Manila Standard - 2019 December 21 - Saturday by Manila Standard

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Next battle: Claim for damages Massacre victims’ kin eye Ampatuan assets; move stalled until SC final rule By Rey E. Requejo and Macon Ramos-Araneta

HE Department of Justice will study options to protect the claim for damages of the relatives of 58 people killed in the Maguindanao massacre, which they cannot receive pending a final

decision from the Supreme Court.

of the Ampatuan clan who were found The Quezon City Regional Trial Court guilty of perpetrating the mass murder on Thursday ordered several members to pay millions of pesos in damages

to the victims’ families. Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon said, however, the victims’ families cannot claim this amount until the Supreme Court upholds the verdict, which could take up to 24 months if the verdict is contested by the accused. He also noted that it is typical for Next page

VOL. XXXIII • NO. 310 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

No automatic rehiring for acquitted cops—PNP SOME of the police officers implicated, and eventually acquitted, in the Maguindanao massacre case would be evaluated whether they are still fit to return to service, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Friday. The officers acquitted of the multiple

murder charges will not be automatically reinstated in the police force, the Philippine National Police added. “Acquittal does not necessarily translate to reinstatement to the police service,” PNP spokesperson Police Brig.

Gen. Bernard Banac said in a text message to GMA News Online. “Their dismissal from the PNP stemmed from preponderance of evidence, which is entirely different from Next page

ROLLING JUSTICE WHEEL. Forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun (top photo) discusses the bloody Ampatuan massacre while Free Legal Assistance Group lawyer Chel Diokno (left) listens during the public forum on post verdict assessment at the Annabels Restaurant in Quezon City. A day earlier, (below) Rep. Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu, vice mayor of Buluan town in Maguindanao in 2009, when the Maguindanao massacre happened, meets with some of the family members at the National Press Club before the promulgation of the court sentence where 28 were convicted and sentenced to 40 years. Manny Palmero and Norman Cruz

DOH uncovers fixing/selling of endorsements By Macon Ramos-Araneta THE Health department has condemned the alleged fixing or selling of guarantee letters by unscrupulous people at the expense of poor and indigent patients. The department anticipated the recent arrest of a Hubert Lotino, the alleged fixer of some guarantee letters it had issued. Lotino was one of those named by whistleblowers who had earlier volunteered information about a scheme using the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patient program fund. Acting on the reports of informants, the department enlisted the help of the National Bureau of Investigation Next page

CHRISTMAS COSTUMES. Members of the Pio del Pilar Senior Citizens Dance Troupe do a happy swing and sway in the streets of the posh city of Makati Friday morning, spreading cheers of Yuletide, only two days to the 4th Sunday of Advent in the Catholic calendar. Diana Noche

Pinoys see better prospects in 2020

Reds debunk ‘hit list,’ say it blocks peace

By MJ Blancaflor MANY Filipinos were optimistic about their prospects in 2020, a Pulse Asia survey revealed Friday. The polling firm said 93 percent of the respondents it polled said they will welcome the new year with hope, and their number is slightly higher than the 91 percent recorded last year. Meanwhile, some 0.2 percent were pessimistic about the coming year

By MJ Blancaflor THE Communist Party of the Philippines on Friday denied the allegations of security officials that there is a “hit list” that includes President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the claim only aims to hamper the planned resumption of peace talks. In a statement, the group said the allegation of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. that the communist group wants President Duterte and other officials killed only seeks “to sow intrigue” and block the impending negotiations between the Next page

while 7 percent were undecided. The positive sentiment was recorded among all geographic areas and socioeconomic classes, the survey showed. Metro Manila recorded 95 percent, Luzon had 90 percent, Visayas had 98 percent and Mindanao had 95 percent. Majority figures were also recorded in all socio-economic classes with 97 percent in Class ABC, 93 percent in Class D and 91 percent in Class E. Next page

P5k pay for ‘kasambahay’ in NCR up ‘GUINNESS’ ATTEMPT. Performers dressed as Joseph, Mary, shepherds and other elements of the Nativity line up to be counted as the City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan officially attempted to break the Guinness Book of World Record mark for the most number of living participants in a Nativity scene on Friday at the Altaraza Spine Road in the city’s Barangay Tungkong Mangga.

Christmas storm heading for Davao Sur

DOMESTIC workers or “kasambahay” in Metro Manila may see their monthly pay rate go up from P3,500 to P5,000. This is after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board for the National Capital Region on Friday approved a P1,500 increase in their

Coding for buses suspended by Dec. 23

monthly minimum wage. Domestic workers had their last wage increase in December 2017, as the National Wages and Productivity Commission raised their monthly pay to ₱3,500 from ₱2,500. Next page

Winter solstice leads to longest night in PH

A BREWING storm, also known as low pressure area, could head for Davao del Sur on Wednesday as the province continues to wobble from the powerful earthquake on Sunday, the state weather bureau said Friday. This, as another weather system started dampening the holiday merriment in parts of the predominantly Christian country of 106 million people. The LPA was about 2,500 km east of Mindanao at 3 a.m. Friday and was expected to enter the Philippine area at the earliest on Sunday, said PAGASA weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario.

By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority says it is suspending the number coding scheme for provincial buses for six days starting Dec. 23 to accommodate

TOMORROW, the Philippines will experience this year’s longest night, with pitch darkness at round midnight, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA. This means the nights during the start of winter solstice will be longer than the daytime, but countries that do not have the winter season, like the Philippines, will only experience cooler temperatures and longer nights. This is the time, according to weather experts, when the sun lies at its farthest point south of the equator, signaling “the onset of

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UE grads top 2019 Dentist Licensure test UNIVERSITY of the East graduates claimed three of the top four spots in the Dentist Licensure Examination (Practical Phase), the Professional Regulation Commission announced on Friday. Elyssa Jane Fernandez Tan of UE-Manila topped the examination's practical phase with a rating of 83.03%, followed by John Michael Briones Panganiban at second with 82.94%. Lady Jessamine Mamacotao Diamel was fourth at 82.37%, behind third placer Maxine Anne Alejandrino Remulla of University of the PhilippinesManila, who scored 82.60%. UP-Manila had three others in the top 10: Aika Gail Jimenez Vera Cruz at 6th (82.17%), Ansley Bernardo Yee at 7th (81.80%), and Anna Lorraine Hitosis Tonel at 9th (81.66%). Rounding out the top 10 are Jayson Jhon Signo Palma of Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City (5th, 82.27%), Nadine Angela Paola Macasaet Oreta of Davao Medical School Foundation (8th, 81.70%), and Marjorie Mariano Orlanda of Centro Escolar University-Manila (10th, 81.27%). The PRC said that 541 out of 687 who took the examination passed the practical phase, while 540 out of 1,549 examinees hurdled the written phase. Both exams were given the Board of Dentistry in Manila in December 2019.

Reds... From A1 government and the National Democractic Front, CPP’s political wing. “Together with fellow peace antagonists Delfin Lorenzana of the Department of National Defense and DILG’s Eduardo Año, Esperon is adamant in adhering to... President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement to resume the peace negotiations with the NDFP,” the CPP said. Esperon on Tuesday said the CPP’s armed wing New People’s Army would assassinate people, including the President, and those who do not submit to their will as they mark their 51st year of existence on Dec. 26. Presidential Security Group Commander Jose Eriel Niembra said this was not surprising, as he vowed that his team has been taking steps to protect the President. The claims came after President Duterte ordered Labor Secretary and government’s peace negotiator Silvestre Bello III to go to the Netherlands to talk to CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, NDF senior adviser Luis Jalandoni, and NDF chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, in a bid to go back to the negotiation table. President Duterte halted the peace talks with communist rebels in November 2017 as he lamented the their continued attacks on government troops and civilians. On Friday, several congressmen backed a resolution supporting government’s efforts to resume peace talks with the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Christmas... From A1 The country’s potential 21st storm this year will head for Eastern Visayas or Northern Mindanao, and could affect Davao del Sur, he told radio dzMM, beamed nationwide. Davao del Sur was the epicenter of a magnitude 6.9 quake last Dec. 15, which left at least 11 dead, cracked some 14,000 houses and spawned around 960 aftershocks so far, according to officials. A second LPA was spotted about 795 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur at 3 a.m., said Ordinario. The weather disturbance on Friday will bring cloudy skies and isolated thunderstorms over Caraga, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, and Eastern and Central Visayas, he said. But PAGASA said the LPA nearer to the country was unlikely to strengthen into a storm.

Coding... From A1 more passengers going to or leaving Metro Manila for the holidays. “To accommodate more passengers going to the provinces and back during the holidays, the Unified Number Coding for provincial buses will be lifted on Dec. 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 2019 and Jan. 2, 2020,” the MMDA said in a statement on Friday. “All enforcement units are restricted from apprehending all provincial buses on the said dates.”

CA revives murder raps vs. ex-gov T By Rey E. Requejo

HE Court of Appeals has ordered the reinstatement of the murder charge against former Palawan governor Mario Joel Reyes, in connection with the killing of broadcaster-environmentalist Gerry Ortega in 2011. In an amended decision dated Nov. 28, the CA’s Special Former Eleventh Division also enjoined the Puerto Princesa Regional Trial Court Branch 52 to issue a warrant of arrest against Reyes. The appellate court reversed its January 2018 ruling, which junked the murder case against Reyes and ordered his release. Instead, the CA upheld the ruling of the Puerto Princesa RTC Branch 52, denying the plea of Reyes to suspend the proceedings, and sustained the validity of the war-

rant of arrest it issued against the former governor. Reyes has been charged with murder along with his brother, former Coron town mayor Mario Reyes, and eight others for the death of Ortega. A known critic of Reyes, Ortega was gunned down in front of a thrift store in Puerto Princesa on Jan. 24, 2011. The lower court ordered his arrest in March 2012, but Reyes moved to suspend the murder case and recall the war-

rant of arrest. This prompted Reyes to assail the RTC ruling before the CA, citing trial court’s reliance on the “uncorroborated statement” of witness Rodolfo “Bumar” Edrad, his bodyguard. In its amended resolution, the appellate court held that the RTC complied with its constitutional duty for the judge to personally determine probable cause, and there was enough evidence on record to support the court’s finding. Aside from Edrad’s affidavit, the CA cited the sworn statements of Arwin Arandia, who claimed to have been initially hired by Edrad to kill Ortega; and Dennis Aranas and Marlon Recamata, who also confessed to being paid to kill Ortega. Recamata was convicted in 2013. The CA cited a Supreme Court ruling which said that once the existence

President invites everyone to 'eat, sleep' in Palace By MJ Blancaflor PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday said everybody is welcome to visit him in Malacañang and spend the night there with him. “If you will go there and ask, ‘Can we spend the night there, Mayor?’ Yes. But if you are a male, son of bitch, go to the soldier’s barracks,” Duterte said in a speech, drawing laughter from the audience. “Anybody who wants to go to

Next battle:... From A1 the accused in other cases to sell or transfer their real estate and other properties so these could not be used to settle the damages. Fadullon said they would study seeking a preliminary writ of attachment, which prevents one from disposing of properties. “The prosecution team will see if there’s a way to try and protect and ensure that the properties will not be transferred,” he said. Judge Jocelyn Solis Reyes on Thursday found guilty 43 people, including brothers Zaldy and Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., 14 police officers and a member of the Ampatuan militia. Some 53 defendants were acquitted, while 80 accused remain at large. A private prosecutor for some of the victims, Harry Roque, said they would search for assets and seek to have them frozen. Under the court’s ruling, each of the 57 victims is entitled to about P1 million in damages, he said. “Not that it is enough to compensate for the loss of life but I think it is a reasonable compensation to be given to the family given the gruesome manner they were killed,” he said on the news program ANC Headstart. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said Friday that most of those acquitted in the Maguindanao massacre case are now free. BJMP Spokesperson Chief Inspector Xavier Solda said 42 have been released, but four others would remain in detention because they have pending cases. Reyes’s 761-page decision said the court found no sufficient basis to connect Datu Sajid Islam Ampatuan, son of Andal Ampatuan Sr., to the massacre 10 years ago. Although he had attended meetings in which members of the clan discussed the plot to kill then gubernatorial aspirant and now congressman Esmael Mangudadatu, he said noth-

P5k... From A1 The NWPC will still have to approve the order of the Metro Manila wage board. Meanwhile, activist teachers staged a rally at the gate of Malacañang to hold President Rodrigo Duterte accountable for the “paltry pay hike” in the offing and “inequitable” grant of bonuses in government. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines unfurled an image of a black “parol” or Christmas lantern bearing their sentiments of “#BigongMMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the lifting of the number coding scheme for provincial buses is usually made during the exodus of passengers during the holidays. The MMDA has already dispatched more than 2,000 traffic enforcers, quickresponse team members and field personnel in three shifting schedules as part of the measure. MMDA officials say people rush to shopping malls, restaurants, entertainment centers and other places during the holidays, resulting in the increase of vehicle volume in the metropolis.

Malacañang, it’s open to everybody, to every Filipino,” he added. The President said visitors can also eat dinner with him, but they should expect a simple meal. “One soup, one viand, one [cup of] rice. Don’t ask for another cup of rice since food is limited. There’s no steak there because it’s not our money. A simple dinner. I will all accommodate you until the next two years,” he said. Duterte said he would not mind if somebody wakes him up to talk with him.

“To all who have a grudge on me, anytime, even if I am sleeping, you can ask me to wake up. Let’s talk, no problem,” he said. Those who want to visit the Palace should ask his long-time aide, Senator Christopher Go, for permission, the President added. “You just inform Bong Go for any of the policemen. Just tell them I want to talk with the Mayor and to see Malacañang and eat there. To see his bedroom and how big is his bed,” he said.

ing to encourage his brothers to push through with the plan. Sajid’s brothers Datu Andal “Unsay” Jr., Zaldy, former Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao governor, and Anwar Sr. and 25 others were found guilty of 57 counts of murder and sentenced to 40 years without parole. Their father, himself a primary accused, died in detention in 2015. In exonerating Sajid, Reyes noted that no eyewitness said Sajid was present at the crime scene in the hilly portion of Sitio Masalay in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009, when 58 people were slaughtered. In his defense, Sajid claimed that he was with his wife, who was filing her own candidacy in another place, at the time of the massacre. In an interview with the ANC news channel, Roque said Sajid Islam knew that he would be absolved of the multiple counts of murder since the Court of Appeals had already granted him bail. He said Sajid Islam did not even bother to appear during the promulgation. “The temerity of the guy. He is really proud. He was certain he could get away with it,” Roque said. “But I’m sure karma will run after him.” In her decision, Reyes said several of the female victims were raped before they were shot dead, as evidenced by the semen found on their bodies. These included Mangudadatu’s supporter Rahima Palawan, journalist Leah Dalmacio, and passerby Cecil Lechonsito. The wife of Mangudadatu, Bai Genalin or Gigi, suffered 17 gunshot wounds inflicted with a high-powered firearm. The court found that Datu Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr. shot her between her legs. “From the various gunshot wounds, it is evident that the victim died in a cruel, brutal and treacherous manner. The shots were intended to kill her, and she suffered the most painful death,” the judge wrote. Mangudadatu’s sister Bai Eden, was

also shot in her genitals. Senator Imee Marcos said the “unimaginable… brutality and inhumanity” of the attacks gave impetus to efforts to reinstate the death penalty. “The scope of the Revised Penal Code at present does not fathom the horror suffered by the relatives of the brutally murdered victims, specially of the Mangudadatu family and the orphaned children of scores of journalists,” Marcos said. Marcos opposed the death penalty as a congresswoman, adding that she had even constantly argued with her mom on the issue. “But the law is an organic, living thing that must respond to our extraordinary times,” she said, In related developments: • Senator Panfilo Lacson said justice delayed was not necessarily justice denied in the Maguindanao case, which took 10 years to try, given the number of respondents in the case. He said Reyes, the judge, has “immensely contributed to a renewed trust and confidence” that people have in the administration of justice. • Journalists on Friday said the ruling in favor of the victims of Maguindanao massacre is not yet over. “We still have an unfinished business,” said Malou Mangahas, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism director. She said government must consider the security concerns of the victims’ families since 80 other suspects still remained at large. She added that the state prosecutors have failed to file a civil case against the Ampatuans and to preserve their assets. • The Canadian government on Friday hailed as a success the conviction of several key suspects in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 58 people, including 32 media workers. “The conviction of those primarily responsible for this dreadful incident is an important moment in the fight against impunity and political violence,” the Canadian embassy in Manila said in a statement. With PNA

Pangako” and “P1,500 ‘di sapat, P30k dapat!” (Broken promises, bigger raise needed). ACT raised its disappointment over recent news that the Office of the President is granting P60,000 in Christmas bonuses to its employees and the House of Representatives is giving P150,000 of the same to its staff. This while the Department of Education announced that teachers will not yet get the whole of the P10,000 Service Recognition Incentive recently ordered by the President, as the agency has yet to determine if it has enough funds to shoulder its 30-percent counterpart to pay the benefit, the group noted.

In an order, the NCR wage board said the suggested minimum wage scheme only applies to persons who do domestic work, such as cooks, gardeners, and laundrymen or women, and not to family drivers or “any other person who performs work occasionally.” Under the new wage order, an employer who withholds the salary of their domestic employees may be ordered to pay a fine of P10,000 to P40,000. The employer is also required to provide household workers with at least three adequate meals a day, humane sleeping arrangements, and medical assistance if needed.

Winter... From A1

of the year as it lies at its farthest point south of the equator, marks the start of winter for countries in the northern hemisphere and summer for those in the southern hemisphere. “Earth has now completed another annual circuit around the sun,” according to PAGASA. For the Philippines, which only has wet and dry seasons because it is close to the equator, this usually means shorter and colder days ahead. Those located near the equator receive more direct sunlight.

winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.” it said. The Northern Hemisphere, which the Philippines is part of, is reaching its peak darkness or winter solstice at about 12:19 p.m. (Philippine standard time) tomorrow. The winter solstice, which is when the sun gives off fewest sunlight hours

of probable cause has been judicially determined, a petition for certiorari— the remedy Reyes resorted to—is considered moot. “The Court cannot also ignore the other circumstances that transpired after the filing of the petition. The conviction of Marlon Recamata and Arturo Regalado, petitioner’s co-accused, and the denial of petitioner’s bail application on account of strong evidence of guilt, all the more demonstrate the existence of probable cause and consequently reinforce the necessity of issuing a warrant of arrest against him,” the appellate court stressed. The CA noted Reyes and his brothers’ decision to fly to Thailand before the warrants of arrest were issued, saying “flight is said to be indicative of guilt.” They were arrested and deported only in 2015.

No automatic... From A1 criminal case proceedings which require quantum of evidence,” Banac added. “We will evaluate them if they are still physically fit to perform and return to the police service including medical and neuro exams,” Año, who as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has operational control over the PNP, added to the Philippine News Agency. Año also said the policemen implicated in the crime cannot get their backpay because of the “no work, no pay principle.” The PNP, meanwhile, said it would provide protection for the massacre victims’ families if they required it. Also, the Department of Justice will ask the Quezon City Regional Trial Court to clarify its ruling on whether accused Police Inspector Bahnarin Kamaong whose name appeared twice in the dispositive portion of the decision is guilty or acquitted of committing the crimes, in connection with the mass murder of 58 individuals, including 32 journalists, on Nov. 23, 2009. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the DOJ prosecution panel will file the necessary pleadings asking Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of the Quezon City RTC Branch 221 to clarify her judgment with regards to the case of Kamaong. “Let’s clear it up first with the court on whether he is convicted or acquitted,” Guevarra said, in a text message. Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon also said the confusion arising from the double entry of Kamaong’s name in both those who had been found guilty and those acquitted won’t be a ground to assail the entire decision. Rey E. Requejo, with PNA

DOH... From A1 to catch the alleged fixers. The reports on their illicit activities have likewise been referred to other government agencies for action. The department has been conducting its own internal investigation since reports of the scheme surfaced. The department has vowed to provide the best health care services to all Filipinos as envisioned in the Universal Health Care Law. “We appeal to the public, especially the clients seeking medical assistance with, that they not be swayed by sweet-talking fixers out to exact money from them in exchange for guarantee letters,” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque said. He said the Medical Assistance to Indigent Patients was free and not for sale.

Pinoys... From A1 Those who belong to Class E saw the biggest improvement in optimism with a 15-point pickup from last year. Moreover, nearly half of those surveyed expect the coming Christmas to be more prosperous for them and their families, although the figure is less than what was recorded last year. The survey found that 48 percent of those polled see the coming holidays to be more prosperous, while 11 percent said it would be poorer than last year. Forty-one percent said it would be the same as last year. The respondents from Mindanao saw a more abundant celebration this December at 57 percent, followed by Metro Manila and Luzon with 48 percent and the Visayas with 38 percent. Across income groups, 68 percent of those under class ABC said the holidays would be more prosperous this year while only 35 percent of the poorest residents see a better Christmas in 2019.

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Senate tackles bill to expand use of funds for OFWs

342 illegal Chinese workers nabbed in gaming firm raid

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

OINT operatives of the Bureau of Immigration and the Philippine National Police raided an unlicensed online gaming company and arrested 342 illegal foreign nationals in Bago Bantay, Quezon City.

THE Senate has started deliberations into the proposed measure that expands the use of a fund meant to help overseas Filipinos facing legal distress in their places of work abroad. Senator Joel Villanueva sponsored Senate Bill No. 1233, which seeks to expand the use of the Legal Assistance Fund that the government taps to cover various costs of overseas Filipinos embroiled in legal actions abroad. He explained the necessity of instituting amendments on the use of the LAF, saying the proposed measure would ultimately beneﬁt more OFWs in distress should it pass in the upper chamber. "Full protection of labor more signiﬁcantly implies a continuing positive duty on the part of the State to ensure that the rights of its workers are at all times protected and their welfare promoted and improved at every chance possible," said Villanueva, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development. Outlining the amendments to provisions on the LAF in Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers' law, Villanueva pointed out that the proposed measure sought to expand the coverage of the fund to include the payment of bail bonds, but other bonds required by foreign courts, tribunals or other agencies. but also by other agencies or tribunals. Another amendment contained in SBN 1233 is the granting of authority to foreign posts to use the fund to engage the services of paralegals familiar with the country's culture to provide immediate basic assistance and legal aid to distressed overseas Filipinos.

By Vito Barcelo

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the arrested foreigners were caught working without proper permits and visas at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Floors of the Global Trade Center Building in Bago Bantay, Quezon City. The 342, all Chinese nationals, were reportedly working for a licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator, who did not have the required permit to operate issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. “We sought the assistance of PAGCOR in conﬁrming their permit, and we found out that the company was duly licensed, but was not yet allowed to operate,” said Fortunato Manahan Jr.,

BI Intelligence Division Chief. Manahan also said that the company used several names, and suspected that this may be a front for other unscrupulous activities. “We had reason to suspect that the company is a front for illegal cyber activities and investment scams,” said Manahan, adding that “we coordinated this operation with the Chinese government, which conﬁrmed the company’s involvement in illegal activities, victimizing mostly their compatriots in China.” Found at the site were thousands of mobile phones that the BI suspects were being used for online

and phone scamming. The Chinese government has likewise reportedly canceled the passports of those involved, making them undocumented aliens and tagging them as fugitives. “This is another massive arrest by our Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Quezon City Police DistrictNational Capital Region Police Ofﬁce (QCPD-NCRPO). This could not have been possible without their help, and we wish to thank QCPD Director Police Brigadier General Ronnnie Montejo for his support,” said Morente. Morente again warned foreign nationals from using the country as their base for illegal activities. “We will not stop until we clear our country of illegal aliens who abuse our hospitality. Follow our laws lest face the consequences.” The 342 are currently detained in a temporary holding facility in Camp Caringal, Quezon City pending their deportation.

TECO entices Pinoy students to study in Taiwan THE Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines will once again provide various scholarship programs for qualified Filipino students. These scholarships are intended for Filipinos who wish to pursue degree studies in Taiwan (Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees) or for those who would like to learn Mandarin Chinese in the Republic of China (Taiwan). In view of the huge demand and positive response from Filipino students in past years, Taiwan‘s Ministry of Education has decided to offer more slots of the scholarships for Filipinos to pursue their studies in Taiwan. The MOE also presents the opportunity for Filipinos to learn Mandarin Chinese, not only through highly qualified teachers in

more than 50 language institutions, but also the chance to experience the rich and vibrant Taiwanese culture, and broaden their international perspectives in their daily lives there. As from Feb. 1, 2020, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines will accept application for the following scholarship programs: 1. Ministry of Education Scholarship: Grants a four-year scholarship for undergraduate studies, a two-year scholarship for Master’s, and a grant of up to 4 years for Doctoral Degree. The MOE will shoulder up to 40,000 NTD each semester for the corresponding tuition and miscellaneous expenses. The remaining costs will be shouldered by

the scholarship recipient. An additional 15,000 NTD will be given to recipients undertaking university undergraduate studies, 20, 000 NTD for those pursuing their Master’s and Ph.D. as the monthly stipend. The application is from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2020. Website:http://edu.law.moe.gov.tw/ EngLawContent.aspx?Type=E&id=250 2. Huayu (Mandarin) Enrichment Scholarship: Allows applicants to choose to pursue either intensive Mandarin courses(2 months or 3 months) or up to 12 months Mandarin courses, subject to TECO’s approval. The grant provides a monthly stipend of 25,000 NTD to cover all the expenses (tuition, miscellaneous, etc.)

Legislator bats for passage of bill on sports academy in Clark By Maricel V. Cruz A LEADER of the House of Representatives on Friday pushed for the passage of a measure creating a national sports academy. Deputy Speaker and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte said the “inspiring and exemplary” performance of the Filipino athletes who took part in the 30th Southeast Asian Games gives reason to Congress to enact a law honing champion sports men and women to energize Philippine sports development at the grassroots level. Villafuerte said the Philippines’ 149 gold medals, out of the total 387 it hauled during the nearly two-week SEAG, proved that with proper support and training of athletes at a young age, the country can eventually produce Olympic champions. House Bill Nos. 2545 and 5480 both call for creation of a National Academy of Sports to be located at the New Clark City. The two bills were authored by Villafuerte and House Majority Leader, and several lawmakers led by Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, respectively. The NCC in Central Luzon has an Aquatics Center, Track and Field oval and Athletes’ Village, among other world-class sports facilities. Villafuerte said New Clark City is the ideal site for the sports academy, as it is fully equipped to hone both the academic and athletic skills of students with exceptional talent in sports. In ﬁling HB 2545, Villafuerte said his proposed National Academy of Sports for High School aims to be a “premier training center” that will offer on a full or partial scholarship basis, a secondary education with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills of the students through subjects pertaining to physical education and sports development.

Opinion

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

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The fourth Sunday of Advent TOMORROW is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the last Sunday of preparation for Christmas, the anniversary of Christ's birth. On this day the fourth and last candle of the Advent Wreath is lighted to usher in the coming of Christmas. On Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. It is a day of rejoicing for on this day the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us to show to all mankind that we do not live by ourselves alone to chart our own eternal destiny but that there is a loving God who guides us through the Holy Spirit and leads us to his eternal kingdom of happiness and bliss.

We need peace in our hearts and peace among us. The Gospel for this Sunday is taken from the Gospel of Matthew which recounts the narrative of the Incarnation as seen from the perspective of Joseph, the husband of Mary. The Gospel brings the message that through the instrumentality of Mary and her most chaste spouse St. Joseph, Christ was brought into the world to bring peace, reconciliation and hope to mankind. On the role of Mary and Joseph, Francis explained during the World Day of Peace, which is celebrated on Jan. 1, 2020, with the theme: “Peace as a Journey of Hope: Dialogue, Reconciliation and Ecological Conversion.” He reflected thus: Now that we are about to receive the Saviour, Emmanuel, it

also pays to remember the great role of Mary and Joseph played in the whole scheme of the divine plan. For the salvation of men, she gave birth to God who is like us in all respects but sin. On the same occasion, Francis identified the different dimensions of peace and how to achieve this ever elusive goal. Thus, Francis said: Peace is a great and precious value, the object of our hope and the aspiration of the entire human family. As a human attitude, our hope for peace is marked by an existential tension that makes it possible for the present, with all its difficulties, to be “lived and accepted if it leads towards a goal, if we can be sure of this goal, and if this goal is great enough to justify the effort of the journey.” On peace, a journey of listening based on memory, solidarity and fraternity, Francis said that setting out on a journey of peace is a challenge made all the more complex because the interests at stake in relationships between people, communities and nations, are numerous and conflicting. We must first appeal to people’s moral conscience and to personal and political will. Peace emerges from the depths of the human heart and political will must always be renewed, so that new ways can be found to reconcile and unite individuals and communities. X x x The world does not need empty words but convinced witnesses, peacemakers who are open to a dialogue that rejects exclusion or manipulation. Peace “must be built up continually”; it is a journey made together in constant pursuit of the common good, truthfulness and respect for law. Listening to one another can lead to mutual understanding and esteem, and even to seeing in an enemy the face of a brother or sister. X x x The peace process thus requires enduring commitment. It is a patient effort to seek truth and justice, to honor the memory of victims and to open the way, step by step, to a shared hope stronger than the desire for vengeance.

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

A decent life

T A time when stomachs grumble, their echoes sweeping across all levels of our society, we cannot help but remember a previously reported P10,000-budget for a typical family of five: Parents and three children.

as Blanquism—the revolutionary doctrine raised by the French socialist Louis-Auguste Blanqui— against which the 19th century Marxists inveighed so heavily for its shameless impracticability. We note that the National Economic and Development Authority, challenged by many—not only those who live in makeshift dwellings but in some upper echelon economic blocks—has corrected reports that the P10,000 budget for a typical Filipino family was only “hypothetical” and then added it has no “convention” or protocol over what is an appropriate figure for a “decent life.” A revelation by the government body that 79 percent of respondents aspired for a simple life, 16.9 percent wanted an affluent life, and only 3.9 percent wanted a rich life—the 0.2 percent likely undecided—has shown enough rungs

In simple arithmetic, that amounts to P333.33 per day, or P66.66 per member per day—absolutely a ridiculously contemptible proposition, even assuming that those who suggest such hypothesis is applicable to the modest aspirations of a few, which should not be taken as the prototype for the majority. Such submissions, which could be explained and corrected eventually as officials did in fact, are, at the very least unrealistic and sterile

that invite an honest-to-goodness dissection. Particularly since respondents have described a “simple life” as consisting of a medium-sized home, enough earnings to support everyday needs, at least one car, financial capacity to support children's college education, and money for local trips. To afford these things, we give it to NEDA which argued that a family must have a monthly income of P120,000 to be able to address these things. With prices of prime commodities rising faster than a thunderclap, not to mention the inflation that rolls on with the capacity of the family to keep up for a decent standard of living, it is incumbent upon employers, legislators and the government to focus on what would make a Filipino live decently.

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The Sotto-ALFI tandem: Violating women’s rights AND SO it has come to pass. Senator Tito Sotto succeeded in removing from the budget the P195 million the health department allotted for purchase of subdermal implants, a popular contraceptive among women, especially poor women. The Bicameral Conference Committee for the 2020 General Appropriations Act failed to restore the line item into the final bill for signature of the President. This violation of women’s right to choose is Sotto’s Christmas gift to Filipino women. Digging deeper into the issue has led me to a case filed with the Office of the President (OP) by (AGAIN!) the Alliance for the Family Foundation Philippines Inc. or ALFI. This group led by rabid anti-RH lawyer Maria Concepcion Noche is notoriously known for its appeals before the Supreme Court against the constitutionality of the Reproductive Health Law. Those appeals delayed the implementation of the law by several years which is a major reason why our RH situation remains problematic. ALFI’s latest submission, its 53page “Sur-Rejoinder with Reiteration of Urgent Prayer for Immediate Stay/ Recall of Execution of FDA Resolutions” on OP case no. 18-K-249 was received by the OP on September 30, 2019. Respondents to the case are the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration and 11 pharmaceutical companies. Note that ALFI’s date of submission of its appeal was less than two months before Sotto moved to remove the budget for contraceptive implant from the Department of Health budget. Sotto quoted Dr. Donna Harrison’s position against contraceptives in his move to defund implants during the Senate deliberation on the health budget. Coincidentally, Harrison is one of the three anti-choice medical practitioners cited by ALFI in its appeal relevant to the case with OP.

As I have already written, Donna J. Harrison, MD, is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist, and the Executive Director of American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is also an Adjunct Professor at theTrinity International University in Illinois, a Christian university. The two other “experts” heavily cited and quoted by ALFI are, John Wilks, an Australian consultant and Pro-Life pharmacist, a part-time lecturer at the University of Sydney, and has authored numerous anti-contraceptive papers; and Chris Kahlenborn, an American physician of internal medicine affiliated with the Geisinger Holy Spirit Hospital, and like Wilks, has published anti-contraceptive papers such as “Mechanism of action of levonorgestrel emergency contraception,” and “Menstrual manipulation.”

When the system fails

This is the senator’s gift to Filipino women. Very clearly, in its discussions in the appeal, ALFI has brought back issues that were already extensively and rigorously discussed in, and decided by the SC on the RH law’s constitutionality. ALFI maintains, based on its three anti-RH experts, that hormonal contraceptives like the pill, injectables, and implants cause abortion and, therefore, should not be allowed for use in the country. In effect, what ALFI wants, is to reverse the SC decision, declare hormonal contraceptives as abortifacient, and make the RH law totally inutile and ineffective. All because THREE anti-RH medical practitioners say so. This runs counter to the decisions of the experts of more than 60 countries that use subdermal implant, and all countries that allow pills, injectables and other hormonal contraceptives. The experts of the World Health Organization have also declared that hormonal contraceptives are NOT abortifacient. In fact, in its 2019 List of Turn to A5

THE Anti-Bullying Act was enacted in 2013 to compel schools to adopt policies to prevent and address bullying in their respective institutions. Stories have it that the principal sponsor of the measure pursued the enactment of the law after his son fell victim to bullies in his school. While educational institutions heeded the law and drafted their own antibullying policies, it seems some schools never really implemented such. Take the case of Our Lady of Fatima Parochial Education Center (OLFPEC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila wherein at least two parents have complained that their children had been bullied by some of their schoolmates. School authorities reportedly failed to address the situation. One of the parents, Evelyn Baloso, has a son diagnosed with Autism and Global Development Delay. Despite her son’s condition, he excelled in school and has been a consistent honor student

since. But the bullying against him has also been consistent. According to Baloso, his son had “various experiences of bullying from his classmates since he was in Grade 1, although that time, he was not yet conscious of what the bullies were committing against him.” But as he grew older, he became aware of what his classmates were doing to him. One classmate always called him “bakla or bading.” After the incident had been reported to the school authorities, a conference was reportedly called between Baloso and the bully’s parent.

It’s sad that these things happen in educational institutions. However, according to Baloso, school officials deliberately ignored its policy on bullying as published in its handbook, which was to impose disciplinary action against any student who

commits bullying, including suspension from school for not more than three days, and instead decided to just monitor the activities of the student accused of bullying Baloso’s son. While that would have been acceptable to some extent, what could be disappointing to a parent like Baloso is that the bully’s parent seemed to be unrepentant, refusing to apologize to her and her son. In fact, the bully’s parent, according to Baloso, even tried to turn the table against her, accusing her and another parent of ganging up on her daughter. In another incident, Baloso’s son was also subjected to alleged by bullying by two of his classmates, taunting him as having a body odor and “amoysibuyas.” His classmates even posted in their social media chat group detrimental comments against her son, saying he had problem in his brain. “May problema yata ang brain mo, puputok na talaga yang utak mo, sabi ko sa ‘yo may problema ang utak mo,” read the comments on the student’s chat group. And for a mother whose son suffers from autism, nothing could be more painful reading those comments. Again, the school officials, according Turn to A5

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Opinion We got your back, Mr. President! WELL, one would’ve thought that the failed media blitz to spoil the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games is as good as it gets for the antiadministration black propaganda efforts to attract international attention. But, apparently the tactic of fake news has misled some United States senators to draft a resolution seeking the release of detained Senator Leila de Lima and the dropping of criminal charges against Rappler CEO Maria Ressa. This is so circa 1901, when Mark Twain strongly criticized the American imperialism in the Philippines. Obviously, too, it’s not a coincidence that the US Senate committee on foreign relations’ move came even as opposition attack dogs ex-senator Antonio Trillanes and De Lima trumpeted a statement of International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda that she may recommend next year ICC's full investigation on the Philippines' anti-illegal drugs war "extrajudicial killings (EJKs)." Not surprisingly, Trillanes and De Lima jumped the gun and announced the “forthcoming arrest” of President Rody Duterte whom they blame for the EJKs and whom they demonize on a daily basis. Forthcoming arrest, huh. Now if that is not fake news, I don’t know what is. Their well-oiled network of black propaganda and Yellow journalism constantly and consistently have produced slanted news and fabricated re-

The fourth... From A4

In a state based on law, democracy can be an important paradigm of this process, provided it is grounded in justice and a commitment to protect the rights of every person, especially the weak and marginalized, in a constant search for truth. For Francis, peace is also a journey of reconciliation in fraternal communion. According to him, what is true of peace in a social context is also true in the areas of politics and the economy, since peace permeates every dimension of life in common. There can be no true peace unless we show ourselves capable of developing a more just economic system. All this gives us deeper motivation and a new way to dwell in our common home, to accept our differences, to re-

The Sotto-... From A4

Essential Medicines, the WHO has put contraceptives under a different category from medicines that may be used to induce abortion. ALFI heavily quoted the 2018 research paper ‘Systematic Review of Ovarian Activity & Potential for Embryo Formation & Loss during the Use of Hormonal Contraception’ by the above-mentioned experts. This is a review of literature from 1990 that concluded “...abnormal ovulation or release of an egg followed by abnormal hormone levels, may often occur in women using hormonal birth control. This may increase the number of very early human embryos who are lost before a pregnancy test becomes positive.” First, notice that the so-called conclusion is not really conclusive in terms of hormonal contraceptives being abortifacient. The repeated use of the word “may” reveals this. Second, and more important, the last sentence of the “conclusion” is VERY problematic. I am neither a lawyer nor a medical doctor but how can human em-

When... From A4

to Baloso, failed miserably in addressing the situation. While one of the parents apologized to her and her son during the conference, the other parent reportedly refused to admit the offense committed by her son against Baloso’s kid. To make matters worse, the school, according to Baloso, failed to call a meeting with her and the kid’s parent. As a result of the bullying against him, Baloso said his son seemed to “be losing interest in attending classes; he would cry once in a while when he recalls the bullying incidents against him, has started to develop inferiority complex and has started having nightmares

ports, overwhelming legitimate news media, beating black and blue the government’s own public information and news agencies. Never taking a day off, they have targeted the President and his known supporters, with attacks veiled as “press freedom.” I don't even know why some government agencies subscribe to these Yellow publications, wasting people's money. Unfortunately, it’s not only the grandscale mass deception and misinformation that the President has had to contend with day in and day out, but also the clear and present danger to his life.

There is more work to be done and Manong Digong is here to stay. Threats to his life never ceased since the intelligence community looked into reports of assassination plots being cooked up by big-time drug lords when the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign began, implicating narco politicians, judges, police generals, celebrities, and showbiz personalities. Muslim extremists, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group and Maute Group, also swore to mount jihad terrorist attacks against the government even before the Marawi siege. But there is no clearer and nothing more specifically directed threat to the President than the pronouncement of communist leader Jose Ma. Sison, ordering the CPP’s New People Army to seek out and kill the country’s Commander-in-Chief for directing the Armed Forces to intensify the anti-in-

surgency drive. Increasingly, there is clear and present danger to the security of the President coming from all directions. They all want him gone, and so do Trillanes and De Lima’s misguided sympathizers in the U.S. The specter of assassination plot against Manong Digong is for real. And, he has had to face all these threats amid the challenges of confronting the monstrous corporate giants, water concessionaires Manila Water, Maynilad and the ABS-CBN television network, the influential "kingmaker" all these years. No chief executive before him has voiced out the fact that the people have had enough of the abuses, manipulation and exploitation they suffered in the hands of the elite, wealthy oligarchs, and profiteers who have milked the public dry over the decades. Unfortunately for the enemies of the State, this former mayor of the rustic Davao City whom they belittled and deprived of fair media access in the 2016 elections campaign, will not go away anytime soon. He is here to stay and he will continue to drastically change the country’s political landscape, to level the playing field for the ordinary Juan dela Cruz on the street. The government’s war against the ruthless drug menace will be relentless and chilling, and will save more communities like it did Ozamiz City, which is now thriving with Mindanao's newfound peace and order and rejuvenated trade and commerce. There is more work to be done and Manong Digong is here to stay because we, the Filipino people, will remain vigilant and steadfast in supporting this one of a kind leader and champion of the underdog. We got your back, Mr. President!

spect and celebrate the life that we have received and share, and to seek living conditions and models of society that favor the continued flourishing of life and the development of the common good of the entire human family. For Christians, it requires that “the effects of their encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in their relationship with the world around them,” Francis added. According to the Pope, the journey of reconciliation calls for patience and trust. Peace will not be obtained unless it is hoped for. For the followers of Christ, this journey is likewise sustained by the sacrament of Reconciliation, given by the Lord for the remission of sins of the baptized. This sacrament of the Church, which renews individuals and communities, bids us keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, who reconciled “all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of

his cross” (Col 1:20). It requires us to set aside every act of violence in thought, word and deed, whether against our neighbors or against God’s creation. Whether it is dealing with climate change in the world, the political turmoil in the United States due to the impeachment of President Donald Trump, or the imperfections in our justice system as it resolved the Ampatuan massacre, it is peace in our hearts and peace among us that is needed. This Christmas, we not only express our eternal gratitude to Christ, the fullest expression of God’s love for us, and the bringer of peace and hope to mankind but also to Mary and Joseph who show us what perfect obedience is and how to be willing instruments of God’s salvific plan for us.

bryos be lost BEFORE a pregnancy is even detected? Where is the pregnancy there? If there is no established pregnancy, how can one call the embryos human? This is like the assertion of a former senator during the Senate RH bill debates equating masturbation with mass murder. Both do not make sense. Of course, ALFI could not hit the SC decision so it focused on the FDA. It accused the regulatory body of not having ‘amended Rules of Procedure/ Guidelines for the certification and recertification of all contraceptive products in 2017 when FDA claimed to have conducted recertification of contraceptives; not giving ALFI due process for its opposition to recertification because contraceptives should have been declared as abortifacient; and a host of other issues relative to process. ALFI asks the OP to decide In its favor. Among its demands is to “4. NULLIFY AND/OR REVERSE the findings of the FDA by withdrawing the certificates of recertification issued to the Applicants-Appellees on the contraceptives applied for, and declaring the subject contraceptive drugs and devices as Abortifacient based on the evidence of the Appellantand for utter lack of due

process during the recertification proceedings.” Sotto, by removing the budget for implants has, in effect sided with ALFI and judged the case though the appeal is lodged with the OP. He should have waited for the decision of the right body. The OP on the other hand, must once and for all stop the notoriety of ALFI, Sotto and their allies in violating women’s rights to self-determination. The President is known to be pro-RH as evidenced not only by his pronouncements but by his Executive Order 12 on Zero Unmet Need for Family Planning. This objective will not be met for as long as ALFI, Sotto, and anti-RH groups are stopped. There are two things that the OP can do to immediately resolve the situation, one, veto the proposed GAA unless the P195-million implant budget is restored; and two, put ALFI’s appeal where it belongs—the trash bin. The OP must decide based on scientific and medical evidence, women’s rights, and the country’s overall welfare. ALFI’s appeal must be urgently rejected.

on bullying.” Unfortunately, this struggle could only be confined to that of the affected parent as the school officials and the bullies’ parent will not ever see how the bullied child copes up with his nightmarish experience. Another parent, Joan Tigno, whose kids are also enrolled at the OLFPEC, claims her children had also fallen victims to bullies. The school also failed to address this. With the school’s failure, Tigno said she chanced upon the alleged bully one day. According to Tigno, she approached the “bully kid” and told him in a nice manner: “Hi! Please don’t be a bully. That’s’ not nice.” But because of her act, the parent of kid who allegedly bullied her children

filed a case against her at the nearest barangay. But then, would Tigno have approached the kid if the school addressed the situation? The bullying should have been limited to the confines of the school and should not have been brought out in any other forum. But what aggravated Tigno’s case was that the school, or her children’s teacher, might have been retaliating against her after lodging her complaint of bullying. According to Tigno, one of her children’s teachers have been shaming her kids in the open. In one incident, Tigno said the teacher announced in a very loud voice the failing grade of one of her kids, so loud it could be heard in the other classrooms, resulting in her kid being subjected to taunting not only by his classmates but from students from

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PCGG cases: No evidence is the right term FROM an observer’s point of view, the successive dismissal by the Sandiganbayan of the alleged ill-gotten wealth against the former President, his family and cronies of the cases filed by the presidential good-for-nothing commission for insufficiency of evidence is wrong. It was the PCGG that failed to present any evidence for which the respondents were unjustly branded as “megatheives” and “kleptocrats.” The dismissal was more of an insult than a vindication of justice much that the cases have been hibernating in court for more than 30 years. We are saying this because the real reason for the dismissal is the non-presentation of evidence. Nobody in his right mind would call the evidence the submitted the PCGG as evidence. This we have to clarify because there is a whale of difference between evidence from one that is presented as sham. Maybe there is a semblance of compliance submitted by the presidential good-for-nothing commission but in truth it was nothing more but a mockery of the court procedure. The PCGG virtually submitted no evidence and now blames the Office of the Solicitor General for their idiotic ineptitude. As OSG Jose Calida commented, the simple rule is for the PCGG, having originally filed the case to observe the Best Evidence Rule “which is required when the subject of inquiry is (sic) the contents of a document, no evidence is admissible other than the original document itself except in the instances mentioned in Section 3, Rule 130 of the Revised Rules of Court.” The commission was fully aware of the gravity of the cases they lodged. They have been pending in court for more than three decades already. If they have doubts on the strength of their evidence, they could have filed a motion with leave of court to amend or admit additional evidence in support of their allegation. There is no reason why the court would reject their admission if that t would help in the speedy adjudication of the case. It is on record that the lawyers for the prosecutors were not so diligent in attending the hearing of those cases. They should have considered that the dismissal of those cases would not just have the consequence of vindicating the Marcoses but could fall flat their hounding of the former President up to his grave. The dismissal would not just end up as a simple case of the accused being vindicated but would require the overhauling of the monstrosity they committed to distort our history. More than that, the acolytes of the hypocrites serving as town criers would be eating their own words as any decision adverse to them could paradoxically point at them as the real looters and plunderers of the nation’s wealth and resources. It is of record, that it was through the PCGG where the government virtually committed licentious banditry against the properties of their political enemies. These hypocrites have proven themselves to be consummate in their lust for vengeance beginning in their amendment of laws on the presumption of innocence of the accused. The pastor who was the first chairman of the presidential good-for-nothing commission crafted his own version how the accused and his property will be treated in court. Through an executive order, he made a way to sequester properties, bank deposits, jewelleries, paintings or anything of value they can identify and point to as allegedly own by the Marcos or by hunch transacted to be him to validate the sequestration of their property and contest the decision later. Many decisions rendered by the court made during the height of their passion for vengeance zeroed in on the motive of wanting to get the money. This is unprecedented because the release of the deposit by the High Court sine qua non requires that the person identified as owner of the alleged ill-gotten wealth

other classes as well. While one could always argue, Tigno’s son is one snowflake who easily gets offended, it seemed Tigno had every reason to suspect the teacher might be taking things personally against her, and making her children her target. A day after her son’s embarrassment, it was her daughter’s turn to get humiliated by the same teacher. Because the student was not able to have her report card signed by her parent, the teacher reportedly told her daughter she will get a zero even though she passed her exam. However, the teacher was lenient with her two other classmates who also forgot to have their report cards signed by their parents. Because of those incidents, Tigno had a case of Violence Against Children

be first convicted to finalize the seizure. But in the case of the escrow deposit of the Marcoses, it was the money they convicted and not the person of the accused. One must not forget that the term “Ill-gotten wealth” is descriptive to the person accused of “ill-gotten” and not to the money or property itself. Money can never be classified as ill-gotten unless the person identified as owner is convicted. Only in that instance can the accused as owner of the ill-gotten wealth be convicted. But what happened is that the High Court convicted the escrow deposit for purposes of securing its release of the funds from the banks without convicting the owners of the deposit or finding them guilty in support for the court’s holding of the escrow funds.

The real reason for the dismissal is the non-presentation of proof. In the so many cases filed for the recovery of the alleged ill-gotten wealth like the case for the recovery of alleged US$292 million in foreign bank deposits; the P1.6 billion shares of stocks in PLDT; the $98 million investment in foreign banks, financial houses and industrial mining; the investment in real properties in the US and UK; a total of 177 paintings; the 42 crates of jewellery worth $8.9 million; the P236 million worth of jewelry at the Honolulu airport; the P16 million worth of “vanity items” contained in 24 boxes and suitcases; the P102-billion case related to Roberto Benedicto (dismissed on Aug. 5, 2019); the P1- billion case related to Bienvenido Tantoco (dismissed on Sept. 25, 2019); the P267.371-million case related to Ignacio and Fe Roa Gimenez (dismissed on Oct. 14, 2019); the P976-million bank deposits at the Security Bank and Trust Co.; the P711million bank deposits at the Traders Royal Bank; the P33-million agricultural land in Leyte; the P18-million residential property in Leyte; and many more for a total of almost 1,000 criminal and civil cases filed against the family. It is not so much on the number of cases filed but of the hard truth that not a single of the almost a thousand cases filed prospered, except for one where former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos was convicted by the lower court only to be reversed by the same court after a motion for reconsideration clearing her of “misappropriation” involving the rental of property by the Ministry for Human Settlements with its proceeds used to help indigent patient of PGH. More than that, the dismissal of those civil cases against the Marcoses revolved mainly on how to legalize their mulcting and extortion done to permanently sequester those alleged ill-gotten wealth in the event the court will favor the sequestration of the those properties. As said, the dismissal of those cases appears to remind them that there is something they have to return. But as it is, the accuser of the Marcoses turned out to be the real looters. Even before final judgment could rendered to determine the owners of the sequestered properties, the PCGG already began to dispose them failing to understand that pending sequestration they have to take care of those properties until their status as alleged ill-gotten is legally determined. A good case was the decision to sell the four buildings in New York. The four buildings were sold in a fire salelike fashion with zealots disposing them alacrity. The decision to sell was without final declaration by the New York Circuit Court that the buildings were owned by the Marcoses or by any of their cronies, namely Gliceria and Bienvenido Tantoco, the posted owner of Rustan’s Supermarket, lest for the PCGG to recover the reasonable amount stashed by them. rpkapunan@gmail.com

blottered in the nearest police precinct. The sad thing here is that things would have never gotten out of hand if only the school officials had done their part. Baloso, Tigno and their children relied on the system which was created to protect kids from bullying. But it was the same system that failed them. The Act should have had an Implementing Rules and Regulations which should have never delegated any responsibility to any school as we are all aware, schools exist for two reasons—to educate and to make profit. Whichever comes first for a school would determine how they handle such problem. But for now, Balos, Tigno and the officials of OLFPEC would have to settle their issues before the Department of Education, and maybe in some legal court.

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US envoy, PCC chair sign MOU By Rey E. Requejo

HE Philippine-American Educational Foundation and the Philippine Competition Commission have agreed to a partnership to implement a ﬁve-year, P287-million staff development program on competition law and policy aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge and capabilities of Filipinos working at PCC and other pertinent government agencies. In a ceremony on Friday, PAEF Honorary Board chairperson and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim and PCC chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan signed the Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new staff development program on competition law and policy involving the personnel of PCC, Ofﬁce of the Solicitor General, Department of Justice and National Economic and Development Authority. “This new partnership between PCC and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation [PAEF, also known as the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines] will build the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of Filipinos working at PCC, OSG, DOJ and NEDA,” the US Embassy said in a statement. During the signing, Kim expressed his strong support for the new partnership, “One of the most important endeavors for the embassy … is investing in the development of the Philippines’ human capital. This new partnership

between PCC and Fulbright does exactly that: Builds Filipino capacity in competition law and policy to create a more competitive and open market,” the US envoy said. Also present were PCC Commissioners and other officials, PAEF Board Chairperson and US Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Philip Roskamp, and PAEF Executive Director Julio S. Amador III. The new five-year, P287million ($5.67-million) staff development program was made possible through Asian Development Bank financing in support of PCC’s “Capacity Building to Foster Competition” Project. It will send Filipino staff to US higher education institutions for degree and non-degree studies, as well as for research and training. The program will also provide opportunities for professional consultations, lecturing, and research in PCC-accredited universities and institutions in the Philippines, the US Embassy stressed.

PUBLIC AD DOCTORATE. Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez (right) receives public administration doctorate diploma from an unidentified senior official of the Cebu Technological University. Looking on is is his wife Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez (middle).

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

PCG’s most modern ship flies PH flag for first time A. He/she participated in actual bidding and B. Inserted the two (2) proofs of occupancy inside his/her bid envelope as indicated in Number 9 of these guidelines 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. 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) B. 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 C. 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.

C. 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. 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-DEC 21, 22 & 23, 2019)

THE Philippine Coast Guard’s newest and largest offshore patrol vessel is now officially under the ownership of the country after it flew the Philippine flag for the first time on Thursday. In a Facebook post on Friday, the PCG said the 83-meter BRP Gabriela Silang, which was built by French shipbuilder OCEA, had its Change of Flag Ceremony that was led by Philippine Ambassador to France Ma. Theresa Lazaro. “Ambassador Lazaro represented the DOTr [Department of Transportation] and the PCG in the historic event, which marks the first time the OPV will be flying the national flag, and will now be under the official ownership of the Republic of the Philippines,” the post read.

The OPV is scheduled to depart from France on Dec. 30 with its 35-strong personnel and crew from the PCG and is expected to arrive in Manila on Feb. 10, 2020. Last month, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade approved the provisional acceptance of the OPV through BRP Gabriela Silang’s incoming commanding officer, PCG Commander Alberto Ferre, in the signing of the vessel’s certificate in France. The BRP Gabriela Silang was commissioned for the PCG by the DOTr. Its design was based on the OPV-270 Mk. II that was first unveiled in Euronaval 2014. The ship was also the first OPV acquired by the Philippines and the most modern vessel of the PCG. PNA

UHC program to be implemented By Macon Ramos-Araneta DEPARTMENT of Health Secretary Francisco Duque and DOHCALABARZON [Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon] Regional Director Eduardo Janairo together with local chief executives of the provinces of Batangas and Quezon formally signed the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Universal Health Care program in their respective areas. Duque said the ceremonial signing reaffirmed their commitment in serving the Filipino people with utmost care. This can be done by providing equitable access and ensures the quality of medical services will contribute greatly for the improvement of the health of the recipients.. “With the implementation of UHC we can now assure that every patient needing medical care in these two provinces can smoothly navigate from primary care level to secondary and up to the tertiary level without difficulty and without thinking of any financial burden that can hamper their pursuit for medical treatment,” he said. The UHC seeks to address health system fragmentation and to reorient the health system towards primary health care, primarily through the integration of local health systems into province-wide or city-wide health systems. This would ensure the effective and efficient delivery of populationbased and individual-based health services, by virtue of Section 19 of Republic Act 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

Sports

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

Global sport doping cases up 13% in ‘17, says Wada

Cocolife Tigers edge Realtors in MPBL

KING Tiger Mark Yee worked doubly hard as his team Davao Occidental Cocolife squeaked past Pasig Sta Lucia Realtors, 75-71, in the second-round elimination of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season Tuesday night at Bahay ng Pag-Asa Gym in Valenzuela City. Yee, along with big man Bogs Raymundo, nicknamed as the “Long Arm of the Law,” manned the paint effectively on both ends to neutralize the Realtors’ frontliners Jeric Tong, Robbie Manalang and Leo Najorda. This favored the leading south division team of Dumper Party List Rep. Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental and backed by Cocolife president Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque. The Tigers’ offensive thrusts were fueled by Bonbon Custodio, James Forresto, Billy Robles and Yee as they joined efforts to gain control at halftime 41-31. The Realtors trimmed Davao’s double-digit lead to just a point at 4041 the early third canto and even took the lead in the early fourth on a trey by Manalang. But Yee and Custodio took charge in recovering the Tigers’ momentum en route to their 20th win in 20 games to stay on top of the south division of the league organized by Senator Manny Pacquiao. “We have to level up our game, especially now that we are approaching the playoffs. Mark (Yee) is a true leader in the court, but our close victory against Pasig is really a team effort,” said Davao Cocolife team manager Dinko Bautista. Yee, the games’s Best Player, posted his 35th double-double performance in the league with his 22 points and 14 rebounds. Pasig’s shock troopers, led by Richard Belches, ﬁelded by coach Bong Ramos, fell short in the endgame as they absorbed their ninth setback with 14 wins to show.

Velez, Nocos share PPS Dagitab honors JOHN David Velez survived two tough rivals to escape with a twinkill while Tiffany Claire Nocos dominated the girls’ side with two victories as they clinched the MVP honors in the PPS-PEPP Dagitab Festival national age-group tournament at the City of Naga Tennis Courts in Cebu yesterday. Velez dropped just one game in three matches in an imposing start but the top seeded bet needed to dish out his best in thwarting Eric Tangub, 7-5, 7-6(5), in the boys’ 16-andunder ﬁnal of the Group I tournament presented by Dunlop. The country’s leading junior netter also had to toughen up against Vinz Lominoque, 4-6, 6-1, 10-7, in the semis before holding off local ace Venz Alforque, 6-4, 6-4, to secure the 18-U diadem. The third-ranked Nocos, on the other hand, stamped her class in girls’ 14-U play, overpowering No. 2 Faith Banico, 6-0, 6-1, before the rising star from Green Garden Christian School in Lapu Lapu City stopped Joshea Malazarte, 6-7(3), 6-1, 11-9, to claim the 16-U trophy in the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala headed by president/ CEO Bobby Castro. Sharing the spotlight in the event which also served as run-up to the men’s singles Open, featuring three of the country’s gold medalists in the recent SEA Games, were Dipolog City’s Pete Bandala, Feb Villar from Consolacion, Cebu, Siquijor’s Banico, and local bets Vincent Canete and Mitch Largo. Bandala foiled Christian Laguna, 4-2, 4-3(4), for the 10-unisex crown; the unranked Villar upset top seeded Bliss Bayking, 4-1, 4-2, in the ﬁrst round and went on to clinch the girls’ 18-U plum with a 6-3, 7-6(2) win; Banico routed Shaira Paliwag, 6-2, 6-1, for the girls’ 12-U crown; the unseeded Canete stunned No. 1 Prince Lim, 6-2, 6-4, in the semis then trampled No. 4 Gio Manito, 6-2, 6-4, for the boys’ 12-U title; and Largo stopped upset-conscious James Quino, 6-4, 7-5, for the boys’ 14-U diadem.

FIL-E CHAMPION. Islander Mizuno secured a breakthrough win in the 70th Fil-Am Invitational Golf Tournament after it assembled a four-day total of 330 points to beat Razcals and Tieza Club Intramuros for the Fil-E division crown yesterday at the Baguio Country Club. Members of the team, which scored 102-93-69-66, were (from left) David Sy, Mark Pizarro, Anton Laborte, Islander Owner Dwight Yao, Team Captain Pablo Olivarez and Neil Arce. Also in photo are Fil-Am co chairs Tim Allen and Anthony de Leon.

National volleybelles preparing for Superliga

ITH the 30th Southeast Asian Games already in the books, national team members have already gone back to their respective mother teams in preparation for a new and bigger season of the Philippine Superliga next year.

F2 Logistics middle blocker Aby Maraño of F2 Logistics heads the cast of national team members who returned to their mother teams in the PSL following a successful participation in the biennial meet that formally came to a close last week. Also setting their sights on the new PSL season were are Mika Reyes, Rhea Dimaculangan, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Frances Molina of Petron, Mylene Paat and Jovelyn Gonzaga of Cignal, Kath Arado of Generika-Ayala, and Majoy Baron and Dawn Macandili of F2 Logistics. Eya Laure, the youngest player on the squad, will also see action for Foton right after fulﬁlling her duty as student-athlete

for University of Santo Tomas in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines season. PSL chairman Philip Ella Juico was satisﬁed with the performance of the PSL players in the national squad, who represented the country well despite failing on its mission of coming up with their ﬁ rst ever medal since clinching the bronze in the 23rd edition of the Games in Bacolod City. Juico said the league will continue supporting the national cause to boost the growth of the sport in the country. “The PSL players represented the country well,” said Juico, whose own federation —the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association—came up with one of its best

ﬁnishes ever with 11 gold medals. “We’re so proud of how they performed and how they represented the country in a major international competition such as the Southeast Asian Games. Rest assured that the league would continue supporting the national team program to help the growth of volleyball in the country.” The PSL will open its season with the PSL Grand Prix in the third week of February followed by the PSL Beach Volleyball Challenge Cup and All-Star Game in June. Come July, the league will stage its All-Filipino Conference followed by a proposed Super Cup in December, where three PSL clubs will clash with a foreign team. “Despite having a packed schedule for next year, the PSL still remains committed to the national team program,” said Juico, adding that other PSL clubs like Sta. Lucia, Marinerang Pilipina and PLDT Home Fibr would be ready to lend players if needed.

National U completes Freego Cup repeat HALFWAY through the third quarter, it was already apparent as to who will emerge as the country’s “prince of hoops”. And there was no doubt about it as defending champion UAAP champion National University overpowered reigning titlist San Beda University, 105-80, to become the first back-toback champion of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship-Freego Cup Thursday at the SGS Stadium in Quezon City. With Gerry Abadiano scoring almost at will, the Bullpups steadily pulled away until they practically settled the issue with five minutes left in the third when their lead ballooned to 26 points (80-54). At the end of the third quarter, the 5’11” Abadiano had already 29 points to his credit on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from the 3-point zone. He went on to finish with 35 points with Terrence Fortea backing him up with 23 points spiked by six triples in the event also sponsored by Poly-Gloss, IronCon Builders, Macbeth Underwear, Happy Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, MEC Networks and Blackwater Sports. “Magaling talaga ang batang iyan,” said NU coach Goldwin Monteverde, who also drew stellar performances from two his big men in Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao. Quiambao and Tamayo wound up

NU players and coaches pose with some league sponsors after winning the PSSBCFreego Cup for second straight year following their easy win over San Beda.

with 14 points and 12 points, respectively, apart from anchoring the team’s rocksolid defense that held SBU star Justine Sanchez to just three points. Quiambao was named tournament MVP for the second straight year while Abadiano was the hands down choice for the Final MVP in the event also supported by Molten, Gerry’s Grill, Cherrylume, Sumo GI Sheet and Choi Garden. Meantime, Far Eastern University wound up third after edging Ateneo, 8276, thanks to the 29-point show of John Rey Pasaol. NU’s title win was its 12th in a row counting its triumphs in the UAAP, Pal-

arong Pambansa and ASEAN Schools championships. The Bullpups also collected P50,000 from Freego big boss Eduard Tio while the Red Cubs settled for P30,000. The Baby Tamaraws received P20,000. The scores: NU 105—Abadiano 35, Fortea 23, Quiambao 14, Tamayo 12, Tulabut 11, Felicilda 6, Torres 4, Alarcon 0, Enriquez 0, Mailim 0, Buensalida 0. SBU80—Ynot 21, Alcantara 13, Cabañero 13, Amsali 10, Andrada 9, Delﬁno 6, Sanchez 3, Pelipel 2, Oftana 2, Valencia 1, Pascual 0, Maga 0, Peregrina 0, Nicdao 0. Quarters: 34-20, 61-45, 84-60, 105-80.

MONTREAL—Doping cases in international sport rose 13 percent in 2017 against the year before, the annual report of the World Anti-Doping Agency said Thursday. The Montreal-based agency reported 1,804 Anti-Doping Rule Violations for 2017, a rise from 1,595 in 2016. It said the cases in 2017 involved people from 114 nationalities, across 93 sports. Italy had the largest number of infractions, at 171, followed by France at 128 and the United States with 103. Brazil had 84 and Russia 82, said the report, issued on the same day that Russia said it would contest its ban from major sporting events over doping violations. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on December 10 banned Russia from major global events—including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar—for four years. Widespread, state-sponsored doping in Russia, notably between 2011 and 2015, was revealed in an independent report released three years ago by sports lawyer Richard McLaren. Russia’s athletics team was barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics, London’s 2017 world championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics. China, India, Belgium, Spain and South Africa completed the list of top 10 nations with doping violations for the period covered by WADA’s report. Bodybuilding had the most violations, 266, followed by athletics which had 242 and cycling, with 218. Football and rugby were in sixth and eighth place, the report said. Most of the 2017 violations, 1,459, were detected through “positive” testing results. The remainder came from investigation and intelligence, without detection of prohibited substances, WADA said. “While in- and out-of-competition testing remains critical to detect doping, events have recently shown that investigative work is becoming even more important as we look to protect clean athletes’ rights worldwide,” WADA’s director general Olivier Niggli said in a statement.

Secret Spices rules MBL Chairman’s Cup THE Secret Spices Food Specialists crowned themselves the new champion in the recent MBL Chairman’s Cup as they beat defending champion Royal Tern Ceramic Makers, 100-91, in the ﬁnals held at the Aquinas Gym in San Juan. They avenged their opening-day loss to the same team in the process. MVP awardee and London-based Joward Jamis, who used to play for RTU and Wang’s, led the champion team with 27 points and got support from ex-Letran Knight Jonathan Pinera and PUP stand-out Reggie TauTuan with 22 points apiece. Playing coach Macky Villarta chipped in 5 points . Chinito Bondoc led Royal Tern’s losing effort with 28 points, while PBA draftee Anthony Cuevas added 27 markers. Royal Tern was ahead, 54-49, at half time before losing steam in the second half. “We have been doing this year-end tournament for the last 23 years. We play twice a week throughout the year and end it with this tournament that coincides with our yearly Christmas party,” said sportsman-businessman Alex Wang, who also plays in the tournament.

Savings, international ranking await juniors at DreamBig Gold Series FILIPINO Junior Tennis players who join the DreamBig Gold Series Tennis Camp and Tournament at the Manila Polo Club on January 9 to12, 2020 will be able to take advantage of huge savings while being mentored by top collegiate tennis coaches from Division 1 colleges in the US. Three NCAA Division 1 coaches including Rob Raines from Cornell University in New York and Jessie Freeder from Boston University will run the three-day camp and oversee the tournament where the young athletes can showcase their talent. Participants will also receive their Universal Tennis Ranking (UTR) at the camp without having to travel abroad

for this. The UTR measures an athlete’s skill level based on objective, consistent and accurate methods and provides a benchmark of skill level compared to other players worldwide. Having a UTR gives players an edge, as international coaches use the rating for their rosters. Each participant stands to save over USD 5,000 total if they join the camp in Manila as they eliminate the cost of airfare, board and lodging for both athlete and chaperone, local transport expenses and miscellaneous cost that, together with tuition, adds up to as much as USD 6,200. Participation fees at the DreamBig Tennis Camp in Manila costs USD1,000. Hotel stay, if needed, will be minimal cost additions compared to

their US equivalents. “Joining the DreamBig Gold Series Tennis Camp in Manila will take out a huge chunk of expenses as parents need to spend just roughly USD1,000 for such world-class training. This includes the opportunity to be scouted by the best collegiate coaches for almost one-ﬁfth the cost of attending such college tennis camps in the States is more than worth it,” said Akshay Maliwal, DreamBig founder and CEO, an athlete who has himself trained abroad for his game and wants to open up the opportunity to more Asians. The DreamBig Camp is part of series starting in New Delhi followed by Singapore this January, with Manila as its last leg.

The camp has an intimate set-up to ensure personalized training and guidance to each player according to his or her skill level. Limited slots are available for interested players. At the end of the camp, coaches will be able to assess the players’ readiness to join top US colleges and vie for scholarships. “DreamBig believes there’s a wealth of young tennis talent in the Philippines. That’s why we worked really hard to bring this camp to this country. Tennis is another sport where young athletes can put their country on the map,” Maliwal said. Interested participants aged 12-18 years old may register now at: https://dreambig. events/gold-series-tennnis-camp/.

Sports

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

sports@manilastandard.net

sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

GAMMA takes mixed martial arts closer to Olympic Games THE Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts announced on Dec. 19 that it has applied for Observer Status with the Global Association of International Sports Federations. GAMMA has always been for the continuous improvement of mixed martial arts all over the world, and an Observer Status would only make things easier for the association to strengthen rules and policies, while also giving global representation to the sport. ONE Championship and GAMMA have been working hand-in-hand since last April in the hopes of one day having amateur mixed martial arts as an Olympic sport, and this new initiative will only push them closer to their goals. ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong welcomes GAMMA’s efforts and he vows to have their back in this endeavor. “ONE Championship’s partnership with GAMMA is a testament to our commitment to giving all amateur athletes the support they need as they pursue a career in mixed martial arts, including opportunities to earn scholarships, to train in the best gyms around the world, and the chance to showcase their talent on the most prestigious stage of global competition,” Sityodtong said. “I fully support GAMMA’s dedication to further developing the sport of mixed martial arts, and I am excited to see it one day be recognized as an ofﬁcial sport in the Olympics.” Just last November in Singapore, ONE hosted the 2019 GAMMA World Championships, which saw some of the best amateur mixed martial artists compete in the ﬁve-day extravaganza. For GAMMA President Alexander Engelhardt, he welcomes all the support from The Home Of Martial Arts and he believes they are just getting started. “Now it’s time to take the next step forward. Through our partnership with ONE Championship, GAMMA’s goal is to provide all mixed martial arts athletes the global platform to showcase their skills,” Engelhardt said. “GAMMA is built on the strong foundation of true values of martial arts, and we believe having Observer Status with GAISF brings us closer to achieving our ultimate goal – to bring the sport of mixed martial arts to the Olympics.”

Tanduay Athletics U18 beach volley slated on Sunday THE response to the Philippine Volleyball Federation-Tanduay Athletics U18 Beach Volleyball Championships on Sunday at the Tanduay Athetics Volleyball Center has been overwhelming. At the moment, teams from Pangasinan, SJDM, Valenzuela, Baliuag (Bulacan), Orani, Balanga (Bataan), Bacoor (Cavite), Muntinlupa, Rizal, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Mandaluyong City and Pasay City have confi rmed their participation. There are no entry fees providing equal opportunities for everyone. PVF president Edgardo ‘Tito Boy’ Cantada said complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner and everything in between will be served to all participants, officials and guests. Vitamilk, Nestea and Summit Water will flow all day. The organizers are also providing free board and lodging for far out-of-town teams. The weekend event is supported by Tanduay Athletics, Vitamilk and Toyota Marilao.

ONE WIN SHY OF FINALS. TNT KaTropa’s

Jayson Castro (leftt) elects to pass after finding his shooting space clogged by Meralco’s Raymond Almazan in a PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal game won by the Texters, 101-97. With the win, TNT moved a win shy of grabbing a seat in the finals.

10th ParaGames reset to March By Peter Atencio

UNDING constraints has compelled the Philippine Sports Commission to ask organizers of the 10th ASEAN Paragames to reschedule it to March next year.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez said the budget needed for the Paragames are won’t be available until then. Ramirez said around P400 million that the government sports agency allocated to the ParaGames, was infused into the Philippine Southeast Asian

Games Organizing Committee’s efforts to manage the recently concluded biennial meet. “Tumulong tayo sa PHISGOC in their expenses for the SEA Games. And that is also the reason why we are advising the organizers of the ParaGames to move it to March,” said Ramirez.

Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo conﬁrmed that the 10th ASEAN ParaGames will be rescheduled to March from its original date of January 18 to 25, 2020. The ParaGames, which is a twinevent of the SEA Games, is usually held one month after it is ﬁnished. “While we have made every effort to prepare the Games in the past one and a half years, matters well beyond our control are compelling us to reschedule the event,” PPC president Mike Barredo. In moving it to March, Barredo said

Smokin Saturday is fastest sprinter SMOKIN Saturday was smoking hot and furiously fast at the 2019 Philippine Racing Commission’s Grand Sprint Championship as it pulled off a onelength win at the MetroTurf Racing Complex in Malvar, Batangas on Sunday. With veteran Pat R. Dilema’s masterful riding, Smokin Saturday (sired by Any Given Saturday out of Smokin) crowned itself as the country’s best sprinter in the short 1,200-meter race following the fiveyear-old filly’s clocking of 1:10.4, with quartertimes of 22, 21 and 26. Smokin Saturday burst out of the gates and immediately took command, with Son Also Rises behind by one and a half length and Lakan closely trailing at third spot. The filly increased its lead to three lengths halfway through, with Son Also Rises making a last-ditch effort in the last 500, but could only close in to within a length when the short race was over as Smokin Saturday firmly stood its ground all the way to the finish. “Ang instruction sa akin, diskartehan ko na lang daw dahil matulin naman ang kabayo ko,” said Dilema, who in the process, frustrated Son Also Rises’ jockey Jonathan B. Hernandez’s aim of stretching his own winning streak. “Hayun, paglarga bandera kaagad. Hindi ko na binitawan. Mauna manalo eh. Nagpapasalamat ako nakaraos kami ng maayos.” With the win, Smokin Saturday gave its owner Bobby Inigo the first-place paycheck of P600,000 from the total guaranteed purse of P1 million allotted by the sponsoring Philracom.

Smokin Saturday bolts to the finish line.

Son Also Rises took the runner-up prize of P225,000 for its owner by Benhur Abalos Jr. Its jockey JB Hernandez, earlier in the month, had swept both the Juvenile Colts and Fillies Stakes Races aboard Union Bell and Exponential, respectively. Pinagtipunan, owned by Benhur Abalos III and ridden by jockey Kevin B. Abobo, settled for third place worth P125,000, while Lakan placed fourth, good for P50,000. Other winners of Sunday’s races in celebration of the 20th staging of the Philtobo Grand Championship were Union

Bell in Race 1 (Philtobo Juvenile Championship), Nabighani in Race 2 (Pagcor Trophy Race), Wiling Willie in Race 4 (DLTB Trophy Race), Pretty Meador in Race 5 (Eduardo Duay Calixto Trophy Race), Redhead Dancer in Race 6 (Philtobo Juvenile), Du Pont Circle in Race 7 (Edong Diokno Trophy Race), Makaarem in Race 8 (Omniversal Assurance), Ack in Race 9 (SC Stockfarm Trophy Race), Rockstar Show in Race 10 (Herma Farms and Stud), Certain to Win in Race 11 (Sevilla Industrial) and Kaka and Bachi Race 12 (Rabano Construction Trophy Race).

Bucks outgun Lakers, claim NBA’s best record

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 19, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AFP

LOS ANGELES—Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 111-104 to claim the best record in the NBA on Thursday. In a pulsating duel between the leaders of the Eastern and Western Conferences, it was Milwaukee who claimed early bragging rights in a potential match-up of NBA Finals contenders. Antetokounmpo added 11 rebounds and seven assists to an impressive night’s work, while George Hill had 21 off the bench. Khris Middleton had 15 points with Wesley Matthews adding 13 and Brook Lopez 10. The victory left Milwaukee ﬁve games clear at the top of the Eastern Conference with 25 wins against four defeats. Antetokounmpo praised the Bucks’ team effort for setting up the win -- but played down the signiﬁcance of the result. “It wasn’t a special game,” Antetokounmpo told reporters. “It’s great that we’re the No.1 team in the NBA right now, but we might end up playing them at the end

of the season. No-one’s going to remember this regular season game then.” James meanwhile completed a triple double of 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists while Anthony Davis led the Lakers scoring with 36 points and 10 rebounds at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. The Lakers were always chasing the game after a devastating burst of scoring from the Bucks in the second quarter, when they pulled clear of the visitors to gain a decisive advantage. The Lakers, aiming to avoid a second straight defeat on the road, had stayed in touch early on, trailing only by 2317 at the end of the first quarter. The 17-point total was the lowest Lakers first quarter score of the season. The Bucks soon went 12 points clear at 29-17 in the second quarter, and with 5:30 left in the half, had moved into a 21-point advantage at 49-28. By half-time the Bucks were 65-46 ahead, firmly in control after a 42-point second quarter. AFP

they will be able “to be able to have enough time for ﬁnancial and logistical matters to be settled.” The change in schedule has already been endorsed to the ASEAN Para Sports Federation. Sixteen sports disciplines are calendared in the Paragames, namely archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, chess, cycling, football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, swimming, 10-pin bowling, table tennis, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and para triathlon. Obstacle course race has been added as a demonstration sport.

Kobe, Duncan, Garnett lead ‘Hall’ nominees LOS ANGELES—Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh were named Thursday in a a star-studded list of nominees for entry into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Between them, Bryant, Duncan, Garnett and Bosh, amassed 13 NBA titles, four NBA regular season MVP, five NBA fi nals MVP awards and 59 All-Star game appearances. The quartet were named on a 50-strong list of players and coaches which will be whittled down to around a dozen names during the All-Star Weekend in Chicago on February 14-16. Bosh, whose career was cut short in 2016 after problems with blood clots, said he was honoured by the nomination. “My career ended earlier than expected and that hurt immensely,” the former Miami star said. “To come to this point being nominated for the Hall of Fame with my heroes is tr uly an amazing feeling.” The final picks for enshrinement will be revealed during college basketball’s Final Four championship in Atlanta in April. Other first timers nominated this year include Shawn Marion, Buck Williams, Mark Eaton and Michael Finley. The list also includes several players who have been nominated before but who have yet to earn enough votes for entry, including Tim Hardaway, Richard Hamilton, Chris Webber and Ben Wallace. Coaching nominees meanwhile include Rick Adelman, George Karl, Dick Motta and Rudy Tomjanovich. Women’s nominations feature three-time WNBA champion Swin Cash and 2012 WNBA Finals MVP Tamika Catchings, as well as trailblazing San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon.

Business DOE set to lift suspension on Semirara mines By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy will lift its suspension on the coal mining operations of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. after the company successfully complied with safety requirements. SMPC stopped coal mining operations last month after receiving an order from the DOE to suspend all mining activities covered by coal operating contract no. 5 based on the results of the investigation on the mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique province. “We inspected... We validated all our recommendations. First and foremost is the safety aspect so we recommended to reorg the safety department to have a consultant also for safety,” Energy Undersecretary Donato Marcos said. The DOE earlier said the suspension would remain in effect until the company complied with several conditions, such as addressing the apparent risk in the Casay Lake area near and adjacent to the operations of the Molave Pit. The DOE directive was issued in relation to a mudflow incident in Semirara Island, Antique Province on October 2, 2019. An employee of SMPC, the operator of PS27 machinery, was found dead after a three-day search and rescue operation. The incident occurred in Southwest Tungao, Semirara Island at 1:05 a.m. on Oct. 2 when the equipment operator was swept by the mudslide. “We asked them to identify the risk areas and then we established mining methodology for that. Of course always in consideration and prioritizing safety of the people working there. We asked them to address the risk areas,” Marcos said.

IN BRIEF

Ray S. Eñano, Editor Roderick T. dela Cruz, Assistant Editor business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

Increased tobacco, alcohol taxes to generate P137.2b By Julito G. Rada

INANCE Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Congress’ ratification of the bill increasing excise taxes on alcohol, heated tobacco and vapor products will raise an additional P137.2 billion over a five-year period to augment funding for the Universal Health Care Program. Dominguez said Friday the reconciled version of the bill, which was ratified Wednesday by the Senate and the House of Representatives, would increase funds for the UHC, and deter binge drinking and the use of harmful vaping and heated tobacco products, especially among the youth and low-income consumers who are sensitive to price increases. “We thank the Senate and the House of Representatives for ratifying the bill, which is an investment in the future of our people, and will help President

Duterte deliver on his administration’s goal of providing a safe, comfortable, and healthy life for every law-abiding Filipino,” Dominguez said. He thanked Senator Pia Cayetano, who chairs the Senate ways and means committee, and Albay Representative Joey Salceda, the chairperson of the House ways and means committee, for “painstakingly studying the measure and holding extensive consultations with concerned stakeholders, and spearheading efforts that led to the swift approval of the

bill in their respective chambers.” He said Sen. Cayetano and Rep. Salceda both demonstrated their strong advocacy to push for better health care for the people by committing to align the proposals of the Senate and the House to ensure that the ratified version would get approved before the Congress adjourned for the holidays. This gives the President enough time to review the measure and sign it into law, in time for its implementation at the start of 2020. President Duterte earlier certified the Senate version of this sin tax reform bill as an urgent measure. The House of Representatives approved its version of the measure in August. Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick Chua said under the reconciled bill approved by the bicameral conference committee, 60 percent of revenues collected from the excise taxes on alcohol products and e-cigarettes, such as heated tobacco and vapor (vaping) products, would go to the UHC, while 20 percent would be spent for medical assistance and health facilities.

PH companies bullish in 4th quarter—Bangko Sentral survey THE positive business outlook on the Philippine economy improved for the fourth quarter 2019, as the overall confidence index increased to 40.2 percent from 37.3 percent a quarter ago, results of a survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that was released Friday show. “This was reflective of the higher increase in the percentage of optimists, which outweighed the increase in the percentage of pessimists from the previous quarter’s survey results,” the BSP said. Respondents attributed their more optimistic sentiment for the quarter to higher consumer demand during the holiday and harvest seasons, increase in sales, orders, and projects, more favor-

able macroeconomic conditions (higher GDP growth and lower inflation and unemployment rates), higher government spending, mainly in infrastructure, and business expansion. Companies also cited the anticipated positive impact of the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, such as availability of more jobs and increase in consumer spending. “The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the more buoyant business outlook in Brazil, Chile, Hungary and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, business sentiments in Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Norway and Ukraine were less optimistic. Canada, China, Denmark, Euro Area, Hong Kong, New

Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the United States remained pessimistic,” the BSP said. For the first quarter 2020, the positive business outlook weakened as the next quarter confidence index declined to 40.3 percent from the Q3 2019 survey result of 56.1 percent in Q4 2019. The less favorable outlook for the first quarter was due mainly to expectations of lower consumer demand after the holiday and harvest seasons, decline in sales and orders, stiffer competition, and other factors, such as rising prices, concerns over the African Swine Flu epidemic and the fishing ban period. Julito G. Rada

Govt infra spending remains on target

THE government remains on target of achieving its goal of increasing its infrastructure spending to 7 percent of the gross domestic product by 2022, the Investment Coordination CommitteeCabinet Committee said in a statement Friday. “The Duterte administration will continue to ensure that all projects are implemented on time and on budget. We remain on track in achieving our target of accelerating infrastructure spending to 7 percent of GDP by 2022,” the ICC said. In a meeting Friday, the ICC members approved 12 infrastructure projects. These include the Unsolicited OperateAdd-Transfer Proposal for the Davao International Airport; Unsolicited Operate-Add-Transfer Proposal for the Laguindingan Airport; MRT-4 Project; EDSA Greenways Project; Maritime Safety Enhancement Program; BataanCavite Interlink Bridge Project. Julito G. Rada

Airline surcharges unchanged—CAB

THE Civil Aeronautics Board said allowable fuel surcharge for airlines remains unchanged until February 2020 due to stable jet fuel prices globally. “For October to November, the price of jet fuel averaged $77.28 per barrel with the US dollar exchange rate of P51.12 for the same period. This is equivalent to P24.85 per liter, which corresponds to Level 2 of the Passenger Fuel Surcharge Matrix,” CAB said in an advisory. This means airlines are allowed to collect P45 to P171 for domestic flights, and P218 to P2,076 for international flights under the Level 2 of the passenger fuel surcharge matrix for January and February period. Darwin G. Amojelar

DTI says PH exports resilient in 3rd quarter

EXPORTS of goods and services remain resilient, expanding by 5.1 percent to $25 billion in the third quarter of 2019 from $23.78 billion year-on-year, despite the global uncertainty stemming from the USChina trade war. “The President directive of being a friend to all nations allowed the Philippines to grow our exports despite the ongoing US-China trade war, which may have caused the decline in exports of other countries,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. The Philippines is pushing for the conclusion of free trade agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the PhilippineKorea Free Trade Agreement in 2020 to expand market access for manufactured goods as well as agri-based products. Othel V. Campos

Jumpstarting CSR programs with used batteries: ICTSI hopes to inspire the youth to read more

USING funds from the sale of used lead acid batteries (ULABs) through the ICTSI Foundation, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) donated a new single-storey library in Misamis Oriental in a bid to inspire a new generation of readers in the province. Kindergarten and elementary students from Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Tagoloan town, part of Mindanao Container Terminal’s (MCT) immediate hinterland, became the latest beneficiaries of ICTSI Foundation’s “My Reading Nook” precast library rooms – fully-funded from ICTSI’s accumulated incentives in the BalikBaterya program of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and car battery manufacturer Motolite. The Balik-Baterya program (literally, return of batteries) encourages the return of ULAB wastes, which are then recycled and used for the production of new automotive and industrial batteries. To encourage more companies to donate batteries, Motolite buys the ULABs at a premium price. ICTSI’s proceeds are then redeemed through funds for CSR undertakings, being jointly implemented by the Foundation and PBSP. With an extensive array of container-handling equipment and vehicle fleets, the battery recycling drive has been a crucial part of the company’s efforts to reduce, if not eliminate its environmental impact

within its home operations. Since joining the program in 2011, ICTSI has turned over for recycling more than 68,000 kilos of ULABs, amounting to more than Php1.9-million. As materials recovery and recycling programs keep getting more innovative by the day, the ICTSI Foundation hopes to use the funds from the recovery program to bring back the interest of the youth in reading through the My Reading Nook program. The program supports literacy thrusts in a variety of ways, including the construction or renovation of libraries, and providing them with age-appropriate reading and reference materials. “We, on one hand, are systematically reducing negative impacts on the environment and on the quality of life in our ports, and to the extent possible for ICTSI, in the cities and communities that host our ports,” says Filipina C. Laurena, ICTSI Foundation Deputy Executive Director. “ICTSI will continue to become an on-ground partner in advancing the well-being and longterm interest of sectors and our host communities.” This is not the first time that ICTSI was able to tap funds from its batteryrecycling partnership with Motolite and PBSP. In 2012, ICTSI’s ULAB turnover bankrolled that year’s run of Lusog Dunong, a supplemental feeding program which benefited children from 10 day care centers in Manila.

Business

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rallies; banks lead gainers

HE stock market rallied Friday on bargain-hunting, with lenders leading advancers in an early Santa Claus rally. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index jumped 119.18 points, or 1.6 percent, to 7,773.12 on a value turnover of P13.2 billion. Losers, however, beat gainers, 92 to 78, with 55 issues unchanged. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the second-biggest bank in terms of assets, advanced 5.4 percent to P68, while Bank of the Philippine Islands, the thirdlargest, climbed 3.8 percent to P87. Conglomerate JG Summit Holdings Inc. of the Gokongwei Group, rose 4 percent to P80.10, but Manila Electric Co., the biggest retailer of electricity, slumped 8.1 percent to P286.20.

The rest of Asian markets were mixed on Friday as investors await fresh catalysts to drive business, though with the China-US trade deal agreed and Christmas approaching many are in wind-down mode. Wall Street provided yet another record-breaking lead, with all three main indexes being helped to all-time highs by news that a revised US-Canada-Mexico pact had finally been agreed. Concerns that pen had not yet been put to paper on the China-US pact were soothed by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who said a technical review was taking place and it would be signed in early January. Regional equities swung back and forth through the morning session, with investors now turning an eye to the festive break and observers indicating next year could see further gains.

“Agreement of the phase one deal between the US and China has removed quite a lot of the uncertainties in the outlook for 2020,” said Stephen Innes, senior market analyst at AxiTrader. “And with the global growth revival trade looking better and better by the day, equity investors are reveling in the holiday cheer.” Tokyo eased 0.2 percent and Shanghai ended down 0.4 percent, while Sydney fell 0.3 percent. Taipei gave up 0.5 percent, while there were also losses in Jakarta and Bangkok. However, Hong Kong ended up 0.3 percent, Seoul gained 0.4 percent and Mumbai edged higher while Wellington and Singapore were flat. OANDA’s Jeffrey Halley was also upbeat on the near-term outlook. “Stock markets will continue to trace out new highs into the early part of 2020

at least, barring a trade hiccup,” he said. On currency markets the pound edged up but was still struggling against the dollar after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week revived no-deal Brexit worries by saying he wanted to pass a law preventing an extension to the next phase of EU talks. Sterling has plunged below the levels it was at before last week’s landslide win for Johnson, who says he wants a full break by the end of next year—raising the chances of leaving without a trade deal in place. Adding to downward pressure on the British unit was the Bank of England leaving the door open for an interest rate cut next month as it assesses the outlook for the economy. Observers said there was a two-thirds chance of a reduction in borrowing costs. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review Friday, deceMBer 20, 2019

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

FINANCIALS 53.5 1,160 87 7,055,720 155.4 4,574,400 24.85 32,500 18.1 100 12.24 554,400 4.08 1,000 7.01 22,600 0.37 260,000 68 7,266,030 0.77 39,000 12.7 3,300 20.5 8,600 34.5 100,400 173 14,500 114 20 57.05 830 22.6 6,400 183 1,988,700 1,800 190 58.4 1,290 1.08 150,000

62,092 594,830,152 701,792,882 806,785 1,810 6,705,996 4,080 158,426 98,500 482,790,349 30,030 41,910 176,300 3,507,290 2,505,512 2,280 47,551.50 144,640 364,314,958 342,485 74,673 162,000

24,104,934 -155,948,943 -607,645 1,743,668 10,960,467.50 -30,030 -3,000,560.00 22,600 -164,884,243 -

32.8 2.27 13 0.52 1.22 2.46 0.236 1.93 15.26 3.66 16.4 28 66.55 2.13 4.99 9.18 14.04 9.39 7.19 22.3 66 1.03 39.35 1.88 7.64 1.28 209 3.1 6.75 7.22 11.86 16.36 286.2 1.91 3.79 3.87 9.6 11.14 33.1 5 5.27 2.11 0.88 9.8 85.1 7.9 0.113 0.97 140 1.11 15.14 0.88

INDUSTRIAL 34.05 2,841,700 2.31 4,321,000 13.3 274,400 0.54 708,000 1.22 424,000 2.54 2,719,000 0.239 2,300,000 1.97 2,359,000 15.5 2,065,400 3.82 273,000 17.52 1,400 28 8,300 66.55 490 2.19 1,592,000 5 7,900 9.3 4,177,600 14.06 52,100 9.72 459,300 7.2 508,000 22.9 1,644,200 66.95 116,270 1.07 15,104,000 40 131,000 1.93 4,039,000 7.9 176,300 1.29 34,000 213 1,402,670 3.1 1,000 6.75 100 7.44 47,849,900 12.1 57,800 16.5 804,300 286.2 1,037,720 1.91 5,555,000 3.8 20,000 3.87 1,342,000 9.97 1,100 11.5 32,300 33.3 309,200 5 3,108,000 5.27 500 2.14 701,000 0.89 24,000 9.9 1,029,600 85.5 205,610 8.2 141,200 0.115 120,000 1 90,000 144 2,108,220 1.12 321,000 15.14 400 0.89 58,000

95,775,960 9,954,930 3,662,388 370,490 519,600 6,836,100 558,710 4,637,110 31,731,838 1,028,780 24,336 232,400 33,267.50 3,457,530 39,491 39,062,998 733,464 4,378,312 3,662,211 37,721,045 7,799,378 16,100,590 5,240,045 7,746,780 1,366,727 43,850 298,222,164 3,100 675 357,518,528 686,560 13,246,272 301,386,640 10,610,240 76,280 5,296,420 10,930 368,742 10,298,070 15,540,000 2,635 1,502,800 21,160 10,191,733 17,576,824.50 1,146,765 13,780 89,270 301,364,393 359,030 6,056 51,310

-12,098,195 1,385,260.00 -148,498 2,600 1,374,890 935,160 7,683,218 64,320 176,400 -37,320 30,000 7,588,198 -637,806 2,275,931 -496,353 -21,690,045 -1,743,351 583,380 4,936,065.00 32,120 718,144 0 -81,303,344 3,100 2,675,825 574,024 -10,498,454.00 -164,868,232 -86,000 -708,320 -9,970 -62,100 3,025,755 -15,000,000 -527 8,560 -387,775 11,166,105 18,930 -59,225,616 71,140 -

0.82 51.55 11.5 0.71 6.57 10.8 0.93 779.5 3.05 6.75 6.4 13.28 839 5.26 80.1 0.5 3.75 12 0.56 3.4 4.3 1.23 2.95 158 1,065 1.23 190 214 0.209

0.78 49.7 11.28 0.7 6.42 10.62 0.92 744.5 2.96 6.65 6.11 13 783 5.26 75.2 0.485 3.72 11.7 0.56 3.21 4.1 1.13 2.8 150 1,000 1.22 175 207.2 0.209

HOLDING FIRMS 0.82 12,552,000 51.55 2,478,250 11.5 24,543,700 0.71 6,000 6.42 15,100 10.76 2,400 0.93 665,000 779.5 981,550 2.98 448,000 6.65 1,650,800 6.38 19,116,000 13.2 15,000 839 272,850 5.26 181,500 80.1 5,572,390 0.5 2,000 3.73 316,000 12 10,512,900 0.56 50,000 3.26 101,799,000 4.3 2,000 1.22 490,000 2.8 93,000 158 138,260 1,065 765,455 1.22 35,000 175 290 214 37,210 0.209 10,000

10,149,170 127,236,182.50 279,743,244 4,240 96,969 25,818 613,810 753,851,825 1,345,880 11,026,749 119,914,831 197,160 222,916,820 954,690 440,335,744 985 1,178,340 125,610,134 28,000 333,000,270 8,400 561,300 268,350 21,423,126 805,100,500 42,710 51,260 7,958,052 2,090

-8,100 -8,707,031 -36,991,628 51,268,995 269,370 -1,681,030 -18,100,155 -24,579,460 -239,330 -33,003,215.50 -122,540 -32,927,158 -72,535,990 2,020.00 -7,987,415 -89,397,475 12,200 6,775,560 -

14.88 0.7 1.35 0.8 46 1.98 4.73 6.47 0.56 0.77 0.87 0.18 0.385 9.98 19.26 0.42 0.101 1.51 1.2 4.13 0.197

14.76 0.69 1.28 0.78 43.7 1.97 4.64 6.31 0.53 0.72 0.8 0.178 0.385 9.83 18.86 0.41 0.1 1.49 1.16 3.97 0.19

PROPERTY 14.76 233,200 0.7 373,000 1.3 131,000 0.8 1,356,000 46 17,863,300 1.97 189,000 4.73 235,000 6.47 31,400 0.56 10,797,000 0.76 53,000 0.87 152,000 0.178 6,300,000 0.385 800,000 9.96 151,300 19.08 454,500 0.41 1,650,000 0.1 600,000 1.5 9,532,000 1.2 114,000 4 39,250,000 0.19 8,830,000

3,442,836 257,380 168,630 1,063,650 810,019,755 372,450 1,104,740 199,246 5,914,330 39,090 122,320 1,122,710 308,000 1,506,141 8,687,800 679,600 60,070 14,285,320 133,140 157,457,360 1,696,460

-181,228 11,450 -101,316,375 -80,790 60,930 -181,382 982,560 -77,000 -57,474 -1,337,874 -671,300 444,160 -5,518,790 -84,450

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

ASIA UNITED BANK PH ISLANDS BDO UNIBANK CHINABANK COL FINANCIAL EAST WEST BANK FERRONOUX HLDG FILIPINO FUND MEDCO HLDG METROBANK NTL REINSURANCE PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PHIL STOCK EXCH PHILTRUST PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK SUN LIFE UNION BANK VANTAGE

53.7 83.8 155.1 25 18.1 12.12 4.08 7.01 0.38 64 0.77 12.7 20.5 35.5 172 114 57.3 22.6 186.8 1,805 58 1.08

53.7 87 156.8 25 18.1 12.3 4.08 7.01 0.38 68 0.77 12.7 20.5 36.5 173 114 57.3 22.6 188.2 1,805 58.4 1.08

53.5 82.2 149.2 24.8 18.1 11.78 4.08 7.01 0.37 63.5 0.77 12.7 20.5 34.5 172 114 57.05 22.6 179.7 1,800 57.05 1.08

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

33 2.32 13.3 0.54 1.27 2.47 0.245 1.93 15.36 3.91 17.54 28 73.95 2.13 4.99 9.69 14.1 9.83 7.2 23.85 68 1.08 40 1.93 7.7 1.28 216.2 3.1 6.75 7.75 12.18 16.52 311.8 1.91 3.79 3.99 9.6 11.48 33.15 5 5.27 2.16 0.89 10.54 86 7.9 0.113 1 142.3 1.13 15.14 0.88

34.05 2.38 13.4 0.54 1.27 2.57 0.245 1.98 15.5 3.92 17.54 28 73.95 2.21 5 9.69 14.7 9.83 7.26 24.35 70 1.12 40.7 1.95 7.9 1.29 218 3.1 6.75 7.78 12.18 16.6 313 1.92 3.84 4 9.97 11.5 33.45 5 5.27 2.18 0.89 10.54 86 8.39 0.115 1 144 1.13 15.14 0.89

ABACORE CAPITAL ABOITIZ EQUITY ALLIANCE GLOBAL ANGLO PHIL HLDG ANSCOR ASIABEST GROUP ATN HLDG A AYALA CORP AYALA LAND LOG COSCO CAPITAL DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV GT CAPITAL HOUSE OF INV JG SUMMIT LODESTAR LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP MABUHAY HLDG METRO PAC INV PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA REPUBLIC GLASS SAN MIGUEL CORP SM INVESTMENTS SOLID GROUP SYNERGY GRID TOP FRONTIER ZEUS HLDG

0.78 50.1 11.32 0.7 6.57 10.8 0.92 756 3.05 6.65 6.4 13 814 5.26 77 0.485 3.75 11.7 0.56 3.4 4.1 1.16 2.95 153 1,034 1.22 190 207.2 0.209

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

14.8 0.69 1.28 0.8 45.4 1.97 4.64 6.47 0.55 0.72 0.81 0.18 0.385 9.98 19.1 0.42 0.101 1.51 1.16 4.13 0.196

VOLUME

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING),

PHIL ESTATES PHIL INFRADEV PHIL REALTY PRIMEX CORP ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

0.405 1.28 0.3 2.07 27 2.09 3.13 40.4 2.48 1.18 7.24 5.32

0.435 1.28 0.3 2.1 27.5 2.09 3.13 41.45 2.48 1.2 7.34 5.48

0.395 1.2 0.3 2.02 26.15 2.09 3.1 38.85 2.32 1.11 7.24 5.25

0.43 1.27 0.3 2.07 27.5 2.09 3.1 41.45 2.48 1.17 7.3 5.48

310,000 1,452,000 10,000 1,143,000 5,559,400 60,000 158,000 29,671,700 482,000 28,378,000 6,388,400 252,500

130,550 1,792,670 3,000 2,341,230 151,144,395 125,400 493,780 1,202,781,085 1,150,430 31,888,680 46,560,428 1,368,530

-4,541,400 -471,940 -103,454,135 7,440 -17,099,697 -

2GO GROUP ABS CBN ACESITE HOTEL ALLHOME APC GROUP APOLLO GLOBAL ASIAN TERMINALS BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY CEBU AIR CHELSEA EASYCALL GLOBE TELECOM GMA NETWORK GOLDEN BRIA HARBOR STAR INTL CONTAINER IPEOPLE IPM HLDG ISLAND INFO ISM COMM LEISURE AND RES LORENZO SHIPPNG MACROASIA MANILA BULLETIN MANILA JOCKEY METRO RETAIL NOW CORP PACIFIC ONLINE PAL HLDG PH RESORTS GRP PHILWEB PLDT PREMIUM LEISURE PRMIERE HORIZON PUREGOLD ROBINSONS RTL SBS PHIL CORP SSI GROUP STI HLDG TRANSPACIFIC BR WATERFRONT WILCON DEPOT

9.48 15.8 1.49 11.48 0.385 0.042 18 4.38 11.28 92.5 4.99 7.86 2,040 5.25 436 1.07 130 7.78 6 0.097 3 2.39 0.84 16.8 0.38 3.35 2.09 2.46 2.45 7.3 4.39 2.36 999 0.59 0.3 40.4 72.05 8.75 2.71 0.59 0.27 0.57 18.16

9.8 15.9 1.49 11.48 0.4 0.042 18 4.52 11.28 92.5 4.99 7.86 2,044 5.26 436 1.1 130 8.5 6.2 0.097 3 2.49 0.84 16.8 0.39 3.35 2.13 2.46 2.57 7.5 5 2.43 1,000 0.59 0.325 40.4 75 8.76 2.71 0.63 0.275 0.6 18.16

9.42 15.76 1.49 11.42 0.385 0.042 18 4.3 10.84 90.4 4.85 7.76 2,000 5.23 436 1 124.7 7.78 6 0.097 2.85 2.37 0.84 16.5 0.37 3.35 2.08 2.33 2.45 7.1 4.39 2.36 978.5 0.57 0.3 39 72.05 8.73 2.6 0.59 0.265 0.57 17.38

SERVICES 9.42 15.82 1.49 11.48 0.39 0.042 18 4.5 11.26 90.4 4.9 7.78 2,016 5.25 436 1.03 130 8.5 6.2 0.097 2.9 2.42 0.84 16.52 0.37 3.35 2.08 2.34 2.49 7.3 5 2.43 1,000 0.57 0.32 39.95 75 8.76 2.68 0.63 0.275 0.6 17.84

4,900 215,600 1,000 792,300 660,000 500,000 6,200 1,228,000 5,790,100 59,300 249,000 36,600 172,845 128,700 100 4,211,000 4,444,120 3,200 5,200 10,000 2,174,000 614,000 12,000 234,100 320,000 11,000 744,000 3,003,000 33,000 19,100 5,700 257,000 379,340 562,000 14,030,000 3,306,400 151,690 22,300 893,000 1,460,000 1,110,000 145,000 1,961,500

46,963 3,408,874 1,490 9,084,016 257,800 21,000 111,600 5,479,860 64,830,004 5,363,668.50 1,212,440 285,898 348,867,960 675,339 43,600 4,278,630 573,161,581 26,336 32,200 970 6,310,400 1,509,100 10,080 3,884,264 120,300 36,850 1,551,490 7,135,210 82,270 137,720 28,439 613,070 378,126,025 324,060 4,385,300 132,074,695 11,353,706 195,239 2,355,080 876,880 299,300 82,980 34,616,838

-738,986 -46,750 111,600 -76,360 -3,277,574 -2,049,584.50 29,400 15,700,020 8,160 50,875,208 32,200 374,370 14,470 -1,249,060 -67,450 1,328,150 -25,000 -2,410 -23,645,420 -53,530.00 -5,150 -7,798,135.00 -212,865.50 736,200 -84,990 -6,177,104

ABRA MINING ACE ENEXOR APEX MINING ATLAS MINING BENGUET B CENTURY PEAK COAL ASIA HLDG DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL GEOGRACE LEPANTO A MARCVENTURES NICKEL ASIA NIHAO OMICO CORP ORNTL PENINSULA ORNTL PETROL B PHILODRILL PX MINING PXP ENERGY SEMIRARA MINING UNITED PARAGON

0.0015 7.38 0.91 2.41 1.11 2.68 0.27 6.88 1.63 0.204 0.091 0.85 2.94 1 0.43 0.74 0.012 0.01 2.77 8.18 21.15 0.0053

0.0015 7.43 0.91 2.41 1.11 2.7 0.27 7.35 1.73 0.204 0.092 0.87 3.05 1 0.43 0.75 0.012 0.01 2.8 8.19 21.55 0.0053

0.0015 7 0.9 2.41 1.03 2.67 0.27 6.87 1.63 0.199 0.091 0.85 2.93 0.96 0.42 0.74 0.011 0.01 2.65 8.13 21.1 0.0053

MINING & OIL 0.0015 1,000,000 7.2 154,100 0.9 170,000 2.41 1,000 1.03 41,000 2.67 962,000 0.27 70,000 6.91 1,016,400 1.7 10,174,000 0.204 50,000 0.092 120,000 0.85 97,000 2.96 6,191,000 1 3,000 0.42 280,000 0.75 48,000 0.012 500,200,000 0.01 100,000 2.65 655,000 8.14 310,800 21.55 1,146,500 0.0053 1,000,000

1,500 1,105,411 153,520 2,410 43,910 2,578,510 18,900 7,018,855 17,153,450 10,100 11,030 83,330 18,547,480 2,960 120,150 35,630 5,502,400 1,000 1,766,790 2,533,017 24,546,660 5,300

-26,913 -41,850 5,256,720 -2,020,740 1,000 -573,100 163,960 655,310 -

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2R DD PREF GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A LR PREF MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC FB PREF 2 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

14.8 501 505 101 5.07 990 97.75 1 100.5 1,049 1,049 1,055 109 1,030 997 77.9 75.2 75.55 75 75.2

14.8 501 505 101 5.07 990 99.8 1 101 1,049 1,050 1,057 109 1,030 997 77.9 75.2 75.55 75 75.2

14.7 501 505 101 5.06 990 97.5 1 100.5 1,049 1,049 1,055 109 1,030 997 77.8 75.2 75.55 75 75.2

PREFERRED 14.7 72,600 501 10 505 330 101 10 5.06 8,600 990 50 99.8 17,900 1 25,000 101 340 1,049 30 1,050 4,370 1,057 2,320 109 300 1,030 500 997 700 77.8 14,350 75.2 7,000 75.55 7,000 75 1,000 75.2 12,700

1,069,220 5,010 166,650 1,010 43,532 49,500 1,755,105.50 25,000 34,190 31,470 4,585,630 2,448,240 32,700 515,000 697,900 1,116,930 526,400 528,850 75,000 955,040

-296,000 -

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

3.7 9.78 0.76

3.7 9.9 0.78

3.53 9.76 0.76

3.59 9.8 0.77

888,190 815,412 754,870

30,508 -

FIRST METRO ETF

115

116.6

112.6

3,871,227

31,850

MS Trading Summary

FINANCIAL

31,216,874

INDUSTRIAL

112,675,683

HOLDING FIRMS

183,247,778

PROPERTY

190,193,001

SERVICES

50,333,256

MINING & OIL

523,792,100

GRAND TOTAL

1,092,804,717

SME

249,000 83,000 976,000

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 116.6 34,000

VALUE 1,843.16 (UP) 31.20 2,949,380,247.13 FINANCIAL 9,367.59 (DOWN) 130.73 INDUSTRIAL 1,636,695,867.89 7,599.65 (UP) 190.06 HOLDING FIRMS 3,620,685,341.74 PROPERTY 4,139.54 (UP) 51.74 1,533.34 (UP) 0.40 SERVICES 3,230,688,490.81 7,586.74 (UP) 101.65 MINING & OIL 1,628,063,704.08 7,773.12 (UP) 119.18 PSEI 81,248,405.55 All Shares Index 4,598.83 (UP) 39.98 13,153,106,751.12 Gainers: 78; Losers: 92; Unchanged: 55; Total: 225

Nickel mining firm buys 40% stake in Bataan port operator By Jenniffer B. Austria GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings Inc. acquired a 40-percent stake in a Bataan port operator for P450 million as part of diversification plans. GFNI said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday it subscribed to 1.67 million shares in Seasia Nectar Port Services Inc. (SNPSI), which operates the first purpose-built Dry Bulk Terminal within the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles. “Our investment in SNPSI paves the way for the successful operations of our steel processing plant located in proximity to the terminal,” said FNI president Dante Bravo. “It helps ensure we have easy and steady access to port services given that FNI Steel relies heavily on the importation of raw materials especially during this period of construction,” he said. The terminal handles shipments of coal, clinker, silica sand and cement raw materials, as well as steel, fertilizer and other dry bulk cargoes. SNPSI started out as a joint venture company among Seasia Logistics Philippines Inc., Nectar Group Ltd. and Web Technologies Inc. The mining company earlier earlier announced it was investing $50 million to build a rebar steel rolling plant to take advantage of the growing demand for steel as a result of the government’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program. The steel manufacturing facility will be 51 percent owned by GFNI while joint venture partner Huarong Asia Limited (Huarong), a Hong Kong-based company, will own the balance. The facility, to be completed over the next two years, is estimated to have an annual output of 600,000 tons of steel bars. GFNI is the second largest nickel ore exporter in the Philippines. GFNI saw its net income increase 35 percent to P805 million in the first nine months of its year from P595 million year-on-year. Revenues rose 5.4 percent to P4.79 billion from P4.54 billion in the first nine months of 2018 due on higher average nickel prices.

Aboitiz Equity in joint venture with Singlife CONGLOMERATE Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. formed a joint venture with Singapore Life Private Limited (Singlife) to establish a new digital life insurance company in the Philippines. AEV said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday the joint venture company to be called Singlife Philippines would be 65 percent owned by Singlife. Parent Di-Firm will own 20 percent while AEV will hold 15 percent. With Singlife’s fintech expertise in digitalizing life insurance offers and with AEV’s strategic position across industries in the local market, Singlife Philippines is set to make insurance and financial products more accessible to Filipinos nationwide. Citing data from the Philippine Insurance Commission, AEV said the life insurance market had shown significant growth over the past five years with total premium income growing nine percent a year and sales of new policies increasing approximately 15 percent. The penetration of individual life insurance, however, is still low at around six of the insurable market. This is expected to increase to 12 percent to 18 percent in the medium-term, fueled by an emerging segment of people purchasing policies for the first time. A substantial part of the segment consists of people between 25 years and 50 years old, with net income of between P25,000 and P50,000 a month and a preference for online and mobile services. “For this new generation of mobile-first consumers already booking rides and purchasing everyday goods online, Singlife Philippines believes it can also fulfill their financial planning needs through a mobile app,” AEV said. Singlife is the first independent life insurance company that is fully licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore since 1970. Valued at US$360 million, the company has been recognized for its deep expertise in technology to provide a superior experience to customers, attracting investments from major life insurers such as Aflac, Aberdeen Standard Investments and Sumitomo Life Insurance. AEV, meanwhile, is one of the country’s biggest conglomerates with major investments in power, banking and financial services, food, infrastructure and land. Jenniffer B. Austria

World

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

PROTEST. Office workers and protesters gather during a pro-democracy demonstration in the Central district in Hong Kong on December 20, 2019. The semi-autonomous city is ruled under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, which gives the territory rights unseen on mainland China—rights protesters say are steadily being eroded. AFP

Xi celebrates in Macau handover as HK simmers MACAU―Macau on Friday celebrated 20 years since the former Portuguese colony was returned to China with President Xi Jinping praising the pliant gambling hub for its patriotism, a stark contrast to protest-ravaged Hong Kong. The day’s festivities centered around the inauguration of a new leader for a city that Xi described as a “shining chapter” of its “one country, two systems” model. Ho Iat-seng, a former member of China’s top lawmaking body, won a one-horse race this summer to become Macau’s new chief executive―a position that is chosen by a 400-member committee stacked with Beijing loyalists. Throughout his three-day visit, Xi has seized on Macau’s comparative political calm, a theme he continued in Friday’s landmark speech as he presided over Ho’s swearing-in ceremony. “A sense of nation and patriotic spirit has deeply taken root in the hearts of young people,” Xi told delegates, adding that loyalty towards Beijing was the “most important reason” for Macau’s success. He also used his address to warn against any foreign powers taking a stance on Hong Kong which has been shaken by six months of huge and increasingly violent protests against Beijing’s rule. “We will definitely not allow any foreign forces to interfere with Hong Kong and Macau affairs,” he said to applause from delegates. China has repeatedly portrayed Hong Kong’s huge protests as a foreign-backed revolution designed to destabilize the motherland, rejecting any suggestion Hong Kongers have legitimate political grievances. Both Hong Kong and Macau are run on Beijing’s “one country, two systems” model that allows them to retain certain liberties such as an independent judiciary, a free market and a separate currency. But while Hong Kong―a one-hour ferry ride away―seethes with popular resentment towards Beijing, Macau has become steadily more like the mainland. The city has witnessed little dissent and has become hugely wealthy thanks to being the only place in China where gambling is allowed— although Xi omitted any reference to the gaming industry during his visit. AFP

US evangelical magazine calls for Trump’s removal WASHINGTON―Christianity Today, a leading US evangelical Christian publication, said Thursday that President Donald Trump is “morally lost and confused” and should be removed from office. In an editorial, the magazine said it generally steers clear of politics but “we do feel it necessary from time to time to make our own opinions on political matters clear.” “The facts in this instance are unambiguous,” it said. “The president of the United States attempted to use his political power to coerce a foreign leader to harass and discredit one of the president’s political opponents,” Christianity Today said. “That is not only a violation of the Constitution; more importantly, it is profoundly immoral.” Christianity Today was founded by Billy Graham, a prominent Christian evangelist who died last year, but the Graham family is no longer associated with the publication. Franklin Graham, Billy Graham’s son, is also an influential Christian evangelical leader and a staunch Trump supporter. His ministry publishes its own magazine, Decision. Christianity Today, which has a circulation of around 130,000, said Trump has “dumbed down the idea of morality in his administration. “He himself has admitted to immoral actions in business and his relationship with women, about which he remains proud,” it said. “His Twitter feed alone―with its habitual string of mis-characterizations, lies, and slanders―is a near-perfect example of a human being who is morally lost and confused.” AFP

Trump calls for his rapid exonoration by his allies W ASHINGTON―US President Donald Trump pressed his Republican allies Thursday to exert rigid control of his Senate trial and ensure a swift exoneration, a day after he was impeached in a historic rebuke by the House of Representatives.

A bitter fight looms over the coming trial, expected to begin as early as the second week of January, with Senate leaders already drawing battle lines over the evidence that will be allowed. But its fate was left in limbo late Thursday when the Senate’s powerful majority leader, Mitch McConnell signaled the standoff with Democrats over trial particulars would continue into the new year. “We remain at an impasse on these logistics,” McConnell said on the floor, as he announced the Senate had completed its business until January. Trump seized on the uncertainty to attack House Democrats for seeking to demand key witnesses or dictate how McConnell should run the process. “I want an immediate trial!” he boomed on Twitter. Trump is charged with abuse of office

and obstruction of Congress but Democrats, who led the three-month House investigation, are threatening to delay sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate until they are reassured the process will be fair. “I got Impeached last night without one Republican vote being cast with the Do Nothing Dems on their continuation of the greatest Witch Hunt in American history,” Trump tweeted. “Now the Do Nothing Party want to Do Nothing with the Articles & not deliver them to the Senate, but it’s Senate’s call!” Trump, the third president in US history to be impeached, suggested that the Democrats would “lose by default” if they decided not to show up at a date determined by the Senate. The House voted along party lines Wednesday to charge Trump with abuse of power for pressuring Ukraine’s presi-

dent to investigate his potential White House challenger in 2020, the veteran Democrat Joe Biden. Lawmakers also approved a second article of impeachment, obstruction of the congressional probe into his Ukraine dealings. The vote leaves a permanent stain on Trump’s legacy -- one that he appeared determined to mask with acquittal by the Senate. At the White House Trump welcomed one of the two Democrats who voted against impeachment, congressman Jeff Van Drew, who announced he was switching parties to join the Republicans. “You know what? It’s a phony deal and they cheapen the word ‘impeachment,’” Trump said. “That should never again happen to another president.” The Senate Republicans have a 5347 majority that makes the math for clearing Trump straightforward -- conviction and removal would require a two-thirds guilty vote on either charge. The House must formally transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for the case to be taken up there. AFP

EU parliament calls for China sanctions STRASBOURG―The European Parliament has called for targeted sanctions to be imposed against Chinese officials over the treatment of the Uighur minority, in a fresh attack against Beijing. MEPs said tools used so far by the EU have not led to tangible progress in China’s human rights record which they said had worsened in the past year, in a resolution adopted Thursday. “MEPs call on the Council to adopt targeted sanctions and freeze assets, if deemed appropriate and effective, against the Chinese officials responsible for severe repression of basic rights in Xinjiang,” the European Parliament said in a statement. “(MEPs) urge the Chinese government to immediately end the practice of arbitrary detentions without any charge, trial or conviction for criminal offense and to immediately and unconditionally release all detained persons, including this year’s laureate of the Sakharov Prize, Ilham Tohti,” it added. China has faced growing international condemnation for rounding up an estimated one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in a network of internment camps. Beijing initially denied the existence of the camps, but now says they are “vocational training centers” necessary to combat terrorism. Last month, the New York Times obtained 403 documents on Beijing’s crackdown on mostly Muslim ethnic minorities in the region, including unpublished speeches by Chinese President Xi Jinping who urged officials to show “absolutely no mercy” against extremists. AFP

PM ends holiday to face fire crisis

CHECKPOINT. School children walk past police next to barricades on a road to block traffic amid demonstrations against India’s new citizenship law in New Delhi on December 20, 2019. Fresh clashes between Indian police and demonstrators erupted on December 20 after more than a week of deadly unrest triggered by a citizenship law seen as anti-Muslim. AFP

Citizenship fears fuel anger among India’s Muslims BARPETA, India―Habib-ur-Rehman was locked up for four years after failing to prove he’s Indian, and now worries he may be expelled. It’s a fear shared by other Muslims under Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In recent days these worries have morphed into angry protests sparked by the passage of a new law giving nonMuslim migrants from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh an easier path to citizenship. “Five generations of mine have lived in this village and today I am being told that I am an infiltrator because I am a Muslim,” said Rehman, 50, recently

IN BRIEF

released from internment in Assam in northeast India. He was declared an alien in 2015 by a special tribunal as part of long-running efforts in Assam to root out outsiders, which culminated earlier this year with a state-wide register that the Modi government now wants to roll out nationwide. “I have voted in many elections and have followed Indian laws all my life,” the father-of-four told AFP. “They are planning to banish us from our motherland.” Assam’s register excluded 1.9 million people who now face possible statelessness, detention in camps or even deportation, although that is not feasible.

“They will be stateless and non-existent... and won’t have a say in the affairs of the government. They cannot do business, take jobs or get education or buy properties,” Abdul Kalam Azad, a local researcher told AFP. “Those who cannot prove their Indian citizenship will either end up in detention centers or hide from authorities all their life.” Decades of ethnic tensions and immigration from Bangladesh and West Bengal make Assam a case apart, as those excluded from the register are a mix of both Muslims and Hindus―the latter mostly Bengali speakers who Assamese

SYDNEY―Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison cut short a Hawaii holiday on Friday following a barrage of criticism for vacationing while his country battles an unprecedented bush fire crisis. Morrison expressed regret for the family trip as two volunteer firefighters were killed and a record heatwave exacerbated dozens of out-of-control blazes. Pressure had been piling on Morrison over his vacation this week, as thousands of exhausted volunteer firefighters battled blazes across the country and millions of people in Sydney choked on toxic smoke. “I deeply regret any offense caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bush fires by my taking leave with family at this time,” Morrison said in a statement Friday. He added he would be returning to Australia as soon as possible “given the most recent tragic events”, referring to the deaths of the two firefighters. Geoffrey Keating, 32, and Andrew O’Dwyer, 36 died when a tree damaged their truck on Thursday as they battled out-of-control blazes south of Sydney. Three other firefighters in the vehicle survived with minor injuries. Criticism of Morrison’s absence has been widespread, sparking street protests and a flood of angry social media posts demanding #WhereIsScomo. The situation was worsened by the prime minister’s office initially refusing to confirm his whereabouts. AFP

fear will undermine their culture. But elsewhere across India it is Muslims Manila who fear NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC they are Standard TODAY Home MinNotice is hereby given that a Deed of ister Amit Extrajudicial Partition of the Estate of Shah’s tarthe late Edilberto V. Pozon who died get when he intestate was executed by his heirs says the nanamely Eveline Z. Pozon, widow and tional regchildren, Geraldine Michelle Z. Pozon ister will and Angelica Emilia Z. Pozon as per remove all Doc. No.321; Page No.: 65; Book “i nf ilt raNo.:VIII; Series of 2019 before Notary tors” by Public Atty. Ruben M. Azañes Jr. (MStandard-Dec. 7, 14 & 21, 2019) 2024. AFP

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late HONORATO ARAOLA SANTOS,who died on 17 February 2019 at 18 Tindalo St., Valle Verde 3, Pasig City, has been extrajudicially settled through a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate of the Late Honorato A. Santos with Waiver of Rights notarized by Atty. John Evan Baron on 17 December 2019, as per Doc. No. 142; Page No. 30; Book No. 27; Series of 2019. (MS-DEC. 21/28 & JAN. 4, 2020)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

Joel D. Lacsamana, Editor jdlacsamana@gmail.com

HE dinner table is one of the central spaces on Christmas Day. It’s where family and friends gather to share glad tidings and stories and is the one place you spend the majority of the day – that is until you slump through to the living room and slouch on the sofa consuming Christmas movie after movie.

Create a practical-yet-stylish space for everyone to enjoy the festivities. Here are some tips on how to create an elegant, functional space for all the family to enjoy. CENTERPIECE SETS THE THEME Stocking everything from beautiful candles to colourful artificial flowers, which are perfect additions to any table, it’s all about starting with the centrepiece and working your way out. The centerpiece will set the theme of your Christmas table, and adding things like candles really help create an ambience in the room. Then you can get stuck into the decorative items like place settings, napkins, napkin rings and crackers. WORK WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT Many people have gorgeous dinnerware and glassware and these are things you should definitely try to incorporate into the overall look. So use what you have already. Some centrepieces incorporate artificial flowers, peacock feather and branches and can stay on a dining table all year round, as these are more dramatic and have been created for that room. There is a big big range of artificial flowers in many department stores, and online sites. These do not have to be Christmas themed or colours – that’s the beauty of it. One can find ruby red to white flowers and twigs and branches that can be used creatively. CANDLES FOR AN ELEGANT FEEL Candles also add an elegant feel to the table. Tall candlesticks are very slim and stylish. They add that height and so beautiful when they’re lit. But as overboard as one may get with Christmas decorations, when it comes to the dinner table, a polished, functional finish is what’s best when hosting small or large groups. Focus on adding height to the table, not clutter On Christmas Day, there will be lots of food, Champagne glasses and bottles of wine, so it is important to make your table look luxurious, but not take up too much space. You can overcomplicate and overdress a table quite easily, so be careful with the number of items you’re adding. Focus on the place settings and adding height to the table, rather than cluttering it. Practicality wise, dress

’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...and festive dining never looked this good

your Christmas table to look great, but for the actual day, you’ll remove the different plates and use them as you serve the food. The stacked plates are really just there to create that amazing look everyone wants to achieve for Christmas and they look great in the run-up to the big day. The idea is to achieve a functional dress table. A BIT OF SPARKLE FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TABLE Adding a bit of sparkle to your table is easily done by using smaller, more intricate accessories that won’t take up too much room. It’s all about marrying everything in, or just being creative.” Mix more traditional colours such as rich burgundies and forest greens with lighter mint greens and fresh lilacs to

keep your festive table looking modern. Equally pastels such a pale pinks look great alongside metallics-mix shiny surfaces with glittery, tactile surfaces to bring a bit of Christmas sparkle. ULTIMATE TIMELESS LOOK Then there is the ultimate timeless Christmas look: pairing white and silver together in a stylish combination, but stop it looking too cold by introducing greens and natural woods. But perhaps the easiest way to stop your table looking too stark is to be clever with lighting-festoon bulbs hung over the table, lit strings draped along the table and a scattering of tealights amongst your settings. These will will add a much needed twinkle when night time falls.

NEW MAKATI DESIGN SHOP OFFERS “CULTURE OF COLLABORATION.”

AYALA EXPANDS REACH TO PAMPANGA. Ayala Land logistics holdings corporation (ALLHC) recently expanded its Standard factory building facilities in Alviera industrial park in Porac, Pampanga. This new phase will be occupied by China-based engineered stone manufacturer, Badan Building Materials Corporation. The expansion will provide Badan an additional 12,000 sqm to its existing 19,000 sqm production facility. Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) director General Charito Plaza: “the invaluable partnership and expertise offered by ALLHC in promoting the industry, particularly in support of MSMEs that are vital to sustaining the long-term growth of the country.” Shown here are Francis M. Montojo, ALLHC head for industrial parks and real estate loogistics Patrick C. Avila, PEZA Zone Manager Dindy Velasco, ALLHC President Rowena M. Tomeldan, New Zhong Yuan Ceramics’ Simon Fok, Badan Building Materials Corporation’s Xu Zefeng, Badan Building Materials Corporation’s Qifu Zhang and Perform Capital’s Payne Fung. ALLHC owns Laguna Technopark and Cavite Technopark in Luzon, and Laguindingan Technopark in Mindanao. They will soon launch Pampanga Technopark located in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. ALLHC also operates logistics facilities, Lepanto Industrial Complex in Calamba and Tutuban Logistics in Manila. Other developments of ALLHC include commercial properties, Tutuban Center and South Park.

Motif Studio, a local architectural and interior design firm, was launched recently, anchored on the idea that good design is for everyone, not just those with big projects and deep pockets. Located at the second floor of UPRC III building, along Don Chino Roces Ext. in Makati, the unique sudio offers a diverse range of professional design services for hospitality, commercial, office, and residential needs, for the smallest of family homes, or larger condo units. “Sometimes you walk into an Our Home or Crate and Barrel, and you buy a sofa that you find really nice, but when it gets delivered, you find out it’s too big for your living room, said Motif’s CEO MJ Ringor (Inset). “A professional designer will know things like that and can tell you what will fit your space and what won’t.” As a spin off of the successful ten-year-old Mundo Design and Build, which specializes in the fit out phase of construction, Motif Studio brings the perspective of a builder. “As a group with a foot in build and in design, we are able to ensure that whatever design is envisioned can be realized on time and on budget,” Ringor explained. For more information: http://instagram. com/motifstudioph or facebook.com/MotifStudioPH.

Life

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

ARTS AND CULTURE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

The magic of dreams

‘Disney On Ice’ returns at Mall of Asia Arena

ICKEY, Minnie, and the rest of the gang are skating together to spark the courage inside everyone in “Disney On Ice presents Live Your Dreams” on Dec. 21 until Jan. 5, 2020.

REACH FOR YOUR DREAMS. This year’s ‘Disney On Ice’ production features Disney characters performing together to spark the courage inside everyone to live their dreams.

The show, produced by Feld Entertainment, returns to SM Mall of Asia Arena. It features Moana in an action-packed adventure with demigod Maui to save her island and discover her true identity. Also part of the show is “the tale as old as time” where Belle befriends the enchanted castle staff and reveals the Beast’s gentleness. Audience get to see Anna’s devotion to her sister, Elsa, on her life-changing journey to stop an eternal winter, followed up by an exploration with Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder as they overcome obstacles and make their dreams come true. The show also takes viewers on journey into the mystical Land of the Dead with Miguel from Disney and Pixar’s Coco and discover a cultural celebration of family and being true to yourself. And of course, no “Disney on Ice” will be complete without Mickey and Minnie who uncover why no goal is too big to reach when one finds the strength to shape their own destiny. Here’s a tip: Fans are encouraged to arrive early for a warm welcome all the way from Hundred Acre Wood, as special guests Winnie the Pooh and Tigger get the audience out of their seats and onto their feet to learn a special dance. “Disney on Ice” also kick-starts its show this year with a charity gala for different beneficiaries such as Child Haus, Santisima Trinidad Orphanage, SOS Children’s Village, Aeta community, street kids from Tondo and Payatas, as well as other communi-

Anna goes on a life-changing adventure to stop an eternal winter.

Mickey and Minnie skate on stage to show that no goal is too big to reach when one finds the strength to shape their own destiny.

ties supported by SM and its partners. Annually held since 2016, SM Mall of Asia Arena spreads love and cheer every holiday season to children of different ages by letting them have a once-in-a-lifetime experience and see the magic of “Disney On Ice.” Ticket prices start at P190. They are available at all SM Tickets outlets nationwide or online through www.smtickets.com.

Moana sails the high seas in a bid to save her village.

Senate spouses play Santa

Baliuag Community Center by brother-sister tandem Jaemi and Jesy Cruz

Filipino architects recognized at WAF 2019 FILIPINO-made designs were recognized on the world stage as four designers presented their works at the 2019 World Architecture Festival in Amsterdam. The four representatives were part of the 534 award finalists from 70 countries that joined the prestigious event dedicated to the architecture and development industry. Bringing pride to the Philippines was Kenneth Cobonpue who partnered with Buck Sia for the Cor Jesu, an abstract heart-shaped bamboo-clad oratory for their alma mater Ateneo de Cebu. “Made of bamboo, concrete and steel, the abstract heartshaped structures surround an inner garden that is full of symbolism and poetry,” Cobonpue earlier said about their creation which qualified in the Completed Buildings: Religious Category. Also recognized was Carlo Calma for his The Infinity House design under the Future Projects: Home Category. He made the Brutalist-era inspired house influenced by MC Escher and Antoni Gaudi for his father. Joining Cobonpue and Calma were first-time short-listed entrants, Ryan Santos of John Ryan Santos and Partners for his Sagip Kanlungan, a compact hospital model for disasterprone Rural Philippines in Pangasinan, shortlisted in the Future Projects: Hospital category; and Jaemi and Jesy Cruz of Alero Design Studio for their Baliuag Community Center under Future Projects: Civic and Community Category. The Filipino presenters were given all-out support by the local design community during the send-off by their peers, organized by Grohe, which has been recognizing and supporting local designers to become part of the WAF.

CHRISTMAS came early to 84 children from the Reception and Study Center for Children Orphanage in Quezon City when members of the Senate Spouses Foundation, Inc. (SSFI) recently played Santa during Christmas in November, the group’s annual gift-giving event at The SM Store Megamall. A joint project of SSFI and SM, the event—which began with lunch at Jollibee—was a day of fun for the kids many of whom experienced the joys of shopping for the first time. The spouses and their representatives took the kids around the department store to shop for clothes, shoes, toys, and more. SSFI president Helen Gamboa-Sotto led the group of senate spouses which included Mila Drilon, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Audrey Zubiri, Tootsy Angara, Gladys Cruz, and Kathryna Yu-Pimentel. Ciara Sotto and Gianna Revilla helped out their moms, while representatives of Senator Imee Marcos and Jinky Pacquiao also joined in the gift giving. Mercado-Revilla took the kids around the store to shop during the

SM Retail chairman Tessie Sy-Coson (right) with SSFI president Helen Gamboa-Sotto and Mila Drilon.

yearly Christmas outreach program. They then proceeded to Wendy’s for some snacks, and as a touching gesture, the kids sang a thank you Christmas carol before returning to the orphanage, spreading the spirit of sharing love and thanksgiving.

Cor Jesu by Kenneth Cobonpue and Buck Sia

Among those who generously shared their insights during the event were WAF 2017 winner Sudar Khadka who won for his Project Streetlight Tagpuro under the Civic and Community Completed Building category, and Pinoy designers Budji Layug, Jorge Yulo, and Jason Buensalido who shared their words of encouragement, tips, and recommendations for improvement. The WAF gathers members of architecture community from around the world to celebrate, learn, exchange, and be inspired. It is the only architecture event where keynote talks from the industry’s most influential figures sit alongside live crit presentations from award finalists. It is also a big global networking, and features an international product exhibition.

Senate spouses Gladys Cruz, Tootsy Angara, Audrey Zubiri, and Sen. Imee Marcos’ representative Jo Llorca with SM senior vice president for marketing and communications Millie Dizon (left).

Life

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019 manilastandardlife@gmail.com

DECADE after establishing his design firm, industrial designer MJ Ringor founded a company that focuses on sustainable design and honing young Filipino talents in interior design and architecture. A spin-off from Ringor’s Mundo Design and Build, Motif Studio is firmly committed to ensure more Filipinos are able to benefit from the advantages of professionally designed spaces and structures. As a design firm, Ringor envisions Motif as a creative collaborator with clients, not an absolute authority on design, “especially considering that millennials as a rule know what they want, and what they like.” Ringor’s first firm Mundo did the fitting out of Hectare One, the first office of Erwan Heussaff and Nico Bolzico. Hectare One has since become the quintessential example of the millennial workplace style, values, and life philosophy. Motif then designed Hectare Two, the duo’s second office, and the one with which Motif shares space. Motif also designed Chingolo, Heussaff and Bolzico’s new deli. A sustainable design practice Motif shares with Hectare One and Two is repurposing; whereas in the 20th century, a building considered obsolete would be razed to the ground, Motif’s office along Chino Roces is in a repurposed older building that might have otherwise been considered derelict. Built when industrial glass was not nearly as strong as it is today, the building lacks a solid curtain wall of glass façade, it instead has tiny vertical windows. By using an egalitarian approach to space planning, Motif moved the common areas inward and divided them with glass instead of in-

for millennials

Motif Studio, MJ Ringor’s (inset) design firm committed to sustainability, boasts a professionally designed office space that promotes optimum human efficiency—as in conducive to work and creativity.

terior walls or wood panels. Surprisingly, this enabled the tiny windows to bring sunlight into the farthest rooms. Distribution of natural light is a huge consideration in sustainable design, the design firm asserted. In terms of space, every square meter

Pantries in professionally designed office spaces are expected to look like a coffee shop.

of available space was utilized without having to make any structural alterations. Just as sustainability inf luences design in the new millennium, the invention of air conditioning meant that in most of the 20th century, aesthetics, ventilation, and any at-

tempt at evoking emotion or making a statement with design became secondary concerns to minimalism, practicality, ergonomics, and efficiency, according to Motif. “But the paradigm has shifted,” it said. “Rather than efficiency as it is

Large and comfortable common areas conducive for collaboration.

measured in meters and man hours, optimum human efficiency is now the top concern. Usability, livability, as well as conduciveness to work and creativity are now just as important as efficiency and ergonomics. Combine these with other virtues, and sustainability follows.” Due in large part to traffic and advances in communication technology, a professionally designed office space these days is expected to have large and comfortable common areas for collaboration, a pantry that looks more like a coffee shop, a plush TV and game room, and a cozy sleeping area. Motif’s own office has all these design elements, Ringor enthused. The sleeping area is a particularly novel space saving loft perched above the main work area, in what otherwise would have just been dead space between the roof and the ceiling. The building’s pantry and lobby, meanwhile, are set sensibly apart from the main work area, and are comfortably appointed, but both flow naturally into the work areas.

Master calligrapher promotes Baybayin

From left: TPB acting department head Nerissa Juan, Kyle ‘Kulas’ Jennerman, TPB chief operating officer Marie Venus Tan, ECPAT Philippines executive director Dolores Alforte, DepEd NCR’s Leah Bautista, and PACEOS president JM Antonio Pascual.

Instilling a culture of tourism THE Tourism Promotions Board, the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, led an advocacy program which aims to promote and instill the culture of tourism while showcasing the richness and beauty of the country. Titled “Tara Na, Byahe Tayo,” the program gathered selected senior high educators from public school who were given the opportunity to see and experience the food, art, and travel destinations in Southern Luzon. TPB aims that through the experience, participants will not only be able to appreciate the underrated attractions and offerings of the country, but will also develop a sense of environmental awareness, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. To achieve the said objectives, the three-day program was made up of three components—an advocacy tourism forum, a tour program, and civic duties and sustainable awareness activities. To kick off the program, participants were welcomed to a forum that discussed responsible tourism, domestic tourism, and the role of women and children in tourism. Nongovernment organization officers and well-known personalities, such as Philippine Association of Conven-

tion/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) president JM Antonio B. Pascual, ECPAT Philippines executive director Dolores SD. Alforte, and social media influencer Kyle “Kulas” Jennermann, gave talks during the forum to provide participants insights about the different aspects and importance of tourism. During the tour proper, the teachers went around CALABARZON where they immersed themselves in arts, heritage, and gastronomic delights of the area. There were three simultaneous tours that took place on different parts of the region. One of the three tours was in Rizal, where participants visited the Carlos Botong Francisco Blanco Museum, Nemiranda Art House, Antipolo Church, and Pinto Art Museum. They also learned about the ecotourism in the province through a tree planting activity at Hinulugang Taktak, a bonfire at 3 Springs Mountain Park, and a visit to the Daranak Falls. The second tour was in Batangas and Cavite, and focused on the rich heritage of the place; while the third tour was in Quezon and Laguna, and highlighted the flavorful dishes and agri-tourism industry of the province. Stops included the Costales Nature Farms in Majay-

“KUNG hindi ngayon, kailan? Kung hindi tayo, sino? (If not now, when? If not us, who?)” Master calligrapher Taipan Lucero raised these questions during his wellattended talk that tackled the beauty and rich heritage of the ancestral Filipino writing system Baybayin and his self-developed CalligraFilipino. Before professors, mentors, history and heritage buffs, and young studentartists of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts, Lucero talked about his nationalistic design movement CalligraFilipino, an interpretation and combination of Filipino local scripts such as Baybayin, Badlit, and Surat Mangyan into a fine art form that strengthens Filipino identity. It likewise promotes Philippine traditional elements as it incorporates

Student-artist at the calligraphy workshop in Benilde’s School of Design and Arts.

CalligraFilipino creator Taipan Lucero talks about the rich heritage of ancestral Filipino writing system.

different cultures into the written method, to include the Lingling-o fertility charm of the Ifugao, the Okir of the Maranao, and the Pintados prints of the Visayas region. Lucero included crucial standards in CalligraFilipino, such as Kapuwa, the adaptation of characters amongst themselves; Kasiguraduhan, the sureness of the strokes and direction without hesitation and error; and Katuwiran, the straightness of the characters’ path. While Lucero worked in Japan for years, he practiced one of the host country’s calligraphies called Shodo. He returned home with a new passionate advocacy in mind: to inspire, educate, advocate, and eventually renew the love of the Filipinos to our own culture. Though it is admirable to appreciate other nation’s traditions, Lucero states that “it’s just that if we can show our love and support to foreign countries, then we can uplift our own, too,” He also discussed the universal rules of Baybayin, and shared some interesting trivia about the subject, from the etymology of the characters to some fun facts such as its inclusion in Philippine Peso bills and passports.

Entertainment

The 2010s in entertainment: binge TV, Disney and music moguls

vEry year brings an avalanche of lists about pop culture -- best films, best books, best albums. Attempting to define a decade in the world of entertainment is, at best, daunting.

But hey, we are going to give it a try. Here are some of the key trends that emerged in the 2010s in television, film and music, from the explosion of scripted series to a new generation of divas whose empires transcend the concert stage. Generation streaming At the start of 2010, music platform Spotify had less than one million subscribers, Netflix had a little over 12 million, and streaming services were more of a curiosity than anything else. Ten years on, Spotify has 248 million users and Netflix has more than 158 million. Streaming is the new normal: the worlds of television, film and music have been transformed by the emergence of this new way to consume content. Everything is available, all the time. Careers can be made—or can unravel—on these platforms.

Disney was able to create a rare original phenomenon—the unstoppable 'Frozen' films.

past decade on a multi-billion-dollar buying spree that reads like an overexcited child’s wildest daydream. After acquiring Marvel in 2009 and sending its superheroes out to raid box offices for the next decade, he added Lucasfilm (read: Star Wars) in 2012, and Fox this year—the addition of its X-Men and James Cameron’s Avatar sequels means the Mouse House’s world domination is only likely to grow. On top of that, Disney has raided its own back catalog for a series of nostalgic and highly lucrative “live-action” remakes, from The Jungle Book to Aladdin. And Disney even found time to create a rare original phenomenon—the unstoppable Frozen films. Strides in diversity The runaway success of Old Town Road -- a country-rap mash-up by a gay black teenager from Atlanta now known globally as Lil Nas X -- capped a decade that saw strides for diversity across the entertainment industry. The record-breaking earworm made waves in the typically white world of country music, as South Korea’s K-Pop captivated the globe -- and topped the charts. The 2012 smash hit “Gangnam Style” fueled a global “horse dance” craze—the ubiquitous cultural moment of that year. Latin America’s booming reggaeton and trap genres also made a splash in the 2010s—megahit “Despacito” (2017) remains the top-viewed clip on YouTube with more than 6.5 billion views. In television, Amazon’s pioneering show Transparent forever changed how transgender people are portrayed on screen, while in film, Marvel’s groundbreaking superhero blockbuster Black Panther reinvented the genre with its mainly black cast. Services like Netflix and Spotify brought streaming to the fore The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which and turned the entertainment world on its head. doles out the Oscars, moved to diversify its membership and voting body, in the wake of the none-too-flattering #OscarsTooWhite movement. Buying CDs? So last decade. The Recording Academy saw its Grammy nominees slate grow YouTube has a paramount place in the new entertainment landscape. For Generation Z, the post-millennials, it is the place to increasingly more diverse and took steps to highlight female artists -- it too suffered from criticism that the gala was too white go to discover the hottest new talent. The evolution of internet technology has allowed for streaming and too male. en masse—impossible a decade ago. The seismic changes also have revolutionized the video game industry, with multi-player games such as Fortnite exploding thanks to streaming capabilities, and helped boost e-sports. Users have largely abandoned their desktops and television sets—smartphones and tablets are now what many people use to listen to music, watch films or read the news. As the United States slowly unfurls its 5G network, users should have even less reason to leave the couch—and their phones. Peak TV: a bingefest Once upon a time, there was appointment TV: shows like Seinfeld that US viewers watched at the same time so they could discuss it the next day. If you lived abroad, you had to wait. Now, more and more people are cutting the cord, and DVRs are on the way out. The streaming boom, and the gradual shift away from traditional networks and broadcast schedules, means that television has A new age of pop divas led by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and finally gone global. Out: the agonizing week-long wait for a new episode. In: binge- Lady Gaga expanded from the musical stage to the world's most watching your favorite shows when Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and hip fashion runways and Hollywood's big screens. others dump an entire series in one go. The competition between old-school networks, cable channels The new music moguls and online giants to land top talent—and big budgets—yielded a In the world of pop music, it’s not enough anymore to have a decade of hits, and hundreds of new shows a year. Game of Thrones, which began in 2011 and wrapped up earlier booming, multi-octave range like Mariah Carey—you also need to run a fashion house, sell cosmetics or direct a feature film. this year, was perhaps the cultural touchstone of the decade. Beyonce is the diva of the decade, taking Coachella by storm, The blood-spattered, sex-fueled saga of the battle for the Iron Throne captivated the masses, raked in awards and spawned an starring in a reboot of The Lion King, blazing across concert stages with husband Jay-Z -- and performing twice at the Super Bowl industry of set tours, merchandise and conventions. But if fantasy epics are not your thing, there was TV for in the 2010s. But she also runs her own activewear brand, Ivy Park, which everyone in the 2010s: drama fans craved the edgy darkness of Breaking Bad and the dystopian terror of The Handmaid’s Tale. has been relaunched in collaboration with Adidas. Her music On the comedy side, viewers loved the zany, diverse Modern album-film Lemonade earned widespread acclaim. She directed a Family, the madcap politics of Veep and the technicolor sass documentary about her show-stopping Coachella set. This is the new model for a generation of music superstars. of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. Rihanna has consistently topped the charts, but the 31-year-old All hail Disney Barbados native also has made a fortune from her makeup and While Walt Disney Pictures was little more than a twinkle in a struggling animator’s eye, Golden Age Hollywood was famously lingerie lines. This year, she launched a luxury fashion label with ruled by the “Big Five” studios. Look at box office figures today, French powerhouse LVMH. Songstress Taylor Swift has swept up 10 Grammy awards and it might as well be the Big One. Nearly one in three domestic movie theater dollars this year since 2010 with charthave gone straight into the deep pockets of Disney, which has topping albums like Speak Now and 1989. She sailed past a staggering $10 billion globally for 2019. multiple The landmark, set even before Star Wars: The Rise of released perfumes, has an array of Skywalker hits theaters at year’s end, breaks the previous annual product endorsement deals record of $7.6 billion posted in 2016 by... Disney. This has happened in part because CEO Bob Iger has spent the and battled her former label for control of her master recordings. Lady Gaga went on tour with Tony Bennett to sing jazz standards, starred in American Horror Story, launched vegan makeup line Haus Laboratories and wowed audiences with A Star Is Born, winning an Oscar for best original song. All of the above have estimated net worths of more than $300 million. Susan Stumme, Singer Taylor Swift—seen here performing at Z100's iHeartRadio Maggy Donaldson and Jingle Ball 2017 at Madison Square Thomas Urbain with Garden in New York—is one of With streaming going global, TV watchers switched from onceAndrew Marszal in Los the most successful artists of the a-week schedules to hours-long binge-watching sessions of TV Angeles, AFP decade. shows like HBO's 'Game of Thrones.'

saturday, december 21, 2019 nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘Malvar’ set for grand launch LAWYER Jose Malvar Villegas, Jr., founder-chairman emeritus of the two million strong Citizen Crime Watch (CCW) and the grandson of national hero Gen. Miguel Malvar, said during the Christmas party of the CCW at Max’s Restaurant Ermita, Manila that he has decided to be the producer of the all-star cast movie Malvar because the idea of doing it 20 years ago did not materialize. There was a hesitation because they did not want to offend the American Government, as the Malvar, the true-tolife story of Gen. Miguel Malvar, shall show the atrocities committed by the American Forces. The story is set during the 18991902 Philippine-American War where Gen. Malvar led the Filipino Forces as Supreme Commander of the 1898 Philippine revolutionary republic after replacing Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as head of the First Philippine Republic in Asia. According to Villegas it is only now that many are supporting the production of the movie on the Philippine-American War because of Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte’s advocacy for an Independent Foreign Policy that will “cut the stranglehold of the Americans on the lives of the Filipinos.” According to Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Imelda Papin, president of the Actors Guild of the Philippines and the line producer of Malvar, Sec.Salvador S. Panelo, presidential chief legal vounsel and presidential spokesman, has accepted the invitation to be the keynote speaker in the JMV Film Production headed by Villegas. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who will play

the lead role as Gen. Malvar, will join the producers and other key people in the film in an event to be held at Aberdeen Court, Quezon City on Dec. 22. with Batangas Gov. Hermilando I. Mandanas as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Jose “Kaka” Balagtas, the film’s director,, said that the movie will show how hundreds of thousand of Filipino civilians were massacred by the American Invading Force, notably the Balangiga Massacre in Samar, which after having been denounced by Pres. Duterte, the American Government finally returned the three Balangiga Bells, after refusing to do so for more than a century as a symbol of the atrocities they committed during the Philippine-American War. Villegas who is also ChairmanPresident of the Labor Party Philippines (LPP), the fifth major political party in the Philippines, said that the Filipinos continue to fight foreign intervention on the affairs of Government and the democratic lives of the people in the choice of their leaders, destroying our culture, heritage and nationalistic spirit all-together.

Atty. Jose Malvar Villegas, Jr.

Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 winners named

Daina Nelson (2nd from left) and Joshua De Sequera (3rd from right) and other winners in the inaugural Global Asian Model Philippines.

D A I N A Nelson and Joshua De Sequera led four other major winners at the first edition of the Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 search held at Okada Manila recently. Nelson, a 24-year-old print and ramp model from Cebu, was named Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 – Female. Nelson is mother to a 3-year-old whom she was carrying in her womb when she modeled at the 2016 Green Fashion Revolution. De Sequera, a 22-year-old Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management student at College of Saint Benilde, was named Global Asian Model Philippines 2019 – Male. The 6-foot-4 Varsity Volleyball player from Angeles City, Pampanga, is the son of Supermodel and Bb. Pilipinas-World 1992 Marina Benipayo. Ashley Victoria Montenegro, 19, who is a part-time model and student at Enderum Colleges in Bonifacio Global City, was crowned Miss Charm Philippines 2019 and will compete at the Miss Charm International pageant to be held in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam on Jan. 20. Montenegro, who grew up in Bay Area, California, is the daughter of former Supermodel of the Philippines and Miss World 1994 Top 10 finalist Cara Subijano and former model/actor and now Human resources director Hans Montenegro. Daumier Corilla, a model based in LA, California, snagged the Manhunt Philippines 2019 title and will represent the country at the 2019 Manhunt International set in Manila in February 2020. Mico Teng, a native of Davao City and student/varsity basketball player from Arellano University was named Mister Global Philippines 2019 and will be sent in Thailand for Mister Global 2020. Karen Laurrie Mendoza, a 24-yearol, model from Concepcion, Iloilo, was named Supermodel Philippines 2019 to compete in Supermodel International 2020 in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Feb. 8, 2020. Mendoza is one of the 11 candidates of Miss Iloilo 2020 to be known on Jan. 23. *** Fil-Am wins Mr. World Noble King 2019 Trevor Goldman was named Mr. World Noble King 2019 at the inaugural pageant’s coronation final

held at Tanghalang Pasigueño recently. Goldman, who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, studied martial arts in Shinkyokushinkai Karate Las Vegas and works as concierge at Cancun Resort Las Vegas. The FilmAm, who loves eating pizza, is the brother of Mutya Pilipinas Tourism 2019 Tyra Goldman. He spent high school at Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu in Mandaue. Mr. Sri Lanka Diluka Rajapaksha was named Mr. Universe Noble King 2019 while Mr. Japan Ryo Sakaguchi was named Mr. International Noble King 2019. Mr. Mexico Gabriel Sanchez won as Mr. Friendship King. Goldman also won Mr. Vandara Spa, Mr. Go Hotels, and Best in Swimwear (Punta Tierra Resort), while Rajapaksha won Best in Talent. Mr. Philippines Arnel Peña Colis won Best in Formal Wear while Fil-South John Cedie Batalla was named Best in National Costume, Mr. Photogenic and Best in Cultural Wear. Mr. Australia won as Best in Swimwear and Megastar Productions Star of the Night while Mr. India was named Darling of the Press. The Mr. World Noble King 2019 was produced and presented by MegaStar Production, headed by CEO Ovette Ricalde and general manager Jeffrey Caballero.

Mr. World Noble King 2019 Trevor Goldman (center)

Entertainment

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

Caring beyond beauty

Actor Mark Neumann (2nd from left) with Bioessence's Dr. Emma Beleno (rightmost). Photo by Michael Almacen of Byx Buzz

BIOESSENCE, a premium skin and body wellness center designed to provide complete non-invasive services, has celebrated its 25 years in the business. Pioneered in Marfori, Davao City by a Dermatologist, Dr. Emma Beleno (Dr. ERB) in 1994, Bioessence now has grown its catalog of services specialized in skin, slimming and spa. Now known as is a premium skin and body wellness center designed to provide complete non-invasive services with over 25 years of unparalleled success in the industry, it has already grown into 32 branches (and counting) nationwide. “We uphold utmost professionalism

in the practice of skincare and wellness and at the same time, we pass ideals to all our staff and employees who are all well-trained in their respective ﬁelds of specialization – making Bioessence a pioneer in professionalizing the beauty and wellness industry,” says Dr. ERB during the company’s 25th anniversary party held in Cities Events Place in Quezon City recently. Dr. ERB takes pride in her native Davao roots as reﬂected in the interiors of every Bioessence branch. The intricate interior design speaks of the rich Mindanaoan heritage—its art and its culture, giving clients and guests a taste of class that is uniquely our own.

Through the years, Bioessence has become a strong brand in the beauty and wellness industry—a force to reckon with in advocating beauty with a purpose. “We make this beautiful journey beyond as we align our brand identity together, today,” Dr. ERB adds. “ For the past few years, if we talk about budget and funds, we put the focus more on perfecting the experience of our clients. We invested more in beautifying the clinic, making sure that we train our employees well,” says Joseph Feliciano, COO and Marketing Director of Bioessence Group of Companies.

COCO MARTIN

does another FPJ stunt in MMFF 2019 entry

LUMIPAD ANG AMING TEAM. Jessica Soho (2nd from left in one of the 'best' episodes of her long-running magazine show on GMA 7.

The Best of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho

FTER his directorial debut in Metro Manila Film Festival 2017 entry Ang Panday, and directing yet another MMFF movie that showcased his views of what big screen entertainment should be in Jack Em Popoy: The Puliscredibles last year, Coco Martin is back on the big screen wearing many hats (just like Fernando Poe, Jr. in his prime), a task that only a few of our today’s actors could accomplish successfully.

Coco Martin with leading lady Jennylyn Mercado

Coco Martin acts, writes, directs, and produces MMFF 2019 entry '3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon.' (Inset) With Jennylyn and Mayor Isko Moreno (left) who did a cameo ion the film.

Coco has definitely looked upon FPJ for inspiration because in 3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon, an official entry to the MMFF 2019, Coco is the lead star, he’s also at the helm (using his real name Rodel Nacianceno), not to mention the film’s producer (CCM Creative Productions), too. He is joined by Jennylyn Mercado, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Sam Milby in the cast. In the story, Coco plays Apollo “Pol” Balbon, a cop who is out to prove his innocence after he was framed for the murder of his boss. Pol is a loving son to single mother Mary (Ai-Ai delas Alas) and is working as a bodyguard for the Executive

Director of National Defense Agency. After discovering an anomaly in his agency, the Executive Director is ambushed but he manages to pass on what he knows to Pol before he dies. Before Pol could report to the authorities, he becomes the primary suspect in killing his former boss. The real killer, Senator Simon (Edu Manzano) pins the blame on Pol and comes up with fabricated evidence against him. While on the loose, Pol knows he has to find out who really killed his boss, while protecting his boss’ daughter, Trina (Jennylyn Mercado). Pol attempts to go near Trina but Simon’s son, Andrew (Sam Milby), is always with Trina, making it harder for Pol to talk to her. Since Pol can’t go near Trina to tell her what he knows, he has to disguise as a girl and introduce himself as Paloma, Trina’s sister from another mother. As Paloma, Pol is able to live with Trina and do things with her, giving her enough time and chance to help solve their “father’s” death. “ It was a tedious task creating my overall look in the film,” Coco said of his role as Paloma, a wellloved character he once played in Ang Probinsyano. “I would arrive on the set an hour and a half early than the rest of the cast because that’s how long it takes to dress up as Paloma. The character has to look sexy so my stylists kept inserting cloth in different parts of my body just to achieve the look. And I had to wear a corset. So, you can only imagine the struggle,” he added. Meanwhile, on box office competition, the yearly battle among the official MMFF entries, the 38-year-old action star only had a few yet meaningful words to say. “I don’t mind if we place no. 2 or no. 3 in the box office. Our intention is to make a movie that includes a lot of elements -- romance, action, and comedy. Something that’s entertaining. And if people appreciate what he have done, then I’m good. I think we succeeded,” he explained. 3pol Trobol Huli Ka Balbon is showing on Dec. 25.

TOMORROW, Dec. 22, join Jessica Soho as she looks back on the most trending and viral stories in the two-part special The Best of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho. A simple vendor in Tondo will have a wonderful Christmas after she won the jackpot prize in the lottery. Meanwhile, be inspired with this millennial love story that started from Role Playing Games. An old couple in Quezon fulﬁlls their promise to love each other forever. Jessica will also look back on her interview with one of the biggest newsmakers of the year, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. Meanwhile, on Dec. 29, the team will once again ﬂy to the Faroe Islands

of Denmark to get to know more about the Filipinas who found their forever here. The KMJS team will also go back to Lazi, Siquijor, where a mysterious Ghost Ship was said to be found. Learn more life lessons also from the heartfelt story of a lady who lost her leg due to an earthquake in Central Luzon. KMJS will also revisit the stories of a feud between a mother and a daughter because of a guy as well as the woman who went to the wedding of her husband to another girl. Finally, before the year ends, dance to the energetic tune of “Kahit Ayaw Mo Na!” This and more happy stories in The Best of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, at 8:40 p.m. on GMA Network.

Moira’s ‘You Are My Sunshine’ cover used in U.S. drug awareness video

Scenes from the 'Sunshine' video directed by Sandy Beach

MOIRA dela Torre’s “You Are My Sunshine” rendition gave a touching accompaniment to a high school video that won in the Elks Drug Awareness Program in the United States because of its throbbing depiction of how drug use affects families and leads to loss of loved ones. The “Sunshine” video—featuring a progression of a precious baby girl into a rebellious teenager who got entangled in drug use—received the National Award for Best High School Video Public Service Announcement in August this year. Moira’s heartwarming recording, released as part of the soundtrack of the 2018 Filipino ﬁlm Meet Me in St. Gallen, was used in the “Sunshine” video directed by Sandy Beach(EMHS ’19) representing El Modena High School in California and produced by EMTV. The contest organizer, Elks Drug Awareness Program, later partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice and

a popular YouTube channel, FBE (19M subscribers), to produce a reaction video which features the winning video, “Sunshine,” as well as some former drug addicts talking about their painful journey and recovery.

Moira dela Torre