wds.) 40 Draftee 43 Bona fide 45 When shadows are shortest 48 Asparagus shoots 50 Cold place 52 Exuded mois-

ture 53 Cook shack specialty 54 Adulated one 55 Pancho Villa’s coin 56 Canary’s home 57 Greek letter 58 “Carpe —!” 59 Tar’s patron saint 62 Curly’s friend

series Bayan Ko and Titser and will soon be launching the online newscast “Stand for Truth”, winner of an innovation funding grant from YouTube. As the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist, Soho marked another milestone in Philippine broadcast history last year after becoming the very first Filipino news anchor to become a finalist at the New York Festivals Television & Film Awards, taking home the Bronze Medal in the Best News Anchor category for GMA News TV’s flagship newscast State of the Nation with Jessica Soho (SONA). She is also a two-time recipient of the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. Flores, Valdellon, and Soho join awardwinning directors, producers, writers, actors and various other creative media professionals from across the globe in recognizing TV programs and films from all over 50 countries. To ensure impartiality, all NYF judges are prohibited from judging entries from their own companies. GMA Network remains as the most awarded local broadcast news organization. Last year, it set another record when it brought home eight medals and four finalist certificates at the 2018 New York Festivals “World’s Best TV and Films” Competition. Broadcast journalist and GMA News pillar Jessica Soho

People... From C4

Other Standard Distance agegroup champions of the My Daily Collagen®, Triathlon supported by Smart, Saucony, Vittoria, Rudy Project, ACEA Subic Bay, Court Meridian Hotel & Suites, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, were Cianyl Gonzales ( 25 to 29), Lyllian Grace Banzon and Lorin-Pedro Balandreau (30 to 34), Ronald Molit (35 to 39), Nylah Bautista and Jeff Valdez (40 to 44), Bic Ferreria and Romeo Marquez (45 to 49), Peter Gonzalez (50 to 54), Rune Stroem (55 to 59), and Josef Guetta (60-above). “The large turnout of seasoned triathletes from the different parts of the country made a major difference. Previously we expected mostly beginners or newcomers among triathletes to join in. We are more than happy with the reception of this race,” said My Daily Collagen® Chief Sales Officer Oliver Salas. My Daily Collagen® is an over all health Collagen drink which has the right amount of easily absorbed marine collagen peptide. It’s a protein rich drink that boosts bone and joint health which enhances post-work out recovery, aside from the benefits that it gives to your skin, hair and nails. My Daily Collagen is available at Mercury Drug, Watsons and Rose Pharmacy nationwide. Champions On the Sprint Distance (750 m M swim— 18 Km bike—5 km Km run) contests, the champions declared were Marielle Estreba and Josh Angelo Averion (15 to 19), Austine Morfe (20 to 29), Princess Que and Melvin Benzon (30 to 39), Ana Cristina Abanico and Ranvel Eriko Rufino (40 to 49), Margaret Koa Cheng (Female 50-above), and Ruben Ercilla (Male 50-59). Cebu City Rider Omega Tri Team won the gold as the fastest triathlon team in Sunday’s standard distance race, in were followed by Team Sante Barley with silver, and Herbalife Team with bronze with. The relay category champions were Team Salada (Family), Cebu City Rider Omega Tri Team (Mixed), Prito Fam (All-Female), and Team Balon Dagupan (AllMale).

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

Entertainment

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019

First Filipina in Winter Universiade

The lady senator with entertainment editors and members of the showbiz press.

What’s inside Nancy’s collab book with Twitter elitist Senyora? M NICKIE WANG

AKE Love Not War is the title of the book Sen. Nancy Binay cowrote with social media celebrity Senyora Santibañez. The latter, being known as a parody account, made us ask the question: Have they met in real life and is Senyora a real person?

The female senator was quick to answer that ABS-CBN Publishing wanted them not to meet in person because “that will keep some sense of mystery.” Senyora became popular as the face and voice of the merciless haciendera. She has a solid 5.1 million Twitter army. And that’s how she’s known to the younger batch of millennials, but to those who saw the Mexican version of MariMar starring Thalia, she’s Mexican actress Chantal Andere’s classic contravida character in the 1994 hit telenovela. Twitter’s favorite evil elitist has won over people’s attention and social media follows because of her witty and often times harsh humor. And mind you, Sen. Nancy is her favorite subject. In fact, some five years ago, the politician cried foul over the parody account’s question pertaining to her skin color. Senyora asked, “Are you afraid of the dark?” “You know, one of the things I’ve learned since entering public office is to ignore online trolls and bashers. And that’s the same advice I’d like to share with everyone including celebrities and the young ones,” Sen. Nancy said in a gathering with the members of entertainment press on Tuesday. “Kasi di ba sabi nila, pag nagagalit ka magkaka-wrinkles ka? Ba’t naman ako magagalit para magka-wrinkles, tapos sila hindi?” she added in jest. The book, according to the senator, is a guide on how to arm yourself with the basics of surviving in social media. “Senyora and I collaborated to help you save your sanity and credibility in dealing with social media bashing. You can have it my way (cool and calm) or Senyora’s way (tough love with care). This time, we’re BFF promoting love and not war,” wrote the senator in the book’s foreword. The book is a fun read for all those active online, as according to Senyora, every little thing becomes a big deal and people feel that everything is about them in the world of social media. You have to “sign up at your own risk,” she stressed. Readers can find out the 10 basic rules online in the book from Sen. Nancy. “Don’t share whatever issue you have with another person. Deal with it face to face. Do not air your dirty laundry in public and don’t use social media as your battleground,” she pointed out. Sen. Nancy and Senyora also included several tips to survive social media bullying. “It’s not the end of the world if you get bashed on social media. Go out, reach out to your real friends,” the female senator suggested. She also recommended to just laugh bashing off. “Appreciate their effort. I’m happy especially when they make memes of me. When you think about it, it’s more than an hour of their time!” Senyora, meanwhile, highlights the five types of enemies every social media user has online—the debtors, virtual enemies/ keyboard warriors, frenemies, relatives, and exes—which she said to all counter with love. The hilarious collab also features some of the senator’s musings, the happiness checklist—a special appreciation activity—and also the wit challenge featuring the authors’ answers to several exciting questions. Make Love Not War is now available in National Bookstore and other leading bookstores nationwide. ***

Top athletes dominate My Daily Collagen Triathlon

Philippine elite triathletes Edward Vince Jared Macalalad and Karen Manayon took Subic’s scorching

FREELANCE model and musical theater performer Misha Fabian, a senior student at Ateneo de Manila University, makes history as the first Filipino female athlete to participate in the Winter Universiade, the biggest multisport competition in the world next only to the Olympics. She will compete in Figure Skating as the lone Philippine representative. This year’s Winter Universiade is held in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk of the Russian Federation from March 1 to 12. The Universiade is the largest sports competition among college and university students worldwide held under the aegis of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Locally, the Universiade is represented by The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP). “It’s a tall order to win a figure skating medal especially when I’m competing against the world’s best university athletes where snow and ice are part of their nature. But I will give the Winter Universiade my best shot to promote my advocacy for girls to finish school while following their

dreams” Fabian said. Fabian played the female lead role in the highly successful run of Ateneo Blue ISAH V. RED Repertory’s staging of the musical Rent in 2018. She takes a breather from the musical stage to pursue her other passions in sports and in the arts. She prepared for her Siberian trip by training daily both on and off ice and took gym classes for physical conditioning and strengthening. On the side and in between tasks to finish her college thesis requirements, she takes on modeling assignments and plays an active participation in church youth groups. After being the poster girl of a popular sports drink’s summer sports program in figures skating for an unprecedented three consecutive years and appearing in The G u a rd i a n - U K ’s Photo of The Day, Fabian is making history again as the first Filipina in the Winter Universiade. “I want to inspire young girls to value good education and strive to obtain a college degree while cultivating their passion in sports and the arts. It’s tough but girls can do it with beauty and grace.” Fabian said. Continued on C3

‘Ang Probinsyano,’‘The General’s Daughter’ rule the numbers game

Elite triathletes Edward Vince Jared Macalalad and Karen Manayon (top photo)

heat and rolling terrain plus their multisport training in Portugal as impetus to push harder and win recognition as the fastest finishers of their respective genders at the My Daily Collagen® Triathlon on Feb. 24. Macalalad, also of team Tri Gear was crowned, the male 18 to 24 champion, completed 1.5Km swim— 40 Km bike—10 Km run standard distance held at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone race in 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 6 seconds. Fellow elite triathletes Banjo Norte, zipped into the chute 22 seconds later to bag first place in Male 25 to29 age group, followed by Julius Constantino at 2:17:08. In the women’s competition Manayon did her team Cebu City Rider Omega Tri Team proud coming in at of 2:38:59 to emerge as champion of the Female 18-24 category. Age proved to be no barrier as Manayon was joined in the top 3 female finishers’ category by Ines Santiago of the 35 to 39 age group in 2:41:22, and Petro Kuiper of the 50 to 54 age group at 2:48:33 to win the Female 50 to 54 title. Continued on C3

Sen. Nancy Binay shows a book she cowrote with Twitter superstar Senyora Santibañez. Entitled ‘Make Love Not War’ by ABS-CBN Publishing, it serves as a readers’ guide to dealing with online trolls and bashers.

LIKE in January, the Kapamilya Network swept nine out of the top ten most watched shows nationwide with FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano leading the list with 42.3 percent according to Kantar Media. It is followed by TV Patrol (31.3 percent), which brought pertinent news stories. Meanwhile, World of Dance Philippines (31.3 percent) also continued its reign as the country’s most watched weekend program as it featured its Duels round. The General’s Daughter (30.6 percent), also continued to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, while Maalaala Mo Kaya’s (25.1 percent) heartwarming and values-laden life stories attracted weekend viewers. The relevant episodes of Home Sweetie Home Walang Kapares (22.9 percent) and Wansapanataym (22.7 percent) for February continued to captivate viewers, while the thrilling episodes of late night favorite Halik (22.3 percent) had viewers glued on their screens. On the other hand, Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo (21.6 percent) entered the top 10 for the ﬁrst time this 2019. These numbers put ABS-CBN as the undisputed network of choice nationwide by most Filipino viewers. In February, it registered an average audience share of 45 percent, or 15 points higher than GMA’s 30 percent, also based on data from Kantar Media. ABS-CBN also sustained its lead in Metro Manila and Mega Manila. The Kapamilya network dominated in Metro Manila where it scored 43 percent, or 20 points higher than GMA’s 23 percent. ABS-CBN likewise led in in Mega Manila where it registered 36 percent, beating GMA’s 29 percent percent. Likewise, ABS-CBN sustained its lead in Total Luzon where it got 40

Angel Locsin, lead star of the top-rating series 'The General's Daughter'

percent over GMA’s 32 percent; in Total Visayas with 55 percent over GMA’s 24 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 55 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent. Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100% of the total Philippine TV viewing population. Once again, ABS-CBN won across all time blocks, particularly in primetime where it earned an average audience share of 50 percent, or 20 points higher than GMA’s 30 percent. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments to reach more consumers effectively. The Kapamilya network was also successful in conquering the morning block (6:00 a.m. to. 12:00 nn) with an average audience share of 37 percent, compared to GMA’s 26 percent; in the noontime block (12:00 nn to 3:00 p.m.) with 44 percent, versus GMA’s 30 percent; and in the afternoon block (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with 46 percent, beating GMA’s 32 percent.

INTERNATIONAL

Hello Kitty heads to Hollywood HELLO Kitty, Japan’s moon-faced pyjamas to double-decker buses and global icon of cute, will soon appear in airliners. AFP a Hollywood film for the first time in her 45-year-old history, her creator said on Wednesday. Sanrio, the feline character’s operator, announced it was teaming up with New Line Cinema and FlynnPictureCo for the film after a near five-year discussion about rights for the big screen. The mouthless character, with her child-like hair bow and a registered height of five apples, has spawned a multi-billion-dollar industry since Sanrio introduced her in 1974. Immediately recognizing Hello Kitty’s cash cow potential, the company Hello Kitty who now appears in 130 branched out into merchandising countries, is a fictional cartoon character the year after and she now adorns produced by the Japanese company everything from pencil cases and Sanrio.