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CHINA BARRED FROM FISHING IN PH—CARPIO By Rey E. Requejo THE Philippine government cannot allow Chinese ﬁshermen to ﬁsh in the country’s exclusive economic zone because this would violate the 1987 Constitution, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Wednesday. “The Constitution mandates that the state shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens. This means that the Philippine government cannot allow Chinese Next page

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 133 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

SUPPORT SHOWN. Candidate for House Speaker Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez (inset) fields questions from national media at a brief news conference during a caucus for party coalition with more than 40 congressmen from the Nacionalista Party, PDP-Laban, Independent, Liberal Party, Nationalist People’s Coalition, National Unity Party and LakasCMD at the Seda Hotel in Quezon City. Ver Noveno

Romualdez bid gains steam Party-lists, other groups back speakership move

Duterte pushes Cha-Cha, wavers on federal shift

By Rio N. Araja and Macon Ramos-Araneta

EY leaders of various political parties and blocs in the incoming 18th Congress assembled in Quezon City Wednesday to commit themselves to the speakership bid of Leyte Rep.-elect Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and to the legislative agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte.

By Nat Mariano FOR the ﬁrst time, President Rodrigo Duterte seemed to lose heart in campaign promise to shift the country to a federal form of government, saying such a move was unlikely to prosper under his administration. In a speech after the oathtaking of local ofﬁcials and Hugpong ng Pagbabago-endorsed senators on Tuesday evening, the President said the movers and shakers of the country should at least amend the present Constitution if they will not support federalism. “Really, it’s not for me [and] in my generation, [it’s for] somebody else’s,” the President said. “But you should change the Constitution actually. Not for anything. If you do

The assembly was held at the Seda Hotel Vertis North in Quezon City. This developed as Albay Rep. Joey Salceda hit threats to sanction lawmakers belonging to the ruling PDP-Laban who do not support Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as the next Speaker. Also, party-list lawmakers on Wednesday questioned 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Mikee Romero for endorsing Velasco as the next speaker without their consent. Anakalusugan Party-list Rep.-elect Mike Defensor said Romero’s action was illegal, adding he even signed a

SONA: Bernal takes 2nd shot

By Nat Mariano FOR the second time, film director Joyce Bernal will once again direct President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on July 22. Officials of Radio Television Malacañang confirmed that Bernal, known for her popular romantic comedy movies, is set to direct the Chief Executive’s 4th SONA. Last year, Bernal aimed at setting a “quite patriotic” mood for the 3rd SONA, focusing on good sequencing of shots, camera angles, and placements of lights. “This is not directing a romantic comedy. This is not directing traffic. This is directing the SONA. Our father has Next page

LIFE GOES ON. Low- lying Malabon City in Metro Manila, which gets flooded even when the rains are not there, is submersed even more piteously this week, with Tropical Depression ‘Dodong’ lashing the metropolis and surrounding areas—weather forecasters raising hopes the already critical level at Angat Dam will be addressed with up to 13 cyclones expected to hit land in 2019. Andrew Rabulan

At least 13 storms needed to refill Angat—PAGASA TO RAISE the already-critical water level at Angat Dam, which is Metro Manila’s main water source, the Philippines will need more storms to dump rain into the reservoir, the state weather bureau said Wednesday. The dam will get that much-needed liquid from about 9 to 13 tropical cyclones that are forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibil-

ity in the next six months, despite the persistent drought affecting 32 provinces across the country. Storms supply about half of the water being used for domestic requirements, especially in the National Capital Region, ofﬁcials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in a press

conference. In other developments: • Tropical Depression “Dodong” sped up to 30 kilometers per hour while moving northward Wednesday afternoon, the weather bureau said. Ariel Rojas, PAGASA forecaster, said “Dodong” was forecast to exit the PAR on Wednesday night. Next page

Two whistleblowers given state protection By Rey E. Requejo and Rio N. Araja THE Justice department has admitted to the witness protection program two whistleblowers who said their former employer, WellMed Dialysis and Laboratory Center, collected hundreds of millions of pesos worth of claims from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for bogus treatments for deceased members. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the coverage for Edwin Roberto and Liezel Aileen de Leon would be provisional and “good for 90 days” while the DOJ conducts a preliminary investigation on seven other WellMed personnel charged by the National Bureau of Investigation with estafa and falsiﬁcation of public documents. The DOJ earlier indicted Roberto and De Leon along with WellMed’s co-owner Brian Sy with the same charges. Next page

Gravestone as graduation gift

Driving romance: Thrill that may kill

Scent of statue: Venus de Milo

GRAVESTONES usually double as markers for where people are buried and as something to remember dead loved ones by, but a recent college graduate found another way to use them.

THE Department of Transportation has a timely caveat for drivers with their loved ones seated beside them: Have your hands on the wheel. The DoTr issued the tough admonition after a video of a young

PARIS—She was one of the great beauties of antiquity, and soon we are going to find out what the “Venus de Milo” smells like. The Louvre in Paris has asked two of France’s top “noses”

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Palace sees FOI bill okay in 2020 T

HE Duterte administration is hopeful the Freedom of Information bill will be passed in 2020, the Presidential Communications Operations Ofﬁce said Wednesday.

“We would like to hit the ground running, and hopefully we get an FOI Law this time next year,” PCOO Assistant Secretary Kristian Ablan said. He reported a 100-percent FOI compliance from the national government agencies for the first half of the year. He said 92 percent of governmentowned-and-controlled corporations

ment actors), the FOI-PMO, in July 2019, will endorse the Draft FOI Bill to the 18th Congress,” Ablan said. He said the FOI-PMO added a provision on a “no wrong door policy” that compels the receiving agency to assist and guide the FOI user to appropriate offices or division that could cater to his request. Through this, Ablan said, the denial of requests could be lessened. As of May 2019, the FOI-PMO received at least 13,401 electronic FOI requests. Of that number, 42 percent or 5,576 requests were successful while

33 percent or 4,479 were denied or unsuccessful. The remaining 25 percent were still pending/processing. “The 42 percent is a big increase from 30 percent last year. Our goal is to breach the 50-percent mark that the majority of the requests is successful,” Ablan said. The FOI program is a government mechanism that allows Filipino citizens to request any information about government transactions. This was enabled via Executive Order 2, series of 2016, that was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte. PNA

blocs decided to hold the assembly to get a clearer picture of the reforms that Romualdez plans to implement in the 18th Congress. “We are 100 percent behind Congressman Martin as speaker. We need to get his views on how to make the next Congress more effective in legislating the laws that are beneficial to our countrymen,” Salceda said. Defensor said they have already signed a manifesto of support for Romualdez. “Members of the party-list coalition agreed to vote as a bloc. Majority, however, that I have spoken to has already indicated their preference for Congresman Martin as speaker pending the possible endorsement of the President,” he said. “If the election for speaker will be held today, Congressman Martin definitely has the numbers,” he added. Romualdez is president of LakasChristian Muslim Democrats and Philippine Constitution Association. “Ours is a herculean task. We have to live up to the expectation of President Duterte and of our people. With the help of every member of the 18th Congress, I am confident that we can help deliver the promises of President Duterte to our people,” he said. At least 38 new and incumbent lawmakers from different political parties participated in the caucus. “The matter will still have to be decided on July 22, and I will be the last one to be presumptuous that I have more than the numbers to become the Speaker. But I am confident that we are a contender, a serious contender. And we will not stop working even beyond July 22, working with each and everyone here,” Romualdez said. Romualdez said he wanted to run for the speakership so he could pay back to the lawmakers who had helped Leyte recover and rise from the aftermath of Typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013. “This is may be my chance to serve and pay back those I owe. I will end my political life trying to pay back and to give back because they have helped us rise,” he added.

Romualdez shrugged off speculation that the leaders of the four major blocs in the House have signed a manifesto of support for Velasco. “All I am talking about is [just] to make sure that we work together in unison,” he said. Defensor said he feared the 54-strong PCFI would collapse over the incident. Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin said the foundation has not yet decided on who to support. “As far as the coalition is concerned, we have not endorsed anyone,” he said. “May be, he signed in his personal capacity but the same could not be attributed to the collective decision of the members,” he added. Earlier, PDP-Laban spokesperson and political affairs head Ronwald Munsayac said in a statement, that “the PDP Laban leadership led by Senator [Aquilino] Pimentel [III] believes it is time to put emphasis and value to party discipline. Members of the PDP-Laban who will defy its choice for [speaker] will be sanctioned.” Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, said his Nationalist People’s Coalition has not decided who to support as Speaker. “My political party has yet to decide and formally announce our support,” Sotto said. On Tuesday, the President declined to endorse any of three PDP-Laban aspirants. Duterte, the party’s national chairman, said he will no longer endorse a candidate in House speakership race and called on congressmen to sort out the matter among themselves. Speaking during the oath-taking of local officials affiliated with Hugpong ng Pagbabago in Malacañang, the President said he asked Arroyo to select her next successor, but the latter refused to have the final say. On Wednesday, the Palace reiterated the President’s hands-off approach to the speakership race, saying it was optimistic that the lawmakers would select “the best and most competent” contender. With Nat Mariano and PNA

fishermen to fish in our EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, This also means that the use and enjoyment of the fish in our EEZ is reserved exclusively to Filipinos,” Carpio said, in a statement. Carpio was reacting to statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that he would allow the Chinese to continue fishing in the country’s EEZ days after a Filipino fishing boat was sunk by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. President Duterte, who considered the Recto Bank collision as a “little maritime accident,” said he did not think that China would allow its fishermen to be barred from Philippine waters because they are “our friends.” However, Carpio disagreed with the President’s position , saying that the

Constitution is clear on who is allowed to fish and exploit the resources in the country’s EEZ. Carpio said the Constitution defines “national territory” to include other “submarine areas” over which the country has “sovereignty or jurisdiction.” He said The Netherlands-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in its 2016 ruling, debunked China’s extensive claims in the South China Sea through its nine-dash line policy and ruled with finality that the Philippines has jurisdiction over its EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, including Recto Bank. “The Philippines has exclusive sovereign right to exploit all the fish, oil, gas and other mineral resources in its EEZ. This sovereign right belongs to the Filipino people, and no government official can waive this sovereign right of the Filipino people without their consent,” Carpio said.

The senior magistrate also reminded Duterte that as the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, he has the constitutional duty to direct the AFP to protect the nation’s marine wealth in its EEZ. “The AFP is specifically tasked by the Constitution to be the protector of the people and to secure the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the national territory,” Carpio said. Carpio has been prodding the Duterte administration to protest aggressive Chinese activities within the country’s EEZ and territorial waters, saying that failure to do so would mean that the government is allowing their depredation to continue. The senior SC magistrate was also instrumental in the filing of the case against China before the arbitral tribunal in the Netherlands in 2013, leading to the 2016 ruling that rejected Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.

Serious about his promise, the Chief Executive then ordered the creation of the 22-man Consultative Committee to draft a proposed federal constitution. However, even with the administration’s strong push to achieve federalism, a Pulse Asia survey reported that almost seven out of 10 Filipinos have, at best, a low level of understanding about President Duterte’s plan. Sixty-nine percent of those polled said they have little knowledge of the proposed federal system of government. In the wake of the survey, the Pal-

ace created an inter-agency task force to conduct a public information drive and advocacy campaign to raise public awareness on federalsim. Earlier this month, the Palace clarified that the President was not abandoning his push for federalism, saying Duterte was just expressing ideas on how to approach the federal constitution. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace remained optimistic that Congress would pass a law on federalism before the end of Duterte’s term in 2022.

A closeup picture of the gravestone he is now using as a profile photo, meanwhile, had 15,000 shares, 12,000 reactions and 1,400 comments. “My parents’ grad gift: a remembrance,’’ his post’s caption reads. “Something material to sum up my 8 looong weird years in college.” “Panis yang tarp mo,’’ his profile photo caption reads. This roughly translates to ‘‘Your tarpaulin poster has nothing on this.” In a Facebook message to Coconuts Manila, Arboleda said he did not want

a tarpaulin poster because those were eventually taken down. “With a lapida, I can just place it in my room, and I’ll remember my whole college life just by looking at it. Plus I can use it as a patungan [makeshift desk] for my overheating laptop when I’m lying on my bed,” he said. The odd request did not even bother his parents. “They know I’m into ‘weird’ stuff like that, so when I messaged my mom on Facebook... she literally just replied a thumbs-up emoji.”

were FOI compliant, about 94 percent of state universities and colleges were compliant, and 41 percent of local water districts were compliant. In July 2019, he said, the executive branch will submit its updated draft FOI bill to Congress. “Upon consolidation of the inputs gathered from the civil society organizations, NGOs and NGAs (non-govern-

Two... From A1

Romualdez... From A1

Other respondents--WellMed executives Dr. John Ray Gonzales, medical director; Claro Sy, chairman; Alvin Sy, corporate treasurer; Therese Francesca Tan, purchasing officer; Dick Ong, administration officer; and physicians Porshia Natividad and Joemie Soriano--to a separate preliminary investigation. Former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, who is serving as legal counsel for Roberto and De Leon, said they would seek inclusion in the WPP. Their sworn statements have become the basis for the indictment of Sy and the other respondents. It will be up to the court to decide whether Roberto and De Leon would become state witnesses, depending on the arguments of the prosecution. Under the law, a person wanting to be admitted into the WPP must execute a sworn statement describing in detail the manner in which the offense was committed and his or her participation. If the DOJ is satisfied with the sworn statement and the applicant is the least guilty of the alleged crime committed, the person can be admitted into the program. A person formally included in the WPP coverage may be provided housing or a safe house that can be extended to family members, financial assistance, assistance in obtaining a means of livelihood, and payment equivalent to his or her salary as compensation for absences in work, travel expenses and medical expenses. Witnesses under WPP who die would also be given death benefits, including free college education for their children. Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue to go after people who file fraudulent claims with PhilHealth. “Sharks are circling PhilHealth because it is clearly vulnerable, plus it has the money,” he said. “Those scamming Philhealth are easily 10 times more likely to be cheating on their taxes as well,” he said.

controversial manifesto using his title as the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI) president. “This is what Congressman Mikee Romero did as president. If he only did it for his individual preference, there will be no problem. But to speak for the party-list bloc, it’s unfair to us. We have never talked about it. That’s illegal, and there was no basis for that,” he said. “We would like, in clear terms, repudiate the representation of congressman Mikee Romero who said the party-list bloc has already decided for… Velasco. There was no such decision,” he said. Apart from Romualdez and Velasco, Taguig City-Pateros Rep.-elect Alan Peter Cayetano is also aspiring to succeed outgoing Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said the event was the first in a series of caucuses that the coalition would want to hold to unite the political parties and other blocs in Congress toward the early passage of President Duterte’s priority bills. “We have decided to cross party lines and band together to press for the speedy congressional approval of the President’s priority bills. A single party cannot do it alone. We need the support of everybody so Congress could help realize the President’s vision for the country,” he said. Castro is the president of the National Unity Party. “This is just the beginning, possibly the spark needed to unite the 18th Congress. In the coming days and weeks, other congressmen who already signed the manifesto of support for our speaker, Congressman Martin, would also come out in the open and join us in our gatherings. It is difficult to schedule a caucus of more than 180 congressmen in a single day,” he said. Salceda, for his part, said the key leaders of the political parties and other

SONA:... From A1 something to tell us, has something to say to the Philippines,” she bared last year. The Viva Films director succeeded award-winning film maker Brillante Mendoza in handling the SONA after the latter held the same function for two consecutive years in 2016 and 2017. In the past years, Bernal directed blockbuster movies such as the “Kimmy Dora series,” “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?” and the recent comedy hit “Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad. Most of her films were screened at the annual Metro Manila Film Festival.

Duterte... From A1 not want federalism, fine. But change the Constitution that would really change this nation. That’s what I tell you,” he added. The shift to a federal form of government was one of Duterte’s campaign promises. The President said federalism would break the power centralization in Metro Manila, allowing other areas in the country to prosper and develop.

Gravestone... From A1 University of the Philippines Los Baños graduate Mac Andre Arboleda is currently viral online after asking his parents for a lapida (gravestone) for his graduation present. His photo with the unconventional gift was posted on Facebook on Sunday and had 4,800 reactions, 1,400 shares and 65 comments as of this article’s posting.

China... From A1

Driving... From A1 couple snuggling and kissing each other while on the road went viral on social media. The video, posted by Facebook user Carbrazzer.tv, has been viewed more than 898,000 since it was uploaded on June 21.

Scent... From A1 ―otherwise known as perfume creators―to come up with fragrances to go with some of its greatest treasures. Ramdane Touhami and Victoire de Taillac roped in some of the biggest stars of the olfactory universe to help them find the right notes to go with the statues of the goddess of love as well as the “Winged Victory of Samothrace.” The pair, founders of the Officine Universelle Buly perfumerie, were also asked to pair fragrances with Ingres’ two most sensual works, the “Grande

Kapa ‘donor’ asks high court to stop SEC By Rey E. Requejo THE Supreme Court has been asked to stop the government’s crackdown on Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. and its bid to shut down its operations. Rhema International Livelihood Foundation Inc. sought the issuance of a status quo ante order against the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission in April that revoked Kapa’s registration as a non-stock corporation. Rhema, which brands itself as a “donor” of Kapa, also asked the high court to allow “Kapa to resume its religious activity” and “expunge Cirfund from the list of the unregistered investment entities as it is an online platform of Rhema International Livelihood Foundation Inc. and further declare that [Cirfund] is backed by hard documents that support the legality of its business act and deeds.” The company also sought P3 billion in compensation from the respondents led by President Rodrigo Duterte and SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino “for destroying Cirfund.” Rhema also sought the impeachment of President Duterte even if the high court is not the proper venue for it. The petitioner claims that its constitutional right to due process was violated by the respondents when they “railroaded the process of law, making it a summary procedure when it was supposed to be in a full-blown trial.” The petitioner accused the SEC of committing grave abuse of discretion in issuing its advisory on May 31 that tagged the company as among the “unregistered investment entities” because of its investment program Cirfund. Rhema said it was a licensed foundation accredited with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in Metro Manila and Rizal and that Cirfund was its special project.

At least 13... From A1 • Metro Manila’s water concessionaires have submitted a “notice of force majeure” to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System amid the worsening water shortage in the big city. MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty said the “force majeure” reason was filed by Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. to explain the water troubles being felt in the metropolis amid Angat Dam’s declining water level. PAGASA Hydrologist Sonia Serrano said the current water level of Angat Dam—which supplies 96 percent of Metro Manila’s water—is near the lowest ever mark of 157.56 meters, recorded in 2010. National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. told radio DZMM that if the drought continues, “we estimate that before the week ends, we will breach the record-low registered in 2010.” To normalize its water level, Angat Dam will need more than 300mm of rainfall, Serrano explained. For comparison, Metro Manila experiences about 140mm of rainfall on average every August, which sees rain for 22 days. “We want to reach 180 meters which is the normal operating level of Angat Dam. That will need about 365mm of rainfall,” she noted. Rio N. Araja and Jimbo Gulle “We understand you love each other [but] we want you to be safe,” the agency wrote on a Facebook post. It said that kind of romance was better geared up elsewhere, saying drivers must be reminded that when behind the steering wheel and speeding down the road, the focus must be on the road. The agency said the video clip has been submitted to the Land Transportation Office for investigation and proper action. Odalisque” and “The Valpincon Bather” as well as Gainsborough’s “Conversation in a Park.” But for now there will be no perfume for “Mona Lisa―the museum’s most famous work―who will guard her fragrance, like so much else, secret. Controversially, among the paintings chosen is Fragonard’s “The Bolt,” the famous seduction scene that some feminists critics now say raises questions of consent. They argue that the woman in the scene appears to be resisting the young man as he bolts shut the bedroom door. Touhami told AFP that he wanted to gather the very best noses for the job. AFP

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155k employees availed of SSS Condonation Program

THE state-run Social Security System on Wednesday said more than 155,000 employees will benefit from the application of employers to the ongoing Contribution Penalty Condonation Program which will only run until Sept. 1. SSS president and chief executive officer Aurora C. Ignacio said P1.01 billion worth of penalties were waived as 16,460 employers availed themselves of the on-going condonation program. “SSS started receiving applications as early as March this year. Over the three-month period, about 155,112 employees will benefit from their employer’s initiative to apply for the condonation program because these workers can finally maximize their benefits and privileges as SSS members,” said Ignacio. The SSS chief also said that P378.71 million worth of combined principal delinquency and interest were collected from the employers who have availed of the program since it started accepting applications last March 15. Based on established collectibles, there are still more than 115,000 delinquent employers who may avail of this penalty condonation program for unpaid SSS premiums. Ignacio noted the Filipino mentality of availing a program during the deadline.

Lightning bolts delay 26 flights at NAIA By Joel E. Zurbano A RECURRING lightning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport caused the delay of 26 international and domestic flights last Tuesday, according to the Manila International Airport Authority. The MIAA also reported that a Macroasia ground handling employee identified as Joel Arejola, 30, was injured after falling off a ladder during the lightning strike which happened around 6:58 p.m. at the Bay 12 area. “He fell off from the ladder while detaching ground power unit (GPU) from the aircraft,” a staff from the MIAA Media Affairs Division said. MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal earlier said that the Red Lightning Alert scheme was adopted at the airport following the death of an employee who was struck by a lightning bolt on the tarmac of Terminal 3 at the height of a thunderstorm in 2014. Following the tragedy at the tarmac, the weather bureau installed a Lightning Activity System (LAS), which tells them whether to raise the yellow or red alert warning. Monreal said that the NAIA has the same policy in 2012, but it was amended in 2016 due to the accident. President Rodrigo Duterte had made a directive to transfer the domestic flights to Sangley Point in Cavite after a Red Lightning Alert status caused several flight delays and cancellations at the NAIA early this month.

NEW SENATORS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with the newly elected senators from the Hugpong ng Pagbabago following their oath-taking ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on June 25, 2019. Presidential Photo

Job safety a priority—Villanueva By Macon Ramos-Araneta

OME P950,000 in penalties have been imposed by the Labor department on erring companies in the first five months of the year for their failure to meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards law, said Senator Joel Villanueva.

The senator said that the penalties should serve as a warning to companies not to take the health and safety of their employees for granted. “A workplace must always be a safe environment for its workers regardless of the industry,” said Villanueva. Citing data from the Bureau of Working Conditions, he said 22,774 establishments nationwide were inspected from January to May this year by the Department of Labor and Employment. Villanueva, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development led the passage of the OSHS law last year, reiter-

ated that the measure calls for the presence of safety officers in workplaces to oversee the overall management of occupational safety and health program. “The job being done by our safety officers to guarantee protection in our offices and workplace,” he said. Villanueva said accidents in the workplace can be prevented, if not minimized, as long as risks are identified, and proper safeguard mechanisms are placed to mitigate such risks.” Aside from being the pointperson for occupational health and safety concerns, safety officers may also issue work stoppage orders if there is imminent danger to the health and safety of employees.

But employees working for companies under a work stoppage order issued due to imminent danger, which occurred as a result of the employer’s violation or fault, must continue to receive their pay until DOLE greenlights its operation after ensuring that safety and health issues are resolved, Villanueva said. Under the OSHS law, or Republic Act No. 11058 which President Rodrigo Duterte signed in July 2018, the measure covers all workplaces across industries, except the public sector. The senator also pointed out the need to heighten the awareness of workers when it comes to occupational safety and health, hoping that the culture of safety “gets integrated into our daily lives.” “In some companies, safety officers have unfairly been tagged as the bad cop, but it’s really their job to look over the shoulder of employees. We have to understand that in terms of occupational safety and health, statistics on incidents involve the lives of people,” Villanueva said.

OUTGOING House Speaker Gloria Arroyo has given out anew land titles to urban poor families in Caloocan City. Arroyo led the distribution of certificates of eligibility to lot award (CELAs) to residents of Camarin, Caloocan City North who qualified under Presidential Proclamation No. 379. In her speech, Arroyo assured the beneficiaries that they could no longer be ejected from their place or their houses demolished. “You already have the CELAs, meaning to say the lots have been assigned to you. You can no longer be removed, and that once you have already completed payment, you will now have the title or transfer certificate of title to show to anyone who would be interested to buy your real property,” she said. Arroyo signed about 118 proclamations during her stint as chief executive so that the urban poor would have ownership of the land where they lived for many years. She added that she is hoping the implementation of the proclamations she signed would continue even as she is set to step down on June 30.

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian said on Wednesday that prioritizing consumers' welfare is one of the primary reasons why he championed the passage of the Mobile Number Portability Act in the 17th Congress. Gatchalian said that in keeping with this spirit, the National Telecommunications Commission was able to draft a consumerfriendly implementing rules and regulations. He said this is especially true in specifying the prerequisites for porting, and the terms of the time periods for cutover and the porting process itself, among others. However, he noted that the IRR itself is not without flaws. He said it would have been a major win for consumers had there been less grounds to reject applications for mobile number portability.“ After all, we want to encourage consumers to avail this service, especially when they feel they are not getting the service they deserve from their respective networks,” he said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Stop illegal connections, stop fire—Go TO AVERT the occurrence of fire incidents nationwide, newly elected Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said there is now a need to put a stop to illegal electric connections. He also believes fire incidents can be avoided if the public will strongly adhere to the implementation of fire safety measures. Also, Go vowed to review and enhance guidelines in the issuance of permits by the Bureau of Fire Protection, and exercise oversight over its strict implementation. The former presidential aide assured the public that he would prioritize in the Senate the strengthening of the country’s fire safety measures if needed. “That is one of the legislations that we will push to prevent the occurence of fire incidents. Dami nasusunugan lalo na ‘yung mga illegal connections,” said Go who has been moving around the country, bringing assistance to fire victms. Despite being an elected senator, Go said he would not falter in his program to bring help to fire victims. He will continue visiting poor areas to determine the real situation on the ground and to find out their immediate needs that must be addressed. Macon Ramos-Araneta

Arroyo gives out CELAs in Caloocan By Rio N. Araja

Consumers top reason for ‘portability’ law

LOAD LIMIT. Workers from the Department of Public Works and Highways put up a '20 load limit' sign along Remedios St. in Manila after a truck loaded with 40 tons of sands collapsed on the pavement and was swallowed into it. Norman Cruz

Leyte detainees receive ALS diplomas By Ronald O. Reyes ABUYOG, Leyte—A total of 102 persons deprived of liberty received their diplomas during recognition rites of the 2018 Accreditation and Equivalency passers of the Alternative Learning System program of the Department of Education at the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte, Wednesday, June 26. “Let this be a community effort in giving hope to our learners. One of the crucial parts is their integration to the communities so they can contribute to nation building, to their families, and to their personal lives,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat of Public Affairs Service and ALS. Ambat assured the PDLs that the government will continue to reach out to them by providing them various programs despite their condition so they can contribute to society by the time

they will leave the correctional facility. “I hope that there are changes that happen in your lives through the ALS. I want to thank you for taking this opportunity,” said Ambat while lauding the efforts of Leyte Division officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent Ronelo Al Firmo. Ambat said that they are discussing the possible opening of a college extension program to the ALS and Senior High School PDL graduates. She acknowledged the support of LRP Superintendent Danilo Dador, DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ramir Uytico and the ALS mobile teachers assigned inside the facility. “I didn’t expect that I would finish my studies inside this facility. I thank the DepEd for giving me this opportunity which I didn’t take seriously when I was still have my freedom outside this place,” said Jefrel who received a medal being a deserving ALS passer from the

maximum security camp. “We failed before, but it doesn’t mean that we will be losers for the rest of our lives. Huwag nating isipin na ang lugar na ito ay libingan ng buhay, kundi libingan ng dati nating buhay,” added another ALS graduate Gerald who said he found “redemption” after enrolling in ALS. Firmo, along with Tenasas and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Marilyn Siao, was instrumental in the opening of ALS and Senior High School classes at the Leyte Regional Prison. The graduates also witnessed the signing of the contract of usufruct for the upcoming construction of a permanent classroom building inside the facility. Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Marilette Almayda of DepEd Bureau of Learning Delivery, Leyte ALS Education Program supervisor Marie Joy Arias, and other education personnel.

Erring Chinese-owned ‘restos,’ firms closed THE city government of Parañaque on Wednesday ordered the closure of 18 Chinese business establishments in the city for violating local ordinances and for operating without necessary permits. Ordered shutdown for operating without mayor’s and business permits and violating city ordinance on sanitary and environment laws were Wu Pinna Restaurant, Tuixianglo Restaurant, Sunshine Mart, All Thing Supermarket and Juzi Mart, all located in Barangay Baclaran. The city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office, led by its chief Melanie Malaya , also ordered the closure of Shabu-Shabu Restaurant, Chinli Eatery, Shaxian Food Pub, Cravemouth, Abner and Angels Food House, Dao Dao Chinese Restaurant, and Chinli Eatery, all in Barangay Tambo. Also closed were Yaki Yaki Homemade Dish, JJ’s Oriental Restaurant, EDC Lavishly Salon, Good Tea, Bayview Prince Grocery Co., Xiao Jun Gan of Chuan Xiang, and Cuo Cha. Most of these establishments are situated near popular hotels and casinos at the Entertainment City along Coastal Road, city officials said. Malaya said the restaurants violated a city ordinance requiring business establishments that cater mostly to foreigners to have accompanying translation in alphanumeric characters readable by the general public. Joel E. Zurbano

Opinion

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

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More unhappy customers WHILE browsing through my messages in my Viber groups, I ran across a comment stating not all is going bad with Philippine Airlines. In fact, it was awarded just recently by Skytrax as the most improved airline in 2019. Skytrax says PAL’s most improved airline award was based on “airline’s change in the global rating and performance improvements in different award categories.” And not only that, PAL was also named as the 30th best airline in the world this year, improving 19 places from 49th in 2018.

Here’s another story. For the information of everyone, Skytrax (originally known as Inflight Research Services), is a consultancy based in the United Kingdom which runs an airline and airport review and ranking site. Accordingly, Skytrax bases its rating on researches for commercial airlines, as well as taking surveys from international travelers to rate cabin staff, airports, airlines, airline lounges, in-flight entertainment, on-board catering, and several other elements of air travel. That’s how credible Skytrax is when it comes to ratings. However, PAL’s recognition form

Skytrax doesn’t change a thing as far as the reported incidents regarding its service is concerned. I for one, was most unlucky to be on its receiving end. And so was my friend whose unfortunate story I shared in this space the other day. Calling on my readers to share their sad experiences with PAL or any other local airline, I received one from someone named Wilfredo Gumaru who is based in Arizona. Here’s his letter: Hi Mr. Manalo, This is Wilfredo from Arizona. I had similar or worse experiences with PAL. Recently my brother-inlaw figured in a car accident in the Philippines. My wife rushed back to the Philippines not knowing what to expect. I booked the ticket with a return flight 30 days after. Unfortunately my brother-in-law ar passed-away few weeks after her arrival. To be pro-active I called PAL and explained the situation and ask if I can rebook her flight on a later date after everything is sorted out. Guess what, PAL gave me a runaround and they were very insensitive and did not do anything to help us. And you are (asking) what about their flight cancellation? Both PAL and CEBU Pacific are notorious in cancelling flight without prior notice. Thank you for using column to expose these kind abuses to consumers. I am telling you though that it is not only PAL, CEBU Pacific or big conglomerates that are committing these injustices to consumer public. But hospital, doctors and even Department Stores are treating our own Filipino people like trash.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Courtesy

T’S “colorful language,” says the Palace of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin’s social media post insulting Vice President Leni Robredo. “Hey boba, that is precisely why I have ordered the cancellation of all courtesy diplomatic passports because I refuse to single out Del Rosario," Locsin tweeted, in block letters, earlier this week. He was reacting to a story that reported Robredo had warned against the cancellation of ‘courtesy diplomatic passports.’ The practice was brought to light when Locsin’s predecessor, Ambassador Albert del Rosario, was detained for six hours at the Hong Kong airport on Friday. Locsin has since apologized for his Twitter outburst. “I don't mean to be disrespectful Ma'am. You are just a missing heartbeat away from the Presidency. I respect you for that accident of fortune. But there are things that require a measure of study and thought. Please ask me next time.

At your service, Ma'am," he said. He apologized again, adding his statement was no way for a gentleman to speak to a lady. All seems forgiven, as Robredo herself says she refuses to dignify the insult by commenting, and as Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo has said Locsin’s tweeting habits did not reduce his competence as the country’s top diplomat. Panelo did not miss the opportunity to compare Locsin to President Duterte, reminding the people that when the President cursed at US President Barack Obama, he was looked upon by the international community as an emerging world leader. How Panelo came to this fantastical conclusion escapes us. Panelo also said Locsin should get credit for apologizing. How about thinking before tweeting, a tenet so elementary we teach it to our children?

This is not the first time Locsin has taken to social media to express his sentiments, and in equally colorful language. On the surface, it can be said: Official statements are for official pronouncements; Twitter—because it is so easy to pick up one’s phone and use 140 characters to satiate the immediate need for self-expression—is personal. For public officials, however, that line does not exist. People will not stop to think: Who might have been speaking—the individual or the secretary? Foreign Affairs is already tricky, even treacherous, territory. It requires objective thinking, a calm disposition, clear logic—and a lot of temperance. Filipinos will feel better if we are represented by somebody who does not lose his bearings at the slightest provocation. “Color” is good in many places, but not in diplomacy. In defending Locsin, Panelo also invoked the memory of the late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. We agree Santiago was always colorful, but she had class—and was never, ever boorish or crass.

Turn to A5

MMDA volunteers to solve Baguio’s traffic ABOUT three weeks ago, there was a media report that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority had volunteered its traffic expertise to solve the worsening traffic problem of Baguio City. It is a generous offer on the part of MMDA—but why would MMDA like to take added work when it cannot make a dent solving Metro Manila’s traffic? It cannot even decongest one stretch of road like EDSA in spite of many attempts by the agency to do so. Not much was mentioned about the scope of work to be done. If the incoming new Baguio City Mayor PMaj General Benjie Magalong (Ret) will agree to the offer of help, it will actually be the second time that MMDA tries its hand at solving the city’s traffic problems. The existing problematic traffic flow in the central business district was the work of MMDA. This came about due to a request of former Mayor Bernie Vergara 11 years ago. Some traffic people from MMDA came to Baguio and made changes by making a lot of roads one way when such is not suited in Baguio’s road system. One-way traffic is all right in a grid-type road system. The changes was supposed to be on a trial basis but were never changed. They have become permanent. When Bong Nebrija, the traffic chief of MMDA was interviewed on TV, he talked about second-hand traffic lights that MMDA is no longer using that could be used by Baguio City. Other than the traffic lights, Nebrija did not mention any specifics on the extent of assistance that will be provided. Will there be a memorandum of agreement between the Baguio City and MMDA detailing exactly the

scope of work to be done, the financing of the project and responsibilities of both agencies? During that TV interview, he gave the impression that the installation of second-hand traffic lights is enough to solve Baguio’s traffic problems. If this is the case, surely, Nebrija must know that using old pre-calibrated traffic lights or doing another rerouting is no longer enough to solve Baguio’s traffic problems. A lot more will have to be done. Besides, the traffic lights to be used should be the intelligent, meaning self-adjusting kind. If MMDA is simply thinking of doing traffic work based solely on observations, the MMDA might end up making the problem worse like the way it did the first time when it implemented the rerouting scheme that is now currently in place.

The city administration should seek help from other sources. I do not know if Nebrija is aware of the first traffic study done on Ba Baguio’s traffic and transportation by DOTr way back in 1980. The project took over six months to complete and some of the recommendations in that study formed the basis of later traffic projects implemented the city government. It has been almost 40 years since that study and the situation now is altogether vastly different. There are a lot more people and vehicles in the city and the length of the road system has also increased. There are now approximately 380,000 people, almost 60,000 vehicles and about 400 kilometers both national and city. Today, there is a move toward including adjacent towns like La Trinidad, Itogon, Tuba, and Sablan

Turn to A5

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Collapsed dreams: Cambodia construction workers risk lives for ‘riches’ By Suy Se WHEN Sam Sok took a $6-a-day job as a construction laborer in Sihanoukville she knew it could be dangerous, but the deaths of 28 workers in a building collapse—with her nephew among the missing—has laid bare the risks many like her face to earn a living. She left her eight-year-old son with neighbors more than 100 kilometers (62 miles away), one of thousands pushed by poverty seeking to cash in on the once sleepy seaside town's Chinese-funded construction boom. The work is mostly unregulated, low paid, often dangerous—and sometimes deadly. "We do this because of money but now... we are afraid that we might

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meet the same unfortunate end," the 32-year-old told AFP. "We work in fear now," she said, from a hospital in Sihanoukville, where she was searching for her missing nephew. Many were buried in their sleep when the Chinese-owned building— which was still under construction— crumbled before dawn on Saturday, and she fears her nephew was among them. Like most migrant workers, the laborers lived in the structure they were building, having traveled far from home to earn a bit of cash to get by. Several Chinese nationals face manslaughter charges over the incident. Safety short-cuts

Like so many others, Sam Sok chased rumors of riches in Sihanoukville, having heard from villagers in her hometown about the money to be made. She earned $6 a day ferrying metal and wooden planks at different sites in the fast-booming city, where dozens of Chinese-funded casinos and hotels are being built to serve a mushrooming tourist industry fueled by visitors from the mainland. With day wages reaching as high as $10, the money is often better than what workers could make on a farm or even in a factory. Cambodia's per capita GDP has climbed in recent years as the economy slowly shifts from agricultural to industrial—with many workers now Turn to A5

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Opinion

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

No reason for water trouble was intended to supplement water supply to Angat Dam. The Sumag River will be connected to the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Tunnel and shall join the Umiray River in supplying water to Angat. It was anticiIN A briefing last March, the Com- pated to provide 188 million liters of mittee on Public Accounts sought the water per day. commitment of our water concessionaires regarding the implementation of long-term solutions to this Solutions are right in water crisis. Two months hence, our situation remains dire. front of us. It is disappointing that after the actions taken by Congress, there has been no effective measure implerevisit mented by the said agencies. DurI highly recommend the revisiting the hearing yesterday, Speaker ing of the benefits that will be proGloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for duced by this project in the long the formulation and implementation run. We may recall that this has of long-term solutions to this water been stalled back in 2016. Today, shortage. I, along with the members I believe that the conditions are of the Minority, urged water con- proper to resume the construction cessionaires to look for alternative of this tunnel. Of course, the firm sources of water supply. and non-negotiable terms of this Quezon Province has provided ad- project should also be revisited, to ditional supply during water shortag- assure strict and faithful complies since the time of President PNoy. ance with the Constitution, enviDuring a briefing in March this year, ronmental, and safety laws. one potential source identified is the As we end the 18th Congress, I Sumag River Diversion Project. highly urge the government agencies, The Sumag River Diversion Proj- especially the Metropolitan Waterect, which was suspended in 2016, works and Sewerage System, Nation-

al Water Resources Bureau, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Irrigation Authority, National Economic Development Authority, Departments of Agriculture, Budget and Management, Environment and Natural Resources and Public Works and Highways, and water concessionaires Manila Water Company, Inc., and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., to revisit the proposed Quezon project. I agree with the Speaker that we need long-term solutions. These solutions are right in front of us. As a wa country surrounded by bodies of water, we shall be a living contradiction if this water shortage continues. We have lots of sources but the problem is we lack the means to utilize them and make the most out of it, and the will to pursue the greater good. It has been an honor to serve as Minority Leader of the 17th Congress. I am confident that the incoming legislators of the 18th Congress will remain true to their mandate. I am grateful that there are legislators who will serve another term and will be able to continue our work of putting forward laws and policies which are geared towards the promotion of public good and national development.

Mail Matters

OceanaGold clarifies story LAST June 20 an article written by Brenda Jocson (Led by Padilla, NV hits miner’s license renewal) was published and a quote alleges that the Mines and Geosciences Bureau advises our company to use lime for the foul smell of our tailings pond. Another article, published last June 23 and written by Ben Ebreo and Brenda Jocson (Miner’s new permit up to Duterte—MGB) states that DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu has decided to halt our operation by issuing a cease-anddesist order pending our renewal. We have never used lime in our tailings storage facility as our use of clean production technology in

MMDA... From A4

in what is called the BLIST planning process. Baguio can no longer be taken in isolation because the outlying towns affect the daily economic life of Baguio. This move makes a lot of sense. We do not know whether MMDA has factored this in when it volunteered its expertise to solve Baguio’s traffic problem because if it has, MMDA should have realized the scope of what it was getting itself into and should have thought twice before jumping into the lake. With BLIST, all available traffic data on Baguio are now out and new traffic data like origin and destination must be gathered. New data on population, vehicles, and road length must now be factored in planning the future traffic of Metro Baguio.

Collapsed... From A4

finding work in the garment and services sector—and opportunities in the construction sector are multiplying quickly. But the World Bank still classifies about a third of the country as "near poor", and the average annual income is around $1,380, lower than many of its Mekong neighbors. Chinese investment has helped propel the shift away from agriculture, pouring money into new roads, new ports and new buildings across Cambodia, a strategically important Southeast Asian ally for Beijing. But that building frenzy has also sparked concerns about sub-standard safety regulations in a country where most of Cambodia's 200,000 construction workers have few legal protections. The majority are day-laborers, don't belong to unions, and aren't protected by minimum wage laws, ac-

our process plant (cyanide- and mercury-free) result in non-hazardous mill tailings. Likewise, we have not received any cease-and-desist order from the office of Secretary Cimatu pending our renewal. We lodged our application for renewal of our Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement with the Philippine Government in March 2018. We received confirmation dated June 20, 2019 from our regulatory authority, the MGB, that we are permitted to continue operations pending the confirmation of our renewal by the Government. We are committed to operating in ac-

cordance with the law and will always comply with all our responsibilities under our contract with the Philippine government. We operate the world-class Didipio Mine and promote the advancement of responsible mining in the Philippines through internationally recognized and leading environmental community and employee programs and commitments. You are most welcome to visit our mine at your most convenient time. DAVID WAY General Manager—OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc.

Taken together, the economy of scales can now come into play especially in planning to revolutionize public transport for the expanded area. Rail transportation could now be viable with the addition of La Trinidad. Doing away with the jeepneys that are responsible for much of Baguio’s traffic problems can now be realistically considered. Congestion in the central business district which is caused by public transport on street parking could be eased considerably by the removal of jeepneys and traffic flow within the CBD improved immensely. The key to solving the city’s traffic and transportation problems is to have a reliable traffic and transportation study done by a competent group to map out any future government action that will be implemented. This is a necessary step for the city to take instead of jumping into the lake with

the MMDA proposal because this will only worsen the problem instead of solving it. If the incoming city administration is serious in addressing the traffic problems, it should seek help from other sources. There are international agencies like the Japan International Cooperation Agency or USAID that can be tapped by the City to provide competent studies on what to do. With all due respect to MMDA, it should concentrate on trying to solve Metro Manila’s traffic problems because the task is gigantic as it is instead of taking more difficult tasks. It also simply lacks the necessary competence to do it. Baguio could also run to the University of the Philippines Traffic and Transport School, Department of Science and Technology or outsource the study to professional consulting groups for a thorough, professional and reliable study.

cording to the International Labour Organization. Building owners often flout safety measures, taking shortcuts that could lead to accidents, said Kong Athit, secretary general of the Cambodian Labour Confederation. "It's the responsibility of the owners and the government that they must take a serious pre-check before allowing any construction of a building to start," Athit told AFP.

from eastern Prey Veng province to earn $10 a day on a Chinese-owned site. Cambodia's premier Hun Sen has blamed Saturday's fatal accident on careless oversight, prompting a senior official to be sacked and another to resign. He also handed out cash compensation of between $10,000 to $70,000 to families of victims and the survivors. Seven people, including five Chinese nationals, have been charged with manslaughter or as accomplices in connection to the accident. For some, Saturday's accident was enough to turn them off risky construction work for life. "I will never be a construction worker again," said Ros Sitha, who survived two days in the rubble before he was miraculously rescued on Monday, weak and bruised. He got $30,000 from Hun Sen and now plans to go back to his village in Prey Veng province. "I didn't expect I would survive, I've been reborn," he told AFP. AFP

Reborn Construction worker Khmao said he was given almost no safety equipment at the site in Sihanoukville where he carried bricks. He was sleeping about 100 meters (330 feet) from the site of the collapsed building when he was shaken awake. "I only have a helmet, no mask, and I'm concerned about my safety," 36-year-old Khmao said. "I want to go home but I don't have money," added Khmoa, who traveled more than 300 kilometres (185 miles)

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The Philippines’ friends and non-friends the US’ ‘freedom of navigation’ patrols that have kept China from totally negating the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that struck down China’s baseless nine-dash claim. WITH the passage of time a One of the greatest geopoperson comes to know, through litical transformations of the experience and interaction, who post-World War II era has been his real friends are—people who Japan’s emergence as a demoare always supportive, who help cratic economic powerhouse afhim in material and other ways, ter its disastrous military advenwho can be depended upon dur- ture in East Asia between 1933 ing difficult times and, above and 1945. Now the world’s third all, who are not disposed to do largest economy, Japan took him harm. He also comes to advantage of the armed-forcknow who his non-friends are. es-for-defense-only provision The same is true of countries. of its postwar Constitution to As it journeys through time, a building up its economy and becountry gets to find out which ing one of the largest sources of countries are its true friends— development assistance for the the countries that are supportive Philippines and other developin all regional and international ing countries. The ties between issues, pracManila and tice transTokyo—po Tokyo—poparency in eco litical, ecobilateral nomic and Countries that dealings, are cause the Philippines cultural— generous, cannot be whether un- harm and damage— closer than der the terms encroaching upon its they are toof formal aid territory, harming its day. JICA programs or fishermen, etc.—are its (Japan Inin emergenternational cy situations, non-friends. Cooperasuch as natution Agenral disasters, cy) has been and, most of a very busy all, would never intentionally source of development assisassis cause harm or damage. Like- tance to this country. wise, a country comes to know, So has AusAID (Australian over time, which countries are Agency for International Deits non-friends. velopment). AusAID is the ecoThe events that have trans- nomic face of Australian goodpired in the West Philippine Sea will toward the Philippines. and in this country’s EEZ (ex- AusAID has been vying with clusive economic zone) since USAID and JICA for the title 2016 have led the Filipino peo- of No.1 aid-giver to the Philipple—not their government— pines. Over the last few decades to undertake a review of the Australia has become one of the Philippines’ relations with the major destinations for emigrants Western Pacific countries and from this country. In virtually determine which countries are all major international issues the Philippines’ true friends and Australia and the Philippines which countries deserve to be have been in lockstep. This is classified as non-friends. not surprising, considering that This column will be about both countries are predominantthe Philippines’ true and stead- ly Christian, democratic and fast friends only. The record of English-speaking. Philippine external relations What is true of Philippinesince 1946, when this country Australian relations is of equal recovered its independence, application to relations between shows that this country’s truest this country and New Zealand. and most steadfast friends dur- Indeed, where New Zealand is ing the last seven decades have on major international issues— been the US, Japan, Australia, including climate change—the South Korea, New Zealand and Philippines and Australia alIndonesia. It bears noting that ways are. all these countries are democraThe strong links between the cies (though Indonesia is a fair- Philippines and South Korea ly new entrant into the ranks of were forged in the battlefields democracies). of the Korean War (1950-1953). The US has always been a South Korea does not forget that true and steadfast friend of the were it not for the troops sent Philippines. Since 1946 it has by the Philippines and other been this country’s Big Broth- responding UN members, there er—a relationship formalized probably would not have been in the Mutual Defense Treaty of a Republic of South Korea. For 1951. The relationship between almost seven decades South Manila and Washington has Korea and the Philippines have not been without glitches, but been the closest of allies. through the years Big Brother Because its population is has always been there. An un- mainly of Malayan stock also, Ininterrupted flow of assistance donesia has not only been a nexthas come in through USAID door neighbor; it has always been (US Agency for International a blood-brother of this country. Development), and the US has The countries discussed remained the largest investor in above are this country’s truthe Philippines, and trade with est and most steadfast friends. the US has always been one of Countries that cause the Philipthe largest components of Phil- pines harm and damage—enippine external trade. In the face croaching upon its territory, of the Duterte administration’s harming its fishermen, etc.—are timidity toward China, it is only its non-friends.

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I can spend all they long telling you all injustices that I witnessed or experienced myself. I normally fly back home once or twice a year. It’s just so sick how we the consumer are treated in the Philippines. I am not sure if there are some kind of CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY that will champion for our consumers. Anyway, please continue to do what you do best, and that is using your “PEN”. Who knows you could

do what Rizal did in using his PEN exposing the injustices done to the Filipinos. More power to you. Thanks Wilfredo -o0oKeep them coming. For those who also had the misfortune of experiencing these incidents with PAL or any other local airline, please don’t hesitate to reach me through my email: chrl.manalo@gmail,com. I would be more than willing to raise your concerns in my allotted space here.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

News

Standard

TODAY THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

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NCRPO nabs drug suspect, seizes P7m worth of shabu CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Manila

Republic of the Philippines Standard REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

TODAY National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 98, QUEZON CITY

ANTONIO M. LOPEZ, LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, JR., ERIC M. LOPEZ, And JEAN L. GIBBONS, Plaintiffs, -versusR-QZN-18-06508-CV FOR: Annulment OF TCT Nos. N-269368 & N-269369 and Deed of Donation, Recovery of Ownership. Reconveyance, Damages with Application for Writ of Preliminary Attachment MARI-CINDY L. ACOB, and., THE REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, Defendants. x --------------------------------------------x

SUMMONS Whereas, on June 22, 2018, Antonio M. Lopez, Leopoldo M. Lopez, Jr., Eric M. Lopez and Jean L. Gibbons, filed a verified Complaint with this Court; WHEREAS, the application for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment being sufficient in form and substance was set for hearing on July 23, 2018 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning; WHEREAS, the Court on August 3, 2018, issued an Order granting the issuance of a Writ of Preliminary Attachment against the subject properties of defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB upon posting by the plaintiffs of a bond for preliminary attachment and upon approval of the bond posted, for summons, copies of the complaint, this Order and the writ of attachment be served upon said defendant by the Court Sheriff, Mr. Bienvenido S. Reyes, Jr.; WHEREAS, on September 7, 2018, plaintiffs thru counsel filed a Manifestation moving for additional time to submit bond for preliminary attachment WHEREAS, on October 4, 2018, plaintiffs thru counsel filed Compliance for posting of a bond in the amount of PhP 1,800,000.00 for approval of the court; WHEREAS, on the same date a Writ of Attachment and the Summons were issued by this court; WHEREAS, on November 9, 2018, plaintiffs filed a Motion For Leave of Court To Serve Summons By Publication considering that the subject properties in the present case had already been attached and considering likewise that defendant Mari-Cindy L. Acob is a non-resident of the Philippines and an extraterritorial service of the summons should be made to defendant Mari-Cindy L. Acob in accordance with Section 15, Rule 14 of the Rules of Court ; WHEREAS, during the hearing of said Motion on November 12, 2018, plaintiffs’ counsel withdrew the said Motion For Leave Of Court To Serve Summons By Publication as he intends to file an amended complaint; WHEREAS on November 23, 2018, plaintiffs thru counsel filed a Motion To Archive to give plaintiffs sufficient time to obtain certified true copies of defendant’s new-e-titles which are needed in filing plaintiffs’ amended complaint since it cannot be issued on said time for reason that the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City was then undergoing database maintenance; WHEREAS, on November 26, 2018, plaintiffs’ Motion To Archive was granted and the case was archived for a period of two (2) months from said date, subject to immediate revival as soon as the plaintiffs have secure the new e-titles from the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City in the name of the defendant/s, or in lieu thereof the case shall be dismissed; That on January 23, 2019, the case was ordered reinstated to active status and dismissed without prejudice there being no compliance from the plaintiffs since the issuance of the Order dated November 26, 2018; WHEREAS, a Motion To Revive With Motion To Admit Amended Complaint was filed by plaintiffs on January 25, 2019; WHEREAS, during the hearing on January 28, 2019 of plaintiffs’ Motion To Revive With Motion To Admit Amended Complaint, plaintiffs’ counsel manifested he just received on said date the Order of the court dated January 23, 2019 dismissing the case and moved that the Motion To Revive With Motion To Admit Amended Complaint be treated as his Motion For Reconsideration which was granted by the court and the pending incident was submitted for resolution; WHEREAS, on March 8, 2019, the court finding merit in plaintiffs’ Motion to Revive with Motion to Admit Amended Complaint granted the same and the case was ordered re-opened and the Amended Complaint was admitted to form part of the record; WHEREAS, the alleged as follows:

Amended

Complaint

“AMENDED COMPLAINT “PLAINTIFFS, by counsel and unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully alleged that: “THE PARTIES “1. Plaintiffs (a) ANTONIO M. LOPEZ, is of legal age, married, Filipino citizen, with postal address at 3rd Floor LM Building, 346 P. Tuazon Blvd., Project 4, Quezon City, where he may be served with summons and other court processes; (b) LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, JR, is of legal are married, Filipino citizen, with postal address at Unit 9-1 Bellagio 2, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City, where he may be served with summons and other court processes; (c) ERIC M. LOPEZ is of legal age, Filipino citizen, with postal address at No. 210 Albany Extension, Vermont Park, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, where he may be served with summons and other processes; and (d) JEAN L. GIBBONS, is of legal age~ married, American and resident of 6833 S. Dayton Street, No. 193 Greenwood Village, Colorado 80112 USA, and for the purpose of this Complaint is being represented by LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, JR. and she may be served with summons and other court processes at the latter’s postal address, a copy of his Special Power of Attorney (SPA) is hereto attached as Annex “A”; “2. Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB is of legal age, a Canadian citizen, married, with residence at No. 139 Spyglass Hill Road, Concord Ontario L4 2K6 Canada, and who does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, but has a representative/ administrator named DIVINA MARI L. TUMAQUE, of legal age, Filipino citizen, with postal address at No. 351 P. Tuazon Boulevard, Project 4, Quezon City, a copy of her SPA issued by Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB is hereto attached as Annex “B”; “3. Defendant -REGISTER OF DEEDS OF QUEZON CITY, is a public repository of records of instruments affecting registered or unregistered lands and chattel mortgages with office address at LRA Compound, East Avenue, Quezon City and is impleaded as an indispensable party in order that a complete relief is accorded to the Plaintiffs; “CAUSE OF ACTION ”4. The subject properties of this case consists of two (2) parcels of land with an area of 173.40 and 205.80 square meters, more or less, covered under Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) Nos. 2016911426 and 2017011428 (previously registered as TCT Nos. N-269368 and N-269369 registered under the name of Defendant MARI-CINCY L. ACOB located at No. 349 and 351 P. Tuazon Boulevard, Project 4, Quezon City with market value of 1,387,200.00. and 1,646,400.00. and assessed value of 69,380.00 and 82,320.00 respectively. Copies of TCT Nos. N-269368, N-269369, Tax Declarations Nos. F-01001018 and F-010-01011 under the name of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB are hereto attached as Annexes “C”, “D” , “E”, and “F”, respectively. Copies of the cancelled TCT Nos. N-269368 and N- 269369 with annotations stating that the said titles have been converted into an e-title and processed as TCT Nos. 2017011427 and 2017011428, as well as of the Tax Declaration Nos. F-01001018 and F-010-01011under the name of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB are hereto attached as Annexes “C”, “D”, “E” and “F”, respectively; “5. Plaintiffs are among the surviving heirs of LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, SR., (hereafter, Leopoldo), who was the previous registered owner of the above-mentioned two (2) parcels of land covered under TCT Nos. RT-100070 (113616) and 98692 (189392). The Tax Declaration of TCT No. RT-100070 (113616), including of the improvements, as well as the improvement for TCT NO. 98692 (189392), were likewise previously registered in his name. Copies of TCT Nos. RT-100070 (113616), 98602 (189392), Tax Declaration Nos.C-010-01293, C-010-1294, D-010-01321, and D-010-02069 are hereto attached as Annexes “G”, “H”, and “I” to “I-3”, respectively; “6. The real property taxes over the subject real properties were previously paid under the name of Leopoldo as shown in the Tax Clearance for the period of 2004 hereto

Court that after due hearing, judgment be rendered in favor of the Plaintiffs and against “7. On April 28, 1999, Leopoldo died due the Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB, as to Cardiopulmonary Arrest secondary to follows: Ventricular Fibrillation, among others. A copy of his Certificate of Death is hereto attached “[a] That a Writ of Preliminary Attachment be immediately issued pursuant to Section 1 as Annex “K” (f) of Rule 57, in relation to Section 15 of Rule “8” As one of the surviving heirs of 14 of the Revised Rules of Court; Leopoldo, Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ had transferred his small printing business in “[b] Ordering and declaring the annulment the subject real properties with the full of TCT Nos. 2017011427 and 2017011428 knowledge and consent of his other siblings in the name of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. sometime in February 2013. Plaintiff ERIC ACOB and directing the latter to reconvey the M. LOPEZ made repairs and improvement on subject properties in favor of the state of the the subject property and then put up a portion deceased Leopoldo M. Lopez, Sr.; thereof for lease in order to be able to source funds to support her mother, Ursula M. “[c] Ordering and declaring the annulment Lopez, who was diagnosed with “Parkinson’s of the purported Deed of Donation in Disease Dementia” and then under the pursuance of which TCT Nos. 2017011427 TCT No. N-269368) and custody and care of Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ; (formerly 2017011428 (formerly TCT No. N-269369) , “9. However, Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ were issued; had received a demand letter dated January’ 15, 2014 sent by Defendant MARI-CINDY “[d] Ordering the Defendant Register L. ACOB, through her legal representative, of Deeds of Quezon City to cancel TCT informing him that Defendant MARI-CINDY Nos. 2017011427 and 2017011428 and to L. ACOB is the alleged owner of the subject reinstate the Transfer-Certificates of Title of properties and demanding him to vacate the the deceased Leopoldo M. Lopez, Sr.; same within five (5) days from receipt thereof, “[e] Ordering the Defendant MARI-CINDY a copy of which is hereto attached as Annex L. ACOB to pay the Plaintiffs moral and “L”; exemplary damages in the total amount “10. Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ was of ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS surprised and shocked to find out from the (P100,000.00); said demand letter that Defendant MARI- “[f] Ordering the Defendant MARI-CINDY CINDY L. ACOB allegedly is the legal owner L. ACOB to pay the Plaintiffs the sum of of the subject properties, considering that THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (P30,000.00) he knew very well that the registered owner by way of attorney’s fees and the cost of suit. thereof was Leopoldo. Upon verification with the Registry of Deeds of Quezon City, Plaintiff “Such other reliefs and remedies just and ERIC M. LOPEZ thereafter learned that the equitable under the premises are likewise titles registered in the name of Leopoldo, prayed for. covering the subject properties, were already cancelled and that TCT Nos. N-269368 and “Respectfully submitted. January 23, 2019, N-269369 were issued in lieu thereof in the Quezon City. name of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB through a Deed of Donation dated October “TINGSON TORREVILLAS & CORPUZ 28, 2014, purportedly executed by Leopoldo “LAW OFFICES and his spouse in her favor. A copy of the “Room 308 Franca Arcade falsified or fabricated Deed of Donation is “No. 63 Malakas Street, hereto attached as Annex “M”; “Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City “Telephone No: 435-44-38 “11. It appears, however, that the “E-mail; leotingson@gmail.com signatures of the deceased Leopoldo and his spouse in the above-mentioned Deed of “By: Sgd. “LEO P. TINGSON Donation allegedly executed on October 28, “IBP Lifetime No. 09778/01-03~2011 2004 before the Notary Public, Atty. Hector “PTR No. 7376499/01-08-2019/ B. Centeno, were forged and fraudulent, Quezon City considering the Leopoldo died long before “MCLE Compliance No. V-0004655 the execution of the said document; /11-27 -2014; “Roll No. 54072 “12. Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ exerted earnest effort to resolve the above matter “REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) by sending the Defendant MARI-CINDY L. “ ________________________) S.S ACOB, through her legal representative, a letter dated February 3, 2014, containing his “VERIFICATION/CERTIFICATION reply to the latter’s demand to vacate and asking her why she did not inform her siblings “ERIC M. LOPEZ, married, of legal age, that the titles registered in the name of their Filipino citizen, with postal address at No. father were allegedly transferred to her. A 210 Albany Extension, Vermont Park, copy of the said letter is hereto attached as Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with Annex “N”; law do hereby depose and states, as follows: “13. However, a Final Demand Letter dated February 6,2014 was instead sent to “1. I am one of the Plaintiffs in the abovethe Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ by Defendant entitled case, and as such, I have caused MARI-CINDY L. ACOB’s legal representative, the preparation of the foregoing Amended informing him that a Complaint had already Complaint; been drafted and requiring him to vacate the subject properties within five (5) days “2. I also have caused the preparation of from receipt thereof, copy of which is hereto the foregoing Amended Complaint in behalf of my siblings and co-plaintiffs ANTONIO M. attached as Annex “O”; LOPEZ, LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, JR., and “14. Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB JEAN L. GIBBONS; send a letter dated March 16, 2014 to the Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ in response to the “3. I have read and understood the latter’s letter, which she sent through her legal contents of the foregoing fully and that the representative, but she did not clarify and facts alleged therein are true and correct to explain the issue on their father’s cancelled my own personal knowledge and authentic titles, and instead, she just stated therein that records; Plaintiff ERlC M. LOPEZ should inform her of “4. In compliance with Administrative the definite date for him to voluntarily vacate Circular No. 04-94, I further attest that we the subject premises so that she would have not commenced any other action or inform her lawyer to stop proceeding with a proceedings involving the same issues in lawsuit. A copy of Defendant Mari-Cindy’s the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals letter is hereto attached as Annex “P”; or any other tribunal or agency, except the “15. The ejectment case filed by Defendant present case and the case docketed as Case MARI-CINDY L. ACOB against Plaintiff ERIC No. R-QZN-14-03977-CV I previously filed M. LOPEZ was dismissed on December 3, before the Regional Trial Court of Quezon 2015 by the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) City, Branch 92 which had already been of Quezon City, Branch 40 and was affirmed withdrawn and to the best of my knowledge, by Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Quezon City, no such action or proceedings is pending in Branch 83, copies of the Decision issued by the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or the MeTC and RTC are hereto attached as any other tribunal or agency, that if there is any such action or proceeding which either Annexes “Q” and “R”, respectively; pending or may have been terminated, I “16. Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ is still in will state the status thereof, and if I should possession and occupation of the subject thereafter learn that a similar action or properties at the present. As a matter of proceeding has been filed or is pending fact, Plaintiff ANTONIO M. LOPEZ is still before the Supreme Court, the Court of using a portion of the subject properties as Appeals or any other tribunal or agency, I his parking space and walkway going to his undertake to report such fact within five (5) days therefrom to the Court. printing press business; attached as Annexes “J” to “J-l”;

“17. Plaintiffs ERIC M. LOPEZ, ANTONIO M. LOPEZ and LEOPOLDO M. LOPEZ, JR also exerted earnest effort to settle the said issue with Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB when she visited the country last June 2017 after the burial of their mother Ursula, and had some meetings with her regarding the issue, but Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB still refused any settlement. Thus, Plaintiffs had decided to initiate this suit, but with reservation to file appropriate criminal and/ or administrative cases to those liable for the execution of the purported Deed of Donation;

“IN WITNESSWHEREOF, I hereby affix my signature this _day of January 25, 2019 at Quezon City. Sgd. ERIC M. LOPEZ Affiant Driver’s License No. N0280-065582 “Expires on : 05-20-2013

“SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this __ day of January 25, 2019 at ___ , affiant has satisfactorily proven his identity to me through his above-mentioned Driver’s License and he is the same person who “18. On August 18, 2017, TCT Nos. personally signed the foregoing before me N-269368 and N-269369 were cancelled and acknowledged that he executed the ad coverted into e-titltes. Thereafter, TCT same free and voluntary. Nos. 2017011427 and 2017011428 in the nan1e of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB Sgd. ATTY. ARTURO F. TUGONON were issued in lieu thereof, as shown in NOTARY PUBLIC UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2019 the annotations on the cancelled TCT Nos. 96 P. TUAZON BLVD. PROJECT 4, Q.C. N-269368 and N-269369; IBPNo. 0136449, JAN. 11,2018, Q.C. PTR NO. 5642728, JAN. 11,2018 Q.C. ”19. Considering that Leopoldo had MCLE COMPLIANCE No. V-0017378 never executed the said purported Deed of Donation in favor of Defendant MARI-CINDY COMMISSION No’. NP-177 (2018-2019) L. ACOB, the same is therefore null and Doc. No. 326; void. Likewise, TCT Nos. N-2017011427 and Page No. 67; N-2017011428, which were issued pursuant Book No. 67; thereof, are also in effect null and void and Series of 2019. must be annulled. It should be noted that an invalid and void title that was acquired WHEREAS, on April 3, 2019, the court fraudulently and illegally cannot confer any NOTED the Supplemental Manifestation right or title to the person who fraudulently filed by the plaintiffs on April 2, 2019 and caused it to be issued or to his successor- summons and copies of the complaint and in-interest. If at all, it is a mere scrap of paper the writ of attachment were ordered to be that has no value whatsoever. [DIRECTOR served upon the defendant by Court’s Sheriff OF LANDS vs, ADISON 49, PHILS. 19; Bienvenido S. Reyes, Jr.; FULE vs. DELEGARE 7 SCRA, 351] WHEREAS, on April 8, 2019, a Writ of “20. Ownership of the subject properties Attachment was issued by the court to ‘attach must likewise be reconveyed to the estate the properties and assets of defendant of the deceased Leopoldo. Basic is the MARI-CINDY L. ACOB, within the Philippines rule that if the property is acquired through and not exempt from execution, as may be mistake or fraud, the person obtaining it, is sufficient to satisfy the applicant’s demand by force of law, considered a trustee of an of One Million and Eight Hundred Thousand implied trust for the benefit of the person Pesos’ (PhPl,800,000.00), more or less. whom the ‘property comes. Reconveyance therefore of the subject real properties to the WHEREAS, on April 22, 2019, Court estate of the deceased Leopoldo based upon Sheriff Reyes, Jr. submitted his Sheriffs constructive or implied trust resulting from Report wherein it appears that Court Sheriff Bienvenido S. Reyes, Jr. went twice to the fraud is in accordance with law. given address of defendant Mari-Cindy L. “21. With the annulment of the questioned Acob which is at No. 351 P. Tuazon Blvd TCT Nos. 2017011427 and 2017011428 .,Project 4, Quezon City. In the second in the name of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. time that he went there, he was able to talk ACOB, the titles registered in the name of with Ms. Lolita Capricho, personal assistant Leopoldo must be reinstated by the Register of Ms. Divina Mari L. Tumaque, who in of Deeds of Quezon City. The titles of turn is the representative/administrator Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB although defendant Mari-Cindy L. Acob and Ms. registered under the Torrens , System (Act Capricho acknowledged receipt thereof; that 496), do not, however, create or vest title. It substituted service was made by the Court only confirms and records title existing and Sheriff considering that defendant Mari-Cindy vested. It does not protect a usurper from L. Acob seldom goes in her given address; the true owner; it cannot be a shield for the commission of fraud. It does not permit one WHEREAS, Defendant MARI-CINDY L. to enrich herself at the expense of another. ACOB has not been served with summons [GUSTILO vs. MARAVILLA, 48 PHILS. 442; and all court processes in connection with the ANGELES vs. SAMIA, 66 PHILS. 444; and instant case considering that she is a nonDANES vs. AYANCO, 27258-R, AUGUST resident of the Philippines. 31,1964,62 OG NO. 14, P. 272; SOLID WHEREAS, on May 20, 2019, the Court STATE MULTI-PRODUCTS CORP. vs. CA, granted the plaintiffs’ Motion For Leave of 196 SCRA 631; DE GUZMAN vs. CA, 156 Court to Serve Summons by Publication; SCRA701] NOW, THEREFORE, defendant MARI “22. Accordingly, Plaintiffs should be CINDY L. ACOB whose last given address compensated for the mental anguish, fright. is No. 139 Spyglass Hill Road, Concord serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, Ontario L4 2K6 Canada and who does not wounded feelings and mental shock he reside and is not found in the Philippines, but has suffered and of his family at least in has a representative/administrator named the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS DIVINA MARI L. TUMAQUE with postal (P50,000.00) as moral damages due to address at No. 351 P. Tuazon Boulevard, fraud, bad faith and illegal manipulations Project 4, Quezon City; is required to enter of Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB, in her appearance and answer the complaint in depriving the Plaintiffs their undivided the above-entitled case within sixty (60) days ownership over the subject properties in after the publication hereof, otherwise, the question, and FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS plaintiffs will take judgment’ against her and (P50,000.00) as exemplary damages; demand from this court the relief prayed for “23. That to protect the rights and interest in the complaint. of the Plaintiffs in the illegal actuations of Let this summons be published once a Defendant MARI-CINDY L. ACOB, Plaintiffs week for three (3) consecutive weeks in were constrained to engage the services any newspaper of general circulation in the of the undersigned counsel for which he Philippines at the expense of the plaintiff to obligated himself to pay the Sum of THIRTY be selected by raffle. THOUSAND PESOS (P30,000.00) by way of WITNESS THE HON. MARILOU D. attorney’s fees; RUNES-TAMANG , MNSA, Presiding Judge “APPLICATION FOR PRELIMINARY of this Court this 24th day of May, 2019 in Quezon City, Philippines. ATTACHMENT “Plaintiffs replead the foregoing allegations insofar as they are material and relevant, and (Sgd.) RIZZA A. AQUINO-FRIANEZA further alleged: Branch Clerk of Court “24. Plaintiffs have a valid and sufficient cause of action against the Defendant MARI- Copy furnished: CINDY L. ACOB and considering that the latter does not reside and is not found in the Atty. Leo P. Tingson Philippines, there is a need for the subject Counsel for the plaintiffs properties to be attached in order for the Tingson Torrevillas & Corpuz Law Offices Honorable Court to acquire jurisdiction over the action pursuant to Section 15 of Rule 14 Unit 308 Franca Arcade, No. 63 Malakas in relation to Section 1 (f) of Rule 57 of the Street, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City Revised Rules of Court. In support thereof, Mari-Cindy L. Acob attached hereto is the Affidavit of Merit of Defendant Plaintiff ERIC M. LOPEZ as Annex “S”; No. 139 Spyglass Hill Road, Concord “25. The Plaintiffs are ready and willing Ontario, L4 2K6 Canada to put up a pond as the Honorable Court may fix for the purpose of the application for Divina Mari L. Tumaque Representative/Administrator of Def. Mariattachment. Cindy L. Acob “PRAYER No. 351 P. Tuazon Boulevard, Project 4, “WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is Quezon City; most respectfully prayed unto this Honorable (MStandard-June 20, 27 & July 4, 2019)

By Joel E. Zurbano

GSIS bent on selling property

HE National Capital Region Police Ofﬁce arrested an 18-year-old drug suspect and seized more than P7 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Caloocan City early Wednesday morning.

THE Government Service Insurance System has reiterated its plan to sell its 672,645-square meter property at the Manila North Harbor, which the International Container Terminal Services Inc. is currently occupying. “As a government entity that exists to ensure the integrity of the funds of its members, GSIS is determined to sell it through public bidding upon the approval of the Board,” GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas said. According to him, the market value of the property is approximately P33.632 billion based on the zonal valuation as of May 9 and as reﬂected in the GSIS books as of May 20. Enrique Razon, president and chairman of ICTSI, reportedly said earlier that GSIS had only a “naked title” with no right to use the property. “That does not preclude GSIS from disposing of the property,” Aranas asserted. Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority has committed to donate a ﬁve-hectare resettlement site under a memorandum of understanding with the National Housing Authority, LGU Manila, ICTSI, and Manila North Harbor Port Inc. However, the ocular inspection report of NHA reveals that the proposed relocation site infringes on another GSIS property occupied by informal settlers and allocated for socialized housing pursuant to E.O. 108, series of 2002 with an area of 1.2 hectares of which belongs to GSIS. For its part, GSIS emphasized that “no entity can commit, offer, or convey any property which it does not own.” GSIS was never consulted and neither did it approve or consent to such donation or commitment on the overlapping portion which is registered and owned by GSIS.

NCRPO chief Guillermo Eleazar identiﬁed the suspect as Jaymark Mercene, single and resident of 2125 Interior Taft, Libertad St., Barangay 89, Zone 9, Pasay City. He said the suspect, who uses an alias MacMac or Kapre in his illegal activity, was arrested inside Room No. 7 of Marsman Hotel at the corner of Rizal Avenue and 2nd Avenue in Grace Park around 1:30 a.m. Eleazar’s men from the NCRPO Regional Drug Enforcement Unit coordinated with the Caloocan City Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency following information of the suspect’s whereabouts. “The buy-bust operation was supposed to transpire at Caltex gasoline station in Pasay City but ﬁnally set at Marsman Hotel. It was a followup on the operation that was conducted two weeks ago,” he said. Recovered from Mercene’s possession were 1,050 grams of shabu,

WELLNESS INDEX. (from left) Dr. Fernando Paragas of Lead Researcher; Jaeger Tanco, PhilCare president and CEO; Dr. Enrique Ona, PhilCare Wellness Index Study chairman; and Monico Jacob, PhilCare chairman of the board, show solidarity during the 2nd PhilCare Wellness Index Media Briefing on how Filipinos feel about their well-being although they are unable to get regular medical checkups. Lino Santos

‘Build strong bond with children’

SAVE the Children Philippines called on parents and teachers to strengthen face to face interaction with children due to rising cases of violence and bullying against minors in the digital platform including social media. Children with disability and teenagers who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Intersex are the most prone to physical and sexual violence and bullying according to a report by the Joining Forces, a group composed of ChildFund Alliance, Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages International, Terre des Hommes International Federation, and World Vision International. The report titled: A Second Revolution: 30 years of child rights, and the unﬁnished agenda released Wednesday highlights the most urgent, critical and transformative child rights issues.

and a 1,000 peso bill with 12 bundles of boodle marked money worth P1.2 million used by authorities in the drug transaction. Eleazar said Mercene wass a trustee of Edgardo Mongado Co Jr., a leader of a criminal gang engaged in drug dealing activities in the cities of Pasay and Makati City, and neighboring provinces of Rizal and Cavite. The suspect is now detained and will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). Mercene’s arrest came a week after authorities conducted same operation in Mandaluyong City against three suspected members of a drug syndicate. Seized during the operation was P6.8 million worth of shabu. The suspects—Raihana Pontino, 37; Aliola Sultan, 24, and Jassir Panggaga, 23—were arrested along Shaw Boulevard.

It said children were better off 30 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of a Child in November 20, 1989. But it called on governments to protect children from new risks such as online violence, bullying and discrimination. “Thirty years ago, governments sparked a revolution in how the world views and treats its children. Yet the promise of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was only ever partially realized. What is needed now is a second revolution, in which the rights of every child—whoever they are, and wherever they live—are fulﬁlled,” said the report. Lawyer Albert Muyot, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, said parents and teachers have important roles to ensure children are protected from threats of online violence and bullying through open communication and proper guidance.

Crisanta R. Jutic November 1, 1944-June 24, 2019 Died at the age of 74 on Monday, June 24, 2019. Her loving husband Domingo Jutic Jr. Children Chito and Menchie, Eric and Celia, Dennis (+) and Harriet, grandchildren Chisai,Yumi, Jam and Gabby, great grandchild Yhuey request for your prayers, for her eternal happiness in heaven. Her remains lie in state at Sumilang Funeral Homes at 1340 N. Zamora St., Tondo, Manila. Cremation will be on Sunday, June 30,2019, at 2:00 pm at Mother Teresa Crematory and Columbarium

DPWH to assess Manila’s site of ‘road hole’ THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will conduct soil exploration around the site where a truck fell into a ﬁvefoot deep hole at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Remedios Street in Manila. In a statement Wednesday, the DPWH said the procedure will determine the works to be done on the damaged portion of the secondary road in Manila and also to determine the timeline of the construction. “DPWH will also undertake soil exploration along Remedios Street from Roxas Boulevard up to M.H. Del Pilar Street for one to two weeks to determine the necessary scope of works and timeline of construction,” it said. “The road which sits on top of a box culvert built in the 1970s will be upgraded to conform with the present standard design of the Department,” the statement added. At the same time, the DPWH noted that it would continue to blockade the area 24/7. Soil exploration is being conducted to determine the basic properties of soil which affect the design and safety of structures, compressibility, strength and hydrological conditions. On Sunday, a 14-wheeler truck loaded with tons of sand fell into the hole at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Remedios Street in Manila. The box culvert along the road has collapsed as the secondary road could only accommodate 20 tons. It was reported that the truck weighed about 42 tons. PNA

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Warriors, Capitals overcome hoop rivals

IOC suspends AIBA recognition LAUSANNE, Switzerland—Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday voted unanimously to suspend recognition of amateur boxing’s troubled governing body the AIBA as an Olympic governing body ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The IOC stripped the AIBA of the right to run the event at next year’s Games in May after an investigation into alleged serious mismanagement at boxing’s crisis-ridden ruling authority. The IOC members rubberstamped that decision at a meeting in Lausanne. The IOC will now organize boxing in AIBA’s place, the federation becoming the first to have been stripped of its right to organize its own sport at an Olympics. Qualification, split between four continents – Africa (Dakar), Europe (London), Asia/Oceania (China) and Americas (Buenos Aires) – will be held between January and the end of March, with a final global qualifier to be held in May in Tokyo. The IOC has appointed Morinari Watanabe, Japan’s gymnastics chief, to run a taskforce to organize qualification and the tournament itself in Tokyo. Formed in 1946, AIBA has overseen decades of signature Olympic moments, notably the 1960 gold medal win in Rome by Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay. But its reputation has been tarnished in recent years as it careened from crisis to crisis. Relations between AIBA and the IOC took a sharp downward turn following the 2016 Rio Games, when 36 officials and referees were suspended amid allegations of bout fixing. An internal investigation by AIBA raised deeper questions about the judging in Rio, with particular suspicion falling on a French official. AFP

Subic Bay Boardwalk hosts race CENTURY TUNA IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay brought world class triathlon racing to its new home at the Subic Bay Boardwalk. Asian Elite and one of the nation’s top triathletes August Benedicto said with proper care the beach in Subic could compare with the best beaches in the country. “Kailangan lang i-maintain iyong nasimulan na nilang linisin iyong boardwalk. Dapat bantayan na lang nila. Ngayon napakaganda ng ayos. Napaka ganda ng set up. I-continue na lang ng mga nandito sa Subic para meron tayong taga rito mga local na pwede silang mag swim ng libre. Pag pumunta ka pa sa ibang beach, may bayad. Eto na ang libre. Kailangan maintain na lang nila,” said Benedicto. The international race not only assembled an stellar field of the best triathletes from all over the world but more importantly started with a cleanup of the beach of Subic Bay. Triathlete Nathaniel Nanglihan agreed with Benedicto’s observation that with improvement triathletes could race in the beach. “Overall, the swim course was fine. However, they could have done more efforts in the clean up within the beach and adjacent areas. There was a bit of waves. The water was not as clear as we would have liked. Nevertheless, it was just another aspect of the race that we had to adapt to,” said Nanglihan. The part time athlete and General Manager of Cman Maritime said the heat was the most difficult aspect of the Subic triathlon.

Roger Federer from Switzerland poses with the trophy after he won his final match against David Goffin from Belgium at the ATP tennis tournament in Halle, western Germany. AFP

Pagcor Chairwoman and CEO Andrea Domingo (3rd from right) hands over a check for P800 million to PSC Chairman William ‘Butch Ramirez (4th from right). With them are, from left: Pagcor President and CEO Alfredo Lim, Director Reynaldo Concordia, Gabriel Claudio and PSC Executive Director Merly Ibay.

Pagcor turns over P854-million to PSC

By Peter Atencio

HE Philippine Sports Commission will have more funds that it can use for the renovation and repair work for facilities that are under its care.

A total of P854 million will made available to the government for such an undertaking, which is set to begin in July as the preparations continue for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. The PSC received a welcome gift yesterday after Philippine Gaming Corporation chairwoman Andrea Domingo handed over an initial amount, a check worth P800-million. “We are trying to give you as much (help) as we can,” said Domingo during talks with PSC chairman William Ramirez at the Pagcor executive ofﬁces in Pasay City. So far, repair work will start with the gymnastics facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila.

Makeovers will also be done at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Memorial football and track oval. Renovations are also scheduled for the Philsports multipurpose arena in Pasig. “This is a good legacy of Pgcor that under your watch all three facilities will be rehabilitated at this level,” said Ramirez. Ramirez added that the PAGCOR’s dole out is very important to the agency. And that’s because the structures concerned have never been rehabilitated in this way, Ramirez explained. Last March, national athletes residing at the PhilSports Complex were the new recipients scientiﬁc nutrition, when the PSC opened its second Nu-

trition Hall in Pasig. The PSC also opened a newly-renovated Nutrition Hall at RMSC to help cater to the nutritional needs of national athletes. Preparations are currently in high gear with the PSC with the SEA Games scheduled from November 30 to December 11 in Subic, Clark, Manila and Cavite. Aside from the PSC’s efforts, the Department of Public Works and Highways have also pledged to refurbish three venues in Cavite, 13 in Subic and four in Clark. There are around 400 national athletes who are getting ready for the Games, and the repair work will help their chances of winning medals. So far, billeting areas at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and PhilSports Complex in Pasig City are now available again for the use of national athletes. This comes after the facilities were closed down following three months of repairs.

Parks named PBA Rookie of the Month

THE impact brought by Bobby Ray Parks was obvious enough the moment he suited up for Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The 26-year-old Parks emerged as the Elite’s top gunner and immediately steered the team to victories in their first four outings to take the early lead in the midseason conference. During that stretch, the no. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft averaged 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in an all-around performance he capped with a career-best of 28 points in a thrilling 108-107 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra in only his second game in the league. Parks’ heroics gained him his first ever PBA Press Corps Rookie of the Month honor for May, beating out Columbian Dyip’s CJ Perez (24.3, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists). The son of the late great PBA Import Bobby Parks became the third player to win the honor ﬁrst handed out starting this season. Others who also gained the nod for the monthly citation were Perez (January and March) and Jayvee Mocon of Rain or

Blackwater Elite rookie Bobby Ray Parks (3) tries to dribble San Miguel Beer defender Von Pessumal and Paul Zamar. PBA Media

Shine (February and March). Curiously, Parks won his initial match-up against Perez in a duel pitting the top two picks in last year’s draft. Parks scored 23 points, five re-

bounds, and five assists as the Elite defeated the Dyip, 118-110, last May 26. Perez ﬁnished with 17 points and seven rebounds in the Dyip’s third straight loss to open their campaign.

NAVOTAS—The General Santos Warriors and the Quezon City Capitals banked on new recruits to trounce separate opponents in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakandula Cup at Navotas Sports Complex. Fil-Am Mike Williams and prized acquisition Pamboy Raymundo powered the Warriors past the Shoemasters, 9689, while Aaron Black posted a triple double and five other Capitals drilled in twin digits as Quezon City dumped Binan City, 110-85. The 6-foot-1 Black, son of multititled coach Norman Black, tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as he combined with Clark Derige, Tonino Gonzaga and Ramon Mabayo to lift the Capitals past the hapless Heroes. Derige, a former University of the East Red Warrior, fired a game-high 24 points while Gonzago and Mabayo matched Black’s 17 points. The Capitals, who rebounded from their 85-86 loss to the Manila Stars on June 18, also drew 11 points from Mark Kenneth Cangongoy and 10 from Dahrrel Caranguian to leave the Heroes way behind,106-77, in the homestretch. Getting used to physical plays, Williams scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Raymundo, formerly of the Bataan Risers, chipped in 21 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, as the Warriors cruised to their second straight win after dropping their first game to the Pampanga Giant Lanterns (85-94) on June 13. The Warriors also beat the Bulacan Kuyas, 81-77, on June 20. The third game between NavotasUnipak Sardines and Rizal Xentro Mall was called off due to “unplayable conditions.” MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes ordered the stoppage at halftime, Navotas ahead (56-39) due to the slippery floor brought about by the humidity, caused by the rains and the packed crowd at the non-air-conditioned venue.

PH kids join 1st Thai Chess tilt in Pattaya THE Philippines is set to compete in the 1st Thailand Chess Festival at the Le Bali Resort and Spa, Pattaya, Thailand. The Philippine team will see action from July 7 to 18 in Pattaya. The team is led by Bonjoure Fille Suyamin, a grade 4 pupil of Del Rosario Christian Institute in General Trias City, Cavite, who is fresh from winning three silver medals (Standard, Rapid and Blitz) in the girls under 10 division of the 9-day 20th ASEAN Age Group Chess Championships 2019 in Mandalay City, Myanmar last June 18. “ I hope to do well in the upcoming 1st Thailand Chess Festival in Pattaya, Thailand,” said nine-year-old Fille, a consistent Honor Student and achievers since kinder 1 up to present. Arnel Beltran Del Rosario, chairman/ president of Del Rosario Christian Institute Foundation Inc., one of the supporter of Bonjoure Fille said “ Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.” Other members of the young PH chess squad are Yanie Ayesha Estavillo (U8), Noreen Sciecky Atienza (U8), Jirah Floravie Cutiyog (U10), John Martin Firmalino (U12), Geraldine Mae Camarines (U12), Relghie Columna (U12), Janmyl Dilan Tisado (U14), Josh Edmar Castro (U14), Paolo Estavillo (U16), Jireh Dan Jaime Cutiyog (U16) and Stephen Von Estavillo (U18). It shall be recalled that Fille carried the good ﬁght for Young PH wood pushers who won four (4) gold medals and two (2) silver medals at the 1st Thailand Pattaya Youth Chess Championship 2018 held at the Bay Beach Resort Pattaya, Banglamung, Chin Buried in Pattaya, Thailand last October 24.

Federer chases ninth Wimbledon title and place in history PARIS, France—Twenty years after his debut, Roger Federer will take aim at a ninth Wimbledon title and a place in history as the oldest man to capture a Grand Slam singles crown. Federer, who turns 38 in August, is already the oldest player to win the Wimbledon men’s title in the modern era, a feat achieved in 2017 when he was 35. Australia’s Ken Rosewall was only just past 37 when he won the 1972 Australian Open, an age barrier Federer hopes to smash when Wimbledon starts Monday. “I love being around here. It’s a good vibe. I have great memories. My heroes all won

here,” said 20-time major winner Federer. “Every time I come back here, I try to be like them.” However, despite his lifetime affection for the All England Club, the tussle to add to his London silverware has become increasingly fraught. His eighth and most recent Wimbledon title came off a straight-sets demolition of an injury-hit and tearful Marin Cilic in the 2017 ﬁnal. Federer was a force of nature that year, not dropping a set in the entire fortnight as title rivals fell by the wayside. Novak Djokovic retired with an elbow in-

jury in the last-eight against Tomas Berdych while Rafael Nadal was stunned by Gilles Muller 15-13 in the final set of his last-16 engagement. Federer’s seventh Wimbledon title had come five years earlier with a final win over Andy Murray. But 2017 aside, recent trips to London have proved disappointing for the Swiss star whose first experience of Wimbledon was an opening-round loss to Jiri Novak of the Czech Republic in 1999. In 2013, he was shocked in the second round by Ukrainian serve-and-volleying journeyman Sergei Stakhovsky.

Sports

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

NorthPort Batang Pier import Prince Ibeh (center) drives strong to the hoop against Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters defender Alex Mallari (right). Looking on are, from left: Paolo Taha of NorthPort, Richard Howell of Phoenix and Sol Mercado of NorthPort. PBA Media

PLDT Home Fibr subdues Marinera in four sets PLDT Home Fibr turned back Marinerang Pilipina, 25-21, 25-20, 18-25, 25-14, for its second straight win in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. Grethcel Soltones had a strong start and a stronger finish as the Power Hitters kept the Lady Skippers winless in this prestigious women’s club tourney bankrolled by Team Rebel Sports, SOGO, Eurotel, PCSO, Cocolife, UCPB Gen, Mueller, Senoh, Asics, Bizooku and One Sport. Soltones, former San Sebastian College star delivered 19 kills and two blocks for a 19-point performance for the Power Hitters who joined idle Generika-Ayala at the third spot with a 2-1 win-loss slate. Aside from Soltones who also had 12 digs and 10 excellent receptions, Aiko Urdas was also impressive with 15 points while setter Jasmine Nabor did a marvelous job controlling the tempo with 21 excellent sets. Despite the victory, PLDT head coach Roger Gorayeb wasn’t satisfied. “It seems that they are out of focus. That’s not the game I wanted to see after months of practice and a year of togetherness” Gorayeb said. “There’s no steam, we’re lacking intensity. I’m thankful for the win but they always need a wake-up call before picking up a victory.” The Power Hitters lost steam in the third set that allowed the Lady Skippers to extend the match. But PLDT caught fire in the fourth set with a 15-5 start off an ace from Joyce Sta. Rita before Soltones buckled down to work, delivering four straight points that put them at match point, 24-13. Judith Abil saved a point but she committed a crucial service error. Abil had an all-around effort with 11 points laced with 19 digs and 17 excellent receptions while Chiara Permentilla delivered 10 points on top of 11 digs off the bench for Marinerang Pilipina, which suffered its fourth straight loss. Meanwhile, Cignal bucked a slow start before taking down Sta. Lucia, 25-27, 25-22, 25-10, 25-21, to kick off its campaign on a high note in the second game.

Wright powers Phoenix over NorthPort, 97-87

By Jeric Lopez

HOENIX finally got the confidence-boosting win that it needed as it floored NorthPort, 97-87, to improve its place in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night. Matthew Wright was on target with a game-high 25 points, five rebounds and six assists to lead Phoenix while Richard Howell was likewise solid with his double-double with 18 points and 15 boards. This time around, the Fuel Masters held their own down the stretch to take care of business in crunch time, something they were not able to do much in their previous losses. A 17-5 run to start the fourth proved critical for Phoenix as it was able to

stretch its then three-point lead to double-digits, 81-66, after Wright’s triple with 6:51 remaining. With complete control, the Fuel Masters kept the Batang Pier at bay the rest of the way to ﬁnally stop the erstwhile league-leader on its tracks. NorthPort, with a help of some triples, narrowed the gap towards the end but eventually fell short. Phoenix improved to 3-4 to move to ninth place while NorthPort slipped to second after falling to 7-2.

RJ Jazul added 17 points for Phoenix. Things got heated early in the fourth at the 8:44 mark when Howell and NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio had an exchange of words. Still, cooler heads prevailed to prevent the commotion from escalating. Technical fouls were handed out to both of them for the verbal exchange. It was actually NorthPort who got off to a good start, opening up an early double-digit lead, 26-16, in the closing seconds of the opening period. Phoenix then stormed back and opened up the second canto with a 21-6 surge to snatch control and take a 40-34 cushion with a little over four minutes left before halftime. At intermission, the Fuel Masters kept a 43-39 advantage. Mo Tautuua led NorthPort with a team-high 19 points.

Bolick takes on mantle of leadership at NorthPort ROBERT Bolick showed he’s ready to take on the mantle at NorthPort following the shocked exit of top gunner Stanley Pringle. Two games since the Batang Pier dealt Pringle to Barangay Ginebra for the trio of Kevin Ferrer, Sol Mercado, and Jervy Cruz, the rookie guard out of San Beda jacked up his numbers in helping the team clinch a quarterfinals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Bolick averaged 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in an all-around effort to steer NorthPort to back-to-back wins over Rain or Shine and Blackwater and hike its record to a leaguebest 7-1 slate in a tie with TnT Katropa. The impressive performance earned the 23-year-old native of Leyte his first ever PBA Press Corps-Cignal Player of the Week for the period June 17-23. Also getting a vote from the PBAPC was Bolick’s NorthPort teammate Sean Anthony. Others who contended for the weekly citation were Batang Pier Moala Tautuaa, Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy of TnT Katropa, San Miguel Beer’s Alex Cabagnot, Paul Lee of Magnolia, Pringle, and Jericho Cruz of NLEX. In NorthPort’s first game without the 32-year-old Pringle, Bolick and Tautuaa carried the fight for the Batang Pier by rallying them from as much as a 25-point deficit to nip the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in overtime, 107-105. Bolick hit 22 points and fired the pressure-pack threepointer with 11 seconds left in regulation that sent the game into overtime. Tautuaa finished with a career-high 34 points for NorthPort, which played with only an eighth-man rotation. Three days after, Bolick was at it again, missing just a single rebound of completing a triple double in the team’s 127-99 rout

Makoto Iwasaki uses his wedge to get into the green.

PROS building up for bigger battles and triathletes toughening up for longer races mix it up for the first Penong’s 5150 Triathlon set July 7 at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City. Aussies Mitch Robbins and Alex Polizzi, New Zealand’s Kieran McPherson and Czech Jakub Langhammer head the early roster of bidders in the men’s side of the centerpiece pro division of the event, all aiming for honors and personal bests over the Olympic distance of 1.5k swim-40k bike-10k run. Multi-titled Dimity Lee Duke and Lisa Tyack, also from Down Under, Guam’s Manami Iijima, and Kiwi Laura Wood are tipped to dispute the women’s crown in the event organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. Spicing up the event is the Sunrise Sprint, featuring a 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run with other titles also to be disputed in various age categories and relay competition. Penong’s Barbecue Seafoods and Grill, Davao’s favorite barbecue house, is making its first foray in endurance racing with co-owners Ma. Teresa Regis and Vanessa Mae Uy Santos, both avid triathletes, guaranteeing a successful staging of the event also aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the Filipinos and foreigners alike. “This is an opportunity to show everyone that the company is also focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle. This is doing something for the good of everybody,” said Regis. For details, visit www.ironman.com/philippines, http:// penongs.5150philippines.com and www.goforgold.sunrisesprint. com with official hashtags #Penongs5150, #5150Davao. SEI founder Wilfred Uytengsu also said that the shorter distance event is designed to encourage people, particularly the youth, to embrace multisport training and racing. “The distance is still challenging for the novice triathlete and we hope to encourage many individuals to start with this distance. As more and more people seek a healthier lifestyle, triathlon is well positioned to attract many new participants,” said Uytengsu. The two short distance races are ideal for newbies to the sport as well as those who have graduated from the IronKids, the youth version of the Ironman 70.3, and who want to continue in the sport.

SEAG technical handbooks ready soon By Peter Atencio

NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolic attempts a left-handed layup against the Alaska Aces during their game won by NorthPort.

of the Elite. He finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists in the win that marked the first game of Mercado, Ferrer, and Cruz with the team. Bolick admitted he owed Pringle a lot for making him the player that he is with NorthPort right now. “Gusto ko siyang makasama ng mas matagal. Kaso one conference lang, madami pa sana akong matututunan. Kung ano man meron ako ngayon (sa) laro ko, lahat, sa kanya (Pringle) ko natutunan yun,” said Bolick of the player he considered as his first pro mentor.

Japanese sneaks past Bibat with 64 ILOILO—Japanese Makoto Iwasaki bucked windy conditions and tricky greens and birdied two of the last ﬁve holes, dislodging Michael Bibat off the leaderboard with a solid six-under 64 as he emerged the surprise leader at the start of the rich ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge here yesterday. Makoto came out strong following a missed cut showing at Binitin and a one-round stint in Marapara, gunning down three straight birdies from the long range from No. 3 in one of the late ﬂights, adding another on the ninth before capping his pair of 32s with birdies on Nos. 14 and 16.

Elite field braces for 1st Penong’s 5150 race

“It was a perfect game,” said Makoto, himself a bit surprised over his performance on a par-70 course he hasn’t played before but mastered with superb iron game and putting. “The greens are hard to read. You have to be cautious here since a slight mistake could lead you to trouble,” said the 29-year-old campaigner from Chiba, who withdrew after shooting an 80 in the ﬁrst round in Negros Occidental. His 64 however fell two strokes off absentee and last year’s champion Jobim Carlos’ record card in the third round. Bibat looked headed to grabbing the

first day honors in the P3 million event put up by ICTSI as he overcame a bogey start and a shaky finish with a pair of birdie binges for a 65 until Makoto came in with that 64 in overcast skies. The former Asian Games bronze medalist, who tied for second at Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational but struggled to finish joint 10th and 26th in Binitin and Marapara, actually fumbled with a bogey on No. 10 where he teed off. But he hit four straight birdies from No. 11, the last, a par-5, barely missing an eagle putt from six feet. He strung up three straight from No. 2 but bogeyed the par-4 sixth for a 34-31.

THE technical handbooks that will be used in the 30th Southeast Asian Games will be ready by the end of the month. Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee executive director Tom Carrasco said this after many national sports associations sought a review of the rulebooks that will be used for the Games. As of June 20, we have turned over copies to the marketing department for layout. Once approved, we will have it printed,” said Carrasco. Carrasco added that 46 of 61 copies of the technical manuals are ready for printing. The availability of the technical handbook has been questioned by many NSAs, most of which are worried about the progress of ongoing preparations for the Games. Around 75 percent of the handbooks are now ready for printing, according to Carrasco. He added that 15 of 61 handbooks have issues with the NSAs on venues and the competitions that will be held. And they comprise 25 percent of the total. “Sabi nila, wala pang lumalabas na handbook. Talagang wala dahil nasa layout pa. But we target to have them released by June 30,” stated Carrasco. Meanwhile, the sports equipment that will used in the Games are currently being bidded out by the PSC. And the amount of equipment that’s being purchased has reached a price tag of P450 million, according to Carrasco.

Business

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com

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

Global Ferronickel plans to build $20-m steel plant this year By Jenniffer B. Austria GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings Inc., the second largest nickel producer in the Philippines, said it plans to start constructing a $20-million steel manufacturing plant this year. GFNI president Dante Bravo said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting the company was in the process of acquiring a property in Central Luzon as a potential site for the steel plant. The steel manufacturing facility will be 51-percent owned by GFNI. Its joint venture partner Huarong Asia Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, will own the remaining 49 percent.

GFNI will have a 60-percent interest in the land where the plant will be located, while Huarong will own the remaining 40 percent. The proposed plant is expected to have a production capacity of 600,000 metric tons of rebar steel serving the domestic demand. The proposed plant will be completed over the next two years. Bravo said the project would be funded through internally generated funds. GFNI said that given the fast-growing steel demand in the country propelled by local infrastructure developments, it was exploring value-added opportunities by diversifying into steel processing. Huarong is headed by a veteran business-

man with more than 25 years of experience in the stainless steel business. GNFI reported a net income of P510 million in 2018, down 34.6 percent from P780 million recorded in 2017 as the company had to contend with higher taxes and an increase in operational costs. Revenues also dipped 5.7 percent to P5.5 billion in 2018 from P5.8 billion in 2017 on weak nickel oil prices in the world market. “The overall weakness of nickel ore prices led the company to focus on selling higher grade ores and order an early finish of mining operations, shipping a total of 5.7 million wet metric tonnes of nickel ore, which is 4.4 percent lower as against 2017 figures,” the mining firm said.

Airlines preparing for Sangley transfer IN BRIEF S&P Global trims PH growth target GLOBAL debt watcher S&P Global Ratings on Wednesday reduced its growth forecast for the Philippines this year to 6.1 percent from the previous estimate of 6.3 percent made in April, taking into account the delay in the approval of national budget for 2019 that weighed on GDP in the first quarter. In a report titled “APAC Monthly Snapshots: Trade Wars and Currency Concerns,” S&P expects the Philippine economy to grow within the 6-percent to 6.5-percent range in 2019. “We continue to expect GDP growth to come in at the low end of the 6 percent-6.5 percent range in 2019, with a likely resumption of the infrastructure build in the second half of the year to bring the fiscal impulse for the year to around neutral after being negative in the first half of the year,” it said. GDP growth in the first quarter was rcorded a lower-than-expected 5.6 percent due to delays in passing the budget as well as weak external demand. But S&P said the labor market still appeared strong, with unemployment falling. Julito G. Rada

spective airline companies to rationalize flight numbers, aircraft movement and rotation and the use of slots and flying OCAL airlines on rights to improve on-time performance. Wednesday agreed Signatories also committed to support to review their flight the development of mechanisms of discipline in the event of flight aberrations operations to decongest the within their control and cooperate with Ninoy Aquino International government and other regulatory agencies that have the authority to determine Airport and support the actionable or punishable occurrences. development of Sangley The signatories included Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Tourism Airport in Cavite province Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, and other gateways in the Cebu Air president and chief executive country. Lance Gokongwei, Air Asia president and chief executive Dexter ComenHeads of local carriers signed a pledge dador, Philippine Airlines officer-inof commitment in which they vowed to charge Vivienne Tan, PAL Express presreview the flight operations of their re- ident Bonifacio Sam and CebGo vice

By Darwin G. Amojelar

president for corporate affairs Paterno Mantaring Jr. who attended on behalf of CebGo president and chief executive Alexander Lao. Signatories pledged to support the development and promotion of other gateways especially Sangley Airport for viable operations to decongest Naia. The initiative was in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to decongest the country’s main gateway and enhance the comfort and convenience of air passengers. The commitment aims to address the growing demands for air travel in the Philippines, particularly at Naia. Between 2016 and 2018, Naia’s annual passenger trafﬁc increased from 36.5 million to 45 million, or 130 percent of its design capacity.

Group seeks resignation of PhilHealth’s IT executives

Macay Holdings eyes mergers, acquisitions MACAY Holdings Inc., the listed holding company of Ambassador Alfredo Yao, is setting its sights on diversiﬁcation through potential mergers and acquisitions. Macay president Antonio Panajon said in an interview following the annual stockholders’ meeting that the company, which is engaged in beverage business through RC Cola, planned to make an acquisition, possibly in the food business over the next 12 months. “We like to mitigate things like what happened to the Train Law (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) wherein all our business is in one basket. So we want to diversify geographically and also in terms of our product portfolio,” Panajon said. He said the company was looking at opportunities in developing countries in Southeast Asia and Africa for potential acquisition, after its beverage business in the Philippines was severely affected by the implementation of higher sugar taxes on sweetened beverages. “We are moving towards participating in beverage categories in order to increase its portfolio of products and cater to greater consumer market,” Panajon said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Salceda proposes scam finder portal THE Securities and Exchange Commission must establish and maintain an online registry portal of all registered investment securities in the country as ‘first line of defense’ against financial frauds in the light of the repetitious investment scams reported in the country. Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda seeks to install such anti-scam mechanism with the House Bill 9216 he has filed Congress titled “Scam Finder Act,” which aims to “protect people against investment scams; assist them in navigating better the financial landscape and avoid its pitfalls; learn how to save and spend resources in a judicious manner; know when and where to invest, when to contract debt and how to manage it in order to avoid financial troubles.” Salceda noted that cases of financial scams had been hogging the headlines and that hundreds of people fell prey to investment frauds year after year, even if the schemes had already been widely publicized and various government agencies had repeatedly issued public warnings against them.

Number of ﬂights rose 5.75 percent, resulting in an escalated utilization of airport slots per hour by 22.2 percent, or from 36 to 44. “We thank Cebu Paciﬁc, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, PAL Express and CebGo for uniting in this goal of providing comfort to the Filipino people. This initiative is a testament to the many ways the government and private sector can work together to solve problems,” Tugade said “However, I am expecting that this commitment will not just remain a piece of paper, but will be implemented effectively and felt immediately by our passengers,” he said. Tugade expects to start commercial operations at Sangley Airport by November this year.

PETRON PREFERRED SHARES. Petron Corp. and the Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. celebrate Petron’s offering and listing of P20 billion worth of perpetual preferred shares series 3A and 3B through a ceremonial bell ringing. Attending the ceremony are (from left) Petron vice president and treasurer Albert Sarte, director Jose De Jesus, senior vice president and chief finance officer Emmanuel Eraña, general manager Lubin Nepomuceno and assistant vice president Jacqueline Ang-Chai, PSE directors Wilson Sy, Eddie Gobing, PSE chairman Jose Pardo, PSE directors Ma. Vivian Yuchengco, Francis Chua, Amor Iliscupidez, Roberto Cecilio Lim and Alejandro Yu.

Chelsea expects Neda to approve Davao airport proposal CHELSEA Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., a company led by businessman Dennis Uy, expects the National Economic and Development Authority to approve shortly its unsolicited proposal to develop, operate and maintain the Davao International Airport for 30 years, a top executive said Wednesday. “Last year, we were given the original proponent status and now we have obtained the ofﬁcial endorsement from Davao City Chamber. We are grateful how everything is proceeding according to our timeline,” Chelsea president and chief executive Chryss Alfonsus Damuy said. “With the pace of the approval pro-

cess, we are positive to receive the green light from Neda soon so we can move forward with the development of the primary gateway to Mindanao and the third largest airport in the country,” he said. The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. asked the Transportation Department, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Neda, the Finance Department and other relevant agencies “to vigorously pursue and expedite the ongoing process of reviews and approvals of the Davao Airport PPP proposal to allow the timely implementation of the project and optimal beneﬁts of the government and the

Davao community.” Under its P49 billion unsolicited proposal, Chelsea also offered a new technology to enhance passenger experience and capture data to deliver efﬁcient operations. The unsolicited proposal will undergo a Swiss Challenge. This means that other groups may submit counter-proposals, while the original proponent has the option to match such bids. Chelsea Logistics also submitted an unsolicited offer to Philippine Ports Authority to develop, operate and maintain the Davao Sasa Port for P16 billion with a proposed concession period of 25 years. Darwin G. Amojelar

GCredit extended P1b loan to consumers a year after launch

GCREDIT, the ﬁrst mobile, QR-based credit line in the Philippines, extended P1 billion in credit to consumers a year after it was introduced in the country. With 250,000 credit lines and impressive default rates, GCredit successfully scaled an emerging lending model that is data-driven and fully digital to provide loan solutions to the underserved. Anthony Thomas, president and chief executive of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations) which operates GCredit, said the mobile credit facility promotes Mynt’s vision for ﬁnancial inclusion by giving people access to credit based on trust instead of the

usual tedious documentation. “GCredit marks the realization of our commitment to lend to every Filipino. I am happy to share that this is exactly what we have done in the past year, and this is what we will continue to do to ensure a more inclusive future for all Filipinos,” Thomas said. GCredit is a feature within the GCash mobile wallet app that allows people to pay their bills and buy from GCash partner merchants using credit which they can access within the app. Their credit limit depends on their GScore, the ﬁrst trust-based score in the country which is built around users’ GCash transactions. The more

they use GCash, the higher their GScore and the higher their GScore, the higher their credit limit. Because GCredit availment is closed-loop―meaning via QR or Pay Bills only―it shows Mynt where customers use their loans, allowing the company to constantly improve the GScore model based on customer insights. “GCredit was designed so that no one who needs credit would be rejected. Typically, when customers apply for a loan, there’s that anxiety that stems from not knowing whether they will get approved or not. We don’t want that,” Thomas said.

THE Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption demanded the resignation of the chief technical officer and the chief information officer of state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. for what it alleged as “apparent criminal negligence that enabled scammers to raid its coffers.” VACC president Arsenio Evangelista said the financial scandals that hounded PhilHealth stemmed from the agency’s failure to institute appropriate software systems, business process rules, centralized patient health management records and risk management engines that would have prevented “ghost” kidney treatments and billings. Evangelista said that Dr. Madeleine Valera, then Philhealth vice president for health finance policy, testified in a 2007 congressional hearing that since 1995 Philhealth had lost as much as P4 billion due to fraudulent claims. “Submissions of fraudulent claims are, therefore, nothing new to PhilHealth. The revelations on the P4 billion fraudulent congressional hearings were made in 2007. It is now 2019. The failure of the IT managers at PhilHealth to put in place the necessary computer software and programs that prevent fraudulent claims make the CTO and CIO complicit to the criminal acts of unscrupulous medical providers like WellMed Dialysis Center,” Evangelista said. Evangelista said the IT officials of PhilHealth, particularly the CTO and CIO, should be held liable for what he alleged as nonfeasance, malfeasance and criminal neglect “for their failure to put in place a fraud resilient and automated healthcare processing.” He said a fraud-resilient system would have prevented processing and payment of fake benefit claims that were “obviously carried out through collusions between greedy hospitals and medical professionals on one hand and unscrupulous PhilHealth personnel on the other hand.” “These rip-offs could have been averted if the CTO and the CIO of PhilHealth had put in place a robust claims processing software engine and healthcare management system that spots and stops fraudulent transactions, and these two PhilHealth officials are primarily responsible for the mess,” Evangelista said.

Business

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks down slightly; FLI climbs T HE stock market declined slightly Wednesday after top US Federal Reserve ofﬁcials dented hopes for a big interest rate cut.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index lost 20.52 points, or 0.3 percent, to 8,013.57 on a value turnover of P8.1 billion. Losers beat gainers, 108 to 86, with 56 issues unchanged. Universal Robina Corp., the biggest snack food maker, fell 1.6 percent to P174.50, while SM Investments Corp. of the Ty Group slipped 1 percent to P950. Filinvest Land Inc. of the Gotianun Group surged 8.7 percent to P1.87, while Globe Telecom Inc., the secondlargest telecommunications ﬁrm, rose 2.7 percent to P2,260.

The dollar, meanwhile, rose Wednesday while gold and most Asian equities fell. Traders are also fretting over this week’s meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Adding to the downward pressure were concerns about worsening tensions between the US and Iran, although a drop in US stockpiles boosted oil prices. Global markets had been on a healthy rally for more than a week after Trump hailed phone talks with his Chinese counterpart and said they would meet to discuss their trade war on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka. That coincided with a dovish lean from the US central bank that raised expectations that it would soon announce its ﬁrst rate reduction in more than a decade. However, optimism took a hit Tuesday after Fed boss Jerome Powell warned about the outlook for the US economy

but said policymakers would not “overreact” to recent data. Also Tuesday, St Louis Fed president James Bullard, considered a key dove on the board, told Bloomberg a cut of 50 basis points—which many investors had been hoping for—would be excessive. The remarks hit equities, with Wall Street’s three main indexes closing sharply lower, while the dollar—which has come under heavy pressure of late— bounced back against its major peers and other higher-yielding but riskier currencies. Tokyo ended 0.5 percent lower, Shanghai fell 0.2 percent, Sydney slipped 0.3 percent and Singapore was off 0.1 percent, with Wellington, Taipei and Bangkok also down. However, Hong Kong eked out small gains in the afternoon, as did Jakarta and Mumbai. “Bullard... dashed the hopes of many

investors who were expecting the Fed to kick-start this easing cycle with a bang,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA. “With the most dovish member taking a 50-basis point cut off the table, the dollar surged as equities tumbled.” The weaker dollar put a cap on gold’s rally, with the metal’s safe haven status in times of turmoil unable to stop it retreating from six-year highs. Investors are keeping their focus on the planned meeting between Trump and Xi in Japan, although the US side dampened expectations for a deal between the two, saying the talks would set out a path for an agreement. However, ofﬁcials did say they were willing to hold off hiking tariffs on more Chinese goods, Bloomberg News reported. Still, observers expect the issue to continue for some time. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2019

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

57.6 80 2.36 141 1.19 27.95 18.62 11.64 5.08 0.485 73 0.96 13.2 49.75 191 57.4 28 169.9 1,760 62 1.12

58.5 80 2.38 142.2 1.19 28 18.72 11.64 5.08 0.51 73 0.98 13.22 50 191 57.9 28.1 171.9 1,760 62.35 1.12

57.5 79 2.35 141 1.19 27.5 18.5 11.44 4.86 0.485 71.8 0.96 13.2 49 191 57.35 28 168.6 1,750 61.25 1.12

58.5 79 2.35 142 1.19 27.8 18.72 11.6 5.02 0.51 72 0.97 13.2 49.8 191 57.9 28.1 171.9 1,750 62 1.12

15,280 1,473,210 39,000 3,244,180 53,000 54,700 54,800 424,800 27,700 19,000 1,531,280 60,000 14,500 675,900 710 13,950 28,700 324,850 370 6,020 4,212,000

887,973 116,921,215 92,170 460,319,734 63,070 1,522,810 1,022,980 4,898,284 138,357 9,585 110,410,062 58,000 191,450 33,682,055 135,610 804,931.50 804,330 55,602,754 648,425 370,211 4,717,440

703,519.50 -73,249,730 163,182,678 -144,615 -616,908 -49,186,146 2,178,270 -634,983 20,603,454 4,632.50 -

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

35.2 14.36 0.77 1.31 0.275 89.05 3.13 15 105 20.6 16.56 42.05 75.9 92.8 2.12 5.25 5.89 10.58 15.88 10.9 7.7 1.72 26 79.8 58 2.51 13.54 10.2 1.68 286.8 3.35 9.2 24.5 14.26 19.5 380 0.186 5.8 1.47 4.63 5.95 2.78 12 38.55 4.85 1.41 1.19 13.9 108 6.58 0.123 1.24 176.8 2.83 1.25 1.51

35.5 14.46 0.79 1.39 0.28 95.95 3.13 15.08 105 21 16.8 42.05 113 139.2 2.12 5.25 6.2 10.58 15.88 11.3 7.7 1.72 26.25 81.6 60.95 2.52 13.64 10.2 1.7 286.8 3.4 9.2 25 14.28 19.5 381.2 0.186 5.8 1.53 4.63 5.98 2.78 12.16 38.55 4.85 1.42 1.19 13.96 108 6.58 0.125 1.28 177 2.83 1.25 1.6

34.65 14.3 0.76 1.31 0.26 89.05 3.05 15 105 20.4 15.42 42 73 90 2.1 5.21 5.89 10.3 15.8 10.88 7.67 1.72 25.65 79.1 57.05 2.48 13.4 10.02 1.65 283.2 3.35 9.2 24.3 14 18.9 378 0.186 5.8 1.44 4.56 5.9 2.64 12 38.2 4.85 1.38 1.15 13.76 105.4 6.55 0.123 1.22 172.2 2.83 1.23 1.45

35.2 14.42 0.77 1.39 0.28 95.95 3.06 15 105 20.4 16.78 42 110 139.2 2.1 5.21 6.05 10.38 15.8 11.02 7.67 1.72 26.1 81.6 60.9 2.51 13.6 10.04 1.7 285 3.4 9.2 25 14.18 19 381 0.186 5.8 1.53 4.63 5.93 2.64 12.12 38.3 4.85 1.39 1.16 13.9 107 6.57 0.125 1.25 174.5 2.83 1.25 1.46

1,026,000 879,800 1,124,000 184,000 11,670,000 330 18,902,000 86,800 30 67,500 10,800 2,869,000 160,800 193,670 296,000 8,600 267,700 1,163,400 848,400 848,300 7,203,200 4,000 4,134,800 799,800 283,270 5,000,000 487,600 39,400 347,000 278,760 30,000 27,700 1,534,500 309,300 3,186,400 202,520 50,000 10,000 8,629,000 51,000 1,642,000 25,144,000 20,400 160,400 12,000 68,000 284,000 520,400 276,710 21,800 80,000 446,000 672,920 2,000 1,397,000 28,403,000

35,933,500 12,641,938 868,880 246,860 3,163,400 29,455.50 58,346,540 1,307,806 3,150 1,384,155 179,594 120,498,010 15,527,717 24,115,641.50 622,580 45,006 1,623,071 12,079,418 13,409,216 9,361,306 55,281,558 6,880 107,972,235 64,792,117.50 16,793,759.50 12,493,090 6,602,342 397,186 580,580 79,438,022 101,850 254,840 37,756,160 4,377,742 60,676,100 77,072,986 9,300 58,000 12,912,900 235,780 9,710,153 68,020,930 245,550 6,145,085(2, 58,200 94,660 329,770 7,220,088 29,345,765 143,080 9,980 552,050 117,108,213 5,660 1,738,030 43,032,190

-20,625,505 5,007,950 -9,730 3,551,080 -94,500 -21,840 -67,210 -113,220 5,524,436 -1,674,280 3,315,204 37,878,036 18,827,450 4,383,614.50 2,865,620 1,347,000 -37,036 14,286 -9,777,756 -4,035,005 2,600,806 -48,722,432 -13,878,868 -76,450 -682,933 1,063,090 670,344.9997) -1,173,054 -3,197,289 -8,766,270 195,980 178,080

HOLDING FIRMS ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A ATN HLDG B AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA PRIME MEDIA SAN MIGUEL CORP SEAFRONT RES SM INVESTMENTS SOC RESOURCES SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS ZEUS HLDG

0.87 55.4 15.4 0.75 6.7 13.4 1.38 1.37 899 3.83 6.83 10.46 14 0.23 919 6.3 66.9 0.5 4.14 15.2 0.63 4.84 0.038 1.22 175.5 2.39 948.5 0.86 1.36 460 268 0.235 0.315

0.89 55.4 15.4 0.75 6.75 13.7 1.39 1.38 899 3.99 6.84 10.56 14.04 0.248 920.5 6.4 67 0.5 4.18 15.32 0.68 4.84 0.039 1.23 176.5 2.39 970 0.9 1.38 460 268 0.235 0.32

0.85 54.05 15.12 0.74 6.7 13.1 1.33 1.36 894 3.8 6.56 10.4 13.72 0.23 902 6.3 65.65 0.48 4 15.18 0.63 4.78 0.038 1.22 175.4 2.38 940 0.85 1.34 427.4 265 0.232 0.305

0.87 54.5 15.24 0.74 6.75 13.38 1.35 1.38 896 3.99 6.56 10.46 13.98 0.248 920 6.4 67 0.5 4.01 15.2 0.64 4.83 0.038 1.22 175.9 2.38 950 0.88 1.38 427.4 267 0.232 0.315

30,350,000 773,750 6,132,700 810,000 16,000 98,700 3,333,000 505,000 327,710 12,217,000 896,600 2,825,300 82,800 30,000 79,060 20,500 976,960 50,000 1,624,000 1,387,100 7,838,000 12,399,000 3,700,000 381,000 132,810 28,000 181,680 846,000 681,000 30 3,600 840,000 2,330,000

26,143,540 42,125,903 93,411,374 599,470 107,725 1,320,188 4,492,980 688,500 293,465,370 48,097,160 5,973,187 29,641,772 1,152,184 7,080 72,238,005 130,062 64,783,684 ( 24,700 6,555,190 21,085,340 5,131,490 59,677,130 140,700 465,280 23,355,787 66,660 172,184,200 737,220 913,300 13,148 960,470 195,410 728,750

414,790 -23,509,957 -41,255,454 2,250 36,850 627,200 -59,482,860 898,320 -1,280,522 -19,747,492 -60,842 -36,280,680 -29,928 28,281,669.5) -2,177,490 -2,606,026 65,280 28,237,120 61,460 5,929,201 -79,814,520 13,400 534,556 -53,850

PROPERTY 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 MEGAWORLD MRC ALLIED PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP PTFC REDEV CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP

15.9 0.85 2.01 0.84 50.6 2.35 4.78 6.15 0.59 0.83 0.96 0.24 0.46 9.98 25.1 0.48 0.125 1.73 1.3 6.02 0.33 0.47 1.82 0.405 2.1 49 26 2.08 3

15.9 0.85 2.01 0.86 51 2.35 4.84 6.15 0.6 0.83 0.96 0.24 0.46 9.98 25.5 0.48 0.125 1.93 1.32 6.05 0.35 0.47 1.85 0.415 2.13 49 26.5 2.13 3

15.24 0.82 2.01 0.83 50.4 2.32 4.7 6.07 0.58 0.83 0.92 0.237 0.445 9.75 24.8 0.47 0.125 1.72 1.3 6 0.325 0.47 1.8 0.405 2.1 49 26 2.08 2.97

15.48 0.85 2.01 0.85 51 2.35 4.8 6.15 0.6 0.83 0.92 0.237 0.455 9.75 25 0.475 0.125 1.87 1.31 6 0.34 0.47 1.82 0.405 2.12 49 26.2 2.09 2.98

1,080,200 1,121,000 1,000 2,413,000 10,266,840 87,000 1,322,000 16,900 30,467,000 34,000 77,000 790,000 2,360,000 108,200 681,500 1,150,000 260,000 181,264,000 1,572,000 48,304,600 65,160,000 80,000 4,583,000 220,000 288,000 200 3,242,600 308,000 151,000

16,730,606 939,300 2,010 2,035,350 519,514,972.50 203,000 6,281,230 103,106 17,968,270 28,220 71,060 187,320 1,061,750 1,061,961 17,100,425 547,550 32,500 333,693,160 2,056,410 290,536,941 22,267,300 37,600 8,359,910 90,450 610,450 9,800 84,900,085 647,530 450,750

-969,200 33,600 266,988.50 -13,930 -1,174,360 -11,600 -352,800 950 164,650 4,864 4,354,595 -346,750 -76,967,480 49,780 63,939,805 -171,200 228,420 2,234,225 -323,650 -

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND STARMALLS SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND

38.05 1.98 6.59 0.75 7.08

38.2 1.98 6.59 0.75 7.09

37.75 1.93 6.4 0.75 7.05

37.8 1.93 6.49 0.75 7.09

9,262,900 1,093,000 50,600 85,000 2,367,200

351,037,105(14 2,122,310 327,185 63,750 16,774,524

2,968,979.9996) -13,530 -10,792,015

SERVICES 2GO GROUP ABS CBN APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY BOULEVARD HLDG CEBU AIR CENTRO ESCOLAR CHELSEA DFNN INC EASYCALL FAR EASTERN U 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 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

11.2 17.2 0.485 0.044 20.6 2.85 11.3 0.055 90.05 7.23 8.34 5.83 10.1 890 2,210 5.37 400 2.23 144.8 10.1 6 0.117 6.96 14.1 4.16 0.81 19.74 0.54 3.21 2.63 1.56 1.67 2.54 3.09 9.35 5.41 141 3.56 1,300 0.79 0.85 44.5 76.5 9.29 3.61 0.77 0.39 5.3 0.77 17.28

11.3 17.3 0.485 0.045 21.5 2.86 11.6 0.056 90.05 7.23 8.47 5.83 10.6 890 2,268 5.4 407 2.26 144.8 10.1 6 0.117 7.08 14.9 4.24 0.83 19.76 0.54 3.21 2.63 1.7 1.67 2.59 3.1 9.35 5.44 141 3.63 1,300 0.81 0.85 45 76.6 9.4 3.7 0.77 0.41 5.3 0.77 17.5

11.12 17 0.475 0.043 20.6 2.73 11.22 0.055 88.6 6.99 8.05 5.83 10.08 890 2,202 5.36 400 2.23 143.2 10.1 6 0.116 6.89 14.1 4.13 0.8 19.26 0.53 3.2 2.5 1.55 1.54 2.5 3.06 9.2 5.18 136 3.51 1,274 0.78 0.82 44.35 75.75 9.28 3.45 0.74 0.385 5.23 0.74 17.22

11.12 17.1 0.48 0.044 20.6 2.73 11.26 0.056 89 6.99 8.1 5.83 10.28 890 2,260 5.37 407 2.25 144.4 10.1 6 0.117 6.89 14.9 4.2 0.82 19.3 0.53 3.2 2.59 1.68 1.54 2.5 3.09 9.2 5.42 136 3.58 1,288 0.78 0.82 44.65 75.85 9.28 3.6 0.74 0.4 5.24 0.76 17.42

11,800 188,900 620,000 2,600,000 1,700 786,000 3,093,500 8,230,000 65,170 4,200 5,454,200 3,000 145,900 4,000 56,000 104,000 2,790 777,000 1,264,390 6,100 100 1,840,000 6,596,800 2,000 368,000 182,000 1,298,700 579,000 11,000 3,950,000 72,000 9,000 1,441,000 51,000 14,500 224,700 102,560 2,116,000 47,160 2,129,000 14,758,000 640,700 1,204,920 6,000 24,534,000 6,924,000 21,820,000 45,100 3,378,000 3,480,400

132,086 3,226,554 297,700 114,500 35,150 2,172,620 34,852,986 456,330 5,813,388.50 29,476 44,651,571 17,490 1,515,446 3,560,000 125,984,190 558,952 1,133,190 1,742,560 182,566,490 61,610 600 213,570 45,741,615 29,720 1,539,620 146,430 25,089,294 306,960 35,210 10,209,800 117,480 14,170 3,634,110 156,850 133,920 1,204,474 14,312,080 7,586,910 60,566,695 1,686,660 12,184,420 28,551,610 91,359,985 55,701 88,778,970 5,198,710 8,711,100 236,556 2,546,720 60,556,200

8,800 -25,902,826 -1,831,171.50 103,447.00 55,628,860 56,090 10,015,839 -61,610 -7,732,067 -40,500 3,759,296 3,130,040 -724,380 -15,470 72,680.00 518 735,420 88,460 -3,571,240 -231,650 -81,480 -5,265,085 7,328,734 -5,532,460 1,590,160 37,500 108,578

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

0.0019 1.27 12.38 1.18 1.15 2.88 0.28 8 1.48 0.229 0.118 0.128 0.0081 1.02 2.3 1.02 0.55 0.87 0.012 0.011 0.01 4.74 3.79 7.89 22.45 0.0066

0.0019 1.27 12.38 1.19 1.15 2.88 0.28 8.01 1.5 0.229 0.124 0.129 0.0081 1.04 2.36 1.02 0.57 0.89 0.012 0.011 0.01 4.8 3.84 7.9 23.1 0.0069

0.0017 1.24 12.38 1.18 1.15 2.86 0.28 7.77 1.47 0.222 0.118 0.121 0.0081 1.02 2.26 0.99 0.55 0.87 0.012 0.011 0.01 4.58 3.69 7.65 22.35 0.0066

0.0018 1.24 12.38 1.19 1.15 2.86 0.28 7.99 1.49 0.229 0.119 0.126 0.0081 1.04 2.28 0.99 0.57 0.89 0.012 0.011 0.01 4.68 3.72 7.7 22.75 0.0069

96,000,000 3,751,000 300 36,000 5,000 243,000 970,000 4,700 852,000 30,000 20,460,000 530,000 1,000,000 15,000 5,406,000 30,000 44,000 322,000 9,400,000 10,200,000 100,000 291,000 1,476,000 627,500 2,412,500 43,000,000

172,900 4,696,390 3,714 42,680 5,750 697,200 271,600 37,426 1,268,600 6,800 2,469,970 67,170 8,100 15,370 12,478,740 30,070 24,240 284,400 112,800 112,200 1,000 1,351,040 5,546,370 4,866,403 54,984,350 293,400

-2,264,990 34,320 69,970 10,200 -1,375,190 2,610 22,000 157,420 -112,931 -11,719,985 -

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

16.82 480 487 99.9 108.8 5.4 900 902 95.95 0.99 100 999.5 992 1,004 106.9 963 75.5 75.9 73 73.85 73.7 73

16.82 480 493 99.9 108.8 5.4 900 925 96.9 0.99 100 999.5 1,000 1,005 106.9 964 75.5 75.9 73 73.85 73.7 73

16.82 480 486 98.5 108.8 5.4 900 902 95.95 0.99 100 999.5 992 1,004 106.9 963 75.5 75.9 71.45 73 73.7 73

16.82 480 493 98.5 108.8 5.4 900 925 96.9 0.99 100 999.5 1,000 1,005 106.9 963 75.5 75.9 72 73 73.7 73

12,800 790 900 20 60 31,654,400 5,050 1,130 100 35,000 11,870 10 7,250 560 60 6,230 370 7,150 17,300 1,270 100 70,800

215,296 379,200 437,600 1,984 6,528 170,933,760 4,545,000 1,022,710 9,604.50 34,650 1,187,000 9,995 7,242,000 562,750 6,414 6,000,845 27,935 542,685 1,247,045.50 93,560 7,370 5,168,400

-215,296 252,720 -170,825,760 -31,680 750,000 73,850 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.94

1.91

1.94

137,000

265,080

SME ITALPINAS MAKATI FINANCE XURPAS

4.88 2.44 1.08

4.92 2.44 1.09

4.87 2.44 1.04

4.89 2.44 1.07

177,000 1,000 6,874,000

865,930 2,440 7,342,020

495,410

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 120.5

120.5

119.8

119.9

2,160

259,237

5,990

DDS USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.2 10.4 1

5,500 2,000 99,700

56,100 20,800 99,700

MS 10.2 10.4 1

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

12,275,275

INDUSTRIAL

132,506,249

HOLDING FIRMS PROPERTY

92,050,256 1,641,831,774

SERVICES

165,329,145

MINING & OIL

198,012,020

GRAND TOTAL

2,249,061,453

VALUE 1,738.88 (DOWN) 2.55 793,326,355.52 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,840.11 (DOWN) 43.65 1,157,099,204.94 HOLDING FIRMS 7,632.51 (DOWN) 44.34 1,019,009,847.80 PROPERTY 4,302.75 (UP) 9.22 SERVICES 1,707.85 (DOWN) 3.60 3,923,077,500.18 MINING & OIL 7,582.58 (UP) 34.87 1,137,198,526.52 PSEI 8,013.57 (DOWN) 20.52 89,867,403.88 All Shares Index 4,897.51 (DOWN) 11.49 8,128,059,215.21 Gainers: 86; Losers: 108; Unchanged: 56; Total: 250

SMC Global OKs sale of $200m worth of securities By Alena Mae S. Flores THE board of SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. approved the issuance of additional senior perpetual capital securities amounting to at least $200 million to be consolidated to form a single series with the $500-million original securities. “The additional securities will be identical in all respects with the original securities, other than with respect to the date of issuance and issue price,” SMC Global Power said in its report to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. SMC Global Power said it would use the net proceeds from the issuance of the additional securities “for general corporate purposes, investments in power-related assets and repayment of indebtedness.” The company will list the additional securities with the Singapore Stock Exchange. It tapped Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Ltd., Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. and UBS AG Singapore Branch as joint lead managers of the securities. “The securities have no fixed redemption date. Unless previously redeemed or purchased and cancelled in accordance with the provisions of Condition 5 (without prejudice to Condition 10), the securities will have no maturity date, unless the issuer elects to retain a fixed corporate term under its articles of incorporation,” it said. SMC Global Power, along with its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, is one of the largest power companies in the Philippines, controlling 4,197 megawatts of combined capacity as of end March this year. It has a diverse portfolio of fuel sources, including natural gas, coal, hydro and recently battery energy storage systems. SMC Global Power is controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., which joined the power industry in 2009 following the acquisition of rights to administer the output produced by independent power producers in privatization auctions conducted by the government. San Miguel’s IPPAs includes the Sual coal-fired power plant in Sual, Pangasinan, San Roque hydro plant in San Manuel, Pangasinan and the Ilijan natural gas power plant in Ilijan, Batangas.

ICTSI says yard usage in Manila fell 58% in June By Darwin G. Amojelar INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. said yard utilization at its Manila port dropped 58 percent in June despite a series of holiday periods and low trucking activity. The Manila International Container Terminal recorded the drop in utilization rates despite recording its all-time highest throughput over a four-month period. MICT in April recorded a 70-percent utilization rate, down 20 percent from 90 percent in January after private sector partners and the government signed a manifesto in March calling for the efficient utilization of container terminals. “The significant efforts in which both the private sector and the Bureau of Customs to release longer-staying imports at the terminal has resulted in lower overall container dwell times allowing us to efficiently utilize the ample capacity to accelerate volume growth,” said ICTSI Global Corporate head Christian Gonzalez. “We commend the Government for leading the initiative against overstaying containers, and call on stakeholders to embrace these gains by not reverting to the old ways which has been common in previous years when utilization rates drop,” he added. The Port of Manila dealt with high utilization rates at the end of last year due to the longstanding problem of overstaying imports coupled with a lack of external empty container capacity, which was further compounded by weather-related vessel delays, holiday peak season and the import-export imbalance. In March, Subic Bay International Container Terminal opened a new container depot as part of the collective effort to improve the circulation of empty containers. ICTSI last year commenced its $80-million capacity improvement project at the Manila International Container in anticipation of increasing demand and productivity requirements over the long term.

World

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

US border chief resigns over child detainees

HEAT WAVE IN EUROPE.

A woman plays with the water as she cools down in the fountain of the Trocadero esplanade in Paris on June 25, 2019, with the Eiffel Tower on the background. Forecasters say Europeans will feel sizzling heat this week with temperatures soaring as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in an “unprecedented” June heat wave hitting much of Western Europe. AFP

US-China trade spat poised to dominate G20 OSAKA―The trade battle between the US and China, and fears that spiraling tensions with Iran could erupt into conflict are poised to dominate a high-stakes G20 summit from Friday. With hot spots North Korea and Venezuela and a slowing world economy also high on the agenda, the two-day gathering of leaders from the world’s group of 20 leading nations in Osaka, Japan, could be one of the most pivotal in years, analysts say. Trump last week sparked hopes for a detente in the long-running trade war when he said he would hold “extended” talks with Xi after a “very good telephone conversation”. For his part, Xi told Trump that “China and the US will both gain by co-operating and lose by fighting”, according to Chinese state media. The two sides were close to a deal when talks broke down abruptly last month and markets are hoping the leaders’ first face-to-face talks since December, when they met at the last G20 in Argentina, can break the deadlock. Trump has hit $200 billion of Chinese imports with levies and has threatened to impose them on an additional $300 billion, which would hurt China’s already slowing economy and spread the gloom worldwide. Observers said a decisive breakthrough was possible at the talks, which are expected on Saturday, but was not the most likely scenario given the complexity of the issues. “President Trump likes deals, so he might agree to something,” noted Matthew Goodman, an economics expert at the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “More likely is that they will agree to a truce and to restart talks and... try to come to some sort of deal within three months,” added Goodman. Trump could also threaten to raise tariffs to 40 percent if talks fail, he warned, adding: “It’s not going to solve the immediate problems.” Economists and markets are hoping some sort of pact can be agreed as the stuttering global economy can ill afford further trade tensions between its two biggest players. AFP

Mueller set to testify on his Russia report W ASHINGTON―Former US special counsel Robert Mueller is to testify in public about his report into Russian electoral interference, paving the way for a historic television moment in which Democrats will attempt to make the case for President Donald Trump’s impeachment before the American people.

The scrupulously tight-lipped Mueller will appear at back-to-back hearings on July 17 of the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees, which announced Tuesday that the prosecutor had agreed to abide by subpoenas for his testimony. “Russia attacked our democracy to help Trump win. Trump welcomed and used that help,” House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff said on Twitter. “As Mueller said, that should concern every American. And now, every American will get to hear directly from Mueller.” Trump’s apparent response to the announcement came swiftly in a two-word tweet in which he complained, without referring to Mueller, of “Presidential Harassment!” The Mueller report released in April outlined numerous contacts between Trump’s 2016 election campaign and government-linked Russians, as well as evidence that the president tried on several occasions to stymie the investigation.

The Democrats have been split on whether to launch impeachment proceedings against the Republican president but—fearing that much of the country is unaware of the Mueller report’s contents—have been asking major ﬁgures in the probe to testify in public on its ﬁndings. But the president has asserted executive privilege to bar current and former aides from cooperating with several congressional investigations into his conduct. Making his only public statement about the high-stakes probe on May 29, Mueller said longstanding Justice Department guidelines prevented him from charging Trump, despite at least 10 possible acts of criminal obstruction by the president. But not indicting Trump was not equivalent to clearing him, Mueller said, suggesting Congress has both the constitutional powers and the responsibility to pursue the case. Mueller’s testimony comes with both parties focused squarely on next year’s presidential election. While many of the candidates for the 2020 Democratic nomination support impeachment, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has argued that it would be a risky move without an “ironclad” case and bipartisan support. If the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives were to vote on formal impeachment charges, the Republican-held Senate would decide whether to convict, which requires an unlikely two-thirds majority. Pro-impeachment House Democrats—more than 70 in a caucus of 235 have announced their support so far— hope nevertheless that Mueller’s testimony will strengthen public backing for removing Trump. AFP

ELECTRICAL STORM.

Lightning strikes during an electrical storm over Port-auPrince on June 25, 2019. AFP

French restaurant run by Argentine chef crowned the world’s best SINGAPORE―France’s Mirazur restaurant―whose Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco draws inspiration from the sea, the mountains, and his own garden―was crowned Tuesday the world’s best by an influential trade list, beating contenders from Denmark and Spain. The accolade came just months after Colagreco was handed a third Michelin star, and was the first time a French establishment has triumphed in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. “I’m in the sky and I’m waiting to come back here,” Colagreco said as he collected his award for his restaurant in the French Riviera town of Menton. “I don’t have words to explain,” he said. In second spot in the awards―which took place in Singapore, their first time in Asia―was Noma in Copenhagen, and third was Asador Etxebarri in Spain. Gaggan in Bangkok was fourth, the highest ranked Asian restaurant. Fifth was Geranium in Copenhagen, and sixth was Central in Lima, tagged as Best in

South America. The top restaurant award has gone to Spain seven times, the most of any country. Last year Italy’s Osteria Francescana took the number one spot. Mirazur took the third spot in the awards last year. After his victory was announced, Colagreco took to the stage joined by his Brazilian wife carrying a banner representing four ﬂags―those of Argentina, Brazil, France and Italy. “Thank you my team. You deserve it, all these years. Thank you friends for supporting us during these last 13 years,” he said. Colagreco is the only foreign chef working in France to have been awarded three Michelin stars. He opened the restaurant in 2006 and was awarded his ﬁrst star the following year, before getting his second in 2012. The Argentine-born chef moved to France in 2001 and worked with Bernard Loiseau, Alain Passard and

Alain Ducasse before spending a year at Le Grand Vefour. He said he ended up in Menton by chance. “The owner of the place was the perfect stereotype of an Englishman on the Cote d’Azur, a white linen outﬁt and a Panama hat,” he told AFP in a recent interview. “He saw that I had no money but he wanted to know what an Argentine was doing in Menton... He rented me his restaurant for a ridiculous sum.” This “gave me a lot of freedom” to experiment, he said. The early days were tough but since being awarded the second star the restaurant has seen its popularity grow. Mirazur, located in southeast France near the Italian border, offers dishes made with ingredients from Colagreco’s own backyard farm, including fresh vegetables and seafood. AFP

WASHINGTON-The acting head of the US Customs and Border Protection agency announced his resignation on Tuesday amid a public outcry over the alarming detention conditions of migrant children in Texas. John Sanders, appointed to the post just two months ago, said in a letter obtained by several US media outlets that he planned to step down as acting CBP commissioner on July 5. Sanders’ departure coincides with the revelation of unsanitary detention conditions for children at an overcrowded Border Patrol facility in Clint, Texas, a sign of the increasing strain on resources due to the soaring numbers of arrests at the USMexico border. The conditions at the center in Clint were described by a team of lawyers, doctors and others who visited the facility about 30 kilometers southeast of El Paso. Nearly 250 children were transferred out of Clint on Monday but a CBP official said Tuesday that about 100 were being sent back there. “The three-year old before me had matted hair, a hacking cough, muddy pants, and eyes that fluttered closed with fatigue,” wrote Clara Long, a researcher with Human Rights Watch who accompanied the team. “Children at Clint told us they don’t have regular access to showers or clean clothes, with some saying they hadn’t been allowed to bathe over periods of weeks and don’t have regular access to soap,” she said. Sanders has led CBP since April, when President Donald Trump tapped CBP chief Kevin McAleenan to replace Kirstjen Nielsen as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. In a message to staff, Sanders did not give a specific reason for quitting and officials told The Washington Post and The New York Times it was not clear if his resignation was directly related to the handling of underage migrants at the border. AFP

IN BRIEF

10 migrants dead in Turkey bus crash

ISTANBUL―Ten illegal immigrants died Wednesday and 30 were injured when the driver of a packed minibus refused an order to stop and crashed into a shop in northwest Turkey, local officials and media said. The driver ignored an order by a security official to halt, speeding up instead and crashing into a shop near the Greek border, the office of the governor of Edirne province said in a statement. The private DHA news agency said there were 40 people in the minibus. All 30 survivors were injured. The nationality of the illegal immigrants was not known. Migrants fleeing war and poverty use Turkey as a transit country to try and reach Europe, although the numbers have dropped since the influx hit a peak in 2015. That year saw over a million people arrive in Greece from Turkey, mostly in boats, during the worst refugee crisis since the Second World War. But in March 2016, a deal between Ankara and the European Union helped staunch the flow. Turkey has about four million refugees― the highest number in the world―most of them Syrians. AFP

Cocaine production hits all-time high VIENNA―Global cocaine production reached an all-time high in 2017, breaking the previous year’s record by 25 percent, the UN drugs and crime agency said Wednesday in its annual report, as production soars in post-conflict Colombia. New remote fields and criminal gangs boosted production in the world’s top supplier, despite efforts to steer rural communities away from coca cultivation following a peace deal with FARC rebels. “Of course it’s bad news every time. It’s bad news for the producing countries... What is happening in Columbia is worrisome,” said Angela Me, chief of research of the Vienna-based United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The report said the jump in production “was mainly driven by increases in cocaine manufacture in Colombia, which produced an estimated 70 per cent of the world’s cocaine”. In the decade to 2017, there was a 50 percent increase in manufacture, reaching a record 1,976 tons two years ago, according to the report, which bases its figures on national monitoring systems. Over the same 10-year period, the amount of cocaine seized worldwide rose by 74 percent. In 2017, authorities across the globe intercepted a record quantity of the drug: in all 1,275 tons were seized, up 13 percent yearon-year. “This suggests that law enforcement efforts have become more effective and that strengthened international cooperation may be helping to increase interception rates,” the report said. Almost 90 percent of seizures were in the Americas, with Colombia alone intercepting 38 percent of the global total in 2017. AFP

LGUs

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

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

Quezon City tops 2019 Regional Gawad Kalasag THE Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is once again adjudged as the best DRRM council in Metro Manila as it topped this year’s Regional Gawad Kalasag. Apart from being named the Best DRRM Council in Metro Manila for the fourth time, the QCDRRMO also bagged the Best Government Emergency Management Services or GEMS. GEMS is a special award acknowledging the efforts of the QC disaster office in emergency response. The GEMS award recognizes Quezon City as the region’s best provider of emergency management services, which includes emergency medical treatment and first aid, search and rescue, urban search and rescue, water search and rescue, incident management, and other emergency response services. Through the years, Quezon City continues to improve its disaster risk reduction and management capabilities through the procurement of equipment and training of the members of the QCDRRM Council. Quezon City also bagged six First Place awards this year, namely: Best DRRM Council, Best City DRRM Council, Best Local Hospital (Quezon City General Hospital), Best Specialty Hospital (Philippine Children’s Medical Center), Best Civil Society Organization (World Mission Society Church of God), and Best Private Corporate Institution (People 360). QC also earned Finalist citations for Barangay Batasan, Rosa L. Susano Elementary School, and St Paul University Quezon City for Best Barangay DRRM, Best Public Elementary School, and Best Higher Education Institution, respectively. Mayor Herbert Bautista acknowledged the efforts of the QCDRRM Council and commended the determination of the city to be resilient in disasters. “DRRM is not just one person or one department. It is a directive, it is a mode of governance. DRRM is practiced all the way from the barangay level. Everyone is involved because that is what disaster risk reduction and management is all about,” Bautista said. Gawad Kalasag is the premier annual award for outstanding contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction and management and humanitarian assistance. The award is the principal mechanism of the National DRRM Council to advance the awareness of the best practices of DRRM and humanitarian response and action. The regional winners from each category will be competing at the national level.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (third from left) leads the turnover of 300 e-trikes to the city’s barangays and tricycle operators and drivers associations on Monday. This highlights the city government’s continuing effort of allowing the use of renewable energy and green technologies for the QC transport sector. Joining the mayor are lawyer Cesar dela Fuente III (in black jacket), director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, and (from left) Department Of Public Order and Safety Chief Elmo San Diego, Mayor’s chief of staff Jesus Mari P. Marzan and tricycle regulatory division officer in charge Robert dela Cruz with two of the e-trike recipients. Manny Palmero

13 PH cities make WWF One Planet City contest

HIRTEEN cities from across the Philippines have successfully qualiﬁed to participate in the 20192020 edition of World Wide Fund for Nature’s One Planet City Challenge, following guidelines posted earlier this year by the international organization. Returning to OPCC 2019-2020 after having participated in the previous rounds of the challenge in the country are Batangas City, Cagayan de Oro City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, Quezon City, Santa Rosa City, San Carlos City, and Tagum City. Joining them are first-time qualifiers Davao City, Dipolog City, La Carlota City, Malolos City, and Muntinlupa City. To guide these cities, WWF Philippines has partnered with ICLEI Southeast Asia to provide technical assistance. WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma was pleased with the five new PH cities to the roster, and encouraged other cities to make similar commitments to the environment. “With these new cities joining this iteration of the OPCC, it shows that, year by year, we as a country are becoming increasingly concerned with our impact on the environment. I hope in the future runs of OPCC, we will see even more Philippine cities joining, and that as a na-

tion we begin taking our commitments to the climate more seriously,” said Palma. The OPCC, known as the Earth Hour City Challenge when it was first launched in 2011, is a biennial global challenge that recognizes feats of infrastructure, housing, transportation, and mobility enacted by cities in commitment to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. WWF recognizes the importance and highlights the roles of cities in combatting climate change, with 55 percent of the human population residing in urban centers and with 70 percent of global emissions emanating from them. The call for applicants was given out in February this year, inviting cities from around the globe to show tangible commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5C global warming goal, and to report ambitious, cross-cutting, inclusive big-win climate action plans that deliver on those commitments. Now on its sixth run, the OPCC has grown to become the largest and longest-

running challenge of its kind, with 411 cities having accepted the challenge and recorded a total of 5,732 recorded actions. With these positive impacts, WWF projects that 3,856 metric tons of greenhouse gases could potentially be saved by the year 2050. Previous OPCC global winners include Vancouver, Canada in 2013; Cape Town, South Africa in 2014; Seoul, South Korea in 2015; Paris, France in 2016; and Uppsala, Sweden in 2018. Pasig City was named as Philippine winner during the 2017-2018 iteration of OPCC, while Santa Rosa City took the award during 2015-2016 edition, the country’s first time participating in the challenge. Qualifiers from the Philippines will now join contending cities from across the globe which will be required to report the following most important components of the OPCC assessment: • Existing targets and commitments of applying cities; • Action plans; • Greenhouse gas inventories; and • Renewable energy and/or energy efficiency solutions. These cities will then be put before an international jury of experts, who will assess each cities’ performance in working towards a global warming cap of 1.5 degrees Celsius.

SEARCA stages water for food meet By Brenda Jocson THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture is holding an international workshop to take stock of research, policy, and initiatives towards sustainable water resource management systems for food security in ASEAN. Officials and technical staff of ministries of agriculture and national water and irrigation related agencies in Southeast Asia will convene on June 26 to 28 in Los Baños, Laguna. Local government officials, irrigators’ and farmers’ associations, academe, and research and international organizations will join the program development workshop for sustainable water resource manGROUNDBREAKING. Officials of Tierjuan Realty Corp. lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the U-Square Commercial Complex in Brgy Biñan, Pagsanjan, Laguna recently. agement for food security in Southeast Asia. The project, spearheaded by Pagsanjan Mayor Girlie Maita J. Ejercito (fourth left), TRC president William So Uy (left) and SB Land Use Committee chairman Councilor Nat Bernales, will be the future site of major commercial stores that will contribute to Pagsanjan’s progress. Also at the event are former Gov. Emilio Ramon P. Ejercito, (fourth right) Pagsanjan Councilors Jet Ejercito, Erlando Subiaga, Fred Capistrano, Roderick Jojo El Nombre, Katleen Czina Capistrano, Barangay Chairmen Aurora Roguel Priola, Teresita Principe, Noogine Pabilonia, Rhea Dimaranan Yokoe, and other stakeholders. Roy Tomandao

According to the World Bank, “in most regions of the world, over 70 percent of freshwater is used for agriculture. By 2050, feeding a planet of 9 billion people will require an estimated 50 percent increase in agricultural production and a 15 percent increase in water withdrawals.” “The workshop will review current initiatives toward sustainable water resource management for food security in Southeast Asia in order to distill needs and gaps that research and development, capacity building, and knowledge management may address,” said Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director. The intention is to develop an umbrella program that could serve as a platform for collaboration across participating institutions and other partners working in Southeast Asia, Dr. Gregorio added.

Caloocan comes to aid of Brgy. 73 fire victims THE city government of Caloocan recently extended assistance to more than 200 families affected by a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay 73 Monday night. Caloocan City Social Welfare and Development action officer Obet Quizon said Mayor Oca Malapitan immediately tasked the department to provide assistance to the fire vicitims. As of Tuesday morning, the city

government already prepared meals for the residents. Rescuers were also sent to provide help in the area. “We are now preparing the distribution of dignity kits. Aside from that, we are providing them medical assistance and psychosocial intervention if needed,” Quizon added. Meanwhile, Mayor Oca reminded the residents to be alert and vigilant to prevent such incidents. Jun David

FWD Philippines donated surfboards and surf tents to help provide a sustainable livelihood for La Union surfing instructors and other locals.

Mine executive praises Pinoy site workers By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—A mine executive here has praised Filipino workers, saying they are very good in what they do despite their training. Ian Moller, FCF Minerals Corp.’s acting manager for operations of the Runruno project in Quezon town said he respects the work ethics of Filipino workers in their mine site. “I have worked with them in many countries within my 25 years of experience and I respect their work ethics,” he said. FCF Minerals manages the goldmolybdenum project in barangay Didipio in Quezon town. Moller cited their Filipino workers in barangay Runruno with sophisticated facilities as good workers despite small or no industrial experience. However, he said they need to be trained by the company, which spends a lot of time to continue their programs for the workers’ improvement and welfare. “The people who complain about the problem on Filipinos are the problem and not the Filipinos. I do not tolerate these comments because Filipinos live up to our work expectations,” Moller said. The mining executive also advised other employers to further understand the working chain and dynamics of Filipinos as an important aspect of management. At present, FCF Minerals has more than 1,100 workers on site, mostly from Nueva Vizcaya and other provinces with 10 to 15 expatriate workers. “I let them work the way it is and I keep track on their performance through our management and contractors,” Moller said. With the movement of the Runruno project from start up to a steady state, he said the skills and attributes of the management chain has also changed. Moller added they need workers who are patient, good at mentoring and coaching among others to build up performance efficiency. He said the company spends about a million pesos a week to manage their workforce as the project is ready to take off and will be contributing more to the country’s economy.

LU surfers ‘live bigger’ via FWD BACK in the day, the idyllic and laidback surf town of San Juan, La Union would come alive during the north swell season, when the northerly winds bring consistent swells to the coastline from October to April. These days, La Union (also known as “Elyu” to the millennial travel-crazed set), a good four to five hours drive from Manila, has become a favorite year-round weekend destination for beach-chasers and party lovers alike― breathing new life to the once quiet surfing capital of the North. Amid the province’s newfound tourism and hipster appeal, LU is still best known as one of the Philippines’ foundational surfing destinations, where surfing is not just a sport but a community―one with a shared passion that goes beyond surfing. With the sudden surge of domestic tourism, local surf instructors are now faced with a challenge: the lack of proper infrastructure and adequate surfboards to support their primary source of income and meet the high demand of beginner surfers eager to get lessons and embrace a new passion. To address this challenge, FWD Philippines, one of the fastest-growing life insurance companies in the country, recently partnered with La Union Surf Club Inc., a non-profit association and the only government-recognized surf club in La Union, through its community-based initiative. The initiative aims to enable Filipinos to live life to the fullest, thus enabling locals and visitors of La Union to continue doing the thing they love most in these parts—surfing. As the campaign’s advocacy, FWD Philippines donated surfboards and surf tents to help provide a sustainable livelihood for La Union locals. The income generated from this surf equipment will also help LUSC field athletes to represent the Philippines in international surfing competitions. Currently, LUSC has more than 100 members who volunteer as surf instructors, life guards, and coastal cleaners, who share the same lifelong passion and primary source of income in surfing. La Union’s newfound hipster appeal has also ushered the birth of summer festivals in the province. The small coast of San Juan, La Union has become a greener party-hub alternative to Aklan’s “LaBoracay” labor weekend party event.

Life Life Life

AND ENVIRONMENT HEALTHHEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

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

HOUSEHOLD

@MStandardLIFE @MStandardLIFE TUESDAY, JUNE 25, THURSDAY, TUESDAY, JUNE27, 25,2019 2019

C1 C1

Not your run-off-the-mill gym Not your run-off-the-mill gym Addressing back-to-school

WHERE STARS ARE BORN.

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BLUES

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HEN I hit back to the gym a few months ago, I was ae Gianina C. Pasual looking for an intense action with a lot of stretching, core exercises, and cardio activities—something my body HEN I hit back to the gymofainactivity. few months I was wanted after a long period Overago, time, it made my body looking for an intense action with a lot of stretching, core go back to feeling active again with increased energy levels.

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Mirror’s “Fifteen Million Merits.” The one’s body to active state, but also gave by University of Virginia in 2017, ENERALLY speaking, there are two kinds of children routine just got boring. a one-of-a-kind vibe that’d set everyone making friends is critical for chilwhen it’sregular back to school season: one who is almost there was something with It was then I realized I wanted a kind that made me feel I was in Black of fitness space that didn’t only puts the dren to enjoy school and learning. always excited to wake up in the morning and tackle Not only does it alleviate their r’s “Fifteen The feels one’suneasy body toespecially active state,during but also gave day, Million and theMerits.” other who the ﬁrst back to school blues, but also ime just got boring. a one-of-a-kind vibe that’d set everyone week of going back to school. proves their mental health.

Lamoiyan Corporation’s brand of lice from having a hard time waking up es- Prepare a night before It’s easier to go to school esshampoo shares these tips with parents pecially if their class is in the morning. pecially in the morning if kids’ who are dealing with their kids’ back to things are already set the night school anxieties. Send them to school before. It’s parents’ duty to on first few days Adjust their sleeping schedule First day of school with new class- help their children in ironing mates and teachers can be a little intimi- their uniform, checking their ahead of time As summer break and irregular sleep- dating to kids, so parents are advised backpacks, and preparing ing and waking hours may have changed to make time to send their children to their baon. It also lessens the children’s body clock, it’s best to help school. Children’s anxiety in going to a preparation time needed in them adjust their sleeping at different environment can be eased’ off the morning if the items are Members of Celebrity Fitness areschedule called ‘SuperStars, ’ while the trainers are the ‘Starmakers. all set beforehand. Country manager Mark Ellis (left) with winners at the launch of Celebrity Fitness. least one week before the first day of if someone familiar is around. school (or even if the school season has in Protect high spirits and with a different level in Portuguese, is the first workout of its feedback sessions. them from started, and they haven’t adjusted yet). Encourage them to make of confidence. kind in the Philippines. What further sets this new fitness common ailments Minimize their time watching TV, usfriends Enter Celebrity Fitness, a comprehen“Celebrity Fitness brings a unique gym apart is its fleet of amenities: a Schools may be the second home of ing gadgets, and playing outdoor and let One way to get kids comfortable esers of Celebrity Fitness are called ‘SuperStars,’ while the trainers are the ‘Starmakers.’ sive lifestyle-based fitness chain from take on fitness with its brand purpose of cardio area, free weights, Playground kids, but it does not mean they are safe them understand that they need to sleep pecially if they feel anxious on theCountry first manager Mark Ellis (left) with winners at the launch of Celebrity Fitness. Indonesia that opened in Manila on the making fitness fun, and helping memareas, a swanking fitness studio, memand free from common ailments. Aside early for school. That way, their body day of school is to encourage them to second floor of One Bonifacio High bers to look and feel sensational,” said bers’ lounge, male and female changing from protecting them from colds and flu, clock can adjust, which prevents them make new friends. According to a in study high spirits and with a different level in Portuguese, is the first workout of its feedback sessions. Street year. problem occur- country manager Mark Ellis. rooms with highly secure lockers that there’s Mall also last a common of confidence. kind inHetheadded, Philippines. What further sets this new fitness At inthis gym,parents members called “We believe that fitness uses Gantner smart lock system, female ring schools must are watch out EnterSuperStars Celebrity Fitness, a comprehen“Celebrity Fitness brings a unique gym apartshower is itsareas fleetwith of amenities: and trainers are the Star- builds inner confidence that makes you and male rainshower a for—head lice infestation. sive lifestyle-based fitness takefeel on fitness its brand of cardio area, free makers. It offers a fullchain range ofDepartunique fierce, with confident, bold,purpose sexy. And head showers, hair weights, dryers, andPlayground free WiA medical check-up by thefrom Indonesia that in Manila on the fun,toand helpingonmemsignature programs which and encourage what fitness better way get started build- areas, Fi. a swanking fitness studio, memment of opened Education Health Nutri-making second members floor oftoOne Bonifacio to look feel sensational,” said bers’ lounge, male andCelebrity female changing not move, butHigh party. your and confidence through fitness Established in 2003, Fitness tion showed thatonly of over 3 million pub-bersing Street Mall lastprograms year. with secure lockers that include Playground, than manager with our Mark team Ellis. of fabulous Star- rooms has over the highly years established itself as licThe school students, 436,325 of themcountry ahad35-minute class onlice theinfestation), gym a lifestyle-based fitness thatfemale appediculosis (head At this gym, members are calledfloor HeMakers?” added, “We believe that fitness uses Gantner smart lock chain system, that incorporates range of innovative helpconfidence SuperStarsthat fast-track their and peals to the young andwith the rainshower young-atmaking one ofa the healthbuildsTo SuperStars andit trainers are leading the Starinner makes you male shower areas and getbold, their body like head heart.showers, Its BGChair branch is the problems causes ofand absenteeism makers.functional It offersand aequipment full range of adventurous unique infeel fitness fierce,goals confident, sexy.fitAnd dryers, and brand’s free Wigame-based Dance N’ Attitrue superstar, Celebrity also Fi. first foray outside of Indonesia and Mapublic schoolsworkouts; inwhich the country. signature programs encourage whata better way to get startedFitness on buildtude 60-minute class Licealperfect array of through personal fitness training laysia. Lamoiyan Corporation’s members to (DNA), not onlya move, but party. ing offers your an confidence Established in 2003, Celebrity Fitness for those who want to get their body programs with its team of StarMakbeen itself reallyas iz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo, The programs include Playground, than with our team of fabulous Star- hasEllis overenthused, the years“We’ve established grooving to the latest beats; through the Kilusang KontraFloating Kuto ers. Members who sign up for personal pleased with the community’s positive a 35-minute class on the gym floor Makers?” a lifestyle-based fitness chain that apYoga, a 60-minute class combining (movement against head lice), a coali- training will get a goal-specific pro- interest in the club even during our soft that incorporates a range of innovative To help SuperStars fast-track their to phase.” the young and the young-atyoga, pilates, and functional moveopening tion composed of the Department of gram designed based on their fitness peals functional equipment and adventurous fitness goals and get their body fit like heart. Its BGC branch is One the brand’s ments in a University suspended of hammock; and level by the StarMaker they’ve been “With the addition of this BoniEducation, the Philipgame-based workouts; Dance N’ Attia true superstar, Celebrity Fitness also first foray outside of Indonesia Saltar, a 60-minute uberfun trampoline haveMaa pines College of Public Health, Drug- assigned to, in addition to group fitness facio High Street club, we now and tude (DNA), a 60-minute perfect offers an array of personal training workout. Saltar, which means “jump” recommendations, assessments, and laysia. stores Association ofclass the Philippines, Some of the equipment at the gym Turn to C2 for those want to get their body programs with its team of StarMakEllis enthused, “We’ve been really andwho Mommy Bloggers Philippines, grooving totothe latestthebeats; aims promote correctFloating way of pre-ers. Members who sign up for personal pleased with the community’s positive Storage individuals rent aprounit where they can mementos, collectibles, and treating lice infesta-training Yoga, venting a 60-minute classhead combining willfacilities get aletgoal-specific interest in store the club even during our soft and other cherished possessions that ‘spark joy, ’ thereby making more space in their homes. CECAP Licealiz lice and yoga, tion. pilates, and effectively functionalkills movegram designed based on their fitness opening phase.” chairperson nits after two weeks if used twice a ments in a suspended hammock; and level WHEN by theJapanese StarMaker they’ve Boniorganizing gurubeen Marie “With the addition of this One Dr. Cecilia and prevents lice infestation Saltar, week a 60-minute uberfun trampolinefromassigned to, in addition to group fitness facio High Street club, we now have Kondo started preaching about letting go Llave a Encourage kids toCancer make new friends to help recurring used once a week. cerous lesions and cervical cancer in a THE Cervical Prevention Net-ease their anxiety. workout. Saltar,ifwhich means “jump” recommendations, assessments, and f the equipment at the gym of things that “do not spark joy,” both in Turn to C2 single-visit approach,” said Dr. Llave. work of the Philippines (CECAP) gathher book and in her eight-part series on The medical expert also strongly ered healthcare professionals, medical Netflix, people, armed with plasticembins phasized that vaccination is one of their the societies, patient groups, and policyand bags and the resolve to declutter optimal strategies in fighting HPV, citing makers to discuss key developments and CECAP spaces, embarked on ridding themselves that it hasthey highly favorable benefits strategies in the road to eliminating huchairperson of items no longer use and no longer and verythem minimal side effects. “It is man papillomavirus and cervical cancer Dr. Cecilia make happy. always better to protect and screen in the country. Llave “Keep only those things that speak cerous and cervical a Cervical Themed Cancer Prevention Netearly than to diagnose late.cancer Im- in “HPV-Free GOALS,” the 8th tolesions your heart,” Kondo gently urges HPV Summit was focused mediate investigations areDr. unsingle-visit approach,” said Llave. of the Philippines (CECAP) gath-on identifyhomeowners. ing current challenges and action points dertaken should there be a rare The medical strongly emealthcare professionals, medical However,expert there also are instances where that should undertaken event that major side joy effects phasized that vaccination is outnumber one of thethe es, patient groups,beand policy- by strong the things that spark multi-stakeholder collaboration. occur,” sheofassured. optimal strategies in fighting HPV, citing s to discuss key developments and amount space available for them. GOALS the same note, Dr.benefits Catering to favorable this concern are storage that itOn has highly ies in theThe roadHPV-Free to eliminating hu- outlined key pillars for addressing Cairo, facilities thatside let cancer owners and Clarito very minimal effects. rent “It isa unit to apillomavirus and cervical cancerthe healthcare burden posed by HPV. The pilprogram manager of the collectibles, house their mementos, always better to protect and screen country.lars include the need for the public Department of Health, and other cherished that earlyand than diagnose late.possessions Immed “HPV-Free GOALS,”inthe 8th to “Optito “Get informed” order a to staunch advocate spark joy, thereby more space The 8th HPV Summit focuses on action points that should be undertaken by stakeholders tomediate investigations making Summitmize was strategies” focused on for identifyare undisease preven- address HPV and cervical cancer. ininthe fight against cancer, their homes. rrent challenges and action points dertaken should there be a rare tion. Likewise, the key pillars emphaelaborated on the growing DOH Roadmap One of the and reliable hould be undertaken by strong event that major side effects size the need to provide patients with age of men and women will get at least the vital fact that cervical cancer is a tostorage Cervicalfacilities Cancer Elimination. in the country is Every storage unit in Loc&Stor has stakeholder collaboration. occur,”Loc&Stor she assured. “Access to diagnostics and therapy” one type of HPV in their lifetime, as the vaccine-preventable disease and is one The roadmap, begins 24/7, which which now has four individual alarms. HPV-Free the same note, Dr. which isGOALS supportedoutlined by a strong “Law virus can be spread through intimate of the most treatable forms of cancer On from a healthy lifestyle branches—Pasig, Urban camMakati, J.P. implementation.” paign and on through a llars for addressing theThese, health-in essence, skin-to-skin contact and intercourse. when diagnosed at its early stages. Clarito Cairo, cancer Renters can organize the items in Rizal, andgoes SLEx. “At the HPV Summit, we emphasize needed to be able comprehensive program until urden are posed by HPV. The to pil-“Secure the Additionally, there is no way to know program manager of Loc&Stor 24/7 the facilities are located their storage unit using shelves and which people who have HPV will devel- increasing awareness on HPV and imfor anfor HPV-free Philippines.” itsinapex inof2040 with the ultinclude future the need the public Department gated andHealth, flood-free compounds containers for easy access. op cancer or other health problems. For proving access to HPV prevention and As discussed in the summit, getmate goal of eliminating cervi- and full 24/7 building et informed” in order to “Optiand awith staunch advocatesecurity Summit focuses on action points that should be undertaken by stakeholders to to calCCTV 99 percent of cases of cervical treatment. Prevention includes access ting informed and being awareThe are8th theHPVinstance, cancer, also touches in- unit at Contact Loc&Stor’s facilities to know coverage. Everyonstorage strategies” for disease prevenin the fight against cancer, addressasHPVcancer and cervical cancer. are caused by HPV. HPV vaccinations, early screening with formation foremost steps to HPV prevention, dissemination and the facility individual alarms and more—Pasig at 570-2561, Urban Makati Likewise, the key pillars emphaelaborated on thehas DOH Roadmap CECAP, represented by its chairper- pap smear or visual inspection with as- vaccine it is one of the most common sexually confidence-building. storers use their own personal agelice ofshampoo menson and women getcontinues at back-to-school least to the factacid, thatand cervical cancer a to Cervical Cancer Elimination. locks to at 810-9556, JP Rizal Makati at 0917he needLamoiyan to provide patientsbrand with Corporation’s of head shares tips towill addressing blues. Dr. Cecilia Llave, pushvital cetic treatments for is pre-cantransmitted infections. A large percent709-5390, or SLEX at 0917-709-5836. privacy.which Turnbegins to C2 ss to diagnostics and therapy” one type of HPV in their lifetime, as the vaccine-preventable disease and is one Theensure roadmap,

Make space for things that ‘spark joy’

8th HPV Summit highlights ‘goals’ to address the virus

is supported by a strong “Law virus can be spread through intimate of the most treatable forms of cancer from a healthy lifestyle cammentation.” These, in essence, skin-to-skin contact and intercourse. when diagnosed at its early stages. paign and goes on through a “At the HPV Summit, we emphasize comprehensive program until eded to be able to “Secure the Additionally, there is no way to know

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 Standard C2 TODAY Manila

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OFFICE OF THE CITY TREASURER PARAÃ‘AQUE CITY NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC:

NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY

This is to certify that, based on the tax records of this office, the real properties listed below are all delinquent in the payment of real property tax as of December 31, 2017. Pursuant to Sections 254 and 255 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), personal property may be distrained to effect payment but at any time before the distraint of personal property, payment of the real property tax with surcharges, interests at the rate of two percent (2%) per month until fully paid (but not to exceed 36 months) and penalties may be made. If no payment of real property tax is made, the delinquent real property will be sold at public auction and the title to the property will be vested in the purchaser, subject, however, to the right of the delinquent owner of the property or any person having legal interest therein to redeem the property within one (1) year from the date of sale.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 27,Manila 2019 Standard TODAY

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CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019 Standard C4 TODAY Manila

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