Issuu

High court seeks probe of 13 ‘narco-judges’ By Rey E. Requejo

During its summer en banc session so-called narco-list. in Baguio City, the Court approved the The Court designated Associate THE Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered conduct of a fact-finding investigation Justice Diosdado Peralta an investigation into the alleged involve- into the activities of the judges on the to coordinate with PDEA Next page ment of 13 judges in the illegal drug trade. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s

NO MORE ECSTASY. Seven kilos of shabu worth P40 million and four

sachets of ecstasy seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency from the suspects during a buy-bust operation in Barangay South Triangle in Quezon City are shown in this file photo taken recently. Manny Palmero

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 52 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Rody orders review of gov’t deals

Ex-PH execs hit out at Chinese actions By Rey E. Requejo CHINESE officials led by President Xi Jinping have been committing crimes against humanity with their continued “atrocious actions” in the disputed South China Sea that hurt the livelihood and significantly diminished the food security of Filipino fishermen and their families, two former government officials said Tuesday. Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and retired Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales, who filed a case against Xi before the International Criminal Court,

By Nat Mariano, Rey E. Requejo and Julito G. Rada

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the immediate review of all government contracts, including the recent agreements with China, to strike down any provisions that might be onerous, unconstitutional, and detrimental to public interest, the Palace said Tuesday.

NOTHING BUT BLOOD AND TEARS.

File photo of an unidentified protester wearing a mask painted with the flag of Xinjiang, also known as East Turkestan, and tears of blood in Brussels, Belgium, in April last year, evocative of what political observers say are the crimes against humanity committed by Chinese officials with their continued ‘atrocious actions’ in the disputed South China Sea. (Story on A5) AFP

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President ordered the review during a Cabinet meeting after he found out an “onerous” provision in the government’s contract with Maynilad Water Services Inc. Panelo said Duterte specifically tasked Solicitor General Jose Calida and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra to study the arbitration case with Maynilad, hoping to prosecute those behind the disadvantageous provisions. Asked if the review would cover all government contracts, including those recently signed with China, Panelo said: “Definitely, any contract.” Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio recently warned the government that China could seize oil and gas deposits in the Reed Bank if the Philippines defaults on its $62-million loan for the Chico River Pump Irrigation project, an agreement that critics described as onerous. Government officials have brushed aside the possibility as Next page

Jim Paredes owns up to ’ masturbation’ JAIME RAMON “Jim” Paredes, a staunch critic of the Duterte administration, admitted on his blog Tuesday that a leaked video showing the Next page

Lennon son meets John Lemon in PH

THE son of Beatles great John Lennon is in Manila to help the Department of Tourism promote the country, but a local lemonade Next page

April Fool pranks FROM a Brexit weedsmoking ban to express deliveries by falcon, here is a roundup of Monday’s Next page

DFA fires off ‘salvo of diplomatic notes’ vs China boats in WPS FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippine government served a “salvo of diplomatic notes” to China over the presence of Chinese vessels near the Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

“Before going to [a] successful China visit, I fired off salvo of diplomatic notes so I would not be accused of insincerity if, as suggested, I fired them off after the visit, which is sioki [cowardly],” Locsin said in a post on Twitter.

The statement came after he was tagged and asked on Twitter to confirm if the country filed a diplomatic protest against China after more than a hundred vessels suspected to be Chinese militia were sighted near the Philippine-occu-

pied Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group. In a follow-up tweet, Locsin reiterated that he sent the notes verbales on the Chinese activity before his four-day official Next page

Water dep’t mulled amid El Niño onset By Nat Mariano, Rio N. Araja and Alena Mae S. Flores MALACAÑANG said Tuesday the Duterte administration was considering the creation of a Department of Water to mitigate the effects of El Niño and water shortage in parts of the country, coinciding with official reports an estimated P5.05 billion worth of agricultural crops had been destroyed by the phenomenon. At the same time, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines again placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert for several hours on Tuesday, the second consecutive day due to insufficient operating reserves amid the forced and unplanned outages of power plants. NGCP issued the yellow alert notice, which means the reserve power was low, starting from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and then at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The yellow alert was lifted at 4 p.m. “Please be informed that the Luzon grid is on yellow alert due to insufficient operating reserve,” it said.

CANDLES FOR 14.

Members of church groups hold candles during a protest rally in Manila on Monday, condemning the killing of 14 they described as farmers—criminals, according to police authorities—in Negros Oriental, an incident described by the Human Rights Group as a massacre, quickly denied by PNP chief Oscar Albayalde who said the operation in the villages was legitimate against suspected communist rebels. (Story on A2) AFP

Budget cuts spark Andaya-Sotto word war By Maricel V. Cruz

Vicente Sotto III to name the senators Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya behind the budget cuts and identify Jr. made the statement after Sotto called THE head of the House of Representa- the projects where they had realigned him “delusional” for accusing the Sentives’ appropriations committee on funds in the 2019 General Appropria- ate of “sabotaging” the programs of the Next page Tuesday challenged Senate President tions Bill.

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4 top cops sacked over Negros 14 By Francisco Tuyay HE National Police Command relieved four police officers whose men were involved in anti-criminality operations that left 14 individuals dead in Negros Oriental, with local officials evacuating 1,700 residents of different villages in Moises Padilla to get them off any crossfire.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde identified the police officers as Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office director Col. Raul Tacaca, chiefs of police Lt. Col. Patricio Degay (Canlaon City Police Station), Lt. Kevin Roy Mamaraldo (Manjuyod Municipal Police Station) and Capt. Michael Rubia (Sta Catalina Municipal Police Station). Albayalde said the relief would give way

to an impartial investigation into the death of 14 suspects during the operations. In related developments: • The Human Rights Watch on Tuesday called for an impartial and independent probe on the killings. “A prompt, impartial and independent investigation into the Negros Oriental killings is desperately needed. Concerned governments, particularly European Un-

Ex-PH execs... From A1

Rody... From A1

said “unlawful actions” by Beijing showed that despite assurances to the contrary, the Chinese seek to take control and exert dominance over the disputed maritime territories. “Even as now, with full accommodation being granted to Beijing by our government, we continue to be faced with unlawful actions from our northern neighbor, a modern-day Goliath, whose intentions and activities are to force a doctrine of dominance and control on our region and beyond,” the two former officials said, in a statement. Notwithstanding the 2016 Philippine victory at The Hague, which ruled that China’s claims to the South China Sea were excessive, China continues to do illegal dredging and artificial island building, which have degraded the marine environment and hurt the livelihood and food security of Filipino fishermen and their families. “Today, our Filipino countrymen are increasingly focused on the presence of hundreds of Chinese vessels operating around Pag-asa that serves to harass, bully, and persecute our fishermen,” they said. “To our poor fishermen, however, Beijing’s actions may be viewed as crimes against humanity, given that they are planned by the Chinese government, accepted by the Chinese government, and nothing is done by the Chinese government to stop these persistent inhumane actions against a civilian population of over 300,000 Filipino fishermen who appear helpless against a powerful Goliath,” they said. Del Rosario and Morales made the statement after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Monday described as “fabrication” their complaint before the ICC.

unlikely, pointing to the Philippines track record of always repaying its debts. The contract with the water concessionaire Maynilad was signed during the Ramos administration, and carried a provision that barred the government from interfering in the company’s operations. This provision, Panelo said, cost the government P3.42 billion in October 2018, when Maynilad won its arbitration case against the government before the high court of Singapore, after suing over the delayed implementation of a water rate hike from March 2015 to August 2016. “We were made to pay P3.5 billion because according to the ruling, the government intervened, and by reason of the intervention, Maynilad suffered damages. And the President could not believe that. How can a contract like this… ban government action with respect to… water services?” he said. “[So] we’ll have to examine every provision of the contract. Anything that is against public policy or against the law, or against the Constitution, we will have to strike it down,” he added. In a message to GMA News Online, Gueverra said the President was upset about a provision in the Maynilad contract. “The President was upset about a provision in the concession agreement that if the republic interferes in any manner that will reduce or delay the implementation of agreed water rates, the republic will indemnify the utility company for any losses suffered thereby,” Guevarra said. Panelo, the President’s chief legal counsel, also reiterated that Duterte wants his legal team to review all contracts entered into by the government, including those that are already being executed and those that are about to be executed. At the same time, he allayed fears that the review would scare away potential investors.

High court... From A1

for the list of the names of the alleged narco judges. “The Supreme Court, like in the past, will and shall not tolerate any illegal or corrupt activities within its ranks,” said Court spokesman Brian Hosaka. Court insiders observed that the designation of Peralta, who is currently the third most senior member of the 15-member bench, means the Court is taking the issue “very seriously.” In the same en banc session, the Court compelled the government to submit the Philippine National Police’s records on the 3,800 deaths related to the government’s war on drugs, granting the plea of petitioners in several writ of amparo cases. The 15-member bench also directed the Office of the Solicitor General to furnish copies of the reports to the petitioners in the Amparo cases represented by human rights groups Center Law and Free Legal Assistance Group. Center Law filed a petition in 2017 asking the Court to issue a writ of amparo to protect the residents of 26 barangays in San Andres Bukid, Manila City against the government’s war on drugs.

Budget... From A1 Duterte administration in light of what Andaya had described as “drastic” budget cuts. “Delusional. Obfuscate. The Senate President has resorted to name-calling and language engineering in a bid to divert public attention from the drastic budget cuts imposed by the Senate on the President’s major infrastructure projects and social programs,” Andaya said in a statement. “But the Senate President need not consult the dictionary in search of more pompous words. All he has to do is explain to the public why the Sen-

Water... From A1 The Luzon grid’s system capacity was placed at 10,985 megawatts yesterday versus demand of 10,267 MW. In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte and his Cabinet discussed plans to address the recurring dry spell in the country. “A roadmap was presented, which included immediate, medium and longterm interventions, such as making an intensive campaign for the conservation of water and energy,” Panelo said. According to Panelo, the roadmap shown included the plans to “create a Department of Water and a Department of Disaster Resilience.” “[There are also plans of] dredging

Jim... From A1 musician and activist apparently masturbating was real. The APO Hiking Society singer initially denied it by saying a terse “fake” on his Twitter account, but as the video went viral Paredes said in a blog post dated April 1 that it was supposed to be ate slashed the budget not only of the Build, Build, Build projects but also of the pension for uniformed personnel and the retirement benefits of government employees. Now is also the time for him to reveal the names of all senators who made budget cuts and show the items where these were realigned.” Andaya earlier slammed the Senate’s “unilateral” decision to cut about P83.7 billion for priority projects, including those under the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure plan. Instead of resorting to name-calling, Andaya said, the Senate must exercise transparency by identifying the senators who would wish to hamper the Duterte administration’s infrastructure and other socio-economic projects.

China envoy: Treat Chinese workers fairly

ion countries that have supported criminal justice reform in the Philippines, should be raising their concerns loud and clear over the deteriorating situation,” HRW Asia division researcher Carlos Conde said in a statement. “With appropriate assurances, they also might want to offer direct assistance and expertise for an independent investigation,” Conde added. • The Department of the Interior and Local Government vowed to provide the “best legal defense” to the policemen who were involved in the operations. “We stand by our police officers and we will provide them with the best legal defense to help them overcome whatever legal challenges that may arise as a result of several operations,”

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement. Año underscored that the police operations were legitimate as they were all covered by search warrants, adding that subjects of the operation had engaged authorities in an encounter. “Our law enforcers acted professionally and in accordance with the law during the conduct of police operations in Negros Oriental. They simply returned fire when the subject of the search warrants engaged them in a shootout,” he said. • Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion encountered about 30 communist rebels, whose group was believed behind the murder of Moises Padilla Councilor Jolomar Hilario on Sunday. With PNA

“It will forewarn them that they cannot enter into any agreement that is in violation of the Constitution or a public policy… They won’t do it because they’ve been forewarned,” he said. Panelo said the President will not allow anything that goes against the interest of the Filipino people under his term. Maynilad is one of the two private water concessionaires serving Metro Manila. The water company, led by Filipino businessman Manny Pangilinan, serves Metro Manila’s west side, which includes Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, and parts of Quezon City, Makati, and Manila. It also supplies water to its beneficiaries in Cavite City, Bacoor City, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province. Guevarra said Tuesday the DOJ teams will conduct the review of contracts perceived to be grossly disadvantageous to the government, with the help of lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor General. “Priority contracts for review include concession agreements on public utilities and foreign loan contracts. Target provisions are those perceived to be onerous, one-sided, disadvantageous to the government, and or contrary to public order or public policy,” Guevarra said, in an interview. “We have organized teams to conduct this review but my office as attorney general will need a lot of help from the Office of the Solicitor General to perform and complete this task at the soonest time possible,” he added. Guevarra said if onerous provisions are found, the first step would be to renegotiate the contract. If this proves unsuccessful, the government would resort to legal action. “Contracts are subject to the will of the parties, but any stipulation, term or condition that is contrary to law, morals, public order or public policy may be abrogated or terminated,” Guevarra said. Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Carlos

Dominguez III said the Philippines has no history of defaulting on its loans, and those who fear this might happen with China have no faith in their own country. “The Philippines has never, never defaulted on its loans. The Philippines has not done it even in the worst time and the worst time was right after Marcos,” Dominguez said in a statement. He said even when the Philippines was cash-strapped, it had never defaulted on any of its loans, recalling that the country paid its obligations on the $2.2-billion Bataan Nuclear Power Plant project, even though it turned out to be a white elephant. “The Philippines has no history of defaulting on its loans. So why people saying now that we will default? They have no faith in the Philippines?… That means to say those people have no faith in their own country,” Dominguez said. Dominguez also reiterated that there was no collateral involved in the loans that the government has entered into with any country as he invited the public to examine the terms of all the loan agreements that the Philippines has signed with its development partners, which are available for viewing at the Department of Finance website. Dominguez added that the government’s debt was carefully structured to ensure that it does not borrow without raising its own capital for infrastructure projects, while at the same time sourcing a significant portion of financing from the local debt market to minimize exposure to adverse external factors. He said as of 2018, the government’s project debt exposure was only 0.66 percent to China and 9 percent to Japan in relation to the total debt. He said by 2022, when most of the financing for the “Build, Build, Build” program would have been accessed, the country’s project debt to China would account for 4.5 percent, while that of Japan’s would be twice as large at 9.5 percent of the total debt.

waterways, replacing tunnels and aqueducts, installing water tank systems in all Department of Health hospitals, and providing funding for the establishment of water treatment plants,” Panelo said. DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said agricultural damage went up from P4.35 billion to P5.05 billion. Production losses due to drought and dry spell ate up an estimated volume of 276,568 metric tons of rice and corn from 233,007 metric tons recorded on March 31. Of the total 177,743 hectares affected by El Niño, 164,672 farmers were severely hit. In another 149,914 hectares, at least 138,859 farmers were affected. As far as the rice sector is concerned, the loss/damage was estimated at P2.69 billion with 125,590 metric tons volume

production loss, 111,851 hectares, and 108,845 farmers affected affected in 37 provinces. For corn, the losses were pegged at P2.36 billion with 150,978 metric tons volume production loss, 65,892 hectares, and 55,827 farmers affected in 17 provinces. El Niño ruined Caraga Region, Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Ilocos, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Biliran, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

visit to China last month where he met with State Counselor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his counterpart. “I sent notes verbales versus swarming before my China trip. You have my word on it and that is all you all get,” he said. Locsin said the documents will not be made public. In a recent television interview, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the diplomatic note would ask the Chinese government what the vessels were doing there. Panelo, who met with Chinese Ambassador to Manila Zhao Jinhua on Monday, said the envoy recommended raising the issue during the two states’ Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meetings instead. Meanwhile, a leftist lawmaker slammed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Reforms Director Eduardo Gongona for warning that Filipino fishermen to avoid Panatag Shoal as it is occupied by Chinese vessels. “Gongona just slapped his own face with his statement. Aside from obviously [surrendering] the claim of our country’s waters, he is outright violating the mandate of his own office,” Anakpawis party-list Rep. Airel Casilao said. “Gongona just blabbered about not to execute Philippine laws in Panatag Shoal. Our government is very strict with Filipinos but very lax with the Chinese,” Casilao said. Maricel V. Cruz with PNA

private and not meant for public consumption. “I do not know how it became public. I can only surmise that in this ugly season of toxic politics, muckrakers determined to neutralize my influence by violating my privacy and digging up dirt on me are at work,” the 68-yearold said, without saying how the video leaked. He was roasted on social media by

President Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters, who had previously labeled him as “dilawan” (yellow) for his backing of the previous Aquino administration. Paredes decided to break his silence because he “has chosen to be truthful” and believes that it will “set him free.” “After mulling and praying over it, I decided to come clean. There are already too many lies and liars in this world. I do not wish to be a part of that

cabal,” said Paredes. Saying he had never tried to project himself as perfect, Paredes apologized for the video that went viral, admitting he is “a flawed person,” and said sorry to people who have held him in high esteem. “Of all the sins in this world, I believe sex is the most human of all. I am not saying this to excuse what, I regret, was broadcast on social media,” he said.

Lennon son... From A1

his Instagram of the juice store “Johnn Lemon” while touring a local mall in between visiting local hangouts and historical spots for the DOT, which invited him to help the agency’s sustainability campaign. “Hmm,” wrote Julian on Instagram to caption the picture, which drew reactions from thousands of Filipino neti-

zens and even his own family—including half-brother Sean Lennon. “So that’s where we’re from!” Sean Lennon—John’s son with second wife Yoko Ono—told his brother on the social media platform.’ Julian, Lennon’s son with his first wife Cynthia, responded: “I’ve been meaning to tell you, just hasn’t been the right time.”

border wall plans, Denmark said it would build a fence in the North Sea to From A1 protect its herrings after Brexit—and make Britain pay for it. “The new fence will prevent young April Fool pranks in world media: herring from migrating out of DanRight to fair herring In a nod to Donald Trump’s Mexico ish territory. No Dane should miss

out on herring that should rightfully be considered ours,” fisheries minister Eva Kjer Hansen said in a statement. “The Brits created this problem, and I am going to make them pay for the fence.” AFP

stand on Tuesday reminded him how truly famous his father was—while showing off typical Filipino ingenuity with business names. Julian Lennon snapped a selfie for

April...

By Nat Mariano THE Philippine government should “professionally” deal with the plight of illegal Chinese workers in the Philippines, an official said Monday night. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua said China had a “persistent policy” not to encourage and allow Chinese nationals to work in a foreign country illegally. “If they are working illegally here, it’s up to you to deal with the issue in accordance with your laws. But as we’re dealing with the foreign nationals illegally working in China, we also follow our laws and procedures,” Zhao told reporters. “But in the meantime, we would also call on the law enforcement agencies here to deal with this issue professionally. You have to take into consideration the humanitarian needs of those Chinese nationals as we are doing exactly when it comes to the Filipinos working illegally in China.” Zhao made his statement even as Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday welcomed his statement that the Chinese workers in the Philippines would comply with Philippine laws. Drilon issued the statement after Zhao paid a courtesy call on Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo in Malacañang. Zhao said China and the Philippines were handling the problem of illegal workers in their respective countries in accordance with their laws. “There’s a problem of Chinese working illegally here. But also, there are Filipinos working illegally in China,” Zhao said. “So we are handling this in accordance with our respective laws and regulations. We are handling it professionally in the spirit of our friendship and cooperation.”

DFA... From A1

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IRR on rice tariffication now with DA, Palace says

Rappler’s Ressa posts bail anew RAPPLER chief Maria Ressa on Monday went to twitter in expressing her dismay as she posted yet another bail bond over alleged violations on foreign ownership rules. “I posted bail and was released Friday, but received another arrest warrant April 1 and posted bail today for the eighth time! 11 legal cases and complaints ﬁled by the justice department in 14 months,” Ressa wrote on Twitter. The new bail bond was for a complaint ﬁled last year by the National Bureau of Investigation. Ressa and six other colleagues were charged after Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 158 Judge Rowena Modesto San Pedro found probable cause for alleged violation of the antidummy law. The country’s anti-dummy law prohibits foreigners from intervening in the management, operation, administration, or control of any nationalized activity. Ressa, according to Rappler, have paid more than P2 million in bail and travel bonds since 2018.

By Nat Mariano

DOJ clears Ubial in Dengvaxia case THE Department of Justice has dismissed the criminal complaint ﬁled by former Health Secretary Janette Garin against her successor, former Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial, over the deaths of schoolchildren inoculated with the controversial Dengvaxia vaccine. In a seven-page resolution, the DOJ exonerated Ubial of criminal liability for lack of probable cause to indict her for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide case. Assistant State Prosecutor Claire Eufracia Pagayanan, who is handling the case, cited Garin’s failure to prove her allegations against Ubial by citing speciﬁc cases of Dengvaxia deaths during earlier preliminary investigation. Rey E. Requejo

Metro cops on alert for summer vacation THE National Capital Region Police Office is taking extra measures to ensure public safety in Metro Manila during the summer vacation. NCRPO director Guillermo Eleazar said are implementing a campaign dubbed “Ligtas Sumvac (summer vacation) 2019” as he ordered the deployment of more than 11,500 police officers to secure the public including local and international tourists visiting Metro Manila this summer. In addition, the police have issued precautionary tips with residents to avoid criminal incidents as best as possible. According to Eleazar, summer vacations for students have started and is expected to last until June 3. He said that during this season, various activities are being observed such as the Lenten Season; Philippine Veterans Week, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, National Flag Day, Flores de Mayo and fiestas. Joel E. Zurbano

Palace drafts EO to eradicate hunger by 2030 By Nat Mariano IN A bid to fast-track the government’s campaign to fight hunger, the Palace on Tuesday drafted an executive order creating an inter-agency task force seeking to eradicate hunger in the country by 2030. In a statement after a “serious and productive” 36th Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles introduced the EO, hoping to aid the government’s fight against hunger. “Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles presented the proposed EO on the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger. The task force will be composed of 36 agencies,” Panelo said. For his part, Nograles said President Rodrigo Duterte approved the proposal during the Cabinet meeting, adding that details of the EO were being finalized before it is released to the public. “The President and the members of the Cabinet recognize that we have to adopt additional measures to combat hunger given how data shows that it is a problem that cannot be ignored,” Nograles said. Citing government data, the Palace official revealed in his presentation that 2.4-million Filipino families experienced moderate to extreme hunger in 2018. The data also showed that 13.7-million Filipino children are undernourished while a fifth of Filipino children until the age of five are underweight.

WELCOME RITES. US Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and Philippine’s Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana take part in a welcome ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, DC on April 1. AFP

Bar topnotcher named as acting DBM secretary By Rio N. Araja

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte named Janet Abuel as acting secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.

“Yesterday night’s Cabinet meeting began with the President’s announcement of the appointment of the DBM Officer-in-Charge/ Undersecretary Janet Abuel as acting secretary,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement Tuesday. Abuel was previously named DBM officer-in-charge, replacing Benjamin Diokno who was appointed as governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Abuel, a certified public accountant, finished law at the University of the Cordilleras and topped the bar in 1998. She also holds a Master’s degree in

Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Sydney in Australia. Abuel is a career ofﬁcial at the DBM, starting as a budget and management analyst in 1996 and rising from the ranks to become undersecretary. Prior to her appointment as the acting DBM chief, she headed the local government and regional operations group, overseeing policy formulation and concerns of local governments, as well as supervising regional ofﬁces as an undersecretary. Meanwhile, the Department of

Agrarian Reform on Tuesday warned “substandard” contractors of foreignassisted infrastructure projects. Undersecretary for ForeignAssisted and Special Projects Ofﬁce Bernie Cruz said the agency could recommend to blacklist or suspend contractors with defective projects so that they could not be allowed to participate in future bidding of projects with the Department of Public Works of Highways. “We [DAR] as the property owner will always continue to monitor and evaluate such projects,” he told the Manila Standard. “The beauty in the implementation of the foreign-assisted projects is that we have the responsibility to report their progress to the National Economic Development Authority,” he said. According to Cruz, Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones has instructed all DAR ofﬁcials to end corruption within the agency. With PNA

PCSO donates P86 million for AFP’s treatment facilities THE Armed Forces of the Philippines formally received checks amounting to P85,946,975 from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Monday. The donation is under the PCSO’s AFP/PNP Health Capability Program, military public affairs ofﬁce chief Col. Noel Detoyato said. The turnover of the checks took place at the PCSO Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Detoyato said the money will be distributed to eight selected AFP military treatment facilities. “On behalf of the whole AFP, we humbly accept this donation through the benevolent initiative of Mr. Anselmo Simeon Pinili, Chairman of PCSO and (former general manager) Maj. Gen. Alexander Balutan (Ret). Thank you for acknowledging the

hardships of our soldiers and for easing our struggles through your own simple way,” AFP Chief-of-Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said in his speech read by Rear Admiral Jande S. Francisco, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information Systems Service AFP. The collaboration between the PCSO, the AFP, and the PNP started in 2018 with the mission to improve the capabilities of our military and police medical facilities to enable them to provide quality health care services to its mandated and expanded clientele. The PCSO has always been ready to assist the AFP through donations in times of calamities. They also delivered medicines and bottled water to evacuation centers in Marawi and

Iligan City back in 2017. In the same year, they donated P102 million for the upgrade of medical facilities, and another P1 million as additional funding for the scholar-dependents of AFP personnel through the AFP Educational Beneﬁt System Ofﬁce. In 2018, the PCSO donated P5 million worth of endowment fund to the Veterans Medical Center in Quezon City, aside from other programs. “Today, we are again fortunate and truly grateful in receiving the PCSO donation intended for the capability upgrade of selected AFP medical treatment facilities,” Madrigal said. “These acts of generosity shall continuously serve as motivation and inspiration for our troops to carry on with our mission of protecting the people and our nation,” he added. PNA

PCSO DONATION. Philippine Charity

Sweepstakes Office Chairman and OICGeneral Manager Anselmo Simeon P. Pinili (right) leads the turnover of a check amounting to P5,946,975.00 to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications, Electronics and Information System Service Rear Admiral Jande S. Francisco, J6 (third from right). The check released is PCSO’s funding assistance for AFP/PNP Health Facilities Capability-Building Project: ’Raising Military and PNP Hospitals to DOH Standard on Equipment’ under the Medical Equipment Donation Program. Also in photo are (from left) Charity Assistance Department OIC-Manager Muriel G. Pajarillo, Assistant General Manager for Charity Dr. Larry R. Cedro, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel Major General Erickson R. Gloria and Surgeon General Colonel Felix T. Terencio.

THE implementing rules and regulations of the country’s new rice tariff law are now in the hands of the Department of Agriculture, the Palace announced on Tuesday. In a statement after the 36th Cabinet meeting on Monday evening, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the IRR for the Rice Industry Modernization was already approved by the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Budget and Management. “The IRR of the Rice Tarifﬁcation Act was likewise tackled. The IRR is already signed by the NEDA and the DBM while it is still pending with the legal department of the DA,” Panelo said in a statement Tuesday. “The IRR is expected to formulate a rice industry roadmap for the development of this sector,” he added. In order to liberalize rice importation by replacing quantitative import restrictions with tariffs, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act No. 11203 last February. Under the law, unlimited rice importation will be allowed. Potential investors, however, must ﬁrst secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry and pay the 35-percent tariff for shipments from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. For nonASEAN countries, the government requires the collection of a 50-percent tariff for rice imports. The law also mandates the creation of the P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund. The Palace has previously assured the public that the government will handle the multi-billionpeso fund with more accountability and transparency. According to Panelo, the Agriculture secretary shall oversee the proper and responsible utilization of the rice fund as mandated by RA 11203. He added that the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization shall also conduct a periodic review of the rice fund.

ASG bandit killed, 2 cops wounded In Sulu clash By Francisco Tuyay AN ABU Sayyaf bandit was killed while two policemen were wounded after they prevented teachers from being kidnapped by the terrorists in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday. Reports said policemen from the Patikul Municipal Police Station were escorting the teachers who were travelling from Jolo to Barangay Taung when they crossed paths with around 15 bandits, triggering the firefight at 8:30 a.m. Wounded during the firefight were Police Master Sergeant Al-Nidzfar Eraji and Patrolman Jordan Changlapon of the Patikul MPS. The ASG, meanwhile, suffered a still undetermined number of casualties during the firefight. Shortly after the incident, additional policemen responded to the site of encounter while the wounded lawmen were brought to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, in separate encounter in Patikul, a bandit was killed following an encounter with marine troopers in Barangay Bakaan, Banguigui minutes after the attempted kidnapping of the teachers. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the bandit was killed after Marine troopers from the 3rd Marine Company of exchanged fire with ASG terrorists while on pursuit operations in nearby Sitio Halu-Halu, Simisa Island, Barangay Bakaan, Banguigui, Sulu. The ASG member’s dead body was recovered in the encounter site along with an M1 Carbine rifle. “The Joint Task Force Sulu continuously employ more pressure on the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits to gain more enemy strongholds and armaments,” said Lieutenant General Arnel dela Vega, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command. “We believe that a number of the bandits were wounded and probably could have died due to loss of blood after the encounter especially that our troops are still pursuing them as of this report,” Dela Vega said.

Opinion

WEDNESDAY,APRIL 3, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Chinese impunity

IF WE feel like we are being raped by China in the West Philippine Sea and violating our territorial integrity, the Philippines only has itself to blame. Our splayed-legs foreign policyvis-a-vis Beijing has given it the license to treat us like its province. Our fishermen are being driven away by Chinese gunboats from fishing in Bajo Masinloc off the coast of Zambales.

This is the worst offense of its kind.

Philip Complaints reported to the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy are dismissed and not given credence by naval authorities. The Coast Guard, instead of protecting our fishermen’ right in our own waters, tell the locals to stay away from Scarborough Shoal to avoid Chinese patrol patrol boats. Mainland Chinese workers are displacing Filipinos from jobs in the online gaming industry even as these foreigners are also allegedly operating shabu labs with Filipino connivance. This is the worst offense of its kind because the illegal drug trade is the scourge that destroys the very fabric of Philippine society. It is rather strange that the three mentioned Chinese transgressions are not being brought up by candidates in the May 13 midterm elections There’s an unverified report China would attempt to influence the outcome of the elections to favor certain candidates. If the Russians were able to influence voters into voting for Donald Trump as president by providing derogatory information on Democratic rival Hill-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

ary Clinton, there’s no saying China cannot do it here. Accepting campaign money donations and buying voters during elections is de rigueur in our political process. There’s an old joke in Philippine politics that goes like this : Some candidates are running for the fun it while others are there for the funds of it. There are those, however, who are running because their delusion that only they can give deliverance from the political, economic and social ills plaguing this benighted land. Just look at the roster of candidates. Some are unqualified non-entities who are not household names even in their own households. One of the leading senatorial bets who could win is one whose last stint in the Senate was his distinction as chairman of the com committee on silence. But in a way, he was better off than his colleagues who delivered privilege speeches only to expose their own inadequacies. But what can you expect of voters from a populace fed daily with a surfeit of stupid shows featuring Vice Ganda and gossips of which film celebrity is dating or has just broken up with whom? So much for illuminating important issues of the day. Entertainment, it seems is the panacea to all the problems facing Filipinos. No wonder we have the kind of leaders we have today. In the turnstile of power, problems like unemployment, high crime rate, monstrous traffic, and high cost of living go in and out with the change of leadership. Still, the problems remain with us. It’s a vicious cycle that sadly Filipinos have come to accept. A revolution is not also the answer. Unlike the tectonic shift that went with the upheaval in the French Revolution, in Indonesia and South Korea, there was no change in the political structure in the vents that followed People Power at Edsa. It was just a revolving door and a a change in leadership with oligarchs replaced by another set of cronies who controlled the economy.

Setting an example

HE Commission on Elections has ordered administration candidates for senator to take down the oversize campaign materials featuring PDP-Laban party bets in an electronic billboard on a condominium building along EDSA or face charges for violating election laws. In a series of Twitter posts, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the poll body issued the warning in response to online criticism of the billboards featuring Maguindanao Rep. Dong Mangudadatu, former Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa, former special assistant to the president Christopher Go, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and former presidential adviser for political affairs Francis Tolentino, all senatorial bets of the ruling PDP-Laban party. “These oversize campaign materials on electronic billboards are prohibited,” Guanzon said in her tweet, saying that “by public demand, candidates Bong Go and Tolentino please take down your posters now.” Two days ago, Comelec

spokesman James Jimenez also tweeted photos of Go’s campaign posters along Quezon Avenue. “These posters are of the right size, but the location is wrong,” Jimenez tweeted. The statements citing campaign violations by the administration candidates are welcome, coming from a poll agency that is often perceived as being too lenient, particularly when it comes to applying the rules to the party in power. But good governance doesn’t begin and end with Twitter posts, and calling out the candidates just isn’t enough. If its warnings are to be taken seriously, the Comelec needs to ensure that follow-up actions are taken in a timely manner, and that the offend-

ing campaign materials are indeed removed, or, if they are not, that the appropriate sanctions under the law are imposed. Finally, it must also publicize these actions as an example to all others who violate campaign laws. Of course, it isn’t only the Comelec that needs to set an example. Candidates who aspire to become lawmakers must first show they know how to respect the law. It isn’t enough for these candidates to claim that the illegal campaign materials were put up by unnamed supporters without their knowledge or approval. Nor is it enough that they issue a public statement pleading with these followers to take down the posters. What they must do is prove their sincerity and ability to follow the rules by having their staff remove the offending materials wherever they are found and reported. After all, if they cannot follow the rules, what gives them the right to set them for everybody else?

Martin is my bet THERE are three names perceived to be vying to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. They are Martin Romualdez, Alan Peter Cayetano and Lord Allan Velasco. All three have been endorsed by presidential daughter Sara Duterte Carpio. Cayetano is claiming President Rodrigo Duterte wants him to be Speaker. The question is, who will make the best Speaker? I’m going for Romualdez. Let’s go by track record in lawmaking. This, after all, is the main qualification of Speaker. Romualdez is the best among the three because he has been a lawmaker for a long time. His experience during Typhoon “Yolanda” also counts for a lot. Of course I am biased in favor of the Romualdezes. I have known the family for a long time. His late father, Koko Romualdez, was my best friend. His mother Juliette is the aunt of Juliet Dycaico who married the first cousin of my wife, Nenita Kapunan. *** When I go out for coffee with friends, they always ask me the same question—“Who do you think will make it in the May elections?” My answers have been (not necessarily in this order): Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Bong Go, Lito Lapid, Sonny Angara, Nancy Binay, Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla, Bato dela Rosa, Mar Roxas and Koko Pimentel. Other names like JV Ejercito, Bam Aquino, Francis Tolentino and Serge Osmeña are probably within the win-

ning circle. Still, this lineup can change. Why are the reelectionists leading the race? Why are the favorites of President Duterte now part of the Magic 12? Why is there only one possible oppositionist in the winning circle? What influence does President Duterte have on the Senate race? Note that Duterte is campaigning for Dela Rosa, Go and Tolentino as if he were the one running for office. This makes a lot of difference. The way the President is going, it’s not farfetched for Tolentino to win, as well. What I consider tragic is that there

He has the best experience to lead the House of Representatives.

is only one oppositionist in the winning circle. All opposition candidates with the exception of Mar Roxas are neophytes or unknowns. The opposition will still be the minority, and the Senate will then be a lackey of Duterte. For an institution like the Senate to be under the thumb of the President is doubly tragic because the Senate is supposed to provide checks and balances to the Executive branch. *** As for the local front, I hate to say it but the usual political dynasties will prevail. The people will continue to gravitate toward those who have money and power. That is the reason why in Metro Manila, reelectionist mayors are likely Turn to A5

Influencer or freeloader POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE WHITE Banana Beach Club in Siargao made the local and international news recently after they posted this pointed remark about influencers on their Facebook page: “We are receiving many messages regarding collaborations with influencers, Instagram influencers,” they said.

“We kindly would like to announce that White Banana is not interested to ‘collaborate’ with self-proclaimed ‘influencers’. “And we would like to suggest to try another way to eat, drink, or sleep for free. Or try to actually work.” Influencers, says Google, are people “with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media.” These are people who maintain Youtube vlogs, online blogs, and carefully curated Instagram and Twitter accounts that obtain and review products and ser-

vices from sponsors and tout them to their audiences for bucks or goods. There are those, however, who, just because they have a social media presence, pressure establishments to sponsor them, despite being unable to quantify the value they can provide. As expected, social media erupted for and against White Banana’s statement. One Lance de Ocampo, who says he’s been “in the industry” for eight years, decried White Banana’s public ‘parinig.’ “No need to throw shade,” he wrote. “There’s always a better way to decline a collaboration. E-mail to e-mail, priTurn to A5

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

Real estate boom NOT only is there a serious shortage of water in Metro Manila. There is also a serious shortage of land—for residential, commercial, industrial, warehousing and factory space. Office and residential housing are also in short supply. Demand is outpacing supply. Consequently, land prices, office rent, and residential housing prices in the national capital have seen the highest increases in Asia, outpacing the inflation spiral of traditionally expensive properties in Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. The deficit and the high prices in Metro Manila are likely to last over the next five years, continuing an explosion in Philippine property that began in 2006, for a solid a decade and a half of boom. The supply deficit in properties and their price spiral are not unique to Metro Manila. Key regional hubs like Clark, Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa and San Vicente (the next Boracay) are experiencing a property boom not seen in the last half century. Clark will provide the biggest supply of office space in the next five years. The resort town of San Vicente (Palawan) has doubled beach front property prices to P10,000 per sq.m. “We are seeing all-time high in real estate values across all sectors in 2019,” reports David Leechiu, CEO of the property consulting company bearing his name. “This is the biggest real estate boom in the history of this country,” Leechiu points out. For office, the best bet is still Bonifacio Global City where land now sells at P1.3 million per square meter. In Makati, commercial land now sells for P1.5 million per sq.m., up from P3,000 per sq.m. 25 years ago.

For residential, Dasmariñas in Makati has seen an increase to P400,000 per sqm from P300,000 last year. The boom is fueled by three sectors: 1) Chinese investors and workers; 2) overseas Filipino expats or OFWs; 3) business processing outsourcing and IT. Rudy, a realtor, bought 45 units of condo residences at SM’s Mall of Asia area. His now rents out the units— P40,000 a month for 20 square meters; P50,000 to P55,000 for 32 sq.m.; and P65,000 a month for units over 32 sq.m. Nearly all his renters are Chinese— workers in online gaming shops nearby and whose employment contracts include board and lodging. Meanwhile, his condo units have appreciated 30 to 50 percent in value. “There are no sellers,” says Rudy.

The boom is fueled by three sectors.

BPM industry because of the rise of hourly wages in the United States from $7 per hour to $15. IT-BPM has diversified in the past years and have returned to the country for expansion. In Leechiu’s Market Report dated March 2019, here are the highlights in the current Philippine property market: • The highest land value in Bonifacio Global City at P1.3 million per sq.m. and the highest condominium price at P540K per sqm in Shang at The Fort. • Offices at Bay and Alabang still enjoy the lowest vacancy rate at 1 perccent—translating to record rental rates with P1.2K/sq.m./month in the Bay and P750/sq.m./month in Alabang. Makati City and Bonifacio Global City will have very low supply of office space by 2021. • There is only 216k sq.m .of PEZA accredited space so far this year in Metro Manila against forecast demand of 450K sqm from the IT-BPM industry— this deficit will be the biggest hurdle for growth in IT-BPM expansion—there are 29 buildings (totaling 544K sqm of vacant office space) under PEZA application across Metro Manila. LPC pleads for the government to approve more PEZA zones in Metro Manila and across the Philippines. Quezon City has the largest supply of PEZA Accredited space from now until 2023. • The Philippines has recorded more than 200K sq.m. of office demand as of 1Q 2019. The IT-BPM industry led the Philippine office demand with 115K sq.m. or 56 percent of the 1Q 2019 takeup followed by the Offshore Gaming industry with 36K sq.m. With Metro Manila making 92 percent (187K sq.m.) of that demand. Regional districts have started strong with Clark, Tarlac, and Davao leading the provincial sites. • Offices at Bay and Alabang still enjoy the lowest current vacancy rate at 1percent. Makati City and Bonifacio Global City will have a very low supply of new buildings coming in by 2021. We are seeing record high office rental rates across the districts.

“The Chinese have made a sig significant impact on the market,” notes Leechiu. He suggests that the government should allow foreigners to have at least 50 percent equity in property. (The Constitution limits foreign ownership of land to 40 percent). “A 10 to 11 percentage point increase in equity ownership (to 50 or 51 percent) will have a substantial impact and push the boom for another ten years,” he says. “Allowing the foreigners to come in is the only way to solve our poverty,” argues. “The locals have had a 40 to 50-year headstart in the property market and yet we still have this poverty.” Leechiu notes “a surge in Mainland Chinese buyers in the residential condominium sector and we anticipate for this to continue for the long term especially with rekindled diplomatic ties between Philippines and China.” Leechiu sees resurgence in the IT- biznewsasia@gmail.com

Diplomats, activists decry Chinese ‘threats’ at UN rights council

By Nina Larson

DIPLOMATS and activists on Monday denounced intense Chinese lobbying, pressure and even threats to rein in criticism of Beijing during last month's session of the UN Human Rights Council. Human Rights Watch charged that the Chinese mission in Geneva had sent a letter to a number of missions urging them to stay away from a US-organized event on March 13 about China's treatment of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang province. The letter, signed by Ambassador Yu Jianhua and seen by AFP, tells countries "not to co-sponsor, participate in or be present at this side event... in the interest of our bilateral relations and continued multilateral cooperation." HRW slammed these "threats," with the organization's Geneva director John Fisher warning that the public outcry over the treatment of Muslim minorities had "sent China into panic mode." Chinese officials, he said in a statement, are now "using public as well as private pressure to block concerted international action." The Chinese mission did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation and comment. But several diplomats confirmed to AFP that their missions had received the letter ahead of the event. It took place on the sidelines of the rights council's three-week session and focused on allegations that upwards of one-million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim Turkic minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang.

Influencer... From A4

vate message to private message.” This sentiment was echoed by other bloggers. After their initial post blew up, White Banana explained that they are not against real influencers, just the freeloaders. And if they need influencers, White Banana said they would approach them, and not the other way around. Freeloaders have been part of the media community for decades. Back in the day before social media, we called them ‘hao siao,’ meaning bogus journalists. I recall handling events at which two or three of them would pop up for a free lunch. I never begrudged them their table and meal, even if they were no longer with any media establishments, even if they never came across with any press releases or photos. It was when they turned demanding, asking for a handout or free stuff, in-my-face-ing their expired media IDs, that I would become irritated. Entitlement complex is annoying, particularly when accompanied by mansplaining and the smug self-assurance that they’re more of an asset than they actually are. Some influencers can get cocky. Lance de Ocampo also said, "Siargao will not be as appreciated as it is now

China maintains instead that the Uighurs and others are at "campuses" for vocational training set up to counter radicalisation. Xinjiang, which shares a border with several countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long seen violent unrest, which China claims is orchestrated by an organised "terrorist" movement seeking the region's independence. But many Uighurs and Xinjiang experts say the violence stems largely from spontaneous outbursts of anger at Chinese cultural and religious repression, and that Beijing plays up terrorism to justify tight control of the resourcerich region. 'Stage-manage everything' On Monday, several diplomats backed HRW's claim that China had exerted significant pressure on countries to speak on its behalf during the conclusion of a review of its rights record before the council on March 15. "They were doing their best to stagemanage everything," a Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP. "When you see how few countries spoke up about Xinjiang, I am sure it did have an effect," the diplomat added. "They are not staying idle," another Western diplomat said. According to HRW, Chinese officials pressured the UN to remove elements provided by UN experts and NGOs from the so-called Universal Periodic Review report and tried to block the accreditation of Uighur activist Dolkun

Isa. A UN official told AFP that "receiving pressure from governments attempting to silence critics is fairly common, but a particularly high number of these complaints come from China about the credibility of participants." "This session was particularly bad," acknowledged the UN official, who asked not to be named. HRW also charged that China had intentionally pushed friendly states to flood the speakers' list for the 20 minutes allocated to countries' concluding remarks. Nearly 100 countries requested the right to speak—over three times more than usual in this situation—but only 13 were permitted to take the floor. In advance, the rights council drew the name of the first country, Mali, from a hat, and from there countries were called upon in alphabetical order, through to the Philippines. This meant that most critical voices from Europe and North America were not called upon, with only Norway speaking up against China's Xinjiang policies. Non-governmental organizations were also given a chance to speak, but there too, groups praising China grabbed six of the 10 available speaking slots. "It speaks volumes that China felt it necessary to twist arms and mount propaganda displays to try to suppress scrutiny of its rights record," Fisher said. AFP

if not [for] the so-called influencers' breathtaking and well curated Instagram photos." That’s ascribing too much credit to oneself, or, in this case, a particular group. His hubristic statement raised the hackles of many netizens, because Siargao was a go-to for surfers even before bloggers, vloggers, and Instagrammers came along. De Ocampo’s sweeping generalization belittles the efforts of the national and local government, old-school TV travel shows like the late Susan Calo Medina’s ‘Travel Time,’ and other presocial media efforts that built Siargao into the breathtaking vacation spot that he and other tourists have discovered. (De Ocampo later apologized for this remark.) This attitude is contagious, particularly among some who, just because they’ve lucked out a few times with sponsorships, think they’re owed the world, like a fly perched atop a carabao’s back. But unlike me and the lunches at my events, an establishment like White Banana wouldn’t be out just a meal if they collaborated with an influencer. They would have to provide food, drinks, and accommodations for several days, the use of facilities, and so on. They have their resources, budget, and

marketing strategies to consider. It might be that White Banana’s message was harshly worded, but it’s obvious that they are exasperated with all the sponsorship requests they’ve been receiving. Influencers are a relatively new breed of endorser who operate on social media. The value that some of them provide is not apparent to all businesses. It’ll take time for them to become a part of the majority of publicity campaigns, but they are the future of marketing in this age of computer-mediated communication. Some influencers do provide huge value. Take actress Maine Medina and her campaign for MAC Cosmetics—her lipstick sold out within hours online and in a couple of days in stores. Now that is genuine influence. Like many other establishments that have remained silent on the topic, White Banana is against moochers, not influencers in general. It’s always best to keep pitches professional, and if the business takes such requests amiss, it’s their prerogative. Just be gracious and humble, and move on. *** Abraham Lincoln said, “What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.” Well said, Abe. / FB and Twitter: @ DrJennyO

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Worrying about food dren disdain eking out a livelihood from farming, and are instead going to the urban centers to find work. Who will till our farmlands and keep providing us with food? Then again, the continuing exodus from farms to urban centers will REPORTS about the number of prov- tend to make governments more biinces affected by El Niño this year are ased toward favoring consumers to getting to be cause for alarm. keep food inflation low. This means The National Food Authority, for sourcing cheap food imports often at instance, which has lost its mandate the expense of domestic farmers’ into import rice, and has been confined comes. The cycle will perpetuate itto buy palay from local farmers for its self—lower farm incomes equals less buffer stock, will be hard put to fulfill interest in farming equals less farmers its task, with El Niño hitting so many equals lower production of food. A places. worrisome specter. The biggest source of palay purEven now, plantations in Negros chases of NFA is Occidental Mindoro. island and Mindanao are finding it The province is difficult to get now suffering the seasonal labor worst drought in especially at hardecades, its rivvesttime which is We must act now, erine sources of labor-intensive, irrigation water and plan farther ahead. because able boddrying up. ied men would Of course, rather work in with the lifting of construction. quantitative reAnd with Build, strictions on rice imports, the private Build, Build, the demand for consector will likely increase its import struction workers keeps increasing. volumes, and USDA predicts that we The balancing act becomes more will hit a record total of 2.67 million and more difficult. metric tons this year. Water is another worry. Angat While that may reassure consum- Dam managers recently announced ers particularly in the urban areas of that they are reducing irrigation water affordable rice, we must not forget for Bulacan and Pampanga farms in that farmers are themselves heavy favor of Metro Manila’s needs. rice consumers. With El Niño drying In many parts of the globe, populaup their fields and bringing down in- tions are beginning to have conflicts comes from lower harvests, we need over water sources. The Philippines to worry about hunger in the country- itself does not have a surfeit of fresh side. water sources, with many of our isThe impact of the free trade on rice lands being limestone structures with could in the long term act as a disin- little, if any, groundwater sources. centive for farmers to plant more paPicture a situation where China and lay, unless government can manage India decide to divert the headwaters production well and assure farmers of from the snow-capped Himalayas, higher incomes. It is not going to be which now flow into the lowlands of easy. Indo-China and Myanmar, through And El Niño brings stronger ty- the Irrawaddy and Mekong rivers. phoons than usual. With our surUnthinkable? Never foreclose the rounding oceans warming up due to dire possibility. it, the approaching typhoons churn up Of course all these jeremiads of stronger winds and suck up more wa- doom are not likely to happen within ter that becomes rain. “Ondoy” and our lifetime (at least this writer’s). “Milenyo” come to mind. They hap- But what of the future generations, by pened during El Niño years. 2050 or beyond? Our Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Viewing northern Taiwan from the Teddyboy Locsin, brought up the air as one’s plane encircles Taoyuan spectre of climate change when he International Airport before landing, spoke before the United Nations re- you see several man-made lakes, accently and warned that unless the tually water-impounding catchments concert of nations banded together to that are used mainly for irrigation. seriously cool the planet now afflicted Should we not be doing the same? with global warming, we may be deEven in urban centers, every drop stroying the habitat of billions. of water must be conserved. Imagine I recall a very disturbing movie that if we scooped the earth beneath the I watched ages ago, starring Charlton Quezon Memorial Circle, and made it Heston and Edward G. Robinson, if a catchment basin for rainwater? memory serves me right still. It also solves the flooding experiIn that movie, the world had be- enced in the area during heavy raincome a wasteland, with food becom- fall. ing scarce, and a company produced I once stayed in a Baguio City ho“healthy biscuits” purportedly from tel where the builder-owner wisely plankton derived from the world’s caught the rainwater and diverted oceans. As the story unraveled these to a catchment basin that was though, it became apparent that the then recycled for toilet and mainte“plankton” was really from dead hu- nance use. man bodies. The product, which was In Tzu Chi Foundation hospitals also the title of the movie, “Soylent all over Taiwan, the practice of reGreen” was actually people. cycling rainwater for everyday use is Strides in biotechnology through practiced. the past decade have of course inWhy ever not, indeed? creased human capability to produce There are so many ways by which more food, but it comes at a high cost we can alleviate the problems that our that poorer nations such as the Philip- country, and for that matter, our world pines still find unaffordable. will soon face in confronting the chalFurther, the continuing decline in lenges of water and food shortages farmer population is another cause and climate change. for alarm. The current age of Filipino But we must act now, and plan farfarmers is 57 years old. Their chil- ther ahead.

Martin... From A4

corrupt, or a drug lord. Nothing has changed much, really. The masses always go for thoe who appear approachable, with money to throw around. I have heard some congressmen say that their constituents line up at their gates so early in the morning to ask for funds for all purposes, and to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have to put up tents for this purpose! This is why the pork barrel system, despite the fact that the Supreme Court has declared it unconstitutional, continues to prevail. My gulay, why do you think the 2019 national budget was delayed?

to prevail. The neophytes will just lose. In the city of Manila, for instance, Erap Estrada and his vice mayor Amado Bagatsing will certainly win. So will Makati Mayor Abby Binay and her running mate Monique Lagdameo. As residents of Makati, my wife and I believe in the leadership of Mayor Abby. In Quezon City, it will be Joy Belmonte. *** In the provinces, the people always go for the candidate with money to throw around. It doesn’t matter if the candidate is pereived to be www.emiljurado.weebly.com

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(bb)

“Spin-off firm or company” refers to a juridical entity that is an independent business technology taker with a separate legal personality from the GFA, RDI and researcher created through the initiative of the researcher-employee who generated the technology. As distinguished from a spin-off firm or company, a startup firm or company refers to a juridical entity that is an independent business technology recipient with a separate legal personality from the GFA, RDI and researcher, which is created independently of the researcher-employee who generated the technology.

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 10055, otherwise known as the “Philippine Technology Transfer Act of 2009”, became effective on May 8, 2010; WHEREAS, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued Joint DOST-IPO Administrative Order No. 02-2010, promulgating the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of Republic Act No. 10055; WHEREAS, there is a need to amend the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10055 for a better and more effective implementation of the law;

(cc)

“Technology” refers to knowledge and know-how, skills, products, processes, practices, inventions and/or innovations.

(dd)

“Technology Application and Promotion Institute” refers to a government agency under the DOST which is mandated to promote and support the commercialization of locally developed technologies under Executive Order 128 of 1986 establishing the DOST and its instrumentalities, and Republic Act No. 7459 otherwise known as the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines”.

NOW THEREFORE, the following Joint Administrative Order covering the Revised Rules and Regulations implementing Republic Act No. 10055 are hereby promulgated, adopted and prescribed for the information and guidance of all concerned. (ee)

“Technology Licensing Officer / Office and/or Technology Business Development Office” refers to a person or persons or an office that is mandated by the RDI to manage technology transfer and/or intellectual property commercialization activities.

(ff)

“Technology Transfer” refers to the process by which one party systematically transfers to another party the knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the application of a process, or rendering of a service, which may involve the transfer, assignment or licensing of IPRs.

(gg)

“Technology transferee” refers to the party to whom the knowledge for the manufacture of a product, the application of a process, or rendering of a service, is systematically transferred.

(hh)

“Technology Transfer Protocol” refers to policies, strategies and processes or procedures, which RDIs adopt to identify, protect, manage and commercialize IPs and/or IPRs and undertake technology transfer activities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

CHAPTER I DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVE, SCOPE AND OTHER GENERAL PROVISIONS RULE 1. Declaration of Policies and Principles. – The State fully recognizes that science, technology and innovation are essential for national development and progress. It shall, therefore, give priority to research and development, invention, innovation and their utilization. It shall also encourage the widest and most systematic participation of all stakeholders in policy-making related to science and technology, and in the generation, transfer and utilization of intellectual property, especially for the benefit of the general public. The State shall facilitate the transfer and promote the utilization of intellectual property for the national benefit and shall call upon all research and development institutes and/or institutions (RDls) that perform government- funded research and development (R&D) to take on technology transfer as their strategic mission and to effectively translate results of government-funded R&D into useful products and services that will redound to the benefit of Filipinos, notwithstanding the income generated from intellectual property rights (IPRs) and technology transfer activities.

(i)

The State acknowledges that the successful transfer of government-funded R&D results depend on the proper management of intellectual property, development of capacity by RDIs to become self-sustaining and competitive, and on enhancing interaction and cooperation with the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises through collaborative and contract research based on equitable, fair access, and mutual benefit for all involved partners.

Policies and procedures governing incentives to researchers to produce and to disclose IP derived and generated from publicly funded research and development to the RDI including the sharing of revenues between the RDI and its researchers as provided under these Rules;

collection of his works. (b) A GFA may receive and hold copyrights by way of assignment under any of the following circumstances: (i)

When the RDI to which the researcher/s have assigned copyright under Section 1 above, subsequently executes a public, written agreement sharing, limiting, waiving or assigning its copyright ownership over the work in favor of the GFA in order to protect public interest, such as when it involves national security, nutrition,health, or the development of other vital sectors.

(ii) When the RDI fails to disclose the work to the GFA within a reasonable period of time as provided in the RFA or in the absence of such provision as provided in these Rules, in which case the GFA shall assume the copyright over the work through a written assignment to be executed by the RDI or by the latter’s researcher/s who authored the work in case no appropriate assignment has been made to the RDI under Section 1 above. It shall be the duty of the RDI to include a specific provision in the Research Agreement requiring the researcher(s) to assign copyright over their work to the GFA under this circumstance. (iii) When the RDI ceases to become a Filipino corporation, in which case, the GFA shall assume the copyright over the work through a written assignment to be executed by the RDI or by the latter’s researcher/s who authored the work in case no appropriate assignment has been made to the RDI under Section 1 above. It shall be the duty of the RDI to include a specific provision in the Research Agreement requiring the researcher(s) to assign copyright over their work to the GFA under the circumstances mentioned in (ii) and (iii) above. Section 2. Joint Ownership of Copyright. - In case of collaborative research where two (2) or more RDIs conducted the research funded by the GFA, the RDIs shall own the copyright jointly or as otherwise stipulated in the Research Agreement between them;Provided, That any Research Agreement between the RDIs and other funding entities shall be made with the full knowledge of the GFA. In the case of works of joint authorship, the co-authors shall be the original owners of the copyright, and, in the absence of agreement, their rights shall be governed by the rules on co-ownership. If a work of joint authorship consists of parts that can be used separately and the author of each part can be identified, the author of each part shall be the original owner of the copyright in the part that he has created. Section 3. Copyright Over Works Not Derived and Generated from Publicly Funded Research. (a) Works that are not derived and generated from publicly funded research shall be excluded from the coverage of these Rules, except by the following: (i)

The ownership of copyright over works produced pursuant to the regular duties of an employee or researcher of a private RDI shall vest in the private RDI, unless there is an agreement,express or implied, to the contrary.

The State shall establish the means to ensure greater public access to technologies and knowledge generated from government-funded R&D while enabling, where appropriate, the management and protection of related intellectual property.

(ii) Policies and procedures for evaluating and processing invention and other IP disclosures in order to determine (1) who shall be recognized as the inventor(s), author(s), creator(s) of the IP and who will therefore be entitled to a share in revenues as provided under the Act and these Rules including mechanisms for resolving disputes on inventorship, authorship and creatorship and revenue sharing; (2) patentability/registrability; (3) commercial potential of IP; and (4) the most efficient mode for protecting and commercializing or transferring the IP;

(ii) The ownership of copyright over works produced not pursuant to the regular duties of an employee or researcher of an RDI,whether public or private, shall belong to the employee or researcher who actually authored the work, even if the employee or researcher uses the time, facilities and materials of the public or private RDI where they are employed.

The State recognizes that an effective intellectual and industrial property system is vital to the development of domestic and creative activity, facilitates transfer of technology, attracts foreign investments, and ensures market access for our products.

(iii) Policies and procedures for determining meritorious cases in which a researcher-employee can commercialize or pursue commercialization or participate in spin-off companies;

(b) When the work is produced pursuant to a commissioned contract, the copyright belongs to the person who created the work, unless otherwise indicated in the contract.

RULE 2. Objective. – These Rules and Regulations are promulgated to implement the State policies and objectives under the Act which aims to promote and facilitate the transfer, dissemination, and effective use, management, and commercialization of intellectual property, technology and knowledge resulting from research and development funded by the government for the benefit of national economy and taxpayers.

(iv) Appropriate guidelines for the management of conflict of interest between the RDIs and the researcher-employee;

RULE 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of these Implementing Rules and Regulations, the following terms are defined as follows:

(vi) The employer-employee contract and all other related agreements shall contain, but shall not be limited to, the following: duties and responsibilities of the parties, membership of the research team, degree of involvement of the researchers and the support staff, ownership of IP, sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits, technology disclosure and management of conflict of interest.

(v) Policies and procedures governing trade secrets and other similar confidential information pursuant to the objectives of these Rules;

(a) “Act” refers to Republic Act No. 10055. (b) “Author” refers to the natural person who has created the work. (c) “Biodiversity” refers to biological diversity which means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems. (d) “Commercialization” refers to the process of deriving income or profit from a technology, such as the creation of a spin-off company, or through licensing, or the sale of the technology and/or IPRs.

(ii)

“Traditional Knowledge” refers to knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

(jj)

“Work”, “Works”, “works” or “work” refer to original intellectual creations in the literary or artistic domain protected from the moment of their creation and shall include, among others: (1) books, pamphlets, articles and other writings; (2) lectures, sermons, addresses, dissertations for oral delivery; (3) works of drawing, painting, architecture, sculpture and engraving; (4) original ornamental designs or models for articles of manufacture; (5) illustrations, maps, plans, sketches, charts and three dimensional works relative to geography, topography, architecture and science; (6) drawings or plastic works of scientific or technical character; (7)photographic works including works produced by a process analogous to photography; (8) audiovisual works and cinematographic works and works produced by a process analogous to cinematography or any process for making audiovisual recordings; (8) computer programs; and (9) other literary, scholarly, scientific, and artistic works. Derivative works which are protected under Sec. 173 of the Intellectual Property Code are also included.

(kk)

“Written Recommendation” refers to the recommendation in writing of the DOST Secretary pertaining to the proposed transaction. It may include technical, legal, social, economic, administrative, and other matters depending on his/her appreciation.

(e) “Fairness Opinion Board” refers to an independent third party body composed of experts from the public and private sector as may be determined by the DOST. Members of this body shall have no conflict of interest as to the transaction that it shall evaluate and shall be bound with the confidentiality of the documents in accordance with Rule 11. (f)

“Fairness Opinion Report” refers to the report submitted by the Fairness Opinion Board expressing its opinion as to the fairness to the GFA or RDI of the proposed transaction, particularly its financial terms.

(g) “Genetic Material” refers to any material of plant, animal, microbial or other origin containing functional units of heredity. (h) “Genetic Resources” refers to any genetic material of actual or potential value. (i)

(j)

“Government Funding Agency (GFA)” refers to any government agency or instrumentality, or government owned and/or controlled corporation that provides research grants and other technical and material support, from government appropriations and resources and those sourced from government-managed Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds. “Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices” refer to systems, institutions, mechanisms, and technologies comprising a unique body of knowledge evolved through time that embody patterns of relationships between and among peoples and between peoples, their lands and resource environment, including such spheres of relationships which may include social, political, cultural, economic, religious spheres, and which are the direct outcome of the indigenous peoples, responses to certain needs consisting of adaptive mechanisms which have allowed indigenous peoples to survive and thrive within their given socio-cultural and biophysical conditions.

(k) “Intellectual Property (IP)” is the term used to describe intangible assets resulting from the creative work of an individual or organization. IP also refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. IP can also refer to future tangible and/or intangible assets that may be recognized as intellectual property. (l)

“Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs)” refer to those rights recognized and protected in Republic Act No. 8293, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines”, as amended. IPRs shall also include Plant Variety Protection as the term is defined under Title II, Sec 3(j) of Republic Act No. 9168.

(m) “Intellectual Property Rights Management” refers to the principles, mechanisms and processes involved in the identification, assessment, protection, utilization and enjoyment of intellectual property rights. (n) “IP Code” refers to Republic Act No. 8293, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines”, as amended. (o) “Official Development Assistance Fund” refers to: a) a loan; or, b) loan and grant; or, c) grant which follow all the criteria under the R.A. No.8182, otherwise known as the “Official Development Assistance Act of 1996”, and other existing laws. (p) “Parent Agency” refers to the Department or agency, which exercises the power of control or supervision over the GFAs, RDIs or RDI acting as the GFA itself. In general, where multiple GFAs are involved, the department or agency, which has the largest financial contribution, shall be deemed as the parent agency, except as may otherwise be specifically provided by the Act. (q) “Potential IPRs” refer to intellectual property, or the products of creation and research that form the subject matter of IPRs, but which are not yet protected by the statutory grant of IP rights. (r)

“Protection of IPs” refers to the statutory grant of rights upon which the basis of enforcing the right rests, such as issuance of patents; registration of utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks or availment of protection of undisclosed information and other rights as may be provided by law. “Protected IPs”, therefore may refer to issued or pending patents; registered utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks. In the case of pending patent applications that have already been published under Sec 44 of RA 8293 such pending patent application will still be considered as potential IPRs. In the same manner, pending applications for Plant variety protection that have also been published under Sec 42 of R.A. No. 9168 will still be considered as potential IPRs.

(s) “RA” refers to Republic Act. (t)

“Receiving Office” shall refer to the regional office of the DOST which received the request for a Fairness Opinion Report.

(u) “Research and Development (R&D)” refers to creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge,including knowledge of man, culture and society, and to use this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. The aforementioned creative work not only refers to work subject of copyright protection but also to all potential IPRs. (v) “Research and Development Institute or Institution (RDI)” refers to a public or private organization, association, partnership, joint venture, higher education institution or corporation that performs R&D activities and is duly registered and/or licensed to do business in the Philippines, or otherwise with legal personality in the Philippines. In the case of private RDIs, they shall be owned solely by the citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations at least sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens. This does not include RDls covered by international bilateral or multilateral agreements. (w) ‘’Research Agreement” refers to a contract entered into by RDls and researchers, including the agreements between the RDI and collaborating RDIs. (x) “Research Funding Agreement” refers to a contract entered into by and among the GFA and other funding agencies and the RDI. It governs ownership of IP, duties and responsibilities of GFAs and RDIs, technology disclosure, exclusivity of the license, use for commercialization, establishment of spin-off firms, technologies for research use, and sharing of income and benefits from technology commercialization. The Research Funding Agreement may also include instances where private funds are involved together with government funds. The Research Funding Agreement shall also be referred to as RFA in these Rules. The term other funding agencies may include private entities. (y) “Researcher” refers to a natural person who is engaged by the RDI by employment or other contract, to conduct research with or for the RDI.This also covers students who conduct research as part of their academic requirements subject to the existing policies of their respective academic institutions. (z) ‘’Revenue’’ refers to all monetary and non-monetary benefits derived as a

RULE 4. Coverage. – The following are covered by these Rules: (a) All R&D activities carried out on behalf and for the interest of the Philippine Government by RDIs receiving grants directly from GFAs; (b) All intellectual property rights derived from R&D activities funded by government; (c) All government agencies that fund R&D activities as well as provide financial, technical or material support to such R&D activities; and (d) All institutions that implement government funded R&D. CHAPTER II INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP RULE 5. Ownership of Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Rights. – The ownership of IPs and IPRs shall be governed by the following: (a) In recognition of the fact that RDIs are in a better position to identify the potential for economic utilization of IPs and IPRs subject to their possession of the right skills and management capability, the ownership of IP and IPRs derived and generated from research funded by GFA, whether such funding is in whole or in part, shall, in general, be vested in the RDI that actually performed the research, except in any of the following circumstances:

RULE 7. Existing Laws. Nothing in this Chapter shall modify, amend, derogate or prejudice IPs that will be owned by employees of the RDIs under the IP Code and other existing laws. RULE 8. Recovery of Ownership. In cases where the RDI wants to recover the ownership of the IPs and/or potential IPRs, the procedure stated in Rule 12 shall apply,mutatis mutandis. CHAPTER III RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOVERNMENT FUNDING AGENCIES AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTES OR INSTITUTIONS RULE 9. Rights and Responsibilities of a Government Funding Agency. – Under these Rules, the GFA shall: (a) Protect government interest in the IP and IPRs generated from the R&D that it funded through suitable provisions in the RFA. The GFA is authorized to withhold from public disclosure, for a reasonable time, any information relating to potential IPR of the RDI, to allow the RDI to pursue full protection of such IPR. Reasonable time shall be determined by the parties in the RFA. Where the GFA finds it necessary to make a public disclosure of information pertaining to a potential IPR because of a legal or statutory obligation, it shall issue a written notice informing the RDI of such disclosure. Such written notice must be given by the GFA to the RDI in a timely manner before the public disclosure in order to enable the RDI to contest such disclosure or to take such other appropriate steps in order to protect its rights and/or to comply with its obligations under the provisions of non-disclosure, confidentiality,materials transfer or other similar agreements. If the public disclosure by the GFA is to be made before the RDI has filed, where applicable, a national or an international application for IP protection, the GFA shall ensure that the public disclosure contains only so much information or elements about the subject matter contained in the potential IPR that a person would not be able to practice it by using the information or elements contained in the said disclosure; (b) The GFA shall assume the rights to the potential IPRs in case the RDI fails to disclose the potential IPRs to the GFA within the period stipulated in the RFA, or, in the absence of such stipulation, within three(3) months from the submission of the report of the potential IPRs. The GFA shall notify in writing the RDI that it is assuming the rights to the potential IPRs; (c) Monitor efforts and effectiveness of the RDI in securing IP protection and pursuing IP commercialization, as well as provide alternative solutions and assistance in case of shortfall in RDI’s performance in protecting, utilizing and commercializing the IP. Each GFA shall issue its respective monitoring mechanisms by way of an administrative order or issuance. The monitoring mechanisms may include time-bound performance milestones that include the following: i) preparation of IPmanagement report template; ii) semiannual monitoring of IP development from GFA funded projects; iii) annual monitoring of IPdevelopment from RDI funded projects; and, iv) execution and implementation of pertinent forms such as, but not be limited to, nondisclosure agreements. With respect to providing alternative solutions, such solutions may include, but not be limited to, additional funding support for filing of IP applications, technical assistance in the preparation of the applications and other documents, provision of experts whether in-house or outsourced, and costs and expenses in securing Fairness Opinion Reports pursuant to Rule 11; (d) Ensure adequate freedom to use the IP for further research to expand the knowledge frontier and requirements for publication of information as appropriate in accordance with government policy or academic policy, or institutional mandate of the RDI; (e) Allow sharing of revenues from IP commercialization in a way that is not onerous to commercialization; and

(1) When the RDI has entered into a public, written agreement sharing, limiting, waiving or assigning its ownership of the IPs or IPRs generated from its research in favor of the GFA; Provided,the same may only be voluntarily executed by the RDI to protect public interest, and in particular involves national security, nutrition, health, or the development of other vital sectors;

RULE 10. Rights and Responsibilities of the RDls. – The following are the rights and responsibilities of the RDIs that availed of research funds from GFAs:

(2) In case of failure of the RDI to disclose potential IPRs to the GFA, whereupon the GFA shall assume the rights to the potential IPR;

(b) All RDIs may develop and implement their own technology transfer protocol consistent with the provisions of this IRR;

(3) In case of failure of the RDI to initiate the protection of potential IPRs within a reasonable time from confidential disclosure to the GFA, which shall in no case exceed three (3) months from public disclosure, whereupon the GFA shall assume the rights to the potential IPR. An RDI is deemed to have initiated protection of potential IPRs upon the filing of an application for IP protection with the duly authorized local or international government agency or entity in charge of the statutory grant of IPRs. Public disclosure shall mean that the IP was disclosed by the researcher to any third person or entity and such disclosure was made in a manner sufficiently clear and complete for it to be carried out by a person skilled in the art;

(c) In case of commercialization or commercial exploitation by public RDIs, it shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 11 of these Rules;

(4) In case the RDI ceases to become a Filipino corporation as defined in Article I, Section 4 (i) of the Act and these Rules, the GFA shall assume rights to the potential IPRs. This nationality requirement shall also apply to RDIs that are organized as associations, partnerships, joint ventures, higher education institutions or other analogous and similar organizations; and (5) In case the funding is sourced from ODA loan or loan and grantor grant, the terms and conditions thereof should be respected. (b) In case of collaborative research where two (2) or more RDIs conducted the research funded by the GFA, the RDIs shall own the IPRs jointly or as otherwise stipulated in the Research Agreement between them; Provided, That any Research Agreement between RDIs and other funding entities shall be made with the full knowledge of the GFA; Provided, further, That the agreement shall strictly be in accordance with the provisions of the Act. There is full knowledge of the GFA when the RDI submits a complete and executed copy of the written agreement between the RDIs and other funding agencies

(a) Identify, protect, and manage the IPs generated from R&D funded byGFA and pursue commercial exploitation diligently as a requiredperformance stipulated in the RFA and as allowed by the Act, theseRules and other applicable laws;

(d) The responsibility of the RDI to protect any potential IPRs shall also apply in the event that the RDI elects to recover ownership of the potential IPRs that have been vested in the GFA under these Rules; (e) Provide a means for addressing any shortfall of its performance in utilizing and commercializing the IP; (f)

(g) Report annually to all concerned GFA/s on the progress of IP and/or IPR commercialization efforts and of all agreements entered and licenses granted; (h) Keep account of revenues and payments to the GFA if required in the RFA; (i)

Ensure that they have access to the skills and management capability to effectively perform their responsibilities of owning, managing, and exploiting the IP or IPRs. Smaller RDIs that may need external advice are encouraged to pool and share resources;

(j)

Accord their staff with incentives consistent with existing laws to sustain efforts in identifying valuable IP and/or in pursuing IP commercialization. The RDI should clearly identify the composition of the research team and execute the corresponding research agreement with its research staff. The staff may not only include researchers, but also technology licensing officers and others involved in the identification of valuable IP and/or pursuing IP commercialization. The technology transfer protocol shall include provisions on the form and manner of granting incentives,which incentives should not be taken from the researchers’ share in the royalties;

RULE 6. Copyright Ownership. Ownership of copyright shall be governed as follows: Section 1. RDI Ownership of Copyright Produced Through Public Funds - The ownership of copyright over any work derived and generated from publicly funded research, whether the funding is in whole or in part, shall be vested in the RDI whose researcher(s) actually authored the work pursuant to the RFA. It shall therefore be the duty of the RDI to include a provision in the Research Agreement requiring the author/s of a work produced through public funds to assign copyright over said work to the RDI, and to adopt such other appropriate policies and procedures in order to comply with its obligations under the RFA. Since the government is not precluded from receiving and holding copyrights transferred to it by assignment, bequest or otherwise, public RDIs must require such assignment to be made in its favor in order to achieve the objectives of these Rules. This rule shall not apply in the following instances: (a) No Copyright in Works of Government - No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. The term “work of the Government of the Philippines” is a work created by an officer or employee of the Philippine Government or any of its subdivisions and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations as part of his regularly prescribed official duties. For the purpose of this provision, and consistent with the objectives of these Rules, employees or officers of Government granted special authority to conduct research and development for a limited period are not deemed performing regularly prescribed official duties. As such, copyright exists in works created by said employees or officers. However, prior approval by the public RDI whose researcher(s) actually authored the work pursuant to the RFA shall be necessary for the commercial or for-profit use of works derived and generated from such publicly funded research. Such public RDI may,among others, impose as a condition the payment of royalties. No prior approval or conditions shall be required for the use for any purpose of statutes, rules and regulations, and speeches, lectures, sermons, addresses, and dissertations, pronounced, read or rendered in courts of justice, before administrative agencies, in deliberative assemblies and in meetings of public character. The author of speeches, lectures, sermons, addresses and dissertations mentioned above shall have the exclusive right of making a

Notify the GFA within a reasonable time of all IPR applications, licenses and assignments made. All applications for IP protection shall disclose any biodiversity and genetic resource, traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices as these terms are defined in RA No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and RA No. 9147 or The Wildlife Act and these Rules;

(k) Be authorized, within a reasonable time, to keep confidential from the public any document or information relating to potential IPRs that are not yet fully protected by law; (l)

Make a confidential disclosure to the GFA, within a reasonable time, of any potential IPRs derived from the research with possibilities for commercialization and/or technology transfer. In case of failure to disclose any such potential IPRs, the applicable provisions of Chapter II of these Rules shall apply. The confidential disclosure herein shall be made within the period stipulated in the RFA, or, in the absence of such stipulation, within six (6) months from the confidential disclosure made by the inventor, author, or creator of the IP to the RDI as provided in the Technology Transfer Protocol. The confidential disclosure shall be made in writing and shall contain the following: (i) an identification of the RFA under which the potential IPRs were made; (ii) an explanation on the possibility of commercializing, licensing or transferring the potential IPR; (iii) the names of the inventors/creators/authors; and (iv)the technical details that convey a clear understanding of the characteristics of the potential IPRs. Confidential disclosure of undisclosed information or trade secrets shall be governed by Rule 12;

(m) Inform the GFA of any agreement pertaining to the research funded by the GFA and entered into by the RDI with any other entity or person. Failure to comply with the duty to inform shall render the agreement invalid as against the GFA, but in no case shall it prejudice any right of the GFA as provided in these Rules; and, (n) When necessary, create and establish spin-off companies to pursue commercialization subject ‘to their respective mandates as allowed by law. RULE 11. Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary

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Standard WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 TODAY advertise@manilastandard.net Section 1. When Mandatory. A Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary shall be required in the following instances: (a) When the GFA directly negotiates agreements for commercialization of the IPs pursuant to Chapter III, Rule 9 (a) and (b) of this IRR; (b) When the public RDI directly negotiates agreements for the commercialization of IPs; and (c) In the creation of spin-off firm or company. Section 2. For purposes of obtaining a Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary, the following activities are not considered as commercialization: a. b. c. d. e.

government extension programs; training services; public good, which shall be defined and determined by the RDI; manufacturing for pre-commercialization activities, in which case, a limited manufacturing license is issued;and other analogous cases as may be determined by the RDI.

Section 3. All requests for Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary, including all the documents received, information disclosed, except for information in the public domain during the proceedings to evaluate such requests, shall be kept confidential by all concerned parties to the said requests as provided by and subject to applicable laws and regulations, such as, the Philippine Data Privacy Act, RA 6713 and the Freedom of Information E.O. Section 4. Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary shall be issued within a reasonable period from the date of the receipt of the written request subject to the relevant provision of the Republic Act No. 11032 also known as “An Act Promoting Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Delivery of Government Services, Amending for the Purpose Republic Act No. 9485, Otherwise Known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, and for Other Purposes”. For this purpose, the DOST Secretary may opt to pursue fast-tracked mechanism to expedite the issuance of the said report and the recommendation. Section 5. Fairness Opinion Board. The Fairness Opinion Board shall issue the Fairness Opinion Report in the following manner: (a) Within a reasonable period upon receipt of the written request from the Receiving Office, the DOST shall constitute the Board from the list of recommendees submitted by the requesting parties, provided, however, that other experts outside of the list may be appointed. (b) The Board shall be composed of three (3) members with at least one (1) member coming from the private sector. (c) In selecting the members of the Board, the persons’ neutrality, impartiality and expertise shall at all times be given due regard. The experts shall execute a statement of no conflict of interest and non-disclosure agreement pertaining to the written request. (d) The Receiving Office shall act as the Secretariat to the Board. (e) The Board shall review the written request and all supporting documents, and it may obtain and consider other independent information. At its discretion, the Board may request for ocular inspection and/or presence of the representatives of the GFA and/or RDI as resource persons. (f)

The Board shall complete and submit its Fairness Opinion Report to the requesting parties, copy furnished the DOST Secretary, within a reasonable period from the receipt of the written request.

(g) All costs and expenses of the Board and its Secretariat shall be shouldered by the GFA and/or the RDI in the proportion as determined in the RFA. In the absence of such a provision, the costs and expenses shall be shouldered by the GFA. Section 6. Required Documents. All requests for Fairness Opinion Report and Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary shall be made in writing addressed to the DOST Secretary and supported by the following documents at the minimum: a. b. c. d. e.

Proposed Transaction; Financial Documents; Documents relating to IP protection, if any; Documents, if any,to support legal, social, environmental, or other impact of the proposed transaction; and Background Documents of the parties to the transaction.

Section 7. Criteria for Fairness. The Fairness Opinion Board may render its Fairness Opinion based on the fairness to the GFA or RDI of the proposed transaction, particularly its financial terms. The Board may also be guided, whenever applicable, by the following criteria: a. b. c. d.

Financial capability of the Technology Transferee and its ability to sustain the production; Competitive position of the Technology Transferee; Marketability of the product or service that shall be produced from the subject technology; and Such other criteria as may be determined by the Board.

Section 8. Contents of the Fairness Opinion Report. The report shall include, but not be limited to, a review and analysis of the proposed transaction, financial statements, industry information, economic conditions and assumptions used therein and a comparison of similar transactions. Section 9. Issuance of Written Recommendation. The DOST Secretary shall issue a Written Recommendation for the proposed transaction in the following manner: a.

Upon receipt of the written request from the Receiving Office, the DOST Secretary shall forward the same to experts, through a Special Order, for review and his/her consideration;

The Written Recommendation may cover areas such as technical and legal aspects of the written request. It may also consider areas that may not be covered by the Fairness Opinion Board, or the DOST Secretary, at his/her discretion, may use the Fairness Opinion Report as basis for the Written Recommendation.

application for IPR that the RDI may file in a foreign country or in such other IP authority, all disclosures of potential IPRs shall be coveredby confidentiality agreements requiring the GFAs as well as theiremployees, consultants and agents to keep confidential from the public anydocument or information relating to the potential IPR until such time that the RDI has filed the appropriate national or international IPR application orwhen it gives notice to the GFA allowing public disclosure. The term “IPRapplication” shall mean an application for a patent for an invention, anapplication for a utility model, or an application for an industrial design or application for protection of plant variety, as the case may be. (b) Within three (3) months from the filing of the appropriate Philippine, foreign or PCT application, the RDI shall notify the GFA of the filing thereof, andshall report annually to the GFA on the progress of the said IPR application. (c) With respect to biodiversity, genetic resources or materials associated traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices,the following provisions shall govern: (i)

The RDI shall provide the GFA with a written disclosure on the following: (1) any biodiversity, genetic resources or materials,associated traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge,systems and practices utilized in or which formed as basis in the development of the subject matter contained in the IPR application; (2) the primary source of any biodiversity, genetic resources or materials, associated traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices utilized in or which formed as basis in the subject matter contained in the IPR application; or (3) the secondary source, if no information about the primary source is available.

(ii) The disclosure requirement under this section shall apply when the subject matter contained in a national or international IPR application is directly based on any biodiversity, genetic resources or materials, traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices to which the RDI has had access to prior to the filing of the IPR application. The subject matter contained in the IPR application must depend on the specific properties of, or must be consciously derived from, such biodiversity and genetic resource or materials, traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices. (iii) Where the RDI, for reasons beyond its control, does not have the necessary information to fulfill the disclosure requirement pertaining to any biodiversity, genetic resources or materials,traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices, such as, for instance, where a plant stored in a gene bank was collected decades ago and no information about its source exists, the RDI shall submit an affidavit from its researcher/s that the latter do not have the necessary information or that the source is unknown, and state the reasons thereof. The GFA shall review the affidavit to determine if this will constitute compliance with the disclosure requirement under this rule. (iv) The GFA that provided the research funds shall be responsible for ensuring that the RDI provides accurate disclosure and complies with the requirements of this Section. (v) A national or international IPR application filed by the RDI before the appropriate IP office shall include in the abstract and/or description of said application the same disclosure on biodiversity,genetic resources or materials, associated traditional knowledge,and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices utilized in or which formed as basis in the development of the subject matter contained in the said application, notwithstanding that such disclosure may not be required for the grant or issuance of certificate of IPR registration. (d) Disclosure shall be made by the Researcher to the head of the RDI. The head of the RDI, consistent with the RDIs obligations, shall make the disclosure to the head of the GFA. Section 4. Recovery of Ownership of Potential IPRs by RDIs. If any of the grounds where the GFA has acquired ownership of the IPs, IPRs and/or potential IPRs under Chapter II have ceased, the GFA shall allow the RDIs to recover the ownership of the potential IP to enable the RDI to achieve the objective of the law to promote and facilitate the transfer, dissemination and effective use, management and commercialization of IP, technology and knowledge on the following and other similar circumstances: (a) A duly signed letter of intent from a prospective commercialization taker,provided that it shall not violate any contractual obligation that the GFA may have entered into with other parties; (b) If the IP or potential IPR is an integral part of a portfolio of technologies which is in the hands of the RDI; and (c) Any reacquisition of ownership should not prejudice existing contractual agreements or negotiations for commercialization.

RULE 13. Responsibilities of RDIs Performing R&D with their Own Budget. – All government RDIs performing R&D through an annual budget provided by the government shall submit intellectual property management reports annually to the national government agencies where they are attached. The report shall contain plans for securing protection on IPs with commercial promise, the technology transfer approaches to be pursued, and the progress of ongoing commercialization of technologies derived from R&D funded from their own budget. RULE 14. Responsibilities of the Concerned National Government Agencies. – Concerned government and/or parent agencies shall monitor efforts and effectiveness of their RDIs in securing IP protection and pursuing IP commercialization, based on the annual IP management reports submitted by the RDIs. National government agencies are encouraged to adopt their respective rules, mechanisms and procedures to effectively implement its a forestated responsibility. CHAPTER V REVENUE SHARING

Section 12. The DOST shall issue separate guidelines to implement this Rule.

Section 2. The term revenue shall be defined by the RDI in the employer-employee contract or other related agreements between the RDI and the researcher subject to the provisions of R.A. No. 8439.

(c) That the RDI shall adopt and implement the appropriate Technology Transfer Protocol as defined under these Rules (n) Provisions for patent pooling and encouraging the use of patent search and information and other similar activities may also be provided for. (d) The period and procedure for the confidential disclosure by the RDI to the GFA of the potential IP as provided under the rules on disclosure. The GFA shall take into account the resources and capacity of the RDI in determining the period within which the RDI shall be required to make such disclosure. (e) That the GFA and RDI shall be authorized to withhold from public disclosure, for a reasonable time as agreed by the parties in the RFA,any information relating to potential IPR to allow the RDI to pursue full protection of such IPR and for this purpose to include confidentiality provisions in the RFA and in other related agreements and to make use of non-disclosure, materials transfer and other similar agreements provided that: (i)

Within a reasonable period of time as agreed by the parties in the RFA and/or the Research Agreement, the GFA and RDI shall allow the researchers to publish their findings or results covered by the RFA subject to the requirement that the same will not constitute a prejudicial disclosure nor include the disclosure of confidential information as agreed upon by the parties. In case of conflict between the provisions of the RFA and the Research Agreement with respect to the determination of the reasonable time stated herein, the provisions of the RFA shall prevail.

(ii) The GFA shall allow the RDI to reserve for itself and for other persons the right to use the IP for educational, scholarly or other similar noncommercial research purposes. (f)

That the RDI shall file for IPR application three (3) months after public disclosure otherwise the GFA will assume ownership over the potential IP; subject to the provisions of Rule 12, Section 2 on the protection of undisclosed information.

(g) That the parties are required to resolve disputes pertaining to the determination of government ownership through the procedure provided under these Rules. Section 2. Protection of Undisclosed Information. Protection of Undisclosed Information or Trade Secrets is one of the IPRs recognized under the IP Code and international treaties. The GFA and RDIs both recognize the importance of the protection of undisclosed information but this should be consistent with the policies and principles of the Act. The protection of undisclosed information shall be governed by the following provisions: (a) Protection of undisclosed information should be at the institutional level. RDIs are directed to develop mechanisms to handle such protection. (b) If the RDI in its judgment believes that any IP should be protected solely as undisclosed information, it should inform the GFA in writing and the GFA,after review, may recognize the same and may not obligate the RDI to file any application for IP protection. (c) RDIs shall continue to submit regular reports on the IP protected as undisclosed information as required by the GFA. Section 3. Disclosures. Disclosure of potential IPRs and/or all biodiversity and genetic resource, traditional knowledge, and indigenous knowledge, systems and practices shall be governed by the following rules: (a) In order to ensure that any information pertaining to a potential IPR does not become part of prior art or prejudice the novelty of the national IPR application that the RDI may file with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), or the Plant Variety Protection Board and/or the international

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

The determination by the Secretary or the head of the Parent Agency of cases falling under the first paragraph of the right to the potential IPR to be vested to the GFA and/or Parent Agency shall be subject to the following conditions: (a) The determination must be accompanied by an analysis and justification of such reason(s); (b) The RDI may file with the Secretary or Head of the Parent Agency an opposition to such determination within fifteen (15) calendar days from notice or publication of the written determination; (c) The assumption of the rights to the potential IPR by the GFA shall carry with it the obligation to equitably share with the RDI or other funding agencies any profits generated from the IPR; and (d) The rights to the potential IPR shall revert to the RDI upon the cessation of the existence of the cases under this Section as determined by the Secretary or Head of the Parent Agency motu proprio or by petition of the RDI. Section 1. All recommendation for the assumption of ownership of potential IPRs made to the GFA shall be in writing and originally signed by the head of the GFA. The recommendation should be submitted to the head of the Parent Agency or to any other person authorized to receive on behalf of the said head of the Parent Agency. Section 2. The written notice or petition for the assumption of ownership of potential IPRs by other government agencies or other interested parties should be originally signed and verified by the petitioner. The written notice or petition should contain the following: a) name and address of the petitioner; b) the description of the potential IPRs which is the subject of the written notice or petition; c) clear and detailed explanation for the use or utilization of the potential IPRs; d) supporting affidavits and other documents; and e) all other relevant documents. Section 3. All interested persons should be citizens of the Philippines, in case of individuals; or if a private corporation, it should be duly registered or licensed to do business in the Philippines or otherwise with legal personality in the Philippines and owned and controlled solely by citizens of the Philippines or with at least 60% of the capital which is owned by such citizens. The interested person should also have the capacity and capability to utilize the potential IPRs for the grounds stated in this Chapter. Section 4. During the period (hereinafter referred to as the “Assumption Period”) where the Parent Agency or GFA actually assumed and exercised management and control over the potential IPRs, the Research Agreement between the RDI and its researchers for the assumed potential IPRs and the corresponding RFA shall continue to be valid and in force. Section 5. In cases where there is a pending application for IP protection of the potential IPRs during the Assumption Period, the Parent Agency or GFA shall notify in writing the intellectual property office of such assumption in accordance with its rules and regulations. RULE 21. Except where otherwise provided by the IP Code, in all cases arising from the implementation of this Article, no court, except the Supreme Court of the Philippines, shall issue any temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction or such other provisional remedies that will prevent its immediate execution. CHAPTER VIII

RULE 22. Use of Income and Revolving Fund. – Public RDIs undertaking technology transfer shall be vested with the authority to use its share of the revenues derived from commercialization of IP generated from R&D funded by GFAs. All income generated from commercialization of IPs and/or IPRs from R&D funded by public funds shall be constituted as a revolving fund for use of the RDI undertaking technology transfer,deposited in an authorized government depository bank subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations; Provided, That said income shall be used to defray intellectual property management costs and expenses and to fund research and development, science and technology capability building, and technology transfer activities, including operation of technology licensing offices; Provided, further, That no amount of said income shall be used for payment of salaries and other allowances.

Section 1. In case of joint funding, where research is funded by a GFA in part, and by other entity or entities in part, the RDI may enter into contractual agreements, including revenue sharing provisions, with the other entity or entities providing funding. The RDI shall submit a complete and executed copy of the written agreement between it and the other funding entity or entities.

(b) The revenue sharing scheme between the parties to the RFA subject to the provisions of Rule 15. (n) In case the GFA has a share in the revenue derived from the commercialization of the IPs and/or IPRs negotiated by the private RDI, then the GFA may require the said private RDI to secure a Fairness Opinion Report as provided under Rule 11.

RULE 20. Assumption of Ownership of Potential IPRs. –The GFA and/or the Parent Agency may assume ownership of any potential IPRs in cases of national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, or where the public interest requires, and in particular concerns for national security, nutrition, health, or the development of other vital sectors of the national economy, as determined by the head of the Parent Agency. Such determination shall be made within thirty (30) days after the receipt of the recommendation of the head of the GFA. Such recommendation shall be made within thirty (30) days upon the discovery of the potential IPR by the GFA or the disclosure of the same by the RDI pursuant to Section 8 (c) of the Act, or upon written notice or petition by other government agencies, or other interested persons. In cases where the Parent Agency itself is acting as the GFA, the head of the Parent Agency may make such determination motu proprio, or upon written notice or petition by other government agencies or other interested parties. The right to the potential IPR shall be assumed by the GFA upon written order, declaration or determination by the Department Secretary or Head of the Parent Agency. The department or the agency that has functional jurisdiction over the technology or IPRs shall be deemed as the Parent Agency.

MANAGEMENT OF IPs FROM R&D PERFORMED BY GOVERNMENT RDIs THROUGH THEIR OWN BUDGET

Section 11. Nothing in this Rule shall prevent the GFA or RDI from resorting to other modes of commercialization, subject to the limitations as provided by law such as public bidding, direct negotiation, build operate and transfer scheme, and such other similar and/or analogous modes. In such instances, the FOR and the Written Recommendation of the DOST Secretary shall not be required.

(a) That subject to the exceptions provided under the Act and these Rules,the IP and IPR ownership shall belong to the RDI; further, the RDI shall also undertake to include a provision in the Research Agreement requiring the author(s) in general to assign copyright to the RDI except in the cases mentioned in Rule 6 which provides that copyright shall be assigned by the author(s) to the GFA.

RULE 19. Use by Government or Third Person Authorized by Government and/or Compulsory Licensing. – These Rules shall adopt the grounds and terms and conditions for the use by government or third person authorized by government, and/or compulsory licensing as stated in the IP Code of all IPRs generated under the Act and these Rules.

CHAPTER IV

Section 10. Consolidation of reports. The Technology Application and Promotion Institute shall serve as the repository institution of all requests, issued Fairness Opinion Reports by the Fairness Opinion Board, and Written Recommendations of the DOST Secretary. It shall keep an active registry of all forwarded documents for whatever purpose that the DOST Secretary may deem appropriate.

Section 1. Research Funding Agreement. The GFA and other funding agencies and the RDI are free to stipulate such terms and conditions in the RFA provided these provisions are not contrary to law and public policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the RFA should include the following provisions:

USE BY GOVERNMENT, COMPULSORY LICENSING AND ASSUMPTION OF POTENTIAL IPRs

USE OF INCOME AND ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF REVOLVING FUND FOR R&D AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

RULE 15. Revenue Sharing. – All revenues from the commercialization of IPs and IPRs from R&D funded by GFA(s) shall accrue to the RDI, unless there is a revenue sharing provision in the RFA; Provided, That in no case will the total share of the GFA(s) be greater than the share of the RDI; Provided, further, That in case of joint funding, where research is funded by a GFA in part, and by other entity or entities in part, the RDI may enter into contractual agreements with the other entity or entities providing funding. Sharing of revenues between RDI and researcher shall be governed by an employeremployee contract or other related agreements, without prejudice to the rights of researchers granted under RA No. 8439 or the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers, and other S&T Personnel in Government”.

RULE 12. Common Provisions. The following provisions shall apply, where applicable, to Rules 9, 10 and 11.

CHAPTER VII

Section 3. With respect to royalties, the same shall also be governed by an employeremployee contract or other related agreements without prejudice to the provisions of RA No. 8439. Section 4. Monetary revenues shall include but not limited to royalty payments, proceeds from sale of IP or technology, up front technology transfer fees and dividends or sale from shares of stocks. Section 5. Where practicable, all non-monetary revenues shall be converted to cash value. The RDI shall have the discretion to determine the cash conversion value of the non-monetary benefits provided that the same is consistent with the Research Agreement, employer-employee contract and existing laws and regulations. Section 6. In determining whether non-monetary grants shall form part of revenue, the provisions of the Technology Transfer Protocol of the RDI shall prevail. CHAPTER VI COMMERCIALIZATION BY THE RESEARCHER AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SPINOFF FIRMS RULE 16. Commercialization by Researchers. – In meritorious cases and to help ensure successful commercialization, an RDI shall allow its researcher-employee to commercialize or pursue commercialization of the IP and/or IPRs generated from R&D funded by GFA by creating, owning, controlling, or managing a company or spin-off firm undertaking commercialization, or accepting employment as an officer, employee, or consultant in a spin-off firm undertaking such commercialization; Provided, That the concerned researcher- employee takes a leave of absence, whenever applicable, for a period of one year and renewable for another year, for a total period not exceeding two years, from the time the researcher signifies in writing that he/she desires to create or participate in a spin-off company; Provided, however, That the researcher-employee may still be allowed access to the RDIs’ laboratory facilities, subject to reasonable fees and regulations which the RDIs may impose. The leave of absence shall be included in computing the length of service for retirement but not for the commutation of leave credits earned in the public RDI. The researcher shall not earn leave credits in the public RDI during such period of leave of absence. Such leave of absence shall not likewise affect the researcher-employee’s security of tenure or result in the loss of one’s seniority rights. Section 1. The Technology Transfer Protocol shall establish the grounds in determining the meritorious cases where an RDI shall allow its researcher-employee to commercialize or pursue commercialization or create, own, control, or manage a company or spinoff firm. The parties may also explore other options available for commercialization as allowed under these Rules. Section 2. In case of a spin-off, the provisions of Rule 11 of these Rules shall also apply. Section 3. Spin-offs established under the Act and these Rules shall be considered separate and distinct entities from the RDIs. Section 4. The guidelines on spin-offs shall be included in the Technology Transfer Protocol. RULE 17. Detail or Secondment to the Private Sector. – In case where the researcher of a public RDI would be employed by an existing company, which will pursue the commercialization, the applicable provisions of RA No. 8439 shall prevail. RULE 18. Management of Conflict of Interest. – The RDIs shall properly manage any possible conflict of interest by adopting appropriate guidelines for its researcher employee. The guidelines for handling of such conflicts shall include, but are not limited, to the following: (a) RDls shall ensure that its researchers are made fully accountable for their research and that commercial objectives do not divert them from carrying out the RDI’s core research program;

In case the income after payment of all costs and expenses for IPR management, including the payment of royalties to other parties, shall exceed ten percent (10%) of the annual budget of the RDI, a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of the excess income shall be remitted to the Bureau of Treasury; Provided, That this shall apply only if the GFA has solely funded the research; Provided, finally, That this paragraph shall not apply to State Universities and Colleges and Government Owned and Controlled Corporations, which enjoy fiscal autonomy under their respective charters or other applicable laws. Professional fees shall be included in the computation of costs and expenses in, but not limited to, IP management, technology transfer activities, technology licensing offices operations, research and development projects, and science and technology capability building programs. For the avoidance of doubt, professional fees and/or services shall refer to payment for expert services as the term is defined by relevant government circulars. For the purposes of reckoning income and budget in this Chapter, current year shall be used. CHAPTER IX INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM RULE 23. Establishment of Technology Information Access Facility and Public Access Policy. – The DOST shall establish a system for the cost-effective sharing of and access to technologies and knowledge generated from government-funded R&D by developing appropriate policies and procedures on public access which shall be made known to the public. These policies and procedures shall be aimed at promoting the advancement of R&D, boosting its quality and enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration, and thereby,increasing the returns from public investment in R&D and contribute to the betterment of society. The DOST shall call for a regular national conference of all GFAs and RDIs in order to: (a) promote multi-disciplinary, joint, and cross collaboration in research and development; (b) coordinate and rationalize the research and development agenda; and(c) harmonize all research and development agenda and priorities. The DOST shall call for a regular national conference which should coincide and synchronize with the national budget cycle. In line with the foregoing provision, the DOST, in consultation with the stakeholders, shall establish a harmonized accessible format for technology and information access. RULE 24. Development of Internal IP Policies and Establishment of Technology Licensing Offices (TLOs) and/or Technology Business Development Offices. – All RDIs are encouraged to establish their own TLOs in whatever form and to adopt their own policies on IPR management and technology transfer, in accordance with the Act and other existing laws and in support of the policies of the IPOPHL and the national policy and the mandate of their parent agency. The DOST and IPOPHL shall provide the templates,tools, kits and such other materials that may be needed for the establishment of the TLOs or to pursue IPR protection. RULE 25. Capacity Building and Guidelines on IP Commercialization. – The DOST, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and IPOPHL, in consultation with GFAs such as Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of National Defense (DND), shall undertake activities geared towards building the capacity of GFAs and RDIs in commercializing IPs. The DOST as chair and convenor, together with DTI and IPOPHL shall jointly issue the necessary guidelines on IP valuation, commercialization, and information sharing, which may include, but not be limited to, the following considerations: public benefit and national interest, market size, cost and income. CHAPTER X DISPUTE RESOLUTION RULE 26. – As a general rule, any dispute between the parties on the determination of government ownership should be resolved amicably. If the matter cannot be resolved amicably by the parties, then the administrative procedure for resolving any disputes on the determination for government ownership shall be subject to the mediation and arbitration rules of the IPOPHL. CHAPTER XI MISCELLANEOUS, TRANSITORY, AND FINAL PROVISIONS RULE 27. Administrative, Criminal or Civil Liability. – The failure of the GFA or RDI to fulfill its responsibilities under the Act and these Rules, or the violation of any provision by any person, natural or juridical, shall subject the person involved to appropriate administrative, criminal, or civil liability, under applicable laws. RULE 28. Technology Transfer Act Coordinating Committee. – To aid in the effective implementation of the provisions of the Act and these Rules and for the purpose of making the necessary reports and representations with the Congressional Oversight Committee on the Technology Transfer Act (“COCTTA”), a Technology Transfer Act Coordinating Committee (“TTACC”) is hereby constituted. The TTACC shall be chaired by the Secretary of the DOST or his representative and co-chaired by the Director General of IPOPHL or his representative. The members of the committee and the secretariat shall be named by the Chairman and co-chairman. RULE 29. Amendments to the Rules. The DOST and IPOPHL, either jointly or individually, may initiate amendments to these Rules. Prior to the conduct of any public hearing for the proposed amendment, the initiating party shall first inform the other party of the same at least 30 days prior to the date of the first public consultation. RULE 30. Review of the Rules.The DOST and IPOPHL shall jointly review these Rules two (2) years after its effectivity and every three years thereafter. RULE 31. Repealing Clause. All existing rules and regulations, or part thereof which may be contrary to or inconsistent with these rules and regulations are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. RULE 32. Separability Clause. If any provision of these Rules are declared unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

(b) Heads of RDI should ensure that where researchers have any direct or indirect financial interest in a spin-off company; they shall not act on behalf of the RDI in transactions with that company;

RULE 33. Effectivity. These Rules shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) national papers of general circulation and upon filing at the UP Law Center in accordance with Law.

(c) Where researchers of RDI are nominated as non-executive directors to the Board of a spin-off company or existing company in which the same RDI holds an equity stake, they should have a clear duty to ensure that the RDI’s interests are not compromised by their role;

NOW THEREFORE, the parties have herein below affixed their signatures to the Joint DOST-IPOPHL Administrative Order No.____ this _____ day of _______.

(d) RDIs should take steps to ensure that collaborative undertaking with a spin off or existing company is governed by a formal written public agreement;and, (e) In case of Higher Educational Institutions acting as RDIs, it shall be the decision of the said institution to promulgate their rules governing the academic vis-à-vis the business responsibilities of the researcher involved in a spin-off company.

FORTUNATO T. DE LA PEÑA Secretary Department of Science and Technology

ATTY. JOSEPHINE R. SANTIAGO Director General Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (MS-APR. 3, 2019)

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

Court upholds legality of Manila Cockers Club

BLEEDING STOPPED. Jaja Santiago of Foton scores against Sta. Lucia Realty’s Pam Lastimosa and Molly Lohman in a game won by the Tornadoes, 12-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-15, in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix at the Filoil Flying V Centre. Foton snapped its 11-game slide.

3 PBA teams try to boost bids By Jeric Lopez IN THE final playdate of the elimination round, the fate and survival of several teams remain hanging in the balance as a pair of games will decide their fates in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. Already locked at No. 3, Barangay Ginebra (7-3) aims to keep its momentum as it heads to the post-season, facing rejuvenated NorthPort (4-6) at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while opening hostilities will be the critical tiff between Magnolia (5-5) and NLEX (4-6) at 4:30 p.m. While the Gin Kings, the league’s hottest team with four straight wins, can afford to breathe, the other three teams seeing action cannot. The Batang Pier, Hotshots and Road Warriors are all facing mustwin situations. Magnolia needs to win to ensure it stays inside the top six and it plays a bestof-three series in the next round instead of facing a twice-to-win disadvantage. If NorthPort and NLEX both emerge victorious, the cast of the quarterfinals will then be completed outright as both of them will take the remaining two spots in the bus. In the event both or either the Batang Pier and/or the Road Warriors lose, Alaska will stay alive and will have a chance to earn a spot via playoff against either of the two teams. In case of a three-way tie between either NorthPort, NLEX and Alaska, who can all end up tied at 4-7 with only two remaining berths available, there will be a playoff to complete the quarterfinal cast.

Denopol steals show in Tangub PPS tournament YOUNG Angel Denopol dished out top form to match Eric Tangub’s two-title romp as they shared the MVP honors in the PPS-PEPP Tangub National age grouper at the Tangub tennis courts in Misamis Occidental last Monday. The 12-year-old Denopol crushed Eri Dominguez, 6-1, 6-0, to rule her age bracket then the rising star from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte held off Zeiah Toribio in the semis, 6-2, 3-6, 10-7, before blasting Jamie Insong, 6-3, 6-2, to claim the girls’ 14-U singles title in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop and sponsored by Mayor Philip Tan. Tangub, from Tucuran, Zambo del Sur, recovered from a pair of setbacks in PPSOzamiz last week by dominating the top divisions in the full-packed boys’ side, whipping Benne Villanueva, 6-1, 6-1, in the 16-U finals then routing Lex Estillore, 6-1, 6-4, for the 18-U diadem. Fancied Sydney Enriquez sustained her two-title romp in Ozamiz by winning the 16- and 18-U crowns via a pair of 6-0, 6-0 routs over Carmel Padilla and Gerly Insong but the Salug, Zambo del Sur star had to yield the spotlight to Denopol, who also made it to the finals of the 14-U doubles. “It’s inspiring to see more and more new faces emerging and the PPS-PEPP circuit will continue to provide these youngsters, particularly those from the countryside, the venue not only to showcase their wares but also earn ranking points,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Rizal complex, 2 SEAG venues to be renovated D

UE to the lack of venues and the unavailability of some, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and two other major venues to be utilized in the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will start undergoing renovations for the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 meet.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez made the announcement Tuesday following the appropriation of a total of P842 million by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation for the repairs of 11 other facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Philsports Arena, the Baguio training center, among others. “We are making sure that there are 10 to 12 government sports facilities ready to assess, help the preparations of the PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee),” said Ramirez. “We are hoping that all of these will be finish by September.” Ramirez made the statement at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila, stressing the

government agency has not been remiss in its role of extending major support to help Filipino athletes in their quest to win anew the overall title of the SEA Games. Other than the game venues, also part of the PAGCOR appropriation is the refurbishment of the athletes’ dormitory, construction of a new medical building with eight to 10 medical doctors, two nutrition halls, and an ecumenical chapel. “The sports facilities, dormitories, venues, halls, before the SEA Games bago na ang itsura ng Rizal, Ultra, and Baguio. So as chairman and leader of the (PSC) Board, I’m very happy to announce it before you,” Ramirez said in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, Tapa King, and Amelie Hotel-Manila.

Ramirez is confident PACGOR through Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo, would be able to release the amount as soon as possible. “Nakikiusap kami sa PAGCOR that SEA Games is coming na matulungan naman kami para masimulan na ‘yung construction,” said the PSC chief, who nonetheless understands where PAGCOR is coming from. “Of course, it’s not easy asking for P842 million.” During the same session, Ramirez also disclosed holding a general assembly with athletes and coaches on Wednesday to explain everything the PSC has been doing to ensure a better showing for Team Philippines in the SEA Games. “‘Pag nalaman nilang resolved ‘yung mga needs ng mga bata at ‘yung kaunting problema na hindi namin na-communicate, lalakas ang loob nila na tumutulong pala ang gobyerno,” he said. “Kasi there’s always that nuisance na ang gobyerno ay wala.” Ramirez said national athletes under the PSC care at Rizal Memorial and Philsports numbered at 1,452, with 578 of them composed of junior development.

SMART taekwondo Summer Class kicks off THE Philippine Taekwondo Association is hopeful of developing more successful youngsters in the country’s most popular martial art as it stages the much-awaited 2019 SMART/MVPSF Taekwondo Summer Class starting Tuesday in all its affiliates nationwide. Taekwondo is regarded as the best exercise for physical conditioning, alertness and self protection against all odds. Makati Congressman and PTA secretary general Monsour del Rosario, a former national and international champion, says knowledge in unarmed defense is far better than acquiring deadly weapon. Del Rosario adds by holding the annual class, the PTA aims to contribute to the health and physical condition of our countrymen, young and old alike. The PTA, an affiliate of the World Taekwondo Federation, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, has come out with the list of regional headquarters and contact persons interested parties may call to join the event. Enrollment is still going on. The regions and their respective contact men and numbers follow: NCR, Raul Samson, 09189004770;

Region 1, Stephen Fernandez, 09175382206; R2, Arnel Gamata, 09063360807; R3, Dauphin Punzalan, 09088977886; R4A, Eric Go, 09209548956; R4B, Raymond Val Padua, 09178872382; R5, Benjamin Custodio, 09213984475; R6A, Harny Tabuada, 09085477219; R6B, Antonio Diasnes Jr., 09083054563; R7, Antonio del Prado, 09399999777; R8A, Jed Lirios, 09078293713; R8B, Valente Villanueva, 09164026680; R9, Emmanuel

Flores, 09066120734; R10A, Marilou Go, 09173199778; R10B, Crisanto Roldan, 09179851638; R11, Hyoung Joo Kim, 09395607269; R12A, Porferio Tripoli, 09391800321; R12B, Rogelio Gusilatar (OIC), 09985841772; CAR, Melvin Morte, 09175066861; CARAGA, Rigor Avenido. 09278735301; ARMM, Husin Abdulkadil, 09169367677; AFP, Gen. Alvin Parreño, 09175965679 and PNP, Gen. Roberto Fajardo, 09178981823.

A PTA trains two young participants while other aspirants look on.

THE Regional Trial Court of Makati City ruled that the Off-Cockpit Betting Station operations of Manila Cockers Club, Inc. are legal, saying that MCCI’s operations are sanctioned under the Cockfighting Law of 1974, as amended by the Local Government Code of 1991. The Court further ruled that the Games and Amusements Board has no authority over the regulations of cockfighting except for international derbies. The Court then issued a Writ of Permanent Injunction against GAB and all other deputized Government agencies and instrumentalities “to permanently enjoin them from directing, and/or otherwise causing, the closure (whether temporary or otherwise) or disruption of the operations of all the Off-Cockpit Betting Stations operated by MCCI.” The Court’s rulings were issued in the Petition for Injunction filed by MCCI against the GAB, its Chairman Khalil B. Mitra, and other Government agencies and instrumentalities that form part of, may be deputized by, or otherwise act under the authority of the GAB. The legality of MCCI’s OCBS operations were upheld and the authority of the Local Government Units to authorize and regulate these OCBS were affirmed by the Court. The conduct of anti-illegal gambling operations against MCCI’s OCBS are enjoined by virtue of the Writ of Permanent Injunction. Relatedly, the City Prosecutors of Manila, Quezon City, and Rizal dismissed the complaints for illegal gambling filed by GAB against certain MCCI tellers and bettors.

Fiery duel up as Solaire PH Open begins STA. ROSA, Laguna—A powerpacked cast headed by Asia’s former No. 1, a slew of aces from Thailand, Australia, the US and 10 other countries, and a crack local crew sets out for what Pagunsan promises to be a slam-bang start in the Solaire Philippine Open beginning today (Wednesday, April 3) at The Country Club here. Juvic Pagunsan, who clinched the top ranking in the region with a sterling campaign in 2011, is brimming with confidence coming into the $500,000 event sponsored by Solaire Resort & Casino, his shot at the crown missing in his vast trophy cabinet boosted by his runaway victory in last week’s Philippine Golf Tour Asia’s ICTSI Riviera Challenge. “I like my chances coming off a win in Riviera,” said Pagunsan, who drew an explosive pairing with Thai Poom Saksakin and Malaysian Nicholas Fung at 12:20 p.m. on No. 1 when weather and wind conditions are expected to get tougher. Pagunsan actually reigned here three times in the TCC Invitational but didn’t see action in the Open in recent past owing to his campaign in the Japan PGA Tour. But back in the hunt for the elusive crown, the smooth-swinging Filipino shotmaker is looking forward to emerging on top again on a course that could play longer than its 7735-yardage with the buffeting winds expected to blow from various directions in all four rounds. Two local top guns also gun not only for a breakthrough Open victory but also for redemption after missing the cut at Riviera with reigning PGT Order of Merit champion Jobim Carlos slugging it out with PGT Asia Luisita Championship winner David Gleeson of Australia and Taiwanese Chiu Han-Ting in a flight ahead of Pagunsan and company.

Thunder Snow rules Dubai World Cup—again THE HOARSE WHISPERER JENNY ORTUOSTE GODOLPHIN Racing’s pride Thunder Snow won the Dubai World Cup last March 30 at Meydan Racecourse via heart-stopping photo-finish, scoring back-to-back wins in what is again the world’s richest race. Thunder Snow and jockey Christophe Soumillon struggled harder to win the 2,000-meter race this year, beating their opponent Gronkowski by only a nose. Last year, he won by six or seven lengths.

The 5YO horse is the first to win the DWC more than once. This despite his team drawing the second-to-the-widest post position this year, forcing Soumillon to constantly improve his position. “Today Thunder had to fight hard,” Soumillon said, adding he never lost confidence in his mount. Trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who notched his 9th DWC victory, said, “He is such a brave horse.” He added that if Godolphin owner and Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum agrees, he would like to campaign Thunder Snow in New York with an eye to competing in the Breeder’s Cup Classic. The DWC racing event is held yearly at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There are nine

races, eight of which feature Thoroughbreds and one race of purebred Arabians, the ancestors of modern Thoroughbreds. The Dubai World Cup race was established in 1996 by Sheik Mohammed, who owns Godolphin Racing and Darley Stud, one of the world’s foremost racing and breeding operations. The DWC was the world’s richest race until the Pegasus World Cup offered more in 2017 and 2018. This year, the DWC took that distinction back by putting up a purse of $12 million. Sheik Mohammed is so enthused about the race that he wrote a poem about it entitled “Dubai World Cup” that was published on his Instagram. Here’s an excerpt that aptly describes the event:

“In Al Wasl [old name for Dubai, it means ‘connection’] we held a joyous gathering /A land towards which people came hastening… Connecting people with love and generosity / Embracing visitors as they arrived eagerly / “From around the world, the guests flew in / Bound by its spell, they found a great haven / Honored is the horse on this land and victorious / Whence every horse aspires to be glorious / A joyous celebration, year after year / Where the world’s best meet, from far and near…” Poetry and horses—a wonderful combination. There’s nothing to top that. *** FB: Gogirl Racing, Twitter: @ drhoarsewhsprr, @DrJennyO

IN BRIEF Union Bank launches cryptocurrency ATM

UNION Bank of the Philippines, the ninth-largest lender in terms of assets and controlled by the Aboitiz Group, launched recently the country’s first Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas-compliant, two-way cryptocurrency automated teller machine, making it among the first in Asia to do so. Union Bank president and chief executive Edwin Bautista said blockchain was an integral part of the bank’s strategy, starting with the “introduction” of its crypto mining rig called “ERB” to the release of the first blockchain banking sector use-case last year. “As a bank, our role is to facilitate exchange, and so, together with our partners, we have launched this project,” he said. The virtual currency ATM allows owners of cryptocurrency wallets to withdraw cash straight from their funds and sell and purchase virtual currencies on the spot. To use the service, users musts have a Union Bank account and a virtual currency wallet. Julito G. Rada

PH to export shallots, bananas to indonesia

THE Philippines may start exporting bananas and shallots shortly to Indonesia after a meeting Monday with visiting Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita. The prospective export was one of the early gains of the Philippines during the meeting in Manila hosted by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and Agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol. Both sides stressed the importance of opening up each other’s market, while highlighting the decades-long relations between Indonesia and the Philippines. Indonesia committed to remove an anti-dumping measure against Philippine bananas and acknowledged Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN as pest-free areas for banana production. The trade partner also recognized Nueva Ecija, Ilocos and Mindoro as pestfree for shallot or onion production. The development is considered a breakthrough in the bilateral partnership between the two countries after Philippines exports were stopped earlier due to Indonesia’s non-tariff measures. Othel V. Campos

Business

ICTSI buys four new gantries for Manila terminal

MANILA International Container Terminal said Tuesday it upgraded the country’s largest fleet of containerhandling equipment with four new hybrid-tired gantries from Japan. International Container Terminal Services Inc., which operates MICT, said the new RTGs, manufactured by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., are part of the 16-unit fleet that runs on a combination of 22kVah Li-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine. They are expected to reduce terminal emissions by up to 40 percent. The new RTGs will be deployed immediately to increase MICT’s yard productivity. Eight more hybrid RTGs, along with another pair of super post-Panamax quay cranes, are expected to be delivered before the end of the third quarter of 2019. MICT said that on full delivery, its fleet would be composed of 18 quay cranes and 58 RTGs―the largest containerized cargo handling fleet in the country. ICTSI invested more than $80 million for capital equipment in MICT, enabling the country’s largest and most technologically advanced container terminal to meet rising levels of demand in the era of neo-Panamax vessels. The Enrique Razón-led port operator posted a net income of $221.5 million last year, up by 22 percent from $182.2 million in 2017. Gross revenues from port operations in 2018 increased 11 percent to $1.4 billion from $1.2 billion in 2017. Excluding the new terminals, consolidated gross revenues would have increased 7 percent. Darwin G. Amojelar

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

Shakey’s acquiring Peri-Peri stores By Jenniffer B. Austria

HAKEY’S Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., one of the country’s leading restaurant operators owned by the Po family, is acquiring Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, an emerging fast casual and fullservice restaurant brand in the Philippines.

Shakey’s said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it signed an agreement to purchase the assets and intellectual property relating to the Peri business, including its brand, trade name and the various proprietary recipes used by the chain to make its trademark peri-peri chicken. The company did not disclose the acquisition cost. The deal is expected to close by mid-year upon fulﬁllment of certain conditions. The acquisition will also involve owning and operating all company-

owned stores and serving as brandowner and franchisor of stores being operated by franchisees. “We look forward to growing this business t¡hrough our tried and tested formula of investing in the brand, investing in the people and investing in the stores. We will maintain the taste and look that made Peri famous, but hope to further elevate the customer experience with Shakey’s trademark ‘wow-ing’ service and improve the stores’ accessibility via proper site selection and expansion of the network,” Shakey’s president and chief executive Vicente Gregorio said. Peri has a store network of 23 units in several parts of Metro Manila, about 60 percent of which are franchised and 40 percent company-owned. “We are excited by the potential of Peri to scale. We expect it to be an important future growth driver for our fast-casual chain restaurant business. Our deep insights into how to best serve the typical fast-casual restaurant guest should allow us to further grow the Peri brand. This is in addition to leveraging our team’s execution capabilities, which

remain best-in-class and our restaurant operating systems, which have also continued to improve over the last few years,” said Shakey’s chairman Christopher Po. Shakey’s had a nationwide store count of 228 as of end-2018. It expects to open 20 stores this year. Shakey’s also has three outlets abroad. Shakey’s said with two international area development agreements signed up, its total international pipeline would be at least 20 outlets over the next few years. Shakey’s owns the perpetual rights to the Shakey’s brand for the Middle East, Asia (excluding Japan and Malaysia), China, Australia and Oceania. “This Peri acquisition is another vote of conﬁdence in the growing middle class in the Philippines. We will continue to invest in the restaurant space and diversify the business portfolio in the hope of achieving our vision of establishing wow brands―a handful of industry leading, full-service restaurant chains appealing to the Filipinos’ increasing need for affordable yet premium dining out options,” Po said.

Meralco offers help to develop Atimonan

MERALCO PowerGen Corp., the parent of Atimonan One Energy Inc., assured it is one with the local government unit in pushing for the progress of the town. A1E is the developer of a planned 1,200-megawatt coal-ﬁred power plant, among the key infrastructures expected to rise in Atimonan in the future. “We all agree that what we want to happen in Atimonan is for the common good of everyone,” said Meralco PowerGen president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson in a statement. Singson said MGen was seeking to set a standard of excellence in power plant operations and in developing and engaging host communities to make them progressive and sustainable. “We put the local communities at the heart of what we do. We want to ensure that as our projects progress, our communities grow and develop with us,” the ofﬁcial said. AIE helped provided assistance for the development of Comprehensive Land Use Plan as contained in its memorandum agreement with Atimonan. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

Cebu Pacific though subsidiary Cebgo launches a direct flight to its newest domestic destination, Marinduque. The flights will be operated thrice weekly, every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4. Leading the launching ceremony are (from left) Tourism Region IV director Danilo Intong, Marinduque Airport manager Kerwin Laudit, Marinduque Governor Romulo Bacorro, Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring.

SM subsidiary opens Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Iloilo By Joyce Babe P. Pañares ILOILO CITY―SM Hotels and Convention Corp., the hotel unit of the SM Group, opened its third Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in this city Tuesday amid the booming demand of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) market. SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles said at least four more Park Inn hotels are in the pipeline as part of the group’s P8.2-billion, ﬁveyear expansion plan until 2022. “We are conﬁdent that this new landmark in Iloilo will add to the city’s vibrant tourism landscape and set a new benchmark in hospitality in Panay Island,” Angeles said. There is also a plan to construct an SMX Convention Center near the hotel which is strategically located six minutes from the Iloilo Business Park

and less than half an hour from the Iloilo International Airport. “All these will strengthen the position of Iloilo as a MICE destination,” she said. The Department of Tourism earlier launched its MICE Roadmap 2030 to secure the country’s foothold as the leading MICE destination in Asia Paciﬁc. Under the roadmap, the industry is eyeing a revenue growth of more than 400 percent from only P4.6 billion posted in 2016 to P24.4 billion by 2030. The 199-room hotel Iloilo, Angeles said, provides choice venues for meetings and social events, with a main function room that can accommodate up to 100 guests for mid-sized events and an al fresco area by the poolside for early evening functions. “Park Inn by Radisson is a friendly, fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated brand that focuses on delivering the modern

essentials of a great business hotel experience,” she said. SMHCC earlier opened Park Inn by Radisson hotels in Davao and Clark, but the branch in Iloilo is the first under the corporation’s licensing agreement with Radisson Hotel Group. Angeles said another Park Inn by Radisson hotel would be opened within the first half of the year beside SM North Edsa while the extension of the Clark facility would be completed by the first quarter of next year. Park Inn Bacolod is scheduled for opening in the third quarter of 2020, while another in Baguio will likely be finished by 2022. Angeles said that aside from the Radisson brand, SMHCC would also bring another international brand to the country. It is set to break ground for a 400-room hotel with serviced apartments near the SM Mall of Asia in June.

Cebu Pacific launches flight to Marinduque By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said it launched a direct flight to its newest domestic destination, Marinduque province. The airline is the only one operating flights in and out of the Marinduque Airport through subsidiary Cebgo. “Being the only carrier flying to and from Marinduque, we are very happy to enable the opening of more resorts, other businesses and other opportunities―prospering growth of the province. Now, more tourists will be able to fly direct to Marinduque to see and experience the island for themselves,” said Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs JR Mantaring. “At the same time, it will also be easier for residents to fly to Manila and travel to any onward destination, be it domestic or international, through CEB’s seamlessly connected network,” Mantaring said. Marinduque is the 37th domestic destination of Cebu Pacific. Aside from Marinduque, CEB also operates flights to other up-andcoming tourist destinations such as Tablas, Masbate, Siargao and Camiguin. Along with subsidiary Cebgo, Cebu Pacific flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations with more than 107 routes spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the United States. The Cebu Pacific fleet is comprised of an Airbus A321neo, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A321ceo, eight Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500 and 12 ATR 72-600 aircraft. The ATR aircraft are used by Cebgo for inter-island flights where jet operations are not possible. Cebu Pacific boasts of one of the youngest fleets in the world, with an average fleet age of five years. Cebu Pacific’s net income fell 51 percent last year amid a challenging macroeconomic environment. The airline company controlled by industrialist John Gokongwei posted a profit of P3.9 billion in 2018, down from P7.9 billion in 2017. The airline’s revenue reached P74.1 billion, up 9 percent from the previous year, on the back of continued demand for air travel and robust growth of its cargo business. The growth in CEB’s 2018 business came amid a challenging environment with high fuel prices, a volatile Philippine peso, rising interest rates, increased competition, the six-month closure of Boracay and operational limitations in the country’s key airports. CEB flew 20.3 million passengers in 2018, up 2.7 percent from 2017.

Regional consumer group backs local vapers AN ALLIANCE of consumer tobacco harm advocates in the Asia Pacific region expressed firm support to local vaping groups advocating for fair and reasonable regulation of electronic cigarettes in the Philippines. “Access to safer nicotine products such as e-cigarettes among adults who wish to use such products in lieu of combustible tobacco is a human right. We urge the Department of Health and Philippine Food and Drug Administration to acknowledge the scientific evidence supporting the reduced harm of electronic cigarettes and to not severely restrict their availability to adults based on outdated and scientifically flawed opinions,” according to a position paper released by the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates. CAPHRA members include consumer organizations from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines and Thailand.

CAPHRA released the position paper to support the stand of The Vapers Philippines and the Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association which took part in the DoH’s public consultation on the Draft Amendment of Administrative Order No. 2014-008 entitled “Rules and Regulation on Electronic Nicotine Delivery System” or Ends which include e-cigarettes. “We support fair and reasonable regulation of e-cigarettes to ensure the safety of adult vapers,” said PECIA president Joey Dulay. Dulay said the administrative order marginalized current smokers and adult vapers who should have the right to choose safer nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, that work for them. “If implemented, this administrative order will kill the local vape industry and unduly beneﬁt the tobacco industry that has killed millions and will continue to cause the premature death of countless people,” he said.

SM WINS 7 AWARDS. SM Group wins seven awards from Hong Kong’s Corporate Governance Asia magazine. SM Investments Corp. is awarded Asia’s Icons of Corporate Governance for the 13th consecutive year, BDO Unibank Inc. for the 14th straight time and SM Prime Holdings Inc. for the eighth year. SM chairman of the board Jose Sio (left) receives the Asian Corporate Director Recognition from CG Asia founder, managing director and publisher Aldrin Monsod during the 14th CG Asia Recognition Awards.

Business

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market gains on bargain-hunting T HE stock market rose Tuesday on bargainhunting in another cautious trading session after the World Bank reduced the 2019 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.4 percent from the previous estimate of 6.5 percent.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index added 38.90 points, or 0.5 percent, to 7,879.21 on a value turnover of P4.8 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 103 to 91, with 46 issues unchanged. The World Bank on Monday revised its growth forecast for the Philippines, taking into account the impact of the delay in the national budget approval,

the slowdown in global trade and the El Niño dry spell. It also revised downward the 2020 growth projection for the Philippines to 6.5 percent from 6.6 percent. PLDT Inc., the biggest telecommunications ﬁrm, rallied 2.3 percent to P1,130, while Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group gained 1.4 percent to 80.10. SM Investments Corp. of the Sy Group rose 1.7 percent to P941, but GT Capital Holdings Inc. of the Ty Group fell 2.7 percent to P890. The rest of Asian markets, meanwhile, mostly rose Tuesday but gains were tempered by proﬁt-taking after a recent rally, though investors remain optimistic over China-US trade talks and the prospect of no hike in borrowing costs. A forecast-beating factory report out of Beijing—which spurred buying across the region Monday—was followed by a similarly positive US

reading, tempering worries about the outlook for the world’s biggest and most crucial economies. While stocks were predominantly in the green the early advances had fizzled by the afternoon. Hong Kong edged up 0.1 percent in late trade while Tokyo finished marginally lower. Shanghai closed up 0.2 percent after fluctuating through the day, Sydney ended 0.4 percent higher and Singapore rose 0.6 percent. Seoul climbed 0.4 percent and Wellington jumped more than one percent, while Taipei, Mumbai, Jakarta and Bangkok were also well up. Traders are now awaiting the start of the next round of top-level trade talks in Washington, with China and the US noting progress in a meeting last week in Beijing. A series of olive branch measures from the Chinese side has lifted hopes

the two will eventually reach a deal to end their tariffs row, which dragged on equities at the end of 2018. This week also sees the release of US March jobs data, which are closely watched for an idea about the state of the economy, with the Federal Reserve also using the ﬁgures to map its path for monetary policy. The Fed’s recent dovish lean has helped propel a rally across share markets this year, with other central banks also looking to ease up on their tightening moves. “Having the central banks take a step back, with the Fed saying that they’re going to pause and that they’re going to be patient at least toward the end of this year, I think that gives the market a little bit of time” to wait for economic data to turn around, said Victoria Fernandez, chief market strategist at Crossmark Global Investments in Houston. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.5 6,000 84.05 1,586,790 2.27 17,000 131.5 1,351,540 1.3 147,000 26.8 231,100 19 5,300 12.16 255,400 4.23 72,000 800 550 0.445 70,000 78.2 1,405,040 0.92 316,000 13.9 11,100 21.4 1,000 58 446,070 195 1,690 58 890 26.35 50,000 171.7 194,750 61.5 9,890

351,150 133,280,479 38,550 177,896,082 193,120 6,195,170 101,172 3,112,400 299,000 440,000 31,150 109,844,271.50 293,320 154,950 21,400 26,018,207.50 331,503 51,420 1,324,560 33,421,521 605,041.50

351,150 15,884,098 54,300,619 247,030 -881,494 5,380,256 0 1,008,807.50 -48,875 -795,000 17,040,470 -75,048.50

35.1 14.3 0.94 1.4 0.234 97.45 2.64 15.6 110 28.8 43 1.88 5.5 6.02 11.3 15.8 9.3 7.25 1.63 20.9 79 28.2 2.43 10.26 12.44 1.77 315 53 3.49 10.56 23.9 14.1 21.5 380.2 0.196 1.38 4.28 6.39 9 1.41 11.96 44.5 5.6 4.67 1.72 2.5 1.28 12.1 104 6.9 0.96 151.9 2.5 1.68 1.05

INDUSTRIALS 35.6 470,100 15.46 1,361,700 0.99 2,303,000 1.43 940,000 0.24 670,000 97.45 740 2.66 13,678,000 15.6 760,700 110 10 29.45 69,100 43.5 500 1.9 316,000 5.5 4,000 6.18 2,800 11.48 660,900 15.9 147,800 9.44 561,200 7.4 68,900 1.63 49,000 21.7 855,400 80.45 541,130 28.85 7,200 2.57 23,351,000 10.9 5,230,300 12.5 279,300 1.82 1,228,000 317 689,090 53 2,000 3.49 150,000 10.6 22,000 24.5 1,638,300 14.22 691,700 21.5 3,195,500 381.2 188,780 0.197 330,000 1.4 3,889,000 4.34 373,000 6.4 912,500 9.02 11,800 1.47 12,943,000 11.96 158,700 45 614,200 5.6 74,700 4.68 3,000 1.72 723,000 2.5 10,000 1.3 201,000 12.14 1,157,300 106 749,450 7.16 1,628,100 1 1,178,000 152.4 695,400 2.5 101,000 1.68 3,497,000 1.06 2,894,000

16,649,640 20,473,318 2,236,310 1,316,250 157,440 72,148 36,688,440 11,876,670 1,100 2,027,490 21,600 597,770 22,000 17,284 7,554,440 2,340,470 5,317,788 501,531 79,930 18,298,770 43,432,850.50 205,455 58,773,500 55,829,756 3,485,738 2,227,310 218,588,468 106,000 523,500 235,128 39,866,305 9,832,738 68,723,165 71,940,978 64,830 5,416,620 1,605,290 5,847,817 106,210 18,844,870 1,910,580 27,702,455 418,722 14,030 1,243,560 25,000 259,330 14,050,062 78,691,437 11,519,936 1,164,250 105,889,717 252,500 5,926,520 3,066,790

-459,800 6,113,252 -950 210,000 -12,954,730 -4,887,460 -379,915 19,000 -1,815,224 148,924.00 98,169 1,016,200 -8,849,326 374,340 -12,667,652 1,150,286 31,101,310 7,723,485 -260,948 48,052,165 -2,186,050 3,528,220 -12,900 -1,029,903 -283,770 -9,465,530 -418,722 -9,636,780 53,690,263 29,144,291 245,000 -253,500 81,170

0.6 58.6 15.68 0.79 6.5 19.94 1.36 1.36 929 7.62 11.72 15.4 4.31 0.24 885 6.9 63.5 5.36 0.52 5.13 15.72 0.55 4.69 0.041 1.14 2.88 173 926 1.02 1.33 262 0.234 0.375

HOLDING FIRMS 0.61 9,216,000 59.25 1,557,530 15.9 3,816,800 0.79 3,081,000 6.5 170,600 20.2 27,800 1.36 14,312,000 1.38 2,087,000 930 175,370 7.64 289,600 11.72 2,638,800 15.46 318,100 4.31 2,000 0.24 100,000 890 124,510 7 143,600 64.5 1,328,340 5.36 600 0.53 121,000 5.23 1,295,600 15.9 2,316,200 0.56 44,000 4.71 17,874,000 0.042 31,500,000 1.14 2,000 2.95 1,660,000 175 195,430 941 204,480 1.05 17,136,000 1.36 52,000 272.4 2,730 0.235 440,000 0.39 27,530,000

5,574,800 92,263,882.50 60,446,126 2,487,980 1,109,100 557,955 19,586,450 2,881,360 163,261,850 2,209,889 31,185,086 4,927,880 8,620 24,000 111,468,840 1,003,920 85,151,019 3,216 62,960 6,807,249 36,771,188 24,500 84,243,450 1,303,600 2,280 4,833,900 34,024,475 192,388,450 18,984,070 69,730 732,600 103,280 10,681,550

58,430 1,521,728.50 27,910,420 1,004,900 2,246,500 -53,552,855 116,985 -18,873,108 442,824 -42,182,350 43,725,995 -346,000 12,964,808 7,700 -30,013,190 958,450 10,150,808 73,019,295 22,800 10,640 -592,280 393,900

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

58.65 83.95 2.26 130.9 1.35 27 19.2 12.2 4.16 800 0.445 78 0.94 13.96 21.4 57.8 195.5 57.5 26.55 172 61.5

58.65 84.95 2.27 132.8 1.35 27 19.2 12.34 4.23 800 0.445 78.5 0.94 13.96 21.4 60 197 58 26.55 172 61.5

58.5 83.75 2.26 130.4 1.3 26.75 19 12.16 4.15 800 0.445 77.8 0.92 13.9 21.4 57.2 195 57.5 26.35 170.8 60.9

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY BOGO MEDELLIN CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CHEMPHIL CIRTEK HLDG CONCEPCION 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 MABUHAY VINYL MACAY HLDG MANILA WATER MAXS GROUP MEGAWIDE MERALCO MG HLDG PEPSI COLA PETROENERGY PETRON PHINMA PHINMA ENERGY PHX PETROLEUM PILIPINAS SHELL PRYCE CORP RFM CORP ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VULCAN INDL

35.2 14.88 0.94 1.4 0.235 97.5 2.64 15.62 110 28.8 43 1.9 5.5 6.2 11.32 15.82 9.3 7.25 1.64 21.4 79 29 2.43 10.26 12.44 1.77 315 53 3.49 10.56 24.15 14.36 21.85 380.2 0.197 1.4 4.29 6.42 9 1.42 12.02 45 5.6 4.67 1.72 2.5 1.3 12.1 105 6.91 0.97 152 2.5 1.7 1.07

35.6 15.5 0.99 1.43 0.243 97.5 2.72 15.7 110 29.5 43.5 1.9 5.5 6.2 11.5 15.9 9.53 7.4 1.64 21.7 81.1 29 2.59 10.9 12.56 1.85 318.6 53 3.49 10.98 24.65 14.4 21.85 384.8 0.197 1.41 4.34 6.45 9.02 1.47 12.18 45.5 5.62 4.68 1.72 2.5 1.3 12.18 106 7.8 1.02 152.4 2.5 1.7 1.1

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FJ PRINCE 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 59.9 15.68 0.85 6.7 20.3 1.38 1.39 931.5 7.67 11.96 15.4 4.31 0.24 917 6.91 64 5.36 0.52 5.23 15.72 0.55 4.73 0.043 1.14 2.97 173.5 927 1.22 1.36 262 0.235 0.385

0.62 59.9 15.9 0.85 6.7 20.45 1.39 1.39 939.5 7.67 12 15.66 4.31 0.24 917 7 64.5 5.36 0.53 5.34 16.1 0.56 4.79 0.044 1.14 2.97 175 949 1.22 1.36 272.4 0.239 0.39

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

12.9 0.78 1.93 0.82 45 2.31 4.25 6.2 0.55 0.83 0.94 0.24 0.4 12.12 23.5 0.51 1.5 1.29 5.73 0.38 0.47 1.6 0.425 2.69 56.95 24.15

13.4 0.79 1.99 0.82 45 2.43 4.28 6.54 0.56 0.85 0.94 0.245 0.4 12.46 23.8 0.54 1.53 1.33 5.79 0.385 0.48 1.67 0.44 2.69 56.95 24.5

12.9 0.78 1.93 0.81 44.8 2.31 4.23 6.2 0.54 0.83 0.91 0.24 0.4 12.04 23.35 0.5 1.5 1.29 5.7 0.375 0.46 1.55 0.42 2.58 51 24.15

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

2.01 3 39.35 1.55 6.7 0.77 7.16

2.01 3.01 39.75 1.55 6.74 0.78 7.28

2.01 3 39.35 1.53 6.52 0.74 7.16

2.01 3 39.4 1.55 6.7 0.74 7.23

10,000 206,000 6,327,200 215,000 100,800 126,000 1,471,100

20,100 618,020 250,149,760 332,350 673,663 95,230 10,632,695

88,740,880 -3,060 742,182

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

12.5 19.92 0.43 0.042 16.3 2.71 11.7 0.069 81.8 5.44 6.9 11.88 1,918 5.86 375.8 2.99 129.3 7.1 0.127 4.79 3.05 15.58 3.72 0.98 22 0.59 4.63 3.37 1.68 1.72 2.48 4.57 10.5 4.77 123 2.7 1,120 0.87 0.91 47.7 79 8.96 2.47 0.69 0.41 5.6 0.68 15.4

12.6 20.85 0.43 0.042 16.3 2.76 11.94 0.071 83.1 5.44 6.9 12.14 1,929 5.87 379 2.99 130 7.1 0.131 4.79 3.05 15.6 3.95 1.02 22.2 0.63 4.63 3.39 1.74 1.72 2.52 4.57 10.6 4.77 123 2.73 1,132 0.87 1.1 48 81 8.97 2.48 0.7 0.415 5.67 0.68 15.58

12.48 19.88 0.425 0.04 16.3 2.68 11.6 0.069 81.7 5.2 6.83 11 1,901 5.79 362.4 2.92 129 7.08 0.127 4.43 3.05 15.58 3.72 0.93 21.7 0.58 4.63 3.33 1.65 1.71 2.48 4.38 10 4.59 117 2.61 1,112 0.84 0.85 47.1 79 8.65 2.43 0.68 0.4 5.6 0.65 15.3

SERVICES 12.48 19.92 0.425 0.041 16.3 2.7 11.66 0.07 82.7 5.2 6.83 11.2 1,922 5.82 377 2.93 130 7.1 0.13 4.52 3.05 15.6 3.88 0.95 22.15 0.59 4.63 3.33 1.74 1.71 2.5 4.39 10.4 4.74 123 2.61 1,130 0.85 1.09 48 80.1 8.96 2.44 0.7 0.405 5.63 0.66 15.58

29,000 210,300 490,000 35,100,000 500 638,000 3,078,400 67,620,000 308,070 991,100 17,000 147,700 15,080 1,033,400 1,460 745,000 1,091,140 18,500 2,100,000 8,530,000 30,000 10,000 4,004,000 5,177,000 548,000 4,279,000 33,000 3,225,000 100,000 8,000 1,028,000 58,000 34,100 57,000 177,900 760,000 139,515 2,724,000 246,996,000 590,000 1,633,630 17,100 2,863,000 3,273,000 9,770,000 177,700 468,000 5,474,300

363,838 4,195,191 208,300 1,419,900 8,150 1,723,410 36,163,168 4,703,210 25,345,436 5,207,614 116,850 1,690,094 28,886,395 6,014,845 545,858 2,188,800 141,483,822 131,240 269,880 39,019,380 91,500 155,994 15,540,530 5,028,940 12,065,715 2,576,060 152,790 10,780,370 168,200 13,710 2,570,310 256,790 345,006 268,740 21,864,420 2,007,200 157,117,010 2,309,490 238,479,610 28,115,780 130,643,204.50 151,346 7,033,100 2,262,520 3,940,750 999,252 307,380 85,087,254

-29,720 -17,752,168.00 -70,000 -5,894,862.50 -1,984,843 22,400 4,557,780 21,600 64,810 49,636,886 809,270 3,734,070 326,000 -20,655 -828,040 5,160 9,920 -131,920 7,610 -615,635 606,820 -609,110 -461,580 -62,173,134 663,560 433,450.00 -42,200 168,896 20,866,212

2,688,300 2,130,780 1,028,330 53,582 16,380 1,134,560 54,376 11,046,880 1,976,500 350,430 170,000 214,500 1,100 2,427,230 338,040 42,570 348,800 36,000 1,200 13,200 1,421,290 64,985,504 23,055,445 14,200

598,000 -164,600.00 120,800 134,500 -67,590.00 -53,420 2,817,165 -285,535 -

PROPERTY 13 0.78 1.99 0.82 44.95 2.32 4.23 6.54 0.54 0.85 0.94 0.245 0.4 12.38 23.65 0.5 1.52 1.32 5.7 0.38 0.48 1.67 0.42 2.59 52.5 24.3

3,229,900 194,000 9,000 357,000 11,397,100 481,000 225,000 1,600 23,907,000 204,000 328,000 110,000 100,000 3,599,100 1,270,700 10,653,000 6,890,000 1,108,000 31,582,000 4,680,000 160,000 5,282,000 250,000 118,000 3,160 1,872,800

42,255,638 151,710 17,430 291,590 512,288,015 1,121,400 956,180 10,430 13,025,140 169,420 299,190 26,730 40,000 44,167,116 30,001,675 5,456,720 10,453,970 1,461,440 181,135,888 1,762,100 75,100 8,547,830 106,300 309,400 164,082 45,570,690

3,207,386 10,920 282,456,485 73,400 8,480 202,470 -95,450 4,432,122 -419,840 -2,170,950 -5,562,880 -99,402,263 -87,400 -1,409,220 51,480 1,313,370

MINING AND OIL 0.002 1,344,000,000 1.39 1,528,000 3 351,000 12.88 4,400 1.26 13,000 2.62 433,000 7.77 7,000 1.6 6,896,000 0.265 7,300,000 0.115 3,000,000 0.0084 20,000,000 0.0085 25,000,000 1.1 1,000 2.53 967,000 1.04 334,000 0.59 69,000 0.89 391,000 0.012 3,000,000 0.012 100,000 0.012 1,100,000 3.34 422,000 9.38 6,847,400 22 1,049,600 0.0071 2,000,000

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

0.0021 1.41 2.95 12.9 1.26 2.62 7.61 1.58 0.27 0.118 0.0086 0.0086 1.1 2.48 1.01 0.62 0.9 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.39 10 21.5 0.0071

0.0021 1.41 3 12.9 1.26 2.63 7.79 1.64 0.285 0.118 0.0086 0.0086 1.1 2.53 1.05 0.62 0.93 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.4 10.32 22.3 0.0071

0.0019 1.38 2.9 12 1.26 2.61 7.61 1.56 0.265 0.115 0.0084 0.0085 1.1 2.48 1.01 0.59 0.89 0.012 0.012 0.012 3.34 9.2 21.4 0.0071

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

19.06 490 99.8 95.1 100.8 5.7 813 94 0.99 101.9 1,000 100.5 75 76 73.6 72.05 74.6 73.75 74.45

19.2 490 99.8 95.1 100.8 5.7 900 94 0.99 102 1,000 100.5 75.1 76 73.65 72.05 75 73.75 74.45

19.06 490 99.5 95.1 100.6 5.62 801 94 0.98 101.9 1,000 100.5 73.15 75.5 71.65 72.05 74.5 73.75 73.5

PREFERRED 19.06 118,000 490 100 99.5 24,200 95.1 10 100.6 10,000 5.62 16,800 900 1,540 94 300 0.98 205,000 102 860 1,000 10 100.5 900 75.1 34,860 75.9 21,600 71.65 9,590 72.05 13,400 74.5 54,650 73.75 200 73.5 2,150

2,252,904 49,000 2,414,020 951 1,006,890 94,946 1,257,340 28,200 200,950 87,635 10,000 90,450 2,603,597 1,631,470 696,497.50 965,470 4,089,225 14,750 158,642.50

-2,017,920 -

LR WARRANT

1.88

2.02

1.88

WARRANTS 1.97 363,000

705,180

ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.84 1.13

4.95 1.17

4.84 1.11

4.85 1.14

901,400 4,354,970

839,060

FIRST METRO ETF

116.8

117.8

116.8

338,834

47,120

27,270 149,555.20 1,980

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.1 10.16 0.99

TRADING SUMMARY FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL HOLDING FIRMS

10.1 10.16 0.99

SHARES 6,183,364

92,321,228 139,911,540

PROPERTY

116,523,830

SERVICES

416,608,999

MINING & OIL

1,425,776,243

GRAND TOTAL

2,201,327,686

10.1 10.16 0.99

SME

184,000 3,813,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 117.4 2,880 DDS

10.1 10.16 0.99

2,700 14,720 2,000

VALUE 1,743.06 (up) 13.35 494,014,459.035 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,754.70 (up) 25.49 994,690,211.746 HOLDING FIRMS 7,719.49 (up) 27.50 986,705,376.83 PROPERTY 4,093.45 (up) 11.75 SERVICES 1,594.22 (up) 13.78 1,164,885,046.09 MINING & OIL 7,717.38 (up) 50.78 1,033,495,069.94 PSEI 7,879.21 (up) 38.90 113,562,564.9434 All Shares Index 4,844.86 (up) 20.73 4,792,957,122.18 Gainers: 91; Losers: 103; Unchanged: 46; Total: 240

SEC clears SMC Global’s plan to offer P60-b bonds By Jenniffer B. Austria THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved the P60-billion bond shelf registration program of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp., a unit of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. SMC Global said it obtained the approval on April 1 to sell P60 billion worth of fixed rate bonds in tranches. The first tranche will have a principal amount of P25 billion and with an oversubscription of up to P5 billion. The bond offering is comprised of three-year Series H Bonds due 2022 with a fixed interest rate of 6.8350 percent a year, five-year Series I bond due 2024 at 7.1783 percent and sevenyear J Bonds due 2026 with a fixed interest rate of 7.6 percent. SMC Global set the offering period from April 1 to April 12 and the issue date on April 24. The bonds will be listed with Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. SMC Global tapped BDO Capital and Investments Corp., BPI Capital Corp., ChinaBank Capital, PNB Capital, RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital as joint issue managers and lead underwriters of the offering. SMC Global plans to use the entire proceeds from the offering for the partial refinancing of current loans and obligations or re-denomination of US dollar-denominated debt. SMC Global incurred the bulk of the loans mainly to finance the $1.9-billion acquisition of Zambales-based Masinloc power plant. SMC Global is one of the country’s leading and largest power companies, with a combined capacity of 4,197 megawatts as of end-September 2018. Its diversified mix of fuel supply consists of natural gas, coal and hydropower resources. The company’s combined capacity accounts for about 19 percent of the power supply of the national grid and 25 percent of the Luzon grid.

First Gen obtains approval to raise capital to P11.6b THE Securities and Exchange Commission approved an increase in the capital stock of First Gen Corp. to P11.6 billion from P8.6 billion through the creation of 300 million Series H preferred shares with a par value of P10 apiece. First Gen said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Tuesday the higher capital “will provide increased financial flexibility” in pursuing the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas. First Gen’s wholly-owned subsidiary FGen LNG Corp. is proceeding with the LNG project after receiving the gosignal from the Department of Energy last month. “The FGen Batangas LNG Terminal Project is intended to serve the natural gas requirements of existing and future gas-fired power plants of third parties and FGen LNG affiliate,” First Gen said in a previous disclosure to the stock exchange. First Gen’s LNG terminal project is located in the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City. First Gen owns 2,000 megawatts of four operating gas assets. They are the 1,000-megawatt Santa Rita Power Plant, the 500-MW San Lorenzo Power Plant, the 414-MW San Gabriel Power Plant and the 97-MW Avion Power Plant. The facilities feed on natural gas from the Malampaya gas field. “The next phase is the selection of the contractor. The main reason for selecting the contractor is to firm up the cost of the project... Hopefully, we move towards financing close,” he said. Puno said First Gen was expecting to complete the partnership arrangement within the year and start the construction of the project next year. “We’re going through this phase now with the final design of the facility and then hopefully we make a decision on the contractor. In the meantime, we’re also looking at other partners who are available,” he said. Puno said other foreign investors expressed interest in joining the project. “For me, it improves our likelihood to be able to proceed with the project,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores

World

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Mick Jagger to have surgery

MAKESHIFT CAMP. Yemenis who fled the ighting between Yemen’s armed rebels, known as the Huthis, and pro-government forces in Bani Hasan, near the border with Saudi Arabia, gather in front of a tent at a makeshift camp in the district of Abs, in Yemen’s northwestern Hajjah province, on April 1, 2019. AFP

Bolkiah seeks support for harsh laws

ANDAR SERI BEGAWAN― Brunei’s imposition of harsh sharia laws, including death by stoning for gay sex and adultery, is a bid by the country’s ruler to boost support among conservatives and highlights a steady drift away from the West, observers say.

The tough punishments, which also include amputation of a hand and foot for theft, will come into force Wednesday when a new penal code is fully implemented after years of delays. The decision to move ahead with the laws has sparked a global outcry, with the United Nations branding them “cruel and inhumane” and actor George Clooney leading calls for Brunei-owned hotels to be boycotted.

By making his country the ﬁrst in East or Southeast Asia to introduce a sharia penal code on a national level, analysts believe all-powerful Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is seeking to burnish his Islamic credentials among conservative supporters at a time the economy is weakening. Brunei, a resource-rich former British protectorate on Borneo island with a population of about 400,000, was plunged into recession in recent years as oil prices plummeted and its crude reserves declined. “Brunei is becoming Southeast Asia’s Saudi Arabia,” Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia expert from John Cabot University, told AFP. “The regime has increasingly been relying on religious legitimacy, appealing to a conservative Islamic ideology. The weakening economy in Brunei as well as concerns about possible erosion of support underscore this increasing reliance on religion.” The Muslim-majority nation’s implementation of punishments that may scare off Western businesses also

signals a shift towards investment from China, which typically refrains from criticizing trading partners on human rights, observers said. As in many other parts of Asia, Chinese companies are investing huge sums in the absolute monarchy, part of an infrastructure drive aimed at extending Beijing’s economic and geopolitical clout. Initiatives include a multi-billiondollar oil refinery—Brunei’s biggest ever foreign investment project—a dam and a highway. Xi Jinping visited the country in November last year, the first trip by a Chinese president in 13 years. Experts say it is hard to gauge the level of public backing for sharia law in Brunei, as most citizens would not publicly voice criticism of the sultan. But it is believed to have substantial support among the country’s Muslim ethnic Malays, who make up some 70 percent of the population. Those who speak publicly generally welcome it. “I’m proud, because implementing the law feels like it solidifies the Islamic identity of Brunei,” Muhammad Antoni,

a 27-year-old oil and gas company worker, told AFP. Others were irritated at the calls for a boycott of nine Brunei-owned hotels in Europe and the United States. “Regarding celebrities calling for a boycott, it’s not their place,” said Haziah Zainal, a 36-year-old civil servant. “These actions seem ignorant as they have not even been here to experience what it’s like.” There was some unease online, however, where people can comment more freely. “This worries me so much for Brunei’s economy,” one user posted on social media platform Reddit, adding that it would mean “losing more business overseas”. In reality, it is not yet clear if the toughest punishment—death by stoning —will be implemented. Brunei has long had capital punishment, and any execution should be carried out by hanging. But the last known instance of someone being put to death in the country was in 1957, according to Matthew Wolfe of human rights group The Brunei Project. AFP

Tough new gun laws easily pass the first hurdles in New Zealand WELLINGTON―New legislation to tighten New Zealand gun laws in the wake of the Christchurch mosque shootings drew overwhelming support when it was introduced to parliament on Tuesday. Lawmakers voted 119-1 in favor of the bill, which bans military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) rifles like those used in the March 15 rampage by a white supremacist that claimed 50 lives. Police Minister Stuart Nash said the attack by accused gunman Brenton Tarrant showed current firearms restrictions were inadequate. “Far too many people in this country have access to these dangerous firearms for no legitimate purpose, but at significant risk to the public,” he said. The sole holdout against the legislation was David Seymour, a conservative whose ACT Party has a single seat in parliament. Seymour criticized the speed with which his colleagues were handling the legislation, fast-tracking a process that usually takes months so that the law will take effect by the end of next week. “It is important that we maintain our tradition of sober, robust law-making at all times, but especially now,” he said in a statement. “The best way to show defiance in the face of terrorism is to refuse to erode our democratic institutions.” Seymour had intended to try to stall the legislation in parliament but missed his chance when he arrived in the chamber late after spending too long explaining his plan to media. Nash was unapologetic about the hurried timetable for outlawing MSSAs, which will see the ban put to the vote twice more before it would formally become law. AFP

WASHINGTON―Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger will undergo surgery to replace a heart valve, with the band postponing the North American leg of a tour as a result, a report said Monday. The iconic British band had announced Saturday it was delaying the “No Filter” tour for the 75-year-old rocker to receive an unspeciﬁed medical treatment. Leading industry magazine Rolling Stone reported on Monday the cause was heart valve surgery, following an earlier report from Drudge Report, which added the procedure would take place this Friday in New York. “Mick Jagger has been advised by doctors that he cannot go on tour at this time as he needs medical treatment,” the band said in a statement after the postponement. “The doctors have advised Mick that he is expected to make a complete recovery so that he can get back on stage as soon as possible.” Jagger himself tweeted: “I’m so sorry to all our fans in America & Canada with tickets. I really hate letting you down like this. “I’m devastated for having to postpone the tour but I will be working very hard to be back on stage as soon as I can. Once again, huge apologies to everyone.” Jagger has eight children, ﬁve grandchildren and a great-granddaughter, but has maintained his energetic stage performances well into his 70s, playing Britain’s Glastonbury Festival in 2013. The band, who formed in 1962, were due to play 17 shows in the US and Canada between April and June. AFP

Libya residents struggling for water ZINTAN, Libya―Hundreds of blue pipes lay abandoned in Libya’s Zintan, leaving residents struggling to get enough water after the 2011 revolution halted their spot on the world’s largest irrigation project. “We have nothing in Zintan,” said AlSid Chanta, a trucker who collects water supplied from a reservoir to deliver to residents’ homes. Without the pipes in place to channel water directly to the city, he makes the trip eight times a day just to meet people’s basic needs. “The [public] services are very poor,” said Chanta, who estimated each family needs around 40,000 litres of water a month. Zintan was set to be part of Libya’s Great Man-Made River Project, a vast scheme to tap water from underground aquifers deep in the Sahara desert, purify it and transport it north. But the city’s place on the project was abandoned after the 2011 ousting of dictator Moamer Kadhaﬁ, leaving locals to rely on the old delivery system for water. The reservoir feeds wells at the foot of the Nafusa mountains, where water is collected by truckers who take the steep road to supply less than 50 percent of Zintan’s 60,000 residents. Abdallah al-Rammah, director of city hall’s water department, said there is a “large deﬁcit” in water and the distribution network dates to the 1970s. The same system is used by other cities around the mountains, such as Rojbane, Nalout and Yefren. AFP

Over 113 million people suffer acute hunger

CUB AT PLAY. Polar bear cub Hertha plays with a ball after she was given her name on April 2, 2019, at the Tierpark zoo in Berlin. The female cub was born at the zoo on December 1, 2018. AFP

Rapper’s death underscores acute violence in US streets LOS ANGELES―The shock murder of Nipsey Hussle triggered an outpouring of grief among artists and activists alike―and for many crystallized the chronic dangers of street life the LA rapper aimed to uproot. For some, his death recalled the 1990s era of targeted hip hop killings thought to be bygone: the assassination of Hussle, 33, comes more than two decades after a spate of killings claimed the lives of rap superstars including Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. Sunday’s killing in broad daylight, which Los Angeles police believe is gang-related and personal in nature, prompted some comparisons to those fatal shootings: all talented musicians, all from impoverished neighborhoods,

all shot dead at a young age. But for Najee Ali, a California civil rights activist, “music has nothing to do with it.” “Poverty and low-income areas have everything to do―that’s what breeds violence, it’s not the music.” Indeed, the eulogies from superstars like Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Cardi B to the Grammy-nominated Hussle―colloquially known as “Nipsey” or “Neighborhood Nip”―that mushroomed on social media told the story of a local legend and community leader who invested back into the streets that raised him. And perhaps most importantly, they crafted a heartrending portrait of a black man killed by gun violence in America.

“This hurts,” wrote New York rapper Nas on Instagram. “It’s dangerous to be an MC. Dangerous to be a b-ball player. It’s dangerous to have money. Dangerous To Be A Black Man.” It is not an “easy ﬁx,” he continued. “Hard to ﬁx anything when kids are still living in poverty.” “Nipsey is a True voice. He will never be silenced. He still is A stand up General for the People who never left his people.” For decades, the public image of rap has been closely intertwined with those of gangs: early West Coast hip hop in particular grew out of notoriously gang-plagued areas in California, with late 1980s groups like N.W.A. rapping about hardships and social injustice there. AFP

PARIS―More than 113 million people across 53 countries experienced “acute hunger” last year because of wars and climate disasters, with Africa the worst-hit region, the UN said Tuesday. Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Syria were among the eight nations accounting for two-thirds of the total number of people worldwide exposed to the risk of famine, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said in its 2019 global report on food crises. Launched three years ago, the annual study takes stock of the countries facing the greatest difficulties. African states were “disproportionately” affected as close to 72 million people on the continent suffered acute hunger, the FAO’s emergencies director Dominique Bourgeon told AFP on Tuesday. Conflict and insecurity remained key factors, along with economic turbulence and climate-related shocks like drought and floods, the report found. In countries on the verge of famine, “up to 80 percent of the population depend on agriculture. They need both emergency humanitarian aid for food and measures to help boost agriculture,” Bourgeon said. The report highlighted the strain put on countries hosting large numbers of refugees, including neighbouring nations of war-torn Syria as well as Bangladesh, which has received more than a million Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar. AFP

LGUs

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

5 more Antique towns endorsed as poll hotspots

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

CEZA AUDIT.

Secretary Raul L. Lambino (2nd from left), administrator and CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, receives the audit report from the Certification Partner Global (CPG) headed by its general manager Melanie L.olbita, after the agency passed the Surveillance 1 Audit for compliance to ISO 9001:2015 at CEZA’s main office in Mandaluyong City. With them are CEZA Special Assistant to the ACEO Raymundo T. Roquero (left) and Leonardo C. Cruz, head technical assistant and Quality Management representative. CEZA has reached greater heights in pursuing continuous improvement of its Quality Management System, attaining a grand total merit of 125.5 points (Excellent Rating).

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique—The Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center has recommended five additional towns in Antique Province to be categorized as election hotspots. Lt. Col. Norby Escobar, Antique Provincial Police Office deputy director for operations, said in an interview Tuesday that New People’s Army rebels are present in these five municipalities. “The five towns are Culasi, Hamtic, Sebaste, Sibalom, and Valderrama,” he said. The recommendation was submitted by the PJSCC to the Regional PJSCC about two weeks ago and is still waiting for approval. “The RJSCC once it approves the PJSCC’s recommendation will forward the recommendation to the National JSCC that will make the final approval,” he said. Placing the five towns under election hotspot will serve as basis for the deployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially in hinterland areas. “As of now, there is only one hotspot, which is San Remigio,” he said. He said that San Remigio was the first town to be recommended by the PJSCC months ago to be categorized as election hotspot because of the presence of the NPA. “In fact, there were 15 NPA members who tried to fire about 200 to 300 meters away from the southeast portion of the San Remigio Police Station Sunday evening,” Escobar said. Escobar said the incident was a result of their frustration for failing to attack the town’s police station since the police personnel were on heightened alert. PNA

Jojo: Abby deserves 2nd term M

Officials see Kennon Road open for Lent

Binay reaffirmed his support for the incumbent mayor, saying she has aptly named her ticket as Team Performance. “Team Performance is appropriate because Abigail is truly a performer. No one can say otherwise. She is a good administrator, so she should carry on,” he said. Binay said Abigail did very well for a first-termer, saying he was impressed by the many achievements of the city. He cited the first-ever Unqualified Opinion given by the Commission on Audit (in its audit report on the city’s 2017 financial statements, and Makati being named by COA as the country’s richest city, unseating Quezon City after several years. Binay, though, said it was not surprising because the mayor was already hardworking and organized even when she was young. “She really is hardworking. As a child, she was really organized,” he said.

BAGUIO CITY—Task Force Kennon Road is looking at the possibility of opening the historic road to vehicular traffic for the whole duration of Holy Week to give convenience to travelers visiting the city to observe Lent. Currently, Kennon is only open during weekends of April, from 6 p.m. on Fridays until 6 a.m. on Mondays. “We will still see the situation if we can open the road for the whole week of Holy Week,” said Albert Mogol, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional director and Task Force Kennon chairman on Tuesday. On March 15, the task force opened Kennon to two-way traffic for light vehicles weighing five tons and below during weekends. Such scheme, however, is subject to change, depending on the situation as the road remains under repair. PNA

By Joel E. Zurbano

AKATI City congressional aspirant and former Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay described his daughter, Mayor Abigail Binay, as a true performer and a good administrator who deserves a second term.

Binay also said he was pleasantly surprised to learn that Mayor Abby was a ‘techie’, mentioning Makatizen Card and the free wifi project among the digital publicprivate partnership (PPP) initiatives she spearheaded. The former vice president pointed out that he, too, advocated the PPP platform back when he was Makati mayor. “I started corporate partnerships at the local government level,” said Binay, who is running to represent the city’s first district in the House of Representatives this May 13 midterm elections. As Makati mayor, the elder Binay initiated tie-ups with private companies and institutions to enhance the city’s public health care program and public education system. As vice president, Binay strongly advocated the PPP concept and pushed for establishment of a strong PPP framework for government at the national and

local levels. Part of his economic platform as a presidential candidate was the rapid implementation of PPP programs, particularly in the transport sector. Abigail, who is seeking a second term, has entered into a number of PPP agreements for smart initiatives aimed to accelerate Makati’s transformation into a “Smart and Digital City”, at no cost to the city. These initiatives include Makatizen Card, a unified, multi-purpose government-issued citizen ID. As of January 2019, around 53,545 Makatizen Card have been distributed and are being used by the public. The free Wi-Fi project of the city has covered 13 barangays to date, providing free internet connection to residents, students and transients on designated hours daily. Launched in 2017, the digital citizen app-Makatizen App is now available in both Play Store and App Store. Makatizens can use this app to access latest news, updates and information on programs and event, to report crime or concerns in their communities, and call for emergency response. Through another PPP under Mayor Abby, Makati is also on its way to hav-

ing the country’s first intra-city subway system, which Mayor Abby has regarded as her “legacy” to the people of Makati and to the nation as well. Construction and operation of the subway have been projected to create over 6,000 jobs for Makatizens. Once completed by 2025, it will accommodate 27,000 passengers every hour and help decongest traffic in major roads of the city. Abigail is running against her brother former mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay Jr. Mayor Abby’s Team Performance includes reelectionists Vice Mayor Monique Lagdameo and Congressman Luis Campos. The team’s line-up of candidates for City Councilor in the first district is composed of re-electionists Virgilio “Jhong” Hilario, Luis “Jojo” Javier and Armando Padilla, together with Martin Arenas, Carmina Ortega, Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, Jose “Joey” Villena, and Alcina “Alcine” Yabut. For the second district, running for City Councilor are Dennis Almario, Maria Dolores “Doris” Arayon, Benedict “Bodik” Baniqued, Joel “Bong” Ariones, Arnold “Sammy” Cruz, Ives Ebrada, Edralyn “Ed” Marquez, and Kristina “Ina” Sarosa.

Jiggy: Poverty still driving drug menace

PLAYFUL JOHNNY. Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, fondly known as ‘Manong Johnny,’ stops by the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay on Monday to snap a photo with the Mayon Volcano during his campaign in the province. At 95 years old, Enrile is campaigning on a whirlwind tour across the country in his bid for a fifth Senate term in the May midterm elections.

Medina shores up its marine resources

THE environmental situation in Medina, a fishing town in Misamis Oriental province, has been experiencing a 180-degree turn after the municipal government embarked on a comprehensive marine protection and conservation program last year. According to Medina Mayor Donato Chan, the local government has been implementing monthly cleanups in all coastal barangays, and conducting seaborne and foot patrols to enforce ordinances against illegal fishing which include prohibition of non-residents from fishing in municipal waters, and the use only of hook and line fishing at fish aggregate device.

A partnership with the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation, the Municipality of Medina has been reaping the benefits of the Marine Protection, Inspection and Conservation which has helped restore the balance of the area’s marine ecosystem. Incepted in January 2018, the project trained and deputized 27 volunteers who later became the MPIC Guardians who were instrumental in the enforcement of fisheries-related ordinances. Chan noted that the program has made positive economic and social impact on the community, evident in the increase of daily catch of fishermen of up to 10 kgs.

FOLLOWING an admission by President Rodrigo Duterte that the country’s drug problem had worsened, broadcast journalist and senatorial candidate Jiggy Manicad observed that one of the reasons why the drug menace continues to flourish is because of poverty and lack of basic social services. “The so-called war on drugs should be accompanied by livelihood programs, job opportunities for families,” Manicad said. “Sometimes, when you ask a mother [caught for drugs], why do you do it, she would say, ‘For food and medicine.’ So it really boils down to also providing employment and basic services, especially in the poorest communities.” Manicad, who was an investigative reporter prior to his entry into the political arena, said there are still many cases of people being forced into drugs because of poverty, desperation or blackmail. “As a journalist, we saw that some people abuse drugs to escape the harsh realities of life. Others are

blackmailed by drug syndicates who threaten to kill their families if they don’t agree to becoming drug mules. We need to look into these cases too,” he lamented. Amid continuing cases of confiscated drug shipments and buy-busts—with even celebrities and public officials allegedly part of the so-called narco-list—Manicad believes the drug menace must be addressed “on all fronts.” “If we want to win this war on drugs, shouldn’t we look at all aspects of the situatuon. Aside from arresting the pushers and suppliers, we should look into why the demand for drugs is still great,” he shared. “Does [selling drugs] give you extra income when you’re desperate? Is this due to the lack of education in our schools, which is why our youth succumb to peer pressure? It’s high time we act on all fronts. This is something I intend to do if elected to the Senate,” the neophyte candidate vowed.

CREEK CLEANUP.

Manila Water Company Inc. president and chief executive officer Ferdinand M. dela Cruz (in blue shirt) and Dante M. Abando, president and CEO of Makati Development Corp., lead the cleanup activity at Hagonoy Creek in Taguig City as they join the Department of Environment and Natural Resources event ‘Battle of the Rivers and Esteros Launch,’ part of Manila Water’s ‘Toka Toka’ program to support the DENR’s efforts to keep Manila Bay from further degradation. Manny Palmero

Life

Summer style, summer adventure PREMIER department store Rustan’s ushers in the summer season with fresh new styles for different kinds of adventure.

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

Practical and

Nicole Miller embroidery tank

functional pieces for every woman

Nicole Miller halter dress

Tropical paradise

Those who plan to bask in the sun and scorch of the tropics this summer, the light, breezy ensembles from Bardot, Finders Keepers, and Nicole Miller offer up a selection of pieces to help them nail that sophisticated, everyday look. The men have just as impressive a selection at their disposal, what with sporty-chic pique shirts from Hackett and Pedro del Hierro and summer-worthy hats from Dorfman Pacific. Never pass up on sun essentials for kids like Swimava rings, Banz eyewear, and Biolane skincare items.

Stephen Joseph goggles

Getaway cruise

Josie Natori RTW

All aboard! Sunbathe on the ship deck or go for a dip in one of the cruise pools in colorful suits from Seafolly. The kids can get in on it, too: make poolside memories they’ll treasure with bathing suits from Banz and oh-so-adorable hooded toddler towels from Zoocchini. Stephen Joseph and Zoggs have their pool toys and goggles covered, too. Find sartorial solutions to the formal nights and dressed-up dinners on board with a little help from the elegant looks from Aidan Mattox, Bari Jay, Josie Natori, and Keepsake, and foolproof lace-up brogues from Tricker’s.

OMEN of all ages, sizes, interests, are spoiled for choice at SM Woman, which recently showcased its summer 2019 collection that consists of clothes for every woman.

The collection is an exciting mélange of global summer trends with statement-making prints and patterns like bold blooms and stunning stripes strewn all over a mix of sartorial and flowing, feminine silhouettes. With a palette ranging from subtle nudes, and light and airy soft pastels to scorching hot yellows and oranges, the collection takes one through a perfect

summer getaway. There are pieces for resort, city, athleisure, trendy, edgy or transitional for the beach and beyond, and from day to night. Joining the presentation held at the Mega Fashion Hall in SM Megamall were celebrities and other personalities who expressed their distinct summer style. Shaira Luna wowed in city chic nudes worn with a soft floral printed blazer,

Reese Lansangan bloomed in a vintage floral printed dress topped with a vest, while Joey Mead looked effortlessly fashionable in a jumpsuit and dark floral printed kimono. Bituin Escalante dazzled in a monochromatic summer ensemble, while Radha was pretty in floral resort wear. Phoemela Barranda was classic in summer fresh white and vest, and Sara Black looked stunning in resort wear with a twist. Pieces from the SM Woman summer 2019 collection are available at The SM Store.

From left: Angie King, Laura Lehmann, Kat Gumabao, Divine Lee

Adidas tee and New Balance track jacket

Outdoor adventure

Take time away from the city and gear up for a little action. Keep with the hikes, the treks, and the unexpected encounters that are bound to make the trip more memorable with casualwear from Adidas and athletic jackets from New Balance. Bring the kids along and cruise in comfort with Mamas & Papas strollers.

Swarovski necklace

Rustan’s Jr. dress shirt

Bituin Escalante

City escapade

Arezzo sandals

Bubbles Paraiso

Keep the whole family looking sharp throughout staycations and nights out on the town. Find a perfect complement to those shoes and bags from Aquazzura, Danse Lente, or Sergio Rossi with festive fine jewelry from Swarovski. For the kids, consider darling dresses and polished button-downs a done deal with Rustan’s Jr. and Neck and Neck. Don’t forget to pack their essentials onto cool bags from Okiedog.

Rustan’s makes shopping for summer fun and rewarding. From today until May 31, customers who spend P3,000 will earn raffle entries for a chance to win summer getaway packages. Travel essentials from Rustan’s fashion and beauty brands are also offering select items on special discounts for up to 55 percent. Finally, until April 30, those who spend a minimum of P15,000 on a single-receipt transaction will receive an exclusive travel pouch from homegrown brand Gouache. Radha

Frenchie Dy

Life

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

ANANA Republic continues to evolve and remain true to its legacy of creating modern, versatile classics with its feel-good spring 2019 collection styled in an easy yet reﬁned way, giving wearers effortless California cool vibes.

Life in motion

Vibrant pops of color play off neutrals, novelty prints mix with archival classics, and versatile third pieces seamlessly transition men and women through seasons. Women’s spring 2019 collection was inspired by a journey through the “Golden State.” Rooted in timeless transitional dressing with a nod to more trend-based styles, relaxed tailoring mixes with carefree femininity, creating new basics for the wardrobe. Key collection pieces for women include trench dresses, jumpsuits, wide leg pants, and the high-rise skinny denim. American sportswear also gets a modern, graphic twist with the optimistic style of the sportif trend mixed with primary colors. The Sloan skinny-fit side-stripe pants are made with the bi-stretch fabric with excellent stretch and recovery for a smooth, supportive fit that won’t lose its shape. On the other hand, the new men’s collection was inspired by adventure, safari, and wildlife. The colors, prints, and textures represent the inspiration that the brand finds in the natural world around us and the technical gear that one uses when navigating the great outdoors. Discover new washes of the Rapid Movement Denim and Traveler Denim which are engineered for comfort and mobility. The innovative fabric of these pants looks like traditional denim but fortified with advanced stretch fabric that moves with their wearers. The Slim Authentic Chino, Banana Republic’s latest take on the timeless chino, is made modern with ultra-soft, Italian stretch fabric for comfort, and garment dyed for an authentic, color-washed look. As the weather begins to warm up, the slim-fit tech-stretch cotton shirt is a must. Made with a Supima cotton blend, this shirt is specially engineered with added stretch and moisture-wicking properties to keep dry and comfortable when things heat up. Further, it is expertly cut so it looks great tucked or untucked. Pair this with modern utility pieces and seasonless layers with a hint of color like the Concordia 4-pocket field jacket that has a water-resistant finish, a packable hood, and plenty of pockets for style on the go. Banana Republic is at Greenbelt 5.

TRANSITIONAL DRESSING.

Banana Republic spring 2019 collection for women consists of ‘new basics’ in trend-based styles with relaxed tailoring that seamlessly transition through seasons.

Glaiza de Castro on being a ‘lady’

Sport the best outfit at the beach: confidence paired with glowing skin.

How to be a glowing beach goddess MANY Filipinas find it challenging tone, reduce wrinkles, and brighten comto wear skimpy clothing at the beach plexion. Niacin can be found in poultry, because of uneven skin tone or dark green peas, mushroom, and tuna. spots. But there are ways to naturally Layer up achieve glowing, even toned, and When exposed to the sun for some healthy skin, and be beach-ready. time, it is best to protect skin from Stay hydrated harsh UV rays by wearing a wideDry skin appears dull and lifeless, brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, and and it emphasizes uneven skin tone. long pants. A multi-way or infinity Drinking at least six to eight glasses scarf can also provide many stylish of water a day hydrates the body from ways to add another layer of protection the inside and helps flush out toxins, for neck and shoulders. It’s also best to which will do wonders for your skin. avoid being outdoors between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays Avoid refined sugar are at their strongest. Certain foods, like sugary snacks and drinks, can trigger flushed, unLove your skin even complexion. Instead, snack on It’s important to put skincare first fruits and vegetables that are high in when it comes to treating uneven skin antioxidants, which fight against free- tone. Jergens Skin Lightening Lotion, radical damage that can result in un- a brand that’s been caring for Filipieven skin tone. Try antioxidant-rich nos’ skin for over 50 years, lightens fruits such as oranges, guavas, kiwis, and nourishes to help reveal deeply luand strawberries to get better results. minous, visibly lighter skin. Its unique formula contains Dual UV ProtecTake niacin-rich food tor that gently penetrates beneath the Niacin or vitamin B3 is a nutrient skin’s surface to soften, lighten dark that’s essential for skin, hair, and nail spots, and evens skin tone in as early health. It can help restore uneven skin as five days.

ONE of actress Glaiza de Castro’s recent discoveries is that the blood of a Katipunero runs in her veins. “One of my ancestors from my father’s side was part of the Katipunan, but more on the music and arts side,” she gleefully shared during a shoot as the brand ambassador for EB Advance, the premium line of the country’s leading cosmetics brand Ever Bilena. She continued, “When I found out about it, everything suddenly clicked. I like exploring, not only in my roles and my travels, but also with my hair and makeup. I like seeing different sides of me.” De Castro shared her desire to standout in the entertainment industry has earned both praise and criticism from the public. “People sometimes misinterpret me, especially since I’m not good at masking my emotions. But I’ve been in this industry more than half of my life and I’ve learned to ignore criticisms that won’t help me grow as a person,” she related. What really matters for her is to encourage women to be more fearless in expressing their individuality. “It takes a lot of guts, the right principle, and mindset para sabihin mo sa sarili mo na, ‘ah bahala kayo gagawin ko ‘to kasi alam ko eto yung tama’ (to be able to tell yourself that ‘no matter what they say, I will do what I want because I know this is right’). Those are the women that I really admire.” EB Advance, in its newest digital campaign featuring Glaiza De Castro, shares lessons on how to be a lady. “One: Sit properly. Two: Be dainty. Three: Do as you’re told. Four: Be modest about your looks. Five: Express yourself but not too much.” Meanwhile, a montage of De Castro can be seen defying each lesson. The video ends with, “What makes a lady? Absolutely anything.” According to the local cosmetics brand, De Castro was especially chosen to be its newest endorser because of her fiery personality. “She speaks her mind. She takes on very challenging roles. She’s for wom-

Glaiza de Castro defies rules a lady should follow in a new campaign for a local cosmetics label.

en’s rights. And with the brand being more vocal about this direction, we wanted someone who is an embodiment of that,” said EB Advance brand manager Creole David. The video features EB Advance products such as EB Advance Lip Define Matte Matic Lipstick, EB Advance Uncover 2 Palette, EB Advance Lash Define, EB Advance Glow Out Highlighter, and EB Advance LTD Liquid

Lipstick, which were used to highlight the actress’ striking features. The campaign also gives a sneak peak of new products to be anticipated from EB Advance: EB Advance Eyeconic Eyeshadow, a six-pan eye shadow palette designed to create multiple day to night looks; and EB Advance BB Stick Foundation, a medium, buildable to full, coverage stick base with a matte finish.

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Summer art workshops for kids and teens now open for registration TREAT your children to a fun and fruitful summer vacation with a series of creative sessions that will spark their imagination and discover their hidden talents at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB)’s Star Summer Art Workshop. The series of exciting classes will range from Creative Ballet for aspiring dancers age three to six to Ballet for Beginners, Hip Hop, Painting, Ukelele, and Voice Lessons for young artists age seven and up. Designed for kids and teens who wish to ignite the performers within them, all courses will cover the fundamentals of the craft, yet will add a twist through an exploratory nature. Professional dance instructor Je-micah Callado of iRhythm Ballet and Jazz will facilitate the classes on Creative

Ballet and Ballet for Beginners, while the other lectures will be facilitated by award-winning students, who have brought recognition to the College here and abroad: resident dance troupe Saint Benilde Romançon Dance Company for Hip Hop, official chorale group Coro San Benildo for Ukulele and Voice Lessons, and shadow puppet group Karilyo for Painting. Ballet for Beginners will have classes every Wednesdays, starting today, April 3, at the Makati Cinema Square Dance Studios. Meanwhile, the other specialty programs will hold sessions every Saturdays, starting April 6, at the DLSCSB Taft Campus. The participants of Star Summer Art

ABS-CBN celebrates 65th anniversary

EDIA giants

ABS-CBN expresses its gratitude to its audience by airing a series of special tributes to the Filipino people on TV Patrol, featuring the stories of Filipinos whose values, character, and triumphs have inspired the Kapamilya network through the years.

The first of the three initial heartwarming stories premiered on March 27 and was also posted on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel, as part of its celebration of 65 years of being in the service of the Filipino. It features Ryan Canda, a talent show contestant who was born with a cleft palate. He had to develop a talent that does not require speech so that he could find his place in a milieu that bullied him. He got into dancing and found the perfect stage to show the world what he got in the World of Dance Philippines. His group from Cebu reached The Cut Round and his story went viral as people were touched by his determination to pursue his dream and prove himself to the world. Enrique Vista, meanwhile, is a person with disability (PWD) who is unable to earn enough for the family and could not afford to take his wife Rowena to a nice dinner. He took a chance in joining DZMM’s “Once Upon A Heart” contest. With luck on his side, he was finally able to take his wife to a romantic date as the contest’s winners. Proud “Kapamilya” fan Anthony Bendo also has a touching story to tell. His family became economicallychallenged after his father returned home from an overseas job. Helping Anthony stay motivated and inspired to work hard in school and eventually in his career were the drama programs he watched and followed on TV. ABS-CBN introduced

Ballet for Beginners will have classes every Wednesday

with ‘tributes’ to its audience programs cover child welfare, relief and rehabilitation operations during calamities, environmental protection, livelihood, health care, among many others. ABS-CBN now serves Filipinos all over the world and is also exporting entertainment content for the nonFilipino audience in Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. Join the Kapamilya network in paying tribute to the Filipino audience in celebration of its 65th anniversary that will be shown on TV Patrol on ABSCBN and ABS-CBN HD. The videos will also be available on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube.

ABS-CBN pays tribute to avid televiewers like Anthony Bendo, who used lessons from teleseryes as inspiration to succeed in school and in his career.

Ryan Canda is an ABS-CBN talent show contestant whose talent and determination to succeed are worthy of emulation.

television in the Philippines in 1953. In 1967, ABS-CBN’s first chairman Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Jr. said that ABS-CBN’s motto will forever be “In the Service of the Filipino,” and this has been the “North Star” for all Kapamilya employees since then.

Today, it serves the public through free television, digital terrestrial television, radio, cable, music, publications, internet content and services, publications, live events, recreations parks and support for the sports. ABSCBN’s advocacies and public service

Enrique Vista joined a DZMM contest to give his wife Rowena a romantic date.

Workshop 2019 will showcase their newfound talents in a culminating recital to be held at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts Theater on Saturday, June 8. The fee per course is at P4,500 inclusive of the recital fee and the souvenir book. For inquiries and registration, call the Office of Culture and Arts (OCA) at +(632) 230 5100 local 1528 or 1603, send an email to culture.arts@benilde. edu.ph or visit its Facebook account @ cultureandarts.benilde. The OCA Office is located at the 4th Floor Br. Miguel Febres Cordero Building, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Taft Campus, Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila.

Very Wang... From C4 Shows from GMA Entertainment Group also bagged the Most Gender Transformative Program for the drama series Asawa Ko Karibal Ko and Most Development-Oriented Drama Program for My Special Tatay. The Clash received a Special Citation for Most Development-Oriented Musical Program. Moreover, GMA News Pillar Jessica Soho was again conferred the Best News Anchor award for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho. I Juander, on the other hand, won as the Most Development-Oriented Magazine Program. Both programs air on leading local news channel GMA News TV. GMA Regional TV’s local newscast One Western Visayas bagged the Most Development-Oriented News Story for GMA Regional TV Presents: Modern Day Heroes and Most DevelopmentOriented Feature Story for Bigyan ng Halaga. For the second consecutive year, Lou-Anne Mae Rondina of Balitang Bisdak was named Best Field Reporter. In the radio category, on the other hand, UPLB gave the Gandingan ng Agham at Teknolohiya award to Mang Tani Cruz for IM Ready sa Dobol B, which respectively won Most DevelopmentOriented Science and Technology Program, that airs on GMA’s flagship AM station Super Radyo DZBB. Dobol A sa Dobol B host Ali Sotto was recognized as Best AM Radio Program Host. Flagship FM station Barangay LS 97.1’s Barangay Love Stories won Most Development-Oriented FM Program while its host Papa Dudut was also hailed as Best FM Radio Program Host. Presented by the UP Community Broadcasters’ Society Inc., the Gandingan Awards is the only studentorganized recognition program that highlights the value of development communication and the contribution of both national and local or communitybased stations as well as online platforms in changing the lives of Filipinos. This year’s theme is “Midya at Bayan: Malaya. Mulat. Matapang.”

PPO closes concert season with Japanese guitarist Kiyoshi Shomura THE Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra will conclude its 45th anniversary celebration with a concert on April 12 at 8:00 p.m., happening at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Under the baton of

Japanese sixstring master Kiyoshi Shomura

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Wednesday, April 3, 2019

ACROSS 1 Pines for 7 Clasp tightly in one’s arms 10 Wallet filler 14 Disclose 15 Great Lakes cargo 16 Promise 17 Bean or pea 18 Rubble-maker 19 Cleveland’s lake 20 Was an omen of 22 Scheduled 24 Type in again 27 Nov. and Feb. 29 Outback minerals 30 Wagon pullers 31 Lingerie item 33 Mr. Churchill 35 Go faster 39 Famous cathedral town 40 Broad st. 41 Country addr. 42 Almost-grads 43 Poker face 45 London flashlights 47 Knight, to damsel 49 Solar plexus 50 Eva or Zsa Zsa 53 Dash widths 54 Out of bed 55 Maria

Conchita — 57 Social mores 59 Actress — Garr 60 Admin. head 62 Veld antelope 66 British prep school 67 Before, to poets 68 Did KP work 69 Chirped 70 Years on end 71 Organized DOWN 1 “The King and I” name 2 Flight dir. 3 Batting stat 4 Deli sandwiches 5 Trekkie idol 6 Winter runner 7 Ballpark snack (2 wds.) 8 Ode inspirer 9 Obtains 10 Less expensive 11 Ventricle neighbor 12 Sales pitch 13 Gives careful attention to 21 Distinction 23 Dawdle around 24 Plied the oars 25 Oust 26 African country 28 Briefest

31 Exploding stars 32 Personal instructor 34 Narrows down 36 What coals become 37 Greek island 38 Ruhr Valley city 44 Monotonous sound 46 Fridge compartment 48 Lopsided 50 Turnstiles 51 Prince Arn’s mother

52 Element no. 5 54 “Balcony scene” swain 56 Ess molding 58 Dieter’s target 61 El Dorado loot 63 Aircraft stat. 64 Brenda or Annabel 65 Put two and two together

Maestro Yoshikazu Fukumura, the PPO music director and principal conductor, the concert program features Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 in A major (“Italian”), Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s Guitar Concerto No. 1, and Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Japanese guitarist Kiyoshi Shomura will be the featured soloist of the orchestra for the guitar concerto. Shomura began his guitar lessons at age nine, first studying with his father

Masato Shomura, and later with Yasumasa Ohara. In 1964, Shomura traveled to Spain to study with renowned guitarist Narciso Yepes, who during a visit to Japan the previous year recognized Shomura’s potential. Shomura performed several recitals in Europe during his stay in 1967-68. Before returning to Japan in 1969, Shomura performed approximately 40 highly acclaimed recitals throughout Italy from 1968 to 1969. After his 1969 recital debut in Japan, he returned to Italy as the

Japanese representative at the 1971 World Youth Association International, and continued recitals in 28 cities throughout North America. Since his early years, Shomura’s concerts have covered a wide range of musical styles. In addition to solo recitals and performances with Japan’s major orchestras, he often collaborates with his colleagues in performing duos and trios concerti, with various instruments such as flute, voice, piano, violin, and mandolin. As an advocate of contemporary works for guitar, he premiered and recorded Toru Takemitsu’s guitar works, including “In the Woods (1995) - three pieces for guitar,” a work written for him by Takemitsu himself. He continues today to commission and premier works by Japanese composers playing an important role in expanding the guitar repertoire. Shomura is a Toshiba EMI Label recording artist. In 2014, he celebrated the 45th anniversary of his career as a concert guitarist. In December 2013, he released “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” featuring his roots, Spanish music. Other highlights of his anniversary concert include the performance of three guitar concertos with Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra conducted by Naoto Otomo and several recitals throughout Japan. In 2015, Shomura performed and recorded an album on guitar concertos by Giuliani and Vivaldi with I Music, which was released in 2016. Since 2017, he has performed “Kiyoshi Shomura Special Project,” a series of four concerts to show the diverse possibilities of guitar in celebration for his 50th anniversary in 2019. For ticket and subscription inquiries, call the CCP Marketing Department at 832-1125 local 1806, the CCP Box Office at 832-3704, or the TicketWorld at National Bookstore at 891-9999.

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

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2019

‘MALEDICTO’ hopes to elevate Filipino cinema

This groundbreaking horror-thriller is the maiden film offering of Fox Philippines

to one of a Hollywood pedigree

OX Philippines is producing its ﬁrst ﬁlm, a move which Jude Turcuato, senior vice president and general manager of FOX Networks Group Philippines, describes as an effort to “elevate Filipino cinema to one of a Hollywood pedigree.”

EMBRACING oneself is once again at the forefront of a new BYS campaign. Following the success of the Reign With Power movement, a call to ﬁnd one’s purpose with indomitable pursuit, comes from the Australian cosmetics brand the reminder for all women to #ReignWithConﬁdence and Believe in Yourself. The campaign empowers women in celebration of International Women’s Month with a message of encouragement, empowerment, acceptance, self-love and positivity, delivered in a heartening song. The piece, titled “I Am Beautiful,” is written by the inspiring alopecia awareness champion Abby Asistio and performed by BYS Philippines’ endorser Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.

The Asia’s Songbird also appears in the special music video of the song, along with other BYS cosmetics ambassadors Nadine Lustre, Alyssa Mulach, Vivoree Esclito, and Laura Barber. They are joined by Georcelle Dapat-Sy, Abby Asistio, and other personalities were able to stand-up with conﬁdence and turn setbacks into a learning, moving experience. BYS is a global beauty brand driven to offer women on-trend and premium quality cosmetics at an affordable price. The brand was founded in Australia in 2004 and introduced to the local beauty market six years ago by IFACE Inc. BYS is available in select Watson’s and SM Stores nationwide. Eva NYC products are also available at www. beautybeat.ph.

BENJAMIN ALVES still Excellence Award ambassador

Senior vice president and general manager of FOX Networks Group Philippines Jude Turcuato 'Maledicto' is topbilled by Jasmine Curtis-Smith playing a clairvoyant nun and Tom Rodriguez as a skeptic priest.

Entitled Maledicto, the horror-thriller stars Tom Rodriguez and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and a co-production between Cignal Entertainment and Unitel. The film, helmed by by Mark Meily, is poised to give audience a good scare this summer as it is set to unspool in cinemas nationwide on May 1. “We were thinking of doing a romcom that was almost a sureball way of being a box-office hit. Look at the Top 10 boxoffice hits of the Philippines, it’s either rom-com or a Vice Ganda film, right? Even last year, Excess Baggage, Hows of Us, they’re all rom-com. Even with horror, the best horror last year was The Nun, and it wasn’t a Filipino film,” Turcuato told Manila Standard in a roundtable interview with some select members of the press. “We definitely looked at all of it, but the genre didn’t dictate the choice. It was the quality of the script and how people will get entertained. Maledicto was chosen out of one hundred pitches. It was two years worth of pitches,” the executive added. In the film, Tom Rodriguez is Father Xavi, a former psychologist who becomes a skeptical exorcist following the tragic death of his sister, Mara (played by Inah de Belen). He meets Sister Barbie (played by Jasmine Curtis-Smith), a young nun who has the gift of charism. Together, they face the case of Agnes (Miles Ocampo), a seemingly perfect teenager who starts manifesting demonic behavior that rocks the foundations of the church. “Maledicto is a really big feat for FNG, being the first ever film we’ve produced locally, with an all-Filipino cast at that,” Turcuato, shared his excitement for the upcoming film. According to the Fox PH head honcho, the lead stars were cast based on “their body of works.” For instance, when Turcuato saw Jasmine in Transit, a 2013 indie drama, he thought she would be the perfect person to portray the role of a young nun. “When I saw Jasmine in Transit, I thought, perfect, this is the person to do it.

Regine sings an empowered track on self-love

VERY WANG NICKIE WANG Miles was actually a revelation because she doesn’t have a film that’s similar to her character, this is totally different, but we’re all shocked at how she’s able to transform herself. Even the supporting cast is topnotch,” he said. Meanwhile, Tom was chosen by Unitel to play the lead role. “This is an experiment for us. We didn’t need to do this because our parent company is already very successful in Hollywood doing it. But we wanted to be able to kind of take that learning and bring it here, and maybe to a certain extent, improve and upgrade the quality of Philippine cinema as well, if we do it,” “I mean, I’m not saying, we’re going to revolutionize the industry or anything like that, but we do want to bring a lot of Hollywood into the Philippines as far as the quality of storytelling,” he said. The lead actors have also expressed enthusiasm on being part of FOX’s first film, saying it was an opportunity to play roles that stray from the norm of romance and loveteams. They have happily accepted the challenge, and are excited to bring the characters to life. “We have always prided ourselves in creating original content that would speak to our audience on a personal level, and I feel that Maledicto will do just that, because faith and belief are things that are innate in almost everyone. More than a horror movie, it is an invitation to look inside ourselves and assess what we truly believe in. We hope that this film will offer a fresh perspective.” For more information follow @ maledictomovie on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website : http:// maledictomovie.com/ for more updates.

*** Kapuso shows, personalities lauded anew at Gandingan Awards Media giant GMA Network gained recognitions anew from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) students at the Gandingan 2019: The 13th UPLB Isko’t Iska’s Multi-media Awards. In the awarding ceremonies held last March 16, broadcast journalist Atom Araullo was hailed as the Gandingan ng Kabataan for his documentary program The Atom Araullo Specials while Dr. Nielsen Donato and Dr. Ferds Recio were once again awarded the Gandingan ng Kalikasan for their travel and wildlife show Born to be Wild. Several GMA News and Public Affairs programs were also recognized. AHA! won Most Development-Oriented Children’s Program (‘Animation Originals’ episode); Reporter’s Notebook as Most Development-Oriented Investigative Program (‘Batas ng Karagatan’ episode); and Walang Unli Rice: A GMA News and Public Affairs Special took home the Most Development-Oriented Documentary award. Continued on C3

Atom Araullo hailed as the Gandingan ng Kabataan for his documentary program on GMA

FOR the fourth consecutive year, GMA Network named actor Benjamin Alves as the ambassador of the GMA Network Excellence Award (GNEA) in a contract signing held on March 28, at the GMA Network Center. Present during the contract signing were GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications Angel Javier Cruz, Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Assistant Vice President for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun S. Ferrer, and Mercator Artist and Model Management President and CEO Jonas Gaffud. “Every year, we try to ﬁnd more ways to connect with students. This year, with the help of GMA Regional TV, we’re doing the Kapuso Masterclass Series where we’ve been able to spread the word and awareness to Cebu, Bukidnon, and Davao. It’s been great being more involved and connecting with students all over the country,” Benjamin shared his enthusiasm in reaching out to more students and possible GNEA candidates, For his part, Atty. Gozon expressed his belief that Benjamin is a role model worth

Actor and GNEA ambassador Benjamin Alves

looking up to. “He’s been the ambassador for four years now and we’ve been very happy with his involvement in GNEA. He has been a very appropriate choice because in real life, Benjamin is not just a very good actor he’s also a scholar and a summa cum laude graduate. He is a worthy role model to students across our nation,” he said. Two awards will be conferred by GMA Network to the outstanding graduating students of Communication (Mass Communication, Multimedia Arts, or Advertising) and technology-based courses (Electronics and Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Information Technology). Nominations for the academic year 2018-2019 are open until May 15. For the criteria, mechanics, and other details, contact Unis M. Loleng at 9827777 local 1108 or visit http:// w w w. g m a n e t work.com/excellenceaward.