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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 78 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TRICOLORS AT ROOFTOP. In 2011, Philippine Embassy staff in Damascus painted a large Philippine flag on the roof of the Embassy to ensure the building would not be targeted by mistake. These days, with more airstrikes carried out in Tripoli, Embassy staff decided to do what colleagues did in Damascus: This time they had a big Philippine flag printed on tarpaulin and placed on the rooftop to make sure the Philippine Embassy can easily be identified as a diplomatic mission from the air. Contributed Photo

ADB bullish on PH potential for fast growth NADI, Fiji―The Philippines has the “potential” to become the fastest-growing economy in Asia, propelled by an unprecedented infrastructure overhaul, tax reform and a young workforce, the Asian Development Bank said Thursday. A recent credit rating upgrade from S&P Global is also an indication of the “fundamental strength” of the Philippine economy, which has maintained growth above 6 percent, said ADB Chief Economist Yasuyuki Sawada. He made his statement even as Malacañang said the Duterte administration’s economic managers had done a “splendid job” in maintaining the country’s strong economic growth and sustaining public finances. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace was pleased with the report of Standard & Poor’s saying Manila had received a credit rating upgrade of “BBB+”. “BBB” means the Philippines has “adequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.” However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances could weaken the country’s capacity to meet its financial commitments. The Philippines’ GDP growth has been among Asia’s fastest, ahead of China and Vietnam. Official first quarter Next page

Bikoy uploader rapped for ‘inciting to sedition’ By Rey E. Requejo

T ARRESTED, CHARGED. A man identified by the National Bureau of Investigation as the administrator and registrant of a website that published a link to the controversial videos linking President Rodrigo Duterte’s family to illegal drugs is escorted (left) by a government agent, has been nabbed and charged Thursday (right) with inciting to sedition, a bailable offense under the Revised Penal Code. Bobby Cabrera

160k cops fan out for election duty

Drake, Cardi B top Billboard awards

By Francisco Tuyay, Vito Barcelo and Alena Mae S. Flores SOME 160,000 police will be deployed for election duty in the mid-term elections on May 13 to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral exercise, officials said Thursday. At a press conference, Police Col. Bernard Banac said the increased deployment took effect Thursday, and would represent 85 percent of the total strength of the Philippine National Police. “We want to prevent violence by any group. We want to have a maximum presence of our security forces,” Banac said in a mix of Filipino and English. He said the fielding of additional policemen is not a response to a specific threat, but meant to “ensure that noun toward incident or violence will take place” on election day. Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said that both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are

By Nickie Wang

MUSIC AWARDS. Brandon Urie (left) of Panic! At the Disco and Taylor Swift perform onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

HIP-HOP, R&B, and K-Pop music ruled the 2019 edition of Billboard Music Awards with rappers Drake and Cardi B and South Korean sensation BTS walking home with the night’s biggest honors. Canadian rapper and record producer Drake was the most decorated artist of the awards night held at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1 (May 2 in Manila). He won a dozen trophies, including the most coveted Artist Award, Billboard Top 100 and 200 Artist, and Top Male Artist, bringing his career total at the event to 27. The superstar also broke Taylor Swift’s record of 24 victories for most wins in the annual ceremony that honors music artists based on album and digital songs sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring, and social engagement. “I just want to thank my mom for her relentless effort in my life. I want to thank my mom for all the times you drove me to piano. All the times you drove me to basketball and Next page

Ornate rites for Thai king

BANGKOK—Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn will be crowned this weekend in a pageantry-laden ceremony flecked by Hindu and Buddhist ritual, as Rama X furthers his primacy over one of the world’s richest monarchies and a kingdom beset by ulcerous political diNext page vides.

Pinoy accent among sexiest THE Filipino accent gets a bad rep, especially among Filipinos, but if travel website Big 7 were to be believed many actually find it sexy—the sexiest one in Asia, it adds. This is according to the ranking released by Big 7 on Monday, which ranks Filipino Next page

HE National Bureau of Investigation on Thursday filed an inciting to sedition complaint before the Department of Justice against the man whom it identified as the administrator and registrant of a website that published the link to the controversial “Bikoy” videos linking members of the family of President Rodrigo Duterte to the illegal drugs trade. The DOJ immediately conducted inquest proceedings after the NBI ﬁled the complaint against Robert “Rodel” Jayme, whom Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra identiﬁed as the “registrant and administrator” of the website metrobalita.net that constantly shared the link to the video. Jayme was charged with inciting to sedition under Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. The NBI said the law did not require a person to be involved in seditious acts as long as the elements are met. “Jayme and his cohorts did not just ‘share’ and ‘like’ the videos. Instead, the posting is a concerted effort, not merely a Next page

Palace flip-flops on ouster matrix By Nat Mariano THE Palace reversed itself on Thursday, admitting that a diagram that purportedly linked journalists to a plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte came from an anonymous source and not the President himself, as originally claimed. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo contradicted his previous statement that the so-called matrix, first published by the Manila Times, came from Office of the President. “The source of that is from the Office of the President. It’s from the President himself,” Panelo told Palace reporters in a press briefing on April 22. He also said the President had mentioned that the source of the information was a foreign ally. At the time, Panelo said only the President knew the origin of the diagram and said the public should believe it as it came from Duterte himself. Next page

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FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

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Show cause order vs. 1,000 villages By Francisco Tuyay

HE Department of the Interior and Local Government is set to issue a show cause order against 1,000 of the 5,714 barangays for defying orders to strictly enforce environmental laws in their respective areas along the Manila Bay Watershed Area.

plicable and environmental laws and policies pursuant to the law,” Diño said in a press conference Tuesday. Diño said that cases will be filed against the erring barangay chairman before the Office of the Ombudsman if they fail to justify their non-compliance with the DILG order. “We need barangays who are compliant in enforcing the law within their areas of jurisdiction with regards to the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. I continue to urge our village chiefs to join this campaign and perform their duty as mandated by the law,” he said in Filipino. With more than 5,000 barangay chairmen covered by the Manila Bay area, Diño said more than half a million volunteers may be tapped to help clean the bay. Diño added the DILG is routinely as-

sessing the bid of the National Housing Authority in providing relocation sites to squatters in the area. The DILG official said relocating squatters living along rivers, esteros and other tributaries connected to the Manila Bay is very important because they are a main source of pollution in the bay. Polluting industrial companies and restaurants are also being issued notices for their infractions. In January 2019, the government launched a massive rehabilitation program for the Manila Bay. Despite a vigorous campaign by the government to clean the silted and polluted Manila Bay, only 17 percent among the 5,714 barangays surrounding and fronting it have only complied with the efforts to restore the bay. With PNA

Undersecretary for Barangay Operations Martin Diño said the DILG department has ordered 178 local government units and 5,714 barangays along the Manila Bay Watershed Area to conduct weekly clean-up drives in compliance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte. He said the figure is only the initial batch of erring barangays from Central Luzon, Calabarzon and the National Capital Region.

Diño lashed out at the village chiefs who failed to submit the required weekly reports as directed by the DILG as he also presented the evidence against them. “Around 1,000 of the 5,714 barangays remain to be indifferent to our cause, making a complete mockery of our overall campaign by continuously disregarding these high-level orders for rehabilitation of the bay. It’s about time these negligent officials get a lesson for not complying with and enforcing ap-

160k...

Fariñas drops out of Ilocos gubernatorial race

From A1

verifying intelligence reports that a number of candidates have paid “permit-to-campaign” fees to the communist New People’s Army. If the reports are true, candidates will be charged for aiding, financing, supporting, or conniving with the terrorists and their supposed allies. In other developments: • On Thursday, the Comelec deposited a second batch of source code for the automated elections with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for custody and safekeeping. The source code was placed in individual envelopes and locked in a box secured with a paper seal signed by Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino. “By depositing the source codes, we are creating a trusted archival copy of the source codes, which will now serve as the indispensable anchor of the entire automated election system’s reliability, credibility, and integrity,” Tolentino said. • The Department of Energy on Thursday assured the public that there will be enough supply of electricity in time for the May 13 elections with the entry of new power plants, but said “extraordinary” circumstances could still affect this forecast. At the same time, the department said, it is pursuing a third-party audit of power plants to ensure they comply with regulations and policies. “There is additional capacity coming in…and some power plants that have problems are now coming back online. We have supply,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told reporters on the sidelines of Thursday’s Senate hearing. Cusi said there are allowances for planned and forced outages but there are still instances when there are simultaneous shutdowns of power plants. “That is an extraordinary happening, when power plants go offline simultaneously,” he said. “But based on records, we have sufficient supply.” Cusi said plants from Therma Mobile Inc. and Millenium Energy (about 300 MW) and Therma Visayas Inc. (300 MW) will add to the supply in Cebu. With Macon Ramos-Araneta and PNA

Ornate... From A1

The May 4 to 6 coronation comes more than two years after Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne at the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Bhumibol reigned over seven tumultuous decades and was revered by Thais as a symbol of unity in a politically chaotic country. His fiercely private 66-year-old son―Rama X of the Chakri dynasty― is less well-known by his subjects, and makes frequent trips overseas. On Saturday at the auspicious hour of 10:09 a.m. the public will be given a rare window into the heart of Thai power as blanket television coverage of the three-day coronation begins. It will start with King Vajiralongkorn’s “purification” by water drawn from ponds and rivers followed by a presentation of holy water by the top Buddhist patriarch and Chief Brahmin. AFP

Drake,... From A1

hockey—that clearly didn’t work out,” the 32-year-old rapper said when he received the top artist award besting Cardi B, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Travis Scott. “All the times you drove me to ‘Degrassi.’ No matter how long it took me to figure out what I wanted to do, you were always there to give me a ride, and

The 67-year-old lawmaker, who filed his withdrawal at the Commission on Elections earlier in the day, said he was not really keen on running for any office in the May 13 mid-term polls. “I did not really want to run for any office as I want to retire on June 30 after 39 years since I started as Laoag City Mayor on March 3, 1980, at the age of 28,” Fariñas said. Fariñas did not explain why he had to go from one village to another just to announce that he was not running. “In fact, I do not have a single campaign poster, nor is my name printed in our sample ballot. I’ve never even gone to the other district of our province.” Fariñas said he no longer wanted to hold any public office, but he surprised everyone when he filed his certificate

of candidacy for governor. He said he decided to run because of the “broken peace deal” between his clan and the Marcoses under which his daughter Ria was supposed to run for vice governor with former First Lady Imelda Marcos as the standard bearer. The young Fariñas and the Marcos matriarch were supposed to run unopposed. However, Imee’ s son instead ran for governor and Ria ran for the post of her father in the First District of Ilocos Norte. Ria is running against Ryan Remigio, a known ally of the Marcoses. In the current Congress, Fariñas served as Majority Leader under the speakership of Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao. Alvarez was deposed by a great majority of the congressmen and with him fell Fariñas. With PNA

ers and uploader of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” video featuring a certain “Bikoy,” who claimed to have knowledge about the illegal drug trade involving President Duterte and some family members and associates. The probe revealed that a recently created Youtube channel with the user name “Ang Totoong Narcolist” posted several videos of “Bikoy,” implicating the first family including someone of minor age as beneficiaries of drug syndicates in the country. The investigation also showed that a certain website with a domain name “metrobalita.com” was constantly posting links of the videos which allowed the public to have easier access to the videos. This led the investigators to the identity of Jayme, including some of his personal circumstances. Guevarra said the suspect was cooperative and surrendered his desktop, mobile phone, and other materials subject of the search warrant without any resistance. The suspect voluntarily went with the authorities to the NBI to explain his supposed involvement in the posting of the controversial videos. Guevarra said the Palace was not involved in the arrest. “Malacañang has nothing to do with this. This initiative was taken by the DOJ in the light of serious allegation by an unknown person,” Guevarra said. “It appears he started all of this by creating the website ...so its logical for the NBI to start with him,” he said. The Justice secretary said more details would come out about Jayme once the NBI is finished with the forensic examination of his laptop, mobile phones and other materials discovered in his possession. “We are not done with this guy yet. Af-

ter further investigation some other people, some special people who propagated the video in a very vigorous manner may be investigated further,” he said. The Palace said it would wait for the NBI’s official report. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo also said the agencies involved do not need to be told to file cases against the man who allegedly circulated the Ang Totoong Narco List videos. Panelo said the Palace was unaware of the NBI arrest. Asked if the President would be interested to file a case against the NBI’s person of interest, Panelo said: “It depends on the findings of the NBI.” “If they say he’s involved, then the President doesn’t have to instruct them to file, because that’s their job, criminal cases against those who violate the law, right?” Panelo said. Shortly after Panelo’s briefing, the Department of Justice confirmed the arrest of Jayme. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said, Jayme, a self-proclaimed blogger, gamer, and amateur radio operator, allegedly shared on a regular basis the “Ang Totoong Narco List” videos on his website “MetroBalita.” “A certain website with domain name MetroBalita.com was constantly posting links of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos, which allowed the public to have easier access. Using an open source tool, it was found out that the subject website was registered by a certain Rodel Jayme,” Guevarra said. According to the Justice chief, he already ordered a joint investigation to find the source of the video series posted on YouTube in April. With Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos Araneta

GDP numbers are due out on May 9, the same day the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ policy-setting meeting. “It’s quite possible for the Philippines to be the fastest-growing economy in Asia,” Sawada told ANC. Debt is “well under control” and overall fundamentals are “quite strong,” he said. The Philippines’ work pool is also English-proficient and among the youngest in the region, with an average age of 28. Sawada said this would serve the needs of technology and business

process outsourcing companies. But the trade war between the US and China poses the “highest risk” to economic growth in Asia. Should growth in China slow down because of the trade dispute, it could adversely impact the region indirectly, Sawada said on the sidelines of the ADB Annual Meeting here. The same slowdown, however, could provide Asian economies an opportunity to offer themselves as an alternative to China, he said. “The overall impact to Asian economies is rather moderate and, strictly speaking, slightly positive,” he said. The Asia-Pacific region is the “global

engine” for growth, contributing 60 percent to the world’s economic expansion, he said. Disaster-prone countries like the Philippines should consider resilience when building new infrastructure. A recent earthquake in Central Luzon killed over a dozen people and damaged Clark Airport, highlighting the country’s location in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The Philippines is also battered by an average of 20 typhoons per year. “Building back better is a concept, after the disaster, putting back society and the economy in a better situation than the status quo prior to the disaster,” he said.

now we’re on one hell of a ride,” the rapper added. Fellow rapper Cardi B, who made heads turn when she stepped on the red carpet wearing a bright yellow dress and locked lips with her husband Offset, was the night’s top nominee. She was nominated 21 times in 18 categories and won six awards, including top Hot 100 song for “Girls Like You” with Maroon 5. Meanwhile, Maroon 5 was in third place in term of numbers of awards

won. The band fronted by Adam Levine walked home with four wins, all of which were for their collaboration with Cardi B. A number of superstars showed up to deliver the first performances of their new singles. Taylor Swift opened the show with new single “Me!,” featuring Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco. Mariah Carey, who received the Icon Award, also performed a medley of her greatest hits including a new single.

By Maricel V. Cruz REP. Rodolfo Fariñas of Ilocos Norte, the former enforcer and battering ram of Pantaleon Alvarez, the deposed leader of the House of Representatives, has quit his candidacy for governor of the province. Fariñas told reporters he “did not intend to run for any office as I already want to retire from politics after 39 years in public service. “From Day 1 of the campaign until today, having covered 272 of my district’s 285 barangays, I’ve been announcing in my speeches that I was not running for governor,” he said. Fariñas’ decision leaves his rival Matthew Marcos Manotoc, son of outgoing governor Imee Marcos, unopposed.

Bikoy... From A1

statement of opinion, directed at a more complicated result,” the NBI said in its complaint. “Based on collected facts, it is respectfully recommended that a case for violation of Article 142 inciting to sedition under the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 6 of RA 10175 be filed against Robert Jayme alias Rodel Jayme,” it added. In the complaint, the NBI said aside from Metrobalita, the NBI also identified Pinoy Ako Blog, Change Scamming, Madam Claudia and What Fact Blog as among the active sharers of the Bikoy videos. Earlier, Guevarra announced that NBI arrested Jayme, website owner believed to be responsible for the circulation of the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos implicating President Duterte and some of his family members and associates in the illegal drug trade. In a press conference, Guevarra said Jayme allegedly created metrobalita. com that published the link of the videos on the said website to facilitate its circulation. Guevarra and NBI officials declined to provide details about Jayme’s arrest, saying that a follow-up investigation is still being conducted to determine other possible persons involved in the production and proliferation of the videos. The arrest was an offshoot of the investigation conducted by the DOJOffice of the Cybercrime and the NBIAnti-Cybercrime Division intended at uncovering the identity of the produc-

ADB... From A1

Palace... From A1

As the matrix and the Manila Times story came under fire from most news organizations, Panelo told a different story Thursday, saying he received a copy of it through a text message from “somebody.” “He (Duterte) did not give me anything. He wasn’t the one who gave it to me, it’s just that someone sent me the matrix. Didn’t I tell you someone sent

No-nonsense audit of high-rise buildings sought By Maricel V. Cruz LAWMAKERS on Thursday sought a corruption-free audit of the structural integrity of various structures to ensure public safety in anticipation of strong earthquakes. Reps. Alfredo Benitez of Negros Occidental, Albee Benitez and Winston Castelo of Quezon City made the call following reports that some high-rise buildings used “ampaw” or substandard construction materials, especially steel bars. Benitez and Castelo also asked the concerned government agencies led by the Departments of Trade and Industry to address the seemingly questionable testing or mislabeling of steel bars by some manufacturers. They said the DTI and the Department of Public Works and Highways should start reviewing manufacturing practices adopted by some large local steelmakers which are reportedly profitdriven, jeopardizing public safety. “There should be a thorough evaluation of all high-rise buildings to ensure that these are structurally sound and are not at risk should a catastrophic earthquake hit us in the future,” said Benitez, chairman of the House committee on housing and urban development. In related developments: • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported the fault line in Capoocan, Leyte moved three times in less than 24 hours. A magnitude 2.5 earthquake shook the town 12:58 a.m. on Thursday. A stronger ground shaking at 3.1 in magnitude rocked the town minutes earlier at 12:44 a.m. The strongest was recorded at 11:13 p.m. on Wednesday at magnitude 3.9. The first tremor was felt at Intensity III in Capoocan, Leyte; Intensity in Kananga and Carigara, Leyte; and Intensity I in Ormoc City. The two other quakes were felt at minor intensities in Capoocan and Kananga towns. According to Phivolcs, magnitude measures the energy released from the source of the quake while, intensity measures the strength of shaking produced by the earthquake at a certain location. “This is normal since the fault line is active. It’s good that we feel the minor ground shaking since the fault line releases its energy,” said Myra Dolina, Philvocs Leyte science research analyst in a phone interview Thursday. • The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said in its 6 a.m. update Thursday.the number of families affected by the magnitude 6.1-magnitude earthquake that rocked Luzon last April 22 has now reached 3,630. This is equivalent to 18,086 persons residing in 41 barangays in Central Luzon. In the same report, signed by NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad, it said 696 families or 2,979 individuals are being aided in three evacuation centers while 951 families or 4,756 persons are being helped outside. The number of fatalities remains at 18 with 256 injured and three persons reported missing in Central Luzon and the National Capital Region. With PNA

Pinoy... From A1

the 21st sexiest accent in the world out of 50 based on a survey it conducted among its readers, which it says is at around 1.5 million people. The results, which are not scientific, do not include a breakdown of votes but it describes the Filipino accent as “gentle and soft” and “simply lovely.” Top on the list is the “outrageously charming” Kiwi accent from New Zealand. Also in the top 10 are South African, Irish, Italian, Australian, Scottish, French, Spanish, South USA, and Brazilian Portuguese. At the bottom of the list is Croatian. The phrase “you’re road” went viral in April last year after netizens made fun of a Filipino woman from the reality show 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days said it when she meant to say “you’re rude.” A journalist was also under fire in September last year when she made fun of Duterte’s Visayan accent. me a message?” Panelo said, admitting that the number of that “someone” was not registered on his phone. “He (Duterte) asked me to discuss it (matrix) in the briefing and then somebody sent me a matrix. Then that’s the same matrix, there is no other matrix,” he added. Panelo said he “reasonably assumed” that the matrix sent to him was the one that Duterte initially talked about. It was also the same matrix that the Manila Times published.

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FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace hails signing of IRR for Expanded Maternity Law

CAMPAIGN STOP.

Reelectionist Senator Nancy Binay woos voters in a campaign stop in Cainta, Rizal Thursday. She was joined by reelectionist Mayor Kit Nieto and members of his council. Contributed Photo

By Nat Mariano MALACAÑANG on Thursday hailed the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 11210, or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, saying it will be beneficial for mothers. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the signing of the IRR will protect the health of mothers and will hugely benefit families. “It will add more benefits to your [women] present benefits. Imagine, 105 days... That means you will have more quality time with your family,” Panelo told Palace reporters. “Your health will be protected because you will not be forced to work immediately after giving birth,” he added, noting that the new law will also provide comfort to husbands. On Wednesday, Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello led the signing of the IRR, paving the way for the full implementation of the legislation. Under the new law, all working mothers in government and private sector shall be granted 105 days of paid maternity leave credits, providing them an option to extend their leaves for another 30 days without pay. They shall also be given seven days leave transferrable to fathers. It also doubles the allowed paternity leave to 14 days. Meanwhile, based on the IRR, mothers will also have the option to file for an additional 15 days of unpaid leave. The maternity benefits shall apply to every instance of pregnancy, miscarriage, or emergency termination of pregnancy regardless of frequency. The said law applies to all instances of pregnancies, removing the fourpregnancy cap. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the said measure into law last February, hoping to provide additional leave benefits for employed mothers both in the public and private sector.

Customs bureau bans entry of ‘phosphogypsum’ By Vito Barcelo

HE Bureau of Customs has banned the entry of all shipments containing neutralized phosphogypsum and ordered all shipments back to the port of origin by the importer or shipper. In a statement, Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said the ban is in line with its tightened monitoring and enforcement of rules to protect the country from the entry of hazardous materials to both human and the environment. The BOC clariﬁed that the importation of neutralized phosphogypsum is not included in the list of recyclable materials allowed for importation.

Guerrero said that the prohibition of the importation of neutralized phosphogypsum is in line with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 22 Series of 2013 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes. In a letter addressed to the BOC, Director Metodio U. Turbella of the

Fewer LGU execs pay campaign fees to Reds —DILG official

Three PH ports pass US Coast Guard security assessment SECURITY measures in three of the country’s international container ports were given positive assessments by the United States Coast Guard. The Department of Transportation said the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., the Davao International Container Terminal and the Manila International Container Terminal were found to have significantly improved in the conduct of the International Port Security Program following an assessment by the USCG in the country last month. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade lauded the assessments and vowed to further improve security protocols in container terminals and seaports nationwide. “We appreciate the USCG Team for the visit and the assessment, as this will give us the baseline for our security standards as maritime trading partners. We value all efforts that will further enhance our interdependence leading to mutual prosperity,” Tugade said in statement on Wednesday. The assessment highlighted the efforts of concerned parties in applying corrective measures on the observations reported on the said ports in 2015. The USCG Team pointed out areas that are needed to be improved in these ports such as continuous monitoring of CCTVs; implementation of uniform security measures throughout the perimeter fence; and employees’ identification and security tags bearing expiry dates or color coded. Other recommendations include the establishment of a clear and direct communication link between the port facility security officer and ship’s security officer; random body search or inspection of cargo drivers and the improvement of security measures for Cruise Terminal Operation particularly in Subic. The US Coast Guard visits all countries servicing US-flagged vessels engaged in international trade to facilitate sharing of port security best practices and development of mutual interests in securing ships coming in and out of the United States. PNA

Environmental Management Bureau said that neutralized phosphogypsum is radioactive due to the presence of naturally occurring radioactive elements. “The importation of recyclable materials such as scrap metals, should not contain radioactive materials. Also, considering that phosphogypsum is a waste per se without any recycling to be done, its importation is therefore prohibited,” the letter said. According to the BOC, Phosphogypsum is radioactive due to the presence of naturally occurring uranium, thorium, isotopes radium, radon andpolonium. Phosphogypsum can be used to make several building materials and it is used in agriculture as a conditioner to maintain soil productivity in areas where soils are poor and erode easily.

MANGO MADNESS. Booth owners display ripe and unripe carabao mangoes for sale at the opening of the Department of Agriculture’s Mango Festival, which features mangoes from Guimaras, on Thursday, May 2. Ripe and unripe mangoes are sold at P100 and P70 per kilo, respectively. PNA

UP makes it to Top 100 universities in Asia THE University of the Philippines climbed to the 95th place among the top universities in Asia, London-based magazine and provider of higher education data, the Times Higher Education, announced Wednesday. Since 2017, UP has been in the THE rankings for Asia but this is the ﬁrst time that it made the top 100. “UP soared 61 places from its 156th position in 2018 to sit in the upper 23 percent of 417 universities from 27 countries for 2019. It is one of only ﬁve universities from Southeast Asia in the top 100, with two from Singapore and the other two from Malaysia,” UP said in a press release. De La Salle University, mean-

while, placed 251-300, making it the only Philippine private university included in the 2019 THE rankings. UP and DLSU are the only Philippine universities to enter the list. The Asia University Rankings said it uses the same 13 indicators of the World University Rankings, though “recalibrated to reﬂect the priorities of Asian institutions.” The universities are assessed across all of their core functions, including teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income. Citations and research are the biggest determinants of scores at 30 percent each. Only 34 higher education institutions from Southeast Asia were part of the list. PNA

THE number of local government officials allegedly providing financial support to communist rebels has decreased, the Department of the Interior of Local Government reported Thursday. “The DILG has received reports that CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front] continue to actively pursue the collection of “permits to campaign” and “permits to win” fees in rebel-infested areas but we are pleased to find out that based on the intelligence reports this year, fewer local candidates have succumbed or gave in to their extortion activities,” DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya told reporters in a press conference. Malaya noted that they will file cases against these officials once the elections are over. “It’s [from an] intelligence report from the PNP [Philippine National Police] and AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. I do not want to give exact figures now. I just like to inform the public that the warning stays for those who are giving in to the demands of the CPP-NPA because of extortion activities. So after elections, once we have validated the reports and there is enough evidence, then we will release the figures. But now, while we are in the middle of the election [period], it seemed that our call was effective,” Malaya said. He said the DILG, together with the PNP and AFP, will continue to monitor all candidates during the final days of the election campaign season. “The AFP and PNP are now closely monitoring them and they will be held liable even after the election if we are able to gather evidence that they are aiding, financing, supporting or conniving with these communist terrorist groups and their allies who are out to trample our democracy and oust our duly constituted authorities,” he said. Malaya warned candidates, private individuals, and juridical entities, who willfully donate to the coffers of the enemies of the state of possible criminal liability for violation of Republic Act 10168 or The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. PNA

PNP confirms cop’s bullet killed child AUTHORITIES on Thursday confirmed the bullet that killed six-year-old Gian Habal in Caloocan City last Sunday matched the handgun used by a police operative involved in the incident. “Regarding Gian Habal case in Caloocan, advance information from Crime Laboratory shows that the gun surrendered by Corporal Rocky delos Reyes was the one used in killing the child,” said Metro Manila police director Guillermo Eleazar. Delos Reyes accidentally shot and killed Habal during a hot pursuit encounter with a wanted felon in front of the child’s residence in Barangay 178. He claimed he was conducting routine patrol operation when he chanced upon the suspect. It was learned that the police officer had once got involved in another infraction in the past. Eleazar said the gun used by Delos Reyes was not the service firearm issued by the Philippine National Police. He added the said handgun was the one confiscated late last year due to complaints of indiscriminate firing. “There were a number of irregularities regarding his operations,” said Eleazar, who castigated Delos Reyes in his detention last Wednesday. Joel E. Zurbano

Oil spill victims get checks from PSALM STATE-RUN Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. has resumed distribution of compensation checks to individuals, families, and enterprises who were affected by the Power Barge 103 Oil Spill at the height of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” almost six years ago. The 32-megawatt PB 103 was then moored at Barangay Botongon in the Municipality of Estancia, Iloilo when it was swept aground due to strong winds and storm surge during the onslaught of Supertyphoon Yolanda on Nov. 8, 2013. PSALM said in a statement 23 out of the 26 beneﬁciaries, hailing mostly from Barangay Botongon and Poblacion Zone I, form part of the sixth and latest batch of claimants where PSALM paid a total of P340,428 worth of indemnities. Beneﬁciaries who were not yet able to claim their checks may coordinate with PSALM. PSALM’s settlement of third-party claims is based on the recommendation of the Government Service Insurance System adjuster, Claims Services International Adjusting Co., and endorsement of GSIS. Alena Mae S. Flores

PH asserts position in IMO White List THE Philippines, through the Department of Transportation and the Maritime Industry Authority, asserted its position in the revised “White List” of Parties to the STCW Convention prepared by the Secretariat of the International Maritime Organization, through an intervention during the 6th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW6) held at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom from April 29 to May 3, 2019. During the Sub-Committee’s session on April 30, the Philippine delegation, together with delegations from other Parties of the STCW Convention, raised issues and questions to the Subcommittee and the IMO Secretariat regarding the sudden review and preparation of a draft revised White List, the procedures of the said review, and the criteria for issuance of a revised list.

Opinion

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

May Day “MAY Day! May Day!” is an emergency call of a person in distress whose boat, ship or plane has encountered rough seas or winds. It is an international code name asking for extreme emergency assistance.

Labor does not make a dent in swaying voters’ preference in the May 13 midterm elections.

May 1 or May Day is marked as Labor Day internationally in many countries in the world specially those whose form of government is communist or socialist in nature. In the Philippines, May Day sadly reflects the true state of affairs of the Labor movement which in itself is in distress. To wit, labor organizations supported by the militant left staged their usual protests, rallies and burning of the President’s effigy. But that is the usual stuff they do to protest lack of jobs, underemployment and low wages. The only new element in this litany of grievances are the non-implementation of contractualization or endo and the hiring of Chinese in the online gaming industry, displacing Filipino workers. The result is the anemic public reaction to protests staged by labor

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

demonstrators and the nonchalant “who cares?” attitude of government. That most of the adminstration senatorial candidates endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte are in the winning column of 10 reflects how labor does not make a dent in swaying voters’ preference in the May 13 midterm elections. Yet the issues raised by the labor sector are the same concerns of Everyman—high prices of the cost living, water (if available), electricity, unemployment, low salary, the hiring of Chinese workers im imposed on the government because of Chinese loans for its infrastructure projects, etc. In France, Europe and some parts of the Asia Pacific, May Day is something governments watch out for as it could be an occasion for upheaval to change of govern government. It is only in the United States that Labor Day is marked on Sept. 5 of every year. The violence that attended the rival demonstrations of anti and pro-Maduro protesters in Caracas, Venezuela happened on May 1, Labor Day. But Nicolas Maduro backed by the military appears to be well entrenched despite the suppport of the United States and most of the European Union for Maduro’s rival. The volatile situation in Venezuela is turning out to be a proxy fight between the US and Russia. Moscow is accusing Washington to be meddling in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. The Kremlin’s statement drew a strong warning from the White House with undertones of a strong response similar to the Cuban missile crisis, when then President John F. Kennedy

Improved credit rating

HE Duterte administration is performing well on the economic front. The move of S&P Global Ratings to upgrade the Philippines's debt rating to “BBB+” from “BBB” on Tuesday is a vote of confidence from the international ratings agency on the way the Philippine economy is being run. The rating upgrade to “BBB+” puts the Philippines credit standing just a notch away from “A minus,” or within the coveted “A” scale. A rating within the “A” scale will place the Philippines on the radar screen of even more investors. S&P cited the country’s above-average economic growth, a healthy external position and sustainable public finances in raising the longterm sovereign credit rating of the Philippines a notch higher. The upgrade put the Philippines at par with Mexico, Peru, Thailand and Trinidad and Tobago. It is higher than

the “BBB” ratings of Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Panama and Uruguay. S&P said the stable outlook reflected its assumption that the Philippine economy would continue to achieve an above-average real gross domestic product growth over the medium term, supporting the sovereign's credit profile. The rating upgrade is expected to translate into lower interest on the foreign borrowings of the Philippines, as foreign banks and lenders view the Philippines as a country with lesser debt risk. This, in turn, means lower operating cost in factories and

service-oriented companies, and serves as a magnet for foreign investors. One analyst says the credit upgrade will strengthen peso against US dollar in the near term on the assumption that more foreign investors are likely to place their bet on the Philippines. The country's economic managers have run a tight ship amid increasing revenues and a manageable budget deficit. They have pursued President Rodrigo Duterte's call to build vital infrastructure projects to sustain economic expansion over the medium- and longterm period. The Philippines can expect more credit upgrades once it completes all the tollroads, bridges, airports, rail and other infrastructure projects designed to speed up the flow of goods and services. The Philippines by then would have created millions of jobs and joined the ranks of more prosperous nations in Asia.

Turn to A5

Shady deals at Customs DON’T look now, but it seems that the Duterte administration’s efforts to clean-up the Bureau of Customs under new management are going nowhere, with the name of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero being used to extract hefty sums from brokers and importers doing business in various ports of entry throughout the country. A letter-complaint sent to President Rodrigo Duterte by a group of brokers transacting business at the Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port details shenanigans by one Yasser Abbas and several cohorts as in the forcible collection of “toll” commonly known in Customs circles as “tara.” The group claims that Director Abbas of the Import Assessment Service, an office under the Office of the Commissioner, has imposed a new “tara” scheme for cargoes of general merchandise at P3,000/container. Containers passing through the nation’s ports of entry average at 4.3 million a year—and that means billions of pesos that can be bled from importers. “This amount will guarantee that an importer can pay duties and taxes of P180,000-200,000/container of general merchandise. If an importer refuses to pay, the duties and taxes imposed by the Director is P250,000300,000,” the group pointed out. Vehicle importers, on the other hand, are leech-sucked to the tune of P50,000-100,000 per unit—noncompliance with the Director’s behest means coughing up the maximum amount in taxes and duties. The brokers lamented: “Director Abbas is able to pressure importers

and brokers through the examiners and appraisers. Ask anyone from assessment and they will usually say, albeit discreetly, that they are always being berated by the Director and threatened that they will be reassigned or their access suspended if they will not impose the duties and taxes on the shipments of our importers.” The group said graft holds sway at the BOC with appraisers “forced to give the IAS Director P50,00080,000 weekly allowance so that they will not be transferred to other sections. Unfortunately, this amount is taken by the appraisers from hapless importers and brokers like us,” the group said.

Let’s see how Mr. Duterte acts on this latest mess.

Information about the current sad state of affairs at Customs never reaches Commissioner Guerrero since “the IAS Director belongs to the group of the Chief of Staff, Atty. Teodoro Jumamil and Atty. Vener Baquiran. This is why we believe that reports regarding the IAS Director and his men are isolated and/or filtered before it reaches the Commissioner.” Mr. Abbas must be enjoying the new-found pelf and power that came with his job, even his hobby has changed—he is said to have begun collecting astronomically priced watches that cost anywhere from P500K to P1.5M. What’s ominous with such an expensive hobby? A watch, in feng shui Turn to A5

Turkey’s ‘Communist mayor’ tears down walls with fresh approach By Fulya Ozerkan ON HIS election, Fatih Macoglu's first move as mayor of his Turkish city was to knock down the walls around his office as a symbol of his transparency. He refuses to use his official car and has posted his administration's finances on a banner on the front of his office building to show people how he is spending their money. As Turkey's only Communist party mayor, Macoglu, 50, is win-

ning fans but has also drawn criticism with his novel approach, in a country dominated for 17 years by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP party. "There is nothing more natural than the public knowing what's going on," Macoglu told AFP, in an interview at his office. "This shouldn't be an insult or a curse word for anyone." In the March 31 local polls, Macoglu was elected mayor of Tunceli

in eastern Anatolia—formerly known as Dersim—a majority Kurdish Alevi city, which is very secular and leftleaning. It's not his first mayoral term. In 2014, he was elected mayor of the town of Ovacik, also in Tunceli province, and also for the Communist Party of Turkey. During his term in office, he instigated popular initiatives, including promoting agriculture and free public Turn to A5

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Opinion The senatorial race by April IF YOU believe Pulse Asia, it’s all over but the counting for the pro-administration coalition of Hugpong ng Pagbabago of Sara Duterte and the top two personal choices for senator of President Rodrigo Duterte of PDPLaban. The possibility is strong that none of the opposition eight Otso Diretso senatorial candidates would make it. BizNewsAsia averaged the four pre-selection senatorial survey results of Pulse Asia during January, February, March, and April 2019. We added the results of the four months and divided the total by four. Here are the averages: 1. Grace Poe (66.38 percent); 2. Cynthia Villar (59.23); 3. Sonny Angara (49.98); 4. Pia Cayetano (49.10); 5. Lito Lapid (49.03); 6. Bong Go (48.55); 7. Nancy Binay (43.08); 8. Ronald dela Rosa (40.75); 9. Bong Revilla (39.00); 10. Koko Pimetel (36.63); 11. Imee Marcos (36.45); 12. Jinggoy Estrada (35.55); 13. Mar Roxas (34.35); 14.

Turkey’s... From A4

transport. Macoglu, often dubbed "the Communist mayor," said he took over an "emptied" municipality in Tunceli, with all its income confiscated. The city was previously controlled by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party and then by a "kayyum"—a government-appointed trustee put in place by Erdogan's government after a 2016 coup attempt. The married father-of-two said that he doesn't see himself as "a communist mayor". "I am a socialist," he said. But he added: "If you ask 'Are you a socialist? Are you aiming for communism?' Of course I am, but at a time when capitalism has gone wild, to be a communist or to be seen as a communist city seems like an exaggeration." Leftist history Tunceli has a long history of leftist resistence. In 1938, the Turkish military bombarded and attacked the region to crush a Kurdish rebellion that was resisting the authority of the new republic founded in 1923. In 2011, Erdogan—then prime minister—apologized for the killing of more than 13,000 Kurds in the attack, marking the first time a state representative had done so. Most residents still prefer to use the name Dersim, but nationalists see that as an insult to Turkey's modern republic, founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who himself named the city Tunceli. Macoglu put up a sign in his room stating "The word, the power and the decision rest with the people of

Bam Aquino (32.88); 15. Serge Osmeña (30.50); 16. Francis Tolentino (28.00). The Pulse Asia surveys have 1,800 respondents with an error margin of + or - 2.3, meaning the survey numbers can miss actual tallies by 4.6 percentage points combined, both ways. Ideally, a survey with a margin of error of 2.3 percentage points either way should be reliable. It is not.

Don’t rely on surveys like they were a matter of life and death. In 2016, both Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations were way off the mark in their predictions. Since both still use the survey methodology they had in 2016, the probability of their being wrong again in 2019 cannot be discounted. In April 2016, Social Weather Stations had the following survey results for senators: 1. Frank Drilon (result, 1); 2.Vi-

Dersim," which sparked criticism on social media. Asked if he was feeling isolated because he defended communism, Macoglu told AFP: "To the contrary, there is a lot of sympathy from the people of Turkey. "If today, even the representatives of bourgeois politics talk about production and cooperatives, this is a win for us." Nationally, the Communist Party of Turkey is a marginal party and has no MPs in parliament. As Ovacik mayor, Macoglu opened a cooperative to promote organic honey and chickpeas whose sales funded university students from poor families. Macoglu wants to expand his model all around Turkey. Cihan Durna, of the Ovacik cooperative, praised Macoglu's production model. "He has done a lot to develop the town," he said. Cuba Cafe Senem Yerlikaya runs Cuba Cafe in Ovacik which she opened in 2014 because of "similarities between the people of Cuba and Ovacik." "He [Macoglu] has done a lot for the people here in the last five years. Mayors are usually very formal but he integrated well with the locals," she said. Tunceli province has been battered by a conflict between Turkish forces and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. The military still has checkpoints around the region, which has mountainous areas where militants hide out. But locals are happy with Macoglu, and the province is changing.

cente Sotto (2); 3. Manny Pacquiao (7); 4. Kiko Pangilinan (9); 5. Panfilo Lacson (4); 6. Migz Zubiri (6); 7. Risa Hontiveros (9); 8. Leila de Lima (12); 9. Joel Villanueva (2); 10. Sergio Osmeña (14); 11. Richard Gordon (5); 12. Ralph Recto (11); 13. Win Gatchalian (10); 14. TG Guingona (17). Gatchalian was predicted to lose. He won instead. Serge Osmeña was predicted to win. He lost instead. Joel Villanueva was predicted to be No. 9. He became No. 2 actually. No. 3 in the survey, Pacquiao, became No. 7. In 2016, Pulse Asia did worse than SWS. It made Villanueva losing, at No. 14. He ended up No. 2. It made Serge Osmeña win at No. 7. He lost at No. 14 in actual count. It predicted Sotto would be No. 1 (he came out No. 2). It made Dick Gordon No. 10. He was actually No. 5. It made Leila de Lima lose, at No. 13. She won, at No. 12. It made Kiko Pangilinan No. 3. He ended up No. 9, five rungs lower. Moral of the story: Don’t rely on surveys like they were a matter of life and death. Both SWS and Pulse Asia have a lot of explaining to do for having more misses than hits in the past.

Mahmut Tutan, who owns a small hotel in Ovacik—which often draws comparisons with the Swiss Alps— said tourists flocked to the region last year. "He comes from a poor family in that valley," Tutan said, pointing to a village in the mountains. "One day the people around him asked him to work for the good of others. That is how he started." Beekeeping Metin Kahraman, a wellknown singer and researcher who works on oral history in the region, said he hoped that Macoglu would lead a "positive change." "It is a special geography here where Alevis are the majority and observe their faith, so all mayors elected here, regardless of their party, should promote culture, language, literature," he said. "That has been neglected so far." Turkey's Alevis adhere to what is usually seen as an offshoot of Shia Islam and make up the biggest religious minority in the mainly Sunni country. Involved in the communist movement since the mid-1980s, Macoglu said that he didn't have big dreams— beekeeping is what he wants to do next. "Honestly, that's what I want to do the most. If you ask about plans for the coming period, that would be the most important and pragmatic," he said. Returning to Turkish politics, he refused to comment on Erdogan or the main opposition party chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is from Tunceli. "Are the capitalists, imperialists on the right path?" he asked. "I think they are not." AFP

strike against the Russian missiles and Cuba itself, then ruled by dictator Fidel Castro. From A4 The US under its self-promade Russia’s Nikita Khruscheve claimed Monroe Doctrine does back off under pain of a nuclear not want any outside power step-

May Day

ping into the affairs of countries in South America because of its propinquity to US interests in the region. Will the US be able to stare down Russia this time in a nuclear poker game?

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Taiwan’s advances in digital healthcare

Helping other countries achieve universal health coverage by 2030 THIS year marks the 24th anniversary of Taiwan’s implementation of universal health coverage. Taiwan’s National Health Insurance covers the full spectrum of essential and highquality health services, from prevention and treatment to rehabilitation and palliative care. In the 1960s, Taiwan’s progressive health sector began the process of incorporating laborers, farmers, and government employees into the health insurance system. It is now widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The NHI ranked 14th in the 2017 Global Access to Healthcare Index of The Economist, and ninth in the 2018 Health Care Efficiency Index of Bloomberg Finance. The success of Taiwan’s NHI can be attributed to several key factors. First, it adopted a single-payer model with contributions from individuals, employers, and the government. A supplementary premium is also charged based on payers’ income levels. Second, to control medical expenses, a budget payment system was adopted to set caps on healthcare costs paid by the government. Under these caps, Taiwan’s medical expenses accounted for only 6.4 percent of GDP in 2017, lower than the OECD average. In the same year, the NHI’s administrative costs were kept under 1 percent of its total budget, and the public satisfaction rate was 86 percent. Third, the NHI’s integrated preventive health care services and pay for performance programs have ensured a high quality of healthcare and encouraged continued improvement of health standards. Fourth, to reduce health inequalities, premium subsidies are provided to disadvantaged groups such as low-income households and the unemployed. The provision of preventive and primary healthcare is the most costefficient approach to achieving universal health coverage. Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has developed tools utilizing artificial intelligence and cloud computing to access the massive databases it has built over the past 24 years. For instance, the MediCloud system was launched to enable healthcare providers to query patients’ medical records within the NHI system, while the PharmaCloud system provides prescription drug information to physicians and pharmacists. Currently, through digital cloud tools, community-based primary care providers in Taiwan can retrieve test reports―including CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, gastroscopies, colonos-

copies and X-rays―from secondary and tertiary institutions and receive prescription information. These digital health technologies have enhanced care services in many ways. They have improved the quality of care and reduced costs, in terms of both time and money, by properly matching health services with the locations where these services are provided. They have also lowered the potential risks arising from repeated examinations. Related systems are patient-centered, meaning that they are organized around the complex needs and expectations of patients and communities, helping realize the concept of good hospitals in the community and good doctors in the neighborhood. Taiwan has learned how to utilize its competitive advantages in information technology and medicine to deliver better care and enhance the health of the overall population. In response to the goals set by the Health Workforce 2030 of the World Health Organization, Taiwan has also provided scholarships for in-service programs and higher education to thousands of people, both Taiwanese and foreign nationals, in fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, healthcare administration and public health. At a time when achieving universal health coverage has never been more urgent and important, Taiwan has actively sought to share its firstrate experience in healthcare reform. Regrettably, political obstruction has deprived Taiwan of the right to participate in and contribute to the World Health Assembly―WHO’s decisionmaking body. In the past two years, WHO has denied Taiwanese delegates, who represent the 23-million citizens of a democratic and peaceful country, access to the assembly. Nevertheless, Taiwan remains committed to enhancing regional and global health cooperation, sharing its experience and capacity in healthcare reform with countries in need, and making universal health coverage a reality by 2030. Against this backdrop, we urge WHO to respond favorably to the widespread calls for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly and related technical meetings, mechanisms and activities. WHO should abide by its own principles of inclusiveness and universal participation. Taiwan is a worthy and reliable partner that can help countries around the world achieve the meaningful goal of universal health coverage by 2030.

Shady...

has been completed, the construction worker goes jobless. Despite the high employment rate in the business process outsourcing sector, the think-tank pointed out, the sector is service-oriented and call centers provide services for companies abroad. Besides, the BPO sector does not create new products, unlike manufacturing. The job-creation rate is low under the Duterte administration because there has been a huge decline of jobs in the agriculture sector. The estimated loss is 1.1-million jobs. Meantime, there’s also a slowdown in the job-creation rate in manufacturing. No less than 2,000 enterprises close annually in the country due to intense market competition, sending thousands of workers jobless and without any means to support their families, according to the group. If the employment situation is bad, what does Ibon and similar thinktanks suggest by way of reforms? That would be interesting to find out.

From A4

lore, is a sign that your time may be up. Let’s see how Mr. Duterte will act on this latest mess at Customs. Is Build, Build, Build creating jobs? If we’re to believe an independent think-tank, it’s not. Build, Build, Build, the Duterte administration’s flagship economic development program that’s said to usher in what its drumbeaters call the “Golden Age of Philippine Infrastructure,” is touted to create more jobs for Filipinos. But Ibon Foundation, which conducts economic research, claims Build, Build, Build is not an effective job-creating program. In fact, it said, the annual job-creation rate under the Duterte administration is the lowest based on data gathered over the last six administrations. For one thing, Ibon said, construction work in infrastructure projects, even if done full-blast, is not a good job-creating activity as it is seasonal. Once the building, airport or road ernhil@yahoo.com

The states are too high not just for the two superpowers but also for the peace and security of the entire world. China’s Xi Jinping must be gleefully watching developments in Venezuela at the

sidelines. Any form of distraction elsewhere is advantageous for Bejing’s ambition in Southeast Asia and its desire to claim the entire South China Sea and its oil resources under the seabed.

News

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Maynilad concerned by low water production By Rio N. Araja

House backs creation of Ilocos Sur Ecozone By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives has backed a measure establishing a special economic zone in the Province of Ilocos Sur. House Bill 9097, or the proposed “Ilocos Sur Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act,” according to Rep. Deogracias Victor Savellano of Ilocos Sur, principal author of the bill, is in consonance with the State policy to encourage, promote, and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic and social development of the country. Savellano said the bill’s enactment shall attract legitimate and productive foreign investments as well as generate employment, especially to those in the rural areas, and increase their productivity and individual family income.

The proposal calls for the creation of the Ilocos Sur Special Economic Zone and Freeport to be referred also as the Ilocos Sur Ecozone. It has been approved on second reading at the Lower House. Under the bill, the Ilocos Sur Ecozone shall cover a portion of the Solamague Cove and particular areas in the barangays of Dardarat, Solotsolot, Surngit, and Refaro in the Municipality of San Juan as well as Dardarat, Pila, Sagayaden, Sabang, Namruangan, Salapasap, Daclapan, Pug-Os, Turod, and Baclig, all located in the Municipality of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Savellano said the concept and objective of the bill is to develop the Freeport area into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial and investment center that will put in place a wide-reaching employment and investment generation mechanism, all to strengthen the trading and foreign exchange position of the country.

EST zone Maynilad Water Services Inc. on Thursday raised concerns over its reduced water production due to an “unusual” algae proliferation in Laguna Lake.

“On the whole, it is looking at effectively complementing the aggressive export-oriented thrust of the country, thus enhancing the country’s global competitiveness,” Savellano explained. The bill mandates the creation of the Ilocos Sur Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority or ISSEZA which shall manage and operate the Ilocos Sur Ecozone. The bill also deﬁnes the powers and functions of the ISSEZA such as to 1) operate, administer, manage and develop the Ilocos Sur Ecozone; 2) register, regulate and supervise the enterprises in the Ilocos Sur Ecozone in an efﬁcient and decentralized manner, subject to existing laws; and 3) coordinate with LGUs and exercise general supervision over the development plans, activities and operations of the Ilocos Sur Ecozone.

Customers in Metro Manila’s Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas City and Parañaque City, and Cavite’s Imus and Bacoor will continue to experience low-water pressure to no-water supply until May 14. Maynilad noticed the ﬁrst algal bloom last April 23, saying the excessive algae would require additional cleaning and declogging at the Muntinlupa’s Putatan water treatment facilities. The proliferation of algae was credited to the warmer temperature brought about by the El Niño phenomenon. “We are intensifying our treatment interventions to address the issues brought about by the algal bloom and bring our production back to normal levels,” Maynilad said.

Despite the continued algae proliferation in Laguna Lake, Maynilad said “we have been able to increase the production of our Putatan water treatment facilities (1 and 2) from a low of 80 million liters per day to 125 million liters per day. While such is still below our normal production—as the facilities’ full combined capacity is at 250 million liters per day—it is an improvement that will help us to better stabilize supply in the network, and marginally increase the supply availability window for some of the affected areas, the water ﬁrm said. “We are intensifying our treatment interventions to address the issues brought about by the algal bloom and bring our production back to normal levels,” it added.

SERVICE INTERRUPTION. Residents of TS Cruz in Almansa Dos, Las Piñas City, fetch water from a deep well on Thursday following a water service interruption of Maynilad due to the proliferation of algae in Laguna Lake. Affected areas are Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, as well as Imus and Bacoor City in Cavite. The service interruption will last until May 14. Norman Cruz

‘Over 400,000 employees regularized under Du30’ OVER 400,000 workers from the private sector have been regularized since President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office in 2016. Data from the Department of Labor and Employment show that for the period 2016-2018, a total of 413,940 workers have been regularized. Of the figure, 291,612 benefitted from voluntary regularization and 122,328 were regularized through inspection. The DOLE issued Department Order 174, Series of 2017, which is the new implementing rules and regulations of Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code, as amended. DO 174-17 is a product of comprehensive and inclusive area-wide consultations involving all sectors (i.e. formal, informal, public, migrant, women, and youth). Based on the submitted report of the 16 DOLE Regional Offices (DOLE-ROs), as of March 2019, a total of 4,717 registered contractors have valid registration, 3,271 of which were registered under D.O. 174 and 1,446 under D.O. 18-A. According to the DOLE, it has undertaken measures to ensure the effective implementation of DO 174-

17, which include regularization of workers through inspection, deputization of trade unions and employer organizations to participate in the inspection of establishments’ compliance to labor laws and social legislations (DOLE Administrative Order No. 164-17). Also, it issued Department Order 183, Series of 2017, or the Revised Rules on the Administrative and Enforcement of Labor Laws to further strengthen the implementation of the visitorial and enforcement powers under the Labor Code, towards securing a higher level of compliance with labor laws. DOLE-ROs reported that a total of 3,377 companies were found to be engaged and suspected to be engaged in Labor-only contracting or other non-permissible contracting/subcontracting arrangements in violation of the right to security of tenure. The number covers 2016 up to April 2018. Of these, 767 companies were found to be engaged in LOC, and issued with Compliance Orders directing the regularization of affected workers, including those with pending appeal before the Ofﬁce of the Labor Secretary. PNA

Check employees’welfare, CAB told

(MS-APRIL 26 & MAY 3, 2019) (

A HOUSE leader onThursday said the country’s airline sector was in trouble because of rapidly shrinking financial viability due to severe congestion and operational foul-ups in the country’s major airports. “It’s obviously becoming very difficult for airline companies to operate because of airport congestion and seeming management foul-ups in our airports,” Rep. Jericho Nograles said. At the same time, Nograles urged the Civil Aeronautics Board to look into the welfare of flight crews who might inevitably lose their jobs as airlines try to cut costs on personnel to cope up with financial losses caused by inefficient airport operation. “While cancellations are usually a product of airport congestion and operational snafus the most affected are the front liners and flight crews. CAB must also step in to help them,” Nograles said. Nograles noted that the mounting complaints on flight cancellations especially Manila-bound flights due to airport congestions is putting so much financial pressure on all airline operators, especially local airline companies such as Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. While airline companies are trying to cope up with the increasing demand during peak season, they ultimately end up cancelling and delaying some of their flights because of airport congestion at the NAIA. Maricel V. Cruz

Sports Carter back for record 22nd season WASHINGTON—Vince Carter says he will return next season for a record 22nd NBA campaign at age 42, although it might not be with his current club, the Atlanta Hawks. Once among the NBA’s elite players, eight-time NBA All-Star swingman Carter will find himself alone in NBA endurance if he can sign a contract for another season. Retiring Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki, former Boston star centers Kevin Garnett and Robert Parish and forward Kevin Willis are the only players in NBA history to match Carter’s 21 league seasons. Carter revealed his plans on his “Winging It” podcast, saying, “I’m coming back.” But when asked if his return would be with the Hawks, who signed him to a one-season deal last August for $2.4 million, Carter was less certain, saying only: “I would like to. We’ll see what happens.” Carter averaged 7.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists over 17.5 minutes a game in 76 appearances for the Hawks, who went 29-53, 12 games behind Detroit for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth. Carter cracked the 25,000 career point mark, placing himself among the league’s all-time top 20 scorers. The fifth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by Golden State, he was traded to Toronto for pal Antawn Jamison. He was named the 1999 NBA Rookie of the Year and won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, his high leaping acrobatic slam dunks earning him such nicknames as “Air Canada” and “Vinsanity” while helping the Raptors to their first playoff berth in 2000 and first postseason series win in 2001. Carter, who played for the US gold medal 2000 Olympic squad of NBA stars, was traded to New Jersey in 2004 and spent five seasons there before being traded to Orlando. He helped the Magic reach the 2010 Eastern Conference finals, his deepest career playoff run. Since then, Carter has traveled around the league, making stops in Phoenix, Dallas, Memphis, Sacramento and last season in Atlanta.

Lampacan bags silver Arafura Games’ muay DARWIN, Australia—Ariel Lee Lampacan salvaged a silver medal Wednesday in the muay competitions of the 2019 Arafura Games held at the Darwin Convention Centre. The 21-year-old Lampacan bowed to Sakchai Chamchit of Thailand, 30-27, in the ﬁnal of the senior male Elite A 54-kilogram division but nevertheless secured the silver in the competition where the participants can gain points to qualify in the 2021 World Games. Lampacan was disappointed for not winning the gold medal but vowed to bounce back in his next competition. “Bawi tayo next time sa June sa World Championship (Bangkok). Pagbubutihin ko pa ‘yung training at hahasain ko pa ‘yung galaw ko,” said Lampacan. Lampacan was one of the four national muay athletes here in the Arafura Games Philippine campaign supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Standard Insurance. The Philippines has now collected 30 golds, 48 silvers, and 28 bronzes, with more athletes looking to add to the tally with two days left in the competition. Tagum City natives Hachaliah Gilbuena and Johnrel Amora beat Australia 10, 21-12, 21-13, to clinch a spot in the round of 16 after winning all of their two matches in Pool D. Amora is teaming up with Gilbuena in an international competition for the ﬁrst time, but has been his partner since their college days at University of Mindanao-Tagum. “Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi ang tatangkad nila. Nag-focus lang talaga kami sa laro. Points na lang po talaga ‘yung nasa isip namin kahit hindi na makapalo,” said the 24-year-old Amora.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Blazers level series with Nuggets L

OS ANGELES—C.J. McCollum scored 20 points as the Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally from the Denver Nuggets to score a series-leveling victory in their NBA Western Conference playoff duel on Wednesday. McCollum led the scorers in a hardfought 97-90 victory on the road at Denver’s Pepsi Center to tie the best-of-seven series at 1-1. Portland talisman Damian Lillard had a relatively quiet night, restricted to just 14 points after shooting fiveof-17 from the field. However, double-digit contributions Enes Kanter, Zach Collins, Rodney Hood and Al-Farouq Aminu helped Portland get over the line. “I really liked our approach in the ﬁrst half, particularly the ﬁrst quarter,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “I thought we were a lot better offen-

sively than in game one. We did a better job on the ball. I liked the tone we set for most of the game.” The Blazers looked to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after a dominant first half, surging into a 50-35 lead at the break. They opened up a 17-point lead early in the third quarter, and led by 14 heading into the final period. That, however, was the cue for a sustained Denver assault, with the Nuggets slowly chipping away at the Portland lead. A driving layup from Nikola Jokic put Denver within five points at 95-90 with 34 seconds left on the clock.

But a foul by Mason Plumlee gifted two free throws to Hood, who coolly drained both attempts to take the Blazers 97-90 clear with 17 seconds remaining. Jokic led the Denver scorers with 16 points while Jamal Murray added 15. Paul Millsap ﬁnished with 14 points. Defensive effort Stotts meanwhile praised the defensive effort that restricted Jokic, but was unhappy that the Serbian managed to haul down 14 rebounds throughout the game. “I thought we pressured him a little bit more,” Stotts said. “He didn’t get the clean looks that we gave him in game one. He got too many offensive rebounds in the fourth though. We were very fortunate that we weren’t hurt as badly as we could have been.” Game three in the series takes place in Portland on Friday. Nuggets coach Mike Malone said

Denver had struggled to match Portland’s physical approach in the first half. “In that first half they were the aggressor, they were much more physical,” Malone said. “But I’m extremely proud of the way they came back in the second half. But we’ve got to do it for 48 minutes and that was the most disappointing thing about tonight—we brought it in the second half but in the first half it was not there.” Stotts meanwhile had raised eyebrows earlier, wearing a bowtie on the sidelines during the game. The Blazers coach revealed it was a tribute to video co-ordinator Jonathan Yim, who was injured in a car crash with his family last week. “On Wednesdays, Jon would wear bowties to the game, so tonight was bowtie Wednesday,” Stotts said. “I think bowties are undefeated this year.” AFP

Blu Girls advance in Asia Cup tilt

Damian Lillard (left) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives past Gary Harris of the Denver Nuggets during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. AFP

Ancajas defends IBF crown against Funai RISING Filipino boxing star Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas can’t wait for the bell to ring this Sunday when he defends his IBF Superflyweight world title against Ryuichi Funai of Japan. The match will air live from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, USA on ABS-CBN S+A and S+A HD at 10 a.m., to mark the Pinoy “Pretty Boy’s” debut in the country’s premier sports channel. “Being aired on the biggest network is a big opportunity. I’m sure that my family and friends in Davao will get to see my fight,” said Ancajas to ABSCBN Sports during his press conference in his Cavite gym last April 11 for the announcement of the partnership between ABS-CBN Sports and his promoters. Ancajas has been rampaging for the past two years, having defended his title successfully for six straight times. With a 30-1-2 record with 20 knockouts, the Filipino is banking once more on his skill and power to pull through Funai, who at age 33 has amassed a 31-7-0 record spiked with 22 knockouts. The power-punching Japanese is also riding on a three-fight win streak via knockouts and looks to trade power shot with power shot with the Filipino rising

Jerwin Ancajas

Ryuichi Funai

star, who is coming off a competitive draw last September 28 against Alejandro Santiago Barrios of Mexico. Don’t miss the S+A debut of one of Pinoy boxing’s exciting fighters Jerwin Ancajas as he stakes his IBF Superflyweight Belt against Japanese pugilist Ryuichi Funai this Sunday. Watch the fight live on S+A and S+A

HD from the Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, USA at 10 a.m. For more stories about Jerwin Ancajas and boxing, head to sports.abscbn.com or follow @abscbnsports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.

Zubiri goal lifts La Salle to Final 4 A LATE goal by Xavi Zubiri carried De La Salle to a thrilling 1-0 win over Far Eastern University as the Archers clinched the last Final Four spot in the final eliminations matchday of the UAAP Season 81 men’s football tournament Thursrday. The Green Archers were the aggressor late in the last 10 minutes of the match, as rookie John Rhey Lagura had several scoring chances to put his side ahead but fell short. From close range, substitute Zubiri scored his first-ever UAAP goal—and De La Salle’s biggest of the season—in stoppage time, just enough for the Archers to collect 25 points and eliminate University of Santo Tomas in the Final Four race. “I feel amazing right now,” said Zubiri. In the morning match at the FEU-Diliman pitch, Kyle Magdato netted a brace, while Dane Saavedra also entered the scoresheet as defending champion University of the Philippines fashioned out a 3-0 win over also-ran University of the East to barge in the Final Four. The Fighting Maroons finished second in the table with 26 points and will face No. 3 Archers in the knockout semifinals next week at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The loss dropped the Tamaraws to fourth spot at 24 points. FEU will take on elimination round topnotcher Ateneo in the other Final Four pairing.

THE Philippine Blu Girls assured themselves of a spot in the next round after scoring shutout victories in the first two days of the 2019 Asia Cup Women’s Softball Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Filipina softballers, ranked No.13 in the world, posted a 13-0 victory against Singapore via mercy rule in their first assignment Wednesday morning as pitchers Royevel Palma and Lyca Basa combined for nine strikeouts. In the afternoon, the Blu Girls blanked Hong Kong, 10-0, also via mercy rule as Cristy Joy Roa, Cheska Altomonte, Angelie Ursabia and FilAms Chelsea Suitos, Sky Ellazar and Amber Freeman scored homeruns in the game. The team scored its third straight win Thursday morning—an 8-0 blanking of host Indonesia behind the heroics of Palma, Basa, Roa and Ezra Jalandoni. Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier congratulated the girls for their impressive start in the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the WBSC Softball Asia/ Oceania 2019 Qualifying Event for 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “Their three straight victories ensured that our Philippine Blu Girls made an impression against their competitors. We are in Jakarta to win, with a spot at the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers as our final goal,” Lhuillier said. The top six teams in the Asia Cup aside from Olympic Games host Japan will advance to the Olympic qualifier to be played in Shanghai, China in September. The winner of that tournament will earn the right to compete in the Olympics when softball is played for the first time since 2008. The Blu Girls, runners-up in the Asia Cup last year, take on No. 6-ranked Chinese Taipei for their final assignment in Group B Friday morning. Defending champion Japan is in Group B along with China, Korea, India and Thailand.

Tan, Rodriguez reclaim BVR throne; Abria, Becaldo win LINGAYEN—Perlas’ Bea Tan and Dij Rodriguez rediscovered their old form to bag the women’s championship, while the comebacking pair of Mike Abria and Jade Becaldo took the men’s title in the Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour Lingayen Open Wednesday at the Capitol Beachfront here. Tan and Rodriguez won their third title in four legs this year at the expense of NU Boysen 1’s Roma Joy Doromal and Kly Orillaneda, 21-12, 21-15, while Abria and Becaldo, former two-time Boracay beach volleyball now representing Air Force, bested NU Boysen’s James Buytrago and Pol Salvador, 21-19, 21-18. Both pairs went undefeated in ﬁve matches. While Tan and Rodriguez cruised to victory to rebound from last weekend’s Dumaguete runner-up ﬁnish, Abria and Becaldo had to grind it out to beat Buytrago and Salvador in the Finals. Trailing, 13-15, in the second frame, Be-

caldo used his solid net defense to give Air Force a 18-16 lead, while Abria produced the key hits to help their partnership prevail —the first time that the two formidable University of the Visayas standouts captured a beach volleyball title in six years. Randy Fallorina, one of the Philippine beach volleyball legends, provided the biggest inspirational story in the BVR on Tour, combining forces with Jason Uy in Army 2’s third place finish. The 39-year old Fallorina, currently an Army coach showed flashes of brilliance, as he and Uy powered their squad’s 15-21, 2116, 17-15 victory over Fury’s Pemie Bagalay and Greg Utopo. Sta. Lucia’s Jackie Estoquia and DM Demontaño, returning for the first time since the Santa Ana Open in Cagayan last year, captured third place with a 21-14, 21-17 victory over Air Force 1’s May Ann Pantino and Jozza Cabalsa.

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

Gymnast, swimmer shine in ‘19 Palaro By Peter Atencio

JuneMar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer bulldozes his way inside the paint against Magnolia’s Raffi Reavis in Game 1 of their teams’ best-of-seven Philippine Cup Finals.

Sweet revenge for F2 Logistics in PSL Game 1 FOR imports Lindsay Stalzer and Maria Jose Perez of F2 Logistics, their victory over Petron in Game 1 of their Philippine Superliga Grand Prix bestof-three finals series was more than just a big feather on their caps. It was also a sweet revenge. Stalzer admitted that they prepared long and hard to set the stage for arguably the biggest upset in league history, where they defeated the Blaze Spikers, 25-20, 16-25, 25-23, 25-23, in the opener of their finals showdown late Tuesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. The former Bradley University star said the victory was a vindication after the Blaze Spikers opted to sign super imports Stephanie Niemer and Katherine Bell in the off-season despite leading them to the Grand Prix title last year. The Cargo Movers and the Blaze Spikers are still clashing in Game 2 at press time. A victory by F2 Logistics will give it the Grand Prix title while a win by Petron will extend the game to a rubber match on Saturday at the same venue. “I feel really good,” said Stalzer shortly after becoming the first team to tarnish Petron’s immaculate 17-0 mark in this conference bankrolled by Asics, Mueller, Mikasa, Senoh, Team Rebel Sports, Bizooku, UCPB Gen, Cocolife, Hotel Sogo and Data Project. “This team (Petron) had really grown throughout the season and it’s always nice to beat the team that you used to play for.” Stalzer said since coming over to replace Becky Perry two months ago, she had been wanting to win over her former team and lead the Cargo Movers to the title. “It has been on my mind since I came over,” she said. “But during the game, I’m just focussed on getting the win.” But the motivation of Perez is different. After leading the Cargo Movers to a dramatic come-from-behind win in 2017, Perez suffered massive heartache after Stalzer, Hillary Hurley and the rest of the Blaze Spikers knocked the crown of their heads the following year.

Hotshots try to push Beermen to 0-2 hole

By Jeric Lopez

Y STRIKING ﬁrst, Magnolia sent a message that it is here to legitimately challenge San Miguel Beer for its throne. Now, the Hotshots have a golden opportunity to push the Beermen further as they gun for a 2-0 lead in their bestof-seven championship showcase in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup. Game 2 is set for 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Hotshots, led by Ian Sangalang, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, showed up

with a purpose in Game 1, opening the series with a steady performance to pull off a 99-94 victory over the Beermen. Magnolia coach Chito Victolero pointed out the biggest reason why his team was able to draw ﬁrst blood against the mighty Beermen. “Defense was our key. We were able to limit them below 100,” said Victolero. “Hindi naman kaya makipag-sabayan sa kanila kaya we need to keep it that way the rest of the series to have a chance.” Sangalang, who dropped a doubledouble of 17 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1, believes that getting Game 2 will most certainly put Magnolia in the best position possible to chase the coveted All-Filipino jewel. “We’ll continue to trust each other.

‘Pag nakakuha pa kami ng isa, ibang usapan na ‘to,” said Sangalang. “Maiisip rin nila na kaya namin rin sila i-stop.” For their part, the Beermen know that there is still a lot of ﬁght left as they remain composed. “Just bounce back in Game 2,” said San Miguel gunner Marcio Lassiter, who went scoreless in 32 minutes in Game 1. “Sayang natalo kami sa una pero kailangan lang mag-bounce back. Kailangan lang maging positive,” said leading Best Player of the Conference candidate June Mar Fajardo. “Ang aganda is bestof-seven naman ito.” Fajardo had a monster effort in Game 1, dropping game-highs of 35 points and 21 rebounds, but his exploits weren’t enough as he did not get much support from his pals.

Taylor shows promise in Go For Gold victory GIAN Taylor tried his luck to reach a lofty goal of racing for Team Go For Gold and the national squad someday. The 15-year-old triathlete from Malaybalay, Bukidnon moved a step closer to that direction when he ruled the male 12-17 category of the Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint recently in Naga, Cebu. Taylor of Bukids Multisport arrived ahead of the field after completing the short-distance triathlon that serves as a qualifying race to earn a spot in the Go For Gold team in one hour, 11 minutes and 36 seconds. ``My biggest dream is to represent our country to the Olympics,’’ said Taylor, a Grade 9 student from San Isidro College High School in Bukidnon. Renzo Mar Pahaganas checked in second in 1:21:43 to conquer the punishing 750-meter open-water swim, 20km bike and 5km run followed by third-placer Jericho Auguis (1:21:57). There are actually five more races where the top male and female finishers get to earn a contract from Go For Gold, a chief backer of the men’s triathlon team. ``This came from our commitment to grow events in the Philippines which our athletes could join so they will have more opportunities to showcase their talent,’’ said Go For Gold godfather Jeremy Go. After the race in Naga, Cebu, the next stop will be the Go For Gold SwimBikeRun.PH Aquaman at Vermosa Sports Hub on May 19 followed by the Go For Gold SBR PH Duaman in Nuvali on June 16. Another Go For Gold Sunrise Sprint in Davao City on July 7 has been scheduled before winding it up with the Go For Gold SBR PH Triman-Clark on July 28 and the Go For Gold

Gian Taylor

Sunrise Sprint-Subic on Nov. 4. “A lot were sending me messages on how they could join the Go For Gold team. That’s why we came up with this selection process,’’ said Go, vice president for marketing of Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp.

DAVAO City—Nine-year-old gymnast Gail Santos joined 12-year-old swimmer Alexie Cabayaran in scooping up four gold medals each as a total of 29 meet records fell in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa here on Thursday. Santos, an incoming fourth grade student at the Patubig Elementary School in Marilao, Bulacan, delivered the goods for Region 3 in the cluster one of the elementary section of the women’s artistic gymnastics’ event at the University of Immaculate Conception. Tallying four golds and two silver medals, Santos took the top honors in the vault exercises, the balance beam and the ﬂoor exercises, before settling for the silver in the uneven bars. Her scores totalled 75.80 points, allowing her to outpoint National Capital Region’s Cielo Esliza and Lara Concepcion for a fourth gold medal in the individual all-around. Santos’ efforts, however, were not enough to dislodge defending champion NCR from the team championship as she and teammates earned a second silver. “I draw inspiration for my win from my ate,” said Santos, whose elder sister Eloisa Joyce was not that successful in the secondary level. Cabayaran produced four golds and a bronze medal, after she smashed the secondary girls’ 100-meter freestyle mark on Day 2, ruled the 100-meter butterﬂy and helped helped Western Visayas earn the 4x100 freestyle mint on Day 4 of the swim meet at the University of the Philippines-Davao Aquatics Center. Western Visayas Region also settled for a bronze medal in the 4x100-meter medley relays with Cabayaran, who went into swimming to deal with her asthma. The 6th grader from Mambulac Elementary School in Silay City, deleted a four-year old mark set by Jules Ong (1:02.68) with a time of 1:02.25, as she outclassed Central Luzon bets Triza Tabamo and Trixie Ortiguerra. So far, the NCR is ahead on the overall medal standings with 53 golds, 43 silvers and 28 bronze medals. Region IV-A (Southern Tagalog Region) is in tight race for second place with its 37-27-52 gold-silver-bronze, with Western Visayas in close third (3619-30).

Senna Day held in Brazil SAO PAULO—The Interlagos racing circuit held a ‘Senna Day’ to celebrate the life of Formula One great Ayrton Senna on Wednesday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Brazilian’s death. The event began with a fun run around the famous circuit in Sao Paulo where the three-time world champion had twice tasted victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix in front of his adoring public in 1991 and 1993. Karting races were also on the program, as well as laps of the track in a specially commissioned supertouring McLaren, the British team with which Senna won the world title in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Senna died after a crash at the San Marino GP at the Imola circuit on May 1, 1994 at the age of just 34. “He was the example of someone who wasn’t afraid to ﬁght to realize his dreams and who was proud of being Brazilian,” said Bianca Senna, the late racer’s niece who looks after the Ayrton Senna Institute, which is involved in education projects in socially disadvantaged areas. AFP

IN BRIEF

Kickstart to run Ayala venture capital fund

KICKSTART Ventures Inc., a whollyowned unit of Globe Telecom Inc., will manage the $150-million venture capital fund of Ayala Corp. to support startup companies. The Ayala Corp. Technology Innovation Venture (ACTIVE) Fund is looking at a range of investments in series A or series C or early-to mid-growth stage. As sole manager of ACTIVE Fund, Kickstart is responsible for seeking companies that offer innovative, scalable, sustainable solutions for the seamless integration of digital and traditional channels, such as On-Demand Services, IoT, FinTech, Blockchain, E-Commerce and Omni-Channel as well as the automation and augmentation applications for Artiﬁcial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Big Data and Analytics, and Cloud Computing. Darwin G. Amojelar

Aboitiz Equity booked Q1 net profit of P3.5b

ABOITIZ Equity Ventures Inc. registered a consolidated net income of ₱3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2019, down 27 percent from ₱4.8 billion year-on-year, due to the lower contribution of business units. “Despite challenges, our long-term fundamentals remain intact. Our growth platform has expanded to 10 other countries across the Asia Pacific, providing us natural listening posts for expansion opportunities,” said AEV president and chief executive officer Erramon Aboitiz. AEV recorded consolidated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of ₱12.4 billion, 11 percent lower from ₱13.9 billion on year. Power accounted for 71 percent of the total income contributions, followed by banking and financial services (27 percent). Alena Mae S. Flores

AUB’s first-quarter income jumped 38%

ASIA United Bank, the financial subsidiary of the Rebisco Group of Companies, said net income in the first quarter rose 38 percent to P1.1 billion from P797.7 million a year ago on the sustained remarkable performance of its core businesses. AUB said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday said it and and its subsidiaries breached the P1-billion mark in net income in the first three months of the year, reinforcing its position as one of the fastestgrowing publicly listed universal banks in the country. The net income translated into a return on assets of 2 percent and a return on equity of 15.11 percent. “Amid the feverish competition within and outside the banking industry, AUB and its subsidiaries’ core lending businesses remained robust,” said AUB president Manuel Gomez in a statement. Julito G. Rada

Business Stock market, peso cheer S&P credit rating upgrade By Jenniffer B. Austria and Julito G. Rada

HE stock market rallied while the peso gained Tuesday as ﬁnancial markets welcomed the decision of S&P Global Ratings to raise the country’s debt rating to “BBB+” from “BBB” on Tuesday. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index rose 48.85 points, or 0.6 percent, to 8,001.57 on a value turnover of P8.2 billion. The peso advanced P0.23 to close at 51.87 from 52.105 on April 30. It was its strongest level since the 51.765 on April 17, 2019. Financial markets were closed Wednesday in observance of the Labor Day. The stock market index reached an intra-day high 8,040.78 before proﬁt

taking capped the gains in late trading. Gainers beat losers, 109 to 81, with 52 issues unchanged. Online brokerage ﬁrm Philstocks Inc. said the credit upgrade reﬂected the country’s strong macro-economic fundamentals, while Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan said the market welcomed S&P’s positive outlook on the economy. “The credit upgrade is also seen to strengthen peso against dollar in the near term under the assumption that investors are likely to put more money in the Philippines,” Limlingan said. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, advanced 7.7 percent to P164, while International Container Terminal Services Inc., the largest port operator climbed 4.3 percent to P131.90. Alliance Global Group Inc. of tycoon Andrew Tan rose 4 percent to P15.56, while Security Bank Corp., the sixthbiggest lender in terms of assets, gained 2.5 percent to P184.50 The peso strengthened to a two-week

high against the US dollar boosted by the upgrade of the investment grade rating of the Philippines. “[The] peso gets a nice boost from the S&P upgrade with the PSE [Philippine Stock Exchange] cresting the 8,040 level with foreign buyers likely pushing the index and the peso to strengthen in turn,” said Nicholas Mapa, senior economist of ING Bank Manila in a reply through a text message. Mapa also said the peso was “bucking the general trend of a stronger dollar after the Federal Reserve shot down hopes for a Fed rate cut in the near term.” S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday raised a notch higher its long-term sovereign credit rating on the Philippines to “BBB+” from “BBB” with a stable outlook, citing the country’s above-average economic growth, a healthy external position and sustainable public ﬁnances. The upgrade put the Philippines at par with Mexico, Peru, Thailand, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is higher than the “BBB” ratings of Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Panama and Uruguay.

Sabang Renewable bares hybrid mini-grid

THE hybrid mini-grid project of Sabang Renewable Energy Corp. set to be completed this month will become the “showcase” for off-grid electrification projects that supports government’s thrust of total electrification, the Department of Energy said Wednesday. The SREC project is the first of hybrid mini-grid project in off-grid or missionary areas and features a solar PV power plant of 1.4 megawatt peak, a durable battery pack of 2.3 megawatthours and 1.2 megawatts of diesel generators. The hybrid power plant combines solar panels and diesel engine and an electricity distribution system in Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City. “It is the first hybrid (solar, diesel and battery) system in off-grid areas under the Qualified Third Party (QTP) to support the country’s total electrification program. The area to be served by the project will experience 24/7 electricity services,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said. Alena Mae S. Flores

ECO-TOURISM PARTNERS. Geothermal leader Energy Development Corp. and Bantay Kalikasan program of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc., team up to develop a sustainable eco-tourism site in a mangrove forest area in Manito, Albay. The project aims to help generate livelihood for the residents while preserving the environment. Signing the partnership deal are (from left) Liezel Salagubang, EDC watershed management officer; Allan Barcena, EDC corporate social responsibility head; Susan Afan, ALKFI managing director; Angelita Lara, ALKFI chief finance and services officer; and Jen Santos, ALKFI Bantay Kalikasan Program director.

Yuchengco Group and Ayala complete merger of 7 schools HOUSE of Investments Inc. the Yuchengco Group and conglomerate Ayala Corp. have completed the merger of their education units. HI and AC said in a joint statement the merger of HI’s education holding ﬁrm iPeople and AC’s wholly-owned education subsidiary AC Education Inc. obtained board, stockholder and regulatory approvals. The merger became effective May 2. Listed iPeople will be the surviving entity, with HI and its afﬁliates and AC controlling 51.3 percent and 33.5 percent, respectively. The transaction values the combined entity at approximately P5.5 billion. “We are delighted to complete this merger and are looking forward to building on Mapua’s expertise as one of the top STEM

(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) schools in the country, and AC Education’s track record in delivering affordable career-focused courses in partnership with industry,” said HI and Yuchengco Group of Companies chairperson Helen Dee. “House of Investments and Ayala Corporation both believe that quality education is critical to accelerating the progress of our country and believe that this merger will enable us to together step up our participation in this very important sector,” Dee added. HI and AC will share governance and management of iPeople which, as a result of the strategic partnership, will become one of the leading education groups in the country with almost 60,000 students. Jenniffer B. Austria

URC hiked Q1 income to P3.03b UNIVERSAL Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, posted a net income of P3.03 billion in the first quarter of 2019, up 2.9 percent from P2.95 billion year-on-year, driven by a strong recovery from domestic sales. URC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday firstquarter net sales rose seven percent to P33.3 billion, led by sales from the Branded Consumer Foods segment, which increased five percent to P25.7 billion. BCF domestic revenues in the quarter climbed 11 percent to P15.6 billion driven, boosted by the good performance of all categories, with coffee returning to growth after three years of decline. International sales, meanwhile, declined three percent in peso terms to P10.2 billion due to foreign exchange devaluation in Australia and New Zealand.

International operating income grew five percent from last year’s as margins expanded despite weaker currencies. URC said Vietnam was still on track on its path to recovery, as sales increased 7.9 percent while those in Thailand declined 3.8 percent. “We are very pleased with the results especially the stronger top line momentum coming from our businesses in the Philippines,” said URC president and chief executive ofﬁcer Irwin Lee said. While the environment continues to be very challenging, the transformation plans we have set in place have started to gain traction. The entire URC team is now heavily focused on execution with the aim of sustaining what we have achieved for the balance of the year and beyond. We also expect to hold or slightly improve our operating margins for the year,” he added. Jenniffer B. Austria

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

DBP also gets higher debt grade of ‘BBB+’ GLOBAL debt watcher S&P Global Ratings on Thursday raised the investment-grade score of state-run Development Bank of the Philippines to “BBB+” from “BBB” with a stable outlook, following its upgrade of the Philippines two days ago. S&P said in a report it affirmed the bank’s short-term rating at “A-2” and raised DBP’s senior unsecured notes to “BBB+” from “BBB.” “We raised the rating on DBP following a similar upgrade in the sovereign credit rating on the Philippines. We see an almost certain likelihood that the government of the Philippines will provide timely and sufficient extraordinary support to the bank if needed,” S&P said. “Therefore, the issuer credit ratings on DBP are equalized with the sovereign credit rating on the Philippines,” it said. The upgrade is a notch away from “A-“ which is within the “A” category. It said DBP plays a critical public policy role in supporting th economic and social development of the country. It also has an integral link to the government. In its policy role, DBP assists critical industries and finances the government’s infrastructure programs by lending primarily to local government units, water districts, electricity cooperatives, other corporates, as well as micro, small and midsize enterprises. “Our assessment of government support reflects the government’s history of capital support and sovereign guarantees for DBP’s external borrowing. The government wholly owns the bank and the president of the Philippines appoints the bank’s board of directors,” it said. DBP was established in its current form by an executive order in 1986. The bank’s designated mandate is broadly defined as development financing. In supporting the government’s social and economic development agenda, DBP undertakes a wide range of projects that cannot be pursued on a commercial basis. DBP is one of only two governmentowned development financing agencies and is among the top 10 banks in the Philippines in terms of assets. “Our stable outlook on DBP reflects the outlook on the sovereign credit ratings. The ratings on DBP will move in tandem with the sovereign credit ratings on the Philippines,” S&P said. Julito G. Rada

Business

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Aboitiz completes Ayala power deal By Alena Mae S. Flores

boitiz Power Corp. has completed theacquisition of a 49-percent voting stake and a 60-percent economic stake in AA Thermal Inc., a unit of AC Energy Inc., for $572.9 million.

Aboitiz Power disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange the completion followed the execution of a share purchase agreement last year and the compliance to all conditions of the transaction. Aboitiz Power and Arlington Mariveles Netherlands Holding B.V., a wholly-owned subsidiary AC Energy,

signed the purchase agreement on September 26, 2018. The Philippine Competition Commission approved the transaction on February 28, 2019. AA Thermal has interests in GNPower Mariveles Coal Plant Ltd. Co., the owner and operator of an operating 632-megawatt coal plant in Mariveles, Bataan, and GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., which owns the 1,336-MW coal plant project in Dinginin, Bataan that is currently under construction. GNPower Mariveles has been operating since 2013, while GNPower Dinginin Unit 1 is expected to come online later this year. The completion of the transaction increases Aboitiz Power’s economic interests in GNPower Mariveles, and GNPower Dinginin to 78.3 percent, and 70 percent, respectively.

AboitiPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, and retail electricity services. The company is one of the largest power producers in the Philippines with a mix portfolio of assets located across the country. Meanwhile, AC Energy is the energy platform of conglomerate Ayala Corp. AC Energy is one of the fastest growing energy companies with over $1 billion of invested and committed equity in renewable and thermal energy in the Philippines and around Asia. The company aims to exceed 5,000 megawatts of attributable capacity and generate at least 50 percent of energy from renewables by 2025. Parent Ayala earlier said it remained on track to register a net income of P50 billion as early as this year despite

subdued earnings in 2018. Ayala Corp. chief finance officer Jose Teodoro Limcaoco said in a recent interview the group’s net income would be boosted by the partial sale of the group’s coal power assets in the Philippines to Aboitiz Power Corp. Limcaoco said the acquisition of a majority stake in Phinma Energy Corp. by unit AC Energy Inc. would also push the conglomerate’s net proﬁt starting this year. “We are on track to hit P50 billion net income and that will be helped by AC Energy’s acquisition of Phinma Energy and disposition of assets,” Limcaoco said. “If we do the ﬁnal numbers, we can hit P50 billion this year but that will depend on the Aboitiz deal,” he added.

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

FINANCIALS 58.8 70,130 84.8 2,306,630 2.19 43,000 135.9 2,555,300 1.26 288,000 26.65 234,300 18.96 62,300 11.86 322,300 4.8 24,000 780 210 0.475 1,350,000 74.5 2,433,280 0.91 7,000 13.4 5,000 21.95 29,000 54 564,210 182.5 1,250 58.9 4,030 25.8 28,500 184.5 654,490 1,795 120 60.3 5,560

4,114,960 195,597,996.50 92,960 345,104,063 364,380 6,243,015 1,181,722 3,798,510 113,620 165,300 624,500 181,383,337 6,370 67,000 614,580 30,259,088 227,772 236,997.50 739,920 120,137,250 216,260 336,529

4,077,648 12,922,267.50 -8,529,268 -3,442,390 470,504 -98,702.00 -76,008,085 3,640 283,111 -27,345 -183,140 -270,630 -2,661,734 -77,570

36.5 15.7 0.84 1.39 0.238 2.15 15.32 27.5 16.2 1.93 5.35 5.8 10.88 15.88 9.12 7.42 21.45 78.55 29.4 2.63 12.58 10.12 1.73 300 50 3.84 3.5 9.7 22.45 15 22.1 383 0.194 1.28 4.49 6.25 9.03 1.56 11.82 45.15 4.8 1.61 2.12 1.29 12.9 114.2 6.75 0.129 0.95 154.7 2.5 1.41 12.5 1.15

INDUSTRIAL 36.6 1,638,800 15.82 150,000 0.85 1,913,000 1.4 33,000 0.246 1,400,000 2.17 11,179,000 15.36 473,800 28 92,100 16.3 2,800 1.95 104,000 5.85 1,100 5.85 12,500 11.16 3,269,500 16 339,100 9.54 1,618,700 7.46 421,900 22.3 1,120,800 78.8 71,970 29.4 182,000 2.71 8,962,000 12.82 8,884,000 10.78 1,955,300 1.74 134,000 300.6 979,350 50 1,000 4.21 2,742,000 3.5 8,000 10.12 15,000 22.55 1,125,600 15.9 3,160,800 22.95 337,900 387 498,570 0.194 510,000 1.31 1,607,000 4.5 1,276,000 6.31 1,255,900 9.03 3,500 1.65 33,847,000 12.12 223,900 45.4 117,400 4.82 47,000 1.68 34,000 2.12 5,000 1.29 56,000 13 1,605,400 114.2 136,100 6.9 201,100 0.131 470,000 0.97 519,000 164 2,742,140 2.5 11,000 1.42 6,912,000 14.52 1,200 1.18 611,000

60,290,705 2,379,886 1,613,630 45,970 343,310 24,257,260 7,282,460 2,571,860 45,510 202,290 5,985 73,313 36,138,392 5,412,016 15,328,395 3,143,550 24,593,915 5,666,599 5,350,850 23,976,530 112,666,414 20,787,166 232,990 296,954,690 50,000 11,478,650 28,040 147,562 25,396,610 49,791,126 7,635,045 192,252,716 98,940 2,095,340 5,741,850 7,964,259 31,623 54,780,050 2,681,710 5,342,065 226,700 55,380 10,600 72,240 20,996,524 15,630,716 1,371,403 61,110 504,330 443,583,683 27,500 9,953,550 15,252 715,190

-21,790,815 464,168 223,860 4,388,750 -2,700,284 -298,750 -4,791,000 1,999,680 2,540,082 1,249,595 -4,668,963.50 -864,440 -97,526,000 -154,960 -80,593,020 1,012.00 -12,876,975 -5,885,480 4,907,525 30,667,976 519,100 661,944 243,380 827,885 -217,080.00 -1,422,116 1,977,932 265,373,606 25,000 -86,260 -

0.69 56 15.56 0.78 6.52 17.2 1.39 1.4 913 7.6 11.48 15.02 4.31 0.265 878.5 6.4 66 5.68 0.52 4.86 16.24 4.59 0.04 1.12 2.92 180 976.5 0.97 1.33 435 271 0.25 0.33

0.66 54 14.82 0.74 6.4 16.88 1.37 1.4 900 7.4 11.22 14.7 4.13 0.25 865 6.22 64.8 5.5 0.5 4.57 15.82 4.35 0.038 1.11 2.87 177 945 0.9 1.33 430 264.4 0.238 0.315

HOLDING FIRMS 0.68 59,293,000 54 1,230,110 15.56 8,756,100 0.74 382,000 6.5 394,600 17.04 13,700 1.39 1,794,000 1.4 212,000 909 366,050 7.46 733,500 11.4 1,584,300 14.96 332,600 4.13 100,000 0.265 140,000 878 58,580 6.23 73,900 65.55 1,540,490 5.5 7,600 0.51 74,000 4.58 2,409,000 15.82 2,615,000 4.39 31,883,000 0.039 3,400,000 1.12 4,000 2.87 499,000 177.5 165,330 970 265,450 0.92 1,660,000 1.33 44,000 430 30 271 8,910 0.238 4,240,000 0.325 9,310,000

40,034,390 67,259,217.50 134,531,980 283,350 2,556,047 233,184 2,468,890 296,800 332,815,940 5,500,463 18,068,602 4,975,542 414,050 36,250 51,138,965 459,960 100,990,506 42,484 37,260 11,232,090 41,407,156 141,133,110 130,100 4,470 1,440,140 29,426,667 256,192,325 1,556,570 58,520 12,950 2,401,804 1,020,690 2,991,650

-164,460 -35,760,233 -45,172,112 1,557,670 154,000 -129,068,315 239,672 -8,771,198 642,002 4,139,255 -17,255,978 -881,950 721,562 -76,379,270 3,779,855 84,082,845 13,200 -124,604 -1,200

14.48 0.77 2.05 0.78 49.4 2.43 4.74 6.4 0.53 0.81 0.91 0.235 0.385 11.54 27 0.49 0.128 1.63 1.37 4.85 5.67 0.34 0.5 1.77 0.45 2.64

14.12 0.76 2 0.76 48 2.41 4.53 6.3 0.495 0.8 0.9 0.235 0.385 11.22 25.25 0.49 0.128 1.55 1.35 4.74 5.59 0.33 0.49 1.71 0.425 2.5

14,043,668 341,760 248,460 521,470 789,629,700 1,314,990 15,165,790 12,142 21,601,425 207,300 9,970 77,550 53,900 5,015,792 63,502,715 117,600 5,120 69,910,700 2,932,810 482,310 126,845,431 3,549,850 203,600 4,892,150 155,050 3,016,330

910,994 -24,000 -86,722,755 -454,520 962,480.00 -102,390 7,814,140 49,000 4,265,860 20,260 -52,943,091 30,150 60,430 -179,450.00

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 SUN LIFE UNION BANK

58.3 84.85 2.16 134 1.28 26.6 18.92 11.62 4.85 795 0.49 74.2 0.91 13.4 21.4 53 182.5 58.2 26 180 1,806 60.95

58.8 85 2.19 136.5 1.28 26.7 19 11.86 4.85 795 0.49 75.15 0.91 13.4 21.95 54.5 182.5 58.9 26 186.5 1,806 60.95

58.3 84.5 2.16 133.6 1.26 26.6 18.92 11.62 4.61 780 0.45 74.1 0.91 13.4 21 52.55 178.6 58.2 25.8 179 1,795 60

ABOITIZ POWER AGRINURTURE ALLIANCE SELECT ALSONS CONS BASIC ENERGY CEMEX HLDG CENTURY FOOD CIRTEK HLDG CNTRL AZUCARERA CROWN ASIA DAVINCI CAPITAL DEL MONTE DNL INDUS EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP EMPERADOR FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG GINEBRA GREENERGY HOLCIM INTEGRATED MICR IONICS JOLLIBEE LIBERTY FLOUR LMG CHEMICALS 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 ROXAS AND CO ROXAS HLDG SFA SEMICON SHAKEYS PIZZA SMC FOODANDBEV SPC POWER SWIFT FOODS TKC METALS UNIV ROBINA VICTORIAS VITARICH VIVANT VULCAN INDL

37 15.96 0.86 1.39 0.24 2.19 15.4 27.5 16.2 1.94 5.35 5.9 10.92 16.08 9.18 7.43 22.1 78.8 29.4 2.68 12.66 10.42 1.75 304.6 50 3.84 3.54 10.1 22.6 15 22.25 385 0.194 1.31 4.49 6.3 9.09 1.6 12.02 45.3 4.85 1.61 2.12 1.29 13 116 6.85 0.13 0.97 154.8 2.5 1.42 12.5 1.18

37 15.96 0.86 1.4 0.247 2.2 15.4 28.4 16.3 1.95 5.85 5.98 11.16 16.08 9.54 7.47 22.3 78.8 29.8 2.74 13 10.9 1.75 306.8 50 4.22 3.54 10.12 22.6 16.2 22.95 387.4 0.194 1.31 4.5 6.38 9.09 1.66 12.12 45.95 4.85 1.69 2.12 1.29 13.3 116.9 6.99 0.131 1 164.5 2.5 1.48 14.52 1.19

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 METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA PRIME ORION SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.66 55.95 14.94 0.78 6.52 17.08 1.38 1.4 903 7.47 11.22 14.98 4.31 0.25 865 6.23 64.8 5.68 0.51 4.85 15.9 4.59 0.038 1.11 2.87 177 950 0.97 1.33 435 266 0.25 0.325

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 EVER GOTESCO FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE KEPPEL PROP MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP

14.48 0.77 2.04 0.77 49.1 2.43 4.53 6.3 0.5 0.8 0.9 0.235 0.385 11.44 25.25 0.49 0.128 1.55 1.37 4.85 5.6 0.34 0.5 1.73 0.44 2.5

VOLUME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS VISTA LAND

24.5 2 3 41.5 1.76 6.78 7.31

24.75 2 3 42.5 1.8 6.9 7.43

24.2 2 3 41.15 1.7 6.76 7.27

24.3 2 3 41.8 1.79 6.82 7.37

2,468,600 26,000 74,000 17,330,300 3,028,000 210,600 8,655,700

60,561,970 52,000 222,000 728,721,920 5,221,630 1,431,249 63,965,206

-13,391,250 249,552,710 70,400 68,200 7,120,195

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LBC EXPRESS LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL METROALLIANCE A METROALLIANCE B MLA BRDCASTING 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

12.62 18.94 1.35 0.42 0.039 15.5 2.61 12.6 0.07 81.2 7.89 5.7 6.7 12.02 1,790 5.23 391 2.77 127.7 11.96 6.97 0.126 5.34 15.68 3.77 0.84 22.1 0.55 4.8 3.43 1.71 1.94 15 2.29 3.8 10 4.38 114 3.24 1,230 0.74 0.88 42.1 78 9 3.01 0.67 0.375 5.6 0.76 16.68

12.7 19.2 1.37 0.425 0.039 15.78 2.71 12.84 0.073 81.3 7.89 5.86 6.7 12.2 1,810 5.24 420 2.87 133 12.18 6.99 0.126 5.65 15.68 3.82 0.84 22.45 0.59 4.8 3.43 1.8 1.94 15 2.3 3.98 10 4.38 116 3.35 1,242 0.76 0.91 42.9 78 9 3.15 0.68 0.385 5.63 0.79 17.2

12.62 18.9 1.35 0.4 0.039 15.5 2.55 12.56 0.07 80 7.89 5.69 6.6 11.64 1,790 5.22 390.2 2.77 127.7 11.96 6.97 0.125 5.23 15.3 3.7 0.81 22.1 0.55 4.8 3.4 1.67 1.93 15 2.2 3.79 9.9 4.37 114 3.13 1,220 0.74 0.87 42 77.2 9 2.96 0.67 0.36 5.6 0.73 16.64

SERVICES 12.7 19.16 1.37 0.4 0.039 15.78 2.68 12.68 0.07 80.2 7.89 5.84 6.6 12 1,799 5.22 407.8 2.85 131.9 12.16 6.99 0.125 5.65 15.3 3.81 0.83 22.4 0.58 4.8 3.4 1.79 1.93 15 2.22 3.9 9.9 4.37 115 3.19 1,240 0.74 0.9 42.3 77.95 9 3.1 0.67 0.36 5.63 0.73 17

11,700 46,200 30,000 430,000 14,100,000 14,000 548,000 4,572,300 24,630,000 212,620 100 667,000 29,300 86,700 41,010 122,300 1,440 2,031,000 4,218,080 90,400 15,000 1,780,000 3,509,400 500 699,000 153,000 806,000 1,922,000 13,000 4,473,000 176,000 2,000 200 3,518,000 91,000 20,800 3,000 1,665,980 2,614,000 50,945 8,008,000 38,735,000 1,743,000 879,150 6,800 18,695,000 2,912,000 5,260,000 278,400 22,521,000 3,402,200

148,260 876,816 40,560 174,700 549,900 219,860 1,460,640 57,985,660 1,756,200 17,089,093 789 3,867,480 195,380 1,025,916 73,808,555 639,743 580,412 5,772,610 555,773,054 1,083,622 104,750 223,150 19,316,164 7,688 2,637,350 126,300 18,015,005 1,096,250 62,400 15,277,550 297,940 3,870 3,000 7,850,760 351,610 206,100 13,120 193,247,131 8,463,890 62,960,515 6,003,640 34,445,110 73,639,335 68,561,070 61,200 57,915,870 1,952,010 1,913,600 1,566,702 17,014,630 57,976,668

35,380 -143,234 -36,910 9,344,588 7,920.00 3,916,646.50 869,467 -129,980 47,660 30,123,685 -33,680 324,784,348 50,300 -21,146.00 3,060 -182,530 -13,280 2,664,870 936,710 -1,238,050.00 -11,940 -41,580 564,154 -547,920 32,361,585 114,170 -1,808,280 -56,493,460 3,961,693 -3,989,440 -1,259,960 91,350 -1,126,000 76,500 27,066,460

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

0.0019 1.32 2.85 12.34 1.28 1.22 2.69 0.29 8.05 1.5 0.255 0.113 0.115 0.008 0.0079 1.07 2.41 1.01 0.58 0.88 0.012 0.011 3.11 3.11 8.35 23.75

0.002 1.32 2.85 12.36 1.28 1.38 2.7 0.295 8.1 1.52 0.255 0.114 0.115 0.008 0.0079 1.08 2.43 1.01 0.58 0.9 0.012 0.011 3.2 3.11 8.35 24

0.0019 1.29 2.8 12.34 1.27 1.22 2.69 0.29 7.98 1.5 0.247 0.11 0.115 0.008 0.0079 1.07 2.39 0.99 0.58 0.88 0.012 0.011 3.11 3.09 8.09 23.7

MINING & OIL 0.0019 31,000,000 1.3 432,000 2.8 107,000 12.36 800 1.27 25,000 1.38 20,000 2.7 58,000 0.295 340,000 8.05 5,600 1.52 7,940,000 0.25 470,000 0.114 650,000 0.115 220,000 0.008 5,000,000 0.0079 2,000,000 1.08 30,000 2.4 1,798,000 1.01 14,000 0.58 1,000 0.9 51,000 0.012 10,000,000 0.011 1,100,000 3.2 55,000 3.11 174,000 8.2 740,600 23.7 1,473,500

59,300 562,770 299,820 9,874 31,800 26,820 156,320 98,850 44,840 12,016,830 116,980 73,530 25,300 40,000 15,800 32,240 4,319,920 13,920 580 44,900 120,000 12,100 171,140 539,420 6,041,248 35,175,285

-334,600 -5,630 -2,690 197,360 145,610 -80,640 -138,534 16,564,640

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF PNX PREF 3B SFI PREF SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2B SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18.5 473 97.9 5.15 957.5 96 0.98 106 1.4 969 75.1 76.85 71.05 72.5 74.75 73.65 73.5

18.5 473 97.95 5.3 957.5 96 1 106 1.43 969 75.1 76.85 72.9 72.5 74.75 73.65 73.5

18.5 473 97.9 5.15 957.5 96 0.97 106 1.4 969 75.1 76.1 71.05 72.5 74 72.6 72.1

PREFERRED 18.5 100 473 500 97.95 30 5.2 238,000 957.5 20 96 1,340 0.97 1,132,000 106 390 1.43 61,000 969 130 75.1 960 76.85 7,540 72.4 21,030 72.5 30,000 74 36,480 73.65 790 73.5 3,880

1,850 236,500 2,938 1,238,070 19,150 128,640 1,100,800 41,340 86,000 125,970 72,096 577,199 1,495,686 2,175,000 2,708,820 57,763.50 283,038

1,850 390,000 -9,600 306,631.50 -

LR WARRANT

1.93

1.97

1.88

WARRANTS 1.94 117,000

223,260

ITALPINAS XURPAS

5.28 1.12

5.38 1.15

5.15 1.11

5.34 1.14

2,347,318 5,019,060

-5,300 73,000

FIRST METRO ETF

119

119.7

118

657,062

127,964 35,552

NAME

PROPERTY 14.24 0.77 2 0.78 48 2.42 4.72 6.4 0.53 0.81 0.91 0.235 0.385 11.48 26.25 0.49 0.128 1.62 1.35 4.74 5.63 0.34 0.49 1.72 0.43 2.6

986,500 449,000 122,000 685,000 16,279,800 544,000 3,236,000 1,900 42,198,000 259,000 11,000 330,000 140,000 439,500 2,396,800 240,000 40,000 43,531,000 2,166,000 100,000 22,570,300 10,590,000 414,000 2,820,000 360,000 1,169,000

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2

10.1 10.1

10.2 10.1

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

12,234,012

INDUSTRIAL

105,104,525

HOLDING FIRMS

143,491,023

PROPERTY

184,707,742

SERVICES

231,910,543

MINING & OIL

63,715,522

GRAND TOTAL

746,081,392

10.1 10.1

SME

442,300 4,468,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 119.7 5,520 10.1 10.1

DDS

12,640 3,520

VALUE 1,758.63 (up) 14.97 994,320,848.36 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,799.63 (up) 190.71 1,516,931,080.55 HOLDING FIRMS 7,668.39 (up) 30.19 1,338,623,027.95 PROPERTY 4,318.22 (down) 10.78 1,608.54 (up) 22.36 2,023,213,133.125 SERVICES MINING & OIL 7,709.05 (down) 11.56 2,231,216,179.62 PSEI 8,001.57 (up) 48.85 60,063,907.423 All Shares Index 4,912.89 (up) 23.33 8,172,394,072.63 Gainers: 109; Losers: 81; Unchanged: 52; Total: 242

MPIC hospital unit drops IPO plan, mulls over share sale deal By Jenniffer B. Austria METRO Pacific Hospital Holdings Inc., the hospital group of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is no longer inclined to do an initial public offering and will instead pursue a strategic investor to raise money. MPHHI president Augusto Palisoc said in a press briefing Thursday the company was keen doing a private transaction to implement the parent company’s plan to sell a portion of its stake in the hospital business in order to raise fund to finance other projects. “I think I have been successful in convincing them not to IPO the hospital space. I believe the course of action is geared more towards private transaction possibly with another investor,” said Palisoc said. MPIC chief finance officer David Nicol confirmed the company was no longer interested in conducting an IPO. The company, he said, was open to all funding options. Nicol said the current market environment of lower interest rates and the recent upgrade in the country’s credit rating were helping the company secure lower funding cost. MPIC earlier said it might raise between P15 billion and P20 billion from the planned sale of shares in the hospital group. MPIC, meanwhile, reported firstquarter consolidated core net income rose 2.8 percent to ₱3.7 billion from ₱3.6 billion year-on-year, driven by the power, water and hospital businesses. MPIC said earnings were sustained by an eight-percent increase in operating contribution from core businesses. Power accounted for ₱2.7 billion or 54 percent of net operating income, while tollroads contributed ₱1.1 billion or 23 percent, and water accounted for ₱900 million. The hospitals group provided ₱242 million while and the rail, logistics and systems Group contributed ₱7 million. Consolidated reported net income attributable to owners of the parent company declined seven percent to ₱3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2019 due to refinancing and share issuance costs plus various project expenses. “Our 8 percent growth in contribution from operations reflects meaningful volume increases for most of our businesses following years of high investment and our continuing emphasis on operational efficiencies,” said MPIC president and chief executive Jose Ma. Lim.

PLDT appoints Panlilio as chief revenue officer By Darwin G. Amojelar PLDT Inc. on Thursday announced the appointment of a high-ranking executive of Manila Electric Co. as new chief revenue officer. Alfredo Panlilio, currently senior vice president of Merlaco’s Customer Retail Services Group, will take over the role of chief revenue officer at PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. starting July 1, 2019. Ernesto Alberto will step down from his post as PLDT and Smart CRO on June 30, 2019. PLDT said there were no changes at the management level reporting directly to the CRO. Panlilio will be supported by the current strong management teams of the Consumer, Enterprise and International Business Groups. “We would like to thank Eric for his 16 long years of service and loyalty. Under his watch, PLDT Enterprise rose to become the leading force that it is in the market today. As chief revenue officer for PLDT and Smart, he led the team that turned around our Consumer Wireless business while sustaining the robust double digit growth of both Home and Enterprise,” said PLDT chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan. “Moving forward, I have ongoing discussions with Eric regarding opportunities that he may pursue with the First Pacific Group,” he said. “Meantime, I would like to welcome back Al and call on everyone in PLDT and Smart to provide him with all the needed support, and, to continue working closely together to pursue the digital transformation of our business and to provide the best possible service to our customers and the public,” said Pangilinan. Panlilio’s new assignment brings him back to PLDT which he first joined as senior vice president for the Corporate Business Group of PLDT in 1999.

World

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF Sri Lankan attack death toll rises to 257 COLOMBO―The death toll from the Easter suicide bomb attacks in Sri Lanka has risen to 257, authorities said Thursday. They warned that the ﬁnal number of dead from the April 21 attacks on three churches and three Colombo hotels would rise further. “The death toll stands at 257 as of now,” Anil Jasinghe, government director general of health services, told AFP. “The death toll slowly increased because there were some in-hospital deaths. There are some body parts as well so it is actually 257-plus.” At least 40 of the dead are foreigners, with some missing tourists still to be accounted for. According to the latest count, 496 injured were admitted to hospitals, with 47 still being treated and 12 of those in intensive care. The government had given a toll of more than 350 but brought this down last week, blaming double counting of bodies that were badly mutilated in the six blasts. AFP

Japan’s Abe ready to meet N. Korea’s Kim

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin attend a

ceremony marking the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on May 2, 2019. AFP

TOKYO―Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “uncondi-

tionally” in a bid to restore diplomatic ties between the two historic foes, a daily said Thursday. Abe, seen as a foreign policy hawk, has recently softened his rhetoric towards Pyongyang, calling for a summit with Kim to resolve an emotional row over the past kidnappings of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang agents. In an interview with the Sankei Shimbun on Wednesday, Abe said: “I want to meet Chairman Kim Jong Un unconditionally and talk with him frankly with an open mind.” “It is more than important for our country to be proactive in tackling the issue,” the premier said. “We can’t break the shell of mutual distrust between Japan and North Korea unless I directly face Mr. Kim,” he said. “I hope that he is a leader who can make a decision strategically and flexibly on what is best for his nation,” he added. Tokyo has been one of the most hawkish of the major powers on reclusive state North Korea, and has been on the receiving end of some of Pyongyang’s harshest rhetoric -- as well as missiles launched over its territory. Until late 2017, North Korea repeatedly tested missiles that flew towards or over Japan, sparking warnings blared out on loudspeakers and stoking calls for a tough stance against Pyongyang. However, Japan now finds itself battling to keep itself relevant in the fast-moving North Korea issue as Kim expands his diplomatic circle. AFP

Monster cyclone heads toward India

HUBANESWAR, India―Nearly 800,000 people in eastern India have been evacuated from the expected path of a major cyclone packing winds up to 200 kilometers per hour and torrential rain, ofﬁcials said Thursday. The Indian weather service said Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani was expected to make landfall on Friday afternoon in Odisha state and barrel northeastwards on a pathway close to the homes of more than 100 million people. A state relief department ofﬁcial told AFP that 780,000 people were moved to safer places overnight from at least 13 districts of Odisha, home to some 46 million people, which will bear the brunt of the weather system. “We are expecting more than a million people to move out of the danger zone in next 12 hours,” Bishnupada Sethi, Odisha Special Relief Commissioner, told AFP. Some 3,000 shelters in schools and government buildings have been set up to accommodate more than a million people. More than 100,000 dry food packets are ready to be dropped if needed, reports said. On Thursday the storm, which reports said was the biggest to

hit eastern India in nearly two decades, was brewing in the Bay of Bengal some 250 kilometers offshore and moving slowly but ominously westwards. The cyclone was expected to pack sustained wind speeds of 180-190 kph, bringing gusts of up to 200 kph, equivalent in strength to a Category 3 to 4 hurricane. It was expected to make landfall near the Hindu holy town of Puri, a major tourist hot spot attracting millions of Indian and foreign visitors every year. More than 100 trains have been canceled in past 48 hours, according to a statement by Indian Railways. Three special trains were running from Puri to evacuate pilgrims and tourists. Authorities have asked tourists to leave coastal areas and avoid unnecessary travel. Special buses have been deployed in Puri and other towns. Dozens of ofﬁcials were making announcements on handheld megaphones across the coastal belt asking residents to

leave their homes for safety. The Indian Navy has also been put on alert. The Airports Authority of India issued an advisory to all the coastal airports to take adequate precautions. “Our men are urging people to move to safer places and government has set up sufﬁcient shelters

to take in those evacuating their homes,” said Sethi. “Heavy rains are expected in all the coastal districts amid fears of ﬂash ﬂoods. We are all geared up for the challenge.” Forecasters have predicted “heavy to very heavy” rain on Friday in some places and “extremely heavy” rain the next day,

with some areas inundated by up to 8 inches of water. Tides could also surge up to five feet. India’s weather office has warned that the high speed winds can uproot trees, flatten crops and damage homes, power and communication infrastructure. The neighboring coastal states

of Andhra Pradesh, home to 50 million people, and Tamil Nadu, population some 70 million, have also been put on high alert. Fani will be the fourth such storm to hit India’s east coast in three decades. Major weather systems regularly affect eastern and southeastern India between April and December. AFP

Activities kicked off to mark 500th year of Leonardo’s death AMBOISE, France―The Loire Valley town of Amboise will kick off festivities marking the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death in style on Thursday, with the French and Italian presidents topping the bill. The Florentine master who personified the Italian Renaissance was the guest of France’s King Francis I for the final three years of his life before his death in Amboise in 1519. France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italian President Sergio Mattarella will mark the anniversary with visits to his grave at the royal chateau and the Clos Luce, the sumptuous manor house nearby where Leonardo lived and died. Among glitterati attending the events will be Italian star architect Renzo Piano and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. The joint celebrations come after months of mounting diplomatic tensions between Paris and Rome over the hardline policies of Italy’s populist government and its support for France’s anti-government “yellow vest” protesters. In the worst diplomatic crisis between the two countries since World War II, Paris briefly recalled its ambassador from Rome. Mattarella, staunchly pro-EU like Macron, played an “essential role” in lowering tensions, Macron’s office said. After some 200 “yellow vests” staged protests in Amboise on Saturday, the town of some 13,000 people was already in virtual lockdown early Wednesday ahead of the presidential visit. Parking was banned along the riverside motorcade route, with anyone flouting the ban having their vehicle towed away. Shops, bars and restaurants below the chateau will be shuttered on Thursday. Emmanuel Honnet, who runs the Cafe des Arts snack bar by the chateau, said the precautions were “understandable... given the terrible social climate and the real terrorist risk”. But the 51-year-old vented “frustration” that the townspeople would be largely sidelined. “It should be the memory of a lifetime,” he said. Macron will be the first French president to visit the town since Charles de Gaulle came in 1959. Francis I, known as the “Sun King of the 16th century”, is widely credited with bringing the Renaissance to France, even if his predecessor Louis XII had begun the process by bringing in architects and artisans from Florence, Milan and Rome. AFP

(MS-APRIL 26 & MAY 3, 2019)

LGUs

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

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Ayala Foundation aids Aetas after Pampanga quake AS PART of the Ayala group’s commitment to serving families severely affected by the April 22 earthquake, Ayala Foundation partnered with various organizations to provide some of the immediate needs of Aeta families living in barangay Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga. At least 800 Aeta families in the Nabuclod Upland Resettlement Site and adjoining areas received sleeping mats and drinking water during the visit held on April 26. Among them are the Apangs, two extended families living in one makeshift shelter who said losing their homes in the uplands also meant losing their livelihood in fear of aftershocks. Most of the Aetas in Nabuclod plant root crops and vegetables just around their mountain abodes. Ayala Foundation was joined at the relief operations by Manila Water Foundation and Clark Water, the internationally renowned performer Apl.de.Ap and the Apl.de.Ap Foundation, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, the Provincial Government of Pampanga, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Pampanga, and the Philippine Air Force stationed at the Cesar Basa Air Base. “Immediately after the earthquake, the Ayala group mobilized its resources to provide relief for affected families, including the initial delivery of construction materials to help rebuild the homes of at least 1,000 families from Porac and surrounding communities,” said Ayala Corp. chairman and Ayala Foundation co-chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

FORMIDABLE TEAM. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Rep. Amado Bagatsing make their campaign rounds Thursday as they look to lock up their seats in the city’s local elections on May 13. The Erap-Bagatsing team promised to serve the public and uplift the lives of many poor Manileños, citing their numerous programs that have benefitted Filipinos, especially the marginalized sector.

Palo sets 75th Leyte Landing rites By Ben Cal

REPARATIONS for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the decisive Leyte Landing by Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his forces on Oct. 20, 1944 are under way.

This was disclosed Monday by Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla during the weekly “Kapihan sa Manila Hotel” hosted by Samahang Plaridel headed by veteran journalist and Manila Standard publisher Rollie Estabillo. Petilla said a few surviving World War II veterans will be invited to grace the historic celebration. They are now in their 90s or even 100 years old.

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, currently headed by retired Gen. Nestor Carolina, will spearhead the forthcoming Leyte Landing anniversary to be held at Palo, Leyte. Famous historian Xiao Chua, one of the guest speakers during the forum, said the Battle of Leyte Gulf was the turning point of the Pacific War when American and allied forces defeated the

Japanese naval fleet. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the greatest naval battle in history to date, involving MacArthur’s more than 300,000 troops, against 85,000 Japanese Imperial forces. Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita was the commander of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines during the war. The Americans had 211 warships, including 16 carriers and 12 battle ships as against the Japanese, which had only 68 warships. American forces had 1,300 warplanes compared to Japan’s 300 aircraft. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK This was a sharp contrast to what took place at the outbreak of the war when the

Dr. Norena Robles Osano, OIC-City Health Office of Taguig, opens the HPV School-Based Immunization Program by welcoming the parents, students, teachers and other stakeholders who attended the event.

040608 (Bank Code)

METRO SOUTH COOPERATIVE BANK

IDC Centre, Zapote Street cor. Kalayaan Avenue, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City

BALANCE SHEET As of MARCH 31, 2019 ASSETS Cash and Cash Items Due from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Due from Other Banks Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Available-for-Sale Financial Assets-Net Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Financial Assets-Net Unquoted Debt Securities Classified as Loans-Net Investments in Non-Marketable Equity Security-Net Loans and Receivables - Net Loans to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Interbank Loans Receivable Loans and Receivables - Others Loans and Receivables Arising from RA/CA/PR/SLB General Loan Loss Provision Other Financial Assets Equity Investment in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures-Net Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixture and Equipment-Net Real and Other Properties Acquired-Net Non-Current Assets Held for Sale Other Assets-Net Net Due from Head Office/Branches/Agencies, if any (Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Financial Liabilities at Fair Value through Profit or Loss Deposit Liabilities Due to Other Banks Bills Payable a) BSP (Rediscounting and Other Advances) b) Interbank Loans Payable c) Other Deposit Substitute d) Others Bonds Payable-Net Unsecured Soubordlnated Debt-Net Redeemable Preferred Shares Special Time Deposrt Due to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Other Financial Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Due to Head Office/Branches/Agencies/(Philippine branch of a foreign bank) TOTAL LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock Other Capital Accounts Retained Earnings Assigned Caprtal TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS Guarantees Issued Financial Standby Letters of Credit Performance Standby Letters of Credit Commercial Letters of Credit Trade Related Guarantees Commttments Spot Foreign Exchange Contracts Securities Held Under Custodianship by Bank Proper Trust Department Accounts a) Trust and Other Fiduciary Accounts b) Agency Accounts c) Advlsory/Consull Derivatives Others TOTAL CONTINGENT ACCOUNTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Gross total loan portfolio (TLP) Specific allowance for credit losses on the TLP Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) a. Gross NPLs b. Ratio of gross NPLs to gross TLP (%) c. Net NPLs d. Ratio of Net NPLs to gross TLP (%) e. Ratio of total allowance for credit losses to gross NPLs (%) f. Ratio of specific allowance for credit losses on the gross TLP to gross NPLs (%) Classified Loans & Other Risk Assets, gross of allowance for credit losses DOSRI Loans and receivables, gross allowance of credit losses Ratio of DOSRI loans and receivables, gross of allowance for credit losses, to gross TLP (%) Gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables Ratio of gross non-performing DOSRI loans and receivables to TLP (%) Percent Compliance with Magna Carta (%) a. 8% for Micro and Small Enterprises b. 2% for Medium Enterprises Return on Equity (ROE) (%) Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) on Solo Basis, as prescribed under existing regulations a. Total CAR (%) b. Tier 1 Ratio (%) c. Common Tier 1 Ratio (%) 1/ Deferred Charges not yet Written Down Unbooked Allowance for Credit Losses on Financial Instruments Received

Amount Current Quarter Previous Quarter 52,270,952.65 3,722,415.88 65,787,010.61 65,787,010.61 712,545,522.19 835,533,980.18 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 15,000,000.00 15,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,527,156,849.96 2,646,294,545.71 0.00 0.00 2,558,302,778.06 2,679,535,952.44 0.00 0.00 31,145,928.10 33,241,406.73 16,044.844.64 16,311 ,604.44 0.00 0.00 29,675,581.72 30,634,901 .50 244,526,062.32 245,592,993.78 0.00 3,939,385.74 3,808,100.08 0.00 0.00 3,666,946,209.83 3,862,685,552.18 0.00 1,816,654,529.05 0.00 1,018,000.000.00 0.00 1,018,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 11 ,005,235.26 36,667,584.41 0.00 2,882,327,348.72

0.00 1,913,856,551.11 0.00 1,118,000,000.00 0.00 1,118,000,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,116,326.78 47,420,108.40 0.00 3,089,392,986.29

666,473,370.88 7,392,272.06 110,753,218.17 0.00 784,618,861.11 3,666,946,209.83

664,254,929.85 (1,002,593.00) 110,040,229.04 0.00 773,292,565.89 3,862,685,552.18

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,996,658.47 12,996,658.47

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,996,619.47 12,996,619.47

2,714,817,479.07 156,514,701.01

2,824,955,174.82 145,419,222.38

315,241,132.97 11.61% 158,726,431.96 5.85% 59.53% 49.65% 45.00 519,614,597.00 19.14% 0.00 0.00%

304,330,938.27 10.77% 158,911 ,715.89 5.63% 58.71% 47.78% 45.00 544,458,256.78 19.27% 0.00 0.00%

9.26% 43.18% 4.00%

8.35% 45.21% 8.00%

20.27 19.33 0.00 0.00 0.00

17.97 17.03 0.00 0.00 0.00

BOARD OF DIRECTORS FR. ANTONIO CECELIO T. PASCUAL Chairman ATTY. MICKEL M. BORIGAS Vice-Chairman DIRECTORS PATRIA T. CHIONG ROMEO A. DE JESUS DORIS R.DORIGO NORMA G. GUHITING EDITA S. LAURON GARIBALDI O. LEONARDO ROBERTO C. MASCARINA SERAFIN F. PERALTA PEDRO A. PLAZA DIVINA C. QUEMI PEDRO E. RIEZA, JR. NICOLAS H. VERONILLA EXECUTIVE OFFICER Renelia V. Estioko President

1/ Common Equity Tier 1 is only applicable to all Universal and Commercial Banks and their subsidiary banks.

Republic of the Philippines ) Makati City) s.s. I/We, RODA L. CRUZ and RENELIA V. ESTIOKO of the above-mentioned bank do solemnly swear that all matters set forth in the above balance sheet are true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.

RODA L. CRUZ Finance Head

RENELIA V. ESTIOKO President

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this April 16, 2019 at Makati City, affiant exhibiting his/her/their Passport No.P1057056A, issued at DFA NCR EAST on December 01, 2016 and Passport No. P1747134A, issued at Manila City on January 25, 2017.

Doc. No. 38 Page No. 09 Book No. 31 Series of 2019

Japanese crushed the American and Filipino forces in Bataan, then occupied the Philippines for over three years. The invasion of Leyte began at dawn of Oct. 17, 1944 when US troops sneaked into the island, taking the Japanese by surprise. The Japanese believed that MacArthur’s forces would land in Mindanao, but the brilliant American general chose Leyte instead, which was less fortified by the Japanese. The successful landing by US and allied forces in Palo, Leyte fulfilled MacArthur’s promise of “I shall return” to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of the Japanese invaders. PNA

Smart changing Romblon Taguig mothers join fight for an into LTE network province CUSTOMERS of PLDT wireless arm Smart Communications Inc. in Romblon can look forward to a better mobile data experience, as Smart transforms Romblon into an LTE province. As part of its continuing network expansion and upgrades across the country, Smart has fired up Long Term Evolution sites across the province’s three major islands: Tablas, Romblon and Sibuyan. In the towns of Odiongan, Romblon and Cajidiocan, for example, customers with LTE-capable handsets can experience speeds of between 20 to 60 Mbps, which they can use to stream videos on YouTube, play online games like

Mobile Legends, post photos on Facebook or Instagram, or access other online services like mobile banking and e-commerce. LTE has also been fired up to serve travelers passing through Romblon’s ports like the San Agustin port, which serves as the gateway to Sibuyan and Romblon via ro-ro vessels, as well as the Azagra port in San Fernando. “These network upgrades are part of our nationwide efforts to improve customer experience and provide world-class connectivity to remote islands like Romblon,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT-Smart senior vice president for Network Planning and Engineering.

Navotas opens free summer workshops for youth under 21 THE Navotas City Government officially opened Thursday its free summer workshops for the Navoteño youth. Some 680 Navoteños ages 7-21 joined the NavotaAs Sports Camp Batch 20. Of this, 238 registered in swimming; 156 in basketball; 48 in volleyball; and 68 in badminton. Also joining Batch 20 were 124 trainees in taekwondo, 13 in table tennis, 21 in judo, 10 in track and field, and two in soccer.

Meanwhile, 335 wanted to avail the city’s annual Summer Youth Program. Of this, 106 joined dancing; 99, drawing; 58, guitar playing; 45, theater acting; and 27, arnis. Mayor John Rey Tiangco lauded the participants for making the most of their summer break. “We are glad that you made time to improve your talents and skills this summer. We hope you will enjoy the workshops and be able to gain new friends,” he said. Jun David

HPV-free future

MOTHERS play an important role in shaping their daughters’ lives—and this includes helping ensure her future health by protecting them at an early age from potentially fatal illnesses such as cervical cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Filipinas. The Department of Health, supported by the Department of Education and Department of the Interior and Local Government, recognizes the integral role of mothers in helping their daughters understand the importance of early protection from Human Papillomavirus (HPV)— the leading cause of cervical cancer. The DOH’s School-Based Immunization Program recently reached Lakeshore Hall in Taguig City, where mothers accompanied their young daughters aged 9 to 13 years old in receiving their first dose of quadrivalent HPV vaccine that is administered by the government for free as part of its expanded program on immunization. The HPV vaccination program is targeted to make protection against HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer more accessible to Filipino womenespecially for those who can’t afford the costs of immunization. Dr. Jennifer Co, OB-GYN and Infectious Disease specialist, noted that one dose of the vaccine can range from Php3,000 to 4,000. Young female students from 9 to 13 years of age would need two doses of HPV vaccine. Meanwhile, adult females up to 45 years old would follow the three dose regimen schedule.

Life

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

CULTURE AND MEDIA

@MStandardLIFE

: o r b i L l e Dia d ral b e r e Ac e r u s trea

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS.

Dia del Libro, organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, aims to improve the reading skills of Filipinos, starting with the young children.

By Diana B. Noche

EADING books is one of our most basic sources of information. It’s a worthwhile idea that ought to pan out, except that, to some people a book is something which they are very uncomfortable with. Maybe Juan is so busy that he has no time to read. As the world hurls itself forward in technological jumps, modernism, and upgrades delivering barrels of fancy gizmos and gadgets, the community of serious readers continues to be hardly overpopulated, with people maintaining only a fleeting regard for a book. This is a generation less informed than it ought to be, a generation which does not see the compelling necessity to stay in the know because they have become obedient slaves to their cellphones and have embraced the online mob mentality. While some books don’t come cheap, books are there for reading at public libraries for free. Some books are available at used book stores at inexpensive price. It’s a misplaced priority when people can’t get hold of a book when they can pay an outrageous price for an ephemeral product. That’s a sure way to defeat ourselves. We have become a nation of insentient robots. We lust for trash—things that we want to know, not what we need to know—and the gullibility with which we welcome all that an irresponsible section of the media feeds us. Ergo, what we get is an ill-informed vox populi. It’s the same mantra drug cartels say out— supplying what the users want. The more birdie powder in the market, the better for the business. The good news is, things could turn around. There are promising signs of an uptick that may cause some significant dents into the high-tech craze. The push to increase awareness of the importance of reading a book has been attracting buzz. For that matter, a little shove should not hurt. The push came from the Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the cultural arm of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines. First introduced to the Filipinos in 2006, Dia del Libro follows in the tradition of Barcelona, Spain when roses and books are exchanged to celebrate St. George’s Day every April 23. It is also the day to honor the works of Spain’s foremost writer, Miguel de Cervantes, as well as William Shakespeare, thus marking April 23 as “World Book Day.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra (1547-1616) wrote Spain’s classic contribution to world literature, El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha or Don Quixote, a novel published in two parts in 1605 and 1616. It was ini-

Books and roses were exchanged during this year's Dia del Libro, or the International Book Day 2019, while a poetry recital of Jose Rizal's 'Mi Ultimo Adios' and storytelling collected interest among young adults and children.

tially viewed as a comic novel, then as a social commentary during the French Revolution, then as a tragedy, and in the 20th century the novel has become the foundation of modern literature. Don Quixote’s influence was muse to succeeding great literary classics: Alexandre Dumas’ “Three Musketeers” in 1844, Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in 1884, and Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac” in 1897. From Don Quixote our vocabulary got richer with “quixotic” and “Lothario.” Dia del Libro, or the International Book Day 2019, held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City, was another sensible offering by the Instituto de Cervantes of Manila to lift reading skills beginning with kids. With top bookstores and publishing houses, the event aims to move beyond sheer lamentation and

nostalgia for reading during the good old days before Nikola Tesla upswept the world with his revolutionist ideas. This tag-team effort hopes to become part of the next generation’s raised literacy. Accordingly with the Spanish tradition, books and roses were exchanged during the event. A poetry recital of “Mi Ultimo Adios,” Jose P. Rizal’s literary legacy, collected interest among the young adults. On-the-spot art activities and games plus storytelling kept the children busy. Flamenco music transported people into old Spanish days. Early in the evening, Spanish and Filipino independent songs injected some lilt into the audience’s steps as they headed for home. A double-digit IQ could pave the way for (as Shakespeare would say) “as boundless as the sea” success. The number could be used as an ammuni-

tion against life’s real battles we will be confronted with. We can, or try to, be a rocket scientist or an Einstein, but not every one is expected to. At least, reading books will up the number, higher than soso, enough to not cause nosebleeds when in the company of card-carrying Mensa fellows. To discover the joys of reading a book is like finding the key to a bahay na bato that has been locked for many decades. Going past the massive door we see a collection of objects—mahogany furniture, porcelain, and bric-à-brac of that period. Step inside the librería and be awed by the treasure of books carefully catalogued and protected. You are in another world. “A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.” Kafka was right. Photos by Diana B. Noche

Leeroy New’s latest public installation

Visual artist Leeroy New has created the artwork to be displayed at Cinco de Mayhem music festival.

VISUAL artist Leeroy New lends his vision and craftsmanship to the upcoming Cinco de Mayhem music festival on May 4 with his Mexican utopia public installation at the venue at Vista Mall Daang Hari Open Grounds. In collaboration with fellow conceptual artist Georjanno Abenoja, New will mount his large-scale art crafted from bamboo, neon lights, mesh, rope lights, and conduit as centerpiece to the event, which promises to be a festive celebration of music, youthful spirit, community, and life. “I am excited to bring my perspective and vision to build this

fascinating world brought by Cinco de Mayhem. It’s not everyday that you get to be part of something as grand and unique as this,” enthuses New. The General Santos City-born contemporary artist and young visionary has dabbled in New's artwork will be the centerpiece at CDM. different platforms. New’s proclivity to the arts has propelled him to be trained as a sculptor, but his innate knack for transforming otherworldly ideas into thought-provoking and eye-catching pieces has brought him to try his hands on various mediums, from production design for film, wearable, sci-fi art for known fashion designers and muses including Lady Gaga, down to 3D mock ups for commercial purposes. CDM will be headlined by local performers James Reid and Nadine Lustre, along with the rest of the Careless Music Manila crew. Go to www.cincodemayhem.com for more information. A sketch of Leeroy New's latest public installation.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Entertainment

By Nickie Wang

T’S an online sensation. Ordinary people do it. Celebrities do it. Even politicians do it while on the campaign trail.

“Dalagang Pilipina,” has been taking social media by storm and it seems that noone is againts netizens distorting their faces, sticking out their togues while raising their hands to form a finger heart. They just think it’s too cute. The meme is so popular but not many people even know that the name of this ultra popular song is just “Dalaga.”And that the artists responsible for this hit is called Allmo$t. And just so you know, the enigmatic four-piece indie rap crew and is also the newest artist under Viva Records. Long-time school buddies Crakky and Russell make the first half of Allmo$t. The two have been friends since college and have always been into rap music. The two are also ardent followers of the independent rap scene in Olongapo. And the pair’s love of indie-rap is what eventually led them to the two other members of Allmo$t— Clien and Jom—both are young singers heavily into Hip Hop. The former have been living in Italy and the latter from Canada. As fate would have it the two pairs would eventually meet via the local community of underground artists on a social media platform called “LOCAL.” Despite coming in from different points across the world, distance wasn’t an issue for the group as they exchanged recordings of song ideas via email. Thus their first ever hit “Dalaga” was made. Like any self-respecting rap crew, the group shared that their stylized artist name has its origins. Crakky shared that “All” is in reference to their encompassing tastes in music. While Russell piped in that

Allmo$t members (from left) Clien Kennedy Alcazar, Angelo Luigi ‘Crakky’ Timog, and Rocel ‘Russell’ dela Fuente

“almost” is very much a description of the ‘almost perfect’ way that their group got together and how each member’s skill perfectly complements each other. “Dalaga” was conceptualized and written almost a year ago. But becoming viral was the least of what Crakky and Russell expected. Their goal was simply to “make a dedication to Dalagang Filipinas

all over the world.” But what with the group’s innate skill to create catchy tunes like “Dalaga” we won’t be surprised that Allmo$t would have more hit rap songs on their hands in their immediate future. To date, “Dalaga” has almost 50 million views on YouTube and 12 million streams on Spotify. Viva will produce an ofﬁcial music video for the said track in the very near future.

A wilder new season of ‘Wolfblood’ airs on GMA Network BRACE for a wilder summer as a new season of the beloved teen fantasy series, Wolfblood, returns to GMA FantaSeries. The mystic world of Wolfblood will never be the same after the Wolfbloods’ true identity as half-human and half-werewolf is revealed to the rest of the world.

Although their secret is ﬁnally out in the open, the Wolfbloods continue to bear the dangers and consequences of living as extraordinary individuals. The pack suffers from discrimination and isolation from the unjust world. Jana (Leona Vaughan) blames herself for the miserable state of her pack leading

to her decision to exile herself from the group and reside in the wilderness. What will happen to her wayfaring pack now that their leader is gone? Follow the adventures of the wildest gang in the newest season of Wolfblood, Monday to Friday, 8:50 a.m. on GMA FantaSeries.

INTERNATIONAL

Netflix, SK Global team up for Thai cave rescue production NETFLIX agreed Tuesday to team up with SK Global, makers of Crazy Rich Asians for a production based on the gripping real-life rescue of the “Wild Boars” football team from a flooded Thai cave. But the streaming giant would not immediately be drawn on whether it would give the saga its high-end miniseries treatment or be made into a film. The 12 boys and their coach became trapped in a flooded Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand during the monsoon season on June 23 last year after finishing football training. The twists and turns of their dramatic 18-day rescue dominated international headlines, as dive experts worked round the clock to extract them from the bowels of the cave with waters rising and food running out. The Wild Boars, several of them from poor and marginalised ethnic hill tribes, have since been catapulted to global fame, revelling in invites from professional football clubs and television appearances including on Ellen Degeneres’ headlining US daytime show. A lucrative mini-industry in retelling their story has spun out, with local and international film companies and publishing houses queuing up to squeeze out books, films and documentaries. “There is a universality to storytelling and this incredible tale is no exception,” said Erika North, director of international originals for Netflix at a ceremony attended by SK Global, the

Netflix has agreed to team up with the makers of “Crazy Rich Asians” for a production based on the gripping real-life rescue of Thailand’s “Wild Boars” football team from a flooded cave.

Wild Boars team and their coach. “We are looking to tell the most authentic story possible,” she said, adding it would not be finished this year but refused to confirm the format it would take. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu will also join the project as director, along with Thai director Nattawut Poonpiriya, whose 2017 heist thriller Bad Genius earned critical acclaim. A separate project due out later this year is feature-length film The Cave from Thaiborn director Tom Waller, who enlisted real rescuers as actors in the movie. AFP

Renee Dominique sounds off ‘angelic voice’ into global stage WHILE some artist can only dream of perhaps getting the attention of a global audience or working with a world-renowned Hollywood performer, ABS-CBN Star Magic artist Renee Dominique is already living both. The young singer, composer and content creator’s time is definitely now as she has fulfilled one of her biggest dreams when Grammyaward winning performer Jason Mraz reached out to her to collaborate on a song. Renee is the first ever Filipina to work with the “I’m Yours” and “Lucky” hitmaker in what she describes as a mellow-acoustic “happy song.” “They saw Samsung’s commercial with a song that I sang ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ from Samsung,” she said. “So they saw that and they looked me up on YouTube. And thennatuwa sila and they introduced themselves na ‘Oh we’re songwriting team from Los Angeles and we want to collaborate with you on a song.’” On top of landing that once-in-alifetime collaboration, Renee is also checking off another goal on her bucketlist, as she will be debuting the song “Could I Love You Any More” with Jason at the Manila and Singapore leg of his Good Vibes 2019 Asia Tour this coming May 8 and May 11, respectively. Renee, whose voice was described by Jason as “angelic,” is more than giddy to meet the singer in person after having conversed with him only through emails and video calls. “Hindi ko alam what to expect kasi we’re going to meet up before the concert to rehearse. Sana hindi ako ma-awkward or mastarstruck,” she said excitedly about their u p comi n g meet up.

Turns out that an outpour of opportunity has already been happening to Renee even prior to landing the collab with Jason, as she has already brought pride to the country by landing on two huge commercial deals, which were released worldwide and in all social media platforms. Mobile giant Samsung used her mellowed rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” in their Galaxy commercial. While German luxury car brand Audi chose her soulful version of The Carpenters’ “Close to You” to add life to their Audi R8 commercial. What’s more is that Renee is currently working on yet another commercial with multinational American fashion company, Michael Kors. While she’s no stranger into working outside of the country, after having done some gigs in the US, Renee’s breakthrough commercial further opened doors for her. “Nag- start kasi yun after lumabas nung Samsung commercial. A lot of labels wanted to sign me. I had a few offers from Europe and sila din nag-offer sila. And then we reviewed all their contracts and proposals and we ended up signing with Universal Music Germany.” Signing with Universal Music Germany, now puts Renee at par with other well-known pop artists like Dua Lipa and Lana del Rey, among others, who all started under the same label. Apart from releasing Renee’s rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know” and her collab with Jason internationally, the German branch of the leading global music corporation is also eyeing to bring her music to the US soil. While it hasn’t been an overnight success for Renee, all the blessings that have been coming her way remain unexpected and at the same time, humbling. “My journey is a testament that you really have to work hard and at the same time don’t compare yourself to other people’s pace kasi magkaiba talaga,” she said.

Star Magic talent Renee Dominique will share the stage with international recording artist Jason Mraz in the Singapore and Manila leg of his tour

Motoring

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

Hyundai sets sights on China market S Falling in LUV again with Suzuki Ertiga HANGHAI—Beijing Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its all- new Sonata and all-new Hyundai ix25 at Auto Shanghai 2019. The new models spearhead the company’s ‘New Era’ theme for the event, which highlights new, future technologies; all-new models; plus Hyundai Motor’s new design philosophy—Sensuous Sportiness. Making its Chinese premiere at the Shanghai show, the all-new Sonata features the latest safety, connectivity and convenience technologies. The global ‘signature vehicle’ for Hyundai, the latest generation Sonata is a stylish, thrilling and beautiful coupe-style sedan, rather than a conventional four-door model. It expresses Hyundai Motor’s Sensuous Sportiness design language through elegance and ﬂowing lines, using light as the deﬁning styling feature inside and out. The all-new ix25 compact SUV also premieres in new ‘sporty and muscular’ form. Perfectly positioned for the Chinese market, the new model is clearly inspired by the same design language as the allnew Sonata, but it is interpreted differently. From its strong, shoulder line wheel arches and SUV-like ground clearance, to its unmistakably distinctive lighting design, it is a stylish model that will stand out from the crowd. China leads the world for uptake of new forms of vehicle propulsion, a fact capitalized on by BHMC in the form of the new Encino EV and new Elantra PHEV. These vehicles form a crucial

piece of Hyundai Motor’s future-focused strategy for clean mobility in China and around the world. This vision for future mobility is communicated clearly through BHMC’s ‘New Era’ theme on its booth. Among the human centric technologies on display are Personal Mobility Device E-bike and E-scooter exhibits that sit alongside a suite of other future technology and vehicle exhibits, including: a Sonata design studio – a first in China; Connected Car 3.0 and Fingerprint Authentication Entry tech experience booth – another first in China; a digital key experience booth; the Veloster N Performance Car; and the NEXO air purification. “Hyundai Motor is developing advanced technologies to support three pillars of our future mobility strategy,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D at Hyundai Motor Group. “With a focus on constantly anticipating and adapting to our customers’ changing needs, we will deliver Clean Mobility, Freedom in Mobility, and Connected Mobility without losing sight of what makes our vehicles fun to drive.” MS@Motoring

Text and photo by Lester Dizon IT SEEMED just like yesterday when we picked up our brand-new 2014 Suzuki Ertiga 1.4GLXi A/T multi-purpose vehicle directly from the Suzuki Philippines, Inc. factory in Canlubang, Laguna. After we did a cover story on it for Power Wheels Magazine, we fell in love with the ﬁrst-generation Ertiga Life Utility Vehicle (LUV), as SPH was marketing it then. On November 18, 2014, we got one for a series of long-term tests to determine if it could be the ideal 7-seat MPV for the average Filipino family. Our tests, which ended in June 2016, concluded with this phrase: “We expect more Filipinos to fall in love with this Suzuki LUV. We look at it as the right-sized LUV for the Philippine road conditions.” With the number of Ertigas sold from 2014 to 2018, we guess we had it right. Fast forward to the present day and we got our hands on the new second-generation 2019 Suzuki Ertiga 1.5GLXi A/T for a short week-long test drive. It still looks like an Ertiga, which is a good thing because the previous one was well-loved and popular with Filipino families. But, like everything else in the Suzuki Auto model line-up, it has grown in size both inside and out, got new features, and jazzed up its styling. With new competition from other Japanese brands, and more rivals from European, American and Chinese brands, Suzuki saw it ﬁt to equip the Ertiga with a longer body, a new engine, and new amenities. Longer, Wider, Taller With an overall length of 4,395 millimeters, a width of 1,735 millimeters and a height of 1,690 millimeters, the 2019 Ertiga is 130mm longer, 40mm wider and 5mm taller than our 2014 long-term test unit. But it wears those bigger dimensions quite well. The Suzuki designers gave the new Ertiga a

sharper and bolder exterior that does not detract from the familiar look of the previous model. They factored in a touch of elegance with the new front grill and the new headlight assembly, and then added a dash of sportiness with the new front bumper, fog lights, and aggressive vent design. New headlight assembly adds to the aggressive facade. The side profiles are no longer simple slab-sided affairs but are now endowed with character lines that add some rigidity to the metal panels. Even the doors sound less tinny when you close them. The wheels, at least on this 1.5 GLXi A/T, are still 15-inch multispoke aluminum alloys wrapped with Dunlop Enasave EC300+ tires measuring 185/65R-15. At the rear, a pair of modern taillights that look like they belong on a Swedish car take this Suzuki MPV decidedly up-market. The tail gate opening is also slightly bigger than our old Ertiga, which increases its overall utility. The larger exterior dimensions translate to increased interior space even though the wheelbase remains the same at 2,740 millimeters. A quick visual inspection confirms factory claims that the legroom for the third row seat has increased by 70mm and that the cargo space at the back with the third row upright is now 90mm bigger. The second row legroom and headroom are still spacious and so are the front seats’, just like the previous model. The split third- and second-row seats fold down to massively increase this MPV’s carrying capacity, with a new removable panel behind the third row to accommodate taller cargo. Numerically, cargo space is 153 liters with all seats up; 199 liters with the bottom storage panel removed; 550 liters with the third-row seats folded; and 803 liters with the second row folded flat. But the Ertiga won’t be multipurpose (hence the MPV moniker) if

it only accommodates cargo. It also carries people very well with its new, classier interior that features faux wood trim surround the dashboard and door panels, comfortable fabric trim, a ﬂatbottomed leather steering with remote controls for the infotainment system, and a large 10-inch touchscreen display monitor at the center of the dash. The infotainment system includes AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, AUX, USB, Smartphone Mirrorlink, video playback and navigation functions. The two cup holders in the center console functions as a cooler when the air-conditioning is on. Rear passengers are cooled by an overhead A/C with four vents. We can honestly say that we loved the interior of our old Ertiga but we love the new one even better. One of the bigger surprises we got from the 2019 Ertiga is its improved acceleration with improved fuel economy. The power of our old Ertiga is “adequate”, considering its design as a small MPV, but the new Ertiga is “more than adequate”. Suzuki engineers installed a bigger 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder K15B engine that churns out 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. That’s about 12 hp and 8 Nm more than the K14B of our old Ertiga, but in an MPV weighing just 1,135 kilograms, that’s more than enough. With improved convenience, safety and security features like push button start/stop, anti-lock (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), ISOFIX rear anchors, reverse camera, keyless entry and alarm with engine immobilizer, the 2019 Suzuki Ertiga GLXi A/T that we tested came with a sticker price of P978,000, which is below the P1M price point of its competitors, but above the P888,000 of our 2014 Ertiga. We sold our Ertiga when we got our 2016 Suzuki Ciaz and regretted selling it. We’d buy the new Ertiga in a heartbeat. I guess you can say that we’re ready to fall in LUV again!

Fuel trader takes delivery of Isuzus IN A formal ceremony last April 5 in Cortez, Bohol, wholesale and retail fuel distributor Universal Fuel Solutions received two EXZ and three FVM trucks, and six mu-X midsize SUVs from Isuzu Bohol. Universal Fuel Solutions, which has been a loyal client of Isuzu Bohol, has attributed much of its operational successes to the reliability, durability, power, and fuel efﬁciency of Isuzu-branded vehicles distributed exclusively by Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) and its authorized dealership network, of which Isuzu Bohol belongs. Universal Fuel Solutions also lauded IPC and Isuzu Bohol for its comprehensive customer support programs that

comprise the Isuzu Advantage. Only IPC and its authorized dealers can offer a nationwide dealer network of over 40 outlets complete with servicing facilities, reliable and prompt nationwide parts availability, and teams of expert service technicians and ﬁeld support personnel on call to provide technical assistance whenever and wherever needed. IPC also extended various training to customer such as safety driving, eco-driving techniques, and maintenance training to support their operation. Universal Fuel Solutions considers IPC’s nationwide network of aftersales customer support programs truly advantageous for its own business and operations, which has also expanded nationwide.

From Left: Lilet Sandiego (Sales Manager- Isuzu Bohol), Mario Ojales (Department HeadDealer Sales A- CV)Arturo A. Piollo II (Owner), and Filipina A. Piollo.

LUVABLE. The Dizon family finds the Suzuki Ertiga, the 7-seater MPV, ideal for the average Filipino family.

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019

Motoring

By Lester Dizon

CIENCE has proven that siblings share about 50 percent of the same DNA on average. Each brother gets one half of his DNA from each parent, since the father and the mother only donate half of their DNA. The shared DNA can produce some similarities in the appearance of the siblings, like – in the case of celebrities— the winsome toothy smile of the Osmond brothers or the handsome sexy look of the Baldwin brothers. But each sibling gets to shine on his own merit, like when Donny Osmond became a pop icon in the ‘70s or when Alec Baldwin became the male sex symbol of the ‘90s. The Baldwin brothers: William, Stephen, Alec and Daniel. In the automotive industry, the DNA of vehicle is determined not just by the designer, but also by the marketing direction of the manufacturer. The more familial the vehicle looks, the better the brand recall. Take the case of the trio of Mitsubishi utility vehicles – the Montero Sport sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Strada pickup truck, and the Xpander compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). They possess the same familial design language with a modern chiseled look but each with its own individual characteristics. For the purpose of our test drive review, let’s focus on the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLS AT. Mitsubishi Motors wanted to project an adventurous and futuristic style with the application of the Dynamic Shield design concept on their contender for the MPV market. Judging by the number of units we see on the road today and the number of envious looks we get while driving our GLS on the road, a lot of Filipinos are attracted to its futuristic styling. The front end of our GLS features a chrome grill with clear smoke coating combined with the LED position lamps arranged like crystal blocks and a unique headlight design. The factory claims that the lamp layout improves night time visibility for both pedestrians and oncoming vehicles and prevents the blinding effects of headlight glare. During our evening drives around the metropolis, we can only agree with Mitsubishi’s claim. Many are taken by its modern looks and balanced proportions. The Xpander carries its two-box (engine and passenger compartments) proportions and its character lines over its 4.5-meter length very well. We would have preferred a bigger wheel and tire combo to fill up the wheel wells better, but those four 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels shod with Bridgestone Ecopia 205/65R-16 tires already provide an ample combination of grip and comfort. At the rear, L-shaped LED tail lamps with the rear combination lamps extend to the tailgate that opens wide to accept tall, bulky or wide stuff. In an ode to its futuristic styling, the rear view of the Xpander looks like a space pod from a science fiction movie. Getting inside the Xpander is a breeze. The four doors open wide to provide easy access to the three seating rows proportioned over 2.8 meters of interior space, which can seat seven adults comfortably. Folding the 60/40-split second row seats accesses the third row, although we noticed that the smaller 40% split seat is on the left side of the vehicle, perhaps due to the fact that the Xpander is assembled in Indonesia. Mitsubishi engineers thoughtfully installed a large armrest in the second row that folds forward into a center space to hold long items. The seats can be arranged in various combinations to accommodate different type of cargo. There’s ample space for luggage with the third row seats up and because of its flat luggage floor without bumps and gaps, the Xpander’s maximum cargo capacity is 1,630 liters when both the second and third row seats are folded. Taller drivers might need to bend a little when entering or exiting the Xpander because of the windshield angle, which is slanted aggressively to minimize wind drag. Once inside though, the driver faces an ergonomic cockpit with a comfortable and relatively high seating position, clear forward and side visibility. He or she grips a steering wheel equipped with remote switches for the infotainment system and cruise control, and an instrument panel with an 8,000rpm tachometer and a 200 km/h speedometer sandwiching an LED screen that displays the odometer reading, fuel mileage, fuel range, average speed, and a unique “Economy” driving indicator. A 7-inch touch screen monitor

Xpander: DNA of a modern MVP

MMC crows about the ample space inside the Xpander.

features a navigation system, MP3 player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary port, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and Easy Link feature. We particularly like the numerous cubbyholes where we can store various small items, the slots where we can place our mobile phones, and the 12V power outlets for first, second and third rows. Driving in Metro Manila Traffic Unfortunately, we didn’t plan for an out-of-town drive when we got the Xpander. The two times we drove it on highway was when we got it from the MMPC plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna and when we returned it a week later. Despite its 1.5-liter 4A91 4-cylinder engine, which is equipped with the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves and an “Eco” mode setting, we can only squeeze an average of 5.32 kilometers per liter (18.8L/100kms as shown on the onboard computer) with an average speed of 9 km/h. When we stretched its legs on the highways, we were able to improve our fuel mileage to 9.17 km/L (10.9L/100kms) with an average speed of 20 km/h. It only goes to show that getting stuck in crawling traffic is a horrendous waste of fuel. While our driving style with the Xpander may not win any fuel economy challenges, it won us over with its numerous safety features. We learned that

Mitsubishi’s proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body is designed to absorb the impact of a collision while its anti-lock braking system (ABS) and emergency stop signal (ESS) system, which activates and automatically ﬂashes the hazard lamps in case of sudden stops, helps prevent collisions from happening. We also found out that the Xpander was awarded a 4-star safety rating in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP). That it has several airbags protecting all the occupants is another reassuring point to consider. Slot above the glove compartment can hold passenger’s phone and other small items. When the Xpander was ﬁrst launched, we immediately dismissed it as the smaller, more affordable MPV version of the Montero Sport. After our week-long test drive, we realized that despite having the same Mitsubishi DNA, the Xpander has its own identity. While the Montero Sport is the Mitsubishi’s highly desirable SUV, the Xpander is their highly versatile MPV. Judging by the number of Xpander MPVs that we now see on the Philippine roads, we can say that its DNA is becoming wired into the Filipino’s motoring subconscious. Like what Donny Osmond was to the ’70s and Alec Baldwin was to the ’90s, the Mitsubishi Xpander may become the Star MPV of its time.

2019 VIOS AUTOCROSS CHALLENGE

Experiencing Waku-Doki despite a bad back Text and photo by Lester Dizon I’VE ALWAYS savored the chance to compete in motorsports. Be it four wheels or two, on road or off-road, street or circuit, wheel-to-wheel or time trials, speed contests or economy runs. I’ve always known that motorsports is a rich man’s game and that I’m not a wealthy man. When an opportunity arises to join a race for free as a media participant, I jump almost immediately at the chance and grab it. Thus, when Toyota Motor Philippines invited members of the motoring media to register and for us to represent Power Wheels and the Manila Standard for this year’s Round 1 of the Vios Autocross Challenge, which will kick off the 2019 Toyota Vios Racing Festival, I immediately volunteered. I’ve had some experience in auto slalom and gymkhana racing and I was hoping to hone my driving skills again. I was psyching and preparing myself for the races when a simple lifting incident gave me a herniated or slipped disc, which caused me a lot of pain whenever I try to bend my back or even walk. Despite my back pain, I decided to honor my commitment and go to the autocross practice and qualifying sessions on Saturday morning (April 27) at the open grounds of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. I took two pain killers to mask the back pain that I was feeling, waited for my turn to drive one of the specially-prepared 2019 Toyota Vios race cars, speciﬁcally one that will be used by celebrity Gerald Anderson, squeezed myself into the safety roll bar-equipped race car, and then tackled the course that JP Tuason and his boys laid out on the race course. The “race course” was a mirror track that was quite technical. We were tasked to do our Practice and Qualifying runs on Track B, where most of the turns were right turns, save for one 180-degree left turn, on that Saturday and then race for the Elimination and Championship rounds the next day, Sunday (April 28) on Track A, where most of the turns were left turns, except for one 180-degree right turn. During my practice run on Track B, I ﬁnished the course in 1 minute and 30 seconds (1:30), which was not bad, considering my lack of seat time and my bad back, which kept me from focusing on the race. It’s Just a Matter of Focus Of course, getting in and out of a Vios race car with a bolstered OMP racing seat, 4-point racing harness, and

roll cage while wearing a racing suit and a helmet is not a pleasant proposition for an out-of-shape 50-plus aspiring racer suffering from a painful slipped disc, regardless of how many pain killers taken. There was no pain during the race but once the adrenaline wore off, the pain became excruciating. So much so, that I opted not to get in for a second practice run. Yet oddly, I was beginning to enjoy myself despite the pain. After lunch, we were called back to the race course for our individual Qualifying runs. I was strapped into the race car of celebrity Troy Montero, focused a bit more on the track than on my back pain, and cut my time by 8 seconds, bringing my qualifying time down to 1 minute and 22 seconds (1:22.13) and landing in ninth place among twenty media qualiﬁers. I was very pleased with my time, although I know I can do better if I can only concentrate more. I also know that my doctor won’t be pleased if he found out what I was doing. Oh, well… Eliminated on Sunday Whatever fun and mental preparation I had on Saturday went out the door on Sunday. For one, it took me almost two hours just to get up from bed. Ouch, my back pain was back with a vengeance! Then, when I ﬁnally got to the autocross racing grounds at MOA, the practice sessions were over. So, I didn’t have any time on Track A where we were going to race for the Elimination rounds. Out of the 20 media participants, only the top 8 will go into the next round, and then only four will go into the Finals, where only the Top Three will be given trophies. Using the racing Vios of celebrity Aubrey Miles, I went through the race course unprepared, nearly missing a gate, and turned in a time that was almost the same as my qualifying time of 1:22.13. Or maybe worse… Eight media participants turned in respectable times that were 6 to 7 seconds faster and I got promptly eliminated. Former racer turned journalist Mike Potenciano of MP Turbo and C! Magazine, who clocked the best time (1:15) during qualifying, was likewise eliminated because he got lost in the course and got a DNF (Did Not Finish). I teased Mike that I believe that James Deakin carries a commentator’s curse because every time he comments on a driver’s outstanding performance while driving on the track, something will go wrong. James mentioned that Mike was a leading contender and promptly got eliminated.

Seasoned motoring journalist , the writer takes the wheel of A Toyota Vios during the Autocross Challenge.