THE MANILA TIMES | MARCH 27, 2019

PNP chief clears presidential adviser

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

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Deadlock over, 2019 budget sent to Palace

SIGNED AT LAST

Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd and Sen. Panfilo Lacson hold copies of the 2019 budget measure that the former signed on Tuesday with ‘strong reservations.’ CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Q The book’s author who fooled our gullible foreign secretary that the Chinese had agreed to leave Bajo de Masinloc.

US fooled Del Rosario and Aquino for its ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy

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E lost Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) in June 2012 to the Chinese when then President Aquino 3rd’s foreign secretary, Albert del Rosario, ordered our vessels out of the shoal’s lagoon, naively believing THE CLAIM OF THE 53 MEDIATOR THAT THE Chinese had also agreed to do so. That is an indisputable fact. Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th claims that Del Rosario ordered our vessels out WITHOUT !QUINO S PERMISSION .EITHER del Rosario nor Aquino has responded to Trillanes’ account ever since I reported it back in 2013.

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Panelo said Duterte has the right to veto such provisions. “The Senate said [the realignments are] illegal, unconstitutional. The President says he will not sign anything unconstitutional. As far as he is concerned, he will need to evaluate whether the opinion of the Senate is indeed correct. It depends. The President is a lawyer,� he said.

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BY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

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A N I L A Wa t e r Co. Inc., under kRE OVER A WATER shortage affecting parts of Metro Manila and Rizal PROVINCE SAID IT WOULD SLASH WATER BILLS NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE RELIEF to its suffering consumers.

)N A NEWS BRIEkNG ON 4UESDAY -ANILA 7ATER PRESIDENT AND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER &ERDINAND DE LA #RUZ ANNOUNCED A bill waiver scheme to be applied two ways, covering consumption in March that would be billed in April. The scheme, he said, would address the “widespread inconvenienceâ€? caused by the unprecedented water shortage that hit about 1.2 million households. For all 6.8 million customers across its East Zone concession area, Manila Water will waive its minimum charge, which REPRESENTS THE kRST CUBIC METERS CONsumed in a month. This ranges from as low as P76 a month for lifeline customers to as high as P656 a month for industrial customers. This will cost Manila Water about P150 million. ÂłBillA2

IMO: PH REMISS IN SUBMISSION OF EVALUATION REPORTS NewsA2

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man Salvador Panelo said Duterte would give weight to the reservations of Sotto. “That’s his judgment call, he will have to review the enrolled bill. If it is consistent with the Constitution, he will sign it,� Panelo added. The President, according to the spokesman, “always does the right thing� and would study the measure fully. If the President thinks that the realignments are unconstitutional,

Manila Water offers ‘one-time’ bill relief

What’s inside

AIRPORT REHAB TALKS OVER IF DEAL NOT REACHED SOON

02%3)$%.4 2ODRIGO $UTERTE WOULD carefully look into the controversyriddled 2019 budget bill passed by Congress before signing it into law, MalacaĂąang said on Tuesday. Senate President Vicente Sotto 3rd signed the P3.757 trillion national budget for 2019 “with strong reservaTIONS u kNALLY PASSING THE APPROPRIAtions act for Duterte’s approval. In a chance interview, Palace spokes-

THERE IS A SURPLUS OF‌ GOVT WATER AGENCIES

Marlen RonquilloA4

1,000 DAYS

Former senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. greets his supporters who gathered in front of the Supreme Court building on Monday night to mark the 1,000th day of his poll protest against Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEQUIA

MARCOS ASKS SC TO RESOLVE ELECTION PROTEST IN 2019

THE camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong� Marcos Jr. on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court (SC), sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, to investigate all concerned chairmen and members of the Board of Election Inspectors who served in the provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). -ARCOS kLED HIS CONSOLIDATED REPLY with urgent motion to resolve his omnibus motion seeking a ruling from the

electoral tribunal on his poll protest within the year. Three years have lapsed since the POLL PROTEST WAS kLED /N 4UESDAY THE Marcos camp marked the 1,000th day OF THE kLING OF THE PROTEST Marcos expressed optimism that he could still win the protest against Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo even with just three years or halfway the contested term. George Erwin Garcia, lawyer for

Marcos, said they were hopeful that the electoral tribunal would be able to resolve the case within this year or before Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin RETIRES IN /CTOBER Garcia said whatever the ruling of the tribunal would be, they would respect it, but what they were asking is for it to expedite the case. “If the tribunal rules that [Robredo] really won the race, then we have to

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VACC TO C AT H O L I C B I S H O P S :

‘Don’t meddle in death penalty debate’ NEW GRIZZLY CLAWS WESTBROOKS THUNDER: MAGIC VUCEVIC STUNS SIXERS

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MICHAEL V. DEBUTS AS DIRECTOR FOR GMA PICTURES’ RETURN

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4(% 6/,5.4%%23 !GAINST #RIME and Corruption (VACC) told Catholic bishops not to meddle with the issue of the reimposition of the death penalty, insisting that it was the job of Congress. This was after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) claimed that the death penalty was not the solution to the problem of illegal drugs in the country. “Don’t meddle with the death pen-

alty issue and let Congress do [its] job,â€? the VACC said in a statement. The CBCP on Monday urged the govERNMENT TO kRST LOOK AT OTHER ASPECTS OF the criminal justice system before the reimposition of the death penalty for drug smugglers. “The penalty is the last stage in the criminal justice system‌ so why DO THEY WANT TO ;kRST MAKE CHANGES= with the penalty?â€? Rudy Diamante,

executive secretary of CBCP Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, said in an interview. “It (the death penalty) has never been effective and they know that‌ They know very well deep in their hearts, it is not the solution. Killing has never been the solution,â€? he added. But the VACC insisted that the capital punishment was the best deterrent to heinous crimes. ÂłMeddleA7

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News

˜ The Manila Times WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

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IMO:

PH remiss in submission of evaluation reports

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BY RAFFY AYENG

HE International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations (UN) AGENCY HAS CONkRMED THAT THE 0HILIPpines failed requirements, including deadLINES FOR SENDING EVALUATION REPORTS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE )NTERNATIONAL #ONVENTION ON 3TANDARDS OF 4RAINING #ERTIkCATION and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers.

4HE CONkRMATION CAME AFTER THE country’s maritime regulators said the Philippines was still on the g7HITE ,ISTu OF THE )-/ Inclusion in the White List means that the country complies with minimum qualification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships under the revised 1978 International Convention on 34#7 OF THE 5. AGENCY In an email sent to The Manila Times, )-/ MEDIA RELATIONS CHIEF .ATASHA "ROWN SAID gTHE second annex lists Parties, which

have fulfilled requirements for submitting information related to independent evaluations� that are periodically undertaken by gQUALIkED PERSONS WHO ARE NOT themselves involved in the activities concerned.� Brown added that “the second annex lists the parties that have met the requirements for the submission of subsequent reports within the time periods prescribed. This revised list excludes those Parties that either have not submitted their subsequent reports or have submitted

them outside the time periods prescribed so that they are still under consideration by the competent persons� The second annex obtained by this paper does not have the Philippines on the list. Brenda Pimentel, a lawyer AND A FORMER )-/ REGIONAL COordinator in East Asia, earlier SAID THE )-/ DOCUMENT gAPpears authentic,� but it is not the White List. “The document acknowledges the countries [that] have submitted the necessary documents that will attest to the countries having put in place the necessary mechanisms that comply with the requirements of the STCW convention,� according to Pimentel, also a columnist of The Manila Times. “In the revised list, Malaysia and Panama are not listed yet, and therefore, the Philippines may be putting up the necessary COMMUNICATIONS TO THE )-/ 4HE list will be updated I am sure to include those [that] have trans-

mitted the communications. After submitting the documents, THAT IS WHEN THE )-/ WILL MAKE a determination if a country is to be retained on the White List,� she said. Pimentel urged stakeholders to check whether the Maritme Industry Authority (Marina) had complied with the “reportorial requirements under the STCW convention.� g) KNOW THAT THE )-/ IS NOW doing a reassessment of the White List by doing its own state audit. I do not know if the Philippines HAD BEEN AUDITED BY THE )-/ u she said. The Department of Transportation and Marina for the third time reiterated their commitment to comply with the STCW convention for seafarers to maintain its place in the White List. 4HE 5NITED &ILIPINO 3EAFARERS THROUGH ITS 0RESIDENT .ELSON 2AMIREZ HAD SAID IT WAS ABOUT TO send a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte and other government OFkCIALS TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER

PNP chief clears Yang THE 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL 0OLICE 0.0 ON 4UESDAY CLEARED 0RESIdential Adviser Michael Yang from allegations that he was involved in illegal drugs, a day after MalacaĂąang took up the cudgels for the former. 0.0 CHIEF /SCAR !LBAYALDE SAID Yang was neither in any watchlist nor included in any investigation related to illegal drugs. g!S FAR AS THE 0.0 IS CONcerned, we don’t have any information whatsoever on the alleged illegal activities of Michael Yang,â€? he said. Albayalde also denied the claim of dismissed Police Col. Eduardo Acierto that the intelligence report about Yang’s alleged drug links was ignored. “I do not remember having received any copy of an alleged REPORT THAT IDENTIkED PRESIDENTIAL adviser Michael Yang as being involved in drug activities. If there was actionable intelligence on this report, Acierto should have acted on it and launched operations EVEN WITHOUT CLEARANCE u THE 0.0 chief said. (E ADDED THAT FORMER 0.0 CHIEF Ronald “Batoâ€? dela Rosa did not turn over any intelligence reports to him. Acierto claimed that he submitted his report on Yang to dela Rosa. Acierto was named in a drug matrix by President Rodrigo Duterte last year, along with former Philippine Drug Enforcement !GENCY OFkCIAL )SMAEL &AJARDO AND kVE POLICE OFkCERS Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Acierto’s allegations against Yang could be his way of getting back for being included in the drug matrix. g/BVIOUSLY THE MOTIVE IS ‡ since he has been accused of involvement in drugs, he wants to get back, that’s why he is pointing kNGERS AT WHOEVER u 0ANELO SAID Panelo said Duterte and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua already cleared Yang earlier. “Even the Ambassador has cleared Michael Yang. In fact, he WAS TELLING PERSONALLY ‡ AND EVEN ) THINK ) MADE A STATEMENT ‡ ) will never associate myself with one who is involved in drugs. In fact, he slept there [in his house] I think one or twice,â€? Panelo said. /N -ONDAY 0ANELO SAID 9ANG would have ended up in the drug list if he was indeed involved in illegal drugs. “I do not think Michael Yang was ever involved, otherwise he would be in a list or he already has a case,â€? he said. ROY D.R. NARRA

TIMES VISITORS

The Manila Times’ President and Chief Operating Officer Dante Francis ‘Klink’ Ang 2nd talks to Junko Sato and Natsumi Yoshida of the Japan Information and Culture Center during their visit on Tuesday. PHOTO BY ORVEN VERDOTE

Duterte to celebrate 74th birthday at home PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will continue his tradition of quietly celebrating his birthday in his home in Davao City, his spokesman said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters, MalacaĂąang spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte, who is turning 74 on Thursday, would spend the day with his family. “The same celebration. He (Duterte) stays in the house and with the family,â€? Panelo said during a news briefing. Last year, the President celebrated his birthday in similar fashion, with a simple family get-together. On his 73rd birthday, Duterte got a visit from his grandchildren at his home. His former top aide and now a candidate for senator, Christopher Lawrence

“Bongâ€? Go, earlier said a simple prayer would make Duterte “very happyâ€? during his birthday. “Prayers from his wellwishers during his birthday would surely make him very happy,â€? according to Go. Duterte has not been known for throwing big parties on his birthday, even when he was mayor of Davao City for more than 23 years, and vice mayor for one term each and first district representative. He usually makes himself scarce on his birthday. The President was born on March 28, 1945 in Maasin, Southern Leyte to Vicente Duterte, who was governor of the undivided Davao in the late 1950s, and Soledad Roa, a teacher. CATHERINE S. VALENTE

Leila to Sara: Stop defending the dishonest 3%. Leila de Lima on Tuesday advised Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to use her platform TO gkGHT FOR A BETTERu 0HILIPPINES and not defend dishonest people. The senator responded to Duterte-Carpio’s “open letter� challenging her to propose a law making honesty a requirement for PUBLIC OFkCE g5NLESS YOU ARE ONE OF THEM don’t waste your life defending the dishonest, the corrupt, and the people whom you know will abuse their office,� de Lima said to the Davao mayor in an open letter. “Your ambition should not take precedence over our country’s FUTURE 5SE YOUR PLATFORM TO kGHT for a better Philippines. Do the right thing. Stop campaigning for trapos (traditional politicians) and MISkTS u SHE SAID “If I may give you an unsolicited advice, do not fool yourself. The spotlight and lavish attention is

not for you, it is for your father. And the politicians you surround yourself with are not there because they believe in your vision. They’re there because they want to use you,� she added. “Public office is a public trust. Anyone who seeks public office must have honesty and integrity. Candidates included. What kind of idiot would think that a dishonest candidate will be an honest public official?� she said. De Lima said she has nothing against Duterte-Carpio, chairman of the administration-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago regional party. “You are young and you have your life still ahead of you. You are given this platform by your father to say anything you want in a national scope without accountability. Politicians are stumbling over themselves trying to vie for your support,� she said. BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

PH, CAMBODIA BOOST DEFENSE TIES

4(% 0(),)00).%3 AND #AMBOdia have agreed to boost defense cooperation and bilateral relations to address security problems in the region, the DepartMENT OF .ATIONAL $EFENSE $.$ said on Tuesday. $.$ SPOKESMAN !RSENIO !Ndolong disclosed that Manila and Phnom Penh held their Inaugural

Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) earlier this month in Cambodia, attended by Defense 5NDERSECRETARY 2ICARDO $AVID AND 'ENERAL .EANG 0HAT SECRETARY OF state of the Cambodian Ministry OF .ATIONAL $EFENSE Andolong noted that the conference in Phnom Penh was an “offshoot� of the two nations’ 2017

Q BILL FROM A1

Manila g/UR LIFELINE CUSTOMERS WILL BENEkT MOST AS THEIR MINIMUM charge is typically also their MONTHLY CHARGE u DE LA #RUZ TOLD reporters. In the case of most severely affected barangay or villages, which, according to Manila Water, experienced no water supply for 24 hours for at least seven days, whether the service interruption is continuous or broken from March 6 to 31, they will not be billed for their water consumption for March. -ANILA 7ATER IS STILL kNALIZING the mechanics of its one-time bill RELIEF SCHEME 4HE !YALA LED kRM IS VALIDATING AND kNALIZING THE LIST of hard-hit areas and provide the information either by the end of -ARCH OR THE kRST WEEK OF !PRIL “I again ask for the forgiveness of our customers for the widespread inconvenience that we have caused in the East Zone concession area with this unprecedented water shortage situation that began on March 6 due to a SUPPLY DEkCIT WHICH IS BEYOND THE typical service interruption,� de la #RUZ SAID

Q Manila Water President and Chief Executive Officer Ferdinand de la Cruz

‘Reimburse hospitals’ Reacting to the announcement, Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa� Hontiveros called on Manila Water to reimburse six public hospitals that incurred losses amounting to over P 4.116 million at the height of the water shortage. Citing data from the Department of Health, Hontiveros said THAT FROM -ARCH TO THE 2IZAL Medical Center (RMC), Quirino -EMORIAL -EDICAL #ENTER .ATIONal Kidney and Transplant Institute .+4) .ATIONAL #ENTER FOR -ENtal Health, East Avenue Medical #ENTER AND THE !MANG 2ODRIGUEZ

-EMORANDUM OF 5NDERSTANDING on defense cooperation. “The meeting facilitated the exchange of views on regional defense and security issues such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism and violent extremism, and peacekeeping operations, among others,� he said in a statement.

The JDCC noted that the two COUNTRIES HAD FINALIZED VARIOUS activities that would engage their army, navy and air force services. “Both officials expressed hope that the inaugural meeting was a step forward to further strengthening defense relations between the two countries,� Andolong said.

g'ENERAL .EANG 0HAT EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE kRST meeting as it marks the positive development of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Cambodia,� he added. Andolong said the second JDCC meeting would be held in Manila next year. DEMPSEY REYES

Memorial Medical Center incurred added operational costs amounting to P1.372 million. From March 12 to 18, the RMC AND THE .+4) INCURRED ESTIMATED revenue losses of P630,000 and P1.75 million, respectively, or a total of P 2.38 million. Both hospitals had to limit the number of patients because of the water shortage. “In the same spirit and under the same principle that guided it in waiving its water fees as a form of compensation to consumers, Manila Water should immediately reimburse the said public hospitals and compensate them for the public health risks their patients were exposed to because of the water crisis,� she said. “It must make good on its promise to compensate all those who were severely affected by the water crisis and help restore CONSUMER TRUST AND CONkDENCE u said Hontiveros, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.

studying the penalties that could be imposed on the water utility under its concession agreement. g) WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE here that this is just a voluntary scheme notwithstanding what is in the concession agreement, meaning there will still be corresponding penalties,� Velasco said. “We cannot ask more because that is a voluntary,� Velasco said. “We have a mechanism. The fact that they have volunteered to waive the billing, we should probably be happy. I presume they have studied it thoroughly.� MWSS chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty had issued Manila Water a notice to explain why it should NOT BE PENALIZED UNDER THE CONCESsion agreement. Article 10, Section 10.4 of the concession agreement states: “A failure by the Concessionaire TO MEET ANY 3ERVICE /BLIGATION which continues for more than 60 days (or 15 days in cases where the failure could adversely affect public health or welfare) after written notice thereof from the 2EGULATORY /FkCE TO THE #ONCESsionaire shall constitute a basis FOR THE 2EGULATORY /FFICE TO ASsess financial penalties against the Concessionaire. All penalties RECEIVED BY THE 2EGULATORY /FkCE

pursuant to this Section 10.4 shall be rebated to Customers affected by the Concessionaire’s failure to meet Service.� Manila Water services the cities of Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Makati AND PARTS OF 1UEZON #ITY AND Manila. It also serves Antipolo #ITY AND THE 2IZAL TOWNS OF !Ngono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililla, 2ODRIGUEZ 4ANAY 4AYTAY AND 3AN Mateo. More than 97 percent of its customers already have access to water supply for 8 to 12 hours at THE GROUND lOOR LEVEL While Manila Water’s supply DEkCIT IS NOW DOWN TO MILlion liters per day (MLD) from -,$ DE LA #RUZ NOTED gTHERE are still small pockets, sitio or streets with intermittent no water situations resulting from operational adjustments and pressure management.� He assured customers it would continue to focus on its service recovery efforts. The next objective is to increase the number of hours for water availability as well as “slowly but carefully increase pressure,� with the ultimate goal OF NORMALIZING WATER SUPPLY u DE LA #RUZ SAID

Penalties eyed Despite Manila Water’s “extraordinary� move, Reynaldo Velasco, administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), said the agency’s regulatory arm was

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˜ The Manila Times

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

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Opinion

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

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E d i to r i a l Marina must ensure PH stays in global maritime list

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EXT month, an international panel of experts will begin an independent evaluation of whether the Philippines has been compliant with global seafaring standards. This was the seemingly innocuous announcement made to the press by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) earlier this week. The outcome of this evaluation, not many would know, could have an impact on the economic security of some 400,000 Filipino seafarers and their families. In a press statement, the Transportation department and Marina vowed that the Philippines would “fully comply with the International Convention on Standards OF 4RAINING #ERTIkCATION AND 7ATCHKEEPING 34#7 for seafarers to maintain its status in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ‘White List.’� The statement was released after The Manila Times published an exclusive story last week that the Philippines was in danger of being removed from the so-called White List of countries compliant with global seafaring standards under the STCW, which is enforced by the IMO, the London-based UN agency. Documents obtained by The Times showed that an IMO subcommittee did not include the Philippines in an initial listing of compliant countries following a meeting earlier this year. “This revised list excludes those Parties that either have not submitted their subsequent reports or have submitted them outside the time periods prescribed so that they are still under consideration by the competent persons,� the IMO document stated. It is quite clear that the Philippines has been unable to comply with the IMO reporting requirements, an embarrassment considering the country’s status as a major supplier of seafarers. In reaction, the DoTr and Marina called on the public to “remain vigilant against claims that the country was allegedly excluded from the IMO White List.� The Times made no such claims. The paper’s March 18 banner headline read, “PH risks dropping out of global maritime list.� The story quoted lawyer Brenda Pimentel, former IMO regional coordinator in East Asia and a columnist for The Times, who said the IMO document “appears authentic,� but it was not the White List. The DoTr-Marina press release did not mention or explain why the Philippines failed to make it to the initial listing of compliant countries made by the IMO subcommittee following its meeting earlier this year. DoTr and Marina, it seems, would rather keep these things to themselves even as they claim to be “taking the necessary steps to consistently improve the country’s maritime education, training, examination, and assessment system.� Henceforth, Marina should be transparent and disclose the results of the April 2019 audit, as well as report to the public and its stakeholders the status of the country’s compliance with IMO standards. The Times has done its part by reporting what the public needed to know: the status of such an important sector of the economy, and that the jobs of tens of thousands of seafarers are at stake if the country totally fails to meet IMO reporting standards. Moreover, the public, in particular, maritime industry stakeholders, needed to know that an important audit was forthcoming. Having said all this, Marina deserves multi-stakeholder support as it undergoes this independent evaluation. ~

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 165

DANTE A. ANG, Chairman Emeritus RENE Q. BAS, Publisher Emeritus NERILYN A. TENORIO, Publisher-Editor ARNOLD E. BELLEZA, Executive Editor FELIPE F. SALVOSA II, Managing Editor LEENA C. CHUA, News Editor LYNETTE O. LUNA, National Editor TESSA MAURICIO-ARRIOLA, Lifestyle Editor PERRY GIL MALLARI, Sports Editor LEA MANTO-BELTRAN, Supplements Editor JOMAR CANLAS, Chief of Reporters RENE H. DILAN, Chief Photographer DANTE F. M. ANG 2ND, President and CEO BLANCA C. MERCADO, #HIEF /PERATING /FkCER RODA A. ZABAT, Advertising Director VICENTE P. CRUZ, JR., Circulation Director DENISE O. CALNEA, Marketing Communications and Services Director Telephone All Departments: 524-5665 to 66; Subscription: 524-5664 Local 222 Advertising: 524-5664 Local 121 Telefax: 310-5895 or e-mail advertising@manilatimes.net XXX NBOJMBUJNFT OFU t F NBJM OFXTEFTL!NBOJMBUJNFT OFU Letters to the Editor THE MANILA TIMES is published daily at 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002 The owners, managers, publishers and editors do not necessarily share the opinions expressed and the statements made by individual authors of columns, commentaries and other articles published in The Manila Times.

Clamor for ‘secret voting, public counting’ growing D UE to the proximity of the May 2019 midterm elections, I have been interviewed, via phone patch, quite a few times in the last few weeks. The common question asked of me has been on the issue of the automated system that the Comelec intends to use. To all, I have responded that yes, the Comelec plans to deploy the same system used in 2010, 2013 and 2016. That system is Smartmatic’s precinct count optical scan (PCOS), renamed vote counting machine (VCM) a few years ago. The renaming, some IT people say, was made because of the bad reputation that PCOS had earned for itself during the above-mentioned election years. Regardless of that reputation, the commission bought, at a cost of billions of pesos, the more than 90,000 used PCOS units sometime in December 2017, shortly before the retirement of then Acting Comelec Chairman Bot Lim. To IT election advocates, that was such a horrible thing to do. This has now become ONE OF THE JUSTIkCATIONS BEING USED FOR not junking the Smartmatic system — Comelec already owns the machines! Sayang naman, nand'yan na ‘yan. I know, we’ve heard this line before, FROM GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS WHO HAVE committed acts against public interest.

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offered to him before the elections, and which he rejected, but which, apparently, his opponent accepted. LET’S Understandably, the clamor for FACE IT! the shift back to manual vote-counting is growing. A process that starts with manual counting, then followed by automated canvassing is what But what is it that’s so wrong with voters — in the know — prefer. They 0#/3 4HE kRST IS A VERY BASIC ISSUE refer to this simple, but transparent, vote-counting should not be auto- process as the “hybrid� system. The Philippines is not the only mated. Code Red, a book published in the United States, says, “Automated country that would experience autovote-counting is inherently insane!� mating its elections and then discovVote-counting should be witnessed ering that precinct-counting, to be and understood by the voters. Auto- transparent, must be manually done. mating it is very much like counting Following are examples picked up the votes behind a secret door. Would from the internet of countries which you trust the announced results if the have reverted to manual from autocounting were done in this manner? mated election systems. According to the Hill website, a The second is that it is much easier to execute cheating in automated elec- good number of US states abantions, especially when the “cheater� doned electronic voting machines, is an insider. One only needs to alter ensuring that most voters cast their the software in order to rig the results. ballots by hand on Election Day. In Germany, political scientist One technical person could do it, and nobody would be the wiser. And this Joachim Wiesner and his son, physican be done even without the knowl- cist Ulrich Wiesner, complained edge of the election administrator, that push-button voting was not transparent because the voter could meaning, the Comelec. After the 2010 elections, there were not see what actually happened to stories that results-rigging was being his vote inside the computer and was offered to some local candidates. One required to place his “blind faith� in candidate said that he lost by exactly the technology. In addition, the two the same percentage as was the win plaintiffs argued that the results were

GUS LAGMAN

open to manipulation. The German Supreme Court eventually ruled the voting machines unconstitutional. Ireland bought voting machines from the Dutch company Nedap for about â‚Ź40 million. The machines were used on a "pilot" basis in three constituencies for the 2002 Irish general election and a referendum on the Treaty of Nice. On April 23, 2009, the Minister for the Environment John Gormley announced that the electronic voting system was to be scrapped by an as yet undetermined method, due to cost and the public’s dissatisfaction with the current system. In the Netherlands, in 2008, evoting was suspended after 20 years of using it when activists showed that the system could, under certain circumstances, endanger the secrecy OF THE VOTE !N OFkCIAL COMMISSION found that the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, which was responsible for organizing elections, was lacking in in-house expertise, causing too much depenDENCE ON VENDORS AND CERTIkCATION agencies. Voters had to switch back to pen and paper. To the Comelec, I say: “Let’s bring back transparency in our elections; let’s count the vote manually at the precincts‌witnessed by the voters who cast those ballots!â€?

There is a surplus of‌govt water agencies

HE Senate and the House of Representatives, once the members of these two chambers recover their full faculties, will have to add this line of inquiry into their current probe on the water shortage that has been bedevilling Metro Manila and the farming areas. This is the tragedy of too many state-run government agencies involved with water issues. And despite this surplus of agencies, the issues of water generation, distribution, conservation — plus the protection of water resources — is an undertaking of impossible incompetence. Exhibit A of this monumental incompetence is the current drought, which has plunged Metro Manila into a Third World city of water rationing and plastic pails. And turned the countryside into CRACKED kELDS AND WILTED CROPS This is the unvarnished verdict on the water resource and distribution management functions of the state – unblemished by success. The two chambers should look into this question: How do you account for the existence of multiple agencies on the one hand and incomprehensible incompetence on the other? Second question: Is the proliferation of government agencies involved with water issues itself the problem? Let us get into the list and, for starters, we should identify the most prominent ones. The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is supposed to oversee the uninterrupted distribution of water by the main concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water. But that is not the sole source of its power. )T kXES AND REGULATES WATER RATES AND is supposed to make sure that bills

ITS LOW PROkLE STATUS IT IS THE GO TO agency on concerns related to the “optimum exploitation, utilization, development, conservation, and protection� of the country’s water resources, the potable kind in particular. It has all these powers: paid by the end-users are repaid by regulatory, policymaking and quasithe concessionaires with good service. judicial. It is in charge of one of our The water rates are high. But the most important patrimony — water. water delivery service is not. And these But broad directions of politwo duelling realities have not pre- cymaking, even on water, still vented those running the MWSS and rests with the National Economic those lucky ones sitting on the MWSS Development Authority. board from pocketing large salaries. The Department of Agriculture, as The Senate and the House, while originally structured, has two major still doing the inquiry, should reveal agencies dealing with water, the the total yearly compensation of the National Irrigation Administration incompetents running the MWSS (NIA) and the Bureau of Soils and and those sitting at the MWSS Water Management (BSWM). The board. How much does Mr. Velasco NIA is the agency overseeing the disget for his incompetence? tribution of water to the farms, the The Local Water Utilities Adminis- supervision of the many irrigation TRATION ,75! IS IN CHARGE OF kNANC- systems that are spread out across ing and rendering technical assistance the country while also managing the to the water districts outside of the dams that were built for the purpose two giant but exploitative conces- of generating irrigation water. sionaires. There is a LWUA board of The BSWM is supposed to be fotrustees and a LWUA chairman. It is cused on the country’s soil resources safe to presume that they are political that are cognates of food production. cronies and they are overpaid. There The powers were later expanded to was one case when the LWUA man- cover water resources utilization and agement even overstepped its bounds conservation technologies – with the — it used P780 million in LWUA precise aim of alleviating emergency funds to acquire a savings bank. conditions such as droughts. You can abolish the LWUA today The anti-pollution efforts directed and not a sliver of government at the country’s strategic and minor service will be missed by the public. water resources involve a tangle of The local government units, the agencies. The Environmental Manmajor provinces and cities in particu- agement Bureau is involved and so is LAR HAVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFkCES the Department of Health. On ma(PMOs) all dealing with water issues. rine pollution, the agency in charge The most powerful agency in the is now the Philippine Coast Guard. water sector is easily the National The protection of vital waterWater Resources Board. Despite shed areas, the important areas

MIDWEEK COMMENTS MARLEN V. RONQUILLO

that give life and sustenance to the major dams, is handled by four agencies — the Forestry Management Bureau, the NIA, the National Power Corp. and the BSWM. On sheer overlap of functions, collection of water data is being done by the following agencies: the LUWA, the NIA, the MWSS, the Pag-Asa and the Namria. Cloud-seeding during times of drought involves a trinity of agencies — the Philippine Air Force, the OfkCE OF #IVIL $EFENSE AND THE "37- In every sectoral issue, there are state agencies doing research work. For water, we have two research agencies, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (Pcaarrd) and the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (Pcamrd). The country has 72 lakes and 421 river basins, numbers that imply a country teeming with water resources. During the Marcos years, during an agency-creation-binge, each of the major river basins represented a corporate entity that did nothing more than fatten the already bloated bureaucracy. There was even a Sacobia River Basin Development Authority then and a Bicol River Basin Development Authority. What survived the efforts to trim the bloated bureaucracy are agencies such as the Laguna Lake Development Authority, which is still existing. All in all, there are 30 agencies involved with water generation, conservation, protection and development. The only thing that these multiple water agencies can’t produce well is‌water.

˜ The Manila Times

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Q TIGLAO FROM A1

US fooled Del Rosario and Aquino for its ‘Pivot to Asia’ strategy US Council of Foreign Relations and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The only logical conclusion with these facts is that Campbell executed a plan to advance the US “Pivot to Asia.â€? This is the US’ comprehensive strategy and operations, started during the Obama administration, to contain the rise of China as the superpower in the region that would have ended the US’ decades-long, Campbell unchallenged hegemony in Asia. Aquino provoked the ScarborWhy didn’t the US, and especially ough crisis when he sent the Navy Campbell, raise a howl to the world warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a that China didn’t honor its word, former US Coast Guard vessel that ESPECIALLY AS THIS PERFECTLY kTS INTO was sold to the Philippines cheap the American narrative that China by the US, to help our Coast Guard is a traitorous, expansionist power? ARREST #HINESE kSHERMEN THERE Light would be shed with That ignited a howl in China as Campbell’s background. He is Aquino’s move was portrayed as not just your ordinary State De- the Philippines using a warship partment career diplomat. He is given by the Americans to arrest considered as the main architect helpless Chinese fishermen in of and propagandist for the territory that “China owned.â€? It Denied Obama administration’s major became a cause cĂŠlèbre in China, foreign policy thrust, euphemis- that the Chinese leadership could The Chinese diplomat in the talks, tically called “Pivot to Asia,â€? the not back out of, lest it risked bethen Foreign Affairs Vice Minister American strategy to contain ING OUSTED &OR THE kRST TIME IN Fu Ying, totally denied that that China’s emergence as a regional China’s recent history, generals there was such an agreement. In- superpower and maintain Ameri- of the People’s Liberation Army deed, only the most incompetent can hegemony in the region. were quoted as saying that they diplomat would have assumed that But not only that. Campbell’s would not allow a single inch of Fu had the authority at that one-day had been Chief of Naval Op- Chinese territory to be lost. secret meeting in a Virginia hotel, erations Special Intelligence Unit, Chinese and Philippine vessels reto commit her country to such a deputy assistant defense depart- fused to budge at the shoal’s lagoon crucial decision. It was astonishing ment secretary for Asia, and di- for 10 weeks, knowing that whoever indeed that Cuisia and del Rosario rector on the National Security leaves the area in effect gives up its were ignorant of the fact that China Council Staff. After leaving the claim to it — forever, as it were. — as all countries do — have a State Department in February mandatory hierarchical system for 2013, he set up a national security Pretends deciding on a course of action. think tank, the kind that underCampbell then pretends to act as Even the respected London- takes national-security strategies. based Financial Times in its reHis background says he is less mediator, and fools del Rosario port on that episode was aghast a diplomat and more of a strate- that China had agreed to leave the at del Rosario’s naivetĂŠ: gist — and agent — for advancing shoal so he would order our ships to “It is unclear whether Ms Fu America’s superpower status, and abandon Scarborough. Indeed, a sereally tried to sell the agreement his main concern has been to cret email dated June 17, 2012 from in Beijing or whether the foreign contain the rise of China in Asia. Clinton’s chief of staff had reported ministry was overruled by more With his background, Campbell to her a week after the Philippines hawkish elements in the Chinese could not have made the blunder lost Scarborough: “We put a lot of system, including the military. of trusting that China would keep pressure on the Phils to step back‌â€? ‘When you think about it, neither its word that its ships would leave The result of Campbell’s Machiais a very appealing outcome,’ says Scarborough Shoal together with vellian maneuvering, and after the one participant in the talks.â€? those of the Philippines. If he had propaganda support by the Aquino 7HAT IS EXTREMELY SIGNIkCANT IS made that monumental boo-boo, government and its controlled methat not even the US has gone on WOULDN T HE HAVE BEEN kRED IM- dia, as well as by the Western press, record to claim that the Chinese mediately by Clinton? is the following narrative: reneged on an agreement to leave “China grabbed Bajo de MasinScarborough Shoal together with Pivot loc from the Philippines. Imagine, the Philippines. it is only 200 km from Subic Bay US Assistant State Secretary for He wasn’t. He even went on to and 1,000 km from China’s HainAsia Kurt Campbell was the diplo- become a member of the elite an province.â€? Even an old hand

The Chinese vessels didn’t leave the shoal, and with the unwritten rule in all territorial squabbles that a party that leaves a disputed area loses it, unless it uses military force — for which the world will, however, condemn it. If China had not taken advantage of del Rosario’s boo-boo, and allowed Philippine vessels to return to the shoal’s lagoon, there would have been such a howl among the Chinese, especially the People’s Liberation Army, that the Communist Party leadership would have certainly been ousted from power. Only our then ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia, who was actually in the meetings with the Chinese, and del Rosario have claimed that China reneged on the agreement. But they cannot even produce a document such as an aide memoire or “draft memorandum of agreement� that are SOP instruments in any kind of negotiations.

mat who initiated the talks and told Cuisia that the Chinese had agreed to withdraw from the shoal. But even he has not claimed that China reneged on the agreement. In his 2016 book, The Pivot: The Future of American Statecraft in Asia, his only mention of the episode was: “The Philippines’ ten-week standoff with China ultimately resulted in its loss of the Scarborough Shoal, which is claimed by both countries.�

in Asia like Philip Bowring who claims to have studied the South China territorial disputes for decades wrote in a news website that “China invaded Scarborough.� The Yellow Cult, since President Duterte made his own “pivot to China,� have kept up the narrative, exploiting Filipinos’ centuries-old anti-Chinese racist bias, and spreading the fake news that China has been HARASSING OUR kSHERMEN Campbell though had an even long-term aim. As del Rosario had reported, it was China’s “grabbing� of Scarborough that was “the catalyst� in his — and most probably the Americans’ — success in getting the Philippine government to kLE THE SUIT AGAINST #HINA IN THE Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, invoking the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Propaganda There is no multilateral institution and no country that would enforce the arbitration award. But it has given the US the huge PROPAGANDA VICTORY AND JUSTIkCAtion for its government lawyers to claim that the award by an international body ruled as without basis much of China’s claims in the waters in the South China Sea — especially those encompassed by its enigmatic nine-dash line. The US’ aircraft carriers, battleships and submarines therefore had the right by international law to sail almost anywhere in that sea, telling China that it is still the hegemon. The Americans had been wanting for more than a decade for some international body to rule in the way the arbitral court did. The 53 ITSELF COULDN T kLE SUCH A CASE however, as it had no business in the South China Sea, having no claim to any territory there. But lucky for the US, an incompetent, slavishly pro-America Yellow regime emerged in 2010. It took the Americans just three years TO PLAY IT TO kLE THE SUIT AGAINST China — even getting it to happily pay for its P500 million legal costs.

Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ gmail.com Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao Twitter: @bobitiglao Archives at: www.rigobertotiglao.com

The destruction of the environment: An unfolding tragedy for humanity good deal of work underway to develop “nature-based solutions� that UNITED NATIONS: Late last year the harness the power of nature to tackle World Wide Fund for Nature re- social and economic challenges. UNDP has been working leased their "Living Planet Report for 2018." WWF’s estimates were stark: around the world with partners populations of mammals, birds, to trial these ideas and many kSH REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS HAVE HAVE SIGNIkCANT IMPLICATIONS FOR on average, declined by 60 percent human development work. Environmental concerns often hit the between 1970 and 2014. The Earth is estimated to have poorest the hardest. Not only are poor communities lost about half of its shallow water corals in the past 30 years. most vulnerable to crop failure or ! kFTH OF THE !MAZON HAS DIS- lOODING BECAUSE OF CLIMATE CHANGE appeared in just 50 years, and for example, but they are also less 2018 marked the worst level of resilient — or unable to recover from — such natural disasters. deforestation in history. Moreover, protecting nature This is a tragedy for nature. And an unfolding tragedy for is of critical concern to those humanity: the destruction of the who care about equity between environment is threatening the generations, and it is clear from planet’s life support systems that the data that the challenges faced we all rely on every day for our by the current generation dwarf in comparison to those that air, water and food. The impact on people’s lives is the next generation will face if already apparent with 3.6 billion most environmental indicators people facing water scarcity at continue their current trajectory. Fo r Wo r l d W i l d l i f e D ay, least one month a year, and 3.1 billion people drinking water the Human Development Report /FkCE HAS RELEASED GUIDANCE TO with a risk of contamination. The "2019 Global Risks Re- both inspire and assist UN counport" from the World Economic try teams to investigate how na&ORUM IDENTIkED g-AJOR BIODI- ture-based solutions could help versity loss and ecosystem col- a nation’s human development. The material looks at solulapse (terrestrial or marine)� as both one of the most likely and tions that can help tackle climate most serious global risks with change, improve the management “irreversible consequences for of land and water (both fresh and the environment, resulting in se- marine) and help maintain biodiverely depleted resources for hu- versity directly. We use case studies to show how nature-based solumankind as well as industries.� Fortunately, there is already a tions can help promote human BY JON HALL

development and help wildlife. One example from Namibia looks at the broader development benefits national parks can bring to a country and those who live near them. Namibia has some of the world’s most spectacular national parks and wildlife. Indeed, onehalf of the country falls within national protected areas or communal or private conservancies. But protected areas often struggle to receive adequate funding, often because there is an undervaluation of their economic benefits, resulting in underinvestment by the government. UNDP’s economic analysis indicated that the protected area (PA) system contributed up to 6 percent of Namibia’s GDP. And this was only counting park-based tourism without including the value of other ecosystem services. The study showed that further investment in PAs could lead them to contribute up to 15 percent of GDP in the medium-term. Namibia’s Ministry of EnvironMENT AND 4OURISM USED THE kGURES to negotiate a 300 percent increase in the state budget for park management and development. Working with UNDP, the government has strengthened the national park system in several ways and developed important national policies. Perhaps the most important was the Tourism and Wildlife Concessions Policy, regarded as

one of the world’s best models for protected area concessions, and probably the only one with such a strong emphasis on, and provision for, supporting the livelihoods of rural people living in and around protected areas. Another example — looking at the importance of the bio-economy — comes from Colombia, a nation that shelters more than 10 percent of the planet’s biodiversity. A Colombian company has begun extracting blue dye from the fruit of the Jagua Tree (Genipa americana). The new product is for many purposes better than chemical based dye. 4HE BENEkTS ARE BEING SHARED with both the Colombian state and local communities who supply the fruit from which the dye was developed. And so the Jagua Fruit, a resource that used to have no economic use, began to generate income and improved livelihoods for local communities. If the world is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals there must be a greater focus on development that allows both people and the planet to prosper. We hope that the next generation of national human development reports from across UNDP program countries will embrace and promote the nature-based solutions needed for that to happen. IPS

Jon Hall is Policy specialist at the Human Development Report /FkCE 5.$0

Opinion

A5

Clash of civilizations Islam, China and the Philippines Part 2

I

N the book, Huntington began forming his hypothesis several decades back by exploring the archetypes of global politics in the post-Cold War period, in an attempt to predict the future world order. The dominant thought surfacing then was that the West won the Cold War, therefore liberal democracy, capitalism and expansion of free markets, with the attendant Western values of human rights were the only remaining alternatives for other nations to adopt. Western prismatic view of the clash of civilizations followed a logical trajectory of historical development from the struggles between kings and nation states and ideologies. But after 1991, non-Western civilizations, especially those behind the iron curtain and those coopted by the West, began to shape the new world order. Further Huntington postulates that historical antecedents produced his so-called “cleft countries� where a country contains two civilizations, example, Sri Lanka comprising (INDU AND "UDDHIST #ONlICTS APpear in two forms: fault lines and CORE STATE CONlICTS 4HE FORMER OCCURS between adjacent states belonging to different civilizations (Egypt-Israel), or within states that are home to populations from different civilizations (Ukraine). The latter are full-blown CONlICTS BETWEEN MAJOR CORE STATES of different civilizations spilling over from expanding local fault-line engagements (India and Pakistan). He also introduced “swing civilizations,� giving Russia, Japan and India as examples. These countries have the capability of taking sides, upending the power dynamics, dictated by their country’s self-interest. An illustration is Russia absorbing predominantly Muslim Chechnya while cooperating with Shia Muslim Iran to avoid Muslim-Orthodox encroachments in Southern Russia. But several political scientists debunk Huntington’s take on the Western belief in the exclusive universality of Western values and political systems. Such insistence only further widens the cleavage between civilizations, further exacerbating the already untenable situation. Critics have attacked Huntington’s position that nationalism, pluralism and democracy are alien to people in Arab lands and Muslim countries. This simplistic view is the biased Western assessment on the long dormant longings of a subjugated people. Countries during or after the Cold War act on the basis of their national interest and they will continue to do so in the new world order; although admittedly (Huntington could be half correct) NATIONAL INTEREST ARE LIKEWISE DEkNED broadly and increasingly in cultural terms, perforce aligning themselves with countries of similar cultures. With this insight, nations too are subject to a Jekyll and Hyde syndrome with multiple identities, one appearing when circumstances change. Fear, resulting in political passivity, is largely the stimulus wielded principally by fundamentalist Muslim regimes. But when fear is substituted for hope, as in the post-UAMMAR 'ADDAk S ,IBYA AND POST Mubarak Egypt, a surge of heightened expectations and aspirations appear — which could be equated quite ERRONEOUSLY WITH AN EXCLUSIVE DEknition of Western values of freedom and democracy. The eruptions of the “Arab Spring� (Tunisia 2010) give the lie to Huntington’s Western-values premise. Islam in these countries were prepared to surface their own values of pluralism, democracy and freedom in exchange for their lives. Having said all these, the book’s major corollary controversies are becoming more obvious. First, is the Chinese hegemon replacing America? My take is perhaps today WE ARE STILL IN A lUX BETWEEN THE ideological Cold War conflicts towards a full-scale clash of civilizations. This is a slight departure from Huntington’s premises. The world will not tolerate a power vacuum and a dangerous political vacuity opened up resulting from the withdrawal of the United States from world engagements. The unilateral abrogation of the 4RANS 0ACIkC 0ARTNERSHIP 400 THE

LITO MONICO C. LORENZANA ominous bilateral trade talks with China and Trump’s naĂŻve posturing towards its protegee, Kim Jong Un, allowed Xi Jinping a degree of CONkDENCE TO lEX HIS MUSCLES TEST the waters and encroach into the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), upsetting the countries in the periphery. This has altered the power equation in Southeast Asia. We can only surmise how the two major civilizations in the area, Japanese and Hindu, will react to the similarly ancient Chinese civilization. And the impulsive withdrawal OF 53 PRESENCE FROM THE CONlICT IN Syria allowed a possible resurgence of the IS and half-abandoning the hapless Kurds to their ancient foe, Turkey; all these despite Trump’s grandstanding and arrogant pronouncements of having won over Islamic terrorism. True, the Islamic civilization has no core states, but Islamic and Chinese are being driven into each other’s arms with the careless actions of America or at the very least, present an entente against the insufferable West. President Duterte may have deduced certain negative elements of the Huntingtonian premises that propelled him earlier in his administration to pivot away from Mother America to Brother China. Any which way, the Deegong has led his country down an untrodden foreign policy path. We are a counTRY HEAVILY INlUENCED BY 7ESTERN values, but scratch the surface and one finds a proud Malay race, a civilization once dominant in the region but long gone. Huntington in his book, doesn’t even mention such civilization. He erroneously lumps the country as composed of mixed civilizations, with the South (Mindanao) described as Islamic. Which brings us further to the Christian-Islamic undercurrents — which in Huntington’s thesis designates the Philippines as a “cleft country,â€?that is, one containing two civilizations. This is where Huntington’s hypothesis is on shaky ground. Added to this cauldron is a large INlUENCE OF THE #HINESE AND EVEN Japanese civilizations. Would we then categorize ourselves as mongrelized? The second corollary controversy: is Islam really at war with the West? And what are the implications to our country, particularly Mindanao? Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, a critic has this to say: â€œâ€Ś (Huntington claims) US, helped by European countries, has repeatedly invaded Muslim countries, Afghanistan and Iraq‌Facts! Since WW2 US invaded 30 countries: Vietnam, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, etc. In South America, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Granada. These are not religious wars. US wanted to steal their resources, extend power AND INlUENCE AND kGHT AGAINST 3OVIET Union and communism.â€? $R (OODBHOY DElATES (UNTINGton further: â€œâ€Śwhy many Muslims want to migrate to the West? And why accept them? If there is war why Muslims born in the US become automatic citizens? And his clincher: â€œâ€ŚMuslims from Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh working years in Saudi Arabia or Gulf Estates can never be citizens nor their children born there. And these countries claim to be protector of Islam and guarantors of their prosperity.â€? The notion of a clash of civilizations was not advocated by Islam nor by the Chinese, Hindu or Japanese but by the Westerner Huntington. Today, in all regions, the lives of Muslims are threatened not by the Western, Sinic, Hindu and ther civilizations, but mostly by Muslim themselves: Shite Iran and Sunni Iraq; Syria’s civil war; and Pakistan’s religious extremist violence are just among the few. And perhaps, at the risk of oversimPLIkCATION ) MIGHT ADD THESE CONlICTS may be an offshoot of the acts of a uniquely ill-informed leader of an erstwhile “free worldâ€? who singlehandedly destroyed the legacy of his forebears and the residues of the Cold War. The current American President.

For comments: lito.lorenzana@cdpi.asia

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Bridging the gap and keeping the price

I

WROTE somewhat philosophically last week on monocultural and multicultural societies, of peace and violence. The main message was that most Southeast Asian nations are multicultural in their social outlook, and it is therefore especially important that we all adopt a tolerant and inclusive attitude toward one another, both domestically and regionally. If we do it right, we can be the role model for the rest of the world as to how to live peacefully with one another. If we do it wrong, we could just as well rapidly degenerate into the warring mentality and indeed behavior of many in the Middle East and, at least previously, in the Balkans. Well, let’s write more practically this week, of people and money. I have always wondered why many people are in hot pursuit of more and more money, beyond what is perhaps required for their basic subsistence. Then it dawned on me that money is used as a medium of exchange. In olden days people used to mostly barter-trade, such as my harvested banana exchanging for your sweet potato. But of course this sort of quid pro quo trade,

EI SUN OH THOUGH PERHAPS SUFkCIENT IN ANcient societies, proved increasingly inadequate for the complexities of modern societies, where people would need more than just basic items to carry on with their lives. So, money emerged as a form of intermediary, such that the possession of money enables one to purchase more than just a few basic items. And with such choices come more freedom and personal dignity. In cruder terms, as people accumulate more money, their degree of freedom and dignity increases. When I visited Manila two weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be entertained by a number of quite well-to-do friends, and I learned of plenty of business potential as enumerated by the many esteemed speakers during The Manila Times business forum. But at the same time, as I was driven back and forth between Makati and downtown Manila, the driver utilized many

backstreets, perhaps to avoid the dreaded traffic jams on the main boulevards, but even these sometimes narrow backstreets were often jammed up as well. So, I had the opportunity to look up-close at some of the less than glamorous livelihood of many residents. I was thinking to myself, if only the seemingly huge wealth gap between the very rich and the very poor could be better bridged, imagine the creativity that could be unleashed, which could then be channeled to develop the national economy. I think resolving THE TRAFkC JAMS BY MEANS OF MORE EFkCIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT COULD BE A kRST STEP IN THIS DIRECTION SO THAT people would not have to waste TIME STUCK IN TRAFkC !S ) PASSED BY a stretch with the ultra-modern art school campus of De La Salle University on one side of the street and the rather dilapidated buildings on the other, this sort of “bridging the gap� imagery popped up prominently in my mind. !CROSS THE 0ACIkC /CEAN THE Americans, or at least their Federal Reserve system (the American equivalent of a central bank), appears to have almost always been

preoccupied with a closely related MONEY MEASURE NAMELY INlATION This was perhaps a long-lasting RElEXIVE REACTION ON THE PART OF American monetary policymakers, after what took place almost a century ago during the Great Depression, when abject poverty caused by joblessness as a result of an economic crash was aggravated by runaway price hikes. Other countries employ monetary policy (mainly the issuance or withdrawal of money into and out of the open money market) mainly to stimulate or to arrest economic growth. But it would appear that the Fed flaunts its monetary policymaking authority PRIMARILY TO MAINTAIN AN INlAtion goal of around 2 percent, for the Fed also realizes that a nonINlATING ECONOMY IS A STAGNANT one. As a result, over the past three years, as the world economy is still reeling from the devastating aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis (which ironically originated in Wall Street), the Fed has been worrying over what it saw as the “overheating� US economy. In all its profound economic wisdom, the Fed has since then raised its

World’s best teacher from impoverished Kenya receives $1M prize

Q Actor Hugh Jackman announced that Kenya teacher Peter Tabichi was winner of the Global Teacher Prize. Courtesy: Global Education and Skills Forum – an initiative of the Varkey Foundation BY BUSANI BAFANA DUBAI: A maths and physical science teacher from an impoverished school in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Peter Tabichi, has won the $1-million Global Teacher Prize, becoming the kRST TEACHER FROM !FRICA TO CLINCH THE PRIZE established to honor the profession. Tabichi, 36, emerged the winner from a top list of 10 nominees from Brazil, Georgia, Netherlands, United Kingdom, India, United States, Argentina, Australia and Japan. “I cannot believe it,� Tabichi, told IPS at a press conference after he was named winner. “This is a motivation for teachers in +ENYA !FRICA AND THE WORLD )T AFkRMS THAT teaching is the best profession and I will continue to make a change by teaching.� The Global Teacher Prize is the largest prize of its kind that recognises an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession but also to highlight the important role of teachers in society. Actor Hugh Jackman announced Tabichi’s name at a glittering ceremony that sent the packed hall into thunderous applause. Tabichi was recognized for his dedication, hard work and passionate belief in his students’ talent. Thanks to his efforts the poorly resourced Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School in Nakuru County, in remote rural Kenya, has emerged victorious after taking on the country’s best schools in national science competitions. Citing his father as his inspiration for becoming a teacher, Tabichi, a member of the Franciscan Brotherhood, gives away 80 percent of his monthly income to help the poor students in his school, many of whom come from poor families — almost a third are orphans or have only one parent — with many going without food at home. The students have difficult experiences ranging from drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, early school dropout, young marriages and there have been cases of suicide. The school itself has only one computer, poor internet connection and a studentteacher ratio of 58:1.

Q Maths and physical science teacher Peter Tabichi picture after the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School teacher has won the $1-million Global Teacher Prize at a ceremony in Dubai. BUSANI BAFANA/IPS “Every day in Africa we turn a new page and a new chapter,â€? said Tabichi. “This prize does not recognize me but recognizes the continent’s young people‌as a teacher working on the frontline I have seen the promise of its young people — their curiosity, talent, their intelligence and their belief.â€? Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, congratulated Tabichi on winning the award in a special video message broadcast at the ceremony in which he described Tabichi as a shining example of what the human spirit can achieve, not just for Kenya and Africa, but also for the rest of the world. “Peter your story is the story of Africa, a young continent bursting with talent,â€? Kenyatta said. “Your students have shown that they can compete among the best in the world in science, technology and all kELDS OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR !LL WE NEED IS to give them the right support.â€? The Global Teacher Prize, open to all working teachers, is part of the Varkey Foundation’s commitment to improving the status of teachers across the world. In their Global Teacher Status Index in NoVEMBER HE kRST ATTEMPT TO COMPARE

attitudes toward teachers in 21 countries. The study found that between a third and half of the parents surveyed would probABLY ‡ OR DEkNITELY NOT ‡ ENCOURAGE THEIR children to enter the teaching profession. The Global Teacher Status index in 2018 showed for the first time a direct link between teacher status and pupil performance as measured by PISA scores. “I want to congratulate Peter Tabichi for winning the Global Teacher Prize 2019. I hope Peter’s story will encourage others to enter the teaching profession and shine a spotlight on the truly inspiring work teachers do to make tomorrow brighter than today,� said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation. In an earlier interview with IPS Tabichi said if he won he would use the prize money strengthen the Talent Nurturing Club, the Science Club and interschool science project competitions at the school. He also planned to “invest in a school computer lab with better internet connectivity.� And said that he would also promote kitchen gardening and production of drought tolerant IPS crops in the community at large.

funds rate (the rate by which the Fed “lends� to commercial banks) by 0.25 percent every quarter, in an attempt to cool down the rekindling US economy and thereby “tame� what must have appeared to the Fed as a potential gRUNAWAYu INlATION The Fed’s idea, as classical economics would also dictate, is that with less money circulating in the US economy, there will be less willingness to purchase goods and services, so demand would decrease and abundant supplies would then drive down prices. But the Fed either overlooked or chose to neglect the fact that the money circulates exclusively in the US economy. As the world’s largest economy, American “money,� be it “hot� or “cold,� is much sought after in the rest of the world, and does circulate widely in the world. Developing or emerging-market economies, Malaysia and the Philippines included, are in great need of such American investments and funds to develop further. But American investors and funders understandably also need to carefully weigh the undeniably higher business and other forms of risk

in emerging markets which may bring about higher yields, against the lower risks associated with lower returns back in America. When the Fed raises its funds rate, American businesses overseas are tempted to repatriate their earnings and funds which would otherwise stay on in the invested economy and roll on for future projects. This is why there occurred WAVES AND WAVES OF CAPITAL lIGHT away from emerging economies back to the US markets. But this phenomenon is a double-edged sword. The repatriated AmeriCAN FUNDS WILL lOW INTO THE 53 markets and “compensate� the missing funds there caused by the Fed’s rate-raising, hence canceling OUT THE &ED S COUNTER INlATIONARY intentions. On the other hand, this also deprives the developing economies in the rest of the world of much-needed US funds. Last week the Fed finally decided to halt raising its rates further, at least for the remainder of this year. Well, it remains to be seen whether such a longneeded measure could indeed ameliorate the damage around the world that it has caused.

FOCUS

‘Reckoning’ looms for news media as Russia probe clears Trump WASHINGTON, D.C.: Donald Trump’s inner circle piled in Monday on the US news media, which was plunged into soul-searching over coverage of a two-year probe that failed to show collusion between the President’s 2016 campaign and Russia. With America’s political landscape RESET BY THE BOMBSHELL kNDINGS SOME continued to defend aggressive reporting of a story still unfolding — but other observers warned a “reckoning� was in store over potentially biased coverage. The White House wasted little time in sharpening its attacks. “I think Democrats and the liberal media owe the president, and they owe the American people an apology,� Trump’s spokeswoman Sarah Sanders charged on NBC, echoing similar demands from the president’s sons, Donald Jr and Eric. But well beyond the Trump camp, there was an acknowledgment that the summary of Robert Mueller’s conclusions released Sunday risked badly damaging the credibility of many news outlets in the eyes of the public. g)T S OFkCIAL 2USSIAGATE IS THIS GENeration’s WMD,� ran the headline of a damning analysis by Rolling Stone editor and author Matt Taibbi — alluding TO lAWED COVERAGE OF 3ADDAM (USSEIN S alleged weapons of mass destruction arsenal in the run-up to the Iraq war. Taibbi called the special counsel’s kNDINGS A gDEATH BLOW FOR THE REPUTAtion of the American news media.� “Nothing Trump is accused of from now on by the press will be believed by huge chunks of the population,� he wrote. Glenn Greenwald, co-founder of The Intercept, argued cable news outlets in particular need to face up to errors of judgment. “Check every MSNBC personality, CNN law ‘expert,’ liberal-centrist outlets and #Resistance scam artist and see if YOU SEE EVEN AN IOTA OF SELF RElECTION humility or admission of massive error,� Greenwald said on Twitter. “If there’s no media reckoning for what they did, don’t ever complain again when people attack the media as ‘Fake News.’�

‘No time to retreat’ Many media analysts were more nuanced, arguing it was too soon to make judgments on coverage of the Russia probe based on Attorney General Bill Barr’s letter to Congress summarizing Mueller’s still-secret report. “I don’t think the media can be charged with being unfair to Donald Trump,� said Stephen Ward, a media ethicist and former director of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Journalism Ethics. “With a president so aggressive and so challenging the constitution, the media had to report on him.� Instead of being cowed, Ward argued media outlets should do their job to get

the full report to the public. “They’ve got to get their hands on a copy and publish it immediately,� he said. Washington Post media writer Margaret Sullivan said media “should be proud� of its coverage, arguing “this is no time to retreat.� “American citizens would have been far worse off if skilled reporters hadn’t dug into the connections between Trump’s associates — up to and including his son Don Jr — and Russians,� Sullivan wrote. “I don’t see how anyone could say this was overhyped,� echoed Northeastern University journalism professor Dan Kennedy. But Kennedy conceded there were legitimate questions over the coverage of outlets such as CNN and MSNBC. “I think when we look to what’s bad in the media, it’s natural to look to cable news, which has to sell hours of air time with talk and speculation,� Kennedy said. “There was speculation that Donald Trump Jr. would be indicted, that [Trump son-in-law] Jared Kushner would be indicted.� Donald Trump Jr. set the tone for the counterattack, assailing “more than two years of nonstop conspiracy theories from CNN, MSNBC, BuzzFeed and the rest of the mainstream media.� His brother Eric chimed in, tweeting: “How about a simple apology from the #MSM for the hell everyone has been put through for the past two + years?� Visibly emboldened by the turn of the events, the White House sent a memo out to television producers urging them to “employ basic journalistic standards� when booking six highPROkLE 4RUMP CRITICS WHO IT SAID HAD “made outlandish, false claims� on air. The figures singled out included Democrats Adam Schiff, Jerry Nadler, Richard Blumenthal, Tom Perez and Eric Swalwell, as well as former CIA director John Brennan.

Partisan divide Deborah Potter, a former CBS News correspondent who now runs media and ethics training programs, said much cable coverage was “based on speculation, because there were zero leaks from Mueller.� She also stressed that “many responsible news organizations were giving the correct impression� of where the probe was headed. But Potter warned the heightened SCRUTINY TRIGGERED BY -UELLER S kNDINGS would make it harder for the sector to regain the public’s trust, badly eroded in recent years. “We’ve seen a rebound in general trust in the media, but the partisan divide is as deep as ever,� Potter said. “Republicans distrust the media by a wide margin and that is a symbol of where things stand, and troubling for democracy.� AFP

Regions

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

A7

Ombudsman suspends Quezon town mayor 4(% /FFICE OF THE /MBUDSman ordered the six months preventive suspension without pay of Mayor Sergio Francisco Emprese of San Andres, QueZON AND FIVE OTHERS PENDING investigation of the case for grave MISCONDUCT kLED AGAINST THEM Also ordered suspended along with Emprese were Renato Fontanil, Royle Macandog, Pedro 2UIZ *R 3HEILA -AY ,LANTO AND Louie Senolos. )N ITS RULING THE /MBUDSMAN said that after evaluation of the evidence presented, Emprese and kVE OTHERS MIGHT NOT BE LIABLE FOR ILLEGAL USE OF FUNDS PENALIZED UNder under the Revised Penal Code but for violation of Republic Act (RA) 3019 on grave misconduct. )N AN ORDER SIGNED BY /MBUDSman Samuel Martires, it directed Interior Secretary Eduardo Aùo to immediately implement the preventive suspension of Emprese and his co-accused while the case

was under investigation. g7ITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE kNAL disposition of the instant case, this /FkCE kNDS THERE IS A PRELIMINARY showing that the evidence of guilt of respondents Emprese, Fontanil, -ACANDOG 2UIZ *R ,LANTO AND Senolos for the offense of grave MISCONDUCT IS STRONG u THE /MBUDSMAN SAID IN THE /RDER 4HE /MBUDSMAN FOUND BASIS TO investigate the complaint citing the kNDINGS OF THE #OMMISSION ON !Udit saying, “Respondents’ exclusive grant to [Rouiebelle Store owned and operated by] Robessa Senolos and Louie Senolos, to supply food commodities in the Municipality in the amount of P878,374 without prior public bidding is a violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 and Republic Act 9184.� RA 3019 is the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,� while RA 9184 is the “Government Procurement Reform Act.� REINA C. TOLENTINO

Pope Francis names 2 new PH bishops 0/0% &RANCIS NAMED TWO &ILIPINO priests from Bohol as new bishops for Butuan and Isabela, in an announcement made public at 12 noon on Monday in the Vatican, which is 7 p.m. in Manila. Fr. Cosme Almedilla from the Diocese of Talibon in Bohol is now the new bishop of Butuan, and Fr. Leo Dalmao returns to the Philippines from Rome to serve the Isabela prelature in Basilan. Both prelates hail from Bohol, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ news service #"#0 .EWS said in its website post. Almedilla, 60, will succeed the late bishop Juan de Dios 0UEBLOS WHO DIED IN /CTOBER 2017. He took up theology at the St. John 23rd College Seminary in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and at the Loyola School of Theology at the Ateneo de Manila 5NIVERSITY !$-5 Almedilla was ordained priest on Aug. 4, 1987 and served at the (OLY #HILD 0ARISH IN 5BAY "Ohol. He was also spiritual director of the St. John 23rd College Seminary and the Holy Child Academy in Bohol. He served as chaplain at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Muntinlupa City. Similarly, Dalmao will replace

Archbishop Martin Jumoad, who WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE /ZAMIZ ARCHDIOCESE IN /CTOBER He was the first Filipino Claretian, or a missionary of the congregation founded by St. Anthony Mart Claret. He became a member of the congregation in 1986 and studied philosophy at the Claret Formation Center, which is now known as St. Anthony Mary Claret College. The Tagbiliran-born Dalmao, 49, served as consultor and the prefect of Formation at the Istituto Guiridico Claretiano in Rome, Italy until his recent appointment. After his theology studies at the Ateneo in 1997, he was ordained priest by the late bishop JosĂŠ MarĂ­a 1UEREJETA -ENDIZÂśBAL OF )SABELA THE kRST 3PANISH #LARETIAN BISHOP in the Philippines. During his early years in the priesthood, Dalmao was deployed in Basilan where he served as project coordinator for the indigenous Samal-Badjau. He was also superior of the Philippine Province of the Claretian missionaries and co-chairman of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines until his transfer to Rome in 2015. CATHERINEÂ A.MODESTO

Q MEDDLE FROM A1

‘Don’t meddle in death “You should remember that the VACC is primarily composed of surviving victims of heinous crimes and the immediate family members of victims murdered through heinous crimes. The VACC believes that since there is no clear substitute that would effectively give justice for the life or lives taken by these perpetrators of heinous crimes, then the re-

imposition of the Death Penalty is the closest thing for getting justice for the victims of heinous crimes,� the VACC said. “The death penalty is not only for drug-related crimes but also for other heinous crimes,� the anticrime group added. Citing information from local and international anti-illegal drug enforcers, the VACC said the

7 cocaine blocks fished off Catanduanes THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG ) on Tuesday confirmed that another seven blocks of suspected cocaine worth around P43 million were seized off the waters of Bagamanoc, Catanduanes on Monday. PCG spokesman Armand Balilo, said he and his men personally examined the blocks of the banned substance wrapped in a fishnet. He added that the cocaine bricks, weighing about 8 kilos each, have dollar markings on them when found floating on the water by the fishers. The blocks of cocaine were found almost two weeks after a block of the same substance was found floating on the sea also in Catanduanes. The said blocks were turned over to the local Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Catanduanes to be transported to the main headquarters for verification. RAFFY AYENG

DROUGHT

A Maranao woman stores water in an old boat she fetched from nearby Lake Lanao for her vegetable garden in Ditsaan-Ramain, Lanao del Sur as the dry season severely affects plants and crops in the province. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Dry spell ruins P3B in crops, livestock T BYÂ DEMPSEY REYES

HE continuing dry spell in the country has already caused more THAN 0 BILLION WORTH OF DAMAGES ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND LIVESTOCK IN VARIOUS REGIONS ACCORDING TO THE .ATIONAL Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

.$22-# S SITUATIONAL REPORT said the damage caused by at El .IĂ„O WAS ESTIMATED AT 0 BILLION IN THE REGIONS OF #ALABARZON #AVITE ,AGUNA "ATANGAS 2IZAL AND 1UEZON -IMAROPA -INdoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Mindanao and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), while the Cordillera Region reported loses of more than P1 billion. In Baguio City, the agriculture regional operation center in the Cordillera said that as of March 22, about P1.18 billion worth of rice, corn cassava and other high value crops had been damaged. )N #ALABARZON RICE DAMAGE WAS AT 0 MILLION WHILE -IMAROPA had P181.3 million damage in rice,

P3.6 million for corn and P7.6 million for other products. Mimaropa was the region mostly affected by the dry spell, with total damage hitting P192.5 million. Meanwhile, in Bicol, damages to agri products include P577.8 million worth of rice, P215.9 million corn, and P285,291 of other agricultural products combined. Some P76.4 million in rice were damaged in Western Visayas. In Central Mindanao, the total damage hit P808.6 million, but THE .$22-# DID NOT DISCLOSE a breakdown for each agri product damaged in each province. BARMM incurred P212.5 million damage in rice and P190.8 million in corn, or a total of P403.3 million. Several towns and provinces in

Philippines was “now the most active transshipment point of illegal drugs mainly due to the fact of the absence of the death penalty.� “To date, there are 56 countries in the world that have the Death Penalty in their justice and penal system,� it said. The VACC has been urging President Rodrigo Duterte to reinstate the death penalty, noting the “rampant killings� in the country. Lawmakers and Duterte see death penalty as a deterrent to crimes, but the Commission on Human Rights argues that capital punishment does

not lower crime rates. A bill reinstating the death penalty has made it past the third AND kNAL READING AT THE (OUSE OF Representatives. At the Senate, it has yet to be tackled at the committee level. The 1987 Constitution abolished the death penalty but allowed Congress to bring it back for heinous crimes. It was brought back under the administration of President Fidel Ramos and abolished again under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. CATHERINE S. VALENTE

Nationinbriefs 4 DEAD, 6 INJURED AS BUS FALLS INTO RAVINE IN NEGROS BACOLOD CITY: Four people were confirmed dead while six others were injured as the bus they were riding fell into a ravine at 9 p.m. on Monday night in the mountain town of Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. Senior Insp. Jerald Moya, municipal police chief, said the Ceres Bus Liner (AAB 9726), operated by Vallacar Transit, was on its way to Bacolod City from San Carlos City, when its driver Jescer Rasonable noticed that its brake malfunctioned. He said he decided to hit the concrete barrier, but it fell off a 50-foot ravine in Sitio Talos, Barangay Igmayaan. Moya said the bus had 12 passengers, including the conductor and the driver. Jomer Pat of Salvador Benedicto Municipal Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office, identified the fatalities as Irene Flores Alo of Barangay Banago, Bacolod City; Jason Manaba of Barangay Malanog, Calatrava town; Rinera Leonida of Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City; and Christian Jude Leonida, also of Barangay Tangub. The injured victims who were rushed to Bacolod Adventist Medical Center were identified as Jane Layumas of San Carlos City; Jude Carco Jo-an of Manapla tow; Junray Trabahar of Salvador Benedicto; Jun Moyito of Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City; Dayana Leonida of arangay Tangub, Bacolod City; Romeo Tan Alo of Barangay Banago, Bacolod City and Rasonable. The rescuers were continuing the search and retrieval operations in the area for other fatalities and injured.

EUGENE Y. ADIONG

ARMY DEACTIVATES TASK FORCE RANAO MARAWI CITY: The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has deactivated the Joint Task Force Ranao (JTF Ranao) to give the commander of the 1st Infantry Division a chance to command all the forces under his joint area of responsibility. Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief, said they deactivate JTF Ranao to give the commander of the 1st Infantry Division “a chance to command all the forces under his joint area of responsibility.� Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak� Division (1ID) commander, is also the commander of JTF Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces). The 1ID is based at Camp Major Cesar L Sang-an in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Dela Vega conferred the Distinguished Service Medal on Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio who headed JTF Ranao. The military activated JTF Ranao to replace the defunct JTF Bangon Marawi, which was dissolved a few days after Oct. 27, 2017 when the five-month Marawi Siege ended. MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

Mimaropa, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao and BARMM have declared a state of calamity. A total of 71,909 families or 359,545 people were affected by THE DRY SPELL IN .ORTH #OTABATO The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said it expected that 51 provinces would be suffering from the effects OF %L .IÄO UNTIL THE END OF !PRIL -EANWHILE THE .$22-# REported that the dry spell and water SHORTAGE HAD AFFECTED kVE HOSPITALS IN -ETRO -ANILA NAMELY THE .Ational Center for Mental Health, .ATIONAL +IDNEY AND 4RANSPLANT Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Quirino MemoRIAL -EDICAL #ENTER AND THE 2IZAL Medical Center.

Damages in CARÂ The most badly hit crop in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was corn with P958.92 million in loses, followed by rice with P207.05 million, while damages to high value crops were recorded at P10.80 million and P3.76 million for cassava. Ifugao province was the most badly hit by drought with P470.652

Q RESOLVE FROM A1

Marcos

accept. But if it decides that we really won, then they should also accept. We are in a democracy and whatever the outcome of this case will be should be accepted by both parties,� he added. Marcos asked the electoral tribunal to “grant the omnibus motion� and to act on its motion to conduct technical examination in precincts in Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan. “It is most respectfully prayed of this honorable tribunal to direct the Voters’ Identification Division of the Comelec to conduct a technical examination on the signatures and or thumbprints appearing on the Voters’ Registration Records (VRR) and the Election Day #OMPUTERIZED 6OTERS ,IST WITH 6OTers’ Records (EDCVL) of the entire 2,756 protested clustered precincts of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan in connection with the May 9, 2016 national and local elections,� the document stated. Garcia said he believes that although the electoral tribunal has NOT YET kNISHED THE REVISION AND appreciation of votes in three pilot PROVINCES IN THEIR PROTEST ‡ #AMARINES 3UR )LOILO AND .EGROS /RIENTAL ‡ THE CASE COULD STILL BE resolved sooner once the tribunal shall proceed to the second part of the protest that sought technical examination of votes from the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. He asked the electoral tribunal to subpoena relevant documents in con-

million in damages followed by Apayao with P456 million. Re c o r d s f r o m B e n g u e t and Mountain Province have yet TO BE kNALIZED Taking the cue from advisories ON THE %L .IĂ„O OF 0AGASA ,ITO -Ocati, focal person of the Department of Agriculture-CAR Disaster Risk Reduction, warned that the drug spell would bring more damages than the frost experienced in the highlands. Livestock, according to Mocati, were not spared and there was A REDUCED STREAM lOW LEADING TO insufficient water for irrigation following the reduction in yield and total crop loss. Aguinaldo town in Ifugao AND 2IZAL IN +ALINGA WERE THE first to suffer from the effects OF %L .IĂ„O HE SAID Meanwhile, Benguet farmers were also bracing up for the EFFECTS OF %L .IĂ„O EFFECTS THIS month which was expected be FELT UP TO THE kRST WEEK OF -AY just before the rainy season, although scattered rainshowers have been experienced in some parts of Benguet, including Baguio City, for the last two weeks. WITH A REPORT FROM THOM F. PICANA nection with the technical examination conducted in a separate election PROTEST kLED BY !2-- GUBERNATORIAL candidate Sakur Tan against ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman. The former Sulu governor said 80 percent of the voters in the ARMM were “fake.â€? g4HE kRST CAUSE OF ACTION ON THE pilot provinces is about the results of the counting of the machines, while the second action in the ARMM provinces involves voters who were unable to vote and preshading of ballots,â€? Garcia said. 4HE kRST RECOUNT COVERS THREE PILOT PROVINCES ‡ #AMARINES 3UR )LOILO AND .EGROS /RIENTAL ‡ COVERING A total of 5,418 clustered precincts. The tribunal shall now rule on whether to proceed with the recount in a total of 132,446 precincts in 39,221 clustered precincts covering 27 provinces and cities IDENTIkED IN -ARCOS PROTEST In his protest, Marcos assailed the election results in 39,221 clusTERED PRECINCTS ‡ OF WHICH he pays for the conduct of manual count and judicial revision, while the remaining 2,756 he prays for the annulment of election results. Based on Commission on Elections data, the 39,221 clustered precincts are composed of 132,446 precincts. Marcos, who lost to Robredo by 263,473 votes, accused her of “massive electoral fraud, anomalies and irregularitiesâ€? such as pre-shading of ballots, pre-loaded Secure Digital cards, misreading of ballots, malfunctioning VCMs [vote counting machines], and an “abnormally highâ€? unaccounted votes/undervotes for the position of Vice President.

JOMAR CANLAS

A8

News

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Measles death toll continues to rise T BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

HE NUMBER OF MEASLES CASES CONTINUES TO RISE ALMOST TWO MONTHS AFTER THE $EPARTMENT OF (EALTH $O( DECLARED AN EPIDEMIC

The DoH’s Epidemiology Bureau recorded 23,563 cases and 338 deaths from Jan. 1 to

March 21, 2019. For the same period last year, there were only 5,006 cases.

Of the 23,563 cases, 78 percent were unvaccinated. Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, "ATANGAS 2IZAL 1UEZON HAD THE most number of cases with 4,838 and 98 deaths. Metro Manila came in second with 4,568 and 87 deaths, followed by Central Luzon with 3,761 and 57 deaths. Ilocos Region reported 1,035

cases and 12 deaths; Cagayan Valley, 349 cases and two deaths; Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), 987 cases and eight deaths; Bicol Region, 694 cases and six deaths; Western Visayas, 1,371 cases and kVE DEATHS #ENTRAL 6ISAYAS cases and 10 deaths; Eastern Visayas, 1,023 cases and 24 deaths; Zamboanga Peninsula, 302 cases

Metro TODA all out for Bong Go THE Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) in Metro Manila threw its full support behind the Senate bid of Christopher Lawrence “Bongâ€? Go. In the “TODA, TODO Suporta para kay Bong Go sa Senadoâ€? gathering of the Federation of Muntinlupa TODA on Saturday, Metro Manila TODA President Ace Sevilla rallied the federation’s members to support Go’s candidacy. Sevilla said Go had shown genuine concern for the interest of the TODAs in the country. “Galing po ako sa ParaĂąaque. May TODA summit sila doon at nagkakaisa sila sa Kuya ng TODA, walang iba kundi ang ating Kuya Bong Go na dadalhin po natin sa darating na Mayo sa Senado. Kaya ba natin yun? (I came from ParaĂąaque. There was a TODA summit and everybody agreed on the big brother of TODA, that is Go, whom we will bring to the Senate in May. Can we do this?),â€? Sevilla asked. Sevilla said no senator had voiced support to their cause. “Wala pong boses ang magtatricycle sa Senado (Tricycle drivers have no voice in the Senate),â€? he said, adding that only Go had heart for the poor. He noted that a casual talk with Go in a small carinderia, where he brought out the concerns of the tricycle drivers in the country, resulted in the TODA summit held

THEIR BET Christopher Lawrence “Bongâ€? Go is warmly welcomed by tricycle drivers in ParaĂąaque City. in January this year. It was Go who raised the call for the TODA summit, saying it was important for the government to listen to the concerns of tricycle drivers who serve a large number of Filipinos, especially in areas not served by traditional transport, such as buses and jeepneys. The TODA summit organized by the Department of Transportation in partnership with other agencies was suggested by Go a year ago upon

THE REQUEST OF VARIOUS 4/$! OFkCERS Go said he would always be willing to relay the concerns of the TODA to President Rodrigo Duterte. “Tandaan nyo po ako ang inyong tulay kay Pangulong Duterte. Pag kailangan ng tulong o payo ng TODA, lapitan nyo lang po ako (I am your bridge to the President. When you need help or advice, just let me know),� Go said. He explained to the TODA

members his legislative agenda, particularly his advocacy to expand access to quality healthcare through the Malasakit Center, which makes it easier for poor patients to avail of medical and kNANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY BRINGING together in one room the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes /FkCE AND THE 0HILIPPINE (EALTH Insurance Corp.

Enrile vows to lower cost of electricity FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile has pledged to push for a law lowering electricity rates by amending the Energy Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) if he wins in the May election. The 95-year-old made the promise during his campaign sortie in Batangas. He said that high electricity rates had an adverse effect on the prices of basic needs. “First of all, it puts a burden on the people. Second, it puts a lot of burden on producers and businessmen, and it goes to the cost of food,� Enrile said. “Energy is the lifeblood of our

economy. Without it, nothing moves,� he said in an interview at the sidelines of his visit to Batangas City and Lipa City with Batangas Gov. Hermilando “Dodo� Mandanas. “The moment the price of that element goes up, everything will go up. Energy affects power, transportation, fertilizers, cost of production, and all sectors and industries,� Enrile added. He cited Batangas as a critical “piece of the energy puzzle� due to the presence of gas-powered plants in the province that supply 60 percent of the electricity requirement

of Metro Manila and a quarter of the electricity demand of Luzon. Enrile noted that experts had predicted that in 2024, the supply of natural gas from the Malampaya offshore wells would decrease. “That is a grave concern because we do not have any other source of hydrocarbon energy in the country. I will work on that. I also intend to revise the provisions that are causing unjust and unreasonable power rates for Filipinos,� he said. The four-time senator hopes to continue the amendments he introduced to the Epira that he

single-handedly opposed in 2001. Enrile also joined Mandanas’ 75th birthday celebration. “We are both RUNNING FOR OUR kFTH TERMS ) AM RUNNING FOR A kFTH TERM IN THE 3ENATE AND 'OV $ODO IS RUNNING FOR A kFTH TERM [as governor] in Batangas.� “Both of us cannot graduate yet because there are still many problems in this country we plan to study and address,� he said. Asked about how he handles his campaign, Enrile said, “I am going around the country, and I intend to match the young people campaigning in the elections.� BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

Q BUDGET FROM A1

after consultations with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Minority Leader Franklin $RILON AND 3EN 0ANkLO ,ACSON In a letter to the President, 3OTTO CLARIkED THAT HIS ATTESTATION was limited only to those items approved by the bicameral conferENCE AND RATIkED BY BOTH (OUSES of Congress. “The President may wish to consider disapproving these unconstitutional realignments, pursuant to

his constitutional power to veto particular items in the [GABl,� he said. Despite his strong reservations on the constitutionality of the House of Representatives’ itemization of P95 billion worth of “pork barrel� appropriations, Drilon cooperated with Sotto in giving approval to the proposed national budget for 2019. Two weeks ago, Duterte said he would not sign the 2019

national budget if there are provisions that violate constitutional requirements as he warned possible repercussions of a reenacted budget. Earlier this month, Lacson, who earlier exposed that there were “pork� insertions in the budget, bared that Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo “manipulated� the RATIkED BICAMERAL REPORT RALPH U. VILLANUEVA AND JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

Deadlock Panelo added that he does not think that Congress put Duterte in an awkward position. “No, their job is to pass the bill and they have done that. Now the ball is in the hands of the President,� he said. Sotto signed the enrolled General Appropriations Bill (GAB)

and one death; Northern Mindanao, 1,159 cases and 10 deaths; Davao Region, 489 cases and seven deaths; Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos), 478 cases and four deaths; Autonomous Region and Muslim Mindanao, 451 cases and four deaths; Cordillera Administrative Region, 367 cases and one

death; and Caraga, 576 cases and two deaths. Bataan had no case of measles. Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo said on Monday that the DoH had inoculated more than 3 MILLION CHILDREN IN ITS INTENSIkED drive against measles. The DoH aims to immunize 3,783,985 children aged six to 59 months.

Aquino thanks bishop for supporting candidacy SEN. Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th has welcomed the call of Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on the faithful to campaign for the Senate candidates selected by the People’s Choice Movement (PCM). “Ang simbahan ang konsensiya ng bayan, sana ay dinggin ng ating mga kababayan ang kanilang gabay,� (The church is the conscience of the nation, I hope the people will heed its call for their guidance),� said Aquino, who topped the PCM’s list of 10 Senate bets that it will support. In a Facebook post, Bishop Pabillo lauded the PCM for selecting the candidates. Around 130 representatives from different religious organizations chose the 10 candidates based on their character and honor, competence and abilities, faithfulness to public service, and faithfulness to God, the Constitution and the laws. Pabillo urged the lay faithful to campaign for the deserving candidates to counter the political machinery of moneyed politicians.

“There are still two months for all to do this particular exercise of the Christian faith,â€? the bishop said. Aside from Aquino, the PCM also chose Jose Manuel “Chelâ€? Diokno, former solicitor general Florin “Piloâ€? Hilbay, former congressmen Lorenzo “Erinâ€? TaĂąada and Neri Colmenares, civic leader Samira Gutoc, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Rep. Gary Alejano, former senator Manuel “Marâ€? Roxas 2nd and Sen. Grace Poe. “Napakalaking bagay ng pagkilala at tiwala ng mga taong simbahan kaya taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat,â€? (The recognition and trust given by the people of the Church is very important and I am very thankful),â€? said Aquino, who garnered 120 votes during the selection process. “Bilang Kristiyano, nagbibigay inspirasyon at pag-asa ang pagkapili nila sa amin lalo na dumaan ito sa matinding pagsusuri at pagninilay,â€? ( Their choosing us gives inspiration since the selection was done after careful scrutiny),â€? he added. JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

JBC member Cayosa eyes CTA post A MEMBER of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC), the body that screens candidates for the bench, has applied for the position of associate justice of the Court of Tax Appeals. Milagros Fernan Cayosa, who represents the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in the JBC, is known as an ally of ousted chief justice Lourdes Sereno, former President Benigno Aquino 3rd and former senator Manuel “Mar� Roxas. She is the daughter of the late Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan and her spouse is incoming IBP President lawyer Domingo Egon Cayosa. The Manila Times got a copy of her letter application to the JBC. “It has been an honor to serve the Judicial and Bar Council for the past seven and a half years. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute for better JBC, and I will always cherish the support and camaraderie that my colleagues and the staff at the council have shown along the way. It is a pleasure and a joy serving you but I believe that it is time for me to explore new possibilities to be of service to the country and our people,� Cayosa said in her letter application. The CTA has two vacancies after Justices Lovell Bautista and Caesar Casanova retired recently. Cayosa took the Bar exams in

1995 and notched a grade of 78.80 percent. She is a graduate of the Ateneo Law School. Cayosa defended Sereno during her testimony before the House of Representatives by saying that the latter complied with the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth requirements of the JBC. Sources said Cayosa should have stepped down from her post as JBC member if she had delicadeza. Cayosa was slammed by some 3UPREME #OURT AND *"# OFkCIALS WHO refused to be named for pushing her ambition to be a CTA judge without giving up her post as council member. “If she has delicadeza, Mitoy (Cayosa) must resign. She can INlUENCE THE COUNCIL Biruin mo nakaupo siyang JBC member tapos i-deliberate yung application nya. Syempre mahihiya iyong iba niyang kasamahan (She is a JBC member and her application is being deliberated. Of course, the other members of the council would give her consideration because she is their colleague),� the source said. It was learned that Cayosa would not participate in the deliberations for her application as CTA justice. She will step down from her JBC post in July 2019. JOMAR CANLAS

When refusal to notarize a document is proper Dear PAO, I went to a lawyer to have one document notarized but she refused when she found out that the document was for my father and even told me that the shopping privilege card of my father cannot be used for notarization. Is it proper for the lawyer to do this? Dario Dear Dario, Fairly recent, is the case of Dr. Basilio Malvar vs. Atty. Cora Jane Baleros (AC No. 11346, March 8, 2017) penned by Associate Justice Bienvenido L. Reyes, where the im-

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA portant provisions of the Notarial Rules were pointed out, to wit: “Section 2. Prohibitions. (b) A person shall not perform a notarial act if the person involved as signatory to the instrument or document“(1) is not in the notary’s pres-

ence personally at the time of the notarization; and “(2) is not personally known to the notary public or otherwise IDENTIkED BY THE NOTARY THROUGH competent evidence of identity as DEkNED BY THESE 2ULES “The physical presence of THE AFkANT ENSURES THE PROPER EXECUTION OF THE DUTY OF THE NOTARY PUBLIC UNDER THE LAW TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FORMER S SIGNATURE WAS VOLUNTARILY AFkXED Aside from forbidding notarization without the perSONAL PRESENCE OF THE AFkANT THE

Notarial Rules demands the submission of competent evidence of IDENTITY SUCH AS AN IDENTIkCATION card with photograph and signature which requirement can be dispensed with provided that the notary public personally knows THE AFkANT #OMPETENT EVIDENCE of identity under Section 12 of Rule II of the Notarial Rules is DEkNED AS FOLLOWS “Section 12. Competent Evidence of Identity. - The phrase “competent evidence of identity� REFERS TO THE IDENTIkCATION OF AN individual based on:

gA AT LEAST ONE CURRENT IDENTIkCATION DOCUMENT ISSUED BY AN OFkCIAL AGENCY BEARING THE PHOTOGRAPH AND SIGNATURE OF THE INDIVIDUAL; [‌]� [Emphasis supplied] Thus, the personal appearance of the parties and the presentation OF A VALID IDENTIkCATION CARD BEARing the photograph and signature OF THE AFkANT IS MANDATORY In your situation, the shopping privilege card of your father does NOT kT THE REQUIREMENT OF LAW SINCE it was not issued by a government agency. His physical appearance is also wanting; hence, the refusal

of the lawyer to administer oath or notarize the document you presented is proper. We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is based solely on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated. Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR #HIEF !COSTA may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net.

ASIAN STOCKS: W S h a n g h a i 1 . 5 1 %

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PSEi 7,907.03 UP 0.56%

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DoTR sets April 30 deadline for agreement with NAIA Consortium BY LISBET K. ESMAEL

T

ALKS for the rehabilitation of the Philippines’ main gateway will be called off if a deal is not reached by the end of next month, the Transportation department said on Tuesday.

RESISTANCE LEVEL !SIAN MARKETS MEANWHILE IGNORED MIXED LEADS OVERNIGHT FROM 7ALL 3TREET TO ALSO STAGE A REBOUND 4OKYO LED GAINS JUMPING MORE THAN TWO PERCENT ‡ HAVING DIVED THREE PERCENT -ONDAY ‡ WHILE (ONG +ONG EDGED PERCENT HIGHER 3YDNEY ADDED PERCENT 3INGAPORE PUT ON PERCENT AND 3EOUL WAS UP PERCENT 7ELLINGTON 4AIPEI -UMBAI AND *AKARTA ALSO ROSE WHILE "ANGKOK BARELY MOVED AS RIVAL CAMPS JOSTLED FOR POSITION HOPING TO FORM A GOVERNMENT AFTER 4HAILAND S kRST ELECTION SINCE A COUP 3HANGHAI ON THE OTHER HAND TUMBLED PERCENT )N -ANILA SECTORAL RESULTS WERE mixed with the services and minING AND OIL INDEXES THE ONLY LOSERS DOWN PERCENT AND PERCENT RESPECTIVELY -ORE THAN MILLION SHARES VALUED AT 0 BILLION CHANGED HANDS 7INNERS LED LOSERS TO WHILE ISSUES WERE UNCHANGED ANGELICA BALLESTEROS AND AFP

4RANSPORTATION 3ECRETARY !RTHUR 4UGADE TOLD REPORTERS THAT THE .!)! #ONSORTIUM COMPOSED OF OF THE COUNTRY S TOP CONGLOMERATES HAD BEEN DELAYING DISCUSSIONS REGARDING ITS PROPOSAL TO REDEVELOP THE .INOY !QUINO )NTERNATIONAL !IRPORT “4UMATAGAL YUNG USAPAN 'USTO KONG GAWAN NG CAP "Y !PRIL @PAG HINDI PA TAYO NAGKASUNDO SUNDO EH GAGAWIN NA NAMIN ITONG MGA PROYEKTO 4HE TALKS HAVE BEEN DRAGGING ON ) WANT TO SET A CAP "Y !PRIL IF WE HAVE NOT COME TO AN AGREEMENT

WE WILL DO THE PROJECTS BY OURSELVES u HE SAID “3INASABI NILA DELAYED daw kami (INDI KAMI ANG NAGDE DELAY 3ILA ANG HUMIHINGI NG extension KUNG KELAN MAGMI MEETING 4HEY SAY WE ARE DELAYED 7E ARE NOT THE ONES CAUSING THE DELAY 4HEY ARE THE ONES CALLING FOR EXTENSIONS AS TO WHEN WE WILL MEET u HE ADDED “,AGYAN NA LANG NG deadline para ipakita na hindi KAMI ANG NAGDE DELAY ,ET S JUST SET A DEADLINE TO

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Apple shifts focus to digital content CUPERTINO: With Hollywood stars galore, Apple unveiled its streaming video plans Monday along with news and game subscription offerings as part of an effort to shift its focus to digital content and services to break free of its reliance on iPhone sales. Director Steven Spielberg, TV host Oprah Winfrey and Hollywood stars Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell made appearances at the event that brings Apple into direct competition with Netflix and the rest of the entertainment sector. “We all want to be heard, but we also need to listen... to be able to harness our hopes

and dreams and heal our divisions,� Winfrey told a packed audience in the Steve Jobs Theater on Apple’s campus in Silicon Valley. “That is why I have joined forces with Apple. The Apple platform allows me to do what I do, in whole new way.� The Ap-

ple TV+ service, an on-demand, ad-free subscription service, will launch this year in 100 countries, the company said. “We believe deeply in the power of creativity,� Apple chief executive Tim Cook said. “Great stories can change the world. We feel we can contribute something important to our culture and to our society through great storytelling.� Apple revealed only a few of the programs to launch but announced it was working with celebrities on both sides of the camera including Octavia Spencer, J.J. Abrams, Jason Momoa and M. Night Shyamalan. The new content will be available on an upgraded Apple TV app, which will be on smart televi-

sion sets and third-party platforms including Roku and Amazon’s Fire TV. Apple will also allow consumers to subscribe to third-party services like HBO and Starz from the same application. The cost of the service, along with financial deals with content creators, were not disclosed. “These people could go where the money is, but they are going where Apple is,� Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi said of the star power on display at the event. She expected Apple TV+ to be more of a channel at its streaming video service, similar to an HBO, than to be a “one-stop-shop� that would stand alone. Apple is aiming to leverage its position with some 900 million people world-

ÂłContent B3

Q Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook and Oprah Winfrey stand onstage during a company product launch event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park on March 25, 2019 in Cupertino, California. Apple announced the launch of it’s new video streaming service, unveiled a premium subscription tier to its News app, and announced it would release its own credit card, called Apple Card. AFP PHOTO

The Gaisano ‘invasion’ of Metro Manila V

)#3!, $EVELOPMENT #ORP OWNS BILLION COMMON shares in Metro Retail Stores Group )NC -23') )TS OWNERSHIP EQUIVALENT TO PERCENT OF BILLION -23') COMMON SHARES MAKES IT THE COMPANY S MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER ACCORDING TO -23') S PRELIMINARY INFORMATION STATEMENT 0)3 )N ITS 0)3 -23') NAMED 0#$ .OMINEE #ORP AS RECORD HOLDER FOR CLIENTS OF TWO BLOCKS OF SHARES MILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT AND MILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT g/UR SUPERMARKET BUSINESS IS OPERATED UNDER TWO BRAND NAMES u -23') SAID IN ITS 0)3 4HESE WERE and still are “Metro Supermarket AND -ETRO &RESH . %ASY WHICH IT SAID ARE CALLED gCOLLECTIVELY HEREIN AS -ETRO 3UPERMARKETS u /N THE OTHER HAND -23') SAID g4HE -ETRO &RESH . %ASY BRAND name is used for smaller scale SUPERMARKETS SERVING AS NEIGHBORHOOD STORES u !S NEIGHBORHOOD STORES THEY MUST BE THE BIGGEST gSARI SARIu STORE IN THE COUNTRY 3INCE THE 'AISANOS HAVE BEEN EXPANDING THEIR REACH AFTER THE FAMILY OPENED IN #EBU #ITY ITS kRST SUPERMARKET WHICH IT CALLED Gaisano Metro Department Store AND 3UPERMARKET )N ITS 0)3 IT SAID IT gCURRENTLY OPERATES SUPERMARKETS IN THE 6ISAYAS -ETRO -ANILA AND THE REST OF ,UZON u 6ICSAL BY THE WAY STANDS FOR 6ICTOR 'AISANO AND HIS WIFE 3ALLY WHO BUILD IN gTHE kRST -ETRO Gaisano Department Store and

V H o n g Ko n g 0 . 1 5 %

B2

Airport rehab talks over if deal not reached soon

PSEi recovers a bit from Monday’s rout 4(% STOCK MARKET REGAINED SOME GROUND ON 4UESDAY WITH ANALYSTS POINTING TO BARGAIN HUNTING AND NET FOREIGN BUYING AS PROVIDING SUPPORT FOLLOWING THE PREVIOUS DAY S HAMMERING 4HE BELLWETHER 0HILIPPINE 3TOCK %XCHANGE INDEX 03%I ROSE BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO kNISH AT /N -ONDAY IT FELL BY NEARLY PERCENT ‡ JOINING A GLOBAL DECLINE ‡ ON MOUNTING FEARS OF A GLOBAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN 4HE BROADER !LL 3HARES WHICH HAD DROPPED PERCENT ON -ONDAY GREW BY PERCENT OR POINTS TO END AT 2EGINA #APITAL $EVELOPMENT #ORP HEAD OF SALES ,UIS ,IMLINGAN SAID MARKET PLAYERS RESORTED TO BARGAIN HUNTING WHILE &IDELITY 3ECURITIES )NC TRADER *ENESIS DELA 0EÄA SAID NET FOREIGN BUYING HELPED LIFT 03%I &OREIGN FUNDS LOADED 0 BILlion worth of shares and disposed OF 0 BILLION FOR A NET FOREIGN BUYING POSITION OF 0 MILLION $ELA 0EÄA SAID THE 03%I COULD SUSTAIN A RECOVERY IF IT BREAKS THE

FROM WHERE WE SIT

www.manilatimes.net

W

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27, 2019

Business Times

CURRENCY RATE

B1

BAP eyes 2019 launch of digital banking IDs 3UPERMARKET IN #OLON #EBU #ITY u

Compensation !S CHAIRMAN &RANK 3 'AISANO IS NOT ALONE OVERSEEING A STORE CHAIN His children assist him in supervisING THE FAMILY OWNED STORES THAT HAD INVADED THE 0HILIPPINES MAJOR METROPOLIS !S HIS UNDERSTUDIES THE PATRIARCH HONED THE MANAGERIAL CAPABILITIES OF HIS CHILDREN NAMELY *ACK 3 'AISANO %DWARD 3 'AISANO AND -ARGARET ' !NG WHO ARE ALSO REGULAR DIRECTORS )NCIDENTALLY ONLY &RANK WHO IS ALSO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFkCER IS AMONG -23') S FIVE HIGHEST PAID EXECUTIVES )N HE AND !RTHUR %MMANUEL -ANUEL # !LBERTO *OSELITO ' /RENSE AND Jonathan Juan DC Moreno were PAID 0 Emmanuel was president and CHIEF OPERATING OFkCER UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT ON $EC !LBERTO FORMERLY CHIEF MARKETING AND MERCHANDISING OFkCER IS NOW THE PRESIDENT /RENSE IS CHIEF kNANCIAL OFkCER AND -ORENO IS CHIEF STRATEGY AND GOVERNANCE OFkCER 4HE FOLLOWING WERE THE PAYS and perks of the five-man GROUP 0 IN AND

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! $)')4!, BANKING )$ REGISTRY THAT WILL ALLOW FOR DATA STORAGE AND EXCHANGE AMONG MEMBERS IS EXPECTED TO BE LAUNCHED LATER THIS YEAR BY THE "ANKERS !SSOCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES "!0 )N A STATEMENT ON 4UESDAY THE INDUSTRY GROUP SAID THE INITIATIVE WOULD BE SPEARHEADED BY ITS NEW LEADERSHIP UNDER "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINE )SLANDS "0) 0RESIDENT AND

#%/ #EZAR #ONSING $URING A RECENT ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING #ONSING EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO HIS PREDECESSOR .ESTOR 4AN UNDER WHOSE LEADERSHIP THE "!0 DEVELOPED THE FOUNDATION FOR THE )$ REGISTRY AND INCREASED ITS FOCUS ON CYBERSECURITY g4HE 0HILIPPINE BANKING INDUSTRY IS TRANSFORMING ITSELF SO AS TO CONTINUE TO BE RELEVANT TO ONE OF

THE WORLD S FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES $IGITALIZATION CYBERSECURITY AND kNANCIAL LIBERALIZATION ARE ISSUES FOREMOST ON BANKERS MINDS u #ONSING WAS QUOTED AS SAYING 4HE "!0 SAID THE )$ REGISTRY would set the foundation for E +9# OR ELECTRONIC KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER AND FUTURE USE CASES g4HIS FACILITY POWERED BY BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY WILL MAKE IT

Company registration made easy

S

ECTION 180 of the Revised Corporation Code mandates the development and implementation OF AN ELECTRONIC kLING AND MONITORING SYSTEM 3PECIkCALLY 3ECTION provides that “the Commission shall develop and implement an ELECTRONIC FILING AND MONITORING SYSTEM 4HE #OMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE RULES TO FACILITATE AND EXPEDITE AMONG OTHERS CORPORATE NAME RESERVATION AND REGISTRATION INCORPORATION SUBMISSION OF REPORTS NOTICES AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED UNDER THIS #ODE AND SHARING of pertinent information with other GOVERNMENT AGENCIES u )T MAY BE OF INTEREST TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION 3%# HAS taken the initiative of and made CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN IMPLE-

SEC MATTERS

KELVIN LESTER LEE MENTING AN ELECTRONIC kLING SYSTEM even prior to the enactment of the 2EVISED #ORPORATION #ODE ON &EB /N .OV THE 3%# under then Chairperson Teresita (ERBOSA IMPLEMENTED THE #OMPANY 2EGISTRATION 3YSTEM #23 4HE #23 AS PER THE 3%# WEBSITE is “the full automation and online PRE PROCESSING OF CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS LICENSING OF FOREIGN CORPORATIONS AMENDMENTS OF THE articles of incorporation and other CORPORATE APPLICATIONS REQUIRING

3%# APPROVAL u The intention of the CRS was FOR THE 3%# TO GO FULLY AUTOMATED and online when it comes to comPANY REGISTRATION AMONG OTHERS (OWEVER THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CHALLENGES PROBLEMS AND ISSUES IN IMPLEMENTING THE #23 INCLUDING DELAYS AND SLOWDOWNS OF THE SYSTEM 4HE 3%# IS WORKING ON FIXING THOSE PROBLEMS AND ISSUES )N FACT under the leadership of our current #HAIRMAN %MILIO " !QUINO THERE ARE NOW A NUMBER OF INNOVATIONS BEING IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE AND FAST TRACK VARIOUS COMPANY REGISTRATIONS 4WO OTHER METHODS OR LANES OF COMPANY REGISTRATION UNDER THE #23 WERE INTRODUCED ASIDE FROM THE NORMAL REGULAR LANE 4HE REGULAR LANE 4HIS IS THE

ÂłSEC B2

easier and faster for clients to open ACCOUNTS AND AVAIL OF BANKING SERVICES WITH "!0 S MEMBER BANKS u IT ADDED 3EVERAL MEMBER BANKS ARE ALREADY DEVELOPING SYSTEMS TO BE ABLE TO INTERFACE WITH THE )$ REGISTRY THE "!0 CONTINUED 4HE INDUSTRY GROUP ALSO ESpoused the Government Securities

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Financial inclusion goals set via Ignite FINTECH !LLIANCE PH A COLLABORATION OF DIGITAL kNANCE PLAYERS has launched social transformation initiative named after the late "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS "30 'OVERNOR .ESTOR %SPENILLA *R IN A BID TO EXPAND kNANCIAL INCLUSION 4HE 'OVERNOR .ESTOR ! %SPENILLA *R )NSTITUTE FOR 'ROWTH 4OWARDS .ATIONAL )NCLUSION 4RANSFORMATION AND %MPOWERMENT )GNITE WAS LAUNCHED DURING THE &INTECH !LLIANCE 3UMMIT HELD AT THE CENTRAL BANK COMPLEX IN -ANILA

ÂłIgnite B2

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Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

PH corn output seen rising I in 2019-2020 market year T BY EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

HE United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects corn production in the Philippines to increase by 2.5 percent to 8.1 million metric tons (MMT) in the 2019-2020 market year due to high prices. )N THE 'LOBAL !GRICULTURAL )NFORMATION .ETWORK 'AIN REPORT OF ITS &OREIGN !GRICULTURAL 3ERVICE &!3 IN -ANILA THE 53$! SAID THE kGURE WOULD BE -4 HIGHER THAN THE --4 RECORDED IN -9 ,AST YEAR TOTAL CORN OUTPUT REACHED --4 A PERCENT DROP FROM THE --4 IN DATA FROM THE 0HILIPPINE 3TATISTICS !UTHORITY 03! SHOWED This was due to decline in HARVEST AREA OF ABOUT PERCENT TO MILLION HECTARES FROM

MILLION HECTARES IN WHILE YIELDS MARGINALLY IMPROVED TO TONS PER HECTARE FROM TONS PER HECTARE 4HE MAJOR CORN PRODUCING AREAS LAST YEAR INCLUDED THE #AGAYAN 6ALLEY .ORTHERN -INDANAO AND #ENTRAL -INDANAO )N THE AVERAGE FARM GATE PRICES OF YELLOW CORN POSTED A PERCENT INCREASE TO 0 PER KILOGRAM FROM A YEAR AGO LEVEL OF 0 PER KILOGRAM REFLECTING the decline in production due to TYPHOON LOSSES PARTICULARLY FROM

Q IGNITE FROM B1

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Financial Airport inclusion goals set ON 4UESDAY &INTECH !LLIANCE PH #HAIRMAN ,ITO 6ILLANUEVA SAID THE INITIATIVE WOULD LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO EMPOWER THE &!$3 OR kNANCIAL ACCESS DEFICIENT SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION g$ESIGNED TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVE BUSINESSES )GNITE WELCOMES LOW INCOME SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION INTO THE FORMAL ECONOMY THROUGH DISRUPTIVE DIGITAL kNANCIAL INNOVATIONS u HE SAID )GNITE WILL BE CHAIRED BY %SPENILLA S WIDOW 4ESS WHILE 6ILLANUEVA WILL ACT AS ITS PRESIDENT 4HE MEMBERS OF ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES WERE IDENTIkED AS #!2$ -2) 0HILIPPINES FOUNDER AND -ANAGING $IRECTOR !RIS !LIP &INANCE 5NDERSECRETARY 'IL "ELTRAN "UDGET 5NDERSECRETARY ,ILIA 'UILLERMO !SIAN $EVELOPMENT "ANK Senior Financial Sector Specialist +ELLY (ATTEL 3UN ,IFE #HAIRPERSON 2IZA -ANTARING 4RADE 3ECRETARY 2AMON ,OPEZ -ICROSOFT .ATIONAL 4ECHNOLOGY /FkCER 2ICHARD "ON -OYA #OOP .ATTCO 0RESIDENT 3YLVIA 0ARAGUYA 0RODUCERS "ANK #HAIRPERSON 'ILDA 0ICO AND )NTERNATIONAL &INANCE #ORP 3ENIOR &INANCIAL 3ECTOR 3PECIALIST 'AY 3ANTOS g/N BEHALF OF OUR FAMILY ) would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Fintech !LLIANCE BY HONORING MY HUSBAND .ESTING u -RS %SPENILLA SAID IN A SPEECH 3HE POINTED OUT THAT )GNITE WAS ABOUT HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS GUIDED BY THE AMBITION OF THE LATE "30 GOVERNOR WHO SUCCUMBED TO CANCER LAST MONTH g)T MEANS PUTTING IN ALL INGREDIENTS TO CREATE A SUCCESSFUL DIGITAL ECONOMY u -RS %SPENILLA ADDED !MONG )GNITE S GOALS ARE THE REALIZATION OF THE FOLLOWING BY r EMPOWERING MILLION ADULT &ILIPINOS WITH BASIC DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS r ENGAGE MORE DIGITAL PLAYERS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF UNBANKED LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO PERCENT FROM THE CURRENT PERCENT AND r ENABLE MORE THAN PERCENT OF TOTAL GRASSROOTS BASED kNANCIAL institutions such cooperatives and RURAL BANKS TO DEPLOY INTEROPERABLE DIGITAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES g) AM SURE THAT .ESTING WOULD BE VERY PLEASED TO KNOW THAT EVEN WHEN HE IS NO LONGER WITH US HIS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING FINANcial inclusion will continue and GROW NOT ONLY THROUGH kNANCIAL INCLUSION INITIATIVES BUILT INTO THE WORKS OF THE "ANGKO 3ENTRAL NG 0ILIPINAS BUT ALSO THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE u -RS %SPENILLA SAID MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

show that we are not the cause of THE DELAY u 4HE .!)! #ONSORTIUM IS COMPOSED OF !# )NFRASTRUCTURE (OLDINGS !BOITIZ )NFRA#APITAL )NC !LLIANCE 'LOBAL 'ROUP )NC !SIA S %MERGING $RAGON #ORP &ILINVEST $EVELOPMENT #ORP *' 3UMMIT (OLDINGS )NC AND -ETRO 0ACIkC )NVESTMENTS #ORP )T BAGGED ORIGINAL PROPONENT STATUS STATUS LAST 3EPTEMBER FOR ITS UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE operate and expand the airport OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS 4HE ORIGINAL PLAN CALLED FOR A YEAR CONCESSION AND A PROJECT COST OF 0 BILLION BUT THIS WAS LATER CUT TO YEARS AND 0 BILLION 4UGADE CLAIMED THE GOVERNMENT HAD YET TO SEE THE COMPLETE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL !SKED IF THEY WOULD ENTERTAIN RIVAL OFFERS IF THE CONSORTIUM MISSED THE !PRIL

Q SEC FROM B1

Company STANDARD FORM OF COMPANY REGistration which SEC now impleMENTS )T IS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE PROCESSING VIA ONLINE FROM ACCOUNT CREATION ALL THE WAY TO PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION FEES !LL TYPES OF CORPORATIONS MAY APPLY USING THE REGULAR LANE 5NDER THIS ,ANE THE ONLY TIME AN APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO PHYSICALLY COME TO THE 3%# IS WHEN THE CERTIkCATE OF INCORPORATION IS CLAIMED (OWEVER IN THIS LANE THE APPLICANT MUST HAVE ACCESS TO STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION AND A RELIABLE COMPUTER ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE MAY BE VARIOUS DOCUMENTS WHICH MAY BE UPLOADED TO THE SYSTEM BY THE APPLICANT SUCH AS THEIR OWN ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION )N ANY CASE WITHOUT A STABLE INTERNET CONNECTION OR COMPUTER USERS MAY EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE SYSTEM SLOWDOWN DUE TO THEIR CONNECTION AND CONSEQUENTLY EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE DELAYS IN THEIR ONLINE REGISTRATION &!34 42!#+ &ACILITATING !UTOMATED 3YSTEM 4RANSITION ,ANE &!34 42!#+ ,ANE IS A HYBRID manual transition measure that facilitates faster resolution or approval OF PENDING #23 APPLICATIONS 4HOSE

Q PEREZ FROM B1

The Gaisano 0 IN )N MRSGI estimated their compenSATION AT 0 MILLION /N THE OTHER HAND -23') SAID IT PAID gALL OTHER OFkCERS AND DIRECTORS AS A GROUP UNNAMEDu 0 IN 0 IN AND 0 IN )T PROJECTED AT 0 MILLION THEIR COMPENSATION FOR

;!BOUT THE WRITER +ELVIN ,ESTER + ,EE IS A #OMMISSIONER OF THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION 3%# (E IS THE CO CHAIRPERSON OF the SEC Committee on MemoranDUM #IRCULARS 4O /PERATIONALIZE 2EVISED #ORPORATION #ODE 0ROVISIONS 4HE VIEWS AND OPINIONS STATED HEREIN ARE HIS OWN =

N THIS AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA where we have access to platforms that allow us to share our OWN CONTENT WE ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE OF WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY MAY BE 4HOUGH THERE ARE INHERENT DANGERS TO THIS NEW LEVEL OF CONNECTEDNESS IT ALSO ALLOWS more and more conversations TO HAPPEN ALBEIT IN THE DIGITAL SPACE )T CAN CAUSE ENVY YES BUT IT CAN ALSO SPARK HOPE !S WE SHARE OUR LIVES AND ENGAGE in conversations that transcend DISTANCE IT NOW BECOMES MORE apparent to us that we are not ALONE IN OUR DAILY STRUGGLES THAT OUR SUFFERINGS ARE NOT UNIQUE TO US THAT THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE WHO MAY HAVE SOMETHING worse than whatever it is we are GOING THROUGH !T THIS VERY MOMENT YOU COULD BE SEETHING WITH ANGER AT YOUR PEOPLE BECAUSE YOU FELT BETRAYED AND WERE LEFT HANGING IN A VERY IMPORTANT UNDERTAKING 9OU COULD BE PISSED OFF WITH YOUR BOSS BECAUSE YOU DO NOT FEEL APPRECIATED 9OU MIGHT HAVE LOST FAITH IN YOUR ORGANIZATION BECAUSE THEY SEEM TO PROMOTE INCAPABLE AND UNDESERVING COLLEAGUES !DD TO THAT WHATEVER YOU ARE DEALING WITH OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK AND YOU NOW BECOME COMBUSTIBLE READY TO EXPLODE ANYTIME 7HATEVER IT IS MAKING YOUR BURDENS HEAVIER ALLOW ME TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU There is no inconsequenTIAL GROWTH WHEN ONE ENDURES THROUGH SUFFERING 'ROWTH HAPpens when we are uncomfortABLE 'ROWTH HAPPENS WHEN WE ENDURE )T HAPPENS WHEN WE PERSEVERE )N DEVELOPING ONE S MUSCLES ONE MUST GO THROUGH ACHES AND PAINS 4HERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS )NVENTIONS ARE BORNE OUT OF INCONVENIENCES &AITH BLOSSOMS IN TIMES OF TRIAL AND PAIN !S MY DAUGHTER ALWAYS REMINDS ME g9OU WIN SOME YOU LEARN SOME u )N EVERY PAINFUL ENDEAVOR THERE IS GROWTH TO BE HAD 7E JUST HAVE TO BE MINDFUL OF IT 7HEREVER YOU ARE RIGHT NOW BLOOM $O NOT BE CONTENT AT BEING A BYSTANDER WHILE OTHERS ARE BUSY GROWING 2EMEMBER ALL OF US IN DIFFERENT DEGREES ARE FACING OUR DAILY STRUGGLES Do not sulk in the corner and WHINE ABOUT YOUR STRUGGLES WHILE OTHERS ARE DEALING WITH THEIRS HEAD ON ) AM NOT SAYING WE SHOULD gSHUT UP AND WORK u 4HERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING )F YOU NEED TO TALK OR AIR IT OUT BY ALL MEANS (OWEVER THERE IS ALSO A TIME TO BE PRODUCTIVE AND kND SOLUTIONS TO YOUR PROBLEMS 4AKE IN EVERY EXPERIENCE $O NOT BRUSH ASIDE THE STRUGGLES THE PAIN AND THE SUFFERING !LLOW YOURSELF TO PROCESS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING "Y TAKING IT ALL IN YOU ARE ALLOWING YOURSELF TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SITUATION AND HOW YOU CAN BEST LEARN FROM IT !T THE SAME TIME GIVE YOUR ALL $O NOT SHORTCHANGE YOUR EFFORT JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE disappointed with the people YOU ARE WORKING WITH OR BECAUSE YOUR ORGANIZATION IS NOT LIVING UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS Ours is not a small world and IT IS BECOMING SMALLER WITH EVERY ADVANCEMENT IN TECHNOLOGY 4HUS ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST AND EXERCISE CIVILITY AND DECENCY AT ALL TIMES .EVER BURN YOUR BRIDGES 9OU NEVER

.ICANOR . *ACINTO RECEIVED ALLOWANCE OF 0 A MONTH !CCORDING TO -23') S ')3 THE BOARD FEES TOTALED 0 IN 4HESE WOULD TRANSLATE TO AN AVERAGE PAYS AND PERKS OF 0 FOR EACH OF THE SEVEN DIRECTORS ! GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET ')3 kLED FOR SHOWED -23') HAVING MILLION COMMON SHARES AS AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK !#3 4HE store chain had 20 stockholders CONSISTING OF &ILIPINOS AND TWO FOREIGNERS

/F -23') S STOCKHOLDERS THE COMPANY SAID g u 4HEN IT SAID gEQUIVALENT TO PERCENTu PERCENT OF WHAT )F PERCENT REFERS TO PAID UP CAPITAL STOCK THIS WOULD HAVE MEANT 6ICSAL AND -23') S INSIDERS OWN -23') COMMON SHARES 4HE COMPANY S PUBLIC OWNERSHIP REPORT 0/2 LISTED TWO SIGNIkCANT STOCKHOLDERS WHICH AS OF $EC HELD BILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT

4YPHOON -ANGKHUT (OWEVER THE 53$! SAID THE COUNTRY S CORN STOCKS WOULD LIKELY REBOUND TO -4 IN -9 A REVERSAL FROM THE -4 RECORDED IN -9 4HE MAJORITY OF CORN STOCKS ARE WITH PRIVATE TRADERS AND LARGE INTEGRATED OPERATIONS $UE TO IMPROVED GRAIN PRODUCTION AND ADEQUATE FEEDGRAIN STOCKS CORN IMPORTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE lAT IN -9 ACCORDING TO 53$! #ITING EXPORTER DATA FROM THE 'LOBAL 4RADE !TLAS THE 53$! said 2018 corn imports reached -4 UP PERCENT FROM -4 IN )NDONESIAN CORN ACCOUNTED FOR PERCENT OF THE TOTAL IMPORTS FOLLOWED BY 4HAI CORN AND 53 CORN WITH PERCENT AND PERCENT SHARE RESPECTIVELY -EANWHILE DEMAND FOR FEED

CORN WILL INCREASE TO --4 while food consumption will deCREASE TO --4 DUE TO THE SHIFTING DIET OF THE &ILIPINO CONSUMER THE 53$! SAID g4HE DOMESTIC FEED MILLING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO CONSOLIDATE AND MODERNIZE SERVICING THE FEED NEEDS OF THE GROWING LIVESTOCK POULTRY AND AQUACULTURE INDUSTRIES u IT ADDED 4O SATISFY THE GROWING DEMAND FOR YELLOW CORN THE $EPARTMENT OF !GRICULTURE WAS BANKING ON 3ORGHUM $EVELOPMENT 0ROGRAM which aims to produce an estimated 10 MMT of additional FEED GRAINS IN HECTARES OF ANCESTRAL DOMAIN AREAS 3ORGHUM IS A GRASS VARIETY WHICH PRODUCES PROTEIN RICH GRAINS WHICH COULD ALSO BE AN ALTERNATIVE TO CORN FOR ANIMAL FEEDS THUS SUPPORT THE GROWING LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY INDUSTRY

DEADLINE HE REPLIED g4HE DECIsion will come when the situation ASKS FOR IT u The Transportation department HAD FAVORED THE .!)! #ONSORTIUM PROPOSAL OVER THAT OF '-2 -EGAWIDE WHICH LAST YEAR ALSO OFFERED TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT FOR 0 BILLION OVER YEARS 3OUGHT FOR COMMENT .!)! #ONSORTIUM SPOKESPERSON *IMBO Reverente told reporters in a text MESSAGE THAT THEY WOULD gCOMPLY with the stated deadline of SecreTARY 4UGADE u )F A DEAL IS REACHED THE PROPOSAL WILL STILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED BY THE .ATIONAL %CONOMIC AND $EVELOPMENT !UTHORITY .%$! "OARD CHAIRED BY 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE )T WILL THEN BE SUBJECTED TO A 3WISS CHALLENGE WHERE COMPETING OFFERS WILL BE SOLICITED AND THE CONSORTIUM ALLOWED TO MATCH THEM .!)! HAS BEEN OPERATING BEYOND CAPACITY AND 4ERMINAL ‡ THE SECOND OLDEST ‡ AT ONE POINT was rated the worst airport in the WORLD $ESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE

MILLION PASSENGERS IT HANDLED MILLION IN AND THE kGURE IS EXPECTED TO HIT MILLION BY AND MILLION BY !LTERNATIVE GATEWAYS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED AMONG THEM THE 0 BILLION "ULACAN )NTERNATIONAL !IRPORT BEING PUSHED BY ANOTHER TOP CONGLOMERATE 3AN -IGUEL #ORP THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY THE .%$! "OARD !LSO ON 4UESDAY 4RANSPORTATION 5NDERSECRETARY -ANUEL 4AMAYO SAID the terms of reference for a Swiss CHALLENGE WERE BEING kNALIZED g(OPEFULLY WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS WE CAN PUBLISH IT 4HEN WE WILL GIVE DAYS TO GIVE OTHER GROUPS THE CHANCE TO MATCH 3-# S PROPOSAL u HE SAID 3AN -IGUEL LAST YEAR SAID THAT GROUNDBREAKING COULD BE HELD SOMETIME IN ,AST MONTH 4RANSPORTATION 5NDERSECRETARY 2UBEN 2EINOSO SAID THE PROJECT WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN PHASES WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE FACILITY TO BE PARTIALLY OPERATIONAL BY

WHO WISH TO UTILIZE &!34 42!#+ WILL STILL HAVE TO ENCODE UPLOAD THEIR APPLICATION ONLINE (OWEVER THEY WILL HAVE TO MANUALLY SUBMIT ORIGINAL COPIES OF NOTARIZED DOCUMENTS FOR CHECKING AND PROCESSING PRIOR TO CLAIMING THEIR CERTIkCATES OF REGISTRATION )N SHORT THE &!34 42!#+ PROVIDES ASSISTANCE SERVICES I E 3%# PERSONNEL ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESSING OF COMPANY REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS WHETHER IT BE THE CREATION OF A #23 ACCOUNT OR ON SITE PROCESSING OF THE proposed articles of incorporation AND BY LAWS AND OTHER DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS 4HERE IS ALSO ASSISTANCE UNDER THIS LANE FOR THE kLLING OUT OF #23 FORMS 4HE &!34 42!#+ ,ANE IS AVAILABLE AT THE COMPANY REGISTRATION AND MONITORING DEPARTMENT AT THE 3%# OFkCE AT THE 0)## AND AT THE 3%# SATELLITE OFkCES ,%!0 ,ANE FOR %XPRESS !PPLICATION 0ROCESSING ,%!0 IS A LANE THAT uses CRS pro-forma application FORMS TO FAST TRACK THE PROCESS 4HIS FORM IS MORE USER FRIENDLY SINCE THE APPLICANT SIMPLY TICKS OFF FROM THE ENUMERATED ITEMS OR TYPES IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION ,%!0 REMOVES the option for the corporation or applicant to craft their own provisions in THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION BY LAWS OR UPLOAD THEIR OWN DOCUMENTS !S SUCH CORPORATIONS WHICH DO NOT NEED TO UPLOAD ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS MAY UTILIZE ,%!0 )N

FACT UNDER ,%!0 ONE DAY PROCESSING AND APPROVAL IS POSSIBLE 4AKE NOTE THOUGH THAT ONLY THE GENERAL PURPOSE NON SPECIALIZED CORPORATIONS OR THOSE THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A SECONDARY LICENSE or prior endorsement from another GOVERNMENT AGENCY ARE QUALIkED TO USE THIS SPECIAL LANE These measures were successful ENOUGH THAT THE 0RESIDENTIAL !NTI #ORRUPTION #OMMISSION 0!## awarded the SEC with a plaque of HONOR ON -ARCH TO HONOR THE 3%# S EFFORTS gFOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SYSTEM PROCESSES AND THE introduction of innovative measures THAT IMMENSELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE CURTAILMENT OF CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT u !DMITTEDLY THERE S STILL MUCH room for improvement when it COMES TO ONLINE COMPANY REGISTRATION 2EST ASSURED THAT THE 3%# IS DOING ITS BEST TO IMPROVE THE #23 AND TO PROPERLY FULkLL ITS MANDATE under Section 180 of the Revised #ORPORATION #ODE

Board fees and MRSGI owners -23') S 0)3 ALSO SHOWED A gkXED MONTHLY REMUNERATIONu OF WHAT IT CALLS gNOMINAL PER DIEM OF 0 MILLION NET OF TAX AS BOARD FEES OF BOTH EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS AND NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS )N ADDITION IT PAYS &RANK 3 'AISANO AS BOARD CHAIRMAN 0 A MONTH gPER diem allowance per committee MEETING ATTENDED u !S INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS 'UILLERMO , 0ARAYNO *R AND 2ICARDO

Let us be that person FROM WHERE WE SIT

ANTON NG KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT NEED TO TRAVERSE THEM AGAIN )DEALISM IS GOOD )T PROVIDES HIGH STANDARDS TO AIM FOR ! WORD OF CAUTION THOUGH -AY IT NOT CAUSE US GREATER DESPAIR IF IT EVENTUALLY BECOMES UNMET ,ET US ALL AIM FOR EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS BUT LET US NOT BECOME too attached to our ideals that WE BECOME CYNICAL AT THE END 3URELY THIS WORLD WILL TEAR YOUR IDEALISM INTO PIECES 4HE MORE ACCEPTING WE ARE OF THE FACT THAT THE WORLD IS NOT AND WILL NEVER BE TRULY FAIR THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR US TO ENDURE 7HEREVER YOU ARE DO YOU THINK YOU GOT TO THAT POINT FAIRLY THAT EVERYTHING THAT CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR STATUS NOW IS BASED PURELY ON YOUR OWN MERITS -OST LIKELY NOT 7E ARE DESIGNED TO WORK ) TRULY BELIEVE THAT 'OD CREATED US TO WORK TO CONTRIBUTE TO HUMAN lOURISHING 7HETHER AS AN EMPLOYEE AN ENTREPRENEUR OR A STAY AT HOME PARENT WE HAVE OUR ROLES TO PLAY /UR WORK HOWEVER IS ONE OF THE MAJOR SOURCES OF OUR DAILY STRUGGLES )T IS INESCAPABLE %VEN IF WE RESIGN FROM OUR CURRENT JOBS WE WILL still face similar or different STRUGGLE IN NEW ENVIRONMENT 7E WILL STILL DEAL WITH PEOPLE A DIFFERENT GROUP PERHAPS BUT A GROUP THAT WILL ALSO CAUSE OUR STRUGGLES (AVING SAID ALL OF THESE IT does not meant we have an ilLEGITIMATE GRIPE &OR MOST OF IT ) AM CERTAIN IT IS REAL AT LEAST FOR THE PERSON FEELING IT )T DOES HOWEVER PUT EVERYTHING IN A NEW PERSPECTIVE ! PERSPECTIVE wherein we have come to accept THAT IN OUR LIFE‡ESPECIALLY IN OUR WORK‡WE WILL BE DISAPPOINTED -AYBE NOT ALL THE TIME BUT WE WILL 7E WILL BE FRUSTRATED HURT AND HUMBLED 3O IS THE NEXT PERSON 3O IS YOUR FRIEND IN ANOTHER CONTINENT 3O IS YOUR CHILD IN GRADE SCHOOL 3O IS YOUR BOSS )T IS THEN UP TO US TO kND WAYS TO BE MORE UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENT AMID ALL OF THESE !T THE SAME TIME NEVER CEASE TO DEMAND EXCELLENCE ! DIFkCULT BALANCE PERHAPS "UT WHAT IS LIFE IF LIVED WITHOUT ANY tension? Demand excellence BUT EXERCISE A LOT OF PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING )N THIS AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA where we have access to platforms that allow us to share our OWN CONTENT LET US BECOME THAT PERSON READY TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH PEOPLE WHO NEED IT REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY MAY BE 4HAT S BECAUSE YOU MIGHT BE THE MESSENGER OF HOPE DURING A TIME WHEN THEY BADLY NEEDED SOME

!NTON .G IS A 0ARTNER OF THE !UDIT !SSURANCE $IVISION OF 0 ! 'RANT 4HORNTON 0 ! Grant Thornton is one of the LEADING !UDIT 4AX !DVISORY AND /UTSOURCING kRMS IN THE 0HILIPPINES WITH 0ARTNERS AND OVER STAFF MEMBERS 7E D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOUÜ 4WEET US AT 0!'RANT4HORNTON LIKE US ON &ACEBOOK 0 ! 'RANT 4HORNTON AND EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO ANTON NG PH GT COM OR PAGRANTTHORNTON PH GT COM &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR 7EBSITE WWW GRANTTHORNTON COM PH These were Vicsal and Value Shop 3TORES )NC WITH DIRECT HOLDINGS OF BILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT AND MILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT RESPECTIVELY -23') ATTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC ACCORDING TO THE 0/2 THE OWNERSHIP OF MILLION -23') COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT 7ITHOUT -23') S INSIDERS WILL THE PUBLIC ALSO BECOME SIGNIkCANT STOCKHOLDERS *UST ASKING

%MAIL ESDPEREZ GMAIL COM

Corporate News LRWC raises P4.4B via private placement L ˜ The Manila Times

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

EISURE and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) has generated P4.4 billion through a private placement involving six institutional investors.

)N A DISCLOSURE ON 4UESDAY THE SHARES AT 0 APIECE LISTED HOLDING COMPANY SAID ITS 4HE PRICE IS BASED ON THE PREBOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE MIUM OVER THE CLOSING PRICE OF ISSUANCE OF BILLION COMMON THE kRM S SHARES ON .OV

&ORTUNEGATE (OLDINGS 0HILIPPINES )NC -ILLENNIUM 0AN !SIA "USINESS -ANAGEMENT 3ERVICES )NC 8)) #APITAL )NC AND $IAMOND &ORTUNE (OLDINGS )NC EACH SUBSCRIBED TO MILLION COMMON SHARES ,EISURE !DVANTAGE )NC MILLION AND %UPHONIOUS (OLDINGS )NC MILLION The new shares came from ,27# S AUTHORIZED BUT UNISSUED

CAPITAL STOCK 0ROCEEDS FROM THE ISSUANCE THE kRM SAID IN *ANUARY WILL BE USED TO REkNANCE EXISTING DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND FUND THE BUSINESSES OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES /RIGINALLY INCORPORATED ON /CT AS FERTILIZER PRODUCER !TLAS &ERTILIZER #ORP ,27# IS NOW INTO PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT FOCUSING ON LEISURE GAMING AND RECREATION )T IS BEHIND THE UNNAMED MIL-

lion casino and resort complex on "ORACAY ISLAND IN !KLAN PROVINCE THAT IT WILL BEGIN BUILDING THIS YEAR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -ACAU BASED 'ALAXY %NTERTAINMENT 'ROUP ,TD ,AST *ULY THE kRM SAID THE COMplex would stand on a 23-hectare PROPERTY THAT IT BOUGHT USING THE 0 BILLION LOAN IT SECURED FROM "$/ 5NIBANK )NC 4HE RESORT IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN

B3

4HE COMPANY ALSO OWNS BINGO PARLORS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY AND HAS AN EXISTING LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH THE #AGAYAN %CONOMIC :ONE !UTHORITY TO DEVELOP AND OPERATE INTERNET AND GAMING ENTERPRISES AND FACILITIES IN THE #AGAYAN 3PECIAL %CONOMIC :ONE &REEPORT ,27# SHARES ROSE BY CENTAVOS OR PERCENT TO CLOSE AT 0 EACH ON 4UESDAY

Security Bank to redeem Petron gets shareholder nod to issue shares note ahead of maturity SECURITY Bank Corp. will redeem the P10-billion debt note it issued five years ago, ahead of its scheduled maturity. In a disclosure on Tuesday, the listed lender said its board of directors approved to exercise a call option on the Tier 2 note issued on July 11, 2014. The option is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the note, which has a maturity date of July 11, 2024 and callable on July 12, 2019. The note has a coupon rate of 5.375 percent. Security Bank is also planning to raise as much as P20 billion from the issuance of long-term negotiable certificates of deposit (LTNCTDs), but did not provide further details. Banks sell instruments like LTNCDs to raise capital without having to sell shares. The bank is obliged to redeem the face value of the certificate upon maturity and pay out periodic coupons or interest payments during the life of

the deposit. The notes are similar to time deposits but have longer maturities and higher yields. They are negotiable and are insured with the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. up to P500,000 per depositor. LTNCDs are also taxexempt on the interest income for qualified individuals or institutions if held for at least five years. In late February, Security Bank said its net income reached P8.6 billion in 2018, a 16-percent drop from P10.3 billion the year before. This despite the lender’s customer loans and deposits growing by P3.6 billion or 30 percent to P15.7 billion. The latter amount was driven by consumer loans and low-cost deposits, which increased by 47 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Security Bank shares added P4.30 or 2.56 percent to close at P172 each on Tuesday. MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

0%42/. #ORP SAID ON 4UESDAY ITS STOCKHOLDERS ALLOWED THE kRM to issue preferred shares of up to 0 BILLION )N A DISCLOSURE THE LISTED OIL COMPANY SAID IT HAD RECEIVED THE written assent of stockholders TO SELL COMMON SHARES 4HEY HOLD MORE THAN A MAJORITY OF THE kRM S TOTAL OUTSTANDING COMMON CAPITAL STOCK The approval follows the one GRANTED BY 0ETRON S BOARD OF DIRECTORS 4HIS APPROVAL INVOLVES REGISTERING THE SHARES WITH THE 3ECURITIES AND %XCHANGE #OMMISSION AND LISTING THEM ON THE 0HILIPPINE

3TOCK %XCHANGE “Details of the offer and issuance of the preferred shares shall BE DETERMINED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COMPANY u 0Etron said in a separate disclosure ON -ONDAY g3PECIkC TERMS WILL BE DISCLOSED TO THE PUBLIC UPON kLING OF THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND LISTING APPLICATION FOR THE PREFERRED SHARES u IT ADDED )N A -ARCH kLING THE OIL COMPANY REPORTED THAT ITS NET INCOME FELL BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION IN FROM 0 BILLION THE YEAR BEFORE WHICH IT ATTRIBUTED TO

THE CONTINUOUS DECLINE IN GLOBAL CRUDE PRICES 4HIS PRICE DECREASE IT SAID RESULTED IN INVENTORY LOSSES AMOUNTING TO 0 BILLION FOR THE LAST TWO MONTHS OF 7 H I L E O P E R A T I N G I N C O M E DROPPED BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION LAST YEAR 0ETRON SAW ITS CONSOLIDATED SALES RISE BY PERCENT TO 0 BILLION FROM A YEAR EARLIER %STABLISHED ON $EC AS %SSO 0HILIPPINES )NC ‡ LATER KNOWN AS 0ETROPHIL #ORP UNTIL ‡ 0ETRON IS INTO REFINING CRUDE OIL AND MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTING REFINED PETROLEUM

PRODUCTS 4HESE INCLUDE GASOLINE NAPHTHA LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS DIESEL JET FUEL KEROSENE AND PETROCHEMICALS )T ALSO MANUFACTURES LUBRICANTS AND GREASES AT ITS BLENDING PLANT IN -ANILA S 0ANDACAN DISTRICT 4HE COMPANY PROVIDES NEARLY PERCENT OF THE COUNTRY S FUEL REQUIREMENTS THROUGH ITS "ATAAN REkNERY TERMINALS AND MORE THAN SERVICE STATIONS NATIONWIDE 0ETRON SHARES TUMBLED BY CENTAVOS OR PERCENT TO kNISH AT 0 APIECE ON 4UESDAY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Pilipinas Shell to expand refinery, open new stations 0),)0).!3 3HELL 0ETROLEUM #ORP IS PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS 4ABANGAO REkNERY IN "ATANGAS PROVINCE AND open more retail stations to further GROW ITS BUSINESS )N A DISCLOSURE ON 4UESDAY 0ILIPINAS 3HELL 0RESIDENT AND #HIEF %XECUTIVE /FkCER #ESAR 2OMERO SAID THE COMPANY WOULD IMPLEMENT PROJECTS IN THE MIDTERM TO ENHANCE THE REkNERY S CRUDE lEXIBILITY 4HE LISTED OIL kRM WILL ALSO ADD BETWEEN AND NEW STATIONS IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS THIS YEAR 4HESE AREAS WERE NOT DISCLOSED g7E ARE INVESTING IN OUR FACILITIES

AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO DELIVER STRONG RETURNS TO THE PUBLIC WE CONTINUE TO SERVE INCLUDING OUR INVESTORS 4HIS MEANS SUSTAINED RELIABLE SERVICE WORLD CLASS QUALITY PRODUCTS AND TANGIBLE RETURNS FOR OUR SHAREHOLDERS u 2OMERO SAID ,AST WEEK 0ILIPINAS 3HELL THE LOCAL UNIT OF 2OYAL $UTCH 3HELL SAID IT HAD ALLOTTED 0 BILLION to support the expansion of its RETAIL BUSINESS AND OPTIMIZATION PROJECTS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLY SEGMENT Its capital expenditures for 2018 REACHED 0 BILLION 4HE LISTED

kRM GENERATED 0 BILLION CASH FROM OPERATIONS LAST YEAR ENABLING THEM TO PAY DIVIDENDS AND kNANCE THIS YEAR S INVESTMENT !LSO ON 4UESDAY 0ILIPINAS 3HELL ANNOUNCED CASH DIVIDENDS OF 0 PER SHARE WHICH TRANSLATES TO 0 BILLION OR PERCENT OF ITS AUDITED NET INCOME 4HIS SURPASSES THE COMPANY S commitment to maintain a diviDEND PAYOUT OF AT LEAST PERCENT AND IS THE HIGHEST PAYOUT RATIO SINCE ITS INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING IN 4HE DIVIDENDS WHICH 0ILIPINAS 3HELL S BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED

LAST 4HURSDAY WILL BE PAID ON !PRIL 30 to stockholders on record as OF !PRIL )NCORPORATED AND REGISTERED AS 4HE 3HELL 2EkNING #O 0HILIPPINES )NC ON *AN 0ILIPINAS 3HELL IS INTO REFINING AND MARKETING PETROLEUM PRODUCTS )T DISTRIBUTES THEM THROUGH ITS FUEL DISTRIBUTION TERMINALS LUBRICANTS WAREHOUSES AND TWO BITUMEN IMPORT FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY 0ILIPINAS 3HELL SHARES DROPPED BY CENTAVOS OR PERCENT TO CLOSE AT 0 APIECE ON 4UESDAY JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Q BANKING FROM B1

BAP eyes 2019 launch of digital 2OADMAP FOR MORE COST EFkCIENT TRADING OF FIXED INCOME INSTRUMENTS AND SUSTAINED REGULAR DIALOGUES WITH REGULATORS FOR THE LIBERALIZATION OF THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET 4HE "!0 THE LEAD ORGANIZAtion of universal and commercial BANKS IN THE COUNTRY INCLUDES !SIA

5NITED "ANK "$/ 5NIBANK )NC "$/ 0RIVATE "ANK )NC "ANK OF #OMMERCE "0) #HINA "ANKING #ORP #4"# "ANK 0HILIPPINES #ORP $EVELOPMENT "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINES %AST 7EST "ANKING #ORP ,AND "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINES -AYBANK 0HILIPPINES )NC -ETROPOLITAN "ANK AND 4RUST #O

0HILIPPINE "ANK OF #OMMUNICATIONS 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL "ANK 0HILTRUST "ANK 0HILIPPINE 6ETERANS "ANK 2IZAL #OMMERCIAL "ANKING #ORP 2OBINSONS "ANKING #ORP 3ECURITY "ANK #ORP 5NION "ANK OF THE 0HILIPPINES AND 5NITED #OCO 0LANTERS "ANK MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Q CONTENT FROM B1

Apple shifts focus to digital wide who use at least one of its devices. But some suggested Apple’s path may be harder than anticipated. “I don’t want to know which famous people Apple has signed up. I want to know if the annual budget is $1bn or $10bn,� tweeted Benedict Evans, a Silicon Valley investor and blogger. “Getting audience for a TV platform is like orbital mechanics — the only way to go up is to burn more fuel.� While some view Apple’s move as a reinvention of the iconic company, analyst Richard Windsor said on his Radio Free Mobile blog that the video service “is very unlikely to ever be big enough to wean Apple off of its long addiction to selling hardware.�

More than 300 magazines Meanwhile, a new Apple News+ service at a cost of $9.99 per month will include The Los Angeles Times and Wall Street Journal, digital news sites and more than 300 magazine titles including Rolling Stone,

Time, National Geographic, Wired and The New Yorker. “We think Apple News+ will be great for customers and great for publishers,� Cook said. Apple News+ was launched in the US and Canada in English and French and will be available later this year in Britain and Australia, the company said. Separately, the company said it was launching a new game subscription service called Apple Arcade later this year with at least 100 titles at launch. “Apple Arcade will introduce an innovative way to access a collection of brand new games that will not be available on any other mobile platform or in any other subscription service,� Apple said in a statement. The game service will be available in 150 countries, with pricing to be announced later. The move comes as Apple shifts to emphasize digital content and other services to offset a pullback in the once-sizzling smartphone market, and with many news organizations struggling to monetize their

online services.

Selling privacy Apple highlighted privacy and data protection for its new services, responding to consumer concerns about personal information bought and sold by Silicon Valley firms. It said advertisers would not be able to track the activity of subscribers to the news service and its Arcade would have no ads, ad tracking or additional purchases. On additional services, Apple said it would offer a credit card in partnership with Goldman Sachs to be integrated with Apple Pay. Those signing up will get a physical card and one for a digital wallet, with the two companies pledging to refrain from sharing or selling data to third parties for marketing and advertising. Apple Card features that could shake up the credit card industry include not charging fees, giving users cash back on purchases, and providing tools for people to better manage their debt. AFP

B4

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Special Feature

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

DU T E R T E NO M I C S

Building a nation Infrastructure projects are vital to a country’s growth

Q Infrastructure and industry development have been the centerpiece of the administration for the first 1000 days.

A

S part of his 10-point socioeconomic agenda, President Rodrigo Duterte envisioned to reduce poverty by 13 to 15 percent come the year 2022. Among the reforms to drive this agenda is the acceleration of infrastructure and development of industries — and this has been the centerpiece of the ADMINISTRATION FOR THE kRST DAYS With the government’s focus on infrastructure, this means having more railways, airports and

seaports, urban mass transport systems, new bridges and roads, and even new cities.

In a country made up of close to 7,700 islands, we have come to depend on the various infra projects to move from one point to another — moving goods, moving people — which are vital to a country’s development. Several government agencies are responsible for their implementation.

For people, planes, trains, and automobiles The Department of Transportation

(DOTr) and its partner agencies have delivered several big-ticket transport infrastructure projects under the current administration — projects that aim to promote inclusive growth across all transportation sectors. Such projects include the successful bidding for Clark International Airport’s operations and management (O&M) contract — awarded to the four-member North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC) — and was cleared by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel and the Department of Finance (DOF). The construction of a second terminal has likewise begun. Another project being helmed by the DOTr is the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The said project involved the construction of a new world-class passenger terminal. Now in its finishing stages, the new terminal will house 8 million passengers per year. The new terminal’s look (which evokes a very tropical and resort-like feel) was conceptualized by worldrenowned Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue and Filipino designer Budji Layug. The expansion and rehabilitation of San Vicente (Palawan), Tuguegarao, Tacloban, Virac, and Maasin (Leyte) domestic airport terminals were also undertaken. This administration also saw that the New Communications .AVIGATION 3URVEILLANCE !IR 4RAFkC

Q A visual perpective of a completed MRT 7 station, which is currently underworks. Management (CNS/ATM) systems — a nationwide project whose development started in 1998 which covers the deployment of vital communications, SURVEILLANCE AND AIR TRAFkC CONTROL equipment/facilities, along with the replacement of old facilities or equipment — were installed. Likewise, 21 commercial airports are now night capable — ensuring SAFER lIGHTS FOR EVERYONE Another notable project worth watching is the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). The construction has officially started last February 27, with groundbreaking ceremonies held in Valenzuela City. The now 33-kilometer (formerly 25) underground mass transportation system will connect major business districts and government centers, and to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The subway, which will start in

Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, will now end its line in NAIA (in the original plan, it was to end in FTI in Paraùaque), a move that will provide airline passengers a public transport alternative. This $7 billion project will be headed by the DOTr in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with a Filipino-Japanese joint venture (Shimizu Corp., EEI Corp., Fujita Corp., and Takenaka Civil Engineering Company Ltd.) to DESIGN AND BUILD THE kRST THREE stations — Mindanao AvenueQuirino Highway, Tandang Sora, and North Avenue. Partial operations are pushed for 2022 while the government expects full operations by 2025. Improvements to the MRT-3 is now happening, with MitsubishiSumitomo now back as its maintenance and rehabilitation

ÂłDuterte B5

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Q The Mactan-Cebu International Airport project involves the construction of a new world-class passenger terminal to house 8 million passengers per year.

Q The New Communications Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management covers the deployment of vital communications, surveillance and air traffic control equipment.

Q The development of the Cavite Gateway Terminal aims to decongest Metro Manila’s traffic.

Q DUTERTE FROM B4 provider; same goes for the construction of the MRT-7 which is now underway. On the seaside, the Cavite Gateway Terminal (CGT) began operations in November 2018. The development of this barge and RoRo terminal in Tanza, Cavite aims to decongest Metro Manila’s TRAFkC BY ALLOWING TRANSHIPMENT OF CARGO FROM Manila’s port to Cavite via barges and RoRo operations, thus supporting around 115,000 twentyfoot equivalent unit (TEUs) per year which is equal to 140,000 truck trips traversing city roads yearly. The modernization of three major nautical highways and other existing RoRo routes are also underway, such as the upgrading of Davao del Sur, Basilan, and Gen. Santos’ ports, and the reopening of the Davao-Manila routes.

Infrastructure as backbone The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also has several projects aligned with the Build Build Build initiative. Several of these projects fall under road network developments which include road widening, construction of by-pass and diversion roads, missing links and new roads. The construction of new bridges, AND THE WIDENING RETROkTTING REPLACEMENT repair of existing one are also being prioritized as bridges “remain an important backbone of our infrastructure developments,� as our president has said. Build Build Build also has the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) working on several projects as well, particularly in the Subic-Clark area, which is also in partnership with the DOTr. The Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP) aims to provide a link between Clark International Airport and the Port of Subic. This 71-km LONG FREIGHT RAILWAY WILL BE kNANCED THROUGH /FkCIAL $EVELOPMENT !SSISTANCE /$! FROM China and through the allocated budget in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Construction is expected to commence this year with completion in 2022. New Clark City Government Administrative Center — the National Government Administrative Center is seen to be housed in New Clark City. All branches of government executive, judiciary, and legislative and their ATTACHED AGENCIES SHALL HAVE SATELLITE OFkCES HERE TO ENSURE A CLEAN EFkCIENT AND EFFECTIVE governance consistent with the Philippine Development Plan’s strategic plans happen. It will likewise house a Business Continuity Center to provide a one-stop shop for all businesses in New Clark City and shall also serve as a disaster and recovery center. It will also have a sports complex which is envisioned to be a world-class facility for us to host international sporting events. Duterte nonetheless believes that infrastructure indeed provides a solid background for growth. In fact, he stated, “Human rights to me means giving Filipinos, especially those at the SOCIETY S FRINGES A DECENT AND DIGNIkED FUTURE through social and physical infrastructures necessary to better their lives,� during his State Of the Nation Address last July 23rd. We can now look forward to a more connected Philippines, thanks to upgraded infrastructure.

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

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World Parliament ‘seizes’ Brexit from May L B6

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

ONDON: British lawmakers seized a measure of control over the stalled Brexit process from Prime Minister Theresa May’s foundering government Monday (Tuesday in Manila), setting up a series of votes that could dramatically alter the course of the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU).

The move came after May conceded that Parliament would defeat her twice-rejected divorce deal with the EU again if she put it to a third vote.

With Brexit delayed and the new departure date up in the air, the House of Commons voted to give itself temporary control of the parliamentary timetable starting on Wednesday, so

lawmakers can vote on alternatives to May’s withdrawal deal. The government usually controls the scheduling of votes in Parliament. Lawmakers who backed Monday’s motion, which passed 329-302, hope the planned “indicative votes� would narrow the options down to one that could secure majority support. Possible options include a “soft Brexit� that maintains close economic ties with the EU or scrapping Britain’s departure, altogether. Three government ministers quit their posts so they could back the

motion. Richard Harrington, who resigned as a junior business minister, accused the government of “playing roulette with the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of people in this country� by failing to resolve Britain’s Brexit impasse. The government said it was disappointed by the vote, claiming it “upends the balance between our democratic institutions and sets a dangerous, unpredictable precedent for the future.� But it also conceded that the new votes might be a way to break the

months-long Brexit gridlock. May said she would “engage constructively� with the results of the process, though she said she was skeptical that it would produce a decisive result. The move raises the chances that Britain will tack toward a softer Brexit, and is likely to be welcomed by the EU. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s Brexit coordinator, tweet that it was an “opportunity to build a cross-party cooperation leading to an enhanced political declaration and a closer future relationship!�

Earlier in the day, May acknowledged, “with great regret,� that her DEAL STILL LACKED gSUFkCIENT SUPport� to be approved as of Monday. She said she hoped to hold a third vote on the agreement later this week and was working to build support for the deal, which sets out the terms of withdrawing from the EU and the outline of future relations with the bloc. May warned opponents that continuing to reject the deal could lead to a “slow Brexit� that postpones the country’s departure INDEkNITELY AP

Pentagon allots $1B for Trump’s border wall WASHINGTON, D.C.: Acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan said Monday he had authorized $1 billion to build part of the wall sought by President Donald Trump along the US-Mexico border. The Department of Homeland Security asked the Pentagon to build 57 miles (92 kilometers) of 18-foot (5.5-meter) fencing, build and improve roads, and install lighting to support Trump’s emergency declaration as concerns the border. Shanahan “authorized the commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers to begin planning and executing up to $1 billion in support to the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol,� a Pentagon statement read. The acting defense secretary defended the move by citing a federal law that he said “gives

the Department of Defense the authority to construct roads and fences and to install lighting to block drug-smuggling corridors across international boundaries of the United States in support of counter-narcotic activities of federal law enforcement agencies.� The statement was released just hours before Shanahan was due to testify in Congress to present and defend the Pentagon’s draft budget. Frustrated by Congress’s refusal to provide the budget he sought to build a border wall, Trump declared a national emergency last month in order to bypass lawmakers to unlock $8 billion in funding. The move drew condemnation from both the President’s rival Democrats and fellow Republicans, who warned it was an abuse of presidential powers and created a dangerous precedent. AFP

Group: Thailand vote count ‘deeply flawed’ BANGKOK: An international election observation group has issued a critiCAL REPORT ON 4HAILAND S kRST ELECTION since a 2014 military coup, saying the “tabulation and consolidation OF BALLOTS WERE DEEPLY lAWED u The Asian Network for Free Elections says those issues led to the announcement of some preliminary results that were “wildly inaccurate.� It says the inaccuracies damaged the “perceived integrity of the general election.� Thailand’s Election Commis-

sion has defended the count and said full preliminary results would be released Friday. Tuesday’s comments from the observers come as a militarybacked party and the party whose government was ousted in the coup both claim they should form the next government. Preliminary results show the anti-military party won the most seats, while the military party appears to have gotten the most votes in Sunday’s poll. AP

Massive blackouts hit big part of Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela: A new power outage spread across much of Venezuela on Monday, knocking communications OFlINE AND STIRRING FEARS OF A REPEAT OF the chaos almost two weeks ago during the nation’s largest-ever blackout. The outage began shortly after 1 p.m. (1700 GMT) and appeared to have affected as many as 16 of Venezuela’s 23 states, according to reports on social MEDIA /FkCIALS DECLARED THAT POWER had been fully restored by early evening, but hours later the lights went out again in much of the country. As with the previous outage, the government of President Nicolas Maduro sought to blame US — backed opponents, accusing them of sabotaging the Guri Dam, source of the bulk of Venezuela’s electricity. “A macabre, perverse plan constructed in Washington and executed with factions of the extreme Venezuelan right,� Vice President Delcy Rodriguez declared on state television, describing it as an “elec-

tromagnetic� assault. Officials said the “attack� had been controlled, but their assurances, similar to ones the last time around, did little to calm the anger of RESIDENTS IN #ARACAS WHO kLLED TRAFkC clogged streets as they walked home after subway service in the capital was suspended. Their patience grew increasingly thin when a second outage struck late into the night, leaving neighborhoods pitch black. On social media, Venezuelans reported outages in Caracas and much of western Venezuela. Some said residents were banging pots and pans in the darkness in a sign of the nation’s mounting tensions. The latest outages come as President Nicolas Maduro tries to keep his grip on power amid a revived opposition movement and punishing economic sanctions from the US. Twenty-seven-year-old restaurant manager Lilian Hernandez said she was bracing for the worst. AP

NO MORE WINDMILLS Windmills at Rivesaltes, southwestern CharenteMaritime will no longer proliferate after the county council, chaired by former minister Dominique Bussereau, voted for a two-year moratorium in building more similar source of power in the area. AFP PHOTO

Trial of US consulate staff accused of spying starts ISTANBUL: A US consulate staffer went on trial in a Turkish court on Tuesday accused of spying and attempting to overthrow the government in one of several cases fuelling tensions between the US and its North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally. Metin Topuz, a Turkish citizen and liaison with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, was arrested in 2017 and has been accused of ties to US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara says ordered a failed 2016 coup. Turkish police escorted Topuz weeping into the Caglayan courthouse in Istanbul, where he faces life in jail if found guilty, an Agence

France-Presse reporter said. The US charge d’affaires from the Ankara embassy and the Istanbul consul general were also at the COURT FOR THE kRST HEARING WHICH IS expected to last three days. “We expect Mr. Topuz’s release,� his lawyer Halit Akalp told journalists, adding he had been given access to Topuz and met him twice last week. The trial opened as relations between the US and Turkey have worsened with disagreements over Syria’s war, Turkey’s purchase of Russian missiles and the US refusal to extradite Gulen. The US embassy has called the

EGYPTIAN President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi pledged to further enhance defense cooperation with China during his meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Monday. During the meeting, Sisi recalled the long-standing China-Egypt relation during which the two sides had achieved fruitful results from THEIR COOPERATION IN ALL kELDS AND highlighted China’s contribution to world peace.

He hailed China’s great achievements in its development, saying THAT %GYPT kRMLY SUPPORTS THE "ELT and Road Initiative and expects to ENHANCE COOPERATION IN THE kELD of infrastructure construction with the Chinese side. Sisi also expressed his hope that the two sides could further enhance defense cooperation and conduct more cooperation in the kELDS OF COUNTER TERRORISM JOINT military drills, armed forces buildup, as well as defense industry.

Worldinbrief GOLAN HEIGHTS PART OF ISRAEL

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, reversing more than a half-century of US policy in the Middle East. Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump made formal a move he announced in a surprise tweet last week. The president said it was time for the US to take the step after 52 years of Israeli control of the strategic highlands on the border with Syria. The US is the first country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan, which the rest of the international community regards as Israeli-occupied. Syria and neighboring Lebanon denounced the move, and at least two North Atlantic Treaty Organization members, Canada and Turkey, said they would not follow suit. AP

FIGHTING IN GAZA CONTINUES

25-M EUROS PICASSO RECOVERED candidate Prabowo Subianto delivers a campaign speech in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali. Prabowo, who lost to current President Joko Widodo in the 2014 election, was a long time top military figure during the term of Suharto for over 30 years. AFP PHOTO

Topuz was formally charged in January. He is accused of contact WITH POLICE OFkCERS AND A FORMER prosecutor suspected of links to the Gulen movement, according to Anadolu state news agency. His initial arrest in 2017 triggered a diplomatic crisis, with both Turkey and the US suspending visa services, until they stepped back. “This has been a big deal in the Turkish-US relations, but Americans have reversed course from an earlier decision to impose visa bans and have decided to pursue a quiet diplomacy,� said Asli Aydintasbas, a fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations. AFP

China, Egypt to enhance defense cooperation

JERUSALEM: Israeli aircraft bombed targets across the Gaza Strip and Gaza militants fired rockets into Israel early Tuesday, the second day of cross-border fighting that erupted in the last stretch of a closely contested race for Israeli prime minister between the longserving incumbent and an ex-army chief. The latest violence was triggered by a surprise rocket fired early Monday from Gaza, a territory ruled since 2007 by the Islamic militant group Hamas. The rocket slammed into a house in central Israel and injured seven people. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would cut short a visit to Washington, Israel sent troop reinforcements to the Gaza border and Hamas leaders went into hiding — signals that both sides are heading into perhaps the most serious confrontation since a 2014 Israel-Hamas war. AP

GEARING FOR POLLS Indonesian presidential

accusations “wholly without merit�. 53 OFkCIALS SAY FREEING gUNJUSTLY detained� Turkish nationals on their staff was a priority, as is the case of NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual US-Turkish national jailed on terror charges. Another Istanbul local consulate staffer, Mete Canturk, is under house arrest and facing similar charges to Topuz. A judge in January convicted Hamza Ulucay, a former local employee of the US consulate in Adana, southern Turkey, of helping outlawed Kurdish militants. He was released for time already served.

THE HAGUE: A Dutch art detective dubbed the “Indiana Jones of the Art World� has struck again, finding a Picasso painting worth 25 million euros stolen from a Saudi sheikh’s yacht on the French Riviera in 1999. Arthur Brand said he had handed back the 1938 masterpiece entitled “Portrait of Dora Maar�, also known as “Buste de Femme (Dora Maar)� to an insurance company earlier this month. The discovery of the rare portrait of Maar, one of Pablo Picasso’s most influen-

Noting that the friendship between China and Egypt had a long history, Wei highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, adding that it had gone deeper and achieved pragmatic results. Wei said that China appreciates Egypt’s important role in international and regional issues, supports Egypt’s efforts to defend its independence and sovereignty, adding that China was ready to enhance cooperation and work together with

Egypt to promote the Belt and Road Initiative to achieve better and faster development of bilateral relations. Under the leadership of the two heads of state, the military cooperation between China and Egypt has achieved fruitful results. “We are willing to work together with the Egyptian armed forces to implement important consensus between the two leaders and develop a higher level of relations between the two armies,� Wei said. GLOBAL TIMES

tial mistresses, is the culmination of a four-year investigation into the burglary on the luxury yacht Coral Island, as it lay anchored in Antibes. Two decades after its theft and with no clues to its whereabouts, the French police were stumped — and the portrait, which once hung in the Spanish master’s home until his death in 1973, was feared lost forever. AFP

INDON QUAKE LEAVES THOUSANDS HOMELESS JAKARTA: Thousands of children are living in makeshift shelters six months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami pounded the Indonesian city of Palu, aid agencies said Tuesday, as authorities wrestle with a “painfully slow� recovery. The magnitude 7.5 quake and subsequent deluge razed swathes of the coastal town on Sulawesi Island last September, killing more than 4,300 people, according to Indonesia’s national disaster agency. At least 170,000 residents from Palu and surrounding districts are still displaced and entire neighbourhoods are still in ruins, despite life returning to normal in other areas of the city. AFP

MALI SIEGE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 160 Ogassogou (Mali): Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita vowed Monday to beef up security as he visited a village where more some 160 people were killed by suspected militiamen from a rival ethnic group. “We need security here — this is your mission,� Keita said, giving a public order to military chief General Aboulaye Coulibaly, who was abruptly appointed on Sunday after the massacre. “Justice will be done,� he vowed. The deadly raid took place on Saturday in the village of Ogassogou, home to the Fulani herding community, near the town of Mopti in central Mali. AFP

BRITISH ROYALS TOUR CUBA HAVANA: Prince Charles and his wife Camilla began their first full day in Cuba Monday with a visit to Old Havana, touring churches, shops and cafes in the narrow cobblestoned streets of the historic center before other events around the capital city. The heir to the British throne arrived in Cuba Sunday with an agenda including visits to historic sites, a solar park, organic farm, biomedical research center, a meeting with entrepreneurs, a cultural gala and a dinner with President Miguel Diaz Canel. The agenda does not include visits with political dissidents or other critics of Cuba’s single-party system, a decision prompting criticism from Cuban exiles. AP

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Maritime

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Managing expectations‌ SEATHROUGH ATTY. BRENDA V. PIMENTEL

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AST week, the maritime community was abuzz with the news on the Philippines not making it to the second list of Annex A of HTW 6/12 submitted by the Secretariat under Agenda 12 (Any Other Business) of the 6th Session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW). The document’s purpose and the action requested of the SubCommittee are clear and, therefore, no other meaning should attach to it than as stipulated. The news generated a lot of reactions mostly based on the speculations on the negative impact to the country’s seafaring sector should the Philippines be de-listed from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List, understandably so, as many say the headline was enough cause for worry. The anxiety had the HTW 6/12 circulated in the country in more number than were distributed during the HTW Sub-Committee meeting in February this year. There were the stakeholders who started lambasting government on its failure to protect the hundreds of jobs for the Filipino seafarers; some lament the seeming indifference in putting in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure Philippine compliance with the requirements of the STCW convention. A litany of bloopers was cited by a group dating back from decades of neglecting the seafaring sector. Surprisingly, there were those who took things positively as the news create the opportunity to bring the matter to the attention of higher government authorities possibly up to the /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENT 4O SOME the news became an occasion to get the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to provide updates on the status of compliance, notwithstanding thebelated reaction to a much awaited re-assurance provided by the single maritime administration for the STCW convention. The stakeholders, industry (shipping and manning) and the seafarers have been in this “what-ifs� game as they await updates from government, aware as they are of the tedious process of audits and review by the IMO and employer countries. Until the release of the HTW document last week, no one talked about it. Could bringing the information into the open as soon as the document was issued create the same agitation as we now observe happening? On the other hand, would industry react sensibly had government made this known early on? Each of the stakeholders, be it government, industry or the public, would carry their own expectations and they react according to how they deem THEY ARE ABLE TO INlUENCE THE results of any action, taking into consideration their respective interests and objectives. And that is how things are unfolding. In one sense, there appears to be a great divide between government and the industry stakeholders. Would they care to come together and discuss how to ensure the Philippines is included in that HTW list and be retained in the IMO White List. Again, there are those who start to talk of the years past and how it was prior to the enactment of Republic Act 10635 or Act establishing the Marina. That one scares this writer the most as disturbing the arrangements now based mainly on the Annex to HTW 6/12 could be construed as nonsensical if not pure folly on the part of a country claiming to be a maritime country, and aiming for an integrated and sustainable maritime industry.

Q Manila South Harbor CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PH needs concrete port systems concept – SAAB BY GENIVI FACTAO

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takeholders in port and government institutions must work as a cluster to IMPROVE BOTH THE SAFETY AND EFkCIENCY OF port operations in the country. Everhardus van den Heuvel, deputy head of global sales and marketing of maritime traffic management, Saab Technologies, said the challenge for a lot of ports and a lot of maritime nations was that there are so many companies, so many ideas, so many deals going on. He suggested thinking about a port as a system of systems. A process has inputs and outputs. When you have many parts, it gets complex. He added that there was a need for systems, rather than quickly make decisions on indi-

vidual things. You have to make the right plan from the start. “In the Philippines, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and all the stakeholders often try to solve their own little problem. They lose sight of the whole picture,� he said. He added that the Philippines had a great opportunity to make very strategic long-term investments. With the right infrastructure and the right companies, it can become a maritime model in the world. “The challenge for PPA is that

they are hearing messages from many companies. All have their own vision. The key there is that the authority has to have a vision of its own. Don’t rely on other people’s vision. Develop upon yourself your own vision. To help YOU WITH A VISION kND A GOOD company to build that vision,� he explained. He said it was not a unique challenge. It is a challenge that a lot of countries had, but there is opportunity. He noted that some smaller ports were becoming more international. But this does not happen overnight. So you better plan how you are going to do that and make sure you have the right investment that will not stop or block you from achieving the vision. “What I’m talking about is the system of systems. Focus on

becoming that system and you get to see what the whole ecosystem looks like in the Philippines. Take A STEP BACK kND THE RIGHT COMPAnies you want to work with to help you decide what the ecosystem would look like and then make the investment,� he said. Saab makes maritime trade safe AND EFkCIENT AROUND THE WORLD 3AAB HAS MARITIME TRAFkC MANAGEMENT operations in Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, India, Sweden, Hong Kong and the US. They have “Fairway to Freeway� solution, which is an integrated end -to -end solutions for ports and the Coastal Surveillance solutions, which is an integrated solution for countries and coasts. They also have terminal operating system, port management information systems, maritime control and coast control.

Saab noted the many changes that have taken place in the port industry, which includes globalization, coming of bigger ships, rising cost of infrastructure development, regulations, the environment, especially emissions, new levels of security along with new threats, and the world economy affecting the import/export balance. Other complexities were technology challenge, increasing data growth, various types of users, information dispersed across many systems, different information formats; integration challenge different views of information, dispersed locations of input and reporting, and extensive reporting. He said if you have the investment, you could have more opportunity to do things right and implement legacy systems or system equipment in all things.

Technology innovations seen in maritime training schools

Q Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Daniel Jay Santiago in a recent port inspection tour. PHOTO BY PPA

Davao-based firm offers to develop GenSan port THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said a Davao-based company offered to develop a port in Mindanao. PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago told reporters in a recent chance interview that Kudos Trucking Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to modernize the Port of General Santos. He did not provide details on the proposal when asked. However, Santiago noted the agency was still looking at the proposed engineering designs of Kudos Trucking to ensure it was in line with PPA’s own development plan. “What we want to happen is that PPA has a long development plan for the ports, for the terminal, and we want to make sure that the proposals of the proponents will be compliant

with the long-term development plan, because ultimately after the proposed concession, it will be on the government,� he said. The case was the same with Dennis Uy-led Chelsea Logistics Holding Corp. as it has to resolve engineering concerns before PPA could recommend its P11.2-billion Davao Sasa port proposal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). If PPA approves, the proposals would then be submitted to the DOTr for review. The DOTr would also be the one to endorse to the National Economic and Development Authority for further evaluation. Once the green light is given, proponents would face the Swiss challenge, where other parties can present their proposals, which the proponents can match. LISBET K. ESMAEL

THE National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) said new trends in the global shipping has forced maritime education and training institutions to innovate to meet the demands of the seafaring industry. Mayla Macadawan, NMP deputy executive director, said the global developments would correspondingly require new skills requirements for seafarers and this would also demand for innovations on the part of maritime education and training (MET). Macadawan’s presentation, “Innovating MET: Responding to Societal Change,� highlighted the current and emerging trends in shipping involving global connectivity, rapid technological advancements, autonomous shipping and digitalization. “These advancements will eventually result to a need for seafarers who are capable to effectively perform present and future roles, with new sets of skills for hybrid, and upskilled responsibilities,� she said. She added that they must possess good decision-making in some elements of the voyage to shift from on board to onshore, with the advent of autonomous shipping. The dramatic change in the roles and functions of the seafarers in the future may require a new training regime. Maritime training institutions were seen upgrading their technology and requiring the use of simulators in high intensity training and assessment, with a syllabus that builds situational awareness. Students and trainees will be exposed to repeated critical situations onboard, such as crisis-response scenarios of progressively increasing levels of risk and complexity. She said within a period of time individuals would attain satisfactory level of competence through this high intensity training and assessment. “The use of simulators, which were designed to replicate actual equipment onboard, through the high intensity training concept may even be considered as ef-

fective replacement to reduce sea service,� she explained. The innovations in MET could also include integration of knowledge, skills and understanding (KSU) of automation in basic maritime education and development of short training course for existing seafarers. There will be significant training in information technology, with emphasis on cyber technology; use of e-learning and e-assessment platforms; development, production and dissemination of Open Educational Resources for maritime instructors and assessors. There would be synergy among local and international stakeholders. Other upgrades were in research-based development of MET programs; evaluaTION AND VERIkCATION OF -%4 PROGRAMS BY stakeholders and certifying bodies; and harmonization and standardization of MET programs. NMP participated in the 2019 MET Conference conducted in Manila last Feb. 21 to 22, 2019 with the theme “Seafarers of the Future: Trends in Maritime Education and Training.� The activity was hosted by the Maritime Industry Authority in partnership with the International Association of Maritime Universities, aimed to encourage an interactive discussion among stakeholders that will result to conclusions and preferable actions gearing toward further improvement of the Philippine MET System. NMP, as a maritime training and research agency, remained on guard for new developments in MET as this is crucial considerations in the accreditation, validation and improvement processes of its training programs. NMP continuously endeavors to precipitate and capitalize in program offerings and ensures that measures are undertaken to keep abreast with evolving standards and other industry requirements. GENIVI FACTAO

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Maritime EDITOR: Carmela I. Huelar

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Chelsea Logistics remains bullish on growth, expansion

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HELSEA Logistics Holdings Corp. (CLC) IS CONkDENT ABOUT ITS EXPANSION PLANS AND growth prospects this year as it focuses on EXPANDING ITS LOGISTICS INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES AND telecommunications base. CLC President and Chief Executive Officer Chryss Alfonsus Damuy said, “Our expansion plans complement our current business operations.� At present, CLC’s businesses still primarily revolve around integrated shipping and logistics, but due attention is being given to its infrastructure and telecommunications ventures. At its recent annual stockholders’ meeting, the company’s shareholders gave their nod to the change in its corporate name to “Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp.� along with the shift in its PSE trading symbol to “C� in lieu of “CLC.� “As the government pushes its ‘Build, Build, Build’ program forward, we are actively looking for opportunities to participate in the development of infrastructure facilities and systems in the country, including ports and airport development and operations and other related facilities,� Damuy said. After being awarded as the New Major Telecommunications player last November, Mindanao Islamic Telephone Inc. (Mislatel) expects

to begin its 5-year rollout plan with commercial operations by 2020. The Mislatel consortium is comprised of Udenna Corp., Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and China Telecommunications Corp. The presence of a third telecommunications provider allows for greater market competition, which according to the World Bank can boost the Philippine economic growth. With respect to port development, CLC has submitted its unsolicited proposal to modernize the Sasa Port in Davao City and is hopeful of securing this project. The Sasa Port, once modernized and expanded, is targeted to handle containers, general cargo and passengers for both international and domestic travel. g7E kRMLY BELIEVE THAT IF WE ARE granted with the opportunity to develop the Sasa port, it would translate to value creation for our stakeholders and promote further synergy within the group,� Damuy said. Aside from seaports, CLC was awarded Original Proponent Status (OPS) by the government for its proposal to operate and expand the Davao International Airport in

Q M/T Cherylyn a tanker owned by Chelsea Logistics PHOTO BY CHELSEA

October last year. In early February, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-11A Director Ma. Lourdes Lim said in an interview that a presentation would be made to the Investment Coordination Committee Technical Board (ICC-TB), which is the body, that deliberates on programs/project

proposals and endorses meritorious proposals to the ICC-Cabinet Committee for approval. Thus, despite 2018 being a challenging year for the shipping and logistics industry, largely due to the steep surge in fuel prices, CLC’s outlook for 2019 is nothing but POSITIVE #,# #HIEF &INANCIAL /Fk-

cer Ignacia Braga 4th in her report to the Company’s stockholders SAID THAT THE 'ROUP IS CONkDENT in delivering substantial improvement in their 2019 performance based on an estimate of at least PERCENT AVAILABILITY OF ITS lEET “This year, we continue with our business expansion plans and ex-

pect that our shipping and logistics commitments and infrastructure undertakings will enable us to be more competitive and bolster our market position.� Damuy said. 4O DATE #,# S lEET IS COMPRISED OF 12 tankers, 4 barges, 31 RoRo passenger vessels, 16 freighters, 11 fasts crafts, TUGBOATS AND lOATING DOCKS

A I M S P R E S I D E N T A R L E N E A B U I D PA D E R A N G A

Bringing PH maritime heritage to the forefront BY YASHIKA F. TORIB

a Neolothic burial site in the Manunggul Cave of the Tabon Caves in Palawan. It dates form 890-710 B.C. WITH TWO PROMINENT kGURES ON A boat at the cover handle to represent the journey of the soul to afterlife. Meanwhile, a life-sized stone statue of Padre Odorico welcomes visitors to Museo Maritimo with outstretched hands. Earliest records unearthed by Hiniraya proved that the Franciscan priest WAS THE kRST TO HAVE CELEBRATED mass in the Philippine shores in Bolinao, Pangasinan in 1324; this was 197 years earlier than the WIDELY ACCEPTED STORY OF THE kRST mass by Father Pedro de Valderrama in Limasawa, Leyte in 1521. The biggest historical revelation of Dr. Paderanga and Barte’s Museo Maritimo is that a Filipino MAY HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN THE kRST TO circum navigate the globe. Enrique de Malacca, was sold to slavery in Sumatra then later in Malacca City in Malaysia where he was subsequently bought by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Enrique traveled back to Europe with Magellan and joined him in his voyages to the East Indies as his in-

MOVERS, shakers and members of the world’s maritime industry, for the past couple of years, have been into planning and strategizing the future of shipping. We have seen cutting-edge technology transform vessels into man-less steel mammoths that are remotely operated by equally advanced communication equipment. Everyone was intent on moving forward. Then in comes Dr. Arlene Abuid Paderanga, president of the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) who looks so far back at the country’s maritime heritage that it could actually change Philippine history, as we know it. Like a catapult, Paderanga believed that the furthest hurl you could manage depends on how farther back you can pull your strings; such is the case for how the past shapes the future. “You can only go as far as you bend back because that is where you get your strength and strategies, it’s what gives you direction,� Paderanga said, hinting that the best version of our futures is guided by learnings and values of the past. It is along these lines that Paderanga, along with Gina AranetaBarte of Hiniraya Heritage Foundation, established the country’s first comprehensive maritime MUSEUM AT THE SIXTH lOOR OF AIMS in Pasay City. Museo Maritimo, with its wooden port-holed doubledoors, tells the story of how ancient forms of maritime trade and coastal-living shaped the culture, tradition and civilization of an archipelago that would later be known as the Philippines. Its oldest piece is the Manunggul Jar, a burial pot excavated from Q Dr. Arlene Abuid Paderanga PHOTO BY AIMS

chronicle these stories and include in our book. We hope to launch the Maritime History Book on our 26th Anniversary,� she said.

Seafaring in a matriarchal society

Q Museo Maritimo PHOTO BY ALLEN MILES MITRA terpreter between 1519-1521. Italian historian Antonio de Pigafetta wrote that Magellan’s crew was accepted by the islanders of Cebu due to Enrique who spoke their native tongue. Enrique returned to his homeland upon the subsequent death of Magellan, thus, becoming THE kRST PERSON TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE the globe and returning to his starting point. Due to his Muslim identity, however, the Christian 3PANISH OFkCIALS GAVE THE RECOGnition instead to Juan Sebastian %LCANO AS THE kRST WHO CIRCUMnavigated the world. “This museum offers experience and the spirit of patriotism to our visitors. There is the emotional bondage that you could feel towards your country by just walking around,� says Paderanga, adding that it is “one thing to know that you came from this people and tribe, and another seeing it mounted. Indeed, the hands and minds that conceptualized and contributed to this museum sums up the best and brightest legends of the Philippine maritime industry to include but not limited to Capt. Rodolfo Estampador, chairman of the Conference of Maritime Manning Agencies; Capt. Benjamin Mata, founding president of Filipino Association of Mariners’ Employers; Captaom Gregorio, the late master mariner and founder of the !SSOCIATED -ARINE /FkCERS

Union of the Philippines (Amosup). “It fills us with pride that the COUNTRY S VERY kRST MARITIME MUSEum is here at our school,� says Allen Miles Mitra, a marine engineering student of AIMS said. “We were not able to see some of its exhibits in other larger museums, and we enjoyed learning from there especially the ancient voyages and old maritime trading system,� he added. While Museo Maritimo has already established its presence in the local maritime scene, Paderanga continues to aspire for more by looking into future expansion and construction of a new building within the school grounds. “I’m not going to stop until this dream is realized. My purpose as a part of the maritime education sector is to strengthen the Heritage Education especially in the maritime. We are tied to the seas and we should be proud of this. Seafaring is in our genes.�

Chronicling the past, present and future Paderanga, a visual and performance artist by nature, related how millennials are wanting and aching to know their identity beyond gadgets. “The stigma of this generation is that they are taught to go out and search the future, to know everything; but do they know their selves? This is a high time for schools and educators to start talking about Filipinos before they lose their identity.�

The school president shared that on the wake of establishing a maritime museum, AIMS is also looking into putting the country’s maritime heritage and present accomplishments in a book that could later be used by institutions as an educational textbook. Contents of this would come from compiled research and journals by historians, enthusiasts and maritime experts who served as guest speakers for the Maritime Forums that AIMS has been hosting. As of to date, the upcoming Maritime History Book already contains prehistory, historical, modern and a little future details of the Philippine Maritime industry. “What gives us insecurity is the lack of knowledge that we have been cultured and civilized even before the Spaniards arrive, and when you talk about Philippine maritime history, you don’t isolate yourself from the rest of the world because we are a repository of everything around us, it is a part of our culture,� she said. This ingredient of the country’s history is chronicled in her project where the timeline of how the earliest people arrived in the country was narrated with references on available materials and actual researches. “We will also interview the old and experienced seafarers who were already out at sea even before our time because we don’t want their stories to go with them. We have so much experience but we are not chroniclers so we just hand these stories by mouth. This time, we will

When asked about the viability of the seafaring profession for women the AIMS president, once again looked back on the sociocultural element of the Filipinos where behaviours and judgements are determined by their matriarchal upbringing. The educator sees the Philippines as a place where opportunities are equal for both genders and success rates could be gauged only through dedication and strength of character. “You need to have conviction that you really want to be here because eventually you will become mothers and you’ll stop sailing.� While it is understandable that women are socially expected to raise families, this profession would, in turn, demand their presence. “You’ll be millions of miles away from your families in case of emergencies and you can’t just go back. The sea holds you, the ship owns you the moment you are there.� “This is about love for the sea. It may appear glamorous but the reality aboard ships is messy — there’s grease, heave-inducing waves, hard labor. You have to accept that this industry was made for men and while laws are already made for women seafarers, you shouldn’t expect so much that the entire industry of men would adjust,� she said, hinting how female seafarers could step up to the challenge of working in a male-dominated industry. Paderanga is a widely educated person with expertise on interior design, archaeology, performance arts, business management and maritime education. “What hinders women to come into this profession is not their gender but their commitment and understanding of the job. Are you aware of what you’re getting yourself into and what it’s going to take from you? Are you willing to be a child of the ship? Are you ready to be owned by the ship?� Dr. Paderanga smiled and concluded.

Sports

WEDNESDAY C1 MARCH 27, 2019 Q Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, center, handles the ball between Memphis Grizzlies forwards Ivan Rabb (left) and Bruno Caboclo (No. 5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. AP PHOTO

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New Grizzly claws Westbrook’s Thunder; Magic Vucevic stuns Sixers

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OS ANGELES: Brazilian international Bruno Caboclo scored a career-high 24 points as the Memphis Grizzlies dented Oklahoma City Thunder’s likely playoff ranking with a 115-103 upset on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). Caboclo, who only landed a permanent multi-year deal with Memphis last month after a frustrating few years spent trying to break into the NBA, rewarded his new employers’ belief with a game-winning display. The 6ft 9in 23-year-old small forward from Sao Paulo also pulled down 11 rebounds and provided two assists to give the alreadyeliminated Grizzlies a deserved win over the higher-ranked Thunder. The defeat leaves Oklahoma City in eighth place in the Western Conference standings with 43 wins and 31 defeats. Caboclo’s points haul was the centerpiece of a solid all-round offensive display from Memphis, WHO SAW ALL kVE STARTERS kNISH IN DOUBLE kGURES Tyler Dorsey had 21 points while Delon Wright and Jonas Valanciunas added 18 points apiece. But it was a rare off night for Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who was restricted to 16 points,

kVE REBOUNDS AND SEVEN assists, while converting just SIX OF kELD GOAL ATTEMPTS Instead it was left to Paul George to keep the Thunder in touch, with THE SMALL FORWARD kNISHING WITH POINTS and 12 rebounds.

Vucevic casts spell Elsewhere Monday, there was another upset in Florida as the Orlando Magic sent the Philadelphia 76ers spinning to a second straight defeat in a 119-98. Nikola Vucevic dominated a Sixers line-up MISSING "EN 3IMMONS THROUGH ILLNESS TO kNISH with 11 rebounds and four assists as well as a double-digit points tally. The 119-98 victory left the Sixers in third place in the Eastern Conference standings with

47 wins against 27 defeats. 4HE -AGIC S kFTH CONSECUTIVE WIN HAS KEPT THEM kRMLY IN THE HUNT FOR A PLAYOFF BERTH WITH the same number of wins (36) as Miami, who OCCUPY THE EIGHTH AND kNAL PLAYOFF BERTH The two teams meet in Miami on Tuesday in a game that could ultimately decide Magic’s chances of making the playoffs. Montenegrin Vucevic was backed by a 24-point display from Evan Fournier. Michael Carter-Wil-

LOS ANGELES: Jusuf Nurkic suffered a horrific leg injury while helping the Portland Trail Blazers to a 148-144 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in double overtime on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). Nurkic led the scoring for the Blazers with 32 points while adding 16 rebounds and five assists at the Moda Center in Portland.

Ginebra guns for 7th win vs Meralco tonight

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Ginebra coach Tim Cone said. “We have to be b ready d against Meralco.� l The Gin Kings are ahead of No. 4 TNT KaTropa (7-4) and San Miguel Beer (7-4). Another loss by Ginebra means it could fall to No. 4 or No. 6. The Bolts, at No. 11 with a 3-7 winloss record, are keen to win their last assignment for a chance for the last quarterfinal spot depending on the results of the last day of the elimination round. “They (Meralco) are not out by any means. They need to win that last game and couple of teams lose. If they do, they will get into the playoffs. They

are going to be in a desperation mode. mo It is always l hhardd to play l against a desperate team,� added Cone. Northport (3-6) and Alaska (4-6) are both fighting for survival in the 4:30 p.m. opening game. The Batang Pier ended a sixth game losing skid with a win that halted TNT KaTropa’s five-game winning run behind Stanley Pringle’s 27 points and nine rebounds. Northport must win their two remaining games in the elimination. The Aces are coming off a 96-114 defeat to defending champion SMB on Sunday. JOSEF T. RAMOS

Jeremy Go goes for gold

E must be doing something right, having helped Margielyn Didal win the gold medal in women’s skateboarding in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. Jeremy Go is behind Go for Gold, a private-sector initiative that picks out Filipino athletes with huge potential TO LAND A PODIUM kNISH NOT ONLY IN Olympic events but also in other Tier 1 sports showcases featuring, for examples, chess and dragon boat racing. Didal, a teenager from Cebu, is a product of Go for Gold and whom Go is also helping through QUALIkERS IN HER EVENT LEADING TO A POSSIBLE RUN IN the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The latest addition to the initiative’s stable of elite athletes is 18-year-old chess player John Marvin Miciano, reportedly the youngest Filipino in the past year to have earned an International Master title. Miciano is set to compete in FIDE Asian Zonal 3.3 Championships in April6-16 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, HOPING TO GAIN HIS kRST 'RANDMASTER NORM We can say that Jeremy Go is following in the footsteps of Michael Keon, a nephew of thenPresident Ferdinad Marcos who was responsible for the so-called Golden Age of Philippine track and kELD BY PRODUCING THE LIKES OF THE LEGENDARY ,YDIA DE Vega in the 1980s. Keon was lucky to have the backing of the nations’s leader then, with the nephew’s Project: Gintong Alay bankrolled by government funds. Elitist as the project was described by critics, the latter cannot deny that after De Vega, no other

female runner came close to being crowned “Asia’s Sprint Queen,� a well-earned honor that she cemented in the 1988 Asian Games in Seoul. It also produced Isidro del Prado and Renato Unso, who made waves in the Southeast Asian Games in the 1990s. Unlike Keon, however, Go does not have the good fortune of having indirect political power work for what he personally wants for Philippine sports in general to accomplish. After all, he is just a businessman who presumably has to keep a day job or two for him to be able to navigate the worlds of commerce and sports. Nonetheless, he is keeping the faith in other Go for Gold proteges--triathlete Nikko Huelgas and cyclist Rex Krog, to name a few. Apparently, Jeremy Go believes that “unpopular� sports can deliver the goods for Team Philippines, and this corner shares in that belief that basketball, for example, is overrated in this country of small people but not so if we look at the probably millions of pairs of shoes that it is able to help sell to Pinoy fans with NBA on his mind. Go for Gold or Project: Gintong Alay, whatever works should be tried. The hard part is that Jeremy Go seems to be soldiering on alone with a little help from like-minded friends, not even asking help from the government. (IS REWARD COULD COME IN THE FORM OF A kRST EVER Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. To Margielyn and the rest of them, go for gold!

FREE KICK

ROMY P. MARIĂ‘AS

we broke the line-up we sustained the play well.� Sixers coach Brett Brown meanwhile saluted the hunger of Orlando’s performance. “I think that they were desperate,� Brown said. “They played like it.� The Sixers were forced to readjust after Simmons was ruled out with a stomach bug earlier Monday. Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 20 points while Tobias Harris added 15 and Jimmy Butler 13. AFP

Nurkic horror injury mars Blazers OT thriller

Q Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Japeth Aguilar (No. 25) drives on NLEX’s Paul Asi Taulava and JR Quiùahan during a Season 44 PBA Philippine Cup game at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Complex in Pampanga on Saturday. PBA MEDIA BUREAU PHOTO

BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel shoots h for f its seventhh victory when h it faces a struggling Meralco team at 7 p.m. tonight in Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Northport’s 109-83 lopsided win over TNT KaTropa on Sunday cemented Rain or Shine’s No. 2 position. The Gin Kings (6-3 win-loss record), meanwhile, are no longer qualified to bag a twice-to-beat quarterfinals privilege. “We are just trying to get at the top six and try to win as many games as we can. Stay what is right ahead of us,�

liams chipped in with 15 from the bench. Orlando’s defense, which has been the best in the league since the All-Star break, restricted the Sixers to just six three-pointers while forcing 15 turnovers. “The second half was about as well as we’ve played,� Magic head coach Steve Clifford said. “I think tonight we were balanced. Our defense was good, we made shots. “We were good with the starters and then when

But the 24-year-old Bosnian’s evening ended in despair when he collapsed to the court in agony after suffering a gruesome looking injury in overtime. Nurkic’s left leg buckled beneath him as he landed after attempting to tip in a shot. Several players from both sides visibly recoiled after seeing the

severity of Nurkic’s injury, which sent the arena into a concerned hush. Nurkic was treated by medical personnel with a towel masking his face before being stretchered off the court. The Bosnian big man had been enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.4 AFP blocks per game before Monday.

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WEDNESDAY March 27 2019

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McGregor announces his retirement from MMA, again

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OS ANGELES: Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor said Monday (Tuesday in Manila) he had retired from the sport, vowing to hang up his gloves for the second time in three years. The trash-talking Irish star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship wrote on Twitter that he had decided to call time on his career inside the octagon. “Hey guys quick announcem e n t , I ’ ve d e c i d e d t o r e t i r e from the sport formally known as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today,� M c G r e g o r w r o t e. “ I w i s h a l l my old colleagues well going forward in competition. “I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement. Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!� McGregor, 30, has not fought since being well beaten by rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October last year. The Dubliner, one of the most bankable stars in UFC, had previously vowed to retire in 2016 in a move that was widely seen as a negotiating gambit. “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese,� McGregor wrote in April 2016. His shortlived retirement ended in August 2016, when he returned to fight

Q MMA figher Connor Mcgregor poses during a weigh-in in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 25, 2017. AFP PHOTO

Nate Diaz in Las Vegas. M c G r e g o r ’s d e c i s i o n c o m e s after a troubled few weeks for the Irish fighter. He was arrested in Miami earlier thismonth after allegedly s m a s h i n g a p ho n e o u t s i d e a Florida nightclub. He was later charged with criminal mischief and strong-armed robbery after police said he had slapped the phone out of a fan’s hand and then stomped on it. McGregor was also arrested last year in New York after police

said he attacked a charter bus carrying several rival martial arts fighters. Video footage of the altercation showed McGregor, throwing a steel dolly through a window of the bus. McGregor was also at the centre of a brawl which erupted at ringside in the immediate aftermath of his defeat to Nurmagomedov last October in Las Vegas. In January, the Nevada State Athletic Commission later handed McGregor a six-month suspension for his role in the post-fight

melee, backdated to October. McGregor would have been eligible to fight again in early April. McGregor is one of the most successful fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, helping to broaden the sport’s appeal beyond its base of hardcore fans. The Irishman is estimated to have earned $200 million from his fighting career, which included a much-hyped cross-combat bout against former welterweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. AFP

LA SALLE, UST VIE FOR SOLO SECOND D E L a S a l l e U n i ve r s i t y a n d U n i v e r s i t y o f S t o . To m a s (UST) clash for the solo second in Season 81 University At h l e t i c A s s o c i a t i o n o f t h e Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament today at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. The four-peat seeking Lady Spikers and the Golden Tigresses collide at 4 p.m. after National University (NU) and Adamson University battle at 2 p.m. A f t e r a b s o r b i n g l o s s e s, L a Salle and UST dropped to a

four-way deadlock with University of the Philippines (UP) and Far Eastern University (FEU) at the second to fifth spots with identical 5-3 records. La Salle suffered a straight sets defeat to UP, 16-25, 24-26, 1925, on Sunday. Head coach Ramil De Jesus’ Lady Spikers’ errors made them gave- up 37 points to the Lady Maroons. Graduating captain Des Cheng, who was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points in the last outing, is tabbed to

lead La Salle’s bounce-back bid. De Jesus will be depending on May Luna, Aduke Ogunsanya, Tin Tiamzon and rookie hitter Jolina Dela Cruz will as they try to regain their winning ways. On the other hand, UST absorbed a stinging 25-19, 25-22, 25-27, 22-25, 11-15 setback to leading Ateneo De Manila University last week. Graduating skipper Sisi Rond i n a ’s 3 5 - p o i n t e x p l o s i o n , which eclipsed Aiza MaizoPontilla’s mark of 33 points for UST and tied Ateneo phenom Alyssa Valdez’s league record, went to waste as the Tigresses wasted a two-set lead. Rondina is expected

to deliver anew for EspaĂąa volleybelles along with top rookie Eya Laure. Coach Kungfu Reyes is counting on Dimdim Pacres and Kecelyn Galdones to sustain their offensive. UST demolished La Salle, 2520, 25-22, 25-17 in their first round encounter last March 6. Meanwhile, No. 7 NU (26) and cellar-dweller Adamson (1-7) eye to snap their respective losing skids as they battle each other. The Lady Bulldogs lost their previous two games to Ateneo and University of the East while the Lady Falcons suffered a fourth consecutive defeat to FEU. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

Knights slay Family MartEnderun ALVIN PASAOL fueled Petron-Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s 77-70, win over Family Mart-Enderun Colleges in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) on Tuesday at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City. Prolific scorer Pasaol fired a game-high 24 points to go with 10 rebounds and three blocks, propelling the Knights to a third win in a row against a season-opening loss in the Aspirants Group. Petron-Letran head coach Bonnie Tan praised his wards’ composure down the stretch wherein Family Mart-Enderun cut a 14-point gap down to six. “Enderun played well and gave us good defense that we never expected. We were rattled but I want my players to know how to be composed in those situations,â€? said Tan. “We’re still learning. It’s a good win for us against a school-based team. Again, we still learn every game,â€? he added. Jerrick Balanza came off the bench to chip in 14 points highlighted by three three-pointers on top of three rebounds and three assists. Another second-stringer in Renato Ular stepped up in the absence of big men Larry Muyang and Christian Fajarito, drilling in a double-double of 10 markers and 13 boards. Pasaol notched two triples and a layup to power Petron-Letran’s 19-9 run bridging the middle quarters for a 48-33 lead. Valandre Chauca caught fire, scoring nine points in a 15-4 rally that pulled Family Mart-Enderun within 48-52 with a minute remaining in the third period. The Knights closed in, 66-52, on Balanza’s trey at the 4:27 mark of the final frame but Chauca and Jett Vidal pushed the Titans, 68-74, with 16.8 ticks left. Petron-Letran’s free throws in the endgame ensured the extension of its winning streak. Chauca led Family Mart-Enderun with 22 points built around five triples even as ex-PBA standout Fonzo Gotladera was the only other double-digit scorer with 14 markers. The Titans joined McDavid at the bottom with a winless slate in four outings. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA THE SCORES: PETRON-LETRAN (77)— Pasaol 24, Balanza 14, Ular 10, Caralipio 6, Pambid 6, Sangalang 5, Ambohot 4, Balagasay 3, Mina 3, Taladua 2, Olivario 0, Reyson 0, Yu. FAMILY MART-ENDERUN (70)— Chauca 22, Gotladera 14, Vidal 9, Presbitero 8, Kouakou 4, Dungan 4, Tancioco 3, Dela Cruz 3, Gatdula 2, NuĂąez 1, Mariano 0. Quarter scores: 19-16; 34-25; 55-48; 77-70

Elordes win over respective foes WORLD Boxing Organization (WBO) Asia Pacific super bantamweight champion Juan Martin Elorde won by u n a n i m o u s d e c i s i o n ove r Japanese challenger Shohei Kawa s h i m a o n M o n d ay a t the Okada Manila Hotel in ParaĂąaque City. The judges decided 115-113, 117-

111, 117-111 in favor of the Filipino. Elorde, now No. 4 in the WBO super bantamweight class, improved his win-loss record to 28-1 with 15 knockouts. Meanwhile, his elder brother Juan Martin “Bai� Elorde scored a second round technical knockout win against Rengga Rengga of Indonesia.

4HE )NDONESIAN REFUSED TO kGHT before the second round starts. Bai Elorde now holds a 242-1 record with 11 knockouts. In the other bout, Casey Morton won by a split decision against Japanese Chie Higano TO KEEP THE 7"/ !SIA 0ACIkC FEMALE lYWEIGHT BELT JOSEF T. RAMOS

Federer wary of Medvedev after Miami victory MIAMI: Roger Federer admits he faces a real battle to land the 101st title of his career with the in-form Daniil Medvedev next up after Serbian Filip Krajinovic was dispatched 7-5 6-3 on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the ATP and WTA Miami Open. The Swiss superstar produced an excellent all-round performance despite being tested by the world number 103 who belied his lowly ranking by producing some excellent tennis during AN EXCITING kRST SET Federer, however, stylishly weathered the storm to seal the win - the 52nd of his career in Miami - and set up an intriguing last eight match with the highly-

rated Medvedev. The Russian, who is at a career high ranking of 15, saw off American Reilly Opelka 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/0), and has won four ATP hard-court titles, including three since last August. Federer beat him twice last year but is already a fan. “He’s clever how he plays the court because he can play it up and down, and he’s unusual when he plays from back,� said the Swiss, who hit 14 aces and won an impressive 74% of points on HIS kRST SERVE “It’s a bit of a different approach.Thankfully I played him last year twice in Basel and Shanghai and I’m very impressed about his progress. I

must say the last year has been unbelievable for him.� Krajinovic struggled with injury last year as problems with his ankle, left foot and hand restricted him to just seven tournaments in THE kRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 9ET SOME kERCE HITTING FROM the back of the court surprised the predictably pro-Federer crowd and a brilliant run and lICK OVER THE NET HANDED HIM AN early break for 3-2. Keeping the pressure on, however, was a different matter as Federer broke straight back before pocketing the opening set. The second set wasn’t as competitive, Federer easing home and kNISHING WITH WINNERS COMpared to the Serbian’s 18. AFP

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

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Stellar cast to see action in Solaire PH Open BY JEAN RUSSEL V. DAVID

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HE Philippines’ top golfers will test their mettle against a formidable international cast as the 101st edition of the Solaire Philippine Open unfolds at The Country Club (TCC) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on April 3. “We at Solaire are honored to stage last year’s Centennial Philippine Open and we are again privileged to be at the helm as the fabled event begins its journey to a new century,� said Thomas Arasi, Solaire presiDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFkCER ON Tuesday during a news conference at Waterside Solaire in Pasay City. The four-day tournament’s $500,000 purse is expected to draw 130 players. “By assembling another powerpacked international cast, we can LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER WILD kNISH in this year’s Open,� said Philippine Golf Tour Incorporated general manager Colo Ventosa, referring to the last two editions of the Open that

Enriquez, Agustines post 2 PPS title romps SYDNEY ENRIQUEZ recalled her fierce form and came away with another two-title romp, which Nash Agustines matched in the boys’ singles side as they dominated the Palawan PawnshopPalawan Express Pera Padala Ozamiz National age group tennis tournament at Ozamiz Tennis Club yesterday. Enriquez hardly showed the effects of a long rest in the circuit and dropped just eight games in three matches to pocket the 16-and-under crown with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Guia Bandolis. The Salug, Zamboanga del Sur ace then thwarted Judyann Padilla, IN THE PREMIER 5 knal of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop. Agustines also pulled off a pair of straight-set wins to share the MVP honors with Enriquez with the Oroquieta City find upending top seed Aslan Carbonilla, 6-3, 6-0, to snare the 14-U diadem then trouncing Eric Tangub, 6-2, 6-3, in the 16-U finals of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop headed by president/ CEO Bobby Castro and UTP-OIC Ian Villanueva. Other winners in the fived ay t o u r n a m e n t s a n c t i o n e d by Unified Tennis Philippines made up of PPS-PEPP, Cebuana Lhuillier, Wilson, Toby’s, Dunlop, Slazenger and B-Meg were Pete Bandala of Dipolog City (10-unisex), Kapatagan, Lanao’s AJ Bering (boys’ 12-U), Tubod, Lanao’s Steve Sonsona (boys’ 18), Ivory Malinis from Maramag, Bukidon (girls’ 12-U), and Ozamiz City’s Padilla. Next up in the nationwide, yearlong circuit is the Tangub leg on March 28-April 1. For details and listup, call PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. Bandala turned back Rose Mesiona, 5-3, 4-0; Bering routed Sean Esick, 6-1, 6-1; Sonsona stunned Tangub, 6-2, 6-4; Malinis crushed Rose Mesiona, 6-1, 6-2; and Padilla redeemed herself in the 14-U finals by overpowering Bandolis, 6-1, 6-2. Bandolis, meanwhile, teamed up with Angel Dinopol to bag the 18-U doubles plum with an 8-6 escape over Enriquez and Ivory Malinis while Carbonilla, in a teamup with Eurie Tagal, took the boys’ crown also via an 8-6 decision over Al Pan and Ashton Villanueva. Padilla, on the other hand, copped the 14-U doubles title with Zeiah Toribio, dominating Bandolis and Angel Dinopol, 8-2; while Agusitnes and Christopher Sonsona clinched the boys’ plum with an 8-3 romp over Penshoppe Erquita and RJ Cagatan. Pete Bandala and Marilyn Mesiona beat siblings Hannah and Hannie Caberte, 8-1, to run away with the 10-unisex title.

Q Jhonnel Ababa and Jobim Carlos hold the perpetual Philippine Open trophy as organizing PGTI general manager Colo Ventosa (left) and NGAP sec-gen Bones Floro look on. CONTRIBUTE PHOTO were decided via playoffs. “It’s going to be another thinking game at the TCC, kept in championship form all year-round, with the challenges varying from one hole to another, thus forcing one to consider and take care of his next shot,� said Ventosa, who is also the general manager of TCC.

Centennial Philippine Open and reigning champion Miguel Tabuena is eyeing to be a repeat winner, a feat never achieved in the tourney for the past 60 years. Tabuena, 24, topped the rainshortened edition at Luisita in 2015 and won last year’s Open against Thai ace Prom Meesawat at TCC.

Should Tabuena win anew, he will become the sixth player to win the Open thrice. But the Filipino ace is nursing a back injury he sustained while competing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia said his father Luigi Tabuena. Meanwhile, 11 Thai players are on a title hunt in the tourney

backed by ICTSI and sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Philippines. PGT Asia leg winners Damien Jordan and David Gleeson will lead the 10-man Australian squad while 11 players from the United States, including regular local campaigners Sam Gillis, Lexus Keoninh, Brett Munson, Cory Oride and PGT leg titlist Nicholas Paez will also see action. Asia’s former No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan is also eyeing the PH Open crown that eluded him for so long. Besides Pagunsan, other local top guns jumping into the fray are former titlist Angelo Que and reigning PGT Order of Merit winner Jobim Carlos, PGT Asia leg winner Jhonnel Ababa, Clyde Mondilla, Tony LascuĂąa, and Jay Bayron. Korean-American Micah Shin, who BECAME THE kRST NON &ILIPINO WINNER of the TCC Invitational last year, is also expected to join the competition. “We are proud to remain at the heart of the historic moments of Asia’s oldest National Open and we will continue to support Philippine Golf in our commitment and desire to produce world class players, both in the men’s and ladies’ pro ranks,â€? said ICTSI and PGTI chairman Ricky Razon in a statement. Other PGT and PGT Asia campaigners expected to compete are Kim Joo Hyung of Korea, Dutch Guido Van der Valk, and Tim Stewart of Australia.

CASEY CLOSES IN ON TOP 10; JOHNSON REMAINS AT SUMMIT PARIS: Paul Casey moved to the brink of a return to the world’s top 10 on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) after successfully defending his Valspar Championship title, while Dustin Johnson retained his lead at the summit. Englishman Casey won only his third PGA Tour title on Sunday, edging out Jason Kokrak and Louis Oosthuizen by one shot, and jumped four places to 11th in the rankings. Johnson struggled on the final day in Florida, but still finished in a tie for sixth. The American leads the rankings from Justin Rose, although a red-hot Rory McIlroy is not far behind in fourth after six straight top-six finishes to start the season. Jon Rahm jumped two places to eighth after a strong final round on Sunday to

WORLD TOP 20 1. Dustin Johnson (USA) 9.84 average pts 2. Justin Rose (ENG) 9.48 3. Brooks Koepka (USA) 8.61 4. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 8.46 5. Justin Thomas (USA) 8.38 6. Bryson DeChambeau (USA) 7.40 7. Francesco Molinari (ITA) 6.67 8. Jon Rahm (ESP) 5.98 (+2) 9. Xander Schauffele (USA) 5.95 10. Rickie Fowler (USA) 5.94 (-2) 11. Paul Casey (ENG) 5.55 (+4) 12. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 5.22 (-1) 13. Jason Day (AUS) 5.17 (-1) 14. Tiger Woods (USA) 5.07 (-1) 15. Tony Finau (USA) 4.98 (-1) 16. Bubba Watson (USA) 4.64 (+1) 17. Patrick Reed (USA) 4.45 (-1) 18. Marc Leishman (AUS) 4.22 19. Patrick Cantlay (USA) 4.14 20. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 4.04 (+7)

finish alongside Johnson. South African Oosthuizen climbed eight spots to return to the top 20. AFP

Q Paul Casey of England plays his shot from the 13th tee during the final round of the Valspar Championship on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook Golf Resort on March 24, 2019 in Palm Harbor, Florida. AFP PHOTO

Suspicion surrounds boxing decisions at 2016 Rio Olympics – report PARIS: An internal investigation by amateur boxing’s world body AIBA has raised serious questions about the judging at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with particular suspicion FALLING ON A &RENCH OFkCIAL &RENCH newspaper Le Monde reported on Monday (Tuesday in Manila). France basked in the glow of six boxing medals in Rio, including golds for super heavyweight Tony Yoka and his now wife Estelle Mossely. But three days before the end of the Olympic tournament, boxing federation AIBA removed its then executive director Karim Bouzidi from his role because he was accused of favoring fighters from certain countries, according to Le Monde’s report. Le Monde, which carried out the investigation with Bulgarian newspaper Bulgaria Today, said it had seen the internal AIBA report and emails that showed the body was CONCERNED "OUZIDI HAD INlUENCED THE DECISIONS OF SO CALLED kVE STAR judges in Olympic bouts.

An email from AIBA’s thenpresident Wu Ching-Ko dated November 18, 2016 said the body suspected Bouzidi of acting WITH ANOTHER SENIOR OFkCIAL TO INlUENCE THE JUDGES IN PARTICUlar those featuring boxers from France and Uzbekistan. Bouzidi did not reply to AFrance Presse’’s request for a comment on Monday. Andre Martin, the head of the French boxing federation, told Le Monde: “The results in Rio were not ‘stolen’, they are honest. It’s true that we knew Bouzidi but we never blackmailed him.� AIBA’s internal investigation found that Bouzidi had the power to appoint the referees and officials for competitions, but added there was no direct proof THAT THESE CHANGES INlUENCED THE RESULTS OF kGHTS Bouzidi’s arrival in the senior AIBA ranks coincided with a campaign by France to try to improve its Olympic boxing results after disappointing per-

formances at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games. One part of the strategy involved setting up a franchise to take part in World Series Boxing, an international competition aimed at swelling AIBA’s coffers. Kevinn Rabaud, the former coach of the French team in the WSB series, said they had done nothing wrong. “We always played by the rules... We organized events in France so that the athletes could become betTER KNOWN )F THE kGHT WAS CLOSE IT might play in the boxer’s favour if they were better known. “In Rio, we got results thanks to our reputation and our previous results.� Boxing is already facing the threat of expulsion from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Its inclusion depends on the outcome of an investigation into AIBA by the International Olympic Committee, which has presented the body with A LIST OF QUESTIONS VIA AUDIT kRM Deloitte, who will then report back

to the Olympic body. Controversial Ukzbek businessman Gafur Rakhimov, who the US Treasury Department has linked to “transnational criminal organizations�, stepped down as AIBA president on Friday. Relations between the IOC and AIBA were hit hard at the 2016 2IO /LYMPICS WHEN OFkCIALS and referees were suspended amid ALLEGATIONS OF BOUT kXING Rakhimov insists the allegations against him are “politically motivated lies�. His emergence as amateur boxing’s head in 2018 was only made possible by a series of scandals and accidents of circumstance. Wu Ching-ko resigned in 2017 amid claims of multi-million dollar accounting fraud. Italian Franco Falcinelli then resigned the position just months after taking over, allowing Rakhimov -- the next most senior vice president -- to step up to become kRST INTERIM AND THEN PERMANENT president. AFP

Shootout looms as PGTA Riviera unwraps THE best of the old and new of local pro golf and a mix of foreign aces slug it out in what promises to be an explosive start to the Philippine Golf Tour Asia’s ICTSI Riviera Golf Challenge today (Wednesday) at the exacting Langer course in Silang, Cavite. Length and accuracy will be key to one’s title drive at the tight, hazard-laden par-71 layout with the foreign bidders also have to endure the heat and the wind expected to come into play in all four days of the $100,000 championship serving as the penultimate leg of the 2018-19 PGT Asia season. A power-packed local cast, led by former Asia’s No. 1 Juvic Pagunsan and fellow Japan PGA Tour campaigner Angelo Que and reigning PGT Order of Merit titlist Jobim Carlos, braces for an early clash with an equally talented foreign crew out to stop the Filipinos, who have ruled the last three stops of the second season of the region’s newest circuit put up by ICTSI. Pagunsan, who marked his return to the local tour with a playoff victory over Carlos in Bacolod last year, is out to flaunt his smooth-swinging ways and superb iron game suited in this kind of layout as he seeks to join the elite circle of PGT Asia winners. Que, on the other hand, hopes to ride the momentum of his strong finish in last Sunday’s Maybank Championship where he shot a 66 to finish tied at 25th. Like Pagunsan, the three-time regional tour winner is eyeing his first crown in the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Focus will also be on Carlos, whose victory here last year sparked his run of impressive finishes, including two more victories that netted him the OOM title at the end of the PGT season. Jhonnel Ababa, the winningest player in the circuit with three victories, is likewise tipped to contend along with Clyde Mondilla, Jay Bayron and title-hungry Tony Lascuùa along with Phl Masters champion Jerson Balasabas, PGTA CAT Open titlist James Ryan Lam and PGTA Summit Point victor Joenard Rates and young guns Ira Alido, Keanu Jahns and Justin Quiban. They will be as much tested as the rest of the foreign entries, spearheaded by PGTA leg winners David Gleeson and Damien Jordan of Australia, PGT titlist Nicolas Paez of the US, Thai stalwarts Pasavee Lertvilai, Wisut Artjanawat and Nirun Sae-ueng, PGT winner Guido Van der Valk of the Netherlands, and Americans Brett Munson and Joshua Salah. The 50 plus ties after 36 holes will advance to the last two rounds of the event, backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Empire Golf and Sports and M.Y. Shokai Technology, Inc., which offers a top purse of $17,500. Boosting the cast are former Singapore amateur champ Choo Tze Huang and former national teammates Gregory Foo and Marc Ong, Thais Poom Saksansin, Kammalas Namuangruk and Tawan Phongpun, Canadian Lindsey Renolds, Ben Weir of the US, Taiwanese Wang Tsung Chieh, Yang Fei Hao and Lee Chao Hua, Teegan Moore and Dean Fourie of South Africa and Spain’s Pastor Marcos, who topped the recent PGT Q-School.

C4

Football

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

The Manila Times w w w. m a n i l a t i m e s. n e t

Racist abuse overshadows England victory

Q France’s midfielder Paul Pogba (left) and Iceland’s defender Hordur Magnusson vie for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group H qualification football match at the Stade de France Stadium in Paris, France. AFP PHOTO

Mbappe leads France rout; Ronaldo injured in Portugal draw

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ARIS: Mesmerising Kylian Mbappe led France’s from behind in a 5-1 win over Montenegro. ROUT OF )CELAND IN %URO QUALIkERS -ONDAY English comeback but Cristiano Ronaldo hobbled off in Portugal’s Vesovic stunned England early on, but after disappointing draw with Serbia and racist abuse Marko drawing on their two previous visits to Podgorica, England showed why their current crop are among OVERSHADOWED kVE STAR %NGLAND IN -ONTENEGRO Mbappe scored one and set up two more as the reigning world champions crushed Iceland 4-0 at the Stade de France to move top of Group H in Euro 2020 qualifying. The result gives France, 4-1 winners over Moldova in their Euro opener, six points FROM THEIR kRST TWO MATCHES AND PUTS THEM ahead of Turkey, who also won 4-0 on Monday, on goal difference. Samuel Umititi, Olivier Giroud, Mbappe and

Antoine Griezmann all scored as Iceland struggled to cope with a totally dominant France side. Giroud’s 35th France goal moved him into third on the all-time list of French scorers, the Chelsea striker now trailing only Michel Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51). In Group A, England, fresh from a 5-0 demolition of the Czech Republic in which Raheem Sterling hit a hat-trick, were forced to come

the favorites to be European champions next year. Michael Keane’s header restored parity before Ross Barkley’s double either side of half-time put the visitors in command and Harry Kane and Sterling rounded off a comprehensive victory. ItwasadifferentstoryinLisbonasFernandoSantos’ reigning European champions Portugal, held to a 0-0 draw at home by Ukraine in their Group B opener, notched up a second draw, 1-1 at home to Serbia. If the result wasn’t disappointing enough, captain Ronaldo hobbled off after 30 minutes

WITH NO WORD ON WHETHER THE kVE TIME "ALLON D /R WINNER WOULD BE kT FOR TO PLAY FOR HIS CLUB *UVENTUS IN THE kRST LEG OF THEIR #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE QUARTER kNAL AT !JAX ON !PRIL 3ERBIA S !JAX PLAYMAKER $USAN 4ADIC opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Ronaldo was denied an equalizer two minutes later as his effort was very well saved -ARKO $MITROVIC 4HE TIME INTERNATIONAL THEN LEFT THE kELD after he pulled up chasing a ball on the left wing. He received quick treatment from members of the medical team before returning to action but was replaced minutes later. )N HIS ABSENCE 0ORTO S $ANILO 0EREIRA NETted a 42nd-minute equalizer, hammering a shot from outside the box into the top corner PAST A HELPLESS $MITROVIC AFP

Neymar PSG extension more likely than Madrid switch – father RIO DE JANEIRO: Neymar’s agent and father poured cold water over speculation the world’s most expensive footballer was mulling a transfer and instead suggested a new deal with Paris Saint-Germain was more likely. In an interview with Brazilian website UOL Esporte the 27-year-old’s dad laughed off the idea of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere and said his son was more likely to extend his stay in the French capital where he is already under contract until 2022. When asked directly about rumors linking Neymar with a move back to La Liga either with Real Madrid or Barcelona the agent laughed off the idea. “It is highly unlikely he will move anywhere,â€? Neymar senior said. “Neymar has switched club only twice in his entire career but for ten years we have been living with

RATCHABURI, Thailand: Former AC Milan star Marco Simone insisted he was unconcerned by the trigger-happy nature of Thai football as he became the latest footballing great to sign up as a club manager. Simone, unveiled as head coach of league side Ratchaburi, said he was undeterred by the number of high-profile managers to have passed through the country in recent years without making much of an impression. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s stint as technical director at BEC Tero Sasana lasted a matter of months back in 2012 and Avram Grant’s spell at the same club was similarly brief in 2014. Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler and ex-Spurs and Germany wing-back Christian Ziege are two more big names who have had a stab at managing Thai clubs without success. Ziege lasted less than two months at Simone’s new club, which saw three head coaches come and go in 2018, while two have already departed since the beginning of 2019. “I don’t like to talk about other people because every moment, every, match and every season is different,� said Simone.

Nigeria routs Libya to advance in Olympic qualifiers

speculation of an imminent switch. “He’s in his second year at PSG already. So there’s another three years to come with his first contract, and we’re already moving towards a renewal with Paris Saint-Germain,� he added. The striker made his name at Santos before signing for Barcelona in 2013, before the Parisians paid out his release clause of 222 million euros ($251 million) in 2017. Currently recovering from a foot injury he told O Globo in Brazil two weeks ago a move to Madrid was not impossible. “Anyone who had an offer from someone like Real Madrid would consider it. Right now I’m happy in Paris but in future anything can happen,� said the player. “But don’t say I’m going to Madrid,� he warned. “I’ve already achieved my dream, everyone knows that was Barcelona.� AFP

Milan great Simone signs as manager in Thailand “Now the club president wants to make a change but I don’t like to compare this situation with the past.â€? The Italian was part of the great AC Milan side of the nineties, playing alongside the likes of Marco van Basten, George Weah and Ruud Gullit. The striker won two UEFAChampions League winners medals and four Serie A titles in Milan. He would later have spells in France with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco and his coaching career has seen him take charge at Monaco, Laval and Tours in France, while his most recent post was at Club Africain in Tunisia. But someone with Simone’s impressive playing profile but modest coaching career will find it tough to be a success in Thailand where the lifespan of coaches can be very short. The challenge begins when Ratchaburi host Muang Thong United in Thai League action on Sunday, and Simone will be hoping for an auspicious start to indicate that he will not be just another high-profile disappointment. AFP

PODGORICA, Montenegro: Raheem Sterling believes UEFA should punish alleged racist chanting aimed at England players in Monday’s (Tuesday in Manila) 5-1 win over Montenegro in Podgorica with a stadium closure. Manchester City’s Sterling celebrated the visitors’ fifth goal by cupping his ears towards the home fans on a night when another impressive performance to start Euro 2020 qualifying by the Three Lions was overshadowed. “I just want to show them you need more than that to upset us and stop us,â€? Sterling told Sky Sports. “It’s 2019 now, I keep saying it. It’s a shame to see this going on and we can only bring awareness to the situation. “It’s now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it because you can fine someone, but what is that going to do? “You’ve got to make it a bit harder, punish fans that can’t come to games. Do something that’s going to make them think twice. If their team can’t play with fans, it’s going to be difficult.â€? Sterling also tweeted a photo of his celebration with the message: “Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists).â€? England manager Gareth Southgate said he heard racist chants aimed at Danny Rose and promised to report the issue to UEFA. “There is no doubt in my mind it happened. We will make sure that is reported to UEFA because it’s not acceptable,â€? said Southgate. “We’ve got to make sure we support our players.â€? On the field, the World Cup semifinalists showed why they are among the favorites to be European champions next year. Southgate’s trust in youth was again rewarded as 18-year-old Callum HudsonOdoi, who is yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea, shone on his full international debut, while Declan Rice, 20, was also handed his first England start. “Fabulous performance,â€? said Southgate on Hudson-Odoi. “With young players it is always up to them. You can see the talent, his application has been excellent. He’s got to continue that.â€? AFP

Q PSG’s Neymar (left) fights for the ball with Reims’ Remi Oudin during the French League One soccer match between Paris-Saint-Germain and Reims at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, France. AP FILE PHOTO

Q Marco Simone AFP FILE PHOTO

JOHANNESBURG: Victor Osimhen scored a hat trick as Nigeria swept aside Libya in the second half to win, 4-0, on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) and reach the third qualifying round of the 2020 Olympic Games football tournament. The Belgium-based striker was drafted into the team after a shock 2-0 first leg loss last Wednesday and demonstrated his worth with the treble. Nigeria won the tie 4-2 on aggregate and will face Kenya or Sudan, who take a twogoal lead into the return match in Nairobi Tuesday, in the next round during June. Osimhen, on loan to Charleroi from Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg, opened the scoring after 33 minutes of a kRST HALF STAGED IN DEGREE CELSIUS fahrenheit) heat. Nigeria should have been more than one goal ahead by half time in southeastern town Asaba as they were denied several times by the woodwork. The second half was one-way traffic toward the Libyan goalmouth and Osimhen completed his hat trick with goals on 67 and 82 minutes. Libya needed a goal to move ahead on aggregate through the away-goal rule, but it was Nigeria who netted again, this time through $AVID /KEREKE IN THE kNAL MINUTE The Nigerian squad finished the match four million naira ($11,100) richer as senior team captain Ahmed Musa promised a million naira for every goal his compatriots scored. Nigeria are the most successful African country in Olympics football, winning the !TLANTA TOURNAMENT AND kNISHING RUNNERS UP TO !RGENTINA IN "EIJING YEARS LATER )N !BIDJAN THE )VORY #OAST HAMMERED Niger 6-1 to equal the biggest winning marGIN SET BY +ENYA IN A QUALIkER IN !FRICA Leading 2-1 from the first leg, the Ivorians scored three goals in each half at home with Italy-based Willy Braciano bagging a brace. Ivory Coast are likely to face tougher opposition in the third round when they come up against Guinea, who surprisingly eliminated Senegal. AFP

WEDNESDAY W E D N ESDAY MARCH 27, 2019

Entertainment

D1

www.manilatimes.net

Michael V. debuts as director for GMA Pictures' return BY IZA IGLESIAS

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WARD-WINNING comedian and TV host Michael V. has enjoyed a highly successful career in show business for decades but this year will show a major leap yet. For as this article piques its reader’s curiosity, GMA Network’s one and only “Kapuso Comedy Genius� is hard at work AT HIS kRST EVER PROJECT AS MOVIE DIRECTOR On March 15, Bitoy, as the funnyman is nicknamed in showbiz, with his wife and manager Carol Bunagan sealed a partnership between their company Mic Test Entertainment, Inc. and the comebacking outfit GMA Pictures to co-produce the movie “Family History.� Besides directing the comedy flick, Bitoy is also the movie’s writer and lead actor, rendering the word challenge an understatement. Nevertheless, the actor is more excited than anything for such an opportunity, adding, “As with the past contracts and projects I’ve done with GMA, walang problema dito. It’s good na parang feeling ko deserve namin ang isa’t isa. Ang Mic Test Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Pictures deserve kasi very compatible. Marami kaming natutunan before na maaari mong i-apply dito sa partnership na ito, I think hindi lang ito magtatagal ng isang

project lang, hindi lang dalawa, it will spawn multiple projects.� His better half is likewise eager TO WORK ON THEIR kRST MOVIE VENture with GMA. “Everything is going as planned, and we’re very happy to partner with GMA especially since they’ve taken care of Bitoy — of all of us — from the very start. Our relationship with them goes a long way so hashtag happy kami dito.�

Not an ordinary movie According to Bitoy, Family History is more than just a comedy but a heart-warming movie which celebrates the value of life, family and marriage. Joining him in the cast are John Estrada, Paolo Contis, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Nonie Buencamino, Ina Feleo, Kakai Bautista, Mikoy Morales, Nikki Co, Vince Gamad, Jemwell Ventinilla and movie queen Dawn

Q Co-producers all. The couple with GMA President and COO Gilberto Duavit (left) and EVP and CFO Felipe Yalong (rightmost). Zulueta. Moreover, GMA Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and multi-awarded comedienne and TV host Eugene Domingo agreed to do cameos just for Bitoy and their home network. “I would say na hindi ito ordinaryo pelikula. Unang-una na para sa akin hindi din ordinaryo na maging onscreen partner si Dawn Zulueta!� he chuckled. “Generally speaking, hindi mo nga mai-categorize ng tama eh itong Family History eh — comedy ba ito or drama. Nag cross yung path ng drama at yung comedy. It’s a family movie, yes, it’s about a problematic relationship and it’s dealing with illness in the family and how it affects relationships.�

Comeback Family History, which is set to premiere on June 21, is not just a milestone for Bitoy but also for GMA executives who admit IT TOOK MANY YEARS FOR THEM TO knally decide to go back into movie production. They wanted the right material and the right timing to stage their movie comeback as a kLM OUTkT AND GIVE THE MOVIE going public a production that is worthy of releasing. GMA President and Chief OpERATING /FkCER 'ILBERTO $UAVIT *R shared management was quick to green light Family History because it is worth their effort to resume the network’s movie arm besides

Q Multi-slashie Michael V. and wife Carol Bunagan. the fact that they fully trust and support Michael V in his full creative control endeavor. “Hindi naman kaila sa ating lahat ang kahusayan ni Bitoy sa lahat ng aspeto ng kanyang craft so nung huling contract signing niya, hindi namin siya tinigilan na pag-isipan na gumawa ng pelikula. Sa kagandahang palad sa unang pagbasa pa lang ng kwento, I’m speaking for myself, sabi ko, ‘This is one story that has to be made into a movie. This is one of those very, very rare instances. Nasisiyahan tayong lahat na si Bitoy bukod sa gaganap, at magdidirek ay siya pa ang sumulat at mag-pro-produce ng pelikula. It is very rare na I see a story, na isang basa pa lamang ay kailangan na maisapelikula,� Duavit enthused. Vice President and Chief FiNANCIAL /FkCER &ELIPE 9ALONG SAID in agreement, “We’re very excited kasi besides the partnership, ngayon lang din yata babalik si Bitoy sa big screen and in a project na we co-own. Nasa kanya lahat ang bagay para maging very successful ang movie. It was written straight from the heart of Bitoy and that’s something the viewers will see.�

Yearlong preparation According to Bitoy it took him about a year to prepare the movie for shooting with a huge amount of research. “Matagal ko rin inisip whether kaya ko na ba gumawa ng peliku-

la. ‘Do I have enough knowledge?’ ‘Do I know of the right technology TO SUPPORT MY THEORY !ND kNALLY I decided now is the right time,� he explained. “It’s been exactly a year since na nagusap kami ng mga executives about this project na parang wala pang kasiguraduhan, pero ako, deep inside, alam kong gustonggusto kong gawin ito. And actually nakita ko din yung excitement nila kaya as soon as they gave us the go signal, sinumulan na namin. And actually one year is a short time para kilalanin yung audience mo. Nag-iba na yung PROkLE ng moviegoing public ngayon. Hindi mo na alam kung ano yung magki-click, kung ano yung hindi. So I did a lot of research — not just about the project or the script but doon din sa means of doing it and the actual kLMING ITSELF 3O HOPEFULLY ITONG right mix of all the elements na nilagay ko sa kLM WILL BE ENOUGH to satisfy majority of the audience.� Finally, the multi-slashie related how this movie is “a step up in the kLMMAKING INDUSTRY u “Ngayon sa standard ng kLMMAKING AS FAR AS THE WORK lOW is concerned, I would say medyo iba siya. From the people na nakasama ko sa production, maraming nagsabi na kRST TIME nila naexperience yung ginawa namin sa shoot. Hindi pa rin ganoon kataas na standard or innovation but it is a step up, and I really hope the audience will appreciate that come June,� he ended.

Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano get intense in ‘True West’ N FAN GIRL

Q ‘The Grandstand’ producer Pauline Zamora and director Mikhail Red (third and fourth from left) at the 17th HAF Awards Presentation Ceremony in Hong Kong.

PH projects hailed in HK-Asia film forum FILIPINO film projects and filmmakers were well-recognized at the Hong Kong-Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF), especially Adolf Alix, Jr.’s “Circa� and Mikhail Red’s “The Grandstand,� which received awards during the HAF Awarding Ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Also present at the event was kLMMAKER *UN 2OBLES ,ANA FOR HIS HAF project and Work-in-Progress (WIP), “Between Sea and Sky� and “Son of God,� respectively, and Raymund Ribay Gutierrez for “Verdict.�

-EANWHILE FOUR &ILIPINO kLMS were included in the stellar lineup of films for the 43rd Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF). These are “Alpha, The Right To Kill� by Brillante Mendoza for the Masters & Auteurs section; the documentary “In The Claws of a Century Wanting� (Sa Palad ng Dantaong Kulang) by Jewel Maranan under the Reality Bites section; and “Judgement� by Raymund Ribay Gutierrez and “The Imminent Immanent� by Carlo Francisco Manatad for the Firebird Awards (Short Film Competition) program.

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EW YORK: The world lost the multi-awarded playwright (and actor) Sam Shepard in 2017, but before he passed away, he hired director James MacDonald and actor Ethan Hawke for Roundabout Theater’s 2019 production of his play, “True West.� “True West,� written in ‘80s, has been called Shepard’s masterwork. It is a play about the ‘rivalry’ of two brothers, Austin and Lee. Austin is at his mother’s home in California, quietly trying to write and sell a screenplay when his older brother, Lee, walks in unexpectedly. All sorts of trouble then starts to brew and eventually erupt in what Roundabout Theater’s artistic director Todd Haimes calls “a mesmerizing descent into mayhem.� Lee ends up meeting Saul Kimmer, the Hollywood executive interested in Austin’s script. After a couple rounds of golf and drinks, Kimmer puts Austin’s script on the backburner and wants to go forward with Lee’s story — a Western involving a chase down the Texas panhandle. The two leads have been played by such legendary team ups as John Malkovich and Gary Sinise and Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Reilly (who would switch roles each night). A London run with “Game of Throne’s� Kit Harrington and Johnny Flynn just wrapped up in mid-February of this year. “True West’s� short two-month run at the American Airlines Theater in New York ended just

KAREN KUNAWICZ ten days ago. This production was intense, riveting, crazy, funny and dark. With mad fireworks between Ethan Hawke’s Lee and Paul Dano’s Austin. I was able to get to a post-show Q and A with the cast and here are just some of the highlights: As to why the play had such a short run, Arthur Miller’s “All My Sonsâ€? with Annette Benning was already in rehearsals and set to open next. Also, fellow cast member Gary Wilmes who plays Saul explained , the play is an “exhausting feat for these two‌

these guys go through so much. They get off stage and it’s just like they ran a marathon.� And it’s true, the play just keeps building up in emotional and physical intensity. Ethan Hawke responds to a question about the rationale of some of the characters’ actions in the play. He said, “as the scenes progress, it becomes slightly less realistic until it’s full blown absurdist theater and so asking questions about why can kind of get you lost.� Ethan actually cut his hand and hurt his wrist after the performance I saw and added, in the scene where he tried to smash a typewriter with a golf club, “That golf club is not supposed to break. My biggest fear is that golf club hurting somebody else,

Q Ethan Hawke as Goodnight Robicheaux in the 2016 remake of 'The Magnificent Seven.'

Disney soars higher with ‘Dumbo’ AFTER conquering Philippine cinemas with the blockbuster run of “Captain Marvel,� Disney will cap its sky-high success this March with another top-grosser IN THE OFkNG AS THE LIVE ACTION reimagining of the 1941 animated feature “Dumbo� opens nationwide today. Dumbo follows the classic story of the giant elephant with big ears and the same name. The beloved children’s tale returns to soar to new heights with

visionary director Tim Burton leading an all-star cast to bring to life a heartwarming adventure where differences are celebrated, family is cherished, and dreams take flight. Dumbo stars Danny Devito as Max Medici, Colin Farrell as Holt Farrier, Eva Green as Colette Marchant, Michael Keaton as V.A. Vandevere, Nico Parker as Milly Farrier, and Finley Hob-

bins as Joe Farrier. Dumbo is one of the many live-action films that Disney has lined up for families this year. The entertainment studio is well-loved by fans of all ages for its unparalleled storytelling that showcases heart, hope, and love for family. Its first full-length animated feature film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,� wa s r e l e a s e d i n 1 9 3 7 , a n d

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since then, the Walt Disney Studio has been bringing quality movies to the market. Following the release of Captain Marvel and Dumbo this month, Disney will be bringing an exciting summer with the much-awaited Avengers: Endgame and Disney Princess remake, Aladdin, coming out in April and May, respectively. Meanwhile, the SM Cinema group via the SM Cinema mobile app.

Q Eva Green and Dumbo.

I wouldn’t mind it hurting me. "UT IT TERRIkES ME 7E VE GONE through a lot of typewriters. When someone asked Paul if he had gotten hurt, he replied, “Yeah. 7E VE CHANGED OUR DEkNITION OF hurt as we go on (after which everyone laughed). Have we gotten hurt so we couldn’t do the show the next day? No.� Ethan recalled someone asking Sam Shepard about what his contemporary influences were and Shepard said: “Have you ever been to the rodeo?� “He wants a certain bit of madNESS RIGHT !ND THE kGHT IS CHOreographed on a set that is already a disaster. So, it’s very hard to choREOGRAPH IT SPECIkCALLY BECAUSE there are so many beer cans and knives and forks and golf clubs and drawers and typewriters, it’s really crazy out there. So, Paul and I have to navigate it. It’s in a way fun and in a way terrifying every night,� Ethan Hawke elaborated. The actor’s recent comedy “Juliet, Naked� is out on iTunes, while “First Reformed,� which many consider one of the best performances of his career, is out on Amazon Prime. Paul Dano, on the other hand, appears with Benicio del Toro in the critically acclaimed series, “Escape at Dannemora� also on Amazon Prime. Company of Actors in Streamlined Theater (CAST) in Manila had a fantastic bare bones production of “All My Sons� at the Pineapple Lab.

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

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Public Square

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Epson Inkjets wins Grand Prize for Excellence SEIKO Epson Corp. has been awardED 4HE $IRECTOR 'ENERAL S 0RIZE The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, for Epson’s LX-10000F series and LX-7000F series of highspeed linehead inkjet multifunction printers sold in the Japanese market. This award, which was part of the &9 'RAND 0RIZE FOR %XCELLENCE IN %NERGY %FkCIENCY AND #ONSERVAtion (Product Category & Business Model Category) awards program, was sponsored by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan, with support from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The award-winning printers demONSTRATE SUPERIOR ENERGY EFkCIENCY using only a fraction of the energy OF TYPICAL ! COLOR OFkCE LASER -&0S They easily conform to the requirements of the International Energy Star Program 1 and their maximum power consumption is constrained, allowing them to be used even in the event of a disaster when electricity

Saphron announces $1M seed funding for ‘financial inclusion’ in Asean

3!0(2/. A kNANCIAL TECHNOLogy company, has completed a $1-million seed funding round to gHELP REALIZE kNANCIAL INCLUSIONu in Southeast Asia. The funding came from Sage, a VENTURE FUND THAT TARGETS kNTECH startups, and Talino Labs, a venture lab that supports companies engaged in digital transformation. Sage and Talino Labs, in a joint statement released through Talino Labs Venture Director Micaela "ELTRAN POINTED OUT g4HE kNANcial services industry in the Philippines has undergone its share of disruption this past decade and is now poised for a transformation that will make savings, assistance, and protection products convenient and accessible to millions of Filipinos. Our investment in Saphron is proof of our commitment to make this happen.�

Saphron Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Francisco “Kiko� Reyes Jr., pointed out A gSERIOUS NEED TO MAKE kNANcial preparedness radically accessible,� especially in a country exposed to numerous calamities like the Philippines, but where large segments of the population remain either uninsured or severely underinsured. While inroads have been made, many Filipinos continue to be without protection and access to financial assistance when faced WITH ACCIDENTS HOSPITALIZATION climate-driven calamities, diseases, and other emergencies. -OREOVER WHEN PURCHASING kNANcial products, they are often faced with highly technical jargon and laborious processes that discourage them from availing of the insurance they need.

Marija Debelic: ‘Heart-ist’ “I WAS very young when I realIZED THAT ARTISTRY IS SOMETHING that I am deeply in love with. At the age of 7, aside from school, I was doing karate, handball, tennis and other sports but never art stuff. So I would stage my own fashion shows, dance shows and acting shows with my sister for my parents,� shares Croatia-born Marija Debelic, now a professional dancer, singer, sought-after host, and aspiring actress. Now based in Manila for the last kVE YEARS SHE PLAYED LEAD ACTRESS IN the movie “Boy Tokwa,� starred in the television drama “Be My Lady,� APPEARED IN THE kLM g!RT OF ,IGAW u was billed in “Beauty and the BesTIE u RELEASED HER kST SINGLE g3YANELu WITH "RAZILIAN ACTRESS MODEL $AIANA -ENEZES AND HAS DONE OVER TELEvision commercials. This year, she is excited to do three movies. Marija takes her art to heart. Since she’s pretty new in the acting industry, she still doesn’t have

N a move to improve the plight of more Filipino workers, the top executives of Pag-IBIG Fund have recently reminded employers to settle their obligations before its penalty condonation programs expire by mid-year. “Pag-IBIG savings is one of the WORKERS BENEkTS SO THIS IS WHY WE are going after unregistered and delinquent employers who are not giving what is due to their employees. We are offering penalty condonation programs to employers to improve compliance. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved,� said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development

Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. The fund is currently offering two penalty condonation programs: one under Circular No. 416 for employers who did not deduct Pag-IBIG monthly savings from employees and another under Circular No. 411 for those who deducted monthly savings but did not remit these to Pag-IBIG Fund. Under the two Circulars, unregistered and delinquent employers will be given two payment options and terms that best suit their capacity. Employers covered by Circular No. 411 only have until June 26 to settle while employers covered by Circular

No. 416 only have until August 13. More than 6,100 unregistered and delinquent employers availed of the penalty condonation programs. They have collectively remitted P260 million in monthly savings for over 194,000 employees who were previOUSLY DEPRIVED OF THE BENEkT 7ITH THE employers’ compliance, these employees now have an updated memberSHIP AND CAN FULLY ENJOY THE BENEkTS and services of Pag-IBIG Fund. “Pag-IBIG Fund is offering the penalty condonation program to help employers comply with the law. Since 2017, we already helped delinquent employers save a total of P200 million

in penalties. We would like to remind them that under RA 9679, saving for the future is a joint effort of employees and employers,� said Pag-IBIG Fund Chief %XECUTIVE /FkCER !CMAD 2IZALDY -OTI

New Red Cross – Batangas branch to rise soon THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Local Government Unit of Tanauan City, Batangas recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the establishment of a Red Cross branch in the locality. Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of PRC, said the new branch will not only help the Red Cross reach out to the most vulnerable in Tanauan, but will boost the disaster and emergency preparedness of the city. “We have gone full circle in terms of saving lives. It is important that the presence of Red Cross is strong in all parts of the country so we can further assist our people,� Gordon said. Under the memorandum of agreement, PRC-Batangas’ soon-to-rise

Q Attending the agreement signing ceremony were Tanauan City Mayor Jhoanna Villamor (right), PRC Chairman Richard Gordon (center) PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla, and PRC Batangas Chapter, led by Chairman of Board of Directors Vicente Mayo and Chapter Administrator Ronald Generoso. PRC, through the Batangas Chap- Cross services on the local level— Tanauan City branch will be housed in a two-story building located at the TER WILL PROVIDE QUALIkED STAFF AND blood, disaster management, safety, volunteers who will deliver the Red health, among others. old city hall compound.

QC to empower women through Shared Service Facilities IN its bid to empower women economically, the local government of 1UEZON #ITY ON &RIDAY LAUNCHED a Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project in Brgy. Greater Lagro that provides equipment for women entrepreneurs and aims to encourage women to put up their own businesses and earn on their own. Together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (Spark), QC 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas initiated the formation of the equipment sharing facility that will also provide free training, product development and other technical assistance to women entrepreneurs. 1UEZON #ITY 6ICE -AYOR *OSEkNA g*OYu "ELMONTE SUPPORTED THE said program and underscored the importance of empowering womEN kNANCIALLY BECAUSE ACCORDING TO her, economic incapability sometimes deprive women of getting

Q Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (4th, L) leads the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Shared Services Facility. The SSF also aims to increase Brgy. Greater Lagro including out from oppressive relationships. the women entrepreneurs’ pro- edging machines, round cloth “Again the message is clear — ductivity so that they can accept cutting machine, walking foot we have to empower the women bulk orders and penetrate new machines, and embroidery seweconomically. We are here to help markets which will then result to ing machines among others. them acquire all the technical an increase in income while also Belmonte also pledged to priskills that they need to be able showcasing the unique ingenuity ORITIZE THE FORMATION OF MORE to earn a living for themselves, equipment sharing facilities in the by themselves without fear or of Filipina craftsmanship. A total of 20 units of machines city if given the opportunity to be without thinking that they need the assistance of anybody else,� for sewing will be provided to elected as the city’s mayor in the women micro-entrepreneurs of upcoming elections. Belmonte said.

DreamPlay to stage ‘Summer Dream Workshop’

much experience. But she does not look at that as a weakness, rather, as an opportunity to learn. 3O FAR HER kVE YEARS IN THE BUSIness taught her the importance of being patient, waiting for the right timing, hard work, respect, being kind and understanding, and giving her best in all her work. Catch Marija via Facebook: Marija Debelic, or be one of her thousands of followers on Instagram:@marijadebelic.

PCAAE holds marketing workshop THE Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the “association of associations� in the country which counts close to 300 association MEMBERS AND PARTNER ORGANIZAtions in Asia and the United States, held a mini conference on branding, marketing, public relations, and communications at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on March 21. Dubbed “The Next Gen: R.I.C.H.: Responsive. Inclusive. Collaborative. For Humanity,�

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Pag-IBIG Fund reminds employers to avail of penalty condonation programs I

supply is limited. “We have been working hard TO INCREASE OFkCE ENERGY EFkCIENCY through inkjet innovation,� said Koichi Kubota, representative director, senior managing executive OFkCER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFkCER Printing Solutions Operations DiVISION g4HIS PRIZE IS TREMENDOUSLY encouraging, and we intend to continue to provide innovative products and services to meet the needs of environmentally aware users.�

WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

the one-day workshop featured four leading professionals who will help address the “pain POINTSu OF ORGANIZATIONS Participants gained knowledge from the combined experiences and best practices from the four speakers who discussed on the topics: Communicating by Design; R.I.C.H. Marketing: The New Marketing; Build and Achieve through Authentic PR; and Communicating through Writing: The Struggle is Real. For more information, visitwww.pcaae.org.

CITY of Dreams Manila’s DreamPlay, the only DreamWorks-inspired interactive play space in the world, is holding the “Summer Dream Workshop� from April 1 to 6. Open to children ages 6 to 13, the six-day singing and dancing workshop aims to let kids hone and discover their skills in performing arts, boost their self-confidence, and at the same time, make new friends throughout the program. A fitting educational yet funfilled activity for kids this summer season, the singing

workshop includes exploring various vocal exercises, the application of proper singing techniques, and concepts on basic stage performance; while the dance workshop involves lectures and exercises on the creative process of dance, choreography, improvisation, as well as different types of routines AND TECHNIQUES IN *AZZ &UNK Modern Dance and Hip Hop. As a culminating activity of the workshop, participants are set to perform live on April 6 at DreamPlay, where they can get the

chance to become a DreamPlay Ambassador or get special awards. Apart from the kids’ individual performances, exciting production numbers are also lined up, where they will be joined on stage by DreamWorks’ Trolls characters Poppy and Branch and The Dreamers, DreamPlay’s talented in-house performers. The Summer Dream Workshop is limited to the first 20 registrants. Deadline for registration is on March 24. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.

Widus Foundation rehabs Angeles City Library JUST in time for the celebration of the 60th Public Library Day, Widus Foundation Inc. (WFI) gives Angeles City Public Library a big boost by donating an Information and Technology Center, a Leisure Reading Center, and a Center for Kampampangan Cultural Heritage to the learning facility made open to the public on March 11. )TS OFkCIAL TURNOVER WAS LED BY 7&) Executive Director Neki Liwanag, Widus Human Resources Director Ana Christi Galura, and Widus General Manager Tarek Aouini together with Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno, PAGCOR Gaming and Licensing Development Department Head Atty. Angeline 0APICA %NTIENZA AND 0!'#/2 #ASINO Filipino Angeles Sr. Customer RelaTIONS /FkCER /SCAR 2ODRIGUEZ *R The P1.6M library rehabilitation project included installation of 12

Q Widus Foundation Inc. Executive Director Neki Liwanag (2nd, L) leads the ceremonial ribbon cutting together with (from left) Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, Vice Mayor Bryan Nepomuceno, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Gaming and Licensing Development Department Head Angeline Papica-Entienza, and Pagcor-Casino Filipino Angeles Senior Customer Relations Officer Oscar Rodriguez Jr. The event also highlighted the Liwanag, who acknowledged desktop computer units with printer, donation of 12 mesh chairs, metal newly established The Center for the challenges the Kapampangan frame bookshelves, a living room Kapampangan Cultural Heritage language and culture is faced with, SET AND A NEWLY REFURBISHED OFkCE also known as “Sinupan Singsing� SAID THAT 7&) gSPECIkCALLY CHOSE TO set up for the Language Service Unit which aims to hub free and engaging support Angeles City Library beequipped with its own desktop com- activities and seminars focused on cause of the importance of history local heritage education. and culture in education.� puter, laptop and LCD projector.

PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE Bacolod nursing aide thanks PCSO for new lease on life E BY LIZ LAGNITON

STEPANIE Joy Garote of Negros Occidental had always found joy helping medical staff in caring for patients as a nursing aide at a public hospital in Bacolod City. Little did she know over time, however, that her own health would also be in grave danger.

3HE WAS ONLY YEARS OLD IN AND HAD BEEN WORKING at the hospital for five years when “ NAG SEIZURE AKO HABANG NAGTATRABAHO SA ISANG PAMPUBLIKONG HOSPITAL 9UN YUNG PINAKAUNANG ATAKE KO u ! COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY #4 SCAN REVEALED THAT SHE HAD PITUITARY ADENOMA A NON CANCEROUS TUMOR IN THE PITUITARY GLAND UNDERNEATH THE BRAIN THAT GROWS SLOWLY AND DEVELOPS AFFECTING A SURPRISING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITHOUT ANY CLEAR REASON

Will to fight back %STEPANIE SAID IT WAS INCREDIBLY HARD TO ACCEPT AT FIRST BUT SHE REMEMBERED MANY OF HER PATIENTS WHO SUFFERED MUCH BUT BRAVELY FOUGHT IN ORDER TO SURVIVE %VEN THOUGH MOST PITUITARY ADENOMAS ARE BENIGN IT S STILL A TUMOR AND PATIENTS NEED TO TAKE SEVERAL MEDICINES TO CONTROL ITS GROWTH “.AAPEKTUHAN DIN ANG THYROID KO 4APOS YUNG breast KO MERONG DISCHARGE NA PARANG yellowish KAYA MARAMI AKONG GAMOT NA

DAPAT INUMIN u %STEPANIE SAID NOTING THAT THE COST OF THE MAINTENANCE MEDICINES WAS BEYOND HER MEANS AS A NURSING AIDE 3HE NEEDED MEDICATION TO PREVENT SEIZURES THAT HAPPENS UP TO THREE TIMES A MONTH %STEPANIE HAS HAD SEIZURES AT WORK AND EVEN WHEN ALREADY ASLEEP “$I KO ALAM NA INAATAKE NA PALA AKO 3INASABI NA LANG SA AKIN PAGKATAPOS NG ATAKE u SHE SAID BETWEEN SOBS g-INSAN SA TRABAHO DOON SA hospital, tapos minsan KAHIT TULOG AKO MGA OR NANG UMAGA INAATAKE AKO BIGLA u (ER FREQUENT SEIZURES WERE CAUSED BY HER GROWING TUMOR HER DOCTOR SAID AND SHE ALSO HAD TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR THE HORMONAL IMBALANCES CAUSED BY THE TUMOR PRESSING ON THE PITUITARY GLAND

KO NA MASYADONG MAHAL AT NAPAKARAMING MGA GAMOT NA DAPAT KONG INUMIN u %STEPANIE SAID "UT SHE DID NOT ALLOW HERSELF TO BE DEFEATED BY THE STORM THAT CAME HER WAY She went to the Philippine CharITY 3WEEPSTAKES /FFICE 0#3/ BRANCH IN "ACOLOD #ITY TO SEEK knancial assistance for her expensive MAINTENANCE MEDICATION AND THE AGENCY APPROVED HER REQUEST g4HANK YOU SO MUCH sa PCSO KASI NANDIYAN SILA LAGI PARA TULUNGAN ANG MGA KAGAYA KO u %STEPANIE SAID g.ABAWASAN ANG DEPRESSION KO SA TULONG NG 0#3/ 3ANA NANDIYAN LANG ANG PCSO PARA HINDI naman ako maawa sa sarili ko na WALA AKONG HIHINGIAN NG TULONG SA MGA GAMOT NA KAILANGAN KO u

Helping herself Finding help “Na DEPRESS ako sa DIAGNOSIS NG DOCTOR SA AKIN AT SA MGA GAMOT

3HE ALSO KEPT WORKING TO HELP HERSELF AND SHE THANKED THE HOSPITAL PROFUSELY FOR KEEPING HER ON BOARD

Q 35-year-old Estepanie Joy Garote during interview for this feature at PCSO's Bacolod branch. PHOTO BY MA. THERESITA IBASCO DESPITE HER CONDITION ESPECIALLY AFTER SHE GOT PREGNANT “3ABI KO SA SARILI KO GUSTO KO MATIKMAN MAGBUNTIS MAGING ISANG INA 9UN TALAGA ANG PANGARAP KO ANG MAGING ISANG INA,� SHE SAID THANKFUL THAT HER BABY WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE MEDICATION SHE WAS TAKING WHILE SHE WAS PREGNANT (ER BABY NOW SIX YEARS OLD is the main reason she keeps on FIGHTING AS SHE AGAIN THANKED 0#3/ FOR STANDING BY HER FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS g4HANK YOU KASI DAHIL SA TULONG NILA NAGKAKAROON AKO NG PAG ASA NA MABUHAY PA PARA MAKASAMA KO PA NANG MATAGAL ANG AKING ANAK,� %STEPANIE SAID

Rising demand 0#3/ "ACOLOD BRANCH OFFICER IN CHARGE *OSE -ANUEL 6ILLAGRACIA SAID %STEPANIE IS ONLY ONE OF THE GROWING NUMBER OF .EGROS RESIDENTS WHO ARE SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM THE AGENCY “-AS MARAMING PATIENTS ANG HUMIHINGI COMPARED sa FUNDS na meron KAMI KAYA MEDYO NAHIHIRAPAN KAMI,� 6ILLAGRACIA ADMITTED ADDING THAT DIALYSIS WAS THE MOST REQUESTED ASSISTANCE SOUGHT BY .EGRENSES LAST YEAR $ESPITE THE FUNDING SHORTFALL 6ILLAGRACIA PLEDGED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM SO ALL .EGRENSES CAN BE ACCOMMODATED AND THAT EACH PATIENT WOULD GET THE BEST POSSIBLE health care for the improvement OF THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE

Mandaluyong fire victims receive P1.1M assistance 4(2/5'( its Calamity AsSISTANCE 0ROGRAM THE 0HILIPPINE #HARITY 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE 0#3/ DONATED 0 to the victims of the fire that ENGULFED HOUSES AT "ARANGAY !DDITION (ILLS IN -ANDALUYONG #ITY ON &EBRUARY !PPROXIMATELY FAMILIES WERE AFFECTED BY THE CALAMITY (ANDING OVER THE CHECK TO -AYOR #ARMELITA g-ENCHIEu !BALOS WAS /)# -ANAGER OF 0#3/ #HARITY !SSISTANCE $EPARTMENT #!$ -URIEL 0AJARILLO AT THE -ANDALUYONG #ITY (ALL DURING THEIR 7OMEN S -ONTH #ELEBRATION

Novo Ecijanos benefit from PCSO medical mission

IN its milestone of service, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes /FkCE 0#3/ CONDUCTED ITS REGULAR MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSION FOR THE PEOPLE OF .UEVA %CIJA ON -ARCH )N COLLABORATION WITH THE +NIGHTS OF #OLUMBUS ,ABRADOR #OUNCIL OF 3T )SIDORE THE &ARMER 0ARISH IN 3AN )SIDRO THE 0#3/ TEAM LED BY THE LATE MEDICAL DOCTOR -ARIA )SABEL 6INTERES SERVED PATIENTS ‡ FOR MEDICAL AND FOR DENTAL SERVICES g4HANKFUL AT SATISkED KAMI SA SERBISYO MEDIKAL NA BINIGAY NG PCSO SA AMING LUGAR -ALAKING TULONG ITO PARA SA AMIN LALO NA SA MGA DI NAKAKAPUNTA SA center para MAGPA CHECKUP DAHIL SA KAKULANGAN NG PERA,� Aprilyn &RANCISCO A RESIDENT OF "ARANGAY 4ABON 3AN )SIDRO STATED 0#3/ S MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSION AIMS TO PROVIDE EQUITABLE EFkCIENT AND EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS NON GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CIVIC GROUPS RELIGIOUS ORGNANIZATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MARIA LEONORA ESTIGOY PHOTOS BY KOBI JANAIRO

EVENT WITH THE THEME g7E -AKE #HANGE 7ORK FOR 7OMEN u !LSO PRESENT DURING THE EVENT WERE 3ENATOR .ANCY "INAY AND FORMER --$! AND #OMELEC #HAIRMAN "ENJAMIN !BALOS WHO ALSO SERVED AS MAYOR OF -ANDALUYONG The Calamity Assistance ProGRAM OF 0#3/ AIMS TO ASSIST COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES AFFECTED BY NATURAL AND MAN MADE DISASTERS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF IN KIND ESSENTIAL AND SUPPLEMENTAL DONATIONS SUCH AS SACKS OF RICE CANNED GOODS CLOTHES AND WATER AS DETERMINED BY THE AGENCY SHELLY BUSQUE

Q PCSO OIC-Manager for CAD Muriel Pajarillo (second from right) hands over the P1,134,000 check to Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos as barangay officials look on. PHOTO BY KOBI JANAIRO

Pasay City General Hospital launches Malasakit Center

Q Officials and guests do the ‘Duterte fist’ on the inauguration of Malasakit Center at the Pasay City General Hospital. PHOTOS BY EDWIN LOVINO

PASAY City General Hospital 0#'( INAUGURATED ITS OWN -ALASAKIT #ENTER AT THE &UNCTION (ALL ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE HEALTH INSTITUTION ON -ARCH ,ED BY #HIEF OF (OSPITAL $R -ARILOU ,UPISAN /CAMPO THE SIGNIkCANT EVENT WAS GRACED BY -AYOR 4ONY #ALIXTO AND 2EP )MELDA #ALIXTO 2UBIANO ‡ WITH 0RESIDENTIAL !SSISTANT FOR THE 6ISAYAS -ICHAEL ,LOYD $IÄO DELIVERING A MESSAGE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT S HEALTH SERVICES PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES 0#'( IS THE FOURTH HOSPITAL TO ESTABLISH A -ALASAKIT #ENTER IN THE .ATIONAL #APITAL 2EGION AND THE kRST GENERAL HOSPITAL ,'5 TO DO THE SAME "UILDING -ALASAKIT #ENTERS IS A 0RESIDENTIAL MANDATE INITIATED BY THE /FkCE OF THE 3PECIAL !SSISTANT

Q Presidential Assistant for Visayas Michael Lloyd Diùo delivers a message on the importance of the government’s health services program in partnership with other agencies.

Q Pasay City Mayor Tony Calixto is delighted to welcome distinguished guests during the inauguration of Malasakit Center at the Pasay City General Hospital.

TO THE 0RESIDENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE $EPARTMENT OF (EALTH $/( $/( RETAINED HOSPITALS IN SELECTED REGIONS 0HIL(EALTH 0#3/ $37$ AND /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENTIAL !SSISTANT FOR THE 6ISAYAS It is a one-stop service center

OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES INSTITUTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPEDITING THE PROCESS IN AVAILING MEDICAL services relevant to healthcare, PRIMARILY FOR BUT NOT LIMITED TO kNANCIAL ASSISTANCE JUSTIN SANTOS

advertising@manilatimes.net 524-5664 local 121, 3105895 and 3105582

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w w w.manilatimes.net

Republic of the Philippines OCCIDENTAL MINDORO STATE COLLEGE Labangan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Website: www.omsc.edu.ph Email address: omsc_9747@yahoo.com Telephone: (043) 457-0259

E1

CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2015 CERT. NO.: 50500643 QM15

The SEARCH COMMITTEE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE created by the BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) of the OCCIDENTAL MINDORO STATE COLLEGE (OMSC) formally and publicly announces that NOMINATIONS FOR TWO (2) PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES (PSR) to the BOT is NOW OPEN. A.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINEES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE (PSR) —Nominees for PSR to the Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) Board of Trustees (BOT) must satisfy the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 8.

10.

B.

Must be a prominent Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines; Must be at least forty (40) years old; Must be a person of unquestioned integrity and probity and must not have been convicted of any administrative offense or crime; 0XVW EH VXFFHVVIXO LQ KLV KHU SURIHVVLRQ RU FKRVHQ ¿HOG Must be from the industry, business, or profession that can contribute to the pursuit of the mandate of OMSC; 0XVW KDYH DW OHDVW ¿YH \HDUV SURYHQ H[SHULHQFH LQ D PDQDJHULDO SRVLWLRQ or corporate governance; Must have solid contribution to the community and/or country; Must not be connected with OMSC in any manner for two years prior to the nomination; 0XVW KDYH DQ H[WHQVLYH UHFRUG RI HPSOR\PHQW EXVLQHVV H[SHUWLVH DQG connection with the private sector. If the nominee previously worked in any capacity with a government entity or was a consultant in any government undertaking or whatever nature, the proportion of the time the nominee served LQ JRYHUQPHQW VKRXOG QRW H[FHHG RQH IRXUWK RI WKH HQWLUH WLPH VHUYHG LQ WKH private sector; Must not in any way be presently employed or appointed to any position in any government agency or entity (national, local, or government-owned or controlled corporation), be it on a full-time or part-time basis, at the time of nomination; and 0XVW H[SOLFLWO\ PDQLIHVW DYDLODELOLW\ RI WLPH DQG FRPPLWPHQW WR WKH VHUYLFH RI OMSC.

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS — Nominators/Nominees for the position of PSR should provide all pertinent details, as follows: 1. 2.

3.

Duly accomplished and notarized nomination form; Supporting documents: x &XUULFXOXP 9LWDH RI QRPLQHH ZLWK GXO\ FHUWL¿HG GRFXPHQWV LQ VXSSRUW RI GDWD VSHFL¿HG WKHUHLQ H J DFDGHPLF UHFRUGV SDVW DQG FXUUHQW employment/service records; awards received, SEC Registration of companies owned by nominee; etc.) x &HUWL¿FDWLRQ WKDW QRPLQHH LV QRW FRQQHFWHG ZLWK 206& x &HUWL¿FDWLRQ WKDW QRPLQHH LV QRW FXUUHQWO\ HPSOR\HG LQ DQ\ JRYHUQPHQW DJHQF\ RI¿FH x Original NBI clearance; and Nominee’s Conforme—Nominees should indicate their acceptance of the nomination by signing their conforme on the designated portion of the notarized nomination form.

Interested parties may submit their nominations, with FOUR (4) copies of the documentary requirements, on or before 5:00pm, 26 APRIL 2019, to the Search Committee Secretariat as follows:: MS. MILA P. AYES or MS. FE L. LOBRESCO %RDUG 6HFUHWDU\ 2I¿FH RI &RPPLVVLRQHU /LOLDQ $ 'H /DV /ODJDV Occidental Mindoro State College Commission on Higher Education /DEDQJDQ 6DQ -RVH 2FFLGHQWDO 0LQGRUR +('& %OGJ &3 *DUFLD $YH Telephone No. : (043) 457-0231 loc 109 UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City Telephone No. (02) 441-1168 MT - Mar. 27, 2019

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT OF METRO MANILA BRANCH 35 – QUEZON CITY ZENAIDA and VINCENT CYRUS, both surnamed, ESPIRITU Plaintiffs, - versus -

CIVIL CASE NO. 18-06432 For: Ejectment/Unlawful Detainer

JOJIELYN BILLONES, Defendant [ [ ORDER 7KH &RXUW *5$176 WKH Motion to Reset Hearing ¿OHG E\ FRXQVHO IRU SODLQWLIIV +RZHYHU LW FDQQRW DFFRPPRGDWH WKH SUD\HU WR KDYH LW VHW RQ $SULO DW LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ ,QVWHDG VHW FRPSOLDQFH hearing on 20 March 2019 at 2:00 in the afternoon. On said hearing date, plaintiffs must show proof of its compliance to the Order 9 January 2019. No postponement shall be entertained. The Court reiterates its order that the case may be archived or dismissed should plaintiffs failed to comply. SO ORDERED. Quezon City, 28 February 2019. (SGD.) MARIA ELLA CECILIA D. DUMLAO-ESCALANTE Presiding Judge REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 0(75232/,7$1 75,$/ &2857 1$7,21$/ &$3,7$/ -8',&,$/ 5(*,21 %5$1&+ ± 48(=21 &,7< ZENAIDA and VINCENT CYRUS, both surnamed, ESPIRITU, Plaintiffs, - versus -

CIVIL CASE NO. 18-06432 For: Ejectment/Unlawful Detainer

JOJIELYN BILLONES, Defendant [ [ MANIFESTATION WITH MOTION TO RESET THE HEARING (Order dated January 9, 2019 and February 28, 2019 scheduled hearing) COMES NOW plaintiffs, by the undersigned counsel and unto this Honorable Court, respectfully submits the foregoing Manifestation with motion to reset the scheduled hearing and further avers: The undersigned humbly received copy of the Order dated January 9, 2019 on January 24, 2019, directing the plaintiffs to effect the summons by publication within 15 days from receipt hereof and to immediately report their compliance thereof. Otherwise, sanctions shall be imposed by this Court, including but not limited to the archival or dismissal of this case. 2Q WKDW DFFRXQW WKH XQGHUVLJQHG KDV FDXVHG WKH ¿OLQJ RI WKH VXEMHFW 2UGHU GDWHG -DQXDU\ 6XPPDU\ 3URFHGXUH 6XPPRQV DQG &RPSODLQW EHIRUH WKH 0HWURSROLWDQ 7ULDO &RXUW 2I¿FH RI WKH &OHUN RI &RXUW DV UHTXLVLWH IRU WKH UDIÀH RI WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKH VXPPRQV 7KXV WKH XQGHUVLJQHG PDQLIHVW WKH ZLOOLQJQHVV RI KHUHLQ SODLQWLIIV WR FRPSO\ ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHG SXEOLFDWLRQ VRRQ WKH UDIÀH KDV EHHQ PDGH and assured to inform this Honorable Court of their compliance. Further, the above-captioned case is set for hearing on February 28, 2019 at 2:00 in the afternoon. The undersigned counsel most respectfully manifests that she will not be able to attend the said scheduled hearing on reason that she will still be out of the country. That it becomes necessary that the hearing on February 28, 2019 at 2:00 in the afternoon be reset RQ $SULO LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ RU DW DQ\ JLYHQ GDWH PRVW FRQYHQLHQW WR WKH FDOHQGDU RI WKLV +RQRUDEOH Court. That this motion is not intended to delay the administration of justice but on reason as above-stated. WHEREFORE, it is most respectfully PRAYED WKDW WKLV 0DQLIHVWDWLRQ EH QRWHG $OVR LQ WKH LQWHUHVWV RI MXVWLFH WKDW WKH KHDULQJ RQ )HEUXDU\ DW LQ WKH DIWHUQRRQ EH UHVHW RQ $SULO DW 2pm in the afternoon or at any given date most convenient to the calendar of this honorable court. Other relief and remedies just and equitable under the premises are likewise being prayed for. City of Manila for Quezon City, 31st day of January 2019. (SGD.) MA. ARWIN JUCO SINAGUINAN For the plaintiff No. 2034 Tomas Mapua St., Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003 5ROO RI $WWRUQH\ 1R 3 7 5 1R ± 0DQLOD I.B.P. No. 017794-Manila 11/28/17-19 MCLE Compliance NO. VI-0000083 Issued at Pasig City, M.M., on 06-03-16 NOTIFICATION 7+( %5$1&+ &/(5. 2) &2857 MTC, Branch 35, Quezon City GREETINGS: .LQGO\ WDNH QRWLFH WKDW XSRQ UHFHLSW WKHUHRI WKH IRUHJRLQJ 0DQLIHVWDWLRQ ZLWK PRWLRQ WR UHVHW WKH hearing will be submitted for the kind consideration and approval of this Honorable Court.

For subscription, please call the Circulation Department at 524-5664 local 222 or 310-5584 or email circulation@manilatimes.net ----------------------------To a d v e r t i s e , e m a i l u s a t a d v e r t i s i n g @ manilatimes.net or call 524-5664 local 121

(SGD.) ATTY. MA. ARWIN J. SINAGUINAN EX PLANATION The foregoing motion is being served to the defendant via registered mail instead of the preferred mode RU SHUVRQDO VHUYLFH GXH WR WLPH FRQVWUDLQWV DQG XQDYDLODEOH RI¿FH SHUVRQQHO WR SHUVRQDOO\ HIIHFW WKH VDPH (SGD.) ATTY. MA. ARWIN JUCO SINAGUINAN Copy furnished: JOJIELYN BILLONES No. 3557 Towers 2 Grass Residences Misamis St., Bago Bantay Quezon City’ and No. 106 Road 1, Brgy. Pag-asa, Quezon City MT - Mar. 27, 2019

E2

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WEDNESDAY March 27, 2019

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Lupong Nangangasiwa sa Pabahay at Gamit ng Lupa 6287+(51 7$*$/2* 5(*,21 Âą 675

NOTICE Notice is hereby given that C O M M U N I T I E S B ATA N G A S , INC. (Owner) by virtue of Deed of $EVROXWH 6DOH EFREN FRANCIS C. LEJANO, EMMANUEL LUIS C. LEJANO and SPOUSES MELCHOR S. CARURUCAN/ ANGELES M. CARURUCAN (Co-owners) and COMMUNITIES BATANGAS, INC. (Developer) by virtue of Land 'HYHORSPHQW $JUHHPHQW KDYH ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH D VZRUQ UHJLVWUDWLRQ statement for the sale of house and lots in CAMELLA NASUGBU (PD 957) located at Brgy. Putat (Palayera), Nasugbu, Batangas and more particularly described as Lot 4, Pcs-04-001461; Lots 111, 114 and 369, all of Pcs-4020 containing an area of 79,585 sq.m. (portion only) and covered by TCT Nos. T-45491; T-103114; T-104790 and T-75720.

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD Lupong Nangangasiwa sa Pabahay at Gamit ng Lupa 6287+(51 7$*$/2* 5(*,21 Âą 675

PAUNAWA Ipinagbibigay alam na ang COMMUNITIES BATANGAS, INC. (May-ari) sa pamamagitan ng “Deed RI $EVROXWH 6DOH´ EFREN FRANCIS C. LEJANO, EMMANUEL LUIS C. LEJANO at SPOUSES MELCHOR S. CARURUCAN/ ANGELES M. CARURUCAN (Mga may-ari) at COMMUNITIES BATANGAS, INC. (Debeloper) sa pamamagitan ng Âł/DQG 'HYHORSPHQW $JUHHPHQW´ ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng bahay at lote sa CAMELLA NASUGBU (PD 957) na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Putat (Palayera), Nasugbu, Batangas at sinasakop ng mga Lote Blg. 4, Pcs04-001461; Lote Blgs. 111, 114 at 369, lahat ay Pcs-4020 na may sukat na 79,585 sq.m. (bahagi lamang) sa ilalim ng mga Titulo Blgs. T-45491; T-103114; T-104790 and T-75720.

The foregoing project is utilizing LUMINA TANZA PHASE 4 located at Brgy. Bagtas, Tanza, Cavite as its Compliance pursuant to Section 18 of 5HSXEOLF $FW 1R DV DPHQGHG E\ 5HSXEOLF $FW 1R

$QJ QDVDELQJ SUR\HNWR D\ JLQDJDPLW ang LUMINA TANZA PHASE 4 na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Bagtas, Tanza, Cavite bilang pagtupad sa Seksyon 18 Batas Republika Blg. 7279 na na-amyendahan ng Batas Republika Blg 10884.

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Calamba City, Laguna, 18th day of March 2019.

Lungsod ng Calamba, Laguna, ika-18 ng Marso 2019.

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Engr. EMMANUEL G. GLIPO Head- Planning, Registration and Licensing Division (PRLD)

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Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD 6287+(51 7$*$/2* 5(*,21 Âą 675

Republic of the Philippines 2IÂżFH RI WKH 3UHVLGHQW Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council HOUSING AND LAND USE REGULATORY BOARD 6287+(51 7$*$/2* 5(*,21 Âą 675

NOTICE

PAUNAWA

Notice is hereby given that VANCOUVER LANDS INC. (Owner/ 'HYHORSHU KDV ÂżOHG ZLWK WKLV 2IÂżFH a sworn registration statement for the sale of residential condominium in PARK RESIDENCES PHASE 2 located at Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna and more particularly GHVFULEHG DV /RW $ DQG /RW 'HHG RI $EVROXWH 6DOH dated July 20, 2017) and covered by TCT No. T-060-2017012207, T-0602017006292 & T-595256. The project is under PD 957.

Ipinagbibigay alam na ang VANCOUVER LANDS INC. (Mayari/Debeloper) ay naghain sa Tanggapang ito ng sinumpaang aplikasyon para sa pagbebenta ng “residential condominium� sa PARK RESIDENCES PHASE 2 na matatagpuan sa Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna at sinasakop ng PJD /RWH %OJ $ DW /RWH %OJ 'HHG RI $EVROXWH 6DOH QD may petsa ika-20 ng Hulyo 2017) at sumasailalim sa mga Titulo Blg. T-0602017012207, T-060-2017006292 at 7 $QJ QDVDELQJ SUR\HNWR D\ sumasailalim sa PD 957.

The foregoing project is utilizing BELA ROSA RESIDENCES located at Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Sto. Tomas, Batangas as its compliance pursuant WR 6HFWLRQ RI 5HSXEOLF $FW 1R DV DPHQGHG E\ 5$ VXEMHFW WR the accreditation approval of the CEO.

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EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS ON REGISTERED LAND Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late Guillermo S. Villadores has been H[WUDMXGLFLDOO\ VHWWOHG DPRQJ KLV KHLUV QDPHO\ &HVDU $ 9LOODGRUHV GHFHDVHG son) represented by his only heirs: wife Rosalinda G. Villadores, daughter Clarinda V. Espiritu and son Cesar G. Villadores, Jr. ,OXPLQDGD 9 $FXSDQ GDXJKWHU DQG ,QRFHQFLR $ 9LOODGRUHV VRQ DQG DOO VDLG legal heirs agreed to waive their rights, interest, participation and claims on the property in favor of heir Cesar G. Villadores, Jr., his heirs, assigns and successorsin-interest. Heir Cesar G. Villadores, Jr. accepts from said legal heirs all the rights and interests on the said property waived E\ WKH RWKHU FR KHLUV PDGH LQ KLV IDYRU $V per Doc. No.181; Page VIII; Book No. 34, VHULHV RI LQ WKH QRWDULDO ERRNV RI $WW\ 5XEHQ 0 $]DQHV -U 1RWDU\ 3XEOLF XQWLO December 31, 2018 with PTR No. 5611098, 4 & ,%3 1R $5 4 & MT - Mar. 13, 20 & 27, 2019

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YOUR ADS HERE GET RESULTS

The Search Committee for Private Sector Representative of the University of Northern Philippines %RDUG 5HJHQWV LV H[WHQGLQJ WKH GHDGOLQH RI VXEPLVVLRQ RI DSSOLFDWLRQ QRPLQDWLRQ OHWWHUV ZLWK VXSSRUWLQJ GRFXPHQWV WR $SULO In connection to this matter, may we request for the airing of this announcement that follows for the information of interested applicants to the said position. Please be informed that the Search for Two Private Sector Representatives to the UNP Board of 5HJHQWV KDV EHHQ H[WHQGHG WR $SULO 0RQGD\ DW 30

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$GGLWLRQDO JXLGHOLQHV WR WKH SUHYLRXV SOXJ CHED Guidelines: The Private Sector Representative (PSR) nominees shall not in any way be connected with the SUC concerned for at least two (2) years prior to his/her nomination for the PSR position. The PSR nominee should not be employed in or appointed to any position in any government DJHQF\ HQWLW\ LQFOXGLQJ JRYHUQPHQW RZQHG DQG FRQWUROOHG FRUSRUDWLRQV LQ DQ\ FDSDFLW\ ¹ IXOO WLPH RU SDUW WLPH ¹ DW WKH WLPH RI KLV KHU QRPLQDWLRQ The PSR nominees should be from an industry, business or profession related to the SUC’s legal mandate/s. 7KH 365 QRPLQHH VKRXOG KDYH DQ H[WHQVLYH UHFRUG RI HPSOR\PHQW EXVLQHVV H[SHUWLVH DQG connection with the private sector. If the PSR nominee previously worked in a government agency/ entity or was a consultant in any government undertaking, the portion of time the nominee served in JRYHUQPHQW VKRXOG QRW H[FHHG RQH IRXUWK RI WKH HQWLUH WLPH WKH QRPLQHH VHUYHG LQ WKH SULYDWH sector. Five (5) photocopies of the following documents must be submitted to the Search Committee for Private Sector Representatives (PSR) Secretariat: Formal application/nomination letter addressed to the CHED Chairperson Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) signed under oath &HUWL¿HG WUXH FRS\ RI GRFXPHQWV LQ VXSSRUW RI WKH GDWD VWDWHG LQ WKH &9 Plans and Goals

'HDGOLQH IRU VXEPLVVLRQ RI DSSOLFDWLRQ QRPLQDWLRQ GRFXPHQWV VKDOO EH RQ $SULO 0RQGD\ DW pm. Submit applications/nominations to: The Chair, Search Committee for Private Sector Representative of the University of Northern Philippines Commission on Higher Education (CHED) F R +RQ 3HUIHFWR $OLELQ 4TH )ORRU +('& %XLOGLQJ & 3 *DUFLD $YHQXH 83 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\ or 7KH &+$,53(5621 6($5&+ &200,77(( 3520,1(17 35,9$7( &,7,=(1 5(35(6(17$7,9( THRU: Mr. Wilberto P. Tabutol University/Board Secretary 3rd )ORRU $GPLQLVWUDWLRQ %XLOGLQJ University of Northern Philippines Tamag, Vigan City 7+( 6($5&+ &200,77(( )25 35,9$7( 6(&725 5(35(6(17$7,9( MT - Mar. 27, 2019

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Ëœ The Manila Times Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY FRANCHISING SERVICE, CENTRAL OFFICE Parkview Plaza (Masagana Telamart, Inc.) 7DIW $YHQXH FRU 7 0 .DODZ 6W (UPLWD 0DQLOD 5H $SSOLFDWLRQ IRU 5HQHZDO RI &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 3XEOLF &RQYHQLHQFH &3& WR operate the ships, M/Tkr “YOONA FAITHâ€? and M/Tkr “MARISEL,â€? in the tramping service for the carriage of petroleum products to any port in the Philippines ANIMO MARINE HAULERS & SHIP MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, Applicant. [ [

CASE NO. MNL-2019-011-FS (Reference Case No. 2009-008-FO) ORDER (SECOND NOTICE OF HEARING)

7KLV UHIHUV WR WKH $SSOLFDWLRQ IRU 5HQHZDO RI &HUWLÂżFDWH RI 3XEOLF &RQYHQLHQFH &3& WR 2SHUDWH WKH VKLSV M/Tkr “YOONA FAITHâ€? and M/Tkr “MARISEL,â€? in the tramping service for the carriage of petroleum products WR DQ\ SRUW LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV ÂżOHG E\ $SSOLFDQW RQ 0DUFK 7KH IROORZLQJ DUH WKH SDUWLFXODUV RI WKH VKLSV I. Ship Particulars Name of Ship 2IÂżFLDO 1XPEHU Type of Ship Hull Gross Tons <HDU %XLOW Place of Built Date of Issuance of CO Date of Issuance of CPR

M/Tkr “YOONA FAITH� 00-0003481 Oil Tanker Steel 2,382.00 2017 .RUHD 04 October 2017 04 October 2017

M/Tkr “MARISEL� 00-0000582 Oil Tanker Steel (double-hulled) 1,377.00 1995 Japan 28 May 2012 28 May 2012

1RWLFH LV KHUHE\ JLYHQ WKDW WKH VDLG $SSOLFDWLRQ ZLOO EH KHDUG E\ WKLV $XWKRULW\ RQ 02 April 2019 at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, at the 3rd Floor, Franchising Service Hearing Room, at the above address. 7KH $SSOLFDQW VKDOO SXEOLVK WKLV 2UGHU RQFH LQ D QHZVSDSHU RI JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ¿YH GD\V SULRU to the scheduled date of hearing. 7KH $SSOLFDQW VKDOO VXEPLW D ZULWWHQ )RUPDO 2IIHU RI (YLGHQFH GXULQJ WKH KHDULQJ RU ¿YH GD\V WKHUHDIWHU WITNESS WKH +RQRUDEOH 2I¿FHU LQ &KDUJH 2I¿FH RI WKH $GPLQLVWUDWRU VADM NARCISO A VINGSON JR., this 25th March 2019 at Manila, Philippines. BY AUTHORITY OF THE MARINA ADMINISTRATOR: 3XUVXDQW WR $GPLQLVWUDWLYH 2UGHU 1R GDWHG $XJXVW

(SGD.) MA. CONCEPCION C. ARBOLARIO OIC-Director )UDQFKLVLQJ 2IÂżFH

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Today, we look back at an old front page of The Manila Times, the oldest national daily that was founded on October 11, 1898. (Note: This image was adjusted to fit the page.)