Manila Standard - 2019 November 2 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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ISIS replaces Baghdadi with his close aide, warns revenge

Over 8k to take 2019 bar exams at UST 4 Sundays from tomorrow Story on A2

Panic hits quake areas New 5.5 tremor, 968 aftershocks sow fear among Mindanaoans

‘ADEU LANA. Residents of earthquake-hit Tulunan town in Cotabato ask for assistance as it reels from the third powerful tremor in two weeks. It is among three most devastated areas in Cotabato province aside from Makilala and Kidapawan City, according to Cotabato 2nd District Provincial Board Member Philbert Malaluan. At left, Luayon, Makilala evacuees arrive at Malasila Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Cathlyn Aba Sernal, ABS-CBN

Dominguez, Pimentel balk at ‘salt tax’ plan

ALL SAINTS’ DAY VICTIMS. This handout photo, released Friday, by the Conner, Apayao police station, shows

relatives of at least 19 farmer-victims of a transport accident where a truck carrying them and sacks of rice seeds plunged backwards into a ravine, which coincided with All Saints’ Day, a solemn day in the area. AFP

By Vito Barcelo and MJ Blancaflor FILIPINOS poured into cemeteries by the millions on Friday for a rite to remember their dead, blending expressions of grief and faith in a party-like ambiance. Vendors hawked cartoon-themed balloons and police seized karaoke machines at graveyard checkpoints, while inside families swept tombs clean and prayed before candles as part of All Saints’ Day. The ritual, celebrated on Nov. 1, stretches back centuries to ancient Rome and honors saints. But in the

VICE President Leni Robredo said Friday she would not allow herself to be used as a scapegoat for the Duterte administration’s shortcomings in its war on drugs. “VP Leni is always willing to help before and now. If the President is asking for help when it comes to [the issue of the] ‘drug

The 69-year-old Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group based in Mindanao, claims he blurted out in Filipino when the third major shock was rumbling underneath the island three days ago―told is the term used by other media―“Earthquake, stop, and it stopped.” Quiboloy, not joking, added in Filipino: “You should be grateful to me because if I did not direct the earthquake to stop, a lot of your homes would be destroyed and you would have died. I am not saying this without a witness. There were a lot of witnesses around me.”

“People are not allowed to go back to buildings,” Mark Timbal, a spokesman for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told the ANC news channel. Timbal said this would keep them from getting buried under if another earthquake hits and the building collapses on them. The NDRRMC warning came as a magnitude 5.5 earthquake rocked the province of Sarangani on Friday at 10:33 a.m. Of tectonic origin, the tremor had a depth of 33 kilometers and was located Next page

war,’ say it in a formal way, and not through text and statement to the media,” Robredo’s spokesman, Barry Gutierrez said, referring to the President’s challenge that she take charge of the war on drugs. “What she will not stand for is being made a scapegoat for all the shortcomings of the drug war for the past three and a half years,” he added. Next page

AT LEAST 19 farmers were killed in mountainous Apayao province in the Cordilleras when a truck carrying them and sacks of rice seeds plunged backwards down a deep ravine, police said Friday. The victims were on their way home from collecting government subsidized seeds late Thursday in the town of Conner, more than 540 kilometers north of Manila, when the driver lost control of the vehicle, in the latest tragedy on the country’s perilous roads. Either the engine or brakes failed as the truck made its way up an incline. The vehicle, with some 40 people in its bed, then plunged back down the hill into a 20-meter ravine. “The truck fell on its rear first and the passengers were crushed,” local police official Manuel Canipas told AFP. He added another 20 more people on the truck were injured, but will survive. Canipas said the weight of the seeds may have made

Where have all the traffic gone?

Rody needles Leni on drug czar, VP retorts: Won’t be ‘scapegoat’

By Rio N. Araja and MJ Blancaflor

ANIC gripped residents in quake-hit areas in Mindanao as they were told to remain in open spaces or evacuation centers as tremors could still strike, disaster officials said Friday, even as another earthquake was recorded in Sarangani province.

19 die as truck plows down Apayao ravine

By Julito G. Rada

THE Health department’s proposal to impose an additional tax on salty products must be studied carefully because of its impact on the poor, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Friday. “I have to discuss this thoroughly with them,” Dominguez said in a very short response to reporters when asked to comment on the Health department’s proposal. Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said the Health department’s proposal must be studied thoroughly. “The tax might be imposed on the food items consumed by the poorer sections of our society,” Pimentel said. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said it was okay to impose taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, but not on “what to eat and what not to eat.” “Too much,” he said, adding the proposal was “silly.” Senator Joel Villanueva said many people would go hungry if the prices of food like daing and tuyo suddenly went up. Anthony Leachon, co-convenor of the Sin Tax coalition, said the proposal to tax salty foods should be studied well. The Health department earlier this week said it was considering to

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VOL. XXXIII • NO. 261 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

LOOK MA, NO TRAFFIC. A stretch of the

nearly 24-kilometer Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in Metro Manila, which stretches from Caloocan City to Baclaran is devoid on All Saints’ Day of vehicular traffic which daily chokes commuters in the capital, with throngs of surviving kin (right) filling a section of South Avenue leading to the Manila North Cemetery during Undas. Manny Palmero, Norman Cruz

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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‘Reject Code sans Arbitral Award’ pute should be made an integral part of “a binding Code of Conduct.” “Our region cannot promote the rule of law while ignoring the law as it stands. ASEAN member states… are state parties to UNCLOS,” he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. “As such, they should recognize that the award rendered by an UNCLOS Tribunal is a valid and binding judgment under international law.” Del Rosario urged the Philippine government to be vigilant against any effort by China to undermine the country’s maritime territory in the disputed South China Sea. But Philippine Ambassador to Bangkok Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon said the

early conclusion of the COC would greatly reduce tension in the region. The Philippines serves as coordinator of the ASEAN-China dialogue partnership from 2018 to 2021, which includes negotiations for the COC. “As a country coordinator for the ASEAN-China Dialogue, I believe it is to the interest of ASEAN that we look forward to an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea,” Aragon said. “I think this will greatly help reduce tension in the region which… should be conducive to the sustained economic growth of the region which is a common interest to all ASEAN member countries,” Philippine envoy added.

334 kilometers southeast of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, near the border with Indonesia. No significant effect was observed in Mindanao since the quake’s epicenter was far from land, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. The tremor was independent from the series of quakes that jolted Mindanao in the past two weeks. “The quake was too far with a depth of more than 300 kilometers. Besides, it only had a magnitude 5.5. So there is no cause for alarm,” Phivolcs head Renato Solidum said. Aftershocks, including those from two stronger earthquakes recorded earlier in the week, numbered at 968 as of 3 p.m. on Thursday and were experienced hourly, the disaster agency added in a Friday morning report. A 4.2 temblor even hit Tulunan in North Cotabato, the epicenter of the 6.6 and 6.5-magnitude quakes on Tuesday and Thursday, yesterday. “Usually, what happens is people who are going back are the ones who get trapped,” Timbal said. The NDRRMC, he added, has informed local government units about areas identified as hazardous and that needed to be vacated. Meanwhile, the Palace said President Rodrigo Duterte will continue monitoring the situation in the Philippines, especially in the quake-hit areas of Mindanao, while he is away from the country. The President remains “on top of the situation,” despite his decision to fly to Thailand on Thursday afternoon to attend the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits on Nov. 2 to 4, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said. Duterte on Thursday directed all concerned government agencies to provide immediate assistance to quake victims in Mindanao. He also ordered local government units to inspect the structure of buildings nationwide following the three powerful earthquakes that hit Mindanao in two weeks. “It is time for the LGUs to inspect all buildings. They should start now,” Duterte told reporters in Davao City on Thursday night. The Chinese government expressed its deepest sympathy to the affected families and donated 3 million renminbi, approximately P22 million, as assistance to vic-

tims of the disaster. “China believes that, under the strong leadership of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the government of the Philippines, the Philippine people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland as soon as possible,” the Chinese Embassy in Manila added in a statement. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it is monitoring the movement in the Malungon Fault Line, which could generate a magnitude 7.2 quake. The NDRRMC confirmed that around 16 people have been killed so far in the magnitude 6.6 and 6.5 earthquakes that rocked Tulunan, North Cotabato and other nearby provinces. In its 8 a.m. Friday update signed and released by NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad, the agency said about 403 people were reported injured while two were still missing. All of the fatalities, injured and missing were reported in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region and Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the agency reported. The details on the fatalities provided by the NDRRMC are as follows: • Jessie Riel Parba, 15, a resident of Purok 3 Pakigdait, Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur, died after being hit by debris coming from a collapsing wall caused by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake; • Benita B. Saban, residing at Sitio Upper Asbang-elok, Barangay Tagaytay, Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur, killed by a landslide caused by the magnitude 6.6 tremblor; • Romulo Naraga, of Barangay Altavista, Bansalan, Davao Del Sur, died due to cardiac arrest reportedly caused by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake; • Nestor Narciso, 66, a resident of Barangay Zone 1 Bagong Sikat, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, died after being hit by debris caused by the magnitude 6.6 tremor; • Samuel Linao Andy, 44, of Sitio Kitao, Barangay Lanao Kuran, Arakan, Cotabato, was killed by a rockslide caused by the magnitude 6.6 quake; • Renee Corpuz Andy, 7, of the same locality, killed in the same rockslide; • Marichelle Morla, 23, a resident of Sitio Alimodian, Barangay Banayal, Tulunan, North Cotabato, killed after being hit by debris caused by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake; • Patricio Lumayon, 65, of Barangay Luayon, Makilala, Cotabato, died after being hit by debris caused by the same magnitude 6.6 tremor; • Pao Zailon Abdulah, 64, a native of

Barangay Kibayao, Carmen, North Cotabato, succumbed to cardiac arrest caused by the same magnitude 6.6 quake; • Isidro Gomez, 63, of Purok 3, Barangay Pagasa, M’lang, Cotabato, died of cardiac arrest in the same tremor; • Cesar Bangot, chief of Batasan village, Makilala, Cotabato; hit by falling debris caused by the magnitude 6.5 earthquake; • Juve Gabriel Jauod, 7, and of Barangay Nueva Vida, M’lang, Cotabato, who also died after being hit by falling debris caused by the same magnitude 6.5 earthquake; Completing the list of deaths were Rommel Galicia, 20, a resident of Barangay Luayon, Barangay Makilala, and Precilla Verona, 70, of Barangay San Isidro, also of Makilala, Cotabato. Families affected by the twin earthquakes were placed at 6,009 which is equivalent to 30,045 people residing in 72 barangays in Davao Region and Soccsksargen. Of these figures, 2,552 families or 12,760 individuals are now being sheltered in 19 evacuation centers while 1,370 families equivalent to 6,850 persons are being aided outside. Also, a total of 2,817 structures were reported damaged in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen and the BARMM. Cotabato Vice Gov. Emilou TalinoMendoza said seven persons have died in Makilala alone, since earthquake first struck on Oct. 16. Mayor Arthur Davin of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur said five more people were killed Friday, and 957 families have been displaced in his town. Mendoza said 9,704 families in Makilala’s 11 villages have left their houses to settle in open fields, mostly on makeshift tents, with very little supply of food and potable water. She said residents fear a landslide. Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross intensified its operations after a magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit several parts of Mindanao Thursday morning. Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the PRC, said it has deployed eight teams to conduct assessments and augment the chapters’ operations in different areas of Mindanao. The North Cotabato Chapter sent teams to assess the situation in Kidapawan City and Barangay Ilomavis while volunteers and staff from Davao del Sur set up a temporary station and also deployed a team to conduct an assessment of their area. With Macon Ramos-Araneta, MJ Blancaflor, Rey Requejo and PNA

With offices and schools closed, dense crowds carrying bouquets as well as bags heavy with picnic supplies and the odd bottle of beer poured through graveyards. Cemeteries in the Philippines range from quiet fields of wooden crosses to dense “apartment” tombs stacked meters high in the capital, which is home to some 13 million of the living. Many tombs were freshly whitewashed and drizzled with the melted candle wax and topped with religious icons. Church officials in Asia’s Catholic outpost emphasized the reflective aspect of the day, insisting people interested only in “drinking, merry-making, chatting” do so elsewhere. “If you’re going there just merely for a reunion, without praying for the dead, it defeats the purpose,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, spokesman for the nation’s

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. The annual pilgrimage to the cemeteries triggers a mass exodus from the capital, with millions traveling back to their home provinces where relatives are buried. Bus stations, airports and roadways were thick with travelers, while police were deployed in large numbers across the country. In the capital, more than 350,000 people trooped to the Manila North Cemetery, the biggest in the city, to pay respect to their loved ones. More than 80,000 visited the Manila South Cemetery, city officials said. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso prohibited vendors from selling inside the Manila South Cemetery and Manila North Cemetery this year to provide

more space for visitors. He noted that the vendors inside public cemeteries contribute 90 percent to the garbage collection after All Saints’ Day. In a statement issued Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his hopes that this year’s observance would inspire the public in strengthening faith and upholding tradition, which he said “deepen our bonds as a nation.” “Let us dedicate our time, skills and knowledge so we may make a positive and meaningful impact on our society while we pursue meaningful goals for our people and country,” Duterte said. “I wish everyone a solemn and meaningful observance,” he added. All Saints’ Day, also known as Feast of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of all the saints. With Maricel V. Cruz, PNA, AFP

propose an additional tax on salty products including processed food. Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said the proposal was aimed at encouraging consumers to buy healthier food. “The effect will be to increase the price of food with high amounts of salt, so people would buy healthier options because they are cheaper,” Domingo said. He said another possible effect would be for food manufacturers to consciously reformulate their products. Lawmakers have already expressed their opposition to the plan, saying the move would be anti-poor because tuyo and daing would become more expensive. Lacson said he would oppose the proposal. Senator Imee Marcos said the government should run after tax cheats instead of imposing an additional burden on the poor. The United Nations Interagency Task Force earlier said the high consumption of salt was one of the causes of noncommunicable diseases in the country such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, and chronic respiratory diseases. A study also found that while the World Health Organization recommends five grams of salt a day, an average Filipino consumes 11 grams. The TRAIN Law, which took effect in January 2018, cut personal income taxes but raised the excise taxes on alcohol, tobacco, automobiles, fuel and sugar-sweetened beverages. TRAIN reduced the personal income taxes of 99 percent of Filipino taxpayers which, according to the government, boosted consumer demand while discouraging the consumption of unhealthy products such as sweetened beverages, tobacco and alcohol. With Macon Ramos-Araneta

Thursday night in a press conference after he visited his parents’ resting place at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Davao. Should Robredo accept the offer, she will have a Cabinet secretary rank and she will be at the helm of all anti-drug related agencies, Duterte said. The President said there was no need to put the offer in writing. “I will just make her a Cabinet member. Then, all drug cases and all things, matters in connection with drugs, that’s for you [Robredo] until the end of my term,” Duterte said. The President made the offer after Robredo said his drug war needed some “tweaking and assessment.” Robredo said that Duterte’s offer was an admission that he had failed to fulfill his promise to eradicate the drug menace. “If there’s no failure, why delegate it to

me? Because you will only delegate the tasks you cannot do,” she said. Duterte, in response, said that she might have a “better method of dealing with the problem.” “If you criticize, you must have the answer. If you question, you must have the answer. Don’t bring any problem to me,” he said. The two leaders belong to the opposing side of the fence, as Robredo leads the Liberal Party. Robredo used to be part of the Cabinet as chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council until her resignation in December 2016. Robredo cited “major differences” with Duterte, and revealed that she was directed to “desist from attending all Cabinet meetings.” “Your directive to ‘desist from attending

all Cabinet meetings’ has effectively made it impossible for me to do my job. Remaining in your Cabinet has become untenable,” she wrote in her resignation letter. Robredo also said that she had clashed with Duterte over his policies, including the administration’s anti-narcotics campaign. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on Thursday reported that 14,922 out of 42,045 barangays in the country are declared cleared from illegal drugs from July 2016 to September 2019 under the Duterte administration’s continuing antiillegal drugs campaign. PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said these barangays have reached drugcleared status after receiving a certification by members of the Oversight Committee on Barangay Drug-Clearing Program. The Oversight Committee, chaired by

PDEA, is composed of provincial representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, Department of Health and local government units. Before declaring that a barangay is free from illegal drug activities, the committee must convene and validate the nonavailability of drug supply in the area and the absence of drug transit activity, clandestine drug laboratory and chemical warehouse, marijuana cultivation site, drug den, drug pushers and users. “Once cleared, we monitor newly declared drug-free barangays to ensure that they will maintain their status. All our efforts will go to waste if we allow the resurgence of illegal drug activities in these areas,” Aquino said. Aquino said PDEA aims to clear 18,712 drug-affected barangays by 2022.

By Rey E. Requejo

HE Philippines should reject the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea if it does not recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award rendered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating China’s excessive claims to it and reafﬁrming Manila’s exclusive economic zone, including the West Philippine Sea, a former Foreign Affairs secretary said Friday.

“For the Philippines, the way to honor the rule of law in the South China Sea is to consistently take the rightful position of rejecting any COC that does not serve to make the award an integral part of it,” said Albert del Rosario, who served as Foreign Affairs secretary during the

Aquino administration. Del Rosario made the statement as the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit opens today in Bangkok, Thailand. The former top diplomat said the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea dis-

Contingency plans for Bar exams readied

Panic...

THE Supreme Court on Thursday announced contingency plans for the 2019 Bar Examinations that will be held all the Sundays of November at the University of Santo Tomas, and which will be taken by 8,245 examinees. Deputy Clerk of Court Maria Cristina Layusa said in case of heavy rain, 10 Supreme Court buses will be available to transport examinees and duty personnel to the UST from several pick-up points on each morning of examination day. The buses will be stationed as early as 4:30 a.m. and will leave the following areas at exactly 5 a.m. Quezon City Memorial Circle (two buses); Park and Ride, Lawton, Manila (one bus); Supreme Court Compound, Taft Avenue (two buses); EDSA Magallanes Flyover (beneath the Flyover), Pasay City (two buses); Greenbelt and Glorietta, Ayala Center, Makati (two buses), and Marikina Sports Complex (one bus). Only Bar examinees and duty personnel will be allowed to ride the shuttle buses. Boarding will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders must present their Notice of Admission, Gate Pass and/or identification cards to the bus driver before being allowed to board. In case of flooding inside the UST compound before the start of the exams, commuter vans of the Supreme Court will also be available to transport examinees and duty personnel from the UST gates to their respective examination buildings. Senior citizens, pregnant women and people with disability will be given priority. The vans will also be available at each examination building to shuttle Bar examinees and duty personnel back to Osmeña and Arellano Drives near Gate 5 along España Boulevard, where the Supreme Court’s buses are parked. PNA

Where... From A1

Philippines, it is also a day to pray for— and most importantly remember—the deceased. Among the mass of people at a Manila cemetery was 17-year-old Clarissa Limbing, who had come to visit the mother she lost to cancer six years ago. “When we don’t visit them, someone from the family gets sick and we know it’s her making her presence felt,” Limbing said. “It’s important.” Carlito Ortiz, 50, paid his respects to parents who had died when he was still a teenager. “I feel that my parents want me to see them,” he said. “I do it so their souls may rest in peace.”

Rody... From A1

“If they are now being called to account for their failure to deliver, they should not blame VP Leni for it,” he said. In 2016, Robredo tried to get involved with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other agencies to offer solutions on how to improve efforts against drugs, but none of her suggestions were acted upon, and she was excluded from further discussions soon after, Gutierrez said. President Rodrigo Duterte egged Robredo to take his offer to become the administration’s drug czar until the end of his term, saying she would become famous. “Tell her to accept it. She’ll get famous for it. I was not able to do it, maybe she can,” President Duterte told reporters

DOJ sets new deportation rules for cases vs. foreigners

From A1

THE Justice department will implement new deportation rules mandating that once a foreigner is ordered deported, he or she must leave the country after 30 days, and even if the case is on appeal. Justice Secretary Markk Perete said the new rules will be published on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and will take effect 15 days after publication. “After 30 days of receipt of deportation order, unless stayed by the Secretary of Justice or the President, they have to leave the country,” Perete said. Under the deportation rules that will be replaced, foreigners ordered for deportation by the Bureau of Immigration are allowed to stay in the country if they have a pending appeal before the Justice department, which supervises Immigration. Perete, who is the undersecretary for immigration affairs, said the new rules conform with the Administrative Code. Section 10, Chapter 3 of the Administrative Code says Immigration’s deportation order becomes final and in 30 days “unless within such period the President shall order the contrary.” Rey E. Requejo

19 die... From A1

the crash worse, potentially crushing some of the victims. Deadly road accidents are common in the Philippines, where inadequately maintained buses and poorly trained drivers form the backbone of land transport options. Twenty people, including children, were killed in September in T’boli, a first class town in South Cotabato, when a truck carrying a group home from a party at the beach crashed. AFP

Dominguez,... From A1

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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DU30 REMEMBERS.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte visited the grave of his father Vicente at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Davao City on Oct. 31. Presidential Photo

BI officials foil human trafficking try at NAIA By Vito Barcelo IMMIGRATION officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport foiled an attempt by a human trafficking syndicates to spirit seven of their victims out of the country amid the upsurge of passengers going in and out of the country for the Undas break. BI port operations division chief Grifton Medina said two of the seven trafficking victims were intercepted at NAIA’s Terminal 3 as they were about to board a flight to Hong Kong enroute to their final destination in the United Arab Emirates where they were hired as household service workers. Medina said that five other victims were intercepted before they could board their flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where they would stay prior to their illegal deployment as factory workers in Poland. “These syndicates are mistaken if they thought they could succeed in bringing their victims out of the country while our immigration officers are very busy servicing thousands of passengers who are vacationing here and abroad during the Undas break. We were prepared for them, hence these interceptions,” Medina said. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente has earlier ordered all BI port personnel to double their vigilance due to intelligence reports that human trafficking syndicates would take advantage of the holidays to send their victims abroad. “As usual, the victims were either caught with spurious documents or were hired by illegal recruiters,” said Ma. Bernadette Catipay, head supervisor of the BI’s travel control and enforcement unit at NAIA 3. The two Hong Kong-bound passengers were caught in possession of fake overseas employment certificates and labor assistance center clearances which they presented to make it appear that they are legitimate overseas contract workers. On the other hand, the Poland-bound factory workers were allegedly hired by a recruitment agency which was already suspended by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for violating the latter’s ruels and regulations.

TRUCKLOAD OF RELIEF GOODS.

Members of Philippine Coast Guard load relief goods into 10 trucks on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Department of Social Welfare and Development warehouse in Pasay City. The food packs are intended for the victims of the series of quakes that struck Mindanao in October. Norman Cruz

Fewer common crimes in last 6 months—SWS poll By MJ Blancaflor

EWER Filipinos have reported being victims of common crimes in the last six months, according to a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations.

The survey found that crime victimization dropped to 5.6 percent from the previous 7 percent last June, the lowest ﬁgure recorded since June 2018. Malacañang on Friday welcomed the results of the third quarter poll, saying it showed that the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs and criminality is working “effectively” and “efﬁciently.” However, the SWS noted that despite the decline of victims of pickpocketing, robbery, break-ins, carnapping, physical violence, among other common crimes, the public’s fear of burglars and unsafe streets remains high. Common crimes were most likely to happen in the National Capital Region than in other areas, the poll showed. By area, the proportion of those fearing burglaries remained highest in

Metro Manila at 65 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 63 percent, Mindanao at 54 percent, and the Visayas at 52 percent. Compared to June 2019, fear of burglaries rose by 8 points in Luzon, by 7 points in Mindanao, and by 1 point in the Visayas. However, it fell by 4 points in Metro Manila. Fear of unsafe streets rose in Mindanao and Luzon, while it dropped in Metro Manila and the Visayas. Respondents from Metro Manila fear of unsafe streets the most at 49 percent, followed by the Visayas at 48 percent, Luzon at 47 percent, and Mindanao at 45 percent. According to the September survey, 3.4 percent or around 846,000 families said they were victimized by street robbery in the past six months; 2.6 percent or

around 640,000 families were victimized by break-ins, and 0.5 percent or 133,000 families had family members hurt by physical violence. In terms of public safety, while respondents noted a decline in the presence of drug addicts in their neighborhood, 38 percent believe that there are still many drug addicts in their area. Families fearing the presence of many drug addicts were highest in Metro Manila at 51 percent, followed by Luzon at 38 percent, Mindanao at 35 percent, and the Visayas at 31 percent. Compared to June 2019 data, fear of many drug addicts in the area fell by 10 points from 41 percent in the Visayas, and by 1 point from 52 percent in Metro Manila. Fear of drug addicts remained at 38 percent in Luzon, while it rose by 8 points from 27 percent in Mindanao. “The September crime victimization survey validates government data that the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality, a centerpiece program of the administration, is working effectively and efﬁciently with the results being signiﬁcant, palpable, and meaningful,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

MIAA chief lauds honest NAIA guard Angara bats for more By Joel E. Zurbano MANILA International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal on Friday commended another airport worker for honesty after he turned over to airport management a pouch containing dollar bills. Security guard Sanzebal Mastul was on duty at the arrival conveyor area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 1 last Thursday when he saw a pouch at one of the carousels. Mastul picked up the pouch and headed to the paging section to look for the possible owner but no one came despite several announcements. He then proceeded to MIAA’s Lost and Found section for recording and documentation. “A joint inventory in the presence of security guard Mastul yielded a remarkable amount of cash but no identiﬁcation card that would lead to the owner,” the MIAA-Media Affairs Division said in a statement.

As of press time, Lost and Found section personnel are waiting for claimant. MIAA-MAD officials said they are not allowed to describe or disclose the type and brand of the pouch, and the amount of money inside as it will be one confirmative information to be asked from claimants. Monreal expressed his gratitude to Mastul for his honesty. “I salute you, Sir. This is just one act that proves that the culture of honesty is truly present in the NAIA". Mastul, 37, is a security guard assigned in NAIA for 12 years. Just recently, Monreal also commended a mobile sim card retailer for honesty after she returned a lost wallet containing more than P130,000 to its owner. Josephine Pagoyo picked up a lost wallet with 2,000 in US dollars and surrendered it to Lost and Found section. NAIA officials used the social media Facebook where they located and informed the owner about her wallet.

welfare attachés for distressed OFWs

By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATOR Sonny Angara wants more social welfare attachés to help our distressed overseas Filipino workers in various parts of the world. He noted that everyday, OFWs are subjected to abuse in one form or another in the countries where they are deployed. “And they need all the assistance that they can get from the government,” said Angara. Because of this, he called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development to fill up the five vacant posts in Jordan; Lebanon; South Korea; Italy; and the United Arab Emirates in order to bring the total to 12. “I have been pushing for the deployment of more Social Welfare Attaches (SWA) in order to provide our OFWs with the assurance that its government cares about them, particularly when they are in distress,” Angara said. In April this year, the President signed Republic Act 11299 establishing the Office for Social Welfare Attaché and to date, a total of seven active posts have been filled namely Malaysia/Brunei; Jeddah; Riyadh; Kuwait; Hong Kong; Qatar; and Dubai. The Senate Finance Committee chairman also said that every year, our OFWs have been remitting billions of dollars back home to their families and this has consistently provided an invaluable boost to our economy. This is why we should be there for them when they need us the most,” Angara added. In 2018, personal remittances from OFWs reached a total of $32.2 billion, a record high, based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. For the first eight months of the year, personal remittances have already reached close to $22 billion.

DOJ to probe gun attack vs. broadcaster in S. Kudarat By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Justice will create a special investigating team to probe the gun attack that wounded a broadcaster in Sultan Kudarat earlier this week. "Will surely take on this case,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a text message sent to reporters on Friday. “The DOJ will create a special investigating team for this purpose and will coordinate with all law enforcement agencies,” Guevarra added. Benjie Abdul Caballero, the station manager of "Radyo ni Juan," was reportedly waiting for a tricycle in Barangay New Isabela in Tacurong City when two motorcycle-riding suspects shot him last Wednesday. Reports said that Caballero was still ﬁghting for his life as of Thursday. The attack against Caballero occurred days after Pat Lucero Pacquiao, a Davao del Norte broadcaster, survived a shooting.

IN BRIEF Solon wants ‘Montalban’ back A LAWMAKER has filed a bill restoring "Montalban" as the name of what is now Rodriguez, Rizal. Rep. Fidel Nograles of Rizal's Second District said the prevailing sentiment of residents of Rodriguez want to restore the original name of the town, that is still popularly called “Montalban” by residents, visitors and the population at large. Nograles said that when he was the assistant provincial administrator of Rizal and while on the campaign trail, he was frequently approached by Rodriguez residents who requested him to find a way to restore the name originally given to the town when it was founded in 1909: Montalban. “It’s fairly common knowledge that everyone still refers to Rodriguez as ‘Montalban,’ but it was only recently that I learned that so many of my constituents really want the municipality to officially reclaim its original name,” said Nograles, a native of Rizal province. Maricel V. Cruz

Institutionalize ‘Malasakit’—Go SENATOR Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go yesterday expressed hope that his proposed measure to institutionalize the “Malasakit Centers” will be passed in the Senate before the Christmas break. “Hopefully, bago mag-Christmas break ‘yung Senate bill ay maipasa,” said Go during the sidelines of the launching of the Malasakit Center in Compostela Valley, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, As chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Go said he has been pushing for the Malasakit Center which is being supported by senators. The latest Malasakit Center at the Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital-main in Montevista, Go said, would ensure easier access for Comvaleños and residents of nearby towns to quality health services and medical assistance from the government. Macon Ramos-Araneta

‘Ecoland 4000 not a DMCI project’ DMCI Homes, the housing component of DMCI Holdings Inc., on Thursday denied involvement in the construction of the earthquake-damaged Ecoland 4000 Residence in Davao City. "We would like to inform everyone that Ecoland 4000 is not a project of DMCI Project Developers Inc. (DMCI Homes)," DMCI Homes said in a statement. "The company was not involved in the development, design, and construction of the said project," it added. A portion of the Ecoland 4000 condominium Hameji building was heavily damaged after a magnitude 6.5 earthquake rocked several parts of Mindanao on Oct. 31 following an equally powerful tremor on Oct. 29. Local reports said the collapsed condominium building is owned by DMC Urban Property Developers Inc., a real estate development company. DMCI Homes clariﬁed that Verdon Parc is currently its only project in Davao City. PNA

Opinion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

A string of failures MY FAMILY has not observed Undas in 10 years. A long time ago, we used to walk a long distance in observance of All Saints’ Day—walking from Ateneo de Manila University, where we parked our car, all the way to Loyola Memorial Park where our dear departed were. We also visit our dead on their birth and death anniversaries.

Why is the government still dealing with this IT company? Undas is actually a practice we Filipinos borrowed from Mexico. Mexicans don costumes associated with the dead and go around in grotesque outfits. When we used to stay at the memorial park for a long time, we had a big tent to shield us from sunlight or rain. Our family prepared food for lunch and dinner. A brother-in-law even had a commode! I enjoyed marking Undas in those years. *** Six months after the 2019 midterm elections, the media and the general public have moved on to current and not-so-newsworthy controversies. This is good news for one information technology provider which, according to sources, is now worming its way into government deals despite its past failures. Last May, mainstream and social media were abuzz with reports about faulty Voter Registration Verification Machines. The main complaint was that the VRVMs supplied by this IT provid-

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

er had an alarmingly high 68-percent failure rate. Santa Banana, due to this unacceptable failure level of unreliability, the use of these machines was eventually scrapped! Effectively, the Commission on Elections threw away P900 million of taxpayers’ money on these defective contraptions. Can you imagine how far that amount would have gone if used for other purposes? Rafael Gutierrez, an IT expert, underscored this failure of the Comelec and rightfully pointed out the risk of entering into further contracts with a historically unreliable company such as this IT provider. Gutierrez made this assertion because of the disturbing fact that despite the staggering failure of these machines last May, the IT provider is still being considered by the Philippine Statistics Authority to establish the critical National ID System! After the Comelec fiasco, Gutierrez is concerned that the PSA may be the next victim of this firm. My gulay, in the end, it will not even by the government agencies who will be on the losing end—it is us, taxpayers! Why entrust a project of this magnitude and importance to a company with a spotty track record? Wala na bang iba? Aren’t there any other choices? Citing a Comelec IT performance report on the technical failure rates of the VRVM during the May 2019 elections, Gutierrez detailed the various points of failure of the provider. “Users were not able to log in using their smartcards readership. This points to poor quality of the supplier’s smartcards and smartcard readers,” he said. In Caloocan, for instance, 607 out of 841 VRVMs were not used or did not function. This is a considerable 72.16 percent. In Quezon City, 940 out of 1,487 or 63.21 percent did not function. Region VI was particularly bad—In Iloilo, the failure rate was 86.12 percent,

Earthshaking

ILIPINOS are used to natural disasters, typhoons and earthquakes occurring most frequently. But we can’t help being alarmed at the series of tremors rocking the island of Mindanao in recent days: Two on Oct. 16 magnitudes 6.3 and 5.5), another two on Oct.29 (magnitude 6.6 and 6.1), one on Oct. 31 (magnitude 6.5), and a magnitude 4.5 aftershock on Nov. 1.

An official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology says this was the first time he has seen several strong earthquakes in a span of just a few weeks. Associate scientist Toto Bacolcol says that the long fault in Cotabato is capable of generating an even stronger one. “In that area, you have several closely placed faults, near to each other,” Bacolcol said. “It’s possible that one fault would trigger another fault to move. We call that stress transfer.” Meanwhile, in a radio interview, officer in charge of the agency’s Seismological Observation and Earthquake Prediction Division Ishmael Narag explored what might have caused the series of quakes: One fault

causing them all, segments of a fault triggering each other, an entire fault system, or a series of faults that affect each other. These experts notwithstanding, nobody can yet predict when and where exactly the next one of considerable magnitude will strike. The best we can do is work with likelihoods and possibilities. One, given our location on the planet, we must first and foremost recognize that there is no escaping the danger that lurks beneath our feet. Two, earthquakes per se hardly kill— it is their consequences, in the form of collapsing structures, or fires, that do. Given this, the government should take the lead in ensuring that buildings are

sound and electrical systems are in place. Structure owners should also be conscientious in doing the same. Three, while we cannot predict the exact moment when earthquakes will strike, we can look ahead to what might happen and what we can do when a temblor does strike. We can anticipate a disruption in the things we take for granted—electricity, water, and transport, distribution, financial and medical systems. What is our recourse when our “normal” is challenged? How can we continue functioning the best we can? Local governments play a crucial role in these preparations, but families too must have their own scenarios and action plans. No one in his right mind could fancy himself able to stop an earthquake if one talks to it and tells it to stop. Woe, too, to those who take such hogwash at face value. But everyone should have the mind to know that despite the awesome power of nature, we can lessen our vulnerability to and helplessness before it—if we think ahead and plan what to do in the likely event of yet another shaking.

Turn to A5

Implementation: The challenge for the ‘Bawal bastos’ law FOLLOWING a series of long meetings and public consultations in various parts of the country in the last three months, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of R.A. 11313, the Safe Spaces Act, more popularly known as the “Bawal Bastos” law, was launched on October 28. I consider this as a groundbreaking law on women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. As someone who took part in the deliberation of the bill at the House of Representatives, and a member of the Technical Drafting Committee headed by the Philippine Commission on Women that developed the IRR, I can say with certainty that if this law is fully and efficiently implemented, it will spell a difference in the lives particularly of Filipino women and girls. For one, this law recognizes that gender-based sexual harassment can, and do happen everywhere. This law expands the coverage of the first law that only covered SH in workplaces and educational and training institutions, to public and online spaces. RA 11313 also covers GBSH committed between peers, and no longer requires a superior-to-subordinate relationship, or moral ascendancy between the perpetrator and the victim. In terms of public spaces, the law covers streets, roads, alleys, markets, parks and similar places. It also considers privately-owned places that cater to the public as public spaces including buildings, malls, restaurants and cafes, bars and clubs, cinemas, salons, resorts, and other places of recreation. Moreover, public utility vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, taxis, app-based conveyance such as Grab and Angkas, as well as school bus services are also covered. Second, for the first time, a law’s IRR has defined terms such as: Gender identity and/or expression; homopho-

bic remarks or slurs; misogynistic and sexist remarks or slurs; and transphobic remarks and slurs. This, to me, is precedent-setting as these definitions can be useful in subsequent discussions of bills related with Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression. Third, the “Bawal Bastos” law penalizes GBSH acts for as long as these are unwanted, uninvited, and committed in public spaces. MOTIVE of the perpetrator is irrelevant, according to the law. This is crucial because people should recognize that GBSH is wrong no matter what the motive of the perpetrator is.

This is groundbreaking for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. More importantly, victims no longer have to prove ill-motive on the part of the accused, which happens in prosecuting crimes based on laws for women. Motive is very hard to prove and many times, perpetrators of genderbased crimes get acquitted because of this. RA 11313 changes this by removing the element of motive in the commission of GBSH crimes. Last, beyond penalizing perpetrators, the law has the potential to facilitate a change in mindsets about violence against women, GBSH, women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. It is a step in the right direction as it requires strong public education on the law, the conduct of gender sensitivity seminars for the various government offices, including local government units, that are mandated to implement this law. Those tasked to apprehend perpetrators like traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police, and security guards in public and commercial establishments and public places, are also required to undergo Turn to A5

Called to be saints, though imperfect EVERY November 1 of the year, Christianity celebrates All Saints’ Day in commemoration of all Christian Saints. The Scripture refers to all the baptized as saints because we are made holy by God’s grace, by inclusion in the mystical body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism. Through baptism we pass "from death to life; death no longer has dominion over us." Since the first century the church has recognized those Christians who truly embody the Gospel mission of faithfulness to Christ and love of neighbor. Saints who were canonized are held up as role model for living in Christ and whose entrance into heaven is certain. Catholics believe in the communion of saints which refer to the spiritual union of the members of the Christian Church, living and the dead, excluding souls who died in enmity with God and therefore are in Hell or Gehenna. Hence, we refer to the three components of the Mystical body of Christ, the Churches Militant, Penitent, and Triumphant. They are part of the so-

called "mystical body," with Christ as the head, in which each member contributes to the good of all and shares in the welfare of all.

It is foolhardy to suppose that this life is the end-all and be-all of our existence. On this day, we also call to mind the four last things—death, judgment, living and hell. The certainty of these things compel us to practice virtue in this life, which is merely a passage to an afterlife in union with God or death eternal in the company of the damned. It is foolhardy to suppose that this life

is the end-all and be-all of our existence. We come to be for the sole purpose, not of physical sustenance or bodily comfort, but to be in union with God for all eternity and partake of his Divine nature. Because of this, it behoves upon each and everyone of us to exert utmost diligence and perseverance, hoping for God’s infinite mercy, in order to gain salvation in the end. St. Paul’s exhorts the Philippians: continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, This exhortaexhorta tion may be dismissed by the secular world as a vestige of a bygone era, an overly dramatic statement by the Apostle which is no longer applicable in our time. Yet, the constancy and applicability of these words to our world remain; in fact it is applicable in our time more than ever. But in the midst of all the worldly temptations, God is calling us to become saints, cultivate virtues most pleasing to him. Most often, we fail in this regard and are tempted to indulge in wickedness and misery, but what is good about our Turn to A5

Rolando G. Estabillo Publisher ManilaStandard

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Opinion

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Feat in China’s constructive diplomacy OUTGOING ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Jianhua, made a farewell courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang last Oct. 30. Zhao had served as China’s ambassador to the Philippines since 2014. His tour of assignment saw the accelerated firming up of Philippine-China relations. It was during his stint that saw the lowest ebb in the relations between the two and the phenomenal trust in recognizing that both have a community of shared future in promoting development, trade and progress among nations. Since the opening of diplomatic ties in 1975, Philippine-Chinese relations have gone through a period of suspicion and distrust probably because of the hangover of the Cold War framed in our sentimentalist attitude towards our former colonizer. Ambassador Zhao was aware of this misguided Filipino attitude that he had to hurdle a Herculean task—which is to overcome this psychological barrier that runs deep. By coincidence, his designation as Chinese ambassador came when the Philippines filed a case for arbitration in our claim in the South China Sea. Relations deteriorated after the arrest of Chinese fishermen in the Scarborough Shoal, and culminated in a stand-off between our Philippine navy boats and China’s coast cutters. Despite the heated rhetoric and verbal barbs, Zhao remained open and conciliatory with the end goal of reaching an agreement without resorting to shooting war to which nobody could win. Through dialogue and peaceful negotiations, China has now allowed our fisherman to enter the shoal to catch in the rich fishing basin. The good thing about this approach, in which ambassador Zhao played an important role, is that it allowed Philippine-Chinese relations to enter a second phase. That happened with the election of President Duterte in 2016. Nobody knew ambassador Zhao would be able to reach some kind of political and personal chemistry with the President to somewhat magically bring renaissance to Philippine-China relations. Frankly, how President Duterte and Ambassador managed to close the gap of distrust and suspicion in China’s offer of friendship came as a surprise. Many thought that the Duterte administration would be mainly confined to domestic policy, and has no interest in reviving with greater vigor an independent policy. Maybe we can attribute it to ambassador Zhao that it is to the best interest of the two countries in understanding they have a community of shared future than in building a wedge that would only isolate the country back to the Cold War era. Ambassador Zhao was able to integrate President Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” a gargantuan

Implementation:... From A4

training. The same training is, likewise, part of the penalties of those proven to have violated the law. Hopefully, these education activities will help change the way people regard women and those in the LGBTQIA+ community, and learn to respect their rights. The Safe Spaces Law penalizes a host of acts. Many of these are regarded by some as “ordinary” or “normal.” Meaning, these happen a lot and are tolerated by society, without knowing the effects of such acts to victims. For GBSH in public spaces, such acts include: Catcalling; wolf-whistling; unwanted invitations; misogynistic, sexist, transphobic, and homophobic remarks or slurs; persisted uninvited comments or gestures on a person’s appearance; relentless requests for personal details; statement of sexual comments and suggestions; leering or intrusive gazing; cursing; taunting; the use of words, gestures or actions that ridicule on the basis of sex, gender, or SOGIE; persistent telling of sexual jokes; use of sexual names, comments, and demands; public masturbation or flashing of private parts; groping, touching, or pinching, or brushing against the genitalia, face, arms, anus, groin, breasts, inner thighs, buttocks, or any

project to connect China, Trans-Asia and the Pacific to hasten progress and trade with that of President Duterte’s program of “Build, Build, Build.” The immediate impact is that it instantly convinced many stereotype Filipinos to rethink of China as shrewd and cannot be trusted. There are five areas today where China and the Philippines intend to intensify their cooperation. These are: One, building a bilateral financial cooperation in which both sides agreed to revisit current currency swap arrangement to manage foreign exchange risk.

The outgoing ambassador has our deep gratitude.

loan extended to National Irrigation Authority of P4.4 billion to finance the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project. Under negotiations are loans to secure the P12.2 billion to finance the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project for MWSS; the Department of Transportation’s project of P175.3-billion North-South Railway Line (Long Haul); the Bases Conversion and Development Authority of P57.2-billion Subic-Clark Railway Project; the P39.2-billion AmbalSimuay River and Rio Grande de Mindanao River Control Project; the P25.6-billion Davao Expressway Project; the P97.3-billion Panay-Guimaras-Negros island bridges; the P56.6 billion Cebu-Bohol link bridge; the P44.6-billion North Luzon Expressway East Project; the P47.4-billion Dinagat (Leyte)-Sugrigao link bridge; the P57.6-billion Luzon-Samar link bridge; that P72.1-billion Bohol-Leyte link bridge; the P14.4-billion NegroCebu link bridge; and the P2.3-billion Camarines Sur Expressway Project. All the laudable and specific projects to be financed and undertaken by China are geared towards the promotion of trade and connectivity. Most of the countries that styled themselves as traditional donors continue to downplay China’s contributions. They merely cite statistical comparison to the amount contributed by China, often forewarning countries that in securing loans they might end up in a debt trap. But have they asked themselves the basic question why countries supposedly awash with “surplus capital” allow much of their capital providing to loans through institutional banks with soaring interest rates and impose conditionalities therein. For instance, it cited Japan as the country’s leading creditor/donor. It has currently financed 10 grantfunded projects worth $141.33 million and 22 ODA loan-funded projects amounting to over $6 billion. The US and Australia have active grants to the Philippine worth $553.58 and $444.1 million, respectively. Yet, they never bothered to identify any of their funded projects, least to show to our people where their money went in helping the Philippines. What is observed is that the US is more preoccupied in providing weapons to countries because they serve a dual purpose of letting countries fight to defend their interest while providing much profit to its military industrial complex, which, in truth, is the one fuelling all wars. This is the paradox because destruction completes the cycle to rebuild in the aftermath of war. In light of what Ambassador Zhao has done to help this country, he was given the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu by the President for his invaluable contribution to peace and progress. Ambassador Zhao has the deep gratitude of the Filipino people for the friendship he forged while serving as China’s ambassador.

Two, exploring areas of cooperation in infrastructure, education, tourism, technology, power, ports and information technology. Three, enhancing agricultural and trade cooperation and assessing the growth potential in agricultural sector and shared opportunities where the countries can mutually gain benefit such as the export of Chinese-made agricultural equipment, expansion of Philippine export to China such as tropical fruits as banana, coconut and pineapple; and “high-end” marine and fishery products like lapu-lapu, bangus, tuna, crab and shrimps. Four, addressing reported trade gaps, improving exchange information on export/import data and curbing the entry of illegal drugs from China to the Philippines. And five, assisting in the joint development of tourist areas in the country which China expressed interest in establishing hotels to cater to the increasing number of Chinese tourist arriving in the country. China has purposely chosen to undertake projects that will help ease our road arteries in Metro Manila. The Chinafunded bridges will greatly ease traffic capacity and efficiency by providing additional fix links and additional routes crossing Pasig River. The P4.243-billion Binondo-Intramuros Bridge project has two-way four lanes with a total length of 734 meters upon completion within 30 months. Another is the P1.229-billion Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge which is a 506.46 meter-reconstructed bridge traversing the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong upon completion in 23 months. There are currently 18 projects totalling P731.7 billion that have been rolled out by China during the President’s visit. Two projects costing at least P500 million each are slated— the Department of Agriculture’s P500million Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology Cooperation Program Phase 3, and the Seawater Desalination Complete Equipment Project in Dauis, Bohol to be financed through Chinese grants. Another is the rpkapunan@gmail.com

part of the victim’s body; or any advances, whether verbal or physical, that is unwanted and has threatened one’s sense of personal space and physical safety. For online BGSH, the acts penalized are those that use information and communications technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims. These include: physical, psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, sexist, homophobic, and transphobic comments online whether publicly or through direct and private messages; invasion of privacy through cyber-stalking and incessant messaging; uploading and sharing without consent any form of media that contains photos, voice, or video with sexual content; unauthorized recording and sharing of photos, videos, or any information online; impersonating identities of victims online or posting lies to harm victims’ reputation; or filing false abuse reports to online platforms to silence victims. Indeed, the Safe Spaces Law covers a lot of areas. It is a long (19 pages all) and complex law that will involve a good number of government agencies to implement. The “Bawal Bastos” law also mandates LGUs to pass ordinances so they are able to localize the law’s implementation. This is the big challenge now—the full and efficient implementation of the

law. For this to happen, there is a big need for implementers to thoroughly understand the policy, and develop their capacities for implementation of their mandates. On the other hand, the law should be understood by those who should benefit from it. This requires community, workplace, and school-based education about the law’s salient provisions. A good law can be wasted if those who should implement it do not do it properly, and when those who should benefit from it do not know the law. During the launch of the IRR, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Danny Lim unequivocally said that he welcomes the law and is fully committed to its implementation. I hope that other implementers have the same commitment, and that such is translated into actual programs for the law to work. I no longer want to hear what I heard in one of the public consultations that “Kawawa naman, makukulong dahil lang sinipulan ang babae.” People should now realize that such acts are reprehensible and criminal. People should feel for the victims, instead. The “Bawal Bastos” law is there, it should now be fully and efficiently implemented. @bethangsioco on Twitter Elizabeth Angsioco on Facebook

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Be ready for the Big One INEVITABLY, there is now a growing concern among us about the possibility of a major earthquake striking in the country, particularly crowded urban areas like Metro Manila. Unlike previously, the specter of the Big One happening any moment is obviously no longer being taken lightly, and a number of anxious questions lurk in the back of our minds. What do we do when the Big One hits? Are we ready for contingencies like power failure? How prepared are we in terms of rescue operations, medical emergencies, and triage? Can we prevent chaos and looting? Do we have enough food and potable water supply? Government offices, schools, and some private entities have, in fact, conducted earthquake and fire drills but these have been limited to evacuating the buildings. President Duterte has ordered concerned agencies and local government units to inspect public buildings and ascertain if they can endure strong tremors. There have been frequent occurrence of earthquakes and numerous aftershocks in Mindanao, particularly those areas in the proximity of the Cotabato Trench including Davao provinces. Similarly several tremors had been experienced in Luzon, including Metro Manila, in the past months before the strong quakes in the South took place that resulted in several deaths and limited damage. But the threat of the Big One hangs

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like the Sword of Damocles over our heads. It can strike at any place at any time. Unfortunately, such cannot possibly be predicted by modern technology even in rich countries just yet. On July 16, 1990, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Central Luzon and the Cordillera region, claiming the lives of over 1,600 people and causing extensive damages. Baguio City suffered the most casualties that day, particularly at the collapsed Hyatt Hotel.

The specter of massive calamity is real. Bohol island was devastated by a horrific intensity 7.2 tremor in October 2013 with casualties of 159 and centuries-old churches in ruins. The island was shaken again by a 5.9 quake in March this year. In October 1976, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake under the sea caused a tsunami in western Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, killing some 8,000 people. These are but a few in the list of the tragedies caused by major earthquakes in the country that can repeat at any place at any time, and cannot be predicted. Perhaps, the recent earthquakes serve as a gentle reminder for all of us. We may be distracted most of the time but we are well aware that the specter of massive calamity is real. And, we know that the only thing we can predict is how prepared we are as a nation for any contingency such as the Big One.

Be holy by working for the common good and renouncing personal gain. Let me take this occasion to give a few words on Senator Aquilino Pimentel or Tatay Nene (in my case because of long-standing family friendships, I called him Tito Nene) as he was fondly called. Nene was a defender of the oppressed and a pillar of our nation. During his prime, he, together with other patriots, fought the Marcos dictatorship, risking life and liberty to free the people from oppression. He spent many years defending human rights victims, and became a stalwart of the Philippine Senate which he served for several terms after the People Power Revolution. We know that Nene Pimentel led a life well lived—courageous, and charitable, never shirking from his civic duty to defend the poor and the oppressed, seizing every opportunity to make this benighted world of ours a better place to live in through his selfless service to his fellowmen. He may not be a canonized saint in the strict sense of the term, for sure he was a politician and made imperfect choices and sometimes made mistakes, but he is more than worthy to be raised in the pantheon of Filipino heroes whom we praise in eternal gratitude. To Nene Pimentel, may you rest forever in God’s embrace.

God is that he is more than willing to welcome us back, if only we cooperate in his grace. As the saying goes, every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. Even the most wretched amongst us is given every chance to return to God’s embrace and follow the path of righteousness he leads us. In today’s world the Church’s call to holiness remains a constant clarion call. In his Apostolic ‘Rejoice and Be Glad,’ Pope Francis explains what this call to holiness mean—To be holy does not require being a bishop, a priest or a religious. We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. That is not the case. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves. Are you called to the consecrated life? Be holy by living out your commitment with joy. Are you married? Be holy by loving and caring for your husband or wife, as Christ does for the Church. Do you work for a living? Be holy by laboring with integrity and skill in the service of your brothers and sisters. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by patiently teaching the little ones how to follow Jesus. Facebook: deantonylavs Are you in a position of authority? Twitter: tonylavs

A string... From A4

or 2,215 of 2,572 VRVMs. Nationwide, failure was at 68.14 percent. Out of 27,747 VRVMs, 18,906 were not used or did not function. Gutierrez further revealed that the IT provider failed to deliver in another country as well. Estonian police supposedly sued this company for $178 million for security flaws found in the citizen ID cards it had produced. Don’t citizen ID cards sound like National IDs? It is important to note that Estonia is renowned as a country with the most digitalized e-government. According to newspaper reports, vulnerabilities to hacker attacks found in government-issued ID cards supplied by the European company made for an embarrassing setback for Estonia. A real blackeye! This IT provider’s fatal mistake was to create private key codes for each individual government ID card instead of embedding it on the card’s chip as

promised. This cost-cutting measure, however, exposes the owner to cyber attacks. Understandably, the Estonian police is treating the matter as a “very serious breach of contract.” The PSA should really give this IT provider a hard look. *** Santa Banana, what a double whammy! Surveys showed the Philippines was fifth worst in the impunity index with the highest number of journalist killings. The second whammy is that traffic in Metro Manila has been deemed the world’s worst, according to navigation app Waze. The Palace continues to deny the culture of impunity against media. And then, the finding on traffic is hardly something to be proud of. Imagine, when my wife and daughter had lunch with a friend in Quezon City, it took them three hours one way! Air traffic is just as bad. I am glad that finally, San Miguel will get to build its new airport in Bulakan town in Bulacan.

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Republic of the Philippines GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM GSIS Building, Financial Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City 1308

News

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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Parañaque to construct new market T By Joel E. Zurbano

HE Parañaque City government will construct a new public market planned to be the permanent home of illegal vendors who have been a problem in the area of Baclaran for more than 50 years. The groundbreaking of the P150-million Baclaran Gateway and People’s Market will start this month. Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the project would be funded by the city government after it turned-down the private-publicpartnership proposal of a private construction firm. Olivarez said the multi-level people’s market building would be built on a one-hectare vacant land along Roxas Boulevard fronting the historic Redemptorists Church in Baclaran. The city chief executive said the BGPM would be built using 60 x 300 meters of “cement slab” placed on top of canals along the service road of Roxas Boulevard. A loading and unloading zone, overhead pedestrian crossing, and a new Light Railway Transit -1 terminal station will also be built in the area to help buyers and the vendors. Parking lots will also be constructed at the proposed market, which is expected to be in full operation by the last quarter next year.

“All of our vendors in the people’s market will be permanent and legal since they will pay their respective business permits annually. These will be an additional income for the city coffers,” Olivarez pointed out. The project is envisioned by Olivarez with the backing of President Rodrigo Duterte and the approval from the Metro Manila Council, as well as the Metro Manila Development Authority. While awaiting the construction of the facility, the city government will install tents along Roxas Boulevard, where the sidewalk vendors can sell their goods. Some 2,000 Baclaran vendors were recently displaced in the side walk clearing operations in the city. City officials said the tents would provide 2 meters of space for each vendor. They appealed to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade if the other displaced vendors could be transferred to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in the meantime.

Getting measles ‘resets’ body’s immune system

GENERAL GUIDELINES: 1.

Disposal of GSIS Investment Properties – Retail Units (IP-RUs) is through a competitive public bidding process. Acceptance of Purchase Offers shall start on the scheduled bidding date and time.

Dropping of bid envelopes will be on the date of bidding from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM only. Opening of Bids will immediately follow. Late bid envelopes will not be accepted.

Disposal of GSIS IP-RUs is on an “As-Is, Where-is” basis. Interested bidders are enjoined to personally inspect the GSIS IP-RUs for sale. “As-Is, Where-Is” is defined as the present physical condition of the retail unit that GSIS is selling and the buyer is buying, “with all attendant faults, if any,” whether or not immediately apparent and without any express or implied warranty. The buyer takes this condition at his or her own risk, without recourse against the GSIS as to their condition. This includes knowledge by the buyer of the presence of occupants in the retail-unit being purchased.

Strictly, “One bidder, One specific property” only, which means that a bidder cannot submit two (2) or more bids for one property. A bidder may submit one bid each to as many properties as he/she wants to buy, as long as, he/she posts the required 10% bid deposit of the total bid price for each property. The bidder must present valid government IDs upon registration on the date of public bidding.

Purchase offers are only accepted through CASH basis payable within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of the Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS), without privilege of extension.

A downloadable bid form shall be properly accomplished with the following data:

A. B.

12. If the occupant will exercise his/her Right to Match the offer of the declared highest bidder, he/she shall adjust his/her initial deposit based on the bid amount of the declared highest bidder. He/she must also pay the adjusted deposit on the day of bidding. 13. The declared highest/winning bidder shall submit within fourteen (14) calendar days of the actual bidding, the following documents: A.

A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

Date of Bidding Name of the bidder Exact address of property you are interested to bid Transfer Certificate of Title No. Mode of Payment Amount of bid (in numbers and in words) Signature of the bidder/representative

Bid proposal shall be written in words and in figures and must not be lower than the Minimum Acceptable Offer of the property. Should there be a difference in the amount in words and in figures, the amount in words shall prevail.

Bidders’ deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer shall be in the form of a MANAGER’S CHECK payable to the Government Service Insurance System.

The following shall be inserted in a sealed bid envelope: A.

ALL participating bidders must insert: a. properly accomplished BID FORM b. MANAGER’S CHECK payable to Government Service Insurance System representing deposit equivalent to at least 10% of the Bid Offer

If the bidder is being represented by an authorized representative, a corresponding Special Power of Attorney (SPA) must also be included

If the bidder is the occupant of the subject property, two (2) proofs of occupancy must also be inserted. These are: a. Barangay certificate that the bidder is occupying or residing in the subject property; and b. Valid Government Issued ID with an address showing that the bidder is currently residing in the subject property, or the Latest Billing Statement under the Bidder’s Name that shows he/she is currently residing in the subject property.

He/she participated in actual bidding and Inserted the two (2) proofs of occupancy inside his/her bid envelope as indicated in Number 9 of these guidelines

If the winning bidder is an individual, a. duly accomplished Personal Profile (with attached recent two (2) pieces of 2x2 ID pictures of the winning bidder) b. photocopies of two (2) valid IDs (at least one should be a government-issued ID) If the winning bidder is a corporate entity or partnership, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Registration Certificate from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) c. Articles of Incorporation (if corporation), Articles of Partnership (if partnership), General Information Sheet, and By-Laws duly certified by the SEC d. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located If the winning bidder is a cooperative, a. duly accomplished Company/Corporate Profile b. Cooperative Development Authority Registration or any proof of such registration c. Current Mayor’s Permit issued by the city or municipality where the principal place of business of the winning bidder is located

14. A Notice of Approval of Sale (NOAS) shall be issued to the highest/winning bidder on the day of bidding. The Bidder’s deposit of the other non-winning bidder/s shall be returned immediately. 15. The deposit equivalent to at least ten percent (10%) of the Bid Offer shall be paid on the day of bidding. The 90% balance of the bid amount shall be paid either in cash or in manager’s check within thirty (30) calendar days from receipt of NOAS, without privilege of extension. 16. Non-compliance with the terms and conditions stated in the NOAS will result in the forfeiture of the bidder’s total deposit. 17. In case the highest/winning bidder fails to comply with the requirements within the specified time, the said NOAS shall be deemed automatically revoked and the highest/winning bidder shall be informed in writing. The second highest bidder, if any, shall be informed in writing if he/she is still interested to acquire the property. If still interested, he/she must remit the required non-refundable 10% deposit within three (3) working days after receipt of notice from GSIS. 18. GSIS reserves the right to waive any formality or to reject any or all bids received. The list of properties available for sale may be updated without prior notice. 19. For bidding inquiries, you may call the Real Property Accounts Management Department (RPAMD) at trunk line numbers (02) 8479-3600, and (02) 7976-4900 local numbers 3228, 3374, and 3396.

MEASLES, the contagious childhood disease that is once more on the rise globally, is more harmful than previously thought. A new analysis of 77 unvaccinated children from The Netherlands carried out by an international team of researchers led by scientists at Harvard has found that the virus erases the body’s memory of previous pathogens—effectively wiping its immunity memory. The virus eliminated between 11 and 73 percent of the children’s protective antibodies, blood proteins responsible for “remembering” previous encounters with disease, the team wrote in the journal Science on Thursday. This left some of the children with immunity close to that of a newborn baby. “It sort of resets your immune system back to sort of a more naive state,” Harvard epidemiologist and coauthor Michael Mena told. In order to rebuild their defenses, they will need to be exposed to numerous pathogens as they were in their infancy, he added. To validate their result, the team then carried out experiments on macaque monkeys, with the animals losing 40-60 percent of their protective antibodies. “The virus is much more deleterious than we realized, which means the vaccine is that much more valuable,” said study co-author and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Stephen Elledge. AFP

Exhibit of ‘balisong’, pandan A GROUP of arts and culture workers in Southern Tagalog is set to launch a mobile exhibit featuring the intangible cultural heritage of provinces of Pangasinan, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon. Beginning Nov. 4, the exhibit dubbed “Palipad-Dila” will be featured at the Alaminos City Sports Complex in Alaminos City, Pangasinan and in selected venues in Calamba City, Luisiana and Los Baños in Laguna, and Lucban in Quezon until December. The Linang Arts and Culture Network Inc., through the assistance of National Commission for Culture and the Arts and LEGAL NOTICE Arts Research and Training Institute in Southern Notice is hereby given to the Tagalog Inc., will also launch the exhibit as a public that an Extra-Judicial Settlement has been executed continuity of the Sining-habi program to popularize by the heirs of the late Luciano the local heritage of Luzon. Tungol Sr., namely: Gloria The event will feature visual exhibit, audioG. Tungol, Maria Rosario Tungol Viejo, Maria Theresa visual presentations, short performances and Tungol Catedral, Maria Anna G. Tungol, Maria Cristina forum the history and production processes of G. Tungol and Giovanni G. Tungol, all of legal age, over butterfly knife known as balisong of Batangas, real properties, per deed the ingredients and production of pancit executed on 18 October 2019 before Notary Public Atty. Raul habhab of Lucban, Quezon and the traditional V. Macatangay, per Doc. No. weaving practice of making baskets, huts and 16; Page No. 5; Book No. 32; mats of Luisiana, Laguna. Series of 2019. The exhibit will also feature how the intangible cultural heritage can be utilized DEED OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE in localization, contextualization and WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS indigenization of curriculum, including Notice is hereby given to the public that an Extrasamples of the teaching-learning activities. Judicial Settlement has been executed by the heirs of the The Palipad-Dila was envisioned to late CESAR C. VALDEZ, engage the culture-bearers in popularizing namely: Cesar Luis O. Valdez,; Cesar Antonio O. and mainstreaming their traditional practices Valdez, Cesar Augusto O. Valdez, Cesar Julius O, as well as developing the culture sensitivity of Valdez, all of legal age, over personal and real properties, the contemporary viewers and students. per deed executed on 23 September 2019 before For inquiries, please get in touch of Linang Notary Public Atty. Jovino R. Angel Doc. No. 1; Page No. Inc. at (049) 5366680 or through e-mail, 2; Book No. 13; Series of Facebook or visit us at Artist Inc. office in Los 2019. Baños, Laguna. (MS-OCT. 26, NOV. 2 & 9, 2019)

10. The following information shall be clearly written outside the sealed bid envelope (mailing envelope).

11. The existing tenant or occupant or his duly authorized representative through a valid Special Power of Attorney (SPA) has the right to match the offer of the declared highest bidder, provided: (MS-NOV. 1, 2 & 3, 2019)

(MS-OCT. 19, 26 & NOV. 2, 2019)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports Nadal beats Wawrinka at Paris Masters

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Demure women’s wrestling unveiled in Riyadh

Spain’s Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka during their men’s singles tennis match on day four of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Rolex Paris Masters - indoor tennis tournament at The AccorHotels Arena in Paris. AFP

PARIS, France—Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continued their battle for the year-end world number one ranking on Thursday (Friday Philippine time) as both players reached the Paris Masters quarterfinals with wins over Stan Wawrinka and Kyle Edmund respectively. The 33-year-old Nadal is already guaranteed to usurp Djokovic at the rankings summit next week, but winning a maiden Bercy title would also secure the year-end top spot before next month’s ATP Tour Finals in London. He produced an impressive display to take his career head-to-head record against three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka to 19-3 with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 victory. Djokovic had earlier booked his last-eight place with a 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 win over Britain’s Edmund. Nadal has never won the Paris Masters or the ATP Finals and only two of his 84 titles have come indoors. “That’s the beautiful thing about this sport, (to) have the capacity to adapt yourself to the different conditions,” said the 12-time French Open winner, who called the doctor onto the court in the second set to help deal with a stomach problem. Nadal will face 2008 champion JoWilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals after the French wildcard saved two match points to edge out Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6). “I have a match against a player that is playing well,” said Nadal. “I need to do a lot of things well, but I hope to be ready to make that happen.” Nadal took the first set thanks to a single break of serve in game three, saving break points in the second and eighth games himself before serving it out in style. Wawrinka’s backhand started to fire at the start of the second set, but Nadal kept the Swiss at bay, helped by one incredible forehand winner to direct a smash from his opponent into the corner of the court. The 19-time Grand Slam champion saw off Wawrinka’s challenge with a break to lead 5-4 in the second set and served out the match to make it his seventh Paris Masters quarter-final in as many appearances. AFP

Pichay backs Meycauayan chess tourney NATIONAL Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) chairman/president Prospero “Butch” Pichay Jr. has thrown his full support behind the Bulacan 1950 and Below Chess Tournament slated on November 3, Sunday at the second floor event center, Aliw Complex, Mc. Arthur Hi-Way, Brgy. Calvario, Meycauayan City, Bulacan. The tourney was organized by Meycauyan Chess Club in cooperation with Bulacan Chess Association, Noypi Chess Association Inc. and Novelty Chess Club president Sonsea Agonoy. It is also supported by Queen’s Travel and Tours. Tournament director Richard dela Cruz said the 1950 and Below Division basis NCFP rating as of September 2019 will be played in a time control of twenty (20) minutes with 5 seconds time delay per move using the digital chess clocks with the winner taking home P4,000, second place P2,000, third place P1,200, fourth place P800, fifth place P600 and sixth to 10th places P500 each. Special prizes of P500 each for the category winners in the Top Lady, Top Elementary, Top High School, Top PWD, Top Unrated and Top Senior (55+). Registration fee is P300 but P 250 for female, elementary student, senior citizen and PWD. On-site registration starts 9:30 a.m. while opening ceremony is at 10:30 am. Players are required to present their IDs upon registration for verification by the Tournament Registration Committee. International Arbiter Ilann Perez, national arbiters Dela Cruz and Alfredo Chay of the Chess Arbiter Union of the Philippines will officiate. Call or text FNA Richard dela Cruz (cp number 0943-4664552), FNA Alfredo Chay (cp number 0949-1321661) and International Arbiter Ilann Perez (cp number 0928-8131305).

Forest Hills Golf Club hosts Cherrylume Cup F OREST Hills Golf and Country Club will host and celebrate the Cherrylume Chairman’s Cup as the most highly anticipated tournament in the club’s history.

Just one week after opening the registration in early October, the slots for 400 players were all filled up in two days, confirming the Forest Hills members’ enthusiasm and excitement for this year’s 17th edition set on November 16 to 17. For starters, they can look forward to a GAC sedan, a Texas Eagle golf cart, from Turf Co., a Cobra F7 iron set complete with Cobra F7 driver and puma golf bag from J-Ten Sports Inc., and a GPS Tracker from Silicon and Computer as holes-in-one prizes. Add to that cash prizes close to P300,000 from Taishan Insurance Brokers Philippines and Hoher Inc. are also on offer at both Forest Hills’ Nicklaus and Palmer courses that would surely spice up the annual af-

fair for club chairman Atty. Ferdinand Santos. On top of that, fabulous items during the raffle at the awards night will be given away including travel tour packages, gadgets and high-end appliances, said general manager Raymond Bunquin. Aside from Cherrylume, Escala Tagaytay, Megaforce Security Services Corp., Golforce and City Advertising are title presenters. Elm’s Kapihan Group, J-Ten Sports Inc. and Luisita Golf and Country club are gold sponsors. Logitech Philippines, Metro Rail Transit Dev. Co. and Klio International Marketing are silver sponsors while media supporters include Inquirer Golf and Business Mirror.

Mancare, Aqua Haus, Aqua Terra Integrated Solutions, Arcadia Realty, Element Industrial Builders, Eurotel, Hydrotech Irrigation and Gen. Services, Interconnect Systems, Pixel Date, MPioneer, Waterworld, JTC, Anderson International, Piniel, NU Steel, Jiangying Zongcheng Steel, Danielsen Transport, Jaspak Ent., HMR PH, Hon. Michael Duavit, Pascual Consumer Healthcare, Asia Cargo Container Line, JG Summit, Pilipinas Taj Autogroup, GS Equipment, Nippleson Group, Lola Nena’s Pichi Pichi, Splendido Taal Golf, South Forbes, Sherwood Hills, Pradera Verde Golf, Manila Southwoods, MSW Manor, Gerry’s Grill, G&W Clubshares, Fundador, Eagle Ridge, CJH Golf Club, CJH Manor, Beverly Place, Leblanc Hotel, Courbe F&B Specialist, Asia Traders Corp., Humnan’s Fit, Ayala Land Premier and Fasttrack Access Travel and Tours are backers.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—Dressed demurely in black leggings and unflattering baggy t-shirts, rather than their trademark low-cut bikini tops, WWE superstars Natalya and Lacey Evans starred in the first ever women’s wrestling match in Saudi Arabia on Thursday (Friday Philippine time), the latest unlikely event in the kingdom as it attempts to shrug off an ultra-conservative image. As they arrived in the ring, with their flowing blonde hair uncovered, three teenagers laughed out loud having earlier in the evening been entranced by the spectacle served up by male, shirtless fighters. “It’s nonsense,” said one to the other, struggling to be heard above the fireworks and rock ‘n’ roll music which blasted into the Riyadh night. Evans, a former US Marine, and Natalya appeared at the King Fahd Stadium suitably dressed down for the occasion, their usual costumes left behind in the United States. “Do you want them to be sent to jail?” said an expatriate fan who wished to remain anonymous when defending the dress code. “Women’s wrestling in Saudi Arabia, yes, but only if they dress like that, otherwise it would not be possible, even if it’s a fact that the clothing is an integral part of the show,” added a young fan wearing a black World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) tshirt, adorned with pictures of his favorite fighters. Saudi Arabia is boosting entertainment that allows citizens to have fun, in what some see as an attempt to blunt public frustration over an economic downturn and high youth unemployment. De facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has introduced reforms including allowing concerts, reopening cinemas, and lifting a prohibition on women driving as part of a modernization drive. However, when it comes to women’s wrestling, it may be a long, hard road. Last year, a broadcast during a men’s wrestling match of a promotional video featuring scantily-clad female wrestlers sparked a scandal in the country, forcing the authorities concerned to apologise for the “indecent” images. Ahmed, 24, who says he follows the sport from the kingdom, appeared disappointed with such furor. “I was waiting for the women’s match. Those who want to see such a spectacle should have the right to access it, and those who do not like don’t have to come,” he said. AFP

JJLHS Alumni group grants Hand of Courage Award to coach Guiao YENG Guiao coached Gilas Pilipinas to a winless campaign in the recent World Cup held in China and the setback has been painful for the basketball-loving Filipinos. So painful that Guiao had to carry all the burden, which forced him to resign as national team’s coach. But Judge Juan Luna High School Alumni Association saw a different meaning to Guiao’s willingness to embrace the challenge. Taking over a national team program that has been embroiled in a controversial free-for-all against Australia, which led to the suspension of more than half of the members of the squad, Guiao put together a team that played in the Asian Games in Indonesia last year with NBA star Jordan Clarkson in tow. Behind Clarkson, the Rain or Shinebacked Philippine squad nearly defeated China and likewise pushed the Korean squad to the limit and the Filipinos went on to finish fifth place, their best finish FCVBA members pray after a big win over Sarawak of Malaysia in the ASEAN Veteran Basketball Tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

PBA coach Yeng Guiao, with officials of the JJLHS Alumni Association and school principal Ruby de Jesus, receives the Hand Of Courage Award. Alumni of Batch 92 also turned over 10 computers to the school.

in 16 years in the Asiad. World Cup for only the second time in With a strong clamor to take over 45 years. Gilas, Guiao accepted the challenge Because of his willingness to serve and steered the Philippines back to the the country and take over a team that

has been dragged into controversy, the JJLHS Alumni Association grantd Guiao, a seven-time PBA champion, with the ‘Hand Of Courage’ Award.

FCVBA reaches semis of Asean veterans’ hoop tilt FILIPINO-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) booked a fourth straight semis appearance by sweeping its group elims in the ASEAN Veterans Basketball Tournament Thursday at Indoor Stadium 3 of Chiang Mai Sports Complex in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Roberto “Benjie” Poblete endured rugged plays of Sarawak (Malaysia) players to lead the FilChinese seniors to a vengeful 4726 win in Group B elims of the annual tournament. The former Adamson star

scored eight of his 16 points in the opening period that set tone for the team’s runaway win. He also had eight rebounds and two assists in another solid performance that somehow rubbed off on his teammates, especially Jimi Lim. The portly Ironcon Builders owner chipped in eight points on an impressive 4-of-5 shooting. “That made our revenge sweeter,” said Lim moments after crushing the team that ruined their Grand Slam bid last year. Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que was held to just four

points this time but it hardly mattered as Zotico Tan, Andrew Ongteco, William Lao, Antonio Go and Achit Kaw supplied the needed firepower. FCVBA was ruthless defensively it held the Malaysians scoreless in the third quarter through the tough plays of former Crispla players Bong dela Cruz and Joel Gomez. They’ll go for a final berth against Zaap of host Thailand on Friday. Clashing in the other semis pair are defending champion Hatyai and Sarawak.

Riera U. Mallari, Editor; Reuel Vidal, Assistant Editor

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

NLEX wants nothing less than PBA title

THE NLEX Road Warriors, who have not found early success in the Philippine Basketball Association, find themselves in the unlikely position of leading the team standings. They are already assured of a seat in the Quarterfinals but they certainly want more than just qualifying into the playoffs. “We can’t be complacent knowing that we’re already in the quarterfinals. Part lang yun ng goal namin. Ang goal namin talaga is to make it to the finals and try to win a championship. So we NLEX Road Warriors guard Kiefer Ravena (15) drives strong to the hoop against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters defenders Ping Exciminiano (17) and import Richard David Ross (24). PBA Media can’t be contented with a quarterfinals berth,” said NLEX guard Kiefer Ravena. The squad started winning consistently after it overhauled 28-point deficit to stun Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Dubai. After returning home, the Road Warriors racked up three more victories. With new import Manny Harris John Mark Galeda is racing in the man Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, said in tow they beat the Columbian Dyip, By Peter Atencio individual time trial with Oranza and the squad wants to sweep all 13 gold TNT KaTropa and Rain or Shine. HarPareja, who is the reserve. medals at stake in the three disciplines. ris replaced Olu Ashaolu. HE 27-member national Nichol Marella Salamat banners the women’s The 30th Southeast Asian Games will “Sa Dubai sabi namin let’s just try to cycling team will seek get one out of the two, blessing in disteam in the massed start with Jermaine be held in the Philippines from Novemtop honors in the 30th guise na comeback win kami against Prado and Jasmin Velasco. ber 30 until December 11, 2019. Ginebra. Tapos slowly but surely the Salamat and Prado are also listed in This edition will be marked by the Southeast Asian Games. confidence started to creep into us and the ITT. first major decentralization in the history continue to win one, win one,” Ravena Members of the national coaching staff Former Asian MTB Series cham- of the Games, with competition venues said. said the Team Pilipinas will be going for pion Ariana Dormitorio will see action spread in 23 cities across the country, “This is our fourth straight win, so the 13 gold medals that are at stake. the Olympic crosscountry with Avegail divided into four clusters, all located on REACHING the stepladder semiit’s been a tough road. Swerte lang na Top rider El Joshua Carino leads the na- Rombaon(women), Nino Surban and the island of Luzon. finals is a big improvement for the healthy na lahat and we have a great tional squad, which will race in the three dis- Edmhel Flores (men). The clusters include Metro Manila, University of Santo Tomas Growling import that really blends well in our ciplines, of road, BMX and mountainbike. The downhill riders consists of Elea- Clark, Subic/Olongapo, and a fourth Tigers over the last six years. system. We’re fortunate enough to be National coach Ednalyn Hualda said zar Barba Jr., John Derrick Farr (men), cluster consisting of stand-alone venues. Growling Tigers coach Aldin Ayo that way. The momentum hopefully the road team will be bannered by Carino, Lea Denise Belgira and Naomi Gardoce This will be the fourth time that the Philfelt this after UST held off the Adwe carry it on.” Ismael Grospe, Jonel Carcueva, Junrey (women). ippines will host the games and its first amson Falcons, 80-74, last week and Ravena had 12 points and six assists Navara and Marcelo Felipe. Former Asian Games and SEA Games time since 2005. The country was also claimed the last seat in the semis of after leading the Road Warriors to vicAnd they are listed in the massed start champion Daniel Caluag will be joined host in the 1981 and 1991 editions of the the 82nd University Athletic Assotory which tied them with TNT KaT(individual and team), and with Daniel by his brother Chris in the BMX race games. ciation of the Philippines (UAAP) ropa at the top of the standings with Ven Carino as the team alternate. and time trial. This edition is most notable for being identical 7-1 slates. men’s basketball tournament. On the other hand, Ronald Oranza, Allan Alfaro and Renz Viaje are en- the first edition to include e-sports and Up next are NorthPort Batang Pier The Growling Tigers finished the Johnmark Camingao, George Oconer and tered in the flatland free style event. obstacle course as well as having the on Nov. 13 at the Smart Araneta Colielimination round with an 8-6 winJan Paul Morales are listed in the team Philippine Olympics Committee pres- highest number of sports in the history seum and then the Alaska Aces on loss record, which was better than time trials. ident and Philcycling chief, Congress- of the games, at a total of 56. Nov. 20 in Antipolo. their 5-9 slate that put them in sixth spot last year. “Mababa lang naman expectation namin. We won five games last season. So, kung manalo kami ng anim that’s an accomplishment already. At least di ba, may improvement beROBIN “The Ilonggo” Catalan is not cause you’re talking about a young afraid to grapple with ONE Championprogram here,” said Ayo. ship’s most elite grappler at ONE: MasUST has not reached the Final ters of Fate. Four since 2013 when the fourth This is because the Filipino IFMA Muay Thai World Champion has shown seeded Growling Tigers fought off that his ground game has evolved to be the National Bulldogs to barge into just as good as his stand-up. the finals. The 29-year-old is confident that all The La Salle Green Archers evenhis hard work at the Catalan Fighting tually won the crown that year. System gym these past few months will This time, UST is again the fourth be enough to give his hometown crowd seeded squad. They will take on the a famous win next Friday, November 8. Far Eastern University Tamaraws at He believes his grappling will be the start of the stepladder semis this honed to perfection to stop takedowns Wednesday. from Greco-Roman wrestling Olympian Gustavo “El Gladiador” Balart in Ma“Since we won eight, may tatlong nila. naidadagdag. OK na yun. But, of “I’m really excited for this match. course, we’re not gonna stop there This is where I will prove that I have imbecause this is a competition. We’re proved, especially on the ground,” said going to strive,” said Ayo. Catalan. Against the Bulldogs, it was Mark “We all know about the quality of Nonoy who made up for a sloppy game his wrestling, but I am confident in my when he finished with 17 points, eight skills.” rebounds and five assists. Soulemane Catalan’s Cuban rival is a three-time Chabi Yo added 16 points, 15 rebounds Pan American Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion, and has translated those skills and two blocks while Rhenz Abando to the mixed martial arts arena to claim Robin “The Ilonggo” Catalan raises his hands to acknowledge the cheer of the fans during his introduction before a ONE and Renzo Subido chipped in 13 and Championship match. eight wins as a professional. 12 respectively. Catalan has endured a string of losses “I put Mark on a very crucial “I expect him to be really physically “I know [striking] will be a big factor brother Rene will face Joshua Pacio for because his opponents have been considsituation because knowing him. I in getting a win against Balart. I’ll keep the ONE Strawweight World Title in the erably bigger than he was. He confident strong,” the 29-year-old said. know that he was cocky enough to “I know he’s done a lot in his career my distance, and I will maximize all my event’s headline bout. that his luck is about to change. take those shots, make those shots. However, the spotlight will shine on “The Ilonggo” expects Balart to be a and I’ll have my hands full, but I’ve advantages so I can get the win.” Knowing him he’s just going to “The Ilonggo” is not the only member the younger sibling first, and he is depowerhouse at strawweight. He has for- been training hard on my wrestling deplay basketball without realizing mulated a game plan to stay away from fense while sharpening my striking at of the Catalan clan to have a spot on the termined to give the Pinoy fans in attenthe magnitude of the situation,” the same time. ONE: Masters of Fate card. His older dance something to cheer about. danger and play to his own strengths. said Ayo. Peter Atencio

Sports

PH aims to rule SEAG cycling UST Tigers continue to improve

Catalan not afraid to grapple with world champion wrestler

Alvarez steps up two weight classes to face Kovalev

Canelo Alvarez (left) and WBO light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev stand side-byside during a news conference at the KA Theatre at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Canelo Alvarez steps up two divisions to face WBO light-heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev in Las Vegas. AFP

LAS VEGAS, United States—Canelo Alvarez bids to add another chapter to his legacy on Saturday (Sunday Philippine time) when he steps up two divisions to face WBO light-heavyweight champion Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev in Las Vegas. The 29-year-old Mexican middleweight king (52-1-2, 35 KOs) is regarded as the betting favorite for what is set to be a clash of youth and speed against Kovalev’s experience and raw punching power. Alvarez is fighting for the first time since a unanimous decision over Daniel Jacobs in May while Kovalev successfully defended his belt with an 11th round knockout of Britain’s Anthony

Yarde in Russia in August. Although Alvarez has fought at multiple weight divisions, he has never before fought beyond the super-middleweight limit, where he battered Britain’s Rocky Fielding into submission inside three rounds last year. Kovalev (34-3-1, 29 KOs) is likely to prove a tougher nut to crack. Even allowing for the fact that the 36-year-old has shown clear signs of ageing in some of his recent outings, the Russian remains a heavy-handed threat. “He’s the best in his division, he’s one of the best, that’s why we chose him, to make history by fighting one of the best,” Alvarez said this week. “I feel comfortable, I feel good, we’ll

see on Saturday how it all goes but I feel good. I trust my endurance, my strength.” Although Alvarez has already shown his ability to absorb punishment, most notably in his two bruising battles with Gennady Golovkin, Kovalev’s power could cause him problems. Kovalev meanwhile sees his fight with Alvarez as an opportunity to resurrect his career in the eyes of the boxing world. The Russian lost his WBA, IBF and WBO belts in back-to-back defeats to Andre Ward in 2016 and 2017, but regained a share of the title after beating Colombia’s Eleider Alvarez in a rematch in February.

IN BRIEF

DMCI: Pasig condo to raise P14-b sales

DMCI Homes, the real estate unit of the Consunji Group, expects to generate P14.36 billion in sales from the newest twin-tower residential development located along Pasig Boulevard in Pasig City. DMCI Homes said in a statement over the weekend the Allegra Garden Place would rise on a 1.3-hectare land area and offer a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units spread across two buildings, namely Amina and Soraya. “We have high hopes on this project not just because of Prisma Residences’ success but also because of the potential opportunities presented by ongoing infra projects in the area like the BGC-Ortigas Center Link Road Project,” said DMCI Homes assistant vice president for project development Dennis Yap. The bridge, which is scheduled for completion by June 2020, will connect with the Lawton Avenue-Global City Viaduct to improve inter-city travel in Pasig, Mandaluyong, Taguig and Makati. “All these upcoming infra projects make the area an even more valuable investment and premier living destination for urban dwellers as they bring every need of residents practically within reach,” Yap said. Jenniffer B. Austria

Business

PH aviation body hosts conference THE Philippine chapter of the Asian Business Aviation Association, Asia’s non-profit representative body for the business aviation industry, will once again welcome to the Philippines prominent aviation personalities, regulators and other industry stakeholders it holds its 2019 Safety Day on Nov. 5, 2019. To be held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City, the 2019 AsBAA Safety Day will gather participants and speakers from around the world who represent aviation manufacturers, operators, financial, risk, legal and service providers. Benjamin Lopez, head of AsBAAPhilippines Chapter, said as part of the association’s commitment to advocate the implementation of international standards, the AsBAA Safety Day would also provide the venue to discuss pressing topics affecting the industry. These include illegal and grey charters, safety and security cultures, emergency response planning, and in-flight medical emergencies. “AsBAA’s Philippine Chapter has evolved and advanced, based on the needs of the local market; however, our mission remains to ensure a prosperous and safe industry ecosystem in the Philippines,“ Lopez said.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

By Julito G. Rada

SECURITY BANK FORUM. Security Bank Corp. holds its fifth economic forum in Cagayan de Oro City this year as part of a roadshow to reach tiger economies in the Philippines. The last forum in 2019 provided a macroeconomic outlook and took a closer look at key trends and developments in the Philippine business community. Joining the forum are (from left) Security Bank Mindanao banking center head John Angeles, SBC Banking Centers Group head Jorge Lindley Ong, SBC Region 4 head Jason Ang, SBC area head Bunny Sy, SBC chief economist Robert Dan Roces, SBC president and chief executive officer Sanjiv Vohra, Xavier University coordinator for research Jhon Louie Sabal, Mindanao Development Authority deputy executive director Romeo Montenegro, Northern Mindanao Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Regional Governor Ma. Teresa Rillo–Alegrio, and SBC Branch Banking Group head Leslie Cham.

JICA backs P64b worth of road, bridge projects T By Darwin G. Amojelar

HE Japan International Cooperation Agency is supporting eight ongoing road and bridge projects in the Philippines to help enhance connectivity, attract investments and create jobs in the country. The 138.13 billion yen or P64 billion worth of projects are part of the bilateral aid agency’s support to the government’s Philippine Development Plan and Build Build Build agenda aimed at increasing the Philippines’ infrastructure spending to P8 trillion to P9 trillion by 2022. The road projects include the Central Luzon Link Expressway, Arterial Road Bypass, Metro Manila Interchange, Road Upgrading and Preservation,

Road Network Development in Mindanao, Marawi road project as well as the Davao City Bypass. The bypass road project will build the first-ever long distance (2.3 kilometers) mountain tunnel in the Philippines, while the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project aims to improve seismic resilience of Lambingan and Guadalupe Bridges in Metro Manila. The projects are being implemented with the Department of Public Works and Highways. “We want to help the Philippines improve the conditions of its roads and bridges so more investments can come into the Philippines and more jobs will be created,” JICA senior representative Kiyo Kawabuchi said. “Our support is also part of our commitment to building quality infrastructure in the region to boost economic development and build resiliency against natural disasters in the Asian region,” he added. The government approved the JICA-NEDA’s Roadmap for Trans-

Allianz PNB Life, Meralco’s eSakay form partnership

port Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and Its Surrounding Areas study in 2014 to sustain development by decongesting traffic, and spread economic growth in nearby areas. According to the roadmap followup study, no interventions could mean worsening traffic and an increase in transport costs from P3.5 billion to P5.4 billion a day. Aside from hard infrastructure like building roads, bridges and railways, JICA is supporting transport infrastructure development through soft measures such as institutional support, capacity building and technology transfer. One example of the latter is sharing Japan’s expertise in road maintenance under the recently completed Project for Improvement of Quality Management for Highway and Bridge Construction and Maintenance. Transport infrastructure accounts for 80 percent of support from 2013 to 2017 of the total official development assistance of JICA in the Philippines that also includes roads and railways.

GLOBE-METRO RETAIL DEAL.

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. is teaming up with Globe Business, the enterprise arm of Globe Telecom Inc., for the use of the G Suite office collaboration tool to boost team productivity and further enhance digital transformation efforts. Sealing the partnership agreement are (from left) Globe Business industry sales head Jojo Rafaeles, Globe Business cluster sales head Carlo Ortiz, MRSGI chief technical officer Rex Cabanilla and MRSGI vice president and comptroller Lucille Malazarte.

By Alena Mae S. Flores ALLIANZ PNB Life teamed up with eSakay in launching seven Electricjeepneys (or E-jeepneys) to ply the Makati and Mandaluyong routes to help promote environmental sustainability. “Allianz has always been supportive of environmental sustainability. Through these E-jeepneys, we are offering Filipinos cleaner and greener alternatives to get to their destinations within two major business areas in Metro Manila,” said Allianz PNB Life president and chief executive officer Alexander Grenz in a statement. eSakay is the electric vehicle unit of Manila Electric Co., which introduced e-jeepneys back in 2010. “At that time, we started the Green Route here in Makati, covering Legaspi and Salcedo Village. We initially had three vehicles that provided free rides. Now, we are glad that with the help of companies such as Allianz PNB Life, we are able to sustain our efforts in transitioning to green alternatives of mass transportation,” said eSakay operations head Yuri Sarmiento. He said the eSakay aimed to create an alternative solution that can help address the problem of air pollution. “In the Philippines, we have 5,000 deaths every year due to environmental diseases, and 70 percent of our CO2 emission comes from mobile vehicles. If we cut down the emissions, we can also cut down the pollution problem in the country, especially here in the city,” Sarmiento said. Grenz said the e-jeepney was just one of Allianz PNB Life’s corporate social responsibility activities focused on the environment.

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Security Bank sees sharp rise in liquidity, loans by end of 2019

NGO questions terms of Meralco’s bidding

A NON-GOVERNMENT organization called on the Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission to carefully review the terms of reference of Manila Electric Co.’s competitive selection process to ensure fair bidding. Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares said any approval of the DOE and ERC on bidding procedures that were not independent and fair should result in “judicial sanctions.” Meralco is set to rebid its 1,200-megawatt greenfield power supply agreement after the initial round of bidding in September failed. Only one bidder, Atimonan One Energy Inc. owned by Meralco PowerGen Corp., a unit of Meralco, offered a bid. “The DOE must therefore stop the bidding and the ERC must deny approval of the same unless consumers are assured of an independent bidding process that ensures the cheapest supply of electricity to the consumers,” Colmenares said. Colmenares questioned provisions in the TOR, adding the commercial operations date should not be earlier than March 2024. Alena Mae S. Flores

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

SMC lost over P7b in foregone revenues due to toll freeze SAN Miguel Corp. has lost over P7 billion in foregone revenues for its failure to increase toll at the South Luzon Expressway since 2012. “We have more than P7 billion in foregone revenues from periodic toll increases that were never granted. Toll increases are part of our contract,” said San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. “They are needed for us to recover our investment and be able to pay back the money we borrowed to build or expand infrastructure. We have not been allowed to implement any increases since 2012,” he added. Ang made the statement after Toll Regulatory Board private sector representative Raymundo Junia’blamed the P10-billion Skyway Extension project for the one-day spike in traffic at

SLEX. Junia wants a discount on toll on the expressway following a traffic jam on Sept. 25, with the start of construction of the Skyway Extension. Ang said suspending the toll would worsen the traffic situation at the South Luzon Expressway and could damage San Miguel’s credit standing from banks. “If you suspend toll fees, that will not really bring relief. It will make the problem worse. More vehicles will flood the expressways, and nobody will be happy because of the increasing congestion,” he said. Ang said suspending toll would violate the company’s concession agreement, and worse, damage its standing with the banks. “In our loan covenants, there are stip-

ulations about earning back the money we borrowed to build or improve our infrastructure. If banks see that government can just stop honoring concession contracts, they will also stop lending to local companies. Investor confidence will go down,” he said. Ang said perennial traffic on the SLEX heading to Alabang was caused primarily by the design limitations of the SLEX-Alabang area that the company inherited from the former concessionaire. SLEX from Susana Heights has five lanes,. The road narrows at the Alabang viaduct to just three, creating a bottleneck. “This has always been the problem of motorists coming from the south. It’s a chokepoint,” Ang said. Darwin G. Amojelar

SECURITY Bank Corp., the country’s seventh-largest lender in terms of assets, expects both loan and liquidity growths to accelerate toward the end of the year as the government ramps up fiscal spending, especially on infrastructure projects. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Wednesday said money supply as measured by M3 expanded at a faster rate of 7.7 percent in September from 6.2 percent year-on-year. Bank lending rose 10.2 percent in the same month from 10 percent on year. Dan Roces, economist of the Treasury Group of Security Bank, said in a report Friday the growth rates were observed after the period of the phased 200 basis points cuts in reserve requirement ratio from May to July 2019 as extra liquidity slowly found its way into the financial system. He said the cuts released approximately P200 billion into the system, and were expected in part to enable the private sector to help finance the infrastructure program by the government through loans. “Loan growth levels nevertheless remained quite low showing that the extra liquidity still has not found its way into infrastructure financing by the end of the third quarter. However, we think that the slow rate in bank lending growth remain reasonable in the interim,” Roces said. “We expect both loan growth and liquidity levels to accelerate towards year-end as government ramps up spending... ,” he said. “... And with the pre-announced 100bps reduction to the RRR each for November and December, borrowing and money supply are projected to continue going up well into 2020 where we expect around 200 to 300 bps of further reductions to the reserve ratio and likely in a front-loading manner similar to the present policy,” he added. ING Bank Manila senior economist Nicholas Mapa, meanwhile, sees a modest growth in bank lending in the months ahead despite the move of the Bangko Sentral to reduce the reserve requirement because banks reverted the unleashed liquidity to government coffers.

Ayala Land raises P10b from bonds By Jenniffer B. Austria AYALA Land Inc. successfully raised P10 billion from the issuance of fixed rate bonds. The P10-billion bond offering represents the third tranche of ALI’s P50-billion bond shelf registration program earlier approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering is comprised Series A Bonds worth P9 billion due 2021 with a coupon rate of 4.2463 percent a year and Series B worth P1 billion due 2027 with coupon rate of 4.9899 a year. BDO Unibank Inc., BPI Capital Corp. and ChinaBank Capital acted as the joint lead underwriters and joint book runners of the offering. The bonds will be listed in Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Nov 6. Ayala Land plans to use the net proceeds from the bond issue to partially finance the company’s general corporate requirements, including construction of several projects, namely One Ayala Avenue, Ayala Triangle Garden 2, Vermosa Mall, the refurbishment of Glorietta and Greenbelt Malls and the Seda Nuvali expansion. It will use a portion of the proceeds to fund land acquisitions in Laguna and Batangas. The bonds received a credit rating of PRS Aaa with a stable outlook from Philippine Ratings Services Corp. (Philratings). Obligations rated PRS Aaa are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. A stable outlook, meanwhile, is assigned when a rating is likely to be maintained or remain unchanged in the next 12 months.

Business

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Fiat Chrysler plans merger with Peugeot manufacturer By Pierre Donadieu and Richard Lein PARIS―Peugeot-maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler unveiled Thursday a plan for a 50-50 merger that aims to create the world’s fourth-largest car manufacturer, but quickly came under pressure to preserve jobs. With automakers needing to cut costs as the global car market slows and at the same time invest heavily in developing cleaner vehicles, the French and USItalian firms said their tie-up would generate 3.7 billion euros in annual savings. The boards of PSA and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) backed the plan on Wednesday to create a company with combined annual sales of some 170 billion euros ($190 billion) per year and 11 billion euros of operating profits, with negotiations continuing to resolve all the details. The tie-up would leapfrog the carmakers into fourth largest in terms of sales behind Volkswagen, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Toyota, and would combine a host of well-known brands from Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Dodge to Citroen, Opel and Vauxhall. The boards of both carmakers “share the conviction that there is compelling logic for a bold and decisive move that would create an industry leader,” the companies said in a joint statement. FCA is weaker in Europe than PSA, with its French and German mass market brands. The company also lags in bringing electric cars to market and investing in new forms of mobility. PSA meanwhile is absent from the massive US market, where FCA sells the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram brands. A final agreement could be reached “in the coming weeks,” according to the joint statement. The merger would be achieved via the creation of a parent company in the Netherlands, with the shareholders of PSA and FCA each holding half the capital. The Dutch-based parent company would have balanced representation, with FCA’s John Elkann as chairman and PSA’s Carlos Tavares as CEO. While investors cheered when the automakers first confirmed their talks on Wednesday, on the markets Thursday the news had very different effects on the two companies’ shares. PSA fell nearly 13 percent, while Fiat Chrysler jumped more than 8.5 percent despite the Italian-US firm posting third-quarter losses of 179 million euros. Daniel Larrouturou at asset management firm Dom Finance said the reaction of PSA shareholders was due to its market capitalization being larger than Fiat Chrysler’s. “With a 50-50 merger, Peugeot is technically buying Fiat and offering a bonus to its shareholders,” he said. “The market is taking this into account and consequently adapting the share price.” While the companies said a definitive deal could be reached soon, a successful outcome is not guaranteed.AFP

UK defends Brexit deal with EU

ONDON―British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office has defended his Brexit deal with the EU, after US President Donald Trump warned it would make it impossible for the two nations to strike a future trade agreement.

The president, whose impeachment in the US has moved a stage closer following a key vote in Congress, waded into the British election campaign on Thursday to criticize Johnson’s divorce terms with the European bloc. “This deal... you can’t do it, you can’t trade. We can’t make a trade deal with the UK,” he said. But a Downing Street spokesman later said the deal would allow the UK to strike “our own free trade deals around the world from which every part of the UK will benefit.” Trump’s comments appear at odds with his previous pledge in September that he was working closely with Johnson to strike a “magnificent trade deal” once

Britain left the EU. The US president also launched a stinging attack on the country’s main opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn and urged Johnson to unite with eurosceptic hardliner Nigel Farage, a key figure in the 2016 referendum on European Union membership. “Corbyn would be so bad for your country,” Trump told Farage during a phone interview broadcast on his talkshow on British radio station LBC. “He’d take you in such a bad way. He’d take you into such bad places.” “I’d like to see you and Boris get together... I think it’d be a great thing,” Trump added. Farage, whose new Brexit Party is campaigning for Britain to leave the EU without any deal in place, has urged Johnson to form an electoral alliance but has so far been rebuffed. He is due to launch his party’s election campaign on Friday. Within minutes of the interview airing, Corbyn shot back on Twitter that “Trump is trying to interfere in Britain’s election to get his friend Boris Johnson elected.”

Johnson agreed new divorce terms with the bloc’s leaders earlier this month, ahead of the country’s scheduled departure on Thursday. But he was unable to push the plan through parliament and instead opted to hold a snap preChristmas election, blaming his Labour rivals for the latest Brexit delay and promising to now take the country out by a new January 31 deadline. “If you vote for us and we get our program through, which we will... we can be out, at the absolute latest, by January next year,” Johnson said during a campaign stop Thursday at a hospital. The Conservative leader is riding high in opinion polls going into the December 12 vote that will be Britain’s third in four years. But he risks a backlash over his unkept “do or die” promise to deliver Brexit on October 31―and has again set himself up for another potential fall by promising to meet the next deadline. Pro-EU campaigners and business executives have breathed a sigh of relief that Britain avoided a Halloween Brexit nightmare that could have seen it crash out of the EU after 46 years without a plan. AFP

Most Asian stocks rise, overcome early jitters

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson talks to recruits during a visit to the Metropolitan Police training college in Hendon, north London on October 31, 2019. Prime Minister Boris Johnson blamed his opposition Labour rival for Britain’s failure to leave the European Union by Thursday’s deadline and promised to deliver Brexit by January—if he wins next month’s snap election. AFP

Lawsuit accuses Facebook of advertising loan discrimination SAN FRANCISCO―A lawsuit filed on Thursday accuses Facebook of letting ad targeting tools be used to exclude women and older people from offers regarding loans, investments and other financial services. Two law firms have filed a discrimination suit in San Francisco federal court on behalf of a 54-year-old woman living in Washington and will ask a judge to grant the case class-action status. “Women and older persons are entitled to full and equal services of businesses such as Facebook, and the financial services companies that advertise on Facebook’s platform,” attorney Matthew Handley said in a statement. “Purposeful targeting of advertisements away from these members of our community unlawfully denies them these guarantees.”

The suit contends that women and older people were denied the benefits of ads for financial services because Facebook tools allow messages to be targeted at specific age ranges or genders. Facebook said it is reviewing the complaint. “We’ve made significant changes to how housing, employment and credit opportunities are run on Facebook and continue to work on ways to prevent potential misuse,” a spokeswoman for the leading social network told AFP. “Our policies have long prohibited discrimination and we’re proud of the strides we’re making in this area.” Facebook announced earlier this year that it was revamping how it uses targeted advertising in a settlement with activist groups alleging it discriminated

in messages on jobs, housing, credit and other services. Under those changes, housing, employment or credit ads would no longer be allowed to target by age, gender or zip code―a practice critics argued had led to discrimination. In the settlement, Facebook agreed to take “far-reaching measures to stop advertisers from using age, gender, and other protected traits to target job, housing, and credit ads,” according to the law firms involved in the new suit. “Today’s lawsuit alleges that Facebook has not taken any action to stop advertisers from excluding older persons and women from getting financial services ads on Facebook, other than in the limited area of credit ads,” the law firms said. AFP

Toronto gives green light to futuristic neighborhood in front of Lake Ontario TORONTO, Canada―Toronto authorities gave a provisional green light Thursday to plans by a tech company in the Google empire to build a futuristic neighborhood on a strip of lakefront that will include robots for delivering mail and collecting garbage. Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Google’s parent Alphabet, has proposed building a carbon-neutral community “from the internet up,” where tall buildings would be made of timber and technology would be geared to catering to every aspect of modern living. Permission for the 12-acre (fivehectare) site in the city’s bayfront area is dependent on a final evaluation, before a formal rubber stamp in March 2020 if all goes well. Waterfront Toronto chairman Stephen Diamond said in a statement he was pleased to be making progress but added: “Let me be clear: this is not a done deal. There is still much work to do before a final decision.” The project envisages heated sidewalks and bike paths that melt snow in winter, street-side parking that can be pre-booked, and underground robots that distribute parcels and manage waste. Sensors would also measure pedes-

This undated photo received on October 31, 2019 shows a model of a sustainable and futuristic neighborhood on a former industrial site on the waterfront on display in Toronto, Ontario. AFP

trians’ gait, water consumption and trash production―all in hopes of better understanding and adapting to the dynamics of urban life. The future is now Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other proponents have heralded the opportunity to create an innovation hub where tens of thousands of people would live and work in Canada’s largest metropolis. But, in an era of global concern over

data protection, the blueprint has faced criticism over the potential for lost privacy and data misuse, as well as over the privatization of public services. The more controversial sections of a draft proposal released in June that provoked a backlash have been dropped. “Sidewalk Labs listened to our concerns, and those of the public, and has confirmed that it will make significant changes to its proposals,” said Diamond. The compromise includes reduc-

ing the size of the project on the land overlooking Lake Ontario―one of the priciest on the continent. The company also dropped its demands to make the project conditional on a new transit link and to control all data collected in the neighborhood, and agreed to adhere to Canadian privacy laws. One or more real estate developers selected through competitive bidding will also now partner with Sidewalk Labs, instead of the company going it alone. Earlier this week, the Globe and Mail reported on a leaked confidential Sidewalk Labs document from 2016 that envisioned it having powers to levy its own property taxes, police the community and provide public services such as charter schools, transit and private road infrastructure. It was peppered with references to Disney theme parks and noted futurist Buckminster Fuller, who designed the Montreal Biosphere for the 1967 World Fair. Sidewalk Labs spokeswoman Keerthana Rang, however, told the newspaper the document merely brought together elements of an early and “wide-ranging brainstorming process” for use in a pitch. AFP

HONG KONG―Most Asian markets rose on Friday as traders overcame early jitters about the China-US trade talks that were fueled by a report saying Beijing officials had raised doubts about the chances of a long-term deal. Investors were also spooked by a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in which he called China “truly hostile” to the US, leading Beijing to accuse the White House of “viciously” attacking it. The flare-up comes just as the two sides put the finishing touches to a mini trade pact that is seen as the first phase of a wider agreement, with toplevel phone talks due to take place later Friday. Recent signs of progress in the longrunning dispute have provided some much-needed support to equity markets in recent weeks, with most markets posting some healthy gains. Wall Street, where the S&P 500 had hit a record high Wednesday, turned lower after Bloomberg News reported that Chinese officials were skeptical they would be able to reach a comprehensive long-term deal. It said they warned they would not budge on key issues, while they were also concerned about Donald Trump’s impulsiveness and were even worried about the chances of getting the current agreement finished. “The article proved a not-toosubtle reminder of how quickly trade war sentiment can pivot and highlighting those fears that we all knew about but were perhaps was too wrapped up (in) the phase one euphoria to recognise,” said AxiTrader’s Stephen Innes. “Specifically, the trust gap is the bridge too far and what’s going on behind the shiny veneer of an apparent trade detente, the thorny Hong Kong protest bill,” he added, referring to US lawmakers passing a bill defending civil rights in the financial hub. National Australia Bank’s Ray Attrill added that expectations would be low for anything past phase one being agreed ahead of the 2020 presidential election. “Yet some market participants evidently held the view that passage of phase one could quickly lead to progress on phase two next year,” he said. Also Thursday, Pompeo hit out at China’s clampdown on Hong Kong protests and its incarceration of Uighur Muslims, and said Beijing was seeking international domination. China responded by accusing the US of “arrogance and fear.” Still, after an early sell-off, Asian traders took the developments in their stride and the mood picked up through the day to give the region’s equity markets a healthy end to the week. Hong Kong rose 0.6 percent as dealers brushed off a much-sharper-thanexpected dive in third quarter economic growth as the city is battered by the trade war and months of sometimes violent protests that have hammered its tourism and retail sectors. Shanghai jumped one percent, Seoul added 0.8 percent and Sydney edged up 0.1 percent. However, Tokyo retreated 0.3 percent, while Wellington and Jakarta were also lower. Attention now turns to the release later in the day of US jobs figures, which will give a fresh idea about the state of the US economy. AFP

World

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Powerful China-backed site targets democracy activists

HALLOWEEN. This photo taken on October 31, 2019, shows people taking a selfie during a Halloween event in Nanjing , China. AFP

HONG KONG―Using Russia-based servers and promoted by powerful groups linked to China’s ruling Communist Party, a sophisticated anonymous website is targeting Hong Kong pro-democracy figures―and there is almost no way to stop it. From high-profile activists to journalists and lawmakers, about 200 people seen as supporting Hong Kong’s protest movement have been “doxxed”―had their personal details posted online―by the site, HK Leaks, since it emerged in August. “I received hundreds of threatening calls,” a female reporter at Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper, told AFP. “They would call me a bitch, and a prostitute, and tell me to watch out or they would kill me.” Disclosing certain personal details, including phone numbers, without consent is illegal in Hong Kong. Privacy Commissioner Stephen Wong said on September 17 he had ordered HK Leaks to take down all posts. But the site remains online: on its front page, a photo of black-clad protesters with a Chinese-language banner saying: “We

IS names Baghdadi successor in a statement, threatens US

EIRUT―The Islamic State jihadist group confirmed the death of its leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi in a statement Thursday and named his replacement as Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi.

“We mourn you... commander of the faithful,” said Abu Hamza al-Quraishi―presented as the jihadist group’s new spokesman―in an audio statement. Meanwhile, Conan the dog has been invited to the White House in recognition of his heroic role in taking out jihadist leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Conan, a veteran of many combat missions, proved his bark was as frightening as his bite as he took point in the weekend US commando raid that led to the death of the Islamic State group’s

HK’s candyman turns sweets into an art form HONG KONG―Using a pair of scissors, a blow pipe and small metal tools, Hong Kong shopkeeper Louis To whittles a chunk of molten sugar into a dragon, a talent he began honing during China’s Cultural Revolution. To’s shop on Cheung Chau, a small island in the waters west of Hong Kong’s famous Victoria Harbor, has become a must-see for visiting tourists. There they can watch a man locals dub “The Candyman” sculpt sugar into a host of animals and fantastical creatures. The technique is a centuries-old folk art form in mainland China, but there are few people in Hong Kong with the knowledge or skills. The origins of To’s art go back to the deprivation of the Cultural Revolution when he learned to make his own toys. “During this period, there was no food, there was nothing,” recalled To, who was born in Chaozhou, southern China. “So when I saw other children with toys, I tried to make replicas for myself.” He remembers being transfixed by the local sugar sculptor who would come to his neighborhood on a bike and, using little more than a kerosene lamp and a few chunks of coal, would magic up candied works of art. “I had no money to buy candies, but I watched the craftsmen make it,” he told AFP. “I remember very well how he proceeded, in every detail.” To’s family moved to Hong Kong in the 1980s when China began to open up after Mao Zedong’s death. He wasn’t a good student and dropped out of school to pursue a career as an artist. But it was only when he moved to Cheung Chau island with his own family in the early 2000s that he switched to sculpting sugar. While Hong Kong is best known for its dizzyingly dense collection of skyscrapers, many of the territory’s outlying islands have a distinctly laid-back, rural vibe to them. AFP

leader in Syria. Baghdadi, who led IS since 2014 and was the world’s most wanted man, was killed in a US special forces raid in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib on Sunday. The IS group also confirmed the killing in another raid the following day of the group’s previous spokesman Abu Hassan al-Muhajir. The statement said the jihadist group’s legislative and consultative body convened after the 48-year-old Iraqi-born jihadist chief’s death. “The Islamic State shura council convened immediately after confirming the martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and the elders of the holy warriors agreed” on a replacement, said the seven-minute message. Little is known about Hashimi, whose name was seldom mentioned as a possible successor the multiple times that Baghdadi was reported killed in recent

years. “We don’t know much about him except that he is the leading judge of IS and he heads the Sharia (Islamic law) committee,” said Hisham al-Hashemi, an Iraqi expert on IS. The IS spokesman also issued a stark warning to the United States, whose President Donald Trump announced Baghdadi’s death in a televised address from the White House. “He died after running into a deadend tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way,” Trump said on Sunday, adding that Baghdadi “died like a dog”. In the new audio message, the new IS spokesman described Trump as “a crazy old man” and warned the US that the group’s supporters would avenge Baghdadi’s death. “Do not rejoice America,” he warned, “the new chosen one will make you forget the horror you have beholden... and

make the achievements of the Baghdadi days taste sweet”. The spokesman also referred to an earlier call by Baghdadi for the thousands of IS fighters held in Syrian and Iraqi prisons to be freed. Syrian Kurdish forces run prisons in northeastern Syria where they say around 12,000 IS suspects are held. Most of those prisoners are Iraqi and Syrian but the detainees also include more than 2,000 foreigners who hail from more than 50 different countries. With aerial and logistical assistance from an international coalition led by the US, Iraqi and Syrian forces have wrested back all the territory lost to IS in 2014. Fighters from the newly-formed IS group that year swept through much of the Sunni heartland in Iraq and Syria to declare a “caliphate” that further expanded to reach roughly the size of Great Britain. AFP

the Islamic political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam arrive to join anti-government ‘Azadi (Freedom) March’ in Islamabad on November 1, 2019. AFP

Funerals begin as town mourns 74 victims of train fire ing through three carriages as the train passed near Rahim Yar Khan, in Punjab province. At least 74 people died, some after jumping through windows on the stillmoving train to escape the blaze. Local media reported that rescue officials found bodies and some injured people along a two-kilometer stretch of track. Dozens more were wounded and rushed to nearby hospitals. One of the carriages―Wagon No.12―was carrying mainly people from Mirpurkhas, the town’s deputy commissioner, Attaullah Shah, told AFP. “There was never such a tragic incident to happen to Mirpurkhas,” he said. Eight of the bodies had been confirmed as being residents of the town so far, he said. Twenty-four Mirpurkhas residents were among the injured. But at least another 40 are still missing, he said.

IN BRIEF

China will not tolerate dissenet

BEIJING―China warned Friday it would not tolerate any challenge to Hong Kong’s governing system, as it laid out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed after months of pro-democracy protests. The unrest in the semi-autonomous city was an important topic at a major, four-day meeting of the Communist Party chaired by President Xi Jinping this week in Beijing, said Shen Chunyao, director of the Hong Kong, Macau and Basic Law Commission. The central government in Beijing has so far voiced its confidence in Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and the city police to put a lid on the increasingly violent protests. But all eyes have been on whether the party leadership will assert more control over the situation if the demonstrations spin out of control. The former British colony has been rocked by months of protests with citizens lampooning the city’s pro-Beijing leaders and erosion on basic rights. Shen said party leaders agreed to “further improve the central government’s system of governance over the region” and maintain its “long-term prosperity and stability.” AFP

Four Burundian journalists held

NAIROBI―Four journalists and their driver are still being held in Burundi after being arrested for undermining national security while covering a rebel attack from neighboring DR Congo, the attorney general said. The Burundian reporters were detained on Tuesday last week while reporting in Bubanza, in the country’s northwest, prompting calls from free press groups for their immediate release. The journalists, from the Iwacu newspaper, one of the last independent publications in Burundi, were detained along with their driver while trying to speak to residents fleeing fighting between rebels and national forces. “The attorney general of the Republic wants to reaffirm here that these people were not arrested because they are journalists but for the things they are accused of,” Sylvestre Nyandwi said in a statement released late Thursday. He said they were “apprehended on a hill where clashes were taking place and facts at the disposition of the prosecutors indicate that they could have had this information beforehand,” he said. He said the court in Bubanza had “decided on the preventive detention” of the five for “undermining national security”. At least 14 Burundian rebels were killed in the attack, the first by the REDTabara group since 2017, according to Burundian police. The rebels meanwhile claim killing about 10 defence personnel. AFP

FREEDOM MARCH. Activists and supporters of

MIRPURKHAS, Pakistan―Distraught relatives gathered Friday for the first funerals of some of the 74 people killed when fire ripped through a crowded train in Pakistan, with many of the victims residents of a single town. Sobbing family crowded an official building in Mirpurkhas overnight as the first bodies covered in white cloth began arriving by ambulance from the scene of the disaster. After morning prayers, with women watching from nearby rooftops, more than a hundred men attended the first funeral―of a car mechanic named Mohammad Saleem, who was in his late 40s. It was held at the Bismillah Mosque, from which at least 42 pilgrims had left to board the train one day earlier bound for a religious festival near Lahore. Officials say as some of the train’s passengers cooked breakfast around dawn Thursday, two of their gas cylinders exploded, sending flames rac-

want to know who these people are and why they are messing up Hong Kong!” Personal details―names, home addresses, personal telephone numbers―of hundreds of people are posted alongside details of their “misdeeds”. More than two million people follow Facebook pages that have shared HK Leaks posts, according to data from social media monitoring platform CrowdTangle. And the site itself has received more than 175,000 unique page views, according to SiteWorthTraffic. “I felt really helpless when I realised the site couldn’t be blocked,” said the reporter, who suspended her telephone number in a bid to escape the abuse. Apple Daily obtained a court order in a bid to prevent further doxxing attacks, but her personal details remain on HK Leaks. The problem, experts say, is that HK Leaks is a sophisticated operation specifically designed to evade prosecution. It is registered anonymously on a Russian server, uses so-called bulletproof anonymous hosting―also favored by controversial white supremacist-linked sites such as 8chan―and has shifted domain three times since August alone. AFP

Officials in Rahim Yar Khan have said many of the bodies are charred beyond recognition and will have to be identified through DNA testing -- a process that could take up to one month. Shah said the government was arranging to send families of the missing from Mirpurkhas to the hospital in Rahim Yar Khan where the bodies have been taken. Mirpurkhas, a town of some half a million people surrounded by farms and mango orchards, was largely shut down Friday as businesses closed in mourning. “These were such people that we can not ever forget them,” Mohammad Anwar, the 57-year-old headmaster of a government school, told AFP at the Bismillah Mosque. He said that among the missing was his nephew, as well as the mosque’s imam. Most of those who left from the mosque had known one another or lived nearby. AFP

Merkel braves Delhi smog

NEW DELHI―German Chancellor Angela Merkel got a toxic welcome to India on Friday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi treated her to a military parade in New Delhi in severely polluted air. Ignoring medical advice issued to the choking megacity’s 20 million inhabitants to wear pollution masks, Merkel and Modi reviewed a guard of honor at the presidential palace breathing in the air without protection. Merkel sat for the national anthems because of her own health problems. The Indian government monitoring agency rated on Friday the air in the Indian capital, a noxious cocktail of industrial and vehicle emissions and agricultural smoke, as “severe”. Levels of particulates smaller than 2.5 microns, so tiny they can enter the bloodstream, were 19 times the World Health Organization safe maximum, according to the US embassy website. India is home to 14 of the 15 most polluted cities in the world, according to the United Nations. According to one study, smog kills a million Indians prematurely every year.AFP

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

PARKSIDE LIVING AT THE MAKATI CBD

LVEO Land last week launched its latest residential development in the heart of the Makati Central Business District (CBD).

Parkford Suites Legazpi rises 35 storeys high at the corner of Gamboa and Salcedo streets in Legazpi Village, Makati City. The property is across Legazpi Active Park and Washington Sycip Park, two of Makati’s most popular community convergence spots. Parkford Suites Legazpi will approximately be just 500 meters from the Asian Institute of Management, 600 meters away from the shopping convenience of Greenbelt, and one kilometer’s walk to the Ayala Museum. “Parkford Suites Legazpi is designed to fulfill the market’s need for an exclusive MCBD residence,” Rufino S. Gutierrez, Alveo’s chief operating officer, told the Manila Standard. “It offers prime parkside living within a major business district.” PRICEY, BUT WORTH IT To match this prime location, Alveo designed the residential tower with premium finishes and specifications. From the lobby and amenity floor to unit deliverables, Parkford Suites Legazpi will be using upscale materials and finishes that extend the park experience into the tower. With a total of 163 residential units, this high-rise condominium development will have seven units per typical floor. Parkford Suites Legazpi will only offer 2-bedroom (approx. 125 sq.m to 142 sq.m) and 3-bedroom (approx. 180 sqm to 181 sqm) units.

COMMUNING WITH NATURE IN CALAMBA. Sta. Lucia land Inc. is offering farm lots for sale at its 50-hectare La Huerta farms and residences development in Calamba, Laguna. This is the company’s first leisure farms and residences project. La Huerta offers four garden communities: El Sol (The Sun) offers farm lots teeming with plants and trees that were carefully selected for their medicinal and therapeutic benefits, as well as for their aesthetic appeal. La Luna (The Moon) is alive with the aroma of coffee and cacao, bignay, and other fruit wines. El Cielo (The Sky) is unique in that it is home to the largest bird in the world, the ostrich, which feeds on vegetables and other edible plants. This cluster houses ostrich farms as well as rows of organic vegetable and herb gardens. La Lluvia (The Rain) has a thriving plant nursery. Various ornamental palms such as Madagascar and Lastanilla blue and red palm, fan and Hawaiian, from seedlings to fully mature stages, surround the area—thus creating a fresh, tropical ambience.

Designed to maximize the park experience, all the 3-bedroom units have park-facing balconies from the living room. On the topmost floor, there will be three park-facing penthouse units. All unit types will also have ensuite bathrooms for all bedrooms, walk-in closet for the master’s bedroom, doublesink master’s bathroom, and a powder room for guests. Residents get to enjoy expansive views of the parks and the city in their units with the building’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Units of the tower will have an average selling price of P55 million, or P370,000 per square meter.

KEEN INTEREST FROM MAKATI DWELLERS, CORPORATE CUSTOMERS Gutierrez revealed that buyers for the project so far are either corporate or individual customers, a majority of which already live in Makati and are “probably either (looking for) a second home or something that they want to lease out or let their kids use.” “Corporate (customers) are those who invest and either lease or let their top executives use it. The individuals, they are basically entrepreneurs or top executives,” he added. Project turnover is scheduled in late 2026.

SIGHTS TO BEHOLD AT THE PEBBLE. The Acqua

SOLVING THE EDSA CRUSH.

Bea Villoria and Noel Narciso (Inset) from the architecture program of the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) School of Design and Arts (SDA) recently came up with an innovative solution to the years-old mobility problem along EDSA. Under the mentorship of their professors, Architects Ven Quizon and Jimmy Caumeron, they devised the EDSA Prototype for Mobility Project (Shown here), to transform the bustling Edsa-Ayala Station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in the Makati business district to a public space that allows the incoming and outgoing passengers to traverse with ease. Narciso’s design features a diagonal ramp that intersects all slabs and is placed on both sides of the structure connected by bridges crossing above, where walkers can make their way without having to jaywalk. Villoria’s prototype used a rotunda as her concept with well-lit bigger sidewalks at the ground level. Both students ensured that the beauty of the environment and the relaxing hues of greens seamlessly blend within the urban jungle. They included a sky garden at the uppermost level, where passengers can observe the city skyline. “Commuters often stay in the lower level. With the help of the attraction on top, they will have reasons to go up and visit,” Villoria said. “Sunlight naturally enters and it is well-ventilated. This is contrary to the current state of the LRT and MRT stations, which are rather dim.” The two innovators also incorporated ramps to accommodate persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Private Residences is a six-tower master-planned development by Century Properties, rising on the historic Pasig River at a point where Makati and Mandaluyong cities meet. At the very core of this award-winning development is a central amenity called The Pebble, Acqua’s three-storey waterfront clubhouse and its visual focal point. The Pebble was designed as a modern interpretation of a smooth river stone. Its large cutout in front provides a vista of Makati, while three iconic waterfalls stream down into the Rivewalk Promenade, a public space with a retail and dining strip. The Pebble houses a state-of-the-art health, wellness and fitness center, a 25-meter glass lap pool with jacuzzi, a restaurant and juice bar, locker rooms, function rooms, an expansive lobby with a children’s wall climbing and play area, a movie room, and a kids’ playroom and mini library. Acqua Private Residences sits on a 2.4-hectare prime property in Coronado Street, Brgy. Hulo, Mandaluyong City, bordering Makati. It is accessible via the Makati-Mandaluyong Bridge and soon, the expanded, four-lane EstrellaPantaleon Bridge.

HOUSING FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED. Residents of Barangay San Ignacio, Plainview in Mandaluyong (Shown in photo) are looking forward to MCA Homes, a joint venture project between CDC Homes Development & Ventures Inc. (CDC Homes), an affiliate of CDC Holdings, and the City Government of Mandaluyong. Set to rise on a 348-sqm land in Plainview, MCA Homes offers decent homes at an affordable cost, and provides basic services to the underprivileged and the homeless in urban areas. The project will be offered to priority buyers of San Ignacio and to families to be affected by the Pantaleon-Estrella Bridge renovation, as well as to minimum-wage Pag-IBIG members of the barangay. Payments are made with subsidized interest rates for socialized housing units through Pag-IBIG’s affordable housing program, extending a 3% interest rate for the initial five years of the payment term of minimum wage Pag-IBIG Fund members whose income does not exceed Php 15,000 per month if working in NCR, and Php 12,000 per month if they are working in the regions. For units beyond the socialized housing package, a 6.375% per annum will be charged through Pag-IBIG’s regular end-user financing. Scheduled to be completed in 16 months-time, MCA Homes is CDC’s first foray into socialized housing. With the residents are (left to right): CDC Holdings president and CEO Elsie Chua; Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos, and Pag-IBIG Fund senior vice president for lending operations Fermin Sta. Teresa.

FOOTHOLD IN CENTRAL LUZON. Abotizland recently launched Ajoya in Pampanga, a 17 hectare mixed-use community that will feature a town plaza, clubhouse, multi-purpose hall, swimming pool, generous pocket parks and greenbelts. “With our solid credentials in Cebu for the past 25 years, we’re in a position to continue our Luzon expansion which started a few years ago,” said David Rafael, AboitizLand president and chief executive officer. The launch comes on the heels of the successful launch of Ajoya in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac last year. The former is a 19-hectare property located in Barangay Valle Cruz, Nueva Ecija while the latter spans 13 hectares and is located in Barangays Talaga and Estrada in Tarlac. “We take pride in being proponents of modern Filipino architecture,” added Rafa de Mesa, AboitizLand’s first vice president of operations. “We show this by incorporating classic Filipino elements to contemporary house designs.” Located in Barangay Eden, Mexico—less than a two-hour drive from Metro Manila and easily accessible via the North Luzon Expressway—Ajoya Pampanga is near the burgeoning economic hub New Clark City and key businesses and conveniences. Ajoya Pampanga property prices range from P2.5.M to P4.2M.

Life

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

ARTS AND CULTURE

By Jocelyn de Jesus

HEY learned their truths at 70.

Whether a series of aha moments or wake-up calls nudged visual artist-teachers and longtime friends Bim Bacaltos and Ernie Enrique toward their respective epiphanies when they both turned 70 this year, their newfound truths have birthed the works on exhibit in Heaven and Earth. Happily for them and for us, these works—breathtakingly detailed doodles on completed crossword puzzles, photographs of supernal visions, graceful colors and rhythms of nature in acrylic on paper and canvas, and gritty pottery—celebrate fresh beginnings rather than hint darkly at the vicissitudes of age. Heaven and Earth is thus a celebration of lives richly lived in love, laughter, and tears; lives that have reached out and up, time and again, heavenward, for relief and in thanksgiving, or lives that have dug deep into the soil/earth to ground the soul in humility, to take their place alongside all living beings. When tragedy struck Bacaltos in 2018—his wife fell gravely ill and shortly passed—he struggled to work his way through the “maelstrom of feelings and struggle for meaning swirling inside.” Particularly at this time, doodling relentlessly on completed crosswords—a drawing style that came about sometime in 2014, when a particular word (solution) sparked a spate of ideas (i.e., synonyms and images) that led to a spontaneous doodling of an imagined face, in particular, that of Judas the Betrayer and his anguish over his act of betrayal—proved cathartic. He says, “The Ignatian spirituality of finding God in all things, including, and especially, in…tragic events, imbibed in

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Heaven and Earth and everything in between

Ernie Enrique’s photographs of the sky and his pottery series, entitled ‘Offering to the gods,’ are on display at the Heaven and Earth exhibit.

formative years in school and at home, found expression in images of faith, hope, and paradoxical gratitude for all the blessings received in life.” From this sprang a series on local medicinal plants, another on patron saints for healing, yet another on heirlooms and childhood mementos, and elements in nature cast in new light.

Hence today we share Bacaltos’ life journey in a series, titled Doodling on Completed Crossword Puzzles, and another, Works in Acrylic on Paper and Canvas, which is all about finding God in all things. Similarly, Enrique, a lifelong photographer, is ever on the lookout for new and different light, having created an extensive series of photographs of sky and cloud formations at different times of day that he has been uploading on social media platforms over the last several years. Some of the best of these he shares in this exhibit, which he succinctly calls the Sky series—and, he says, none of these photographs are ever the same in spite of the immutability of the heavens. One only need look to the skies for inspiration and rejuvenation, Enrique reminds us, echoing Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “The sky is the daily bread of the eyes.” At the same time, we turn heavenward in times of both gratitude and despair, in our search for answers to endless earthbound riddles. His vision was perhaps cast skyward when he realized that life after photography and teaching could be more deeply rooted to earth, whence life springs every day, in defiance of death and decay. Nearly three years ago, Enrique turned to pottery with a hopeful heart, this time indulging his love for manual work. Getting down and dirty proved to be his thing, too. And today, in his pottery series, titled “Offering to the gods,” Enrique, gives thanks and praise to earth’s guardian spirits, with a special clutch of blue bowls called “The Cesar Hernando Collection,” which he dedicates to dear friend and fellow-teacher Cesar Hernando, who passed last year. Bacaltos and Enrique enjoin us to celebrate Heaven and Earth, and the infinite joys and sorrows in between. The Heaven and Earth exhibit will be held on Nov. 3-17 at the Fine Arts Gallery in the Faculty Building of the UP College of Fine Arts.

‘Mementos from My Childhood’ (top) and ‘Damong Maria’ (bottom), some of Bacaltos’ works included in his Doodling on Completed Crossword Puzzles series.

Acrylic on canvas by Bim Bacaltos

Building a home for artists By Veronica V. Wuson FOR weeks now, a multi-awarded group of visual artists are furiously brushing colors and deftly detailing painterly strokes on 12 thematic canvas murals across the islands to fulfill a decades-long dream of owning and building a home for their community of a thousand artists. “Tahanan Sining,” a home to empower fellow artists, to mentor newbies, to motivate creative experiences. A gallery for artists living within and out of the metropolis whose outstanding works have never been exhibited. An office to incentivize networks with acclaimed Filipino and global artists. An educational center to evolve with digital technology and the online business of art teaching and selling. A compass for visual artists. It will be the “permanent headquarters of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP),” the oldest and biggest local art organization, whose ambitious mission of raising funds for their “dream home” will hopefully be fulfilled by this Christmas after 71 years of homelessness. Founded in 1948 by Purita Kalaw Ledesma, its members listed National Artists Vicente Manansala, José Joya, Ang Kiukok, Jerry Navarro, Federico Alcuaz, Botong Francisco, and more, as well as living legends like Benedicto Cabrera. Resolute to build their dream, the current set of AAP officers struck a deal anew with Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Batch 1985, led by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Dino, to stage a fundraising auction and exhibit, “Artabang 3” on Dec. 7 in Cebu City. “Tabang in Bisaya means tulong in Tagalog. Ginamit namin ang sining sa pagtulong (We used art to help),” explained Fidel Sarmiento, AAP president for the past 16 years. “This way we aren’t subjected to the fickleness of political patronage,” he added, referring to the short-lived “Kanlungan Ng Sining” within Rizal Park that was padlocked after an administration change. The three other AAP officers, all branded artists, Roger Santos, Visual artists from all over the country work together to create paintings that will help raise funds for the establishment of ‘Tahanan Sining,’ the permanent Turn to C2 home of the Art Association of the Philippines.

Life

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Remembering Leonardo da Vinci in Manila the secrets behind Leonardo da VinBeing Leonardo da Vinci, ci’s The Last Supper during a Renaisan impossible interview sance-inspired dinner at Caruso. (short film) ID you know that the PIA director James Frenzy will November 19, 7:30 p.m. great Leonardo da lead the “introduction on the secrets Vinci’s first love was of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper while The FDCP Cinematheque Centcooking and not painting? diners partake of Caruso restaurant er Manila is screening Italian acdirector Emilio Mina’s menu. tor and director Massimiliano This is just one of things some people Admission: P3,000 (with wine) Finazzer Flory’s Being Leonardo don’t know about Da Vinci, whose 500th da Vinci, an impossible interview. death anniversary is celebrated with a series Cook-off with Leonardo The short film features Da Vinci of cultural and culinary events in Manila. (cooking contest) in the modern world, answering The Philippine Italian Association, in November 14 questions about his childhood, his partnership with the Italian Embassy, civil and military activities, and Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Kitchen warriors from different how to become a “good painter” Philippines, and Cultural Center of the Philippines, stages the following activi- universities will prepare their Re- (bono pittore). Film screening is free; first come, ties that tell the stories and secrets of the naissance-inspired menu during the master behind a number of works such inter-university cooking competition first serve basis. Know how the cinematic techas The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. entitled “Cook-off with Leonardo” at the Culinary Institute of Lyceum of niques—photography, editing, the Philippines. and the screenplay—used in The Last Supper The cook-off will require each Flory’s film help show the true (lecture and dinner) school to present recipes they think life events of Da Vinci at a masNovember 13 Leonardo would have made during terclass on Nov. 20 at the CCP Dream Theater. Participants will hear first-hand his time.

By Angelica Villanueva

A series of cultural and culinary events will be held in Manila in celebration of the 500th death anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci, wine and cuisine (lecture and dinner) November 20, 7:00 p.m. Another round of lecture with dinner to be led by Chef Salvatore Arria and sommelier Luca Galli will be held at Ponte Rialto in Venice Grand Canal Mall. Admission: P3,000 (with wine)

Being Leonardo da Vinci, an impossible interview (on stage) November 21, 7:00 p.m.

From left: Cultural Center of the Philippines director for corporate communications division Irene Rada, Rustan’s chairperson and chief executive Zenaida Tantoco, Italian Embassy deputy head of mission and second secretary Eugeniu Rotaru, Philippine Italian Association general manager Alessandro Milani, and Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines executive director Angel dela Flor.

Massimiliano Finazzer Flory, in collaboration with Filipino actor and director Carlito “Lito” Casaje brings Leonardo da Vinci to life on the stage. The one-act play, which uses theater to present the Italian genius’ true life, art history, and science, will be held at the Little Theater of the Cultural Center of

the Philippines. Through the format of an impossible interview, Finazzer Flory “physically” becomes Da Vinci. Dressed in period costumes and wearing makeup which reconstructs Da Vinci’s face, he performs in Renaissance language original texts written by the artist himself, among which is the famous “Trattato di pittura” (Painting Treaties). The audience will discover his secrets, know his process and methods of working, and learn his authentic language. The play is based on the entries the artist wrote in his diaries. Tickets: P1,000 (orchestra center); P800 (orchestra side) Contact PIA through (02) 8815-1310 or philippineitalianassociation@gmail. com or CCP Arts Education Department through (02) 8832-1125 local 1604 or ccp.artist.training@gmail. com for more details.

ON THE SHELVES The Collected Stories of Jessica Zafra

Jessica Zafra’s latest book that features her 27 stories from the last 27 years is now available at bookstores and online. The Collected Stories of Jessica Zafra includes the awardwinning fiction from Manananggal Terrorizes Manila (1992) and The Stories So Far (2014), plus new stories and an introduction by Don Jaucian. The Ateneo University Press-published book is now available at Fully Booked stores, Solidaridad, Popular Bookstores, the Ateneo University Press bookshop, Loyola Bookshop, and on Shopee. It is coming soon at Mt.Cloud Bookshop in Baguio and other outlets. Writer Jessica Zafra with her latest book.

The Last Tree

Award-winning author and commercial voice actor Gutch Gutierrez highlights the importance of caring for the environment in his latest picture book, The Last Tree. Published by Hiyas, OMF Literature’s imprint for children’s books, this post-apocalyptic story uses catchy rhymes and striking illustrations to list the many roles of trees. The book also features a fun infographic that suggests simple ways to be a good steward of God’s creation. The infographic was created by Rory Gutierrez. It is available at National Book Store, OMF Lit Bookshop, Passages, and other leading bookstores nationwide. The book can also be ordered online through omflit.com.

AAP members monetize their artworks for the fulfillment of their goal to build their home.

Building... From C1

The Last Tree, a picture book, talks about the many roles of trees.

Montblanc pays homage to Rudyard Kipling THE latest Writers Edition of Montblanc pays tribute to the talent and legacy of Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), beloved author of The Jungle Book. One of the most popular writers in the United Kingdom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kipling had a lasting impact on the world of literature as a major innovator in the art of the short story. Born in India, he was very connected to the country and its culture, and became an enthusiastic promoter of orientalism. The solid gold nib features an engraving of the elephant, a character from ‘The Jungle Book.’

Montblanc Writers Edition’s Rudyard Kipling A Tribute to ‘If’

The first English language writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 42, he remains one of the award’s youngest recipients to this day. Crafted in Montblanc Ateliers, the design of the limited edition writing instruments is inspired by The Jungle Book,

a collection of stories about human archetypes in animal form; and If, a much-admired poem written in the form of paternal advice to a son. Limited Edition 70

Margarita Lim, and Monette Alvarez, and their equally motivated AAP members are monetizing their art for the dream house. In an alley, on the streets, in a garage, against a block wall, in a living room, artists are interfacing, interacting, blending their creativity on 5-ft by 9-ft and 5-ft by 5-ft canvases. Literally sweating it out, they perch on tables, squat on stools, sit on bare floors, stand on tables, kneeling... bending with their brushes to collaboratively paint their assigned portions of the mural expressions. “My group of Female Art Addicts are privileged to be invited to this worthy cause,” said watercolorist Margarita Lim. “This will be the legacy for future generation of artists. Finally, a permanent home for AAP.” Sam Penaso, an internationally recognized artist, leads a group in his Quezon City studio. The 11 other mural canvases, meanwhile, are being rendered in Pampanga, Cebu, Bulacan, Bicol, Rizal, Bohol, Las Piñas, and Iloilo.

Sarmiento said, “Sa pamamagitan nitong interaction painting, pinapakita ang pagtutulungan ng mga artists. Nagtutulungan makabuo ng isang obra para sa isang layunin (The interaction painting shows how the artists work together for one canvas and one goal).” A realist painter, Sarmiento further explained that the interaction concept is agreed upon by the respective mural groups, followed by studies and sketches before implementation. Aside from the collaborative muralists, more than 100 bankable artists are individually brushing bristles or sables in oil, acrylics, or watercolor for their “obra maestra” of the year, donating some 200 paintings. World-renowned artist Romulo Galicano also threw in his brushes along with his squad, PASPI or the Portrait Artists Society of the Philippines, to help achieve the P20 million target. With brushes in their hands, the dream in their heads, painting with their hearts, and praying to the heavens, the artist community of 25 to 70+ years old are one in their Christmas wish—a “Tahanan Sining” in Metro Manila.

Entertainment

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

SNAPSHOT

‘Last Christmas’ premieres ACTRESSES Emilia Clarke (inset) and Michelle Yeoh and actor Henry Golding attend the premiere of Last Christmas in New York City. The upcoming romantic comedy is directed by Paul Feig and written by Bryony Kimmings and Emma Thompson, who co-wrote the story with her husband, Greg Wise. Clarke was wearing a purple dress with matching dazzling earrings for her red carpet appearance, while Golding was dashing in his all-gray suit and brown loafers. The onscreen pair play the leads in the cheesy festive ﬁlm set in London at Christmas. AFP

Mrs. Tourism 2019 winners crowned T

HE Mrs. Tourism 2019, a pageant for married women, culminated in the exciting crowning of six titlists during a glitzy event held in Tanghalang Pasigueño on Monday. Mrs. Thailand Apipapha Jankaen was named Mrs. Tourism Queen Mother 2019 and Mrs. Philippines Giselle Legaspi Barrion was named Mrs. Tourism Universe 2019. Mrs. Taiwan Melodie Chen took the Mrs. Tourism World 2019 title while Mrs. South Africa Roxanne Theresa Wang won as Mrs. Tourism International 2019. Mrs. Bangladesh Farhana Afrin Oyshe was named Mrs. Tourism Globe 2019 and Mrs. Laos Malaythong Sirisak was crowned Mrs. Tourism Earth 2019. The six winners will be called as “The Mother Who Cares for the World,” to reign as the face and voice of the Mrs. Tourism 2019 advocacy to stop racial discrimination and promote their own personal social platforms. The 38-year-old Barrion is an entrepreneur and facilitator at the Universiaty of Santo Tomas Graduate School. She has a Master’s degree in Business Administration at UST Graduate School and is pursuing her PhD in Organization Development at S A I D I Graduate School of Organization Development. On its third year, Mrs. Tourism 2019 is produced and presented by Megastar Productions, headed by CEO/president

PAGEANT CONCEPT ETON CONCEPCION

population, especially, the poor, marginalized, and migrant workers living in remote towns and villages by enabling and working through ‘bottom-tiered financial institutions’ such as rural or village banks, thrift banks, credit unions or cooperatives, savings and loan associations, miscrofinance NGOs, and merchant agents that will transform lives and spur economic developments in the country. Nationlink Network has grown significantly over the past 13 years in membership, size of the TM network, card base and its financial condition to maintain its position as the network provider for the marginalized and the unbanked. It has gained the trust of the market and financial industry as well. Nationlink has now a total of 47 existing subscribers all over the country, which include 24 cooperatives, 17 rural banks, 4 cooperative banks and 2 subscribers that are soon to be online. The Philippines is one of the countries in the world with a long history of sending workers abroad and ranks among the top three countries with the largest recipient of remittances in the world. The role of overseas Filipino workers (OFW)s’ remittances and its contribution/effect on economic growth and development has

20 Years... From C4

I-WITNESS’ greatest strength, however, lies beyond critical acclaim. The program’s longevity has allowed its hosts and viewers to continually follow the narratives of subjects who have touched lives across generations. On its 20th anniversary, the I-Witness hosts learn how conditions have changed, if at all, in some of the program’s most memorable stories since they were ﬁrst told. Kara, known for her compassion and empathy towards the youth, travels to three provinces to reunite with former subjects, once children who have had to bear the incredible burden of poverty and dangerous labor at a tender age. Now that they

been duly recognized. Data recorded cash sent home by OFWs surged to an all-time high in December 2018 and clocked in fullyear growth that outpaced the BSP’s growth forecast. But still, workers’ remittances have not been properly utilized into productive and investment uses in the Philippines. Nationlink Network’s objective is to lessen the cost of money transfer which is very expensive in the Philippines. Nationlink gets its revenues from transaction fees, but the goal of the company is to lower the transaction cost for the people who remit a part of their earnings to family members. With Nationlink Network’s strong hold on its niche as the provider of ﬁnancial service to the countryside, rural and thrift banks, cooperatives, loans and savings associations and micro-ﬁnance organizations are now able t provide modern mainstream banking services such as ATMs and POS, money remittance services, e-banking & e-commerce and mobile banking to their communities in the countryside, by linking their institutions to Nationlink Network. The Nationlink E-Money Card is a reloadable, multi-purpose electronic value card. This can be transacted through ATMs, Nationlink Cash-in and Cash-out Centers and other POS devices. Contact Nationlink at Tel. No. (02) 892 0200.

are teenagers and young adults, how have they risen above the struggles that plagued their childhoods? Meanwhile, Atom faces issues in housing head on, nearly 40 years since the establishment of the National Housing Authority. With rapidly increasing urban development, how have the less privileged residents of Manila survived despite lacking one of their most basic needs? I-Witness searches for answers through the lives of those who ﬁrst faced this struggle many years ago. Sandra has led I-Witness in confronting issues on education, from the triumphs of exceptional schools and teachers, to glaring concerns in access, quality, and resources. This year, she and her team question the state of Philippine education today, through the stories of a school in a conﬂict-ridden community and a young

finalists woo public for votes THREE young artists will fight for their dreams and future as they sing their hearts out and woo the public to vote for them in the The Voice Kids: The Finals, happening this evening and tomorrow night on ABS-CBN. The stage is already set for Cyd Pangca of FamiLea, Carmelle Collado of Kamp Kawayan, and Vanjoss Bayaban of Team Sarah, who will compete to become the newest and fourth grand champion of The Voice Kids to be determined solely by online and text votes. Eleven-year-old Cyd of Bukidnon reached the finals after having gone through difficulties that challenged his confidence. After being bullied last season for not making it past the battle rounds, the passionate and multi-talented vocalist made an awe-inspiring comeback to “The Voice Kids” as a threechair turner during the blind auditions. Carmelle, also 11, of Camarines Sur dedicates her journey to her family of singers and grandmother, who, just like her, was a singing contest veteran. The

powerful young artist made her mark this season with her explosive versions of hit songs by both foreign and local divas. Driven 12-year-old Vanjoss of Pangasinan, who is also a three-chair turner, has his family’s future to ﬁght for. Since his audition, he has kept his eyes on the prize so he could bring home his mother, who is a domestic helper in Hong Kong. Apart from the young artists, the three superstar coaches are also ﬁghting for their second respective The Voice Kids win, after successfully mentoring grand winners Lyca Gairanod (Team Sarah), Elha Nympha (Kamp Kawayan), and Joshua Oliveros (FamiLea). A new chapter unfolds for one young artist— whose dream will come true? Who among Cyd, Carmelle, and Vanjoss will be crowned victorious? Don’t miss The Voice Kids: The Finals, live from Resorts World Manila, on ABS-CBN or ABS-CBN HD (SkyCable ch 167). Watch its episodes on the iWant app (Android and iOS) or iwant.ph.

Vanjoss, 12, is a threechair turner during the blind auditions. He joined the singing tilt so he could bring home his mother, who is a domestic helper in Hong Kong.

The crowning of the six winners in this year's edition Mrs. Tourism pageant

Ovette Ricalde, who also manages the Mrs. World pageant, the long-running original pageant for married women founded in1999. *** Linking the country and transforming Filipino lives Inforserve, Inc. has designed a network—the Nationlink Network which hopes to ‘Link the Nation and Transform Lives’ of the un-served, the poor, and the marginalized in support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s advocacy on ‘Innovative Financial Inclusion.’ Inforserve, Inc. is registered and recognized since 1984 as an International Fintech Company in the Philippines, and currently, is regulated and supervised by BSP as a ‘Non-Bank Financial Institution (NBFI). The Nationlink Network is grounded with its vision to bring financial inclusion across networks and to be globally meaningful in transforming financial transactions and making it relevant to everyday needs. It provides innovative and accessible financial services thru modern card and mobile/webbased financial, banking and payment services. Nationlink Network is dedicated to provide financial inclusion to the world’s financially un-served and under-served

The Voice Kids

woman who continues to change her family’s life through education. Last, but not the least, Howie, who has advocated for environment protection through many of his documentaries, returns to Isabela more than ten years since ﬁrst witnessing attempts to end illegal logging in the province. In a time of global warming and the ruthless depletion of natural resources, the state of the largest protected area in the Philippines reminds us of an urgent issue that concerns us all. I-Witness airs its 20th anniversary specials all Saturdays of November, beginning Nov. 2, with a special feature on past and present hosts of I-Witness and the remarkable stories they have followed through the years. Don’t miss I-Witness, Saturdays, after Studio 7 on GMA-7.

Extra International... From C4

Small new story screen holds big appeal for Hollywood A-listers FROM Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep to Reese Witherspoon and Michael Douglas, Hollywood movie stars are being lured to television by higher production values, wider opportunities... and massive paydays. Continued on C3 Once the vastly poorer cousin of ﬁlm, the small screen has enjoyed a stunning renaissance as members of the bingewatching generation swap trips to the multiplex for nights on the couch streaming the latest “premium” hit show. Hollywood’s top A-listers are increasingly making the same switch. Michael Mann, the acclaimed director of ﬁlms Heat and The Last of

the Mohicans, said the quality of TV in the US has now overtaken that of movies in many cases—something that was not common when he produced television’s Miami Vice in the 1980s. “The perception here was quite parochial—you were categorized as one thing or another,” he told AFP. “It was cinema looking down on TV, for good reason, because TV was pretty abysmal.” Today, “some of the best writing is going on in television,” Mann added, pointing to Netﬂix’s dark crime thriller Ozark and Showtime mini-series Patrick Melrose, starring Jason Bateman and Benedict Cumberbatch, respectively. Elsewhere, Jim Carrey has starred in Showtime TV comedy Kidding, Roberts fronted Amazon drama Homecoming, and Douglas signed up for an Emmynominated turn in Netﬂix’s The Kominsky Method. AFP

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are reportedly earning $2 million each per episode for Apple TV+ flagship program 'The Morning Show.'

Entertainment

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Erik Matti’s ‘Island of Dreams’ opens HBO’s ‘Food Lore’ series A BRAND new HBO Asia Original anthology drama series, Food Lore, is premiering tomorrow at 10:00 p.m. on HBO and HBO Go. The eight-episode hour-long series explores human conditions with narratives inspired by Asian cuisines. Helmed by award-winning Singaporean ﬁlmmaker Eric Khoo (Ramen Teh, 12 Storeys), the series is shot in eight countries across Asia— India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and directed by some of Asia’s most talented storytellers including Erik Matti (BuyBust, Honor Thy Father) from the Philippines, Phan Dang Di (Bi, Don’t Be Afraid, Big Father, Small Father and Other Stories) from Vietnam, Billy Christian (Tuyul: Part 1, The Sacred Riana: Beginning) from Indonesia, Don Aravind (Angel, Drive) from Singapore, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

(Headshot, Last Life in the Universe) from Thailand, Takumi Saitoh (Blank 13, Hannbun no Sekai) from Japan, and Ho Yuhang (Trespassed, Mrs. K) from Malaysia. Like a favorite dish from home, each story is a flavor of love and set to tease the senses. Viewers will be taken on an emotional journey filled with passion, treasured memories and a little spice of Asia. Each episode possesses a distinct voice, tone, and narrative. The first two episodes, Philippines episode, Food Lore: Island of Dreams, and the Vietnam episode, Food Lore: He Serves Fish, She Eats Flower, made their world debut at this year’s Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) on Oct. 31 and Oct. 30, respectively. TIFF started in 1985 as Japan’s first major film festival and since has grown to become one of the leading film festivals in Asia.

Premiering at Singapore International Film Festival later on Nov. 24, the India episode, A Plate of Moon, will also be making a world debut. This is the ﬁrst time an HBO Asia Original will be presented at either festival. Matti’s Island Dreams tackles the story of Nieves who leaves her husband and children to work as a domestic helper in Manila. Returning home for the annual ﬁesta, Nieves soon realizes that she may have grown estranged from her beloved family as her jubilant homecoming takes an unexpected turn. This episode stars Angeli Bayani, John Marvin C. Nieto, and Irina Guillen Feleo. Food Lore is produced by Singaporebased company Bert Pictures and part of a two-year partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in Singapore. Through a series of workshops and collaborations with local

A scene from 'Food Lore: Island Dreams' directed by Erik Matti and stars Angeli Bayani, John Marvin C. Nieto, and Irina Guillen Feleo.

companies and talent on HBO Asia Original productions, the partnership aims to develop the content production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry. HBO Asia started producing Original

productions in 2012 and has produced a range of Asian Original productions including series, movies, and documentaries. To date, HBO Asia has produced and aired 18 Asian Original productions with more in the pipeline.

VERY WANG

NICKIE WANG

‘Game of Thrones’ prequel in the offing

INGER and occasional actor Ronnie Liang must have done something extra special for him to be able to rope in pop superstar and concert queen Sarah Geronimo to join him in an upcoming concert. In an interview with Manila Standard, the 34-year-old Ronnie shared that it was him who personally invited the actress and singer after the big bosses from Viva agreed to the idea. “During our conceptualization [for the concert], I asked Boss Vic del Rosario if we could have Sarah as my special guest. He told me that the management is ﬁne with the idea but I would have to ask Sarah personally,” Ronnie recounted. “So, during her show in Iloilo where I was one of the guest performers, I asked her,’Sarah I’m going to have a solo concert, can I invite you as a guest artist?’ Then she replied, ‘Yes, of course.’ She answered without thinking twice,” he added. Ronnie couldn’t thank Sarah G enough for giving an instantaneous response to his question and for always building him up whenever she introduces him in gigs and shows where he’s one of the performers. “I wasn’t really expecting that she would say yes. I just tried to pop the question and kind of prepared myself to get disappointed. Imagine, when she agreed to be part of my show she didn’t even check her schedule,” the wide-eyed Ronnie shared adding that they will perform the song “Liwanag,” which they both recorded for his latest album. The romantic pop balladeer’s concert is entitled Love X Romance happening on Nov. 8 at the Music Museum. Apart from Sarah G, Ronnie will be joined by Ella Cruz and Janine Tenoso. “My collaboration with Janine and Ella is something that the audience can also look forward, too. Janine is a singer

I-WITNESS premiered on Philippine television at the turn of the millennium. It was a time of uncertainty in a changing world, and GMA News and Public Affairs saw the need to tell stories of truth through the documentary format. Twenty years since, I-Witness has become one of the leading TV documentary programs in the country, with over 1,000 life-changing stories that have pursued the truth about Filipino values, culture, current events, and the human condition. Last Oct. 25, the hosts of the pioneering and longest-running documentary program—Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo, Atom Araullo, and Howie Severino—renewed their commitment to the Kapuso Network in a contract signing attended by no less than GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores, and First Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon. Senior AVP for Public Affairs Clyde Mercado and I-Witness Program Manager Joy Madrigal-Monzon were also present. Atty. Gozon underscored the legacy of I-Witness as one of the country’s top-

Pop superstar Sarah G is joining Ronnie Liang in his Nov. 8 concert at the Music Museum.

and Ella is a dancer. I think that already gives you a hint on what kind of production we’re doing onstage,” he beams. According to Ronnie, Love X Romance is a celebration of love through music. At the same time, it is also a celebration of the achievements of Ronnie just this past year alone. From staying on course to ﬁnish his ﬂying course, to releasing his full-length album 12 to commemorate his dozen years in showbiz down to topping the radio hit charts. The album is Ronnie’s most successful release yet, with his singles

Pop balladeer Ronnie Liang stages a solo concert entitled 'Love X Romance.'

A PREQUEL series to global TV phenomenon Game of Thrones has been ordered, WarnerMedia announced Tuesday, as it set out launch details for its new HBO Max streaming service. The new show in George RR Martin’s ﬁctional world of Westeros will take place 300 years prior to fantasy epic Thrones and will be called House of the Dragon. The series will be based on the book Fire and Blood, which tells the story of the murderous, dragon-breeding Targaryen family. “It’s my pleasure to announce today that we are ordering House of the Dragon straight to series for HBO,” Casey Bloys, president of programming, told a Los Angeles launch event for HBO Max. “It tells the story of House Targaryen and the early days of Westeros.” Thrones, known for its graphic violence and sex as well as its unprecedented budget and production values, ended its eight-season run earlier this year with 59 Emmys—a record for a drama or comedy at television’s equivalent of the Oscars. The new prequel has been co-created by Martin and Ryan Condal (Colony), who will write the 10-episode series and serve as showrunner alongside Miguel Sapochnik. Sapochnik directed multiple Game of Thrones episodes including the Emmywinning “Battle of the Bastards.” AFP Continued on C3

“Yakap” and “Ligaya” (a cover of the hit Eraserheads song) topping popular radio charts for consecutive weeks. To date, these songs are still enjoying a prolonged stay at the Top Ten charts. And despite these, Ronnie continues to study to diligently attend his ﬂying classes and even appear and act on TV and the movies. For ticket inquiries call Viva Live 687-7236, Ticketworld 8919999, and Music Museum 721-0635 & 721-6726.

'I-Witness' hosts (from left) Atom Araullo, Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo, and Howie Severino

notch TV shows. “I-Witness is a premium program in Public Affairs that’s why it is still here even after 20 years. We are very happy that we are continuing the excellent tradition of I-Witness,” he said. Duavit praised the award-winning documentary program, saying that

I-Witness has helped the network cement its status as the most trusted news organization in the country. “It has become our reputation that we are leading in presenting these kinds of programs. Sa pagkakataong ito, I’d like to thank Sandra, Howie, Kara, and Atom sa patuloy

nilang pagtataguyod ng hindi lamang ng ganitong klaseng programa kundi sa kaledad ng features na ginagawa nila,” he said. Throughout its run, I-Witness has earned the respect of journalists and viewers all over the world for its dedication to face

challenging truths. It won the Philippines’ ﬁrst George Foster Peabody Award in its inaugural year, with GMA News pillar Jessica Soho’s groundbreaking stories, “Kamao” and “Kidneys for Sale”. The program won a second Peabody in 2010 for Kara David’s “Ambulansyang de Paa,” making it the only program to win two trophies from the prestigious awardgiving body. I-Witness has continued to be recognized internationally with awards from the ABU/CASBAA UNICEF Child Rights Award (“Selda Inosente” and “Bata-k”, Kara David; “Batang CP”, Jay Taruc), the New York Festivals (including “Askal”, Vicky Morales; “Sabah: Sex Slaves”, Maki Pulido; “Boy Pusit”, Sandra Aguinaldo; “Ganito Kami Noong Martial Law”, Howie Severino), and the U.S. International Film and Video Festivals (“Buto’t Balat”, Kara David; “Iskul Ko No. 1”, Sandra Aguinaldo; “Busal”, Howie Severino; “Silang Kinalimutan”, Atom Araullo, etc.), among others. It is also a regular winner in local awards such as the Catholic Mass Media Awards, the PMPC Star Awards for Television, the Gandingan Awards of UP Los Baños, and more. Continued on C3