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MANILA WATER WAIVES CHARGES; PENALTY FOR SERVICE CUTS UP By Rio N. Araja MANILA Water Co. on Tuesday offered to waive the bills of customers who suffered seven or more waterless days in March, but the state regulator said the company is not off the hook yet for widespread service interruptions in Metro Manila’s east zone. At a news conference, Fernando dela Cruz, Manila Water president, apologized again to their customers for the widespread water service interruptions and offered a one-time reduction in water bills. “We understand the profound frustration that our customers have expressed. And we sincerely apologize for the widespread inconvenience that we have caused all our customers in the east zone concession area with this unprecedented water shortage that began on March 6, which is beyond the typical service interruption,” he said. “All customers will have their minimum charge waived, while...customers in barangays which experienced

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 45 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

WATER WAIVER.

Manila Water president Fernando dela Cruz apologizes during a news conference Tuesday to the firm’s customers for widespread water interruption, then offers a one-time voluntary bill waiver for customers who experienced a 24/7 waterless service in March. Manny Palmero and Sonny Espiritu

El Niño destroys Mindoro farms

CCIDENTAL Mindoro has been placed under a state of calamity owing to damage caused by warm weather phenomenon El Niño on its crops―the seventh such province or city across the country to declare so since the official onset of the summer season.

Budget bill up for Duterte scrutiny, finally By Nat Mariano and Vito Barcelo PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will scrutinize the proposed 2019 national budget before signing it amid alleged last-minute amendments, the Palace said on Tuesday, assuring the public that the spending bill will be in accordance with the Constitution. As he commended the members of Congress for submitting an enrolled bill to the Executive department, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte will have to evaluate whether or not the provisions of the enrolled bill submitted by the Congress are in keeping with the Constitution. “The Senate says it’s illegal, right? Unconstitutional. And the President says he will not sign anything unconstitutional as Next page

Party-lists choose ‘next Speaker’ By Maricel V. Cruz MORE lawmakers on Tuesday threw their support behind former Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez—who is running again for ofﬁce in May—as the next speaker of the House. Among them were party-list Reps. Catalina Pizarro of Arts, Business, and Science Professionals (ABS), Mariano Piamonte of A-Teacher, Jesulito Manalo of Angkla, Anthony Bravo of CoopNatco, and Cecilia Chavez of Butil. In a statement, the leaders said Romualdez would make a good speaker because he is good at gaining a consensus, and as such, can push President Rodrigo Duterte’s legislative agenda forward. Next page

Martin Romualdez

THE SPEAKER SPEAKS. In vote-rich Negros Occidental, Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hosts Tuesday senatorial candidates of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago with campaign manager Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio in the hometown of the Speaker’s sister-in- law, Marilou Arroyo, where the latter is running unopposed for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Gloria plays host to Hugpong bets SPEAKER Gloria Macapagal Arroyo hosted Tuesday senatorial candidates of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago in the hometown of her sister-in- law in Negros Occidental where the latter is running for the House of Representatives. “When I saw the schedule of Hugpong, I’ve seen that they don’t get a rally yet here. Since my sister-in- law is a candidate in the fifth district, I said maybe we can invite them. Of course they accepted it. Negros Occidental is a very big province... It’s really for the Hugpong candidates to introduce themselves to the people of Negros Occidental,” she told reporters during her visit to Teleperformance Bacolod City, the first BPO company in the Visayas region which she inaugurated in 2006. Arroyo’s sister-in-law, Marilou Arroyo, is running unopposed for the fifth congressional district of Negros Occidental. After visiting her Roll-on-Roll-off ports and urban poor housing projects, Arroyo continued with her “sentimental journey” by going to the first BPO office in the Visayas region. Next page

Provincial agriculture ofﬁcer Nonoy Baranda said Occidental Mindoro’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared a state of calamity last week to hasten the release of calamity funds to aid farmers affected by the dry spell, which has so far caused P149 million in damage to crops. With the green light from the provincial board, the provincial government also gave fuel subsidies to farmers, which they can use for farming machinery, Baranda said. Seeds of vegetables that don’t need much water to grow were also distributed to farmers. Occidental Mindoro follows the provinces of Cebu, North Cotabato, Zamboanga Sibugay and Davao del Sur, as well as the cities of Zamboanga and Pagadian, in declaring a state of calamity over El Nino’s effects. The state weather bureau had warned last week that the effects of El Niño, a weather pattern associated with reduced rainfall, would become more drastic during the summer season. Next page

Rody vows to kill adviser if he’s into drugs By Nat Mariano

the statement after sacked Philippine National Police ofﬁcer Eduardo Acierto claimed that the PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will kill Michael President and former PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa Yang, his former economic adviser, if the Davao- ignored an intelligence report about Yang’s albased Chinese businessman is involved in illegal leged involvement in illegal drugs. drugs, Malacañang said on Tuesday. “You don’t know this guy [Duterte]. He Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made Next page Michael Yang

Drug situation worsens; 31 celebrities on watchlist By Francisco Tuyay and Nat Mariano THE recent conﬁscation of more than a billion pesos worth of shabu shows that big-time drug trafﬁcers are using the Philippines as a transshipment point, the po-

lice said Tuesday. “International drug syndicates continue to mock our laws and smuggle in large volumes of illegal drugs as seen in the recent conﬁscation and arrest of foreign nationals,” said Philippine National Police spokesman Sr. Supt. Bernard Banac.

Stolen Picasso rediscovered A DUTCH art detective dubbed the “Indiana Jones of the Art World” has struck again, finding a Picasso painting worth 25 million euros stolen from a Saudi sheikh’s yacht on the French Riviera in 1999 Next page

Last week, state anti-narcotics agents seized some P1.1 billion of shabu inside the posh village of Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa and arrested three Chinese nationals—Cua Kian Kok, 43; Go Kei Kei, 40; Li Zhao Yang, 19 and a Filipino, Emmanueal Pascual, 79. Next page

Snowden supporter TORONTO—A woman who helped Edward Snowden hide in Hong Kong after his leaks exposed US global surveillance programs arrived Monday in Canada with her daughter, where they were granted asylum. Next page

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

3 top cops linked to scam in Region 12 facing probe THE Interior department has ordered the Philippine National Police to probe the involvement of three ranking officers of Police Regional Office 12 in a P2billion investment scam. Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also ordered the immediate relief of Police Col. Manuel M. Lukban Jr., chief of the PRO-12 directorial staff; Police Col. Raul Supiter, General Santos City police director; and Police Lt. Col. Henry P. Biñas. PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde has already ordered the PRO-12 and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to probe the scam that has allegedly victimized a sizable number of PRO-12 personnel, their families, relatives and friends. Ordered investigated was the Police Paluwagan Movement or PPM investment scam that allegedly is being run by the three officers and some uniformed and non-uniformed personnel of the General Santos City Police Office. “I am deeply worried about this news. Police, including ranking officials, are allegedly running the investment scam. I have ordered PNP Chief Albayalde and the CIDG to immediately probe and act on this to ensure that there will be no more victims and the perpetrators will be held liable,” Malaya told reporters. PNA

Party-lists... From A1

“We have worked with FMR in Congress. He is not only a principled and compassionate leader, but a unifying presence who can actively steer [the President’s] legislative agenda for change and development in the country,” their statement read. Romualdez, both president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Philippine Constitution Association, is running for the Leyte congressional seat to replace his wife, Yedda. Several lawmakers earlier expressed confidence that Romualdez, whom the President’s daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio declared will be the next speaker, will be able to steer “a more productive and responsive” House under the 18th Congress. Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice on Sunday supported Romualdez as the next House Speaker in the incoming 18th Congress. “He has no corruption issue, and that will work to his advantage,” said Erice, a member of the House opposition. House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said Duterte’s endorsement of Romualdez would mean a more productive and responsive House of Representatives supportive of the President’s legislative agenda. “We need a competent and honest man like congressman Romualdez. He has good public relations and no derogatory issue. Congress will be very interesting with his leadership. He is good, responsible, very bright and intelligent,” he said.

Budget... From A1

far as he is concerned. He will need to evaluate whether or not the opinion of the Senate is indeed correct. It depends, the President is a lawyer,” Panelo told Palace reporters. “That’s his judgment call, he will have to review the enrolled bill and if it’s consistent with the Constitution, he will sign it.” Earlier, Senate President Vicente Sotto III submitted his signed and enrolled copy of the proposed P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget. Sotto, however, attached a letter explaining his “strong reservations” on the itemized P75 billion worth of public works projects. “It is my view that it is unconstitutional that P75 billion worth of programs/ projects under the Local Infrastructure Program of the Department of Public Works and Highways was funded through internal realignments,” Sotto said in his letter to the President. According to the Senate leader, the supposed unconstitutional budget realignment was made after the Bicameral Conference Committee Report was ratified by realigning cuts from several programs including asset preservation, network development, bridge, flood management, and convergence and support programs. “The President may wish to consider disapproving these unconstitutional realignments, pursuant to his constitutional power to veto particular items in the General Appropriations Bill,” he added, attaching a list of P95 billion worth of public works program that includes the alleged P75-billion realignments.

Remove illegal posters, poll bets told By Vito Barcelo

HE Commission on Elections on Tuesday urged all candidates running for local positions in the May 13 elections to remove their illegal campaign posters by Friday, March 29, the start of the campaign period. The poll body said the illegal campaign materials posted by local candidates could be used to disqualify them. “Local candidates who would not take down their campaign materials shall be presumed to have committed the pertinent election offense, the Comelec said in

a statement. The agency said it is the candidates’ duty to remove their respective posters that violate the election guidelines that it had issued. The Comelec made its statement even as the Interior department ordered incum-

Manila Water...

Zarate said the Ayala-led Manila Water should be held accountable for the water shortage in Metro Manila and Rizal province. Zarate, one of the petitioners against Manila Water, said the waiver was not enough. “While the waiving of the basic charge of Manila Water is a positive start it does not preclude affected customers from still going to court and ask for further redress,” Zarate said Zarate said aside from the bill waiver, Manila Water should, among others, also compensate the damage they caused the consumers and be ordered to stop collecting the rate increase allowed last year by the MWSS. “We will continue to seek accountability from Manila Water and MWSS for this catastrophic, greed-induced problem,” Zarate said. Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, welcomed Manila Water’s voluntary bill waiver program, saying it was “a big win for ordinary paying customers.” “This is certainly a big victory for consumers. But we must not stop here. There is more that needs to be done in order to prevent this crisis from happening again,” Hontiveros said. Also on Tuesday, Velasco denied any under-the-table deals in the Chinesefunded Kaliwa Dam project, which is expected to meet Metro Manila’s growing demand for water. He said speculation was fueled by Global Utility Development Corp. chief executive officer and director Toshikazu Nomura’s statement that the China-funded dam will cost $800 million, way higher than the government figure of $248 million. “We don’t know where he got that figure,” Velasco said in Filipino. With Maricel Cruz, Othel Campos and Vito Barcelo

From A1

absolutely no water service for at least seven days continuous or broken days within March 6 to 31 will not be charged for their March bills,” Dela Cruz said. The minimum charge covers 10 cubic meters of water, as well as environmental and sewer charges. Dela Cruz said lifeline customers will benefit the most since their minimum charge, which is also their monthly charge, will be both waived. The waiver will be reflected in their April bills. De La Cruz assured customers that technical solutions are being put in place to help stabilize the water supply distribution across the east zone . “As of March 25, our eight- to 12-hour water availability at ground floor level has reached 97 percent. From a high of 61 severely affected barangays, we are now down to eight barangays which are dependent on interim network solutions, static tanks or water tankers,” he said. “Manila Water remains hard at work to bring back 24/7 water service to all its customers even at reduced pressure. We continue to work with the MWSSRegulatory Office and Corporate Office in addressing this situation in accordance with the directive of our good President,” he added. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo Velasco, however, said they have yet to study what penalties they will impose on Manila Water, one of two private concessionaires. “There are other penalties under the concession agreement that they will have to face,” Velasco said during a press conference. Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos

Gloria...

Rody...

“Like what we did the last time, I want to go to my favorite projects. Of course developing the BPO industry was one of my proudest accomplishments and I remember this was a first in the Visayas when we opened it here. That’s why we visited again in 2010 when I was reviewing my projects,” she said. Arroyo has been credited for the rise of the BPO industry in the Philippines. Her pioneering initiatives and her administration’s support to the industry led to its phenomenal growth in the country. These included the creation of the ITBPAP, creation of the Commission on Information and Communication Technology, providing investor support through the accreditation of buildings used by the industry, completion of infrastructure projects like airports, and training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority worth over P800 million from 2007-09. During her presidency, BPO industry grew on an average of 65 percent per annum over a decade and had nearly half a million workers by the end of 2009 which was then President Arroyo’s last full year in office, growing from only $1.3 billion in 2003 to $8.9 billion in 2010. By the end of her term in 2010, the Philippines has assumed the No. 1 position as top BPO destination. Today there are about 1.3-million Filipinos working in the BPO industry. It is expected to grow to 1.7 million in the coming years accounting to 10 to 15-percent share of the global market share. Arroyo was delighted to see the growth of Teleperformance in Bacolod City and the entire country. “I’m so happy how it has grown and I’m so happy that those who were working here before are still here now in higher positions. That’s really something to be said about the company’s ability to retain its talents. That’s really a ground for congratulations and of course they’ve grown,” she said. Arroyo has been going on a “sentimental journey” to her favorite projects during her presidency as she prepares to step down from public service on June 30.

[Duterte] will kill him if he [Yang] is involved [in illegal drugs],” Panelo told reporters. In other developments: • Malacañang said Tuesday Yang is no longer Duterte’s economic adviser. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a text message that Yang’s “one peso per annum contract” expired on Dec. 31, 2018. • Acierto released his own matrix showing the alleged links of Yang and Chinese businessman Allan Lim to the narcotics trade. According to the matrix, Yang and Lim are both linked to the drug syndicate of Johnson Chua, a Chinese national, allegedly operating in the Philippines. • Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday denied receiving an intelligence report from Acierto that tying Yang and a certain Allan Lim to the illegal drugs trade in the country. • Malacañang said Tuesday Acierto, who linked Yang to the illegal drug trade, was just disgruntled and probably wanted to get back at Duterte and the government after he himself was tagged in the drug trade. Acierto on Monday slammed the government and accused Yang of involvement in the drug trade against which the President has been waging a relentless war. • Albayalde on Tuesday rejected the claim by Acierto that Yang and a certain “Allan Lim” had ties to the illegal drug trade. • Opposition senatorial bets have urged Ombudsman Samuel Martires to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte and other administration officials in light of the allegations of a former police official linking Yang to illegal drugs. Panelo said Duterte would not tolerate anyone involved in illegal drugs regardless of their relationship. But he remained unconvinced that Yang was into drugs, saying that Yang’s closeness to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua spoke for his reputation. “Also, common sense will tell us that he is not involved. According to the President, Ambassador Zhao slept in the house of Yang. And we all know that the Chinese government is against illegal drugs, and the Ambassador will never associate himself with anyone involved in drugs,” Panelo told reporters on Tuesday. With PNA

From A1

bent local officials to create a transition team before the start of the campaign period for elective officials on March 29 and the midterm polls on May 13. Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Memorandum Circular 2019-39 requires that each Local Governance Transition Team be led by the local chief executive with the vice chairman to be elected among the members by a simple majority vote. “Just before the reelectionist local [bets] get busy with their campaign, they must form a Local Governance Transition Team to ensure continuous services for the people, Malaya told reporters. The Comelec notifies the candidates about the presence of illegal campaign materials.

The poll body also says huge posters put up in private properties are not exempted from its rules, adding private properties should not be used as an excuse to violate the law. The prescribed size for campaign materials is two by three feet in designated poster areas, the Comelec said. The common areas are those in public markets and parks. Footbridges, trees and electric posts are not considered common areas. The local candidates include those running for the House of Representatives, Provincial Governor and Vice Governor, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the offices of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the Sangguniang Bayan. With PNA

El Niño...

March 19. Northern Mindanao has been bearing the brunt of El Niño, according to the DA report. The Agriculture department’s DRRM Operations Center said drought had claimed 78,348 metric tons of rice and corn, over triple the 22,918 MT of rice and corn posted in the previous week. The Philippines has been experiencing reduced rainfall since February, with several provinces suffering from a dry spell and drought, PAGASA noted. According to Solis, apart from Metro Manila, areas to experience drought by the end of April are Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon in Luzon. Before year 2000, an El Niño phenomenon happened every 10 to 15 years, she said. “Now, it has shortened to five to 10 years,” the PAGASA official added. “In 1982, 1983, 1987 and 1998, there were strong El Niño episodes,” Solis said. Other strong episodes occurred in 2010, 2015 and 2016, “or every five to 10 years.” Rio Araja, with PNA

From A1

As many as 51 provinces―or nearly two-thirds of the country’s 81 total provinces―would suffer from drought until the end of April, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. Analiza Solis, Pagasa’s Climate Information Monitoring and Prediction chief, warned Friday that a weak but prolonged El Niño warm weather system will stay until at least August, or as long as the first quarter of 2020―delaying the rainy season and endangering billions of pesos worth of crops. Animals and livestock have also felt the heat, with poultry farms in Laoag, Ilocos Norte reporting that at least 10 chickens have been dying daily due to dehydration. Growers have resorted to placing electric fans in chicken pens and asking caretakers to make sure the animals are drinking regularly to keep cool, a GMA News report noted. The phenomenon is already proving disastrous to the country, as the Department of Agriculture said that damage to crops had grown to P1.33 billion as of

Drug situation... From A1

Agents from the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency found 43.5 kilograms of shabu worth P295 million in the parking lot of Festival Mall and another 123 kilograms of shabu worth P836 million in Ayala Alabang Village. Banac agreed with the assessment of President Rodrigo Duterte that the drug situation was worsening. But the Department of the Interior and Local Government said the number of drug users has fallen dramatically as a result of the government’s relentless war on drugs. Interior Department spokesman Jonathan Malaya said that with the continued arrest of either drug pushers or users following aggressive police operations, the government is winning the war on drugs. The Palace, meanwhile, said the PDEA should file charges against local celebrities involved in the illegal drug trade. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace is saddened by the PDEA’s report that 31 celebrities have been included in the government’s watch list of suspected drug personalities. “We’re saddened that these people are involved. But we will never tolerate it. If there is sufficient evidence, then they [authorities] should and they must [file charges],” Panelo said in a Palace press

briefing. PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino confirmed that 31 “popular” celebrities are listed in their drug watch list, but said these names had not yet been validated. Aquino said the agency has recovered text messages from a male celebrity who allegedly bought 200 pieces of ecstasy from slain drug dealer Steve Pasion. Pasion, a suspected big-time ecstasy supplier, was killed two weeks ago in an operation by PDEA operatives. President Duterte has vowed to shower anti-drug enforcers with a P1.5-million reward for the death of Pasion. “They even serve as role models as the youth look up to them but in reality, they order as much as 200 pieces ecstasy,” Aquino said, adding that some of the personalities in the drug watch list are television hosts and even portray wholesome roles in showbiz. In an interview on radio dzMM, Aquino said he has already coordinated with his counterparts from at least 55 countries to determine the point of origin of hauls of cocaine bricks found floating in Philippine waters. Aquino acknowledged they were facing a blank wall. “Even the United States [of America] Drug Enforcement Administration and the countries we have communicated with are also facing a blank wall,” he added. With Rio N. Araja

Snowden...

Stolen Picasso...

“Now me and Keana are permanent residents in Canada. Now we are safe and free. I’m so grateful,” Vanessa Rodel, 42, told reporters at Toronto airport, accompanied by her seven-yearold daughter Keana. On Tuesday, they are set to travel to Montreal, where they will settle as refugees sponsored by the non-governmental group For the Refugees. Rodel was among a group of people who sheltered Snowden, a former CIA employee and US National Security Agency contractor, putting him up in her apartment in 2013 while he was in Hong Kong on the run from US authorities. His leaks of highly classified documents revealed the existence of global surveillance programs run by the NSA in cooperation with partners Australia, Britain and Canada. Snowden, who now lives in Russia, was charged in June 2013 in the United States with espionage and stealing state secrets. Canada granted Rodel, a Philippines national, and her daughter asylum in January but it was kept secret for security reasons, according to For the Refugees. “They opened their doors to me,” Snowden told Radio-Canada about the people who sheltered him. “They knew what it was like to be hunted, to be chased, to be retaliated against.” In a tweet in French, he gave “thanks to all who, in Canada and across the world, made this possible. After so many years, the first of the families who helped me is free, and has a future.” AFP

Arthur Brand said he had handed back the 1938 masterpiece entitled “Portrait of Dora Maar,” also known as “Buste de Femme (Dora Maar)” to an insurance company earlier this month. The discovery of the rare portrait of Maar, one of Pablo Picasso’s most inf luential mistresses, is the culmination of a four-year investigation into the burglary on the luxury yacht Coral Island, as she lay anchored in Antibes. Two decades after its theft and with no clues to its whereabouts, the French police were stumped―and the portrait, which once hung in the Spanish master’s home until his death in 1973, was feared lost forever. But after a four-year trail which led through the Dutch criminal underworld, two intermediaries turned up on Brand’s Amsterdam doorstep 10 days ago with the missing picture. “They had the Picasso, now valued at 25 million euros wrapped in a sheet and black rubbish bags with them,” Brand told A FP. It was yet another success for Brand, who hit the headlines last year for returning a stolen 1,600-year-old mosaic to Cyprus. He won world fame in 2015 after finding “Hitler’s Horses”, two bronze statues made by Nazi sculptor Joseph Thorak― a discovery about which he had a book out earlier this month. AFP

From A1

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LTO says new motorcycle plates not made of metal THE Land Transportation Ofﬁce on Tuesday denied the claims of several biker groups, who earlier said the new motorcycle wil be made of steel. “There’s no provision in the law that states the plate should be made of sheet metal. It should just be sturdy enough and readable from a distance of 15 meters,” Transportation Assistant Secretary and LTO chief Edgar Galvante, who made the clariﬁcation in a press conference in Quezon City. “Hindi tama ang sinasabi nila na ang gagawing materyal sa harap ay metal. Wala naman pong sinasabi sa batas na metal ang gagamitin,” he added. The LTO has started to follow the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier signed signed Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, which mandates the agency to issue bigger, readable and color-coded license plates to every motorcycle in the country. The law aims to stop crimes committed by men riding in tandem on motorcycles. The law also provides that plate numbers should be big enough to be readable from a distance of at least 15 meters from the motorcycle. It also requires the LTO to devise a color scheme of the plate numbers for every region to easily identify where a motorcycle was registered. Additionally, the readable number plates must be displayed in both the front and back sides of the motorcycle and should be made of suitable and durable material as determined by the LTO. Motorcycle riders have been protesting against the new law, saying this is discriminatory and may compromise road safety for both riders and pedestrians. But Galvante said that the LTO is now in the process of crafting the law’s implementing rules and regulations which will be done in consultation with the public, particularly motorcycle riders, which the agency will issue within 90 days from the signing of the law. The LTO chief also said that a technical working group is now working on the design and studying what material the plates will be made of.

PLATE MAKING.

Land Transportation Office Asec. Edgar Galvante (not in photo) introduces the latest plate making equipment IDerobot and the new computerized renewal kiosk during the Transport Talk press-conference held at the LTO office in Quezon City. Manny Palmero

MMDA to close bus terminals along EDSA after Holy Week By Vito Barcelo

HE Metro Manila Development Authority will close all bus terminals located along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue in June, after the Holy Week, as part of government’s effort to address traffic in Metro Manila. MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said the agency has already coordinated with local government units to stop issuing business permits to bus firms to operate bus terminals along EDSA. He said the removal of bus terminals is expected to reduce the number of provincial buses plying Metro Manila, specifically along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, and EDSA-Taft area, and will provide connectivity between different transport modes and services, allowing efficient and seamless travel for the riding public. “We have already coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board [LTFRB] and the

Department of Transportation [DOTr] on the closure of terminals after Holy Week,” he said. The MMDA, LTFRB and the Department of Transportation held a meeting with regards to the closure of bus terminals along EDSA, based on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte that provincial bus terminals along Edsa be closed. “It’s about time to close the bus terminals along EDSA because it contributes to at least 20 percent of the trafﬁc in Metro Manila,” he said. Garcia said they will start a dry-run of the bus terminal closures after Holy Week,

Bill providing welfare, social benefits to golf caddies okayed

Palace apologizes to Miriam’s family for ICC ‘remarks’ By Nat Mariano THE Palace on Tuesday apologized to the family of the late Senator Miriam Santiago for “hurting” their feelings by saying that the election of the former lawmaker as a judge in the International Criminal Court was void. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo sent his apologies to Linn Defensor Evangelista, younger sister of the late lawmaker, after the sibling called out his previous statement saying Santiago’s election was “void.” However, the Palace official explained why he thinks the concern and the hurt were “misplaced.” “I will apologize for hurting her feelings,” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing. “But I think she misunderstood what I said yesterday.” “What I said, if the theory is that we never were under the jurisdiction of the ICC, it goes without saying, as logic, then any appointment to the International Court would be void if that is the theory,” he added. But Santiago’s sibling didn’t buy Panelo’s reasoning. In a facebook post, Evangelista slammed Panelo, saying his remarks as “wrong, immoral, and extremely disrespectful.” “To say that the Philippine membership in the ICC is not valid and that Miriam was not a valid ICC judge is irresponsible, offensive and full of malice. At a minimum, this person (I refuse to say his name in the same posting where Miriam’s name is mentioned) should withdraw this pronouncement and apologize!” Evangelista said. “I am beyond upset; this is a cowardly attack and an evil attempt to undermine that which is true,” he added. Panelo argued that the Philippines never became an official member-state of the ICC as there was never a publication of the ratification of the Rome Statute, the treaty which created the ICC, in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette.

as he clariﬁed that it would be a “dry-run,” as thousands of passengers would still use the terminals because of the long vacation. “We do not want to be hasty and careless as many passengers will be using the terminals before and after the Holy Week,” he said. The closure of the Edsa bus terminals is expected to address trafﬁc congestion in Metro Manila as some provincial buses tend to load and unload passengers along major thoroughfares. “Several bus terminals are now being constructed for provincial buses at the south and north of Metro Manila such as in Valenzuela City and in Sta. Rosa, Laguna,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said. He said the local government units will play a crucial role on the removal of the terminals since they are the ones issuing the business permits needed to operate the business establishments. Meanwhile, the MMDA also reiterated that the “no window hours” policy for number coding scheme is in effect on all major roads and Mabuhay Lane routes, and warned to apprehend violators.

By Maricel V. Cruz

UNUSUAL TWIST. Candidates from student party UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral

para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran will start its campaign in the student council election with an unusual twist. Instead of the usual way of campaigning of introducing themselves, they will kick-off the first day by presenting to the student voters who to vote for or junk in the upcoming national elections in May. Manny Palmero

Funds for drought-resistant palay seeds eyed A LAWMAKER on Tuesday said the release of P5 billion to farmers late last year will help them brace for an extended dry spell in at least 19 provinces this year. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the funds were released ahead of the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11203 or the rice tariffication law that mandates the government to provide a specific fund for agriculture development. Under the rice tariffication law, the importation of rice was liberalized but the law mandates a creation of a fund to help farmers who will be adversely affected by the liberalization of rice importation. He said the provincial government of CamSur declared a state of calamity as the latest dry spell has affected a critical portion of the province. Villafuerte suggested that P1 billion to P2 billion of the P5-billion fund released by the DBM—ahead of the establishment of the P”10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund

under RA 11203—be used for the procurement of drought-tolerant rice seeds to help farmers tide over the projected El Niño spell in 2019. “The DA can procure the droughttolerant rice seed varieties in time for the succeeding cropping seasons to mitigate the effects of the dry spell on the farm sector,” Villafuerte, who is a co-author of RA 11203, said. According to the International Rice Research Institute, there are eight drought-tolerant rice seed varieties available to farmers for highland and lowland planting. Villafuerte, vice chairman of the House committee on appropriations, recalled that Budget department said it had released a Special Allotment Release Order to the DA amounting to P5 billion last December for the National Rice Program, which will complement the would-be RCEF, the funds of which are to be come from the upcoming rice import tariff collections. Maricel V. Cruz

APANEL in the House of Representatives has approved House Bill 9160 which mandates golf clubs to provide social security and welfare benefits to gold caddies and other related service workers through a shared contribution scheme. The House Committee on Labor and Employment, chaired by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma of Nueva Vizcaya, said the bill requires the management of every golf club shall accredit gold caddies and other related service workers who are rendering service to players of the golf club. The bill is principally authored by Rep. Mark Go of Baguio City. Under the measure, golf caddies and other related service workers of a golf club shall be covered by the Social Security System, the Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. upon their accreditation by the golf club management. Payment of SSS, Pag-IBIG Fund and PhilHealth monthly contributions shall be jointly shared by the golf caddies and other related service workers, and the golf club management based on existing rules and regulations. The bill also provides that golf caddies and other related service workers shall be entitled to retirement benefits as provided under Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise known as the “Social Security Law” and other existing laws. It also requires the management of golf clubs to devise and institute a mechanism for the collection of the SSS, Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth monthly contributions from caddies and other related service workers. Go defines a a golf caddie as one who assists a golfer by carrying his bag, clubs and other equipment, and in most cases, gives insightful advice and moral support to a golf player.

Classes in public schools start June 3 AN OFFICIAL of the Department of Education on Monday said classes in elementary and secondary schools nationwide for school year 2019-2020 will open on June 3. In an interview with reporters in Makati City, DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Nepomuceno Malaluan confirmed that classes will open on the first Monday of June. Republic Act 7797 or “An Act to Lengthen the School Calendar from 200 days to not more than 220 Class Days” states that the school year shall start on the first Monday of June but not later than the last day of August. “Very near the Christmas break, we said that we should not put ourselves in the same pressure position that we had. That’s why we had to make some adjustments,” Malaluan added. PNA

‘Habitat,’ US group to train Asian youths HABITAT for Humanity Philippines— one of the leading nonprofit shelter organizations in the country, and US Peace Corps—a global humanitarian and development agency of the United States government, partner to train 6,000 youth in 2019 under the Habitat Young Leaders Build Leadership Academy. Habitat, in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership, developed the Academy to equip young people in Asia Pacific to create and lead programs that address problems in their communities. “As an organization, Habitat remains dedicated to provide decent shelter for all. If we train the youth to lead their communities to build clean and safe neighborhoods, we can reach this goal much faster,” says Lili Fuentes, Chief Operating Officer of Habitat Philippines. At least 100 Peace Corps volunteers have been trained to facilitate the modules in the Academy. These trainers will then conduct Youth Leadership workshops in their assigned communities. Max Wilson Hammond, a Peace Corps volunteer who attended the Academy in Cebu says, “The Academy has helped me improve my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to encourage the youth to implement projects that benefit their communities.” In the Philippines, about 300 Senior High School students have trained under the program’s initial rollout. By 2020, Habitat Philippines and its partners aim to train at least 10,000 youth. In Asia, at least 5,000 youth have trained in Cambodia, Philippines, India, Indonesia, and Nepal since the Academy was launched in November 2017.

Don’t believe Red’s sweet talk, youths told THE Armed Forces of the Philippines reminded the youth to listen carefully to the experiences of former rebels and supporters before deciding to join the dying communist rebel movement. “While the leaders are feeling the brunt of the law enforcement, we call on those who are still being recruited and in the process of being deceived by sweet talking CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army] to ignore their messages and listen to those who have turned their backs and returned to mainstream society,” AFP public affairs ofﬁce chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday. The military ofﬁcial made the remark when asked on what the military can do to prevent the New People’s Army from conducting last ditch recruitment efforts among the youth.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Motives behind the ICC petition THE communication to the International Criminal Court filed by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales against China’s president, Xi Jinping, and other Chinese officials for “crimes against humanity” raises some questions. First, what legal basis does that communication have?

Del Rosario and CarpioMorales have succeeded in embarrassing Mr. Duterte before the international community. According to Del Rosario and Mo Modestrucrales, the crimes include the destruc tion of the environment in the West Philippine Sea within Philippine territory and sovereignty, depriving thousands of Filipino fishermen their livelihood. Second, what was their motive for filing that “communication” in the first place? It’s obvious that these former BS Aquino officials wants to make Filipinos aware of what China is doing. This should have been the responsibility of President Rodrigo Duterte as leader of our nation. The two former Aquino officials obviously want to embarrass Duterte before the international community. As a follow-up to my second question, was the communication then politically motivated? I think the intention of Del Rosario and Morales is clear. So yes, that move was definitely politically motivated! So will the ICC assume jurisdiction over this communication? Some analysts say it is an exercise in futility since both China and the

Philippines are not members of the ICC anyway. Note that we withdrew from the ICC March 17 this year. Now, whether the withdrawal was legal or not—the Senate has not approved it—is something for the Supreme Court to decide. Analysts and maritime experts also say that it is already a victory since the communication had been filed and people were already aware of it. Others, including Malacañang, claim that since we have already withdrawn our membership with the ICC and that China is not a member in te first place, the issue is now moot and academic. Superpowers like the United States and China are not ICC members. So is Israel. I believe the communication filed by Del Rosario and Morales have already achieved their purpose. Whether the ICC assumes jurisdiction over it is irrelevant. Santa Banana, whether Duterte and his administration follow through Mois not the point, Del Rosario and Mo rales have already shown the world that Duterte has been playing footsies with Xi in exchange for aid, grants, loans and investments. *** Despite the withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC, some questions remain. How about the war on illegal drugs where thousands have been killed? ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda herself said that the ICC can still investigate the Philippines because the killings took place when the Philippines still had not withdrawn from the Rome Statute. Her statement came on the heels of Malacañang’s threat that ICC members would be barred from entering the country and that they could be deported if they insisted on investigating. The ICC prosecutor said: “My office’s independent and impartial preliminary investigation continues pursuant to Article 127.2 of the Statute and based on prior ICC judicial ruling in the situation in Burundi. The Court retains its jurisdiction over crimes

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

More than a whiff

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has often said he will not tolerate even the “whiff of corruption” from the men and women that work for his administration.

Monday about a member of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Sandra Cam, who has been accused of graft before the Office of the Ombdusman. A private citizen, Lino Espinosa Lim Jr., asked the Office of Ombudsman last week to investigate Cam’s properties, including a newly opened resort in Masbate, which he alleged were worth P500 million. In his letter, Lim alleged that Cam failed to include these in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth for 2017 and 2018. Cam said on Monday confirmed she owns properties in Masbate but denied her assets are worth P500 million. She also said former PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan—who had resigned over allegations of corruption—was behind the unexplained wealth complaint against her. Reacting to suggestions that Cam be fired, like other officials who had been touched

On occasion, he has proved this by firing high-ranking officials and heads of agencies who have been caught up in allegations of wrongdoing and abuse of office. The President returned to this theme Sunday, during a campaign rally in Cagayan de Oro City for candidates running under his PDP-Laban party, where he once again lamented that he had to remove officials who had helped him get elected. In a tacit admission that not much else befell those he had fired, the President also urged the Ombdusman to investigate and prosecute the sacked officials. That seems to be the line that his spokesman took

by that whiff of corruption, or at least investigated, the Palace demurred. "Since it's already with the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman has the power to suspend, I think we'll let it do the process," Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said. "We will not be duplicating any investigation considering the fact that there is now a pending case with the Ombudsman.” This is all and good. Cam, like any other person accused of wrongdoing, is entitled to due process, which we presume is what she will get from the Ombudsman. On the other hand, if the President insists on firing people on the mere whiff of corruption, he ought to do this consistently, no matter who is involved. To add credibility to his tough stand against corruption, he might also wish to reconsider his practice of reappointing those he has fired to other positions in government. That just spreads the odor around.

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From womb to tomb FROM womb to tomb. That is how Mayor Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada defines his brand of social welfare governance and legacy as a public servant. Unprecedented and unequalled anywhere in the Philippines, Estrada’s womb-to-tomb program is dedicated almost exclusively to the poor of Manila, the masses for whom his slogan in 50 years of service to the people, “Erap Para sa Mahirap,” has found ringing resonance and substantial actualization. In Erap’s mind, the poor deserve more, and for free, because they have the least in life but are entitled to better quality of life, just like everybody else. It is true social justice. Womb to tomb (or from birth to death free services) program is propelled by two major verities: One, a study by the University of the Philippines that found the among highest levels of poverty, unemployment, and squatting in Manila. Two, Estrada’s fighting faith and political compass in dealing with people – “the greater good for the greatest number.” The mayor, for whom religion is a private practice and a public mantra, cites Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did unto me.” Complementing that is another principle of true faith—forgiveness. As a leader, politician and public servant of the past 50 years, Erap has been betrayed repeatedly, by friends, his circle of advisers, close political allies, and even by his own relatives. Through all the deception, duplicity, double-dealing and double-crossing, Estrada has responded with remarkable stoicism and equanimity. He recites a passage of the Lord’s Prayer—“forgive us our sins as we for-

give those who sin against us.” To receive God’s mercy, treat the treacherous with pity and leniency. After nearly six years as mayor of the Philippines’ premier city, here are a few examples of Estrada’s Womb to Tomb public service: • Spent billions for health care P500 million was spent to modernize six hospitals—Ospital ng Maynila, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Tondo, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, and Santa Ana Hospital.

Para sa mahirap [for the poor], indeed.

He bought new equipment for the hospitals—55 dialysis machines (to be increased to 77) for the Manila Dialysis Center—the first, largest and only dialysis center of its kind in the Philippines; MRI at Ospital ng Maynila, worth P117 million; CT scans, x-ray, ultrasound, phototherapy, 2D echo, eye testing machines, and ECG. Under Mayor Estrada all services for indigents are free, from birth to burial— consultation, laboratory, OTC medicines, other supplies. Any official found violating the free everything dictum is fired. Burial, too, is free for indigents. The city has built a columbarium in the North Cemetery and is building a second one in the South Cemetery. Twenty-two health centers were rehabilitated. Medical missions regularly tour the city. • Spent P4.7 billion for the construction, repair and rehab of 100 school buildings. Erap expanded the city’s scholarship program for poor but deserving students. P375 million bought new computers, Turn to A5

EvEryman By Val Abelgas

China doesn’t need spokesmen

IT’S funny how China has remained silent over a complaint filed by former Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales against Chinese President Xi Jinping for “crimes against humanity” for alleged harassment of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, and how President Rodrigo Duterte and other Philippine officials are tripping over themselves to defend China. The Chinese government does not have to say anything. It can rely on its friends in the high echelons of the Philippine government to defend them. It has always been the case after all in many

issues raised against China in its continued creeping invasion of Philippine territory in the South China Sea. Who needs a spokesperson when it’s the President of the complaining country himself and his top officials who always rise to defend them? “I would say that there is no jurisdiction over this country, and especially over China,” Duterte told reporters Thursday night. “China is not a member of the International Criminal Court.” Duterte said he believed the case would not adversely affect the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China as the two former officials no longer represented the Philippine government and were now considered ordinary citizens. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Pan-

elo, of course, agreed with his boss: “The filing of the complaint may be a futile exercise. The ICC has no jurisdiction over China.” While upholding the right of Del Rosario and Morales to file the complaint, Panelo said: “We reiterate, however, that the Philippines under the Duterte administration is engaged in a diplomatic negotiation, through a bilateral consultation mechanism, over the West Philippine Sea issue. We do not need the help or disturbance of a biased tribunal known to politically prosecute heads of state, the very reason why powerful countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Israel, to name only a few, have either withdrawn their membership as State Parties from the Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion Mail Matters

Rejoinder to Manalo’s column

THIS is in response to the column article of Mr. Charlie V. Manalo published on March 11, 2019 entitled “Where have all the PhilHealth funds have gone?” In 2018, we posted a record net income of P11.6 billion which is 4400 percent higher compared to 2017. Our premium collections reached P132 billion while our return on investments is at P6.7 billion. Our restated 2017 financial statement shows that we posted P237 million in net income instead of P4.7-billion net loss as previously reported. This was after all remaining claims were submitted in early 2018 for reimbursement. We already communicated this matter to the Commission on Audit for validation and concurrence. On benefit payouts for pneumonia Pneumonia was identified as the fourth leading cause of death and second leading cause of morbidity in the Philippines. With the ballooning number of claims for pneumonia, PhilHealth instituted reforms which include a minimum of four days length of stay which was later lifted and replaced by a medical prepayment review. Recently, the requirement to submit Claim Form 4 was instituted to help us assess the quality of care provided to our members. On payments for cataract removals We have pursued aggressive measures to ensure that our fund is protected against abuses. In 2015, we have authorized up to a maximum of 50 approved requests per ophthalmologist per month but not to exceed 10 scheduled surgeries per day. This is to ensure quality surgeries and to prevent fraud as well. Since then, there has been a decrease of some 33 percent in the total number of cataract claims between 2016 and 2017. As of February 2019, a total of 22 fa-

China... From A4

Rome Statute or declined to be members of the ICC,” he added. Panelo did not stop short of saying Del Rosario and Morales had the right to file the complaint or to say that ICC had no jurisdiction, he went further by describing the international body as “a biased tribunal known to politically prosecute heads of state.” There you go. Why should China issue any statement, or Xi answer any question regarding the issue? The President of the complaining country and his spokesperson already did the job. And guess what? The statements by Duterte and Panelo evoked the desired thank you from the Chinese government. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang applauded Duterte’s defense of Xi and describing the situation in the disputed sea as “stable and heading for the better.” “A few individuals in the Philippines cannot stir up big trouble,” he added. Reassuring words coming from China weeks ahead of a planned fourth visit by the President to meet again with Xi. The complaint filed by Del Rosario and Morales, which was filed just two days before the Philippines formally withdrew from the ICC, was the first such action from the Philippine side, albeit not from the government, to follow up on a ruling by a United Nations tribunal in July 2016 that the Philippines has exclusive rights over the area around Scarborough Shoal, which is 124 miles west of Zambales, well within the 200-

Motives... From A4

cilities and 14 health care professionals were charged in relation to fraudulent cataract claims. On the alleged 10.6-billion fund diversion scandal This was the subject of congressional inquiries. We inform the author that cases have already been filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against those allegedly involved and we defer this matter to appropriate authorities to once and for all settle this issue. On case rate payments The National Health Insurance Act of 2013 defines “case-based payment” as a payment method that reimburses

health care institutions a predetermined FIXED rate for each treated case or disease. Section 34 of the law allows us to employ this system as a form of provider payment. Case rate empowers PhilHealth members by making it known to them in advance how much they are entitled to in terms of benefits for a particular availment. Case rates also reduce discretion in adjudicating claims, and allow PhilHealth to effectively impose its No Balance Billing (NBB) policy for indigents, sponsored, and senior citizen members. Likewise, international experience with this type of provider payment shows that it encourages efficiency in overall medical management of cases. On instituting reforms and commissioning experts

mile Exclusive Economic Zone under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Arbitral Tribunal also said China had no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within its claimed “nine-dash line.” Del Rosario and Morales lodged their complaint on behalf of Filipinos and the hundreds of thousands of Filipino fishermen who they said were being “persecuted and injured” by China’s aggressive island-building and occupation of islands in the West Philippine Sea. Del Rosario, who was the Philippine foreign secretary when the tribunal issued the 2016 ruling, and Morales argued that the “atrocious actions of Chinese officials in the South China Sea and within Philippine territory’’ constitute crimes against humanity that the ICC can prosecute. US Indo-Pacific commander Admiral Philip Davidson has confirmed that Chinese Coast Guard vessels continue to intimidate Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal). In his testimony before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on Feb. 12, Davidson said, “Chinese Coast Guard vessels now fall under the command of the Central Military Commission and regularly harass and intimidate fishing vessels from our treaty ally, the Philippines, operating near Scarborough Reef, as well as the fishing fleets of other regional nations.” Last year, the crew of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel were caught on video taking away the best catch of Filipino fishermen in the area. The Philippine government, as usual,

as collateral raises fears that in the case of default, China could take over the oil and gas-rich Recto Bank and reefs, to the detriment of the Filipino people. While the finance department that concluded the loan agreement with China defended the loan as ordinary, the use of natural resources as collateral is still being questioned. This possibility has been articulated by no less than Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. He used Sri Lanka as an example. The Chinese are now exploiting the rich natural resources of Sri Lanka because it has defaulted on its loans. Do we have to wait for that to happen to us? *** I would like to greet former President Fidel V. Ramos a belated Happy Birthday! May you live to be a hundred! *** I am saddened by the fact that my former fellow columnists, who remain my favorites, are now no longer writing for Manila Times. They are Kit Tatad and Jojo Robles. I may not agree with them all the time, but I read them just the same.

committed during the time in which the State was party to the statute and may exercise this jurisdiction evern after the withdrawal becomes effective.” Will Duterte make good on his threat to bar the ICC investigators if they come here? All I can say is “Abangan.” *** The complaint of the militant group Bayan to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and the idea to penalize Manila Water was forthcoming. It was to be expected that the people who experienced the water crisis in the east zone would not take the matter sitting down. They didn’t have water on their taps, and they had to buy expensive water containers. The group wants rebates from and additional penalties on Manila Water. I’d say Manila water was negligent. Its officials showed utter incompetence in not foreseeing what would happen. *** That multi-million dollar loan from China concluded by the Finance Department to finance the Chico Dam using the country’s natural resources www.emiljurado.weebly.com

We have been continuously instituting reforms over the years to improve our operational efficiency. Parallel to the introduction of enhanced benefit packages, we have also intensified our efforts to curb fraud and abusive practices of members, accredited health care providers, and even PhilHealth employees. Through the years, PhilHealth has been and is continuously managed by capable leaders who possess expertise and mastery of the law, actuarial science, medicine, among others. Each President and CEO appointed at the helm has contributed in their own way to what PhilHealth is now. We also have financial, actuarial and management experts within our ranks and in the board who contribute to the effective management of the funds entrusted to us by our members. In previous years, PhilHealth even hired the services of fund managers but due to audit concerns, their services have been terminated. I believe that more than expertise, what PhilHealth needs at its helm is someone with strong political will to see through the completion of all the reforms it has to undertake, and to be able to extract discipline, and to address all the challenges brought about by the different views of internal and external stakeholders. We would like to assure our members that we remain focused on our mission to ensure quality health care for our members. We welcome feedback from members like you, so that together, we can work towards further improving the National Health Insurance Program for the next generations to come. (Sgd.)SHIRLEY B. DOMINGO, M.D. Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group

did not file a protest against these blatant violations of the UN Tribunal ruling and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, of which the Philippines and China are signatories. Instead, then Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque dismissed the incidents as “maliit na bagay (of little consequence)” and that what happened was a “barter,” not piracy or harassment as they really are. In fact, he said we should be thankful the Filipino fishermen can now fish there. Roque was just being consistent with the Duterte administration’s flawed policy of appeasement with regards the Philippines’ relations with China, especially on matters pertaining to the South China Sea territorial dispute. Panelo echoed the same line recently when he said the Philippines should be thankful to China for building a maritime rescue center instead of filing a protest because he said that could help fishermen in distress. Del Rosario and Morales know Filipinos can never rely on this administration to protect its people from harassment by the Chinese nor protect the country’s territory from China’s continued assault. They now have turned to the ICC to let the world know that not all Filipinos have grown a blind love to China and not all are willing to give up the nation’s sovereignty. For this patriotic act, we should salute them. valabelgas@aol.com Val Abelgas is a former editor of Manila Standard. He now lives in the United States.

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laptops, computer printers, digital labs, and projectors. Teachers’ allowance increased by P500. Teachers were given computer tablets with instructional materials. P284 million spent for Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, now one of the Top 4 Philippine universities with topnotchers in the bar and medical exams. PLM grads are much in demand by employers. The city Manpower Training Center has trained more than 4,000 jobless Manilans to synchronize skills with demand and solve skills mismatch. Together, free medical care and free quality education will dramatically improve human capital in the city. Free education will enhance and improve the mind. Free medical care will improve and sustain the body. With a sound mind and a sound body, Manilans will have a productive life. • Improved peace and order Erap bought mobile cars to improve police visibility. So-called police in the shadows (Police sa Dilim). The mayor arrested and jailed the city’s most wanted criminals and intensified campaign against illegal drugs. He paid the police force’s long-delayed allowances. They now regularly receive allowances, which have been increased monthly.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Siete Diretso?’

IF you’ve been quite observant, you would notice that what was billed as the Otso Diretso, that coalition of the Liberal Party, Magdalo and some independent candidates has of late become Siete Diretso. It’s ocho menos uno. Eight minus one. Eight minus Mar. The leading senatorial candidate of the Liberal Party was expected to also lead their eight-man slate. But thus far, hardly have we seen Mar Roxas on the hustings together with the “diretso.” Reelectionist Bam Aquino, yes, but Mar Roxas, grandson of the party’s founder, its presidential contender who finished second to the incumbent, is nowhere to be found. Que pasa, ocho derecho? Of course, Mar has not been too active on the hustings either, preferring perhaps his multi-million peso advertorials to speak for his being an “ekonomista.” But then again, he is a new father to twins, so we ought to understand why he and Korina are doting parents who need more private and family time, and less time for physical campaigning. Still, being the “timon” of Otso Diretso whose candidates other than Mar and Bam are still low on the public awareness meter, one can’t help but feel sorry for the six “orphaned” senatorial wannabes. Even if some of them sport illustrious surnames like Diokno and Tañada, unfortunately the Filipino voters with their characteristic short memories may find it hard to appreciate the Siete, or shall we say, Seis, Diretso. Speaking of senatorial candidates, a recent SWS survey claims that the most important consideration of voters in choosing who to vote for is that the senatorial candidate is “not corrupt.” If we go by the public experience over the last two decades, one is likely to comment: “tell that to the Marines.” Obviously, while many of those surveyed claim they have a negative perception of “corrupt” or corruptible candidates, their voting patterns do no quite support that qualification. And the contention that they will not support the “corrupt” is true whether in NCR, Balance Luzon, Visayas or Mindanao. The only conclusion one can get is that voters still need a lot of education to be able to distinguish between perception based on popularity, manufactured image and creative perception versus reality. Quite sad. Meanwhile, the World Happiness Report, an annual publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network released its 2019 findings ranking the Philippines as the 71st “happy” population among 156 countries where South Sudan, Burundi and the Central African Republic are the “saddest” while the Nordic countries, Finland, Denmark, Norway are the “happiest.” Taiwan News reported quite proudly that Taiwanese are the 25th happiest. Above us are the following

Crime incidence went down, from 17,258 in 2012 to 11,029 by 2016, a dramatic drop of 36 percent. Crime solution efficiency almost doubled, from 36 percent in 2012 to 68.4 percent by 2016. • Spent billions for infra P1.8 billion went to construction and or rehab of major roads, streets, and drainage systems. More than 5,217 solarpowered street lamps were installed. P304 million has been allotted or spent to modernize sports complexes and covered courts in the six districts. Public markets in each district were rebuilt and or rehabilitated, with little cost to the city because they were a public/private partnership projects. The six markets included the Quinta Market, Santa Ana market, Bambang, Trabajo, Sampaloc, and San Andres markets. They have something unheard of for public markets—airconditioned lounges and toilets, rivaling the amenities of toilets in big private malls. P101 million was spent to rehabilitate parks and playgrounds. Over the long term, Mayor Estrada has approved four huge reclamation projects to build districts and indeed, new cities in the middle of the sea—on the fabled Manila Bay, one of the world’s greatest harbors. Turning sand to land will carve up to 1,400 hectares from the sea, using a tried and tested technology, dredging. When

Asean countries: Singapore which is 34th, Malaysia 35th, Thailand, 46th. Below the Philippines though in the happiness index are: Vietnam which is ranked 95th, Indonesia 96th, Laos 110th, Cambodia 120thand Myanmar at 130th. In fact, we are supposedly “happier” than China, which ranks 86thand Hong Kong SAR which is 76th, although the Japanese rank 54th, which is higher than our 71st. Of course these are perceptions cross-checked with other indicia such as the cost of living, the state of conflict if any, the individual rights and freedoms citizens enjoy, and so forth.

Mar Roxas appears to be busy with new fatherhood.

I sometimes wonder whether Taiwan, whose land area is one-ninth of the Philippines, but with a population one-fifth of ours, could make its people as “happy” with their more affordable basics and higher quality of living if they had pro-created as fast as we did in the past 50 years. Numbers do not lie. Our government is strained to provide basic education, basic health care, even the tools necessary to keep our citizens safe and secure, because our numerous religion frowned on population management measures while the State was either too timid to contradict the Catholic Church or was stymied by the judicial challenges coming from the same. With land limited and supply logistics expensive due to the archipelagic territory, food is relatively more expensive than in other Asean and Asian countries. Nobody can be happy when the stomach grumbles. This is especially true in the urban centers, where the cost of living is higher compared to the countryside. And contrary to common perception, there are now more Filipinos living in the cities than in the rural areas. Speaking of food, do you now that our cuisine is among the “least liked” globally? A survey conducted by a UKbased market research and data analytics firm, YouGov, among 25,000 people in 24 countries, showed that Filipino cuisine had an average popularity around the world of 36 percent, placing it in the bottom four out of 34 cuisines included in the study. But Filipinos are the most appreciative of other countries’ food. We are probably Asia’s best fans of Japanese food, including its “ramen,” the outlets of which are so ubiquitous in NCR, even if the Japanese least like our cuisine. Only 21 percent of Japs liked Filipino food, with Australians the most appreciative of our cuisine, at 56 percent. Understandably, pizza and pasta, Italy’s contributions to international cuisine, are almost universally liked, and thus qualify as the world’s “most popular food.” Our Department of Tourism, which wants to promote culinary tourism, has a big challenge ahead.

completed, the 1,400 hectares will increase Manila’s total land area, by 33 percent, from 4,288 hectares to 5,688 hectares, starting in two years, or by late 2021. The four reclamation projects are: Manila Bay International, Manila Waterfront City, Horizon Manila, Solar City. All four have undergone the required vetting by the local and national government agencies. Mayor Estrada says President Duterte himself approved the projects in principle. The benefits of reclaiming new land from the bay can be awesome—500,000 in new jobs, P17 billion in new tax revenues, and P10 billion in real estate taxes. With reclamation, over the next two years to six years, Estrada will be able to accomplish five major objectives: 1) increase substantially city revenues, 2) attract businesses and investors, 3) solve unemployment almost overnight, 4) relocate all of the city’s 200,000 squatters, and 5) modernize Manila to enable it to march in cadence with the major metropolitan areas of the world. Many of the world’s great cities were built with the help of massive reclamation—Shanghai and Shenzhen in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Doha, Mumbai (India), Jakarta (Indonesia), Nagoya (Japan), and Incheon (South Korea). biznewsasia@gmail.com

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

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TODAY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 A6 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Merge workers’ list—solon SENATOR Joel Villanueva says he supports the creation of a consolidated list of foreign workers in the country, particularly those employed in the Philippine offshore game corporations (Pogo), to enable the government collect taxes and monitor the number of foreign workers here. He was reacting to reports

the government was being defrauded with billions of pesos in revenue to uncollected income tax from foreign workers. Villanueva cited the statement of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that the country was losing at least P3 billion in tax revenues each the offshore gaming industry. Vito Barcelo

Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON AUDIT Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

CIRCULAR

No. Date

: 2019-002 : MAR. 20, 2019

: All Heads of Departments, Bureaus, Offices, Agencies and Instrumentalities of the National Government, Heads of the Local Government Units, Managing Heads of GovernmentOwned and/or Controlled Corporations, Commission on Audit (COA) Assistant Commissioners, COA Directors, COA Auditors, and All Others Concerned

SUBJECT : Guidelines implementing COA Resolution No. 2018-008, amending COA Memorandum No. 2016-023, relative to the jurisdictions of Cluster Directors vis-à-vis Regional Directors over appeals from Notices of Disallowance/Charge and denials of requests for relief from accountability and requests for write-off of dormant accounts receivables, unliquidated cash advances and fund transfers, aligning the same with Rule V of the 2009 Revised Rules of Procedure of the COA (RRPC) and with COA Resolution No. 2016-022, within the context of the Uniform Audit Approach I.

BACKGROUND

Under the Unified Audit Approach, COA Memorandum No. 2016-0231 dated November 14, 2016, which amended COA Memorandum No. 20140082 dated August 18, 2014, vested upon the Regional Directors (RDs) the appellate jurisdiction over Notices of Disallowance (NDs)/Charge (NCs) and other audit decisions of the Regional Supervising Auditors (RSAs)/ Audit Team Leaders (ATLs) of the National Government Sector (NGS) and the Corporate Government Sector (CGS) within their respective regions,3 in addition to the audit decisions of their own Supervising Auditors (SAs)/ATLs; whereas the Cluster Directors (CDs) were left with appellate jurisdiction over NDs/NCs and other decisions of their SAs/ATLs within the National Capital Region (NCR) alone.4 COA Resolution No. 2018-0085 dated February 1, 2018 visited the resulting imbalance created by the current arrangement, which affected the speedy resolution and the uniformity in the actions of the RDs/CDs on these cases. Consequently, the appellate jurisdictions of the RDs/CDs are delineated anew and aligned with Rule V of the 2009 RRPC. Further, the new delineation is extended to appeals from denials of requests for write-off of dormant account receivables, unliquidated cash advances and fund transfers, under COA Resolution No. 2016-0226 dated December 19, 2016. II. COVERAGE This Circular sets out the guidelines/procedure for appeals from NDs/ NCs and from denials of requests for relief from accountability and requests for write-off of dormant accounts receivables, unliquidated cash advances and fund transfers, relative to Rule V of the RRPC and COA Resolution No. 2016-022, under the Unified Audit Approach. III. GUIDELINES For purposes of the Unified Audit Approach: A. Jurisdiction over appeals from NDs/NCs and from denials of requests for relief from accountability, pursuant to Rule V of the RRPC, shall be, as follows: 1. The CDs of the Corporate Government Sector (CGS) and the National Government Sector (NGS) shall have jurisdiction over the following:

PROTEST ACTION. Some members of the communist movement in the Philippines hold a protest rally in Manila on Monday, calling for a resumption of peace talks with the government. AFP

P13.1-b SLEX construction begins By Vito Barcelo

HE Department of Public Works and Highways has started the construction of the P13.1-billion South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (TR4) which will cut travel time by three hours from Manila to Batangas, Quezon and Bicol. Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the toll road project covered the 66.74-kilometer extension of SLEX from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon Province. “During rush hour, motorists have to endure a long four-hour drive due to the lengthy and busy Daang Maharlika between Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon. This will only take an hour

once TR4 is completed,” Villar said. The Public Works chief also said the TR4 would significantly benefit motorists going in and out of southern provinces especially during summer and holiday season. “In 36 months, I am confident we will be back to inaugurate the finished expressway. Under the leadership of President Duterte, the TR4 project has become

Salceda to senators: Pass amended Public Service Act

a. Appeals from NDs/NCs issued by their respective SAs/ RSAs/ATLs; and b. Appeals from decisions of their respective SAs/RSAs/ATLs denying requests for relief from accountability; 2. The RDs shall have jurisdiction over the following: a. Appeals from NDs/NCs issued by the SAs/ATLs of local government units (LGUs), water districts (WDs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and stand-alone agencies, within their respective regions; and b. Appeals from decisions of the SAs/ATLs of LGUs, WDs, SUCs, and stand-alone agencies, within their respective regions, denying requests for relief from accountability; B. Jurisdiction over appeals from denials of requests for write-off of dormant accounts receivables, unliquidated cash advances and fund transfers, pursuant to COA Resolution No. 2016-022, shall be as follows: 1. The CDs of the CGS and the NGS shall have jurisdiction over appeals from decisions rendered by their respective SAs/RSAs/ ATLs; and 2. The RDs shall have jurisdiction over decisions of the SAs/ATLs of LGUs, WDs, SUCs, and stand-alone agencies, within their respective regions. C. All appeals shall be filed with the RD having jurisdiction over the place where the auditee is situated. Appeals shall be by Appeal Memorandum, with proof of service of copy thereof to the Auditor concerned, as well as proof of payment of the filing fee. D. Within five calendar days from receipt of the Appeal Memorandum, the RD shall issue an Order to Answer to the SA/RSA/ATL concerned. E. The SA/RSA/ATL shall have 15 calendar days within which to file the Answer, together with the entire records of the case. F. Within five calendar days from receipt of the Answer and the entire records of the case, the RD shall transmit the same to the concerned CD of the NGS/CGS, for adjudication. The RD shall ensure that the documentary requirements in Rule V of the RRPC or COA Circular No. 2016-005, as the case may be, are complete and that every page thereof is numbered in continuous sequence, prior to transmittal to the CD. The transmittal communication shall indicate the number of pages consisting the records of the case. G. Should additional documentary requirements be needed by the CD, the same shall be addressed to the SA/RSA/ATL concerned, through the RD. The SA/RSA/ATL shall have five calendar days within which to comply. The transmittal of these additional documents back to the CD, shall likewise be coursed through the RD, who shall act on them in the same manner and within the same period prescribed in the immediately preceding paragraph. H. The RD shall monitor the status of cases within his/her regional jurisdiction and shall include the same in the required regional reports. I.

The RD shall be furnished a copy of final decisions at the level of the CD, for information and monitoring.

IV. EFFECTIVITY This Circular shall take effect immediately. Status quo ante shall govern the disposition of cases pending before the RDs and CDs prior to the effectivity of COA Resolution No. 2018-008 on February 1, 2018.

MICHAEL G. AGUINALDO Chairperson JOSE FABIA Commissioner

1. 2. 3

4. 5.

ROLANDO C. PONDOC Commissioner

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

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

Revised Guidelines on the Implementation of the Uniform Audit Approach Guidelines on the Implementation of the Unified/Integrated Audit Strategy Item IV(C)(6), supra Note 1. Item IV(B)(10), ibid. Amendment of the authority of the Cluster Director and Regional Director to act on appeals from Notice of Disallowance/Notice of Charge and other decisions of the Supervising Auditor/Regional Supervising Auditor/Audit Team Leader, under Commission on Audit Memorandum No. 2016-023 dated November 14, 2016, on the Revised Guidelines in the Implementation of the Unified Audit Approach Delegation to lower adjudicating bodies of this Commission of the approval of requests for write-off of dormant accounts receivable, unliquidated cash advances, and fund transfers of national government agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations (MS-MAR.27, 2019)

a reality. With this new toll road comes progress, new businesses will emerge and bring growth to the level of small towns and barangays,” according to the DPWH official. “We estimate that 17,000 vehicles will pass through the toll road every day,” he added. When completed, the four-lane toll road will have a total of seven interchanges in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, Makban, and San Pablo City in Laguna; Tiaong, Candelaria, Tayabas, and Lucena City in Quezon Province. “Moving forward, San Miguel Corp. will continue to invest in modern toll roads and expressways that are at par with our neighbors in Asia. We are proud to support the government’s Build, Build, Build program,” according to San Miguel president Ramon Ang.

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR Director (MS-MAR. 27, 2019)

ALBAY Rep. Joey Salceda has urged senators to expedite the approval of their Senate version of the proposed amendments to the 80-year-old Public Service Act during the remaining twoweek session of Congress next May. In statement, Salceda said passing the amended measure would “break the barriers to investments and competition in certain industry sectors that hamper the country’s sustained, broader and higher trajectory of economic expansion.” Salceda is one of the principal authors of House Bill 5828 approved by the House in 2017 which is now pending in the Senate. The Senate has approved on second reading its version of the measure. Tackling it “would be the best use of the two weeks of sessions next May,” he said in his statement released by his office. HB 5828 seeks to redefine the concepts of ‘Public Service’ and ‘Public Utilities’ in the old PSA law that are often interchangeably used by monopolies, duopolies and oligopolies to suit their purpose which discourage potential investors in some industry

sectors, particularly transportation, power and telecommunications. The legal redefinition of the terms, Salceda said, is a first “vital step” to new economic reforms that will usher in healthy competitions in important industry sectors. Quoting a recent World Bank study, Salceda said the Philippine economy had remained “highly concentrated” compared to other countries in the region, “which means less competition—and thus high prices, less jobs and value created.” The World Bank study said letting more players enter these vital industries could improve services, generate higher-paying jobs and, ultimately, hasten poverty reduction. The Albay lawmaker noted that the vagueness of the two concepts “has led to business uncertainty, fewer investments and limited consumer choices.” HB 5828, he added, “aims to ensure the proper implementation of Section 11, Art. XII of the Philippine Constitution, which states that only companies which are 60 percent owned by Filipinos may operate public utilities.”

10-minute power failure mars Iloilo energy meet A 10-MINUTE power interruption last March 22 marred the Iloilo Renewable Energy Summit, an event organized in part by the Murang Kuryente Party-list, hosted by the Archdiocese of Jaro, and held at the Archbishop’s Residence. The event counted representatives from the Department of Energy, energy companies MORE and WeGen, civil society, as well as consumers and community members from Iloilo. “Even in an event attended by power distributors, we are not spared the power interruption. This just goes to show how broken the electrical system is in Iloilo and the rest of the country, despite us paying sky-high rates to electric companies,” said Gerry Arances, Murang Kuryente Party-list nominee and a speaker at the summit. Iloilo currently has one of the highest power rates in the Philippines, a country whose power rates rank second to Japan in Asia, despite the poor and unreliable electrical system. The summit was called due to the problems besetting the power sector in Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo City. WV Hidlawanay Cooperative vice chairman Wilfredo Ortiz, speaking on behalf of consumers, said, “There has always been tension between electric cooperatives and member-consumers here in Iloilo. The lack of sincerity in consulting member-consumers in rate adjustments and other important processes have been largely unfavorable to us.” Ortiz cited in particular the proposal of PHILRECA, a consortium of electric cooperatives across the country, to pass on to consumers the real property tax of electric cooperatives, as one of the sources of this tension. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Blazers advance, but Nurkic injured L

OS ANGELES—Jusuf Nurkic suffered a horriﬁc leg injury while helping the Portland Trail Blazers clinch their sixth consecutive playoff berth with a double overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Nurkic led the scoring for the Blazers with 32 points while adding 16 rebounds and five assists in a 148-144 triumph at the Moda Center in Portland. But the 24-year-old Bosnian’s evening ended in despair when he collapsed to the court in agony after suffering a gruesome-looking injury in the second period of overtime. Nurkic’s left leg buckled beneath him as he landed after attempting to tip in a shot. Several players from both sides visibly recoiled after seeing the severity of Nurkic’s injury, which sent the arena into a concerned hush. Nurkic was treated by medical personnel with a towel masking his face before being stretchered off the court. The Bosnian big man had been enjoying the best season of his career, averag-

ing 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game before Monday. Nurkic’s injury left his team-mates distraught. “Seeing one of your brothers go down like that, I just don’t know what to say,” said Blazers Turkish star Enes Kanter. “Tonight I’m just going to go home and just pray for him because this is way bigger than basketball.” Blazers ace Damian Lillard described Nurkic as “my little big brother.” “We talk every day, text, Facetime,” Lillard said. “I can get on him in a way that I probably can’t get on nobody else because of our relationship. I hate to see that happen.” - Vucevic casts spell Elsewhere Monday, the in-form Orlando Magic sent the Philadelphia 76ers spinning to a 119-98 loss.

Nikola Vucevic dominated a Sixers lineup missing Ben Simmons through illness to finish with 11 rebounds and four assists as well as a double-digit points tally. The defeat left the Sixers in third place in the Eastern Conference standings with 47 wins against 27 defeats. The Magic’s fifth consecutive win has kept them firmly in the hunt for a playoff berth with the same number of wins (36) as Miami, who occupy the eighth and final playoff berth. The two teams meet in Miami on Tuesday in a game that could ultimately decide Orlando’s chances of making the playoffs. Montenegrin Vucevic was backed by a 24-point display from Evan Fournier. Michael Carter-Williams chipped in with 15 from the bench. Orlando’s defense, which has been the best in the league since the All-Star break, restricted the Sixers to just six three-pointers while forcing 15 turnovers. “The second half was about as well as we’ve played,” Magic head coach Steve Clifford said. “I think tonight we were balanced. Our defense was good, we made shots. AFP

Jusuf Nurkic

Enriquez, Agustines win 2 titles SYDNEY Enriquez recalled her fierce form and came away with another two-title romp, which Nash Agustines matched in the boys’ singles side as they dominated the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Ozamiz National age group tennis tournament at Ozamiz Tennis Club yesterday. Enriquez hardly showed the effects of a long rest in the circuit and dropped just eight games in three matches to pocket the 16-and-under crown with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Guia Bandolis. The Salug, Zamboanga del Sur ace then thwarted Judyann Padilla, 6-3, 6-4, in the premier 18-U final of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Agustines also pulled off a pair of straight-set wins to share the MVP honors with Enriquez with the Oroquieta City find upending top seed Aslan Carbonilla, 6-3, 6-0, to snare the 14-U diadem then trouncing Eric Tangub, 6-2, 6-3, in the 16-U finals of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/CEO Bobby Castro and UTP-OIC Ian Villanueva. Other winners in the five-day tournament sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg were Pete Bandala of Dipolog City (10-unisex), Kapatagan, Lanao’s AJ Bering (boys’ 12-U), Tubod, Lanao’s Steve Sonsona (boys’ 18), Ivory Malinis from Maramag, Bukidon (girls’ 12-U), and Ozamiz City’s Padilla. Next up in the nationwide, year-long circuit is the Tangub leg on March 28-April 1. For details and listup, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. Bandala turned back Rose Mesiona, 5-3, 4-0; Bering routed Sean Esick, 6-1, 6-1; Sonsona stunned Tangub, 6-2, 6-4; Malinis crushed Rose Mesiona, 6-1, 6-2; and Padilla redeemed herself in the 14-U finals by overpowering Bandolis, 6-1, 6-2.

Vivo will provide the official smartphones for the PUBG MOBILE Club Open 2019

Vivo announces partnership with world’s leading mobile game

VIVO announced its partnership with the world’s leading mobile game, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG MOBILE) by Tencent Games and PUBG Corporation as the title sponsor of the upcoming PUBG MOBILE Club Open 2019, one of the biggest mobile gaming tournament in the world. Vivo will provide the official smartphones for the PUBG MOBILE Club Open 2019, which players from ten regions across the globe will be leveraging to battle their way through the Spring & Fall Split, for the total prize pool of $2.5M USD. This global partnership reinforces Vivo’s commitment to bringing an ultrasmooth gaming experience to connect with consumers through meaningful partnerships. Vivo thrives to be at the forefront of the eSports industry to best serve its consum-

ers. The partnership with PUBG MOBILE is a key milestone especially given that it is a leading mobile game developed by Tencent Games and PUBG Corporation that has over 200 million fans per download excluding China, Korea, and Japan. As one of the biggest mobile gaming tournaments in the world, PUBG MOBILE Club Open 2019 is a strong opportunity to showcase Vivo’s vision of ‘enjoying the extraordinary’ by bringing global players a true gaming experience like no other. This global partnership will unfold and strengthen Vivo’s position in being an innovative and stylish brand that always puts our consumer experience first. The PUBG MOBILE STAR CHALLENGE 2018 was watched by over 230 million viewers and drew in over 5,000 live attendees at the global finals in

Dubai. The qualifying round of PUBG MOBILE Club Open 2019 will begin on March 22, 2019. The Spring Split Global Finals will be hosted in July this year, with the Fall Split Global Finals following in December. “We are excited to partner with Vivo, as they have a strong reputation in being innovative and putting the consumer’s needs first. As an innovative brand ourselves, this partnership highlights our dedication to bring the best experience possible to our players and fans around the world. This partnership is just the beginning, we want to continue building a strong portfolio of partnerships with industry-leading companies, such as Vivo, to provide the best mobile gaming experience possible,” said Vincent Wang, General Manager of Global Publishing Department, Tencent Games.

McGregor announces retirement from MMA, again

Conor McGregor

LOS ANGELES—Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor said Monday he had retired from the sport, vowing to hang up his gloves for the second time in three years. The trash-talking Irish star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to call time on his career inside the octagon. “Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today,” McGregor wrote. “I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition. “I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!” McGregor, 30, has not fought since being well beaten by rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October last year. The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016

in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit. “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese,” McGregor wrote in April 2016. His short-lived retirement ended in August 2016, when he returned to fight Nate Diaz in Las Vegas. McGregor’s decision comes after a troubled few weeks for the Irish fighter. He was arrested in Miami earlier this month after allegedly smashing a phone outside a Florida nightclub. He was later charged with criminal mischief and strongarmed robbery after police said he had slapped the phone out of a fan’s hand and then stomped on it. McGregor was also arrested last year in New York after police said he attacked a charter bus carrying several rival martial arts fighters. Video footage of the altercation showed McGregor, throwing a steel dolly

through a window of the bus. McGregor was also at the centre of a brawl which erupted at ringside in the immediate aftermath of his defeat to Nurmagomedov last October in Las Vegas. In January, the Nevada State Athletic Commission later handed McGregor a six-month suspension for his role in the post-fight melee, backdated to October. McGregor would have been eligible to fight again in early April. McGregor is one of the most successful fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, helping to broaden the sport’s appeal beyond its base of hardcore fans. The Irishman is estimated to have earned $200 million from his fighting career, which included a much-hyped crosscombat bout against former welterweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. AFP

Shootout looms as PH Golf Tour Riviera starts THE best of the old and new of local pro golf and a mix of foreign aces slug it out in what promises to be an explosive start to the Philippine Golf Tour Asia’s ICTSI Riviera Golf Challenge today (Wednesday) at the exacting Langer course in Silang, Cavite. Length and accuracy will be key to one’s title drive at the tight, hazardladen par-71 layout with the foreign bidders also have to endure the heat and the wind expected to come into play in all four days of the $100,000 championship serving as the penultimate leg of the 2018-19 PGT Asia season. A power-packed local cast, led by former Asia’s No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan and fellow Japan PGA Tour campaigner Angelo Que and reigning PGT Order of Merit titlist Jobim Carlos, braces for an early clash with an equally talented foreign crew out to stop the Filipinos, who have ruled the last three stops of the second season of the region’s newest circuit put up by ICTSI. Pagunsan, who marked his return to the local tour with a playoff victory over Carlos in Bacolod last year, is out to flaunt his smooth-swinging ways and superb iron game suited in this kind of layout as he seeks to join the elite circle of PGT Asia winners. Que, on the other hand, hopes to ride the momentum of his strong finish in last Sunday’s Maybank Championship where he shot a 66 to finish tied at 25th. Like Pagunsan, the three-time regional tour winner is eyeing his first crown in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Focus will also be on Carlos, whose victory here last year sparked his run of impressive finishes, including two more victories that netted him the OOM title at the end of the PGT season. Jhonnel Ababa, the winningest player in the circuit with three victories, is likewise tipped to contend along with Clyde Mondilla, Jay Bayron and title-hungry Tony Lascuña along with Phl Masters champion Jerson Balasabas, PGTA CAT Open titlist James Ryan Lam and PGTA Summit Point victor Joenard Rates and young guns Ira Alido, Keanu Jahns and Justin Quiban. They will be as much tested as the rest of the foreign entries, spearheaded by PGTA leg winners David Gleeson and Damien Jordan of Australia, PGT titlist Nicolas Paez of the US, Thai stalwarts Pasavee Lertvilai, Wisut Artjanawat and Nirun Sae-ueng, PGT winner Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands, and Americans Brett Munson and Joshua Salah.

La Salle tries to get back on track vs NU Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre) 8 a.m. – UE vs NU (Men) 10 a.m. – Ateneo vs DLSU (Men) 2 p.m. – UST vs AdU (Women) 4 p.m. – NU vs DLSU (Women) DE La Salle tries to immediately get back on the winning track against dangerous National University Wednesday in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre. For Lady Spikers mentor Ramil de Jesus, it now boils down to mental toughness, especially in the service area. “Sabi ko naman sa kanila, ‘Hindi kalaban ninyo ang magpapanalo sa inyo, kayo ang magpapanalo sa sarili niyo’,” said De Jesus after De La Salle lost to University of the Philippines for the second time this season last Sunday. “Unang-una siyempre, ‘yung serve. Kung mawawalan ka ng tiwala sa serve, ano pa ‘yung kaya mong gawin? Dahil sarili mo na iyan. Ikaw na iyan wala ka namang kalaban sa service line,” he added. “So malaking factor ‘yun para sa team na ganoon ang naging performance, lalo na sa service namin.” The Lady Maroons capitalized on the Lady Spikers’ 37 errors in last Sunday’s 25-16, 26-24, 25-19 win, sending the defending champions to their third loss in eight games. Now locked in a in a four-way tie with UP, University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University at 5-3, De La Salle needs to address its problems right away in the 4 p.m. match. The Lady Spikers are expected to be tested anew by the Lady Bulldogs, who despite toiling at the lower half of the standings at 2-6 have shown a lot of promise with their youth movement.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@manilastandard.net sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Jhonnel Ababa and Jobim Carlos hold the perpetual Philippine Open trophy as organizing PGTI general manager Colo Ventosa (left) and NGAP sec-gen Bones Floro flank them.

NorthPort coach gets his wish NORTHPORT’S coach Pido Jarencio got what he wished for after the team’s stunning 109-83 win over the TNT KaTropa in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Apart from receiving a bulk of congratulatory messages, Jarencio and the Batang Pier shared with gusto the ‘pansit’ given by a team that benefited much from their victory. In a post-game interview, Jarencio told media men: “Kung nabigyan naman sila ng free ticket para maging number one or number two, kung sino man team ‘yun, magpadala na lang ng pagkain sa practice bukas. Ganu’n lang ‘yun.” Their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters being challenged by Ginebra and TNT, the Rain or Shine Painters got the bonus as a result of NorthPort’s massive win. Having read Jarencio’s comments, Rain or Shine team owners Raymond Yu and Terry Que ordered and delivered the Chinese noodles during NorthPort’s practice at Greenmeadows gym in Quezon City. Least it would be construed as a “gift”, Yu stressed it was just a gesture of friendship and acknowledgement of one’s achievement. Before the TNT-ROS game, the former was in the running for the bonus with a 7-3 card, while ROS had earlier closed out its elimination campaign with an 8-3 mark. Ginebra was also in the thick of it with a 6-3 record but TNT’s loss also ruined their chances. “Hope it will not be interpreted in a different way, we have read what coach Pido wants so we obliged,” said Yu. “Sabi kasi pagkain so naisip ko pansit.” NorthPort Board Governor and AirAsia executive Erick Arejola thanked the generosity of ROS owners although Jarencio’s comments were just said in jest.

SEAG organizers find new venues; MOA back as host ORGANIZERS are finally resolving the need to find additional venues that will be held in the coming Southeast Asian Games. Lake Caliraya in Laguna Province, for one, can provide answers to the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee’s bid to host water sports activities. This includes rowing, which cannot be held at Subic Bay for lack of proper facilities. “We’re looking at Lake Caliraya. We’re looking at the other side of Taal Lake,” said Tom Carrasco, senior deputy director general of the PHISGOC. Carrasco said this after they learned that Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Pampanga does not have the proper facilities. The Phisgoc, according to Carrasco, is now resolving issues concerning shortages in venue. The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex has been reconsidered as a choice of venue for many events. As for the very popular basketball games, regular competitions are now back at the Mall of Asia Arena. Peter Atencio

Gin Kings attempt to stay inside Top 6 By Jeric Lopez

URGING Barangay Ginebra tries to stay inside the Top 6, while three others will be ﬁghting for dear life in the homestretch of the elimination round of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.

The Gin Kings (6-3) can lock in the third seed should they earn their fourth straight win when they play Meralco (37) at 7 p.m. today in a marquee match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In the initial offering, Alaska (4-6) and NorthPort (3-6) figure in a virtual do-ordie affair at 4:30 p.m. as the result of their tussle will determine their respective fates moving forward. Peaking at the right time slowly but surely, all Ginebra needs to do is to win at least one of its remaining two games to ensure itself a third-seed finish and a best-of-three series in the quarterfinals. The Tim Cone-coached Gin Kings will head to its tiff against the Bolts with a lot of momentum, having won three straight.

They produced a satisfying 105-96 victory over NLEX in Pampanga last Saturday. On the other hand, Meralco is battling for survival as it needs to win to keep its small hopes of entering the next round. The Bolts can still keep their chances of forcing a playoff alive if they can manage to win. For the Aces and the Batang Pier, it’s simple. It’s win or go home. The team who will come out on top can move a step closer to securing a spot in the quarters while the loser is virtually done, more or less. At the moment, the Aces are hanging on to the eighth and last ticket to the quarters but need a strong finish to stay there.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone

PLAYERS’ CUP 2019 CHAMPION. Argentine Ambassador to the Philippines Jose Nestor Ureta (center) is shown with wife Adriana

Tomas de Ureta (3rd from left) and Leyte (1st District) Rep. and Tingog Party List 1st Nominee Yedda Marie K. Romualdez (right) as they hand over the Championship Trophy to the White Team Captain Manot Montilla (3rd from right) during the High Goal Players Cup of the Argentine Republic at the Enrique Zobel Field in Manila Polo Club, Makati City. They are joined by other White Team players Marty Romualdez (second from right), son of Rep. Yedda and Atty. Martin Romualdez, Jay De Jesus (left) and Alfie Araneta (2nd from left). Ver Noveno

History beckons Solaire PH Open bidders THE Solaire Philippine Open kicks off its journey to a new century on April 3 at The Country Club with records being eyed and another wild finish seen the way it was in the last two editions of the country’s premier championship. After etching his name on the record books as Centennial champion with a playoff victory over Thai ace Prom Meesawat last year, Miguel Tabuena shoots for one feat never done the last 60 years – become a repeat winner of Asia’s oldest National Open when the blue-ribbon event, sponsored by Solaire Resort & Casino for the third straight year, is held at the challenging Tom Weiskophdesigned layout. “We at Solaire are honored to stage last year’s Centennial Phl Open and we are again privileged to be at the helm as the fabled event begins its journey to a new century,” said Thomas Arasi, president and CEO of Solaire, which recently inked a twoyear pact with women’s world No. 1 Sung Hyun Park. Steve Lewton of England also nipped American Johannes Veerman in sudden death in the 2017 Open, also at TCC. “Our fifth sponsorship of the Open also comes on the heels of our new partnership with Park, who marked her rise to the world top ranking by winning the inaugural The Country Club Ladies Invitational early this month,” added Arasi during yesterday’s press launch at Solaire’s Waterside Restobar. History also beckons for the rest of the bidders, including those from Thailand, Taiwan, Australia, England, Korea and the US, among others, in the $500,000 event backed by ICTSI and sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines. Tabuena, who also topped the rainshortened Open at Luisita in 2015, is trying to become only the sixth player to win it three times. Outside of 12-time titlist Larry Montes, Celestino Tugot, who won six diadems, including four straight from 1955, and five-time winner JRH Mason, only two others have won it thrice – Lu Liang Huan of Taiwan and legend Ben Arda. A fired-up 11-player Thailand side is also going flat out for an Open record, seeking to nail the crown that has eluded the country’s perennial regional rivals for the longest time. Ten Australians, led by Philippine Golf Tour Asia leg winners Damien Jordan and David Gleeson, also set out to secure their 10th Open jewel while 11 players from the US, headed by regular local campaigners Sam Gillis, Lexus Keoninh, Brett Munson, Cory Oride and PGT leg titlist Nicholas Paez are all primed up for a shot at their 27th Open crown in the event sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines headed by president Martin Lorenzo. Jobim Carlos, the reigning PGT Order of Merit champion, and Jhonnel Ababa, the winningest player on PGT Asia with three victories, also liked their chances in the upcoming Open. “The TCC is a tough course especially if the wind pick up. And it’s a great field,” said Carlos. “I just hope to play better.” “I’ve been playing well in PGT Asia events so I just hope to cash in on the streak and dish out my best,” said Ababa, who scored back-to-back wins at Eagle Ridge and Pradera Verde last year then repeated at the Lubao, Pampanga leg last January. There is also Juvic Pagunsan, Asia’s former No. 1, who is back to resume his hunt for one championship missing in his vast trophy cabinet.

Riders get crack at Olympics FILIPINO riders get another chance to earn valuable points in the hope of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics with the holding of the PRUride PH 2019 road race in Subic from May 24 to 26. The three-day event is the first professional race to be staged by British life insurer Pru Life UK. It is a UCI 2.2 accredited stage race. Several international teams are expected to join the meet and give local squads a run for their money, according to Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga. He mentioned that continental teams from countries like Hong Kong Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Sweden South Africa, Brunei, Korea, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan are among those which are coming over.

“We expect something like 13-14 international teams to compete. So we’re quite excited about it,” said Tumbaga during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum Tuesday at its new home – the Amelie Hotel Manila. “We’ll be exposed internationally. We are very confident that we are pushing ourselves to the limit, not only for the sake of staging it, but for our athletes so they can participate and compete, for them to have a better feel of how to compete internationally, and of course, to gain points. Top local teams such as Go For Gold and 711 all expressed that they are up to the challenge. “The goal I think early on is mas masaya kung maraming UCI events dito sa Pilipinas,” said Go For Gold team manager Jeremy Go in the same forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Tapa King,

Atty. Roberto Uy, president of RUYGROUP Hotel Corp., and PSA president Dodo Catacutan sign the Memorandum of Agreement making Hotel Amelie Manila the new home of the weekly PSA Forum. Witnessing the signing are Amelie Hotel operations manager William Castro, Patafa president Popoy Juico and PSA vice-president Aldrin Cardona.

and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. “Hopefully we will have our best athletes gain valuable points for the country to get that elusive Olympic spot that we’re all aiming for.” Rodriguez, the 711 team manager, said that other than earning Olympic points, the event would also help Filipino riders to warm up for the Southeast

Asian Games here. Go For Gold riders Ismael Grospe, Ronnel and Edz Hualda joined 711’s Marcelo Felipe, Philippine Navy’s Ronald Oranza, and PRUride Philippine Ambassadors Gretchen Ho and Zoren Legaspi during the same session. Registration for the criterium event is open until March 31 at pruride.ph

IN BRIEF Catanduanes co-op told to avoid outages STATE-RUN National Electrification Administration advised First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative Inc. to take the necessary measures to reduce the possibility of power interruptions during the dry months when demand is high. Reynaldo Cuevas Jr., acting department manager of the NEA Management and Consultancy Service Office, said while no significant interruptions were reported so far, Ficelco should still “adopt strategies and measures to avert occurrence of interruptions.” National Power Corp. deferred the deployment of Power Barge (PB) 106 to Catanduanes, which will supposedly augment and stabilize the power situation in the province. Napocor said there was no need to deploy the barge, citing that Sunwest Water and Electric Co. had fast-tracked the installation of 6-megawatt mobile diesel generator sets as part of an obligation to Fileco. Suweco plans to complete the work next month. Napocor with Suweco’s diesel gensets, power supply will increase to 15.5 MW against the present power demand of 12.5 MW, or a reserve capacity of 1.58 MW. Alena Mae S. Flores

Clark free port now a popular MICE site THE Clark Freeport Zone is fast becoming the preferential destination for meetings, incentive travels, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) by many industry groups. Clark Development Corp.’s Tourism and Promotions Division reported that 913 MICE activities were held in the Freeport in 2018. The events attracted about 123,405 participants comprising of 122,002 local guests and 1,403 foreign attendees. Major activities organized inside the free port in 2018 include the Aeromart Summit and the Salangian Art Exhibit that showcased the artworks of some artists in Pampanga province. Stakeholders in the construction industry are also expected to converge this month at the Freeport with the staging of the PhilConstruct Luzon on March 28 to 30 at the Asean Convention Center. Some 200 brands of building materials, construction equipment and cooling technologies will be showcased in the country’s leading construction show. Othel V. Campos

Business

New BAP head to launch digital banking registry NEWLY-ELECTED Bankers Association of the Philippines president Cezar Consing on Tuesday disclosed a plan to launch the digital banking ID registry this year in pursuit of innovation and financial inclusion. Consing, who is also the Bank of the Philippine Islands president and chief executive, succeeded BDO Unibank Inc. president Nestor Tan at the helm of the BAP in an election held on March 25, 2019. Tan was noted for his steadfast leadership for three consecutive years, during which the BAP developed the foundation for the BAP ID registry and increased its focus on cybersecurity. “The Philippine banking industry is transforming itself so as to continue to be relevant to one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies. Digitalization, cybersecurity and financial liberalization are issues foremost on bankers’ minds. The overall objective is increasing financial inclusion -- the imperative of our times,” Consing said. The BAP ID registry will set the foundation for e-KYC (electronic know-your-customer) and future use cases. The facility, powered by blockchain technology, will make it easier and faster for clients to open accounts and avail of banking services with BAP’s member banks. The technology employs an unalterable distributed ledger of transactions used to ascertain and vet transactions and client identity. Several BAP member banks are already developing the systems to be able to interface with the ID registry. Julito G. Rada

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

Tugade warns Naia Consortium Petron gets shareholder T approval to By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Department of Transportation on Tuesday warned that it will drop the unsolicited proposal of Naia Consortium unless it resolves certain issues by April 30.

“The talks are taking longer. I want to impose a cap. By April 30, if no agreement [was reached with Naia Consortium], we will do it [Naia rehab],” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said. “I will stop talking with them [after April 30]. I will cross that bridge when I get there,” he said. Tugade said the government might pursue the Naia rehab project or accommodate other proposals from the private sector. Tugade did not disclose the unresolved issues on the consortium’s proposal. Transportation Undersecretary for planning Reuben Reinoso earlier said there were provisions in their proposal which appeared to require a government guarantee. The consortium secured an original proponent status for the rehabilitation and upgrade of Naia in September 2018.

The declaration of the original proponent is considered the ﬁrst step in the rehabilitation and expansion of Naia, which is operating beyond its rated capacity. The consortium’s proposal is still subject to review and approval by the National Economic and Development Authority’s board and to a Swiss Challenge in accordance with the requirements of Republic Act No. 7718 or the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. The consortium’s members are Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Alliance Global Group Inc., AEDC, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Paciﬁc Investments Corp. The unsolicited proposal, which was submitted to the DOTr and Manila International Airport Authority on Feb.

12, 2018, aims to transform Naia into a regional airport hub and expand its capacity to meet the anticipated growth in passenger traffic. The Naia project supports the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program with its plan to develop the airport into a world-class facility and a regional air transport hub by upgrading its airside, landside and air navigation support― building on the gains already achieved by the DOTr in terms of improving the traffic of aircraft movements on its runways. The P102-billion proposal involves expanding and interconnecting the existing terminals of Naia, upgrading airside facilities, developing commercial facilities to increase airline and airport efficiencies, enhancing passenger comfort and experience and elevating the status of Naia as the country’s premier international gateway. The project aims to increase Naia’s capacity up to 65 million passengers per year from about 40 million It will elevate Naia to the level of major regional airports such as Changi in Singapore and Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. It is also seen to become a viable transit hub for the Asean region.

PAL modernizes passenger service PHILIPPINE Airlines said it has successfully upgraded its passenger service system. The flag carrier’s IT system is now powered by the next-generation Amadeus Altea technology for more efficient bookings, ticketing, check-in and boarding. The new system enhances passengers’ end-to-end experience by providing easier booking, automated customer preference recognition; faster check-in process; better online check-in experience; seamless service from interline partners and real-time, personalized alerts for flight changes, among others. “We look forward to serving our passengers better as we add our new system to the new airplanes, expanded route network, enhanced products and continuing innovations that add up to the 4-Star service that we dedicate to all our customers,” said PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista. PAL earlier signed a deal with ANA HD, the Japanese parent company of All Nippon Airways, to sell the airline’s 9.5-percent stake to Japanese airline for $95 million. ANA HD will acquire the shares from Trustmark Holdings Corp., owned by the family of tycoon Lucio Tan. Darwin G. Amojelar

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

TRAIN INFORMATION SYSTEM. Starting early April, train commuters in Metro Manila on Light Rail Transit Line 1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 can expect some changes during their daily commute. More than 1,000 screens are being installed across the train system called TUBE, a real time PIS which has been patented in the Philippines. The GPS-triggered system lets riders know what station is the next stop, when there is an emergency or if there is any disruption to the train service. TUBE is a joint venture of Phar Philippines Inc. and Trackmate Business Solutions Inc.

Diokno agrees to support financial technology companies By Julito G. Rada BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday he fully supports the financial inclusion efforts of the government. “The BSP will fully support and carry forward our financial inclusion agenda so that services will be accessible to majority of Filipinos,” Diokno said during the Financial Technology Alliance Index Summit held at the Bangko Sentral. He said the financial technology transformation altered the business landscape that required businesses to innovate to flourish and survive. “The BSP is ahead of the curve in identifying the opportunities and setting guidelines for financial inclusion… The BSP remains committed to establishing regulatory environment for fintech firms to thrive but aware of

the risks,” Diokno said. He said the BSP prepared the groundwork in the last three years for expanded financial inclusion efforts that would benefit the Filipino people. He mentioned the launch of the BSP last year of Instapay, an automated clearing house that is useful for ecommerce payments where people can just use a card or phone in paying any transactions. InstaPay followed the successful launch in November 2017 of Peso Net, the first clearing house under the National Retail Payment System, as a part of its efforts to establish a safe, efficient and reliable payment framework in the country. InstaPay is an electronic fund transfer service that allows customers to transfer peso funds almost instantly between accounts of participating banks supervised

by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and nonbank e-money issuers in the country. The service is available 24 hours a day, all year round. Diokno said the amendments to the charter of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas provided the regulator more power to expedite these financial inclusion efforts. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier signed into law Republic Act No. 11211 which amended RA 7653 or the New Central Bank Act. The new BSP charter embodies a package of reforms that will further align its operations with global best practices, improve the BSP’s corporate viability and enhance its capacity to craft proactive policies amid rising interlinkages in the financial markets and the broader economy. “The BSP Charter amendment is critical to the financial inclusion efforts,” Diokno said.

raise P20b

By Alena Mae S. Flores OIL refiner Petron Corp. said Tuesday majority of its shareholders approved the issuance of preferred shares worth P20 billion. “The company announces that it has received the written assent of stockholders representing more than a majority of the total outstanding common capital stock of the company in relation to the company’s solicitation for stockholders’ written assent to the proposed issuance by the company of preferred shares of up to P20 billion,” Petron said. Petron did not disclose the purpose of the preferred shares issuance. The company is set to redeem series A preferred shares issued in 2014 at a redemption price of P1,000 per share on Nov. 4, 2019. The company said last year it would invest in a continuous catalytic reforming unit that would pave the way for the company to produce petrochemicals such as mixed xylene, toluene and xylene for the export market. Petron was supposed to complete the basic engineering design study for the CCRU last year for the planned petrochemical facility in the existing 180,000-barrel-per-day refinery complex in Bataan. Petron posted a 50-percent decline in net income in 2018 to P7.1 billion following a sustained decline in global crude prices that resulted in inventory losses of P10 billion in the last two months of the year. Operating income reached P18.9 billion in 2018, down 32 percent from P27.6 billion in 2017. The oil refiner said excluding the one-time item, profits would have ended 21 percent higher at P17 billion. “It was a challenging year, yet we captured majority of the market and remained the largest and fastest growing oil company in the country. While our long-term fundamentals remain attractive, we will continue to be prepared and responsive to market conditions,” said Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang. Consolidated sales rose 28 percent to P557.4 billion from P434.6 billion in 2017. Petron registered a combined sales volume of 108.5 million barrels last year, slightly higher than 107.8 million barrels sold in 2017. The company said the strong local sales of gasoline, Jet-A1 and LPG, along with improved operating efficiency. contributed to the increase. Petron is the Philippines’ largest refiner, providing nearly 40 percent of the country’s fuel requirements through 30 terminals and more than 2,400 service stations nationwide.

Bulacan airport’s Swiss Challenge set in April By Darwin G. Amojelar THE government is set to launch next month the bid process for San Miguel Corp.’s P735-billion New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. “Hopefully, within the next two weeks we will publish the bid documents,” Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Manuel Antonio Tamayo said. Tamayo said the terms of reference for the Swiss Challenge would be published by April. Swiss Challenge is a form of procurement, usually required in an unsolicited project, where other parties are given an opportunity to challenge the bid of the proponent. San Miguel president Ramon Ang described the project as “a game changer” that would bring more foreign tourists

to the Philippines. The New Manila Airport Project will be built over a period of ﬁve to seven years to full completion. The project, which was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, involves the construction of a world-class, major international gateway with four to six parallel runways, modern terminals, a seaport and an industrial zone. It is located 27 kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, or 45 minutes from any point in Metro Manila via multiple expressways. The new airport is expected to create one million jobs during the construction phase, according to Ang. San Miguel proposed to build the massive airport complex on a 2,500-hectare property in Bulakan, Bulacan.

BLOODLETTING DRIVE. M Lhuillier conducts a blood donation drive for the residents of South Cotabato province as a part of a mission to improve the lives of Filipinos. With the theme ‘A Little Pain, A Little Life to Gain,’ the blood donation drive gathers 8,000 donors and collects 3.8 million cc of blood. The blood donated will be used to save lives during dengue outbreaks, blood transfusions and medical treatments for calamities.

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks rise on bargain-hunting

TOCKS rose Tuesday on bargain-hunting as investors picked up oversold issues after Monday’s global market rout.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 44.01 points, or 0.6 percent, to 7,907.03 on a value turnover of P5.4 billion. Gainers beat losers, 112 to 76, with 42 issues unchanged. Major property developer Ayala Land Inc. added 1.5 percent to P44.50, while Megaworld Corp., the biggest lessor of ofﬁce spaces increased 1.2 percent to P5.72. SOC Resources Inc. of the PuyatReyes Group jumped 26.8 percent to P1.42 after reporting Friday that it expects to generate P8 billion in sales from three upcoming residential projects that it plans to launch. Security Bank Corp., the sixthlargest lender in terms of assets, rose 2.6 percent to P172.

The rest of Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday after the previous day’s steep losses, though investors trod cautiously as they grow increasingly anxious about the state of the global economy. With a mixed lead from Wall Street, there were few catalysts to drive buying, while safe-haven ﬂows saw the dollar edge up against high-yielding currencies. Attention is also back on London, where MPs essentially wrested control of the Brexit debate from Prime Minister Theresa May with a vote that will allow them to decide on a number of possibilities for how to proceed. Investors in Asia were suffering a hangover from Monday’s pummel-

ing, which came on the back of a drop in benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yields below those for three-month bills for the ﬁrst time since before the global ﬁnancial crisis. This so-called inverted yield curve shows investors are more willing to buy long-term debt—usually viewed as a higher risk—as they consider the shortterm outlook more hazardous. Such a scenario has preceded several recessions in recent decades. “Recession worries may be premature for the US, but the negative signals are consistent with the recent data,” said OANDA senior market analyst Edward Moya. Tokyo led gains, jumping more than two percent—having dived three percent Monday—while Sydney added 0.1 percent, Singapore put on 0.4 percent and Seoul edged up 0.2 percent. Wellington, Taipei, Mumbai and Ja-

karta also rose, while Bangkok barely moved as rival camps jostled for position, hoping to form a government after Thailand’s ﬁrst election since a coup. Hong Kong slipped 0.1 percent and Shanghai tumbled 1.5 percent. In Britain, the Brexit saga took a new twist when lawmakers inﬂicted yet another defeat on May by voting to take control of parliamentary business that will see them hold a series of ballots on different options for leaving the EU. They will now choose whether to revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit, hold another referendum, vote for a deal including a customs union and single market membership, or leave the EU without a deal. However, even if they decide a majority course of action, the government is not legally bound to follow their instructions. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 85.05 1,077,590 2.26 36,000 132 1,452,800 1.41 1,000 27.1 54,100 19.1 18,700 12.4 693,300 4.3 18,000 0.63 33,590,000 0.465 160,000 80.8 1,492,940 0.99 657,000 13.7 5,600 21.35 900 59 471,670 197 750 58.2 1,050 26.5 33,400 172 633,680 1,845 5 60.85 10,420

91,847,278 80,120 192,212,735 1,410 1,477,520 357,188 8,553,800 75,020 21,161,700 74,400 119,700,894 647,970 76,720 19,215 28,097,890.50 143,123 61,122.50 892,995 108,216,659 9,225 632,866

-61,023,505 -2,135,536 -340,540 -13,370 -385,570 28,253,676 5,830 4,513,899 -11,395 478,260 28,448,759 -553,155.50

34.55 14.34 1 1.43 0.235 2.58 15.64 107.2 29.45 14.64 43 71.9 87 1.86 5.5 6.26 11.26 15.9 9.1 7.32 1.64 20.9 78.7 27.6 2.25 10.28 12.8 1.63 314 53 10.4 24.4 12.5 20.75 375 0.192 6.15 1.37 3.92 6.52 1.4 12.1 49.5 5.85 4.65 1.78 2.65 1.29 12.12 101.3 6.74 0.95 146 2.5 1.66 1.19

INDUSTRIAL 35.3 526,500 14.54 359,600 1.01 1,582,000 1.47 970,000 0.24 20,000 2.62 28,251,000 15.88 498,200 107.2 80 29.75 33,100 15.5 6,300 43 600 76 1,700 87 100 1.9 109,000 5.51 600 6.26 6,500 11.32 155,000 15.9 1,159,400 9.36 4,163,900 7.37 90,500 1.64 1,000 21.3 1,064,900 79.6 520,370 27.8 52,800 2.35 13,009,000 10.28 2,215,900 12.9 848,200 1.72 499,000 316.6 730,920 53 910 10.4 15,700 24.6 308,200 12.96 3,003,200 21 1,060,600 378 117,780 0.192 560,000 6.15 100 1.4 1,656,000 3.96 42,000 6.53 4,101,100 1.42 14,789,000 12.26 127,100 49.65 356,400 5.85 94,000 4.8 94,000 1.8 175,000 2.65 5,000 1.34 138,000 12.2 293,400 103.3 657,980 6.95 886,500 0.99 675,000 149 1,040,250 2.6 111,000 1.67 1,323,000 1.23 4,940,000

18,419,445 5,219,062 1,597,650 1,418,330 4,750 74,828,600 7,887,320 8,576 976,490 92,490 25,800 126,276.50 8,700 205,510 3,302 40,690 1,749,886 18,505,520 39,069,120 667,537 1,640 22,584,670 41,410,095 1,467,800 30,233,100 23,080,946 10,965,986 848,440 231,388,642 48,280 164,924 7,562,050 39,030,738 22,198,685 44,497,448 107,520 615 2,306,330 165,990 26,836,282 20,959,350 1,544,576 17,744,345 549,900 450,640 314,090 13,250 179,440 3,578,150 67,785,278 6,169,494 643,250 154,744,618 287,540 2,210,570 6,053,630

8,681,015 862,878 11,220 -2,931,260 66,652 -64,790 7,330 -12,900 19,050 6,260 224,934 59,140 4,685,893 77,089 4,069,955 -1,642,681.50 1,351,080 105,820 -2,704,832 1,148,090 21,704,926 -748,775 -6,340,860 11,511,905 434,252 466,030 2,947,070 -1,141,840 1,807,685 -403,650 -445,830 38,700 -376,820 15,122,212 41,700 -777,713 17,500 -91,880 159,830

0.6 57.75 15.92 0.75 20 1.4 1.43 922 7.51 12.26 15.62 4.15 0.222 985.5 6.53 61.65 5.42 0.51 5.24 16.52 0.55 4.79 0.038 1.15 2.9 170.2 936 1.12 1.34 266 0.239 0.395

HOLDING FIRMS 0.63 22,611,000 58.75 582,540 16.06 5,865,100 1.11 45,769,000 20.05 41,400 1.47 14,597,000 1.48 3,233,000 933 186,550 7.61 491,600 12.26 2,274,100 15.98 15,646,800 4.15 21,000 0.24 1,400,000 992 95,605 6.6 181,700 62.6 825,340 5.95 129,300 0.54 372,000 5.25 1,638,100 16.52 2,129,300 0.55 347,000 4.84 13,087,000 0.04 47,100,000 1.15 132,000 2.95 4,460,000 175.5 417,900 945 200,900 1.42 118,842,000 1.34 40,000 268.6 43,880 0.249 2,760,000 0.405 26,100,000

14,005,670 34,105,697 94,037,492 46,352,270 832,730 21,320,130 4,753,640 173,726,730 3,738,663 28,053,948 253,276,474 87,380 316,210 95,400,672.50 1,193,935 51,370,955.50 779,289 194,180 8,612,749 35,560,300 191,450 63,154,450 1,884,600 151,800 13,345,420 73,033,279 189,411,015 170,377,710 53,640 11,802,244 672,460 10,514,150

377,590 9,670,180 26,322,154 37,510 -40,325 395,960 -97,639,860 -1,292,321 45,388 -163,858,838 -26,128,500 8,719,765.50 -2,304,702 -2,379,998 96,800 -6,890,110 8,200 722,020 27,395,711 60,382,475 238,530 -6,788,556 2,288,000

23,582,040 1,144,930 591,200 548,062,095 1,360,680 9,938,910 17,631,660 119,770 3,720 1,481,810 19,250 7,436,972 10,398,955 273,820 26,402,110 2,807,620 109,973,279 4,585,850 5,248,600 3,794,410

-2,509,608 229,913,795 -52,030 617,880 11,900 2,440,398 1,075,840 -17,434,430 -1,260 51,151,980 -26,600 -490,000 776,940

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

BANK PH ISLANDS BDO LEASING BDO UNIBANK BRIGHT KINDLE CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG FIRST ABACUS MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

85.3 2.23 132.4 1.41 27.4 19.1 12.3 4.16 0.63 0.465 79.45 1 13.7 21.35 60 189 58.45 26.7 167.7 1,845 61

86.3 2.28 133 1.41 27.4 19.16 12.46 4.3 0.63 0.465 80.8 1 13.7 21.35 60 199.5 58.45 26.9 172 1,845 62

85 2.22 131.6 1.41 27.1 19.1 12.24 4.16 0.63 0.465 79.4 0.98 13.7 21.35 59 189 58.2 26.5 167.7 1,845 60.6

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

35.4 14.34 1 1.52 0.235 2.75 15.64 107.2 29.75 14.7 43 71.9 87 1.9 5.5 6.26 11.26 15.9 9.29 7.37 1.64 20.9 78.7 27.8 2.25 10.4 12.8 1.63 315.8 54 10.5 24.6 12.5 20.8 378.2 0.192 6.15 1.39 3.92 6.6 1.43 12.1 49.8 5.85 4.81 1.78 2.65 1.31 12.18 101.3 6.74 1.01 148 2.51 1.68 1.25

35.4 14.56 1.02 1.52 0.24 2.79 16.06 107.2 29.75 15.5 43 76 87 1.91 5.51 6.26 11.36 16.08 9.57 7.41 1.64 21.45 80.2 27.8 2.38 10.5 13.1 1.72 319.2 54 10.8 24.6 13.2 21.15 382 0.192 6.15 1.4 4 6.62 1.44 12.26 50 5.85 4.81 1.82 2.65 1.34 12.2 103.5 7.1 1.01 149.9 2.6 1.7 1.27

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

0.62 59.2 15.92 0.75 20.95 1.4 1.43 922 7.55 12.48 15.92 4.16 0.223 1,009 6.53 61.75 5.42 0.52 5.39 16.52 0.56 4.84 0.038 1.15 3.11 171.2 936 1.18 1.34 274 0.245 0.405

0.65 59.3 16.24 1.11 20.95 1.49 1.52 938.5 7.66 12.5 16.3 4.17 0.244 1,021 6.6 62.6 6.4 0.54 5.39 16.8 0.56 4.86 0.042 1.15 3.11 175.5 948.5 1.64 1.36 276 0.25 0.41

8990 HLDG A BROWN ARTHALAND CORP AYALA LAND BELLE CORP CEB LANDMASTERS 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

12.94 0.77 0.83 44.4 2.38 4.2 0.52 0.85 0.93 0.239 0.385 11.24 22.3 0.51 1.51 1.26 5.63 0.385 0.45 1.88

13.3 0.8 0.83 44.95 2.41 4.37 0.54 0.88 0.93 0.24 0.385 11.56 23 0.51 1.54 1.26 5.74 0.385 0.49 1.91

12.9 0.77 0.81 44 2.36 4.17 0.5 0.84 0.93 0.238 0.385 11.24 22.1 0.495 1.5 1.23 5.61 0.375 0.45 1.85

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

0.43 2.68 50.95 24.6 2.02 3.1 39.45 1.6 6.85 0.75 7.1

0.44 2.73 50.95 24.7 2.06 3.1 39.5 1.6 6.85 0.75 7.22

0.42 2.68 50.95 24.05 2 3 39.15 1.54 6.66 0.75 7.1

0.44 2.72 50.95 24.5 2.03 3 39.5 1.6 6.68 0.75 7.15

620,000 131,000 300 3,120,000 102,000 2,281,000 4,992,500 153,000 196,900 25,000 3,254,900

262,600 352,610 15,285 76,395,875 206,480 6,891,140 196,666,505 239,740 1,320,425 18,750 23,249,803

-55,250 0 10,726,335 2,060 309,230 182,912,325 -3,961,578

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

12.5 21.35 1.25 0.425 0.042 2.8 12.16 0.073 82 5.91 6.89 13.48 1,996 5.72 371 2.95 1.94 124 7.1 0.127 5.41 15.4 3.88 0.9 20.4 0.54 3.2 1.75 1.84 2.64 5.25 10.5 4.68 2.63 1,149 0.88 1.08 47.85 81.9 8.8 2.34 0.71 0.415 5.6 0.68 15.7

12.5 21.35 1.25 0.43 0.043 2.81 12.16 0.074 82.5 5.95 7 14.2 1,998 5.74 379.8 3.02 1.98 128.5 7.1 0.13 5.45 15.5 4.05 0.97 21.3 0.61 3.25 1.82 1.84 2.64 5.85 10.68 4.68 2.63 1,174 0.89 1.1 47.85 81.9 8.8 2.39 0.73 0.425 5.64 0.69 15.8

12.16 21.25 1.23 0.425 0.042 2.7 11.84 0.072 81.25 5.84 6.8 12.5 1,941 5.7 371 2.9 1.94 122 7.1 0.124 5.37 15.4 3.72 0.9 20.4 0.52 3.19 1.75 1.81 2.55 5.2 10.5 4.65 2.54 1,149 0.86 1.04 47.4 81 8.7 2.34 0.71 0.415 5.6 0.67 15.02

SERVICES 12.16 21.35 1.23 0.43 0.043 2.78 11.9 0.074 81.8 5.89 7 12.54 1,947 5.7 379 2.95 1.98 125.5 7.1 0.129 5.38 15.5 3.87 0.97 21 0.57 3.2 1.78 1.81 2.56 5.3 10.68 4.65 2.56 1,164 0.87 1.05 47.7 81.1 8.8 2.39 0.73 0.42 5.64 0.68 15.1

24,200 24,200 17,000 420,000 6,900,000 688,000 1,721,900 63,090,000 27,920 283,600 172,000 288,700 25,400 153,700 740 1,803,000 4,000 1,615,980 11,000 880,000 1,472,200 7,800 9,579,000 446,000 2,467,400 7,337,000 1,037,000 46,000 10,000 1,139,000 995,100 19,100 134,000 525,000 175,025 4,769,000 52,657,000 110,500 467,990 29,900 4,086,000 3,328,000 4,310,000 1,509,500 1,083,000 12,352,000

295,212 515,545 21,080 179,250 290,000 1,877,010 20,584,964 4,590,330 2,285,886 1,666,500 1,184,900 3,804,462 49,649,005 878,538 279,660 5,336,010 7,880 203,140,205 78,100 110,850 7,950,128 120,150 37,507,360 422,700 51,848,355 4,204,690 3,320,500 82,060 18,280 2,954,990 5,396,733 202,194 624,580 1,344,300 203,968,400 4,167,150 55,705,060 5,270,155 38,041,602.5(8, 262,967 9,727,740 2,403,980 1,818,500 8,497,024 738,300 187,449,066

20,796 -66,010 4,835,666 -370,000 -292,765 11,430 13,368,855 -69,460 54,606,383 260,595 -544,480 -4,919,260 35,170 -7,740 598,960 -116,500 -115,050 -8,899,675 16,020 -730,280 -1,511,800 928,604.0001) -144,320 -3,765,770 471,410 -113,500 -8,203,936 -3,823,120

ABRA MINING APEX MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 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

0.002 1.45 2.85 1.16 2.49 0.3 7.9 1.53 0.25 0.118 0.12 0.008 1.07 2.46 1.05 0.57 0.91 0.012 0.013 0.011 3.66 13.48 22.8

0.002 1.46 2.85 1.16 2.59 0.3 7.93 1.53 0.255 0.12 0.123 0.008 1.1 2.5 1.06 0.69 0.93 0.013 0.013 0.012 3.7 13.78 23

0.002 1.43 2.85 1.16 2.48 0.3 7.83 1.51 0.246 0.118 0.12 0.008 1.06 2.45 1.02 0.57 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.011 3.6 13.02 22.6

MINING & OIL 0.002 79,000,000 1.44 1,107,000 2.85 61,000 1.16 7,000 2.57 2,816,000 0.3 50,000 7.93 500 1.51 4,698,000 0.25 690,000 0.12 290,000 0.123 20,000 0.008 29,000,000 1.09 44,000 2.47 1,380,000 1.05 73,000 0.67 2,512,000 0.93 483,000 0.013 10,500,000 0.012 700,000 0.012 6,600,000 3.61 687,000 13.02 2,859,700 22.65 1,019,500

166,000 1,600,690 173,850 8,120 7,125,830 15,000 3,949 7,164,310 172,590 34,340 2,430 234,900 47,420 3,402,360 75,010 1,641,560 440,780 126,600 8,900 72,700 2,506,900 38,066,652 23,249,900

-1,112,840 -11,400 101,500.00 -12,000 12,300 -1,230 -581,370 -6,500 -105,830 -1,043,990 5,363,810

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2 DD PREF FGEN PREF G GMA HLDG PDR HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PNX PREF 3A SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2I

20.85 474 496 99 100.8 5.55 95 0.97 101.9 99.5 975 75 76 72.15 74 74

20.85 474 497.2 99.1 100.8 5.55 95.95 0.99 101.9 99.5 980 75.3 76 72.15 74 74

20.85 474 496 99 100.8 5.5 94.5 0.97 101.9 99.5 975 74.2 76 71.3 74 72

PREFERRED 20.85 700 474 80 497.2 10,290 99.1 1,070 100.8 3,700 5.5 44,000 95 1,260 0.98 2,974,000 101.9 10 99.5 1,130 975 1,940 75.3 4,270 76 5,110 71.3 12,000 74 650 72 10,000

14,595 37,920 5,115,722 106,025 372,960 242,115 119,664 2,912,780 1,019 112,435 1,894,005 319,345 388,360 860,162 48,100 720,026

-14,595 47,500 970 -

LR WARRANT

2.1

2.19

1.96

WARRANTS 2 1,965,000

4,144,340

700,780 23,742,770

-4,466,630

PROPERTY 13.24 0.8 0.82 44.5 2.36 4.3 0.51 0.88 0.93 0.24 0.385 11.5 22.8 0.5 1.52 1.26 5.72 0.38 0.475 1.86

1,792,100 1,455,000 725,000 12,287,800 575,000 2,311,000 34,092,000 139,000 4,000 6,200,000 50,000 652,500 456,800 549,000 17,324,000 2,261,000 19,237,400 12,110,000 10,920,000 2,022,000

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.84 1.31

5 1.35

4.84 1.24

FIRST METRO ETF

117.5

118

117.2

USD DMPL A2

10.2

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

10.2

40,847,163 94,105,259 331,855,786

PROPERTY

145,324,427

SERVICES

193,976,703

MINING & OIL

146,507,611

GRAND TOTAL

971,314,495

10.2

4.99 1.24

SME

142,000 18,550,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.9 2,400 10.2

DDS

2,500

282,761 25,500

100,220 -

VALUE 1,763.95 (up) 7.06 609,033,689.51 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,682.16 (up) 41.54 1,069,939,725.14 HOLDING FIRMS 7,778.67 (up) 51.95 1,470,494,783.584 PROPERTY 4,085.33 (up) 28.73 SERVICES 1,594.9 (down) -1.56 1,110,429,592.41 MINING & OIL 8,112.83 (down) -28.4 1,017,270,454.594 PSEI 7,907.03 (up) 44.01 86,378,573.9586 All Shares Index 4,860.45 (up) 17.58 5,388,286,433.5 Gainers: 112; Losers: 76; Unchanged: 42; Total: 230

Pilipinas Shell declares total cash dividend of P3 per share By Alena Mae S. Flores PILIPINAS Shell Petroleum Corp., the country’s second largest oil company, declared a cash dividend of P3 per share, translating into a total of P4.8 billion or 95 percent of the audited net income in 2018. Pilipinas Shell registered a net income of P5.1 billion in 2018, down 50 percent from P10.37 billion in 2017, following the drop in oil prices in the fourth quarter. The company said the cash dividend surpassed its commitment to maintain a dividend payout of at least 75 percent and was the highest payout ratio since the initial public offering in 2016. Pilipinas Shell ended 2018 with a dividend yield of about six percent. “We generated P14.1 billion cash from operations last year, which allows us to not only cover our dividend payments, but also to fund P6 billion worth of capital expenditure this year,” says Cesar Romero, Petron President and chief executive officer in a statement. The dividend, approved by the board on March 21, 2019, will be paid on April 30, 2019 to stockholders on record as of April 5, 2019. Pilipinas Shell’s return on average capital employed remains high at 15 percent in 2018, reflecting the company’s ability to efficiently utilize capital to generate competitive returns. The company said with a healthy balance sheet, it was well-positioned to fund growth and sustain the attractive dividend policy. Retained earnings stood at P11.1 billion as of end 2018. Romero said the company was increasing its capital expenditures from P4.1 billion last year to the support expansion plans of the retail business, including the opening of some 50 to 70 new sites in strategic locations in 2019. The company earlier announced a P6-billion capital expenditure program this year. Shell plans to use part of the budget to implement projects in the mid-term to enhance the crude flexibility of the 110,000-barrel-per-day Shell Tabangao Refinery.

LWRC selling 1.2b shares to raise P4.38b By Jenniffer B. Austria LEISURE & Resorts World Corp. is raising as much as P4.38 billion from the issuance of 1.2 billion common shares to six new investors through a private placement. LRWC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board approved the issuance of 1.217 billion common shares from an unissued capital stock at the issue price of P3.60 apiece. The shares were subscribed by Fortunegate Holdings Philippines Inc., Millennium Pan Asia Business Management Services Inc., XII Capital Inc. and Diamond Fortune Holdings Inc., which acquired to 230 million shares each. Another investor, Euphonious Holdings Inc., will also subscribe to 121 million shares while Leisure Advantage Inc. will acquire 176.6 million shares. The issue price of P3.60 represents a four-percent discount to the stock’s closing price of P3.75 Monday. LRWC in January obtained a shareholders’ approval to issue up to 1.3 billion in shares to refinance debt and fund expansion plans. LRWC wants to pay the debt it incurred when it purchased a property in Boracay designed as a casino and resort complex. The $550-million project, however, is in limbo following the strong opposition of various sectors. LRWC plans to start this year the redevelopment of Cyberpark, a 10-hectare pocket light industrial park in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province. Cyberpark is currently being master planned to host office buildings and residential dormitories for online gaming operators. Two legacy buildings have already been fully leased out to a locator, while the next development phase will start in the fourth quarter of 2018 primarily for office spaces. LRWC posted a consolidated net income of P266 million in the first nine months of 2018, down 27 percent from P362.7 million year-on-year. It attributed the the lower profit to its divestment from the City of Dreams project.

World

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Human rights in HK ‘deteriorating’ HONG KONG―Hong Kong’s human rights have “deteriorated severely” over the past year, with free speech under attack, Amnesty International said Tuesday, the latest report to criticize the city’s government for restricting liberties. The watchdog’s year-end review cited a string of setbacks in freedoms, including the government’s prosecution of leading democracy campaigners, its expulsion of a British journalist, the ban on a pro-independence party, and the barring of candidates from local elections. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland, which are protected by the 50-year handover agreement between Britain and China, but fears are growing that those liberties are being eroded as Beijing ﬂexes its muscles. Amnesty accused the city’s authorities of depriving citizens of their rights with increasing frequency in recent years by “expanding the interpretation of ‘national security’”. “The concept of ‘national security’ as used by Hong Kong government... is arbitrarily applied to suppress dissent and political opposition,” the report said, drawing comparisons to tactics favored by repressive governments. Last year Hong Kong authorities refused to renew a work visa for the Financial Times’ Asia news editor Victor Mallet after he hosted a talk at the city’s press club by pro-independence activist Andy Chan, whose party was later banned for reasons of “national security”. AFP

Saudi Arabia slams US Golan move RIYADH―Saudi Arabia rejected US President Donald Trump’s recognition Monday of Syria’s Golan Heights as Israeli territory, condemning it as a violation of international law. US President Donald Trump―a key Saudi ally―broke with decades of US policy on Monday, signing a proclamation recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the strategic territory it seized from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognized by the international community. “Saudi Arabia expresses its ﬁrm rejection and condemnation of the US administration’s declaration that it recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights,” said a statement carried by the ofﬁcial SPA news agency. The Golan remains “occupied Syrian Arab land” and its recognition as Israeli is a “violation of the UN Charter and international resolutions,” the statement said. “This will have negative effects on the Middle East peace process and security and stability in the region.” The UN Security Council and successive US administrations have always regarded the Golan as occupied territory whose return would be negotiated as part of comprehensive peace deal between Israel and Syria. Trump has failed to carry any of his allies in his policy U-turn, which he signed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his side. AFP

British MPs vote for bigger role in Brexit options LONDON―British MPs have voted to play a bigger role in Brexit, giving themselves the power to express their preference for different options in an unprecedented move that the government called “dangerous”. On Monday evening MPs won a vote that will allow them to seize control of parliamentary business on Wednesday by 329 to 302, with three junior ministers quitting after voting against the government. British pro-Brexit tabloid The Sun said Tuesday that May had “lost control of the Brexit process to MPs in a humiliating defeat”. The Times also said the prime minister had been “humiliated by Tory rebellion” as the cabinet “prepares for [a] snap election”. Foreign Ofﬁce minister Alistair Burt and health minister Steve Brine resigned, a government source told AFP, while business minister Richard Harrington announced his decision to leave government on Twitter. In his resignation letter, Harrington said the government’s approach was “playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country”. But the Brexit ministry said in a statement it was “disappointed” by the vote, adding that it “upends the balance between our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous, unpredictable precedent”. Three years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, Monday’s vote sets up a potentially crucial clash between government and parliament on the best way to end a bitter political crisis. AFP

CEREMONY. Lebanese President Michel Aoun, left, attends a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow on March 26, 2019. AFP

Pentagon authorizes $1b for Trump’s wall

ASHINGTON—Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan has authorized $1 billion to build part of the wall sought by Donald Trump along the US-Mexico border, the ﬁrst funds designated for the project under the president’s emergency declaration. The Department of Homeland Security asked the Pentagon to build 57 miles (92 kilometers) of 18-foot (5.5-meter) fencing, construct and improve roads, and install lighting to support Trump’s emergency declaration. Shanahan “authorized the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning and executing up to $1 billion in support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol,” a Pentagon statement issued late Monday read. The acting defense secretary cited a federal law that he said gives the Pentagon broad authority to build infrastructure “across international boundaries of the United States in support of counternarcotic activities of federal law enforcement agencies.” The statement was released a day before Shanahan was due to testify in Congress to present and defend the Pentagon’s draft budget. The White House has laid out an ambitious 2020 budget proposal which

contains $8.6 billion in new wall funding, above the $5.7 billion Trump sought for this year. Frustrated by Congress’s refusal to provide the budget he wanted, Trump declared a national emergency last month. The White House has signaled it will seek to repurpose some $6 billion from military funds, without specifying which Pentagon programs would be slashed. The move drew condemnation from both the president’s rival Democrats and fellow Republicans, who warned it was an abuse of presidential powers and created a dangerous precedent. Trump has made border security an over-arching domestic issue and says it will remain at the center of the agenda in his 2020 reelection bid. Although there has been a surge in arrival of families and children at the border, overall apprehensions at the frontier are down substantially from a decade or more ago. There have also been reported mis-

givings within the military, including from America’s top marine who last week warned that deployments to the US-Mexico border pose an “unacceptable risk” to the force, according to documents obtained by The Los Angeles Times. In memos addressed to acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan and Navy secretary Richard Spencer, General Robert Neller wrote that he had been forced to cancel or reduce exercises in five countries. Neller added the declaration meant the corps could not afford to rebuild hurricane-hit bases in North Carolina and Georgia. “The hurricane season is only three months away... and we have Marines, Sailors, and civilians working in compromised structures,” Neller wrote. The declaration has also been challenged by 16 states which sued the administration last month, contending the order was contrary to the constitution’s presentment and appropriations clauses, which outline legislative procedures and define Congress as the final arbiter of public funds. The lawsuit also questioned Trump’s categorization of illegal border crossings as a national emergency, saying data issued by the administration itself refuted the notion. AFP

FASHION WEEK. A model

presents the collection by Zhang Kejia during the China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 26, 2019. AFP

Thousands of children homeless after quake JAKARTA―Thousands of children are living in makeshift shelters six months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami pounded the Indonesian city of Palu, aid agencies said Tuesday, as authorities wrestle with a “painfully slow” recovery. The magnitude 7.5 quake and subsequent deluge razed swathes of the coastal town on Sulawesi island last September, killing more than 4,300 people, according to Indonesia’s national disaster agency. At least 170,000 residents from Palu and surrounding districts are still displaced and entire neighborhoods are still in ruins, despite life returning to normal in other areas of the city. “Six months after this disaster we are extremely concerned about the estimated 6,000 children still living in temporary accommodation such as tents, as well as the thousands more that are living in homes that have been damaged,” said Tom Howells of Save the Children. Salsa, 10, and her parents have lived in a tent with a dirt floor ever since the towering waves tore through their home in Donggala near the epicenter of the quake. “The light here is from a battery lamp,” the fifth grader said. “Often when we sleep there are a lot of mice.” Monsoon rains have fanned outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever, while residents in hard-hit areas have been forced to navigate open sewers and mounds of sharp rubble. The force of September’s quake saw entire neighborhoods leveled by liquefaction—a process where the ground starts behaving like a liquid and swallows up the earth like quicksand. The Red Cross said recovery has been “painfully slow” and often complex. “How can you rebuild a coastline, city or community when large parts of it are simply swallowed by the earth?” said the organization’s chief Indonesia representative Jan Gelfand. Apart from the damage to tens of thousands of buildings, the disaster destroyed fishing boats, shops and irrigation systems, robbing residents of their income. “People in affected communities need a regular source of income to sustain themselves and regain a sense of normalcy,” said Christophe Bahuet, the UN development agency’s Indonesia representative. AFP

New blackout hits swaths of Venezuela including the capital Caracas CARACAS―A new blackout swept across Venezuela on Monday, including much of Caracas, sowing alarm two weeks after a nationwide outage that paralyzed the country. The power cut in the capital occurred around 1:20 pm (1720 GMT) and knocked out electricity in the city center. After nightfall, many apartment buildings in the Caracas metro area―home to around six million people―were aglow again and trafﬁc lights were back on, but people reported they were still in the

dark in many other states. Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez blamed the latest blackout on “an attack on the charging and transmission center” at the Guri dam, which supplies 80 percent of the power to the country of 30 million. “What (last time) took days, now has been taken care of in just a few hours,” Rodriguez said, saying the ﬁx had been made in “record time.” Earlier, a local newspaper reported that the power was out at Venezuela’s main international airport outside Caracas.

Cellphone signals were disrupted and television was blanked out. Shops hastily lowered shutters, fearing looters. President Nicolas Maduro’s government blamed the outage on an “attack” targeting the Guri hydroelectric plant. Rodriguez told state television that the opposition was responsible, claiming it “wants to plunge the population into profound unease.” Juan Guaido, the opposition leader recognized as Venezuela’s interim president by the US and many of its allies,

countered on Twitter that Maduro’s government “uses these moments to disinform and create anxiety.” He said “at least 17” of the country’s 23 states were affected, as well as much of the capital district covering Caracas, retweeting a graphic by web monitoring organization NetBlocks showing the internet down for 57 percent of Venezuela. Anxious Twitter users who were online said several big cities in the west of the country including Barquisimeto, Maracaibo and Barinas were impacted. AFP

P150-m aviation academy debuts in Subic Freeport

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

By Butch Gunio

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Company officials and guests inaugurate the First Aviation Academy at the Subic Bay International Airport complex on Thursday. Pictured (from left) are FAA Director Gerardo Borromeo, SBMA Chairman Wilma T. Eisma, PTC Chairman Emeritus Carlos Salinas, US Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Philippine Airlines president Jaime Bautista, MacroAsia Chairman Joseph Chua, and Transportation Assistant Secretary Juvy Manwong. Butch Gunio

PH hosts UN gab on disaster preparedness By Romeo Dizon CLARK FREEPORT—Effective risk management should be prepared, coordinated, and planned before any disaster strikes. Mark Bidder, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) in the Philippines, pointed this out Tuesday in a seminar here. Bidder said effective planning, sharing expertise and working together is very hard to do effectively in the midst of a disaster. Addressing participants from the 172 foreign countries on the 2018 World Risk Index held at the Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation Emergency Operation Center here, Bidder said that it happens most in preparing modes. The Philippines ranked 3rd in the World Risk Index due to its very high exposure to extreme hazards. Bidder said sharing and innovating planning for future both natural and manmade disaster and calamities is one of the best course of actions. The two-day affair aims to strengthen joint effort of private sectors’ involvement in the disaster risk reduction and management. The participants visited the National Disaster Risk and Management Council Emergency Operation Center and the Makati City Emergency Operation Center where they were updated to the current coordinating efforts of the private sector with the national and local government agencies. Karen Smith of the UN-OCHA and advisor of the New York Business Partnership said the World Risk Index was held in the country because they put significant focus on Asia Pacific region because of its wide range of natural hazards as well as manmade risks complex emergencies. “Our primary goal is to ensure that everyone is engaged with the process of community development,” Smith said. The two-day event was jointly hosted by the Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation with Connecting Business Initiative, United Nations Development Programme and UN-OCHA. Participants include representatives of CBI in the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Fiji National Disaster Management Office, Vanuatu Business Development Committee, the Pacific Island Private Sector Organization, among others.

DBM disallows 2019 Makati city budget

HE Department of Budget and Management has declared “inoperative in its entirety effective immediately” the 2019 budget of Makati City that was belatedly revised and approved by the opposition bloc in the City Council. In its letter dated March 14, 2019 signed by Director Ruby Muro, the DBM stated that the revised 2019 budget “has not complied with the budgetary requirements as well as other provisions of law.” As a result of the defects in the revised budget passed by opposition members of the city council, more than 10,000 city government employees were not able to receive the increase in their salaries. Under the rules of the Commission on Elections, the giving of salary increase, remuneration or privilege to govern-

ment workers is strictly prohibited during the campaign period. Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo said that with the adverse action of the DBM, there was no time to beat the election ban on salary increases as well as other city government projects. The DBM noted that in the city council’s budget, the “total appropriations exceed the estimates of income” by P1.37 million, which is not in accordance with Section 324(a) of R.A. No. 7160 and Local Budget Circular No. 112 dated June 10, 2016 (Budget Operations

Manual for LGUs). The provision under the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160) requires that “the aggregate amount appropriated shall not exceed the estimates of income.” The DBM also observed that the appropriations provided for some programs, projects and activities in the City Ordinance were “higher than the amounts reflected in the approved Annual Investment Program (AIP).” The councilors allotted an amended budget of P52,568,300 to Volunteer Management System, which exceeded its approved AIP amount of P2,921,300 by P49,647,000. Similarly, the revised DRRM Awards budget of P40,558,794 surpassed its AIP amount by P22,070,794.

Eastern Samar Gov. Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal (in dark polo shirt) leads the launching of this year’s ‘Kuracha Mardi Gras,’ one of the biggest tourist attractions in the province, at the campsite themed Hilangagan Beach, Punta Maria, Borongan City on Monday. Photo courtesy of Franklin Robedizo

Eastern Samar pushes tourism projects via DOT By Ronald O. Reyes TACLOBAN CITY―The provincial government of Eastern Samar continues to develop a tour program for its various tourist attractions and destinations. Provincial Tourism Officer Franklin Robedizo said they are pushing for the Balangiga Historical Tour on Balangiga for pilgrimage tourism. Another is the “Tubabao Island Do-

brota Tor” to welcome Russian tourists during this year’s 70th commemoration of the odyssey of “White Russians” to Tubabao Island in Guiuan. Also, Eastern Samar is pushing for the nomination of Samar Island Natural Park, the country’s largest forest protected area, to the UNESCO world heritage site and biosphere reserve. Robedizo acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Tourism in East-

ern Visayas for assisting them in the development of their tour program. He said that tourism program is a priority development agenda under Acting Governor Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal “as a key economic driver to lower the poverty incidence in the province.” The tourism officer also announced the launching of Eastern Samar Kuracha Mardi Gras 2019 by Picardal at the campsite themed Hilangagan Beach,

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—MacroAsia Corp., a leader in aviation support services, and diversified maritime services operator PTC Group inaugurated here on Thursday the First Aviation Academy, a flying school that is touted to take the lead in developing world-class Filipino aviation professionals. The P150-million aviation school located at the Subic Bay International Airport complex was formally inaugurated here by US Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Philippine Airlines President Jaime Bautista, PTC Chairman Emeritus Carlos Salinas, MacroAsia Chairman Joseph Chua, Transportation Assistant Secretary Juvy Manwong, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma. Eisma welcomed the FAA project, saying it provides another anchor activity at the Subic airport, which the SBMA has been developing into an MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) hub for the Asian market. FAA officials said the academy would make use of a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and stateof-the-art equipment and facilities to produce “airline-ready aviation professionals primed for flight operations.” According to FAA general manager Raoul Perez, student-pilots at FAA will be trained with state-of-the-art equipment like the Redbird MCX and TD2 G-1000 simulators, which are two of the most modern full-motion flight simulation systems in use today. The school will also field a fleet of brand-new Tecnam P2010 planes with Garmin G-1000 full-glass cockpit electronic instrumentation for actual flight training, he said. Two units of the Tecnam P2010 were unveiled here by the company during the inauguration. The firm also showed off its flight simulators to VIP guests after the blessing of offices and classrooms.

Please don’t vape in public, Joy B asks QC citizens By Rio N. Araja QUEZON City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte on Tuesday appealed to vape or electric cigar users to observe Ordinance 2737 regulating its use in public places. She said the measure aims to “fully protect the health and welfare of the residents while maintaining the interest of all stakeholders, including the smokers.” Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. of the Quezon City Police District lauded Mayor Herbert Bautista’s approval of the ordinance. He called on the public to “strictly adhere” with the new local law to avoid penalty, and even urged business establishments to follow its guidelines. “This ordinance is for the health of the general public, especially the children and the elderly who should not be exposed to these kinds of substances. Basically, this ordinance prohibits anyone to use electronic cigarettes in enclosed places where other people can be exposed to these e-cigarettes,” Belmonte said. Areas where e-cigarette smoking is prohibited include places of worship, hospitals and health centers, public conveyances, government offices, and educational or recreational facilities intended for minors. Punta Maria, Borongan City. “The tourism officers of Eastern Samar are also very active. They organized the Eastern Samar Tourism Officers Association. They regularly meet and conduct joint activities like site assessments and product audits,” said Karen Tiopes, the DOT regional tourism director. She said the return of Balangiga Bells in December 2018 “also gave mileage in terms of awareness.”

SM arm’s ‘Kabalikat’ hits 5 areas OLONGAPO CITY—More farmers will benefit from SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program as different batches were launched in Muntinlupa City, Antipolo City, Laguna, Bataan, and this city. Some 115 participants and stakeholders attended the urban farmers training program Batch 201 orientation and launch at Barangay Tunasan in Muntinlupa. SM Foundation’s partners for the training program are Macondray Urban Agri Academy, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, BDO Foundation, and the city government of Muntinlupa. Last month, similar training pro-

grams were launched in Antipolo City; Barangay Tuyo in Balanga, Bataan; and Calamba, Laguna. In Olongapo, 236 participants and guests attended the launch of the rural farmers’ training program at Escalona Farm, Jolo Tabacuhan, Barangay Sta. Rita. The program in the city is in partnership with Harbest AgriBusiness Corp., SM Supermalls—SM City Olongapo, SM Markets—SM Supermarket, BDO Foundation, LGU of Olongapo City, DSWD and DA. Another batch was launched in SM Foundation’s farmers’ training program seeks to help achieve food security and provide sustainable livelihood for the beneficiaries.

Urban farmers and their families gather for the Batch 201 orientation and launch of the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program at Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

trends to try this season W

White denim

Denim is a hot item during the warm months. Take it up a notch by swapping those blue and acid wash denim pants and jackets with white denim for a fresh, clean look. This variation suits different styles, from sophisticated luxe to sporty high fashion to summer casual.

Stripes

Meanwhile, hit two birds with one stone by opting for stripes in pastels.

ANT to try something more groundbreaking than ﬂoral and tropical prints for summer? The country’s leading department store shares these eight trends the ladies can try.

Utilitarian

This look has been hitting the runway in chic safari or modern military or anything in-between. To inject a summer vibe into this style, pair utility trousers with a basic top and a frilly accent—a softer way of working the trend.

Suit up

Nail that summer look even at the office with suit or jacket in pastel colors or playful patterns, pair it with a basic T-shirt to keep the outfit perfectly balanced with a laid-back vibe.

Yellow

Undoubtedly a color of summer, it was a big thing in the spring 2019 runways of New York Fashion Week. Go all out by wearing coordinates or dress in mustard yellow, or pair a canary trousers with a white top.

Prints

Ok, summer is not summer without prints. This season, go for prints and pattern mixing.

Textured

Want to play it safe with neutral colors and classic cuts? Focus on textures then. Mix and match textured separates to make your ensemble more interesting.

Sporty

Athleisure remains hot this season. Stride in style in sporty outfits, paired with chic sneakers.

These pieces are available at The SM Store.

New York styling brands land in Manila PROFESSIONAL styling product brands Eva NYC and Kiss New York have arrived in Manila via a New York-style rooftop welcome party held at the Sky Park in SM Aura Premier. Born in Brooklyn in 2012, Eva NYC empowers women one strand at a time with a full line of styling tools and hair care products. Kiss New York, meanwhile, brings professional salon treatment directly to the consumer with a collection of products that are easy to use at home, or on the go. Bannering the launch event were #EvaElites Jayda Zaragoza, Sarah Carlos, and Alyssa Gibbs. On the other end, Kaila Estrada, Jennica Sanchez,

and Arisse de Santos comprise the #KissKlique for Kiss New York. The venue was adorned with hanging patio lights to go with the sunset ambiance and good music, typical of a chic New York rooftop party. There were surprise performances, hairstyling corners, and a lot of fun at the event, where cushions, seating and table arrangements carried design touches of the brands’ colors: pink for Eva NYC and red for Kiss New York. Andy Crocker, Gorgeous Dawn, and Minty Fresh opened the night, which was also attended Turn to C2

From left: Eva NYC and Kiss New York brand ambassadors and iFace, Inc. officials at the launch of the New York styling brands.

Kiss New York brand ambassador Jennica Sanchez

Eva NYC brand ambassador Alyssa Gibbs

Life

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

More Filipinas embrace their hair’s natural texture

“W

HEN I was growing up, I was a victim of bullying because of how different I look. Every year, I would go through the agony of harsh chemical treatments to straighten my hair. Scalp burns didn’t matter because I wanted to ﬁt in,” recalls Chrissy Lacanieta, a blogger with naturally curly hair.

Instead of confidence, years of chemical treatments only left her with damaged, dry, and frizzy hair. It took self-love, the right cut, and a natural hair care routine before Lacanieta was finally able to embrace her natural curls. Her dream of reviving her natural curls and good hair days finally happened when she met Leslie Ferrer Espinosa, a Filipina-American hair stylist known for her love and passion for textured hair.

Loewe brings its CASA LOEWE concept to its first store in Manila at Shangri-La Plaza.

Loewe opens first standalone store in Manila

The Hair Whisperer

According to Ferrer, getting rid of frizz and dryness starts with loving your hair right. “Each person needs to learn their hair type. What are the individual strands like? Fine, medium, or coarse. How much hair is on their head? Thick or thin. What is their texture? Straight, wavy, or curly. People can have a combination of these,” she shares. Years of working as a makeup artist and hairstylist for film and theatre in San Diego and Los Angeles, and for popular Broadway shows in New York City exposed her to the triumphs and trials of styling different hair textures. Ferrer reconnected with her Filipino roots after her father’s passing. She explored teaching gigs with Teach for the Philippines and Gawad Kalinga’s Enchanted Farm, and found her purpose in Gawad Kalinga’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development. She eventually found her way back to beauty and styling as the current Artist in Residence at Pineapple Lab, a creative space for Filipino artists and creators to showcase their work. With her own space, she’s now “exploring what hair is as a science, fashion, and art,” and is spreading her advocacy of embracing your hair in all its natural and beautiful complexities.

Hairstylist Leslie Ferrer Espinosa encourages her clients to love their natural hair texture as she helps them bring out their best.

Human Nature Moisturizing +PLUS Line of natural shampoo and conditioner

rooting her philosophy in knowing and loving one’s hair first. “Start with a good shampoo and conditioner,” she advises. She believes when it comes to starting to love your locks right, it turns out, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. Hair’s best friend “A major thing that I have seen in recent years While almost every salon and stylist in the is that many people need moisture. I’m glad that Philippines will offer solutions to straighten Human Nature is coming out with more [natural kinks and frizz, Ferrer differentiates herself by shampoos and conditioners] and I like the feel of

Previously obsessed with straightening her mane, Chrissy Lacanieta now embraces her naturally curly crowning glory.

New York... From C1 by Tony Chua, president and chief executive of iFace, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Eva NYC and Kiss New York in the Philippines, and Angela Goyena, the group’s general manager. The local distributor brings to the country the brands’ products including Eva NYC’s Hair Therapy Session Hair Mask (straightens hair), Up All Night Volumizing Spray (revitalizes dull and lifeless hair), Hungry Hair Oil Treatment (repairs and hydrates

hair), Healthy Heat Ceramic Straightening Iron, and Tone it down Blonde Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave in Treatment, among others. Kiss New York’s InstaWave 101 (user-friendly salon-quality curler), Comb Straightener (detangles, straightens, volumizes hair), Stick on Press & Go Nail Tips, Eyebrow Stamp, false lashes, and others are now available in the country. Eva NYC and Kiss New York products are available at Watsons and SM Stores nationwide, as well as online at www.beautybeat.ph.

the Moisturizing +PLUS Line.” Dry, frizzy hair is a common woe among Filipinas, no matter what their hair type is. While frizz is caused by several factors like humidity, lack of moisture and protein in the strands is a common culprit. Synthetic shampoos often contain silicones which block protein and moisture from entering hair strands. Ferrer uses Human Nature Hair Care products on her clients. “My philosophy for beauty and grooming is to work with the canvas in front of me and to assist in bringing out the best I can in an individual,” she shares She starts with Human Nature Moisturizing +PLUS Shampoo, powered by NaturSilk Technology to effectively tame frizzy hair through a protein-moisture balanced formula that’s 99.4 percent natural. In a panel test conducted in May 2018, eight out of 10 experienced less frizz, and smoother and more manageable hair. Meanwhile, Moisturizing +PLUS Conditioner tames the frizz with its honey-based anti-frizz active to keep the mane smooth, shiny, and bouncy without the moisture-blocking silicone. The entire formula is also 99.5 percent natural. Lacanieta, who is Ferrer’s regular client, shares that she saw a huge difference ever since using the Moisturizing +PLUS line. “I’ve been using this for almost three months and I noticed that my curls are healthier and shinier. This combo works together like magic! It’s incredible how much volume I get when I use this line and how soft and bouncy my curls feel,” enthuses Lacanieta. More than just good hair days, Ferrer is helping Filipinas embrace their hair’s natural beauty by helping them care for the unique needs of their hair. She says, “There is a natural hair movement in the world and I am happy to help women embrace their natural hair.” Meanwhile, Lacanieta intends to pay it forward. “It’s my mission to educate people about their curly hair and help them celebrate the beauty of their natural curls through my blog, SimplyCurly.”

The Loewe store at Shangri-La Plaza is now open and is located at Level 1, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, Edsa corner Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

Lazada throws a ‘Super Party’ ONLINE shopping platform Lazada celebrates its 7th birthday today with discounts up to 90 percent on various brands and a star-studded online party. The in-app livestream Super Party held on March 26 featured Grammy and Brit Awards winner and British pop star Dua Lipa together with Nadine Lustre, Sam Concepcion, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. * * *

L’Oréal celebrates Lazada’s 7th birthday

L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier are joining the birthday bash with up to 50 percent discount on their bestselling makeup, skin care, and hair care products. During its flash sale (12:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.),

Eva NYC and Kiss New York’s hair care and styling products are now available in the Philippines.

SPANISH luxury fashion house Loewe opens its first store in the Philippines at Shangri-La Plaza. Spanning 68 square meters, the store follows the CASA LOEWE concept developed by creative director Jonathan Anderson. The concept was first introduced in Omotesando and taken to its fullest expression with the premiere of CASA LOEWE Madrid. Evoking the ambience of a stately home, the Loewe Shangri-La boutique features stucco walls and polished Campaspero limestone flooring, giving off a chic, modern vibe, which pays homage to the brand’s European heritage. The emerald green canopy of translucent green stone conjures up an image of modern Spain and references the captivating entrance to Loewe Madrid, which was designed by famed architect Javier Carvajal in 1959. The sleek concrete on the facade reflects the brand identity—simple but elegant. Celebrating the past and present, Loewe has carefully selected pieces of modern and traditional art to accentuate the space, including a tapestry by master weaver and knitter John Allen. Further, lending a modern edge to the boutique are the original stools and chairs designed for the fall / winter 2018 fashion show in Paris, an Akari E Light Sculpture by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, as well as specially designed, handmade geometric rugs and heirloom cider presses obtained after a tireless pursuit across Spain, Portugal, and the South of France. The store will carry a curated selection of leather goods, accessories, and eyewear.

Maybelline New York offers 50 percent off on Superstay Liquid Foundation, and Powder Matte and Creamy Matte lipsticks. It also offers P100 off all 34 shades of Superstay Matte Ink. L’Oreal Paris, meanwhile, is giving a free Color Riche Lipstick for every purchase of Rouge Signature Lipstick, and a free Magic Retouch Gray Root Concealer Spray for every purchase of Excellence Hair Color. Garnier offers 22 percent off storewide. Customers also get a free mask head band for every purchase of Garnier Serum Mask Trial Pack.

L’Oreal Paris, Maybelline New York, and Garnier offer discounts and freebies during the Lazada anniversary sale.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Filmmakers join Sinag Maynila co-founder Brillante Mendoza during a press launch held at The Podium Mall.

Sinag Maynila celebrates

HE annual Sinag Maynila, the independent film festival established by Solar Entertainment mogul Wilson Tieng and Cannes Film Festival Best Director Brillante Mendoza, is celebrating its fifth year this 2019.

five years of ‘sine lokal, pang-internasyonal’

What began as a foray to help local indie filmmakers has now grown into one of the country’s major filmfests. Sinag Maynila now features three competition sections, noteworthy international exhibition films and a variety of cinema-related activities. True to its mission of bringing “sine lokal, pang-international,” Sinag Maynila has become an important pathway for Filipino film artists to communicate their stories, and an irresistible opportunity for enthusiasts to watch unique and exciting films.

Heading the list of Sinag Maynila competition films are five full-length features: Akin ang Korona directed by Zig Dulay; Jesusa helmed by Ronald Carballo; Jino To Mari by Joselito ‘Jay’ Altarejos; Pailalim directed by Daniel Palacio; and Persons of Interest by Ralston Jover. Competing in the short film category are Bisperas by Ralph Quincena, Dana Jung by John Rogers, Dude Pare Bro by Lora Cerdan, Kiss by Harlene Bautista, Kilos by Marjon Santos, Marian by Brian Patrick Lim, Memories of the Rising Sun

TV SURFING Series about group of elves leaves audience in awe FANTASY series The Shannara Chronicles, which started airing on Monday, takes Kapuso viewers into a rich and compelling world of human and elves. Based on the trilogy The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, the American series leaves its audience in awe as it tells the stories of Amberle, Will, and Eretria, and how The Shannara Chronicles they brave every battle just to protect the Ellcrys. It is an ancient tree that locks in and prevents the banished demons from returning to their kingdom, Elven. Poppy Drayton plays Amberle. She is an Elven princess and the first female to be accepted as one of the Chosen, a group of elves responsible for protecting and caring for the Ellcrys tree. Austin Butler is Wil, a half human, half elf and the last descendant of the Shannara family. Ivana Baquero breathes into life Eretria, a deceitful human who later proves herself otherwise. Follow their story as they save their kingdom from destruction every morning at 8:20 on GMA-7. ***

From enemies to partners to eventual lovers?

GMA Heart of Asia presents My Sassy Girl, South Korea’s hit romantic comedy drama about the cutest and craziest tale of two unexpected lovers. It all started when Mr. Handsome Scholar, Gyun Woo (Cha Tae-hyun), crosses paths with Sassy Princess, Hye Myung (Jun Ji Hyun), who gets herself in

My Sassy Girl

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, March 27, 2019

ACROSS 1 Brown pigment 6 Yacht basin sight 10 Glance over 14 Fling 15 Puppy-chow brand 16 Syllogism word 17 Looked at impertinently 18 Widen a hole 19 Improvises 20 Cosmetician’s need (2 wds.) 22 Bandleader Count — 23 River duck 24 Put one’s foot down 26 Blue expanse 29 Unforeseen problem 31 Ooh companion 32 Make haste 33 Yothers of “Family Ties” 34 Chandelier pendants 38 Idaho neighbor 40 Morse signal 42 Ground grain 43 Flowed out 46 Fill the camera 49 Casper’s st. 50 Deli loaf 51 Bigfoot’s kin

52 Collar 53 1920s style (2 wds.) 57 — de plume 59 Embers 60 Bubbly drink 65 Code of procedure 66 Far East cuisine 67 Decoys 68 Mr. Stravinsky 69 Inner person 70 Proclamation 71 Cub Scout groups 72 Friends 73 Former capital of Alaska DOWN 1 Oops! (hyph.) 2 MHz part 3 Exotic island 4 Turn outward 5 Most ashamed 6 Atlantic Coast state 7 Helm position 8 Marina sights 9 Male turkey 10 High-ranking angels 11 Invigorating 12 Farming major 13 Nuzzled 21 Rajah’s spouse 22 Tolerate

25 Touch lightly 26 Feng — 27 Tool sets 28 Senate votes 30 Happily 35 Basted 36 Yucatan native 37 Untidy person 39 Some track runners 41 Cuticle sites 44 Storm centers 45 Solstice mo. 47 Electron’s home 48 Facial features

53 Bitter 54 Cosmetic buy 55 Eagle’s claw 56 LPGA star Lorena — 58 Mecca resident 61 Transport 62 Fortitude 63 Site of a tie 64 This senora 66 Kitchen meas.

by Lawrence Fajardo, Nagmamahal, Sal by Jeff Subrabas, Ngiti ni Nazareno by Louie Ignacio, and Panaghoy by Alvin Baloloy. Meanwhile, those competing in the documentary category are At Home by Arjanmar H. Rebeta, Entablado by Lie Rain Clemente and Nori Jane Isturis, Hope Spots by Joseph Dominic Cruz, Hyatt: Mga Kuwento, Lihim at Katotohanan by Jayvee V. Bucsit, and Tata Pilo by Dexter Macaraeg. Sinag Maynila 5 opens next week April 3, with Lakbayan a three-part omnibus

film by Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz and National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik — all of whom are awardees at the Berlin International Film Festival and have made their marks in several international filmfests. The Sinag Maynila Festival proper starts on April 4 in select cinemas. It’s official event venue partners are SM and SM Cinema. There will be a forum on April 6 with speakers Joanne Goh, Chairman of the Malaysia International Film Festival, and Young-woo Kim, Programmer for the

trouble due to her bad drinking habits. Left with no choice but to help her, Gyun Woo leads her to a hotel until she becomes sober, but gets wrongfully accused of being a pervert. Their cat-dog quarrel continues even after Gyun Woo becomes the appointed master of the Prince. But after unfortunate circumstances and an interesting twist of events, they find themselves embarking on a whirlwind adventure as they discover illegal secrets and fight their way out of the mess they are both in. Join them in their crazy kilig adventures in My Sassy Girl, Monday to Friday at 9:20 a.m. on GMA Network. ***

‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ returns to TV

KOREAN superstars Lee Jong-hyun and Kim So-eun are teaming up to spread love in the Philippines via their fantasy rom-com series That Man Oh Soo that is now airing on ABS-CBN TVplus’ Asianovela Channel. Lee Jong-hyun plays Oh Soo, an attractive and smart IT engineer who serves as Cupid for people looking for love using a magic pollen. Despite Oh Soo’s incredible matchmaking skills, his heart does not belong to anyone. But all this is about to change when Oh Soo meets Seo Yoo Ri (Kim So-eun), a policewoman who will capture his heart. That Man Oh Soo first premiered in South Korea in 2018 and immediately became the talk of the town because of the undeniable chemistry of its two lead actors and the romantic story. In the Philippines, the series airs on weekdays at 10:00 a.m. with same-day replays at 3:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight. Meanwhile, Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young also made a TV comeback as their hit Korean romcom What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim airs on TVplus’ Asianovela Channel before That Man Oh Soo. More and more TVplus users are also watching programs on Asianovela Channel that is now the eighth most watched channel among DTT households based on Kantar Media’s Q4 2018 report that covers DTT households nationwide. Other programs TVplus viewers can enjoy are the medical romance drama Doctor Crush, the romance fantasy Tomorrow with You, and the iconic series Meteor Garden. For more details, visit Asianovela Channel on Facebook (fb.com/AsianovelaChannel). What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim

Busan International Film Festival. Winners of the Sinag Maynila 2019 competition will be announced at the Gabi ng Parangal to be held on April 7. During the week, FDCP will be hosting a Fellowship Night for all the filmmakers and Sinag Maynila guests. There will also be an environmental film screening and forum with resource speaker Fiona Faulkner, Environmental and Community Development Officer of The Plastic Solution. This year, there will be a Film Editing workshop to be conducted by John Anthony Wong, Managing Director of Edge Manila Creatives. Finally, Sinag Maynila closes with the film Journey, an Asian Three-Fold Mirror project by the Japan Foundation. Sinag Maynila 5 is presented by McDonald’s and co-presented by Nissa, in partnership with the Film Development Council of The Philippines (FDCP), and in celebration of 100 years of Philippine cinema. Special thanks to: The Plastic Solution, Cinema 76 Film Society, Black Maria Cinema, Edge Manila Creatives. For more information, log on to www.sinagmaynila.com and www. facebook.com/SinagMaynila/.

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Joining Morales in the signing were GMA Network Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Felipe L. Gozon; President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong; and Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. The 24 Oras anchor proudly shared that in the three decades of being a broadcast journalist, she has always considered GMA Network as her second home. “Kung tutuusin, itong contract signing, formality lang naman ito,” says Morales. “Kahit walang kontrata, GMA will always be home for me.” She adds that she remains thankful to the GMA Network management for trusting her through the years. “I’m feeling very grateful—siyempre sa mga namumuno ng GMA, sa tiwala nila sa atin. Grateful din [ako] sa mga program ko which I love very much: 24 Oras, Wish Ko Lang, and Good News. And of course grateful [ako] sa mga katrabaho ko. I feel very blessed.” On the part of GMA Network, Atty. Gozon says he could not be any prouder of the Wish Ko Lang host. “Si Vicky ay tunay na homegrown. Sa simula’t-sapul dito na siya nag-umpisa at isa na siya sa mga pillar ng ating News and Public Affairs group,” he says, adding how Morales continues to lead top-rating programs up to now. “Lahat naman ng programa ni Vicky dito sa atin ay matataas ang rating. Kaya tayo ay talagang nagagalak na nag-renew na naman si Vicky,” he ends. Mr. Duavit, on the other hand, underscored how the ties between the network and the Good News host are stronger than ever. “We are very privileged and happy that the relationship with Vicky has continued to evolve, deepen and even strengthen,” says Duavit. “Vicky, maraming salamat sa iyong muli pagtitiwala.” Morales, who co-anchors GMA’s flagship newscast 24 Oras with Mike Enriquez and Mel Tiangco, also hosts the pioneering public service program Wish Ko Lang. On GMA News TV, Morales spreads positive vibes as host of the magazine program Good News. Morales was recently hailed as the Best Female News Anchor at the 2019 Paragala: Central Luzon Media Awards. Last year, she also won as the Most Outstanding Female News Presenter of the Year at the COMGUILD’s 12th Annual Conference of Journalism and Mass Communication Students of the Philippines. For Wish Ko Lang, Morales was awarded as the Best Public Service Program Host at the 32nd PMPC Star Awards and received the Pinakamagiting na Personalidad ng Public Service Program honor at the 6th Kagitingan Awards for Television.

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

By Nickie Wang

EFORE tackling the myriad of overwhelmingly positive qualities of the film, let me just put them in simple terms: Maria is one of the best films mainstream cinema has produced in recent years. The Viva Films’ offering, which stars Cristine Reyes in the title role, is nothing short of stunning shots, dramatic lighting, and impressive action sequences. It displays impeccable action choreography and better acting skills -- from the main character down to support roles -- that is just right for the emotional requirement of the plot. The lead star is just so sexy, even if she’s fully clothed. And if you’d ever choose to put your bet on Maria, you’re not going to lose. A film by Pedring A. Lopez, Maria follows the story of a former cartel assassin named Lily (Cristine) who fakes her own death after an unfulfilled mission that earns the wrath of her organization. She flees to a distant province where she completely transforms her life. Changing her name to Maria, she meets Bert (Guji Lorenzana), a respectable businessman who becomes her husband. They have a daughter named Mina. Maria’s peaceful life is cut short when the cartel learns of her whereabouts. Kaleb (Ivan Padilla), the man whose orders she didn’t follow in the past, tracks her down right inside her home. Failing to protect her family, she returns to a life of violence with revenge on her mind. Cristine shows how badass she can get as she takes on the title role. She underwent rigorous training and was obviously hurt while shooting a major fight scene, yet the actress remained unperturbed as seen in her Instagram story showing the numerous bruises on her arms and legs. “Cristine handles the fights with almost 90 percent of all her stunts without doubles,” says the director. For the past 15 years, Cristine has done a lot of comedy and drama films and a few horror

NICKIE WANG

Entertainment ‘MARIA’ sets new standard in local action genre

Cristine Reyes in a scene from Pedring Lopez-directed film, which is about a former assassin who is marked for death by the crime cartel she used to do dirty jobs for.

Why Erap not keen on making films these days

The former president with entertainment editors and some select members of the movie press

FORMER President and current Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada considers the city as his first love. And it is expected since he was born and grew up in Manila. But it’s common knowledge that starring in movies also holds a special place in his heart. In his heyday between 1956 and 1989, Erap played the lead role in more than 150 movies, and was producer of over 70 films. He had cameo roles in May Isang Tsuper ng Taxi in 1991 and in The Four Stooges in 1995. He returned to the big screen in 2009 in Ang Tanging Pamilya, his comeback movie after a 20-year hiatus. The blockbuster film also starred Ai-Ai delas Alas and featured Sam Milby, Toni Gonzaga, and Dionisia Pacquiao in her first film portrayal. In an intimate lunch with entertainment editors and select members of movie press yesterday, the 81-year-old actor-politician went down memory lane and talked about his career as a movie star, including his fond memories and friendship with the late Fernando Poe, Jr.. “Back then, everybody in the movies was mestizo, sila FPJ. I was the only one who’s very Pinoy. Kaya nga naging

Following the success of ‘BuyBust,’ Viva Films releases ‘Maria,’ another action movie with a female lead.

movies. Maria is her big screen comeback after Abay Babes. In an interview found on Film Combat Syndicate.com, the actress says, “It’s definitely the most challenging thing I’ve done in my career. I’m super proud of it…” She also narrates how Viva gave her this project. “They felt strongly about the material and thought I’d be a good fit for the role. I guess they figured it would speak to me on many levels – as an actress, as a mother in real life, and as a martial arts enthusiast. And they were correct. I loved the script when I read it.” Being a fan of the ‘80s action, Lopez says that he “wanted to bring it back, (but) put it in a modern setting”, and to “utilize Filipino martial arts” which is seen in Hollywood movies like the Bourne franchise. Cristine exalts the director for his vision, saying, “I like his style. He has a vision and he really wants that vision to really happen…You feel that he loves his project.” ”It’s about time to show the world that Filipino filmmakers can also do excellent action films,” adds Cristine. “Even more exciting that these movies are being fronted by strong female characters. The world needs to know that Filipinas also kick butt!” Prior to this, VIVA Films already produced an intense and superbly executed action film centering on a female lead. BuyBust, starring Anne Curtis as a PDEA agent, became the talk of the town when it was shown in cinemas last August 2018. The fight choreographer/ fight director for this film was Sonny Sison, the same one for Maria. He also worked with Lopez in Nilalang. “From the perspective of a fight choreographer, it is nice to see your lead actress not just commit in doing the moves but also infuses the emotional content. That’s really important where action is concerned…you are really able to emote the feeling of what’s going on in the fight at the same time,” says choreographer and fight director Sonny Sison. Maria also stars KC Montero, Jennifer Lee, Andrea del Rosario, Cindy Miranda, Freddie Webb, and Ronnie Lazaro. From VIVA Films, BlackOps Studios Asia, and PsyOps, it opens in cinemas today nationwide.

favorite ako ng masa. It was the poor who catapulted my career as an actor,” Erap recalled. Senior showbiz reporters shared that the octogenarian has made notable films and that he should restore these cinema gems to immortalize his contribution to the local industry. “Unfortunately, most of these films are now gone. Nang binaha ang film center, napasama,” he said. Erap is seeking re-election in the country’s capital city. If he wins, he will be serving his third term. “When we took over, the city had a P4-billion debt. We were able to pay that off and we’ve done so many things in Manila and I would like to continue doing those projects if I get reelected. I’d like the city to reclaim its nickname as the Pearl of the Orient. That’s my vision for my last term, which I consider as my last hurrah,too,” Erap affirmed. This statement prompted Ethel Ramos, considered as Dean of entertainment journalist, to ask whether

or not he’s keen on making another film, which will sort of become his “last hurrah” in showbiz. “I have a fitting title for that film, how does Markang Erap sound?,” the senior showbiz journalist inquired. “You know, I’d like to keep an image. I’m too old to do films. If I’d do one, sasabihin ng mga tao, ‘ay antanda na ni Erap, ganun na na yung mukha.’ I’d like them to remember me for the films I did in the past. I’d like them to remember me for the roles I portrayed when I was younger. Let’s leave making movies to younger actors,” he retorted. Considered as one of the pillars of Philippine Cinema, Erap in 1974 founded the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund), which helps movie makers through medical reimbursements, hospitalization,

surgery and death benefits, livelihood, and alternative income opportunities and housing. Its educational arm, the Mowelfund Film Institute, has produced some of the most skilled and respected producers, filmmakers, writers and performers in both the independent and mainstream sectors of the industry since its inception in 1979. He also founded, together with Dr. Guillermo De Vega, the first Metro Manila Film Festival in 1975. “I’m glad that up until now, Mowelfund is able to help our colleagues in the industry. I feel great that the institution continuous its mission the way we envisioned it,” he noted. Meanwhile, Erap is turning 82 on April 19, asked whether he’s going to have a big party, he just said that it’s going to be an ordinary day. “It’s Holy Week. So it’s going to be a quite celebration,” he ended. *** Vicky Morales renews contract with GMA Network GMA News Pillar Vicky Morales is looking forward to more years as

From left: GMA Network SVP for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores; President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr.; GMA News Pillar Vicky Morales; GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon; and EVP and CFO Felipe S. Yalong.