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Massive lotto losses feared PCSO outlets: How to recoup P10-b outlay? By Jimbo Gulle and MJ Blancaﬂor VOL. XXXIII • NO. 165 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anti-graft bid mired in legal issues—solon PWDS AT PLAY.

By Rio N. Araja

A male PWD (person with disability) takes on the obstacle course during the World Pacific Obstacle Challenge 2019 on Sunday (July 28) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Norman Cruz

DESPITE President Rodrigo Duterte’s tough campaign, the government is barely making a dent against corruption because of the legal process that allows public officials convicted of corruption or even plunder to seek office while their cases are on appeal, an opposition lawmaker said Sunday. Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento of the Liberal Party said he agreed with the President’s frustration over the persistence of corruption in the government because the law itself shows too much tolerance of public officials who have already been convicted of graft and corruption. He said this prompted him to file a bill amending the Omnibus Election Code to automatically disqualify anyone from seeking or holding any government post once convicted of felonies where the penalty includes disqualification from holding public office, even if there are still options for appeal. On Friday, President Duterte ordered Next page

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s order to shut down the gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to purge the agency of “massive corruption” poses a P10-billion question for the administration, lawmakers said. How will it deal with the more than 21,000 PCSO lotto agents who have invested at least P500,000 each to put up gaming outlets that have now been shuttered by the police on the President’s orders? The move to shut down the PCSO outlets represents a loss of P10.5 billion in investments by thousands of Filipinos who poured their money into one of the few businesses that can withstand the worst economic conditions, said lawmakers on Sunday. The closure will also hurt the PCSO’s income, which the Commission on Audit said topped P63 billion in 2018 and provided nearly P12 billion in financial aid to various medical and social causes. Manila Standard research showed that to become a lotto outlet operator, an applicant must post a cash bond of P500,000 or pay an annual surety bond of P5,795.37 to the Goverment Service Next page

‘Healthy debate’ on death bill

Oil firms set price rollback

By Rio N. Araja

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HOUSE Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Sunday assured the public of a “very healthy” debate on the divisive issue of the restoration of the death penalty. President Rodrigo Duterte had asked Congress during his fourth State of the Nation Address last week that capital punishment be restored for illegal drug cases and plunderers. Cayetano vowed to allow all stakeholders to speak out, and share their opinion, belief and stand. “When it comes to the death penalty, I can promise the public whether you are pro or against that there would be a very healthy debate here at the House of Representatives,” he said. The Speaker maintained the debate

CONSUMERS may expect a price rollback of P0.95 per liter of gasoline from 6am on Tuesday to reflect the movement of world oil prices. But the oil companies will increase the price of diesel and kerosene by P0.15 and P0.10 per liter, ref lectively. “Please see fuel price change of Shell effective 0600H Tuesday 30 July 2019. Gas, P0.95 per liter (rollback), kerosene, P0.10 (increase) and diesel, P0.15 (increase),” Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. said. Phoenix Petroleum Philippines implemented its price rollback of P1 per liter ahead of the other oil companies at 6am Sunday. Next page

Duterte to the rescue, kicks in P40m for Batanes hospital rehab By MJ Blancaﬂor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday alloted P40 million for the rehabilitation of a hospital in Batanes that was damaged by the twin earthquakes that killed eight people and affected thousands of people in the province Saturday morning. Duterte attended a situation briefing with government authorities at Basco airport and asked local officials to reconstruct the Itbayat District Hospital, which was damaged by the quakes. “I’ll give you the P40 million. I hope you put it to good use,” he said. Duterte also conducted an aerial inspection with Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco to assess the extent of the damage, as shown in photos sent to Palace reporters by Senator Christopher Go, former presidential aide. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Pan-

elo said the Chief Executive has also ordered the concerned agencies to render immediate assistance to those who were affected. Eight people have died and more than 100 were injured after the quakes of 5.4 and 5.9 magnitude jolted the province on Saturday. One person remained missing as of Sunday morning. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said all injured persons were taken to Itbayat District Hospital for treatment. The hosital suffered minimal cracks, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said, but “it was still fully functional” and would be able to attend to the needs of the injured. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said government health assets in Batanes have already been mobilized and hospitals in nearby provinces in Region II are Next page prepared to help if needed.

Swarmed in Las Vegas

This handout picture courtesy of DominicDe Sagon Asa shows the damage to the Sta. Maria de Mayan Church after a pair of strong eathquakes of magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 struck Itbayat in Batanes Island, killing 8 people. AFP

Skydiving priest

MASSIVE swarms of grasshoppers have descended on the Las Vegas Strip this week, startling tourists and residents as they pass through town on their northbound migration.

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte—A priest here has a scary way of propagating the gospel– by sky diving. “Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones to broaden and deepen our world view, our understanding of life.

Minnie Mouse, the voice passes LOS ANGELES—Russi Taylor, Disney’s official voice of Minnie Mouse for more than three decades, has died, the entertainment giant announced Saturday. She was 75. Next page

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

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Anti-sedition plea brushed off • The vicar general of the Diocese of Cubao, Steven Zabala, rejected the sedition allegations against Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, who is among those accused over the viral videos of Peter “Bikoy” Advincula. “That is beyond belief because it is not true,” Zabala said in his homily on Saturday evening, echoing the statement of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines president Romulo Valles on the issue. “For the record, our bishop has never met Peter ‘Bikoy’ Advincula. And so it is beyond belief how he had implicated our bishop as a conspirator…that our bishop would conspire to bring down this government,” Zabala said. Guevarra said the policy of the DOJ was to resolve cases on the basis of evidence only and nothing else. But he assured Robredo’s supporters that the charges would be resolved fairly and swiftly and that the respondents would be accorded ample opportunities to disprove the allegations against them. He said he had directed the panel of prosecutors to immediately start the hear-

ing and resolve the case. Last week, the DOJ panel summoned Robredo and other respondents to a preliminary investigation hearing on Aug. 9. The department is expected to ask the respondents to answer the charges and submit counter-affidavits. The panel would then require the parties to submit their rejoinders before submitting the case for resolution. Guevarra also rejected the allegations that the charges were meant to silence the opposition. “The DOJ is not a weapon for oppression or persecution. We shall go only by the evidence presented before us and we don’t care who gets indicted and who goes Scot-free,” Guevarra said. “But once probable cause is determined and a criminal case is filed in court, the DOJ will exert the full force of the law to secure a conviction.” In its petition, Team Pilipinas, represented by Bianca Lacaba, asked the DOJ to immediately dismiss the criminal complaint against Robredo, saying the charges were “baseless.”

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo asked the public to course their requests for medical assistance to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and to the Office of the President. “Those who need help, write to us. We will just direct your request to PAGCOR and to the Office of the President. We assure you that the government will help you,” Panelo said in a radio interview. On Friday night, Duterte ordered the immediate stop of all PCSO gaming schemes, effective July 27. The PCSO is a government-owned and controlled corporation under direct supervision of the Office of the President, with 30 percent of its revenues allocated by law to a charity fund. The charity fund is also expected to partly pay for a nationwide health care program under the Universal Health Care Law. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said department will evaluate “the immediate effects of the ban” ordered by Duterte. Panelo said the government will acquire money from PAGCOR and the President’s discretionary fund to cover health programs that are supposed to funded by the PCSO. Senator Francis Pangilinan said charges should be filed against corrupt officials in the agency instead of halting the operations of the PCSO. “Closing the PCSO because of corruption is okay. But what will happen to billions of funds that should be utilized for medical assistance of our fellowmen? What will happen to 40 percent of funds that will be used by PhilHealth for medical insurance [under] the Universal Health Care?” he said in a Facebook post. “Isn’t it better to relieve and file charges against corrupt PCSO officials while its op-

erations are still ongoing?” he added. The Department of Interior and Local Government on Sunday urged local government units to comply with President Duterte’s order. “The closure ordered by the President will prevent the further hemorrhaging of the financial resources of the PCSO, put a stop to the reports of widespread corruption, and commence the needed reform and rehabilitation of the said agency,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said. Año said he has directed all Philippine National Police (PNP) units nationwide to “immediately implement” the President’s directive to ensure that all PCSO gaming outlets are closed until further orders are issued by Duterte. PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde led the crackdown as he shut down a Baguio lottery outlet on Saturday morning. Similar actions were taken across the country, with initial reports coming from Metro Manila and Calabarzon. More than 21,000 outlets were shut down by Sunday. Duterte also ordered the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines “to arrest anybody” engaged in gambling activities in connection with franchises granted by PCSO. “I said all gaming activities, the gambling that got their franchise from government through PCSO are as of today suspended or terminated because of massive corruption,” Duterte said in his televised speech. The President also said he would not honor court orders that would interfere with his directive. His order came after he had fired General Manager Alexander Balutan in March over allegations of corruption. Balutan was replaced by former Cebu City police director Royina Garma on June 24.

Malacañang has offered its condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones during the earthquakes that hit the province. “We send our sincerest prayers for the fast and speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Panelo said. The twin quakes have affected 911 families or about 2,963 persons residing in five barangays in Itbayat town, the NDRRMC said. They were relocated to the Itbayat Public Market, NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad said. A total of 15 houses, two schools, and two health facilities were damaged in the earthquakes. Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced that more than P2 million worth of relief stockpiles and funds can be used.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has also deployed two search-and-rescue and one medical team through a medium transport aircraft in Itbayat. Search-and-rescue teams of the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion were also on stand-by for possible deployment. Malacañang said President Duterte was satisfied with the government’s action on the twin earthquakes. “We have agencies which are prepared whenever there is a calamity,” Panelo said. “There will be a rehabilitation just like on other parts of the country affected by earthquakes or other calamities,” Panelo said. Nograles said due to bad weather, government is working “double time” to make sure that it can immediately provide help to those who are affected by the quake. Food packs that are prepositioned in the capital town of Basco are now en route to Itbayat town, which was hardest hit by the 5.9 magnitude quake that shook the tiny island province, Nograles said.

However, he said Batanes’s rocky coastal waters which are notorious because of high and dangerous waves, have made it very difficult to provide relief through seagoing vessels. Except for the total power shutdown, Nograles said Itbayat remains fairly accessible for relief operations for the 11 evacuation centers that were set up for the residents. Itbayat is the country’s northernmost municipality, with a total population of less than 3,000. In a radio interview, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said houses in Batanes, mostly built of limestone during the Spanish colonial times, were particularly susceptible to damage from earthquakes. He said the houses, which did not use any steel reinforcement, grew brittle with time. Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco said she was considering declaring a state of calamity in the province.

Skydiving...

Minnie...

Swarmed...

From A1

That’s what I’m trying to impart to my

Taylor, who was prone to giggles just like the character she voiced, captured the heart and sound of Mickey Mouse’s counterpart on TV, in cartoons and film, and at theme parks. “Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” Bob Iger, chairman and chief executive of The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement. “For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world -- a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere. “We take comfort in the knowledge that her work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come,” Iger said. Taylor died in Glendale, California on Friday, Disney said. The company did not give the cause of death. Taylor had been Disney’s pick from a group of 200 candidates at a 1986 audition. AFP

Videos posted on social media show swarms of the bugs, called pallid-winged grasshoppers, converging on the bright neon lights of the Strip and sidewalks covered with the insects. The Nevada Department of Agriculture said the rare invasion was linked to an unseasonably wet winter and spring. Jeff Knight, an entomologist at the Agriculture Department, said while the insects may freak out many, they are harmless and not a sign of the end of time. “They don’t carry any diseases. They don’t bite. And they are not even one of the species that we consider a problem,” Knight told reporters on Friday. “They probably won’t cause much damage in a yard.” He said the grasshoppers, measuring about 1.5 inches (3.80 centimetres), will all have flown out of the Las Vegas area within a couple weeks at the most. “They’re moving through,” he said. “Basically, they come in, settle in, then at night they take off and fly.” AFP

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Justice department on Sunday downplayed the relevance of the petition of the supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo seeking the immediate dismissal of the criminal charges against her over her involvement in the alleged plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the petition of the group “Team Pilipinas” was irrelevant in the department’s preliminary investigation of the sedition, libel and estafa charges filed against Robredo and 34 other opposition figures. “The DOJ considers petitions, letters or rallies as mere expressions of opinion. They do not affect in any way the disposition of the case on the merits,” Guevarra said. In other developments: • Robredo said Sunday Solicitor General Jose Calida should shift his attention to the more than a million backlog of cases in his office―rather than meddling in the complaints targeting the perceived critics of the administration. She questioned the involvement of Cal-

House leaders vow to speed up priority bills By Rio N. Araja HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said Sunday the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano will ensure the swift passage of President Rodrigo Duterte’s priority measures following the election of lawmakers to key positions in Congress. “We are now organized to deliberate President’s priority measures. The plenary has already elected our colleagues to the major positions,” Romualdez said. “Both Speaker Cayetano and I gave the commitment that we are going to work double time. I am elated that the newly elected minority leader, Pastor Benny Abante, shares the same view. With this shared commitment, I have no doubt that this will be one of the most productive Congress ever.” Cayetano said he was committed to a proposal creating a full-pledged department to cater to the needs of migrant Filipino workers and their families. “The [creation of the] OFW Department is the second bill now being read in Congress. In our case, I have authored it with [Taguig City] Congresswoman Lani Cayetano and Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte,” Cayetano said. “This is what the President wanted since 2016. I have proven it to myself when I was still the Department of Foreign Affairs chief that no matter what I and the President would do, there must be one that must take charge of the welfare and protection of our OFWs. There must be an agency that would look for opportunities for them abroad.” Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Ray Villafuerte said the House leadership would support the creation of the Department for Filipino workers abroad as well as the Departments of Disaster Resilience and Department of Water Resources, alongside with the approval of wage increases for government workers.

‘Healthy... From A1

on the return of capital punishment must be anchored on its merit and context, with an aim to deter heinous crimes. “Our main objective here is how to prevent crimes, especially heinous ones, in our country,” the Taguig-Pateros congressman said. The discourse on death penalty must be centered on crime prevention, and not as “an end by itself,” said the Speaker. “So while we are deciding as a nation, whether we reinstitute death penalty, let’s all help each other to lower the incidence of crime. There are so many simple solutions. For example, anywhere that is well-lighted has 30 percent less crime. Just light up every corner (of the street). If you are a criminal, you (obviously want to) hide,” he said. The Speaker urged groups rejecting capital punishment to “pray and work hard” on approaches to make crime rate go down, such as the massive installation of closed circuit television cameras and intensified drive against drugs. “To those who want war against death penalty, continue to pray but also work hard for peace and order because the President believes on death penalty. This so because drugs still goes on, and that there is still crime even its rate has dropped a lot,” said Cayetano, a professed Christian.

ida’s office in the sedition complaint filed against her and other opposition figures based on the allegations of Peter Joemel Advincula. • Senator Leila de Lima on Sunday denounced the sedition charges filed against her and other opposition figures, which she called “sham cases,” as she accused the Duterte administration of “weaponizing” the law. In a statement, De Lima said she received a subpoena over the sedition charge on July 26. “Walang kakwenta-kwenta pero malaking perwisyo na naman ito tulad ng mga drug cases ko,” said the senator who was detained over charges related to illegal drugs.

Massive... From A1

Insurance System that will post a P700,000 surety on the agent’s behalf. This is apart from paying P10,000 for an installation fee that goes to a telecommunications carrier to operate the online terminal, a processing fee of P2,500 that goes to the PCSO, and ensuring that the outlet ― at least in Metro Manila ― earns at least P300,000 each month. “We pay the rental for the terminal, the telecom, and the service fee. We also provide the supply of bet slips and thermal rolls, free of charge. The agent doesn’t have to pay for them,” said Arnel Casas, currently PCSO’s assistant general manager for gaming, product development and marketing sector, in an interview with the magazine Entrepreneur Philippines in 2015. PCSO requires its lotto agents to establish sales for the first six months, and in the National Capital Region, the quota is P300,000 to P600,000 every month, with the agent getting 5 percent per sale, Casas said. “You can have sales reaching P50,000 a day, and you have a commission of 5 percent,” he added. Casas, who at the time of the interview was officer-in-charge of the PCSO’s gaming technology department, clarified that a lotto outlet application “is not a ‘franchise.’” “It’s an agency, meaning the lotto agents are given the right to operate a lotto outlet. Congress gave PCSO the franchise, and we give agents the right to sell,” he told Entrepreneur. On Sunday, Malacañang assured the public that the government will extend help to those in need of medical assistance, following the President’s order to stop all gaming operations of the PCSO.

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parishioners,” said Fr. Mario Beltran Patangan of this city’s Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish. “Getting out of our comfort zones is not endangering ourselves either,” Patangan said in an interview Friday. “Like jumping at 10,000 feet above sea level, it is moving toward another dimension, it is having trust, it is having faith.” Since 2008 Patangan has already accumulated 18 jumps under his wings. “And believe me,” he said, “it’s always terrifying every time I get out of that flying plane, but when I’m already floating on air slowly gliding down, I feel serenity, I feel freedom, I feel like being under the wings of a great somebody who loves me a lot, it’s my most peaceful moments.” In each of these mid-air jumps, the priest said he would imagine hearing a voice telling him not to worry because the wind will catch him, and bring him safely to the ground. AFP

Quakes prompt call for creation of disaster dep’t By Rio N. Araja AFTER a series of earthquakes hit Itbayat, Batanes, on Saturday, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said Sunday there was a real need to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience. He said he had refiled the measure, House Bill 30, that would pave the way for the creation of such department. “Our first goal is zero casualty in times of disaster. The department would do all things from the person’s heart, the house, then the capacity,” Salceda said referring to the proposed measure. “Because the government will not be there, those rescuers will not be there when a disaster hits you.” Former Leyte Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, the principal author of the DDR bill, said the department’s creation would effectively reduce the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards and bolster its resilience against the impact of national disasters and climate change. Congress approved the bill on third and final reading, but the Senate failed to pass it. Under the bill, the new department would synchronize the different actors, policies and programs involved in disaster preparedness and management. Under the present setup, the functions for disaster response and resilience are divided among different government agencies. “One of the things that the DDR would do is risk assessment. The department would already know where the disaster could possibly happen, where it would preposition and where to put up warehouses,” Salceda said. “It would have its funds for relief [operations] for distribution, and thereby it could establish a working relationship from the local government units.” A “whole of government” and a “whole of nation” approach was important in dealing with disasters, Salceda. “There is a need that every day, every minute, we put it in our hearts [the lessons of disaster risk reduction],” Salceda said. “We just do not rely every quarter on drills, on what we see on television and hear on the radio. It is more important that the ordinary people, the heads of families, they know how to handle the whole ecosystem.”

Anti-graft... From A1

the closure of all gaming operations authorized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) over allegations of “massive corruption” in the agency. On Sunday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian suggested the PCSO be privatized as a way of insulating the government from corruption, and assuring it of revenues to help the poor. He added that proceeds from the PCSO games should be remitted directly to the Department of Social Work and Development to avoid the mishandling of funds. Senate President Vicente Sotto III, on the other hand, said the gaming outlets that were shut down could be reopened once corruption is weeded out. Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said billions of pesos from the gaming proceeds go into the pockets of government, police and PCSO officials. “When the regular jueteng collections of at least P200 million a day or P73 billion a year in the NCR, CAR and Regions 1 to 5 alone translate to a mere P4 billion income for the PCSO from Small Town Lottery (STL) operations, a big chunk of which is not even in cash remittances but recorded as collectibles, we do not need an Albert Einstein to figure out how much goes to the individual pockets of STL franchise holders, corrupt politicians, policemen and PCSO officials,” Lacson said in a statement. “No matter how many congressional hearings are conducted, the palms of these people continue to be greased by gambling money,” he added.

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World oil prices trended lower last week amid the lower than expected US economic growth in the second quarter. Oil prices were also affected by the geopolitical tensions and safety concerns of oil transport. On July 23, most of the oil companies implemented a per-liter price decrease on petroleum products. The oil firms rolled back the price of gasoline by P0.25, diesel by P0.20 and kerosene by P0.40 per liter.

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News ‘Du30 to pass anti-endo bill within his term’ By MJ Blancaflor THE security of tenure bill which seeks to protect workers from unfair labor practices will be passed within the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Sunday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the campaign promise of Duterte to prohibit illegal contractualization would continue under his watch before his term expires in 2022. “It’s just a temporary setback on the part of the working class because the President is also looking at the side of the management,” Panelo said in a radio interview. His statement came after Duterte vetoed the bill last week, citing the need to strike a balance between the interests of businesses and workers and the potential lost of jobs. “Ultimately, our workers will suffer. Many will lose their jobs. If companies will stop their operations, where will they go?” Panelo said. In his letter addressed to the Congress, Duterte said many businesses would cease operations if there is no “definite classification” of the companies that are not covered by the ban on labor-only contracting. He said Congress can introduce a new bill that does not totally prohibit labor-only contracting. “Definitely, if you really want to have that law, Congress can do that,” Panelo said. The decision of the President to veto the bill earned cheers from business groups, while the labor sector and some lawmakers expressed disappointment on Duterte’s move. Panelo said the President took into consideration the interests of the management and the rights of workers. “While the Constitution states that we should look after our working class, it does not mean we have to destroy the employer. If there are no employers, there would be no working class,” he said. Panelo said the Chief Executive remains firm in protecting workers’ rights.

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

Mayor Sara denies link to lending firm

AVAO CITY – After a photo of her surfaced in the social media endorsing an online lending company, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte vehemently denied her involvement in any of its activities.

The lady mayor clarified in a statement on Sunday that she is not associated with PesosPh or other online lending companies that offer fast cash loans with exorbitant fees and interest. “This is to alert the public about an online lending company that illegally used my photo to apparently deceive the public into believing that I am an endorser of their ser-

vice,” Mayor Sara said. She warned the public to be always circumspect in dealing with individuals, groups, organizations, and companies that are using her name in their business. The mayor also urged the public to immediately report to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) fraudulent

businesses or those that use her name to further their illegal activities. Lawyer Barbara Mae Flores, deputy regional prosecutor of Department of Justice 11 (DOJ-11), said the mayor can directly report to Facebook the unauthorized use of her photo since Facebook have mechanisms on accounts which uses photos without permission. “You can also stop the website use if the photo defames you or if it creates a false impression and injures a reputation,” she added. However, she clarified that Mayor Sara can file charges if proven that this online lending company who used her

THE Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon (OPANL) and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, both under the Office of the President, quickly responded to the needs of families affected by a pair of moderately strong earthquakes that hit the Itbayat town in Batanes on Saturday morning, leaving eight dead and injuring 100 residents. “It is unfortunate and saddening to

Batanes. PPO Photo

learn that numerous lives were lost, hundreds are wounded and thousands are rendered homeless,” Secretary Raul L. Lambino, administrator and CEO of CEZA said. Lambino, who is also the president of the OPANL, said relief supplies are already available for victims of the twin earthquakes and now on its way to Itbayat, the hardest-hit town. The secretary instructed the CEZA team led by Leonardo C. Cruz, Offic-

er-in-Chief for Cagayan offices to immediately attend to the needs of the affected victims in Itbaya once they get there. At least 1,500 gallons of mineral water, 3,000 packs of relief goods containing 3 kilos of rice, 3 sardines, 2 cans of pork ‘n beans, 3 cans of ham loaf, 1 dozen of 3-in-1 coffee, 6 pieces of noodles, 2 (500ml) mineral water are ready to be distributed to affected families in Itbayat.

On top of that, the CEZA medical team based in Cagayan is also on its way, to be placed on standby, in case other victims need to be treated. Lambino likewise urged local government units, particularly in Northern Luzon and everyone who are willing to help to extend any form of assistance for the rescue, evacuation and relief to the affected families in Batanes. He is also closely coordinating the continuing post-earthquake relief effort.

6 domestic flights cancelled due to bad weather SIX domestic flights were cancelled on Sunday due to bad weather at the destination, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported. These flights were: Cebu Pacific (5J) 771/772 Manila-Pagadian-Manila; 5J 781/782 Manila-Ozamis-Manila; Skyjet (M8) and 511/512 ManilaCamiguin-Manila. Meanwhile, two domestic flights were delayed as a result of the red lightning alert at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 12:13 p.m. to 12:33 p.m. The two affected flights were 5J 449 Manila-Iloilo, and CebGo (DG) 6839 Manila-Del Carmen. During a red lightning alert, the ramp movement for both aircraft and ramp personnel is temporarily suspended. It is a safety measure to prevent any untoward incident from happening when lightning is prevalent in the immediate area and may endanger passengers, personnel, and flight operations. PNA

BLOOD DONOR. A man donates blood during the 311th Worldwide Blood Drive held at the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City on Sunday (July 28, 2019). The event is conducted all over the world during June and July to celebrate the World Blood Donor Day held last June 14. PNA

Pinoy seaman on seized ship in good spirits, envoy tells DFA THE Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday that the Filipino seafarer on the oil tanker seized in Iran was in good health and in “good spirits.” The DFA said issued the statement after Ambassador to Iran Wilfredo C. Santos reported that Philippine Embassy officials had a chance to get onboard the seized MT Stena Impero on July 19, and were allowed to talk to the Filipino

photo for an advertisement does not have necessary licenses to operate. “Actions can be taken by the mayor if that is the scenario,” Flores said. She also added that such businesses require secondary license to operate apart from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) license. Moreover, if the photo is used in a commercial websites such as in a business that sells products or services, the unauthorized use of your image would probably violate the right of publicity. As of press time, PesosPh has yet respond to the statement of Mayor Sara. PNA

RELIEF GOODS. Provincial Mobile Force Platoon in Action to deliver relief goods for Itbayat natives in Batanes after the 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck Itbayat, Batanes.

CEZA, OP North Luzon sends relief supplies, teams to aid Batanes By Brenda Jocson

seafarer who was one of the oil tanker’s 23 crew members. “[He] is in good health and in good spirits, and said that the captive crew are treated well and allowed free movement while inside the vessel for their normal duties,” the DFA said. The hostages were also given the opportunity to communicate with family and allowed Internet access from time

to time. Embassy officials said the Filipino crew member even asked authorities to make sure that his family are taken cared of. He also thanked his manning agency and the PHL Embassy for their assistance. The DFA added in its statement that “Embassy representatives assured the Pinoy seafarer they are working on

ways to have him and his crew mates released.” The British-flagged MT Stena Impero is currently at anchor in Iran’s Hormozgan Province, which is also home to a major Iranian naval base fronting the Persian Gulf. A government of Iran seized the vessel because it had been involved in a maritime accident.

Solon sides with Du30 in quashing ‘anti-endo’ bill BUHAY Rep. Lito Atienza sees “wisdom” in Malacañang’s rejection of the anti-endo bill, saying that President Rodrigo Duterte clearly understands and knows how the country’s developing economy works. “The reality is, the practice of shortterm contractual employment supports a multitude of Filipino families that otherwise would not have a single breadwinner,” Atienza, former threeterm mayor of Manila, said. “There are also many Filipino households hovering just above the poverty line because they have one member who is regularly employed, plus a second member who is contractually employed,” Atienza pointed out. Labor contractualization is a function of the country’s high unemployment and underemployment rates, according to Atienza. The domestic job market – the supply and demand for labor – remains “highly imbalanced” owing to the country’s still-developing economy, Atienza said. “Despite the fact that more than 6,000 Filipinos are leaving every day to work abroad, mostly for contractual jobs, we still have a large labor surplus,” Atienza said. “Many Filipinos are competing aggressively for the few regular and permanent new jobs available, so we still have people willing and ready to take on short-term work,” Atienza said. As the economy expands and achieves a higher employment rate in the years ahead, Atienza said fewer Filipinos would actually need, want and seek less secure contractual jobs. The country’s unemployment rate was preliminarily estimated at 5.1 percent as of April, down from 5.5 percent in the same month in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. “But the real problem is we still have a 13.5-percent underemployment rate as of April, though it is down from 17 percent in the same month in 2018,” Atienza said. The PSA defines the underemployed as employed Filipinos “who want to have additional hours of work in their present job or an additional job, or have a new job with longer working hours.”

Opinion

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

No Lotto, no medical assistance POP GOES THE WORLD JENNY ORTUOSTE FOR those relying on the financial help of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for their hospitalization and other medical needs, it’s simple—no Lotto and other games, no help. The country was shocked when a video message from President Rodrigo Duterte aired on TV a few days ago. In it he alleged “massive corruption” related to PCSO’s franchisees and ordered the immediate suspension of all its games and an investigation into the said anomalies.

PCSO is the ONLY government agency mandated to assist individuals through medical assistance for hospitalizations, dialysis, cancer treatments, transplants, and the like. Given the huge role of the agency in many people’s lives, either through play playing the Lotto regularly and hoping for a chance to be a millionaire, or through relying on it for medical assistance, netizens took to social media to discuss the matter. I noticed that a great many misconceptions and downright fabrications about the agency were being shared, so here’s a short primer about it and what it does. PCSO is the ONLY government agency mandated to assist individuals through medical assistance for hospitalizations, dialysis, cancer treatments, transplants, and the like. The agency also aids institutions such as hospitals and clinics through equipment donation, such as x-

ray machines and ambulances. To do so, it raises funds through numbers games. Before the 1990s, its only product was the Sweepstakes, where people bought numbered paper tickets. In 1995, the agency launched the online lottery game or computerized Lotto. Later the agency added other games such as Keno, Peryahan ng Bayan, and the like. They experimented with different games to cater to a wide range of tastes, but the Lotto is still the most popular and the biggest money-earner. A big competitor to PCSO in terms of number games is illegal jueteng, which makes billions but remits nothing to the government. In an effort to get a legal slice of this illegal pie, PCSO developed the Small-Town Lottery (STL) game in 2005, which is offered only in the provinces, is regulated and run professionally, and remits taxes to the government. How are PCSO’s revenues distributed? Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 42, the allocation of net receipts (gross receipts less cost of printing tickets) is clearly stated: 55 percent as prize fund for the payment of prizes, 30 percent as charity fund (where the money for medical assistance comes from), and 15 percent for the office’s operating expenses (PCSO does not obtain any funds from the national budget—in other words, it is not funded by taxpayers). Prizes unclaimed within one year from the draw date, and “all balances of any funds” in the PCSO at year-end shall go into the Charity Fund. Based on this, PCSO does not remit to the President’s Social Fund (PSF)— one common misconception particularly in the media is that it does. PAGCOR, the government agency that runs casino gaming, does remit to the PSF. Also, PAGCOR does not give PCSO any funds at all. It is a huge misconception of many that medical assistance will continue because “PAGCOR gives to PCSO”. That is erroneous. What could the President mean by “massive corruption” related to PCSO? And ‘franchises’ not remitting their due share to government? Could the online Lotto be “corrupt”?

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

Beyond the sweeping gesture

HERE was a touch of fire and brimstone in President Duterte’s announcement that he would shut down all gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) because of “massive corruption.” A crackdown on corruption is always commendable. This is the first time this graft-ridden agency was put under such scrutiny. The order, which took effect Saturday, covered all operations with franchises, licenses, or permits granted by the PCSO, including lotto, Keno, small town lottery (STL) and other gaming schemes such as Peryahan ng Bayan nationwide. The Palace gave the President’s sweeping gesture against corruption an added flourish. “The Chief Executive will identify the culprits in due time and the full force of the law will come crushing down on them. This hydra-headed corruption will be cut off until it reproduces no more,” a Palace statement read. The President, the Palace said, is outraged by the discovery of the “plunderous machinations” of PCSO’s “scoundrels” whose “insatiable greed is infinite and beyond redemption. “Let this be a stern warning to all

malefactors in the government, as well as all the enemies of the state, the Duterte presidency will be unrelenting in its war against corruption and unforgiving to the transgressors of the law,” the Palace said. “The President shall continue to brandish the flaming sword of his office and strike it at the heart of this social and political monstrous dragon.” On Saturday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) began to put its muscle behind the President's words. By Sunday, the police had shut down more than 21,000 lotto stores and gaming outlets around the country. Beyond the President's sweeping gesture against corruption, however, are a myriad of consequences that the Palace has yet to address. We trust that the move was not a knee-jerk act, that the discomfort would be temporary, and that it paves the way for a betterrun, more honest PCSO. Certainly, the most visible of these is the impact that the closure will have on

the thousands of people who work in and depend on the industry. There is also the substantial contribution that the PCSO makes— more than P18 billion in 2018—to payments and grants under the government's health program, including financial assistance and medical support for poor patients. The newly minted Universal Health Care Law, too, is partly dependent on PCSO returns, which are expected to cover some P17 billion of the P257 billion needed by the program. In 2018, the PCSO generated some P64 billion in revenues for the government, 30 percent of which under the law must go to charity work. It is unclear how the government can make up these revenues if the PCSO operations remain shuttered. Then there are legal questions that must be addressed. What do you do with the 21,000 lotto and gaming outlets that paid at least P500,000 each for a franchise to operate? Finally, there is the President's troublesome promise that he will “not honor any order from any court” that stops the government from investigating corruption at the PCSO—a vow that might be seen as an existential threat to the very notion of accountability in our system of justice.

Turn to A5

Modest gains

OVER the weekend, the Taiwan government itself reported that the Philippines had received the highest growth rate for outbound tourists from Taiwan, at 55.42 percent for the month of June and 30.60 percent for January to June departures compared to the same period last year. With a population of only about 23 million, our own Department of Tourism identified Taiwan as the sixth major source of tourists into the country. In fact, I was told that boat operators and service-oriented workers in El Nido in Palawan already know certain phrases in Mandarin as a result of their close and frequent interaction with Taiwanese tourists. Even airlines are capitalizing on these gains, adding more flights to and from the island. Just this week, AirAsia announced that it is opening routes from the south, in Kaohsiung, flying passengers directly to Clark or Cebu. Just about six months earlier, Tiger Air likewise opened flights to Clark, offering more options for Taiwanese tourists. We now have seven flights from Taipei’s Taoyuan International airport daily by China Air, Eva Air and PAL, plus two each from Cebu Pacific and Air Asia. Additionally, Eva Air flies daily from Taoyuan to Cebu, and China Air flies four times a week from Manila to Kaohsiung. There are also weekly chartered flights to Puerto Princesa and Kalibo. MECO and the tourism office in Taiwan hope to promote more direct flights to Clark and Cebu, perhaps Iloilo in the near future. Were it not for the Marawi episode two years back which brought about travel advisories, Davao and Cagayan de Oro could likewise be served by flights from Taiwan bypassing Manila. While I do not have any particular expertise to analyze the tourism market, I believe the efforts of the Manila Economic and Culture Office and the

dynamic team of government agencies working under its umbrella, have all contributed to this substantial accomplishment. As of this writing, MECO’s tourism campaign over social media which broke out in late April is still operational, up until the first week of August when most school activities would have already paused for vacation. And the Philippines has so much to offer as a close, summer getaway for the Taiwanese. This year, we chose to showcase the destinations in Siargao, Siquijor and Iloilo through originally-produced videos presented across MECO’s social media platforms, instead of the usual and more expensive practice of running them as television ads.

So much hard work in coming up with books and instructional materials to efficiently teach the language to young minds had to be exerted. In late 2017, the tourism office in ge Taiwan asked MECO to sponsor generic television ads proclaiming the Philippines as the “paradise closest to Taiwan,” with beautiful visuals of our beaches and dive spots. But we later realized that most individual travelers nowadays rely more on their “second screen” than the TV, deciding on their next vacation destination based upon research on the Internet and experiences of people who have actually been there. And so this year, we asked a group of young and very creative guys to do brief capsules of Taiwanese visitors actually enjoying the surf and mangrove forest of Siargao, the fabulous seafood and culture of Iloilo, and the magical enchantment of Siquijor. It is MECO’s modest contribution to the efforts of our Department of Tourism, and our tagline Turn to A5

Stupidity or hypocrisy? I JUST can’t imagine how the geniuses of the Commission on Human Rights can issue totally contradicting positions regarding one of its major advocacies— children’s rights. Sometime last week, the CHR-National Capital Region issued a statement saying “children, like adults, have the right to join protests too, provided that the staging of rallies are lawful and peaceful.” The CHR-NCR made the statement in reaction a photo which went viral in the social media showing a child “of tender years” with a placard in a protest action during President rodrigo Duterte’s fourth

The Commission on Human Rights should get its act together. State of the Nation Address last Monday. re The CHR-NCR said all persons, repar gardless of age, have the right to participate in public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations, “provided these are lawful and peaceful in character.” Thr CHR-NCR stressed that children have the rights to expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly. There is no law that prohibits them from participating from public gatherings or demonstrations, and as such they should be encouraged to express their thoughts

and own opinions on various issues and matters of public concern.” The only concern raised by CHR-NCR was protesters should ensure and pripri oritize the safety and security of children taking part in public demonstrations, and encouraged parents or guardians of minors to personally oversee their children. Now, that was very clear. The CHR says children should be encouraged to express their thoughts and own opinions on various issues and matters of public concern. Hence, the CHR is acknowledging that children, even at very tender years just like the one shown in the viral photo (Anyway they have stated “all person regardless of age”), are already old enough to discern what is right or wrong, what is good and bad for them, that they are old enough to know their rights and fight for them. Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher can be accessed at: manilastandard.net Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 832-5554, 832-5556, 832-5558 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www. manilastandard.net

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Opinion Going from forced labor to high finance: A man’s journey By Ammu Kannampilly EXILED to the Gobi Desert at the age of 15, Weijian Shan’s days were marked by gnawing hunger and backbreaking forced labour. But his sense of hope was kept alive by an unlikely source—insecticide manuals. Now one of Asia’s top financiers and the head of Hong Kong-based private equity firm PAG, Shan told AFP that reading—virtually anything he could get his hands on—effectively saved his life, providing “an escape” from the harsh realities of Mao Zedong’s oppressive regime. “I feel like I have lived 5,000 years,” Shan said, with his recently published memoir, “Out of the Gobi”, recounting a life that mirrors China’s shape-shifting trajectory and offers lessons, he hopes, for young pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. “We were all deprived of a formal education for 10 years,” he said, referring to China’s “Lost Generation”—young men and women who were banished to Inner Mongolia in 1969 and expected to transform an arid landscape into fertile fields. “I didn’t completely give up,” he said. “I read whatever I could—sometimes insecticide manuals, sometimes dictionaries.” Yanked out of school in Beijing at the age of 12 during the Cultural Revolution, Shan, like millions of youth, was gripped by revolutionary fervor. They were promised helicopters, plenty of food and special uniforms, and urged to leave home and “receive re-education” from the peasantry. The helicopters never materialized, food and water were always in short supply, and the sickles and shovels deployed by Shan and others did little to improve harvests, which fared

Modest... From A4

was “Fun any time” in the Philippines. Indeed, the Philippines can be a yearround destination, not just for the winter months of November to March which is the traditional peak season for travelers to our country. We made our social media ads to appeal to travelers during the vacation months when schools are closed from June till mid-August. While tourists make the bulk of travelers to the Philippines, there are also the Taiwanese businessmen who now flock to the country to explore ventures and further markets to trade their wares. Our Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Taipei likewise has been vigorously engaged in two-pronged promotions of our country’s potential to the Taiwanese, offering assistance to potential investors and bringing in our products to their local market. Most recently, our trade experts were able to negotiate with the French-based supermarket, CarreFour with hundreds of branches across the island, to permanently display and sell products from the Philippines in their supermarket

No Lotto,... From A4

PCSO’s online lottery became an ISOcertified operation in 2016. All revenues are computer-tallied and put into a common pool. PCSO’s Keno is run similarly. Given this, it’s hard to imagine how the thousands of small kiosk owner/operators are the ones who are ‘corrupt.’ On the other hand, among those who obtained franchises for STL were gambling lords, because they have the machinery, influence, and personnel for it. Some of them transformed their operations into legitimate enterprises and were happy that STL gave them the chance to do so. However, the corruption the President refers to could be related to those STL operators-slash-gambling lords who still run illegal operations on the side. This is something that PCSO cannot control

Stupidity... From A4

However, it should be recalled that the CHR is at the forefront of the opposition to the lowering of the minimum age of criminal liability from 15 years old to nine years old. And one of the major arguments raised in opposing the minimum age of criminal liability is that children are not yet in the position to discern what is right or wrong.

worse each year. Shan also baked bricks, cut reeds and dug canals—working for 31 hours straight on one occasion only to discover that his labor was futile because the waterway’s course had been miscalculated. His rudimentary training as a “barefoot doctor” proved more useful—he saved the life of a seriously ill child and diagnosed his own insomnia as a symptom of malnutrition. Books were forbidden but Shan devoured everything from chemistry textbooks to medical manuals in secret, and got into trouble for reading Karl Marx’s “Civil War in France” because his company commander thought it was a novel. US journey His memoir is unflinching about the toll on his peers, including one whose life fell into ruin following his conviction for “counter-revolutionary crimes.” And they were not the only ones who suffered, he said, pointing to the violence that gripped China in the 1960s and 1970s and destroyed its institutions. In a particularly horrifying vignette that he insists was not an isolated case, he describes witnessing a group of schoolgirls beating an elderly teacher to death with leather belts for being a “class enemy.” “We were told repeatedly to ‘take root in the Gobi’, to live there for the rest of our lives, so there was no hope,” he said. But following Mao’s edict to reopen universities, Shan was allowed to return to Beijing to attend college and study English. He had spent six years in the Gobi. Then life took a stunning turn—as ties between Beijing and Washington

eased, Shan became one of the first students sent by Communist China to the United States. He went on to finish a doctorate, studying economics under future Federal Reserve chief Janet Yellen, who in a foreword to his memoir, recounts her amazement when she realised that Shan had taught himself “all the math he knew... by candlelight”. Open the door Now 65, Shan believes his life holds lessons for young people, particularly in his adopted home of Hong Kong, where fears about Beijing’s increasing control over the city have prompted huge protests and violent clashes with police. “When I went to the US, China’s door had opened just a crack... but (as years passed) it opened further,” he said. “Once the door opens, it opens wider and wider,” he said, adding that the all-or-nothing approach adopted by Hong Kongers demanding universal suffrage risked closing off any possibility of compromise and change. “Why not start with something... so the door is opened?” Having lived through a cataclysmic era in China, he said, “what is important for my generation is not to have history repeated.” With a Chinese translation underway, people in the mainland will soon be able to read his story, possibly with some portions censored to manage “sensitivities,” he said. But some enterprising Chinese readers have already got their hands on pirated editions, he said. He added: “If people want to read my book—pirated or not—I don’t mind. If you don’t take lessons from the past, there is a risk of repeating history.” AFP

shelves. Efforts are also underway to put and sell the same products in another grocery chain, RT-Mart, which is also operated by a French conglomerate. But perhaps the most heartwarming achievement for us would not be about the material gains we have earned in our relationship with Taiwan. Rather it is about fostering warmer people-topeople relationships. For while Taiwan is our closest neighbor to the north, with only the Balintang Channel separating us, there is an awareness and appreciation chasm that we need to bridge. Next school year, Filipino as a language will be officially offered as an elective for second-language training in Taiwan, both in the elementary and midschool levels. While the initial target are children of mixed Filipino-Taiwanese parentage who speak Mandarin, the official language, and perhaps a sprinkling of English, the government through its Ministry of Education in pursuit of the New Southbound Policy, is promoting knowledge of other Asian cultures. Before this elective course begins, so much hard work in coming up with books and instructional materials to efficiently teach the language to young

minds had to be exerted. Spearheading this effort is MECO’s Director in the Kaohsiung extension office, Irene Ng, who teamed up with academics and highly-motivated volunteers to come up with books and digital learning materials in time for the opening of classes. Just before the SONA, I had the privilege to meet these volunteers who spent almost three years, holding more than a thousand meetings, to produce a total of 18 books to teach Filipino to Taiwanese students. As we handed out the simple appreciation certificates to these teacher-volunteers together with Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Education, I was moved by the teary-eyed teachers and editors who spent countless hours and immeasurable effort to promote another country’s culture to their people. It represents the Taiwanese’s dedication and commitment to share the gains they have achieved with the Filipino people, a gesture that we will continue to nourish and celebrate as we further relations with their people. Modest gains, but, to paraphrase President Diosdado Macapagal, “stones for the edifice” in building stronger and lasting people-to-people relationships.

because the lords have guns, goons, and gold, while PCSO has no police powers. Duterte’s statement about franchises doing the government out of its share could refer to the taxes that the illegal operations are not remitting. A similar example is that of illegal horseracing bookies, who make an amount estimated to be the same as the revenues of legal horseracing, but are unregulated and do not contribute taxes. Here’s a couple more points. A retired PCSO department head—a lawyer—told me that when the President mentioned something about ‘court orders’ being problematic, he could have been referring to the fact that “almost all closure orders of PCSO against erring STL operators are blocked by TROs [temporary restraining orders].” He added that Duterte might also have been referring to contracts (perhaps of suppliers, and the like) disadvantageous to PCSO that are under TRO.

The President should investigate all anomalies, because any operation that defrauds the state of what is rightfully due it is a crime. But if PCSO has no revenues, it cannot sustain its Charity Fund. We don’t know how long the suspension will last, and neither has PCSO said how much longer they can keep up their charity work without revenues. Perhaps the President can reconsider about Lotto at least and lift the suspension on it, while the investigations continue on STL and other games? It would mean a lot to the thousands of needy and indigent patients who depend on PCSO. The agency has saved many lives—they should be allowed to continue to do so.

So, which is which? The children, regardless of their age, are old enough to know their rights and fight for them? Or are children aged nine to 14 are young enough to discern what is right and wrong? To borrow Denzel Washington’s famous line in the movie Philadelphia: “Can the CHR explain this to me like I’m a six-year old?” In a statement, the CHR even called on the government to stop using children as a cover-up in the inefficient implementa-

tion of the juvenile justice law. According to CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline de Guia, the government “must stop shifting the burden to children and start addressing lapses in the law’s implementation; providing better support and guidance to children; as well as stricter means to curb syndicates and individuals who feed on our children’s vulnerabilities,” adding that lowering the minimum age of criminal liability violates the government’s obligation to protect the rights of children.

Dr. Ortuoste is not a regular Lotto player because she is too lazy to buy tickets. That is likely why she is still an impecunious writer whose idea of a big treat is to buy a new book. /FB and Twitter: @DrJennyO

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

Fighting corruption with technology corruption. Business owners with connections to government or bribe money to go around can manipulate policies and market mechanisms to favor them and weed out the competition. With so-called market forces kept at bay, they then become free to dictate PERHAPS the least polarizing thing the prices of goods and services, often that came out of President Rodrigo at a rate that is unaffordable to most Duterte’s fourth State of the Nation and with no need to account for qualAddress (SONA) last week was his ity because consumers are trapped one harangue against corruption, which he way or another into patronizing what described as “pervasive.” they offer. “We find corruption everywhere in Corruption also helps sustain heigovernment with every malefactor nous inequality by guaranteeing that watching his cohort’s back in blatant capital remains in the hands of olidisregard of his oath when he as- garchs or whoever has public officials sumed public office,” he said. “For in their payroll. In this kind of ecoevery transaction, a commission; for nomic environment, small businesses every action, extortion; and a request have a hard time competing with conthat goes on and on—endlessly and glomerates because of unfair compeshamelessly.” tition. Entrepreneurship is stripped of He cited the systemic fraud carried its potential to power the entrepreneur out in the Philippine Health Insurance out of poverty. Corp, in which massive medical funds The result is that economies plagued were disbursed to pay padded claims by corruption have a typically small and ghost treatments of fictitious pa- middle class right smack in the midtients. dle of a wide gulf “I am grossly separating the rich disappointed,” and the poor. With Replacing paperDuterte said. other aggravating “The government based processes with factors at play, this is conned of milclass conelectronic ones not only middle lions of pesos, tinues to diminwhich could be increases efficiency ish, the poor gets used to treat ill- but also guarantees poorer, and the nesses and possi- transparency. rich gets richer. bly save the lives It is no surprise, corrup of many.” too, that corrupHe also lamtion has a direct basted the Bureau of Customs, which link to substandard and inaccessible had been notoriously prone to corrup- education and healthcare. An Intertion since time immemorial and said national Monetary Fund report shows he would remove its employees who that corruption increases the cost of are under investigation. education and healthcare in corrupted He claimed that the government had economies, with compromised bubeen “unyielding” in its attempt to reaucratic processes. weed out “the unscrupulous persons The other ills of corruption are manning our ports and scalawags in also well documented: in terms of uniform, with the firing or resignation inefficiently allocated resources, in of more than a hundred officials and deadening stimulus for innovation, in appointees. creating shadow economies and black Worse, corruption is normalized in markets, and in disincentivizing forgovernment, he said, by using lan- eign investments, among others. But guage that seems to make the other- the worst, most enervating impact of wise heinous act seem casual, like de- corruption is probably in the degradascribing a corrupt act as “for the boys” tion of social values, which is the best or “sponsoring an event.” breeding ground itself and thus cre“No amount of euphemism can triv- ates a vicious cycle. ialize and normalize betrayal of pubA relatively untapped mechanism lic trust or any other criminal offense. to prevent corruption is technology. It is an injury laced with insult. It is Something like “E-procurement,” for both a national embarrassment and a instance, which takes away the pernational shame.” sonal element and increases visibility Only something substantial, like an in transactions, has been shown to curb immediate “self-purgation,” can prob- the incidence of bribes. Replacing ably cure the deeply entrenched cul- paper-based processes with electronic ture, which he said “exasperates” and ones not only increases efficiency but “frustrates” him. He also toyed with also guarantees transparency. the idea that “perhaps it is blood that The same thing can be applied to we need to cleanse and rinse away the processes like taxation and customs dirt and the muck that stick to the flesh processing, two areas long belealike leeches.” guered by seemingly incurable corCorruption is even more disastrous ruption. Again, the rationale is the in the context of the Philippines as same: by automating the process, the an emerging economy. The literature need for personal interaction between is clear about the correlation between individuals and public officials are levels of corruption and growth and lessened, which means the opportuniprosperity. Economies in which cor- ties to bargain are also reduced. ruption is endemic cannot simply The President’s SONA directives prosper as it highjacks the so-called to the Anti Red Tape Authority and natural laws of the economy. the Department of Interior and LoThis is evident, for instance, in data cal Government to strictly enforce a from the World Bank that reveals a three-day limit on simple transactions wide disparity between average in- is a strong message to local governcomes in countries with a high level ment leaders and front-line agencies of corruption versus those with a low to move fast on their constituent faclevel of corruption, such as those in ing transactions. North America, Western Europe, and While political will and a wideAustralia. spread culture change might seem to And corruption is not a victimless be seductive places from which to becrime as it is sometimes portrayed. Be gin a frank anti-corruption initiative, it resources or opportunities, whatever the rational harnessing of appropriis gained via corrupt acts carries im- ate technologies as an anti-corruption plications that reverberate throughout and productivity tool is the most the economy. logical option that government can High costs of goods and services, for rapidly operationalize. If corruption instance, can be a result of monopolies is left unaddressed, many of Presior oligopolies in the economy, which dent Duterte’s SONA dreams will not are in turn enabled and maintained by come true. So, is allowing children even toddlers to join protest actions part of the effort to protect the rights of children? In last Friday’s news forum at the Nanka Japanese Latin Restaurant in Quezon City, the Minority Leader averred that while he is in favor of lowering the minimum age of criminal liability, their parents or guardians of the children should also be held responsible. And that’s what the CHR should have made clear in its statement. Disregard the portion on the children supposedly know-

ing their rights and have the right to fight for them as it would abandon their position on the age of discernment. They should have just issued a stern warning, and not a reminder, to the parents or guardians of the children that they should be held responsible should any harm come in the children’s way during a protest action. The CHR should get their act together and refrain from issuing totally contradicting positions. Their recent act betrays them. Either they are so stupid or they are just out to despise the administration.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

News

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 95, QUEZON CITY SPS. SIONG TIENG DAVID and ALICE C. DAVID, Plaintiffs, Civil Case No. R-QZN-19-00351-CV

-versus-

ANTONIO DUENAS TAN, ZULEIKA A. TAN, ET., AL., Defendants. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

entering therefrom, removed from the Subject Property/ies premises, if found inside, prevented from erecting structure(s) and to remove the structure(s) from the Subject Property/ies, if any. 4.3 Likewise, Defendants’ presence inside the Subject Properties, forcibly entering the same, illegal occupation and their unjustified refusal to vacate the same despite receipt of Plaintiffs’ demand has unduly deprived, and continues to deprive Plaintiffs of the just and rightful possession and enjoyment of the Property as owners, for which Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them ought to be removed therefrom and complete possession thereof restored to Plaintiffs.

SUMMONS

: ANTONIO DUENAS TAN, KHIM TAN, ZULEIKA A. TAN, ANA MARIE ABADILLA, ---No. 7 and 8, Proj. 8, Quezon City Or at No. 7 Ferndale, Quezon City LUIS M. DE VERA --- Congressional Arcade, EDSA, Quezon City

GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within fifteen (15) days after service of this Summons upon you, to file with this Court and serve on the plaintiff your answer to the complaint copy of which is attached, together with annexes. You are reminded of the provision in the IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy guidelines dated March 12, 2002 to observe restraint in filing a motion to dismiss and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the Answer. If you fail to answer within the time fixed, the plaintiff will take judgment by default and my be granted the relief applied for in the complaint. Witness the Honorable EDGARDO B. BELLOSILLO, Presiding Judge of this Court this 11th of FEBRUARY 2019 at Quezon City, Philippines.

2019,

(Sgd.) STEVE H.D. DE JESUS OIC-Legal Researcher II

Third Cause of Action 5.1 Plaintiffs replead herein by reference all of the foregoing allegations. 5.2 Defendants’ unlawful acts has caused Plaintiffs to suffer as they continue to suffer physical suffering, mental anguish, fright, serious anxiety, besmirched reputation, wounded feelings, moral shock and social humiliation in their community, for which, Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them ought to be ordered to jointly and severally pay Plaintiffs moral damages in the amount of at least FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00).

Fourth Cause of Action 6.1 Plaintiffs replead herein by reference all of the foregoing allegations. 6.2 Due to Defendants’ unlawful acts, and in order to deter those who are similarly inclined to forge signatures and execute a void Deed of Sale, unlawfully entering and building structure(s) thereon without any right whatsoever to the prejudice of its lawful owner, Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them ought to be ordered to jointly and severally pay Plaintiffs exemplary damages in the amount of at least FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00).

Fifth Cause of Action

RPUZ Republic of the Philippines National Capital judicial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Quezon City, Branch 95

SPS. SIONG TIENG DAVID and ALICE C. DAVID, Plaintiff(s),

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Civil Case No. R-QZN-00351-CV For: Annulment of Contract with Prayer for TRO, Preliminary Injunction with Damages

ANTONIO DUENAS TAN, ZULEIKA A. TAN, ANA MARIE ABADILLA LUIS M. DE VERA, JOHN and/or JANE DOES (those persons claiming rights or interests under them), Defendants. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -x

AMENDED COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF, by the undersigned counsel, to this Honorable Court, respectfully states that:

Parties 1.1 Plaintiffs are spouses, both of legal age, Filipino citizens with address at c/o Chua Lim & Associates, nit 304 The Orient Square Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila. 1.2 Defendants Antonio Duenas Tan, Zuleika A. Tan, Ana Marie Abadilla and Khim Tan are all Filipino citizens, both of legal age and may be served with summons and court processes at No. 7 and 8, Road 23, Project 8, Quezon City or at Ferndale, Quezon City While, Luis M. De Vera may be served with summons and court processes at Congressional Arcade, EDSA, Quezon City. Defendants Antonio Duenas Tan, Zuleika A. Tan, Ana Marie Abadilla and Khim Tan may also be served with summons and court processes at c/o Luis M. De Vera at Congressional Arcade, EDSA, Quezon City. John and Jane Does are those under their control or claiming rights under them.

Statement of Relevant Material Facts 2.1 Sps. David are the owners of two (2) contiguous parcels of land located at Brgy. Sto Domingo with an area of Two Thousand Three Hundred Ninety Six (2,396) square meters, more or less, covered by TCT Nos. (T-14738) (237030) 0042018016744 and (RT-3874) (236031) 004-2018-16743. Copy of TCT Nos. (T-14738) (237030) 004-2018016744 and (RT-3874) (236031) 004-2018-16743. are attached hereto as Annexes “A” and “B”, respectively. 2.2 Sometime in August 2017, Sps. David noticed that the concrete fence of the Subject Property/ies was damaged and had the same fixed. However, the fence kept of being damaged and the Sps. David kept on fixing the same. 2.3 Sometime in late of 2017, Sps. David were informed that a certain Antonio Duenas Tan filed a Petition for the Issuance of New Owner’s Duplicate Copies of the Subject Properties. Copy of the Petitions are attached hereto as Annexes “C” and “D”, respectively. 2.4 In the Petitions, Antonio Duenas Tan is claiming to have acquired the Subject Properties and lost the Owner’s Duplicate Copy/ies of TCT Nos. RT-236030 (14738) and RT-3874 (236031). 2.5 Sps. David were also reliably informed that persons acting under the direction of Antonio Duenas Tan, including a certain Zuleika A. Tan, Ana Marie Abadilla, Khim Tan and Luis M. De Vera conspiring with one another, are forcibly entering the Subject Properties, are erecting structure(s) and have illegally occupied the property thereon without authority from the plaintiffs. 2.6 As proof of the acquisition, Antonio Duenas Tan attached in the Petitions a purported Deed of Sale executed on October 20, 2017 and notarized by Atty. Luis M. De Vera. Copy of the Deed of Sale dated October 20, 2017 is attached hereto as Annex “E”. 2.7 In the Deed of Sale, it was stated that the Senior’s Citizen ID of Siong Tieng David and Alice G. Co exhibited Senior Citizen ID Nos. 14819-R and 14820-R, respectively. 2.8 Likewise, Antonio Duenas Tan claims that he lost the Owner’s Duplicate Original of TCT Nos. RT-236030 (14738) and RT-3874 (236031) and executed an Affidavit of Loss. Copy of the Affidavit of Loss is attached hereto as Annex “F”. 2.9 Sps. David did NOT sell the Subject Properties to Antonio Duenas Tan. Neither did they execute the purported Deed of Sale. 2.10 It is physically impossible for Sps. David to execute the alleged Deed of Sale. 2.11 Sps. David were NOT in the Philippines on October 20, 2017. They were at China on October 20, 2017. They left Manila, Philippines on October 17, 2017 and returned on October 25, 2017 as shown by the stamp of the Bureau of Immigration of the Philippines and China on their passports. Copies of the passports of Sps. David are attached hereto as Annexes “G” and “H”, respectively. 2.12 The Bureau of Immigration Travel Records of Sps. David indicating that they department from Manila on October 17, 2017 and arrived on October 25, 2017 are attached hereto as Annexes “I” and “J”. 2.13 Clearly, the signatures of Sps. David on the Deed of Sale are forged and the Deed of Sale is fictitious and void ab initio. 2.14 Undeniably, Antonio Duenas Tan, Luis M. De Vera and their cohorts, conspiring with one another, fraudulently made it appear that Sps. David were in the Philippines, signed/ executed the Deed of Sale and appeared before Notary Public Luis M. De Vera.

2.17 The Senior Citizens ID of Sps. David are Senior Citizen ID Nos. 037111 and 037110. Copy of Senior Citizen ID Nos. 037111 and 037110 are attached hereto as Annexes “K” and “L”, respectively. 2.18 Sps. David are also attaching the Certifications issued by the Punong Barangay of Barangay 299, Zone 29 of the City of Manila and the Certifications of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs of the City of Manila as Annexes “M” to “P” as proof that their Senior Citizens ID are Senior Citizen ID Nos. 037111 and 037110. 2.19 Aside from the above, the spuriousness of the Deed of Sale and the forgery of Sps. David’s signatures are shown by a comparison of the signatures. 2.20 Needless to state, the Owner’s Duplicate Copies of TCT Nos. RT-236030 (14738) and RT-3874 (236031) are NOT LOST and are in the possession of the rightful owners Sps. David.

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2.22 Plaintiff’s also sent a letter demanding that defendants vacate the Subject Properties. Copy of the letter and the Affidavit of Service is attached hereto as Annexes “R” and “R-1”, respectively.

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Allegations in Support of the Application for the Issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order and/or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction/Mandatory Injunction 8.1 Plaintiffs adopts and repleads, by reference, the foregoing allegations in support of their prayer for injunctive relief and further alleges that8.2 Plaintiffs are entitled to the reliefs demanded, and the whole or part of such relief consists of the preservation of the plaintiffs’ right to the Subject Property/ies. 8.3 The acts of the Defendants depriving the their right to the Subject Property/ies would work injustice to the Plaintiffs and would cause grave and irreparable damage to Plaintiffs. 8.4 It cannot be overemphasized that Defendants actions are illegal, violative of the proprietary rights of Plaintiffs, and would tender any judgment ineffectual. 8.5 Unless a status quo order, temporary restraining order, writ of preliminary injunction and/or any other protective relief is issued, Plaintiffs shall suffer grave and irreparable damage and injury 8.6 It must be stressed that pending resolution of the foregoing, a status quo order or temporary restraining order is a matter of extreme urgency as 8.6 Unless Defendants are restrained and enjoined as prayed for in this complaint, the DAMAGE and INJUSTICE TO PLAINTIFFS would be INSTANTANEOUS and IRREVERSABLE and would render any judgment issued by this Honorable Court MOOT, NUGATORY, INEFFECTUAL and IMPOSSIBLE TO ENFORCE. 8.7 As it is Defendants have already filed a Petition for Reissuance of and have in fact offered the Subject Property/ies for sale. 8.8 Plaintiffs are ready, able and willing to post a bond or any other form of security as this Honorable Court may reasonably fix or require, conditioned upon the payment of damages that defendants may suffer should it be finally adjudged that plaintiffs are not entitled thereto. 8.9 In further support hereof is Plaintiffs’ affidavit attached as Annex “Q” attesting to the foregoing.

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this Honorable Court that, after due hearing, judgment be rendered, as follows: 1. Immediately upon filing hereof, a seventy-two (72) hour initial Temporary Restraining Order or status quo order be issued restraining Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them from entering the Subject Property/ies, removing them from the Subject Property/ies (if found inside), desist from building or erecting structure(s) thereon and removing the structure(s) built, if any; 2. After hearing and pending the final outcome of the case, the foregoing temporary restraining order be converted into a writ of preliminary injunction/mandatory injunction and/or the status quo order already issued, if any, be extended and/ or issued, respectively, until further orders from this Honorable Court after the resolution of the instant Petition. 3. After trial, judgment be rendered, a. On the First Cause of Action, that the Deed of Sale be cancelled, annulled and declared void ab inito; b. On the Second Cause of Action, declaring the actions of the Defendants illegal and ordering Defendants to desist from entering the Subject Property/ies, building or erecting structure(s) and to remove and structure(s) built thereon making the injunction permanent and ordering Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them to vacate and turn-over possession of the Property to the Plaintiffs its rightful owner and possessor; c. On the Third Cause of Action, ordering Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them to jointly and severally to pay Plaintiffs moral damages of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00); e. On the Fourth Cause of Action, ordering Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them to jointly and severally to pay Plaintiff exemplary damages of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php500,000.00); f. On the Fifth Cause of Action, ordering Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them to jointly and severally pay Plaintiffs attorney’s fees in the amount of at least TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php200,000.00) and such litigation expenses as shall be proved in the course of trial; and g. Ordering Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them to jointly and severally to pay the costs of suit. Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for. Pasig City for Quezon City, January 30, 2019. CHUA LIM AND ASSOCIATES Counsel for the plaintiff Unit 304, 3rd Floor The Orient Square Building F. Ortigas, Jr. Road (Ex-Emerald Ave.) Ortigas Center, Pasig City (632).7062276 (632).7062437 chualimlaw@lawyer.com

2.23 Yet, notwithstanding Plaintiffs’ demands, Defendants still unlawfully failed and refused and continue to fail and refuse to heed to Plaintiffs’ demand, to their great damage and prejudice.

First Cause of Action 3.1 The foregoing allegations are repleaded herein by reference.

By: (Sgd.) CLIFFORD E. CHUA Roll No. 51837 PTR No. 7324009/01.03.19/Q.C. IBP Lifetime No. 07481/Q.C. MCLE Comp. No. V-0020575/4.20.16

VERIFICATION and CERTIFICATION We, SIONG TIENG DAVID and ALICE C. DAVID, both of legal age, Filipino citizens, after being duly sworn according to law do hereby depose and state that: 1.

We are the plaintiffs in the above-entitled case;

2. We have caused the preparation of the foregoing Amended Complaint. 3. We have read the allegations therein and hereby affirm that the same are true and correct of our own personal knowledge and based on authentic records. 4. We have not heretofore commenced any other action or proceeding involving the same issues in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency; to the best of our knowledge, no such action proceeding is pending in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency. If we should learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or any other tribunal or agency, we undertake to report that fact within five (5) days from notice. (Sgd.) SIONG TIENG DAVID Affiant Senior Citizen ID 037111

(Sgd. ) ALICE CO DAVID Affiant Senior Citizen ID 037110

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 07 FEB 2019 at QUEZON CITY, affiants exhibiting to me competent evidence of their identity/ies indicated below their names.

3.2 As seen above, the purported Deed of Sale is fictitious and void ab initio and should be annulled.

Second Cause of Action 4.1 The foregoing allegations are repleaded herein by reference. 4.2 Defendants’ unlawful entrance, building of structure(s) and improvements despite receipt of Plaintiffs’ demand has unduly deprived and violated, and continues to deprive and violate Plaintiffs of their right, for which Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them ought to be prevented from

Doc. No. 122; Page No. 25; Book No. II; Series of 2019.

(MStandard-July 29 & Aug. 5, 2019)

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NOTICE FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING FOR Standard

TODAY THE DISSOLUTION OF THE

PLX BAGS INCORPORATED

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Prayer

2.16 The Senior Citizens ID of Sps. David are NOT Senior Citizen’s ID Nos. 14819-R and 14820-R.

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7.2 As a consequence of Defendants’ continued and unlawful acts, Plaintiffs were compelled to engage the services of counsel for a fee and incur litigation expenses to protect and vindicate their rights, for which Defendants and all persons claiming rights under them ought to be ordered to jointly and severally pay Plaintiffs attorney’s fees in the amount of at least TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php200,000.00) and litigation expenses in such amount as shall be proved in the course of trial.

2.15 The fraudulent act(s) of Antonio Duenas Tan and Notary Public Luis M. De Vera are also emphasized by the fact that the Senior Citizen’s ID indicated on the Deed of Sale are false.

2.21 Plaintiffs through counsel notified the Defendants of their unlawful actuations and demanded that they desist from entering the Subject Properties, desist from building structures thereon and to remove any and all structures built. A copy of the letter and and Affidavit of Service is attached as Annexes “Q” and “Q-1”, respectively.

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7.1 Plaintiffs replead herein by reference all of the foregoing allegations.

30. First, the psychological incapacity of the respondent is GRAVE. The behavior and acts of respondent MICHELLE indicated that there is high probability that she is suffering from a mental disorder called “Narcissistic Personality Disorder”. The symptoms characterizing said mental disorder are FRANCIS MARVIN MALLARI LINGA, manifest in the respondent. Petitioners, 31. Respondent MICHELLE has an inflated sense of her own importance, a deep -versusneed for admiration, and lack of empathy CIVIL CASE NO. 17-05876-CV for others. She is unwilling to empathize with other’s feelings, wishes or tendency to FOR: Declaration of Absolute react with rage or contempt whenever she is Nullity of Marriage corrected. She belittles FRANCIS in order to make herself appear superior. MICHELLE CASTILLO PANA, 32. MICHELLE disregarded the feelings, Respondent, wishes and needs of FRANCIS and their child. x---------------------------------------------x She neglected their child and left him to the care of FRANCIS’s parents during the time that they lived together. When she got involved PETITION Petitioners. FRANCIS MARVIN MALLARI and became pregnant with a man who is not LINGA, by and through the undersigned her husband, MICHELLE manifested utter counsel, unto this Honorable Court respectfully disregard for the feelings and needs of not only her husband but also that of their child, RALPH. avers that: After they separated, MICHELLE continued to THE PARTIES neglect their child as the latter is now left to the 1. The petitioner, FRANCIS MARVIN care of the former’s parents. MALLARI LINGA (hereinafter “FRANCIS”), is 33. Furthermore, MICHELLE was more of legal age, Filipino, married to the respondent, preoccupied with satisfying her own needs and is currently a resident of Novaliches, and wants, oblivious of her family’s needs. She Quezon City, and he may be served with orders, seldom helped around the house nor bothered summons and all other court processes through to establish a relationship with FRANCIS’ undersigned counsel with address at: parents. FRANCIS felt and apparent lack of concern from MICHELLE to strengthen SICCUAN LAW OFFICE their relationship as husband and wife as the Counsel for the Respondent Door 2, 2/F TRDC Building, Dr. A. Santos Ave., former was engulfed with her own needs. While FRANCIS strived hard to earn money abroad, Brgy. San Isidro, Paranaque City, MICHELLE was preoccupied with finding a 1700 Metro Manila better partner who will provide her with the Contact No. 09754705399 constant admiration that she needs. 2. The respondent. MICHELLE CASTILLO 34. As a consequence, the petitioner PANA (hereinafter “MICHELLE”) is likewise of legal age, Filipino, married to petitioner, and and the respondent can no longer maintain a whose last known address is at 251 Muzon, normal and functional married life. In case of Alitagtag, Batangas, where she may be served Perez-Ferraris v. Ferraris, the Supreme Court ruled, to wit: with summons and other court processes. “The malady or mental disposition of one NATURE OF THE PETITION or both of the spouse must be such as to 3. This is a petition for declaration of seriously and effectively prevent them from nullity of marriage pursuant to the provisions having a functional and normal marital life of the Family code, as amended. The petition clearly conducive to bringing up a healthy is anchored on the psychological incapacity of personal inter-marital relationship within the the respondent which is grave, antecedent and family which is necessary for its growth. It must incurable in accordance with Article 36 of the be a psychological illness afflicting a party even Family Code of the Philippines, to wit: before the celebration of the marriage.” “Article 36. A marriage contracted by any 35. The respondent is clearly incapable party who, at the time of the celebration was of faithfully carrying out the ordinary and psychologically incapacitated to comply with essential duties required in a marriage due the essential marital obligations of marriage, to her Narcissistic Personality Disorder. She shall likewise be void even if such incapacity is without regard to the sanctity of family life becomes manifest only after its solemnization. as shown by her ack of empathy towards her 4. It would be shown and indubitably proved husband and their child as well as her selfin the succeeding paragraphs the respondent absorbed behaviors. is COMPLETELY UNABLE to fulfill the basic 36. The relationship of petitioner and marital covenants the must be assumed and respondent is no longer susceptible to discharged by both parties to a marriage. These growth. MICHELLE hot pregnant with another marital obligations are those mandated under man while FRANCIS was away on order to Article 68 of the Family Code, to wit: financially support her and their child. Worst, “Art. 68. The husband and wife are obliged she left the petitioner and cohabited with to live together; observe mutual love, respect another man while their marriage subsists. and fidelity, and render mutual help and By those facts alone can it be said that support.” obligation to live together, observe mutual 5. The petitioner will set forth the factual love, respect and fidelity. Her constant need bases to warrant the issuance of a decree of for self-affirmation, superiority and entitlement absolute nullity of marriage to free the parties limited her ability to function in relationships such that she already neglected her duties to from a marriage that exists in name only. the conjugal union and bought dishonor to the petitioner and their family. JURISDICTIONAL FACTS 37. Second, respondent’s psychological 6. The petitioner is a resident of Novaliches, Quezon City, and now files for the nullity of incapacity is ANTECEDENT. his marriage which is within the exclusive 38. Jurisprudence dictates that it is not jurisdiction of this Honorable Family Court. required that the psychological incapacity Photocopy of the Barangay Certification of of the spouse is manifest even before the Residency is here to attached and marked as marriage. It suffices that it is more apparent after marriage. ANNEX “A”. 39. The manifestation of respondent 7. Petitioner and respondent celebrated their marriage on January 26, 2002 at the MICHELLE’s mental disorder before they got Invencion De La Sta. Cruz Parish, Alitagtag, married was not apparent, however it was observable. The petitioner and the respondent Batangas. only dated for six (6) months before they were Photocopy of the Certificate if Marriage is constrained to get married. They already had here to attached and marked as ANNEX “B”. issues with regard to MICHELLE’s unfounded 8. Their union produces one (1) child in the jealousy brought about by her insecurities. name of RALPH RAYMOND P. LINGA who was However, FRANCIS brushed it aside at tat time as he thought that it was normal in a born on February 12, 2003. relationship at its early stages. Photocopy of the Birth Certificate of RALPH 40. I was only during the marriage that RAMOND P. LINGA is here to attached and FRANCIS experiences the gravity of the marked as ANNEX “C”. mental disorder of MICHELLE. The behavior 9. The property regime governing the of MICHELLE before their marriage worsened marriage of the parties is Absolute Community during their marriage as he experienced firstof Property, there being no pre-nuptial hand the consequences of her mental disorder agreement that was executed. which hindered her from performing essential marital obligations and broke the solidarity of NARRATION OF FACTS their family. 10. Sometime in June 2011, petitioner 41. Lastly, the psychological incapacity of FRANCIS and respondent MICHELLE started the respondent is INCURABLE. working together at Jollibee where they first 42. During their married life, the mental met. FRANCIS was 17 years old the while illness of MICHELLE persisted ad even MICHELLE was 20 years old. became worse to the point that she left the 11. The two were immediately attracted petitioner and got pregnant with another man to each other so it did not take long before during the subsistence of her marriage with the the became couple. Their relationship was petitioner. The respondent consistently showed very intimate considering their age, and went manifestations of said mental disorder which on for about six (6) months, before they were affected her married life with the petitioner. constrained to get married. 43. The psychological patters involved 12. MICHHELE became pregnant during are of such long duration that major the time that they were dating. As a result, psychotherapeutic endeavors would not Manila both their families insisted, if not forced affect significant, lasting, and permanent them, that they get married in order to avoid changes. It is apparent that respondent will any embarrassment or disgrace from the not change. Respondent MICHELLE never neighborhood, friends and other relatives in made an effort to change her ways. Despite Batangas. the efforts of the petitioner to save their 13. However, FRANCIS was very reluctant marriage. the respondent just continued to be to marry at such a very young age. He was self-absorbed and unwilling to empathize with hesitant as he just turned 18 years old at others—valuing her own feelings and wishes, that time. In fact, he almost left their house in disregarding that of her family’s. Batangas if not only from the plea of her parents 44. Premises considered, the marriage to do the favor (marrying the respondent) for must be dissolved and/or declared a nullity, in the family. accordance with law and jurisprudence. In the 14. Unfortunately, MICHELLE suffered a case of Valerio Kalaw vs. Ma. Elena Fernandez, miscarriage days before the intended date of the Supreme Court pronounced, to wit: their marriage. At this time, FRANCIS wants to “In dissolving marital bonds on account cancel the marriage ceremony for the reason Of either party’s psychological incapacity, the that they no longer needed to get married Court is not demolishing the foundation of immediately. Both the petitioner and respondent families, but it is actually protecting the sanctity knew that they were not yet ready to enter of marriage, because it refuses to allow a marriage, considering that they have just been person afflicted with a psychological disorder, dating for months, aside from that fact they who cannot comply with or assume the they were still very young then and have many essential marital obligations, from remaining issues in their relationship prevailing during the in that sacred bong. It may be stressed that time that they were dating which is rooted from the infliction of physical violence, constitutional the fact that they have not yet fully known each indolence or laziness, drug dependence or other very well. addiction, and psycho sexual anomaly are 15. However, their parents were very manifestations of a sociopathic personality persistent and demanded that they push anomaly. Let it be noted that in Article 36, there through with the marriage ceremony so as is no marriage to speak of in The first place, as not to waste the preparations already made the same is void from the Declaration of nullity and to avoid putting to shame their families. under Article 36 will Simply provide a decent Thus, FRANCIS grudgingly agreed to marry burial to a stillborn Marriage.” MICHELLE on January 26, 2002 at the 45. The totality of evidence presented Invencion De LA Sta. Cruz Parish, Alitagtag, clearly reveals a situation where the Batangas. respondent could not have validity entered into nd 16. Constrained to marry each other, both a marriage and could not dutifully perform the tried to carry on their married life. The thought of responsibilities of marital life by reason of a being “forced” into marrying each other turned grave and serious mental disorder existing at cold their relationship. They tried to engage in the time it was celebrated. The marital bond sexual activities more often, and eventually between the petitioner and the respondent have a baby that could somehow rekindle their is no longer sacred as it is filled only with an failing relationship. abundance of the respondent’s inflated sense 17. Not long after their marriage. , of her own importance, her deep need for MICHELLE got pregnant again. She gave birth admiration and utter ack of empathy for others to her son with FRANCIS on February 12, 2003 especially towards the petitioner and their child. and named him RALPH RAYMOND P. LINGA, Hence, petitioner FRANCIS implores for this court to set him free from this kind of marriage 18. They decided to live with the parents of with respondent MICHELLE. FRANCIS as they did not have the means yet to PRAYER find a place of their own. WHEREFORE, premises considered, it 19. However, few months into the marriage is most respectfully prayed that judgement be and after giving birth, FRANCIS noticed that MICHELLE was22indifferent towards him, their rendered: MS-JULY 15, & 29, 2019) child, and his parents. She neglected their child 1. Declared the marriage between the in such a way that she frequently left their child parties NULL and VOID AB INITIO on the basis to the care of FRANCIS’ parents. MICHELLE of the psychological incapacity of respondent; seldom Regional helped out Trial in household and Multi-purpose ID, and Government Courtchores as Unified well as shown any interest in establishing a Employee ID, thattheshe learned, however, 2. Ordering Local Civil Registrars National Judicial Region relationship Capital with FRANCIS’ parents. She was concerned and the National Statistics Office to that her of birth has been erroneously very Quezon uncooperative it comes to family delete or date City,when Metro Manila from their registries the entry inexpunge her Certificate of Live Birth matters and focused only in her own endeavors. stated of marriage between the parties and such other Branch 223 “16 February 20. MICHELLE likewise displayed irrational as documents pertaining 1964” thereto. instead of “27 1962”, as evidenced by her insecurities as time passed by. seem toINlook September IN RE: CORRECTION OFShe ENTRY OTHER measures to relief just and of Live Birth; that her surprise, for any fault to start a fight equitable under premises are to likewise prayed THE CERTIFICATE OF with LIVEFRANCIS, BIRTH and Certificate has an unfounded jealousy, even of FRANCIS’ the for. Certificate of Live Birth issued to her OF LOLITAtoLUCIO REQUINALA co-workers the extent that whenever the indicated a different birth date; that the latter came home late due to overtime work, the Respectfully submitted. was unaware of such discrepancy; former would become furious and start insulting petitioner LOLITA LUCIO REQUINALA, Paranaque City of Quezon City she2017 could no longer ask her parents of FRANCIS and shout derogatory words at him. that May 16, Petitioner, Whenever FRANCIS would try to respond to her the possible cause as they are already both baseless accusations, MICHELLE would result deceased;SICCUAN LAW OFFICE that to avoid confusion and to -versusSPEC. PRO.and CASE NO. to threatening him with anger hostility to the put proper Counsel for the Respondent order the Certificate of Live Birth R-QZN-19-08417-SP point that she physically assaulted him. Door 2, 2/F TRDC Building, Dr. A. Santos Ave., of the petitioner, it is necessary San Isidro, Paranaquethat City,the said 21. FRANCIS had to work hard and do error beBrgy. corrected, as follows: 1700 Metro Manila overtime work in order to earn more so he THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR OF Contact No. 09754705399 Correct Entry could financially their living. However, Erroneously Entry QUEZON CITY,support THE NATIONAL MICHELLE was relented. She belittled the work By: Birth: Date of Birth: STATISTICIAN ANDandCIVILREGISTRAR that FRANCIS does only saw it the way Date of(Sgd.) ATTY. T. SICCUAN1962 1964 ALFEO 27 September GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE she wanted to-that FRANCIS was only flirting 16 February Roll of Attorney No. 33790 with his femaleAUTHORITY, co-workers whenever he went PTR. STATISTICS thatNo. the correction sought the 1039341, 09 Jan. 2017. byCavite late. all Thisother self-absorbed of MICHELLE and persons attitude who have or Chapter petitioner will not unduly prejudice the persisted years V-0000204; Claim to as have anpassed. interest that would State orMCLE any Compliance third persons because the 22. Due to the financial struggle that they 25 July 2013; Pasig City be affected, the 14 true facts and experienced as a Respondents. married couple, FRANCIS same Validwould from 15only Aprilreflect 2016 until April 2019 decided to work in Saudi Arabia. He was offered circumstances concerning her status. x--------------------------------------------x (Sgd.) ATTY. DON MIKHAIL A. SICCUAN to work there continuously for two (2) years and Petitioner prays that upon due notice, Roll of Attorney No. 66332 four (4) monthsORDER starting mid- 2005 up to 2008. publication,IBPand hearing, judgment be Lifetime No. 015051 23. Despite the hardships This is a verified petition FRANCIS for the rendered directing the Dasmarinas Local Civil City/ Registrar PTR No. 1559608/ experiencedof working he continued January correction entry in abroad, the Certificate of Liveto of Quezon City05and Civil2017 Registrar General strive hard in order to send money for support MCLE Exempt pursuant to MCLE No. Birth of Lolita Lucio Requinala Juneso and National Statistician of the G.B.O. Philippine to MICHELLE and their son. He dated was busy 1, s.2008 6, filedfrequently by Lolita he 2019, could not callLucio them Requinala, and ask how Statistics Authority to correct the entry of Copy of furnished: they were doing. MICHELLE continued to date through counsel. birth on the petitioner’s Certificate belittle the efforts made by FRANCIS and insult of OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL Live Birth from 16 February 1964 to 27 allegeswhenever that she is the a OFFICE himPetitioner om trivial matter they had 134 Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, 1962. Filipino, legal age, married to Rogelio September chance tooftalk. Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines S. Requinala, andend with WHEREFORE, finding the 24. After the of residence his contractatin4182 2008, OFFICE OF THE CITY PROSECUTORPetition Diam St., went General Street,To sufficient in form and in substance, the FRANCIS back T.to De the Leon Philippines. 4F Hall of Justice Bldg. his disdain and out that same Valenzuela City humiliation, where she he mayfound be served is Quezon given due Diliman, Citycourse. Set the hearing MICHELLE was already with summons, notices,pregnant orders, with and another other of this case on October 18, 2019 at 8:30 man. MICHELLE confessed to FRANCIS that court processes from this Court; that o’clock in theEXPLANATION morning at the Session she found in another man the attention and this petition for declaration of the respondent Localfailed Civilto Registrar of Hall Copies of thisof Branch of Court, on which affection that FRANCIS give her during Absolute by registered Quezon Cityheiswasa abroad. government agency date andNullity time,were any served interested person mail may the time that After confessing, due to time and distance constraints, and for MICHELLE by immediately left FRANCIS without appear mandated law to record and register andundersigned’s show cause, any,can whyserve the lack of the staffif who any consideration his civil feelings as well as petition data pertaining as to tothe personality not be granted. the sameshould in person. to the effect ofsuch suchas infidelity separation of persons birth, and marriage, andon Let this Order be published once a their only child. DON MIKHAIL A. SICCUAN other matters relative thereto and it may week for ATTY. three (3) consecutive weeks, 25. MICHELLE did not notices, bother to make be served with summons, orders of dailyAND circulation in amends with FRANCIS. They lived separately in a newspaper VERIFICATION and processes of this Their Courtchild at the Philippines fromother each court other up to the present. beforeOFthe hearing to be CERTIFICATION NON-FORUM Quezon Quezon City;as selected by raffle was left toCity the Hall, care ofDiliman, MICHELLEs parents SHOPPING pursuant to PD 1079, she was absorbed in pursuing her own that the already respondent National Statistician atI,theFRANCIS expense MARVIN of the petitioner. also MALLARI Let LINGA, needs Civil and wants. and Registrar General of the copies legal age, married, a resident of of Filipino, this Order be and posted at the 26. FRANCIS felt aggrieved Philippine Statistics Authorityand is humiliated likewise lobby Novaliches, having sworn of (1) Quezon QuezonCity, Cityafter Justice Hall, (2) by the acts as committed by MICHELLE behind impleaded the central custodian of all Quezon in accordance with law, hereby dispose and City Hall and (3) Barangay Hall of his back. He was striving to work hard abroad that: records of births in the country and they thestate barangay where the petitioner reside, in order to provide financial support for the may withMICHILLE, notices, orders I amthirty the Petitioner in this case; latter be andserved their son. on the and other at1.least (30) days prior to the other of thisher Court at PSA scheduled hand, court was processes busy validating self-esteem 2. I havehearing. caused the preparation and filing with another man, withoutQuezon any regard the of the foregoing Petition; read the same; and Complex, East Avenue, City; to that Letunderstand copies of and thiscontents Order be furnished to sacrifices of FRANCIS of their fully thereof. the petitioner was bornandonthe 27needs September child. FRANCIS longer desireDel to be bound Lolita Luciocontained Requinala; the 1962 in Sanno Francisco Monte,by the3. petitioner All the allegations in this marriage to the respondent who is incapable of Office of the the Office of are Solicitor true andGeneral; correct based on my Quezon City; and thatperforming her maiden name is Petition understanding essential marital personal knowledge of facts and on authentic the City Prosecutor; the Local Civil Registrar Lolita Gulinao Lucio, as evidenced by her obligations. Quezon City; and the National Statistician Baptismal Certificate; that the petitioner ofdocuments. 4. Civil I certify that there is no pending case Registrar General of the Philippine Hence, this instant petition.Lucio and and was 27. born to parents Eusebio involving Authority. the same issues raised in this The petitioner is Eugenia Gulinao; that her parents were Statistics Petition before any court, tribunal or agency. DISCUSSION married on 07 January 1962, as evidenced directed to furnish the said government 5. If with it should thereafter that aand similar a copy of thelean petition its by their Marriage Certificate; that the offices RESPONDENT’S PSYCHOLOGICAL action or proceeding has been filed or is within five (5) days from receipt INCAPACITY petitioner’s parents are both deceased, annexes pending in any court, tribunal or agency, I this undertake Order andto manifest to fact this toCourt as 28. evidenced by oftheDimayuga-Laurena Certificates ofv. ofshall report such this In the case compliance Honorable Officetherewith. with five (5) days therefrom. Court ofthat Appeals’, the Supreme Court had his Death; throughout her life, petitioner the occasion discuss the requirements and INSO knew that herto date of birth is September WITNESS WHEREOF, I have here unto ORDERED. guidelines allow the of adocuments, marriage on affixed my signature this May 19, 2017 in 27, 1962, tohence, in nullity all her Quezon City, the basis of Psychological Incapacity Act. 36 of Paranaque City. Philippines, June 14, 2019. transactions, the Family Code,and to wit:other dealings, she HON. CARIDAD M. WALSE-LUTERO has been indicating September 27, 1962 (Sgd.) “(a) Gravity – it must be grave and serious (Sgd.) FRANCIS MARVIN MALLARI LINGA as birth, as be evidenced Judge Affiant suchherthatdate the ofparty would incapablebyof Copy Furnished: Presiding her old Service Records, Personal Data carrying out the ordinary duties required in a THE OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL SUBSCRIBE ANDVillage, SWORN to before me marriage;Equivalent (b) JudicialRecord Antecedents it must 134 Amorsolo Sheets, Form, –Report St., Legaspi this City May 19, 2017 affiant FRANCIS MARVIN be rooted in the of the party antedating Makati on the First Dayhistory of Service of a Teacher, MALLARI LINGA, having exhibit to me his OF THE CITY PROSECUTOR the marriage, overtRating; manifestations and Nationalalthough Board the Exam that OFFICE Building, City Hall Complex, SSS ID w/Quezon No. 04-1150663-0 as competent may merge only after the marriage; and (c) DOJ Diliman, City in her government issued Identification of identity. Incurability – it must be incurable or even if it proof Quezon LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR Cards, she alsotheindicated September (Sgd.) ATTY. DON MIKHAIL A. SICCUAN were otherwise, cure would be beyond27, the Quezon City Notary Public meansas of the 1962 herparty dateinvolved.” of birth, as evidenced NATIONAL STATISTICIAN Roll No. 66332/IBP Lifetime No. 015051 AND CIVIL PTR No. 1559608/ Dasmarinas City/05 January 2017 by her Mutual Doc No. 12 GENERAL MCLE Exempt pursuant to MCLE G.B.O. No. 1S 2008 29. Home The Development above-mentioned facts Fund prove REGISTRAR StatisticsComission Authority valid until December 31, 2018 Page No. 3 that the marriage of the partiesRegulation should be Philippine Transaction Card, Professional 2, 2nd Floor TRDC Building, Dr. A. Santos Ave., PSA Complex, Door East Avenue, Brgy. San Isidro; 1700. Paranaque City, M.M. Book No. considered a nullity owing psychological Commission (PRC) ID,to the Philhealth ID, Quezon CityII Series 2017 incapacity of the respondent. (MStandard-July 22, 29 & xx, Aug. (MStandard-July & 5, xx,2019) 2019)

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT BRANCH 106

Sunny Tan Susan Cheung Marites Diesta

Jorg Reiner Kornblum Jenette Simpao

CORPORATE SECRETARY: Joanne C. Dabuit

The Board of Directors and the Shareholders of the PLX Bags Inc. is hereby notified that a special meeting will be held on August 15, 2019 at 9:00 am for the plan to dissolve the corporate entity of PLX Bags Inc.

The meeting will be held at: SFB No. 6, Lot 2, Block 8, 2 Street, Phase I, Freeport Area of Bataan, Mariveles, Bataan 2106 This notice is in accordance with the Sec.118 of the Corporation Code. ______________________ Corporate Secretary

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

9:30 p.m. and from Roosevelt southbound at 9:45 p.m. daily. The last trip of LRT1 was originally scheduled at 10 p.m. during weekdays. The schedule of the ﬁrst trip remains at 4:30 a.m. for either directions. “The system upgrade and rehabilitation work will include the replacement of the auxiliary power supply and train control and monitoring system among many others,” said LRMC operations director Roberto San Jose. “To be able to provide them a safe, reliable, efﬁcient, and comfortable journey, we need to update and upgrade our signalling system,” he said. The maintenance and rehabilitation work is set to be completed by October 2020.

EU envoy stresses bid to lower carbon emissions EUROPEAN Union Ambassador Franz Jessen continued with his bid to convey the message to help counter climate change and to underscore European Union’s commitment to lower carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Together with First Secretary Jerome Riviere of the EU Delegation and Marc Rooijackers of the Asian Development Bank, Jessen biked for 50 kilometers around Bohol this weekend along with local bikers. This was the ﬁrst time that Jessen biked in Bohol. Together with other ambassadors and diplomats, he previously biked more than 200 kilometers in Guimaras and in Palawan. To further stress the importance of the environment, Ambassador Jessen participated in the mangrove activity in Panglao. Jessen was met by Kathyrin Fe Pioquinto, ofﬁce of Governor Arthur Yap, and discussed vital issues about Bohol. He also met with Tagbilaran Mayor Baba Yap and Bohol Governor Arthur Yap. Jerome Riviere and Marc Rooijackers were warmly welcomed by the Holy Name University. Riviere talked about EU PH relations with Political Science students of the university. The students and management of the University expressed interest in participating in the upcoming European Higher Education Fair. Riviere had a chance to see the quality products of Escuella Taller as he commended the institution for providing educational opportunities for the youth.

Most of the repatriated fishermen came from General Santos City, who were released with the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Liason in Manado, Indonesia. These fishermen faced cases such as illegal fishing, poaching, smuggling and illegal entry in Indonesia. Assistant Secretary Uriel Normal Garibay of DFA-Mindanao, confirmed that less than 20 Filipinos, whose papers are still being processed for their repatriation, are still in prison in Indonesia. “We are just happy that the Indonesian government fast tracked the papers of these Filipinos and we are looking forward to the repatriation of those who are left,” Garibay said. However, Garibay said he is not certain on the schedule of their release since their papers are still on process. “As of now, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will take care of them. They will eventually be sent home after the processing and assistance of the agency,” he added. DSWD distributed food packs and cash assistance to the 10 fishermen for them to start new livelihood. Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the chairman of the border committee of the Philippines, said the rescue of the fishermen became more possible since the BRP Emilio Jacinto was in Indonesian waters last July 17-24 for the second leg of the Coordinated Patrol of PhilippinesIndonesia (CORPAT PHILINDO). Santos said that the coordinated patrol provides the naval of both countries an opportunity to improve the capability to further secure the borders through simulation of various scenarios like rescue and disaster response. “We took advantage of the presence of our vessel in Indonesia to rescue these 10 distressed Filipino fishermen,” he said. The Philippines and Indonesia have increased this year’s coordinated border patrol activities since May. “The coordinated naval operations we are conducting strengthens our relation with Indonesia and boost our security effort in securing the border,” Santos added. Joeper Escobal of Malapatan, Sarangani Province, was among the rescued fisherman who was being held for about one year in Indonesia for illegal fishing. Escobal narrated that they went to Indonesia on May 14, 2018 and got caught by Indonesian authorities without proper documents and charged for illegal fishing. “I’m very happy and excited to be with my family again,” he said. PNA

Tampering of steel standards revealed By Rio Araja A CONGRESSIONAL inquiry is being proposed to investigate the supposed collusion among regulators and local steel makers to tamper with the standards of steel products being used in building commercial and high-rise structure, according to Buhay party-list Rep. Joselito Atienza. While the country has a a lot of skilled architects and engineers, the problem of corruption in the government in the issuance of building permits has been a stumbling block to push for the strict adherence of the National Building Code, Atienza said. Local steel makers are not violating laws related to manufacturing steel products, but there are instances when some government agencies would collude to have a grade 40 steel bar passed as grade 60, he said. “Lives are at stake here, especially we are located in a seismic area. There should be no shortcut and they [steel makers] should strictly comply with international steel standards. We will investigate them to find out if they are fooling us,” he said. Emilio Morales, former chairman of the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines, raised alarm that substandard construction materials, particularly reinforced steel bars, are still being used to build high-rise commercial buildings and residential condominiums in key business districts. Based on Morales study entitled “A Clear and Present Danger,” the engineer enumerated the real dangers of quenched tempering (QT) process. China and Taiwan have already banned the use of QT bars in constructing high rises. “I am alarmed by Engineer Morales’ study and its findings. We should protect lives and property at all costs since the Philippines is a seismic belt country. Lives are more important than profit by big businesses. If there is corruption in the dealings between business and government, we will ferret this out,” Atienza said.

Sports

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Bernal lifts Colombian cycling

McIlroy leads WGC St. Jude Invitational LOS ANGELES, United States – Rory McIlroy birdied the last three holes, closing with a dramatic 27-foot putt, to seize a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Brooks Koepka after Saturday’s (Sunday Manila time) third round of the WGC St. Jude Invitational. The four-time major winner from Northern Ireland fired an eight-under par 62 to stand on 12-under 198 after 54 holes at par-70 TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. “To birdie the last three holes and take the lead puts me in a really great position going into tomorrow,” McIlroy said. “I’ve holed a lot of putts this week, which is nice.” Third-ranked McIlroy’s second-lowest round of the season, eclipsed only by a 61 in the final round of his Canadian Open triumph last month, comes a week after a disappointing missed cut at the British Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. It also booked the 30-year-old a firstever Sunday pairing with four-time major winner Koepka in the last group for the final round of the elite World Golf Championship event. “Rory is playing with some heat,” Koepka said. “I’m just going to have to take it deep.” England’s Matthew Fitzgerald fired a 69 to stand third on 200, one stroke ahead of Spain’s Jon Rahm, Sweden’s Alex Noren and Australian Marc Leishman. McIlroy birdied the last three holes on both the front and back nine. “I had a lot of good numbers where I could make a full committed swing,” McIlroy said. “One of my goals was to hit it pin high and I did that for most of the day.” McIlroy sank a six-foot birdie putt on the opening hole and dropped one that was half as long at the third, then reeled off a 23-foot birdie putt at seven and back-to-back seven-footers for birdies at the par-3 eighth and par-4 ninth. After finding water off the 12th tee and taking his lone bogey of the day, McIlroy answered by dropping his tee shot to five feet at the par-3 14th and sinking the birdie putt. McIlroy then closed with a six-foot birdie at the par-5 16th, a 16-footer at 17 and his dramatic long birdie effort at 18. AFP

Retro look by Mercedes helps dispel stifling heat HOCKENHEIM, Germany – Mercedes mechanics arrived for work wearing full white overalls and tweed caps on Saturday (Sunday Manila time) as the team continued its celebrations of 125 years of motorsport and their 200th race start at their home German Grand Prix. The retro uniform was a recreation of that worn by the team at their first Formula One world championship race, the 1954 French Grand Prix at Reims, won in a Mercedes by Juan-Manuel Fangio. All the support team and hospitality staff also dressed in vintage clothing as they recreated a 1950s atmosphere on a welcome cooler morning after overnight rainstorms swept away the record-breaking heat of previous days. The team’s cars are running this weekend in a retro livery with a predominately white front end, reflecting the original German national racing colors before Mercedes became the ‘Silver Arrows’. While Mercedes is celebrating the past it is being cautious about the immediate future. On Friday, team boss Toto Wolff said Mercedes will delay a decision on their 2020 driver line-up until the break in the calendar after next week’s Hungarian Grand Prix. That announcement piled the pressure on Valtteri Bottas who is the only realistic rival to defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton in this year’s title race. The Finn trails him by 39 points at the midway point of the season. Wolff’s comments suggested Mercedes are not only analyzing Bottas’s performances, but also considering other candidates, including reserve driver Esteban Ocon who is also being linked with a possible move to Haas. Bottas has had two successive oneyear deals with Mercedes and this year has enjoyed his best start to a season with four poles and two victories. “We want to end the first part of the season before the shut-down in a good place and put in two solid performances and then spend some time thinking about 2020 and beyond,” said Wolff. AFP

Members of the winning PH team display their medals. They are standing from left: Ian Matthew Cordon, James Oranza, Justin Kobe Macario, King Nash Alcairo, officials Michael Montinola, Rani Ann Ortega and Edrick Jhaney Galing, Joaquin Tuzon, Johann Abelard Concepcion, Joaquin Cerillo and Paul Anthony Rodriguez. Others are seated, from left: Cindy Joy Diasnes, Aesha Kiara Oglayon, Jamie Hannah Agaloos, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Alyssa Lou Llenes and Laeia Simoune Soria.

PH jins bag 14 medals in Asian Junior tourney T

HE Philippines’ taekwondo team produced another successful international campaign by winning 14 medals— nine in poomsae (forms) and ﬁve in kyorugi (free sparring)— in the recent Asian Junior and Cadet Championships in Amman, Jordan. Carrying the colors of PLDT Home Ultera/MVP Sports Foundation, the Filipinos bagged two golds, one silver and six bronze medals in poomsae, while the Meralco/MVPSF fighters took home one silver and four bronzes in the kyorugi event. The Filipinos’ golds were won by Ian Matthew Corton in the authorized individual male event and Paul Anthony Rodriguez and Maria Nicole Anne Labayne in the authorized poomsae pair tilt. Both competed in under 14 age division. The other PH poomsae medalists were: Justin Kobe Macario, silver, free style individual, under 17; Justin Kobe Macario, James Oranza, Johann Abelard Concepcion, Alyssa Lou Llenes, Cindy Joy Diasnes, bronze, authorized male team, under 17; King Nash Alcairo, bronze, authorized individual male, under 17; Jamie Hannah Agaloos, bronze, authorized individual female, under 14; Ian Matthew Corton, Joaquin Miguel Cerillo, Paul Anthony Rodriguez, authorized male team, under 14; Jamie

Hannah Agaloos, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Aesha Klara Oglayon, bronze, authorized team female, under 14; and Allysa Lou Llenes, Cindy Joy Diasnes, Laeia Simoune Soria, bronze, authorized female team, under 17. The Filipino kyorugi medalists were Sharifa Vianca Dela Cruz, silver, and Justin Mark Agno, bronze, Leigh Andee Rodriguez, bronze, Renzo Macerick Gavilanes, bronze and Tachiana Keshia Mangin, bronze. A week earlier, the PH team that saw action in the Korea Open in Chuncheon City brought home three golds, two silvers and six bronzes. The Filipinos competed against athletes from 31 countries in the Asian championships. Their participation was supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, PLDT, Meralco, Philippine Olympic Committee and MILO. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, characterized by its emphasis on headheight kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.

It was developed during the 1940s and 1950s by Korean martial artists with experience in martial arts such as karate, Chinese martial arts, and indigenous Korean martial arts traditions such as Taekkyon, Subak, and Gwonbeop. The oldest governing body for Taekwondo is the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), formed in 1959 through a collaborative effort by representatives from the nine original kwans, or martial arts schools, in Korea. The main international organizational bodies for Taekwondo today are the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), founded by Choi Hong Hi in 1966, and the partnership of the Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo (WT, formerly WTF), founded in 1972 and 1973 respectively by the Korea Taekwondo Association. This type of full-contact sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000. The governing body for Taekwondo in the Olympics and Paralympics is World Taekwondo. Taekwondo sparring competitions award additional points for strikes that incorporate spinning kicks, kicks to the head, or both. To facilitate fast, turning kicks, Taekwondo generally adopts stances that are narrower and taller than the broader, wide stances used by martial arts such as karate.

ZIPAQUIRA, Colombia – Egan Bernal grew up at altitude and won the Tour de France on the highest slopes, but he learned to ride in the foggy forests around his home town. Bernal was born in Bogota and grew up 42 kilometers north in Zipaquira, a mining and agricultural town, which sits at an elevation of 2,650 meters in a valley surrounded by mountains. His father was a watchman and his mother graded cut flowers for export. On Sunday, 22-year-old Bernal is poised to become Colombia’s showiest sporting export: the country’s first Tour de France winner and the youngest of any nationality since 1909. As a child, Bernal took up crosscountry biking and trained in the nearby woods under the guidance of Fabio Rodriguez, a Zipaquira native who had ridden in the Spanish Vuelta. Young cyclists can hear the roar of a chainsaw and see other youngsters earn their living by cutting down huge trees and carrying them on their shoulders to trucks. “That’s why I keep telling kids that it’s better to get up early and train by bike,” Rodriguez told AFP. On Saturday, Bernal dedicated his victory to Pablo Mazuera Zambrano, “my first manager.” Mazuera told AFP that financial pressure almost persuaded the youngster to give up, despite a silver in the world junior cross-country championships in Norway in 2014 and a bronze in 2015 in Andorra. “He came from a very low income family,” Mazuera said. “He started at university, in media studies,” said Mazuera. “He got a scholarship.” “He wanted to quit because he wanted to be a journalist.” After the finish on Saturday, Bernal thanked Mazuera. “At one point, I stopped riding,” Bernal said. “He told me to try. Thanks to him I’m riding a bike. He’s guilty.” Bernal was recruited by Italian Gianni Savio who needed a climber for his Androni team. After two promising years, Sky swooped and bought his contract for 250,000 euros. “He’s a good person,” Savio told AFP. “He has kept the humility he had when he joined our team.” In June, Bernal won the Tour of Switzerland but insisted the victory did not change his role at Ineos behind 2018 Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas. “Geraint will be our leader and my job is to help him,” Bernal said. AFP

NM Lorena rules 2019 Balinas Chess Cup

LOWEST SCORE. Tournament chairman Nico Sevilla (right) awards the trophy to Junro Mamaril, who shot the lowest gross of even par 72 in the third JCI Manila Masters held at Manila Southwoods’ Legends course. The one-day event, co-presented by Multi Bank Group and Cross-Link Electric Construction, raised funds for JCI’s various community development projects.

LUCBAN, Quezon—National Master Carlo Lorena finished first in the 9th leg National Executive Chess Championship dubbed as 2019 Grandmaster Rosendo Balinas Sr. Chess Cup here at the Zurea Hotel, La Purisima Concepcion Street, Lucban, Quezon last weekend. The former Colegio San Juan De Letran standout scored 6 points to claim the champion’s purse of P7,000 and a trophy. Lorena’s trip was backed up by Albay governor Al Francis Bichara and Daraga, Albay mayor Victor Perete. Fide Master (FM) Randy Segarra came in second with 5 points and received P5,000 and a medal in this event supported by Antonio “Tony” Balinas, Cayabu, Tanay Rizal Barangay Chairman Antonio Bolanos, Zurea Hotel and Chito’s Restaurant. Dandel Fernandez of Maynilad scored 4.5 points to share the third to fifth spots with Philippine Executive Chess Association president Dr. Jenny Mayor of Sibuyan Island, Romblon and Dr. Alfred Paez of Cabuyao, Laguna.

‘I’m just protecting athletes’, says swim star Sun GWANGJU, South Korea— China’s Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang has hit back at sniping rivals accusing him of doping violations, telling them: “I’m standing up for all of you!” Athletes have viliﬁed Sun at the world swimming championships in South Korea this week following a leaked FINA doping panel report that alleged the Chinese giant allowed blood vials to be smashed with a hammer after being visited by testers last year. FINA cleared Sun to compete after agreeing that the testers had failed to produce adequate identiﬁcation or follow correct protocol, prompting World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to ap-

peal that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). After reclaiming his 400 and 200 meters freestyle world titles earlier this week, both Australia’s Mack Horton and Briton Duncan Scott staged dramatic podium protests, refusing to shake Sun’s hand, provoking a furious reaction from the triple Olympic champion. “I shouldn’t have to put up with these kinds of insults,” growled Sun after closing his punishing Gwangju schedule in the men’s 4x200m free on Friday. “But I have a big heart – there are millions of athletes in the world and if a few want to hurl insults, I can take

it,” added the 27-year-old. “It’s pointless arguing with them, it means nothing to me. FINA made it clear I didn’t commit any doping violation. What I’m doing is protecting the rights and interests of every athlete.” The 11-time world champion grew suspicious of the independent testers who knocked on the door of his Hangzhou villa late at night last September, insisting they were not properly accredited. “Imagine if testers without the right documents show up at your home to take blood and urine,” said Sun, whose case is set to be heard by CAS in September. AFP

IT expert Joselito Cada (4 points) of Lucban won the Top Under 2200 award while National Master Efren Bagamasbad (3 points) of Quezon City took the Top Senior plum. Henry Boroc of Bicol outlasted Andrew Sorima of Makati City in a tiebreak to walk away with the challenger’s division title. Both players finished with five points after seven rounds, thus the tiebreak. Frederick Isip of Lucena settled for third with 4.5 points followed by Edwin Caballero of Muntinlupa City and Vital C Health Products, Inc. IT Manager Edwin Sison of Quezon City, both tallied 4 points apiece. Adjudged category winners were Felicito Gaela (Top Unrated), Rober Aram Gendrano (Top 1800) and Gerardo Villa (Top Quezon). National Master Rudy Ibanez is the Chief Arbiter in the said rapid chessfest. The next leg goes to 24/7 Balikbayan Resort Bariis, Tiwi, Albay scheduled on August 3 and 4. Call or text Alexis Orlain at 0908-4834-310 and 09164220-406 for complete details. Controversial swimmer Sun Yang of China waves during the final of the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay event during the swimming competition at the 2019 World Championships at Nambu University Municipal Aquatics Center in Gwangju. AFP

Sports

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor sports@thestandard.com.ph; sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

Newly-elected Philippine Olympic Committee officials led by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (2nd from right) raise their hands in victory after elections at the Sheraton Hotel in Manila. Beside him are, from right: Cynthia Carrion, Stephen Hontiveros and Clint Aranas. Ey Acasio

Wimbledon teen star Coco wins Washington qualifying match WASHINGTON, United States— Coco Gauff, the 15-year-old American who breezed into the Wimbledon last 16 earlier this month, returned Saturday (Sunday Manila time) with a qualifying victory at the WTA Washington Open. Gauff defeated compatriot Maegan Manasse 6-4, 6-2 in 68 minutes to advance within one match of making the main draw of next week’s US Open hardcourt tuneup in the US capital. Next up for 143rd-ranked Gauff will be a match to decide one of four available qualifier berths in the main draw. She will face either Japan’s Hiroko Kuwata or American Maria Sanchez. Gauff electrified Wimbledon after her qualifying run by defeating idol Venus Williams in her opening match and rolled into the fourth round before losing to eventual champion Simona Halep. “Definitely it feels like a dream,” Gauff said. “It has been a big change. People recognize me in the airport, at the movie theater. It’s great people have recognized who I am. It was definitely a big change.” Gauff, who made her WTA main draw debut in March at the Miami Open, ousted 44th-ranked Williams in round one at Wimbledon, then dispatched Slovakia’s Magdalena Rybarikova and saved two match points in defeating Slovenia’s 60th-ranked Polona Hercog before falling to Romania’s Halep. “I feel like I learned a lot from Wimbledon as a player and a person,” Gauff said. “It meant a lot to me as Coco the person. “I learned I’m capable of doing things I never thought of and that I have a fighting spirit. It taught me a lot about myself and showed I’ll fight no matter what.” Gauff, who has jumped from 313th to 143rd in the WTA rankings after her Wimbledon effort, rested with family and friends after the breakthrough effort before asking about a chance to play in Washington. She can’t receive a sponsor’s exemption until next March when she turns 16 and had to use her preWimbledon ranking to try and reach qualifying due to the entry date but it proved enough to land a spot in weekend qualifying. AFP

Cycling’s Tolentino wins top POC post By Peter Atencio

YCLING chief Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino immediately called for unity after he was elected president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“As the saying goes, set aside the differences, move forward and let’s all be united,” said the 47-year-old Tolentino after winning the POC presidential post against athletics head Philip Ella Juico. Tolentino, the congressman representing the 7th district of Cavite (Tagaytay), received 24 votes when the counting ended yesterday at the end of the special elections of the POC at the Sheraton Hotel in Manila. The president of the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines became the 12th president of the POC, after replacing Ricky Vargas (boxing), who quit last June. There were a total of 44 votes that were cast, with 41 coming from leaders

San Miguel Beer import Chris McCullough (1) tries to dribble past Rain or Shine Elasto Painters defender Carl Montgomery (54). PBA Media

TIP Engineers target early lead in Foundation Cup Games Monday

(Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig) 1:30 p.m.—Hazchem vs Nailtalk-Savio 3:30 p.m.—McDavid-La Salle Araneta vs Italianno’s Homme 5:30 p.m.—TIP vs Hyperwash TECHNOLOGICAL Institute of the Philippines shoots for the early lead in Group A as it battles Hyperwash in the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The Engineers are looking to earn their second straight win following their 37-point demolition of newcomers McDavid-La Salle Araneta, 108-81, in the conference opener last Thursday.

of national sports, association, and three from International Olympic Committee member Mike Cojuangco Jaworski, athletes commission representatives Hidilyn Diaz and Henry Dagmil. Juico, who was at first hesitant to run, got 20 votes during the two-hour long polls that was presided by arbitration lawyer Teodoro Kalaw IV, and members of the three-man election panel, also composed of Letran athletics moderator Fr. Vic Calvo, and Deputy House Speaker and Pampanga Representative Conrad Estrella III. “That’s the result of the voting. I have to deal with it. I have to accept it. Iyun ang baraha. Those are the cards that were dealt to you, and you play,” said Juico.

Steve Hontiveros (handball) is chairman after beating taekwondo’s Robert Aventajado, 26-18. Archery’s Clint Aranas earned a seat in the executive board with 24 votes, along with gymnastics’ Cynthia Carrion (23), with opponents Monico Fuentevella (weightlifting) and Lani Velasco taking 21 and 19 votes. Acting president Joey Romasanta, who took over following Vargas’ resignation, immediately shook the hands of Tolentino, Hontiveros, Aranas and Carrion after the winners were announced. Lawn tennis representative Antonio Cablitas was allowed to vote following a clarification hearing on a protest filed by the kickboxing NSA. The Philippine National Shooting Association and the Philippine Rugby Football Union decided to abstain from voting. On the other hand, the Elecom turned down an appeal for karatedo to be able to vote through Richard Lim of Karatedo Pilipinas, which was not able to present a letter of recognition from its international federation.

Match is set at 5:30 p.m. Senegalese big man Papa Ndiaye as well as Bryan Santos and Ivan Santos are expected to be at the forefront of TIP’s attack once more. “We’re going to prepare really well, though marami pang kailangang ayusin sa mga patterns namin,” said TIP head coach Potit De Vera. The Engineers will be taking on a Vipers team that will parade ex-pros Jeric Fortuna and Ryan Buenafe. Joel Palapal will be the man at the sidelines for Hyperwash. Meanwhile, McDavid-La Salle Araneta aims to atone for its opening day loss when it takes on debutant Italiano’s Homme at 3:30 p.m.

SJ Knights blast Bataan in OT, 87-79 LEGASPI City—San Juan found a savior in Mike Ayonayon as the Knights battled back from grave danger to trounce the Bataan Risers, 87-79, in overtime on Saturday, July 27, and remain unbeaten in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation here. Showing the form that made him the Datu Cup Finals MVP, Ayonayon made all but one of the Knights’ 11-point windup as they overhauled an 11-point deficit with less than two minutes to go to forge extension at 72-72 and keep the top spot with win No. 7. Making sure his effort swon’t go to waste, the highflying Ayonayon added five points in extra time where he was supported by John Wilson, Jhonard Clarito and Art Aquino to hand the Risers their fourth loss in seven games. The 6-foot Ayonayon wound up with 18 points, next to Wilson’s 22, Larry Rodriguez’s 11 and Mac Cardona’s 10 as the Knights stayed on course toward repeating their title run in the Datu Cup. The full-packed crowd at Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, however, went home disappointed after the Bicol Volcanoes bowed to the Iloilo United Royals, 74-79, in the nightcap. Trailing most of the way, the Volcanoes threatened at 74-75 on a triple by Jonathan Aldave. The Royals, however, held their ground on a free throw each by Richard Escoto and RR De Leon to climb to 4-3, just below the 5-3 Volcanoes. The 6-foot-4 Escoto, a former Far Eastern University Tamaraw, ended up with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while De Leon contributed 17 points and 8 rebounds.

Beermen try to post 2-0 lead in semis By Jeric Lopez SEEMINGLY peaking, the San Miguel Beermen go for a 2-0 lead as they look for a second straight win against Rain or Shine in the resumption of their best-of-five semifinals series in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’ Cup. Game 2 is scheduled at 7 p.m. tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City with the Beermen looking for a tighter grip while the Elasto Painters aim to equalize. Clearly gaining its championship form, San Miguel muscled its way in crunch time to take Game 1, 111105, last Saturday in a competitive opener. Dating back to the quarterfinals, San Miguel has now won three in a row. The Beermen actually trailed by 13 points at one point in the game but their poise got them back to eventually snatch the game from the Painters. It was Christian Standhardinger’s turn to provide a spark as he helped Chris McCullough in leading San Miguel to victory. McCullough continued to impress, registering 32 points and 14 rebounds while Standhardinger had 20 points and eight rebounds as the SMB bigs dominated for the Beermen. That proved to be huge for San Miguel as superstar June Mar Fajardo was neutralized by the Rain or Shine defense. He only managed nine points and a single rebound. San Miguel coach Leo Austria shared what he expects for the rest of the series.

PH team members named after 2019 Asian OCR tourney MEMBERS of the Philippine national team will be selected from the participants of the ongoing 2019 Asian OCR Championships at the Quirino Grandstand where close to 200 obstacle course runners from 10 countries are taking part. National coach Raven Quan said this right before participants from Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Guam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Marianas, and Vietnam took on local bets in three separate categories. “We are choosing the national team, and it will come from those who perform well in the race,” said Quan. Last February, eight top members of the national squad were sent to Colorado to train with members of the national team in the United States. Among those who excelled were Nitz

Sanchez in the women’s side, and the pair of Manolito Divina and BJ Miranda in the men’s side. Participants took part in three events, the 100-meter run with 10 obstacles, the five-kilometer run with 20 obstacles, and the 400-meter team event. It is in the 5 kilometer run where participants will mostly join, and the results here will determine the composition of Philippine team that will compete in the inaugural OCR event of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Philippine Obstacle Course Federation president Alberto Agra said the event will also serve as a test event for the SEA Games. For one, Malaysia is one of the three other countries that will join host country Philippines along with Myanmar and Laos.

Agra talked about the races after signing a memorandum of agreement with Allianz Philippines as the official life insurance partner of the Philippine para-athletes and regular national pool members, and the national men’s, women’s and para-OCR team for 2020. “There will be three major events in this race. First, this will be a test event for the SEA Games, the second is the Asian OCR championships, and the third and ASEAN Para-OCR involving two countries, the Philippines and Singapore,” said Agra. Allianz Philippines president and CEO Alexander Grentz said their support will be for the next five years. “Financial insurance of the most significant part of this,” said Grentz. Peter Atencio

IN BRIEF PetroGreen to bid for Palawan power PETROGREEN Energy Corp., a unit of PetroEnergy Resources Corp., is preparing to participate in the competitive selection process, or the auction on the supply of electricity, in Palawan. PetroGreen plans to put up a 10-megawatt to 20-MW solar, battery and diesel power project in Palawan, depending on the electricity requirements of Palawan Electric Cooperative. “For Palawan, this is a service contract we secured as early as 2017. We have already secured many of the necessary government permits, including LGU endorsements, ECC clearances,” PetroEnergy vice president Francisco Delﬁn Jr. said. “The only thing holding us back from proceeding is the off-take in Palawan—there’s only one buyer and that is Paleco... We are still awaiting,” he said. He said PetroGreen’s project comprises of a solar facility with a battery storage and diesel component. It is estimated to cost between P1.1 billion and P1.3 billion. Alena Mae S. Flores

SSS: 2.5m members obtain P62-b pension STATE-RUN Social Security System disbursed over P62.19 billion worth of pensions in the first five months of this year, up P4.84 billion year-on-year. SSS president and chief Executive officer Aurora Ignacio in a statement attributed the growth in disbursements to the increase in the number of pensioners, which rose from 2.4 million in May 2018 to 2.5 million in May 2019. “We are happy to see our pensioners enjoying their monthly pensions after many years of saving with SSS. They are finally reaping the benefits of the years of their hard work when they were still part of the labor force,” said Ignacio. The SSS provides three types of pensions, namely retirement, death and disability. The pension fund has more than 1.5 million retiree-pensioners, over 940,000 survivorship-pensioners and 85,000 disability pensioners as of May this year. Retiree-pensioners are members who have reached the age of 60 with at least 120 monthly contributions prior to the semester of their retirement. Survivorshippensioners are primary beneficiaries of deceased members who have paid at least 36 monthly contributions prior to the semester of the member’s death.

Business MPIC keen on constructing Manila tunnel expressway By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Metro Pacific group said it expects to receive the original proponent status for an unsolicited proposal to build a P92-billion toll road, including a tunnel below Rizal Park, to link North Luzon Expressway and Manila-Cavite Expressway. NLEx Corp. president Luigi Bautista said the firm submitted the proposal on NLEx-Cavitex Port Expressway Link to the Public Works Department in 2018. The project is expected to decongest traffic in the Manila Bay area. “We submitted it last year. They [Public Works Department officials] are doing the usual review of the documents and design. After the exercise, it’s going to be OPS, hopefully, this

year,” Bautista said. Bautista said a component of the project is a tunnel expressway that would be built between Rizal Park and the US Embassy. He said this would make the project a “challenge” to them. “It’s really a big project. I think they are supportive of the project,” he said. The proposed NLEx-Cavitex Port Expressway, which was jointly submitted by NLEx and Cavitex Infrastructure Corp., is a 15-kilometer toll road with six lanes (2x3 configuration) with elevated and tunnel portions from NLEx Segment 10 up to Cavitex. This would provide an ideal truck route directly linked to Manila’s Port Area. The first phase of the project will stretch from C3 Road to Anda Circle (5.7 kilometers) while the second phase is a connection from Cavitex to Buendia (4.8 kilometers) and the last phase from Buendia Ave. to Anda Circle (4.6 km). The project will reduce truck traffic within its limited capacity road network and significantly contribute to the decongestion of the metropolis, according to MPTC.

Cavitex is a 14-kilometer toll expressway linking Manila to the southern province of Cavite. MPTC is also building the NLExSLEx Connector Road, an eight-kilometer, four-lane toll road linking the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway, passing through Metro Manila and using the existing Philippine National Railway alignment as its route. The group is also constructing the P35-billion Cavite Laguna Expressway, a four-lane, 47-kilometer closed-system toll expressway connecting Cavitex and South Luzon Expressway. The expressway will start from Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite and end at the South Luzon Expressway-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna. MPCALA Holdings Inc. earlier secured an OPS from the Public Works Department to build Cavite-TagaytayBatangas Expressway, a 46-kilometer road worth P25.24 billion. The project will link Cavite Expressway and Cavite Laguna Expressway in Silang, Cavite to Tagaytay City and will terminate in Nasugbu, Batangas.

New tobacco tax law ensures healthcare THE newly-signed law imposing higher taxes on cigarettes and a new tax on ecigarettes and other alternative devices for smoking will enable the government to properly implement the Universal Health Care program. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said the taxes was in line with President Duterte’s commitment to improve the lives of Filipinos by expanding the delivery of healthcare services, especially to low-income families. Dominguez said while the new law signed by the President on Thursday was primarily a health measure meant to wean smokers from their addiction and discourage young Filipinos from taking up this vice, Republic Act No. 11346 would also bankroll the UHC program, which required an initial budget of P257 billion in its ﬁrst year of implementation.

PAYMAYA POWERS PRC. The professional Regulation Commission taps PayMaya for an online payment portal, allowing Filipino professionals to now conveniently pay fees online. Shown are (from left) PayMaya business head for government sector Marvin Santos, PayMaya head for enterprise business Mar Lazaro, Voyager Innovations and PayMaya founder and chief executive Orlando Vea, PRC chairman Teofilo Pilando Jr., PRC commissioner Yolando Reyes and PRC commissioner Jose Cueto Jr.

PNOC and China Petroleum sign agreement on LNG development STATE-RUN Philippine National Oil Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Ltd. to develop liquefied natural gas and other projects. “PNOC and the China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Company Ltd. signed an MOU to jointly pursue LNG, refinery and oil depot projects all over the country,” PNOC said. CPP is an integrated service provider for oil and gas storage and transportation facilities. Its business covers onshore and offshore pipelines, storage facilities, technical services for pipelines, telecommunications and electrical installation and maintenance, above-ground facilities for oilfields, LNG processing and receiver facilities and refinery facilities. CPP has built more than 100,000 kilometers of oil and gas pipelines, over

200 km of offshore pipelines, 50 refining facilities, 22.5 million tons of LNG terminals and over 100 oilfield processing plants and telecommunication and electricity facilities. PNOC has been pursuing agreements with various companies to help secure the country’s energy requirements. PNOC earlier signed an MOU with Dubai-based Lloyds Energy to put up a 1,200-megawatt LNG power plant in partnership with Mitsubishi Corp. of Japan, energy officials said. The MOU with Lloyds also aims to explore ways to develop LNG facilities and natural gas power plants and other related activities in Bataan and Batangas provinces. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Lloyds Energy was preparing the documents to secure permits for the planned merchant LNG power plant. Alena Mae S. Flores

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

Austal eyes 3rd PH facility to assemble navy vessels By Othel C. Campos AUSTRALIAN defense shipbuilder Austal Ltd. is studying a third facility in the Philippines that will serve as a military vessel assembly plant with an investment of P1 billion to P1.5 billion. Austal chief executive David Singleton said there were plans for a third facility possibly by 2020 as the global demand for naval vessels increased in the past year. “What we would like to do is start the production line with work for the Philippine Navy and look for exports to other countries from the Philippines. We build military ships in Australia and export them as well. We’re more for the exports to other countries,” Singleton said. He said the contract with the Philippine Coastguard for the procurement of offshore patrol vessels would be a good jumpstart for the facility, while building the capacity to develop more military vessels. The company announced earlier the Defense Department’s proposal to procure six OPVs that would cost the government P30 billion. The procurement would not go through the usual bidding process and would instead be pursued under a government-to-government agreement to ensure that the Philippines would get the boats if and when the need arises. The first boat is expected to be delivered two years after the agreement is signed. “There is a tender underwire at the moment and we’re responding to that tender. Maybe there are some discussions between governments, but we’re no party to those discussions,” Singleton said. The OPVs would be the Philippines’ first military vessel order. Austal previously fulfilled orders for two ferries by 2Go Group Inc. Singleton said the planned assembly plant in its facility in Balamban, Cebu would have the capability to build small and medium-sized seacrafts of roughly 100 meters in length like corvettes, high-speed small and medium aluminum vessels and OPVs. The Cebu facility, operated by Austal Philippines, is the second single biggest facility of Austal after the one in the US.

Group asks Moreno to reorganize Manila e-trikes By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines pushed for the reorganization of electric tricycles in Manila to address the concerns of Mayor Francisco Moreno. EVAP said in a statement over the weekend while it was supporting Moreno’s drive to clean up and put order to Manila streets, he should consider energy efﬁciency in transportation in support of the policies of the Transportation Department and Interior and Local Government Department. “EVAP, aligned with the policy of DOTr and DILG, also agrees that all tricycles, i.e. electric-driven or not, should not be plying national roads, except in the absence of alternative public transport and minor roads and in cases that support national and local strategic agenda, e.g. tourism, logistics,” the group said. EVAP conﬁrmed that several e-trikes

were rolled out in some areas in the city of Manila with minimal consideration on its proper operation that eventually created disorder. “However, a number of initiatives were properly planned out, functioning well and are serving their purpose. This is particularly true in the case of the tourist e-trike services in Intramuros,” it said. The initiative is in line with the direction of the DOTr in including e-trikes in the coverage of tourist transport services to “promote new and more sustainable public transport solutions and to support the country’s ﬂourishing tourism industry”, the group said. EVAP said the Energy Department donated 3,000 e-trikes to various LGUs all over the country, including 100 to the city of Manila, to promote energy efﬁciency and security. “E-trikes produce less than half of the greenhouse gases and have negligible health effects compared to those

churned-out by conventional tricycles. E-trikes, moreover, reduce the dependence on imported petroleum fuel, which reduces the energy security risk of the country,” the group said. They said the simplicity of the electric vehicle technology also provided the local economy an opportunity to finally produce its own vehicles and possibly become a manufacturing hub of the technology in Southeast Asia. “In consideration of its economic, environmental and social benefits, we, therefore, in EVAP instead recommend the reorganization of e-trikes in the city of Manila and are looking forward to working with the city government on how to maximize the proper and optimal use of e-trikes in the city,” it said. “We shall also be working with LTO and DOTr in the preparation of appropriate guidelines on the classification, registration and usage of electric vehicles in the country,” EVAP said.

Now, PFOCN agree to share fiber assets

MALAYAN EXECUTIVES AT IC. Newly appointed Malayan Insurance president and chief executive Jose Paolo Abaya (fourth from left) is formally introduced to the Insurance Commission during a courtesy visit at the agency’s office along United Nations Ave. in Manila. Attending the event are (from left) IC legislative liaison officer April Gwen Marquez, Malayan Insurance first vice president Jose Martin Morente, Malayan Insurance vice chairperson Yvonne Yuchengco, IC commissioner Dennis Funa, IC licensing division officer-in-charge Joanne Frances Castro, IC non-life division manager Evelyn Singun and IC claims adjudication division manager Rene Paolo Mabolo.

NOW Telecom Inc., a company led by the Velarde family, said it signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore-based Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd. Inc. for the co-use of its fiber infrastructure assets nationwide. The agreement will enable the parties to collaborate for the commercial use of shared fiber infrastructure assets, including access to fiber-optic cores and other related facilities. “Furthermore, the parties intend to collaborate on the fiber optic cable network rollout that will strengthen and support Now’s nationwide expansion,” Now said. PFOCN’s rollout of a shared fiber optic cable network in phases, which

Now will be a part of, aligns with the government’s national broadband program. Now, which renewed its congressional franchise under Republic Act No. 10972 last year, is currently offering broadband internet access in Metro Manila through a ﬁxed wireless microwave transmissions network. This enables Now to provide guaranteed internet speeds of up to 2.40 gigabits per second to enterprise customers. The technology sets the stage for the full rollout of 5G by utilizing millimeter-wave which exponentially increases internet speed and bandwidth capacity to subscribers, reaching up to 20 gbps in network capacity. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Stocks to trade flat; eyes on Fed By Jenniffer B. Austria

HARE prices are expected to move sideways this week as investors await the result of the US Federal Reserve meeting scheduled this Wednesday.

Analysts said the market was expecting the US Fed to reduce the benchmark interest rates by 25 basis points and that a decision to defer a rate cut could spook the market. “With the index managing to hold up above its 20-day moving average support at 8,170, possibility for it to go back to its highs at 8,400 still remains alive. Catalyst to watch for next week should be the Fed’s meeting where they’re expected to cut by 25 basis points,” said Gabriel Jose Perez, a trader of Papa Securities Corp.. Investors will also monitor the second quarter earnings results of listed companies. Among the companies scheduled to release second-quarter results this

week are Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., Aboitiz Power Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Philex Mining Corp. Online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia. com said any indicative trend of stronger quarter-on-quarter results would support the case for improved valuations on target prices. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index last week declined 1 percent to 8,183.99, while the broader All Shares Index dipped 1.1 percent to 4,955.60. Except for the holding firms which climbed by 0.7 percent, all sub-indices posted week-on-week declines, led by mining and oil, which fell 3.1 percent; industrial, which dropped 2 percent;

and services which decreased 1.8 percent. The property index lost 1.7 percent, while financials fell 1.5 percent. Foreign investors were net sellers during week by just P18 million, while the average daily value traded stood at P6.6 billion from previous week’s average of P7.3 billion. Weekly top price gainers were Wilcon Depot Inc., which rose 5.3 percent to P15.94; Ayala Corp., which advanced 3.4 percent to P983; and Universal Robina Corp., which gained 3 percent to P171. Fast-food giant Jollibee Foods Corp. was one of the weekly top losers for the week, slumping 9.9 percent to P252 after the company reported it was acquiring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a specialty coffee and tea brand based in Los Angeles, California, USA for $350 million. Other top losers during the week were Philex Mining Corp., which dropped 8.3 percent to P3.44; and ISM Communica-

tions Corp., fell 5.4 percent to P5.45. Meanwhile, stock markets in Europe and the United States pushed higher on Friday, with Wall Street indices scoring fresh records, as investors remained confident about the prospect of interest rate cuts. In Europe, investors focused on the likelihood the European Central Bank will move forward with measures to boost the economy at its next meeting in September, despite the fact that in his comments on Thursday ECB chief Mario Draghi was less dovish—or open to an easing of monetary policy—than expected. “The prospect of a rate cut in September is still on the table and traders are snapping up relatively cheap stocks,” said CMC Markets analyst David Madden. “Yesterday acted as a speed bump and today dealers are reshaping their outlook, which remains broadly positive,” he added. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS Weekly StockS revieW STOCKS

JULY 22-26, 2019 Close Volume

Value

JULY 15-19, 2019 Close Volume

Value

Asia United Bank Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. Bank of PI BDO Leasing & Fin. INc. Bright Kindle Resources China Bank Citystate Savings COL Financial Eastwest Bank Ferronoux Holding I-Remit Inc. Manulife Fin. Corp. MEDCO Holdings Metrobank Natl. Reinsurance Corp. PB Bank Phil Bank of Comm Phil. National Bank Phil. Savings Bank Philippine trust Co. PSE Inc. RCBC `A’ Security Bank Sun Life Financial Union Bank

58.5 148.20 90.60 2.28 1.17 27 7.98 18.6 12.3 4.78 1.32 790.00 0.460 75 1.15 13.24 22.90 50.30 59.4 115.3 188 28.5 185 1760.00 60.00

11,660 9,303,240 9,626,200 384,000 326,000 722,300 600 86,000 3,891,000 353,000 27,000 220 1,630,000 10,933,470 6,866,000 233,600 100 6,026,820 119,590 2,480 12,260 579,200 1,229,320 1,230 130,820

FINANCIAL 683,723.50 1,387,522,925.00 872,201,734.00 880,080.00 384,020.00 19,759,485.00 4,788.00 1,607,180.00 48,146,322.00 1,679,650.00 36,070.00 173,800.00 763,100.00 827,565,142.00 7,606,800.00 3,084,142.00 2,290.00 305,738,307.50 5,930,980.00 281,871.00 2,297,883.00 16,379,005.00 227,877,014.00 2,210,000.00 7,849,443.50

58.95 148.00 93.00 2.36 1.20 27.6 7.98 18.7 12.44 4.79 1.37 789.50 0.475 78 1.09 13.2 22.50 52.05 58.65 115 190 27.4 187 1810.00 60.00

90,300 10,674,460 52,719,700 1,957,000 415,000 696,500 1,800 185,500 11,188,900 1,224,000 36,000 70 4,500,000 21,315,250 6,422,000 122,600 15,100 2,866,400 34,510 300 20,760 280,700 2,433,860 290 255,830

5,311,401.50 1,639,166,077.00 4,642,851,770.00 4,665,040.00 502,070.00 19,203,520.00 14,013.00 3,461,882.00 139,691,658.00 5,732,050.00 47,560.00 54,505.00 2,099,400.00 1,632,297,635.50 6,754,970.00 1,618,720.00 320,035.00 128,670,713.00 2,009,343.00 34,500.00 3,973,599.00 7,708,090.00 450,252,190.00 512,500.00 15,210,442.00

Aboitiz Power Corp. Agrinurture Inc. Alliance Tuna Intl Inc. Alsons Cons. Basic Energy Corp. Bogo Medelin C. Azuc De Tarlac Cemex Holdings Century Food Chemphil Cirtek Holdings (Chips) Conc. Aggr. ‘A’ Conc. Aggr. ‘B’ Concepcion Crown Asia Da Vinci Capital Del Monte DNL Industries Inc. Eagle Cement EEI Emperador Euro-Med Lab First Gen Corp. First Holdings ‘A’ Ginebra San Miguel Inc. Greenergy Holcim Philippines Inc. Integ. Micro-Electronics Ionics Inc Jollibee Foods Corp. LMG Chemicals Macay Holdings Manila Water Co. Inc. Maxs Group Megawide MG Holdings Mla. Elect. Co `A’ Panasonic Mfg Phil. Corp. Pepsi-Cola Products Phil. Petroenergy Res. Corp. Petron Corporation Phinma Corporation Phinma Energy Phoenix Petroleum Phils. Pilipinas Shell Pryce Corp. `A’ RFM Corporation Roxas and Co. Roxas Holdings SFA Semicon Shakeys Pizza SMC Food and Beverage SPC Power Corp. Swift Foods, Inc. TKC Steel Corp. Universal Robina Victorias Milling Vitarich Corp. Vivant Corp. Vulcan Ind’l.

36.65 14 0.77 1.31 0.270 99.6 16.86 2.8 14.7 106 16.4 81.4 93.35 41 2.08 5.19 6.21 10.420 14.58 10.92 7.59 1.6 26.9 87.05 59.10 2.2200 14.00 9.47 1.690 252.00 4.2 8.87 23.55 14.2 18.7 0.187 375.00 5.50 1.67 4.78 5.60 9.05 2.53 11.98 38.7 5.47 5.09 1.54 2.2 1.07 14 100.3 6.7 0.128 1.13 171 2.48 1.24 16.12 1.26

6,492,400 3,474,800 5,977,000 942,000 10,430,000 70 2,700 37,893,000 3,119,000 690 2,606,000 47,930 45,170 10,200 2,230,000 39,500 714,100 10,659,000 4,899,500 1,995,900 4,634,500 22,000 10,723,700 1,392,760 637,760 26,838,000 2,559,400 2,118,000 874,000 22,918,320 537,000 27,900 1,878,800 3,480,700 4,952,200 690,000 676,670 103,700 19,854,000 569,000 18,753,400 3,937,300 166,514,000 204,700 2,142,100 909,200 905,200 17,000,000 85,000 1,419,000 1,157,400 796,370 973,300 1,920,000 1,663,000 4,122,920 386,000 14,866,000 2,800 21,025,000

INDUSTRIAL 240,593,040.00 49,134,086.00 4,665,860.00 1,239,020.00 2,847,950.00 6,400.00 42,538.00 102,125,450.00 46,708,700.00 74,756.00 44,742,226.00 3,957,619.50 4,151,802.50 418,200.00 4,629,500.00 205,173.00 4,514,220.00 110,812,084.00 71,873,672.00 21,893,344.00 34,766,472.00 36,220.00 288,580,665.00 122,622,517.00 36,845,600.50 61,075,670.00 28,074,402.00 19,791,071.00 1,478,960.00 5,706,753,370.00 2,295,940.00 249,947.00 45,452,430.00 49,653,178.00 91,612,350.00 129,970.00 257,071,000.00 579,728.00 34,000,370.00 2,749,410.00 106,029,596.00 35,683,379.00 439,980,750.00 2,441,860.00 81,309,595.00 5,002,848.00 4,526,168.00 25,625,690.00 187,220.00 1,550,970.00 16,052,444.00 80,996,372.00 6,370,654.00 247,220.00 1,874,050.00 703,122,191.00 958,870.00 18,721,540.00 45,630.00 27,662,150.00

37 14.24 0.83 1.31 0.270 99.8 16.90 2.74 15.04 115.6 17.56 78.1 93.5 41 2.05 5.22 6.2 10.360 15 11.20 7.55 1.71 26.35 89.35 60.50 2.3800 14.22 9.59 1.700 279.00 4.22 9.00 24.6 14.04 18.5 0.189 383.00 5.76 1.78 4.85 5.68 9.10 2.57 11.78 39.6 5.04 5.00 1.48 2.17 1.13 14.68 104.9 6.6 0.128 1.16 166 2.55 1.27 16.10 1.38

10,037,400 3,931,900 8,770,000 524,000 10,880,000 110 17,200 21,431,000 7,853,100 11,770 2,804,900 92,710 25,660 295,600 494,000 745,200 259,000 5,820,600 5,560,100 3,589,900 3,270,200 11,000 12,487,500 1,859,330 948,990 67,874,000 1,714,400 2,199,200 1,379,000 3,550,540 25,000 36,900 9,810,600 1,821,300 6,129,100 1,730,000 681,030 228,800 31,907,000 453,000 12,060,200 5,049,500 73,883,000 390,100 880,200 348,000 1,956,800 4,141,000 461,000 1,816,000 2,086,500 3,136,680 784,400 2,490,000 1,709,000 4,309,070 258,000 18,192,000 400 17,406,000

375,232,065.00 56,648,580.00 7,286,200.00 688,830.00 2,916,900.00 9,803.00 280,256.00 60,941,860.00 114,335,988.00 1,344,141.00 49,647,594.00 7,779,758.00 2,454,208.00 12,119,510.00 1,001,940.00 4,134,731.00 1,617,655.00 60,047,688.00 84,356,724.00 40,053,774.00 24,644,635.00 18,270.00 330,922,880.00 168,242,937.50 57,476,087.00 155,675,030.00 24,159,286.00 21,352,117.00 2,335,690.00 1,002,771,546.00 105,500.00 334,445.00 242,830,110.00 25,834,000.00 115,404,420.00 231,730.00 260,233,696.00 1,293,242.00 57,387,080.00 2,172,410.00 69,930,524.00 46,358,140.00 190,448,160.00 4,658,486.00 30,831,460.00 1,700,690.00 9,777,164.00 5,086,040.00 995,480.00 2,033,880.00 30,664,396.00 324,495,224.00 5,120,463.00 321,260.00 1,988,440.00 738,551,596.00 647,770.00 23,364,950.00 6,440.00 24,324,550.00

Abacus Cons. À’ Aboitiz Equity Alliance Global Inc. Anglo Holdings A Anscor À’ Asiabest Group ATN Holdings A ATN Holdings B Ayala Corp À’ Ayala Land Log Cosco Capital DMCI Holdings F&J Prince ‘A’ Filinvest Dev. Corp. Forum Pacific GT Capital House of Inv. JG Summit Holdings Keppel Holdings À’ Lodestar Invt. Holdg.Corp. Lopez Holdings Corp. LT Group Mabuhay Holdings À’ Metro Pacific Inv. Corp. Pacifica À’ Prime Media Hldg Republic Glass ‘A’ San Miguel Corp À’ Seafront À’ SM Investments Inc. Solid Group Inc. South China Res. Inc. Top Frontier Transgrid Wellex Industries Zeus Holdings

1.040 56.00 15.80 0.73 7.02 17.1 1.300 1.330 983 4.260 7 10.38 4 14.00 0.235 969 6.43 66.20 4.52 0.485 4.54 14.68 0.700 4.75 0.0390 1.420 3.00 174.80 2.69 1010.00 1.37 0.86 260.000 449.40 0.2390 0.280

148,490,000 8,909,610 21,152,100 6,343,000 1,659,000 1,651,400 17,134,000 2,503,000 2,612,280 66,176,000 4,429,700 20,633,100 100,000 386,300 650,000 766,000 389,200 5,614,070 2,000 1,014,000 12,997,000 14,170,700 40,225,000 60,912,000 12,300,000 15,898,000 620,000 772,320 13,000 1,431,605 651,000 3,937,000 4,350 90 3,480,000 41,420,000

HOLDING FIRMS 151,451,130.00 504,614,863.00 331,910,714.00 4,614,290.00 11,614,551.00 29,036,628.00 22,080,820.00 3,308,990.00 2,534,976,735.00 275,727,700.00 31,304,453.00 217,924,870.00 400,000.00 5,406,490.00 152,430.00 714,868,825.00 2,516,845.00 384,573,732.50 9,040.00 506,405.00 60,094,500.00 211,494,520.00 27,841,680.00 290,898,440.00 481,200.00 24,744,740.00 1,824,250.00 132,919,453.00 34,860.00 1,420,310,660.00 894,080.00 3,421,620.00 1,127,020.00 39,168.00 821,070.00 11,877,200.00

0.990 57.65 15.90 0.74 7.00 16.28 1.290 1.310 950 4.010 7.16 10.56 3.91 14.08 0.238 920 6.50 68.45

103,134,000 4,455,370 43,974,300 1,195,000 621,700 2,500,400 8,054,000 1,095,000 3,075,230 31,255,000 12,959,900 28,202,600 1,000 373,200 1,120,000 563,740 838,400 5,233,920

103,357,550.00 256,445,838.00 695,698,980.00 879,850.00 4,351,797.00 40,403,694.00 10,393,570.00 1,429,640.00 2,893,727,190.00 124,371,850.00 92,340,357.00 296,850,498.00 3,910.00 5,234,038.00 250,910.00 518,206,840.00 5,423,625.00 364,992,532.00

0.52 4.61 15.26 0.650 4.79 0.0390 1.640 2.93 175.00 2.5 990.00 1.39 0.85 260.000 459.40 0.2440 0.295

1,897,000 17,211,000 15,011,200 3,496,000 104,067,000 75,500,000 43,313,000 96,000 1,873,220 63,000 1,196,045 536,000 902,000 8,080 20 13,960,000 37,090,000

986,530.00 75,261,850.00 238,534,766.00 2,221,460.00 494,749,710.00 2,971,100.00 76,659,660.00 276,420.00 328,121,068.00 157,070.00 1,192,532,685.00 733,940.00 749,660.00 2,105,622.00 9,188.00 3,351,710.00 11,040,350.00

8990 HLDG A. Brown Co., Inc. Anchor Land Holdings Inc. Araneta Prop À’ Arthaland Corp. Ayala Land `B’ Belle Corp. À’ CEB Landmasters Cebu Holdings Century Property City & Land Dev. Cityland Dev. À’ Crown Equities Inc. Cyber Bay Corp. DM Wenceslao Double Dragon Empire East Land Ever Gotesco Filinvest Land,Inc. Global-Estate Keppel Properties Megaworld MRC Allied Ind. Phil Infradev Phil. Estates Corp. Phil. Realty À’ Phil. Tob. Flue Cur & Redry Primex Corp. Robinson’s Land `B’ Rockwell Shang Properties Inc. SM Prime Holdings

15.840 0.86 11.34 2.140 1.060 51.350 2.3 5.08 6.16 0.610 0.79 0.900 0.238 0.460 10.200 24.5 0.475 0.124 1.93 1.39 4.75 6.25 0.335 1.7600 0.4800 0.405 45.00 2.11 28.00 2.42 3.16 37.50

1,382,100 7,640,000 30,400 680,000 54,836,000 27,076,390 3,773,000 5,765,600 351,100 135,164,000 386,000 212,000 6,160,000 7,780,000 2,808,500 1,815,500 7,660,000 50,000 116,323,000 11,113,000 27,000 70,940,500 98,390,000 30,937,000 7,211,000 1,450,000 500 3,116,000 23,998,200 5,339,000 945,000 33,756,700

PROPERTY 21,860,464.00 6,462,850.00 331,798.00 1,471,800.00 57,354,860.00 1,405,609,265.00 8,762,830.00 29,303,642.00 2,138,312.00 82,687,880.00 308,310.00 191,130.00 1,470,040.00 3,569,200.00 29,036,180.00 44,313,120.00 3,612,300.00 6,440.00 224,907,110.00 15,595,830.00 125,500.00 449,188,854.00 34,475,700.00 53,907,250.00 3,405,690.00 592,800.00 22,500.00 6,651,270.00 664,852,395.00 12,643,870.00 3,019,900.00 1,277,243,045.00

15.800 0.88 10.88 2.150 1.050 52.000 2.33 5.17 6.2 0.630 0.82 0.920 0.240 0.475 9.960 25.05 0.475 0.123 1.96 1.40 4.75 6.44 0.370 1.7200 0.5100 0.415

1,528,100 12,394,000 115,500 530,000 66,596,000 55,279,590 1,089,000 8,804,100 28,600 236,185,000 487,000 660,000 8,820,000 28,630,000 2,162,600 1,658,900 22,720,000 50,350,000 353,228,000 8,920,000 668,000 100,330,900 163,560,000 11,137,000 35,687,000 7,080,000

23,813,946.00 10,924,200.00 1,287,794.00 1,109,530.00 70,981,630.00 2,409,183,226.00 2,537,310.00 46,078,347.00 174,744.00 181,591,150.00 394,430.00 602,560.00 2,137,670.00 13,838,550.00 21,377,610.00 41,772,215.00 10,838,900.00 6,194,050.00 701,840,050.00 12,574,000.00 2,686,060.00 641,625,267.00 59,641,600.00 19,099,580.00 18,461,630.00 2,987,900.00

2.11 27.20 2.31 3.19 38.70

6,008,000 12,032,600 1,826,000 484,000 39,989,000

12,727,120.00 328,095,625.00 4,144,470.00 1,513,180.00 1,559,721,940.00

STOCKS

JULY 22-26, 2019 Close Volume

JULY 15-19, 2019 Close Volume

Value

Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Starmalls Suntrust Home Dev. Inc. Vista Land & Lifescapes

2.12 6.14 0.820 7.800

8,539,000 1,122,800 1,307,000 28,412,400

17,370,960.00 6,923,839.00 1,047,680.00 220,182,651.00

2GO Group’ ABS-CBN Acesite Hotel APC Group, Inc. Apollo Global Asian Terminals Inc. Berjaya Phils. Inc. Bloomberry Boulevard Holdings Cebu Air Inc. (5J) Centro Esc. Univ. Chelsea DFNN Inc. Discovery World Easy Call “Common” FEUI Globe Telecom GMA Network Inc. Golden Haven Harbor Star I.C.T.S.I. Imperial Res. `A’ IPeople Inc. `A’ IPM Holdings Island Info ISM Communications Jackstones LBC Express Leisure & Resorts Lorenzo Shipping Macroasia Corp. Manila Broadcasting Manila Bulletin Manila Jockey Metro Retail MetroAlliance A MetroAlliance B NOW Corp. Pacific Online Sys. Corp. PAL Holdings Inc. Paxys Inc. PH Resorts Group Phil. Racing Club Phil. Seven Corp. Philweb.Com Inc. PLDT Common PremiereHorizon Premium Leisure Puregold Robinsons RTL SBS Phil. Corp. SSI Group STI Holdings Transpacific Broadcast Travellers Waterfront Phils. Wilcon Depot

10.6 18.5 1.52 0.520 0.049 19.9 2.61 11.60 0.0660 95.5 7.14 7.55 6.39 2.06 9.61 895 2220 5.37 420.00 2.12 133 1.94 9.7 5.55 0.112 5.4500 2.98 14.14 3.74 0.91 19.76 14.12 0.510 3.55 2.67 1.50 1.46 2.530 2.94 9.01 2.91 5.34 8.23 160.00 4.10 1135.00 0.790 0.730 45.60 78.00 9.28 3.20 0.740 0.365 5.51 0.810 15.940

77,800 2,790,200 141,000 23,515,000 97,790,000 12,000 2,345,000 30,581,200 152,230,000 1,260,420 235,100 9,390,900 166,500 13,000 163,000 120 174,580 734,800 3,730 4,892,000 6,137,790 34,000 70,300 42,900 10,760,000 25,502,900 68,000 11,900 3,966,000 2,806,000 2,089,700 2,900 1,925,000 1,306,000 15,859,000 115,000 63,000 20,497,000 472,000 100,000 31,000 401,300 100 58,380 9,439,000 618,495 150,489,000 24,335,000 2,832,500 4,902,580 91,000 26,182,000 18,691,000 21,460,000 10,032,300 38,519,000 33,921,400

Abra Mining Apex À’ Atlas Cons. À’ Atok-Big Wedge À’ Benguet Corp À’ Benguet Corp `B’ Century Peak Metals Hldgs Coal Asia Dizon Ferronickel Geograce Res. Phil. Inc. Lepanto À’ Lepanto `B’ Manila Mining À’ Manila Mining `B’ Marcventures Hldgs., Inc. Nickelasia Nihao Mineral Resources Omico Oriental Peninsula Res. Oriental Pet. À’ Oriental Pet. `B’ Philex À’ PhilexPetroleum Philodrill Corp. À’ Phinma Petro Semirara Corp. United Paragon

0.0017 1.20 2.67 12.80 1.2200 1.1400 2.75 0.275 7.72 1.450 0.225 0.108 0.122 0.007 0.0075 1.12 2.55 1.07 0.5500 0.8600 0.0120 0.0120 3.44 8.39 0.0110 5.4900 23.80 0.0065

MINING & OIL 724,000,000 1,230,300.00 21,698,000 26,325,830.00 634,000 1,704,550.00 202,300 2,646,210.00 1,000 1,220.00 12,000 13,750.00 2,637,000 7,318,360.00 3,010,000 827,900.00 78,000 609,585.00 17,350,000 26,274,660.00 11,360,000 2,667,030.00 4,840,000 522,350.00 1,140,000 132,200.00 43,000,000 317,800.00 54,000,000 402,800.00 4,251,000 4,870,020.00 54,434,000 142,122,110.00 802,000 849,670.00 780,000 407,440.00 3,092,000 2,708,860.00 48,800,000 581,500.00 3,551,100,000 43,115,400.00 2,917,000 10,350,680.00 12,399,400 107,296,227.00 85,200,000 932,400.00 16,549,200 107,138,478.00 12,202,200 297,865,580.00 13,000,000 84,900.00

Leisure and Resort SMPFC Preferred GMA Holdings Inc. ABS-CBN Holdings Corp. SMC Preferred C SMC Preferred E SMC Preferred F SMC Preferred G SMC Preferred H SMC Preferred D SMC Preferred A SMC Preferred B DD PREF House Preferred Alco Preferred B PF Pref 2 Alco Preferred C MWIDE PREF First Gen G FPH Pref C GLOBE PREF P Ayala Corp. Pref `B1’ Ayala Corp. Pref ‘B2’ GTCAP PREF B GTCAP PREF A SMC Preferred 1 PCOR-Preferred 2A PCOR-Preferred 2B PCOR-Preferred 3A PCOR-Preferred 3B

1.04 1.4 5.46 17.56 73.75 75 75 75 75 75.5 75.75 77 99.5 99.65 101 101 102 102.4 105.3 481.2 490 495 498 921 928 990 993 1010 1010 1017

37,021,000 16,000 4,926,600 1,934,200 893,950 123,730 63,600 226,790 5,470 47,540 46,520 11,780 80,020 5,970 6,280 23,710 1,000 16,080 34,030 230 36,400 4,900 8,260 730 1,580 18,480 1,350 100 16,330 31,830

LR Warrant

1.820

WARRANTS & BONDS 1,571,000 2,830,940.00

SERVICES 849,540.00 53,473,217.00 210,900.00 12,316,830.00 4,837,720.00 237,640.00 6,377,600.00 353,900,884.00 9,752,840.00 120,677,556.50 1,647,908.00 70,814,725.00 1,018,610.00 26,780.00 1,618,379.00 106,900.00 386,191,200.00 3,946,631.00 1,561,884.00 10,408,390.00 833,398,348.00 64,460.00 678,486.00 243,030.00 1,228,090.00 107,873,329.00 200,610.00 169,142.00 14,697,070.00 2,573,760.00 41,195,032.00 41,044.00 994,300.00 4,550,530.00 42,858,530.00 172,450.00 94,360.00 51,885,050.00 1,395,360.00 914,838.00 90,320.00 2,083,796.00 823.00 5,909,665.00 39,019,930.00 712,350,320.00 122,655,650.00 18,470,780.00 129,712,200.00 384,795,035.50 858,927.00 86,604,850.00 14,266,520.00 7,649,950.00 55,092,118.00 31,152,210.00 538,963,848.00

PREFERRED 38,440,640.00 21,800.00 26,357,623.00 34,847,398.00 65,933,792.00 9,279,735.00 4,773,435.00 16,963,708.50 410,280.00 3,565,515.00 3,489,624.50 902,775.50 7,967,920.00 591,823.00 628,680.00 2,371,010.00 102,000.00 1,610,360.00 3,463,345.00 97,656.00 17,813,000.00 2,384,760.00 4,077,310.00 672,710.00 1,461,060.00 18,017,660.00 1,340,520.00 101,000.00 16,507,295.00 32,305,485.00

SME 122,794,831.00 25,760,100.00

Value

2.02 6.28 0.820 7.750

5,669,000 1,137,500 7,191,000 61,768,900

11,560,360.00 7,283,871.00 5,800,690.00 475,020,899.00

11.2 17.84 1.5 0.560 0.051 21 2.67 11.52 0.0660 96.45 7 7.93 6.40 2.12 10.14 890 2244 5.41 421.20 2.17 141.6 1.85 9.56 5.64 0.117 5.7600 2.96 14.86 3.84 0.94 19.50 14.40 0.550 3.7 2.81 1.50 1.54 2.710 2.97 9.23

47,000 1,260,600 746,000 24,992,000 167,180,000 17,100 2,452,000 42,165,400 218,030,000 1,431,500 41,400 10,697,900 111,200 8,000 242,300 80 295,225 406,900 40,510 9,064,000 4,800,480 1,045,000 88,000 73,500 10,790,000 19,842,600 148,000 5,300 6,174,000 1,670,000 2,306,500 600 5,453,000 5,894,000 21,326,000 174,000 35,000 23,559,000 445,000 125,400

523,408.00 22,033,736.00 1,114,810.00 13,557,670.00 8,369,230.00 361,390.00 6,381,780.00 499,485,746.00 14,166,780.00 136,914,271.50 290,506.00 84,417,230.00 678,655.00 16,840.00 2,420,844.00 71,350.00 655,852,710.00 2,193,967.00 17,767,528.00 19,537,480.00 688,964,437.00 1,919,390.00 847,725.00 420,301.00 1,252,880.00 113,099,040.00 438,820.00 75,530.00 23,415,760.00 1,524,860.00 44,644,742.00 8,640.00 3,007,910.00 22,419,060.00 59,269,890.00 261,860.00 54,100.00 61,584,040.00 1,303,490.00 1,176,378.00

5.25 9.49 144.00 4.24 1187.00 0.860 0.740 45.90 78.00 9.45 3.41 0.800 0.365 5.53 0.860 15.140

193,100 100 333,510 27,423,000 610,305 390,789,000 14,844,000 5,669,100 4,229,240 1,882,300 35,229,000 40,114,000 19,840,000 4,548,100 57,476,000 46,427,100

1,008,895.00 949.00 46,719,075.00 117,128,440.00 731,059,955.00 325,343,440.00 10,847,510.00 259,297,110.00 326,055,263.00 17,527,876.00 123,387,100.00 32,300,010.00 7,105,600.00 25,056,134.00 48,805,410.00 737,620,654.00

0.0017 1.20 2.69 13.40 1.2200

1,428,339,000 34,556,000 1,321,000 843,400 50,000

2,986,200.00 41,626,700.00 3,553,840.00 12,691,420.00 56,520.00

2.8 0.280 7.78 1.550 0.223 0.110 0.120 0.008 0.0076 1.22 2.7 1.1 0.5600 0.9100 0.0120 0.0120 3.75 8.66 0.0110 6.0900 24.00 0.0065

1,144,000 1,970,000 78,400 53,499,000 4,660,000 10,100,000 1,320,000 53,000,000 1,000,000 3,416,000 61,808,000 1,707,000 314,000 7,631,000 168,200,000 24,300,000 5,158,000 24,327,400 200,100,000 10,268,100 11,137,600 7,000,000

3,199,830.00 553,300.00 606,158.00 79,716,090.00 1,023,780.00 1,100,640.00 152,270.00 402,900.00 7,600.00 4,082,860.00 157,947,970.00 1,833,810.00 175,510.00 6,838,420.00 2,031,700.00 311,700.00 19,434,350.00 214,743,238.00 2,186,500.00 58,658,749.00 262,930,295.00 45,800.00

0.99 1.36 5.48 17.1 73.1 75 74.85 72.05 74.6 75 75.85 76.85 99.5 97.5 101 100 100 102 105.5 450 490 488 495 944

1,373,000 4,000 179,300 979,900 75,960 81,010 24,410 76,130 117,980 92,060 4,200 18,210 37,210 29,940 53,950 22,640 1,000 2,830 32,460 80 6,060 7,930 58,110 800

1,347,490.00 5,440.00 961,036.00 16,530,388.00 5,568,160.50 6,063,219.00 1,819,021.00 5,641,107.50 8,809,121.50 6,847,370.00 316,138.00 1,393,551.00 3,700,888.00 2,911,783.00 5,396,020.00 2,264,495.00 100,000.00 287,380.00 3,336,755.00 36,596.00 2,977,940.00 3,867,360.00 28,543,980.00 752,210.00

990 994 1010 1010 1014

990 1,100 2,130 26,055 27,200

978,400.00 1,091,920.00 2,140,800.00 26,332,225.00 27,530,245.00

1.810

1,176,000

2,174,080.00

5.53 1.1

6,601,100 20,059,000

35,485,529.00 21,960,070.00

Italpinas Xurpas

6.62 1.04

19,919,500 24,244,000

First Metro ETF

122.6

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 35,650 4,389,397.00

123.7

143,550

17,785,853.00

USD DMPL A1 USD DMPL A2 USD TECH B2

10.28 10 0.99

DOLLAR DENONIMATED SEC. 43,820 449,914.60 4,000 40,891.00 37,300 36,807.00

10.28 10.3 0.99

28,950 3,140 195,360

296,066.40 32,081.00 195,356.00

WEEKLY MOST TRADED STOCKS Oriental Pet. `B’ Abra Mining Phinma Energy Boulevard Holdings PremiereHorizon Abacus Cons. `A’ Century Property Filinvest Land,Inc. MRC Allied Ind. Apollo Global

VOLUME 3,551,100,000 724,000,000 166,514,000 152,230,000 150,489,000 148,490,000 135,164,000 116,323,000 98,390,000 97,790,000

STOCKS Jollibee Foods Corp. Ayala Corp `A’ SM Investments Inc. Ayala Land `B’ Banco de Oro Unibank Inc. SM Prime Holdings Bank of PI I.C.T.S.I. Metrobank GT Capital

VALUE 5,706,753,370.00 2,534,976,735.00 1,420,310,660.00 1,405,609,265.00 1,387,522,925.00 1,277,243,045.00 872,201,734.00 833,398,348.00 827,565,142.00 714,868,825.00

LRWC plans expansion of gaming, retail businesses LEISURE & Resorts World Corp. plans to speed up expansion after raising P4.4 billion from a recently-concluded private placement. LRWC said in a statement following the annual stockholders’ meeting it would aggressively expand the gaming and retail businesses. Revenues of the two businesses have been growing by double-digits and are expected to sustain the positive performance. “With fresh capital, LRWC can now aggressively implement expansion initiatives by developing new sites, buying existing ones, and expanding profitable sites,” the company said. LRWC in March raised P4.4 billion from the issuance of 1.2 billion common shares at an offer price of P3.60 apiece to six new investors via private placement. LRWC plans to open or acquire 10 to 15 new bingo sites under whollyowned unit AB Leisure Exponent Inc. It aims to expand the e-casino business under Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc., the operator and licensee of Pagcor eGames stations and slot arcade business under Blue Chip Gaming and Leisure Corp. The company also plans to renovate and modernize existing gaming sites for the players’ first-class gaming experience. LRWC as of end 2018 had 192 gaming sites, including the nine it opened last year. “LRWC is set to introduce additional products to serve as new engines for growth. LRWC’s expansion phase will capitalize on the overall growth of the Philippine gaming industry, focusing mainly on our core businesses,” it said. Meanwhile, the company said the P4.4-billion capital infusion would sustain LRWC’s dominance in the gaming sector and strengthen its financial position. The company is earmarking a big portion of the the proceeds from the private placement to refinance the company’s existing obligations to improve cash profit and reduce interest expenses. The company earlier obtained a bank debt to finance the acquisition of a property in Boracay for a casino and resort complex. Jenniffer B. Austria

RFM sees profit, revenues rising by double digits RFM Corp., the food and beverage company of the Concepcion family, sees net income and revenues rising by double digits this year on weak inflation rate, lower cost of raw materials and stronger peso against the dollar. RFM chief finance officer Enrique Oliver Rey-Matias said in a recent interview the company was expecting profit to grow by at least 10 percent and top line revenues to increase by 10 percent to 12 percent this year. “For this year, top line revenues are expected to hit 10-12 percent. But with strong growth of milk business, sales could grow over 12 percent. For net income, we may hit double-digit growth for 2019 compared to last year which was only six percent growth,” said Rey-Matias. “Oil prices seem to be stabilizing and inflation is slower which could boost consumption. Forex will also help because we import a lot,” he added. Foreign exchange accounts for 40 percent to 50 percent of the company’s total costs. It imports wheat for the flour business and milk for milk products. RFM posted a net profit of P580 million in the first six months of 2019, up 10.5 percent from P525 million year-on-year. First-half revenues rose 10.3 percent to P7 billion from P6.3 billion on year. The company this year is spending up to P400 million to expand the capacities of its spaghetti sauce and milk businesses. This year’s capital spending is significantly lower than P1.41 billion in 2017 after the company completed the expansion of its ice cream business. Rey-Matias said the P1.1-billion expansion boosted production of the ice cream business by 40 percent. RFM earlier obtained the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission to merge with three subsidiaries, namely Cabuyao Logistics Industrial Corp., Interbake Commissary Corp. and Invest Asia Corp. The merger is expected to increase efficiency in overall operations and lessen administrative expenses. RFM’s ownership in the three subsidiaries ranged between 96 percent to 100 percent before the merger plan. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business/World

HK getting set for another big rally after clash H ONG KONG―Defiant pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong were readying for another big rally later Sunday, a day after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas in the latest violent confrontation that has plunged the financial hub deeper into crisis.

READY FOR TROUBLE.

A pedestrian walks past police vehicles lined up outside China's liaison office in Hong Kong on July 28, 2019. Defiant pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong were readying for another big rally, a day after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas in the latest violent confrontation that has plunged the financial hub deeper into crisis. AFP

Outrage as Trump calls Baltimore ‘infested mess’ WASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump was hit with new accusations of racism Saturday after he attacked a prominent African-American lawmaker and branded the majority black city of Baltimore an “infested mess.” Trump’s outburst came in a series of sharply worded tweets aimed at Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings―a high-profile critic of Trump’s administration whose district covers much of Baltimore. “Cumming (sic) District is a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess,” the president wrote, calling it “the worst run and most dangerous anywhere in the United States.” “No human being would want to live there,” he said―in an attack ostensibly provoked by Cummings’ criticism of the harsh conditions facing would-be asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border. The morning diatribe ignited a storm of criticism, less than two weeks after the House of Representatives con-

demned Trump for “racist” comments targeting four first-term Democratic congresswomen who are ethnic minorities. The top Democrat in Congress, Nancy Pelosi, accused Trump of a “racist” attack on a “champion... of civil rights and economic justice, a beloved leader in Baltimore, and deeply valued colleague.” “We all reject racist attacks against him,” wrote Pelosi―who was born in Baltimore and whose father served as mayor of the city. Former vice president Joe Biden―the Democratic front runner to challenge Trump in 2020―called out the president directly on Twitter. “It is despicable for you to attack him and the people of Baltimore this way,” Biden wrote. “Once again you have proved yourself unfit to hold the office. A President is supposed to lift this nation up. Not tear it down.” There was similar condemnation from half a dozen White House can-

didates including Cory Booker, who tweeted footage of a black CNN anchor and Baltimore native who broke down on air while reacting to the attack on his hometown. “This is painful. This is a moral, defining moment in America,” wrote Booker. “Silence is toxic complicity.” Democratic 2020 contender Kamala Harris, who like Booker is black, said she was “proud” to have her campaign headquarters in Cummings’ district and called Trump’s attack “disgraceful.” The city’s Democratic Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young—also black—rejected Trump’s rhetoric, calling it “hurtful and dangerous.” “It was a total insult,” he told reporters. “We’re not going to ignore anyone degrading Baltimore city and its effective leadership, no one.” The editorial board of the city’s newspaper, The Baltimore Sun, took a direct swipe at Trump in a scathing column which concluded that it is “better to have a few rats than to be one.” AFP

Elections a ‘battle’ for Taiwan, says China-friendly candidate TAIPEI―Taiwan’s coming elections will be a “heart-pounding, soul-stirring battle” for the island’s future, Beijing-friendly candidate Han Kuo-yu said Sunday in his first speech since becoming the opposition party’s presidential candidate. Han described January’s vote as a choice between “peace or crisis” with China in a speech to a packed stadium at the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s national congress. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949 but China still views the island as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Han is looking to unseat President Tsai Ing-wen of the Beijing-skeptic Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in a contest that will be dominated by relations with China. “This won’t be a polite gentleman’s race, it will be a heart-pounding, soulstirring battle for the survival of the Republic of China (ROC) and Taiwan’s next generations,” he told the crowd,

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A town near the border with China descended into chaos on Saturday as police battled protesters holding a banned rally against suspected progovernment triad gangs who beat up democracy demonstrators there last weekend. Riot police used tear gas throughout the afternoon and evening in Yuen Long after tense standoffs with protesters, some of whom were throwing projectiles and had surrounded a police van. Rubber bullets were fired later in the clashes which ended when riot police baton charged the last remaining demonstrators inside the town’s metro station, leaving pools of blood in the same concourse where the suspected triads had attacked the previous weekend. Police said 11 arrests were made. Hospital authorities said 24 people were injured, most of whom have been discharged but two remained in serious condition. Saturday’s violence compounds the political crisis engulfing the city’s pro-Beijing leadership who are seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. A rally is planned on the main island on Sunday afternoon. TCA PRESS TOUR. Julie

Grant speaks on stage during the Court TV segment at the 2019 Summer TCA Press Tour— Day 5, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 27, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. AFP

using Taiwan’s formal name. “The people will make a sacred choice for the fate of our country in the next four years. We will choose whether to defend the ROC or destroy the ROC... we will choose cross-strait peace or Taiwan Strait crisis.” Relations with Beijing have soured since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognize the idea that Taiwan is part of “one China”. Han also criticized the Tsai administration’s domestic policies and vowed to create “an economic miracle”. The 62-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise in the last two years, journeying from relative obscurity to become his party’s presidential candidate in a phenomenon that has been dubbed the “Han tide.” Some have likened him to US President Donald Trump and other populist leaders who hail from outside establishment circles and command a fervent voter base buoyed by lofty promises of resurrecting their fortunes. AFP

I’ll do it again... REAL CARPIO SO

Green LiGht AND here we go again... A month ago, I ranted about having to write column articles. While I almost always start writing weeks before it is due, the article will only be completed the day before the deadline. I presented that the tendency to delay is inherently human. One, because the rewards are not immediate. I won’t see the reactions of my editor and readers in real time. Two, writing is not natural. Talking about it is more second nature. So much so, I always end up binging on the latest TV series. This article can always wait. However, despite my inherent nature to procrastinate, the article will always be written, and will always find its way to the editor’s mailbox on time. In the July-August issue of the Harvard Business Review, a published study found that “people who achieve goals aren’t just disciplined.” Rather, goals are achieved because of the type of goals that people set and select for themselves. Goals are indicative of a person’s desire. A desire is “an affectively charged motivation toward a certain object, per-

son, or activity.” We have numerous desires within us. And we arrange them arbitrarily in a hierarchy according to “importance.” I have to write this column, but I also want to watch the series. At the same time, I also wanted to check out the latest book release, as well as I need to... These desires vary in strength and duration. Temptation occurs when one of these desires attempts to encroach on a more “important” desire or goal. When I feel that watching a TV series seems more attractive than writing this article, this is temptation. Resisting temptation requires self-control. Self-control is the “ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses.” It is necessary for controlling one’s behavior to ensure that goals are achieved. When presented with temptation, people with high self-control “lessen the significance of instant rewards while momentarily increasing the importance of overall values.” According to self-determination theory, “individuals would be more successful in pursuing goals that reflect their genuine interests and values, as well as their intrinsic or true self.” The true self represents a person’s belief about who he “really is regardless of his/her out-

ward behavior.” In contrast, a public self is how one wants behaves when he is “around other people, even if this is not who they really are.” Most people select goals that are important, not necessarily goals that reflect their true selves. The importance of a goal is often shaped by public opinion and social trends. On the other hand, goal authenticity refers to goals that may not necessarily be enjoyable or fashionable, but people “pursue them because the goals allow them to be themselves.” Authentic goals provide one with meaning and self-fulfilment. In “Choosing Goal That Express The True Self: A Novel Mechanism of The Effect of Self-Control On Goal Attainment,” three surveys were conducted involving 800 people. In the first survey, subjects were asked to list recent goals and how the goals align with their “true selves.” They were also asked to indicate their progress towards the goals. In the second, subjects indicated their progress toward goals that made them “feel like they are really being themselves” and toward ones that “made people like them” or “made people respect them.” And in the third, subject were asked to set a new goal, to rate how much it “reflects who I am deep down inside,” and to report back a week later.

Results of the three surveys all show that “the more close a goal is aligned with a person’s sense of self, the greater is the progress towards the goal.” Moreover, those “who rate themselves high on self-control are more likely to set goals that reflect their ‘true selves’.”According to the study, individuals with high selfcontrol “can distinguish authentic goals from goals imposed by social pressure or norms.” By being selective of their goals, they made “more progress towards the achievement of their goals.” Writing this article is not necessarily pleasurable. A lot of boring read is required. Against the temptation of watching a series, it is very difficult not to give in. Yet, I have again written another article. Now my question is, is this my true self? Or am I just made to believe that it is? Real Carpio So lectures at the Management and Organization Department of the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business of De La Salle University. He is an entrepreneur and a management consultant. Comments are welcomed at realwalksonwater@gmail.com. Archives can be accessed at realwalksonwater.wordpress.com. The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.

Police have given permission for a static protest in a park but have banned a proposed march through the city, ratcheting up the likelihood of renewed clashes. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The demonstrations over the last seven weeks were triggered by a controversial bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Yet the weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts―as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament―have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong’s leaders. Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last two weeks, but has left it to the city’s semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation. City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill. AFP

IN BRIEF Landslide death toll in China rises to 36 BEIJING―The death toll in a landslide that buried a village in southwest China rose to 36, state broadcaster CCTV said Sunday, with 15 still missing days after the disaster struck. The state-run People’s Daily said rescue work is ongoing at the site in Shuicheng county, Guizhou province, where a thick torrent of mud buried 22 houses in the landslide on Tuesday. CCTV broadcast footage of rescue workers trying to reach survivors through a huge mound of earth, and excavators digging through the collapsed hill. Two children and a mother with a baby were among those dead. Official news agency Xinhua said Saturday night that 40 people had been rescued from the site, according to the local emergency rescue command. Xinhua said a local school had been set up as an emergency medical and rescue center, with “multiple rescue teams and experts” still searching for those missing. The government has earmarked 30 million yuan ($4.35 million) for search and rescue efforts in the province, Xinhua reported, as well as the relocation of victims. Landslides are a frequent danger in rural and mountainous parts of China, particularly after heavy rain, and the country has suffered severe flooding this year. In August 2017 at least 30 people were killed in two separate landslides in the same rural province of Guizhou. AFP

Vietnam seizes 125 kilos of rhino horn HANOI―Fifty-five pieces of rhino horn were found encased in plaster at an airport in the Vietnamese capital, authorities said Sunday, as the country tries to crack down on sophisticated wildlife smuggling routes. The communist state is both a consumption hub and popular transit point for the multi-billion dollar trade in animal parts. The 125 kilogram (275 pound) haul of rhino horn discovered at Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport on Thursday was found after the carefully disguised shipment aroused suspicion. Images of the bust show large rhino horns and smaller pieces sitting on a table and police using rods to break the casts apart. “It took half a day to break them open,” a security source told AFP. It was not immediately clear which African country the shipment originated from. The parts were found the same day police arrested a key wildlife trafficking suspect and two other men after seven frozen tiger carcasses were discovered in their vehicle in a parking lot. The busts follow a record seizure in Singapore a week ago of nearly nine tonnes of ivory and a huge stash of pangolin scales destined for Vietnam. Elephant tusks, pangolins, tiger parts and rhino horn are all sold on the black market in Vietnam, while the rest is smuggled on to China. But rhino horn is especially prized, with one kilogram fetching up to $60,000. AFP

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

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

LGUs LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

SM art exhibit helps tackle climate change By Jun David CLIMATE change and wildlife preservation are hard topics that make people disengage. Since reports and countless of evidences are not moving people to action, perhaps an immersive art exhibit might do the trick. SM City Marilao recently mounted a wildlife preservation campaign through an art exhibit in partnership with Boysen and World Wildlife Fund. Dubbed as Art-ic Hueniverse, the exhibit aims to connect with shoppers A mother and child have fun taking pictures of the ART-ic HUEniverse attraction, which comes with Info Tech features, at SM Marilao in Bulacan. In collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, and bring them into direct conversa- the exhibit allows shoppers to scan a QR code to get trivia of the Arctic world, facts about polar bears and other wildlife, and the programs WWF has in store for the Arctic. Jun David tion with the future. Located at the mall atrium, Art-ic Hueniverseconsists of life size Polar Bear sculptures painted colorfully by Guhit Pinas Bulacan Chapter. This signifies the plight of the endangered creatures and their dwindling habitat as a result of climate change. Each display comes with Info Tech features that instantly connect smartphones to WWF’s facts and informaensure that such establishments would By Rio N. Araja tion about climate change and the arcbe remained closed until the President tic world. decides on their fate with finality. UEZON City Councilor Winston Castelo is appealing Shoppers can scan the QR code to The President ordered the closure of to upscale subdivisions and military camps in the city, access information and learn more all gaming schemes managed by the especially along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, to open about saving the earth. The QR code PCSO due to massive corruption. also serves as an interactive guide as their gates to serve as access roads and alternative routes Esquivel directed all of his station shoppers walk through and explore commanders to take positive police acfor private car owners and small public utility vehicles to ease the the attraction. tion to comply with Duterte’s directive. “tremendous and enormous” traffic congestion in Metro Manila. “Art-ic offers more than just photo On the traffic issue, Castelo said: “We ops but also thought provoking stories urged private subdivisions along the on climate change issues” said said He called on the residents of the Co- dent Rodrigo Duterte’s directive, Quezon stretch of Edsa to open up their gates for MORE than a million government SM City Marilao Mall Manager Engr. rinthian Garden, White Plains and Green City Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered the public use so that they could help ease workers in agencies all over the PhilMeadows villages to allow to motorists, closure of all Philippine Charity Sweep- down the heavy traffic along EDSA ippines stand to benefit from a partprivate and public commuters to pass stakes Office gaming activities, including special during rush hour. This includes nership forged by BDO Foundation, Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.” through their areas to serve as an alterna- lotto and small town lottery. the Civil Service Commission and The councilor assured the residents of tive route only during rush hours. She instructed Chief Supt. Joselito EsBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. He also urged the Armed Forces of quivel Jr., Quezon City Police District di- the posh subdivisions there are ways and The corporate social responsibility the Philippines and Philippine National rector, to ensure the President’s order to methods to safeguard their privacy, “this arm of BDO Unibank, the government’s Police to open their gates at Camp Agu- shut down all PCSO-sponsored games of is by means of regulating the opening of central human resource agency and the their gates done only during peak hours inaldo and Camp Crame, respectively. chance is followed to the letter. central bank recently inked an agreeMeanwhile, in accordance with PresiBelmonte also directed the QCPD to so as not to jeopardize their safety.” ment paving the way for the deployment of a program that will help equip civil servants with the knowledge, resources By Butch Gunio and tools to achieve financial freedom. The memorandum was signed by SUBIC BAY FREEPORT―AutomoBDO Foundation president Mario Detive trader Velocity Motor Sales Corp. riquito, BDO Foundation trustee and recently broke ground here on Friday corporate secretary Lazaro Jerome Guefor a P220-million full-scale Isuzu varra, CSC chairperson Alicia Dela Rodealership that targets the growing sa-Bala, CSC commissioner Leopoldo automotive market in the Subic Bay Valderosa Jr. and BSP deputy governor Freeport area and the province of Cyd Tuaño-Amador representing BSP Zambales. governor Benjamin Diokno. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Held at the Batasan Pambansa ComChairman and Administrator Wilma plex in Diliman, Quezon City, the MOA T. Eisma graced the ground-breaking signing and launch of the financial edurites led by Velocity Motors president cation program for civil servants were Jason Hao and company director Jefwitnessed by BSP deputy governor frey Hao Lin at the Subic Gateway Chuchi Fonacier and BSP Center for District along with guests Isuzu PhilLearning and Inclusion Advocacy manippines Corp. president Hajime Koso aging director Pia Roman Tayag, as well and Isuzu Philippines Corp. sales dias BDO Foundation independent trustee vision head Joseph Bautista. Felina Arellano and BDO Foundation “This is a landmark day for all of program director Rose Espinosa. us, as this shows us how vibrant the At the event attended by stakeholdbusiness climate in Subic Freeport ers from the foundation, CSC and is,” Eisma said in her congratulatory Bangko Sentral, the partners affirmed message. their commitment to the nationwide CLEANUP CONTINUES. Backhoes dredge garbage and silt at the Manila Yacht Club compound, considered the ground zero of “This is a signal of the kind of conimplementation of the program and the Save Manila Bay project under Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the fidence that investors like you have in the development of new financial litDepartment of Public Works and Highways reported they have hauled 3,036.6 metric tons of garbage and waste materials in its continuous the Subic Bay Freeport,” she also told eracy interventions. cleanup efforts from MYC to the coastal areas of Tarlac province as of July 4. Velocity and Isuzu officials. Velocity top honcho Jason Hao said the company will put up an Isuzu dealership with display showroom and parts and service center. The dealership will conduct all anAT 67, a grandmother finally fulfills her Department of Education that offers The program is getting a further boost cillary and related activities for the childhood wish to study again; a young non-formal education to out-of-school with the use of Smart School-in-a-Bag popular automotive brand. man who lost his way gets a second youth and adults who have failed to portable digital classroom kits, which The company signed a lease term of chance to complete his studies; a teen- complete basic education. the city received as part of the incentives 50 years for a 5,000-square meter lot age mother develops her capabilities and In Valenzuela City, ALS is a compo- for earning a Seal of Good Education at the Subic Gateway District to house confidence through learning. They have nent of the local government’s 360 De- Governance in 2017 and in 2018. the showroom and service center. The all taken the opportunity offered by grees Program in Education, a holistic Another “Seal” recipient, a first-timer, facilities are expected to be completed Alternative Learning System to have a approach to upgrading the city’s public Navotas City, also received a digital kit. within two years at a total construcchance at a better future. school system with the involvement of The recognition is given by Synergeia tion cost of P100 million. ALS is the flagship program of the the community. Foundation, with the support of USAID Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian

Open roads, QC villages asked

BDO, CSC, BSP launch ‘finlit’ for civil servants

P220-m Subic Isuzu showroom breaks ground

Smart digital incentives boost education programs

Turning over the ceremonial key to the Navotours bus for public elementary and high schools in the city is Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo and other city officials, OICSchools Division Superintendent Dr. Meliton Zurbano, witnessed by teachers, students and officers of the city’s ParentsTeachers’ Association. Jun David

‘Navotours’ buses ready to roll out By Jun David THE City Government of Navotas has launched the Navotours bus for public elementary and high schools in the city. Navotours will be used for city-funded student field trips to museums, universities and colleges, government and private institutions, among others. It will also serve as means of transportation for students and teachers who attend competitions outside of Navotas. “Our public school children deserve to have the same quality of education that students in private schools have. This includes being able to go to field trips and enjoy learning outside the classroom,” Navotas Rep. John Rey Tiangco said.

“Travel fosters learning and inspires one to dream. We hope that through Navotours, Navoteño students would gain enriching experiences that would lead them to aspire for greater things in life,” he added. Tiangco related that when he was still mayor, he and some city department heads attended seminars abroad to learn about best practices in governance. “One of the things we learned was about the importance of fourth space in urban development. These include parks, open spaces, playgrounds or places that encourage social interactions even among strangers. And we have incorporated this in our city development plan,” he said.

Life FOOD

Bernadette Lunas, Issue Editor manilastandardlife@gmail.com @manilastandardlife @MStandardLIFE MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

Comfort food

at High Street Lounge Fried lobster wonton

Smoothie Bowl

OTEL lounges can be daunting for most guests. The old-world charm, the lavish setting, the opulence of it all could make one feel pressured to dress and act—and eat!—accordingly.

I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying a chic yet relaxed atmosphere when I was invited to try the new menu of High Street Lounge at the luxury hotel Shangri-La at the Fort. Don’t get me wrong—the lounge is as elegant as any Shangri-La lounge can be, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, plush sofas, and Petra Krausová chandelier with 5,000 handblown crystal plates of opaque amber. But the staff was nothing but welcoming, and the dishes offered were familiar and comforting and affordable. The new menu features all-day breakfast options, starting with the signature High Street Breakfast—a light and fluffy parmesan waffle with warm baked beans, sunny-side-up eggs, grilled tomato, and mushrooms, with a choice of savory such as the High Street Tapa, Smokehouse Tocino, Spiced Truffle Ham or Kesong Puti. A lighter option would be the Avocado Toast made with focaccia slathered with rich avocado and topped with two poached eggs and nori crumble—an explosion of flavors without the high calorie count. There is also the Smoothie Bowl, a colorful combination of mango puree, Greek yoghurt, granola, and assorted fruits; and the Super Grain Salad that has quinoa, barley, roasted pumpkin, and curried granola. And what is a hotel lounge without sweet treats? Executive pastry chef Anthony Collar’s afternoon tea is definitely a highlight at High Street Lounge. “We put a lot of thought into every piece that goes into our afternoon tea set, which

Greenwich celebrates World Lasagna Day By Angelica Villanueva THE flat pasta dish of Italy is celebrating its special day today, as July 29 marks this year’s World Lasagna Day. Usually made with long, thin, flat noodles, layered with meaty ground beef and cheese, and drizzled with red and white sauce, lasagna has long been a favorite pasta dish of many generations—of families and friends, and quite notably, Garfield. Local pizza and pasta chain Greenwich delivers the meaty, savory taste of this dish with its improved Lasagna Supreme, made more special for groups of friends or barkadas—the consumer market it aims to tap. “Greenwich wants to be known for its barkada equity. We want to be the place where barkadas come to enjoy our very best pizzas and pastas. We use good quality products, fresh for every barkada,” said Ping Castillo, brand manager for pasta. Greenwich takes pride in its lasagna’s layers of flavors, or as it calls, “patong- Greenwich Lasagna Supreme boasts layers of pasta filled with beef and cheese, perfect for patong na sarap.” barkadas. (Photo by Inier Ponce)

Crispy durian puff pastry

High Street Breakfast

has two variations: Eastern and Western,” Collar said, adding how they incorporated a selection of traditional Filipino merienda dishes into the menu. In the evening, ease in with a signature cocktail or even an exquisite predinner spirit on hand. The Negroni, one of the world’s most beloved aperitifs, takes center stage with five varieties: The Bagpiper, House Barrel Aged, Conte Camillo, Kingston Town, and Giardino Italiano. If you still have space for a heavier fare, Shangri-La at the Fort’s Canton Road is now offering its revamped lineup of dishes.

According to Wang Wei Quing, executive chef of the modern Chinese restaurant, the menu philosophy is built on three of the major cuisines of China—Cantonese (Yue), Szechuan (Chuan), and Huaiyang. “The signature dishes are a blend of the restaurant’s well-loved delights and newly presented flavors—a mix of the bold and spicy flavors of Szechuan, the sweetness of Huaiyang, and the classic balance of Cantonese cuisine. Our menu is carefully curated and handpicked to ensure we take into consideration what our diners wish to enjoy,” he said. I’m at joyce.panares@gmail.com.

According to the fast food chain, it uses high-quality simmered ground beef flavored with spices, making it juicier and beefier. Lasagna Supreme is also tastier since each layer is filled and coated with cheese, lending a rich flavor to the pasta. Meanwhile, its flavorful red sauce and creamy white bechamel sauce complement the cheese and beef. Greenwich Kabarkada, actress-dancer Yassi Pressman invites everyone to be part of the #GWorldLasagnaDay by treating themselves to an order of Lasagna Supreme, priced at P89. In celebration of World Lasagna Day on July 29, Greenwich is offering two Lasagna Supreme Regular Pan for the price of one. The buy one take one promo is priced at P465 and is available from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for dine-in and takeout orders only.

Greenwich Kabarkada Yassi Pressman and brand manager for pasta Ping Castillo.

Life

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Bento boxes for all kinds of appetite APANESE restaurant Kitsho welcomes appetite of all sizes with its special offering—three types of bento boxes.

Available in August, diners can order the mini bento, special “take” bento, and deluxe matsu. Great for quick chow during lunch breaks, the mini bento box, priced at

P350, comes in two choices: Chicken Karaage and Pork Tonkatsu. The Chicken Karaage mini bento box is served with Japanese rice, vegetable salad, black seaweed, takana, and fresh

Chicken Karaage mini bento box is packed with vegetable salad, black seaweed, takana, fresh fruits, and rice. The special ‘take’ bento comes with sashimi, Japanese omelet, boiled spinach, rice, miso soup, assorted fruits, and a choice of either pork, chicken, or fish main course.

For big appetites, the deluxe matsu comes with three kinds of sashimi, agedashi tofu, chawanmushi, fresh green salad, sweet egg roll, fresh fruits, main course, and more.

Fresh green salad

fruits. The Pork Tonkatsu mini bento box, on the other hand, comes with Japanese rice, vegetable salad, kanbu, kurisuke, and fresh fruits. The mini bento box is available for dine-in or takeout. Meanwhile, the 582-peso special “take” bento box is a complete meal-inone as it consists of tuna and white fish sashimi, Japanese omelet, boiled spinach with sesame sauce, and a choice of sautéed pork, chicken teriyaki, or grilled mackerel as main course. This option is served with Japanese rice, miso soup, and assorted fresh fruits. For bigger appetite, the deluxe matsu is the ideal option. Valued at P1,000, it comes with three kinds of sashimi as appetizer, a side dish of agedashi tofu,

and a steamed dish of chawanmushi. The deluxe box is also served with fresh green salad, sweet egg roll, boiled spinach with sesame sauce, Japanese rice, miso soup, and assorted fresh fruits or homemade ice cream for dessert. All bento boxes’ prices are VAT inclusive. Diners and their guests who want to sample more than the bento boxes could opt for the a la carte buffet, wherein every dish is served fresh as ordered. The lunch buffet is priced at P1,356 while the dinner buffet is valued at P1,536. Both meal prices are likewise VAT inclusive. Call (02) 994-3623 or get in touch with Malou Manzano through (02) 877-6379 for orders and inquiries.

BITES

Unli wings Monday Snack Exchange offers fruit crisps, trail mixes, granola, and multigrain bars, among other healthy snack options.

Department store offers healthy snacks IF SHOPPING is cardio, then we need more healthy snack choices at malls and department stores. SM Snack Exchange, located in most The SM Store branches, offers healthy and yummy bites that help improve overall health, fuel the body with right nutrients, and boost energy to keep going throughout the day of

Prune juice and take-away muesli

shopping and beyond. There are fruits crisps in various flavors— Purple Yam Banana Coconut, Guava Purple Yam Banana, and Jackfruit Pineapple Banana—which are made from 100 percent natural fruit, are gluten free, and rich in fiber and potassium. Also available are crunchy and tasty granola bars, multigrain bars, and mini cereal bites rich in fiber, as well as walnuts, almonds, trail mix and mixed nuts. Those looking for something more filling, muesli comes in various delightful flavors such as raspberry, banana and chocolate, and pomegranate and strawberry. Healthy beverages include prune juice and grape juice, among others. Fruity yogurt is also available.

iPhoto

FOR one day, on July 29, Yellow Cab makes chicken wings lovers’ hearts flutter with the second run of its UnliWings promotion in celebration of World Wings Day. For one hour, diners can chow down as much wings as they can, including Yellow Cab’s time-tested bestsellers: the original Hot Chix, the delectably seasoned

Garlic Parmesan, and the sweet and tangy Sriracha; and new flavors: the fiery Smoked Chipotle, the zesty Lemon Peppers, and the lip-smacking Sweet Soy for P399. The juicy and savory wings also come with batches of crisp and soft unlimited potato wedges. The promo is valid only for dine-in transactions from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Yellow Cab brings back all-you-can-eat chicken wings.

A cheesy, meaty 50-peso treat BELOVED fast food giant Jollibee claims to have the perfect snack. On days when there’s a craving for cheesy, meaty treat, it offers its best-selling Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog. The hotdog sandwich—which Jollibee says is Joshua Garcia and his friends’ favorite snack—packs an ex-

tra meaty hotdog in warm, soft buns completed and made more flavorful by ketchup, special dressing, and a generous sprinkling of grated cheese. The Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog is available for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and drive-thru at all Jollibee stores nationwide for P50.

Popeyes serves Coca-Cola AMERICAN fast food chain, popular for its Cajun-style fried chicken, Popeyes recently inked a partnership with Coca-Cola to be its official beverage provider in the Philippines. Popeyes Philippines, under the Kuya J group, opened its first store in ArcoVia City, Pasig. More restaurants are set to open in the coming months.

Present at the contract signing were (from left): CocaCola Philippines commercial director Bruce Burnett, Coca-Cola Philippines national key accounts associate director Cherry Flores-Du, Kuya J Group president Winglip Chang, and Popeyes Philippines chief operating officer Rami Chahwan.

Jolibee’s best-selling Chessy Classic Jolly Hotdog.

Entertainment

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

nickie.standard@gmail.com

Streaming now Hardcore action on Fox+ FOX+ is turning up the heat this month with hardcore shows and movies. Get your dose of adrenaline-pumping action and adventure, investigate the truth in fast-paced police and FBI movies, and dive into a whole sea of sports. Turn it up a notch with all these awesome shows this month. Sicario: Day of the Soldado The Mexican cartels are at it once again in the seemingly never-ending struggle between drugs and peace across the border. Tensions rise as terrorists are smuggled across and into the US while a drug kingpin’s daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. The stakes are high for FBI agent Matt Graver and the operative Alejandro Gillick as they struggle to fight for what is good.

Robin Padilla, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Richard Yap receive the Best TV Drama Program award for their series ‘Sana Dalawa ang Puso.’

Kapamilya network bags 25 trophies at 27th KBP Golden Dove Awards

BS-CBN struck gold in the 27th Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Golden Dove Awards, where it hauled in 25 awards, including Best TV Station.

The Kapamilya network’s noontime program It’s Showtime was named Best TV Variety Program, while weekend show Home Sweetie Home: Walang Kapares won Best TV Comedy Program, and daytime series Sana Dalawa ang Puso was recognized as the Best TV Drama Program. Angelica Panganiban led the Kapamilya TV personalities who took home individual citations as she bagged the Best TV Actress for Comedy for her weekly gag show Banana Sundae while renowned funnyman Bayani Agbayani took home Best TV Actor for Comedy for his role in Funny Ka, Pare Ko. Meanwhile, their fellow stars also got the nods of the judges for their performances like Bela Padilla, who won Best TV Actress for Drama for her portrayal in Maalaala Mo Kaya: Anting-anting and Nash Aguas, who was hailed as Best TV Actor for Drama

for Maalaala Mo Kaya: Drawing. KBP also gave citations to Boy Abunda as Best TV Magazine Program Host and his show, The Bottomline with Boy Abunda, as Best TV Magazine Program. Kiddie program Team YeY won as the Best TV Children’s Program. For ABS-CBN News, the Best TV Public Service Host award went to Karen Davila, who anchors My Puhunan. Weekend morning program Salamat Dok also won Best TV Public Service Program while Tapatan ni Tunying received the Best TV Public Affairs Program award. Red Alert also went for a double as Best TV Documentary Program for Red Alert: HIV and Best TV PSA for Red Alert: Bagyo Ligtas Tips, while Best TV Sports Program went to Sports U Ikaw ang Panalo. DZMM Radyo Patrol 630, ABSCBN’s flagship AM radio station,

was not one to lag behind as it also brought home trophies. Best Radio Variety Program went to Todo-Todo Walang Preno,Sakto! won Best Radio Magazine Program, and Fastbreak took home Best Radio Sports Program. Veteran anchor Vic Lima was also a big winner for the night, taking home Best Radio Newscaster, while Radyo Patrol Reporter Zhander Cayabyab was recognized as Best Radio Field Reporter. TV and radio personality Cory Quirino also bagged the Best Radio Magazine Program Host while Bro. Jun Banaag O.P., also known as Dr. Love, was cited as Best Variety Program Host. ABS-CBN Regional also made its mark with TV Patrol Negros Channel 4 of ABS-CBN Bacolod bagging the Best TV Newscast Provincial award. The KBP is the premier broadcast media organization in the country composed of owners and operators of radio and TV stations. It aims to elevate professional and ethical standards in Philippine broadcasting and promote social responsibility in broadcasting. The Golden Dove Awards is KBP’s way of recognizing excellence in broadcasting in the land.

Uncovering a family’s secret in ‘After The Wedding’ TWO women’s fate are intertwined and the path they are treading soon leads to shocking revelations with irreversible consequences in After the Wedding starring Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Billy Crudup, and Abby Quinn. A poignant drama with a powerhouse, female-led cast, After the Wedding tells the story of Isabel (Williams), who’s running an orphanage in Calcutta, India that also faces potential suspension due to dwindling funds. Soon enough, a potential donor comes knocking at their door, philanthropist Theresa Young (Moore) who insists that Isabel travels to New York to deliver a presentation for her orphanage. Arriving in New York, Isabel finds herself uncomfortable in the presence of the orphanage’s possible benefactor. Theresa welcomes her from the glittering skyscraper where she runs her business. While Isabel thinks she’ll soon be returning to her beloved orphanage after the meeting, Theresa has other plans. She insists Isabel attend Grace’s wedding at the family’s estate. The joyful event becomes a catalyst for a revelation that upends the lives of both women, and the people who love them most. Based on the Academy Award nominated film by Susanne Bier, producer Joel Michaels, and director Bart Freundlich immediately addressed a critical aspect of the adaptation—Bier’s film had two male leads. But for his adaptation, the director went for gender-reverse casting. Michaels felt that the film would work significantly better with the leads being played by two women. Freundlich took a beat, and then whole-heartedly agreed with Michaels that between the dearth of significant, multifaceted leading roles for women, and the country’s current climate regarding power

dynamics and gender, the switch made the story more current. Freundlich got to work adapting the script. “The original story was like nothing I’d worked on before,” he said. “It had many layers, and a plethora of different, threedimensional, character perspectives. So, it was an exciting opportunity to tell a story that takes on what it means for these women to make certain high-stake choices, and then have to deal with the many consequences of those actions.” Discover what lies ahead after secrets are revealed in After the Wedding when it opens in PH cinemas on Aug. 14.

DOWN 1 Airspeed unit 2 To be, to Balzac 3 Peaty tract 4 Like some traffic 5 Kid’s ammo 6 Fights off 7 Verbal exams 8 Flight routes 9 Textile colorer 10 Leatherneck 11 OPEC country 12 Moved on 13 Gourmandizes 19 Twilled cotton cloth 21 Designate 25 Glider’s need 26 Overdue 27 Herring 28 Lifting device 29 Undersized pups

30 Acquired 31 Pie serving 32 Smidgens 33 Used up money 35 Harbor 39 Freezing 40 Finns’ neighbors 42 Untruthful people 44 Singles 46 Not ours 47 Certain eateries 49 Burrito alternatives

Higher Power Does the end justify the means? What if the fate of the entire human race rests upon the sacrifice of an entire family? A scientist will stop at nothing even if it means forcing unwilling test subjects to be part of his dastardly plan to rescue the planet. The Loudest Voice Roger Ailes is the founder of FOX News. And even today the power and influence of this news network cannot be doubted. Take a look at the rise and fall of one of the most influential political and journalistic personalities in recent history. From being shoulder-to-shoulder with world leaders to his demise amidst sexual harassment allegations, learn from the life and times of one of the loudest voices, Roger Ailes. Snowfall 1984 is a dangerous time in South Central Los Angeles. Crack cocaine is on the rise and is spreading like wildfire. Lives are upended while culture and systems are forever changed. Local police are fighting an uphill battle against the drug wave while the CIA ensures that the drug flow continues in order to fund the ongoing war against communist Central America. Teddy, Franklin, Sergeant Wright and the rest of the characters begin to come to terms with the reality of their actions, and the repercussions that can happen moving forward. Watch this hardcore lineup of shows on FOX+, download the app from Google Play Store or the App Store on to your mobile device or smart TV. New subscribers get a 30-day trial for free.

From C4

Billy Crudup, Abby Quinn, and Julianne Moore in a scene from 'After The Wedding.'

Monday, July 29, 2019

58 Deferences 61 Alice’s chronicler 62 Wharf 63 Pack away 64 Join wood 65 Fish without scales 66 Outlaw pursuers 67 ASAP

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek When many people die during a mass shooting possibly organized by the group he is now part of, ex-cop Gannon returns to action to discover the truth. He assembles his fellow militia members in an isolated location to investigate who the killer really is. And prevent future mass shootings from happening.

Digital...

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 Post-it message 5 Sweeping 10 Marathon unit 14 Nile sun god 15 Holly feature 16 Fringe — 17 Gator kin 18 Apollo 11, e.g. 20 Marsh wader 22 Overhead trains 23 Implies 24 Claws badly 26 Storage place 27 Is very frugal 30 Creation 34 Trimmed off branches 35 Philippine knife 36 Cut off, as branches 37 Called up 38 Dogie catcher 40 Observance 41 Hill builder 42 Delicate 43 Colorful bird 45 Appear in court 47 Thickest, as fog 48 Checkroom item 49 Spring and ebb 50 Fireplace tool 53 Fleming of 007 fame 54 Did the exterior

The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot Calvin Barr was the man who successfully assassinated Adolf Hitler. But of course this was a highly-kept secret. Now more than 50 years later, he is being called again to hunt down the source of a deadly plague that could decimate the human race. The source? The fabled Bigfoot.

50 Bishop of Rome 51 Play award 52 Hull part 53 Crazy about 55 W.C. Fields outcry 56 Director — Kazan 57 Blockhead 59 Cobra kin 60 Watch

Anthony, meanwhile, reported on the suspension of the odd-even scheme traffic policy in Pasig City by newly elected Mayor Vico Sotto. The said report garnered 386,000 views on Facebook. Anthony also covered Mayor Isko’s order to remove the names of politicians in the public schools of Manila which now has 819,000 views on Facebook and 511,000 views on YouTube. Aside from news, Stand for Truth also features stories that pique netizens’ interest, bringing about either humor or amazement among the public. Darwin’s report on the viral Tokomi brothers who dress up as

beggars and pull funny pranks, for instance, received a total of 1,405,000 views in Facebook and 827, 000 views on YouTube in its two-part series. Senior high school student Eduard went to Cutud, Pampanga during the Holy Week to witness the Pampaguenos’ devotion to re-enact the crucifixion of Christ every year. The video got 971,000 views on Facebook. Meanwhile during the election coverage, Bhea and Larize did a special focus on two of the most talked about mayors in the National Capital Region—Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. The report already tallied 1,000,000 views on Facebook and 411,000 on YouTube. The two reporters each went to the office of these mayors on their first day of work and asked their supporters about their expectations of their new leaders. Larize’s feature on a “study now, pay later” program of a flying school in Clark, Pampanga hit 437,000 views on Facebook. She also went to check the current status of Arroceros Forest Park and the Mayor Isko’s plans for its rehabilitation—the video of which received 538,000 views on Facebook and 240,000 on YouTube. She also reported the demolition of the homes along San Juan River which now has 265,000 views. Ardo, on the other hand, got 523,000 Facebook views on his report about what went wrong with Otso Diretso’s campaign that contributed to their failing to win a seat in the Senate during the midterm elections. He also covered the controversial issue of the Canadian waste dumped in the Philippines, the video of which, received 403, 000 views on YouTube. Meanwhile, Asmarie reported the controversial issue of Ang Probinsyano Albay representative who punched a waiter inside a restaurant. The video already has 728,000 views on Facebook two weeks after it was uploaded. Indeed, “the future of online news is here”. And this time, Stand for Truth makes its news and features available to viewers as well. Catch Stand for Truth on television, weeknights at 10:45 p.m. on GMA News TV and online from Monday to Friday, 8:30 p.m. via GMA News Facebook page and GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.

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

Entertainment

MONDAY, JULY 29, 2019

New iWANT series sheds light on struggles of HIV-positive teens HOW can people with human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV) or “poz” move forward and live normal, productive lives amidst the burden of stigma and isolation? What can families and friends do for a loved one who has HIV? To shed light on HIV and give hope to HIV-positive people and their loved ones, streaming service iWant launches its original advocacy series Mga Batang Poz, about the journey of four HIV-positive teenagers. The digital series that started streaming for free on iWant app and iwant.ph on Friday, July 26, is based on the bestselling young adult novel by Palancawinning author Segundo Matias Jr.. It stars Mark Nuemann, Fino Herrera, Paolo Gumabao, and Awra Briguela. The six-episode series is helmed by the critically acclaimed writerdirector Chris Martinez. The series will take viewers to what HIV-positive people from different backgrounds face every day: questioning what it means to live after knowing their diagnosis, managing their disease via antiretroviral medications, and braving judgment from families, friends, and society. Mark plays Gab, a 16-year-old bisexual who gets entangled in a passionate love affair with his longterm girlfriend and guy best friend, while Fino portrays Luis, a 15-year-old Filipino-Chinese teenager who explores his sexuality, loses his virginity to an older guy, and eventually gets addicted

to unprotected sex. Awra brings to life Chuchay, 15, an optimistic boy who grew up in a poor household and resorts to using sex for money. Paolo, meanwhile, depicts 16-year-old Enzo, a Wattpad writer neglected by his parents and sacriﬁces his health for a man who promises him love and commitment. After ﬁnding each other in a social media support group for “poz’s” using their online alter egos, Gab, Luis, Enzo, and Chuchay decide to meet at a coffee shop. From there, they form a bond and start a road trip together to search for hope, overcome their despair and uncertainties,

and accept their present situation in order to move forward and fulﬁll their dreams. Aside from the series, iWant also continued the conversation on its advocacy via Poz Talk with Karen Davila, an exclusive special that tackles what else needs to be done to spread awareness on the issue. The special that also came out on Friday had the four lead stars, the author of the novel, and HIVpositive people who shared their stories. Mga Batang Poz is adapted into series by writer Jerry Gracio and is produced by Unitel, StraightShooters, Inc., and Dreamscape Digital. It also stars Yayo Aguila, Bobby Andrews, Joem Bascon,

Paolo Gumabao, Fino Herrera, Awra Briguela, and Mark Neumann, stars of iWant original series, 'Mga Batang Poz.'

The author, director, and cast share an afternoon with the press talking about the advocacy of the iWant original series.

Gardo Versoza, Rita Avila, Mark Rivera, Benedict Campos, Raven Molina, Chesca Inigo, Patty Mendoza, Soliman Cruz, Tarek El Tayech, Dolly De Leon, Marina Benipayo, Chienna Filomeno, Ricardo Cepeda, Andrew Gan, Arnold Reyes, Angeli Agbayani, and Irma Adlawan. Meanwhile, the ofﬁcial soundtrack of Mga Batang Poz also became available on Spotify on Friday, featuring the songs “Gusto Kong Lumipad” by Agsunta, “Nothing On” by Kidwolf, “Puro Laro” by Carlo Bautista, “Ano Nga Ba Tayo?” by JMKO, “Sasamahan

DINGDONG DANTES

Digital show ‘Stand for Truth’ now on TV

salutes contribution of unsung heroes

TUNT actors have some of VERY the most dangerous jobs WANG in the local entertainment NICKIE industry and yet we hardly see WANG any organization giving them the honor they deserve. This is the fact that inspired YesPinoy Foundation Inc. to start a training program that puts the spotlight on these “unsung heroes.” “They are always in the background but most of the time they’re life and safety are at risk,” actor and YesPinoy Foundation Inc. chairman Dingdong Dantes said. “We want to honor the unsung heroes of our industry. They are the frontliners and yet hindi naman sila ang laging nasa harap ng camera at nabibigyan ng exposure. With this in mind, YesPinoy Foundation Inc. spearheaded a training program for the local stunt actors and directors in the country in collaboration with the Stunt Association of the Philippines (SAP) and Seoul Action School-Korea for its first-ever international project dubbed as Project #BeScene or Be Seen. “We called it #BeScene because we wanted to put the spotlight on them, it’s their chance now to be seen,” Dingdong explained. “Our projects will not be successful without our stunt actors who put their lives at stake. It’s about time that we honor them, who we consider as unsung heroes of the entertainment industry, and help them advance their skills, welfare, and safety,” he added. Dingdong partnered with the Seoul Action School – a renowned training association in Korea that teaches martial arts and other physical training for film and television. They are the people behind awardwinning and critically-acclaimed films and television programs such as Goblin, Netflix’ Kingdom, Mr. Sunshine, Battleship Island, Train to Busan, and Okja, among others. An advocate of youth empowerment and nation-building initiatives, Dingdong convened together all stunt actors and directors in the country for a series of extensive training and seminars from July 15 to 21. The vigorous yet didactic program concluded with a graduation ceremony and exhibition program for the participants on July 21 at GMA Network Studio 4. The timely project not only aimed to educate action stars, budding stunt actors,

and even the out-of-school youth but also uplift the safety and welfare of the audiovisual industry by further developing the skills of stunt people in the country. Trainees of the program also underwent coaching from the Philippine Red Cross and were certified by the organization to provide emergency response and basic first aid. Moreover, FWD Life Insurance Corporation Philippines, one of the leading insurance companies in Asia, discussed financial literacy among stunt people. Present during the graduation rites were Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Executive Director David Fabros, Seoul Action School – Korea Action Director Bruce Sunwoong Kim, Brian Poe Llamanzares, Mark Lapid, Quezon City Cong. Alfred Vargas, and SAP officials Ian Ignacio, Ralphe Roxas, and Erwin Tagle. *** Musta campaign wins at Tambuli Awards In the day and age of tweets, posts, and messaging apps, human interaction has taken a less personal approach. Online interaction seems to be threatening social activities, like knocking back a tall cold one with friends. Therein lies San Miguel Beer’s higher purpose— to have people log-off, put down their smartphones, and engage each other over bottles of San Miguel Beer. The “Musta” campaign was a wakeup call for those always online. It reminded them that social media is not a replacement for socialization, and chat rooms will never replace conversations. Aside from the millions of drinkers the campaign engaged, “Musta” bagged San Miguel Beer a metal at the recent Tambuli Awards, which honors “creative and effective brands with purpose”. This win is a testament that analogue is not dead, online is fleeting, and nothing beats actual and real face time over a bottle or two of the country’s favorite beer.

Kita” by Loisa Andalio, “Gitna” by Davey Langit. Stream all the six episodes of Mga Bata ng Poz and Poz Talk on the iWant app (iOS and Android or on For updates, like www. facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @dreamscapedigital and @iwantofﬁcial on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH. For HIV counseling, testing, treatment, and life coaching queries, contact Love Yourself Inc. through e-mail atinfo@loveyourself.ph or visit www. loveyourself.ph. You may also reach the National Youth Commission hotlines at 426-8479 and 371-4603.

DADDY DUTIES. Kapuso actor and YPF Chairman Dingdong Dantes graced the YesPinoy Foundation event with his special guest, Zia.

(From left) Mark Lapid, Cong. Alfred Vargas, Brian Poe Llamanzares, Dingdong Dantes

The turnover of SAP Handbook to the FDCP represented by FDCP Executive Director David Fabros

Acceptance Speech of the Seoul Action School Korea represented by Action Director Bruce Sunwoong Kim

GMA News and Public Affairs’ online newscast Stand for Truth begins airing on leading local news channel GMA News TV tonight at 10:45. Through daily uploads of news reports and features on GMA News’ Facebook page and GMA Public Affairs’ YouTube Channel, the 15-minute newscast has been transforming local broadcast media through mobile journalism. Stand for Truth is anchored by multi-awarded documentarist, writer, photographer, and United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) advocate Atom Araullo, GMA resident political analyst Richard Heydarian, Kapuso personality Joyce Pring, and a pool of millennial reporters who went through rigorous training before they were deployed on the ﬁeld. Using their mobile phones, the anchors and young reporters gather video and news data, produce it into short news segments, and deliver it to Kapuso viewers. This July, Stand for Truth is already averaging 750,000 views per day on Facebook for its segments and 175,000 daily views on YouTube. Some of the recent episodes that made a mark on netizens include Atom’s one-on-one interview with Mayor Isko Moreno about his plans for the city of Manila as well as the anchor’s investigative report on the Chinese-owned businesses in Boracay. Meanwhile, Richard continues to provide on-the-spot analyses of the biggest news of the day with his data-driven discussions. Further connecting to the present generation is Joyce’s interviews with young personalities where they share their passion and aspiration in life. The new generation of reporters— Bhea Docyogen, Anthony Esguerra, Eduard Faraon, MJ Geronimo, Asmarie Labao, Shai Lagarde, Larize Lee, Ardo Miravalles, Darwin Quirino, and Manal Sugadol—are producing remarkable reports that continue to gain extraordinary views online. Manal’s coverage of the 15-year-old student who was shot inside his school in Laguna registered a whopping 1,300,000 views on Facebook as of press time. This was followed by MJ’s report on the imprisonment of the security guard who shot the student and got 354,000 views on Facebook. Manal also produced a segment on factchecking photos and stories published on the web that got 569,000 views. Her inspiring feature of the 18-year-old senior high school student who sellslumpia for her school expenses already has 642,000 views. Continued on C3

Stand for Truth' Gen Z reporters Bhea Docyogen, Anthony Esguerra, Eduard Faraon, MJ Geronimo, Asmarie Labao, Shai Lagarde, Larize Lee, Ardo Miravalles, Darwin Quirino, and Manal Sugadol