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Sara blasts Ungab ouster HIGH COURT GETS TOUGH ON TROS, INJUNCTIONS

(Story on A2)

Bato: Drug lords killed BuCor lawyer

By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Rey E. Requejo

Her Hugpong ng Pagbabago tags it 'grossly unacceptable,' House split deepens

By Maricel V. Cruz and MJ Blancaﬂor

HE presidential daughter's political party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, VOL. XXXIII • NO. 372 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com on Tuesday denounced the ouster of Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab as chairman of the House appropriations committee.

House defers action on ABS-CBN

DRUG lords at the New Bilibid Prison could be behind the killing of Bureau of Corrections former legal counsel Anthony Fredric Santos, also a witness in the Good Conduct Time Allowance anomaly, said Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa

on Thursday. Dela Rosa, who served as BuCor director before he ran for senator, came up with this statement based on his own experiences. “Most likely, those behind the killing, based on my experience, the drug lords jailed in Bilibid ordered the killing of our Next page

Immigration man tags 5 in ’pastillas’

The HNP, formed as a regional political party byseeking Davao to revoke ABS-CBN’s Calida ByMayor Maricel Cruz, inMJ City Sara Duterte 2018, was established to franchise. supRey Requejo portBlancafl her father,or, President Rodrigo Duterte. “What is important is, the President HNP had endorsed Ungab to be Speaker the they House in do something about SPEAKER Alan Peter Cayetano said of said, should 2019, but he lost to Cayetano, who had agreed to a term-sharthe House is likely to delay hearings it. Meaning to say, do their job. If ingon arrangement with Marinduque Allan is Velasco. ABS-CBN’s franchise until Rep. May Lord or there REACTIONS. Hugpong ng Pagbabago, political party of President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter Sara (with Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab, left a pendingREPELLENT application before Ungab was replaced as chairman of the powerful appointphoto), denounces Ungab’s ouster as chairman of the House of Representatives appropriations committee. Speaker-in-waiting Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco August, even though President Rodri- Congress, then members of Congress ments committee Rep. Eric in a sudden says he will assume his post if President Duterte says so, while House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (right frame) addresses Velasco ‘to let us focus on go Duterte said by he ACT-CIS wants lawmakers to Yap, should deliberate(middle on it frame) and decide discuss the issue before the franchise expires on March 30. In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President had nothing to do with the delay in Congress or the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose

Nextorpage jobor asto legislators. whether not toour grant deny the’ extension,” Panelo said. There are 11 bills seeking to extend ABS-CBN’s franchise for another 25 years are pending, but Cayetano said the House would be able to tackle Next page

POGO workers laundered P10b Syndicate behindinscheme exposed Gordon in Senatesays probe 'dirty money,' By Macon Ramos-Araneta and Julito G. Rada

VOL. XXXIV • NO. 23 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P18 WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 • www.manilastandard.net • mst.daydesk@gmail.com

AS MUCH as $447 million or P22.69 billion passing through the Bureau of Customs, was laundered into the country by 47 persons, including Filipinos, from September 2019 until February 2020, Senator Richard Gordon said Tuesday. In a privilege speech Tuesday, Gordon said that 46.98 percent of the amount or $210 million (P10.6 billion) was brougt into the country by Chinese nationals, mostly workers in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Gordon, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, is set to conduct a Senate probe on the money-laundering crimes and other nefarious activities committed by POGO workers in the Philippines. Money laundering, Gordon said, is often associated with gambling.

Gordon lamented that it appears that

authorities turned a blind eye to the neBy Macon Ramos-Araneta fariousMJ activities that come and Blancaﬂ or with the pres-

ence of POGOs in exchange for a few billions in ORMER tax revenues airport or perhaps because of “pastillas” or any other form bribery officials and employees may take. He said inflBureau ux of suspiciously large ofthe the of amounts of foreign currencies over a Immigration are behind the short period of time failed to alarm the “pastillas” system Council. by which Anti-Money Laundering The reasons given for the ows were Chinese workers andinfl fugitives foreign exchange, 49.77 percent; investenter by paying ments, the 16.23country percent; travel and casino, bribes, a whistleblower saidbusi15.1 percent; casino, 8.2 percent; ness, 2.77 percent; travel, 1.81 percent Thursday. and not specified, 6.14 percent. The top five individuals who brought a Senate on human ckinInlarge sumshearing of money were: traffi ESRoing and prostitution, Immigration offi cer driquez- $34.6 million or P1.7 billion (45 Allison Chiong said these offi cials were transactions), JGRodriquez-$32.6 million behind the syndicate that facilitated the Next page smooth entry of Chinese nationals who enter the country to work in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Chiong said these groups worked with China-based travel agencies, who send them a list of names of people who are about to enter the country. “The syndicated groups would often compete with each other to gain favor from Chinese travel agencies,” Chiong ing onthe POGO operations. said. Tour operators allegedly receive He revealed they gave bribes rangP8,000 from thethat P10,000 “service fee” or ing P200,000 that bribefrom paidP50,000 under theand pastillas scam,so while the Chinese nationals—even those that P2,000 goes to officials of the Bureau of have been blacklisted—can freely Immigration, the Travel Control andenter Enthe country,Unit, passing Immigration forcement the through Border Control and counters without Intelligence Unit,any thequestion. terminal heads, the Next page immigration supervisors, and other airport personnel. “This information corroborates reports that Chinese nationals are using the identities of dead Filipinos,” she said. “These Chinese nationals are even assisted by our told corrupt reporters. own local registry officials,” she “If Espenido would want to ask for any added. protective measure the government, Hontiveros said from that travel agencies then he can so request just like any other Next page citizen. Meanwhile, Espenido welcomed the due process granted by Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa to the policemen on Duterte’s latest drug watch list, including him. Next page

Pastillas scheme: Travel firms linked to fake passports for Sino tourists By Macon Ramos-Araneta, Rey E. Requejo and MJ Blancaflor TRAVEL agencies offer manufactured lifor Chinese POGO workers Ninoy International Airport. Chiongcase named the current and immigration officials involved in the bribery scheme asservices Traffic Control censes, and ‘pastillas’ to Chinese at the government complexatinthe Seoul onAquino Tuesday. South Korea’s coronavirus total—the largest informer the world outside China— Enforcement Unit offi cers Bien Guevarra, Glenn Comia Binsol. Marc Red entering Mariñas. Ey approached 5,000 Tuesday as authorities reported 477 and newDen cases. AFP Chiong said these officials were under Ports Operation Division Chiefnationals theAcasio Philippines, said Senator Risa Hontiveros. The services are advertised in Mandarin through the messaging app WeChat, primarily to workers in Philippine OffSOUTH Korean President Moon Jae-in new infections dropped dramatically in shore Gaming Operators. “These are criminal acts. These are viodeclared “war” against the coronavirus on China on Tuesday but surged abroad with tion from the laws, government he fearedare for ByUSMJ Blancafl lations of our and tourif agencies Tuesday, placing all government agencies the death toll risingorto six. his life, and assured him that President THE Philippines ranked first overall in on a 24-hour emergency footing as the advertising them freely,” said Hontiveros Globally, the virus has killed more than PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will not let would not hurt anyone ‘‘outside gender diversity from among 10 Asian country’s “They have she showed screenshots of WeChat total economies cases―the scale,” largestDuque in the 3,100 people and infected over 90,000 asDuterte By Macon Ramos-Araneta embattled Lt. Colonel Jovie Espenido to legal processes. countries, having the most number of world said, adding this made their vaccines outsidethat China-approached 5,000. even as a clear shift in the crisis emerges, messages during Monday’s Senate hearbe harmed, the Palace said Thursday after “If that is the fear of Colonel Espefemale industry leaders in thetoregion THE Philippines has no budget devel- cheaper. The world has entered uncharted terri- with nine times as many cases recorded Espenido said the government could go nido, then we cannot stop him from and the smallest gapwhich in paywould between op its own vaccines, need tory Heindismissed reports that developing its battle against the deadly coro- outside China as inside, according to the after him since he was included in its drug entertaining such apprehension. But women billions and and men. billions of pesos that can- navirus, countriestheare in the Nextitpage UNbeing healthsidestepped agency warned, as WHO. Next page watchlist. the President will not allow anyone not afford, Health Secretary Francisco distribution of vaccines, saying big comPresidential Spokesman Salvador Panto be hurt outside legal processes or Duque III said Thursday. panies are mandated to lead in developelo said Espenido could ask for protec- methods sanctioned by law, Panelo In an interview over radio dzMM, ing vaccines for diseases such as the new Duque said it was more cost-effective coronavirus (COVID-19). to buy vaccines from rich countries that Duque pointed to research in China have the capacity to develop the drugs. By MJ Blancaflor, Rey E.Next page cases are concentrated. Presidential Spokesman Salvador PanRequejo and Macon Ramoselo said Filipinos who intend to visit other Araneta Pundits and critics alike say the Naparts of South Korea must execute and of signifying two parts) THE government on Tuesday partially sign a(First declaration, they under- tional Capital Region’s trash output is a ticking time bomb, indicative of a similar lifted the travel ban to South Korea, al- stand the risks involved in taking the trip. lowing Filipino tourists to go there except Panelo added that foreign nationals problem experienced across the country, By Jimbo Gulle to North Gyeongsang Province, includ- traveling from North Gyeongsang Prov- and recent statements by government ofIF YOU thinkDaegu MetroCity Manila’s traffic is ficials have only underscored the issue. ing Daegu City and Cheongdo County, ince, including and Cheongdo a problem, the garbage situation Last December, Environment Secretary where novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Nextwill, pagein modern social media-speak, tell you to Roy Cimatu said the country was in the “hold its beer.” middle of a “garbage crisis.” Waste gener-

IMASKS DO. Immigration offiSouth cer 1 Allison (top left) Jae-in tells a Senate committee hearing Thursday is theduring sourceaofCabinet the video showing officers facilitating thecertiﬁ immigration process passports, birth cates, drivers’ SAY IT. KoreanChiong President Moon (3rd right) and his ministers wear facehemasks meeting

SoKorto wardevelop on virus: Agencies 24/7 Fund lackdiversity: blocks move Gender Palaceonoff ersalert govt protection to controversial cop PH ranksDuque first prefers buy option vaccines;

PH eases travel ban vs. South Korea

Garbage crisis in Metro: A ticking time bomb

US VOTES IN CRUCIAL SUMMIT AGENDA. The deadly coronavirus is set to dominate the agenda of the high-level Vientianne summit Thursday, as China’s foreign minister meets with his PRIMARIES THAT Southeast Asian counterparts whose countries’ economies have been hard-hit over fears of widespread contagion. Inset is a photo taken Wednesday showing a laboratory WILL DECIDE WHO technician holding samples of virus at a laboratory in Hengyang in China’s central Henan province. AFP CHALLENGES TRUMP

Turn to A3

CABINET MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte presides during the 47th Cabinet meeting Monday night at Malacañang. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu gave assurances there would be enough water for 2020. But he stopped short of listing down the specifics. Presidential Photo

Pinoys most satisfied with Senate—SWS

FILIPINOS were most satisfied with the Cayetano. Senate and least happy with President RoThe resulting net satisfaction ratings drigo Duterte’s Cabinet, according to the were a “good” +36 for Robredo, a “very results of a Social Weather Stations sur- good” +62 for Sotto, a “very good” +53 “China is not only protecting its own vey held in December 2019 but released for Cayetano and a “moderate” +21 rating people but also the rest of the world,” he only on March 3. for Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta. told the summit in Vientiane, referencing The Fourth Quarter 2019 Social WeathRobredo’s rating went up by just three a recent sharp drop in new cases of the vier Survey, conducted from Dec. 13 to 19, points to +36 by the year’s end from +33 rus inside China, where it has killed more 2019, polled Filipinos on the performance in September. SWS noted that this was than 2,100 people. of the Senate, the House of Representa- due to increases in Metro Manila, MinHOUSING PROGRAM. Lumina Homes, recently awarded Top 1 Developer Foreign Minister Teodoro tives, the Supreme Court and the Cabinet. danao and the Visayas coupled with a forPhilippine 2019 by Pag-IBIG Fund, has forged partnership with Pag-IBIG Fund Employees Labor Locsin Jr. thanked forCorp. its “unprecThose polled were generally satisfied steady score in Balance Luzon. Association and DBPChina Service to provide housing opportunities to eligible members edented measures and quick End-user with the of performances of Muslim Vice President Those polled were most ed with of the twodomestic organizations through Pag-IBIG’s Financing Program. Present atcers the and members LAKAS GATHERING. Offi Lakas-Christian Democrats led by House Majority Leadersatisfi Martin signing ceremony are Lumina president and COO Estrellita Tan, division Joemi Tan, action”―apparently referring to the Robredo, Senate Vicente performance Romualdez of the Senate, Romualdez (center) posehead for posterity during Leni the lunch meeting of thePresident party at the House ofthe Representatives. has saidwhich the PAFELA head Rodorico Carullo and DBPSC executive vice president Edgar Chavez. Sotto to IIIensure and House Speaker Alan Peter Duterte’s legislative agenda. Ver Noveno will always be a partner of the administration the swift passage of President Next page Next pageseniorparty

Virus control efforts working—China

VIENTIANE, Laos―China’s efforts to control the deadly outbreak of a new coronavirus “are working,” Beijing’s top diplomat said Thursday, attributing an easing in new cases to his country’s “forceful action” against the illness. Speaking in Laos before talks with peers from the 10 Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries, Wang Yi said the B3 and curable” outbreak was WORLD “controllable despite the global panic it has seeded.

ation, he said, had become unprecedented, Filipinos selﬁshly threw their refuse everywhere―mostly into water systems― and massive clean-up drives only moved tons of litter from one place to another. In an environmental forum that month, Cimatu said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources would issue,

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Probe mall security agency—Bello By Vito Barcelo

ABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III has ordered an investigation of the security agency that employed a security guard who held hostages in a mall in San Juan for its alleged unfair labor practices. The city government of San Juan for its part, vowed to investigate the alleged irregularities involving security officers of Greenhills Shopping Center where a former security guard held hostage more than 30 people on Monday. Mayor Francis Zamora said they will intervene and investigate the allegations made by 32-year-old hostage taker Alchie Paray, including his claim that he got fired because of corruption and other wrongdoings that also involved his bosses. Senator Joel Villanueva on Wednesday called on the Department of Labor and Employment to verify the labor practices of security agencies, particularly their com-

pliance with labor and occupational safety and health standards. While castigating the actions of the suspect, Villanueva said, the claims of the former security guard who took hostages should not be shrugged off outright in the wake of the 10-hour standoff. Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa has defended the move of authorities who handled the nine-hour hostage standoff involving a disgruntled former security guard inside a mall in San Juan City Monday night. Gamboa said there was a tactical reason for allowing the hostage-taker to hold a press conference after the incident.

Sotto shrugs off Senate coup rumor in wake of VFA By Macon Ramos-Araneta SENATE President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday he could be replaced anytime and it would be no problem with him as he downplayed any ouster plot against him. There were earlier reports about a coup plot to remove the leadership in the Senate due to Sotto’s stand against critical issues, the latest involving the unilateral decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. Crossing party lines, 12 senators on Monday adopted a resolution challenging Duterte’s abrogation of the VFA before the Supreme Court. “I filed the resolution asking the Supreme Court to interpret for us, to finally interpret the Constitution on the issue of abrogation... We want clarity and I hope that once and for all the honorable SC could shed light on this purely question of law,” Sotto said. With the vote, the resolution will now be included in the petition to be filed by former and incumbent senators “most probably today [Tuesday)],” Sotto said on whether or not Senate concurrence is required to terminate treaties. Sotto, who belongs to the Nationalist People’s Coalition, which forged an alliance with the leading PDP-Laban, said he was ready to be replaced anytime. He said the seven senators who abstained to adopt the resolution to question the Supreme Court on the role of the Senate in the abrogation of treaties was not a cause of concern for him. “Why will I be concerned? I’m fine with that. I only serve at the pleasure of my colleagues. You can replace me anytime. I have no problem with that,” Sotto said.

Pastillas... From A1

also offer to de-list from a blacklist and to release Chinese nationals from the airport should they be barred entry. During the previous hearing, Hontiveros’ Senate committee found that there were VVIPs (Very, Very Important Persons) who seamlessly enter the country for a heftier “service fee.” “‘The VVIP who have criminal records in China but if they paid more than the P10,000 fee, they can enter the country. So no wonder syndicates proliferate in the country today,” she said. “This is a clear threat to our national security and it puts the safety of our women, children, and the entire Filipino people in jeopardy,” she added Former Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, tagged as a protector of the pastillas scheme, hit back at his accusor, special envoy to China Ramon Tulfo, saying the visa-upon-arrival program for Chinese nationals, which was open to abuse, was introducded at the request of Tulfo’s sister, Wanda Teo, who was Tourism secretary at the time. Teo wanted the visas on arrival program because this would improve her performance as Tourism secretary, Aguirre told radio dzBB. “She did nothing during our Cabinet meetings but to speak to me about the program so that she could improve the performance of the Department of Tourism,” Aguirre said in Filipino. In 2017, the BI launched the visa-uponarrival program to attract more tourists and investors from China. The so-called “landing visa” allowed a traveler to receive the actual visa at the airport of destination for an expeditious entry and admission. Nonetheless, Aguirre admitted that the program showed merit, despite calls from the BI’s new leadership to have the program stopped. In fact, he noted Malacañang maintained the system, which only showed that the program had good results. “The problem was in the implementation,” Aguirre said. Aguirre said the influx of Chinese workers into the countrycan be attributed to the abuses on the visa-upon-arrival system. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Tuesday said any action on his predecessor, Aguirre, would be based on “competent evidence.” Guevarra was appointed Justice secretary following Aguirre’s resignation in 2018.

“The important thing is, I will still do my job as a senator. And if I think it’s right, I will vote for it and if I think it’s not right, I will not. It’s that easy.” Seven senators, all part of the majority bloc, refrained from voting after the VFA resolution was brought to the Senate floor. The seven are Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Imee Marcos, Aquilino Pimentel III, Ramon Revilla, Francis Tolentino and Cynthia Villar. But with 12 senators, the resolution was adopted by the Senate. Dela Rosa on Monday night cited the difficulty of getting a majority vote from the allies of the President. He admitted feeling like a minority in the upper chamber after losing on some issues and measures during Senate plenary vote. When asked if he wanted the senators in the majority bloc to vote against the resolution, Dela Rosq said it was “Wishful thinking lang.” “I expect kung talagang... you go with us, but sinabi nga may kanya-kanya tayong pagiisip pero kung dun tayo sa political side of it, majority against minority, so majority palagi dapat mananalo,” he said. “We were not able to get the majority votes. So meaning kami na ang minority ngayon dito sa Senado, ‘di na kami ang majority.” While he was learning from his colleagues, Dela Rosa said, they could not dictate to him. “I have to stand my ground,” he said. Although he has not heard of any senator planning to leave the majority, Sotto doubted Dela Rosa’s group would even consider to form a new minority group in the chamber. “Because if you are in the minority, the committees that will go to you are those the majority doesn’t want,” he said.

PH eases... From A1

County, are still prohibited from entering the Philippines. The Palace official made the announcement after the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases convened to review travel restrictions and protocols imposed by the government. The task force said South Korea has reported a low case fatality rate of only 0.5 percent and the successful containment of local transmission to only certain areas. The IATF also agreed to expand travel exemptions allowing dependents of permanent residents of South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau to travel to these areas as long as they also sign a risk-acknowledgment declaration. On Tuesday, South Korea “declared war” on the coronavirus as cases inside the country reach 4,812, the highest number of COVID-19 cases after China. About three-fourths of the cases are in the southeastern city of Daegu. The country also recorded a total of 28 deaths, pushing global fatalities over 3,100. “Guided by the Health Security Risk Assessment Matrix, which evaluates the hazard, exposure and context relative to the risks involved, the IATF has also agreed that there are to be no new imposition of travel restrictions or lifting of the same as regards other countries or jurisdictions,” Panelo said. On Feb. 26, the government imposed a temporary travel ban in South Korea, but exempted Filipino workers and permanent residents, as well as those who are leaving for study. Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has been preparing for the repatriation of 148 Filipinos from Macau via a chartered flight, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has been arranging to repatriate 48 of its active members through a commercial flight, Panelo said. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said repatriated Filipinos will undergo the prescribed screening and quarantine measures being implemented by the government. “The IATF-EID is closely monitoring the the spread of COVID-19 cases in other countries and is regularly updating its travel restrictions based on standardized risk assessment indicators. We are working nonstop to ensure that our [countrymen] are protected from COVID-19 no matter where they are,” Duque said. “To date, we have not recorded any cases of local transmission of COVID-19 in the country. The WHO Director General has cited the Philippines as among the few countries in the world which have not recorded any new cases of COVID-19 for more than two weeks,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte was “happy” and “satisfied” that the 10-hour hostage drama in San Juan City did not lead to any fatality, the Palace said Tuesday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President was informed of the incident during the Cabinet meeting Monday night, adding that the Palace was pleased with how the police and local officials handled the hostage-taking despite criticisms. Bello directed DOLE–National Capital Region Director Sarah Mirasol to conduct an investigation on Archie Paray’s allegations against Safeguard Armor Security Corporation or SASCOR. Paray reportedly held several people as hostages as a sign of protest against his employer for labor malpractices, which included non-remittance of his Social Security System, Pag-IBIG and Philippine Health Insurance Corp.contributions. Bello said the DOLE will probe the allegation made by the security guard who was desperately in need of money to pay

Sara... From A1

shakeup amid talk that Velasco was engineering a coup for the top House post—a charge he denied. In a surprise move in plenary session Monday, Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin Remulla—Cayetano’s party-mate in the Nacionalista Party, stood on the floor to announce the changes in the committee chairmanships, including Ungab’s post. The HNP in its statement said Ungab’s removal from the committee “was grossly unacceptable as it is disadvantageous to the Duterte administration’s reform agenda for the Filipino people and the country.” It also commended Ungab for “being a good soldier of President Rodrigo Duterte and for doing his job with pride and principle.” The changes in the committee chairmanships Tuesday came on the heels of Cayetano’s disclosure that Velasco was out to remove him as Speaker. Under the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Duterte, Velasco is supposed to assume the speakership in October. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Luis Raymund Villafuerte dismissed the claim of Oriental Mindoro Rep. Paulino Salvador Leachon that he made P6 billion worth of insertions in the 2020 General Appropriations Act. In a statement, Villafuerte said Leachon, who was removed as chairman of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET), was just making “bogus” claims against him as he could not even identify which of the House leader’s projects were supposedly riddled with congressional pork. “First, he said I had P10 billion worth of pork-barrel projects. Now he is saying P6 billion worth of projects. Probably he’ll say P8 billion or P4 billion tomorrow, just to have something preposterous to say against me,” said Villafuerte, who represents the Second District of Camarines Sur. “This is a complete lie. In the first place, the project he is talking about— the provincial capitol—is incorporated in CamSur’ development agenda and had gone through the standard vetting process, including the approval by the provincial development council,” he added. Leachon, a supporter of Velasco, lost the chairmanship of the chamber’s contingent to the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal following a spat with Villafuerte over the speakership issue. Cayetano said Velasco would assume the speakership if President Duterte says so. “This is my message to him: Let us focus on our job as legislators. Let us put aside differences and not intrigues. Do not be afraid that you will not become Speaker because if that is the President’s wish it will happen because he is the head of our coalition,” Cayetano said in Filipino. Cayetano said last week that Velasco was out to remove him as Speaker as 20

for his debts. “We will investigate the allegations and I already ordered to investigate SASCOR. We will also look into the possible criminal liability if it is true that they are not remitting the contributions of their employees to the SSS, Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth,” Bello said. It was also learned that Paray is not a licensed security guard. “The agency should not allow, to begin with, the hiring of unlicensed guards,” Bello said. “We can never condone violence. But we also have to consider the responsibility of the agency. It could have been the root cause of the behavior of the guard. Maybe he was forced to do that because of the policy of the agency,” Bello said. Meanwhile, Defend Jobs Philippines asked the Labor department and the local government of San Juan City to thoroughly consider the issues raised by the terminated security guard.With Joel E. Zurbano, Macon Ramos-Araneta and MJ Blancaflor congressmen have been offered by Velasco committee chairmanships and fund allocations in exchange for their support in unseating him as Speaker. Cayetano met with lawmakers from the Nacionalista Party and the National Union Party Monday evening where they discussed “the direction and reforms” he has initiated as Speaker. “It is simple: they like direction, they like the reforms. I am here to continue to serve,” he said. At the start of the current Congress, Cayetano and Velasco were the strongest rivals for the speakership, and it took President Duterte to broker an agreement under which Cayetano was supposed to sit for first 15 months, and Velasco for the remaining 21 months. But NUP, the first political party to support Cayetano’s speakership bid last year, said majority of the members of the administration coalition in the House are happy with Cayetano, who made sure that everyone is treated equally, said Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. “Why rock the boat? Congressmen are happy with Speaker Alan’s leadership,” said Barzaga, NUP president. “The Speaker does not even have to offer them anything to ensure their loyalty.” Barzaga said he believes Cayetano’s claim that Velasco had plotted to unseat him, saying he was aware that some of his colleagues were offered positions in exchange of their support. He said he himself did not receive any offer to jump ship, however. “As you know, the members of the House are very secretive. You’d think they are on your side when they are already on the opposite side,” Barzaga said. Barzaga said the Speaker equitably distributed chairmanship positions to all the political parties who supported him “and he was expecting that there would be loyalty, and stability in the House in order that the President’s legislative agenda would push through.” Since there was no battle for the speakership last year, the senior lawmaker said the Speaker had to allocate all the positions, especially committee chairmanships, to all members of the coalition based on their political parties. “As a matter of fact, there are so many deputy speakers and this was done by the Speaker in order that there will be stability insofar as his position is concerned, which is of course, necessary for effective legislation,” Barzaga said. The Palace on Tuesday played down the leadership changes in the House, saying President Duterte’s legislative agenda will not be affected. “I don’t think it will affect the legislative agenda of the President. They all support the agenda of the President,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a briefing. The looming rift between supporters of Cayetano and Velasco would not affect the legislature’s support for the President.

POGO... From A1

or P1.6 billion (40 transactions), Mr. Chun-$26.6 million or P1.3 billion (eight transactions), Mr. Sheng, $24 million or P1.2 billion (seven transactions) and Mr. Kim–$21.6 million or P1 billion (seven transactions). The sums involved could be used to pay off the country’s external debts amounting to P82.67 billion as of September 2019, to Australia, Canada, British Virgin Islands and Luxemborg, Gordon said. The same amount could be used to bankroll the government’s flagship projects like the Kaliwa Dam, New Cebu International Container Port, Pangiil Bay Project and the Chico River Pump Irrigation project, he said. “There is no need for the Philippine government to borrow from Japan for certain flagship projects,” said Gordon. The P22.69 billion, Gordon said can be used to buy condominium units in Bonifacio Global City, and the cities of Pasay, Makati and Parañaque. He said it can also be used to buy 8,400 units of high-end Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia 2020 model, 5,600 units of high-end Toyota Alpha 2020 model and more or less 6,285 units of Toyota Coaster. These cars were being used as service vehicles of the almost 500,000 Chinese POGO workers in the country. Leechiu Property Consultants estimated that there are around 470,000 POGO workers, much higher than the government estimate of around 150,000. With the presence of POGO workers renting residential properties in the country, Gordon cited a spike in property values. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said Gordon’s revelations would be investigated. President Rodrigo Duterte also wants a “vigorous” investigation of the reported attempts by suspected syndicates to bring in large sums of foreign money into the country, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said Tuesday. Dominguez issued a directive to the Bureau of Customs and the AntiMoney Laundering Council after receiving a written report from Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero about several attempts by individuals and groups to sneak in large amounts of US dollars and other foreign currency into the country using travelers arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Guerrero said that last year, an estimated $370 million or around P18.74 billion were brought into the country by two groups, identified in his report as the “Rodriguez” and the “Chinese” groups. The BOC chief recommended to Dominguez the creation of an interagency body to keep tabs on the inflow of foreign currency through the country’s ports of entry, and to recommend measures to deter the use of these funds for illegal activities. The Bureau of Customs on Tuesday issued a statement that all foreign currencies brought into the country are legal as long as they are declared. Foreign currency is freely importable, it is not regulated because the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) does not require import clearance or permit and foreign currency is not dutiable. NAIA customs deputy collector for passenger’s services lawyer Ma. Lourdes Mangaong said that importation of any foreign currency is allowed and the only requirement is to declare the amount. “We will seize the foreign currency in excess of US$10,000 when the incoming passenger refuses to declare as required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” Mangaong added. The BOC will get the full information regarding any passenger that brings in various foreign currencies and turns the information over to Anti-Money Laundering Council, Mangaong said. With MJ Blancaflor and Che Santos

SoKor... From A1

Pinoys... From A1

provement in its net satisfaction rating, from a “good” +41 in September 2019 to a “good” +49 in December 2019. The higher rating is due to increased scores in all areas, SWS said. “Compared to September 2019, the Supreme Court’s net satisfaction rating rose from good to very good among class D, among women, among 25- to 44-yearolds, and among elementary graduates and above,” the pollster added. While its net satisfaction rating increased by 10 points to a “good” +45 in December 2019, the President’s Cabinet got the lowest satisfaction score from Filipinos in the last quarter of 2019. The Cabinet’s higher score is due to increases in all areas except in Metro Manila, SWS said. “Compared to September 2019, the Cabinet’s net satisfaction rating stayed good in all basic demographics, except among 18to 44-year-olds where it rose from good to very good,” SWS said. The survey results also showed higher public satisfaction with the top leaders of the country in the last quarter of 2019. The SWS conducted the 4th Quarter Social Weather Survey using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide: 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Rappler with MJ Blancaflor

China reported on Tuesday an increase in cases of the new coronavirus coming from abroad, as the country where the disease first emerged now worries about importing infections. In total there have been 13 confirmed cases of the virus being imported into the mainland―all Chinese nationals returning from overseas. South Korea has seen a rapid rise in infections in recent days and scores of events―from K-pop concerts to sports seasons―have been canceled or postponed over the contagion, with school and kindergarten breaks extended by three weeks nationwide. The central bank has warned of negative growth in the first quarter for the world’s 12th-largest economy, noting the epidemic will hit both consumption and exports. Moon said the government will inject more than 30 trillion won (US$25 billion) into the economy to address the “grave” situation brought on by the outbreak. “The entire country has entered a war with the infectious disease,” Moon said, ordering all government agencies to operate around the clock. South Korea confirmed 477 new cases Tuesday, with two more deaths taking the toll to 28, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement. More than half of the cases have been linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious group often described as a cult.AFP

Gender... From A1

Philippines, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. Countries were ranked across the key metrics of women representation in the total workforce, women representation at senior level, and the pay gap, with the Philippines emerging with the best diversity performance by averaging the rankings of the three indicators. This was the first time the Philippines was covered by the GDBA, now on its fifth edition. Women were paid less than men by

at least 10 percent across the 10 markets surveyed, which translates to women being paid at 90 cents or less for every dollar that a man earns. The Philippines has the lowest pay gap at 10.2 percent, followed by Indonesia at 17.9 percent. Japan has the largest pay gap at 26.8 percent in terms of total compensation. Disparity in the pay gap, according to the report, may be attributed to women’s representation across job levels, with more at the junior level and underrepresented at the senior level.

earned a “very good” net satisfaction rating of +62 in December 2019, which was 6 points higher than in September 2019. SWS attributed the higher Senate rating to increased scores in all areas. It said that in terms of socioeconomic classes, “compared to September 2019 the net satisfaction with the Senate stayed very good in all basic demographics except among the class ABC, where it fell from very good to good.” The House improved its net satisfaction rating in the last quarter of 2019 from a “good” +43 in September 2019 to a “good” +51 in December 2019, an 8-point increase that SWS credited to higher scores in Mindanao, Balance Luzon and the Visayas and a steady score in Metro Manila. “Net satisfaction with the House of Representatives rose from good to very good in rural areas, up from +44 in September to +55 in December,” SWS said. FALSE: “98 percent trust Duterte following ABS-CBN shutdown.” This rating is not in the latest surveys that measure Filipinos’ trust in President Rodrigo Duterte The Supreme Court saw an 8-point im-

The country also had the highest female representation in senior leadership roles, data from the Gender Diversity Benchmark for Asia report showed. The GDBA, developed through a partnership between Hong Kong-based Community Business and global advisory firm Willis Towers Watson, analyzes data from close to 4.8 million employees in more than 3,600 companies from the

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Anti-Terrorism bill ‘legitimizes’ abuse of power —Gabriela THE newly-approved Anti-Terrorism Bill is another dagger that legitimizes the abuse of power and law enforcement, according to women’s group Gabriela. Its vague and expansive deﬁnition of “terrorism” puts anyone in peril, the group said. Any act depends on the interpretation and understanding of the law enforcers, such as, threatening to commit terrorism, inciting others to commit terrorist acts, voluntarily and knowingly joining other terrorism group or association, being an accessory in the commission of terrorism. “The bill spells total death to our democratic rights. Even prior to its approval, activists and people’s organizations are already being tagged as ‘terrorist fronts’ by law enforcers, even presenting such accusations in congressional hearings,” Gabriela said in a statement. With its approval in the Senate and most likely in the Lower House as well, the people’s rights and freedom will be subject to the interpretation of the law enforcers, the group said. The bill makes open to abuses as crimes can be framed by police or military. “Don’t we have enough of Oplan Tokhang and extrajudicial killings?” the group said. The bill only serves President Rodrigo Duterte, his congressional minions, and his military who despise opposition and activism, they said. Willie Casas

Case strong vs. Sanofi, PAO’s Acosta says WITH the permanent revocation of the product registration of the Dengvaxia vaccine, the Public Attorney’s Office is confident that it would have strong evidence against those behind the P3billion vaccine purchase and mass vaccination of 833,000 school children in 2016. At a news conference in Quezon City, PAO chief Persida Rueda-Acosta thanked the Office of the President for its affirmation to totally ban the Dengvaxia vaccine in the country. “We thank Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for a two-page decision denying the plea of Sanofi Pasteur Inc. not to revoke Dengvaxia’s certificates of product registration,” she said. Dr. Erwin Erfe, PAO’s forensic laboratory division chief, said Sanofi failed to comply with the submission of the studies on the background of incidence of viscerotorpic and neutropic-like diseases, preparation for effectiveness evaluation in Malaysia and the Philippines, and pregnancy registry study, giving the Office of the President to prohibit the sale, distribution and use of the antidengue vaccine. “Sanofi has put the lives of 833,000 children as well as policemen, employees of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center and even parents when they vaccinated them with Dengvaxia shots,” he said. “With the revocation, we see the cases getting stronger against Garin and the rest of the accused,” he added. He blamed PCMC officials for its purchase request, request order and payments of P3 billion of the vaccine. Rio N. Araja

LATEST WEAPONS. PNP

Chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa inspects the newly procured weapons, 25 units 7.62mm Light Machine Gun and 2 units of a single-engine turbine helicopter after the flag ceremony at Camp Crame. Manny Palmero

Militant groups’ officers slapped with perjury raps By Willie Casas

HE Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has filed perjury charges against 10 other officials of organizations with long-standing links to the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army.

In a two-page resolution dated Feb. 24, City Prosecutor Vimar Marcellano found “probable cause to indict” Cristina Palabay, Roneo Clamor, Gabriela Krista Dalena, Edita Burgos, Jose Mari Callueng, 1Wilfredo Ruazol, Elisa Tita Lubi, Emma Cupin, Gertrudes Ranjo Libang and Joan May Salvador. The respondents named in the complaint filed by National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. are officials of Gabriela, Karapatan and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines who allegedly lied under oath in the petition for writ of amparo and habeas corpus filed against the government, before the Court of Appeals. The petition for writ of amparo was subsequently dismissed by the appellate court in June last year. “The issues upon which the charges are built pertain to factual matters that cannot be threshed out conclusively during the preliminary stage of the case. Precisely, there is a trial for the presentation of prosecution’s evidence in

support of the charge,” Marcellano said in his order. A bail of P18,000 for each of the respondents was recommended for their temporary liberty. Meanwhile, the complaint filed against another respondent Reylan P. Vergara was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. The resolution granted a motion for reconsideration filed by Esperon of another prosecutor’s ruling late last year to charge only one individual, Elenita Belardo, national coordinator of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines. During her arraignment last month, Belardo pleaded not guilty to the charge before Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 37 Judge Aimee Marie Alcera. In an information dated Nov. 8, 2019, Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Nilo Peñaflor ordered the filing of the charges against Belardo. Peñaflor said Belardo “knowingly made untruthful statements under oath” when she said the RMP is a

“duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization.” “[I]n fact the accused very well knew that said allegations were false and untruthful as the certificate of registration of RMP was already revoked effective September 29,2003. At best, the aforesaid defense of good faith is purely evidentiary which may be threshed out in a full-blown trial,” he added. Esperon alleged that the RMP collected donations from international organizations to run 55 Salugpungan Ta’tanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. (Salugpungan) whose operations were earlier ordered suspended by the Department of Education. Citing reports of the military and police on the ground and the testimonies of the Mindanao Indigenous People’s Counsel elders and leaders, Esperon said there was an unmistakable pattern of training anti-government armed rebels by these schools. Esperon, for instance, said these schools have a different “national” anthem which they teach to students. Students are also taught assembly and disassembly of firearms and learn the alphabets with different anti-government slogans starting with “A for armas [weapon].” Esperon said the schools do not issue credentials to students which would allow their wards to take further studies in government recognized schools.

DOE includes nuke power in proposed ‘energy mix’ for PH By MJ Blancaflor ENERGY Secretary Alfonso Cusi has proposed the creation of an executive order which seeks to include nuclear power in the Philippines’ energy mix as the country is expected to have “a rapid growth in electricity demand,” Malacañang said Tuesday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the proposed EO was submitted by the Ofﬁce of Executive Secretary to President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 20 and it has “not been approved yet.” Cusi made the proposal during the

Cabinet meeting led by the President on Monday night, which is among the shortterm and long-term outlooks for the power sector and the corrective policy issuances being undertaken by the Department of Energy. This came after the country entered into an agreement with a Russian company during President Duterte’s state visit to Moscow in October last year. The Philippines has been looking at Russia to invest in the Philippines’ energy sector. In November 2017, the Philippines and Russia agreed on a nuclear cooperation program under a memorandum of

cooperation signed during the 12th East Asia Summit. Panelo said neither the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant nor the building of a new nuclear energy facility was tackled in the Cabinet meeting. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is the country’s ﬁrst and only nuclear power plant built during the term of former President Ferdinand Marcos. However, it never became operational due to alleged safety concerns and corruption issues. Currently, nuclear power plants are prohibited under the Constitution.

Over 18,000 barangays now ‘drug-free’ —Duterte By Rio N. Araja PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte‘s administration has been able to clear more than half of 34,032 drug-affected villages in the country, as it continues to step up its fight against narcotics trade. Around 18,284 out of 42,045 villages nationwide have already been declared drug-free from July 1, 2016 to Jan. 31, 2020, according to the latest and official data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency released on Monday. Only 15,748 villages have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs—these barangays are either slightly, moderately or seriously affected. Over 8,000 out of the 42,055 villages are considered “unaffected”. A total of 508,364 drug suspects have so far turned themselves in to authorities and availed of the government’s recovery and reformation programs. The conduct of about 157,275 antidrug operations has led to the arrest of 228,678 drug offenders and the death of 5,601 others, as of January 31. Data showed some 8,811 high-value drug targets have been arrested by authorities. Three hundred and six of these 8,811 high-value drug personalities are elected public officials, 85 are uniformed personnel, and 350 are government employees. Around 10 prominent personalities, 726 leaders and members of drug syndicates, 856 drug den maintainers, 61 armed group members, and 225 foreign nationals are likewise considered highvalue targets. Also deemed high-value drug personalities are the 3,349 individuals arrested from “high impact operations” and the 2,259 others included in the “target list.” The government has likewise been able to rescue around 2,915 children aged four to 17 who have links to illegal drugs. It has also dismantled some 508 drug dens and 114 clandestine laboratories in the country. More than 5,000 kilos of shabu worth P32.92 billion have so far been seized by authorities.

Habits change around the world due to new coronavirus SAY no to a handshake, refuse every peck on the cheek and definitely avoid hugging. Instead, try a direct gaze, or maybe a hand gesture. Around the world people are changing their habits at work, home and in worship to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further. AFP looks at changes in behavior due to the coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,000 worldwide. In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting. Loudspeakers tell people to make the traditional gong shou gesture—a fist in the opposite palm—to say hello. Newspapers have been filled with advice on how to replace kissing on the cheek—an everyday greeting in France, even between people who have only

just met—and handshaking, a common formality at work. Etiquette expert Philippe Lichtfus, who has been widely cited in the media, says handshakes are a relatively recent development that began in the Middle Ages. He says simply looking into a person’s eyes can sufﬁce as a greeting. Brazil’s health ministry has recommended that citizens not share metal straws used to consume the caffeine-rich South American drink mate, also known as chimarrao. Meanwhile a kiss—even if not on the mouth—is totally advised against as a greeting. In a sign of the times, Germany’s Interior Minister Horst Seehofer rebuffed Chancellor Angela Merkel’s attempt to shake hands with him on Monday, smiling and keeping both his hands to himself. They both laughed and Merkel threw

her hand up in the air before taking a seat. The outbreak could hit one of Spain’s most cherished traditions—the kissing of sculptures of the Virgin Mary in the week leading up to Easter. With just a month to go before the week starts, the ritual could be banned. “It is one of the measures that is on the table,” said national health official Fernando Simon. During the holy week, the faithful queue up to kiss the hands or feet of sculptures of Mary and the saints, seeking their protection. Romania’s Martisor festival marks the beginning of spring when talismanic strings and flowers are handed out, often from men to women. But the government has passed on a message to people urging them to hand over the flowers and talismans without the accompanying kiss. “Let’s give the flowers but not the kiss,” said Nelu Tataru, state secretary at the health ministry. AFP

NEW DENR APP. App developer Fheter John B. Calanday, demonstrates how to use the WildALERT, a new digital tool developed by the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau which he said would help DENR frontliners and law enforcement partners in the fight against wildlife trafficking. Manny Palmero

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Are we prepared for the fallout? CROSSROADS

J.A. DE LA CRUZ THAT the COVID-19 outbreak has the potential of morphing into a pandemic is no longer in doubt. Given the continuing spike of those affected by this wildly spreading virus, even the most optimistic medical experts and practitioners have admitted that at the very least, this will metamorphose into solid outbreaks in a number

There is no room for complacency. of countries before it slows down and the needed medication is made avail available worldwide. Such being the case, it is not too late to call out our leaders, in and out of government, and, yes, each and everyone to come around and ask: Are we prepared for the fallout? Truth be told, the effect of this virus has been nothing less than devastating. The very unfortunate lose of lives (more than 3,000 as of press time) and the infection of at least 80,000 people in 69 countries in just a short period of time has engendered inordinate fear and xenophobia worldwide. This has to be the most visible sign of a fall out. Calm and caution in the face of the outbreak has been literally thrown out the window. Indeed, so palpably have fear and panic set in that no less than US Surgeon General Jerome Adams admonished citizens to stop hoarding face masks, tweeting: "Seriously people, stop buying face masks: They are not effective in preventing the public from getting coronavirus but if health care providers can't find them to care for real patients it will put them and our communities at risk." To think that America has the most sophisti-

cated and advance health care system in the world. Yet, we are seeing tales of discrimination, even physical harm, on Chinese or people of Asian descent in the US and Europe which, unfortunately, has been hijacked, by ultra nationalists in certain countries to harass and harm foreign (Asian)—looking individuals. That has to stop. Instead of panicking to the point of unwarranted discrimination, we should exercise caution and stay calm as we face this challenge as one people overcoming a global adversity. Building bridges of cooperation, not fences of isolation should remain our common objective as we race vi against all odds in preventing the vireason rus' spread and discovering reasonably priced vaccines and medicines to combat the disease. Quite apart from the above, the economic fallout setting in as a result of empha this virus need not be over emphasized. Experts predict that China, the world's second-biggest economy and the epicenter of this outbreak, will surely see its growth rate contract for the first time in more than two decades of rapid growth. Depending on the ferocity of the virus and the time needed to contain it, Chinese contribution to global growth, which has been rising in the past decade, will definitely diminish, adding gloom to an already slowing pattern. Take global tourism, for example, which has seen the most dramatic slowdown since the outbreak. The world's biggest carriers—Lufthansa, American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines and Air France-KLM—which carried more than 800 million passengers last year have announced flight reductions worldwide. All of them have in fact temporarily stopped service to and from China which saw 130 million of its citizens traveling abroad last year spending close to $250 billion. That should be the biggest single market for these airlines with no alternative in sight. Add to that restricted travel within their borders or between and across

Adelle Chua, Editor

EDITORIAL

‘Uncharted territory’

HE number of individuals across the globe found positive for COVID-19 has surpassed 90,000, with more than 3,000 deaths. The virus has been found across 73 countries and territories—all continents of the world with the exception of Antarctica. Little wonder that the chief of the World Health Organization said the world is in unchartered territory. While the bulk of cases are in China, in recent weeks smaller outbreaks have been observed in Iran, Italy and South Korea. New cases are emerging in worrying numbers by the day. Travel restrictions and a general sentiment of fear have curtailed travel and economic activity, making a global recession more likely. COVID-19 is not a global pandemic—yet, but the WHO has warned this is a possibility in the near future. Against this backdrop of silent

danger, Filipinos struggle to live normally, however “normal” is defined. Large events have been cancelled and some employers have encouraged their employees to work from home if the nature of their jobs allows it. For the greater majority, daily routines continue. People still take public transportation, go to malls and other places of entertainment, show up at work or school. They still see their friends and relatives. The specter of contracting the disease, especially since some who are sick of it may not necessarily show any symptoms, is all too real.

But we get by knowing that they are making a conscious, however small, effort to protect themselves and their families. The prescribed measures, after all, are not difficult to follow: Always keeping hands clean, staying away from those who have coughs or fever, avoiding unnecessary travel or presence in crowded areas, and generally keeping clean and healthy. At this point the end is not clear. Will COVID-19 be declared a global pandemic, will it cripple the global economy, will it drastically change our lives? We can only hope that as we take responsibility for ourselves and our immediate circles, governments across the world will make transparency, accuracy and caution the rule, rather than obfuscation and baseless assurances.

Turn to A5

The ABS-CBN side

THE Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to cancel the franchise of ABSCBN Corp., the company said in its comment filed with the high court, on the quo warranto petition of the government, through the solicitor general, to revoke the Lopez-owned company’s television franchise. ABS-CBN was being technical in its argument. The rules of court on quo warranto, it explained, do not cover misuse, abuse of public office, position or franchise. “Significantly, Rule 66 of the 1997 Rules does not provide for the revocation or forfeiture of the franchise,” the comment said. Congress is the one empowered to revoke the respective legislative franchises of the respondents (ABS-CBN and its telco company, ABS-CBN Convergence). Granting the petition would violate the fundamental principle of separation of powers. ABS-CBN pointed out: “The filing of the Petition directly with this Honorable Court violates the doctrine of hierarchy of courts. It also disregards the fundamental rule that this [Supreme] Court is not a trier of fact. The Republic violated the doctrine of hierarchy of Courts.” Among the “facts” to be resolved, per ABS-CBN: • Who offered the KBO to the viewing public; • Whether the KBO offerings were authorized by the NTC; • Whether there was a transfer of controlling interest in Multi-Media Telephony Inc. (now Respondent Convergence) or of its franchise; • Whether Convergence could have complied with the requirements for the listing of its shares with the Philippine Stock Exchange; • Whether stockholder rights were granted to holders of the ABS-CBN

PDRs; and • Whether the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) approved the issuance and sale of the PDRs. Contrary to SolGen Jose Calida’s allegations before the SC, the company said ABS-CBN did not violate its legislative franchise in offering Kapamilya Box Office (“KBO”) on its digital terrestrial television service, “TVPlus.” ABS-CBN Convergence did not violate its franchise. ABS-CBN explained that while TVPlus was and is an ABS-CBN service, KBO was not when it was launched. KBO was a value-added service (“VAS”) of Convergence.

The chilling effect argument is the one that matters most to journalists like me. ABS-CBN only started offering KBO when Convergence suspended its operations. NTC approved the KBO offerings. ABS-CBN is not prohibited by law, including its legislative franchise, from providing pay-per-view services alongside its “free-to-air” channels through the frequencies assigned to it by NTC itself. Meanwhile, the ABS-CBN Philippine Depository Receipts (“PDRs”) do not violate the foreign ownership restriction under the Constitution or the conditions of ABS-CBN’s franchise. The Constitution requires 100-percent Filipino ownership of media companies. Finally, ABS-CBN said, “the [SolGen] Petition, if granted, will have a chilling effect on the press.” And, assuming that respondents (ABS-CBN and Convergence) committed the violations alleged in the Petition, the Republic’s remedy lies before Turn to A5

Politicizing POGOs (Continued from Monday) THE other day, a Chinese was killed by his compatriot. According to reports, the suspect in the shooting yielded an ID of the People’s Liberation Army. This, according to administration critics, as well as social media experts, is proof that China is conducting intelligence work on us and might be ready to deploy an army to wage a war within our soil in a snap of a finger. However, what was overlooked was the fact that suspect also yielded P345,000 which he claimed he had gotten from the victim. According to the suspect, he and the victim agreed to meet up to change his RMB10,000 for Philippine pesos as he needed to the money to extend his visa. But then the conversion rate for Chinese yuan is only P7.29, thus, his RM10,000 is only worth P72,900. Clearly, there are holes in the suspect’s story which the media ignored. They focused on the PLA ID, which would politicize the story. All the issues raised against PO-

GOs are not gaming and regulation-related. However, critics of this administration are quick to capitalize on the issue of POGOs simply because they mainly involved Chi-

Let PAGCOR do its job. nese and the President is said to be friendlier toward China than to other countries. They’d rather ignore the failure of law enforcement agencies to address the issues rather than focus on the positives of the POGOs. Prior to PAGCOR’s issuance of POGO licenses, most online gaming operators, which were operating under the licenses issued by the Eco-

nomic Zone Authorities were only remitting more or less P56 million a year to the national government. Under PAGCOR stewardship, income from POGOs showed steady growth through the years. From P73.72 million in 2016, they zoomed to P3.12 billion in 2017; P6.11 billion in 2018 and P5.73 billion in 2019. Also, from 2016 to 2019, revenues collected from POGOs—including application, processing and regulatory fees—already amounted to over P18 billion. Those are aside from POGOs’ contribution to the overall economy, such as 5-percent share in the real estate sales amounting about P75 billion, lease of office space estimated at one million square meters amounting to about P9.6 billion, another P5.4 billion as payment for utilities including power, water, Internet, etc. Nograles estimates the industry to raise P283 billion a year, equivalent to 1.4 percent of the country’s GDP. As such, it is the belief of this writer that if PAGCOR has to do something Turn to A5

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Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

Opinion

JUDE ACIDRE (Continued from Monday) THE process would be complicated for independent candidates. To incentivize party membership, for independent candidates to run for an elected position, they must be nominated by a caucus with a higher nomination quota, for example at least 5 percent of the registered voters in each of at least two-thirds of the total constituent units or local government subdivisions within a particular local government unit. For example, if there are 10 towns in a province, for an independent to run as a candidate for provincial governor, he or she must be nominated by at least 5 percent of the registered voters in each of at least seven towns in the same province. Why is it important to impose nomination quotas? This way, political parties would have to take nominations less arbitrarily, and thus ensure a more inclusive process in the election of political candidates. To this end, political parties must be required to conduct open political conventions where candidates will be openly nominated, with Comelec representatives in attendance. Therefore, even if a spouse or a son of an incumbent politician would aspire to run for a political office, he or she would have no choice but to submit into an open intra-party process. Since political candidates are nominated by the party membership, an elected official who decides to leave the political party from which they stood as candidate to join another one automatically loses his or her right to the same political office. This is without prejudice though to the right of a political party to align itself with a coalition of parties, for example to join the majority or the minority in Congress. If for some legitimate reason, an elected official decides to leave his or her party, the option available is to become independent. Imposing party discipline strengthens the party organization and keeps the political balance that voters decided on in the last election. Therefore when the person

who leaves (or is expelled from) his or her political party loses his or her position, the party can decide whom they want to assign it to. Politicians who lost their seat by transferring to another political party or those elected as independent and have joined another political party may not be nominated as a candidate in the immediately succeeding election.

Political party finance is a critical part of strengthening our political party system. Political party finance is a critical part of strengthening our political party system. Therefore, in addition to raising funds through membership dues, contributions made by members and donations in cash or in kind made to the party, a law must be passed entitling political parties to funding from the State to complement intra-party financing. The subsidy can be used only for political party operations and party development, such as political research and the training of party leaders and officers. The criteria for the allocation of funds for political parties shall be based on an agreed set of criteria such as the proportion of votes received by the party in the last elections, the size of party membership, including the number of registered local chapters and number of sectoral arms and parallels, and the ability of the party to carry out programs and projects related to voter education, leadership training and other constituency-building activities. In return, political parties must be required to submit an annual financial statement and be subject to a government audit. Failure to submit the financial statement or refusal to undergo an audit shall forfeit the party’s right to government funding. With government funding available to political parties, politicians who leave their political party to join another must reimburse all funds released to them by their former parties of affiliation, including a surcharge fee.

AS IF the coronavirus impact on the life of the nation is not enough to get us all worried about health and economics, here comes the political circus again rearing its head. Over the past weeks, our legislators concerned themselves over the fate of the mammoth ABS-CBN empire. A young and little-heard or known congressman representing the touristic section of Palawan turns out to be chairman of the Committee on Franchises which is to hear out several bills calling for the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. The chairman has not called a hearing, likely waiting for cues from higher-ups on the end-fate of the franchise. For different motivations, legislators in both houses of Congress railed and ranted. The more noble-sounding motivation equates the death of the franchise as the death of freedom of information, and the same was echoed by many in media and many more in showbiz, including TV’s action king of the last four years, Coco Martin. But hardly does anyone expect nobility of motivation from our politician-legislators. There always has to be a personal agenda, whether it is utang na loob or pa-utang ng loob collectible in the future from the powerful oligarchical family which controls the media empire. On the other side of the equation, there are those who simply want to be on the good graces of Malacañang, whose top honcho is difficult to read. One day he can be very angry, mouthing vituperative words; on another day, he can be forgiving. It doesn’t take a genius to decipher the real motives of politicians when they take a stand on issues. But little did we expect that the brouhaha over the fate of ABS-CBN would spin-off into something more political: a power play in the House of Representatives. In olden days, power plays were done

Politicizing... From A4

regarding the issues of criminality being raised by their critics, is for the agency to urge the pertinent law en-

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the US and Europe, and you have a truly disastrous year for the travel and tourism industry. Throw in the growing number of international events and conferences which have been called off as a result of the outbreak—from sports to fashion to business to security and related activities—and you can really cry. In the Philippines alone, which hosted 1.6 million Chinese tourists out of the 8.5 million who came last year, the slowdown is expected to be so problematic that Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat and the private sector led Tourism Council have been devising all kinds of promotions and packages to maintain a respectable level of domestic tourism. Truly, the economic impact of this outbreak globally and specially for mid-level and least developed nations will be unprecedented. One has to remember that in less than three decades, China has become the world's factory. It accounts for 27 percent of total goods manufacturing and 23 percent of total agricultural production. It is also a vital cog in the supply chains of most of the world's large factories, whether in the US, Europe or the Asia-Pacific. It is a leader in the development of advance technologies from e-commerce, renewable energy, AI, robotics, big data and the like. Now considered the world's foremost exporter, it is also a huge importer of all kinds of products from oil to metals to agricultural products and so on. Equally important, it has become a kind of financier-of-last-resort with its bulging international reserves which it has used to buy

treasuries, bonds and other instruments which keep the f low of money and goods f lowing. Closer to home, China has become our largest trading partner and principal fund source in just a matter of a decade or so. Thus, the question remains: Are we prepared for a Chinese slowdown much less a global one? Finally, is our health delivery system in place to handle the fallout? This question is being asked as we witnessed the seeming confusion and helter-skelter manner which attended our responses in the first few weeks after the announcement of the outbreak. The information available was not only scant and spotty. It was confusing, adding fear and panic in an already fake and misinformed environment being pushed as well by exchanges with an uneasy Filipino diaspora across all continents. The fact alone that we had to send samples of the first infected patient to Australia for clinical tests and the long winded debates which followed about all of the needed facilities and protocols to combat this virus shoved our readiness preparation to the bottom of the WHO Health Security Index. That needs to be alleviated soon before we get swamped with cases. Thankfully, this has not occurred just yet. There is no room for complacency at all. The earlier we put in place a comprehensive, bottom up, all citizens-on-deck plan, the better for all concerned. Better to be proactive than reactive as the truism goes. Is such a plan in place yet, with all the needed resources from funding to personnel to logistical support to risk communications to social mobilization and the like? We hope we will not be guessing and pointing fingers as we face this deadly challenge.

in stealth. But they were also quite vicious, as when siblings poisoned each other to lay claim to kingly throne. Or when courtiers whispered intrigues in the corridors of power to gain favor with the monarch or to discredit competitors for favor. From such stealth did many political writers coin the word “byzantine”—in historical reference to the decay of the intrigue-laden Eastern Roman Empire, which from the glorious days of Emperor Constantine weakened to the point of capitulation to the onslaughts of the Islamic Sultan Mehmed II.

All politics is local, and all politics is personal. Not that intrigue was invented in Byzantium, or that the practice ended with its collapse in 1453, to be replaced by the Ottoman Empire which itself was a haven of intrigue. In the western half of the Roman Empire, intrigue was likewise the coin of every realm, while the cunning, amoral use of power was described as Machiavellian, in honor (or dishonor) of political adviser Niccolo Machiavelli of the Borgias. Now enough of the historical digression. The point this article simply wants to stress is that (1) all politics is local and (2) all politics is personal. The local is, more likely than not, personal as well. Take the pork barrel. Why can’t almost every legislator be without it? The ostensible reason is their local constituency needs it. As for the senators who are elected by the nation at large— well, they can define national as several “local” constituencies. But the reason is more likely personal as well. In aid of reelection. In aid of the dynasty’s political fortunes. In aid of commissions. So now let’s turn the clock back, to July of 2019, when the President, in trying to harmonize personal ambitions of his political leaders, crafted a Magellan formula: 15-21. Fifteen months for Alan Peter; 21 months for Lord Allan.

Alan Peter, now on his seventh month as Speaker, claims that Lord Allan and his followers in the HoR want to shorten even his short term of 15, as in hora mismo, using the ABS-CBN franchise dribble play as casus belli. Lord Allan and his mouthpieces shout balderdash in return. No such plans nor plots, and Alan Peter’s conspiracy theories are shibboleth for his own political power play, they say. But Alan Peter is insistent that something Machiavellian or byzantine is afoot, and his loyalist, El Rey of Camarines Sur, accuses the Lord’s camp. We thought all along these were the usual swordplay of political protagonists, a clash of ambitions midway through the 15 month arrangement. A kabuki show to hide the plots for the denouement of October 2020, when the 15 months are over and the next 21 kick in. The personal motives are not confined to Alan Peter and Lord Allan, but to other congressmen as well, especially those who hold juicy chairmanships or powerful positions. When and if Lord Allan claims his 21 months, what happens to the chairs and the deputy speakers? Will they stay, or will they be decapitated? And so, in a surprise move that could be described as Machiavellian, Alan Peter’s camp on Monday night replaced the Chairman of the uber-powerful Committee on Appropriations, the gentleman from Calinan upon Davao City, Isidro Ungab. And the replacement? A heretofore unknown party-list representative, incidentally also from Davao— Edgar Go Uy. And the gentleman from Mindoro, Doy Leachon was removed as member of the HoR’s Electoral Tribunal, replaced by another party-lister, Ron Salo, another loyalist of the Speaker. Is this a clean strike? A neatly-stuck blade in a political battle? Don’t bet on it. Why, even the President’s daughter publicly chafed at the power play that removed her friend, the gentle Sid from Calinan. No, not chafed, but seethed, calling the decapitation of Sid as “grossly unacceptable.” In fine, abangan ang susunod na kabanata. 2022 has begun too early. In these times of a dangerous virus, the political circus has unraveled as well.

Half of world’s beaches could vanish by 2100 By Marlowe Hood

forcement agencies to act decisively and address that clearly are in their areas of responsibility. And better yet, we must let PAGCOR do its job of granting gaming licenses and regulating them. Same goes for POGOs.

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Virus breeds circus

Philippine political parties, reimagined THE FIFTH GOSPEL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

CLIMATE change and sea level rise are currently on track to wipe out half the world's sandy beaches by 2100, researchers warned Monday. Even if humanity sharply reduces the fossil fuel pollution that drives global warming, more than a third of the planet's sandy shorelines could disappear by then, crippling coastal tourism in countries large and small, they reported in the journal Nature Climate Change. "Apart from tourism, sandy beaches often act as the first line of defense from coastal storms and flooding, and without them impacts of extreme weather events will probably be higher," lead author Michalis Vousdoukas, a researcher at the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, told AFP. "We have to prepare." Some countries, such as the United States, are already planning extensive defense systems, but in most nations such massive engineering schemes will be unfeasible, unaffordable or both. Australia could be hit hardest, according to the findings, with nearly 15,000 kilometers (more than 9,000 miles) of white-beach coastline washed away over the next 80 years, followed by Canada, Chile and the United States. The 10 countries that stand to lose the most sandy shoreline also include Mexico, China, Russia, Argentina, India and Brazil. Sandy beaches occupy more than a third of the global coastline, often in highly populated areas.

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administrative tribunals, the company said. Among these agencies are: the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National Telecommunications Commission, and the Philippine Competition Commission. Whether ABS-CBN operated a pay-per-view channel through freeto-air signals, and whether ABS-CBN “monopolize[s] the frequencies or airwaves” through its investment in Amcara, are matters within the exclusive primary jurisdiction of the NTC and

But new construction, sea level rise, storm surge from hurricanes or typhoons, and reduced sediment from dammed rivers are all eroding these shorelines, threatening livelihoods and infrastructure. To assess how quickly and by how much beaches might disappear, Vousdoukas and colleagues plotted trend lines across three decades of satellite imagery dating back to 1984. From there, they projected future erosion under two climate change scenarios. The "worst case" RCP8.5 pathway assumes carbon emissions will continue unabated, or that Earth itself will begin to boost atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations—from, for example, permafrost—independent of human action.

A landmark advance

A less dire scenario, called RCP4.5, would see humanity cap global warming at about three degrees Celsius, which is still far more than the "well below 2C" limit called for in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Under RCP8.5, the world will lose 49.5 percent of its sandy beaches by 2100—nearly 132,000 kilometres of coastline. Even by mid-century, the loss would be more than 40,000 kilometers. The increasingly likely RCP4.5 outlook would still see 95,000 kilometers of coastline shorn of its sand by 2100, most of it within the next 30 years. The UN's science advisory group, the Intergovernmental Panel on Cli-

the PCC, ABS-CBN said. On the other hand, issues on the purported transfer of Convergence’s legislative franchise without Congressional approval, and its failure to offer its shares to the public, should have been left to Congress. Congress can, in turn seek the assistance of the NTC and the SEC, as well as the PSE, in resolving these issues, ABS-CBN said. On ABS-CBN PDRs, the Republic should have referred the matter to the SEC for investigation and action, as the SEC is “the government agency invested with the jurisdiction to determine at the first instance the observance by a public utility of the nationality requirement pre-

mate Change, projected in a major report last September a sea level rise of a half meter by 2100 under the more optimistic scenario, and 84cm under RCP8.5. Many climate scientists, however, say these estimates are too conservative, and have predicted in peer-reviewed work that the ocean watermark will rise twice as much. Experts not involved in the new findings said they should sound an alarm. "The study's linkage of global coastal degradation to (fossil fuel) combustion is a landmark advance," said Jeffrey Kargel, a senior scientist at the Planetary Research Institute in Tucson, Arizona. In Asian delta regions that are home to hundreds of millions, sediment from Himalayan glacier-melt that could rebuild sand deposits is trapped in downstream reservoirs. "Coastal erosion of the Indus and Ganges delta areas of South Asia is expected to be extremely rapid," Kargel noted. The impact of receding coastlines that still maintain a thinning ribbon of sand should also be considered, said Andrew Shepherd, director of the Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling at the University of Leeds. "Between a quarter and half of the UK's sandy beaches will retreat by more than 100 meters over the next century, depending on how rapidly polar ice sheets melt," he said. "Unfortunately, ice losses from Antarctica and Greenland are both tracking the worst-case climate warming scenarios." AFP

scribed vis-à-vis the ownership of public utilities,” ABS-CBN said. The TV company recalled that the Honorable Court’s refusal to look into the legality of the sale of the PLDT shares despite the Constitution’s nationality requirements for public utilities, proves that the issue was not compelling enough to disregard the hierarchy of courts. PLDT is controlled by the Salim group of Indonesia. Whatever the arguments of both sides, SolGen and ABS-CBN, the chilling effect argument is the one that matters most to journalists like me. biznewsasia@gmail.com

News

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Bus drivers with many violations: Stop plying By Joel E. Zurbano THE government will no longer allow bus drivers with numerous traffic violations to ply the roads of Metro Manila beginning Monday (March 9). City bus owners and operators agreed to this following Tuesday’s meeting with officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and representatives from the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. “We are serious about this matter. It’s about time to suspend erring drivers with alarming number of apprehensions,” said MMDA general manager Jose Arturo Garcia Jr. who initiated the meeting at the agency’s main office in Makati City where they discussed appropriate actions to be taken against public utility bus drivers who are habitual traffic violators. “A representative from LTO will join our personnel at our Bus Management Dispatch offices to screen city bus drivers. They will not be dispatched if they are included in the list of habitual violators. Their driver’s license will be confiscated by LTO as MMDA is not allowed to do so,” said Garcia. The MMDA have Bus Management Dispatch offices at various locations like Baclaran, Alabang, Navotas, Valenzuela, and Fairview, among others. Last month, the MMDA submitted a total of 12,000 names of drivers with multiple violations, of which 2,500 drivers answered the show cause orders issued to them by the LTO. “We asked the bus operators to cooperate and they are willing to have their drivers undergo a retraining program. We need to strictly enforce this and we want them off the road,” Garcia stressed. Under Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines, a driver who commits at least three times of same violations during a 12-month period may face automatic suspension of his/her driver’s license for at least one to two years. Other officials present during the press conference are Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group Traffic Enforcement Unit Chief Col. Emmanuel Tabuena and LTO Law Enforcement Deputy Director Roberto Valera. It was also attended by representatives of city bus operators such as Pamana Transport and Samahang Transport Operators ng Pilipinas Inc.

242 aliens barred from PH entry By Vito Barcelo AT LEAST 242 foreign nationals were barred from entering the country after immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport ascertained that they will illegally work in the country, as they have no itinerary or hotel bookings and funds to support their stay here. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said the 242 foreign nationals were intercepted last week, mostly Chinese, Cambodians, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Myanmars and Malaysians. BI Intelligence Chief Fortunato Manahan, Jr., said they noticed an attempt of suspected illegal workers to use other ports of entry to come to the Philippines. “We see this as a cause for concern. Our frontliners will heighten our efforts in screening these aliens. We are in close coordination with our foreign counterparts in ensuring that no aliens with bad records enter the country. But if they are already in the country before we receive information about their crimes, we will immediately send them out,” Manahan said. Meanwhile, Morente vowed to expand the probe on the alleged pastillas scheme, following statements from whistleblower Allison Chiong that the said modus reportedly continued to operate “until recently.” “I have ordered all NAIA heads replaced, and reshuffled all frontline personnel to break any possible collusion among them, this revamp affected around 800 officers,” said Morente.

COMPARATIVE PRICES. Schedule of prices at the public

market in Libertad, Pasay City in Metro Manila: Vegetables down, but fish (inset) higher. Lino Santos

Ex-QC mayor Bautista et al. facing anti-graft complaint By Rio N. Araja

X-QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista is facing a complaint of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act or Republic Act 3019 before the Ofﬁce of the Ombudsman in connection with the supply and installation of a solar power system and waterprooﬁng works for a building facility within the city hall premises. Carlo Lopez Austria, an attorney of the City Legal Department, also implicated ex-city administrator Aldrin Cuña and ex-city engineer Joselito Cabungcal. On June 14, 2019, Bautista issued a notice of award to Cygnet Energy and Power Asia Inc. as the winning bidder with a bid of P27,621,100. On June 19, 2019, Bautista signed a supply and delivery agreement. An integrated net metering system was mandated for the project, and that 50 percent of the project cost would be released upon delivery and installation would be released upon delivery and

installation, and the last 50 percent “upon testing, commissioning, training, technology transfer for power system and ﬁnal acceptance of the project,” the complaint read. On June 27, 2019, Bautista issued a disbursement voucher of P25,342,359.25 to Cygnet, including the reduction of applicable taxes and charges. In a Jan. 8 letter, the Manila Electric Co. communicated with the Ofﬁce of the City Administrator offering to process the net metering application of the solar photvoltaic system atop the Civic Building F.

“The letter signifies the no net metering system was actually installed and applied for the project,” it read. “From the foregoing provisions, it is clear that respondent Bautista could not have validly entered into the subject contract. First, there was no prior authorization or subsequent ratification from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) regarding the project. Upon inquiry by the city’s Internal Audit Service, the Office of the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, in its communication dated 3 February 2020 and attached herewith as Annex K, stated that there were no legislative measures or records in relation to the project,” the legal department read. The city government claimed “there was no complete delivery.” “For causing under injury to the city in giving unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference to Cygnet by unlawfully releasing the amount of P25,342,359.25 through manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence, the following persons, in conspiracy with one another, are guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” the complaint further stated.

Muslim solons welcome cemetery for their dead By Maricel V. Cruz TWO Muslim lawmakers on Tuesday welcomed the recent signing of a Manila City ordinance allotting P49.3 million for the development of a cemetery for followers of the Islamic faith in the heart of the country’s capital city. Reps. Mujiv Hataman of Basilan and Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao expressed gratitude to the Manila City government, particularly to Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso and the Manila City Council, for what he described as a commendable and noteworthy move.

“With so much discrimination against Muslims here and in other countries, we ﬁnd hope and comfort in such a grand and awe-inspiring gesture directed to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Hataman, former governor of the nowdefunct ARMM, noted. “On behalf of the Muslim population here in the greater Metro Manila area, we expressed our sincerest thanks for this endeavor,” Hataman added. For his part, Mangudadatu lauded Domagoso after the mayor bared plans yesterday the development of a P49.3million cemetery exclusive for deceased Muslim residents. “I am grateful and at awe of Mayor

Domagoso’s initiative in creating a cemetery fit for the proper burial of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. This is a sign that the City of Manila truly embraces our religion and respects our tradition,” said Mangudadatu. Said to be situated at the Manila South Cemetery, covering about 2,400 square meters of land, officials of the City of Manila claims that the cemetery is one way of paying tribute to the historical contributions of Muslim leaders prior to Spanish colonization. The said cemetery will not only allow the burial of Muslims but will also grant the transfer of their remains at the defined burial grounds.

Global LNG market sees strong demand GLOBAL demand for liqueﬁed natural gas grew by 12.5 percent to 359 million tons in 2019, according to Shell’s latest annual LNG Outlook published Tuesday. This is a a signiﬁcant increase that bolsters LNG’s growing role in the transition to a lower-carbon energy system. 2019 saw key developments that are helping to reshape the industry, namely: • An industry record of 40 million tons of additional supply becoming available

and being consumed by the market. • The belief in long-term demand growth triggering record investment decisions in liquefaction capacity of 71 million tons. • An increase in diversity of contractual structures, providing a wider range of options to LNG buyers. • The growing role of gas in improving air quality through coal-to-gas switching in the power and industrial sectors, with coal generation phase-out announcements

more than trebling. Natural gas emits between 45 and 55 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and less than one-tenth of the air pollutants than coal when used to generate electricity. “The global LNG market continued to evolve in 2019 with demand increasing for LNG and natural gas in power and non-power sectors,” said Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas and New Energies Director at Shell, in a statement.

‘Livestock industry should have more budget’ By Macon Ramos-Araneta SINCE the livestock industry contributes 33 percent to the country’s agricultural production, Senator Cynthia A. Villar said she believes it should be given more budget than the fisheries sector. Villar said the livestock sector only has a P2-billion budget as compared to the P6-billion budget of the fisheries sector, which contributes only 15 percent to the agricultural production. In the hearing of the Senate Agriculture and Food committee, committee chairperson Villar called for the development of livestock and dairy industry. She cited the need for bigger budget allocation for the livestock industry. “We will also give money to livestock but we want to know where we’re going to place it,” he said. She warned that this might again go to overhead, no developmental. “This might again go to research with no developmental,” said Villar, stressing anew he has nothing against research, but “research should result to development.” “Hindi puwede ‘yung researching for the sake of research,” she added. Villar had chided Department of Agriculture officials after learning that its proposed budget in 2020 included a P150-million allocation for research in the country’s national corn program. She likewise discussed with Department of Agriculture officials, including Assistant Secretary William Medrano and National Dairy Authority Adm. Marilyn Mabale the programs that should be implemented for the development of the livestock and dairy industry. The implementation of a carabao dispersal program in Ubay, Bohol, she said, should be replicated in many areas in the country as it succeeded to provide an additional source of income to farmers. Villar authored Senate Bill 139 or “An Act to restructure and rationalize the livestock industry in order to strengthen its development, protection and regulatory functions. This included the promotion of dairy and native animals and to provide for a livestock development fund. The senator also underscored the importance of research in the agriculture sector. However, she said this should be the end goal of resulting in concrete developments that are felt by the farmers. In the same hearing, Villar recalled being approached by 80 farmers from Antipolo, who lost their P500, 000 capital for their banana plantation.

Sports

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 sports_mstandard@yahoo.com

TCC Invitational lures elite cast S

TA. ROSA, Laguna—Two former champions, a reigning Philippine Open titlist, a couple of emerging stars plus the rest in last year’s Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit Top 30 slug it out in a survival of the ﬁttest right in today’s (Wednesday) start of The Country Club Invitational at the TCC course here.

The select cast all vow to give their respective 2020 campaign a big boost, the P5 million event being the kickoff leg of the country’s premier circuit, guaranteeing a spirited battle in all four days and another wild, unpredictable ﬁnish that has become the norm in what has long been considered as a golﬁng major for its prize fund, cast and prestige. But they are in for a tough, exacting week given the Tom Weiskoph-designed layout’s length (7576 yards), its soft bunkers and sleek surface and the wind that is

expected to blow hard and come into play in most holes in all four days. “The course is long (for me), especially in the presence of the wind. I shot an 81 in practice and even used my driver for my second shot in one hole,” said Tony Lascuña, who won way back in 2004 and lost by one to Cassius Casas in 2014. “Even with a 3-wood, I can barely reach some of the par-4s, so it’s going to be tough and would require a solid short game to contend.” Meanwhile, the 2020 PGT season was launched in brief rites yesterday with TCC

board director Joey Camara gracing the event along with the TCC Invitational cast. For the ﬁrst time, the men’s tour will be held on the same day with the ladies starting with the ICTSI Summit Point Challenge on March 25-28 in Lipa City, Batangas followed by the Delimondo National Pro-Am on May 13-16 at Splendido and the ICTSI Royal Northwoods Challenge on May 26-29 in San Rafael, Bulacan. The PGT Qualifying School for local and foreign players, on the other hand, will be held March 10-13, also at Splendido. The rest of the schedule for the new season is being ﬁnalized amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Also on tap are the last two legs of the 2019 PGT Asia season at Riviera (ICTSI Riviera Challenge) on March 17-20 and the ICTSI Southwoods Classic on March 31-April 3. The PGT Asia Q-School will be held April 22-25 at Luisita which will also host

the first leg of the fourth season on April 28-May 1. “The long, straight hitters have the edge here. It (course) is too long. I used a driver on par-3 11th but still came up short,” said Frankie Miñoza, who reigned here in 2013 after edging the Bayrons brothers—Jay and Rufino—on the second playoff hole. He also seeks a solid showing but more so of inspiring the young players, who make up the core of the elite field. “The bunkers are very soft so it will be doubly difficult to blast out since the ball would sink,” he added. “But I will just enjoy and play my game. This course is beautiful but also the toughest.” “The wind was actually manageable today (yesterday). But while I’ve been hitting long and straight off the tee, I think it’s going to boil down to short game,” said reigning Phl Open champion Clyde Mondilla, who, like Minoza, is also wary of TCC’s menacing sand traps.

Manila Southwoods impresses golf participants THE Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club launched its 2020 season in style, hosting a record-number 500 participants in the Invitational, thus, making this year’s member-guest tournament as the most-attended to date. A huge part of success was the excitement of the players on how Manila Southwoods was able to recover from the unexpected devastation brought about by the Taal Volcano’s ash explosion in early January. The Courses did not disappoint as both the Masters and Legends courses, both a creation golf legend of Jack Nicklaus, are back in pristine conditions, challenging the participants especially with lightning-fast greens and gusty winds in all four days. The tandem of Dante Maldia and son Wilfredo were awarded the overall net championship title that was not given to them on a silver platter despite scoring a 96 in best ball and 84 in aggregate for a total of180 points. They edged Pablo Olivarez and partner David Sy, who made 179 in the Invitational, with Major sponsors Mitsubishi Motors, Alpine Motors, Sojitz-Fuso, Ogawa, Mit-Air, Agrexplore, Nutranta and Turf Company. Other winners were Brixton Aw and Raymond Co (Div. 1), Anthony Cervantes and Manuel Santos (Div. 2), Olivarez and Sy (Div. 3), Gerry Handog and Jong Arcano (Div. 4), Perfecto Yasay and Joseph Jalbuena (Div. 5). After the awards and prizes giving, Club Chairman Robert Sobrepena highlighted the event with the presentation of a check worth P350,000 to the Autism Hearts Foundation--the sole charity of the Invitational. Gold sponsors were HBW Enterprises and Suzuki the renowned Southwoods club fitter. Silver sponsors were Boeing Material Handling Corp., Le Chef and Solid Global Ventures Inc. (Avonmore Milk). BDO, Camp John Hay Manor/ Forest Lodge, Castillo Laman Tan Pantaleon San Jose Law Offices, Club Leisure Management Corp., Coffee Steins, Crystalite Distribution Group (Monster Energy Drink), Eagle Ridge, Federal Management & Maintenance Inc., Forest Hills, G & W Clubshares, GG & A Club Shares, Go Sport PH, Golden Nutritious Foods Corp. (Golden Oats), Golforce, Hydrotech Irrigation, Leads Agricultural Products Corp., Manila Southwoods Manor, Minerva Sales Corp., Metro Rail Transit Dev. Corp., Nozomi Providers Inc., PBR Law Offices, Resorts World Manila and Warbird Security & Agency were the other backers.

The top players in 2019 PGT Order of Merit pose with the huge TCC Invitational trophy during yesterday’s launch of the new Philippine Golf Tour season. They are (from left) Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Reymon Jaraula, TCC board director Joey Camara, Dutch Guido Van der Valk and Clyde Mondilla. Boy Josue

Oconer, Navy virtual champs; Solis wins By Peter Atencio VIGAN City—George Oconer and his Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance teammates took a leisurely ride in the ninth and penultimate stage of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 10th anniversary race here. With the overall individual and team championship already in the bag, Oconer and the Navymen chose to stay behind a big second group and watched from afar as a five-man breakaway pack conspired to upset veteran rider Santy Barnachea at the end of the 176.4 kilometer journey from Pugo, La Union to Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. Navy’s efforts almost overshadowed the win of Tarlac-Central Luzon’s Kenneth Solis, who was among the five riders to reach Stage 9’s final stop in four hours, 15 minutes for his first-ever lap win. In second and third were Christopher Garado and Mar Sudario of South LuzonBatangas and Bike Extreme Philippines. Along with 7Eleven’s Mervin Corpuz and Celeste’s Bryant Sepnio, Solis and his group left Barnachea behind in the last kilometer inside Vigan City during a big skirmish.

“Ilang araw din kaming nag-trabaho, kaya tamang pahinga lang kami,” said the 28-year-old Oconer, who held on to the red jersey for the fifth straight day after they crossed the finish in front of the Ilocos Sur provincial capitol. The Navymen were together when they finished behind the main peloton and let Team 7Eleven/Cliqq/Air21 take the stage honors with Bike Extreme and Team Tarlac-Central Luzon. Oconer finished with a total clocking of 31:50:52 in front of teammates Ronald Oranza and Ronald Lomotos, who are 75 and 78 seconds behind in second and third with their times of 31:52:07 and 31:52:10. Behind from fourth to sixth places are their teammates John Mark Camingao (31:52:45), Junrey Navarra (31:53:09) and El Joshua Carino (31:54:43). Coach Reinhard Gorrantes said the Navymen were inspired to do better with the presence of continental teams like Team 7Eleven and Go For Gold. “Na-dominate namin ang bawa’t stage. Pinangatawanan namin na kaya namin, lalo na’t nandiyan ang mga continental teams,” said Gorrantes, who added that they dedicated their effort to Standard Insurance Group chairman Ernesto “Judes”

Echauz. Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Solis earned his best finish as a professional in five years. He said Barnachea’s bid to make a break for the stage win in the final kilometer became their cue to leave the latter behind. “Pagdikit ni Santy, saka kami humiwalay. May bumanat pero sinubukan ko lang humabol. Gusto ko po talagang manalo. Humabol ‘yung peloton kasi maraming gustong manalo ngayon pero talagang nilayo na namin,” said Solis. For Team Tarlac, it was their second lap triumph after Ryan Tugawin took Stage 2 in Legazpi City. For Garado, it was one of his best finishes after his team almost did join the race when the fund intended for their campaign was used to help victims of the Taal eruption. The final stage will be a criterium around Vigan, where Oconer and Navymen are expected to formalize their claim to the overall team and individual honors. A P1-million cash prize awaits Oconer for the general classification plum and another P1 million is also up for grabs for the team winner.

Perpetual Altas Molino bags 3 Inter School Volleyball titles By Dennis Abrina

The Perpetual University Molino Altas men’s volleyball Team of coach Eldee Zapanta defeated Cavite State U in five sets, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-12, to clinch a second straight title in the Inter School Volleyball League Season 16 at the UPH Molino Gymnasium . (Dennis Abrina)

AS a testament to the strong volleyball program of the Team Altas, three Perpetual Help teams reigned supreme in the Inter School Volleyball Season 16 at the Altas gymnasium inside the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Molino campus recently. The Altas spikers of coach Eldee Zapanta outclassed Cavite State University in ﬁve sets, 25-17, 23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-12, to keep the senior title. The Perpetual Molino Junior Altas followed suit by defeating Seven Seas Academy of Mambog, Bacoor City via straight sets, 2519, 25-17, 25-22. Christopher Ilano was adjudged as this

year’s Most Valuable Player in the Senior Division, while Jouph Amamag-id was named MVP in the Juniors’ Division. Meanwhile, the Lady Altas of coach Jon Jon Turing made it a triple-kill after beating Cavite State U-Cavite City Campus in ﬁve sets, 25-16, 25-19, 15-25, 23-25, 15-12, to also annex a second straight crown. Charlotte Airah Totañes got the MVP award. “I am really proud of my coaches and players. These titles are proofs that the volleyball program in Perpetual is strong. Congratulations to all of you,” said multi-titled Perpetual coach Sinfronio ‘Sammy’ Acaylar. Coaches Turing and Zapanta were former players of Acaylar in National Collegiate Athletic Association in the past years.

Tsitsipas in town; Greece plays PH GREEK Stefanos Tsitsipas is in town and expressed his readiness to play for Greece when it clashes with host Philippines in their Davis Cup World Group II playoffs on Friday and Saturday at the Philippine Columbian Association’s Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila. Riding the crest of a second-place finish to Novak Djokovic in the Dubai Championships a few days back, Tsitsipas, currently sixth in the world rankings, is expected to give it all for the Greek team out to make a big splash this year. “I will try to represent my country as best as possible,” said the 21-yearold Tsitsipas, the youngest netter in the world’s Top 10 and owns five titles to date. The rest of the Greek squad—Tsitsipas’ younger brother Petros, Michail Pervolarakis and Markos Kalovelonis— have arrived on a separate flight and are equally ready and capable in trying to beat the Filipinos. Dimitris Chatzinikolaou is their nonplaying captain. It will be almost the same team that lifted Greece from Group III to Group II using the old format. The Filipinos are eager to get into the mix as they will not only play a foe in Tsitsipas’ caliber but they will also tackle a non-Asian nation for the first time since they battled the Swedes in the World Cup qualifier in 1991. This happened because the Davis Cup is implementing a new system of play. Reigning Southeast Asian Games doubles’ gold medalists Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon will spearhead the country’s campaign, along with Ruben Gonzales, AJ Lim and Eric Olivarez, Jr., with Chris Cuarto as their non-playing skipper. Team draw is set on Thursday, while the first two singles matches are scheduled on Friday. The doubles and the last two reverse singles are on Saturday.

PSA Awards Night cites PH 3x3 cage team PROOF that 3x3 basketball is fast gaining popularity in the country, the Philippine men’s team which earned a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics qualiﬁer is set to receive a special honor in the SMC-PSA (Philippine Sportswriters Association) Annual Awards Night this Friday at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel. Bannered by the dynamic duo of Alvin Pasaol and Joshua Munzon, the team is the 2019 Chooks-To-Go Fan Favorite awardee in the March 6 event presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Cignal TV, Philippine Basketball Association, AirAsia, and Rain or Shine. Ranked 59th at the start of 2019, the Filipinos earned their way to the world’s top 20 list by the end of the year to earn consideration for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated from March 18 to 22 in Bengaluru, India. Previous choices as Mr. Fan Favorite ‘Manok ng Bayan’ awardee presented by Chooks To Go headed by Bounty Agro Ventures Inc.’s Ronald Mascarinas, were three-time PBA scoring champion Terrence Romeo and future NBA prospect Kai Sotto. Earning world ranking points for the PH team was made possible with the holding of the pioneering 3x3 league Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas, while at the same time, hosting two major international meets here in the country, both of which had level-eight ratings and above. Santi Santillan and other top notch Filipino players alternated to see action alongside Munzon and Pasaol during the course of the year-long campaign. The Philippines has been bracketed in Pool C along with Slovenia, France, Qatar, and the Dominican Republic in the 20-team qualiﬁer, which is divided into a four-group competition. Only the top three countries at the end of the meet will gain berth in the Tokyo Olympics, where the 3x3 event will be making its debut. The PH 3x3 men’s team is just one out of the close to 200 athletes, personalities, and entities who made up the year’s PSA honor roll list. On top of the awardees is 30th Southeast Asian Games overall champion Team Philippines, which will be bestowed with the coveted Athlete of the Year honor.

Sports

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

Cignal edges Generika in PH Superliga Games Saturday (FilOil Flying V Centre) 3 p.m. -- Marinerang Pilipina vs Sta. Lucia 5 p.m. -- Cherry Tiggo vs Petron 7 p.m. -- F2 Logistics vs Cignal BACOOR CITY—Simon Liannes Castaneda delivered the goods for Cignal, which defeated Generika-Ayala, 19-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20, in the Philippine Superliga Grand Prix Tuesday at Bacoor Strike Gym here. Despite barely having time to dust off the rust after arriving in the country only last Saturday, the Cuban sensation fired 24 kills for 29 points for the HD Spikers, who are off to a strong start in this us women’s club league bankrolled by Cocolife, Sogo, Eurotel, Sweet and Fit Stevia, UCPB Gen, Team Rebel Sports and Bizooku. “I’m very happy. She (Castaneda) barely had any sleep, but she did her best for our team,” Cignal coach Edgar Barroga said, referring to the Cuban, who landed on their laps after their negotiation with two other imports bogged down. “She’s a reliable import and I put my complete trust on her.” The HD Spikers had a rusty start, but they woke up just in time in the second set to get their rhythm going. Alohi Robins-Hardy also had 14 points, while Ranya Musa and Roselyn Doria combined for 13 markers in a match that took almost two hours to finish. Cuban reinforcement Elizabeth Vicet Campos finished with 21 points, while Eli Soyud had 13 markers for the Lifesavers, who suffered their second straight lost in this tourney that also has Gerflor, Senoh, Asics, Mikasa and Mueller Sports as technical partners.

Defense keys Cocolife Tigers’ win THE DAVAO Occidental Cocolife Tigers clamped down on the enemy’s potential bombers right from the start to pull off a 47-28 win over listless Zamboanga and defend its own turf in the Game 1 of their semis playoffs in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season Monday night at jampacked Rizal Memorial College Gym in Davao City. Tigers’ role player Emman Calo, big man Bogs Raymundo, veterans Bonbon Custodio and Billy Robles and neophyte Chester Saldua effectively sealed all possible attacks by the Chavacanos, who were limited to only 5 points in the first period, a new record low in the league. It was a total disarray for the visitors as Zambo gunner Alvin Pasaol could only shoot a three-pointer, with little help from his teammates Anton Asistio, Aaron Black and Harold Arboleda as Zamboanga set the league’s lowest score at the half with 11 points. Kenneth Mocon, Marco Balagtas and Robles exploded in the third canto, while bulky Jerwin Gaco manned the paint well en route to a convincing victory to gain the upperhand, 1-0, for the team of Dumper Party List Rep. Claudine Bautista and backed by Cocolife President Atty. Jose Martin Loon, FVP Joseph Ronquillo, AVP Rowena Asnan and SVP Franz Joie Araque. Zamboanga’s 28 points against a stingy Davao defense was lowestscoring game by a team in the league organized by Sen. Manny Pacquiao. “Whatever the figure is, it’s still a win, a product of our defense as formulated by our coach Don ( Dulay),” said team manager Dinko Bautista . Davao Cocolife played minus acknowledged leader King Tiger Mark Yee, who sat out with an ankle injury he got from a quarterfinal playoff game against Bicol Volcanoes. “Defense was the key. Ang aming panalo ay para sa Davaoenos at lahat ng fans na sumusuporta sa lahat ng laban namin. This is also for kuya Mark (Yee),” said game’s Best Player Calo. Game 2 will be held in a neutral ground at the Strike Gym in Bacoor City on March 5.

Cuban reinforcement Elizabeth Vicet Campos of Generika-Ayala keeps the ball alive as teammate Bia General looks on.

Virus disrupts global sports

ARIS (AFP)—The coronavirus is disrupting sport around the world with the Moto Grand Prix in Qatar and Thailand postponed, a host of football matches put off to a later date and increasing concerns surrounding the Tokyo Olympics later this year. The virus has already cast a long shadow over the start of the Moto GP season with this Sunday’s curtainraising Qatar MotoGP called off, followed by the March 22 race in Thailand. “I don’t say it’s cancelled, I just say it is postponed until time allows us to do (the event),” Anutin Charnvirakul, chairman of the Thailand MotoGP organising committee, told AFP. One of the early races in the Formula One season, the Shanghai Grand Prix on April 19, has already been postponed although organisers say the season-opening race in Australia on March 15 will go ahead as planned. Olympic chiefs are meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday in Lausanne to discuss the impact of the virus on preparations for the summer Games in Tokyo, and to address the unthinkable—scrapping world sports’ global showpiece for the ﬁrst time in peace time. Other events are under immediate threat. The remaining matches in the 2020 Six Nations rugby union tournament hang in the balance—an emergency meeting of the organisers has been called in Paris on Monday. The virus has killed more than 3,000 people worldwide, mainly in China, and

its effects are being felt across the global economy. Sport is no exception. In Italy, the European country with the highest number of deaths at 34, the outbreak wreaked havoc with Serie A football matches at the weekend. Six games were postponed, including the clash between defending champions Juventus and title rivals Inter Milan in Turin, originally scheduled to be the showpiece match on Sunday evening. The Italian government has signed a decree that stops sporting activity in the northern regions that have been worst hit by the virus until March 8, unless it is held behind closed doors. That decision means another five matches next week can only go ahead if played in empty stadiums. The Italian league has called an emergency meeting for Wednesday in which discussions will be held on how to manage the fixture chaos. Football in Asia has been massively disrupted, with the start of Japan’s J-League postponed till mid-March and a hugely rearranged fixture list for the continental competitions.

Petecio, Marcial boxers to beat in world tourney -Six Nations under threat Rugby officials will gather in the French capital to consider if more alterations are needed to the calendar for the final two rounds of the Six Nations Championship. The March 7 game between Ireland and Italy in Dublin has already been postponed and no replacement date has yet been set. The annual tournament—Europe’s premier rugby competition—is scheduled to conclude with matches involving all six teams on March 14. The UAE Tour, an early season cycling warmup that featured four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, was cut short last week after a coronavirus scare. Looking ahead, concerns are deepening over this year’s main sports event, the Tokyo Olympics, which is due to begin on July 24. Hundreds of thousands of spectators, athletes and officials will converge on Japan for the Games. AFP

NBA: Yes to fist bumps, no to high-fives LOS ANGELES—Fist bumps are in, but high-fives are out—NBA stars have been given a series of recommendations as the league attempts to limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the sport. ESPN reported on Monday that a memo sent to teams had outlined shortterm measures aimed at protecting players from exposure to the virus, which has left six people dead in the United States so far. The NBA memo recommends that players interacting with fans should bump fists rather than high-five. The league also advises players to

avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph. “The health and safety of NBA players, coaches, staff, and fans is paramount,” the NBA and NBA Players Association said in the memo. “We are consulting with infectious disease experts, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and a worldrenowned infectious disease researcher at Columbia University. “We are also in regular communication with each other, NBA teams including team physicians and athletic trainers,

other professional sports leagues, and of course, many of you.” Some players have already taken steps to limit their exposure to the virus. Portland Trail Blazers star C.J. McCollum said Saturday he was no longer signing autographs because of the outbreak. “Make sure y’all washing y’all hands with soap for 20 or more seconds & covering ya mouths when you cough,” McCollum wrote on Twitter. “I am ofﬁcially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.” AFP

THE Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualifying event for Boxing went underway Tuesday at the Prince Hamzah Hall in Amman, Jordan with 221 male and female boxers from 35 countries passing the Sport Entry Check. The Philippines is fielding four men and three women who will attempt to make the quotas set for the Summer Olympics to be held in Tokyo, Japan late July this year. At the forefront of the Philippine campaign are World Women’s featherweight champion Nesthy Petecio and World Middleweight silver medalist Eumir Felix Marcial. Both are seeded number 1 in their respective categories. Other hopefuls are flyweight Carlo Paalam (52kg.), featherweight Ian Clark Bautista (57 kg.), light welterweight James Palicte (63 kg.), and female boxers Irish Magno (51 kg, fly) and Riza Pasuit (60 kg., lightweight). Bautista is the lone Filipino scheduled on opening day, against Hayato Tsutsumi of Japan at 5 p.m, Jordan time (around 11 p.m., Tuesday Manila time). The coaching staff is led by Men’s Head Coach Ronald Chavez, Women’s coach Reynaldo Galido (head coach Nolito Velasco is indisposed and had to beg off at the last minute), national coaches Roel Velasco and Elmer Pamisa and foreign consultant former Australian head coach Don Abnett. Also in the team are ABAP Sports Psychologist Marcus Jarwin Manalo and PSC masseur Herbert Manlangit. ABAP secretary-general Ed Picson is team manager. On Wednesday March 4, Petecio takes on the winner of the opening day bout between Sri Lankan Krismi Langkapurayalage and Silpa Lau Ratu of Indonesia. Also on Wednesday, Pasuit debuts against Japan’s Saya Hamamoto.

PAL Interclub golfest under way; Cebu Country Club favored

Eighty-three teams from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and abroad are contesting trophies and bragging rights at this year’s Interclub in Bacolod. Photo shows the team captains with tournament and PAL officials prior to start of hostilities.

BACOLOD—With its tight, bending fairways and greens that are glass-like, Marapara will be the venue of the first and final rounds of the 73rd playing of the Men’s Philippine Airlines Interclub championship. And without needing to say so, that’s where the tournament will be decided. As gusts howl at this time of year, the par-71 course designed by the late great Golem Silverio will be the beast that the Championship field would need to tame, as, like in the talented Senior division won by Canlubang, scores aren’t expected to be low for the week. Both layouts are in perfect

shape and vary in character, with Binitin—aside from its thick tree-lined roughs—having unpredictable bounces on its fairways and small greens as its final line of defense. Cebu Country Club will open defense of the premier crown coming from a lower division in the Founders bracket, as it would try to write a piece of history that only it can own with another win this year. On home soil last year, Cebu CC surprised the field by also coming from the Founders class, leading from the first day and never relinquishing it to duplicate what only Aguinaldo did in 1988.

IN BRIEF

Fitch unit cuts PH growth forecast to 6% FITCH Solutions Macro Research, a unit of Fitch Group, said Tuesday it reduced the 2020 growth forecast for the Philippines to 6 percent from the 6.3-percent estimate it made earlier because of the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019. “The exports sector, specifically tourism, is likely to see intense headwinds from the outbreak, while infrastructure projects could face delays and households receive weaker remittance inflows,” it said in a report. “As such, we at Fitch Solutions have lowered our real GDP growth forecast to 6 percent in 2020, from 6.3 percent previously, which despite our revision, still reflects our view for a slight pick-up from 5.9 percent in 2019,” it said. Fitch Solutions said the major risk to its view would be a sudden surge in the number of domestic cases in the Philippines or a more prolonged impact on external demand. Fitch Ratings and Fitch Solutions Macro Research are two separate and distinct divisions within Fitch Group. Each business produces its own independent research and commentary with different methodologies, audiences and products. Julito G. Rada

Business

2020 budget seen to shield economy THE Finance Department expects the timely approval of the P4.1-trillion national budget this year to offset the economic risks posed by the recent Taal Volcano eruption and the coronavirus disease 2019. It said in an economic bulletin that the “early approval of the 2020 budget will enable the public sector to be implemented on time this year.” “This will moderate the negative impact of the Taal eruption and the global uncertainties arising from the coronavirus outbreak,” it said. The delayed approval of the P3.7-trillion 2019 national budget caused economic growth to settle at 5.9 percent last year, missing the official target range of 6 percent to 6.5 percent. Finance officials said the catch-up expenditure plan launched by the government after the election ban boosted expenditures by 27.4 percent in the fourth quarter. Julito G. Rada

First Gen CEO pushes ‘paradigm shift’ to reverse climate change CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY―Federico Lopez, the chairman and chief executive of the country’s largest clean energy producer First Gen Corp., sees the need for a “paradigm shift” in the way people think and behave to check the continued and worrying rise in Earth’s temperature. “We can no longer measure our success purely by bottom line growth and shareholder value,” Lopez said in a speech he delivered on Feb. 28 at the 3rd Philippine Environment Summit in this city. “My own measure of success will be judged by how well we can aid the decoupling of GDP [gross domestic product] growth from carbon emissions,” said Lopez who is also the concurrent chairman and CEO of Energy Development Corp., the largest producer of geothermal energy. “And on top of that, I believe it will be the role of businesses like ours to go beyond sustainability and into discovering creative new ways to improve and regenerate everything we touch: from our customers to our co-creators [employees, suppliers, contractors etc.], the Earth, communities and our shareholders,” he said. Lopez declared as early as 2016 that the Lopez Group would not invest, build or develop power plants fueled by coal, whose combustion emits massive amounts of carbon dioxide, one of the heat-trapping greenhouse gases being blamed for adverse global warming and climate change. First Gen’s portfolio of power plants runs on geothermal, hydro, wind and solar which are renewable energy sources; and natural gas, considered the cleanest form of fossil fuel. “Every decision we make must consider the betterment of all stakeholders in that order. It no longer works the other way around if you consider shareholders the priority. I believe enlightened shareholders also realize that there are no jobs, profits or even remnants of shareholder value on a dead planet,” he said.

business@manilastandard.net extrastory2000@gmail.com WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

Think tank asks Senate to review Sangley airport project in Cavite By Darwin G. Amojelar

DITO on track with telco rollout

DITO Telecommunity Corp. said Tuesday there will be no delay in the roll-out of its telecom towers despite the impact of coronavirus disease 2019. The third major telecom player said the technical launch as stated in the certificate of public convenience and necessity for July 2020 was on track despite the possible negative global effects of COVID-19 on businesses. “The COVID 19 issue is a possible cause of any delay that may occur. However, we in DITO have enacted measures to ensure that we meet our deadlines,” DITO chief technology officer Rodolfo Santiago said. “We have everything that we need to build our network in time for the July 2020 technical launch that promises 37-percent coverage of up to 27 mbps Internet speeds. With this in mind, we in DITO have no cause to invoke ‘force majeure as we have everything that we need in place to comply with our commitments to the government and more importantly to the Filipino people,” he said. Darwin G. Amojelar

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

DIGITAL STRATEGY. Generali Life Assurance Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of one of the largest global provider of insurance solutions, launchs its global strategy and the company’s innovations, with the aim to improve clients’ access to various benefits and services and adapt better to the Filipinos’ changing needs. Leading the launching of the company’s Lifetime Partner strategy at Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City are (from left) regional chief customer officer for Asia Neil Gardner, regional head of health for Asia Dr. Hak Hong Soo, GLAPI president and chief executive Reynaldo Centeno, regional officer for Asia Rob Leonardi, chairman of the board and regional head of M&A and strategy for Asia John Spence and regional head of technology for Asia Dipak Sahoo.

SM Prime allocates P80b for capital expenditures By Jenniffer B. Austria

ROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. said Tuesday it budgeted P80 billion for 2020 capital expenditures, up 16 percent from P69 billion it invested in 2019, to fund the expansion of mall and residential businesses and support land banking activities.

SM Prime said in an investor presentation that 39 percent of the P80-billion programmed spending for 2020 would go to the residential business while 37 percent would be for mall expansion. The remaining 24 percent will be allotted for land acquisition for future

projects and for the expansion of other businesses such as hotel, office and convention centers. It said the P80-billion budget would be funded by a combination of local borrowings and internal funds. SM Prime is set to open five new malls in the Philippines this year, including those located in Butuan, Zamboanga, Daet, Caloocan and Roxas City. It expects to have 79 malls in the Philippines and seven malls in China with an estimated combined gross floor area of 10.2 million square meters by end-2020. SM Prime is scheduled to launch 15,000 to 20,000 residential units this year across high-rise buildings, mid-rise buildings and house-and-lot projects. These projects are mostly in Metro Manila and other key cities. SM Prime’s commercial properties group is set to launch Four E-Com Center―an office development at MOA Complex in Pasay City this year while

its hotel and convention center business unit would open a new hotel in Bacolod. SM Prime is offering P20 billion in fixed-rate bonds to partially finance the company’s capital spending program. “SM Prime is set to establish further integrated property developments in various developing provincial cities in the Philippines. The proceeds from the retail bond will enable the company to pursue its expansions plans for its core businesses, primarily its malls projects, which is one of the main growth drivers of the company,” SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said. The joint issue managers for the offering are BDO Capital & Investment Corp. and China Bank Capital Corp., which are also acting as joint lead underwriters and joint bookrunners, as well as BPI Capital Corp., EastWest Banking Corp., First Metro Investment Corp., RCBC Capital Corp. and SB Capital Investment Corp.

DONATION DRIVE. Members of

the Filipino community in Barcelona do their part in donating in kind to the victims of the Taal eruption, as facilitated by BDO Remit Spain. With more overseas Filipinos still wanting to extend their helping hand to their kababayans adversely affected by the Taal eruption, BDO Remit has extended its free remittance campaign on cash donations sent until end-June 2020. As of end-January, BDO Remit has collected more than P600,000 in cash donations from overseas Filipinos, remitted to different accredited foundations. Bulk of this came from the United States, Japan and the Middle East.

Lawmaker asks PCC to probe IEMOP’s role as sole operator of WESM By Alena Mae S. Flores A LAWMAKER asked the Philippine Competition Commission to investigate the role of Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines as the sole operator of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles questioned the transfer of the operations of WESM, the country’s trading floor of electricity, to IEMOP from the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. without going through the PCC. Nograles sent a letter to PCC to seek clarification on whether IEMOP complied with the provisions of the Competition Law. He said he was initially informed that the transaction was not covered by the law. “Why is it not covered because they are the sole market operator for the sole

WESM, they are a monopoly, and they are not covered by PCC. So I replied to them again,” Nograles said. He said that while the transaction did not meet certain criteria such as asset size and transaction value, the fact that IEMOP is the sole operator of the WESM should be looked into. “The exemption is the motu proprio power of PCC where even if they fail, the fact that control being the most important, and can be the overriding principle in the whole test,” Nograles said. Nograles said the operating agreement between PEMC and IEMOP was “void ab initio” or invalid from the very beginning. “There are clear bases to prompt the Department of Energy headed by Secretary Alfonso Cusi to terminate the highly anomalous PEMC-IEMOP deal,” he said.

He said IEMOP, which was created with a paid-up capital of P7,000, was collecting at least P3 million a day from electricity consumers without the approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission. Nograles said IEMOP should stop operating and PEMC should be restored as market operator as the transfer did not undergo competitive selection process or bidding. “Return it to PEMC because I believe that market operations is void from the start. Back to PEMC and from there Congress is willing to review and revisit the IRR of EPIRA to see what is implementable and what is not implementable as far as the market operator is concerned and how to fix that and erase all doubts,” Nograles said. He said the transfer of operations of IEMOP had numerous legal questions.

INFRAWATCH PH, an infrastructureoriented think tank, wants the Senate to review the Sangley International Airport project led by the Cavite provincial government amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s new policy on reclamation projects in the Manila Bay. Terry Ridon, InfraWatch PH convenor and a former House transportation committee member, said that a review was called for with the recent pronouncement of the president to ban reclamation projects in the Manila Bay area except those connected with government projects until the end of his term. “While the effort of the Cavite provincial government to spur economic growth should be lauded, there are some questions on whether provincial governments can undertake airport development projects as these initiatives are done by the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,” Ridon said. “We have no question that local governments can undertake reclamation activities, but we are uncertain whether they can undertake airport development activities, most especially of this magnitude,” he added. Ridon said the result of the bidding for the Sangley project also raised red flags on the viability of the project, as only a single proponent had submitted a proposal. The tandem of MacroAsia and CCCC was the sole bidder for the $10-billion Sangley Point International Airport project which will be developed in partnership with the provincial government of Cavite. “It should be noted that many of those that bought bid documents are infrastructure firms across the country’s largest conglomerates. We would like to know why they opted not to participate despite their track record,” he said. Ridon also asked whether there was coordination with transport agencies to ensure the success of the project. “As previously mentioned, it is the DOTr that has jurisdiction and control over the country’s airports. It therefore begs the question: Is there already an existing contract between the Cavite provincial government and the DOTr on how the Sangley airport will be developed under the provincial PPP arrangement? Further, as the defense department also has jurisdiction over Sangley airbase, is there an existing contractual arrangement with the DND to ensure coordination over the development in their area?” he said.

AirAsia cancels four PH-Korea services amid COVID-19 threat AIR Asia Philippines said Tuesday it canceled several flights between the Philippines and South Korea amid the coronavirus disease 2019 threat. These include selected flights between Manila and Seoul-Incheon, Cebu and Seoul-Incheon, Kalibo and Seoul-Incheon and Kalibo and Busan. The budget carrier said flights to South Korea from Clark would continue their normal operations as well as selected flights from Manila, Cebu and Kalibo. “AirAsia assures that the safety and well-being of our guests and Allstars is our top priority. AirAsia is complying with advice and regulations from the local government, civil aviation authorities, global and local health agencies, including the World Health Organization,” the airline said. AirAsia said it was closely monitoring the situation and would announce further policies according to the latest developments. AirAsia earlier canceled flights such as those to/from mainland China cities (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai), Hong Kong and Macao because of the travel ban imposed by the Philippine government. Flights from the Philippines to Taipei and Kaohsiung resumed on Feb. 20. Cebu Pacific canceled flights between the Philippines and South Korea from March 3 to April 30 while Philippine Airlines reduced the number of flights between Manila and South Korea in March because on the latest travel restrictions imposed by the Philippine government in the interest of public health and safety. Darwin G. Amojelar

Business

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 extrastory2000@gmail.com

Market rebounds; BDO climbs S TOCKS rebounded slightly on Tuesday, following a blockbuster surge on Wall Street fueled by hopes for a concerted global response to the coronavirus disease 2019.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index, the 30-company benchmark, rose 41 points, or 0.6 percent, to close at 6,790.54. Despite the gain, the bellwether was still down 13.1 percent since the start of the year. The broader all-share index also moved up 18 points, or 0.5 percent, to settle at 4,062.25, on a value turnover of P5.8 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers, 108 to 82, while 46 issues were unchanged.

Fifteen of the 20 most active stocks ended in the green led by Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. which surged 29 percent to P2.75. Robinsons Land Corp. climbed 5.8 percent to P23 while BDO Unibank Inc. gained 3.9 percent to P137.20. Most Asian stocks also rose Tuesday. Pledges of action from central banks around the world and a planned conference call between Group of Seven financial chiefs provided a much-needed boost to markets after last week’s hammering. The positive sentiment filtered through to oil markets, where dealers are betting on major producers cutting output to address tumbling demand. However, earlier gains were pared as investors fret over the effectiveness of monetary policy in the face of the virus, which continues to spread, with the US death toll jumping and the World Health

Organization warning the world was in “uncharted territory”. The disease has now killed more than 3,100 people and infected more than 91,000, though China-- where it started—on Tuesday reported its lowest number of new cases in six weeks. Shanghai and Sydney both rose 0.7 percent, while Seoul put on 0.6 percent. Singapore and Mumbai edged up 0.3 percent, with Taipei and Manila gaining more than one percent, and Wellington, Bangkok and Jakarta more than 2 percent. Tokyo, however, fell 1.2 percent, and Hong Kong was marginally lower. In early trade, London and Paris each rose 1.5 percent, while Frankfurt added 1.4 percent. “One feels... that the newly found optimism sweeping the markets has a fragile foundation,” said Jeffrey Halley at OANDA. “We have not seen the end

of ‘peak gyration’ in markets yet.” Traders were given a strong lead after Wall Street enjoyed its best day in more than a year as the Dow soared more than five percent, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq piled on around 4.5 percent. After last week’s rout, investors returned to buying as central banks from the US, Japan and Europe said they were ready to provide support with monetary easing such as interest rate cuts and cash injections to financial markets. The US Treasury also announced that Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell will lead a conference call with their G7 counterparts later Tuesday on how to respond to the virus. On Tuesday, Australia cut borrowing costs to a record low and indicated it is ready to provide more help, making it the first major economy to take such measures. With AFP

Manila Standard BuSineSS daily StockS review tueSday, March 3, 2020

VOLUME

VALUE

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

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

51 76.5 137 24.8 18.4 11.04 1.04 0.38 56.2 0.73 28.6 167.4 51.9 19.68 158.8 1,750 57.35 1.16

51 78.5 138.1 25 18.4 11.34 1.04 0.4 56.35 0.74 28.6 167.4 51.9 19.8 160.8 1,750 57.65 1.19

50 76.5 136.1 24.75 18.4 10.86 1.03 0.375 53.5 0.71 28.1 160 50 19.68 154.4 1,750 57.35 1.15

FINANCIALS 51 1,300 77.95 2,457,610 137.2 2,332,010 24.9 307,200 18.4 900 11 1,365,300 1.03 13,000 0.385 370,000 53.5 4,282,080 0.73 189,000 28.15 359,400 160 5,890 50.4 490 19.8 11,700 154.4 404,960 1,750 35 57.45 15,760 1.16 3,244,000

66,275.50 190,572,563.50 319,861,699 7,636,260 16,560 15,033,640 13,400 143,100 234,391,762.50 136,830 10,152,535 950,513 24,865 231,552 63,257,648 61,250 905,802.50 3,731,760

60,675.50 -9,127,580.50 26,674,688 -1,948,615 -3,203,964.00 -81,104,448.50 -62,150 5,283,890 -1,674 -9,900 -42,616,872 -609,186 3,315,450.00

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

27 2.06 7.1 0.62 1.18 2.48 0.207 1.3 14.24 224.6 7 14.22 58.9 59.5 2.01 5.44 4.2 7.58 10.5 7.91 8.03 3.85 18 60.6 1.74 34.95 1.26 13.1 4.75 1.14 168.1 4.81 3.52 12.02 8.84 12.5 261 0.15 1.84 3.75 3.38 9.85 10.36 26.5 4.88 5 1.55 1.51 1.05 8.1 72.8 8.97 0.12 0.83 139.3 1.11 15.1 0.92

27.9 2.08 7.2 0.63 1.18 2.54 0.213 1.32 14.3 224.6 7.45 15.62 58.9 62 2.07 5.44 4.2 7.61 10.6 7.91 8.23 4.04 18 63.45 1.8 36 1.31 13.4 4.8 1.24 172 5.03 3.52 12.16 8.84 13 264 0.15 1.84 3.75 3.44 9.9 10.5 26.75 4.88 5 1.59 1.51 1.09 8.3 72.8 8.98 0.12 0.89 141.5 1.14 15.1 0.97

26.85 2.03 7.01 0.61 1.01 2.44 0.201 1.29 14.14 220 7 14.22 58.85 59.5 2 5.44 4 7.36 10.48 7.9 8.03 3.61 17.68 60.6 1.69 34.95 1.26 13.04 4.57 1.14 168 4.55 3.2 11.82 8.31 12.06 257.4 0.15 1.83 3.24 3.37 9.66 10.36 26.2 4.88 4.98 1.55 1.5 1.02 7.95 70.3 8.77 0.12 0.83 134 1.1 15.1 0.92

INDUSTRIAL 27 2,303,200 2.06 2,188,000 7.16 1,702,500 0.63 862,000 1.03 1,336,000 2.44 2,490,000 0.209 2,750,000 1.31 2,432,000 14.24 478,500 220 130 7.2 2,122,200 15.62 700 58.85 350 62 280 2.07 205,000 5.44 100 4 29,000 7.5 435,300 10.48 154,500 7.9 74,000 8.12 1,772,400 3.78 16,129,000 17.8 2,058,300 61.5 121,430 1.69 15,400,000 35.5 25,200 1.28 926,000 13.2 1,424,700 4.61 887,000 1.15 751,000 168 1,158,580 4.95 59,000 3.37 30,000 11.94 2,727,300 8.35 266,300 12.5 569,500 257.8 381,830 0.15 130,000 1.83 620,000 3.24 33,000 3.38 2,506,000 9.8 20,100 10.5 10,400 26.2 292,200 4.88 2,000 5 28,700 1.58 363,000 1.5 9,000 1.06 1,160,000 8.08 2,110,900 71.5 266,840 8.78 62,900 0.12 130,000 0.83 31,000 134 1,858,840 1.13 643,000 15.1 500 0.96 853,000

62,271,510 4,485,300 12,054,746 530,560 1,394,850 6,188,730 556,880 3,163,240 6,812,986 28,876 15,321,473 10,094 20,607 17,310 411,850 544 117,050 3,267,529 1,624,136 584,620 14,448,028 61,521,060 36,636,034 7,460,407 26,814,900 893,645 1,178,140 18,614,908 4,100,920 902,920 195,781,742 275,020 100,970 32,672,258 2,251,945 7,093,562 99,120,116 19,500 1,138,470 118,290 8,485,790 196,713 107,960 7,713,725 9,760 143,490 569,260 13,520 1,224,300 17,077,446 19,089,335.50 557,199 15,600 25,790 253,651,336 718,740 7,550 814,040

-146,120 -664,060 -3,456,540 -91,500 -1,200 -2,050,430 -875,790 954,808 478,324 7,166 -297,652 -316,000 1,462,750.00 67,480 -4,854,268 -4,036,864.50 -834,220 865,195 704,670 -13,410,234 1,628,430 -34,696,486 -23,434,216 -822,596 -3,260,810 -14,328,766 19,500 -313,830 1,943,250 -2,978,980 -141,000 31,200 -10,600 -627,680 -1,711,601.50 -15,600 -161,548,836 -7,550 -

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

0.69 43.35 9.93 0.65 9.94 0.88 0.9 670 2 6.2 5.31 12 3.26 0.218 721.5 67.9 6.49 0.47 3.83 9.35 0.55 3.25 4.36 1.05 130 967 0.86 150 150 0.211 0.175

0.71 45.5 10.04 0.66 10.1 0.9 0.92 678 2.1 6.22 5.38 12 3.26 0.218 730 69.1 6.49 0.47 3.83 9.4 0.59 3.34 4.36 1.05 130 986 0.86 170 158 0.211 0.183

0.69 43.35 9.91 0.65 9.71 0.88 0.9 652 2 6.2 5.18 11.98 3.26 0.215 715 67.1 6.49 0.455 3.7 9.1 0.55 3.22 4 1 128 956.5 0.78 150 139.9 0.211 0.174

HOLDING FIRMS 0.69 4,764,000 43.7 1,126,400 9.93 13,224,900 19,000 0.66 9.71 3,700 0.9 552,000 0.92 190,000 652 705,550 2.09 586,000 6.2 1,730,500 5.32 6,000,200 11.98 33,700 3.26 3,000 0.218 150,000 721 52,420 68.2 1,819,270 6.49 378,000 0.455 920,000 3.71 1,130,000 9.2 1,705,200 0.59 118,000 3.3 61,909,000 4 45,000 1 134,000 128.6 80,080 961 354,970 0.82 485,000 170 70 140 5,070 0.211 10,000 0.18 1,720,000

3,325,980 49,981,925 131,450,393 12,480 36,054 488,920 171,020 464,190,955 1,219,320 10,731,024 31,876,472 404,398 9,780 32,590 37,977,580 124,446,961.50 2,453,220 422,700 4,190,330 15,725,686 65,450 204,189,030 180,470 134,220 10,304,285 342,246,310 391,770 10,940 713,887 2,110 303,050

-140,000.00 -954,415 -6,899,587 -135,000 -82,902,405 -2,353,962 -6,915,106 -2,912,825 -34,308,507.50 2,453,220 -1,048,370 -11,177,879 -15,711,910 56,000 20,000 475,575 -115,922,515 18,400 -590,083 -

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

14.16 0.55 8.7 1.34 0.74 40.2 1.57 4.41 6.4 0.48 0.78 0.16 0.32 8.71 16.8 0.365 1.25 0.99 3.6 0.18 0.41 0.95 0.27 2.05

14.18 0.84 8.7 1.53 0.75 40.4 1.6 4.59 6.4 0.5 0.78 0.166 0.325 8.8 17 0.375 1.27 1 3.64 0.185 0.41 0.96 0.3 2.08

14.1 0.55 8.7 1.33 0.74 39.55 1.57 4.41 6.4 0.48 0.77 0.16 0.32 8.5 16.64 0.365 1.21 0.98 3.52 0.173 0.395 0.93 0.27 2.05

PROPERTY 14.1 1,276,200 0.76 21,753,000 8.7 100 1.53 168,000 0.75 163,000 39.6 11,519,700 1.59 847,000 4.59 401,000 6.4 4,100 0.5 4,620,000 0.78 135,000 0.162 900,000 0.325 210,000 8.5 457,400 16.98 157,400 0.375 50,000 1.25 7,748,000 0.99 278,000 3.52 27,922,000 0.185 7,500,000 0.4 480,000 0.95 1,025,000 0.3 570,000 2.05 79,000

NAME

OPEN

HIGH

LOW

VOLUME

VALUE

ROBINSONS LAND ROCKWELL SHANG PROP SM PRIME HLDG STA LUCIA LAND SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND VISTAMALLS

22.2 1.98 3.02 39.45 2.35 1.53 6.52 4.95

23.2 1.98 3.07 39.9 2.35 1.68 6.64 5.05

22.2 1.98 3.02 39 2.29 1.53 6.43 4.9

23 1.98 3.07 39 2.33 1.65 6.56 5.05

4,850,900 15,000 3,276,000 10,201,000 212,000 2,306,000 1,093,000 18,000

111,428,570 29,700 9,893,570 399,800,885 487,020 3,714,730 7,159,305 90,470

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

7.3 24 1.33 9.6 0.395 0.044 17.5 2.52 8.03 0.036 73.25 6.52 3.39 3.98 6.25 800.5 1,878 5.3 405 1 1.09 108.4 5.51 0.095 1.58 1.9 0.82 8.51 0.465 1.7 2.26 2.13 1.93 1.96 6.64 4.7 155 2.42 995 0.475 0.275 36.4 69.95 8.65 1.89 0.54 0.212 0.52 18.38

7.32 24.3 1.43 10 0.43 0.045 17.5 2.52 8.17 0.04 78 6.52 3.5 4 6.74 800.5 1,878 5.3 410 1.03 1.24 108.4 5.51 0.095 1.63 1.9 0.93 8.88 0.48 1.7 2.97 2.89 2.01 2.03 6.8 4.7 155 2.46 1,007 0.495 0.28 37.1 69.95 8.65 1.9 0.54 0.223 0.56 18.38

7.3 22.6 1.33 9.6 0.39 0.044 17.5 2.48 7.65 0.036 73.25 6.52 3.39 3.98 6.25 800 1,817 5.21 405 1 1.09 106 5.41 0.095 1.52 1.9 0.82 8 0.435 1.6 2.14 2.13 1.93 1.95 6.6 4.7 155 2.3 994.5 0.465 0.255 35.5 61.75 8.65 1.75 0.52 0.212 0.51 18

SERVICES 7.3 22.6 1.43 10 0.405 0.045 17.5 2.48 8 0.037 77.1 6.52 3.41 4 6.74 800 1,830 5.25 410 1.01 1.24 106 5.41 0.095 1.52 1.9 0.93 8 0.45 1.62 2.75 2.71 1.97 1.98 6.8 4.7 155 2.39 1,002 0.475 0.26 35.5 62 8.65 1.84 0.53 0.222 0.56 18.1

9,600 1,248,800 5,000 694,500 16,780,000 700,000 12,000 141,000 5,825,600 20,200,000 147,180 100 361,000 466,000 2,100 1,260 46,110 312,500 30 370,000 35,000 1,644,080 10,000 110,000 18,248,000 64,000 47,000 8,829,800 2,930,000 1,093,000 60,932,000 2,900,000 1,593,000 15,000 15,400 2,000 10 1,026,000 150,640 28,910,000 3,850,000 1,403,600 859,730 3,700 3,372,000 673,000 850,000 282,000 3,181,500

70,094 29,485,325 6,960 6,914,898 6,934,200 31,000 210,000 350,140 46,325,698 757,700 11,130,374.50 652 1,235,340 1,863,040 13,234 1,008,070 84,896,095 1,639,792 12,200 374,020 39,190 175,729,614 54,980 10,450 28,628,370 121,600 43,130 75,613,561 1,315,850 1,776,560 159,850,830 7,547,000 3,161,160 29,530 103,950 9,400 1,550 2,442,960 150,890,225 13,974,980 1,020,400 50,700,530 53,583,820.50 32,005 6,174,690 357,770 184,020 150,270 57,578,300 94,100 1,332,757 1,673,260 232,390 204,800 76,310 44,252 9,784,110 90,610 940 29,290 45,000 205,330 28,288,710 11,700 16,850 88,670 9,500 593,400 347,530 1,933,403 36,484,026

-50,370 -7,539,910 -17,937,500 10,000 -136,386 -5,706,660

19,823,446 30,000 115,590 758,850 5,355 50,200 200,429 9,820 202,968 2,284,004 191,140 5,300 258,791 10,350 290,900 8,316 22,650 811,125 4,129,486 76,000 1,504

-8,688,570 -169,320 71,650 772,500 375,250 -

494,000 16,300 467,000

1,326,180 132,599 357,460

-88,490 7,600

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 103.8 81,460

8,484,884

135,800

MS 18,064,966 16,525,300 870 241,520 121,100 459,023,815 1,342,440 1,823,570 26,240 2,284,000 104,510 147,050 67,750 3,981,447 2,642,142 18,350 9,645,410 273,610 99,458,310 1,347,570 192,600 961,690 157,600 162,000

-198,100 -547,030 -869.9999 -117,259,960 489,000 -35,720 -26,240 -129,193 -566,894 -2,800,080 -156,370 8,819,280 35,000 9,500 -

NET FOREIGN BUYING/(SELLING), PHP

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

0.0012 6.28 0.98 2.39 11.46 2.69 6.5 0.97 0.201 0.094 0.096 0.009 0.66 2.21 0.98 0.42 0.62 0.0095 0.01 2.8 6.15 19.22

0.0013 6.74 1.03 2.39 11.48 2.93 6.81 0.98 0.201 0.094 0.096 0.009 0.66 2.26 0.98 0.425 0.62 0.0095 0.011 2.94 6.35 19.6

0.0012 6.2 0.97 2.3 10.9 2.69 6.48 0.93 0.196 0.094 0.088 0.009 0.6 2.1 0.93 0.42 0.59 0.0095 0.0099 2.8 6.05 19

MINING & OIL 0.0013 75,000,000 6.44 209,900 1.02 1,652,000 2.3 101,000 11.44 18,400 2.93 27,000 6.49 6,800 0.93 10,343,000 0.196 460,000 0.094 10,000 0.096 330,000 0.009 5,000,000 0.63 335,000 2.1 13,322,000 0.93 12,000 0.425 40,000 0.62 148,000 0.0095 1,000,000 0.0099 57,000,000 2.9 120,000 6.12 309,700 19.2 1,899,100

ABS HLDG PDR AC PREF B1 AC PREF B2R CPG PREF A FGEN PREF G GLO PREF P GMA HLDG PDR GTCAP PREF B HOUSE PREF A MWIDE PREF PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3B PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 SMC PREF 2C SMC PREF 2D SMC PREF 2E SMC PREF 2F SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2H SMC PREF 2I

18.8 500 502 100.9 107.1 502 5.1 982 99.5 100 1,006 1,060 105.5 1,035 77.55 75.6 75.5 77.25 76.4 76 75.2

19.24 500 503 101.2 107.1 502 5.1 982 99.5 100.1 1,006 1,060 107.5 1,035 77.7 75.6 75.5 77.25 76.4 76 75.2

18.72 500 502 100.9 107.1 502 5.09 982 99.2 100 1,006 1,060 102.1 1,035 77.5 75.6 75.5 77.25 75 76 75.2

PREFERRED 18.8 1,052,600 500 60 503 230 101.2 7,500 107.1 50 502 100 5.1 39,300 982 10 99.2 2,040 100 22,840 1,006 190 1,060 5 105 2,500 1,035 10 77.6 3,750 75.6 110 75.5 300 77.25 10,500 75 55,010 76 1,000 75.2 20

ITALPINAS KEPWEALTH XURPAS

2.67 8.01 0.76

2.87 8.3 0.78

2.56 8.01 0.75

2.61 8.15 0.76

FIRST METRO ETF

104

105

103.8

USD DMPL A1

10.28

Trading Summary

10.28

FINANCIAL

15,360,979

INDUSTRIAL

76,098,058

HOLDING FIRMS

100,030,729

PROPERTY

122,037,974

SERVICES

192,646,721

MINING & OIL

167,466,008

GRAND TOTAL

674,702,263

10.28

SME

DDS 10.28

3,100

31,868

44,949,020 -33,832,110 23,000 -5,417,131 -1,134,266 25,650 -11,443,998 2,503,747.50 652 96,060 16,016,575 -36,947,968 86,670 -7,095,303 -1,607,500 -102,750 -366,200 -2,030.00 -49,841,865 2,658,745 159,300 -4,434,625 -22,631,055.50 -542,430 -283,820 510 -5,827,034

VALUE 1,604.12 (up) 22.63 847,207,055.50 FINANCIAL INDUSTRIAL 8,122.16 (down) 37.78 1,039,348,322.71 HOLDING FIRMS 6,625.54 (up) 49.04 1,443,304,243.70 PROPERTY 3,707.18 (up) 18.36 1,345.49 (down) 0.37 1,256,110,882.749 SERVICES MINING & OIL 6,359.53 (up) 16.38 1,156,560,921.655 PSEI 6,790.54 (up) 41.26 81,590,848.009 All Shares Index 4,062.25 (up) 18.56 5,834,431,668.35 Gainers: 108; Losers: 82; Unchanged: 46; Total: 236

Pryce’s income increased 7.6% to P1.5b in 2019 By Alena Mae S. Flores PRYCE Corp. said Tuesday unaudited consolidated net income grew 7.6 percent in 2019 to P1.509 billion from P1.403 billion in 2018 on the back of a 9-percent increase in liquefied petroleum gas sales. Pryce said in a disclosure to the stock exchange the 2019 net income was within the range of the company’s target and was achieved despite the expiration on Dec. 31, 2018 of the income tax holidays enjoyed by the company’s San Fabian, Pangasinan import terminal since 2014. “The company is optimistic about its prospects for 2020 on account of strong household incomes given steady OFW remittances and new job opportunities in a growing economy. This is a welcome environment for our company’s expansion projects. This will be complemented by vigorous marketing and sales efforts in order to widen the scope of our market and bring our LPG products closer to the consumers,” Pryce said. The company said revenues increased 3.5 percent last year to P10.632 billion from P10.273 billion in 2018. LPG, cylinders and accessories and LPG gensets accounted for 94 percent of total revenues. The remaining revenues came from the sales of industrial gases, real estate and pharmaceutical products. “The modest revenue growth is largely explained by the lower average international LPG contract price of $439.5 per MT during the year,” the company said. The contract for LPG averaged $540 per MT in 2018, higher by $100.5 per MT over 2019. LPG sales volume grew 9.1 percent to 220,193 metric tons from 201,826 MT in 2018. Pryce said Luzon operations achieved a 9.69-percent growth in sales volume, compared to the 8.35-percent increase in the combined sales performance of the operations in the Visayas and Mindanao. Energy Department showed that the combined demand for LPG of Luzon and the National Capital Region comprised about 79 percent of the country’s total demand.

Cebu Landmasters eyes P900-m sales from Bohol project By Jenniffer B. Austria CEBU Landmasters Inc., a residential developer in the Visayas and Mindanao, said Tuesday it expects to generate P900 million from a newly-launched residential project in Bohol province. Cebu Landmasters said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Velmiro Greens Bohol, a 204-unit residential development, would target the robustly growing mid-market segment in the Visayas-Mindanao region. Slated for completion in 2023, Velmiro Greens Bohol offers townhouse and single-detached units from 60 to 100 square meters in a 3.6-hectare gated and secured community It is the company’s fourth project to carry the Velmiro brand which primarily caters to mid-market buyers. Other Velmiro communities were established in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod. “Our buyers feel they are getting great value for their money and this has resulted in good takeup rates across all our Velmiro projects,” Cebu Landmasters president and chief executive Jose Soberano III said. Real estate service provider Santos Knight Frank cited in a recent study Cebu Landmasters as the leading developer of residential projects in the south. The study showed that the company led the residential market with a 12-percent market share, delivering close to 18,000 units in eight cities of the 10 covered by the study. Cebu Landmasters bested Sta. Lucia Land and Vista Land which tied at second, each garnering 8-percent market share. Avida Land and Filinvest Land captured 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively. Cebu Landmasters launched P18 billion worth of residential projects in 2019 and plans to roll out more projects in new locations this year. “CLI is also exploring new locations and tapping new markets as we eye land in areas such as Tacloban, General Santos, Roxas City, Boracay and even Palawan,” Soberano said.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK Manila

World

Standard

TODAY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020 CESAR BARRIOQUINTO, Editor mst.daydesk@gmail.com

Air pollution shortens lives by 3 years

ARIS―A ‘pandemic’ of air pollution shortens lives worldwide by nearly three years on average, and causes 8.8 million premature deaths annually, scientists said Tuesday. Eliminating the toxic cocktail of molecules and lung-clogging particles cast off by burning oil, gas and coal would restore a full year of life expectancy, they reported in the journal Cardiovascular Research. “Air pollution is a larger public health risk than

tobacco smoking,” lead author Jos Lelieveld of the Max Planck Institute in Mainz, Germany told AFP. “Much of it can be avoided by replacing fossil fuels with clean renewable energy.” Compared to other causes of premature death, air pollution kills 19 times more people each year than malaria, nine times more than HIV/AIDS, and three times more than alcohol, the study found. Coronary heart disease and stroke account for almost half of those deaths, with lung diseases and other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure accounting for most of the rest. Only six percent of mortality stemming from polluted air is due to lung cancer.

“Our results show there is an ‘air pollution pandemic’,” said senior author Thomas Munzel of the Max Planck Institute’s departments of chemistry and cardiology. “Both air pollution and smoking are preventable, but over the past decades much less attention has been paid to air pollution than to smoking, especially among cardiologists.” The worst-hit region is Asia, where average lifespan is CYAN cut 4.1 MAGENTA years in China, 3.9 years BLACK in India, and YELLOW Republic of the Philippines REGIONAL TRIAL COURT National Capital Judicial Region BRANCH 101, QUEZON CITY ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, Plaintiff, -versus-

CASE NO. R-QZN-17-08210-CV

THE CHUA CHOW SOY & CANNING COMPANY, INC. / BENITA O. CHUA/ VICTOR O. CHUA / MARY O. CHUA in their personal capacities and as officers, Directors and Stockholders/ MAYNARD TIMOTHY CHUA in his capacity as Director and Stockholder, Defendants. x--------------------------------------------------x

AMENDED SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

3.8 years in Pakistan. In some parts of these countries, toxic air takes an even steeper toll, other research has shown. In India’s Uttar Pradesh -- home to 200 million -small particle pollution by itself slashes life expectancy by 8.5 years, while in China’s Hebei Province (population 74 million) the shortfall is nearly six years, according to the Air Quality Life Index, developed by researchers at the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago. AFP

in order to induce Plaintiff to grant the above credit facility, executed the Deed of Suretyship through which they bound themselves solidarily liable with Defendant Chuan Chow and promised to pay the obligations of the latter to Plaintiff under the subject credit facility up to amount of Ten Million Pesos (Php 10,000,000.00). A copy of the Deed of Suretyship dated June 3, 2014 is attached hereto as Annex “C” and made an integral part hereof. 11. In order to further induce Plaintiff to allow the availment of the credit facility. Defendant Chuan Chow through Benita Chua executed and delivered the Deed of Assignment of Receivables as additional security. A copy of the Deed of Assignment of Receivables dated June 3, 2014 is attached hereto as Annex “D”. 12. Defendants also executed the Authority to Collect dated May 26, 2014 through which they authorized to Plaintiff Bank to collect the assigned receivables and to debit the account of Chuan Chow with Plaintiff Bank for the payment of its outstanding obligation in case of default. A copy of the Authority to Collect dated May 26, 2014 is attached hereto as Annex “E”. 13. Defendant Chuan Chow availed of the above-mentioned credit facility on various dates as evidenced by the following Promissory Notes (PN):

TO: THE CHUA CHOW SOY & CANNING COMPANY, INC. No. 41-43 Aguilar Street, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon PN No. City 10850072132

Amount Date Maturity Date Php 10,000,000.00 June 3, 2014 October 1, 2014

1081400000028 Php 5,000,000.00 Sept. 8, 2014 January 6, 2015 BENITA O. CHUA No. 43 Aguilar Street, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City 1081400000116 Php 2,000,000.00 Sept. 23, 2014 January 21, 2015

VICTOR O. CHUA MARY O. CHUA MAYNARD TIMOTHY CHUA No.5 South Park Drive, Bellevue, Quezon City GREETINGS: WHEREAS, on July 14, 2017, the plaintiff through counsel filed the instant complaint;

SNOWFALL. A woman is shown crossing a street during a snowfall in Sapporo

US votes in crucial primaries that will decide who challenges Trump HOUSTON―Americans vote Tuesday in primaries that play a major role in who will challenge Donald Trump for the presidency, a day after key endorsements dramatically boosted Joe Biden’s hopes against surging leftist Bernie Sanders. The backing of Biden by three of his ex-rivals marked an unprecedented turn in a fractured, often bitter campaign. The Democratic establishment is desperate to unite around a moderate candidate who can triumph over frontrunner Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, and face President Trump in November. Voting begins as early as 6:00 am (1100 GMT) in some areas. As the five remaining Democratic candidates made their final pitch to voters in 14 states, Biden was capitalizing on momentum he seized at the weekend with a blowout victory in South Carolina. The 77-year-old former vice president is consolidating support among moderates eager to blunt the advance of Sanders, who could take a potentially insurmountable lead in the allimportant delegate count after Super Tuesday. Biden has been riding high with key endorsements that built into a political crescendo on Monday. He took the stage at a rally in Dallas, Texas joined by Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, who told the crowd she was ending her campaign and endorsing Biden for president. Biden later introduced Beto O’Rourke, who made a big splash early in the Democratic race but then fizzled out. O’Rourke remains popular in Texas, the state with the largest delegate haul on Tuesday after California. “We need somebody who can beat Donald Trump [and] in Joe Biden we have that man,” O’Rourke said, peppering his short speech with Spanish. Hours earlier Pete Buttigieg, the 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, threw his support behind Biden a day after quitting the race himself. AFP

on February 3, 2020. AFP

IN BRIEF Afghans look at the Taliban’s return

KABUL—Seated on a rug in their Kabul living room, three generations of men from the same family sip tea as they discuss the political changes sweeping Afghanistan. The eldest among them fought the Taliban, the middle one grew up under the shadow of their brutal regime and the youngest has never known them. Now, all three fear the arc of history will place the hard-line Islamists back in power. On Saturday, the US and the Taliban signed a deal that would see US troops begin to quit Afghanistan in return for security guarantees from the insurgents. While the US has heralded the deal as a vital step towards peace, many Afghans are deeply skeptical about what comes next. “This is not the right time for the Americans to leave,” said family patriarch Abdul Salam, 68, a former mujahideen fighter who battled the Taliban in the 1990s. “Everything will be reversed and the country will go back to civil war like in the ‘90s. No one will be able to control it”, he added, as he displayed a photo of himself standing alongside iconic anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud. The US-Taliban deal will see thousands of American troops leave Afghanistan provided the insurgents stick to key pledges, such as opening talks with the Afghan government and not letting the country become a jihadist safe haven. But many assume the Taliban will leverage the dwindling American presence and Washington’s political disengagement to fight for greater gains across Afghanistan, and eventually exert broad influence in Kabul. AFP

Amazon boat sinking kills 18 SAO PAOLO―At least 18 people were killed when a riverboat sank in the Amazon rain forest region, Brazilian authorities said Monday, as survivors described fleeing the foundering boat in terror. The ferry was taking passengers up the Jari River, a tributary of the Amazon, when it suddenly began to tip over on Saturday at around dawn. Authorities said late Monday that beyond the 18 fatalities, they had rescued 46 survivors and 30 others were still missing -- meaning there were far more people on board than initially believed. Search operations were ongoing, using helicopters, planes and rescue divers. The Brazilian navy said it had opened an investigation into the accident, the cause of which was unknown. Survivor Vanderleia Monteiro said the boat, the Anna Karoline III, seemed to run into trouble when another boat pulled alongside it and tried to anchor, a common practice for the ferries that travel the Amazon and its tributaries. Someone screamed, “It’s sinking!” and within seconds the boat was tipping over, she told Brazilian news site G1, after fleeing with her husband and 11-year-old son. “We escaped through the window and felt our way up the outside wall of the boat as it tipped over. It was like something out of a movie,” she said. “The current swept us downstream fast, and we saw the boat sinking in the distance. Then the other boat rescued us.” The Anna Karoline III, a two-story river ferry, set out Friday afternoon from the city of Macapa, the capital of Amapa state in northeastern Brazil. It was heading for Santarem, in the neighboring state of Para, about a 36-hour trip. Rescue helicopters took about nine hours to arrive because the region is so remote. Three of the victims were girls aged between seven and 11, the Amapa state government said in a statement. AFP

1081400000240 1081400000268 10814000001205 10814000001243 10814000001236 10814000001311 1081400001366 1081400002400 1081400001427

Php 1,000,000.00 Php 2,000,000.00 Php 3,500,000.00 Php 1,500,000.00 Php 2,500,000.00 Php 1,000,000.00 Php 1,000,000.00 Php 5,000,000.00 Php 500,000.00

Sept. 30, 2014 Oct. 2, 2014 Jan. 6, 2015 Jan. 7, 2015 Jan. 7, 2015 Jan. 20, 2015 Jan. 22, 2015 May 21, 2015 Jan. 26, 2015

January 28, 2015 January 20, 2015 May 6, 2015 May 7, 2015 May 7, 2015 May 20, 2015 May 22, 2015 Sep. 18, 2015 May 26, 2015

Copies of the above-mentioned Promissory Notes are WHEREAS, on February 14, 2019, the counsel for the attached hereto as Annexes “F”, “F-1” to “F-2”. plaintiff filed a Motion for Leave to Serve Summons by 14. Defendant Chuan Chow failed to fully pay its all of its Publication: obligations under the above Promissory Notes and requested WHEREAS, on April 25, 2019, the counsel for the plaintiff for the restructuring of its account. Plaintiff Bank was filed a Compliance (in support of Plaintiff’s Motion to serve constrained to restructure the loan after the assurance of the Summons by Publication); individual Defendants that they will pay the loan. WHEREAS, on May 8, 2019, the Honorable Court issued 15. In order to induce Plaintiff to allow the restructuring of an Order, the dispositive portion of which reads as follows: the obligation, Defendant Chuan Chow, through the individual WHEREFORE, the motion to serve summons by publication defendants who are the directors and stockholders of the Corporation, unanimously approved a Board Resolution and is hereby GRANTED. Stockholders of the Corporation, unanimously approved a The plaintiff is to coordinate with the Branch Clerk of Court Board Resolution and Stockholder’s Resolution authorizing Atty. Rommel Sumedca for the summons to be published in a Defendant Benita Chua, to apply for the restructuring of its newspaper of general circulation to be determined by raffle. obligation with plaintiff RBank Copies of the Secretary’s SO ORDERED.” Certificate date January 14, 2016 and the General WHEREAS, on January 29, 2020. The counsel for the Information Sheet of Chuan Chow are hereto attached and plaintiff filed an Ex-Parte Motion for leave for One-Time made an integral part hereof as Annexes “G” and “H”.. Publication of Summons; or in Alternative to Re-Raffle 16. Defendant Chuan Chow, represented by Defendant Publication. Benita Chua, executed the Credit Facility Agreement covering WHEREAS, on January 30, 2020, the Honorable Court its restructured obligation. A copy of the Credit Facility issued an Order, the last paragraph of which reads as follows: Agreement dated December 11, 2015 is attached hereto as Annex “I” and made an integral part hereof. As prayed for, the plaintiff is to coordinate with the Branch 17. Defendant Chuan Chow executed Promissory Note Clerk of Court Atty. Rommel Sumedca to amend the Summons No. 001083400003155 dated December 11, 2015 which by Publication dated January 7, 2020 to require instead that was signed by Defendant Benita Chua. Pursuant to the summons be published once in the Manila Standard which terms of the Promissory Note, the principal amount of Php was chosen through raffle. 9,800,000.00 is payable in the following manner: “Monthly NOW, THEREFORE, you, the Chuan Chow Soy and principal amort. Of Php 100,000.00 from Dec 2015 to May Canning Company, Inc., Benita O. Chua, Victor O. Chua, May 2016;p Php 150,000.00 from June-Nov 2016; Php 200,000.00 O. Chua, Antonio A. Chua and Maynard Timothy Chua, are from Dec 2016 to May 2017; Php 250,000.00 from Junerequired to enter your appearances and answer the complaint Nov 2017; Php 300,000.00 from Dec 2017-May 2018; Php in the above-entitled case within sixty (60) days after the last 350,000.00 from June-Oct 2018; Then Php 2,050,000.00 in publication hereof, serving a copy thereof upon the plaintiff Nov 2018”. The promissory Note also states that the loan is at 17th Floor, Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner subject to interest at the rate of 7% per annum for the first 31 Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City, otherwise, the plaintiff will days subject to repricing thereafter. A copy of Promissory take judgment against you and demand from the court reliefs Note No. 001083400003155 is attached hereto as Annex “J”. prayed for in the complaint. 18. As and by way of inducement for Plaintiff to allow the Let this summons together with the complaint be caused restructuring of the obligation, Defendant Chuan Chow to be published once only by the plaintiff at its own expense through Benita Chua executed and delivered the Deed of in the Manila Standard, a newspaper of general circulation Assignment of Receivables dated December 11, 2015 as additional security, a copy of which is attached hereto as which was chosen through raffle. Witness the HON. EVANGELINE C. CASTILLO- Annex “K” and made an integral part hereof. MARIGOMEN, Presiding Judge of this Court, on this 30th day 19. Defendants also executed the Authority to Collect dated December 6, 2015 through which they authorized to Plaintiff of January, 2020, in Quezon City, Philippines. Bank to collect the assigned receivables and to debit the account of Chuan Chow with Plaintiff Bank for the payment (Sgd.) ATTY. ROMMEL H. SUMEDCA of its outstanding obligation in case of default. A copy of the Clerk of Court V Authority to Collect dated December 6, 2015 is attached hereto as Annex “L”. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 20. Defendants also represented to Plaintiff that the NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION obligation of Chuan Chow will continue to be secured by the REGIONAL TRIAL COURT suretyship of Defendants Benita, Victor, Mary and Antonio QUEZON CITY, BRANCH___ (Annex “C”). 21. As additional enticement, Defendants delivered a Real ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION, Estate Mortgage over a parcel of land located at Greenfield Plaintiff, Heights Subdivision, Dasmariñas, Cavite covered by Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. T-467973 as partial security of the -versusCASE NO. R-QZN-17-08210-CV restructured obligation. Copies of the Real Estate Mortgage and TCT No. T-467973 are attached hereto as Annexes “M” THE CHUA CHOW SOY & CANNING and “N” and made integral parts hereof. COMPANY, INC., BENITA O. CHUA, 22. Defendants failed to pay the installments due on their VICTOR O. CHUA, MAY O. CHUA obligation despite repeated demands by Plaintiff. Thus, ANTONIO O. CHUA, and MAYNARD Plaintiff was constrained to declare the full amount of the TIMOTHY CHUA, unpaid obligation as due and demandable. Copies of Defendants. Plaintiff’s Demand letters dated January 12, 2017, February x--------------------------------------------------x 3, 2017, February 16, 2017 and April 6, 2017 are attached COMPLAINT hereto as Annexes “O”, “P”, “Q” and “R”, respectively, and (with Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary made integral parts hereof. 23. As of June 30, 2017, the Defendants’ outstanding Attachment) obligation to Plaintiff amounted to PESOS: FIVE Plaintiff, by undersigned counsel, complains against the MILLION NINE HUNDRED NINETY NINE THOUSAND defendants and for causes of action alleges that: TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE AND 82/100 (Php 1. Plaintiff, ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION (“Bank” 5,999,273.82). A copy of the Statement of Account as of / “RBank” for brevity) is a commercial banking corporation June 30, 2017 is attached hereto as Annex “S” and made an duly organized under and existing by virtue of the laws of the integral part hereof. Republic of the Philippines. It may be served with notices and 24. Paragraph 11.14 of the Standard General Terms and other legal processes at its principal place of business located Conditions Governing the Grant of Credit which forms part of at 17th Floor Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner Ortigas the Credit Facility Agreement (Annexes “B” and “I”) relevantly Avenue, Quezon City. provides that “Any legal action or suit relating to this 2. Defendant THE CHUAN CHOW SOY & CANNING Agreement or any other document related thereto shall be COMPANY, INC., (“Corporation” / “Chuan Chow” for brevity) is instituted by the BANK in the proper courts of the City of a domestic corporation principally engaged in the business of Manila, Quezon City, Makati City, Pasig City, Metro Manila, manufacturing and distribution of patis, soy sauce, and other or any province or city where the BANK has a branch related products, with principal office located at No. 41-43 or banking office, at the sole option of the BANK, to the Aguilar St., San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City, where exclusion of all other courts. By the execution of this it may be served with summons, notices and other related Agreement, the BORROWER hereby irrevocably submits processes. to such jurisdiction.” As such, plaintiff has the sole option to 3. Defendant BENITA ONG CHUA is a Filipino, of legal age institute this suit in any of such contractually agreed venues. and the President of Defendant Chuan Chow. She is also a 25. Defendants are also liable to pay attorney’s fees and Director and Stockholder of Chuan Chow. She may be served liquidated damages under Paragraph 11.8 of the Standard with summons, notices and other court processes at her General Terms and Conditions Governing the Grant of Credit residence located at 43 Aguilar St., San Francisco Del Monte, which forms part of the Credit Facility Agreement states Quezon City. thus: “11.8 ATTORNEY’S FEES & LIQUIDATED DAMAGES. 4. Defendant VICTOR ONG CHUA, is a Filipino, of legal If the BANK shall require the services of counsel for the age and the Treasurer of Defendant Chuan Chow. He is enforcement of its rights under this Agreement, the Note/s, the also a Director and Stockholder of Chuan Chow he may be Collateral/s and related documents/instruments, the BANK served with summons, notices and other court processes at shall be entitled tor recover attorney’s fees equivalent to not his residence located at No. 5, South Park Drive, Bellevue, less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount due Quezon City. and outstanding exclusive of costs and other expenses, as 5. Defendant MARY ONG CHUA, is a Filipino, of legal well as liquidated damages equivalent to twenty-five percent age and a Director of Defendant Chuan Chow. She is also (25%) of the total claims.” a Director and Stockholder of Chuan Chow. She may be ALLEGATIONS IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATION FOR served with summons, notices and other court processes THE ISSUANCE OF WRIT OF PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT at his residence located at No. 5 South Park Drive, Bellevue, 26. Plaintiff Bank repleads the foregoing and further states Quezon City. 6. Defendant ANTONIO ONG CHUA, is a Filipino, of legal that: age and the Vice President of Defendant Chuan Chow. He is 27. This is an action against Defendants Chuan Chow Soy also a Director and Stockholder of Chuan Chow. He may be & Canning Company, Inc., Benita Chua, Victor Chua, Mary served with summons, notices, and other court processes at Chua, Antonio Chua and Maynard Chua who are all guilty his residence located at No. 87 Samson Road, Quezon City. of fraud in contracting and/or in the performance of their loan 7. Defendant MAYNARD TIMOTHY CHUA, is a Filipino, of obligation to Plaintiff Bank (Section 1[d], Rule 57, Rules of legal age and the Vice President of Defendant Chuan Chow. Court). He is also a Director and Stockholder of Chuan Chow. He 28. Defendants contracted the loan with a preconceived may be served with summons, notices and other court plan or intention not pay. A debt is fraudulently contracted if processes at his residence located at No. 5, South Park Drive, at the time of contracting it the debtor has preconceived plan or intention not to pay, as inferred from circumstances that Bellevue, Quezon City. 8. Defendant Chuan Chow, through the individual defendants transpired (Liberty Insurance Corporation vs. CA, 222 SCRA who are the directors and stockholders of the Corporation, 37) unanimously approved a Board Resolution and Stockholders’ 29. The Defendants induced Plaintiff into granting the Resolution authorizing Defendant Benita Chua, to apply for or restructuring of the subject loan be delivering the Real obtain a loan or other credit facilities with plaintiff RBank to be Estate Mortgage (Annex “M”) over a parcel of land located at secured by assignment of the receivables of the Corporation Greenfield Heights Subdivision, Dasmariñas, Cavite covered and suretyship of Defendants Benita, Victor, Mary and by TCT No. T-467973. Antonio. A copy of the Secretary’s Certificate dated June 30. Based on TCT No. T-467973 (Annex “N”), the registered 3, 2014 that was submitted by Defendants to Plaintiff Bank is owner of the property is a certain Rosita C. Dela Cruz. hereto attached and made an integral part hereof as Annex Defendants had represented to Plaintiff that she had allegedly purchased the mortgaged property and is in the process of “A”. 9. Defendant Chuan Chow, represented by Defendant transferring the title under her name. To this date, however, Benita Chua, applied for and was granted a Discounting Line the title to the property remains in the name of Rosita C. Dela credit facility in the amount of TEN MILLION PESOS (Php Cruz and Defendants apparently have not taken any action in 10,000,.000.00) for working capital requirements. A copy of order to cause the transfer of the title. the Credit Facility Agreement dated June 3, 2014 executed 31. An examination of the Real Estate Mortgage (Annex by Chuan Chow is attached hereto as Annex “B” and made “M”) will reveal that it appears to have been executed in the name the registered owner of the subject property, Rosita C. an integral part hereof. 10. Herein Defendants Benita, Victor, Mary and Antonio, Dela Cruz. However, the Real Estate Mortgage was signed by

Defendant Benita Chua. 32. Defendants never presented to Plaintiff a Special Power of Attorney or any other document which would show that Defendant Benita Chua was authorized by Rosita C. Dela Cruz to mortgage the subject property and/or to sign the Real Estate Mortgage on her behalf. 33. Moreover, there is no annotation of the Deed of Absolute Sale or any other deed which would support Defendants’ claim that Defendant Benita Chua had purportedly purchased the same property. 34. Evidently, Defendants had no intention of fulfilling their obligation under the Real Estate Mortgage and was bent on defrauding Plaintiff Bank. 35. Moreover, the individual Defendants defrauded Plaintiff by inducing the latter to grant credit facilities to Chuan Chow through the false pretense that said corporation purportedly possessed credit, funds and/or imaginary transactions, when in truth and in fact Chuan Chow did not possess said credit, funds and/or imaginary transactions, resulting in damage to the Bank. 36. Defendants induced the Bank into releasing the loan through the pretense that Chuan Chow possessed receivables from which they assigned to the Bank as security for the loan (see Annexes “D” and “K” – Deed of Assignment of Receivables). Plaintiff Bank relied on said representation of Defendants and as a result thereof, it suffered damage because it was not paid the full amount of the loan. 37. Defendants deliberately impaired the efficacy and enforceability of the receivables that they had assigned to Plaintiff as security for the obligations of Chuan Chow by refusing to submit the pertinent documents evidencing said receivables. Apparently, Chuan Chow did not actually possess and was not legally entitled to the receivables that Defendants had assigned to the Bank. 38. Defendants also deceived Robinsons Bank into releasing the subject loans by pretending that they will maintain sufficient funds in the account in their account with Plaintiff Bank to cover the payment of the loan. Defendants, however, never maintained adequate funds in said accounts which could have been debited by the Bank to satisfy the payment of the loans – which rendered the Authority to Collect (Annexes “E” and “J”) worthless. 39. Defendant Chuan Chow is a family corporation owned, controlled and run by the individual defendants who are related to each other. They are principal corporate officers, directors, and controlling shareholders of defendant Chuan Chow and were the persons responsible in securing the loan and perpetrating the fraudulent scheme of obtaining the said loan. In fact, Defendants Benita Chua, Victor Chua, Mary Chua and Antonio Chua executed Deed of Suretyship in favor of plaintiff RBank holding themselves jointly and severally liable to plaintiff RBank for the payment of the obligations of defendant Chuan Chow but they failed to pay the obligation of the latter. 40. The individual Defendants induced Plaintiff into granting the subject loan by making it appear the Plaintiff that Defendants Chuan Chow had the financial capacity to pay the obligation that it had contracted from Plaintiff Bank and that Defendants Benita Chua, Victor Chua, Mary Chua and Antonio Chua will pay the obligation of Defendant Chuan Chow as the sureties of the latter. However, the foregoing circumstances clearly show that the Defendants committed fraudulent misrepresentation in order to deceive Plaintiff into releasing the loan to Chuan Chow. 41. With the benefit of hindsight, it is now daylight clear that defendant Chuan Chow had actually no intention of paying in full the subject loan when it was contracted. 42. Plaintiff Bank is ready, willing, and able to post a bond in such sum as the Honorable Court may fix, conditioned upon the payment by Plaintiff Bank of all costs and damages which may be adjudged to Defendants in the event that the Honorable Court shall finally declare that the Plaintiff Bank was not entitled to the reliefs prayed for. 43. There is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced in the principal action, and, the amount due Plaintiff Bank is as much as the sum for which order is granted, above all legal counterclaims. 44. In support of its application for a writ of preliminary attachment, Plaintiff Bank hereby attaches the Affidavit of Merit of RAY ANGELI A. FLORESCA as Annex “T” and makes it an integral part of the complaint.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises respectfully prays that:

considered,

Plaintiff

Bank

1. Upon filing of the Complaint and the appropriate bond, a Writ of Preliminary Attachment be issued against the properties of Defendants Chuan Chow Soy & Canning Company, Inc., Benita Chua, Victor Chua, Mary Chua, Antonio Chua and Maynard Chua, directing the Branch Sheriff or other proper officer to attach the properties of defendants, as may be sufficient to satisfy plaintiff’s demand; 2. After trial of the issues, judgment be rendered ordering Defendants, jointly and severally, to pay plaintiff RBank (a) the amount of Php 5,999,273.82, representing the outstanding obligation of Defendants of Plaintiff RBank as of April 7, 2017; and (b) attorney’s fees in the amount equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of the total amount due, and (c) liquidated damages equivalent to twenty five percent (25%) of Plaintiff Bank’s total claims; 3. Defendants, jointly and severally, be ordered to pay plaintiff RBank legal interest on the total outstanding obligation, computed from the date of filing of this Complaint until the defendants’ entire obligation is fully satisfied. Other reliefs just and equitable are likewise prayed for. Quezon City, July 11, 2017. ROBINSONS BANK CORPORATION Legal Services Group 28/F Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA, cor. Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City Tel. nos. (632) 702-9500; (632) 702-9567 Email: legalgroup@robinsonsbank.com.ph By: (Sgd.) ROEL S. COSTUNA Head, Legal Services Group IBP Lifetime Member No. 01666/Northern Samar PTR No. 3950452/01-18-17/Quezon City Roll No. 40241 MCLE Compliance No. V-0005741 (Sgd.) JO PAUL B. GATAPIA IBP Lifetime Member No. 015911/RSM PTR No. 2627449/01-19-17/Pasig City Roll No. 46180 MCLE Compliance No. V-0013939 (Sgd.) BARBARA IRENE Y. DELA ROSA IBP No. 1066918/01-18-2017/RSM PTR No. 2627466/01-19-2017/Pasig City Roll No. 64193 MCLE Compliance No. V-0017741 VERIFICATION & CERTIFICATION ON NON-FORUM SHOPPING I, RAY ANGELI A. FLORESCA, Filipino, of legal age, and with principal office 17th Floor, Galleria Corporate Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City, after having been duly sworn in accordance with law, hereby depose and state that: 1. I am the Accountant Officer and the authorized representative of Plaintiff Bank; 2. Upon authority1 of the Bank, I have caused the preparation and the filing of the present Complaint. I have read the same and all the allegations appearing thereon are true and correct based on my own personal knowledge and the records of the Bank in my possession; 3. The Bank has not commenced any action or proceeding involving the same issues before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, or any other court or tribunal; 4. If I should learn that a similar action or proceeding has been filed or is pending before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals or any other tribunal or agency, I hereby undertake to inform this Court of said fact within five (5) days from knowledge thereof. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hands this 11th day of JULY 2017 in Quezon City.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 11th day of JULY 2017 in Quezon City, Affiant exhibiting to me his/her CRN-0111-2726268-8.

Doc. No. 1073; Page No. 215; Book No. I Series of 2017. (MStandard - Mar. 4, 2020)

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

LGUs

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

No COVID case in Lanao Sur, Adiong assures

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

PECO defies court’s gag order I

LOILO City’s distribution utility Panay Electric Co. could be liable for violating the gag order of the Regional Trial Court of Iloilo City regarding its case versus More Electric Power Corp.

Judge Emerald Requina-Contreras of Iloilo City Branch 23 RTC had issued an order dated March 2 calling for both PECO and MORE to strictly implement the gag order issued by Judge Daniel Antonio Gerardo Amular, who previously handled the case. “We are having this forum to be able to ventilate our side, our version of what happened,” PECO lawyer Estrella Elamparo said during a media event in Intramuros on Tuesday. MORE took over some of the assets of PECO last week after the Iloilo City RTC issued the writ of possession in favor of the Razon-led firm. Requina-Contreras said Elamparo made “malicious comments” on air of an alleged meeting between the RTC Judge and a MORE official. “Immune to this misbehavior of counsels whenever the (court) judgment is adverse to their client, undersigned is not to be dissuaded to further hear the case with utmost impartiality,” the Iloilo City judge said. Requina-Contreras, however, said Elamparo’s behavior “will be dealt with by the court accordingly.” “The counsels are cautioned not to resort to any form of propaganda that undermines the integrity and credibility of the court and to strictly observe the gag order earlier issued by Judge Amular,” the judge said. She directed the parties to submit proposals on the timeline for the transition period, accounting, turnover of records like list of consumers, documents relevant to the distribution system, inventory of personal properties, and inventory of real property assets under possession of MORE. MORE started taking over PECO’s electricity distribution facilities as the new distribution utility of Iloilo City after securing a 15-year franchise from Congress in 2019. Alena Mae Flores

IMPRESSIVE. As part of National Arts

Month, impressionist artist Che Mendoza, a native of Calamba, Laguna, paints using 3-in-1 instant coffee, cigarette ash, charcoal, blue ternate flower, turmeric, and ‘kapeng barako’ (Batangas coffee). She also creates artworks using watercolor, acrylic, oil, leather paint, chalk and oil pastel for her masterpieces. Roy Tomandao

DAR sets ARB summit Mar. 5 Agri-envi champs take center stage at 3rd PH summit for farmers By Brenda Jocson

By Ben Moses Ebreo BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya— The Department of Agrarian Reform is set to conduct the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Summit in Solano town. The ARB Summit set on March 5 at the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative Convention Center is expected to be graced by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones. Jimmy Sampaga, senior Agrarian Reform Program officer said the ARB Summit will also be highlighted with the distribution of various farm inputs worth more than P2.7 million. “We are assisting 80 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) through our programs to help them to become more productive,” he said. The farm inputs such as organic and commercial fertilizers, hybrid rice seeds and insecticides, among others will be given through the agency’s Support to ARBs Affected by Rice Importation (SARI) Program. Farm machineries such as small tractors, among others will also be given to the farmer-members of the ARBs through the DAR’s Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Five young professionals advocating for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation took center stage during the Youth, Agriculture, and the Environment Session of the 3rd Philippine Environment Summit coorganized by Green Convergence and

the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture hosted the February 27 session, which featured by-the-youth and for-the-youth initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture practices, environmental protection and the circular economy.

CRAB KING.

Mayor Lloyd Antiporda of Buguey, Cagayan proudly shows off a live King Crab before a welcome statue that looks like a giant crab, located in front of the Crab Hotel and El Presidente Beach Resort in the town. The coastal town is likewise known for its black-sand beach and has been dubbed the ‘Crab Capital of the Philippines.’ Ben Moses Ebreo

Fresnedi envisions Muntinlupa as a ‘smart city’ MUNTINLUPA commemorated its silver anniversary as a highly urbanized city on March 2. While considered one of the youngest cities in the Philippines, Muntinlupa has become a frontrunner in its class in terms of competitiveness and quality of life for its residents. The local government of Muntinlupa organized a simple program for the city’s 25th founding anniversary on

Speakers were Louise Mabulo, founder of The Cacao Project and UNEP’s Young Champion of the Earth; Cherrys Abrigo, founder of Sierreza Café; Enzo Pinga, Business Development and Partnerships Head of IISLA Ventures; Rein Hillary Carrascal, beauty queen and ambassador of Hapi LIFE Foundation; and Michelle Dagsaan, Higaonon youth representative of Samdhana Institute.

Monday, a day after its original cityhood date, at Muntinlupa City Hall. The celebration kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by a flag raising ceremony. Attending the program were Rep. Ruffy Biazon, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Vice-Mayor Temy Simundac, City Councilors, City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela, barangay officials, and part-

ners from the private sector and national government agencies. In his message, Fresnedi counted Muntinlupa’s progress to its residents, which he claimed as the city’s greatest resource. He also highlighted sustainability efforts of the City Government in developing Muntinlupa as a “smart city” with focus on programs for education.

By Nash B. Maulana MARAWI CITY―The provincial chief executive and health officials here have allayed fears anew of a possible spread here of the novel coronavirus, saying there have been no reported or confirmed cases yet of the dreaded disease in any part of Lanao del Sur. Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. said over the weekend that his administration has considered COVID-19 as “a matter of serious and urgent concern.” The province “stands ready to contribute to the overall Philippine Government efforts for the management of this public health situation,” Adiong said, citing a World Health Organization declaration, echoed by the national government, to be on a state of preparedness amid the threat of the virus. A person under monitoring, reported to have traveled to Macau, has completed a 14-day quarantine and “has shown no signs of symptoms of Coronavirus Virus Disease 19 (CoVid19),” Adiong said. Meanwhile, another person under investigation with a recent travel history to Taiwan has also tested negative on two oral swabs examined by the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine in Manila, the governor said. Dr. Allen Minalang, provincial health office head, said both patients were discharged over the weekend. “We would like to reiterate that currently, there have been no reported or confirmed cases of the Coronavirus 2019 (Covid19) in Lanao del Sur,” he said. In a separate statement, Dr. Zafrullah Dipatuan, health minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, also said both patients tested negative. Adiong said he had directed the creation of the Lanao del Sur InterAgency task force Against the Covid Acute Respiratory Disease.

Cagayan gives LGUs graders to build roads TUGUEGARAO CITY—To hasten development and fight insurgency through infrastructure projects in remote areas, the Cagayan provincial government on Monday turned over 29 units of heavy equipment worth P108 million to 29 local government units (LGUs). Consisting of 28 graders worth P3.868 million each and one bulldozer worth P4.968 million, the equipment were formally accepted by the province’s 29 mayors during the awarding rites held at the Capitol Complex in Alimannao village here. The local leaders signed a memorandum of agreement in accepting the grant under the “No Barangay Left Behind” of Governor Manuel Mamba and the mayors. Mamba said under the agreement, the heavy equipment are entrusted in the town and city mayors, to be “under their care and leadership, but these will be used for the repair of farm-tomarket roads in the villages.” “We strongly believe that the continuous rehabilitation and construction of road networks through these graders and a bulldozer, these will hasten the service of the provincial government to the public and lessen the problem of insurgency,” said Mamba, who is also the Regional Peace and Order Council chairperson. “We were able to save P55 million out of the P5 million each allotted budget for each heavy equipment. Hence, we can use the saved fund to buy other vehicles like police cars,” he added. Dubbed as “Road Graders for Peace, Progress and development,” aims to boost the province’ economic progress. “Where the road ends the insurgents begin. Roads will create commerce and improve communication and aid flows, thus opening up opportunities in the locality,” the governor said in a statement issued by the Cagayan Provincial Information Office. Jessica Bacud with PNA

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (center) joins local officials in the celebration of the town’s silver anniversary last March 2.

Life

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

FASHION AND BEAUTY

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

‘‘

PINOY PRIDE. Woven bags whose fabrics and baskets are handmade by various tribal communities make a mark among the logo-weary social set and Filipinos who appreciate the beauty of our weaving tradition.

Bags proudly carry tradition

By Ayunan G. Gunting-Al-Hadj

HE allure of woven fashion bags, injected with diamond and zigzag patterns of the Yakan from Zamboanga, the two-toned geometry of the Teduray (or Tiruray) from Cotabato, and the beadwork of the Mangyans of Mindoro has been drawing tourists and balikbayans to a stall at the Legazpi Sunday Market in Makati.

Etniko Pilipino specializes in contemporary woven bags, whose fabrics and baskets are handmade by various tribal communities. Founder Pedro Ding Perez likewise classifies his brand as sustainable fashion because it considers the whole ecosystem, from the planting of organic materials such as rushes (tikog), pandan leaves, nito vines, and bamboo to the zero-waste production of the weavers and the concern for their welfare. Traveling around the Philippines to

Pedro Ding Perez founded Etniko Pilipino to showcase local culture, weaving tradition, and Filipino garments and accessories. Photo by Ayunan Gunting-Al-Hadj

remote regions, Perez learned to appreciate the local culture and beliefs. He was fascinated by the garments and accessories that were used in rituals. “It was an awakening to rediscover the soul of the Filipino,” he says. Perez recalls that in fiestas, the people’s costumes looked cheap, using fabrics

By establishing good relationships with my suppliers, they are able to maintain high standards. Pride or self-worth is the driving force of their creativity. That pride is translated into quality.” that were obviously made in China. He learned that there was a dearth of traditional woven materials. Only the older women maintained their weaving skills while the younger generation preferred to work abroad. He then joined the bandwagon of entrepreneurs who ventured into fashion to save the dying craft and create a demand for local artisanal products. Without any background in fashion, Perez bravely started Etniko Pilipino.

Summer on my mind By Monica Sanchez THE summer breeze is here, making us feel all kinds of fine. It’s the same feeling we get looking at these pieces made for the sunny season. Warning: floral prints and freshness abound.

Short- and long-sleeve dresses from Tadashi Shoji’s spring 2020 collection.

Once upon a time in Japan

Lacquerware, ikebana, and Ukiyo-e shine in Tadashi Shoji’s spring collection. Lacquerware’s decorative motifs inspire intricate embroideries and lacquerlike sheens. The works of Ukiyo-e artists, Hokusai and Utamaro, are referenced in print and silhouette alike, where fluid draping and graceful shapes pair with obi-inspired knotting. The elegance of ikebana is seen in bright, blossoming flowers, like wandering through a Japanese garden, where chrysanthemums sparkle and peonies bloom. Overall, the collection exudes fantasy while staying grounded in the real world with pieces that embrace quiet luxury and cultural richness. Tadashi Shoji is at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Gateway, and Cebu.

Turn to C2

VANITY CORNER

Reign like Regine AUSTRALIAN cosmetics brand BYS’ latest collaboration is as fierce as the Asia’s Songbird on stage, but with a sprinkle of fun like the Regine Velasquez the fans love. Dubbed Reigne, the 22-piece makeup collection is composed of a powder blush, brow pencil, eyebrow palette, eye shadow palette, and a powder and concealer palette. Also part of the collection are seven lipstick shades—ranging from dainty nude pink to bold red violet—whose names are truly regal: Princess, Duchess, Marchioness, Countess, Viscountess, Baroness, and Queen of the Night. The new collection is available at Watsons and SM Beauty stores, as well as online at beautybeat.ph. Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez launches Reigne, her makeup collaboration with BYS.

Vivienne Tam’s pomegranate flower print dress and multicolor embroidered lace with patchwork dress.

Flower power

Inspired by the non-violent Flower Power movement during the late ‘60s to early ‘70s, Vivienne Tam launches a collection that highly features embroidered flowers and colors in nature—as a means to advocate love, peace, and idealistic value. Pieces from the spring/summer 2020 collection come in tawny neutrals, pops of blue sky, orange set, green grasses and wheat fields, tawnier hues and pops reflecting wild flowers. Turn to C2

Life

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

manilastandardlife@gmail.com

Singaporean skin care brand now in PH

OUR bestselling ranges of Asian skin care brand Bio-Science are now available in the Philippines.

First launched in Singapore as BioEssence in 2001, Bio-Science has become one of the most trusted skin care labels of women in several countries in Southeast Asia. The company said its products are developed with Bio Energy Complex which stimulates the skin’s ability to repair, renew, and replenish itself. In addition to Bio Energy Complex, BioScience’s skin care products are formulated with unique Asian ingredients that help skin feel healthier, younger, and more radiant. The four introductory ranges now available locally include the brand’s

Developed with Bio Energy Complex, Bio-Science products feature formulation that stimulates the skin’s ability to repair, renew, and replenish itself. Available in the Philippines are the brand’s Bio-Water, Bio-White, Bio-Renew, and Bio-Gold lines.

Watsons Philippines trading beauty director Maita Santiago and Wipro Splash chief executive officer Neeraj Khatri officially launch Bio-Science in the Philippines.

flagship range Bio-Gold, which harnesses the power of 24K gold to protect skin against visible signs of aging; Bio-Water, whose core ingredients hyaluronic acid and niacinamide deeply moisturize skin; Bio-White which provides a fair, rosy complexion courtesy of camellia, tanaka tree bark extract, and arbutin; and Bio-Renew whose royal jelly and fermented rice help

restore the skin’s ability to repair itself. Neeraj Khatri, chief executive officer of Wipro Splash Corporation, Philippines, Thailand, and Indo-China, formally introduced Bio-Science to the local market together with Splash Corporation chief executive officer Vicci Tomas. “We identified that specialized solutions for Filipina women were missing from the local

Swedish embassy brings textiles exhibit to USC AFTER its successful exhibition at Cebu Design Week, SM City Cebu, and SM Seaside Cebu, the The Embassy of Sweden in Manila, led by Ambassador Harald Fries, has launched the Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles at the University of San Carlos. Curated and produced by the Swedish Institute with the help of researchers and sustainable fashion experts, the exhibition highlights the fashion industry’s major environmental challenges, showcases Swedish solutions, and guides consumers to contribute effectively to a more sustainable world. The exhibition, which runs until March 18 at the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design - USC, is supported by major Swedish brands H&M, IKEA, and BabyBjorn. H&M highlights key pieces made of sustainable textiles from its Conscious Collection while BabyBjorn exhibits baby carriers that are created from recycled and upcycled products. Meanwhile, social enterprise and textile designer Anthill Fabric Gallery showcases a Filipino example of circular business model and the role of local fabrics in fashion sustainability. During a panel discussion at the launch event, speakers from IKEA shared the company’s sustainability efforts while USC alumna Barbara Page Uy-Tiu presented upcycled f lour sacks transformed into an outerwear collection. At the launch of Fashion Revolution, Ambassador Fries expressed hope for consumers to become more conscious and mindful of their consumption of fashion.

market,” shares Khatri. “We decided to enter the Philippine market and fill the gap by providing women in the Philippines access to a range of products that are specifically made to meet their skin care needs.” Bio-Science is now available at all Watson’s nationwide. Prices start at P399.

Summer... From C1

the jagged white cliffs of—yes, you guessed it — C a p r i. Add a little sparkle with twist bandeau or maillot in desert sunset hues, antique coral, and saffron from the elegant Stardust line. Baja Stripe brings the vibrant colors of Mexico with Rio pants, s t r a ple s s tube, and more in saffron or purple rain. Seafolly is at Rustan’s Makati, Alabang, Shangri-La, and Cebu.

Quite notable from this collection are the recycled yarns, fabrics, and trims used, which according to Vivienne Tam came from various seasons. The juxtaposition of pattern clashes, patchwork, silk, new texture and fabrics unified with the sentiments of the past revitalized. Vivienne Tam is at Rustan’s Makati.

Beach babe

The Fashion Revolution: The Future of Textiles exhibit, currently at University of San Carlos in Cebu City, showcases Swedish solutions to contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Globally, the world’s population consume about 62 million tons of clothing per year, or about a small suitcase full of clothes per person, and only 20 percent is re-used or recycled. Since 2000, global clothes production has more than doubled, and the average person now buys 60 percent more items of clothing every year and keeps them for about half as long as they did 15 years ago. Further, it takes 10,000 to 30,000 liters of water and two to four kilos of chemicals to produce one kilo of treated cotton. Fifteen to 30 percent of the plastic pollut- tics and 35 percent of which come from ants in the oceans consist of microplas- laundering synthetic textiles.

When the beach calls, it should always be answered—with swimwear and sunscreen ready. Australian swimwear brand Seafolly answers the call of the season with multiple prints and collections. Wild Tropics is inspired by the jungle with bandeaus, zip front surf shirts, and cover-ups in saffron, amber, black, and blush. Spirit Animal packs a lot of attitude in leopard spotinspired prints in bralette, tube top, and triangle bra. Channel Sophia Lauren or Audrey Hepburn on a yacht in retro pants and halter bras featuring Capri Sea print inspired by

Hybrid bralette and hipster in amber from Seafolly.

Bags... From C1 The self-financed entrepreneur started sourcing materials from the indigenous people (IP) and worked with his loyal helper and her two daughters in sewing and assembling. He uses his instincts to design the bags and suggest the shades for the weaves while maintaining respect for the tribes’ sacred patterns and colors. Perez does his own marketing and distribution. Aside from being a regular merchant at the Legazpi Sunday Market, he also joins big fairs such as the prestigious Designers Holiday Bazaar in Greenbelt 5 and the American Women’s Bazaar, and maintains an online presence through his Instagram account. This year, Perez is girding for the Manila Fame in October and hopes that he could also join an international fair abroad. He developed his market by word of mouth. Balikbayans make up a large segment. They find his price points of P900 to P3,980 very accessible. Then there’s the logo-weary social set who appreciates local artisan bags as new luxury. “People are tired of branded items. They give importance to something that is handmade and indigenous but with a contemporary twist. I have a good following of titas and doñas, online resellers

The materials used are sourced from the indigenous people, which Perez designs using his instincts while maintaining respect for the tribes’ sacred patterns and colors.

here and abroad, and big store buyers,” he shares. “I’m happy when my customers say they get a lot of compliments for my bags. Some doñas tell me that they prefer to use Etniko Pilipino bags over imported brands for daily use.” One of the biggest challenges among entrepreneurs who work with artisanal materials is their availability. “When I ask for a repeat order from the IPs, I would be told that only one person has the skill to weave a certain fabric or basket but she is getting old. She can’t pass it on to the next

generation,” relates Perez. He cites the example of the late Lang Dulay, a recipient of the National Living Award, who preserved the t’nalak, a dyed fabric made from abaca. “Nobody has learned the skill of making the t’nalak directly from her. If more Living Treasures are gone, how will the younger generation learn? There’s an urgency to put up schools of living tradition in the IP communities. Another challenge is to educate the young generation on the value of our tradition and how it retains

our national identity,” he says. To earn their trust, Perez pays the artisans, particularly the IPs, immediately. He has turned down consignment offers in major department stores because he refuses to buy on credit from the workers. “My weavers and suppliers survive on a hand-to-mouth existence. I can’t stomach the idea of being on credit. I usually pay my suppliers in advance. Most of the time, they are in need,” he explains. “Kapwa tao (helping the fellow man) mentality is important.”

The IP’s don’t work with deadlines. “During the planting and harvesting season, weaving takes a back seat. Their products are works of art. You can’t rush artists. I need good sales so that I can order from the different IPs,” he says. “By establishing good relationships with my suppliers, they are able to maintain high standards. Pride or self-worth is the driving force of their creativity. That pride is translated into quality.” Photos from Etniko Pilipino/Instagram

Entertainment

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2020

nickie.standard@gmail.com

‘Invisible Man’ sees its way to top of box office ENOUGH viewers saw The Invisible Man over the weekend to propel it to the top of the North American box office, with an estimated $28.9 million in ticket sales, industry watcher Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday. That result for the Friday-to-Sunday period more than justified Universal›s bet on a remake of the famous H.G. Wells story—the studio spent a mere $7 million to produce the film, which has already taken in $20 million overseas and drawn strong reviews. The thriller stars the visibly talented Elisabeth Moss as the exgirlfriend of a man (British actor Oli-

ver Jackson-Cohen) who seems to return to haunt her after supposedly committing suicide. Slipping from the top spot in its third week out was Paramount’s adventure comedy Sonic the Hedgehog, at $16 million. Jim Carrey stars as the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the video-game-based film. In third place was 20th Century’s The Call of the Wild, starring Harrison Ford, at $13.2 million. The story is loosely based on the Jack London classic, set in the wilds of Alaska and Canada’s Klondike region. Fourth spot went to a new Japa-

nese manga film, My Hero Academia, from Funimation, at $5.1 million. It tells the story of a young boy, often bullied, who finds his way into a prestigious high school for superheroes-in-training. And in fifth, still strong in its seventh week out, was Sony’s Bad Boys for Life, at $4.3 million. The action-comedy, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, has passed the $400 million mark worldwide. AFP British actor Oliver Jackson-Cohen arrives for the Feb. 24 Hollywood premiere of ‘The Invisible Man’

‘Aida’ opens CCP Met Opera in HD new season

‘Onward’ starring Tom Holland is a computer-animated urban fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

Embarking on extraordinary quest in ‘Onward’

HIS month, Disney and Pixar continue their long legacy of storytelling with a heart in the original animated feature Onward.

Set in a suburban fantasy world, the film introduces two teenage elf brothers who embark on an extraordinary quest. They venture to discover if there is still a little magic left out there, in the hopes of spending one final day with their dearly departed father who passed away before they had vivid memories of him. The all-new fantasy feature film is directed by American animator Dan Scanlon, joined by Pixar film producer Kori Rae, both of whom previously worked together in creating 2013’s Monsters University. “The story is inspired by my own relationship with my brother and our connection with our dad who passed away when I was about a year old,” shares director Dan Scanlon. “He has always been a mystery to us. A family member sent us a tape re-

cording of him saying just two words: ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. Two words— but to my brother and I, it was magic,” he added. To the filmmakers behind Pixar, the urge to enkindle a world filled with magic was taken to heart. From here sprung the idea of creating a modern suburban fantasy film, introducing a completely a new genre for Pixar. As elves, cyclops, centaurs, and trolls reside in the world of whimsical suburbia, it’s a mystery how the magic has been disappearing for years. “Only certain people could do it,” says producer Kori Rae. “It was difficult, and you had to really practice. As technology was introduced, everyone found easier ways to do things. Magic is possible, it’s just that nobody really does it any-

more,” she continued. Disney and Pixar’s Onward brings together a stellar roster of voice actors to give life to its original characters with Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot, Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus as their mother Laurel Lightfoot. Also joining the cast are Octavia Spencer as the Manticore, Mel Rodriguez as Officer Colt Bronco, Lena Waithe as Officer Specter, Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Grey Griffin as Dewdrop, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, and Wilmer Valderrama as Gaxton. Disney and Pixar’s Onward also features a dynamic musical score from acclaimed composers Mychael Danna, an Oscar® winner for Life of Pi, and Jeff Danna—while five-time GRAMMY® Award winner Brandi Carlile performs an original heartrending song, “Carried Me With You”, for the end credits. The all-new animated film is now showing in theaters nationwide.

ITALIAN composer Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida opens the seventh season of the CCP Met Opera in HD, special screenings of the latest operatic productions of the Metropolitan Opera in New York through high definition digital technology, on March 10. Set in ancient Egypt, the four-act drama brings to life the love triangle between a warrior, an Ethiopian slave and a princess. Warrior Radamès falls in love with Aida, the Ethiopian slave of Princess Amneris, the king’s daughter. Unbeknownst, the princess has feelings for the warrior. When the three meet, Amneris jealously senses Radames› feelings for Aida. An opera about imperial duty and forbidden love, sung in Italian. Music by Giuseppe Verdi, with libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, soprano Anna Netrebko sings Aida, going toe-to-toe with mezzosoprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Amneris and tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko as Radamès. Maestro Nicola Luisotti takes the podium. Composer Camille Saint-Saëns’s operatic take on the classic story of Samson and Delilah takes the cinema stage on April 21. Biblical epic Samson et Dalila stars tenor Roberto Alagna as the heroic Samson who ultimately falls victim to the seductive power of Dalila, portrayed by mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča. Bass-baritone Laurent Naouri sings the sinister High Priest of Dagon. Completing the cast are baritone Elchin Azizov as the Philistine king Abimélech and bass Dmitry Belos-

selskiy as the Old Hebrew. Darko Tresnjak, the Tony Award– winning director of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, made his debut directing the new Met production of the opera in 20 years. Sir Mark Elder conducts. Catch Giuseppe Verdi›s La Traviata, a tale about a Parisian courtesan who sacrifices all for love, on May 12. In his first Live in HD appearance as the Met’s Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer Music Director, Yannick NézetSéguin conducts Michael Mayer’s richly textured new production, featuring a dazzling 18th-century setting that changes with the seasons. Soprano Diana Damrau plays the tragic heroine, Violetta, and tenor Juan Diego Flórez returns to the Met for the first time in five seasons to sing Alfredo, Violetta’s hapless lover. Baritone Quinn Kelsey is Alfredo’s father, Germont, who destroys their love. The CCP Met Opera in HD series is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation Inc., in cooperation with the Ayala Malls Cinemas. All screenings will be held at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1, at 6:30 p.m.. Tickets are priced at P450. Season subscription will be P2,400 for six shows. For more information and show lineup, call the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division at 8832-1125, local 1702 & 1705. Or visit the CCP social media accounts and website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph).

Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Aida’

Ryan Cayabyab musical exhibit on view in Manila INSPIRED by previous exhibits on the lives and works of Philippine National Artists, namely, Ramon Valera, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Manuel Conde, Carlos ‘Botong’ Francisco, and Salvador Bernal, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) celebrated the music of Philippine National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab’s music through a showcase of the milestones of his life and works by highlighting his career as a composer, arranger, musical director, conductor, Julia Montes plays a single mom who will do everything for her son in ‘24-7.’

Julia Montes makes explosive comeback TV STAR Julia Montes’s return to television was an instant hit among viewers nationwide as her weekly actiondrama series 24/7 became the number one show last Sunday (Feb. 23). The series’ pilot episode recorded a national TV rating of 27 percent, compared to its rival show Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko (17.1 percent), according to data from Kantar Media. Praises also poured in on social media for the series’ fast pace and the cast’s impressive portrayal. The series’ first episode saw Mia

(Julia), a security guard who died after attempting to get the vaccine that would save her dying son Xavier from the new strain of dengue. However, a puzzling twist surprised viewers because as the all-grown up Xavier, played by Tony Labrusca, presented his invention at an event in the year 2045, time suddenly traveled back to 2020 at Mia’s home, a few days before her death. The first weekly action-drama on TV 24/7 airs on ABS-CBN and ABSCBN HD (SkyCable ch 167).

choirmaster, host and music educator. Entitled Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika, An Exhibit on the Life and Work of National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, the display features a grand piano to stage Cayabyab’s music, surrounded by a timeline presented through words, images and videos. His songs are heard through curated playlists plus musical acts performed by the AB Music Production program, while furniture inspired by the Maestro’s songs were likewise on display

around the venue, designed by Architecture and Interior Design students. “This is our first-ever exhibit focused on music, as we have remained truthful to our mission: to continue to showcase our Philippine National Artists,” DLSCSB Center for Campus Art (CCA) Director Architect Gerry Torres shared. The exhibit is currently on view until April 18 at the SDA Gallery, 12th Floor, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Arts and Design Campus, Pablo Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila. National Artist for Music and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Ryan Cayabyab, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Board Member Br. Michael Valenzuela FSC, DLS-CSB President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, and DLS-CSB Center for Campus Art(CCA) Director Architect Gerry Torres

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The journey toward Universal Health Care:

A reflection of PhilHealth’s 25 enduring years in service

HE Philippines’ long and arduous journey toward achieving Universal Health Care or UHC reached a significant milestone when Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on February 20, 2019. The UHC’s overarching objective is to provide all Filipinos with equitable access to quality and cost-effective health care services without causing financial hardship. The UHC Act by far provides the most comprehensive policy as well as the enabling environment for such a vision to happen in a progressive manner. The last 50 years had been marked by various attempts to achieve such a profound and collective aspiration for the health of the Filipino especially of the underprivileged and the marginalized. It all started in the 1960s when a group of doctors introduced the MARIA (Medical Aid to Rural Indigents Areas) Project, considered the precursor of the Medical Care Plan that was created through RA No. 6111 in 1969. A quarter of a century hence, the National Health Insurance Program under the administration of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) was created through RA No. 7875 on February 14, 1995. The NHIP signaled an era that upheld financial protection for all Filipinos so that everyone can access needed health care services that are available, accessible, adequate and acceptable. The rest is history. As we mark PhilHealth’s 25 years of enduring service to the Filipino, we invite the nation of 108 million to look back, reflect and celebrate important milestones in the last 25 years that nurtured PhilHealth to what it is today… Pinatatag na Segurong Pangkalusugan sa Bawat Filipino! Come together: Consolidation of the Medicare programs A couple of years after PhilHealth took the reins from the former Philippine Medical Care Commission, it assumed administration from and started with the consolidation of separate health insurance programs of the Government Service Insurance System in 1997, Social Security System in 1999, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in 2005 into one National Health Insurance Program. The historic integration led to the unification and subsequent increase in benefit levels as well. The First Amendment: Republic Act 9241 Signed on February 10, 2004, this law revises pertinent provisions of RA No.7875 which resulted to the merging of OWWA Medicare with the NHIP, enhancement of members’ benefits, and strengthening enrollment of indigent members into the program through sponsorship. More power to you: The Second Amendment RA No. 10606 amended RA No. 7875 to better the member experience through simplified registration process, and to ensure full coverage of the poor and the marginalized.

This also enhanced the powers of PhilHealth in implementing the program by strengthening its quasi-judicial functions. Small step, big leap for the health of the people: Introducing the primary care benefit Launched in 2012, the Primary Care Benefit 1 (PCB1) provides primary preventive services, diagnostics and medicines to specified diseases to select members. It was further expanded in 2017 through the Expanded Primary Care Benefits (ePCB) and extended coverage to members in the Formal Economy, Lifetime Members and Senior Citizens. The shift towards efficiency: The All Case Rates In 2013, PhilHealth shifted to case-based payment to make benefit payments predictable and equitable based on patients’ medical condition – a complete departure from the Fee-forService that is known to encourage wastage. Initially introduced in 2011 for selected cases, the system has set benefit amounts for more than 4,000 medical conditions and surgical procedures, making it easy for members to know exactly their PhilHealth entitlements. Covered from A-Z: The Z Benefits First introduced in 2012, this new set of benefits covers certain cases that are catastrophic and financially draining for afflicted members especially the underprivileged. Among the packages created are kidney transplantation worth P600,000, coronary artery bypass graft at P550,000, acute lymphocytic/ lymphoblastic leukemia at P500,000, and surgery for tetralogy of fallot for children at P320,000. In 2018, the packages were expanded to include cases of children with disabilities. “Peace of mind during sickness”: The No Balance Billing Policy This policy provides that no other fees or expense shall be charged against the patients above and beyond the case rates for the entire confinement. This was initially introduced to indigent and sponsored patients, and was later extended to Kasambahays, Senior Citizens and Lifetime Members in 2017. No coverage? No worries: Point-of-Care and Point-of-Service First introduced in 2013, the POC ensures that the poor and near poor confined in government hospitals are given coverage after having been assessed as financially incapable. Subsequently in 2017, the POS was introduced to strengthen the POC, which include patients who are financially capable by permitting them to pay a year’s worth of contribution to be able

to avail of social health insurance. Because we care: The arrival of the P-CARES In 2012, a roster of competent registered nurses called Customer Assistance Relations and Empowerment Staff (CARES) were deployed to accredited facilities to assist members in benefit availment. In 2015, the PhilHealth CARES won in the Philippine Government Best Practice Competition by the Development Academy of the Philippines; and was given the Customer Service and Transformation Excellence Award during the 33rd ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) Board Meeting in Pasay City, Philippines.

Remembering the needy and marginalized To further extend reach to the marginalized sectors, PhilHealth partnered with Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that orphans, abandoned and abused children and other minors are provided with social health insurance. The Kasambahays and senior citizens followed suit by virtue of special laws, while dual citizens and foreign nationals living in the country were also granted access to health insurance. No papers, no lines… just keep online. Web-based application Electronic Premium Remittance System (EPRS) was first introduced to employers in 2010 to replace the manual reporting system that they are required to do on a monthly basis. In 2015, the EPRS included an online payment facility which contributed to greater ease in doing business in the country in terms of easier payment of taxes. The feat was noted by no less than the World Bank in its Doing Business Report 2017 and

duly cited by the National Competitiveness Council. Efficient benefit entitlement The HCI Portal established a linkage between PhilHealth and its accredited facilities through online connection, simplifying and making benefit eligibility checking a breeze and real time – effectively cutting down time as well as eliminating the need to submit paper requirements. This electronic gateway took off in 2014. In just a few clicks: Member Inquiry Facility This facility allows members to verify online information contained in their membership profile and the summary of their contributions through an online platform linked to the PhilHealth website which was launched during PhilHealth’s 20th anniversary in 2015. We want to make it fast: Electronic claims This aims to provide the health care institutions to submit claims electronically and track the status of their claim reimbursements with the help of technology providers or inhouse developed software solutions duly certified by PhilHealth. The new system has enabled hospitals to transmit claims with ease, and be reimbursed faster. We have an App: All Case Rates Search Engine and Mobile Application Found in the homepage of PhilHealth’s website, this facility assists members and even providers in determining the amount that PhilHealth pays for medical conditions and procedures. This online platform was created in 2015 and can be downloaded and used by Android mobile phone users even offline. PhilHealth Action Center The PhilHealth Call Center was established in 2011 to efficiently manage the volume of members’ requests for timely information about their entitlements. To be more relevant, it expanded to a round-the-clock Action Center which administers customer queries on multiple channels which include e-mails, SMS, and the social media as well. We are certified! PhilHealth also takes pride being duly ISO 9001:2008 certified, the initial certification of which was awarded to selected offices in 2014, and subsequently granted to all its regional offices nationwide in 2015. In July

2018, PhilHealth leveled up to ISO 9001:2015 following the recommendation of third party auditor Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars Inc. Investing on the youth PhilHealth has initiated a full scale partnership with the Department of Education in order to integrate its social health insurance module using the PhilHealth Learner’s Manual in the basic to tertiary education curriculum. The program was pilot tested with tertiary level students of Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat in 2015. Quality matters The enhanced Benchbook for use of accredited health care providers aims to ensure that only quality service is provided to the members. First adopted in 2005 and fully implemented in 2010, the Benchbook is an innovative approach where PhilHealth shifted from a purely accountable framework to that of continuous quality improvement. We are now everywhere Launched in 2012, the PhilHealth Express are frontline desks conveniently located in malls and other high-traffic areas aimed at providing timely and quality frontline services to members who maximize their time fulfilling their health insurance concerns even while shopping, dining and bonding with families and friends, or in between errands. Reaching you: The Alaga Ka Campaign Alaga Ka (“Alamin at Gamitin”) is an integrated information campaign which aims to empower PhilHealth members to know their rights and privileges. Launched in March 2014, Alaga Ka is being conducted through roadshows in various barangays and local communities where members at the grassroots level can easily converge to avail of information and other services. Hall of Famer: ARTA Frontline Service Champion In 2018, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has conferred the Seal of Excellence Award (SEA) Hall of Famer to PhilHealth for earning the most number of SEAs from 2010 to 2016 – a testament to PhilHealth’s abiding commitment to excellence in customer relations and service. Most Trusted Government Agency PhilHealth was named most trusted social protection agency based on the 2017 and 5th Philippine Trust Index conducted by communications agency EON Group. PhilHealth garnered a total of 95 percent trust rating among various government agencies that include social protection entities. Increasing Social Media presence With increasing digital access among Filipinos, PhilHealth deemed it appropriate to go where most of its members are, enabling it to reach millions of members locally and overseas to inform them of new developments about the program. To date, its official Facebook page (PhilHealth Official) has more than 1.2 million followers who benefit from constant stream of information either from art card posts or through livestreaming facility “Facebook Live” which discusses specific topics at length. Our ultimate vision: Universal Health Care As PhilHealth welcomes the new era of reforms, it shifted its gears to the challenges of UHC. Real and profound changes will be felt by Filipinos in a progressive fashion starting with the automatic inclusion of all Filipinos into the NHIP, implementation of immediate eligibility to the benefits, introduction of a strengthened primary care package that entitles everyone regardless of their health status, among others. More reforms are on their way, and PhilHealth fully commits to take on every challenge as the nation endeavors to progressively realize Universal Health Care for the generations of today and of tomorrow.