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JAKARTA TERRORIST LINKED UP WITH PH PALS—POLICE

PRESIDENTIAL PERTURBATION. President Rodrigo Duterte checks the condition of one of the wounded soldiers during a visit at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City on Wednesday. The soldier was wounded during a terror attack inside a military camp in Sulu last week. Malacañang Photo

THE leader of the so-called “Neo-JI” who was arrested last weekend in Jakarta communicated with terror networks in the Philippines and Al Qaida afﬁliated networks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Indonesian police said. This adds a worrisome new wrinkle in Filipino authorities’ efforts to ﬁght remnants of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) and other extremist groups, just days after suicide bombers blew up a military camp in Indanan, Sulu last week, leaving eight people dead and at least 22 injured. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the 12 soldiers who were injured in the attack carried out by suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists. At the same time, the President donned the new insignia, a three-star rank, on Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the newlyinstalled Western Mindanao Command chief, during his visit Wednesday to the Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga

City. Awarded with the Order of Lapu-Lapu were the following: Ssgt. Ferdinand Clemente, Sgt. William Andreade, Sgt. Marlon Domingo, Sgt. Ryan Ferrer, Sgt. Richard Tudla, Sgt. Mark Joseph Mamingcol, Sgt. Jykyl Bautista, Cpl. Serto Bagni, Cpl. Rommel Soliman, Pfc. John Angelo Carpio, Pfc. Ralph Sabrosa, and Pfc. Dariel Bolibar. The President awarded the medals when he visited the soldiers around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Camp Navarro General Hospital inside Camp Basilio Navarro that houses the Westmincom headquarters. The awardees were among the 22 people who were wounded when two alleged suicide bombers attacked the Tactical Command Post of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan. The other 10 wounded were civilians. Indonesian police said Para Wijayanto, the leader of Al Qaida-linked extremist

network JI, was detained by counterterrorism police with his wife on Saturday at a hotel in Bekasi, a city on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta. Indonesian National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said Para communicated with terror networks in the Philippines and Al Qaida afﬁliated networks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and consider him as an “intelligent individual” with 19 years of experience in the terror network, the Straits Times newspaper reported. Para’s wife, initialled MY, who was arrested with him on Saturday, also had an active role in JI, one of Indonesia’s oldest terrorist groups, which was behind a series of deadly attacks in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the police added. The Indonesians are calling the group under Para “Neo-JI” as they conduct business while recruiting members and planning to set up a caliphate in the country, Prasetyo said. Next page

Verbal deal binding, Palace insists By MJ Blancaﬂor, Nat Mariano and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Palace on Thursday insisted that the verbal agreement between President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2016 to allow Chinese ﬁshermen to operate in the

Philippines’ exclusive economic zone was legally binding. “What the President said was very clear. He already narrated what exactly transpired,” said Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, who was asked about a contrary view expressed by Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Next page

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 141 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Romualdez best bet—poll Most preferred choice for Speaker with 30% survey rating

PH can’t live without US, DFA chief says By Rey E. Requejo

By Joel E. Zurbano, Maricel V. Cruz and Julito G. Rada

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Thursday said the United States was an ally the Philippines cannot live without, and said despite recent irritants, the ties between the two countries remain strong. “For upon the current condition of her undoubtedly superior strength depends, on the one hand, the clarity and celerity of her commitment to defend allies; and on the other, the ambiguity and indecision of that commitment when she gets up on the wrong side of the bed. But she is all we have,” Locsin said during a reception marking US Independence Day in Makati City Wednesday night. “It’s like a spouse; can’t live without them but sometimes you wish you could. But really you can’t. It is not fear of alimony but of being alone—of missing a dependable presence in a world that shows only three consistent aspects: nastiness, brutishness and brevity,” Locsin said. In his remarks, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said the US relations with the Philippines remain strong. “So many great things happened in our relationship and I remain very optimistic about the future of PhilippinesUS relationship,” Kim said, adding that both countries have shared values,

EYTE Rep. Martin Romualdez topped the list of candidates for Speaker of the House of Representatives, according to a survey released by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. on Thursday. The non-commissioned nationwide survey conducted from June 26 to 30 showed that Romualdez is the preferred choice with 30 percent; followed by Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, 23 percent; former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, 18 percent; and Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, 14 percent. Next page

THE HANDS HAVE IT. Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez (left), strong contender for the House Speaker post, shakes hand with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim during the 243rd American Independence Day Anniversary Celebration Wednesday at the Makati Shangrila Hotel in Makati City. Kim assured Romualdez ties between Washington and Manila will remain strong. Ver Noveno

‘Bato’ wants drug lords shot in Luneta By Macon Ramos-Araneta NEOPHYTE Senator Ronald dela Rosa on Thursday said he wants high-level drug traffickers to be executed by firing squad in Luneta Park or in any public place where there will be media coverage, to instill fear in the hearts of those involved in the illegal drug trade. Dela Rosa said he is also open to executing convicted drug traffickers inside the New Bilibid Prison or the Muntinlupa Penitentiary. At a forum Thursday, Dela Rosa, the former head of the Philippine National

Police, said his daughter had told him that it might not be good for children to witness a person being killed by ﬁring squad. “So I told my child it’s the reason why we have parental guidance.The parents can guide their children while we send the message to the public,” he said. “Death penalty is important. Those who should be executed should be executed,” he said in Thursday’s “Kapohan sa Senado” forum. Dela Rosa said he wants the death penalty only for serious drug offenses, and not other heinous crimes. Next page

Orphaned dugong conservation star TRANG, Thailand—Cuddles at feeding time are one of many techniques vets in Thailand are using to raise an orphaned baby dugong named Mariam, and which have helped spread interest in ocean conservation in the process. Next page

DOLE supports 14th-month pay By Vito Barcelo THE Labor department will support a proposed bill granting a 14th-month pay to employees in the private sector, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said Thursday. He said his department would be supporting the bill, but will consider the interest of labor and management and its impact on the country’s economic stability if signed into law. Bello also said the Security of Tenure Bill, a landmark legislation that would prohibit all illegal employment schemes and the subcontracting of Filipino workers, was now awaiting the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte. Next page

CHECK BEFORE DESTRUCTION. A chemist from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency tests seized cocaine and other illegal drugs prior to destroying them at a waste facility in Trece Martires, Cavite on Thursday. Around 1.431 tons of assorted illegal drugs worth P6 billion were destroyed by authorities as part of the government’s intensified narcotics crackdown. AFP

Manila Standard publisher named PPI chairman Cadaver passenger counts in carpool

LOS ANGELES—A hearse driver transporting a corpse was stopped by police for using a carpool lane in the US state of Nevada—but let off with a warning after he claimed it counted as a passenger. Next page

MANILA Standard publisher Rolando Estabillo was elected as the new chairman and president of the Philippine Press Institute. Estabillo took the helm from former Ang Pilipino Star Ngayon editorin-chief Al Pedroche, who described the PPI as the “most untainted media

News

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

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Seek medical aid, Imelda’s 261 guests told HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday urged the guests of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in her birthday party to seek medical attention if they show food poisoning symptoms. The Health department says nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, weakness, fever and chills are the symptoms of food poisoning. The 261 people who attended Marcos’ widow’s 90th birthday celebration at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday were admitted in different hospitals for suspected food poisoning. The guests had eaten packed lunch that included chicken adobo, boiled egg and rice, and one of the physicians said the food that they had eaten were already spoiled, and that the victims might have contracted staphylococcus bacteria from the contaminated food. Duque said the affected guests will be “placed on 48-hour hydration to ensure their full recovery.” Philippine Health Insurance Corp. said Thursday it will help pay for the hospitalization of all the victims who need hospital care. PhilHealth president Ricardo Morales said the victims who are PhilHealth members needing confinement could avail themselves of benefits and expect assistance from the state insurance firm. The non-members confined in government hospitals may avail themselves of the Point of Service Program.

Cadaver... From A1 Police ofﬁcer Travis Smaka told CNN how he ﬂagged down a gray van on Monday when he spotted its driver using a lane reserved for vehicles with at least two people on board. “The driver informed me that he had someone who was deceased in the back of the vehicle,” Smaka said. Upon inspection, the Chrysler minivan had been decked out like a funeral car, including a rail and gurney holding the body. “So, he doesn’t count in the back?” the driver asked. Smaka explained that passengers need to be alive to qualify for the “high occupancy vehicle” lanes common across the US, but agreed to let the driver off with a warning. “It just threw me off,” he told the television network, adding that it was one of the “more interesting responses” he had heard. AFP

Orphaned dugong... From A1 Found stranded on a beach in May at six months old, the ocean mammal has been receiving daily care from park ofﬁcials, local conservation groups, and veterinarians at Phuket Marine Biological Centre. Her star took off after photos showing her being cradled by the vets went viral on social media, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has posted frequent updates on her condition. Vet Pathompong Kongjit told AFP that Mariam—who now lives in the waters around Ko Libong island of Trang province—has become a symbol of the dire need for a cleanup in Thailand’s plastic-choked seas. “Mariam has ignited the interest among Thai people to care about marine animals, Thai seas and nature in general,” he said. But so far, her biggest challenge is feeding herself, as she has trouble digging out the seagrass buried in the ocean ﬂoor. AFP

PH... From A1 a shared history and culture, common interests and “most importantly… warmth and mutual affection and respect.” Kim said Washington stands by its Mutual Defense Treaty obligations to the Philippines in the event of an armed attack against the country, a commitment made clear by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his visit to Manila early this year. Locsin noted that despite the Philippines’ pivot to China and his harsh criticisms of the US every now and then have raised questions on Philippines-US alliance, but relations remain unwavering. “It is something that waxes and wanes, depending on the stages of the moon it sometimes seems… but in the end it is what makes us love America—she is the larger image of ourselves as we are her smaller image. And we care for her as we hope she cares for us; but in any case we always care,” he said. “America’s great power and commitment to freedom and independence for herself and for the rest of the world allows her allies the freedom to maneuver with other nations; to make close friends of an untried disposition; to strike postures of friendliness dangerously bordering on blind trust; and of belligerence but without anxiety because someone has their backs,” he added. Locsin said setbacks would not break the long-standing bond between the two countries. “Some of us may wish for variety, but we know and history shows it: There can be only one—true friendship, like that of our two presidents. When we refused to vote with an antiAmerican majority in the UN, Nikki Haley said: ‘America has many friends in good times; but only true friends in challenging times.’ And so it is,” Locsin said. Earlier, Kim urged all parties involved in the South China Sea to refrain from “provocative” and “unilateral” actions that go against international practices amid China’s reported missile testing in the disputed waters. With PNA

Rights commission probes drug war victim’s death

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol warned importers not to mix meat products, especially during times when the Philippines faces affliction threats from outside markets. The National Meat Inspection Service and the Bureau of Animal Industry conducted the joint investigation after Cebu City’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries tipped off national agencies on the incident. Based on the report, the shipment was intercepted at 3 a.m. on June 27, and was subsequently disposed of by burning. Poland is one of 18 countries with a reported

outbreak of the African Swine Fever, a deadly hog disease that has no vaccine or cure. Germany, though not included in the list, is still near Poland. The shipment from Germany also contained 25 boxes of suspect meat from Poland. Animal Industry director Ronnie Domingo said the incident was a serious violation that warranted the banning of all pork shipments from Germany. The ban brought to 19 the total number of countries that are not allowed to ship pork and pork products to the Philippines.

Jr. “There is no room for any interpretation.” On separate occasions, Locsin and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said they believed the agreement between Duterte and Xi was not state policy. “The verbal agreement cannot be enforced on us because its verbal. You need a document to prove an agreement,” Locsin said in an interview with the ANC news channel. Nograles said the government would have to enforce the law. “Whatever is written in the Fisheries Code...we will enforce it,” he said. But Panelo said Locsin and Nograles were not yet part of the Cabinet when the deal was struck in 2016. “What I am saying is what the President said. If the interpretation of our colleagues is different, they are entitled to their own interpretation,” Panelo said. “They were not there. They were absent when the deal was made,” he added. Panelo also said there was no need for any document to prove the agreement. “He [Duterte] narrated it exactly as it transpired. Whatever he said. We trust the President’s words,” he said. Chinese activity in the Philippines EEZ became an issue again after a Chinese vessel hit and sank a Filipino fishing boat near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea on June 9, then left the Filipino crew of 22 fishermen in open water. Recto Bank falls with the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ , which under the Constitution should be reserved and enjoyed exclusively by Filipinos. Panelo also said Thursday the government has yet to confirm the report by the University of the Philippines’ Maritime Science Institute that the country is losing about P33.1 billion annually from the damaged reef ecosystems at Panatag Shoal and Spratly Islands mainly due to China’s reclamation activities and illegal fishing operations. Marine scientists from the institute said that the figure was a “conservative estimate,” given the complex marine biodiversity in the area. Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, said the verbal agreement between the two presidents should not prevail over the Constitution. “It is clear in the Constitution that what belongs tothe Philippines should be ours. EEZ is for the Filipinos. So any verbal agreement with China is not valid and should not prevail,” she said.

will join the race “to unify” Congress. The regional party of Sara Duterte said it would support Ungab as Speaker. Paul Martinez of RP - Mission and Development Foundation Inc. said the incoming members of the House of Representatives in the 18th Congress are in political turmoil and “we feel that it is our obligation to gauge their constituents, hoping that their representatives will listen to their voice, after all, they represent their constituents.” Romualdez earlier said he would await President Rodrigo Duterte’s final word on the matter of the speakership. “In fact, the President told us, the speakership candidates, that he would not meddle in the race and assured us also that he will not secretly pass on any order to support a candidate,” Romualdez said. Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor of Anak Kalusugan on Thursday criticized term sharing agreements among aspirants who would not get a chance to get elected that reported term sharing agreement arranged by certain Cabinet members. “They should do term sharing themselves,” Defensor said in a news forum, referring to the Cabinet officials. Rep. Fredenil Castro of Capiz said Cabinet officials should respect President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that he will keep his hands off as far as the speakership is concerned, and leave the choice for the next speaker to the members of the House of Representatives. “If the interference is to subvert the statement of the President that he will not interfere in the selection of the speakership, I think there is something wrong with that,” he said in a media forum Thursday. “A Cabinet member should support the statement of the President,” Castro added. Two senior pro-administration congress-

men at the same time chided members of the Cabinet for violating the constitutional mandate of separation of powers by meddling into the speakership. Outgoing Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Buhay Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said Cabinet ofﬁcials supported term-sharing for the speakership because they want a House leader who can protect alleged budgetary improprieties like those uncovered by congressmen in the 2019 budget bill. “The Cabinet has no business whatsoever to meddle in the affairs of the House. We should respect the independence of the three institutions of democracy –the executive, legislative and the judiciary,” Atienza said. Atienza aired suspicions “that the Cabinet maneuverings for the speakership were aimed at supporting Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano’s bid to become the next speaker.” Earlier, Paolo Duterte also hinted at interference by Cabinet members. Rep. Johnny Pimentel of Surigao del Sur, a PDP-Laban stalwart echoed Atienza’s view. “Congress has never interfered in the work of the executive branch. Why should they meddle in our affairs?” he said. Pimentel said the President’s Cabinet should “respect the independence of the legislative branch.” “Let us settle the speakership issue among ourselves,” he said. Reports said some Cabinet members, a few of whom belong to the economic cluster, are pushing for the implementation of the term-sharing scheme that will give Cayetano the ﬁrst 15 months of the 18th Congress to sit as Speaker. Defensor cautioned his fellow lawmakers against term sharing deals as these curtain the freedom of congressmen to elect their leader in accordance with their conscience. Even President Duterte, when he was still

congressman, shunned political deals an voted according to his conscience when he cast his vote for then Rep. Joker Arroyo as Speaker, Defensor said. “In 1998, President Rodrigo Duterte was one of only five who voted for Joker Arroyo. There was no concession nor promise of anything for his vote. In fact, Joker lost and those who voted including then congressman and now President Duterte stood proud among his peers,” Defensor said. “I will follow his example and vote according to my conscience and belief of who will be the best for the Filipino nation. No deal nor arrangement can influence my stand,” Defensor added. Defensor issued his statement following the announcement of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III that the PDP-Laban Party will opt for a term sharing deal iif their party-mate Rep. Lord Allan Velasco will be the first to hold the top House position. But Defensor, who supports the speakership bid of Romualdez, said majority of congressmen, even those from PDP-Laban, prefer to be given the freedom to elect their own House leaders rather than be compelled to accept term-sharing arrangements and other political deals packaged by their party leaders. Allowing conscience vote, Defensor said, will give the congressmen the chance to choose a speaker based on criteria that have long been observed in the House of Representatives. “There are two main criteria in selecting who will be the next speaker. First is the competence to lead, the knowledge and experience to steer Congress given the diverse and complicated issues that will confront the House,” the party-list lawmaker said. “The second is the ability to lead, to build consensus, having the individual trust and respect of each member based on their individual sensitivities and biases,” he added.

HE Commission on Human Rights has initiated an investigation into the death of a three-year-old girl who was caught in the crossﬁre and died during a police operation in Rizal on Sunday. In a statement, CHR spokesman Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the rights body had sent a team to investigate the death of Myka Ulpina in an anti-drug operation in Rodriguez town. Her father Renato Dolorfina and another companion were killed, along with undercover police officer Senior Master Sgt. Conrad Cabigao. It’s an imperfect world and “shit happens”, Senator Ronald dela Rosa said as he defended the 20 policemen, including the chief of police of Rodriguez, Rizal, over the death of the girl, who allegedly was used by his father as a human shield during a buy-bust operation. Calabarzon Regional Police Chief Edward Carranza said the police officers were relieved to “pave the way for an impartial investigation.” The father of the three-year-old girl who died in the buy-bust operation was the one who fired first, according to a neighbor who

witnessed the shootout. In a report by Mariz Umali in GMA News TV’s State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Wednesday, the witness, who requested anonymity, said a police officer was shot by the suspect. Police said Dolorfina had used his daughter as a shield, but the child’s mother denied this and said they were sleeping when the incident happened. “As there are disputes in the claims of both sides on what transpired that unfaithful day, the Commission is monitoring the case and already has dispatched a team to investigate. We ask the government to expedite the investigation on the matter and allow the rule of law to prevail,” De Guia said. She condemned how Ulpina’s life “was cut short in the hands of those who swore to protect it.” The child was supposed to turn four at the end of this month.

The Philippine National Police has relieved the entire roster of the Rodriguez police force in light of the incident. De Guia said minors caught in the crossfire in the drug war “are simply not collateral damage” but victims. “Their hopes and dreams fall short once a bullet enter their bodies,” she said. While supporting the government’s bid to end the drug scourge “we continue to echo the sentiment that the end does not justify the means.” Human rights group In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement, meanwhile, hit Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde’s statement that the death of police officers in drug operations proved how suspects had resisted arrest. Albayalde cited the case of Cabigao, the officer slain in the same police operation where Ulpina was killed. “iDEFEND laments the continuing loss of lives due to a bloody anti-drug war and reiterates its challenge to the government to adopt a health-based, rights-based, evidence-based approach to the drugs issue,” the group said. Macon Ramos-Araneta

German pork products banned amid ASF threat By Othel V. Campos THE Agriculture department on Wednesday ordered the banning of pork and pork products from Germany after the Philippines was almost exposed to African Swine Fever through a pork shipment from that country. A recent investigation by the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that a shipment of pork from Germany was combined with about 250 kilos of pork from Poland, prompting the confiscation of the German meat shipment.

Romualdez... From A1 In Luzon, Romualdez ranked number one with 31 percent; followed by Cayetano, 25 percent; Alvarez, 18 percent; and Velasco, 11 percent. In the Visayas, Romualdez also received strong support with 35 percent; followed by Cayetano with 21 percent; then Velasco with 19 percent; and Alvarez with 16 percent. In Mindanao, Romualdez ranked first with 23 percent while Alvarez rated at 20 percent. Cayetano got 15 percent and almost tied with Velasco who garnered 14 percent. In the National Capital Region, Cayetano ranked first with 33 percent; followed by Romualdez, 27 percent; Alvarez, 15 percent and Velasco, 12 percent. The survey was conducted with 3,500 registered voters nationwide with a +/- 3 percent margin of error. The respondents were asked—”If given the chance that your voice will be heard by your District Representative, among the list of contenders who will you vote for as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives?” The respondents were also asked why they chose that particular contender. Several respondents said they chose Romualdez because of his long experience, loyalty and strong leadership. The survey was conducted late last month when the names of Paolo Duterte, son of President Rodrigo Duterte, and Isidro Ungab had not yet been reported or announced as aspirants for the same position. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago had announced it is fielding its own candidate for speaker following the announcement of her brother that he

Jakarta terrorist... From A1 His arrest also unearthed a new tactic used by the Southeast Asian terrorist group, Straits Times reported. While militants such as JI had often relied on donations from members and sympathizers, and even robberies, to grow and fund their murderous activities, JI under its so-called “emir” (top leader) Para has been building economic strength by carrying on, among others, an oil palm plantation business in Sumatra and Kalimantan, police said. Indonesia, the world’s biggest exporter of oil palm, allows companies and well-off individuals to buy land and seeds to grow palm trees.

‘Bato’... From A1

“That’s my version,” said Dela Rosa, who was the main executor of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs. Dela Rosa also said two other senators—newly elected Senator Christopher Go and Senator Manny Paquiao—also support a return of the death penalty. Go proposes the death penalty be carried out through lethal injection. At the same time, he said he is open to lowering the minimum amount needed to charge a person with plunder, which is currently set at P50 million. Pacquiao also wants the restoration of death penalty for illegal drug trafﬁckers and manufacturers. Pacquiao has ﬁled Senate Bill

Verbal deal... From A1

Growers sell the fruits to milling plants for profits. JI operations had relied on donations from its members and funds from Al Qaida, and also used illegal means such as robbery and hacking websites, anti-terror expert Adhe Bhakti of the Centre for Radicalism and Deradicalisation Studies or Pakar told The Straits Times. JI was founded by a handful of exiled Indonesian militants in Malaysia in the 1980s, and grew to include cells across Southeast Asia, including in strife-torn Mindanao in the Philippines. Indonesian police scored big when Para was arrested early on June 29 on the outskirts of Jakarta, as he had been on the run for 16 years. The JI leader is widely believed to be a student of Abu Bakar Basyir, the alleged mastermind

189 that seeks to impose the death penalty with a fine ranging from P1 million to P10 million to persons who will import, sell, distribute, manufacture, possess illegal drugs, cultivate or culture plants classified as dangerous drugs, and maintain a drug den. Under the bill, life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million will also be imposed upon any person who acts as a “protector or coddler” of violators of the provisions. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Aaron Aquino on Thursday backed the return of the death penalty for drug-related crimes. He blamed the absence of death penalty to the operation of international drug syndicates here in the country. With PNA and Rio N. Araja

of the 2002 Bali bombings that killed more than 200 people. Before becoming “emir” of neo-JI, the 54-year-old terrorist held various senior positions in the group and was involved in training and recruitment. He has been on the police’s “priority wanted list” since 2003. Although the original JI was initially believed to have been decimated in Indonesia following a series of operations by security agencies, counter-terrorism experts had warned that young militants were being recruited, and that the JI network may have expanded in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation to a 2,000-strong force. Indonesian police coined the “NeoJI” term to describe this new threat, Straits Times reported. AFP with PNA

DOLE... From A1

He said the bill might be signed into law by the President anytime soon. Under the proposed bill granting a 14thmonth pay, “rank-and-file employees regardless of their employment status and designation, and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid―provided they have worked at least one month during the calendar year”― are entitled to a 14th- month pay. “We support anything that benefits our workers and their families. However, we must ensure that the proposal will not cause an imbalance between the needs of labor and the capability of employers. We must study it very well,” Bello said. He said the proposed bill must be studied carefully and must undergo a tripartite assessment to find out its viability under the country’s economic situation. He emphasized the need to consider the capability of employers to pay.

Manila Standard... From A1 organization” in its 55 years of existence. Estabillo, who was elected unanimously by representatives of print publications from Mindanao, Visayas, Luzon, and Metro Manila, thanked the members for their trust and confidence in his leadership. Former Corporate Secretary Amelia Cabusao (Mindanao Times) was elected vice president, while Joenald Rayos (Pahayagang Balikas) was reelected Treasurer and Dexter See (Herald Express) was elected as corporate secretary. Reelected as Regional Trustees were Rayos and See for Luzon; former PPI Vice President Alex Rey Pal (The Dumaguete Metropost), and Dalmacio Grafil (Leyte Samar Daily Express) for Visayas; Cabusao and Adrian Michael Amatong (The Mindanao Observer) for Mindanao. Pedroche, during the annual membership meeting of the national organization of newspapers at Hotel Jen in Pasay Thursday, commended the secretariat of PPI, led by executive director Ariel Sebellino. He likewise thanked PPI’s partners, especially Nickel Asia Corp., for continuously supporting responsible journalism, especially the community press. In his report presented to PPI members, Sebellino said the organization has consistently pushed for its advocacy to fight disinformation through its scholastic outreach program. It likewise organized three workshops on federalism with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. PPI will host a National Press Forum today (Friday) with the theme “Governance, Democracy, Media: Building Better Communities.” Former Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. will serve as keynote speaker. Guest speakers include Erwin Caliba, the Chief of Legal, Legislative and Linkages of the Policy Advisory Office of the Commission on Human Rights to talk about autonomy as a mechanism that addresses the exclusion of cultural communities and Christian Monsod to discuss the Puno Federalism. HSF Resident Representative Gotz Heinicke will also deliver a message. Cheryl Daytec-Yangot, a lecturer on indigenous peoples’ issues, will deliver her reaction, while Romel Bagares will synthesize the session. PPI will cap its 23rd National Press Forum with the 2018 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards. Vying for these awards are dailies Edge Davao, Cebu Daily News, Sun.Star Davao, Sun.Star. Cebu, Sun.Star Pampanga, Sun.Star Baguio; and weeklies The Mindanao Cross, BusinessWeek Mindanao, The Bohol Chronicle, Metro Post, Herald Express, Baguio Chronicle and Northern Forum. The board of judges is chaired by Manila Standard News Editor Joyce Panares, AIJC president Ramon R. Tuazon, and NAC vice president for Communications JB Baylon.

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DoJ’s Guevarra: Bikoy has no gov’t protection By Rey E. Requejo JUSTICE Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said Peter Joemel Advincula, the self-confessed “Bikoy” in the viral “Ang Totoong Narco-List” videos who retracted his story and accused Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and other opposition leaders of orchestrating the alleged ouster of President Rodrigo Duterte, is now on his own and does not have government protection. Guevarra said Advincula had not sought further protection from the government after he was released from protective custody of the Philippine National Police last week. “Bikoy has not applied for WPP [witness protection program]. Neither has he sought protective custody with the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation],” he said in a text message. This means there is currently no security provided by the government to Advincula. Nonetheless, Guevarra reiterated that Advincula might apply for coverage of WPP, which is administered by the Department of Justice], amidst concerns on his security. He stressed Advincula might immediately be placed under protection of NBI under provision coverage of WPP upon his application and submission of an afﬁdavit. “He may apply for WPP coverage but of

course he has to meet certain requirements to qualify for full coverage under the program,” he said. The DOJ chief explained that Advincula would first have to cooperate with the NBI and submit a sworn affidavit detailing the allegations he made when he surrendered to the PNP last May. He said the status of Advincula under the program would then depend on DOJ’s evaluation on his credibility as a possible prosecution witness. Advincula, who surfaced last May 6 to confess he was the hooded man who accused members of the first family of involvement in illegal drug trade in the viral “Ang Totoong Narco-List” videos, surrendered to the PNP weeks after over pending estafa and illegal recruitment cases. He said his allegations in the videos were not true and that he was only paid by Trillanes and the opposition as part of the so-called Oplan Sodoma to oust President Duterte. Advincula also alleged that he saw Vice President Leni Robredo “pass by” one of their meetings, but stressed that she did not join them. Apart from Robredo and Trillanes, Advincula also tagged Senators Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros as well as personalities from the Liberal Party in the alleged ouster plot.

Expert claims gov’t may suffer technical failure GOVERNMENT stands to suffer huge financial losses and technical failure should the Philippine Statistics Authority allow a Dutch firm help implement the national identification system, according to an information and communications technology expert. At a media briefing in Quezon City, Rafael Gutierrez, a graduate of the University of the Philippines, raised concern about the lack of integrity of the project’s lowest bidder— the consortium of Nextix Inc., a subsidiary of Gemalto NV—to be the primary supplier for the national ID system at a cost of P1.2 billion only. “To award Gemalto the national ID contract could just be repeating the technical failure wrought upon the Commission on Elections last May 13,” he told the Manila Standard. Gutierrez is a Philippine representative of a United States of America’s web security and cloud-based solutions company. “Because Gemalto is the lowest bidder, it is most likely that it

would be chosen to implement the national ID system. PSA is now in the post-qualification process,” he said, citing “President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to remove the ‘lowest bid rule in government procurement since it could only be a source of corruption.” “The public must know what actually happened in the last May 13 polls,” Gutierrez said. “To choose the lowest bid could lead to a bad supplier and inferior project,” he added. At least 68.14 percent of Gemalto’s voter registration verification machines failed and reportedly caused too much delay in the voting process. The voters were not able to log in using the firm’s smartcard or password. Even Manila mayoral bet Alfredo Lim experienced a breakdown of the VRVM while voting last May 13. “If we use the same IT company that failed us during the recent elections, we could be facing a big risk in the implementation of the national ID system,” Gutierrez said. Rio N. Araja

Lapid wants those in scam liable THOSE involved in investment scams can be held liable for economic sabotage once the proposed measure to expand its coverage is enacted into law. Returning Senator Lito Lapid filed Senate Bill No. 53 to amend Marcos-era Presidential Decree 1689, which increased the penalty in some forms of swindling or estafa that constitute economic sabotage. In filing the bill, Lapid said he wanted to fix the “loophole” that economic sabotage might only be committed by a group of at least five people. With this measure, Lapid said he was sure all fraudsters, as an individual or a syndicate, would be held accountable and rot in jail. He said his proposed amendment of the law would ensure punishment for those who exploit individuals who “only want to

earn a little.” “We must ensure that these abuses on our people who wanted to earn for a living would be stopped,” also said Lapid. “It’s important that we put a stop to exploitation of our countrymen who want to earn a little,” he added. The senator cited recent events that “revealed the cracks” in existing policies, and referred to a “religious organization” that supposedly lured investors through a Ponzi scheme. The Securities and Exchange Commission earlier called Kapa Community Ministry International’s donation scheme an outright scam, saying it was mathematically impossible for anyone to give a one-time “donation” and then receive 30 percent of the amount for life. Macon Ramos-Araneta

SC, BCDA sign pact for complex THE Supreme Court and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority on Thursday inked a memorandum of understanding that will pave the way for the construction of a 5.8-hectare judiciary complex in New Clark City. Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez and BCDA president and CEO Vivencio Dizon signed the MOU in the presence of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin, some members of the Court, and BCDA officials Situated between Capas and Bamban in Tarlac, the 5.8-hectare land will house a regional SC office, including an archive and data center, and a training center with living quarters, as well as the Philippine Judicial Academy, the Judicial and Bar Council, and the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office. Marquez said hearing rooms, a Hall of Justice, and regional offices of the Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the Office of the Court Administrator could also rise within the property. The complex will be within New Clark City’s National Government Administrative Center, a 200-hectare mixed-use government center which will also house sports facilities to be used when the country hosts of the Southeast Asian Games later this year. “It is an ambitious project also because we want to break ground … this October 2019, or some three months from now,” Marquez said, during the MOU signing. Rey Requejo

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TNVS drivers threaten to go on strike on July 8 By Rio N. Araja

RIVERS of transport network vehicle services on Thursday threatened to hold their ﬁrst-ever transport holiday on July 8.

At a news conference in Quezon City, Ariel Inton, founding president of the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, said “biggest” alliances and communities of TNVS under the banner of TNVS Community would go offline on Monday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to temporarily stop operations. Members of the Metro Manila Hatchback Community would join the group and march to the Office of the Ombudsmna to dramatize their plan in filing an administrative case against Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairperson Martin

Delgra III, the two board members and other department heads “behind the bottleneck for many applications for a provisional authority.” “The 12-hour #Laban TNVS transport holiday on Monday is our collective protest against the LTFRB’s torture policies, which curtail our right to decent and legitimate livelihood to sustain our families,” the group’s statement read. Inton called for a moratorium on arbitrary apprehensions of TNVS drivers. The deactivated hatchback drivers reiterated their call to accept hatch-

back applications following the LTFRB’s Memorandum Circular 2018-005. “Our #Laban TNVS Transport Holiday on Monday marks the beginning of more protests leading to the State of the Nation Address of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 22 and even beyond in order to send our appeal to the President to take immediate action on our situation, and until the LTFRB heeds our demands and addresses our concerns,” the group said. Its lawyer, Mayor Mahatun, said they would ﬁle an administrative case against Delgra and the other LTFRB ofﬁcials on Monday, saying the law mandates that every government agency must adopt the policy of easing business transactions. “But LTFRB failed to do so,” he told the Manila Standard.

Opinion

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A fresh start DON’T look now, but the Philippine Olympic Committee is clearly in disarray, with only a new set of officers elected in a fair and just manner likely to bring order to the chaotic situation now prevailing at the institution. After Ricky Vargas’ sudden resignation as president of POC last month, the organization’s chairman, Congressman Bambol Tolentino, wisely decided to invoke the POC Bylaws and call for special elections to replace Vargas. But the problem started when 1st vice president Joey Romasanta took over as president despite the provisions of the POC Bylaws that he is not qualified to replace Vargas. The Bylaws require the POC president or

Whatever happened to setting good example and respecting ethical principles? chairman to have at least four years of experience as president of a National Sports Association of an Olympic Sport at the time of his or her election. Moreover, he or she must be elected from any of the incumbent NSA presidents representing an Olympic sport, and must have been an active member of the POC General Assembly for two consecutive years at the time of their election. Romasanta, at the time he proclaimed himself president, was only the vice president of the NSA for volleyball.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Last June 20, a notice of General Assembly scheduled on June 25 was sent to all NSAs. Romasanta signed the notice. During the June 25 General Assembly, a participant pointed out that the meeting and any action agreed upon by the members would not be valid because it would violate a provision in the Bylaws that members must be notified 10 days in advance in cases of “extraordinary meetings” called by the POC board. After some discussion, Tolentino declared the meeting invalid and said it could nevertheless proceed as an informal gathering to discuss urgent matters. This was where Tolentino, along with board members Clint Aranas and Cynthia Carrion, Auditor Junee Go and Treasurer Julian Camacho verbally tendered their resignations, along with Romasanta. Two days later, the media reported that some of those who committed to resign were reconsidering their decision. Only Tolentino, Aranas and Carrion confirmed that they were, indeed, resigning. By backing out of their verbal dec declarations to resign, insiders asked: Weren’t the POC officials going against the spirit of Olympism, which aims to instill the value of good example and respect for ethical principles? When the special elections push through, the POC would need a fresh start to regain its good stature not only in the local sports community but in the international arena as well. The International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia have already admonished the POC for the chaotic situation in which the organization now finds itself. The IOC and OCA told the POC executive board that resignations should be done in writing, followed by a general assembly to fill the vacant positions in the presence of observers of both organi-

Restrictive investment regime

HE Philippines, despite registering solid economic growth rates year after year, is still the sick man of Southeast Asia when gauged in terms of foreign investments. Decades-old Philippine investment laws are hampering the entry of foreign capital in the country. Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia has conceded the existing “restrictive” investment environment in the country is driving away foreign investors, who preferred more liberal regimes in the region. The country's economic chief planner stressed a need to pass into law more key reforms that would attract more investments, such as the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Act and Public Service Act. The Philippines, he says, can expect a triple or even quadruple increase in foreign direct investments if pending investment bills are passed into laws. Senator Grace Poe echoed Pernia's concerns. For one,

she found a need to amend the 81-year-old Public Service Act to remedy the country’s restrictive economic environment, provide more jobs and ensure reasonable rates of services. The chairperson of the Senate committee on public services says the proposed amendments aimed to address the confusion in the definition of public utility and public services, which, for several decades, hampered economic growth. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian agrees. The Philippines remains a relatively unattractive investment destination because Philippine investment laws were less open and generally more inhibitory compared with its neighbors in Southesat Asia. The 1987 Philippine Constitution, meanwhile, restricts the

operation of a public utility to companies whose ownership is at least 60-percent Filipino-owned. The equity restrictions apply to public utilities like telecommunications, electricity, water and transportation. The fears of Pernia, Poe and Gatchalian are not unfounded. The Philippines continues to lag behind many of its peers in Southeast Asia as a result of its relatively restrictive foreign investment laws and policies. Data from the World Bank show that foreign direct investments from 2015 to 2017 stood at $23.98 billion, or way below those of Singapore,which recorded $208.48 billion. Indonesia ranked second in the region with $45.79 billion, Vietnam third with $35.5 billion, followed by Malaysia with $32.84 billion. The incoming Congress should amend these antiquated investment laws fast. The other laggard economies in Southeast Asia are either catching up with or overtaking the Philippines as a preferred investment site.

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‘Victims, perpetrators’: Rehabilitating Indonesia’s child bombers By Kiki Siregar

suicide bombings in Surabaya last year, are also undergoing this dedicated treatment. "Deploying children in such a way is indefensible and deplorable," Human Rights Watch campaigner Andreas Harsono said, adding that the 2018 incidents were the first time suicide bombers used their own kids in attacks in Indonesia. The youngsters that survived had been subjected to years of jihadi indoctrination by their families and often shown violent propaganda, counsellors say. Gaining their trust has not been easy but staff at the safe house believe their approach could help neutralize the years of radicalization. At the heart of the rehabilitation effort are lessons about Indonesia's national heroes, building trust and Pancasila, the nation's ideology which stresses unity and respect for ethnic and religious minorities in a country of some 260 million spread across thousands of islands. "We still teach them that the Koran is the foundation for everything and that they have to believe in it. But if you violate other people's rights, then that's not okay" said social worker Sri Musfiah Handayani. Trying to help rehabilitate the children of suicide bombers is largely uncharted territory. "This is the first time that we know of. It's not a common phenomenon," said Sidney Jones, director of Jakartabased Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict.

THROWN off a motorbike as her parents blew themselves up, nine-year-old Mila was the sole survivor of a family suicide bombing, part of a wave of such attacks involving children that rocked Indonesia. Orphaned and radicalized, there were concerns for her future after the Islamic State-inspired strike, but a renewed focus on rehabilitating the children of terror suspects may offer Mila, and others like her, a chance at normality. She is among a small group who are being treated at a Jakarta safe house in a unique scheme that provides psychological and social care to the offspring of suicide bombers or children directly involved in terror plots. The world's biggest Muslim majority nation is grappling with the growing global threat of 'family attacks' and also with how to reintegrate returning IS jihadists and their relatives as the extremist group's caliphate lies in ruins, a challenge faced by many nations including France and the United States. "It hasn't been easy dealing with [the children] because they believed in radicalism...and that bombing was a good thing," said safe-house head Neneng Heryani, who gave AFP exclusive access to the state-run compound on the edge of Indonesia's capital. "They were taught that jihad was essential to go to heaven and that you must kill non-believers. It was very hard to change that mindset," she added. Social workers and psychologists are trying to re-socialize the children with Family attacks counseling and an emphasis on normal While children are easy prey for exdaily routines which include lessons, tremists, "that vulnerability can also mosque visits, and regular playtime. provide a starting point for treatment," said Haula Noor, an expert in radicalIndefensible and deplorable ized families at Australian National For Mila—a name given by AFP to University. protect her identity—this treatment "We should view these children as means helping her find a way to cope both victims as well as potential perpewith her parents' suicide bombing and trators" she added. living with the knowledge they inA surge in Islamist attacks in the past volved her in mass murder, and intend- decade has dented Indonesia's reputaed for her to die. tion for religious tolerance. Other children of terror suspects, Mila was wedged between her parTurn to A5 including those linked to the deadly

Trump, producer-president, makes July 4th his own show By Sebastian Smith TANKS in the heart of Washington, fighter jets screaming overhead, and a speech from the Lincoln Memorial: President Donald Trump has promised the "show of a lifetime" Thursday as he turns the Fourth of July into a personal primetime extravaganza. The commander-in-chief and erstwhile Manhattan showman plans to tear up another norm, critics say, by hijacking traditionally non-partisan Independence Day as he seeks reelection. "Our July 4th Salute to America at the Lincoln Memorial is looking to be really big. It will be the show of a lifetime!," Trump tweeted Wednesday.

"We have the greatest economy anywhere in the world. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world. Not bad!" he added. Vice President Mike Pence also chimed in via Twitter. "The #SalutetoAmerica at Lincoln Memorial tomorrow [Thursday] night will be a great show and an amazing display of our country’s wonderful military!" he wrote. Usually, said Rich Hanley, a media and popular culture expert at Quinnipiac University, July 4 works as a kind of national ceasefire. "It's a day when people can set aside their polarized differences ... and raise the flag without entering into political discussions," he said. "Then on the 5th

they go back to normal." But this year, the familiar script is being given a rewrite. At 6:30 p.m. (2230 GMT), Trump will take to the hallowed steps of the Lincoln Memorial for an unprecedented "Salute to America" event that will include a televised address, military hardware and a giant fireworks display. The nation's top military brass will have a front row seat. The modified Boeing 747 used as Air Force One will fly over, as will noisy, powerful warplanes expected to include F-35s, and jets from the Navy's Blue Angels air show team. A handful of tanks and Bradley FightTurn to A5

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Opinion A great Speaker THOUGH she served for just a year, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is one of the most effective and best speakers of the House of Representatives. Madam Speaker credits the “tireless work and dedication” of the members of the the 17th Congress, for achieving “genuine milestones that will benefit both the present and next generation of Filipinos.” From July 23, 2018 to June 4, when the House adjourned sine die, it passed 250 bills which became law. Gloats GMA: “The 250 new laws were among the 880 measures we approved, which in turn were among the almost 2,500 measures we processed. All these translate to our having processed 45 measures a day—a testament to the tough work ethic of the members of the House.” The 880 measures the House approved include all the bills highlighted by President Rodrigo Duterte in his 2018 State of the Nation Address. Early on, said GMA, “I defined our principal objective in no uncertain terms as to push for the legislative agenda of President Duterte. Our House focused on the passage of priority bills, especially those he highlighted in his 2018 SONA.” In his 2018 SONA, Duterte wanted the Bangsamoro Organic Law passed in 48 hours. Done. This law, said Arroyo, “provides a clear and strong hope that decades of poverty and conflict in Mindanao can finally be addressed, making way for a more peaceful, intimate and unified community.” Duterte wanted a Department of Disaster Management. Done, on Oct. 1, 2018. The President wanted a Rice Tariffication Law. Done. It was signed on Valentine’s Day 2019. Arroyo said the Rice Tariffication Act supports our country’s efforts to ensure food security and make our agricultural sector more viable, efficient and globally competitive. “The law lifts quantitative import restrictions on rice, allowing Filipinos to have access to more affordable rice. It also creates a Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund that will go to pro-

grams aimed at increasing the income of Filipino farmers,” she said. “The fund shall amount to P10 billion annually for the next six years, and seeks to provide various assistance, such as development of inbred rice seeds, rice farm equipment, and skills enhancement.” The President wanted the second part of comprehensive tax reform. The House passed on third and final reading the TRABAHO bill on Sept. 10, 2018. The President asked Congress to take seriously and pass the mining, alcohol, and tobacco tax increase, reform in property valuation, reform in capital income and financial taxes, and an amnesty program.

Mrs. Arroyo is not yet done saving her country.

The House, under Arroyo, passed read the mining tax on third and final reading on Oct. 8 last year and the alcohol tax on Dec. 3. On June 4, together with the Senate, the House ratified the tobacco tax, ready for the President’s signature. The House passed the reform in property valuation on Dec. 12, and the reform in capital income and financial taxes on Dec. 3. For the amnesty program, the Senate worked with the House to produce a version that the President signed into law on Valentine’s Day as well. Mrs. Arroyo is biased toward fiscal health. “I attribute the restoration of our country’s fiscal health during my administration as what provided the platform for the Philippines to eventually regain its investment grade rating internationally, as well as the infrastructure program that built more and better,” she pointed out. “A healthy fiscal position and increased infrastructure, those were my core economic policies as President, and they are among the core economic policies of this Administration as well. Those were the economic policies that reduced our poverty level from 39 percent when I assumed the Presidency, to 26 percent when I left the Presidency. It was all anchored on fiscal reform,” recalled the former president. biznewsasia@gmail.com

‘Victims,...

said Stanislaus Riyanta, a terrorism expert at the University of Indonesia. In April, the pregnant wife of one of From A4 those involved in the Sri Lanka bombings ents on a motorcycle as they detonated that left nearly 260 dead, detonated her themselves at a Surabaya police post own suicide vest killing herself, her three young children, and several police officlast May. That attack came after another fam- ers when authorities raided their home. ily—including a nine and 12-year-old Willing to die girl—from the same Koran study group When AFP visited the safe house staged suicide bombings at several Surabaya churches, killing themselves she now calls home, Mila, dressed in and a dozen congregants, while injuring a bright pink hijab, appeared bubbly as she took notes and asked questions durscores more. Then, in March, the wife of a suspect- ing lessons. She had never had any type ed Indonesian militant blew up herself of formal schooling before. "The progress has been very signifiand child at their home after an hourscant. Now she can interact with peolong standoff with police. The incidents have aggravated inter- ple," said social worker Sri Musfiah national fears that women and their chil- Handayani. The children kissed the hand of an dren would be increasingly used, as they AFP reporter as they filed out, a comtend to attract less scrutiny. "There are going to be two main mon sign of respect in Indonesia. While the treatment for Mila and trends in the future—attacks carried out by families and also by lone wolves," her group is unique because it is spe-

Trump,.. From A4

ing Vehicles are stationed near the Lincoln Memorial, although the enormous M1 Abrams tanks are not expected to roll, as their tracks would likely tear up city streets. Vice President Mike Pence tweeted that it will be "a great show and an amazing display of our country's wonderful military!" The center of attention, however, will not be the weapons. Or the nearly million dollars' worth of fireworks that are in the works, a donation from two big manufacturers. Rather, it will be Trump. "Your favorite President, me!" he tweeted when announcing the show. Non-partisan no more July 4 is a unique holiday in that it is hyper-patriotic but free from usual Republican-Democratic fighting and it is far more civic than military in nature. Inserting such a high-profile presidential address into the festivities risks changing that, given that the polarizing Trump is supported by just over 40 percent of the country ahead of his 2020 reelection bid and fervently opposed by

President Duterte’s fiscal reform has brought the Philippines’ credit rating to just a notch below A, and which is poised to take our economy to the next level in terms of development as an upper middle income country. GMA noted: “If we achieve the administration’s target of reducing poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022, our country’s collective economic managers would have, in just two decades from 2001 to 2022, reduced poverty from 39 percent to 14 percent. This would be a collective achievement our generation can be proud of.” As requested by Duterte, the House rushed the Universal Health Care Bill which became law on Feb. 20, 2019. “This notable law ensures that all Filipinos will get the health care they need, when they need it,” said Arroyo. “This enjoy means that every Filipino will be enjoying their right to have health assistance by becoming part of the National Health Insurance Program. Forms of assistance include preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services.” Many other notable bills were enacted by the 17th Congress. They include the National ID System, the Personal Property Security Act (personal properties, aside from the house, can be used as loan collateral), the Secondary School Career Guidance Counselling Act and the First Time Jobseekers Act, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development; Institutionalizing Telecommuting as an Alternative Work Arrangement for Employees in the Private Sector; the Integrated Cancer Law; Strengthening the Policy on HIV-AIDS; Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict; Amending the Central Bank Act; Institutionalizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation. Mrs. Arroyo is not yet done serving her country. As President, she nearly tripled the size of the Philippine economy from $74 billion 2001 to more than $200 billion in 2010. Despite that monumental achievement, her successor, BS Aquino, put her in jail, for five years, on charges that the Supreme Court later dismissed. Today, the economy is valued at more than $330 billion. Congratulations, Madam Speaker, my President.

much of the remaining electorate. Trump's "ego is so large that he's holding this Fourth of July campaign rally in a desperate cry for attention, and everyone knows it," Senator Chuck Schumer wrote on Twitter. Counter-protesters plan to bring their own kind of political fireworks to the National Mall, the grassy park running two miles (three kilometers) from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol. Leftist organization Code Pink is deploying its "Baby Trump" blimp, a large inflated doll depicting the president in diapers. But the National Park Service denied permission to fill the inflatable with helium, so the depiction of a cranky, infantile Trump will stay on the ground. On Wednesday, one Code Pink activist held a sign near an armored vehicle that read "Tanks But No Tanks," and #BoycottTrumps4thOfJuly was trending on Twitter in the US. Many are up in arms about what all this is going to cost. The White House has refused to say so far. "Instead of addressing something like veteran homelessness, he's spending it on boosting his ego with a parade that's fundamentally about him," said Democratic presidential hopeful Julian Castro. "What a waste of money."

cifically for children who have been involved in suicide bomb plots, Indonesia has broader deradicalization programs which some 200 children, all related to militants, have been through. "We need to approach them gently because they were willing to die [for the cause] so it doesn't make sense for us to use force," Suhardi Alius, head of the National Agency for Combating Terrorism told AFP. Experts say successful rehabilitation comes down to the support they receive assimilating back into society. Officials are working on a support plan for the safe-house kids to ensure they receive healthcare and education after their treatment. But extended families are often wary about taking the children in—and that could be a trigger for returning to extremism later in life. Noor said: "There is a strong possibility they'll fall back into the parents' ideology if the stigma remains." AFP

Salesman, showman, president A former reality TV star, Trump is tapping his considerable showmanship skills ahead of the event. Just being up on the Lincoln Memorial will guarantee unbeatable pictures. The statue honoring civil war president Abraham Lincoln is famous as the location for Martin Luther King Jr's epic 1963 "I have a dream" speech. But Trump's inspiration appears to be taken less from that civil rights cry than a Bastille Day military parade he attended in 2017 as a guest of French President Emmanuel Macron. So impressed was Trump that he came up with the idea of putting on a major extravaganza for Veteran's Day, which is marked on Nov. 11. But an outcry over the almost $100-million price tag meant it had to be scrapped. Now he'll get a scaled-back version. As he prepared for the big day Trump downplayed the issue of cost. "The cost of our great Salute to America tomorrow will be very little compared to what it is worth," Trump wrote. “We own the planes, we have the pilots, the airport is right next door [Andrews], all we need is the fuel. We own the tanks and all. Fireworks are donated by two of the greats. Nice!” AFP

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

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BARMM to continue natural gas exploration By Nash Maulana COTABATO CITY—The Bangsamoro autonomous government wants recovery efforts to continue from a long-stalled natural gas exploration in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao. Sources said Hadji Murad Ebrahim, interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is slated to meet President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang early next week to take up, among other things, the stalled natural gas exploration in Ligawasan Marsh in Cotabato Upriver Valley. Mr. Duterte previously told the Moro people in a speech during Independence Day celebration he attended in Malabang, Lanao del Sur to lead all development efforts for the Ligawasan Marsh as it belongs to them. BARMM Deputy Executive Secretary Abdullah Cusain said a meeting has, indeed, been slated next week between Murad and the President, but would not confirm as to whether the Ligawasan Marsh was in the agenda of their executive talk. Cusain said Murad is being “profoundly apologetic” for not having met the President during the Eid’l Fit’r dinner tendered by Malacañang on June 5 for the country’s Muslim leaders, as he had by then already left for the Umrah religious trip to Mecca. Murad would also have met the President on June 12 in Malabang, Lanao Sur, but again unable to catch up with official schedules for which many among current Moro appointees are still on adjustment period from erstwhile interior life. Two top officials of the BARMM had visited on July 1 a drilling site left concrete-sealed by a unit of the Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao. Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM Ministry of the Interior and Local Government said he and BARMM Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Ministry Environment, Natural Resources and Energy visited the drilling site of the PNOC-EC in Barangay Tukanakuden in Sultan Sa Barongis town in Maguindanao. Sinarimbo said Republic Act 11054, the BARMM charter, provides for comanaging by the autonomous region and the national government of any proceeds from recovery efforts for “fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal.” Revenues generated from exploration shall be “shared equally between the national government and Bangsamoro government.” Residents in the area boast of deep-

A fresh... From A4

zations. What is needed now is someone who can clean up the POC and lead it to an auspicious future free of the old ways that have degraded the organization and dragged down Philippine sports in the process. Tolentino, the NSA president for cycling and current chairman of the POC, wants to restore the POC to its former glory and jumpstart the development of Philippine sports. The POC needs to act soon, and install as president someone who is truly qualified and has the best interests of Philippine sports in mind, especially now that the Southeast Asian Games is just months away.

wells that appear to contain flammable gas from underground, a potable liquid that burns when lit on container or at gushing pipe faucet. The marsh water, flammable whether pumped through pipes or fetched in containers from deep-wells, has been shown in videos uploaded on social media. Since the Marcos administration, the Philippine government and a Malaysian firm had endeavored to join hands on natural gas exploration and recovery efforts in Ligawasan, including the digging of the Kulanguan Diversion Channel in 1980 to drain a huge portion of the marsh, but which has altered the natural course of the Mindanao River. In 1994, the Malaysian-owned Petronas Carigali stopped its exploration operation because of armed conflict in Barangay Tukanakuden where massive natural gas deposits were then the object of huge pipe drilling. PNOC-EC succeeded from where the Petronas had left, and the Philippine government exploration was officially opened in Tukanakuden by then PNOC President Ramon Mitra Jr. in 1999. In his statement to residents then, Mitra was straightforward as to describe as “mind-boggling” the underground natural gas deposits in Sultan Sa Barongis, which many experts had estimated at 10 billion liters. But again, the PNOC-EC halted its operation on the third drilling near Barangay Tabungao (in what is now Rajah Buayan town) in 2005, purportedly due to heavy losses and peace and order problem. Residents said some heavy equipment units rented to PNOC-EC by private contractors were seen drowned in a stream of quick sand in Barangay Tukanakuden. They believe the Marsh was and still is an an enchanted kingdom where Mother Nature is “protected by forces of unseen spirits.” Macacua and Sinarimbo said, as Muslims, they both believe that unseen spirits formed part of God’s creations. Residents said PNOC-EC workers talked about long-term exploration and recovery programs for gargantuan deposits of natural gas, and of fossils crude on second level down. Still, for some people a flammable liquid is hardly conclusive that methane gas deposits were anywhere close for a find underground. Most common studies on combustion reveal that it results from a “rapid chemical combination of a substance with oxygen [like water] in the process of producing heat and light.”

column. To seek redress, Director Abbas and his lawyers who found that particular column actionable, lodged a libel case against me before the Quezon City Prosecutors’ Office. In filing the case, the complainant said: “The article is evidently malicious and tends to taint my name and reputation as respondents clearly made it seem that I had committed or am committing graft in the assessment process at the BOC.” He added that the imputations I cited were “completely malicious and recklessly made, without any regard as to the statements’ truth or falsity.” To amend for my misdeed, I decided to put things in proper perspective. Apparently, it never crossed my mind that Director Abbas is just one of the senior officials of the BOC who were performing their respective tasks under the management and supervision of the Commissioner. As such, their authority is mainly confined to the bureau’s main office and not to the different ports of entry nationwide, hence, they have no (or inconsequential) say on what gets stopped or released at the various ports. As insiders know, nothing moves in the BOC without the knowledge and go-signal of the port’s respective top banana. That said, I must have been wrong to name Director Abbas in the alleged illegal acts at the BOC. That, of course, is assuming that the information given me about the matter was factual and correct. I now seriously doubt the veracity of the dossier upon which I wrote that questioned article.

Mea culpa Last month, I wrote a column published by this newspaper in its May 3 issue about alleged irregularities at the Bureau of Customs where I specifically mentioned the name of Director Yasser Ismail Abbas, head of the Import Assessment Service as a person of interest. I now realize that the dossier furnished this columnist was dubious and I erred on the side of fairness and balanced reporting. I inadvertently set aside the time-honored journalistic doctrine of enabling the offended party to present their side of the story. As a consequence of my indiscretion, I apologize to Director Abbas who averred that he and his family were unjustifiably maligned and unduly suffered severe distress and anxiety. I concede to having needlessly and rashly exposed them to public shame and derision on account of my ernhil@yahoo.com

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FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Palace says Du30 did not ask SSS chief Aranas to quit

PH passport ranks 80th in global ranking PHILIPPINE passport holders can now travel to 64 destinations with visa-free access—putting the country on the 80th spot in the global ranking. Of this number, 34 countries allow Filipinos to enter visa-free while 30 others require visa-on-arrival (Sri Lanka on electronic Travel Authorization). An exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association quoted the 2019 Henley Passport Index showing the country’s rating at 75th in 2018. Japan and Singapore lead the ranking with visa-free access to 189 destinations while Afghanistan is lowest at 109th with 25 visa-free destinations. Though pushed backward, the data also stated an economic boost among Asia Pacific nations. “In Asia Pacific, international migration and mobility have become increasingly more complex, dynamic, and diverse, shaping the overall social, economic, and demographic conditions in the region,” it said.

By Nat Mariano PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte did not ask Jesus Clint Aranas to resign from the Government Service Insurance System as its president and general manager, the Palace said on Thursday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive still accepted Aranas’ offer to vacate the state-run pension fund even without citing a reason. “The President just accepted the resignation. [There] was no reason,” Panelo said. “He [Aranas] said for personal reasons. I do not think we can dwell on the privacy of that person,” he added. Amid some reports that the two had a dialogue, the Palace official also said it would have been impossible for Aranas to engage Duterte for a talk in Malacañang during the Cabinet meeting. “All I know was we had a Cabinet meeting the day before, so how can he talk with the President? We started around 5 o’clock and concluded at past 12 midnight,” he said. Asked if the Chief Executive directly asked Aranas to resign, Panelo said: “No, he did not.” On Tuesday, Aranas, confident that he abided by all laws during his time as GSIS chief, resigned. “I resign, secure in the knowledge that I have unwaveringly advanced the interest of GSIS and its members in discharging the functions of the said office always in obeisance to all laws and never once compromising my integrity or that of the office I now relinquish,” he stated. In an earlier statement, the Palace said Duterte accepted Aranas’ resignation “due to reports and allegations that there had been an impropriety in the management of the GSIS leading to loss of confidence.” Panelo then later took back his statement, saying “there was a mistake.”

Senate secretary faces sanction for ‘inaction’ THE Secretary of the Senate faces sanctions from the Civil Service Commission for her failure to act on a formal media request for assistance. The National Press Club has formally asked CSC chairperson Alicia Bala to look into the possible violation of civil service laws by Senate Secretary Myra Villarica involving a media inquiry coursed through the Office of the Senate Secretary last February. In a letter received by the CSC on June 18, NPC president Rolando B. Gonzalo called Bala’s attention to a letter of Dave Veridiano, a columnist for Balita, complaining about the inaction of Villarica in relation to his request for information pertaining to ‘institutional amendments’ made by members of the Senate to the 2019 national budget. “This is to refer to your good office a letter complaint brought to our attention by a member of our profession referring to inaction of the Senate Secretary lawyer Myra Villarica which we believe warrant an inquiry or investigation,” Gonzalo said in his letter. He added that “the petitioner, Dave Veridiano, columnist of Balita, sought our attention with the prayer that his concern should be attended by the CSC which is considered a watch dog of all government officials and workers.” If found guilty of sitting on the formal request made by Veridiano in violation of existing civil service rules and the Code of Ethics and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), Villarica faces administrative disciplinary action, such as the payment of fines, suspension or even removal from office depending on the gravity of offense as determined after due notice and hearing. Veridiano had called the attention of the NPC to the failure of Villarica to act on his request for specific information related to the media statements of Sen. Panfilo Lacson that ‘institutional amendments’ were made by senators in the 2019 national budget. Veridiano first wrote a formal letter of request to Villarica on Feb. 26, stressing the need for ‘transparency’ in all government transactions, including legislative deliberations and other processes.

WATER UPDATE. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo Velasco gives an update on the status of water supply in Metro Manila during a press conference held at MWSS Corporate Office, Katipunan Road, Balara, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday (July 3,). Velasco also commends the two water concessionaires, Manila Water and Maynilad, for following the scheduled water rationing to their consumers. Also in photo is National Water Resources Board Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. PNA

Lacson seeks measure to stop online scams By Macon Ramos-Araneta

BILL by Senator Panfilo Lacson may finally help stop online scams and so-called “Tapon-SIM” crimes where criminals use prepaid SIM cards that can be disposed of to throw law enforcers off their trail. Senate Bill 25, dubbed the “Prepaid Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards Regulations Act of 2019,” requires the registration of prepaid SIM cards to prevent their illegal or malicious use. “Not only is this prepaid SIM card easily accessible, i.e., it can be bought almost anywhere, the owners thereof can likewise easily evade detection since prepaid SIM cards are virtually undetectable. Due to this, unscrupulous individuals almost always take advantage of the same in the pursuit of their criminal activities to the detriment not only of a particular interest but that of the whole nation,” Lacson, who as a law enforcer had fought kidnap-for-ransom

gangs that used the same ‘Tapon-SIM’ tactics, said in his bill. He said the bill should contribute in one way or another in providing a solution to the recurrent peace-and-order problem. Lacson said every new technology carries with it tremendous responsibility, and the technology should be used for the advancement of the interest of all and not only of a chosen few. “It therefore becomes our imperative duty as lawmakers to ensure that the benefits we derive from this technology should be used properly and not abused by some segments of our society,” he added. Under the bill, persons who want to use prepaid SIM cards should fill up a registration form providing their name

and the phone number of the prepaid SIM card. Buyers must present valid government documents such as passports, or school or company IDs with photos. Dealers and telecommunications service providers who sell SIM cards must maintain records of the names and other data of all persons who purchased the cards. If a prepaid SIM card is used in an illegal or criminal activity, law enforcement agencies may retrieve information from the database—but only after obtaining a written court order. The court orders should specify the name of the law enforcement agency and/or officer authorized to look into the database of the telecommunications service provider; ask the telecommunications service provider to furnish the information requested; and direct the law enforcement agency and/or officer to use the information obtained in accordance with the written application.

‘PH-US milestones reached in last 3 years’ THE Philippines-United States relations reached numerous milestones in the past three years, Ambassador Sung Kim said during the celebration of the 243rd anniversary of US Independence and the two nations’ Friendship Day on Wednesday. Under the term of US President Donald Trump and President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who marked his third year in office last Saturday, the historic Balangiga Bells was returned to the Philippines. In 2017, the US was also able to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ending the terror siege in Marawi. In the same year, Kim said the Philippines chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit where Trump had a “wonderful visit” to Manila. “So many great things happened in our relationship and I remain very optimistic about the future of the Philippines-US relationship,” he said in a speech in Makati City. “We have shared values, we have shared history, we have shared culture, common interests, and most importantly, the warmth and mutual affection and respect with the Philippines remain very strong, and I think that friendship will carry our partnership and alliance into the future,” he added. PNA

3 aliens with fake visas, passports held IMMIGRATION officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted three foreigners in separate incidents who attempted to leave the country with spurious passports and visa. The foreigners, Palestinian couple Yousef Hilles and Nour Muamar, were intercepted at NAIA T2 while attempting to board a flight to Malaysia using fake United Arab Emirates passports with spurious Philippine immigration arrival and departure stamps. On the other hand, Senegalese passenger Fallou Thiam reportedly attempted to leave for Toronto with a fake Canadian visa sticker on his passport. “This should serve as a warning to foreigners not to use the Philippines as a jump-off point to other countries. You cannot elude the watchful eyes of immigration officers in our ports. Our personnel are highly skilled in detecting fraud, and we have the technology to instantly verify the authenticity of documents presented,” according to BI-Port Operations chief Grifton Medina. He warned undesirable aliens not to use Manila as a transit point in traveling illegally to other countries. Vito Barcelo

BIR loses tax case vs. DLS-CSB By Rey E. Requejo

TIGERS’ MEAL. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno showed to the media the confiscated 235 pieces of double-dead chicken or "botcha" from a market in Paco, Manila which he said will be fed to to tigers during his ocular inspection of Manila Zoo. Norman Cruz

PAF to be capable of integrated defense soon ONCE the Philippine Air Force acquires brand-new multi-role fighters, the service will be capable of fielding an Integrated Air Defense System that will protect the country from aerial threats. “The acquisition of multi-role fighters would soon complete the Integrated Air Defense System of the entire country, which is composed of sensors—the radars, ground defense, and the interceptors, which will be our multi-role fighters,” PAF commander, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez said in his speech at the Air Force’s 72nd founding manniversary on Tuesday. In support of this mission, Briguez said the Air Force has recently activated its FA-50 simulator facility at the 5th Fighter Wing, Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga that will be used by the Air Defense Command in training a new generation of pilots.

“We have also installed our second radar at the Gozar Air Station in Lubang Island, Mindoro and we are continuously working on the construction of the radar basing support system for the third radar at Mount Salacot, Palawan,” he added. Briguez added that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has recently approved the plan to acquire the so-called “groundbased air defense system” that will be used in protecting radar bases and other important government facilities from internal and external threats. The PAF Strategic Basing Plan intends to develop such areas as Lal-lo, Cagayan; Guiuan, Samar; Mati, Davao Oriental; Hill 900 in Zamboanga; and Balabac Island, Palawan to achieve effective and efficient air operations, he said. The air force chief added that they will soon finalize their Integrated

Command and Control, Communications and Computer Systems that will further enhance their capability to conduct air operations. “Through this, we shall achieve a robust, high performance, fully interoperable and integrated communications technology infrastructure that will provide all elements of the DND-AFP (Department of National Defense - Armed Forces of the Philippines) information requirement and support a common operational picture,” he added. Briguez also took the opportunity to thank President Rodrigo R. Duterte for his “colossal and unprecendented support to the AFP,” which includes the ongoing modernization program; significant salary increase for all soldiers, including the hazard duty pay of front line troops in Sulu; and the additional issued firearms. PNA

THE Supreme Court has stopped the Bureau of Internal Revenue from collecting P122.4-million income tax deficiency from La Sallian Educational Innovators Foundation or De La Salle University-College of St. Benilde Inc. for the year 2002. In a 19-page decision, the SC’s Third Division through Associate Justice Andres Reyes ordered the cancellation of the assessment notice that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue issued in 2005 covering the fiscal year ending May 31, 2002 against DLSU-College of St. Benilde for deficient income tax. The high court granted the petition filed by DLSU-College of St. Benilde seeking the reversal of the April 19, 2012 decision of the Court of Tax Appeals en banc that granted the government’s tax collecting agency’s petition to hold DLSU-College of St. Benilde liable to pay P122.4-million deficiency income tax. The SC ruled that the 1987 Constitution expressly exempts all revenues and assets of non-stock, nonprofit educational institutions from taxes provided that they are actually, directly and exclusively used for educational purposes.

Sports Banal lifts Bacoor past Pasig Strikers BACOOR turned to reigning Most Valuable Player Gab Banal, who delivered back-to-back triples at crunch time to upstage Pasig, 73-64, in the MPBL Lakan Season at the Caruncho Sports Complex in Pasig City late Wednesday night. With the game still hanging in the balance, Banal presided on his team’s offense. He knocked in a trey in the 1:46 mark of the final quarter to give the Strikers a 6862 lead then virtually sealed the game for his squad with another three-point basket in the last 51 seconds, towing Bacoor to its third straight win. Bacoor now improved its win-loss record to 3-1 to move up to third spot of the southern division team standings. Banal finished with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while fellow MPBL All-Star Ian Melencio contributed 12 as Bacoor dealt the Sta. Lucia Realtors-backed Pasig squad its second loss in three starts. Earlier, Biñan City edged Cebu, 8581, in overtime while Bicol ran roughshod over Marikina, 86-67. The Krah-Heroes banked on veteran guard Allan Mangahas, who ended up two assists away from completing a triple-double performance. The local boy from San Pedro, a few minutes away from Biñan, tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists while coming off the bench. Another off the bench player, Kyle Neypes, contributed 12 for the Heroes, who improved their win-loss record to 2-2. Bicol got back on the winning track after subduing the luckless Marikina Shoemasters as ex-pro Ronjay Buenafe led the way for the expansion squad Volcanoes. A PBA joruneyman, who decided to play in MPBL, Buenafe had 20 points to back up the team’s leading scorer, Jerome Garcia. Garcia stepped up on offense, drilling in four triples on his way to finishing with 21 to help the Volcanoes attain their second win in four games of the fastest growing regional amateur basketball league put up by Senator Manny Pacquiao with PBA legend and former MVP Kenneth Duremdes serving as commissioner.

Jaworski to honor Ginebra 3X3 champions BARANGAY Ginebra legend Robert Jaworski, Sr. will award the championship trophy and the P250,000 cash prize to the champions of this year’s Ginebra 3x3 Tapang ng Tatluhan basketball tournament on July 7 at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. The Ginebra 3x3 Tapang ng Tatluhan is the first-of-its kind nationwide grassroots basketball program initiated by Ginebra San Miguel and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to help scout for the best basketball talents around the country. Now on its fourth year, the tournament is even more significant as the 3x3 basketball event is now officially included in the 2020 Olympics. With the bigger prize money, Ginebra San Miguel hopes to reach out to even more basketball communities and give young players the opportunity to further improve their craft. A total of 16 teams representing Manila, Cebu, Davao, Caloocan, Quezon, Iloilo, Bulacan, Cagayan de Oro, Tarlac, Cavite, Samar, Rizal, Pangasinan, Batangas, Bataan and Pampanga will compete in the National Finals on July 5 at Robinsons Place Manila. The final two teams will move forward to the championship round. Aside from the main 3x3 tournament, a slam-dunk competition and 3-point shoot-out will be held during the National Finals. The top dunker and top scorer will each win a P10,000 cash prize and a trophy. To celebrate 40 years of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, a meet-and-greet with players Stanley Pringle, LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa will be held at the exhibit area, which features the various jerseys of the popular basketball franchise. For more updates, check out Ginebra San Miguel official Facebook page www.facebook.com/barangayginebra or website www.ginebra.com.ph.

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

POC to follow mandate of IOC, OCA By Peter Atencio

NDER the watchful eyes of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, the Philippine Olympic Committee will continue the process of selecting at least four new leaders before the month is up.

And there will be full compliance to the wishes of the IOC and OCA as the POC holds elections by July 28. POC chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said this after receiving a copy of a two-page letter from the IOC and the OCA which recognizes the resignation of Victorico Vargas as POC President and Tolentino as chairman. Observers from the IOC and OCA will be around when the General Assembly ﬁrst convenes on July 18 to approve the

appointment of the members of the election commission. These observers will also be present when the General Assembly ﬁnally holds it polls by July 28. “I would like to defer to the wishes of the IOC and OCA in my desire to settle the issue facing the POC as soon as possible,” said Tolentino during a gathering yesterday at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Pasay City. Tolentino said that while he stays on in

a holdover capacity, he believes that there is no rightful successor yet to Ricky Vargas, who resigned last June 18. So far, only four positions will be disputed since Tolentino, Vargas, board members Cynthia Carrion of gymnastics and Clint Aranas are the only ones who are confirmed to have submitted their written letters of resignations. “It might be noted that there are three other board members who resigned. But they have so far not confirmed it in writing,” added Tolentino, who is planning to seek the presidency of the POC. The POC will start addressing this issue when it holds a special board meeting on July 8. From there, the executive board will take steps to fill in the vacancies and prepare to have polls and make way for an

Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino says the POC will follow the instructions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during a gathering yesterday at the Golden Bay Restaurant in Pasay City. Ey Acasio

Perlas Spikers, Lady Troopers seek ‘rubber’ DESPITE dropping a pair of 1-3 defeats to their fancied rivals in the opener of their respective Final Four duels in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, BanKo-Perlas and PacificTown Army remain hopeful of forcing a pair of sudden deaths when Game 2 is played tomorrow at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. By taking a set against powerhouse PetroGazz and the Creamline, BanKoPerlas and PaciﬁcTown Army showed that the top seeded teams can be stopped and toppled after all provided they sustain their ﬁrepower and more importantly show poise and minimize their errors. The Lady Troopers learned that the hard way when they blew a number of

Games tomorrow (Saturday)

(Ynares Center, Antipolo) 2 p.m. – BanKo-Perlas vs PetroGazz 4 p.m. – PacificTown Army vs Creamline

chances to steal the first two sets with miscues down the stretch. In contrast, the defending champion Cool Smashers displayed championship poise all throughout to dodge the upset ax and keep their win run going coming off a nine-game streak in the double-round elims with a 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20 victory in Game One of their best-ofthree series. PacificTown fell short by just seven hits in its spiking battle with Creamline and even led in blocks, 7-6, and dominated the service area, 9-5. But Creamline scored 30 points off PacificTown Army’s

errors although the Lady Troopers also pounced on their rivals’ miscues to score 23 markers. It the non-scoring skills, PacificTown held its ground, yielding just five in digging (49-54), two in excellent sets (2022) and four in reception (39-43), only the Cool Smashers were able to parlay the Lady Troopers’ miscues in the first two frames. In contrast, BanKo-Perlas scored 24 points off PetroGazz’s errors while giving up just 17 points off their own slips but the Angels imposed their will on the net, producing 64 spikes for a glaring 21-hit lead over the Perlas Spikers, who could only come up with 43, on their way to a 25-19, 2515, 21-25. 25-12 romp in their own Final Four face-off.

extraordinary meeting of the General Assembly on July 18. The meeting on July 18, which will be held in the presence of an IOC/OCA representative, will be the time when those who will seek elective posts in POC can be ratiﬁed. Later, the president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines raised many questions on how the executive board is running the show, since Joey Romasanta stepped in as acting POC president. “As far as the bylaws is concerned, we don’t have a successor to Mr. Vargas yet,” said Tolentino. Tolentino has questioned Romasanta’s position as acting president. And that’s because there is no such position in the POC constitution and bylaws.

Blu Girls lose double-header in US tourney THE Philippines played their best game so far in a double-header in Day 3 but fell short of scoring a breakthrough win in the USA Softball International Cup on Wednesday at the South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus, Georgia, USA. The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls bowed to local team Scrap Yard Fast Pitch 1- 3 and then lost to Mexico, 2-3, later in the day. Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier remains confident that the team will get better. “This experience will be very instrumental to the team’s improvement. Like I said, we came here to help prepare the Blu Girls to the 2020 Olympics where we qualified earlier,’’ Lhuillier said. “ASAPHIL and Cebuana Lhuillier is committed in advancing its grassroots programs for both boys and girls like the intercollegiate and inter secondary meets, the summer Grand Slam tournaments, and other essential activities to reach the objectives he has set for the NSA.” Scrap Yard Fast Pitch took an early lead with a single in the first inning and never looked back. The Philippines tried to catch up but could only muster one run, six hits and did not commit a single error. Riflayca Basa took the loss for the Philippines. She lasted three innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out one. Against Mexico, the Blu Girls watched the game slip away early and could not recover. The pitching was strong on both sides but. Mexico pitchers struck out ten, while Philippines sat down one. Isabella Dino took the loss for the Philippines. She lasted four innings, allowing four hits and three runs while walking one.

Sportscaster joins JDI as calendar girl

Mara Aquino (center), TV sportscaster and courtside reporter for the PBA, recently signed a contract with Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) as calendar girl for 2020.

MARA AQUINO, television sportscaster and courtside reporter for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), recently signed a contract with Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI) as its 2020 calendar girl. The contract signing was held at Chateau 1771 in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, with Mr. Joven Vilvestre, VP for Sales Construction Supplies Division; Mr. Edwin Hernandez, JDI president; Ms. Peachy C. Tiu, AVP for Marketing Construction Supplies Division; and Mr. Joevic Pasit, VP for Sales Agro Products Division. Aquino is set to pitch for JDI’s trusted agricultural products that include, but are not limited to, rice seeds, vegetable seeds, corn seeds, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides, plant growth regulators, biostimulants, and soil conditioners and aerators. Known for quality crop nutrition and crop protection, JDI’s agro-products have always been the trusted brands in the market.

As one of the faces of Solignum’s 65-year anniversary, Aquino will figure prominently in the brand’s milestone-related activities. Solignum, the tried, tested, trusted wood preservative for over 65 years. JDI also offers dependable waterproofing products for leak protection and other waterproofing-related needs like Waterplug, SureSeal Elastomeric Sealant, Optimum Flex, and Super Thoroseal. Jardine’s line of Waterproofing Products, Home Pest Solutions, and Construction Products are available at leading supermarkets (Shopwise, Rustans, Wellcome), DIY stores (Handyman, Ace, Citi, and Wilcon), and in the nearest hardware stores, among others, while Agro Products are available in Agri Stores. Jardine products are also available online at https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/jardine-distribution-inc/. For more information, go to www.jardinedistribution.com.ph.

Defending champion Djokovic advances with ease LONDON, United Kingdom—Novak Djokovic made the last 32 in Wimbledon for the 11th successive year on Wednesday (Thursday Manila time). Four-time champion and world number one Djokovic hit 13 aces and 37 winners as he eased past Denis Kudla of the United States, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. “I’m pleased with my game overall. There were some moments in the match where maybe I could have done better,” said the defending champion. “But overall, a solid performance.” Djokovic goes on to face Hubert Hurkacz for a place in the last 16 having defeated the Pole in straight sets in the ﬁrst round at Roland Garros in May. Victory in that match could see him face 18-year-old

Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, the youngest man in the draw. The 19th seed saw off French qualifier Corentin Moutet 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to make the third round of a Slam for the first time. Last year’s beaten finalist Kevin Anderson, the South African fourth seed, also progressed with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-4 victory over Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia. Three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka fell in five sets to 6ft 11in (2.1m) Reilly Opelka. Two-time quarter-finalist Wawrinka, 34, was beaten 7-5, 3-6, 4-6, 6-4, 8-6 by his American opponent, the tallest man in the sport and 13 years his junior. Opelka fired 23 aces and 59 winners and goes on to

face 2016 runner-up Milos Raonic of Canada. Opelka will be appearing in the third round at a Slam for the ﬁrst time having never won a grass court match in his career prior to coming to Wimbledon. Wawrinka won heartfelt applause for giving a line judge a warm embrace after accidentally colliding with her as he sprinted to hit a backhand. “I was a bit too far to return a serve. I think I went against her, so I was sure she had some pain and was not happy, so I gave her a little hug,” said the genial Swiss. Also feeling the pain was Russia’s Margarita Gasparyan who was forced to retire when just two points from victory against Ukraine eighth seed Elina Svitolina. AFP

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

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

Sports

Magnolia Hotshots test Elite By Jeric Lopez

Cori Gauff of the US makes a return against Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova during their women’s singles second round match on the third day of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon. AFP

I can beat anyone, says Gauff

ONDON, United Kingdom—Coco Gauff, the 15-year-old schoolgirl who stunned five-time champion Venus Williams in the first round, continued her Wimbledon dream debut on Wednesday when she eased into the last 32 and claimed: “I can beat anyone.” Gauff, ranked 313 in the world, defeated 2017 semi-finalist Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia 6-3, 6-3 in the first match played entirely under the new Court One roof. She is the youngest player to make the third round since US compatriot Jennifer Capriati went all the way to the semi-finals in 1991. “I think I can beat anyone. If I don’t think I can win the match then I won’t even step on the court,” she said. Her confidence is justified. She has yet to drop a set at the tour-

Serbians rout Gilas Youth in Fiba U19 By Peter Atencio GILAS Youth came up empty handed as they finished without a win in their group in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup early Thursday morning (Philippine time) inside Heraklion Indoor Sports Arena in Greece. The Filipinos faced world no. 4 Serbia and took a 60-87 setback. Dave Ildefonso and Kai Sotto led the Filipinos with Ildefonso topscoring with 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists while Sotto tallied 13 markers, eight boards, and three assists. The Philippines, who bowed to Russia, 64-92, at the end of the Group stage the other day, will move on to the classification round even as the Serbians advance to the quarterfinals. Gilas Youth started strong and had a 12-8 edge early before crumbling to a 33-9 run mounted by the Serbians. Filip Petrusev led the Serbians during the first two quarters and finished with 17 markers in as many minutes on the floor. Marco Pecarski showed the way for Serbia in the second half when they broke the game wide open. He finished with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Serbia moves on to a showdown with third-ranked Lithuania in the quarterfinals. The Philippines can still get their best finish since ending up in 10th-place back in 1979. To do so, the Philippines will have to hurdle world no. 10 Australia at the start of the classification round on Friday. The Philippine campaign suffered a big blow after big man AJ Edu went down with an injury. Edu returned to the US to prepare for an immediate operation on his injured knee. Edu, 19, left Heraklion, Greece early Wednesday morning. He had time to watch the Filipinos’ final preliminary game in Group C against Russia. Edu headed back to Ohio to undergo surgery after badly hurting his knee during the Filipinos’ opening day game against Greece. According to official reports, the Cyprus-born Filipino suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscal tear on his right knee. He also had a hairline fracture on his right femur bone.

nament having played ﬁve matches, including three in qualifying. In her two matches in the main draw, she has been broken just once and committed a meagre 18 unforced errors. Despite that, Gauff insists she is staying grounded in the face of her sudden fame. She is unwinding by watching YouTube videos of make-up tips while giggling along to online pranks. Her phone is busy with goodwill messages. “One is (14-year-old actress) Navia

Robinson. My little brother actually watches one of the shows she’s on. “Storm Reid, another actor, she’s in a new series ‘Euphoria’,” she explained to a generally mystiﬁed press corps. “Surprisingly social media relaxes me before the match. That’s what I do. Not really Instagram so much. I just watch YouTube videos before my match. It gets me in a laughing spirit.” Despite her nods to everyday teenage past-times, Gauff insists she has a serious streak. During qualifying, where she played on a wildcard, she needed to complete a high school science exam. It’s all part of her strong work ethic instilled in her by parents Corey and Candi Gauff, both successful college athletes.

“They just told me, You have another match. The tournament’s not over. Don’t focus too much on what happened. My goal is to win it,” she said. Practice is also key, even if it means driving herself harder and harder on the courts. “These last couple weeks, when they say, practice over, I say let’s do one more. Hit the ball harder to me. “I was telling my training partner Courtney, I need you to hit the ball harder, we need to do more rounds. “I didn’t know this would happen. Looking back on these few weeks, I can see how maybe that little extra time deﬁnitely helped.” Next up for Gauff is a last 32 clash against world number 60 Polona Hercog of Slovenia on Friday. AFP

CURRENTLY one of the league’s hottest teams, Magnolia wants to keep its chances of making the top two alive when it shoots for a sixth straight win in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. Armed with a ﬁve-game winning streak, the Hotshots (5-2) look to stay hot when they go toe-to-toe with skidding Blackwater (5-3) at 4:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City today. In the nightcap, teams at the bottom of the heap meet as struggling San Miguel Beer (2-5) and NLEX (2-7) go at it at 7 p.m. as both try to salvage their slim chances of making the top eight. The Hotshots, currently in third place, need to win their remaining four games to have a crack at possibly ending up in the top two. At the moment, frontrunners TNT KaTropa and NorthPort hold the top two seeds with Magnolia on the outside looking in. The top two teams at the end of the eliminations will earn a twiceto-beat incentive against lowerranked squads. Magnolia kept its hot streak by routing Meralco, 99-88, last Saturday in Zamboanga City. While it is on a hot streak, its foes are not. After starting out 5-1, the Elite had lost two in a row, prompting it to tap a new import in Stephon Blair, who will take the place of the ineffective Jameel McKay. Both the Hotshots and Elite have not yet formally booked an entry in the quarterﬁnals. The Beermen, with their atrocious start and run thus far, have pushed the panic button and replaced import Charles Rhodes with NBA veteran Chris MCCullough in hopes of turning their fate around. The Road Warriors, who are at the bottom of the heap, are looking for positives as they aim on ending their remaining games with a bang.

Lyceum Pirates resume pursuit of elusive NCAA hoop crown THE Lyceum Pirates will continue seeking the elusive men’s basketball crown in the 95th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The Pirates have been beaten twice by the Lions over the past two year. And the Pirates are still hopeful that they can reach the ﬁnals again this year. Their main man, CJ Perez, won’t be around after having turned pro. Another key player MJ Ayaay won’t be there either. For coach Topex Robinson, the Pirates will need to overcome many challenges for them to get far again. “We don’t have a go-to guy per se, but we have a lot of guys who are willing to contribute and are going to make our season exciting,” said Robinson. Mike Nzeusseu and Raymar Caduyac will be back for their ﬁnal year for the Pirates. The twins Jaycee and Jayvee Marcelino win once again patrol the backcourt while Cameroonian big man Mike Nzeusseu will still be there to protect the boards. Last season, the Pirates were considered as the top offensive team, and they finished a 15-3 win-loss record in the elims, and after topping Letran in last year’s Final Four. The Pirates will also count on transferees Jayson David, Jerwyn Guinto and Renzo Navarro in their big push this year. David, a transferee from the San Sebastian Stags, is seen as Robinson’s replacement for Perez in terms of leadership on the court and speed. Two second unit players, Alvin Baetiong and Jerwin Guinto are said to be improving and will reinforce Nzeusseu. And the Pirates will also have scorers like Niño Ibañez and Jeff Santos. Peter Atencio

WHEN CHAMPIONS MEET. Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao (2nd from right) meets former WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz and his family at the Wild Card Gym. Pacquiao is preparing for his showdown with Keith Thurman. Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions

Penong’s 5150 brings triathlon closer to public triathlon closer and more accessible to the general public with the holding of the PENONG’S Barbecue Seafood & Grill Penong’s 5150 Triathlon Davao on July 7, teams up with Sunrise Events to bring 2019 at the Waterfront Hotel. The Go For

By Reuel Vidal

Sunrise Events General Manager Princess Galura (4th from right) is flanked by Penong’s owners Vanessa Mae Uy Santos (3rd from right) and Ma. Teresa Regis during the formal launch of the Penong’s 5150 Triathlon, recently.

Gold Sunrise Sprint will also be held on the same day and venue. The Olympic distance 5150 as well as the Sunrise Sprints are for those who are joining a triathlon for the ﬁrst time including graduates of the Alaska IRONKIDS who may ﬁnd the 70.3 IRONMAN too daunting a challenge according to Sunrise Events General Manager Princess Galura. It was an easy decision to partner with Penong’s to hold the race in Davao. “They (Penong’s) are a homegrown brand. They are really from Davao. When the idea to hold a 5150 in Davao came up. That new triathletes needed to start at shorter distance. Penong’s said it was perfect for them. Sunrise Events will stage a race in Davao. Penong’s owners were able and willing to be the title sponsor. It’s a good preparation for the IRONMAN 70.3 in Cebu on August 11,” said Galura. Penong’s owner Maria Teresa Regis said their company is focused on a healthy lifestyle.

“Penong’s is not about just food. It is about health. We are concerned with the health of people especially of those in Davao. We want to develop that awareness of the importance of health among people,” said Regis. Co-owner Vanessa Mae Uy Santos added that a family dining together at their favorite eatery is the ﬁrst thing you think about Penong’s. “Penong’s is all about family. Triathlon for us, based on our personal experience, is bonding of the family doing a shared activity. And it’s a healthy lifestyle also,” said Uy Santos. “We want to be the model, especially to our employees, to have a healthy lifestyle. It’s not just work, work, work. You need to have other diversions aside from work.” Regis said they eagerly grabbed at the opportunity to team up with Sunrise Events to hold a world-class race in Davao which will bring Penong’s before a global audience.

IN BRIEF PPA likely to act on Chelsea bid soon

STATE-RUN Philippine Ports Authority said it expects to grant by the end of September the original proponent status to Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. for its proposal to develop and operate the Davao Sasa Port. “Maybe we should be able to conclude that no later than the end of September,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said. Santiago said Chelsea Logistics had completed all the documents for its proposal to modernize the Davao Sasa Port for P16 billion. The company proposed a 25-year concession period. Sasa Port is designed for break bulk cargo vessels. About 500,000 metric tons of steel, wheat, fertilizer, motor vehicles, heavy equipment and other cargo not suitable for containers went through Sasa Port in 2014, according to PPA data. Davao Integrated Port and Stevedoring Services Corp., an operator at the Sasa port, said the current capacity of Sasa is about 700,000 twenty-foot equivalent units. Darwin G. Amojelar

KMC to launch four offices in PH

KMC, the Philippines’ largest provider of flexible offices and coworking space, announced the opening of four new locations nationwide. It said the new sites in Cebu, Clark, Fort Bonifacio and Ortigas will have a total of 11,157 seats. The largest and most ambitious expansion will be in Cebu, as the flexible workspace provider adds 970 seats. The newest KMC workspaces in Cebu IT Park is hosted at the premium-grade Skyrise 4B. Located on the 16th and 17th levels of the building, each floor will feature co-working spaces, private offices, training rooms, breakout areas and large open event spaces designed to cater for events and corporate functions. Similar to all KMC spaces, its expansion in Cebu IT Park will feature plug-nplay capability with 24/7 onsite IT support. “We are very happy to be part of the economic growth of Cebu City. With this location, we expect many local and foreign companies, along with investors to take advantage of the distinct facilities that KMC has to offer,” said KMC cofounder Michael McCullough.

Business GSIS board revokes plan to sell North Harbor land

By Julito G. Rada

HE board of trustees of state-run Government Service Insurance System revoked on Thursday board resolutions that authorized the sale of properties at the Manila North Harbor, including a 672,645-square-meter property where International Container Terminal Services Inc. operates. GSIS chairman and ofﬁcer-in-charge Rolando Macasaet said in a message to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III that the revocation of the resolutions on the planned sale of the North Harbor property was one of the matters tackled by the board after President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the resignation of GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas. The Finance Department exercises administrative supervision over government ﬁnancial institutions including GSIS pursuant to Executive Order No. 251 (s. 2000).

Macasaet said that during the board meeting, the board accepted the resignation of president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas and “revoked resolutions authorizing the sale of the ICTSI/PPA property until further review and consultation with all concerned stakeholders.” “In fairness to the board, Atty. Aranas always assured the board that this transaction had the approval of PRRD [President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said in a text message to Dominguez. GSIS revoked Board Resolution No. 38 dated Feb. 27, 2018 that approved the sale and disposal of Manila Interna-

tional Port Terminal Inc. through public bidding and Board Resolution No. 89 dated June 25, 2019 that approved a higher minimum bid price. Macasaet said that he also assumed the OIC position of GSIS as instructed, and would ofﬁcially advise Malacañang Palace through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Dominguez through a formal letter. Before the resignation of Aranas on Tuesday, GSIS was in disagreement with ICTSI and the Philippine Ports Authority over the planned sale of a 672,645-square-meter property at Manila North Harbor. ICTSI earlier questioned the plan, saying it would hamper its operations at the site. Aranas said in a news brieﬁng in June that GSIS was bent on pursuing the sale of its non-performing assets in Port Area, Manila amid the increase in zonal valuation of the properties. Aranas said the pension fund would want “to sell the assets as soon as possible.”

Rockbird acquires Proventa’s Asian unit

EVENTS management firm Rockbird Media said it acquired the Asia Pacific operations of London-based management consultancy Proventa International for an undisclosed amount. Proventa International is the top provider of strategy meetings for businessto-business companies in Europe, the US and Asia Pacific. It was founded in 2013 by colleagues Louis Smikle and Leo Empuerto in London and eventually expanded in Florida and Manila. Empuerto said that with the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions sector being a priority program of the Department of Tourism, now is the best time to ramp up its services in the Philippines and neighboring countries. “We wanted to have full control over the APAC market,” said Empuerto, now the founder and chief executive of Rockbird Media. “There is a lot to innovate within the MICE sector that would breed multiple revenues, not just for my company but for the whole region.” Rockbird Media will continue to host B2B corporate meetings, dinners and events as well as provide business development consultancy while adding B2C (business-to-consumer) services such as social events, specialized outsourcing and other à la carte services.

Power distributors ordered to refund regulatory reset cost By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Energy Regulatory Commission ordered all privately-owned electric distribution utilities to refund the socalled regulatory reset cost, with corresponding interest, to power consumers. It said the one-time refund should take effect immediately in the July 2019 billing period. Under the performance-based regulation methodology, privately-owned DUs are allowed to charge RRC in their revenue requirement. RRC represents expenses incurred in engaging regulatory experts or consultants when setting and updating the DU’s electricity rates. “The commission is of the view that the cost of regulation should be at the expense of the government and should not be a burden to the electricity consumers,” said ERC chair Agnes Devanadera. “The amount collected as regulatory reset cost for the 3rd regulatory period remained unused and inasmuch as the 17th Congress appropriated funds for purposes of regulatory reset, the commission deems it prudent to refund the amounts collected by DUs for this purpose. In directing the refund, private DUs’ customers will be beneﬁtted by the said regulatory reset cost refund,” she said. Based on ERC’s calculation, the RRC refund ranges from P0.04 to P0.08 per kWh. ERC said that in the case of Meralco, customers could expect at least a P0.0731-per-kilowatt-hour refund in July.

NUVISTA HOMES EXPANSION. Laguna-based community developer P.A. Properties propels its expansion plan with the recent groundbreaking of NuVista Homes Lipa Phase 2 which coincides with the blessing and inauguration of the community’s clubhouse and basketball court. Leading the groundbreaking of NuVista Homes Lipa Phase 2 are P.A. Properties director Peter Jude Alvarez (fourth from left) and senior executive vice president Rey Ascaño. The 2.64-hectare Phase 2 will cater predominantly to low and medium-income earners who are working in the big city but still prefer a more laid back home life.

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

OceanaGold seeks injunction vs officials of Nueva Vizcaya By Othel V. Campos OCEANAGOLD Philippines Inc., a unit of Australian miner OceanGold Corp., said Thursday it filed for an injunction to ensure that its operations continue in Didipio amid the “unauthorized restraint” of its operations by the provincial governor of Nueva Vizcaya. The miner said in a statement the court would conduct a hearing for the injunction on July 10. It said Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla ordered local government units to “restrain any operations” of the company. Subsequent to the governor’s order, a local government unit prevented a large supply truck from accessing the mine site on July 1, the company said. “Operations continue at the mine, but the company proactively halted truck movements, including copper concentrate, to prevent the present situation from escalating further,” OceanaGold said. It said that despite external disruptions, there was an uninterrupted supply of copper concentrate for shipment. “Light vehicles, people and food supplies continue to access the site,” it said. OceanaGold said that it lodged its application for the renewal of the financial or technical assistance agreement with the Philippine government in March 2018 and received a confirmation on June 20, 2019 from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau that the Didipio Mine was permitted to continue operations pending the confirmation of the FTAA renewal. “Authority over the Didipio operation remained with the national government since the Government Code of 1991 does not grant the power or authority to the provincial governor or any local government officer to restrain any aspect of the Didipio operation,” it said. The company said it attempted engagement with the provincial government to resolve the current position but filed for an injunction “for lack of integrity on the local government’s side to recognize the legitimacy of Didipio’s continued right to operate”.

Mergers and acquisitions in PH surged by nearly 400% in first half By Jenniffer B. Austria MERGERS and acquisitions in the Philippines surged by 398.2 percent to $2 billion in the first half from a year ago, boosted by the consolidation among cement players, according to the Global & Regional M&A Report. Mergermarket which released the report said the Philippines was the fastestgrowing market in the Asia-Pacific region excluding Japan in terms of M&As deals in the six-month period despite a lower deal count. “The surge in the Philippines was largely driven by the flagship ‘Build,

Build, Build’ campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte which is spurring consolidation among cement players,” Mergermarket said. The largest deal in the country during the period was San Miguel Corp.’s acquisition of an 85.7-percent stake in Holcim Philippines from Switzerlandbased cement giant LafargeHolcim for $1.85 billion. San Miguel reported in May that its unit First Stronghold Cement Industries would acquire 5.53 billion common shares in HPI held by Holderﬁn B.V., Union Cement Holdings Corp. and Cemco Holdings Inc. which are major

shareholders of LafargeHolcim. The deal is currently under review by the country’s anti-trust body, Philippine Competition Commission. Mergermarket reported that M&A activities in the region slowed down in the ﬁrst half to levels unseen since 2013 amid an escalating US-China trade and technology war. The region generated 1,525 deals valued at $241 billion in the ﬁrst half, resulting in the shrinking of its global market share to 13.4 percent from 18.6 percent a year earlier. Aside from the Philippines, other countries in Southeast Asia that posted

year-on-year increase in M&A deals in the ﬁrst half were Singapore which posted $17.1 billion worth of transactions, up 154 percent from last year’s level; Indonesia with $6.6 billion deals, an 88.6-percent hike from a year ago; and Malaysia with $3.7 billion worth of deals, a 16.4-percent increase from the previous year’s level. Thailand was a sore spot in the Southeast Asian region, as dealmaking activity declined 64.7 percent year-on-year to $3.1 billion due to growing “political uncertainty caused by the ongoing power struggle between pro-military allies and opposition parties”.

Pag-IBIG releases P37b in housing loans PAG-IBIG Fund released P37.07 billion in home loans in the first half of 2019, up by P4.37 billion or 13 percent from P32.70 billion disbursed a year ago. Pag-IBIG said this was the highest amount released by the agency for any January-to-June period. The amount financed the acquisition and construction of 41,746 homes for Pag-IBIG Fund members, also a recordhigh for the first half of the year. It was 4 percent higher than the 40,094 homes financed in the same period last year. “Pag-IBIG Fund’s performance in the first six months of 2019 stands out as the best so far. Bigger loan releases and the increasing number of borrowers mean that more and more Filipino workers are being helped by Pag-IBIG Fund achieve their dreams of homeownership,” said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, who heads both the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees. “This is why Pag-IBIG Fund remains as a major player in President Rodrigo

Roa Duterte’s drive to uplift the lives of Filipino families through sustainable social development programs and access to decent and affordable housing,” said del Rosario. Del Rosario said that of the total amount, P4.52 billion was released for socialized housing loans beneﬁtting 11,894 members from the minimumwage and low-income sectors. “In 2018, we achieved our best year yet. Demand for our home loans last year was at its highest as the amount released for the whole year increased 16 percent to P75.31 billion while the number of borrowers rose 12 percent to 90,375. We are thankful because with the unending support of our members and industry partners, the double digit growth continues for the ﬁrst half of 2019,” said Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Acmad Rizaldy Moti. Moti said the continued demand for the agency’s home loans could be attributed to its lowest-ever interest rates, high loan-to-appraised value ratio, long repayment period and much-improved insurance terms.

PRA AWARDEES. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Ma. Alegria Sibal Limjoco (second from left), also president of Central Books and Roberto Claudio (third from left), chairman of Toby’s Sports receive the platinum awards from the Philippine Retailers Association during the 21st Outstanding Filipino Retailers Awards at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Limjoco and Claudio, both PRA vice chairs, were awarded for their passion, leadership and decades of dedication and invaluable works and for their significant and influential roles and contributions for the growth of the local retailing industry. With them are PRA president Rosemarie Bosch Ong (right) of Wilcon Depot Inc. and PRA chairman Paul Santo of Picture City.

Business

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market declines; BDO, FPH rise S TOCKS fell Thursday on proﬁt-taking as investors wait for the release of US jobs data while hoping for a big Federal Reserve interest rate cut.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, lost 27 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 8,064.92. Despite Thursday’s loss, the bellwether was still up 8 percent since the start of the year. The broader all-share index also retreated 7 points, or 0.2 percent, to settle at 4,931.99, on a value turnover of P5.1 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers, 94 to 92, while 57 issues were unchanged. Six of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green, led by First Philippine Holdings Corp. which advanced 2.5 percent to P88.15 and BDO Unibank Inc.

which gained 1.4 percent to P141.40. Meanwhile, most Asian markets rose Thursday following overnight gains on Wall Street. US traders went on a preJuly 4 spending spree Wednesday to push all three main indexes to their alltime highs as a string of weak economic indicators reinforced the case for the Fed to reduce borrowing costs. With the relief-rally from Donald Trump and Xi Jinping’s trade war ceaseﬁre running its course, dealers were turning their attention to the global outlook and pinning their hopes on central bank support. The release Friday of US non-farm payroll ﬁgures is key, analysts say, with a weak reading likely to reinforce expectations of a rate cut. Talk of a reduction and concerns about the economy have seen the yield on safe haven 10-year Treasuries fall below two percent “A lot of US economic data is waver-

ing, as most key indicators are falling below trend, but the recent standouts have been labor and wage data,” said Oanda senior market analyst Edward Moya. “If the pillars of the economy begin to show some signs of weakness, this will disrupt the US consumer and support the calls for the Fed to cut in July and signal an additional one is on the way.” Tokyo climbed 0.3 percent and Sydney jumped 0.5 percent, while Singapore was up 0.3 percent. Seoul rose 0.6 percent, Taipei added 0.3 percent, and Mumbai put on 0.2 percent, with gains also in Bangkok and Jakarta, though Hong Kong and Shanghai retreated. In early European trade, London barely moved, Paris gained 0.3 percent and Frankfurt added 0.1 percent. Stephen Innes, at Vanguard Markets, said the fall in yields across several asset classes “has increased investor appetite

for high dividend-yielding equity risk”. Investors were “hoping that this next wave central bank monetary infusion will provide a foundation to ensure the global cyclical bottom is set while offering a welcoming climate to extend this bullish trading cycle,” he said. The increasing likelihood of a Fed cut weighed on the dollar, with riskier currencies such as the South Korean won, Australian dollar and Indonesian rupiah all strengthening. The Chinese yuan was also slightly higher. However, Trump hit out at China on Wednesday in a Twitter rant, accusing it and Europe of artiﬁcially keeping the yuan and euro weak to gain an advantage over the US. He said they were playing a “big currency manipulation game” and “pumping money into their system”, adding that the US should step up to the ﬁght by matching them. With AFP

MANILA STANDARD BUSINESS DAILY STOCKS REVIEW THURSDAY, JULY 4, 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 IREMIT MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK

58.45 78.6 2.43 139.4 1.3 27.4 18.72 12.06 4.8 1.38 0.495 72.05 1 13.2 55.1 191.8 115 58 27.2 170.5 1,810 62.1

58.9 79.5 2.44 141.9 1.3 27.4 18.82 12.12 4.85 1.38 0.57 72.35 1 13.2 57.35 191.8 115 58.05 27.5 172 1,810 62.3

58.45 78.6 2.43 139.4 1.26 27.25 18.72 12.04 4.75 1.38 0.495 71.5 0.98 13.2 54.4 190 115 58 27.2 169.3 1,760 61.5

58.9 78.8 2.44 141.4 1.29 27.25 18.72 12.08 4.75 1.38 0.52 71.8 0.98 13.2 56.45 191 115 58.05 27.3 171.5 1,760 62

4,760 1,037,720 53,000 2,327,540 161,000 71,300 2,900 1,234,200 141,000 3,000 2,190,000 1,773,100 197,000 10,200 817,950 1,650 10 5,790 7,700 397,130 70 11,370

279,250 81,992,248.50 128,910 327,799,093 203,610 1,948,185 54,388 14,913,154 671,520 4,140 1,159,900 127,458,957 194,510 134,640 46,073,028 315,651 1,150 336,108 211,130 68,060,017 123,950 704,886

129,490 -12,771,346 -4,596,749 -286,510 -14,976 -5,432,860 -54,000 5,544,049.50 4,376,017.50 38,200 -5,460 17,445,539 87,982

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

37.5 15 0.83 1.35 0.265 3.17 14.8 17.28 17.04 40.65 107 130 2.09 5.14 6.08 10.44 15.6 11 7.77 27.2 86 61.15 2.62 13.62 10.3 1.74 285.4 50 4.26 3.3 9.77 25.6 14.38 18.8 385.2 1.8 4.6 5.96 9.08 2.44 12.08 38.95 5.06 1.4 1.92 1.18 13.6 105.1 6.5 0.128 1.22 170.5 1.26 1.41

37.5 15 0.85 1.39 0.27 3.17 14.86 18.22 17.04 40.65 112.7 130 2.1 5.14 6.25 10.54 15.66 11.04 7.77 27.25 90 62.55 2.64 13.62 10.4 1.76 286.8 50 4.5 3.43 9.85 25.65 14.8 18.8 387 1.94 4.64 5.96 9.3 2.45 12.08 39 5.06 1.42 2.05 1.18 13.82 107 6.58 0.128 1.25 173 1.27 1.47

36 14.62 0.83 1.35 0.26 3.1 14.24 17.28 17.02 40.5 99 105 2.07 5.14 6.08 10.42 15.6 11 7.59 26.95 86 61 2.57 13.5 10.2 1.71 285 50 4.25 3.3 9.42 25.2 14.3 18.3 381 1.8 4.6 5.88 9.08 2.33 11.96 38.9 4.9 1.38 1.92 1.15 13.6 105.1 6.5 0.128 1.22 168.2 1.25 1.41

36.9 14.9 0.85 1.35 0.27 3.11 14.5 17.5 17.02 40.5 105.5 121.5 2.1 5.14 6.14 10.54 15.6 11 7.59 27 88.15 61.3 2.6 13.6 10.3 1.72 285.8 50 4.25 3.4 9.8 25.55 14.78 18.32 381 1.92 4.64 5.89 9.3 2.36 12.08 38.95 5 1.4 1.93 1.16 13.8 105.1 6.56 0.128 1.24 172 1.26 1.45

981,600 374,600 1,294,000 1,297,000 1,320,000 3,955,000 1,360,400 767,700 3,200 60,000 73,720 24,210 223,000 3,400 208,700 1,951,500 497,800 239,800 2,103,900 1,762,100 860,900 103,290 8,227,000 150,300 641,800 1,427,000 228,480 10 12,000 5,000 9,800 335,100 742,100 6,528,100 193,530 17,142,000 34,000 2,091,600 7,200 15,012,000 11,900 82,800 67,500 297,000 42,000 381,000 34,000 1,105,690 25,900 840,000 524,000 608,670 1,289,000 7,359,000

36,175,845 5,586,814 1,091,920 1,786,530 349,400 12,337,390 19,986,650 13,606,618 54,476 2,434,310 7,796,389 2,849,856 465,260 17,476 1,289,133 20,496,946 7,765,750 2,638,504 16,060,208 47,613,880 76,149,574.50 6,324,715 21,484,370 2,041,104 6,612,366 2,471,850 65,287,630 500 51,290 16,730 93,999 8,546,980 10,829,198 119,854,482(18 73,977,960 32,406,720 156,870 12,369,971 65,398 35,744,950 143,650 3,225,260 332,620 413,840 84,600 439,440 467,732 117,221,566 170,089 107,520 641,330 104,533,135 1,619,250 10,611,480

-16,942,740 481,568 -5,100 3,375,990 -1,318,664 -1,538,894 2,145,950 -82,948 -115,897 5,311,094 -4,098,122 1,708,536 1,708,798 5,800,385 -11,438,347 1,391,055.50 -986,210 -1,594,854 -3,763,022 17,490 12,205,880 7,049,540 5,508,172 ,765,698.0004) -17,876,190 1,295,120 3,455,963 -1,320,820 -10,770 627,490 50,000 46,760 25,840 -44,726,570 13,002,447 108,730

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 KEPPEL HLDG A 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

1.01 56.1 15.72 0.75 7.05 13.06 1.35 1.33 903 3.99 6.81 10.48 14.02 0.246 870 6.48 67.75 4.51 0.495 4.11 15.54 0.63 4.87 0.039 1.54 176 2.47 995.5 0.82 1.39 427.2 266.8 0.232 0.33

1.05 56.3 15.92 0.82 7.05 13.34 1.35 1.33 903 3.99 6.86 10.48 14.02 0.246 875.5 6.53 67.85 4.56 0.495 4.13 15.9 0.65 4.87 0.04 1.57 177.5 2.48 997 0.86 1.44 466 267 0.235 0.34

1 55.1 15.68 0.74 7 13 1.3 1.31 899 3.92 6.79 10.22 13.9 0.224 865 6.42 65.85 4.51 0.485 4.01 15.4 0.62 4.8 0.039 1.44 175.1 2.47 976.5 0.82 1.38 427 260.4 0.23 0.33

1.05 55.1 15.7 0.8 7 13 1.31 1.31 901 3.92 6.83 10.22 14 0.245 865 6.45 66.95 4.55 0.485 4.07 15.76 0.63 4.8 0.039 1.5 176 2.48 976.5 0.83 1.38 465.8 267 0.231 0.34

22,595,000 326,080 4,932,600 2,550,000 10,900 123,000 3,437,000 1,611,000 323,860 1,210,000 1,693,200 2,110,400 18,500 3,260,000 41,270 146,900 1,081,050 12,000 50,000 2,675,000 2,779,000 4,849,000 17,697,000 10,800,000 5,145,000 363,180 2,000 113,800 443,000 751,000 160 1,620 1,780,000 3,980,000

23,278,790 18,147,247.50 77,851,368 2,022,490 76,320 1,600,700 4,481,630 2,136,830 291,846,620 4,759,200 11,550,661 21,681,510 258,594 752,300 35,827,165 948,512 72,152,419 54,450 24,650 10,935,390 43,706,764 3,061,470 85,447,150 423,100 7,657,300 63,904,035 4,950 112,186,455 369,420 1,058,330 69,116 427,388 411,300 1,343,600

-112,270 3,973,984 -2,633,066 -156,000 73,500 1,801,640 -31,331,405 54,620 14,603 -10,815,118 -33,420 -6,971,680 -357,825 22,830,532.50 -4,625,170 -24,405,716 -291,040 60,582,540 699,850 1,942,484 -8,956,505 -24,720 -267,850

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

15.6 0.84 11.02 2.05 0.96 51.55 2.33 5.04 6.35 0.63 0.82 0.91 0.24 0.455 9.89 25.4 0.475 0.121 1.89 1.4 6.11 0.35 0.48 1.83 0.42

15.66 0.84 11.34 2.05 0.97 51.95 2.33 5.26 6.35 0.64 0.85 0.93 0.241 0.455 10.36 25.45 0.48 0.121 1.9 1.41 6.22 0.355 0.48 1.87 0.42

15.5 0.83 11.02 2.05 0.94 51.4 2.3 5.01 6.35 0.62 0.82 0.91 0.24 0.445 9.84 25.1 0.47 0.121 1.86 1.4 6.11 0.345 0.48 1.81 0.415

15.62 0.84 11.34 2.05 0.96 51.4 2.33 5.19 6.35 0.63 0.85 0.91 0.24 0.45 10.18 25.2 0.475 0.121 1.87 1.4 6.16 0.345 0.48 1.81 0.415

1,657,200 621,000 2,000 1,000 6,397,000 6,029,720 683,000 4,994,300 2,000 28,552,000 260,000 159,000 330,000 850,000 326,500 107,100 1,220,000 40,000 14,649,000 1,783,000 6,264,600 12,080,000 10,000 7,528,000 40,000

25,885,690 519,690 22,360 2,050 6,095,490 311,708,518.50 1,583,860 25,890,804 12,700 17,845,710 215,880 145,790 79,450 383,250 3,266,168 2,697,625 578,850 4,840 27,510,700 2,498,030 38,779,799 4,215,600 ( 4,800 13,839,390 16,700

4,200 47,500 15,714,571.50 450,160 6,564,333 -12,700 -63,710 25,200 226,197 561,085 -465,500 -10,033,960 141,000 16,814,584 165,350.0001) -2,408,700 -

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

2.23 46 26.25 2.19 3.04 38.05 1.9 6.21 7.15

2.25 46 26.75 2.22 3.15 38.3 1.95 6.5 7.15

2.21 46 26.1 2.17 3 37.9 1.9 6.21 7.12

2.24 46 26.5 2.2 3.12 38 1.95 6.43 7.14

1,320,000 500 3,007,500 259,000 245,000 10,628,500 739,000 109,800 2,925,400

2,943,240 23,000 79,479,320 568,690 753,830 404,212,935(11 1,430,650 697,924 20,881,810

285,915 -6,000 0,940,809.9996) -4,656,498

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

11.94 17.22 0.5 0.046 21.15 2.74 11.7 0.057 91 8.58 2.23 10.08 890 2,236 5.37 400.6 11.98 2.27 2.02 145.3 9.5 5.85 0.121 6.79 3.02 3.75 0.87 19.38 0.53 3.15 2.63 1.69 1.56 15.5 2.7 3.09 9.05 2.92 5.54 136 3.78 1,265 0.78 0.94 44.6 77 9 3.41 0.76 0.395 5.48 0.76 17.1

11.94 18 0.58 0.048 21.15 2.75 11.82 0.058 91.5 8.68 2.32 10.1 890 2,276 5.4 444 11.98 2.27 2.02 146.9 9.5 5.85 0.122 6.85 3.02 3.78 0.88 19.52 0.53 3.15 2.63 1.69 1.56 15.5 2.78 3.12 9.35 3.06 5.56 136 4.05 1,272 0.79 0.95 44.6 77.3 9.28 3.45 0.76 0.4 5.57 0.76 17.1

11.16 17.16 0.49 0.046 21.15 2.7 11.52 0.057 91 8.4 2.23 10.06 890 2,234 5.35 381 11.98 2.23 2.01 145.3 9.5 5.8 0.117 6.68 3 3.71 0.83 19.28 0.51 3.13 2.6 1.55 1.56 15.5 2.61 3.06 9.02 2.9 5.4 136 3.78 1,240 0.78 0.9 44 76.8 9 3.29 0.74 0.39 5.47 0.74 16.92

11.2 18 0.54 0.047 21.15 2.74 11.64 0.057 91.3 8.4 2.23 10.08 890 2,258 5.39 426 11.98 2.24 2.01 146 9.5 5.8 0.119 6.73 3 3.76 0.83 19.5 0.51 3.13 2.6 1.55 1.56 15.5 2.64 3.09 9.35 3.06 5.5 136 4 1,240 0.79 0.91 44 77 9.07 3.3 0.74 0.39 5.49 0.75 16.92

18,200 152,300 55,910,000 11,100,000 1,400 160,000 3,137,600 9,480,000 62,600 3,185,100 28,000 64,300 240 56,690 240,000 36,630 400 375,000 5,000 573,300 100 9,600 1,340,000 6,276,400 17,000 655,000 264,000 113,500 605,000 33,000 1,357,000 68,000 3,000 100 3,504,000 112,000 14,100 7,000 34,100 20 14,076,000 52,495 3,013,000 33,838,000 1,290,400 1,299,830 56,400 61,578,000 2,130,000 4,900,000 1,758,100 1,634,000 557,600

205,950 2,717,394 30,066,000 516,800 29,610 436,570 36,497,058 544,390 5,711,615.50 27,110,703 62,680 648,528 213,600 127,863,540 1,291,726 15,048,294 4,792 840,600 10,060 83,802,616 950 55,905 160,410 42,201,863 51,110 2,460,570 222,400 2,208,718 315,790 103,890 3,539,490 108,710 4,680 1,550 9,417,860 345,450 127,368 20,660 188,324 2,720 55,484,580 65,767,950 2,368,180 31,128,330 56,873,415 100,061,758 511,885 205,707,340 1,590,190 1,925,950 9,649,935 1,231,470 9,468,950

-1,031,100 -29,610 -28,445,338 29,000 2,529,972 415,334 9,776,960 134,500 19,159,016 -4,452,656 233,020 21,500 1,362,064 73,100 -111,730 -151,120 -1,652,460 -7,602,390 -947,640 338,980 920,425 10,479,561.50 162,016,930 439,380 -7,475,756 -5,657,152

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

0.0018 1.25 2.78 12.4 1.25 2.79 7.85 1.5 0.226 0.11 0.119 0.0079 1.27 2.3 1.03 0.9 0.012 0.011 4.77 3.53 7.4 23.3 0.0067

0.0018 1.25 2.78 12.48 1.25 2.79 7.9 1.51 0.226 0.11 0.119 0.0079 1.27 2.3 1.05 0.91 0.012 0.011 4.96 3.56 7.48 23.3 0.0067

0.0018 1.19 2.75 11.02 1.25 2.75 7.78 1.49 0.22 0.107 0.115 0.0076 1.16 2.27 1.03 0.87 0.012 0.01 4.7 3.5 7.35 22.75 0.0067

0.0018 1.22 2.75 12.48 1.25 2.75 7.85 1.5 0.221 0.107 0.119 0.0076 1.22 2.27 1.03 0.91 0.012 0.011 4.95 3.51 7.39 22.8 0.0067

147,000,000 3,626,000 313,000 2,000 37,000 690,000 2,500 12,308,000 110,000 1,610,000 50,000 3,000,000 3,763,000 1,741,000 20,000 696,000 5,400,000 6,000,000 548,000 247,000 536,800 542,700 7,000,000

264,600 4,364,480 869,150 24,256 46,250 1,907,660 19,629 18,582,020 24,590 174,570 5,830 23,100 4,530,220 3,966,780 ( 20,640 615,510 64,800 64,000 2,675,170 869,180 3,971,311 12,455,495 46,900

45,000 -3,093,240 44,640 22,650 120,000 154,990.0001) 48,950 11,000 -155,920 -1,029,193 -158,805 -

PREFERRED ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B2 ALCO PREF B ALCO PREF C DD PREF FPH PREF C GTCAP PREF A GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2A PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3B SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F

17.14 496 100 100 99 449 900 900 100 995 1,005 1,007 106 975 76.8 72.5 73 74

17.14 497 100 100 99 450 900 900 100 999.5 1,010 1,012 106 975 76.9 72.5 73 74

17.14 496 100 100 98.1 449 900 900 99.7 995 1,005 1,007 106 965 76.1 72.5 73 73.85

17.14 496 100 100 98.1 450 900 900 99.7 999.5 1,010 1,012 106 965 76.1 72.5 73 73.85

50,000 930 25,600 500 1,860 100 170 4,800 100 4,800 1,315 6,715 1,000 9,260 6,500 23,500 10,000 7,310

857,000 462,170 2,560,000 50,000 184,113 44,960 153,000 4,320,000 9,976 4,776,360 1,327,650 6,782,250 106,000 8,942,150 495,208 1,703,750 730,000 540,190

-3,482,500 -1,703,750 -

WARRANTS LR WARRANT

1.86

15,000

27,900

SME ITALPINAS XURPAS

4.9 1.16

4.9 1.18

4.8 1.15

4.85 1.18

294,000 4,153,000

1,417,070 4,829,950

48,100 176,660

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS FIRST METRO ETF 121

121

120.2

120.5

5,020

606,830

DDS USD DMPL A1

10.2

10.1

11,800

119,686

2,020

NAME

MS 10.2

TRADING SUMMARY

FINANCIAL

11,720,118

INDUSTRIAL

85,691,422

HOLDING FIRMS

100,510,580

PROPERTY

116,926,823

SERVICES

225,361,289

MINING & OIL

195,362,336

GRAND TOTAL

740,026,566

VALUE 1,736.48 (UP) 15.37 849,651,532.98 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 11,905.54 (DOWN) 15.62 1,005,101,234.965 HOLDING FIRMS 7,738.01 (DOWN) 76.46 1,076,263,458.92 PROPERTY 4,340.34 (DOWN) 11.66 SERVICES 1,702.84 (UP) 4.17 1,126,756,403.715 MINING & OIL 7,493.31 (DOWN) 73.28 937,931,163.79 PSEI 8,064.92 (DOWN) 27.76 55,611,409.387 All Shares Index 4,931.99 (DOWN) 7.64 5,058,179,588.47 Gainers: 92; Losers: 94; Unchanged: 57; Total: 243

China Bank’s board approves plan to raise P20b By Julito G. Rada CHINA Banking Corp., the seventhlargest lender in terms of assets, said its board approved a plan to issue longterm negotiable certificates of time deposit worth P20 billion to strengthen its assets base and fund future growth and expansion. “Please be informed that the board of directors of the bank approved during its regular meeting...the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of time deposit of up to P20 billion to support the bank’s asset generation plans and expansion programs,” China Bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. LTNCDs offer higher interest rates unlike regular time deposits offered by banks. These instruments cannot be pre-terminated but can be sold in the secondary market, making them “negotiable.” China Bank in June 2019 also conducted its maiden issuance of pesodenominated fixed-rate bonds worth P5 billion to support expansion and strategic initiatives. The offer period ran from June 10 to 28, 2019. The China Bank bonds carried an annual interest rate of 5.70 percent which would be paid on a monthly basis. China Bank chief operating officer Romeo Uyan Jr. said the bond issue was a part of the bank’s P75-billion fundraising program for the next three years. China Bank raised P10.25 billion through a public offering of peso-denominated long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits last year. The China Bank bonds will be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange platform on July 10, 2019. China Bank posted a 24-percent increase in net income in the first quarter to P1.9 billion, driven by the continued growth of its core businesses. The January-to-March performance translated into a return on equity of 8.42 percent and return on assets of 0.86 percent. Net interest income in the quarter grew 12 percent to P5.9 billion, boosted by the 41-percent jump in interest revenues from loans. This was complemented by the 52-percent increase in non-interest income to P1.3 billion, attributable to fees, service charges and commissions.

FPH increases buy-back budget by another P5b By Jenniffer B. Austria FIRST Philippine Holdings Corp., a member of the Lopez Group, allocated another P5 billion for its share buyback program despite the recent spike in its share price. FPH said in a disclosure to the stock exchange its board of directors approved the additional allotment of P5 billion for the common shares buy-back program which is scheduled to run until July 2020. The executive committee approved an interim additional allotment of P750 million for the program on June 27 and the company so far repurchased about P6.746 billion worth of shares. With the approval of the additional budget for the share buyback, FPH will have a total of P5.003 billion available for further repurchases. “As previously disclosed, the program is intended to strike a balance between enhancing the company’s capital structure and maintaining the ability to fund future growth and investments,” FPH said. “Buyback transactions will be triggered if the company stock is substantially undervalued when there is high volatility in share prices or in any instance where a buyback should serve to improve shareholder value. FPH will also be mindful of the need to maintain the liquidity of its stock in the market,” it said. FPH’s business units include energy firm First Gen Corp., Energy Development Corp., First Philippine Industrial Corp., First Philippine Properties Corp. and Rockwell Land Corp. FPH budgeted P30 billion for 2019 capital expenditures on a consolidated basis primarily to fund the expansion of power generation unit First Gen Corp. and property firm Rockwell Land Inc. The group is also set to commence the redevelopment of the 48-year old Benpres Building in Ortigas. The six-story building which is currently being used as headquarters of most of the Lopez Group’s companies will be redeveloped into a 40-story office tower.

World

Manila

Standard

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

TODAY

Australian student detained in North Korea ‘released, safe’

AFTER THE ACCIDENT. In this picture taken on July 3, 2019, Pakistani onlookers gather at the edge of the Indus River after a boat capsized in Haripur district. At least four people have been killed and 21 are still missing after a boat capsized in northwest Pakistan, officials said on July 4, with a rescue operation continuing as the hopes for finding survivors fade. AFP

Liberia’s hospitals battle deadly shortages SUAKOKO, Liberia―A young woman lies in intensive care at Liberia’s Phebe Hospital. Her mother comes running in with the drugs she needs, but the doctor shakes his head. It is too late. “When patients come, we are obliged to send [family members] out to get drugs. Sometimes by the time they get back [the] patients are dead,” laments Dr. Jefferson Sibley, the hospital’s medical director. “People are dying in front of our eyes, and we cannot do anything.” Battered by years of civil war and then in 2014-16 by the worst Ebola epidemic in history, Liberia’s health sector is on its knees. The crumbling infrastructure lacks almost everything―medicine, beds, equipment, ambulances, even a reliable electricity supply. Phebe, in central Bong county, is the second largest hospital in Liberia, with 200 beds and seven doctors on its staff. Despite chronic shortages, it still manages to treat at least 2,500 patients every month. “We are supposed to get supplies from the ministry of health and the National Drug Services (NDS) but we haven’t received supplies for almost a year,” Sibley told AFP. “We can’t do anything about it.” Malaria was the cause of death of the woman in the intensive care unit. She was 25. According to the World Health Organization, total health expenditure per person per year is about $100 (87 euros) in Liberia, among the lowest in the world. There is fewer than one regional or district hospital per 100,000 people in the country of about 4.7 million. In 2010, according to the latest available data, there were eight hospital beds per 10,000 people. In Jenepeleta, a village 30 kilometers from the hospital in Phebe, Regina Kollie, 45, is trying to lower the fever of the youngest of her ﬁve children, a four-year-old girl. Like many in the region, Regina sought help in traditional medicine and gathered leaves with which to wash her daughter, following the advice of a healer. The treatment is not working and the child’s fever has raged for days. But going to the hospital is not an option. “I don’t have the money to take my daughter to Phebe. The ambulance used to help us in these cases, but we don’t see it any more,” Regina says, weeping. “The two ambulances we had are broken down,” Sibley conﬁrmed, noting the vehicles had been “instrumental when it comes to saving lives”. The ambulances “used to go for pregnant women, children and other people who are seriously ill in the villages... and bring them to us,” he said. AFP

SYDNEY―A 29-year-old Australian student detained in North Korea surfaced in Beijing airport on Thursday, saying he was in “very good” spirits after being released. Alek Sigley―one of a handful of Westerners living and studying in North Korea―disappeared without a trace around June 23, prompting a week of deep concern and frantic speculation about his fate. For days Sigley’s family received no word about his whereabouts or wellbeing, stoking fears he may be the latest in a long line of foreigners to become entangled in North Korea’s police state. Then, with little warning, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday told lawmakers that Sigley had “been released from detention in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” and that “he is safe and well”. Sigley’s father Gary told reporters in Australia that the family was “extremely pleased he is safe and sound”. The father admitted he had missed a call from his son because he had been busy “shopping” but hoped to give him a “big hug and kiss” soon. Alek Sigley’s detention came just days before a landmark meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, fu-

eling speculation that it may have been politically motivated. Trump was intimately involved in the case of University of Virginia student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned during a tour of the authoritarian state in 2016. Doctors said Warmbier suffered severe brain damage while in detention, fell into a coma and died days after arriving back in the United States, aged 22. Sigley was much more familiar with the country and spoke ﬂuent Korean. He ran tours to North Korea and a number of social media sites, which usually had a stream of apolitical content about everyday life in one of the world’s most secretive nations. His blog posts focused on everyday life in Pyongyang―everything from the city’s dining scene to North Korean app reviews. “He is always trying to demystify North Korea, unlike the typical Western media. He tries to understand the people there,” his 26-year-old Japanese wife Yuka Morinaga had said. The pair married in a lavish ceremony in Pyongyang last year. The case was complicated by Australia’s lack of diplomatic representation in North Korea. AFP

A war of words over Hong Kong L ONDON—London summoned Beijing’s ambassador for a dressing down Wednesday in a rapidly escalating diplomatic feud over the protests in Hong Kong as China told Britain to keep its “hands off” the city and “show respect”.

The demonstrations sweeping the former British colony have also revived the tensions inherent in the two sides’ historic agreement on the global ﬁnancial hub’s handover to Chinese rule 22 years ago. Hong Kong enjoys broad freedoms and rights not seen in mainland China under a doctrine known as “one country, two systems”.

But fears and frustrations over Beijing’s gradual tightening of those liberties has spilled over into mass demonstrations against a now-stalled draft law on extradition from Hong Kong to China. On Monday, groups of mostly young, hard-line protesters stormed and ransacked Hong Kong’s legislature, daubing it with grafﬁti such as “HK is not China”. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt―one of two candidates to become Britain’s next prime minister― on Wednesday took the global lead in condemning China’s handling of its “special administrative region”. Hunt called on Beijing not to use the protests as a “pretext for repressions” and warned of “serious consequences” if China breaches the commitments it made to London decades ago under the terms of the handover. His comments provoked a cascade of condemnations from China that began with its foreign ministry in Beijing and continued with its embassy in London.

“He seems to be fantasizing in the faded glory of British colonialism and in the bad habit of gesticulating while looking down on other countries’ affairs,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular brieﬁng in Beijing. AFFIDAVIT OF SELFADJUDICATION BY “I need to re-emphasize that THE SOLE HEIR TO THE Hong Kong has now returned ESTATE OF PATRICIO L. DE DIOS to its motherland.” The diplomatic offensive Notice is hereby given the estate of the late raged on in London, where Chi- that PATRICIO L. DE DIOS was nese ambassador Liu Xiaoming self-adjudicated by his sole as per Doc. No. 245; hastily convened a press con- heir Page 9; Book III; Series of 2018 of the Notarial ference. of Atty. Edgar V. “I tell them: hands off Hong Register Osting, Notary Public for and in Teresa, Morong, Kong and show respect,” Liu Baras, Tanay and Pililla, said, according to the state- Prov. of Rizal. owned CGTN news site. AFP (MS-JULY 5, 12 & 19, 2019)

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF EWP PHILIPPINES CORPORATION Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of EWP Philippines Corporation (the “Corporation”), shortening the term of its existence and thereby dissolving the Corporation as of 15 October 2016 and a Balance Sheet showing that no creditors thereof will be affected by such dissolution, will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All persons having claims against the Corporation are requested to present the same at its principal office at V&A Law Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Triangle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Metro Manila, for immediate settlement. This announcement will serve as a notice to all parties concerned of the legal dissolution of the Corporation. Taguig City, Philippines. 27th June 2019. (MS-JUNE 28, JULY 5 & 12, 2019)

Republic of the Philippines Department of Finance Securities and Exchange Commission MARKETS AND SECURITIES REGULATION DEPARTMENT IN THE MATTER OF : ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) : MEDICAL CENTER - GENSAN, INC.: (Registrant) : x------------------------------------------------x

EDUCATIONAL SIMULATION. Hijab-clad Muslim girls circumambulate a mockup of the Kaaba, Islam’s most sacred structure located in the holy city of Mecca, during an educational simulation of the Hajj pilgrimage in Kuala Lumpur on July 4, 2019. AFP

Rehabilitating Indonesia’s child bombers JAKARTA―Thrown off a motorbike as her parents blew themselves up, nine-year-old Mila was the sole survivor of a family suicide bombing, part of a wave of such attacks involving children that rocked Indonesia. Orphaned and radicalized, there were concerns for her future after the Islamic State-inspired strike, but a renewed focus on rehabilitating the children of terror suspects may offer Mila, and others like her, a chance at normality. She is among a small group who are being treated at a Jakarta safe house in a unique scheme that provides psychological and social care to the offspring of suicide bombers or children directly involved in terror plots. The world’s biggest Muslim majority nation is grappling with the growing global threat of ‘family attacks’ and also with how to reintegrate returning IS jihadists and their relatives as the extremist group’s caliphate lies in ruins, a challenge faced by many nations including France and the United States. “It hasn’t been easy dealing with [the children] because they believed in radicalism... and that bombing was a good thing,” said safehouse head Neneng Heryani, who gave AFP exclusive access to the state-run compound on the edge of Indonesia’s capital. “They were taught that jihad was essential to go to heaven and that you must kill non-believers. It was very hard to change that mindset,” she added. Social workers and psychologists are trying

to re-socialize the children with counseling and an emphasis on normal daily routines which include lessons, mosque visits, and regular playtime. For Mila-a name given by AFP to protect her identity―this treatment means helping her ﬁnd a way to cope with her parents’ suicide bombing and living with the knowledge they involved her in mass murder, and intended for her to die. Other children of terror suspects, including those linked to the deadly suicide bombings in Surabaya last year, are also undergoing this dedicated treatment. “Deploying children in such a way is indefensible and deplorable,” Human Rights Watch campaigner Andreas Harsono said, adding that the 2018 incidents were the ﬁrst time suicide bombers used their own kids in attacks in Indonesia. The youngsters that survived had been subjected to years of jihadi indoctrination by their families and often shown violent propaganda, counselors say. Gaining their trust has not been easy but staff at the safe house believe their approach could help neutralize the years of radicalization. At the heart of the rehabilitation effort are lessons about Indonesia’s national heroes, building trust and Pancasila, the nation’s ideology which stresses unity and respect for ethnic and religious minorities in a country of some 260 million spread across thousands of islands. AFP

SEC-MSRD Order No. 29 Series of 2019 Registration of Securities (Initial Public Offering)

ORDER OF REGISTRATION Upon consideration of the Simplified Registration Statement and other papers and documents attached thereto which were filed on behalf of ALLIED CARE EXPERTS (ACE) MEDICAL CENTER - GENSAN, INC., the Commission in its meeting on 27 June 2019, favorably considered the same for the registration of Two Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand (228,000) shares with par value of One Thousand (Php1,000.00) per share, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 8 and 12 of the Securities Regulation Code broken down as follows: Primary Offering of Common Shares (To be offered and sold by way of Initial Public Offering)

36,000

Issued and Outstanding Common Shares 131,400 (Not included in the Offer) Issued and Outstanding Founder’s Shares 600 (Not included in the Offer) Issued and Outstanding Preferred Shares 60,000 (Not included in the Offer) TOTAL 228,000 shares

Equivalent to 3,600 blocks or 10 shares per block at an offer price ranging from Php200,000 up to Php400,000 per block With par value of Php1,000.00 per share With par value of Php1,000.00 per share With par value of Php1,000.00 per share

In this regard and after determining that the company has complied with the required submissions as directed in the Pre-effective letter issued on 28 June 2019, the subject Registration Statement is now rendered effective. Let a CERTIFICATE OF PERMIT TO OFFER SECURITIES FOR SALE be issued in favor of the subject company authorizing the sale and distribution of the aforementioned securities. Let this ORDER be published at the expense of the Issuer in a newspaper of general circulation and uploaded in the Issuer’s website within two business days from its issuance. The company is hereby directed to furnish the Commission with a copy of the Affidavit of Publication of this Order. SO ORDERED, Pasay City, Philippines. 28 June 2019

VICENTE GRACIANO P. FELIZMENIO, JR. Director

(MS-JULY 5, 2019)

LGUs

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

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

QC’s Joy, Gian want to focus on data gathering QUEZON City’s new leaders want to focus on gathering data that would help them craft policies for the next few months, they said in a television interview. “The first thing that I’d like to do is establish baseline data so that resources are not wasted but go towards targeted programs,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a morning program on CNN Philippines last Wednesday. “We’re just focusing on data gathering on what to do for the next 100 days,” Vice Mayor Gian Sotto said in the same interview. Belmonte said she would like to make changes in the city government’s directions and plans to have a feedback mechanism to generate greater participation. In her inaugural speech, the mayor emphasized her focus on social services and the need to go back to the “gut issues” of housing, education, livelihood, and health for her first 100 days as the local chief executive. Sotto, for his part, said he is eyeing to pass a Freedom of Information ordinance to ensure good governance and transparency. Meanwhole, new Quezon City Councilor Winston “Winnie” Castelo on Thursday rallied his colleagues in the council for the immediate, deliberate and speedy passage of the supplemental budget being pushed by Belmonte. Castelo, who represents district 2, said the supplemental budget will help sustain and realize the pet projects and pro-people programs of Belmonte, especially on housing and social services. The former District 2 congressman also threw his support to all the revenue generating initiatives of Belmonte in a bid to boost the city’s coffers, which reports said would only amount to P1.6 billion by yearend. “I fully agree with the wisdom of the mayor on the fiscal position of the city and I call on the other councilors to approve without delay the needed additional fund,” Castelo said. Rio N. Araja

SM Cares forum focuses on PWD, elderly readiness PERSONS with disabilities and senior citizens were enlightened on the proper response to calamities especially earthquake and flooding during the Emergency Preparedness Forum 2019. The forum is an initiative of SM Supermalls through SM Cares, and is a yearly event aimed at supporting communities, especially the most vulnerable groups like the PWDs and the elderly, to become more resilient and prepared in times of disasters. From what used to be held in a single venue, SM Cares now brings the forum to five SM Malls nationwide which started on June 21 and will run until July 12. The project is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 11: To make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. It is projected that by 2050, 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in cities, making sustainability a critical priority. SM, together with government agencies and community members, are collectively engaged in pursuing objectives to make cities safer, more resource-efficient, resilient and inclusive. Members of Sulong Kabataan pose for photos during the SarBay Festival celebrations.

LEFT TO ROT. Farmers in Benguet would rather dump this sizable harvest of cucumbers than sell it at a losing price in the wholesale market at La Trinidad’s training post, producers in the province told Manila Standard on Thursday. Cucumbers were not even listed for the day’s commodities on sale, according to the Cordillera Trading Post Vegetable Trucks Association. Dave Leprozo with Jefferd Colbengan Monang

Free hospital kits in Makati

By Joel E. Zurbano

HE city government of Makati has started distributing free admission kits to patients covered by the Yellow Card who are confined at the city-run Ospital ng Makati.

The latest addition to the benefits enjoyed by members of the Makati Health Plus program, better known as Yellow Card, contains essential items for the use of patients during confinement. Mayor Abigail Binay said the kit is aimed to provide immediate relief to Yellow Card patients so that they need not spend on basic items upon admission. “We want to spare them the trouble of spending for basic needs. The amount they will save can instead be used for other urgent needs,” she said. According to OsMak medical direc-

tor Dr. Vergel Binay, the city has allocated some 11,893 admission kits for distribution to the intended beneficiaries, ideally upon admission as a patient. Each kit comes in a transparent plastic bag and contains a digital thermometer, face towel, calibrated plastic cup, medicine cup, kidney basin, bathroom soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, spoon and fork, a roll of tissue paper, and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol. Yellow Card holders and registered dependents are entitled to free outpatient consultation and subsidized hospitalization and diagnostic tests at Os-

Mak, which recently earned its ISO 9001:2015 certification. Residents can also be referred to partner-facilities like the Makati Medical Center to avail themselves of specialized medical and diagnostic services that may not be not available at OsMak, using their Yellow Card. The card also gives them access to free medicines, including maintenance medicines for hypertension, diabetes and other lifestyle diseases, distributed through eight pharmacy outlets in strategic locations throughout the city. Through an agreement signed by the mayor with a private company last year, Yellow Card beneficiaries with kidney diseases have been able to receive fully subsidized dialysis treatments in private freestanding dialysis centers in Makati and other nearby locations.

CEMEX unveiled its newly designed ‘Listo Tayo!’ trucks during the Vulnerable Road User Awareness Month celebration in Rizal and Cebu.

‘Listo Tayo!’ campaign for road safety now on 6th year TO IMPROVE the safety of roads, global cement manufacturer CEMEX Holdings Philippines has implemented the “Listo Tayo!” road safety program under its Ligtas 24-Oras campaign. Started in 2013, the campaign aims to promote a culture of safety across CEMEX operations, for both employees and stakeholders in communities. This year, CEMEX celebrated the

“Vulnerable Road User Awareness Month” as part of the Listo Tayo! program. Twin events were held in Antipolo City, Rizal and City of Naga, Cebu, where CEMEX maintains operations. Road safety is a global priority. In the Philippines, the burden of road accidents makes it one of the most pressing health and development concerns for Filipinos.

Four in every 100,000 people died and 193 in every 100,000 were injured in 2017 alone, based on data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. These numbers translate to about 299 cases per day—an alarming rate, for many of these could have been prevented with mindfulness and proper safetyseeking behavior among road users, the company said in a statement.

Health workers train in Filipino Sign Language By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Department of Health in Calabarzon on Thursday started the three-day training for health workers on the “First Basic Filipino Sign Language” at Ciudad Christhia 9 Waves Resort in San Mateo, Rizal. Basic FSL must be introduced and become an integral part of the health care system for the benefit of those who have difficulty hearing or speaking and health workers, DOH Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during his opening message. This includes primary care providers such as barangay health workers, who must have the basic skills in communicating and understanding the needs and concerns of these patients in order to provide them the proper treatment and care, Janairo added. “Now that we have the Universal Health Care Law and the Filipino Sign Language Law, we now have the legal mandate to mainstream FSL training in government agencies and especially among health workers in the health system,” he added. The Health official said it will bridge the gap between the deaf and health education, and strengthen the primary health care network “because we now have the language to fully understand the needs of our deaf people.” The FSL module will be used to facilitate proper communication and provide understanding of patients with hearing impairments, Janairo added. All health workers in the region will be educated and trained on the proper gestures and body movements illustrated in the module, for them to be able to communicate properly with people who uses sign language, he said.

Smart aids SarBay festival cleanup AS PART of efforts to support environmental protection, PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications piloted its #PlanetSmart initiative at the recent SarBay Festival, a summer beach festival held every year in Sarangani Province. #PlanetSmart encouraged Smart subscribers who attended the beach festival to collect and properly dispose of their recyclables. During the four-day SarBay Festival, customized containers, shaped like the marine animals found along the protected area of Sarangani Bay, were set up in the main event area. The bins were connected to electronic sensors that sent out SMS each time plastic bottles and empty cans were put in the

containers. These text messages informed the festivalgoer that he or she has received free Smart Load. Collected recyclables would then be sold and proceeds would be given to public school beneficiaries in the province. “One thing that Sarangani is known for is its dedication to the environment. This commitment is clearly reflected in the SarBay Festival and it’s what makes this annual event unique,” said Smart community partnerships senior manager Nova Concepcion at the sidelines of the festival. The recycling bin prototype is the winning concept from last year’s MVP Geek Olympics, the PLDT Group’s annual employeecentric innovation competition.

Life

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

CULTURE AND MEDIA

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

ArtThe forbrains Mother Nature behind the mural in Paseo de Roxas underpass

UNDERPASS ART. The Paseo de Roxas Underpass has turned into an expansive canvas with the mural, entitled 'Art in Defense of Mother Nature,' that promotes Philippine biodiversity made by (inset) award-winning self-avowed 'artivist' AG Saño.

AVE you seen the new mural on the ceilings of Paseo de Roxas Underpass? If you’re a Makati CBD denizen or happened to have passed through the underground walkway in the last couple of days, you might have seen those terrestrial and marine creatures intertwined in a sea of green and blue.

Security Bank Corporation has tapped award-winning self-avowed “artivist” (artist-activist) AG Saño to breathe a new life into the underpass. Well-traveled Saño has completed more than 700 murals in 16 countries, using his talent to promote his advocacies. “[In] the past nine years I’ve been painting murals about peace and the environment,” he related in a video on YouTube. “I find that the urgency is really, really great; and we don’t have much time because we are losing a lot

of biodiversity, and the pressure on the environment is too much.” Entitled “Art in Defense of Mother Nature,” the expansive artwork depicts over 47 Philippine land and water creatures clad in metal armors, symbolizing the need for more effort in helping the ecosystem survive, because, as Saño puts it, “the natural defense mechanisms of species are not enough anymore to cope with what humans have been doing to their habitats.” The artwork depicts over 47 Philippine land and marine creatures clad in metal armors, in a sea of green blue.

Aside from getting the message across, the mural offers a unique take on street art. Two areas have a cascading design from the ceiling meant for pedestrians to take photos and look like they are part of the artwork as well as part of the nature’s biodiversity and thus are responsible for it. “As artists, we are able to engage with the people, to get the attention and the participation of the youth especially, because art attracts people. You don’t need language or dialect to communicate art,” averred Saño. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, Security Bank Foundation Inc., the bank builds communities through education programs and classroom building projects nationwide. The mural is part of its efforts to educate the population. “The theme for the Makati underpasses was Philippine nature, and since education is our corporate advocacy, we decided to take this opportunity to educate the public about issues that are affecting nature, specifically Philippine biodiversity through art,” explained SBC president and chief executive Alfonso L. Salcedo, Jr. Saño said he immediately agreed to the collaboration because of their shared values and mission. “I learned about their (SBC’s) deep engagement with communities through their education and livelihood programs because they are committed to making lives better. I found a partner who will help me get my message across,” said the artivist.

Creative industry leaders on improv and play IN THE fifth year of B+Abble: A Series of Talks on Contemporary Philippine Arts and Design, an annual talk series that explores the creative field, four creatives shared insights and best practices on design, improv, and play. Gabe Mercado, founder of Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT), Manila’s premier improv company, spoke about “The Joy of Improv: The Improvisational Mindset as a Key to the Creative Economy,” a fun segment on the importance of spontaneous communication techniques in the modern workplace. Mercado shared key insights he has picked up in the past 15 years coaching people on strategic problem solving, pitching, and storytelling. Meanwhile, visual artist and sculptor Jinggoy Buensuceso delivered

SPIT founder Gabe Mercado

a thought-provoking discussion on “Changing the Landscape of Philippine Art & Design.” A celebrated artist who merges cutting-edge design with functionality, Buensuceso’s pieces are striking for their unique beauty. Drawing from his experience working with unorthodox materials, his talk encouraged people to break the rules and be their authentic selves. The importance of play in current societies was discussed in the talk of interior design director of Mañosa & Co., and founder of Awit At Laro Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco. She brought back warm childhood memories with “Awit at Laro: Celebrating the Spirit of Play through music, art, dance, and culture.” Mañosa-Tanjutco’s talk focused on

the importance of plays and the Awit at Laro campaign, an initiative she spearheads alongside singer Gary Valenciano. The said campaign aims to reintroduce traditional Filipino games, like patintero, to the new generation. Javier Design Studio Manila founder Architect Joseph Javier’s segment casts design as a powerful agent of positive change, recommending actions to help institutions make Philippine design more purposeful. With 24 years of experience in design and innovation, Javier has been a key figure at the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s architecture program. B+Abble is organized by Buensalido+Architects, a firm invested in the future and in helping put the Philippines on the global design map.

Bambi Mañosa-Tanjutco talks about the importance of play in current societies.

'Lumad' by Manuel Lotsu Manes

2019 GSIS national art contest winners bared

STATE pension fund Government Service Insurance System announced the winners of its 15th national art competition in the awarding rites held at the GSIS Theater. Three top winners and five honorable mentions were selected under each of the three open-themed categories of the competition. GSIS received a total of 1,125 entries in this year’s contest, currently the highest in its history. In the mixed media category, Manuel Lotsu Q. Manes won first prize for his entry “Lumad.” Alfredo Baluyot’s “Through Ups and Downs” and Demetrio L. de la Cruz’s “Fragile (After Amorsolo, Fernando)” placed second and third, respectively. Ariosto Dale Bagtas grabbed the top prize in the nonrepresentational category for his work “Happiest Place.” The 'Happiest Place' by Ariosto Dale Bagtas second and third prizes went to Rodel G. Rillera and Jovel M. Ruivivar for their entries “Insekto sa Lipunan” and “Women on Top,” respectively. The top three winners in both categories each received P400,000, P300,000, and P200,000. Honorable mentions were each given P100,000. Winning the highest award in the sculpture category was Gilbert A. Miraflor’s “Untitled.” Felix Baldemor (“Rise of the Enchantress”) and Geofrey Ranchez (“Battle”) bagged second and third places, respectively. The three went home with P300,000, P200,000, and P100,000, respectively. Honorable mentions each received P50,000. All winning art works as well as honorable mentions are now part of the GSIS art collection. The artworks are on display at the GSIS Museo ng Sining in Pasay City until August 2. The viewing schedule is from Tuesday to Saturday, 'Untitled' by Gilbert Miraflor at 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Entertainment

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

OPM icons headline ‘GREEN & GO’ benefit show I

T WAS 30 years ago in a concert called Kundi Sa Ultra, Saan Pa? when Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Avanzado, Randy Santiago, and Gary Valenciano shared the stage together with fellow Kundirama alumni to a jam-packed crowd. Tomorrow 8:00 p.m., the four OPM exponents will share the stage once more in a benefit show entitled Green & Go at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. “We were once members of the singing group Kundirana of La Salle Greenhills. Hence, the title of the show,” said Alcasid during a presscon held at My Brother’s Mustache Folk Bar in Quezon City. But there’s is a much deeper meaning why the concert is called as such and why these Lasallians are coming together for a worthy cause. This fundraising event is mounted by the La Salle Greenhills batch 1984 in celebration of their 35th homecoming year. All proceeds will be donated for the medical needs of fellow alumni. “Aside from our hits, since all of us came from the era of the 1980s, most of the songs that we’ll be performing are from that era. If we are going to

BROTHERS IN MUSIC. Lasallians and OPM icons Randy Santiago, Gary V, Ogie Alcasid, and Dingdong Avanzado are performing tonight at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan. sing all of our hits it’s going to be a very long show, so we selected a few hits, probably some of our best records,” Alcasid shared. “What to expect? Fun, laughter, some dancing and a lot of Lasallian humor and banter. I’m assuming a lot of people who will watch are from La Salle but

of course we are inviting everyone to watch the show,” he added. With musical direction by Mon Faustino and stage direction by Paolo Bustamante, Green & Go will be a oneof-a-kind concert, too, having an after party featuringRoute 70. Have fun and reminisce as they

While the GMA Artist Center star is known for her powerful renditions of songs, Kyryll can also rap and play the guitar. She quipped on what the listeners should look forward to in her debut single, “If there’s one word to describe the song, it would be soulful. I can’t wait for all of you to hear this wonderful music.” Composed by Bel Andres, “Silent Rumblings” is now available for download and streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and digital stores worldwide.

Logistics Corp. with other sponsors including Insular OilChemalloy/USA, CDO Foodsphere, Fino Leatherware, and Petro Gazz. Media Partners are RX 93.1, and MOR 101.9. Tickets are available at Ticketnet.com. ph, FilOil Flying V Centre, and through Ateam at 0917-7958283.

Spears Films presents two competition films at this year’s Cinemalaya

Kyryll’s ‘Silent Rumblings’ THE Clash alumna and Kapuso Soul Princess Kyryll has released her debut single “Silent Rumblings” under AltG Records. Dubbed as the “Millennial Chick ng Iloilo,” Kyryll expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the people behind the milestones in her music career as she takes her craft to the next level. “I am very honored to be releasing a single. Before becoming a recording artist was just a dream and now, it’s finally here. I would like to thank GMA Network, GMA Artist Center and AltG Records for believing in me,” she said.

perform some of their biggest hits over the past decades, plus more surprise numbers they will be performing together for the first time. See how their music withstood the test of time and experience the brotherhood that they have maintained all these years. The concert is presented by FilOil

Up and coming singer Kyryll has released her debut single under AltG Records

‘Ang Probinsyano’ beats premiere and finale of rival shows VIEWERS nationwide continued to choose ABS-CBN as their source of relevant news and uplifting TV shows as the network recorded an average audience share of 44 percent or a 12-point lead against GMA’s 32 percent, according to data from Kantar Media. ABS-CBN’s dominance in the nationwide ratings is reflected in the list of most watched programs in June where Kapamilya programs secured nine slots with FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano on top with 37.3 percent. The action drama is still also the most watched program in the country after beating both the premiere and finale of its new and old rival programs in national TV ratings. The Coco Martin-starrer series opened the month of July strongly as it hit a national TV rating of 37.5 percent last Monday (July 1), compared to Sahaya (18.7 percent ). The Kapamilya series also won last Friday (June 28) as it recorded 35.6 percent , or a 14.1-point lead against Kara Mia’s final episode (21.5 percent). Angel Locsin’s The General’s Daughter clinched the second spot with 30.8 percent, followed by Search for the Idol Philippines (28.3 percent) that has started its weekly elimination of its top 12 hopefuls. TV Patrol (27.7 percent) remained as the choice newscast of viewers, while the inspiring real-life stories featured in Maalaala Mo

Kaya (26.8 percent) led the drama anthology to retain its spot in the most watched programs list. Viewers also continued to turn to Kadenang Ginto (23.7 percent) every afternoon, while weekend shows Hiwaga ng Kambat (22.2 percent), Home Sweetie Home Extra Sweet(21.8 percent), and Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (19.6 percent) kept viewers entertained for the whole month of June. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN also won all time blocks in June, particularly in primetime where it recorded an average audience share of 45 percent, compared to GMA’s 33 percent. The primetime block is the most important time of the day when most Filipinos watch TV and advertisers put a larger chunk of their investments in to reach more consumers effectively. Likewise, ABS-CBN also ruled the morning block (6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon) with an average audience share of 39 percent, versus GMA’s 28 percent; the noontime block (12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.) with 44 percent, beating GMA’s 33 percent; and the afternoon block (3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with 48 percent, compared to GMA’s 31 percent. The Kapamilya network also conquered the urban and rural areas as it registered 42 percent versus GMA’s 26 percent in Metro Manila; 36 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent in Mega Manila; 40 percent over GMA’s 35 percent in Total Luzon; 53 percent versus GMA’s 24 percent in Total Visayas; and 52 percent versus GMA’s 28 percent in Total Mindanao. Multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural homes that represent 100 percent of the total Philippine TV viewing population.

THE Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2019, to be held from Aug. 2 to 11, is doubly special for Albert Almendralejo’s Spears Films because the company is presenting two films. Last year, Almendralejo, a former GMA 7 executive-turned-filmmaker was so happy that his directorial debut—the documentary Journeyman Finds Home: The Simone Rota Story —was shown in exhibition at Cinemalaya. Almendralejo is a big fan of the festival. When it is Cinemalaya week, he clears his busy schedule so that he can watch the films at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Last year was memorable because he attended the prestigious indie filmfest as a producerdirector and not just as a member of the audience. Journeyman Finds Home, the story of Italian Filipino footballer Simone Rota’s search for his biological mother, is Almendralejo’s collaboration with director Maricel Cariaga. For the Cinemalaya 2019 competition, Spears Films is fielding the drama about art and love entitled Malamaya, and the family picture, Children of the River. Malamaya, is a romance that Spears Films is co-producing with ALV Productions and Cine Likha Productions. It features Sunshine Cruz as a seasoned visual artist who reignites her lost passion with an aspiring photographer played by Enzo Pineda. Getting in the way of their romance is a potter played by Raymond Bagatsing. Malamaya is directed by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez. Children of the River, meanwhile, is Spears’ venture with Luna Studios and GMA Network Films. This movie written

and directed by Maricel Cariaga tells the tale of three young friends whose fathers have gone off to war and are now left with the responsibility for caring for their respective families. In the cast are: Cinemalaya 2017 Best Actor Noel Comia Jr., Juancho Trivino, Rich Asuncion, with the special participation of Urian Best Actor Jay Manalo. Almendralejo says, “While Malamaya is a romance in a cosmopolitan setting and Children of the River is an idyllic story in the province of Quirino, both are comingof-age stories of persons rising above their weaknesses. I was drawn to produce these films because both show the process of maturity.” For Almendralejo, Cinemalaya 2019 is a homecoming of sorts. He says, “It’s full cycle for me because the first film I produced, Ralston Jover’s directorial debut, ‘Bakal Boys,’ won the NETPAC Prize in the 2009 Cinemalaya. It feels great to be part of this significant festival.” Spears Films also produced Tumbang Preso, a drama thriller on human trafficking directed by Kip Oebanda; and the documentary about the training of young Filipino footballers in the UK entitled Little Azkals by Babyruth Villarama, and Pangarap Kong World Cup, a two-part docu series that chronicles the preparation of the Azkals Philippine Men’s National Football Team. “These are stories about the youth and how to improve their wellbeing,” says Almendralejo. For updates about Spears Films/Spears Activation and PR, visit Spears Activation & PR on Facebook and website http:// spearsactivationandprco.com

From left: Leilani Chavez, Enzo Pineda, Sunshine Cruz, Danica Sta Lucia, and Albert Almendralejo

Motoring

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

Phoenix ‘Young Drivers’ off to Formula V1

The freight and logistics industry sees booming demand for storage and warehouse facilities.

Showtime in August for transport/logistics T HE Transparency Market Research, a global market research firm, forecasted the Philippines’ freight and logistics market to reach up to P3.26 trillion by 2023. True enough; the Filipino population is seeing this strong demand for storage facilities and warehouses especially for food, beverage, apparel, and other parcels. There was also a signiﬁcant increase in the popularity of express delivery at premium price. This movement in the country’s economy resulted from greater spending power brought by the robust economy. With this foreseen growth in the industry, it is important that the key people in the sector remain updated with what’s new in the market. This is where the 7th edition of Transport and Logistics Philippines comes in. The event is expected to unite 200 of the biggest suppliers in the industry covering 15,000 sq.m of exhibition space to show off their latest products and services to the owners of various transport and logistics companies in the country. The event is set on August 15 to 17 at the World Trade Center, Metro Manila. Interested visitors are encouraged to register at www.transportandlogiscticsphilippines. com for a free pass to the expo. “One of the greatest challenges in addressing our market demands is not only looking for efﬁcient distribution channels but supporting your business with cost effective solutions and technologies,” shared Patrick-Lawrence Tan, CEO of Global-Link MP Events International Inc., organizers of the event. “That’s what Transport and Logistics Philippines is for. This show serves as a platform for introducing up-to-date solutions in the sector. Through more than Transport and Logis-

tics Philippines, every consumer, every business will have the chance to source efﬁcient and economically possible technologies that can help them grow.” This is the seventh year that Transport and Logistics Philippines will bring together hundreds of manufacturers and distributors of commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and supply chain technologies in a single venue. Participating brands include Sobida Motors Corporation, Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corp, JAC Automobile, G-Technica Equipment Corp., Man Automotive Concessionaires Corp., The Legacy Trucks & Tractors, Inc., JMC Philippines, Hino Motors Philippines, PPC Asia Corp., K-Lift Industrial Corp., Civic Merchandising, Inc., MHE-Demag Inc., Powerlifters Philippines Inc., Target Display, Victor Hardware, Volga Oil, Mac-Nels Line Inc., Primal Enterprises Corp., Euro Auto Parts Philippines, Dennis International Merchandising, Colent Marketing, Hyster Forklift Philippines, M-Tech Asia Trading, All Prime International Motor, HMR Philippines, Tech 1 Corporation, and more. There are also international pavilions from China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Germany that are focused on the aftermarket industry for auto, trucks, motorcycle parts and accessories. Some of these international companies are Guangzhou Boyi Exhibition Co. Ltd., SCS Co. Ltd., Aceally (Xiamen) Technology, Spieth (Xiamen) Technology Co., Ltd., Jiangsu Guteyou Automation Technology Co. Ltd., Jiangsu Gaxiao Environmental

Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing Ouman Logistics Technology Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Xinzhongya Intelligent Logistics Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Nanjing Better Metallic Products Co., Ltd., Ningbo Donghai, Noblelift Intelligent Equipment, Lht Holdings Limited, Zoho Corp. and a lot more. Aside from the expo, the show features a 1-day Transport & Logistics Forum which aims to become a sharing platform on the relevant updates and an in-depth understanding of the latest trends, challenges and best practices in the market today. The forum is scheduled on August 15, topics include “Port Regulations after Build Build Build – Ease of Doing Business Law Update”, “Internet Economic Ecosystem – MSMEs Driving Supply Chain Growth”, The Future of Supply Chain, Procurement and Logistics”, “Philippine Logistics Roadmap”, Best Practices in E-Commerce and 3PL”, “Supply Chain Automation – Innovative Warehousing System with Robotics” and “Smarter Philippines for Digital Alignment”. The Forum will be held on August 15, to reserve a seat and inquire about registration and fees, you may send an email to em.fajardo@globallinkmp.com. The Procurement and Supply Institute of Asia (PASIA) also expressed their support in the event. PASIA will be conducting a 1-day forum on August 16 entitled “Best Practices in Supply Chain, Procurement and Logistics”. It is a technical seminar focusing on the enhancement of professionals related to the industry. For more information, interested delegates may send an email to bianca.cabugon@ pasia.org. “Through the Transport and Logistics Philippines 2019, every consumer and every business will have the chance to source efﬁcient and economically possible technologies that can help them grow,” remarked Tan.

THE Giti-Formula V1 challenge is in full swing, and while veterans like Gabby Dela Merced and Raymond Ronquillo are back on the tracks, young racers are ﬁring up this season’s Formula V1 Challenge with their energy and skill. Aside from fueling their need for speed, the race tracks of the Formula V1 Challenge lead to somewhere bigger—the opportunity to race in the international circuit. For twenty-year-old Raffy Rabe, this dream just got closer to being a reality when he topped the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program, Phoenix Petroleum’s search for the next generation of Filipino racing superstars. After a two-week selection period that tested the skills and personality of more than 300 young racers, the FlatOut Race Series and Togue Battle champion was chosen as the main driver of the Phoenix Formula V1 racing team. Completing the trio of Phoenix’s drivers are nineteen-year-old Patrichk dela Rosa and ﬁfteen-year-old Tara Laconico. Dela Rosa bagged the GT200 title of the Yokohama Philippine Grand Touring Car Championships in 2017. Laconico, a rising star in the local karting scene, has raced in the Sodi World Series held in Venice last year. Both of them will be racing alongside Rabe at the four-hour endurance race scheduled in November at Clark, Pampanga. Staying on top of the race Though Rabe has aced previous races, there were moments during the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program when he felt like an underdog, especially since there were more seasoned drivers vying for the driver’s seat of the Phoenix team. “There were a lot who seemed better than me, and it never really crossed my mind that I’d be chosen as one of the three drivers for Phoenix,” said Rabe. For him, winning the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program came with a mindset that he’s not racing to show off. He also emphasized the importance of listening to his instructors, especially when they tell him to start slow and build momentum as the race progresses.

“If you go blasting at your first lap, you’ll make a lot of mistakes, you’ll be more pressured in your second lap, and that’s the only chance you’ll be able to put in a good time,” shared Rabe. “Unlike when you go slow in your first lap, you’ll know how it will go. You’ll be much more ready in your second lap when you’re going slow in your first lap.” Pumping up the local racing scene For Phoenix, developing the skills of young talents like Rabe, Dela Rosa, and Laconico is one way to support the local racing scene. Aside from the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program, Phoenix also supports the Formula V1 Challenge by providing the fuel of choice for the entire race. This means that the entire Formula V1 Challenge is powered by Phoenix PULSE Technology, a fuel additive developed by world-class experts using cutting-edge fuel technology. Phoenix PULSE Technology allows fuel to circulate more smoothly and burn more efficiently in the engine, resulting in enhanced power and acceleration. This makes Phoenix PULSE Technology ideal for smoother and more pleasurable drives, both inside and outside the race tracks. “We want to be holistic in our approach in supporting the local racing scene, where young talents are very much on the rise,” said Phoenix Petroleum Assistant Vice President for Brand and Marketing Celina Matias. “As a partner of the Giti-Formula V1 Challenge, we are not only sending our team down the race tracks. Through Phoenix fuels with PULSE Technology, we are helping each racer achieve and deliver optimum driving performance.” The opening round of the Formula V1 took place in May at the Batangas Racing Circuit. The second and third rounds are slated on July 20 to 21 and October 19 to 20, respectively, at the Clark International Speedway. The endurance race is set on November 16. This year’s Giti Formula V1 Challenge champion will head to the regional race on December 7 to 8 in Suzuka, Japan.

Giti Formula V1 Challenge organizer JP Tuason (second from right), founder and CEO of Tuason Racing, with the top performers of the Phoenix Young Drivers’ Program (from left): Raffy Rabe, Patrichk dela Rosa, and Tara Laconico.

Lalamove partners with SEAOIL for exclusive loyalty card program SEAOIL Philippines, Inc. (SEAOIL), the country’s leading independent fuel player has signed a partnership with the leading on-demand delivery app, Lalamove. Through the partnership, more than 30,000 Lalamove partner drivers in Luzon and Cebu will be given an exclusive co-branded SEAOIL VIP Club card. Using the card, Lalamove motorcycle, MPV, and light truck partner drivers will earn six points for every ₱100 peso gasoline purchase, and two points for every ₱100 peso diesel purchase. A ﬁve peso discount will also be extended for every one liter of lubricant purchased. A unique attribute is the card’s cash redemption feature, available once Lalamove cardholders reach a minimum of 100 points. And since Lalamove cardholders belong to the highest VIP Club tier, one point is equivalent to one peso. “The partnership is part of our effort to provide better products and services to ﬂeet and delivery motorists. We hope

the SEAOIL VIP Club card will draw more customers to make the most out of SEAOIL’s imported and high-quality fuels and lubricants,” SEAOIL CEO Glenn Yu said. “Lalamove aims to partner with prestigious companies with the most relevant beneﬁts, and I’m sure our Lalamove partner drivers will greatly appreciate SEAOIL’s cash redemption feature. This will not only help them in their main expense which is fuel, but also help them save up for other day-to-day needs,” shared Lalamove Managing Director Dannah Majarocon. The co-branded cards can be claimed in Lalamove ofﬁces in Makati, Quezon City, Alabang, and Cebu beginning June 20, 2019. As part of the partnership, every Lalamove partner driver with a minimum spend of ₱150 from June 25 to July 25 will get ₱50 rebate when they pay through the GCash App. This is available in 31 of the 50 participating SEAOIL stations.

5-YEAR WARRANTY PLUS FREE PMS ON VIOS RAINY days are coming and Toyota Motor Philippines has got you covered. Save more with great deals on Toyota’s best-selling models when you purchase from any Toyota dealership nationwide starting this July. The All-New Vios comes with up to P90,000 savings, an extended 5-year warranty, and a free Periodic Maintenance Service package. “Worry-free ownership is a promise we intend to keep for all our customers. From dealership purchase to aftersales service, driving a Toyota should give everyone peace of mind,” said TMP First Vice President Ms. Cristina Arevalo.

“Customers can rest easy knowing that there is a 5-year extended warranty for their Vios, which in itself is already built with Toyota standards of Quality, Durability, and Reliability. On top of that, we are also including free maintenance package up to 20,000km when they purchase the vehicle, so they don’t have to worry about the added cost of services. These are especially helpful for those availing the 60-month ﬁnancing term—Toyota has them covered until they ﬁnish their payment.” The outright cash discount can go as high as P90,000 when you choose the Vios 1.5 G and G Prime variants and or-

der by July 31, 2019. The extended warranty and free maintenance package can be availed when purchasing the Vios 1.5 G and 1.3 E variants. The extended warranty has a coverage of 5 years or 150,000km, whichever comes first. Meanwhile, the free Periodic Maintenance Service package offers customers several options on parts that require regular replacement, including: oil filter, spark plug, and cabin air filter. Customers can now also avail cash discounts on other participating Toyota models, like the Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux. This promo, which started in June, is officially extended until the end of July.

From left: Lalamove Strategic Partnerships Manager Akiko Sumulong, SEAOIL President for Retail Business and CFO Mark Yu, Lalamove Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, and SEAOIL Corporate & Consumer Marketing Vice President Javyee Dela Fuente

Motoring

RAMON L. TOMELDAN Editor

C4 FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2019

2019 Suzuki Vitara GLX A/T

Ideal food trip companion

Txt and photos by Lester Dizon

HE Suzuki Vitara has been winning hearts and minds across the globe since 1988. The original Vitara became popular as a “lifestyle vehicle”—a compact sport utility vehicle designed to fill the slot above the subcompact Suzuki Jimny. The Vitara became so popular that General Motors sold it as the Geo Tracker in the United States and as the GMC Tracker, Chevrolet Tracker, Asüna Sunrunner and Pontiac Sunrunner in Canada. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and as the Mazda Proceed Levante in Japan. The second generation Vitara was launched in 1998 while the third generation was unveiled in 2005. It was marketed as the “Grand Vitara” in both of these generations. The fourth iteration of the Vitara, and the subject of our Driven review, was presented at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. It is around five inches shorter, three inches lower, and an inch and a half narrower than the previous Grand Vitara. Instead of being marketed as a compact SUV, the Vitara is now a crossover SUV, more attuned to adventures in the concrete jungle than in the wilderness. With a 2,500-millimeter (98.4-inch) wheelbase that is five and half inches shorter than the previous model, the current Vitara is more maneuverable, easier to drive on Metro Manila’s narrow roads and a lot easier to jockey into tight parking spaces. Since the Vitara has won hearts and minds for more than 30 years, we wondered if the 2019 Suzuki Vitara GLX A/T has the right stuff to win not only our hearts and minds, but our stomachs as well. We wanted to see if it can still be considered as a lifestyle vehicle, albeit befitting our dining lifestyle. After collecting our assigned two-tone media test drive unit (Bright Red body with Cosmic

Black Pearl Metallic roof), we indulged in our favorite sport – eating – and drove to Stoned Steaks along Scout Rallos near Tomas Morato in Quezon City, where we got stoned, gastronomically speaking. Along the way, we enjoyed the power and economy of the M16A 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with double overhead camshafts (DOHC), sixteen valves (16V) and variable valve timing (VVT) that produces 115 horsepower and 156 Newtonmeters of torque while returning around 9.5 kilometers per liter. After our hearty dinner and wine-pairing at Stoned Steaks, we weighed a few stones heavier (pardon the pun) with all the good food we ate and the Argentinian wine we drank, but the Vitara’s performance never showed any difference. We even enjoyed a magical drive home as we admired the nighttime scenery with the large panoramic sunroof. Even though our Vitara only has front wheel drive (FWD) unlike the previous generation with 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system, it still has that “go everywhere” vibe, albeit go everywhere around the city. From ritzy restaurants to hole-in-thewall eateries, we can conﬁdently drive our Vitara over any undulation that the city can throw at it. Its short 5.2-meter turning radius makes easy work of Uturns and tight hairpins while its 185-millimeter ground clearance and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels shod in 215/55R17 Continental tires allows it to roll over ruts and potholes with aplomb. The open roof gives our Vitara the feeling of a convertible.

Suzuki Automobile Philippines quotes an 18.2° approach angle, a 28.2° departure angle, and a 17.7° ramp brake over angle for the Vitara, which may be useful to off-road enthusiasts, if it had 4WD. However, for us city slickers, we’re more concerned with rowing through the 6-speed automatic with the paddle shifters, and on how its automatic climate control system can handle the 40°C afternoon temperatures we’re currently experiencing. Sufficed to say, the Vitara is one cool and comfy cocoon. Aside from being cool and comfortable, occupants are entertained with the 10-inch Android multimedia infotainment system, which includes USB and Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, six speakers, and integrated controls on the steering wheel. The large screen also serves as the reverse camera monitor. An LCD screen on the instrument panel reports about the Vitara’s instant fuel mileage, average fuel mileage, remaining fuel range, and average speed. LCD screen at the instrument panel shows vital information. Aside from being a terrific city commuter, the Vitara never forgets that it’s a crossover SUV, with emphasis on the “U” for utility. With the rear seatback in raised position, 375 liters of luggage can be fitted inside this Suzuki. With the rear seatbacks folded, 710 liters of baggage or cargo can be carried. More importantly, a 60/40 split rear seatback allows a third passenger to sit comfortably at the backseat while minding the long and delicate cargo that’s being transported. Lifestyle Vehicle After spending a week with the Vitara, we came to the conclusion that it can still be considered as a “lifestyle vehicle” like the original. Of course, the lifestyles have changed in the past 30-odd years and so has this Suzuki. While it may have evolved from a compact SUV to a crossover SUV, the Vitara has adapted to the new urbanized lifestyle of the people of

‘Lifestyle vehicle befits my family’s dining lifestyle.’

Suzuki Auto Fest mall tour slated SUZUKI Philippines, Inc., the country’s pioneer subcompact car distributor, takes this years’ Suzuki Auto Festival nationwide. The series of exhibits will be held in various SM Supermalls nationwide bringing the Suzuki award-winning cars and the Suzuki Way of Life even closer to more Filipinos. Join the fun and experience Suzuki vehicles up close and personal in the following venues and dates: SM Telebastagan, July 6-7 SM Iloilo, July 27-28 SM BF Parañaque, August 17-18 SM GenSan, September 21-22 SM Davao, October 26-27 This year’s Suzuki Auto Festival will showcase the most-valued Suzuki units such as the Suzuki Ciaz, Swift, Dzire, Vitara, all-new Ertiga and the all-new Jimny alongside Suzuki VStorm Motorcycle.

Games and fun activities await car enthusiasts and families to help them bond during the weekend festivities. The Suzuki Safety Scouts Corner will also be there and will be a sure hit with the kids. Suzuki Philippines Director and Automobile Division General Manager Keiichi Suzuki shared, “We have made it our consistent goal to provide Filipinos with innovations and design that will ﬁt their various lifestyles. Suzuki Philippines is experiencing a business momentum right now due to the consistent support from our valued customers. The Suzuki Auto Festival is a series of celebrations we hold every year as our way of giving back and reminding the Filipinos of our commitment to innovate. We are looking forward to seeing our fans in the exhibits and for them to experience the Suzuki Way of Life!”