THE MANILA TIMES | MARCH 04, 2019

Poll: Inflation likely back on target in Feb »Story on B1 ++

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•• 4 SECTIONS PAGES • VOL. 120 NO. 142 24

MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2019

Nullify Bangsamoro ratification, SC asked ! PETITION SEEKING THE NULLIkCATION OF THE RATIkCATION OF THE "ANGSAMORO /RGANIC ,AW "/, IN #OTABATO #ITY HAS BEEN kLED BEFORE THE 3UPREME #OURT 3# .AMED RESPONDENT IN THE CASE WAS THE #OMMISSION ON %LECTIONS

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Philconsa to Leonen: Stay out of BOL case

BY JOMAR CANLAS

T

HE Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) has sought the inhibition of A s s o - XCLUSIVE ciate Justice Marvic Leonen from a CASE IT kLED BEFORE the Supreme Court 3# ASKING TO DEclare the Bangsamoro Organic Law "/, AS gNULL AND VOID u ³LeonenA2

³RatificationA2

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US will defend PH in a South China Sea war?

Don’t bet on it

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. ANother INSTANCE of Philippine M E D I A S BOUNDLESS FAITH IN THE COUNTRY S FORMER COLONIAL MASTER NEARLY ALL NEWSPAPERS THE OTHER DAY BANNER HEADLINED 53 3ECRETARY OF 3TATE -ICHAEL 2ICHARD 0OMPEO S CLAIM THAT !MERICA WILL DEFEND THE 0HILIPPINES IN CASE OF AN ARMED ATTACK BY ANY COUNTRY IN THE 3OUTH #HINA 3EA $ON T BET ON IT 53 OFkCIALS HAVE SAID THAT SO MANY TIMES IN THE PAST

RIG RRIGOBERTO IGG DD. TIGLAO

MEASLES DEATH TOLL NOW 215

³TiglaoA5 REACH US AT: E-mail: newsdesk@ manilatimes.net Tel. Nos.: 524-5664 to 67 Address: 2/F Sitio Grande, 409 A. Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila 1002

LIGHTING THE NIGHT SKY

The fireworks display of Germany’s Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke illuminates the skies of Angeles City in Pampanga during the 10th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition. PHOTO BY ROGER RAÑADA

What’s inside CBCP ACCEPTS PNP PROTECTION OF CLERGY NewsA2 ARCHITECT DIES IN ELEVATOR MISHAP NewsA8

THE LOOMING UK BREXIT MESS

Dan SteinbockA4 CATRIONA GRAY: ‘STUDYING IS KEY TO UNLOCKING YOUR DREAMS’

CURRY COMES UP CLUTCH TO LEAD WARRIORS PAST 76ERS

SportsC1

EntertainmentD4

AROUND PEOPLE HAVE DIED OF MEASLES AS THE NUMBER OF CASES CONTINUED TO RISE TO MORE THAN

ACCORDING TO DATA OF THE $EPARTMENT OF (EALTH $O(

³DeathA8

Pacquiao okays son’s boxing dream

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS 3%. %MMANUEL g-ANNYu 0ACQUIAO WANTS %MMANUEL *R ALSO KNOWN AS *IMUEL TO PURSUE A CAREER IN LAW ALTHOUGH HE ALREADY ALLOWED HIS ELDEST SON TO PURSUE HIS BOXING DREAM 0ACQUIAO CONkRMED TO THE -ANILA

³DreamA2

Man charged for streaming PH child rape videos STRASBOURG, France: ! MAN HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ORDERING VIDEOS OF RAPES AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS SOME OF THEM ON CHILDREN BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE 0HILIPPINES A &RENCH PROSECUTOR SAID ON 3ATURDAY 3UNDAY IN -ANILA

³VideosA2

TMTCS’ NEW HOME The Manila Times College of Subic (TMTCS) holds a groundbreaking ceremony for its new site, where the former George Dewey High School (GDHS) stands, inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Taking part in the symbolic groundbreaking rites on Thursday, February 28, are (from left) Barbara Napiere-Celis, vice president (VP), External Affairs; Jennifer Jones, assistant station manager, TMTTV; Menchie Bacani, registrar, TMTCS; Orlando Molina, executive vice president; Laura Mendoza, principal, Basic Education; Nenita Lucas, Institutional officer; Jeannette Fabian, dean, School of Allied Medical Science; and Ryan Tulio, VP, Operations. Manila Times College Executive Vice President Orlando B. Molina, in his opening remarks, emphasized the emergence of new innovations as the college relocates to its new facility. While bringing with it the best of its old practices and traditions, TMTCS will be continuously raising the bar of excellence in education, he said. Present at the ceremony were invited guests, school faculty, parents, students, including GDHS alumni, as well as industry partners. Some GDHS alumni -- Nenita Miyata (Class of 1973), Dario Villa (1977) and Karen Fontillas (1989) -- shared their individual memories of their former high school and expressed gratitude for the restoration being done on their old school and its integration with the Manila Times College.

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˜ The Manila Times MONDAY March 4, 2019

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CBCP accepts PNP protection of clergy A

BY CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of THE 0HILIPPINES #"#0 OFkCIAL HAS WELCOMED THE 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL 0OLICE S 0.0 OFFER TO PROTECT MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY FACING ALLEGED DEATH THREATS g4O SECURE THE CHURCH AND THE &R *EROME 3ECILLANO EXECUTIVE PEOPLE ESPECIALLY AT THESE DANGER- SECRETARY OF THE #"#0 S PUBLIC AFOUS MOMENTS IS MOST WELCOME u FAIRS COMMITTEE SAID ON 3UNDAY

#ALOOCAN "ISHOP 0ABLO 6IRGILIO $AVID A STAUNCH CRITIC OF 0RESIDENT 2ODRIGO $UTERTE AND HIS POLICIES PARTICULARLY THE ANTI DRUG CAMPAIGN EARLIER SAID HE HAD BEEN RECEIVING MESSAGES SAYING HE WAS gNEXT IN LINE FOR EXECUTION u (E LATER CLARIkED THAT NOT ALL PRIESTS AND BISHOPS WERE RECEIVING SUCH THREATS ,AST &RIDAY THE DIOCESE OF #ALOOCAN OFFERED A -ASS FOR HIM AND PRAYED FOR HIS SAFETY

,AST YEAR THE 0RESIDENT SUGGESTED TO CRIMINALS TO STEAL FROM BISHOPS WHOM THEY KILL BUT HE LATER BACKTRACKED AND APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO HARM THE BISHOPS 4HREE PRIESTS HAVE BEEN KILLED

BY UNIDENTIFIED ATTACKERS UNDER $UTERTE WHO HAD BEEN VERY VOCAL IN ATTACKING THE #ATHOLIC #HURCH (E DREW FLAK FOR CALLING THE #HRISTIANS 'OD gSTUPID u AS HE SLAMMED BASIC TENETS OF THE #ATHOLIC #HURCH

D E N G VAX I A M E S S

Aquino, Abad will be held liable – Palace FORMER President Benigno Aquino 3rd and other former officials are not yet off the hook regarding cases involving the anti-dengue vaccine dengvaxia, Malacañang said on Sunday.

Sen. Richard Gordon earlier said the Department of Justice should also indict Aquino, former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, along with former Health secretary Janet Garin over the vaccine mess.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Aquino and the other officials were facing charges of technical malversation in connection with the purchase of the vaccine.

“They have separate cases there. They are not charged with the dengvaxia case, but regarding the purchases, the entry of dengvaxia, they are charged with technical malversation,” Panelo said.

Panelo said Aquino would be held liable if prosecutors find probable cause

to indict him in court.

“If they can find probable cause and there is evidence, then that is the job now of the trial court,” he said. “ The Palace’ role is to implement the law. If someone is liable and there was a complaint and it was... not yet proven but has probable cause, that will be filed before the court,” Panelo said.

In July last year, the National Bureau of Investigation recommended the

filing of technical malversation charges against Aquino, Garin and Abad over the alleged irregular implementation of the immunization project.

Recently, the Justice department found probable cause to charge Garin and other former Health officials with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide over deaths allegedly caused by controversial anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia.

RALPH U. VILLANUEVA

THE PACQUIAOS

Jimuel Pacquiao (second from left) poses for a photo with his parents and siblings during the celebration of the 40th birthday of his father, Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao in December last year. PHOTO BY WENDELL ALINEA

Q DREAM FROM A1

Pacquiao 4IMES ON 3ATURDAY DURING THE -AHARLIKA 0ILIPINAS "ASKETBALL ,EAGUE !LL 3TAR 'AME AT THE -ALL OF !SIA !RENA THAT HE ALREADY ALLOWED *IMUEL TO TRAIN IN BOXING EVEN IF HE WAS AGAINST IT g+UNG GUSTO NIYA PINAYAGAN KO NA SIYA 'USTO KO SA KANYA MAKAPAGTAPOS NG PAG AARAL AT GUSTO KO SIYANG MAGLAW )F HE LIKES ) ALREADY ALLOWED HIM ) WANT HIM TO kNISH HIS STUDIES AND

GRADUATE ) WANT HIM TO TAKE UP LAW u THE YEAR OLD BOXING ICON SAID *IMUEL

WOULD UNDERGO AMATEUR BOXING TRAINING kRST BEFORE HEADING TO HIS NEXT kGHT 0ACQUIAO SAID *IMUEL S kRST kGHT WAS AN EXHIBITION AMATEUR BOUT AGAINST ,UCAS #ARSON IN !LABANG ON &EBRUARY THAT ENDED IN A DRAW g-AG-TRAINING MUNA SIYA !MATEUR NA MUNA SIYA TRAINING LANG MUNA SIYA HANGGANG SA MAHASA -AG-kGHT MUNA SIYA WALA PA EXPERIENCE (E WILL UNDERGO TRAINING kRST UNTIL HE SHARPENS HIS SKILLS (E WILL BE IN THE AMATEUR RANKS kRST (E STILL HAS TO kGHT HE LACKS EXPERIENCE u THE ELDER 0ACQUIAO SAID

g'USTO NIYA MA EXPERIENCE (E WANTS TO EXPERIENCE IT u *IMUEL IS IN HIS SENIOR YEAR AT "RENT )NTERNATIONAL 3CHOOL IN -ANILA g.APAG USAPAN NA AT go NA go NA (E ALREADY TALKED ABOUT IT -AHIRAP EH AYAW KO MAN SIYA MAG BOXING pero GUSTO NAMAN NIYA )T IS HARD BECAUSE ) REALLY DON T LIKE HIM TO BOX BUT HE WANTS IT u 0ACQUIAO SAID !CCORDING TO REPORTS *IMUEL STARTED HIS TRAINING IN BOXING IN $ECEMBER LAST YEAR A MONTH BEFORE HIS FATHER BLASTED !DRIEN "RONER VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION TO RETAIN HIS 7ORLD "OXING !SSOCIATION WELTERWEIGHT BELT IN ,AS

Japan Army chief meets PH counterpart 4(% CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE *APAN 'ROUND 3ELF $EFENSE &ORCE *'3$& WILL MEET HIS 0HILIPPINE COUNTERPART ON -ONDAY -ARCH ,T #OL 2AMON :AGALA 0HILIPPINE !RMY SPOKESMAN

SAID 'ENERAL +OJI 9AMAZAKI WILL CALL ON ,T 'EN -ACAIROG !LBERTO THE !RMY CHIEF THIS MORNING :AGALA SAID -ANILA AND 4OKYO SIGNED A MEMORANDUM ON DEFENSE COOPERATION AND EXCHANGES IN *ANUARY MEANT TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR DEFENSE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO NATIONS DEFENSE AND MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS 4HE AGREEMENT WILL BE PART OF THE DISCUSSION BETWEEN !LBERTO AND 9AMAZAKI

Q VIDEOS FROM A1

Man charged 4HE SUSPECT A YEAR OLD FORMER POLICE OFkCER ACCORDING TO , %ST 2EPUBLICAIN NEWSPAPER WAS BEING HELD FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SOMEONE UNDER YEARS OF AGE &RANCOIS 0ERAIN PROSECUTOR IN THE EASTERN CITY OF .ANCY TOLD !GENCE &RANCE 0RESSE &RENCH OFkCIALS WERE TIPPED OFF BY

g)T IS THE BASIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP AND MUTUAL DEFENSE CONCERNS u :AGALA TOLD 4HE -ANILA 4IMES in A TEXT MESSAGE !CCORDING TO HIM THE 0HILIPPINES AND *APAN ESTABLISHED A PLATFORM FOR BOTH ARMIES TO DEVELOP BILATERAL ENGAGEMENTS THAT WOULD ENHANCE CAPABILITIES INTEROPERABILITY AND PROMOTE DISCUSSIONS ON TOPICS INCLUDING COUNTERTERRORISM MARITIME SECURITY CYBERSECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS 9AMAZAKI BECAME THE CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE *'3$& IN (E WAS APPOINTED THE COMMANDING GENERAL OF 4OKYO S .ORTHERN !RMY IN

THE INVESTIGATORS AT THE 53 $EPARTMENT OF (OMELAND 3ECURITY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF A &RENCH NATIONAL BETWEEN AND SAID 0ERAIN 4HEY HAD PICKED UP THE TRAIL AFTER EQUIPMENT SEIZED IN A RAID ON A SUSPECT IN THE 0HILIPPINES YIELDED EVIDENCE OF THE LIVE STREAMED SEXUAL ASSAULTS 4HE SYSTEM INVOLVED BROADCASTING THE ASSAULTS LIVE AND CHARGING PEOPLE TO VIEW THEM AND THE VICTIMS SOME OF WHOM WERE CHILDREN SAID THE PROSECUTOR

DEMPSEY REYES 5SING ONLINE CHATROOMS CLIENTS PLACED ORDERS SPECIFYING THE PROkLE OF THE VICTIM AND HOW THEY WANTED THEM TO BE ASSAULTED AND PAID TO !LTHOUGH SOME VIDEOS WERE BROADCAST PRE RECORDED OTHERS WERE BROADCAST LIVE SO THE PERSON WHO ORDERED IT CAN INlUENCE WHAT HAPPENS IN REAL TIME SAID 0ERAIN 4HE SUSPECT ADMITTED TO INVESTIGATORS THAT HE HAD PAID FOR SUCH VIDEOS

BUT SAID VERY FEW OF THEM HAD INVOLVED MINORS THE PROSECUTOR ADDED AFP

6EGAS .EVADA -EANWHILE THE !SSOCIATION OF "OXING !LLIANCES IN THE 0HILIPPINES !"!0 SAID THEY WOULD WELCOME *IMUEL WITH OPEN ARMS IF HE SERIOUSLY PURSUES HIS BOXING DREAM kRST IN THE AMATEUR RANKS g-R ;2ICKY= 6ARGAS HAS ALREADY ASKED ME TO CONTACT 3EN ;0ACQUIAO= REGARDING THIS /F COURSE !"!0 WILL WELCOME ;HIM= IF HE S INTERESTED (E ;*IMUEL= IS OF GOOD PEDIGREE u !"!0 %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR %D 0ICSON SAID IN AN ONLINE INTERVIEW 6ARGAS IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE 0HILIPPINE /LYMPIC #OMMITTEE

Q RATIFICATION FROM A1

Nullify #OMELEC IN ITS OFkCIAL CAPACITY AS THE .ATIONAL 0LEBISCITE "OARD OF #ANVASSERS .0"# FOR ITS ALLEGED FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT OF 2EPUBLIC !CT 2!

AND FOR HOLDING THE PLEBISCITE BEYOND THE LEGALLY PRESCRIBED PERIOD WITHOUT JUSTIkABLE CAUSE 4HE PETITIONERS !MIL 3ULA

'ASPAR !SI AND (USSIEN -ALIG ALL RESIDENTS AND REGISTERED VOTERS OF #OTABATO #ITY CLAIMED THAT THE RATIkCATION OF THE "/, WITH RESPECT TO #OTABATO #ITY WAS gDEFECTIVE AND ILLEGAL u 4HE PETITION ASKED THE HIGH COURT TO ISSUE A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND OR WRIT OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION AND OR PRELIMINARY MANDATORY INJUNCTION 4HE PETITIONERS ALLEGED THAT THE #OMELEC ACTED WITHOUT JURISDICTION OR WITH GRAVE ABUSE OF DISCRETION WHEN IT DEPRIVED THEM OF THE CHANCE

Pope Francis names new military bishop 0/0% &RANCIS HAS APPOINTED A #EBU BISHOP AS THE HEAD OF THE -ILITARY /RDINARIATE OF THE 0HILIPPINES #EBU !UXILIARY "ISHOP /SCAR *AIME &LORENCIO

IS THE NEW MILITARY /RDINARY (E REPLACES THE LATE "ISHOP ,EOPOLDO 4UMULAK 4HE POSITION HAD BEEN VACANT SINCE 4UMULAK DIED IN *UNE

ACCORDING TO A POST FROM #"#0 .EWS THE NEWS SERVICE OF THE #ATHOLIC "ISHOPS #ONFERENCE OF THE 0HILIPPINES 4HE APPOINTMENT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE 6ATICAN ON 3ATURDAY -ARCH 4HE MILITARY ORDINARIATE HAS JURISDICTION OVER THE 0HILIPPINE .ATIONAL 0OLICE THE !RMED &ORCES OF THE 0HILIPPINES AND THE 0HILIPPINE #OAST 'UARD &LORENCIO SERVED THE !RCHDIO-

CESE OF 0ALO ,EYTE HIS HOMETOWN

AS ITS PRIEST FOR YEARS (E BECAME AN ORDAINED MINISTER ON !PRIL

)N HE BECAME THE FIRST PRIEST FROM THE 0ALO ARCHDIOCESE TO BE 0ROMOTED AS BISHOP 4HE PRELATE EARNED HIS DOCTORATE IN SACRED THEOLOGY AT THE 0ONTIkCAL 5NIVERSITY OF THE (OLY #ROSS IN 2OME &LORENCIO WELCOMED HIS NEW DUTY SAYING g;)= AM JUST THANKFUL TO 'OD AND TO THE (OLY &ATHER FOR THIS CHALLENGING TASK (ONESTLY IT S ALSO WITH MIXED EMOTIONS BECAUSE ) WILL LEAVE MY BELOVED ARCHDIOCESE OF #EBU ) AM HAVING SEPARATION ANXIETY "UT ;) AM ALSO= ENTHUSIASTICALLY CHALLENGED BECAUSE THE MILITARY ORDINARIATE IS ANOTHER PECULIAR APOSTOLATE u CATHERINE A. MODESTO

Q LEONEN FROM A1

Philconsa to Leonen: Stay out of BOL case )N AN EIGHT PAGE MOTION FOR INHIBITION 0HILCONSA PRAYED THAT ,EONEN gBE RECUSED FROM PARTICIPATING IN THE CONSIDERATION OF ;THE CASE= IN CONSONANCE WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ;HIGH COURT= AND HIS EARLIER ACTUATION IN RECUSING IN PARTICIPATING FROM 0HILCONSA VS 0HILIPPINE 'OVERNMENT '0(; =u 4HE 3ENATE REPRESENTED BY 3ENATE 0RESIDENT 6ICENTE 3OTTO RD

THE (OUSE OF 2EPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTED BY 3PEAKER 'LORIA -ACAPAGAL !RROYO AND THE /FkCE OF THE 0RESIDENT REPRESENTED BY %XECUTIVE 3ECRETARY 3ALVADOR -EDIALDEA WERE NAMED RESPONDENTS IN 0HILCONSA S PETITION ASKING THE HIGH COURT TO ISSUE A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 42/ AGAINST THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW

WHICH CREATES THE "ANGSAMORO !UTONOMOUS 2EGION IN PLACE OF THE !UTONOMOUS 2EGION IN -USLIM -INDANAO !2-- g)T IS AN IRREFRAGABLE FACT THAT PRIOR TO HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE 3UPREME #OURT AS !SSOCIATE *USTICE IN .OVEMBER *USTICE ,EONEN WAS NAMED IN *ULY AS THE 0HILIPPINE GOVERNMENT S CHIEF NEGOTIATOR WITH THE -ORO )SLAMIC ,IBERATION &RONT -),& WHICH CULMINATED ;IN= THE &RAMEWORK !GREEMENT ON THE "ANGSAMORO WHICH WAS DONE AND INITIATED ON /CTOBER

IN +UALA ,UMPUR -ALAYSIA

AND SIGNED IN -ANILA ON /CT

u THE MOTION READ 0HILCONSA CITED THE RULE ON DISQUALIkCATION OF JUDGES LAID DOWN IN 2ULE 3ECTION OF THE 2ULES OF #OURT g! JUDGE MAY IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS SOUND DISCRETION DISQUALIFY HIMSELF FROM SITTING IN A CASE FOR JUST OR VALID REASONS THAT THOSE MENTIONED u IT SAID "ECAUSE OF THIS 0HILCONSA ARGUED THAT ,EONEN WAS PROHIBITED NOT ONLY BY THE #ONSTITUTION gBUT BY THE 2ULES FROM

TAKING PART IN ANY DELIBERATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS ON THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE ;2EPUBLIC !CT= ABOLISHING THE !2-- A CREATION OF THE #ONSTITUTION AND CREATING THE "!2-- ; " A N G S A M O R O !U T O N O M O U S 2EGION IN -USLIM -INDANAO=

ACTING IN EXCESS OF AND OR WITH GRAVE ABUSE OF DISCRETION THEREFORE NULL AND VOID u ,EONEN HAD IN THE PAST INHIBITED HIMSELF FROM THE CASES INVOLVING THE THE FRAMEWORK OF THE "", 4HE HIGH COURT HAS RELEASED A STATEMENT IN THAT ,EONEN SHOULD VOLUNTARILY INHIBIT HIMSELF FROM ALL PENDING AND FUTURE CASES RELATED TO THE &RAMEWORK AND #OMPREHENSIVE !GREEMENTS ON THE "ANGSAMORO AND THE "", %ARLIER 0HILCONSA ALSO SOUGHT A 42/ TO STOP -ALACAÄANG FROM IMPLEMENTING %XECUTIVE /RDER THAT FORMED THE "ANGSAMORO 4RANSITION #OMMISSION )T ALSO LED A GROUP THAT kLED A PETITION BEFORE THE HIGH TRIBUNAL SEEKING THAT THE GOVERNMENT S PEACE DEALS WITH THE -),& BE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL IN 4HE kRST PETITION WHICH WAS FILED BEFORE THE HIGH COURT BY THE PROVINCE OF 3ULU DULY REPRESENTED BY ITS 'OV !BDUSAKUR 4AN ND WENT TO ,EONEN AS ponente OF THE CASE 4HE 4AN PETITION WAS RAFlED OFF TO ,EONEN BUT SINCE IT IS THE kRST AND THE LOWEST DOCKET NUMBER

IT WILL NOW ABSORB THE 0HILCONSA PETITION ALONG WITH THE INTERVENTION kLED BY THE 0HILIPPINE !SSOCIATION OF )SLAMIC !CCOUNTANTS 0!)!

WHICH TOOK THE STAND OF THE GOVERNMENT AND EVEN ASKED FOR THE JUNKING OF THE PETITIONS LODGED

BY THE 3ULU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND 0HILCONSA #OMMISSIONER -ANUELITO ,UNA OF THE 0RESIDENTIAL !NTI #ORRUPTION #OMMISSION ALONG WITH 0!)! 0RESIDENT !MANODING %SMAIL REPRESENTED THE INTERVENORS

TO CONTEST THE RESULTS OF THE PLEBISCITE

WHICH THEY CLAIMED WAS TAINTED WITH MASSIVE IRREGULARITIES WIDESPREAD VIOLENCE AND INTIMIDATION 4HE PETITION CLAIMED THAT THE QUESTIONS FORMULATED BY THE #OMELEC FOR THE *ANUARY PLEBISCITE FOR THE VOTERS OF #OTABATO #ITY DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE PROVISION OF THE "/, PARTICULARLY !RTICLE 86 3ECTION

WHICH STATED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE "ANGSAMORO !UTONOMOUS 2EGION IN -USLIM -INDANAO "!2-- AND THE DETERMINATION OF ITS TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION SHALL TAKE EFFECT gUPON RATIkCATION OF THE /RGANIC ,AW u )T SAID THE POLL BODY HAD ONLY ONE QUESTION g0AYAG BA KAYO NA ISAMA ANG ,UNGSOD NG #OTABATO SA REHIYONG AWTONOMO NG "ANGSAMORO $O YOU AGREE TO INCLUDE #OTABATO #ITY IN THE "ANGSAMORO !UTONOMOUS 2EGION u g4HE QUESTION ALREADY ASSUMES OR PRESUPPOSES SOMETHING THAT IS NOT LEGALLY IN EXISTENCE u THE PETITIONERS SAID g4HE "ANGSAMORO !UTONO-

MOUS 2EGION FOR -USLIM -INDANAO AS A LEGAL ENTITY WAS NOT YET LEGALLY EXISTENT AT THE TIME OF THE PLEBISCITE u 4HE PETITIONERS CONTENDED THAT THE #OMELEC SHOULD HAVE CONDUCTED A TWO STAGE RATIkCATION PROCESS THE kRST TO ASK VOTERS IF THEY APPROVE OF THE "/, AND THE SECOND TO ASK VOTERS IF THEY AGREE TO THE INCLUSION OF THEIR CITY OR PROVINCE IN THE "!2-- g4HE kRST STAGE OF THE PLEBISCITE MUST BE COMPLETED kRST AS A CONDITION SINE QUA NON TO THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PLEBISCITE u THEY POINTED OUT 4HEY STRESSED THAT WHAT THE #OMELEC DID WAS TANTAMOUNT TO A LEGAL gSHORTCUT u 4HEY ADDED THAT THE COMMISSION ALSO VIOLATED THE LAW FOR HOLDING THE PLEBISCITE BEYOND THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD SET BY THE "/, #OTABATO #ITY TWICE REJECTED ITS INCLUSION IN THE !2-- 4HE kRST WAS DURING THE .OVEMBER PLEBISCITE

RESULTING IN THE FORMATION OF THE REGION AND THE SECOND ON !UGUST

FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE !2-- WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL

News

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY March 4, 2019

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Makabayan bloc backs Bam T

BY GLEE JALEA

HE Makabayan coalition on Sunday rallied support for a mix of independent and opposition Senate candidates for the midterm polls, including reelectionist senator Paolo Benigno “Bam� Aquino 4th.

The group also vowed to support the reelection bid of Senators Grace Poe and Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, and the candidacy of former senator Serge OsmeĂąa and former party-list representative Neri Colmenares.

The Makabayan Coalition is an alliance of several groups, including Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Anakpawis,

Gabriela, Kabataan, Katribu, Migrante, Akap-Bata, Confederation for Unity Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees, Piston, Kalikasan and Aking Bikolnon.

Makabayan chief Satur Ocampo said the coalition chose the candidates with proven track record OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND A kGHTING chance to win.

Aquino said the Makabayan Coalition’s endorsement of his reelection bid would help ensure his goal to achieve an independent Senate.

Aquino has worked with some members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives in pushing for laws that promote the welfare of the Filipino people, such as the Free College Law. “We’re thankful to the Makabayan Coalition for the support and trust that it has given me. This is a big help to achieve our goal TO HAVE AN INDEPENDENT 3ENATE u Aquino said. “The Kabataan party-list had an important role in the passage of THE FREE COLLEGE LAW u !QUINO SAID The Makabayan also endorsed the candidacy of other Otso Diretso Senate bets Chel Diokno,

Erin TaĂąada, Florin Hilbay and Samira Gutoc. “We hope that through this endorsement, Makabayan can contribute to the formation of a coalition of independent and opposition candidates that can provide our people the best hope for an independent and pro-people 3ENATE u /CAMPO SAID With the chosen bets, the coaliTION EXPECTS ISSUES SUCH AS THE SUSPENSION OF EXCISE TAX PROVISION OF THE 4AX 2EFORM FOR !CCELERATION and Inclusion (Train) Law; amendments to the 1987 Constitution; and resumption of the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines would be given priority.

The Senate bets noted that members of the coalition share the same

principles and put importance on pressing issues. “In any campaign, it is important for the coalition to be bounded by principles and issues instead of mere personalities. Given the strength of the administration, they really are going for a peopleBASED CAMPAIGN u (ILBAY SAID “We do not bring tarpaulins, karaoke machines, we do not make it look like a comedy bar. Because in the Senate, we implement laws.

7E DO NOT DO THINGS LIKE THAT u Diokno said.

The candidates of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte and the regional political party Hugpong ng Pagbabago chaired by first daughter and

Oil companies set to lower pump prices MOTORISTS can heave a sigh of relief as oil companies announced that the pump prices of petroleum products would go down this week. g%XPECT FUEL PRICES TO ROLL BACK NEXT WEEK $IESEL SHOULD DECREASE

by P0.10 and gasoline should STAY THE SAME u 5NIOIL 0ETROLEUM Philippines Inc. said in its advisory over the weekend.

Jetti Petroleum Inc. said prices of diesel and gasoline would go down by 15 centavos per liter and 10 centavos per liter, respectively.

4HE kRM BASED ITS ESTIMATES ON Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE AVERAGE FROM February 25 to 28 against last

week’s average.

MOPS is the daily average of all trading transactions of diesel and gasoline as assessed and summarized by Standard and Poor’s Platts.

Meanwhile, an industry source said THE COST OF GASOLINE WAS EXPECTED TO drop by 30 to 40 centavos per liter.

A price rollback would break the three consecutive price increases imposed by industry players last month.

Last week, oil firms implemented a hefty increase of P1.45 per liter for diesel and gasoline, and P1.35 per liter for kerosene.

Oil companies usually adjust their pump prices on Tuesdays.

JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Dam water levels drop

FOR THE MASSES

Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go greets one of his supporters during an event in Davao City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Enrile eyes jobs for OFWs BONG GO STRESSES NEED TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS

)& ELECTED FOR A kFTH TERM IN THE 3ENATE

former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Sunday said he would work for the enactment of a law that would give overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) job opportunities to entice them to come home.

Enrile, who is seeking a Senate comeback in the May midterm elections, authored Republic Act (RA) 8424 or the “Comprehensive 4AX 2EFORM ,AW u WHICH EXEMPTED /&7S FROM PAYING INCOME TAXES IN the Philippines. “I will advocate a revision of the constitution to remove all barriers to foreign investment in the country so that we can create massive number of jobs to solve the problem of Filipino families broken because some members will have to go overseas to earn a LIVING u HE SAID g) WAS THE ONE WHO EXEMPTED all of these people from paying INCOME TAXES ON THEIR INCOME abroad under Philippine law when I revised the internal revenue code IN u %NRILE SAID 2! EXEMPTS ALL &ILIPINOS residing abroad from payment of 0HILIPPINE INCOME TAX ON INCOME earned abroad. “There will be a reduction in available jobs in Europe, the Middle

East, and in other parts of the world because there will be a recession.

The economies of these countries are slowing down. They are reducing [migrant workers]. They are closing DOWN u %NRILE WARNED “The OFWs who lose their jobs will be sent back to the Philippines. This is the problem that we are faced with and we need to be ready for it so that when our OFWs return, they have jobs to depend ON u HE SAID g4HIS IS WHY ) SAID WE should open the country to foreign investment so that they (OFWs) will have jobs here in case they lose their jobs abroad. This is why we need capital. You cannot create industries, commerce, businesses, AND JOBS WITHOUT CAPITAL u In November 2018, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s composite leading indicator fell to 99.3 points. The indicator is at its lowest SINCE /CTOBER AND IS EXPECTED to fall further.

Analysts point out that in most CASES WHERE THE INDEX FALLS BELOW

THE 5NITED 3TATES EXPERIENCES a recession. Economic growth in Europe, Canada and other major economies has also been losing momentum.

BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio have been dominating the surveys.

Binay also thanked the Makabayan bloc for supporting her. “I believe that the Senate should be free, independent and should act in the best interest of the PEOPLE u "INAY SAID Aquino said he and the Makabayan bloc also share the same advocacy to amend Train Law and in condemnING EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS AND OTHER humans rights violations.

He has also committed to protect the welfare of jeepney drivers by calling on the government to kRST CONDUCT A THOROUGH STUDY of its modernization plan so that their livelihood would not be affected.

WITH BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

ASPIRING senator Christopher ,AWRENCE g"ONGu 'O STRESSED THE need for government and the private sector to work together to to ensure that more Filipinos would have access to better healthcare programs and services. “Kailangan pa ring magpasok ng mga pagbabago sa medical services natin. Malaking issue pa rin ang healthcare sa bansa at kailangan itong matugunan (There is a need to introduce changes in our medical services. Healthcare is a big issue and we have to ACT u 'O SAID ON 3ATURDAY AFTER witnessing a medical mission in Davao organized by individuals and organizations in cooperation WITH CITY GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS AND doctors from the Southern Philippines Medical Center.

He lauded the event organizers and participants. “Panahon na po talaga para ang mga tao sa iba’t-ibang sector ng lipunan, lalo na po ang nasa private sector, na tumulong sa kapwa nilang Pilipino. Magtulungan po tayo, gobyerno at private, para maiakyat ang antas ng serbisyong medikal sa Pilipinas, serbisyong tunay na nagmamalasakit sa mga maysakit (It’s time for various sec-

tors to help their fellowmen. Let’s help each other, government and private sector, to enhance medical SERVICE u 'O SAID “I have worked for President [Rodrigo] Duterte for a long time and I have seen that there is a need TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES u Go added. “Marami na po tayong advancements sa medisina and I laud the government for doing its best para matulungan ang mga kapatid nating nangangailangan; subalit may igaganda pa po ito at kung mabigyan po ng pagkakataon, maari po akong makatulong dito (There have been medical advancements and I laud the government for doing its best to help the needy, but the system can still be improved and if given the chance, I can be OF HELP u HE SAID 4HE FORMER 0ALACE OFkCIAL SAID that if he wins a Senate seat, he would work to increase the number of beds in public hospitals and upgrade their medical equipment. “Balak ko din pong makatulong para ang mga senior citizens po natin ay makakakuha ng mga libreng gamot sa mga ospital at health centers. Kung maayos at consistent ang supply ng gamot na natatang-

gap nila, bawas pasyente din po ito sa mga pampublikong ospital (I plan to help senior citizens get free medicines. If they are given their medication regularly, they won’t end up being sick and hat WOULD EASE THE TRAFkC IN HOSPITALS

u 'O ADDED He cited the Malasakit Center program as one way to improve healthcare services because here, patients can seek help from various government agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Philippine Charity 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE UNDER ONE ROOF Go, who initiated the Malasakit Center program, aims to introduce a bill to pave the way for the opening of more Malasakit Centers.

The 27th center was launched on March 1, 2019 at the CARAGA Hospital in Surigao City. “Ito po ‘yung mga gusto kong gawing pagbabago. Ako naman po, ‘yung nais ko lang po talaga ay makatulong at magserbisyo sa mga kapatid kong Pilipino (These are some of the changes I want to introduce. I only wish to be of SERVICE TO MY FELLOW &ILIPINOS u he added.

THE water levels in dams have started to drop, but the weather bureau said this should be no cause for concern because dam levels go down during the hot season.

On Sunday, water levels in almost all of the monitored dams decreased by less than 1 meter — Angat dam by 0.47 meters; Ipo dam by 0.01 meters; La Mesa dam by 0.14 meters; Ambuklao dam by 0.18 meters; San Roque dam by 0.37 meters; Pantabangan dam by 0.18 meters; Magat dam by 0.44 meters; and Caliraya dam by 0.21 meters. Binga dam’s water level increased by 0.79 meters.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) hydrologist Jayson Bausa said the decline in water levels was a common trend during the summer season due to reduced rainfall.

Bausa said the dropping water levels was not the effect of El NiĂąo.

While water levels dropped, all dams maintain a reserve within the normal range. Angat dam maintained a water reserve of 203.58 meters, which is 23.58 above the 180-meter low water level mark.

Ambuklao dam is at 750.54 meters, 56.54 meters above the 694-meter mark; Binga dam at 572.22 meters, 17.22 meters above the 555-meter mark; San Roque dam at 267.72, 42.72 above the 225-meter mark; Pantabangan dam at 206.81, 35.31 above the 171.5-meter mark and Magat dam is at 173.97 meters, 13.97 above the 160-meter mark.

Ipo and La Mesa dams maintain normal levels at 101.01 meter and 69.75 meters, respectively. “Ibig sabihin, nasa normal condition tayo, basta above water level sya, nasa normal condition pa sya (It means we have a normal condition as long as it is within NORMAL RANGE u "AUSA EXPLAINED He gave assurances that it would take a long time before the water elevation in dams reach critical levels.

Dams serve as reservoir for power generation and agricultural and residential water supply. La Mesa dam supplies the water needs of Metro Manila.

DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

Construction of a house on another’s land does not create co-ownership Dear PAO, I bought a parcel of land with an area of 600 square meters located in Laoag City in August 2009. A 4RANSFER #ERTIkCATE OF 4ITLE COVERing the said lot was issued solely under my name. Subsequently, my girlfriend came home from THE 5NITED 3TATES AND kNANCED the construction of a house on MY LOT ) ASKED HER TO MOVE OUT of the house when I broke up with her last month. She is now claiming that we are co-owners of my property. Is her contention correct? What will happen to the house built on my land? Please ADVISE ME 4HANK YOU IN ADVANCE Vince Dear Vince, To answer your question, we shall refer to the following provisions of the New Civil Code, to wit:

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA “Article 448. The owner of the land on which anything has been built, sown or planted in good faith, shall have the right to appropriate as his own the works, sowing or planting, after payment of the indemnity provided for in articles 546 and 548, or to oblige the one who built or planted to pay the price of the land, and the one who sowed, the proper rent.

However, the builder or planter cannot be obliged to buy the land if its value is considerably more than that of the building or trees.

In such case, he shall pay reasonable rent, if the owner of the land does not choose to appropriate the building or trees after proper indemnity. The parties shall agree upon the terms of the lease and in case of disagreement, the court SHALL kX THE TERMS THEREOF “Article 546. Necessary expenses shall be refunded to every possessor; but only the possessor in good faith may retain the thing until he has been reimbursed therefor. “Useful expenses shall be refunded only to the possessor in good faith with the same right of retention, the person who has defeated him in the possession having the option of refunding THE AMOUNT OF THE EXPENSES OR OF paying the increase in value which the thing may have acquired by

reason thereof. “Art. 548. Expenses for pure luxury or mere pleasure shall not be refunded to the possessor in good faith; but he may remove the ornaments with which he has embellished the principal thing if it suffers no injury thereby, and if his successor in the possession does not prefer to refund the amount EXPENDED XXX XXX XXXu The Supreme Court in the case of Rosario Victoria and Elma Pidlaoan vs. Normita Jacob Pidlaoan, et al. (GR 196470, April 20, 2016), through former Associate Justice Arturo Brion elucidated: “We hold that mere construction of a house on another’s land does not create a co-ownership. Article 484 of the Civil Code provides that co-ownership exists when the ownership

OF AN UNDIVIDED THING OR RIGHT belongs to different persons.

Verily, a house and a lot are SEPARATELY IDENTIkABLE PROPERties and can pertain to different owners xxx xxx xxx. The Civil Code provides that if a person builds on another’s land in good faith, the land owner may either: (a) appropriate the works as his own after paying indemnity; or (b) oblige the builder to pay the price of the land. The law does not force the parties into a co-ownership. A builder is in good faith if he builds on a land believing himself to be its owner and is unaware of the defect in HIS TITLE OR MODE OF ACQUISITION u (Emphases supplied) Applying the jurisprudence and the provisions in your situation, YOUR EX GIRLFRIEND S CONSTRUCTION OF

a house on your lot did not create co-ownership. She may recover her house or its value since the construction of the house was made with your consent. You, as the landowner, may either appropriate the house as your own after paying for its value and for indemnity and oblige her to pay the price of the land or to pay rent.

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.

A4

Opinion

MONDAY March 4, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

E d i to r i a l Review of US-PH Mutual Defense Treaty is prudent

F

OR both our peoples’ sake, it would be prudent for America and the Philippines to conduct a formal review of their 68-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

The issue came to the fore in the light of the recent visit to Manila of US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

The proposed review has also been raised because of its implications for Philippines-China differences on account of China’s island-building and aggressive moves in the South China Sea. From time to time, Americans have raised questions about the nature or wisdom of US commitments to the defense of nations like the Philippines in the event of attack by another nation. We are just one of many countries to which the US has made an explicit commitment, not just by rhetoric but by treaty. No one has been more assiduous in questioning US treaty commitments than the Republican and former presidential candidate, Patrick Buchanan.

US defense commitments were born during a time of American interventionism in world affairs. Today, those commitments are being questioned, principally by US conservatives, who believe these commitments are more A RElECTION OF AN EMPIRE THAN OF A SERIOUS GLOBAL POWER Similarly, here in the Philippines also, Filipinos have lately been moved to ask about the precise meaning of US commitment to Philippine defense under the MDT. 0HILIPPINE $EFENSE 3ECRETARY $ELkN ,ORENZANA HAS called for a formal review of the MDT on the grounds of its relevance to contemporary times and concerns.

For his part, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. believes there is no need to review the MDT. He cited an “old theory of deterrence� in support of his opinion against reviewing the MDT. “In vagueness lies the best deterrence. I don’t believe that going down into the details is the way the sincerity of the American commitment will be shown. They will respond, depending on the circumstances,� he said. ,OCSIN HAS EXPRESSED CONkDENCE IN THE REPEATED ASsurances by the US that it would assist the Philippines in case of an act of aggression.

We got an idea of present US thinking about the question from Secretary of State Pompeo during his brief Manila visit.

Mr. Pompeo conveyed the assurance that the MDT would cover the South China Sea, where China has RECLAIMED SOME REEFS AND BUILT ARTIkCIAL ISLANDS Under the accord, the two countries will support each other IN CASE OF ATTACK BY AN EXTERNAL PARTY IN THE 0ACIkC REGION Secretary Pompeo’s words were clear: “China’s islandbuilding and military activities in the South China Sea threaten your sovereignty, security, and economic livelihood, as well as the United States. As the South #HINA 3EA IS A PART OF THE 0ACIkC ANY ARMED ATTACK ON Philippine forces, aircraft, or public vessels in the South China Sea will trigger mutual defense obligations under Article 4 of our Mutual Defense Treaty.�

The assurance notwithstanding, it is likely that the Philippines will press for a treaty review. There remains MANY POINTS THAT REQUIRE CLARIkCATION OR RENEWAL The country should take guidance from the fact that under President Trump, the US has turned its back on various agreements and treaties with other countries.

He has pulled the US out of the Paris agreement on climate change, and he has pressed and gotten a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.

Above all, Mr. Trump has expressed disbelief in a policy of interventionism in foreign countries.

Consequently, we believe a review of the Mutual Defense Treaty would be prudent and enlightening. ~

MONDAY March 4, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 142

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 www.manilatimes.net • e-mail newsdesk@manilatimes.net 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.

The looming UK Brexit mess After the misguided referendum three years ago, the Brexit endgame is about to begin. In the UK, it means political division AND kSCAL EROSION -OREOVER GLOBAL GROWTH PROSPECTS WILL NOT REMAIN IMMUNE TO TURMOIL IN THE WORLD S kFTH LARGEST ECONOMY

I

NITIALLY, London’s goal was to wheel and deal the best possible deal with Brussels. That became MORE DIFkCULT AFTER MID *ANUARY when the House of Commons rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU withdrawal agreement.

The rejection compounded the odds for a risky and disorderly no-deal Brexit scenario.

The risks for volatility are also fueled by the impending European Parliament election on May 2526, which is likely to strengthen Eurosceptics, anti-immigration forces, and radical right and left, at the expense of mainstream parties.

"EHIND OFkCIAL POSTURING "RUSsels would likely prefer London to revoke the Article 50 of the EU treaty, avoid Brexit and stay in the EU until UK lawmakers can agree about a future course. Yet, a no-deal Brexit scenario can no longer be excluded.

As the Brexit looms, political fall-out is spreading. Recently, eight Labor members of the parliament left the party in protest at Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership to form a breakaway party. Days later, three Conservative MPs quit Conservative Party denouncing May’s “disastrous� handling of Brexit and its shift to the right.

The ex-Conservative MPs joined the former Labor lawmakers on the opposition benches in Parliament. Labor and Conservatives could face more resigna-

DAN STEINBOCK tions, with members of the new Independent group saying they expect more MPs to join them.

Some scenarios London must cope with three Brexit scenarios by the March 29 deadline to exit the European Union. In the first scenario — Brexit Deal — the EU divorce will materialize after PM May’s deal.

That’s the markets’ base case.

In the second scenario — Brexit Deferral — the goal would be to shun a no-deal. This is an option that markets consider unlikely.

In the third scenario—No Brexit Deal—the objective would be to revoke the Article 50 of the EU treaty to retain the current status quo. This scenario is perceived as improbable by the markets.

But what if May fails to secure a Brexit deal?

Then the Brexit Deal scenario will be undermined, even though Brexit will still loom ahead. In turn, the Brexit Deferral scenario would result in an election or a second referendum, or both. The No Brexit Deal would remain

the same — Article 50 would be revoked to sustain the status quo.

These scenarios are the direct result of the Conservatives’ double miscalculation.

How to undermine the future, twice If the UK’s neoliberal economic policies peaked in the Thatcher years, they were sustained by labor governments led by Tony Blair (1997-2007) and Gordon Brown (2007-2010). After the global crisis, the Conservatives’ David Cameron won a mandate to govern in a coalition with Liberal Democrats.

Cameron championed fashionable social causes, including same-sex marriage and the UN target for aid spending, but cut down government’s large deficits through harsh austerity measures. In 2011, he became the first UK PM to “veto� the EU treaty, to bargain better membership terms with Brussels. Two years later, he pledged that, should his Conservatives win the parliamentary majority in the 2015 election, the government would negotiate more favorable terms for British membership of the EU, before a referendum.

As the gamble failed, Cameron was succeeded by May, a veteran “law and order� Tory.

Ed Miliband resigned as Labor’s leader and was followed by “hard

left’s� Jeremy Corbyn. Both parties sought to defuse Euroscepticism that the right-wing UK Independence Party (UKIP) and Nigel Farage had popularized.

In April 2017, May announced a snap general election, “to guarantee certainty and security for years ahead.� Like Cameron in 2016, she thought she could capitalize on her popularity to ensure political consolidation before talks with Brussels. And like Cameron, she miscalculated.

Conservatives remained the largest single party, but lost their majority, resulting in a minority government.

The economic fallout As the risk of a no-deal seems to be increasing, markets are repricing the Brexit’s economic consequences. The likely effects include A MODERATE RECESSION AFTER THE kRST quarter of 2019. Given the current indications, the British economy could suffer a loss of some 5.5 percent GDP over three years; while the UK’s direct loss of trade globally could amount to almost 2 percent of its GDP over 2020-2021.

Ironically, Cameron introduced his referendum hoping to sustain the sucCESS OF THE #ITY S kNANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Now UK banks seem most vulnerable, thanks to the no-deal scenarios. The long-term economic erosion could

ÂłSteinbockA5

Honesty is the best policy

T

HE proposal to include a college degree as a requirement for those running for the country’s top leadership positions has become an interesting issue in the campaign for the May elections because of the Marcoses.

The Duterte-appointed Consultative Committee that reviewed the 1987 Constitution had proposed in a draft federal constitution to require a college degree or its equivalent for an aspirant to be eligible for the posts of president, vice president, senator, and members of the House of Representatives.

Ferdinand Jr. and Maria Imelda Josefa, known by their nicknames Bongbong and Imee, respectively, have both claimed to have college degrees from prestigious universities. However, their claims have been denied by the University of Oxford in England and University of Pennsylvania in the US for Bongbong and Princeton University in New Jersey and University of the Philippines for Imee.

It appears that the siblings did enroll in those universities, but they did not complete their courses. So, they don’t have college degrees.

Imee, outgoing governor of Ilocos Norte and a candidate for senator in the May elections, has been dodging the issue, claiming it is just black propaganda that was

Bongbong has successively served as governor, congressman, and senator since the family returned from exile in the early 1990s. He was vice governor and governor of Ilocos Norte before THEY lEW TO (AWAII IN used against her brother when he The Marcos siblings indeed ran for vice president in 2016. have had a long service in governWhile insisting on her claims ment, but their desire for higher of academic achievement de- positions prompted resourceful spite denials from competent persons to dig into their academuniversity officials, Imee has ic credentials and who eventually tried diverting the issue to her unearthed some false claims. performance record as governor While educational achievement and lawmaker. She was a member is crucial for legislators because of the House of Representatives they need to understand the meabefore she became governor. sures they are crafting and voting The more important issue here, for, honesty and integrity in public I believe, is honesty. When a can- OFkCE IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN didate cannot be honest about academic considerations. his or her personal background Honesty is being truthful, sincere, and achievements, how can she and free of deceit. Integrity is steadbe trusted to be a responsible fast adherence to a strict moral or leader in whose hands the future ethical code. Honesty and integrity of the country lies? must go together in public service, The principal job of a senator at all levels. A person with integrity IS TO CRAFT LAWS THAT WILL BENEkT may be honest, but not all honest the majority of the people. It people may have integrity. requires an honest-to-goodness We should impose higher stananalytical and critical mind. We dards on politicians seeking higher should elect a senator who can OFkCE 7E NEED PEOPLE WHO SHOULD help make our life better, and be able to lead by good example. not someone who just wants to !T PRESENT THE BASIC QUALIkCAkeep a family name engraved in tions for a security guard, police, the country’s political history, MILITARY TEACHER OR STUDENT OFkCE regardless of performance. employee, and many other profes-

TEA TIME

TITA C. VALDERAMA

sions are more stringent than that for the president, vice president, senators, congressmen, and local GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS According to the 1987 Constitution, senatorial aspirants must be a natural-born Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old on election day, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for at least two years preceding election day.

A member of the House of Representatives must be a naturalborn Filipino citizen, at least 25 years old on election day, able to read and write, a registered voter in the district where they seek to be elected—excluding party-list representatives—and a resident of the Philippines for at least a year preceding election day.

Of the incumbent senators, only Sen. Manny Pacquiao is not a college degree-holder. Previous senators who did not have college degrees were Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Sergio OsmeĂąa 3rd, and Bongbong Marcos. Pacquiao is being groomed by some sectors for a presidential run in 2022.

If ordinary government employees are required to have college degrees and pass the civil service eligibility examinations, why should those seeking to occupy higher positions be exempted?

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY March 4, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net Q TIGLAO FROM A1

2018 column follows “If not for US leaders’ pragmatism and coolheadedness, President Benigno Aquino 3rd and his foreign secretary, Albert del Rosario, could have dragged the US into a war with China over the South China Sea territorial dispute.

4HIS CONlICT COULD HAVE EVEN LED TO a nuclear war between the two superpowers — and all of this, just because Aquino and del Rosario wanted to cover up their bungling of the Scarborough Shoal crisis.

In April 2012, Chinese civiliangovernment and fishing vessels WENT TO THEIR kSHERMEN S SUCCOR AT Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) when the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Aquatic Resources accosted them for alleged illegal kSHING !QUINO ORDERED TO THE SHOAL the Navy’s biggest warship, acquired only a year earlier, the BRP Gregorio DEL 0ILAR TO BOARD THE kSHERMEN S vessels to take them in.

That was a big boo-boo. China pounced on Aquino’s blunder by loudly protesting that the Philippines had “militarized� the dispute, and that ‘Philippine warships’ were DETAINING ITS HELPLESS kSHERMEN Cleverly, China did not respond by sending its own warships, even

as several of its modern frigates were on alert standby just over the horizon. It instead undertook a seaborne version of people power by having OVER #HINESE kSHERMEN S VESsels —escorted by some six civilian government vessels — to the shoal.

The Chinese and Filipinos vessels were then locked in a stand-off that lasted for about six weeks from late April to May 2012, with each party aware that whoever blinks, or withdraws from the shoal, will lose it — forever, as it were.�

Begged the US “Diplomatic sources here and abroad disclosed that Aquino and del Rosario begged the US to intervene in the CONlICT

BY SENDING 53 WARSHIPS TO the area in order to send the message to China that it would defend the Philippine vessels if attacked.

Del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin rushed to Washington, D.C. on April 30, as the crisis that started on April 10 seemed to go against the Philippines, to meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

Del Rosario invoked Clinton’s statements a year earlier, that the US would stand by its 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, that requires it to defend the Philippines in case of attack by any foreign power on its military forces. $EL 2OSARIO EVEN ISSUED AN OFkCIAL statement on May 9, 2012, a few days after his meeting with Clinton, in which he declared that ‘US ofkCIALS HAVE PUBLICLY DECLARED FOUR times that it would honor the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, that obliges American troops to help defend the Philippines if it comes under attack.’ The US embassy in reaction to del Rosario’s claim, issued a statement saying that Clinton in their meeting did SAY THAT @THE 5NITED 3TATES REAFkRMS OUR commitments and obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.’ Clinton, however, in several statements instead emphasized, that the ‘US does not take a position in territorial disputes between two countries.’ Clinton and even the US defense secretary did not respond to del Rosario’s demand for a categorical US commitment, that it would come to the Philippines’ defense in case a shooting war breaks out in the Scarborough crisis.

We were blissfully oblivious of the Scarborough stand-off when it was happening, with the Yellow newspapers here successfully toning down the crisis, helped by the fact that the burning issue of the day was Aquino’s project to take down Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Aquino’s mishandling of the Scarborough crisis — reported in China as his deployment of ‘Philippine warships’ against helpless #HINESE kSHERMEN ‡ HAD STOKED Chinese nationalist sentiment. ‘The leadership of the Communist Party of China would have even fallen if they appeared to be soft on the Philippines,’ a diplomat said.

The Chinese of course got wind of del Rosario’s pleading for US military intervention, and escalated its rhetoric.�

F

Q Aquino’s June 8, 2012 meeting with Obama to beg for US intervention. The dour-faced Obama probably thought: ‘What part of ‘No’ doesn’t he understand’?

Belligerent editorials “As has been its practice of sending its messages to the world, ‘editorials’ in China’s state-run newspapers were practically calling for war against the Philippines over Scarborough.

On April 22, 2012, the editorial of state-owned Global Times urged the Chinese government to engage the Philippines in a small-scale war to end the stalemate once and for all. It stated that ‘once war erupts, China must take resolute action and deliver a clear message to the outside world that it does not want a war, but DEkNITELY HAS NO FEAR OF IT On May 9, the People’s Liberation Army Daily ran a toughly worded editorial saying that China would not tolerate any violation of Chinese sovereignty on Scarborough Shoal. According to the editorial, ‘Not only will the Chinese government not agree, nor will the Chinese people, and the Chinese Army will disagree even more.’ The lURRY OF THREATENING EDITORIALS FROM the PLA newspaper underscored its well-known hardline stance when it comes to territorial disputes.

Unreported in the country were media reports from Taiwan and Japan, that alleged that China’s South Sea Fleet had forward-deployed a LANDING SHIP lOTILLA AND A NAVAL TASK force consisting of destroyers and amphibious ships in waters off the Philippines. There were also reports that China had already ordered two submarines to stand by at international waters off Scarborough Shoal.

53 OFkCIALS HOWEVER REBUFFED DEL Rosario and Gazmin’s pleadings.

Clinton and Panetta were worried THAT THE TWO 0HILIPPINE OFkCIALS KEPT pressing them to give a categorical answer to their question: Will the US military come to the Philippines’ rescue if one of their vessels is attacked by the Chinese?

That worried the US that Aquino might order his vessels to provoke the Chinese at Scarborough Shoal, in order to get the Americans into the fray, which could have thrown the situation completely out of control, to lead into a full-blown war between two nuclear powers.

That concern bolsters a report that it was the US that hoodwinked del Rosario and Aquino into believing that there was an agreement brokered by the Americans for the Chinese,to simultaneously withdraw with the Filipino vessels from Scarborough’s lagoon.

There wasn’t an agreement, but merely a proposal for such, and del Rosario naively ordered our vessels out of Scarborough on June 3.�

Aquino meets Obama “When del Rosario realized the colossal blunder he made when he ordered the Philippine ships to leave the lagoon, which practically turned over Scarborough to the Chinese, he asked Aquino to requested an urgent meeting with then President Barack Obama for a last-resort move to convince the Americans to intervene. Obama reportedly told Aquino in so many words in their meeting on June 8: ‘We can’t and WON T GO TO WAR OVER THIS *UST kLE A CASE in court, and we’ll help you.’ Aquino of course obeyed Obama.

(IS GOVERNMENT kLED AN ARBITRATION suit invoking the Law of the Sea treaty at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, with a Washington D.C. kRM &OLEY (OAG ,,0 AND A SPECIAL team of American lawyers recommended by the State Department, handling everything. The work of then Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and his staff was limited to photocopying the US lawyers’ documents.

The US cleverly took advantage of the crisis to advance their interest. In the long discussions with their US counterparts in which del Rosario and Gazmin begged for US military intervention, US Defense Secretary Panetta pointed out that even if the US intervenes militarily, the logistical problem is that with the closure of US military bases in the country in 1991, the American military WOULD kND IT DIFkCULT TO SUPPLY ITS ships in the South China Sea. The US officials in effect told !QUINO AND HIS OFkCIALS @.EXT TIME you come running to us begging for OUR HELP YOU SHOULD kND A WAY FOR our troops to have a logistical base in your country.’ After that, Aquino rushed the passing of the so-called ‘Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,’ that allows the US to rotate troops into the country for extended stays and to operate facilities, and stock up war materiel on Philippine military bases. That was one of the most important of his priority bills that Aquino asked Congress to enact.�

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

EBRUARY is called the ‘month of love’ because of Valentine’s Day. In Cebu, it was just another month that saw a series of killings by policemen and riding-in-tandem gunmen.

On February 22 alone, 11 people were killed in separate incidents. Four were shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants in Brgy. Danglag, Consolacion.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Debold Sinas identified the main target as dismissed policeman Jeremias Herbieto who had just posted bail for a case of illegal possession of firearms.

The three other fatalities were initially tagged by the police as bodyguards of Herbieto, but the Mandaue City Police Office now believes that all four may have been guns-for-hire, linked to Kuratong Baleleng, the organized crime syndicate, and were behind the failed ambush of a businessman in Mandaue City on February 20 ( Superbalita Cebu, March 1, 2019). Note that no firearms were recovered from the crime scene in Danglag.

If indeed Herbieto and his companions were guns-for-hire and connected to a criminal syndicate, then who killed them? And would this have any connection to the still unsolved killings of Mark Lester Castillo and Renan Mabida who allegedly worked for the Parojinogs, the leaders of the Kuratong Baleleng? The two were shot dead in Brgy. Cubacub, Mandaue City on Sept. 16, 2018. Three weeks LATER A TANOD AND #UBACUB S kRST councilor were killed in separate incidents. Mabida and Castillo may have been behind the killing of at least eight persons in four separate incidents in Mandaue City from July to September 2018, according to the Mandaue City police. With victims and alleged perpetrators all dead, who is there to contradict this conclusion?

Barangay tanod Renato Gocong and Reynaldo Laguna of Brgy. Lusaran, Cebu City, were shot dead by the police at around 2 a.m. of February 22.

Policemen went to serve search warrants for illegal firearms and claim they shot the two tanod in self-defense. The Goc-ong children told Superbalita Cebu that the policemen were not wearing uniforms and wore bonnets.

Their father, they said, fired his gun at the police only after the policemen shot their mother.

Gog-ong and Laguna were allegedly goons and drug couriers.

According to the Cebu City Police /FkCE THERE ARE GROUPS OF ARMED men who serve as goons of politicians in seven mountain barangays, apart from Lusaran (whose barangay captain was arrested FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF kREARM The CCPO has not named the barangays they are monitoring aside from Lusaran. Twenty-one of Cebu City’s 80 barangays are considered mountain barangays.

The most talked-about kill-

RESURGENCE

MARIT STINUSCABUGON ing in Cebu is that of Gembe Casas, the 23-year-old who bled to death at the Tuburan District Hospital. According to the police, Casas was shot when he pulled a gun during a buy-bust operation last February 8. He was hit in the face, cheek, chest and left arm. Casas’ relatives allege that he didn’t have a firearm and was actually executed. The Commission on Human Rights Central Visayas is investigating the case after a video showing a wounded Casas pleading for help from indifferent nurses went viral.

PRO-7 Director Sinas has made it clear that he will not allow the CHR to summon the policemen involved in the shooting of Casas though he did not state categorically that policemen will not be allowed to talk to CHR investigators. After all, Police Brig. Gen. Sinas is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy whose “honor code� is founded on the importance of truth. The honor code, according to the PMA website, guides its cadets and graduates “by its principles of fearless truth regardless of consequences, a sine qua non in our profession of arms.�

Considering the current level of public confidence in the integrity of the police force, the latter should welcome the opportunity to clear its name in an impartial investigation.

In the recent Social Weather Stations survey, only 1 percent of respondents found the accusation that policemen are involved in extrajudicial killings gDEkNITELY NOT TRUE u !S FOR POlicemen’s planting of evidence against suspects they arrest, only 2 percent of respondents replied WITH gDEkNITELY NOT TRUE u 3IMIlarly, only 2 percent are certain that policemen are not involved in the illegal drug business.

For each of the three accusations—policemen being involved in EJK, drug trade and planting evidence—about two out of three respondents said that this was eiTHER gDEkNITELY TRUEu OR gPROBABLY true.� As for the claim of the police that suspects killed in police operations resisted arrest, those believing and not believing the police are almost the same at 27-28 percent; 44 percent were undecided.

The job of the police is to serve and protect. This is not done by violating rules of engagement and depriving suspects of due process. Neither is it done by covering up operations that went wrong.

We want society to be rid of criminals but adopting the ways of the criminals to accomplish our goal is not the way forward.

Q STEINBOCK FROM A4

The looming UK Brexit mess result in rising corporate insolvencies and weaker collateral values, which will weaken bank asset quality.

The Bank of England (BoE) has already indicated that a no-deal Brexit could result in a reversal of the BoEs current gradual normalization of interest rates. As volatility broadens, an easing or an extended pause is more likely than continued tightening. In turn, markets no longer expect an upcoming rates hike by the European Central Bank (ECB) and are speculating about a new ECB round of stimulus spending via cheap bank loans. While these policies will be deemed pragmatic, the simple reality is that they will be predicated on more debt, disinlATION AND DEPRECIATION OVER TIME During the 2008 global crisis, the UK’s annual growth rate took a severe hit, but bounced back by the early 2010s. The annual growth rate has been around 1.9 percent to 2.1 percent since then. Yet, the story of the British pound shows a very

different picture (SEE kGURE).

On the eve of the global crisis, one pound was still almost US$2. Despite a plunge to $1.40 around 2009, the pound rose to almost $1.70 in the early 2010s, a level it maintained until 2015. When the US Federal Reserve began its normalization and Cameron declared the Brexit referendum, the pound began to plunge, hitting the low of $1.20 in 2017 and remaining at around $1.30.

Since 2008, the UK growth rate suggests business as usual, yet the British pound has fallen more than by a third in the same period.

And the Brexit erosion is only about to start.

Dr. Dan Steinbock is the founder of Difference Group and has served at the India, China and America Institute (US), Shanghai Institute for International Studies (China) and the EU Center (Singapore). For more, see http:// www.differencegroup.net/

A5

February a ‘killing’ month in Cebu

US will defend PH in a South China Sea war? Don’t bet on it But in cases when the Philippines seemed to be on the verge of an armed FRQÀLFW ZLWK &KLQD LQ WKH 6RXWK &KLQD 6HD DQG DVNHG WKH 86 IRU DVVXUDQFHV RI VXFK VXFFRU WKH\ HLWKHU UHPDLQHG VLOHQW RU ³FODUL¿HG´ WKDW WKH\œG KDYH WR VWXG\ WKH FDVH PRUH FORVHO\ Forget all the legalities of, and the blah-blahs over, the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). The US won’t send its carrier battle groups to help our Navy if ever it challenges the #HINESE TO A kGHT FOR ONE SIMPLE reason: Americans know that that would lead to a nuclear war between two superpowers, that would not only kill millions of citizens of both countries, but will result in global economic collapse.

Such American squirming happened in 1995, when Philippine OFkCIALS THOUGHT THAT AN ARMED CLASH could occur because of the Chinese BUILDING THEIR kRST INSTALLATION ON Mischief Reef, which the country also claimed. In a Senate hearing, the then foreign affairs secretary said, after his consultations with 53 OFkCIALS g)T IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC knowledge‌. The Mutual Defense Treaty does not cover the Spratlys...�

But it could be argued that the statement was made in a hypothetical situation. But Philippine OFkCIALS INCLUDING 0RESIDENT !QUINO 3rd himself, had actually sought US commitment for an actual situation – and were told to go home.

I am reprinting here a piece I wrote on this subject in August 2018 and which was also published in my book Debunked: Uncovering Hard Truths about EDSA, Martial Law, Marcos, Aquino, with a Special Section on the Duterte Presidency. The piece was entitled “Aquino, Del Rosario begged US to use its military in Scarborough CRISIS u .EITHER !QUINO AND HIS OFkcials nor the US has denied anything reported in the article.

Opinion

BRITISH POUND AND UK GDP ANNUAL GROWTH RATE, 2008-2019

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times MONDAY March 4, 2019

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Workout

B

UY now, spend later.

This pretty much sums up a Filipino politician’s workout from campaign to end of term, at which point another family member would be poised to take over. Repeat.

And just like the major leagues in sports, politicians have expanded the options for family members in government, (from national to the barangay level). Now, even extended family members, step-, in-laws, out-of-wedlock offspring and siblings have government positions to choose from.

Subsequently, the sons, daughters, nephews, nieces, also have their own immediate and extended family members, and so on down the line. You get the picture.

Ferdinand Marcos created the Kabataang Barangay, the junior league of future representatives of the people, where they learn the ropes of political fitness, toning up their physical, moral and financial strength.

So many candidates running for a limited number of seats in the government.

Those who do not make it are appointed to government corporations, become celebrities by osmosis, or take over the businesses accumulated over the years.

The political workout translates to economic muscle. Public transactions for private gain.

Why run for elective office?

It’s not the salary, stupid. It is public knowledge that the salaries of government officials – from the barangay to the national level – are not enough to sustain a way of life Philippine politicians are used to.

could spend less per voter.

Vice-presidential candidates, P40; senators, district representatives, governor, vice governor, CRISPIN R. board members, mayor, vice ARANDA mayor, councilors, P30; political parties, P10 and candidates Under the Salary Standardiza- without political parties, P40. tion Law IV which increased the The Comelec says that for 2019, wages of government employees the expected number of registered from president to laborer, signed voters is 60 to 61 million. by former President Benigno Each voter stands to receive – Aquino 3rd on Feb. 19, 2016, the by law at least – about P200 to salary of the country’s president P350 pesos from candidates runincreased from about P120,000 ning for the above-referenced poA MONTH TO 0 ON THE kRST sitions during the campaign petranche, starting with President Ro- riod. In reality, candidates spend drigo Duterte, and was increased more, voters receive more—but further to P399,739 this year. only during election time.

The vice president’s monthly Vote-buying has been a staple pay is P135,376. She is on the of Philippine elections. Since same pay grade (32) as the the practice cannot be stopped Senate President and Speaker (or those in elected positions of the House of Representa- ignore the rules) vote buying tives. Senators, congressmen/ has been legalized under the women, associate justices of Comelec cap of spending per the Supreme Court and the voter. So much like jueteng, chairman of the Constitutional gambling and colorum vehicles.

Committee are a grade below, At least murdering a political receiving P117,086. opponent—rampant as it is— Not exactly chump change. has not yet been legalized.

Surely something to aspire for. But Bayan Muna senatorial candia seat in the political chair goes date Neri Colmenares has discovbeyond the monthly salaries. ered that the science of campaignIt’s the prestige—the political ing prohibits non-millionaires power that translates to eco- from national posts. A 30-second nomic strength—which keeps advertisement on television costs candidates eyeing, vying and an average of P1 million buying into government service.

During an election-campaign How much do candidates season, national candidates spend to be elected? need to spend up to P100 milCurrent law “limits� or caps lion to reach voters in every what a candidate for national district, barangay, down to the or local position can spend for alleyways of informal settlers each voter. A presidential candi- and dusty trails of rural areas. date may spend P50 per voter; An unknown candidate, or even candidates for lower positions a relatively popular candidate

MIGRANT MATTERS

cannot rely on name recognition at all. There must be trusted key individuals who can maximize the cost per voter expenditure.

The privilege of incumbency is an insurmountable advantage.

Hence, we see the omnipresent tarps, posters of elected government officials, greeting his or her constituents on every occasion: graduation, fiestas, public holidays, even Valentine’s Day. I am surprise, no one has yet come up with a “ Good morning � or “ Have a nice day � poster. Such a tarp sign does not need an occasion and therefore would not be considered premature campaigning. But I digress.

Once in office, these elected officials create, implement and interpret laws. From ordinances to congressional resolutions, bills that become law and laws that are changed by court rulings, these public servants are paid by public funds.

Few and rare, however, are public servants without private interests, sources of income from private dealings, hedge bets from lobby groups and individual firms, corporations and organizations.

This is where the real rewards come in.

Not from the monthly salaries set by law, but from recurring, established methods of payment, popularly known as commissions or referral fees. Okay, the most common term is bribe, the grease money that fuels corruption.

The ZTE broadband, MRT deals and the Napoles-legislator pork-sharing scheme are just the most notorious and well known.

Again, you get the picture.

How about the government employees and workers in the private sector?

Civil servants have the Salary Standardization Law to look up to. Workers in the private sector, on the other hand, are paid in accordance with how a specific job must be performed.

An industry set of skills, talent, experience is the standard.

May the best applicant win, stay on the job and move up the career ladder within one employer or across a specific sector.

Such cannot be said of a specific occupation working in the public sector: governmentemployed registered nurses.

In 2002, the Philippine Nursing Act (Republic Act 9173) was enacted, setting the salary grade at 15, which comes to as much as P31,545 a month.

However, on June 17, 2009, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order 811 downgrading government nurse salaries salary grade to 11, based on Joint Resolution No. 4 of Congress to modify the compensation and position classification of civilian and military personnel.

U n d e r t h e E O, a n u r s e ’s monthly pay of P31,545 under RA 9173 was reduced to P20,754 (in 2019). The party-list, Ang Nars, filed a petition to declare Arroyo’s EO unconstitutional.

The case is now before the Supreme Court. The issue is whether the joint resolution— and subsequent EO—could repeal the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, or Republic Act 9173.

Solicitor General Jose Calida argues that “in Philippine legislative milieu, as confirmed by both the Senate and House of Representatives, there is no real difference between a bill and joint resolution.�

In addition, the legal standing of petitioner was put to task.

Calida argues that Ang Nars representative Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz is no longer an incumbent member of Congress, nor is she a state nurse.

Finally, raising the salary of nurses, Calida said, would result in wage distortion as entry-level MEDICAL OFkCERS WOULD BE LOWER

Legally sound arguments Whatever the Supreme Court decision, however, will not change the exercise of vote buying and election spending. Candidates will pursue and resume their campaign workouts to be in office and stay in office—not for the salary but for the privileges, perks and pork of power.

If politicians put their family first, why should the common worker not practice the same?

What is certain is that a Supreme Court decision upholding the downgrading of nurse’s salaries will further push health professionals to study and work overseas where they are appreciated and recognized. with higher salaries, better working conditions and clearer path to a successful career and future.

There would be more nurses, health professionals, skilled workers working out of the country – for their families.

F E AT U R E

FOCUS

High steaks: Meaty differences at Trump-Kim summit

Side-front in Britain’s Brexit drama – the US Congress

HANOI: Sanctions and nuclear plants are not the only bones of contention between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un: while the US president likes his steaks well done, the North Korean leader has rarer tastes.

Paul Smart, the executive chef at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, worked closely with two of the North Korean leader’s personal chefs on the meals prepared during the two-day summit.

An intimate dinner on the kRST DAY FEATURED MARINATED TENder sirloin served with kimchistuffed pear, but the principals missed out on a foie gras and SNOW kSH LUNCH AS NEGOTIATIONS over the North’s weapons programs and international sanctions ground to a halt.

The team had strict instructions on how to prepare the meat, Smart said. “Kim had mediumrare to rare, very rare,� he told AFP. “And Trump had well done.�

The US president is known for his simple culinary tastes, but Kim’s preference for bloodier meat showed an appreciation for quality, Smart said. “He really likes to dine and experience cuisine for what it is.�

According to his chefs—both of them called Kim—the North Korean leader has expensive tastes, Smart added. “He likes caviar, lobster, really luxurious product. Foie gras, he really likes to indulge in cuisine.�

Each side in the Metropole kitchen prepared dishes of its own, with the North Koreans bringing all their own ingredients – including the steaks, carried in a chilled metal container on board Kim’s train.

The beef was “very natural and marbled, very red,� Smart said, suggesting that—as with Japanese wagyu—cattle may be allowed to roam free in North Korea.

But aside from ox-drawn carts, bovines are a rare sight in the North Korean countryside.

The impoverished country consistently fails to produce enough food to feed itself and according to the United Nations, more than 10 million people—around 40 percent of the population—need food aid.

But for those who can afford it,

Q Chefs preparing food inside Metropole Hotel’s kitchen in Hanoi. Sanctions and nuclear plants are not the only bones of contention between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un: while the US president likes his steaks well done, the North Korean leader has rarer tastes. AFP PHOTO there is an increasing number of coffee shops in Pyongyang, where restaurants offer cuisines ranging from Western to Japanese.

Sanctions breach?

Trump previously stayed at the Metropole during a state visit in 2017—in the $4,800 a night top suite—when Smart stocked the freezer in his room with six tubs of vanilla ice cream to ensure his SWEET TOOTH COULD BE SATISkED On Wednesday Trump ate every last morsel of his chocolate lava cake dessert, while the main course was almost certainly the kRST TIME THE 53 PRESIDENT HAS consumed North Korean beef.

For an ordinary American citizen eating a steak provided by the North Korean leader could potentially violate the sanctions Washington has imposed on Pyongyang over its weapons programs.

In June 2016, the US Treasury designated Kim and other North Korean officials as subject to sanctions for their roles in human rights abuses by the North.

Under Section 6 of Executive Order 13722, the legislation, which applied to Kim, US citizens are barred from receiving “goods� from any sanctioned person.

"UT AS 53 PRESIDENT ON OFkCIAL business, the rule does not apply to Trump himself: another clause says that transactions “for the CONDUCT OF THE OFkCIAL BUSINESS of the Federal Government� are not prohibited.

Shrimp cocktail Sniffer dogs were brought in to sweep the kitchen ahead of the summit, and food samplers from both sides tasted each dish before it went out to the Metropole tables. “Everything was individually wrapped, it was very hygienically packed and everything,� Smart said of the North Korean supplies. “They even brought a little alcohol swab to swab down their knives, swab down their chopping boards. In a clinical way they prepared the food very nicely.�

The two chefs were talented and “very nice,� the Australian added, and “very intrigued by the way that we’re doing things and the style that we’re cooking.�

They had one culinary blind spot: they had never before seen a shrimp cocktail, the 1980s American classic which Trump requested for the opening dinner. “They were really intrigued by the taste� of thousand island

dressing, Smart said. “So, I gave them the recipe and they took it home with them.�

In return, they explained how to make kimchi, the fermented cabbage side dish that is a mainstay of Korean cuisine.

For lunch on the summit’s second day, the North Koreans were responsible for the apple foie gras jelly appetizers—again providing their own ingredients, and carving long-beaked birds out of a white seaweed jelly for presentation. “It was really kind of a masterpiece,� Smart said.

They were laid out on the table, but the leaders never sat down as the summit deadlocked over Washington’s demand the North close its Yongbyon nuclear complex and Pyongyang’s desire for relief from UN Security Council sanctions.

The leaders left without a signing ceremony or the scheduled meal, to the disappointment of the culinary team.

Instead, hotel staff ate Smart’s MAIN COURSE OF GRILLED SNOW kSH

roasted vegetables and rice pilaf. “It was delicious,� said Anthony Slewka, Metropole’s sales and marketing director—and the hotel is now considering offering guests the same menu.

AFP

WASHINGTON, DC: With Britain deadlocked on negotiating its divorce from the European Union, an unexpected side-front is emerging – the US Congress.

Conservatives who pushed the June 2016 referendum that ended in the shock decision to leave the 28-member bloc dangled the prospect of a free trade agreement with the United States as proof that Britain would not be isolated.

But while nationalist-minded President Donald Trump has welcomed Brexit, the main hitch to Britain’s exit has raised alarm among key US lawmakers – the prospect of the return of a physical border that divides Ireland.

The elimination of the border between the Republic of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland was a key component of the Good Friday agreement of 1998—brokered with the United States and made possible through the fruition of the integrated EU—which largely ENDED THREE DECADES OF CONlICT that killed around 3,500 people.

Rep. Peter King, long one of the HIGHEST PROkLE SUPPORTERS IN #ONGRESS OF A UNIkED )RELAND WARNED at a recent event in Washington that the direction of Brexit would be critical to any future US trade deal. “It’s important for we, as Irish Americans, to make clear when we deal with the British that this is very, very important to us,� he said. “And if the British want to consider any type of trade agreement with the United States, it’s important that a soft border be maintained.�

While King is a Republican, his stance has appeared to gain steam since the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives in November due to the party’s historic Irish base and its generally more skeptical take on free trade.

Representative Richard Neal, a co-chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus who has voiced unease about Brexit’s effects, has taken charge of the powerful taxwriting House ways and means committee, which will review any trade deal.

Eleven lawmakers led by a Democrat recently introduced a resolution that would state the House of Representatives’ oppo-

sition to a hard border in Ireland.

‘Hugely complex issue’ Daniel Dalton, a British Conservative member of the European parliament who visited Washington for talks with US lawmakers, voiced concern that the Irish question could hold up a US-Britain trade agreement.

He rebuffed, ever politely, US lawmakers’ worries on Ireland, saying that nobody was out to end the Good Friday agreement. “I think the worry is a little bit that there might be an assumption from people here and that they jump into a discussion on what is a hugely complex issue when there is no will from London or from Dublin to have a hard border,� Dalton told AFP. “That is a point that we have to make time and time again,� he said. “The issue is how do we ensure that the Good Friday agreement isn’t accidentally breached— which is a very different position to start off from.�

Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29, with Prime Minister Theresa May scrambling to seek changes after the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected her divorce deal negotiated with the EU. May has given MPs the option to delay Brexit and the opposition Labor Party has supported a fresh referendum.

Dalton said that the possibility of a US-Britain trade agreement played “a very big psychological role� for Brexit voters, seeing as Washington has not been able to seal a deal with the EU as a whole.

A major issue, Dalton said, will be seeing whether post-Brexit Britain gravitates toward US or EU standards on agriculture and manufacturing – crucial in sealing a trade pact.

For Dalton himself, the results of Brexit will not be abstract – he will be out of a job.

And the European lawmaker may NOT kND COMFORT IN GOING BACK TO Britain as his wife is German. “We, like many people, aren’t sure where actually we can live together and how all these things are going to play out,� he said. “And there are many couples across that particular divide.�

AFP

Regions 2,025 loose guns turned over in Maguindanao C ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

BY JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

AMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao: The 6th Infantry Division TH )$ HAS RECOVERED LOOSE kREARMS IN ITS CAMPAIGN TO COLLECT UNLICENSED kREARMS FROM CIVILIANS IN -AGUINDANAO Maj. Arvin Encinas, 6th ID spokesman, on Sunday said that on February 28, March 1 and 2, 1st Lt. Bladimer Suanque, com-

MANDING OFkCER OF !LPHA #OMpany, 90th IB, received a total of NINE ASSORTED LOOSE kREARMS FROM residents of Barangay Poblacion,

Pageda, Kilalan, Macadayon, Manggay and Kiladap, all of Talitay town.

He added that the surrender OF THE LOOSE kREARMS WAS A RESULT of joint efforts of Army troops and the Association of Barangay Captains of Talitay led by ABC president Datu Fajad Midtimbang.

Handed over were two M16 riflE kVE SHOTGUNS ONE HOMEMADE - RIlE AND ONE LOCALLY MADE .38 caliber pistol with assorted magazines and ammunition.

“The handover of firearms is a continuing campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in the area of the 603rd Infantry Brigade,� Lt. Col. Crizanto Fernandez, 90th IB commanding officer, said. Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander, expressed his gratitude to the efforts of the ABC of Talitay and its constituents for extending their support to the 6th ID’s campaign against loose firearms.

MONDAY March 4, 2019

A7

6 Chinese kidnappers arrested in Laguna POLICE arrested six Chinese who abducted another Chinese in Calamba City, Laguna, over the weekend.

The Laguna Provincial Police Office said it conducted anti-kidnapping operations in a resort in Barangay Pansol in Calamba City at 11 p.m. on Saturday after receiving information from a civilian that a kidnapping happened there.

It arrested Xin Wang, 30; Sun Qing Ji, 26; Hong Zhong Ah, 38; Yang Ben, 24; Zhao Da Hai, 40; and Si Cuan, 42, all Pasay City residents.

The victim, Edison Yen, 30, from Shanghai, China, and a resident of Makati City, was abducted on Wednesday last week and held until 1 a.m. of Saturday.

Police said the suspects belong to a “loan shark� gang in China.

The gang members offer money to Chinese tourists in the country for them to play in a casino.

Once that person takes the money, and loses, the suspects would force the victim to pay with interest.

If the person is unable to pay the money and the interest, the suspects will abduct the victim and ask the person’s relatives for money through a bank transfer abroad as condition to release the victim.

Laguna police said many have fallen victims to the Chinese loan shark gang but are afraid to file charges against the group.

DEMPSEY REYES

Cebu still flooded with illegal drugs, province a transhipment point – PDEA vestigating how these ingredients were able to enter the country without being intercepted. “What we see is the finished product (shabu),� she said.

According to Garma, one of the challenges of the lawmen was that drug transporters used disposable subscriber identity module (sim) cards in their communication and it was hard for authorities to trace it.

Garma added she does not treat a big-time drug apprehension as an accomplishment because it only means that there was a market. “I will be happier if drug users are apprehended,� she added.

She also pointed out that arThe market resting the drug pusher would and easy access only make them bigger. “We need Senior Supt. Royina Garma, direc- to change the approach and kill TOR OF THE #EBU #ITY 0OLICE /FkCE the market,� said Garma, adding (CCPO), said Franz Sabalones, Cebus that drug users were not victims second most wanted drug suspect, because they were old enough to the Caja brothers and those drug think for themselves.

The CCPO director said the antipersonalities who were in the original list were the ones ruling the business drug campaigns of the Philippine National Police (PNP) include (illegal drug trade) in Cebu.

Garma said the sale of illegal Oplan Tokhang (Oplan Double drugs was high despite the risk Barrel) and CCPO continues to because there was a market. conduct police operations and 3HE REVEALED THAT THE DRUG kNAN- coordinate with Badac. ciers were detained in jail and the In June 2018, CCPO launched police were the ones cleaning the Itug-an ni CD (Report it to the illegal drugs that enter Cebu.

City Director) campaign where It was said that Chinese chem- most of the reports were about ists brought ingredients of illegal illegal drugs. “Those arrested drug drugs in the Philippines and one of personalities have dependents which was the ephedrine, a plant who succeed with (the illegal drugs grown from China. trade). Based on reports, the wife Garma said authorities were in- was involved in the illegal drug

eight more K9 dogs and their handlers would be deployed in Cebu and Central Visayas to inspect the (First of 2 parts) 4/0 #ENTRAL 6ISAYAS OFkCIALS HAVE seaports.

Included in PDEA-7s anti-drugs spoken on why there is a high campaigns was the enhanced volume of illegal drugs in Cebu.

Leia Albiar, spokesman for the coordination with local governPhilippine Drug Enforcement ment units.

Albiar explained that they needAgency in Central Visayas (PDEA7) said Cebu serves as transship- ed to go through the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac) ment point of illegal drugs.

She added that PDEA-7 was and the process was for validating conducting intelligence workshops the list of suspected drug personfor law enforcement agencies as it alities in the area.

Albiar added that they would monitors and continues its operaPRODUCE A UNIkED WATCHLIST WITH tions against illegal drugs.

A Memorandum of Agreement proof that the suspects had been (MoA) was executed in Decem- involvement in the illegal drugs.

She said that in order to stop the ber 2018 between PDEA-7, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and illegal drugs trade, there should the Bureau of Customs (BoC) be supply reduction and demand to establish interdiction units reduction . “We have symposiums and semand strengthen the security of airports and seaports. “The MoA inars in schools and workplaces. states that we will have regular We have a drug-free workplace inspections (with the airports program. One approach cannot and seaports) together with the work alone. In both approaches, the community has a big help,�

BoC,� Albiar added.

She said PDEA-7 co-inspected Albiar added.

She was calling out owners shipments from high risk countries and checked what was inside of private wharfs to be vigilant, accountable and responsible for container vans.

She pointed out that what was reporting illegal drug activities to needed was to procure enhanced the police.

Albiar said the high volume of equipment, recruit manpower and illegal drugs seized during law improve K9 units.

At present, PDEA-7 has de- enforcement operations was proof ployed five K9 dogs in Central that the conduct of anti-illegal Visayas on a rotation basis for drugs of law enforcement was efinspection of shipments, as well fective. “There really is a need to pay attention to the users. If there as detention cells.

Albiar added that in March, is no user, no one will sell [illegal

drugs],� she added. “Along with these should be rehabilitation and reintegration of drug users who are themselves victims. “LGUs should prioritize the creation of rehabilitation centers.

LGUs are the ones that have the capacity to create reformation and rehabilitation centers. Arrests ALONE WILL NOT SUFkCE u SHE SAID On January 24, the Dangerous Drugs Board created Board Regulation 2, series of 2018, the Bahay Silangan Guidelines for community involvement in reforming drug OFFENDERS INTO SELF SUFkCIENT AND law-abiding members of society.

SC junks graft raps vs former mayor

Misamis Oriental rallies behind Bong Go

BY RHEA RUTH ROSELL

THE Supreme Court (SC) junked the graft charges against former San Jose, Occidental Mindoro mayor Jose Villarosa and two others in connection with the anomalous use of the municipality’s tobacco trust fund in 2010.

The SC, however, affirmed THE kNDING OF PROBABLE CAUSE ON charges of technical malversation.

In a ruling penned by Senior Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, the SC’s Third Division held that the /FkCE OF THE /MBUDSMAN FELL SHORT of that quantum of proof necessary to establish the fact that Villarosa and other petitioners, municipal accountant Pablo Alvaro and municipal treasurer Carlito Cajayon, “acted with manifest partiality or there was a failure to show that there was a clear, notorious or plain inclination or predilection on the part of the petitioners to favor one side rather than the other.�

According to court records, in 2010, complainant Rolando Basilio revealed that Villarosa authorized the use of the tobacco trust fund to purchase 10 multi-cab vehicles, Christmas lights, meals and snacks for newly-elected barangay captains, medicines, gravel and sand, bus and vehicle rentals, all totaling P2.9million.

In its joint resolution dated March 23, 2015, the Ombudsman indicted petitioners for Technical Malversation and violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019.

It also found them guilty of grave misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

They were ordered dismissed and meted the accessory penalties OF PERPETUAL DISQUALIkCATION FROM reemployment in the government service, cancellation of eligibility, AND FORFEITURE OF RETIREMENT BENEkTS Villarosa and other respondents sought reconsideration but to no avail until they brought their case before the High Court.

In its January 23, 2019 ruling that was released only recently, the SC found no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Ombudsman when it found probable cause to indict them for the crime of technical malversation. g)N kNDING PROBABLE CAUSE FOR THE crime of technical malversation, the /MBUDSMAN BASED ITS kNDINGS ON the strength of the evidence submitted by the private complainant, as well as the weak defense of the petitioners,� the SC said. “Since the Ombudsman is armed with the power to investigate, it is in a better position to assess the strengths or weaknesses of the evidence on HAND NEEDED TO MAKE A kNDING OF probable cause. As this Court is not a trier of facts, we defer to the sound judgment of the Ombudsman.� )T HOWEVER DID NOT kND PROBable cause to charge petitioners with violation of the anti-graft law.

Contrary to the view of the Ombudsman, the High Court ruled, “the mere act of using government money to fund a project which is different from what the law states you have to spend it for does not FALL UNDER THE DEkNITION OF MANIfest partiality nor gross inexcusable negligence.�

JOMAR CANLAS

FORMER special assistant to the President (SAP) and now 2019 candidate for senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong� Go on Saturday secured the support of Misamis Oriental political leaders led by Gov. Yevgeny Vicente Emano and his supporters.

Go was guest of honor and speaker in a special fellowship with leaders and supporters of Emano and former Agriculture undersecretary Pompee La ViĂąa.

He was warmly received by the governor and his father, former Cagayan de Oro City mayor Vicente Emano, La ViĂąa, former congressman Rufus Rodriguez, Rep. Maximo 2ODRIGUEZ AND OTHER LOCAL OFkCIALS The elder Emano founded Padayon Pilipino, a regional party that recently aligned with Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte.

Gov. Emano is seeking reelection while former congressman

Rodriguez, national chairman of the Centrist Democratic Party of the Philippines, is making a comeback, as his party has allied with Padayon-HNP. La ViĂąa is running for mayor of Cagayan de Oro City in tandem with the elder Emano, who is running for vice mayor.

Go is a candidate of the PDPLaban and is endorsed by the HNP regional party.

-EANWHILE OFkCIALS OF DIFFERENT municipalities that belong to the National Unity Party (NUP) also expressed their support for Go when he joined them for lunch at Kagay-Anon Restaurant, Limketkai inb Cagayan de Oro City earlier in the day.

The province is composed of 23 municipalities and two component cities, organized into two legislative districts and further subdivided into 424 barangay (villages).

SHOW OF HANDS A big crowd welcomes Bong Go on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

trade and the children became couriers,� Garma added.

She said CCPO had a wellness program for drug dependents.

In the MoA signed, the CCPO is

linked with government agencies AND NON GOVERNMENT OFkCES AND IS obliged to provide health services and educational assistance to drug dependents.

2 suspects yield P190M shabu in buy-busts POLICE arrested two drug suspects who yielded more than P190 million worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-busts in Cebu on Sunday.

According to an initial police report, Elymar Ancajas yielded nine extra-large packs of shabu, about 18 kilograms with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P122.4 million in a buy-bust at about 1:30 a.m., in Cebu City.

Ancajas pointed to Jocelyn Encila, of Consolacion town, north Cebu, as his source.

In less than two hours, police conducted a buy-bust inside a private hospital in Consolacion WHERE %NCILA WAS CONkNED BEcause of dehydration.

Police said Encila told the poseur buyer to get the shabu from her parents, Marcial and Marilyn, at the Green Valley Subdivision, in Barangay Casili, Consolacion.

4HEY CONkSCATED kVE PACKS OF shabu, weighing about 10 kilograms with an estimated DDB value of P68 million.

The provincial capital, Cagayan de Oro City, is a highly urbanized city administered independently from the province.

Villanueva town mayor Mayor Jennie Yu expressed gratitude for the importance Go accorded to her group when they visited Malacanang Palace.

'O APPEALED TO THE LOCAL OFkCIALS to continue supporting President Rodrigo Duterte as he reiterated his commitment to promote programs of the administration, including the kGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS CRIMINALity and corruption.

After the two events, he went on to watch a Philippine Basketball Association game at the Xavier University Gym, with incumbent Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno, who is seeking reelection as a stalwart of

Marcial and Marilyn, along with seven persons including three children, were brought to the Consolacion Police Station for questioning while the three children were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Police said the 28 kilograms of seized contraband from Ancajas and Encila have an estimated DDB value of P190.4 million.

They added that the buybusts stemmed from the arrest of drug suspect Danilo Flores, who yielded two kilograms of shabu on February 16.

Police said Flores revealed the names and addresses of his contacts.

They added that a certain Rustico Igot, an inmate of the New Bilibid Prison in Manila, was Encila’s live-in partner.

Police said Rustico of the Igot drug syndicate operates in Metro Cebu and in Cebu province, and FACILITATES THE lOW OF SHABU FROM Manila to Consolacion.

RHEA RUTH ROSELL

PDP-Laban.

In his earlier meetings with the LOCAL OFkCIALS 'O BARED HIS PLANS TO push for improved delivery of medical services in the country, including enacting a law to institutionalize the Malasakit Center program.

The Malasakit Center makes it more convenient for poor and disadvantaged patients to avail of medical and financial assistance from the government by bringing together in one room all concerned agencies, including the Department of Health, Department of Soial Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE AND 0HILIPPINE Health Insurance Corp.

Currently, there are 27 Malasakit centers nationwide with the 12th launched at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City and another one inaugurated on Friday at the Caraga Hospital in Surigao City.

A8

News

MONDAY March 4, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Architect dies in elevator mishap A

BY DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

N architect plunged to his death on Saturday night when he accidentally stepped on an elevator shaft in a building at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

A report from the Criminal Investigation and Detention Unit of Quezon City said the victim, identified as Michael Alfonso, 37, fell from the second floor to the basement of Cyberpark Tower 1.

Gerald Mondia, a friend of the victim, told investigators that they were looking for a comfort room at about 9 p.m. when Alfonso opened a door that had no signage. Upon opening the door, Alfonso

Nayong Pilipino board member named PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a new board member of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc. (NFPI), replacing one of the executives fired over a “grossly disadvantageous� deal.

Duterte appointed Paolo Sotero Laurel to the post, replacing Gerald Valles Medina. His term will run until June 30 of this year.

Laurel was the executive assistant to the president at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

Duterte fired the entire

board of trustees of NFPI in August last year over the alleged “grossly disadvantageous� 25-year, $1.5-billion lease casino contract for the Nayon Landing project.

The contract executed

by NFPI with Chinese company Landing Resorts Philippines Development Corp. (LRPDC) covers the building of a 97,000-square meter integrated resort and casino.

The term of the contract was originally for 70 years, but was reduced to 50 years and later to 25 years.

On August 8 last year,the President said he fired the board members of NFPI because he did not like gambling. “Do not give gambling licenses or franchise for 75 years. The child is born today, 75 years later he’s that old.

There will still be gambling in the city [and] I will not allow it,� Duterte said in a speech during the 117th Police Service Anniversary in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Last week, Duterte said he revoked the contract because no bidding was held.

Meanwhile, Duterte also promoted Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman Jonathan Malaya to undersecretary.

Malaya was the executive director of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan Laban Federalism Institute.

He was also earlier assigned by Duterte as administrator of the DILG’s Federalism and Constitutional Reform program.

RALPH EDWIN U. VILLANUEVA

JV takes Otso Diretso’s challenge for debate SEN. Joseph Victor “JV� Ejercito said he would take the challenge of the Otso Diretso opposition slate for debate if he gets invited. “Why not? I have nothing to be afraid of, wala akong tinatago (I am not hiding anything), halos lahat ng major debate events pinupuntahan ko (I go to all major debate events),� he said in a news conference.

The Otso Diretso slate earlier challenged administration bets to a debate.

Ejercito is part of the lineup of the administration-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) party. “Personally, I cannot speak for my colleagues, lahat ng mga debate pinupuntahan ko, basta pwede (I go to all debate events, If I can).�

Sen. Leila de Lima said a pub-

lic televised debate between senatorial candidates from the administration’s HNP and the opposition’s Otso Diretso that would be organized by a third party, preferably the Commission on Elections, would help voters choose. “I hope that the administration’s senatorial candidates would not be scared to stand

national scrutiny, but instead be brave enough to show their true CHARACTER kTNESS AND THEIR STANCE on issues that matter most to people,� De Lima said.

Otso Diretso had sent a formal request to the Comelec to organize and facilitate a national televised debate between the administration and opposition Senate candidates.

PNA

stepped inside, but he immediately fell.

Alfonso was rushed to the World Citi Medical Center, but was declared dead on arrival. He sustained head injuries and bone fracture on

his left arm.

Last week, 17 people were injured when a service elevator of the Philippine Bank of Communications Tower in Makaty City plummeted from the 10th floor.

‘Red October’ general assumes new post THE military general who disclosed the supposed “Red October� ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte last year has been appointed to head the civil-military operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the military deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations, said he would step up the drive in providing the public information on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). “Yes, we will expose what their (CPP-NPA) revolutionary dual tactics is, how they have exploited all sectors of the society for so long to advance their revolutionary goals, how they have deceived our [youth], our IPs (indigenous peoples), our women, our teachers, our peasants, our workers to revolt against the government,� he said.

Parlade, a former Philippine Army spokesman,

took over his new position on March 1 from retired Maj. Gen. Chad Isleta.

Parlade left his post as the assistant deputy chief of staff for operations. “We will expose the CPP as the greatest scam of the century. They are [the] reason why our poor remain to be poor. They are the reason why our rural areas remain to be undeveloped,� he said. “Poverty is not the cause of this insurgency, poverty is the result of this communist insurgency. This mindset has to change [and] we have to educate our people and workers in government about these realities and this falls under my shop,�

Parlade added.

During his stint as assistant deputy chief of staff for operations of the military, Parlade released a list of universities and colleges where communist rebels were allegedly recruiting students to carry out the “Red October� plot.

DEMPSEY REYES

QC villages waterless from March 4 to 6 MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. (MWSI) has announced that it would temporarily shut down its North C Pumping Station and Commonwealth Pumping Station in Quezon City from March 4 to 6 as part of its continuing improvement of services.

The water concessionaire said it was undertaking major repair works and maintenance activities in its facilities that would result in water supply interruption in 12 barangay (villages) of northern Quezon City.

The water supply interruption will start at 10 p.m. on March 4 to 4 a.m. on March 6.

The affected villages are Nagkaisang Nayon, Gulod, North Fairview, Greater Fairview, Holy

Spirit, Bagong Silangan, San Bartolome, Bagbag, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Monica, Sauyo and Talipapa.

Residents in these areas were advised to store enough water that they can use for the duration of the repair and maintenance activities.

The company also said that water customers might also encounter delay in the resumption of their water service due to several factors, such as their area’s elevation, the distance from the pumping stations, and the volume withdrawal from the mainlines.

Maynilad said it would conduct the interconnection of its newly installed water pipes in Barangay Commonwealth and Payatas.

PNA

DICT denies anomaly in cybersecurity project THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) dared an anonymous accuser to come forward and present proof that the agency’s P512million cybersecurity project was anomalous.

DICT chief Eliseo Rio Jr. said there was no irregularity in the bidding process for the government’s cybersecurity management system project.

The project, which was awarded to Integrated Computer Systems, Inc. (ICS) and its partner New York-based Verint (ICS-Verint), was launched this year. !N UNIDENTIkED SOURCE QUOTING a member of the Cyber Security Community of the Philippines who was present during the selection process, said the project was intentionally given to ICS-Verint

by Allan Cabanlong, DICT assistant secretary.

The source claimed Cabanlong was appointed as the end-user of the project and chair of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), which GAVE THE $)#4 OFkCIAL THE POWER TO

decide in favor of ICS-Verint.

Cabanlong told The Times in a phone interview there was a loophole in the source’s claim because while it was true that he served as the end-user, Jiezl Gabrielle Reotutar was assigned to take the role of the chairman. “[I]ts a demolition job against me and the project,� he said.

Five bidders expressed interest in the project, but only ICS-Verint group emerged as eligible to bid. “Yes, I wrote the letter announcing a failed bid, but it was because of an internal fault of DICT, and not the fault of any bidder. The prequalified bidder, of course, made a Motion of Reconsideration that a new bidding would be unfair to them because their bid offer is already known and they have no fault at all. So after consulting with our legal team, we considered the -2 OF THE LONE PRE QUALIkER u 2IO explained.

Rio and Cabanlong said they were ready to face an investigation. “[T]his is trial by publicity,� Rio added.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

Q Factfile on measles from the World Health Organization shows a 50-percent rise in deaths during 2018 to 136,000 from the highly contagious disease.

AFP PHOTO

Q DEATH FROM A1

MEASLES DEATH TOLL NOW 215 From January 1 to February 26, the department’s epidemiology bureau has recorded 13,723 measles cases, 62 percent of which had no prior history of vaccination.

From February 25 to February 26 alone, the bureau said it received and validated 251 cases of the highly infectious, but vaccinepreventable disease.

4HIS kGURE WAS HIGHER THAN THE 3,065 reported in the same period in 2018.

Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) was the region with the most number of cases at 3,234 and 68 deaths, the DoH said.

It was followed by Metro Manila (National Capital Region) with 3,068 and 57 fatalities;

Central Luzon with 2,010 cases and 30 deaths; Northern Mindanao with 679 cases and four deaths; Western Visayas with 671 cases and three deaths; Eastern Visayas with 668 cases and 19 deaths; Central Visayas with 508 cases and five deaths; Mimaropa (Mindoro Ocidental and Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) also with 508 cases and six deaths; Ilocos with 440 cases and nine deaths; Bicol with 362 cases and five deaths; Soccskargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) with 326 cases and one death; Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 305 cases and

three deaths; Caraga with 261 cases and one death; Davao with 251 cases and three deaths; Cordillera Administrative Region cases with 166 cases and zero deaths; Zamboanga Peninsula with 140 cases and zero deaths; and Cagayan Valley with 126 cases and one death.

Of those who died, 82 percent were not vaccinated.

Measles affected children from less than nine months to four years old the most.

It has been almost a month since the DoH declared a measles outbreak in some regions in the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd as well as President Rodrigo Duterte have repeatedly

asked parents to have their children protected against measles and other curable diseases through clinically proven vaccines.

Duque said vaccination remained the best defense against measles.

He added that he expected the measles cases to soar because the outbreaks had not been contained yet.

Government health workers HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED IN THE kELD TO go house-to-house in communities of affected regions to urge parents to have their children vaccinated.

World Health Organization data showed that some 2.6 million Filipinos, mostly children below kVE YEARS OLD WERE UNVACCINATED CATHERINE A. MODESTO

What’s inside PH TOPS ASIA LIST OF WOMEN IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT BusinessB2

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FURNITURE SECTOR URGES FEWER RULES

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DUTERTE SHUTDOWN THREAT WEIGHS ON PLDT SHARES Stock WatchB3

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MEDICAL CITY‘NOT FOR SALE’ AMID PANGILINAN’S INTEREST Corporate NewsB4

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DELOITTE. ON THE DOT

www.manilatimes.net

Poll: Inflation likely back on target in Feb

I

NFLATION likely eased anew in February, economists polled by The Manila Times SAID kNALLY RETURNING TO TARGET AS LOWER FOOD PRICES OFFSET OIL PRICE HIKES

Projections for the month ranged from 3.8-4.3 percent with a 4.0-percent average — at the higher end of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2.0-4.0 percent full-year goal and lower

than January’s 4.4 percent.

But a fourth straight month of lower INlATION ‡ THE "30 HAS A PERcent forecast for February — is unlikely to prompt monetary authorities to

adjust policy when they meet later this month.

Analysts said the Bangko Sentral’s policymaking Monetary Board will likely wait for consumer price growth to SETTLE MORE kRMLY WITHIN TARGET BEFORE deciding on a rate cut or higher bank reserve requirements.

The Philippine Statistics Authority

WILL RELEASE OFkCIAL &EBRUARY INlATION DATA TOMORROW -ARCH 4HE -ONETARY Board, meanwhile, will hold its second meeting for the year on March 21.

In the Manila Times poll, Eagle Equities Inc. and DBS both offered the highEST INlATION FORECASTS OF PERCENT “We are looking at 4.3 percent and

S H A R E S O U T LO O K F O R T H E W E E K :

Korea summit — last week. Mangun advised investors to be selective in which companies and sectors to buy “as there will be outliers, even if the market continues to fall.�

On Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped by 0.83 percent or 63.72 points to close at 7,641.77, while the broader All Shares declined by 0.84 percent or 39.82 points to finish at 4,729.93.

The benchmark index had started the shortened trading week with a slight gain to 7,988.16 but then succumbed to heavy selling

ÂłMarket B4

Conflict of interest

G

OVERNMENT agencies, which exercise regulatory jurisdiction over listed but not necessarily public companies, may want to include preferred shares among their liabilities.

Preferred shares carry either voting or non-voting rights and are properly reported in disclosures posted on the website of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The irony is that these are reported as stockholders’ equity when, strictly speaking, they are not and should not be treated as form of ownership.

This is only a suggestion.

Who among the public investors will not want a drastic change in reporting even if this intendes to correct the continued use of preferred shares to hide foreigners’ ownership control of common shares?

Besides, if only regulatory authorities will examine more closely the use of preferred shares, they would discover it is only the PSE that allows

them. It is even worse when voting preferred shares is exclusively issued to the majority stockholders, who are mostly the very rich families who control and own listed companies.

Non-voting preferred shares In not so few instances, nonvoting preferred shares serve as the main tool of the majority stockholders in oppressing the public. Consider this: they are among the entries under stockholders’ equity when they should not be; as such, they are issued to the public in the guise of ownership when they are not.

ÂłPerez B4

ÂłTarget B2

Taxes to be collected from foreign workers

Feb inflation news could buoy market INFLATION results due tomorrow, March 5, could provide a needed boost for the stock market following last week’s plunge. In a market comment, Eagle Equities Inc. research head Christopher Mangun said he expected inflation to have eased last month, falling to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent in January.

A continued slowdown from the nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September and October last year could provide some cheer after an over 300-point drop — attributed to worries over US-China trade talks and a shock end to a US-North

B2

W

MONDAY MARCH 4, 2019

Business Times

B1

“This is not moving, probably in the last decade or so ‌ if at all it increases,â€? he said.

Joven also underscored that the retained provision could improve the BIR’s success rate in prosecuting cases against tax evaders. “We also have the BIR’s batting average on tax evasion cases, which we know is not very good,� he said. “We needed a mechanism to ensure that we clear the dockets

VARIOUS government agencies are now working closely to ensure that foreigners working for offshore gaming operators are paying income taxes, the Finance department said on Sunday.

In a statement, the department quoted Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd as saying that the list of foreign nationals working for service providers of Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO) should be consolidated and reconciled by those involved in screening, providing work permits and registering them in the country. “If we get all that [information], then it is possible that we can begin to collect taxes, enforcing the law on these foreign workers who are operating here. Isn’t that what we really want to do here, enforce the law?� Dominguez was quoted as having said during a February 19 meeting with the heads of various government agencies.

These included the Department of Foreign Affairs, which screens and issues visas to foreign nationals entering the country; Department of Justice, which oversees the Bureau of Immigration that grants short-term special work permits to foreigners; Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), which issues alien employment permits; state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), which has a list of licensed POGO operators; Department of Trade and Industry, which oversees the country’s special economic zones where a few POGOs operate; and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that registers POGO agents.

Dominguez said “a good starting point� would be to trace the employers of these foreign workers so that a portion of their salaries could be withheld and turned

ÂłDoF B4

ÂłWorkers B2

CAPABLE, YES, BUT WILLING?

In this file photo taken on April 15, 2017, a man wears a pin that reads “I’m Rich, I Can Afford To Pay My Taxes� during a Tax Day protest in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Long out of favor in the United States, the idea of taxing rich individuals and corporations to pay for healthcare or to combat inequality is gaining ground among Democratic politicians. AFP PHOTO

BSP wants powers over conglomerates THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) wants to subject large corporations, particularly those that own banks, to its scrutiny and will push for further amendments to its CHARTER A SENIOR OFkCIAL SAID According to central bank Senior Assistant Governor and General Counsel Elmore Capule, one provision that did not make it into the BSP’s newly-amended charter

was the authority “to look into conglomerates.� “We were not granted that authority so perhaps [at] some future time we will again try to amend the remaining provisions, which we think can enhance our powers better,� Capule told reporters late last week.

Further expanding the scope of the BSP’s coverage, he added, will

allow regulators to capture a bigger PICTURE OF THE 0HILIPPINE kNANCIAL system. “[A]s organizations became LARGER AND LARGER IT IS NOT SUFkCIENT that you can look only into the banks downwards. You should be able to look upwards,� he said.

Major banks such BDO Unibank Inc., Metropolitan Bank &

ÂłConglomerates B2

Delinquency tax take to rise – DoF THE government could collect a portion of an estimated P80 billion in unpaid delinquency taxes following partial approval of an amnesty law, a senior Finance department official said.

President Rodrigo Duterte may have vetoed parts of Republic Act (RA) 11213 or the Tax Amnesty law but among the provisions retained is an amnesty on delinquency taxes, Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven told reporters late

last week. “The tax amnesty on delinquencies intends to wipe the slate clean for availing taxpayers. It also helps the government unclog administrative and judicial dockets of slow-moving cases,� he added Joven stressed that the provision would allow the government to collect some of the estimated P80-billion worth of delinquency taxes in the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) books.

B2

Business Times

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

MONDAY March 4, 2019

PH tops Asia list of women T in senior management

BY TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

T

HE 0HILIPPINES HAD THE MOST NUMBER OF WOMEN IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT AMONG !SIAN COUNTRIES LAST YEAR AUDIT kRM 'RANT 4HORNTON )NTERNATIONAL ,TD SAID IN ITS 7OMEN IN "USINESS REPORT Thirty-seven percent of the senior management teams in the Philippines included women, the highest among Asian nations, the report said.

This was followed by Vietnam (36.94 percent), Singapore PERCENT )NDONESIA percent), South Korea (29.89 percent), Mainland China (28.32 percent), India (28.16 percent), 5NITED !RAB %MIRATES PERcent), Malaysia (22.68 percent),

Q WORKERS FROM B1

Taxes to be collected over to the government as partial payment of their income taxes.

Besides ensuring that foreign nationals comply with tax laws, the Finance chief also explained that it was imperative for the GOVERNMENT TO kND OUT WHO AND where all these alien workers are given national security implications.

During last month’s meeting, BIR Deputy Commissioner Arnel Guballa noted that the tax bureau HAD LISTED 0/'/ LICENSEES

of which 10 were local and 44 offshore.

Only seven local operators and eight of the offshore licensees were registered with tax agency, he added.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said less than

FOREIGN NATIONALS HAD BEEN issued temporary work permits as POGO employees as of June last year.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo committed to provide a complete list of, and information about, POGO service providers and require them to provide a list of their foreign workers and their respective salaries.

SEC Deputy Commissioner Javey Paul Francisco, for his part, pledged to provide a list of corporations registered as POGO agents, while Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the department would give the BIR a list of foreign nationals working in economic zones.

Lastly, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said he would immediately convene an interagency task force to consolidate and reconcile lists to be provided by various agencies.

Dominguez said the Finance department and members of the task force would meet after 30 days, during which a complete and clean list of foreign nationals working in offshore gaming operations is expected to be presented.

The BIR wants regulators to strictly enforce registration rules for POGOs amid concerns that the industry has become a conduit for undocumented workers from China.

Pagcor, in particular, has been asked to verify that the gaming kRMS HAVE BEEN OFkCIALLY ENROLLED with the BIR before the regulator extends their licenses.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Armenia (22.46 percent), Thailand (19.39 percent) and Japan PERCENT Globally however, the Philippines’ ranking dropped by 10 perCENT TO LAND AT kFTH PLACE FROM THE TOP POSITION IN .EW :EALAND led the global ranking last year at 43.90 percent “The dip does not yet take into account the government’s recent MEASURES TO PROVIDE lEXIBLE WORKing arrangements for women,�

Grant Thornton said.

Marivic EspaĂąo, P&A Grant Thornton chairperson and chief executive officer, said the top positions of Filipino women in companies were human resources DIRECTOR PERCENT CHIEF kNANCE OFkCER PERCENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFkCER PERCENT To improve or preserve gender balance in managerial positions, kRMS WERE TAKING INITIATIVES SUCH as extending equal access to development work opportunities PERCENT GIVING TRAINING percent) and allowing flexible WORKING PERCENT THE AUDIT kRM SAID More than half of female executives who were surveyed, despite THE INITIATIVES STILL lAGGED THE LACK of development work opportuni-

Furniture sector urges fewer rules FURNITURE manufacturers in the country recently called on the government to deregulate timber harvesting and transport from plantations to keep wood supplies at stable prices and help the industry become competitive.

Local furniture makers need to work with legal timber, but because of an executive order, only wood from plantations can be used, Nicolaas de Lange, chairman of the board of the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), said in a statement.

Issued in 2011, Executive Order No. 23 declared a moratorium on cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests. It also created an

anti-illegal logging task force.

De Lange said domestic small and medium furniture manufacturers have to “maintain good design, quality and competitive pricing with good lead times� amid strong competition with imported goods. The furniture export market, meanwhile, also require sustainable supply of legal timber to sustain operations, he added. “CFIP took [the] lead and developed a guidebook to help companies show due diligence. However, since even our plantations are over regulated, even this simple process is cumbersome,� De Lange said.

He said deregulating timber harvesting and transport from

plantation could also push plantation owners to “get into tree farming, and with good supply, prices will be stable.� “With less rules and documentation, proving due diligence will be easier for exporters.� he added.

The CFIP also sought for the abolition of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 9946 which regulates the entry and disposition of imported logs and lumber, among others.

The order was “unclear� and a “burden� to furniture makers who needed to import wood supply, De Lange said.

TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD

Q TARGET FROM B1

softened the continuing decline of HEADLINE INlATION )T IS DECLINING but [at] a slower pace in February,�

Asunscion said.

HSBC Global Research, for its PART SAID INlATION LIKELY SLOWED enough to hit the upper end of the 2.0-4.0 percent target. “Rice prices continue to moderate, which should limit the upward PRESSURES ON INlATION DESPITE A recent rise in oil prices,� HSBC said in a report.

While 4.0-percent inflation would mark a return to target, it said the Bangko Sentral was likely to refrain “from any monetary policy accommodation, including cutting banks’ reserve requirement ratio.� “We expect a 100 basis points cut in Q2 [second quarter] once INlATION IS MORE kRMLY WITHIN THE BSP’s target,� HSBC added.

-OODY S !NALYTICS AND !.: Research, meanwhile, both said INlATION COULD HAVE FALLEN TO percent in February due to reduced supply pressures.

Moody’s economist Katrina Ell SAID LOWER INlATION WOULD ENABLE monetary authorities to reverse some of the tightening undertaken in 2018. !.: 2ESEARCH IN A REPORT CITED a slight fall in rice prices but noted that higher global crude oil prices likely contributed to overall price growth. “The pace of decline in annual inflation will likely slow going forward. We expect inflation to remain with the central bank’s target range of 2-4 percent over the coming months,� it added.

The lowest forecast in the poll came from ING Bank senior economist Nicholas Antonio Mapa, who said he expected a 3.8-percent

result due to lower commodity prices. “This behavior of sharp deceleration in price pressures can be expected from supply side-induced INlATION u HE SAID g'IVEN THAT S INlATION EPIsode was largely driven by supply side issues such as shortages in rice stocks, crop damage from storms and the oil spike, once these botTLENECKS WERE RESOLVED INlATION has come down in a rather rapid way,� Mapa added.

Food will continue to be the PRIMARY DRIVER OF LOWER INlATION

he said. “Meat prices were mixed with beef prices higher while chicken and pork were cheaper. MeanWHILE kSH PRICES ALSO SAW MIXED trends with alumahan (long-jawed mackarel), tilapia and galunggong (mackarel scad) cheaper while bangus MILKkSH remained pricey. Fruits saw [a] generally slight increase in prices with some vegetables like pechay (Chinese cabbage) and carrots saw lower prices compared to last year,�

Mapa added.

Meanwhile, utility prices were slightly lower in February while INlATION FOR PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION likely rose on account of higher fuel prices. “Given that this is just one data point, the Monetary Board will likely not react to this print but take it into account as it monitors the path of inflation,�

Mapa said. g7ITH INlATION SEEN BACK WITHIN target and the price goal in hand, perhaps it’s time to consider why [the] BSP chases price stability in THE kRST PLACE TO PROVIDE AN ENVIronment conducive for economic growth.�

Poll: Inflation below. As long as we do not see heavy volatility again in oil prices then inflation will continue to ease,� Eagle Equities Inc. research head Christopher Mangun said.

DBS economist Masyita CrysTALLIN MEANWHILE SAID INlATION would likely continue to slow going forward as the “impact of increased excise taxes has continued to disappear.�

Higher taxes imposed last year have been blamed for above-target INlATION WHICH HIT A NINE YEAR HIGH OF PERCENT IN 3EPTEMBER and October.

The Monetary Board responded

BY RAISING KEY INTEREST RATES kVE consecutive times, for a total of BASIS POINTS BEFORE DECIDING to pause in December and January.

DBS’ Crystallin said “lower rice price in February might [have] ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO LOWER INlATION pressure.�

However, she noted that “there WAS UPWARD PRESSURE TO INlATION as well, coming from higher domestic fuel price and electricity price. Thankfully, [a] stronger peso has provided some cushion to the transmission of higher global fuel price to domestic price�.

UnionBank of the Philippines chief economist Carlo Asuncion, MEANWHILE SAID INlATION LIKELY eased to 4.1 percent. The rate could have gone lower, he added, were it not for higher oil and electricity prices. “It (inflation) is expected to ease. However, the rising prices of global oil and higher electricity costs for February have somehow

Other key provisions, include the raising of the BSP’s capitaliZATION TO 0 BILLION FROM 0 billion and restoring its power to issue debt papers.

Republic Act (RA) 11211, which date of supervising the country’s The new law also allows the AMENDED 2! OR THE .EW kNANCIAL SYSTEM Bangko Sentral policy-making Central Bank Act of 1993.

Among others, the list of BSP- Monetary Board to impose “painThe measure, which became SUPERVISED kNANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FULu kNES OF AS MUCH AS 0 MILLION law last month, aims to pro- was expanded to include money pesos per violation or P100,000 vide the central bank with an service businesses, credit granting per day for violations of a continuenhanced legal and regulatory businesses and payment system ing nature. framework to support its man- operators.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Q CONGLOMERATES FROM B1

BSP wants powers over conglomerates Trust Co., Bank of the Philippine Islands, Philippine National Bank, China Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines, and East West Banking Corp. are units of the country’s largest conglomerates.

Capule earlier lauded President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of the

ties in their companies. “If we want to continue seeing female representation in senior positions, more deliberate action needs to be taken and leaders will play a crucial role,â€? EspaĂąo said. “To achieve meaningful progress, they (policies promoting gender equality) must be adhered to, enforced, and regularly revisited to assess their effectiveness and, when that is combined with real commitment from senior leadership, you begin creating a truly inclusive culture,â€? she added.

Globally, the percentage of having at least one woman in senior management has gained PERCENT TO PERCENT THIS YEAR Twenty-nine percent of senior leadership positions were held by FEMALE OFkCIALS GLOBALLY

Perpetually yours

HE wait is over. And, if I may add, #MayForever. That is, at least, in the case of corporations that have now been granted perpetual corporate term under the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines.

On 20 February 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11232, or the Revised Corporation Code of THE 0HILIPPINES kNALLY AMENDING the 38-year-old Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, otherwise known as the Corporation Code of the Philippines. The act is consistent with the President’s 10-point economic agenda, which includes simplifying and relaxing several procedures in doing business in the country that will enable corporations and other juridical entities to thrive.

Here are some of the fundamental changes under the revised corporation code.

Perpetual corporate term The new code grants perpetual corporate term to corporations, both existing and new, unless provided otherwise in the articles of incorporation (AoI). The new code also allows the revival of corporate existence of those with expired terms, subject to the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The old code limited the CORPORATE TERM TO YEARS SUBJECT to extension for a maximum of ANOTHER YEARS FOLLOWING THE PROVIsions of the old code.

According to the SEC, the grant of perpetual corporate term would eliminate the possibility of businesses prematurely closing down and will foster a sense of longevity that can translate to long-term and sustainable investments.

One-person corporation The new code removed the minimum required number of incorporators, while keeping the same MAXIMUM NUMBER OF 4HE new code permits an individual to form a one-person corporaTION ALLOWING MORE lEXIBILITY IN pursuing business.

The allowance of one-person corporations makes it easier for small- to medium-sized business owners to incorporate, thus providing a practicable alternative for sole proprietors.

Removal of minimum capital stock requirement

DELOITTE. ON THE DOT

MYRA TORRES for purposes of partisan political activity.

The statement went from being “no corporation, domestic or foreign� under the old code, to “no foreign corporation� under the new code.

Emergency board The new code has a provision for an emergency board when a vacancy in a corporation’s board of directors prevents the remaining directors from constituting a quorum and, consequently, from taking emergency actions.

The officers of the corporation, by a unanimous vote of the remaining directors or trustees, MAY TEMPORARILY kLL THE VACANCY The corporation must then notify the SEC within three days from the creation of the emergency board. It is to be stressed that the designation of the director or trustee shall be limited to the emergency action only.

Alternative dispute resolution An arbitration agreement may now be provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws of a corporation.

With such an agreement in place, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for intracorporate issues may be referred to arbitration, except those involving criminal offenses and interests of third parties.

Participation via remote communication, in absentia Use of remote communication, such as videoconferencing and teleconferencing, during stockholder meetings as well as participation and voting in absentia are now permitted under the new code.

To ensure optimal stockholder participation, the SEC shall issue the guidelines governing participation and voting through remote communication or in absentia.

Electronic filing and monitoring system

The new law mandates the SEC TO IMPLEMENT AN ELECTRONIC kLING and monitoring system to better Under the new code, stock cor- suit the modern times. This will porations shall not be required facilitate and expedite various to have minimum capital stock, processes, including corporate UNLESS SPECIkCALLY PROVIDED UN- name reservation and registrader special law. Prior to the tion, incorporation, submission AMENDMENT AT LEAST PERCENT of reports, notices, and sharing of of the authorized capital stock pertinent information with other must be subscribed and at least government agencies.

PERCENT OF THE SUBSCRIBED CAPIAs per the SEC, it has impletal should be paid at the time of mented a fully automated and incorporation. online company registration The change willd greatly ben- system for the pre-processing of efit small- to medium-sized corporations and partnerships, enterprises by making it easier licensing of foreign corporations, for them to incorporate. amendments of the articles of incorporation and other corpoExtended period to rate applications requiring the commence business commission’s approval. operation Collectively, these developments are meant to encourage The period of non-use of charter entrepreneurship and the forHAS BEEN EXTENDED TO kVE YEARS mation of new businesses, to under the new code; the old code improve the ease of doing busiallowed for only two years. ness in the country, to provide For corporations that com- more protection to corporations menced business but have become and stockholders, to promote inoperative for a period of at least good corporate governance, and five consecutive years, the SEC to improve the economy’s commay place them under delinquent petitiveness. status after due notice and hearing.

A welcome development, indeed.

Thereafter, they have two years within which to resume opera- The author is a Senior Manager TIONS /THERWISE THEIR CERTIkCATE with the Tax & Corporate Services of incorporation may eventually division of Navarro Amper & Co., be revoked.

THE LOCAL MEMBER kRM OF $ELOITTE Lifting the ban on corporate Southeast Asia Ltd. – a member donations for political parties or firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmcandidates atsu Limited – comprising Deloitte The new code expressly bans practices operating in Brunei, Camonly foreign corporations from bodia, Guam, Indonesia, Lao PDR, giving donations in aid of any Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, political party or candidate or Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Stock Watch

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

B3

MONDAY March 4, 2019

30-DAY STOCK PERFORMANCE

Q PLDT’s main building in Makati City. PHOTO GRABBED FROM PLDT WEBSITE

Duterte shutdown threat weighs on PLDT shares

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

S

HARES of telecommunications giant PLDT Inc. plunged 7.45 percent week-on-week as investor sentiment was dampened by President Rodrigo Duterte’s shutdown threat.

PLDT shares started the first TRADING DAY OF LAST WEEK DOWN percent to P1,098 from Friday in the wake of a Duterte speech in Cebu City on Sunday. The slump continued as the week progressed, with PLDT ending Friday at P1,030 per share.

Speaking at aPartido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan campaign sortie, Duterte said that he could shut down PLDT if it did not not address accessibility issues hampering a hotline for citizens’ complaints.

Duterte, without elaborating, also said that PLDT owed P8 billion to the government, a claim that PLDT Chairman and Chief

%XECUTIVE /FkCER -ANUEL 6 0ANgilinan rejected.

But in response to the hotline issue, Pangilinan said the telco would set aside a provision in its contract with the goverment, adding more trunk lines to the mandated 20.

3HARES OF 0,$4 ARE DOWN percent since the start of the year AND BY PERCENT FROM ITS YEAR TO DATE HIGH OF 0

WHICH WAS recorded on January 28.

Philstocks Financial Inc. research associate Japhet Louis Tantiangco said he expected PLDT to come under more pressure if it remained in Duterte’s sights.

PLDT, along with rival Globe

Telecom Inc., previously earned the president’s ire over their poor services, which led to the government’s awarding frequencies to a new challenger.

Timson Securities Inc. trader Jervin de Celis echoed the view and said improved services would crucial for PLDT as it could lose market share to Globe.

Tantiangco also said that market players could opt to stay in wait-and-see mode ahead of the company’s full-year and fourth quarter earnings results.

Based on the Philippine Stock Exchange’s market calendar, PLDT will announce its

2018 financial performance on Thursday, March 7.

As of end-September last year, PLDT’s net income dropped by 29 percent to P16.3 billion from the P23 billion registered in the same period in 2017.

For the third quarter alone, net PROkT FELL BY PERCENT TO 0 billion from a year earlier. “If [PLDT] wouldn’t be able to offset or at least minimize this decline for the full [year], then it may serve as an additional risk,�

Tantiangco said.

For 2019, PLDT plans to spend 0 BILLION FROM 0 BILLION LAST YEAR TO BUILD A ' NETWORK

HIGH

LOW

AVERAGE

CLOSE

30-day high: P1,386.00 30-day low: P1,015.00

Market capitalization: P222,537,448,250.00 Outstanding shares: 216,055,775

Date

Close

Feb 07, 2019 Feb 06, 2019 Feb 04, 2019 Feb 01, 2019 Jan 31, 2019 Jan 30, 2019 Jan 29, 2019 Jan 28, 2019 Jan 25, 2019 Jan 24, 2019 Jan 23, 2019 Jan 22, 2019 Jan 21, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Jan 17, 2019

1,283 1,290 1,300 1,313 1,290 1,305 1,380 1,385 1,328 1,286 1,253 1,240 1,225 1,247 1,237

Date Mar 01, 2019 Feb 28, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 Feb 26, 2019 Feb 22, 2019 Feb 21, 2019 Feb 20, 2019 Feb 19, 2019 Feb 18, 2019 Feb 15, 2019 Feb 14, 2019 Feb 13, 2019 Feb 12, 2019 Feb 11, 2019 Feb 08, 2019

Close 1,030 1,030 1,050 1,098 1,113 1,080 1,070 1,101 1,110 1,112 1,170 1,190 1,215 1,216 1,240

*amounts in peso

PROFITABILITY Date Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Mar. 1

P/E ratio 17.82 17.04 16.72 16.72

P/E growth (%) 0

Price to book ratio 2.1771 2.0819 2.0422 2.0422

2015 2016 2017 Net income 22,075 20,162 13,466 Earnings per share 101.85 92.33 61.61 Book value per share 523.47 498.32 492.15 *Net Income (loss) in 000 000

*amounts in peso

THIRD QUARTER REPORT NET LOSS P4,521,000,000

TOTAL ASSETS P470,841,000,000

TOTAL LIABILITIES P357,065,000,000

TOTAL EQUITY

FINANCIAL CONDITION Year

Total Assets

2015 2016 2017

455,095 475,119 459,444

Total Liabilities 341,197 366,582 348,261

P113,776,000,000

FINANCIAL RATIOS

Shareholders’ Equity 113,898 108,537 111,183

Year 2015 2016 2017

Return on Assets (%) 4.85 4.24 2.93

FINANCIAL RATIOS

Return on Debt to Common Equity (%) Equity ratio ratio 19.38 2.9956 0.5763 18.58 3.3775 0.4723 12.11 3.1323 0.5335

Return on Assets 0.96% Return on Equity 3.97% Debt to Ety Ratio 3.1383 Common Ratio 0.6595

*amounts in million pesos

TOP ACTIVE STOCKS HOLDING FIRMS

Index

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,642

-63.72

Ĺş

All Shares

4,730

-39.82

Ĺş

Financials

1,683

-24.77

Ĺş

Industrial

11,338

-3.39

Ĺş

Holding Firms

7,693

-32.15

Ĺş

Services

1,518

-16.57

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

8,360

-132.03

Ĺş

Property

3,926

-55.73

Ĺş

SERVICES

Stock indices as of March 1, 2019

ALL SHARES

PSEi

MINING AND OIL

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Security Name BDO Unibank, Inc. Jollibee Foods Corp.

MacroAsia Corp.

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. Ayala Land, Inc. SM Investments Corp.

Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Ayala Corp.

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands

12 13

JG Summit Holdings, Inc.

14 15 16 17

0HWUR 3DFLÂżF ,QYHVWPHQWV &RUS GT Capital Holdings, Inc. Universal Robina Corp.

Bloomberry Resorts Corp.

Security Bank Corp.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Megaworld Corp.

18 19 20

PLDT Inc.

Last Price 123.70 309.00 19.12 75.20 43.20 940.00 7.40 113.00 930.00 37.95 84.00

Chg -3.90 1.20 -0.12 -0.80 -0.80 0.00 0.00 -3.00 5.00 -0.40 0.00

%Chg -3.06% 0.39% -0.62% -1.05% -1.82% 0% 0% -2.59% 0.54% -1.04% 0%

Volume 5,501,340 1,837,490 23,164,700 5,269,350 9,124,800 409,960 47,614,500 3,009,930 359,000 8,648,000 3,504,570

Value 689,794,823.00 566,883,472.00 437,910,460.00 401,986,529.00 395,648,945.00 385,307,655.00 351,354,300.00 339,064,008.00 333,063,990.00 327,264,815.00 292,976,672.50

65.80 1,030.00

-0.40 0.00

-0.60% 0%

Ĺş

3,369,280 211,705

218,680,321.00 217,862,950.00

4.57 930.00 137.00 11.32

-0.13 -25.00 0.90 -0.08

-2.77% -2.62% 0.66% -0.70%

ź ź Ÿ ź

40,047,000 189,050 1,280,890 12,503,400

185,259,190.00 176,701,155.00 176,389,503.00 140,920,284.00

162.50 60.00 5.15

-3.30 -1.00 -0.02

-1.99% -1.64% -0.39%

Ĺş Ĺş Ĺş

834,800 2,149,460 23,095,900

134,527,568.00 128,309,445.50 116,676,480

ź Ÿ ź ź ź

ź Ÿ ź

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

INDEX HISTORY Date Mar 01, 2019 Feb 28, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 Feb 26, 2019 Feb 22, 2019 Feb 21, 2019 Feb 20, 2019 Feb 19, 2019 Feb 18, 2019 Feb 15, 2019 Feb 14, 2019 Feb 13, 2019 Feb 12, 2019 Feb 11, 2019 Feb 08, 2019 Feb 07, 2019 Feb 06, 2019 Feb 04, 2019 Feb 01, 2019 Jan 31, 2019 Jan 30, 2019 Jan 29, 2019 Jan 28, 2019 Jan 25, 2019 Jan 24, 2019 Jan 23, 2019 Jan 22, 2019 Jan 21, 2019 Jan 18, 2019 Oct 31, 2018

Open 7,712 7,920 7,962 7,996 7,940 7,947 7,849 7,923 7,925 7,965 7,960 8,040 8,077 8,088 8,092 8,093 8,091 8,132 8,039 7,999 8,039 8,087 8,071.12 8,075.66 8,000.65 7,941.05 8,023.84 8,055.48 7,932.11 7,032.63

High 7,754.45 7,919.99 7,972.69 7,996.15 7,962.13 7,946.66 7,944.59 7,938.79 7,964.05 7,999.84 7,996.21 8,040.43 8,083.53 8,105.58 8,096.47 8,127.08 8,213.71 8,148.88 8,165.66 8,099.23 8,046.95 8,087.39 8,143.61 8,116.23 8,068.48 7,989.65 8,029.80 8,067.08 8,057.57 7,140.29

Low 7,587.99 7,705.49 7,877.63 7,945.03 7,894.56 7,892.58 7,848.47 7,830.63 7,910.58 7,908.89 7,920.62 7,889.46 7,984.42 8,061.54 8,035.84 8,087.73 8,058.45 8,068.74 8,038.65 7,999.41 7,912.16 8,014.94 8,042.20 8,038.94 8,000.65 7,901.64 7,979.14 7,964.06 7,919.50 7,032.63

Close 7,641.77 7,705.49 7,889.12 7,988.16 7,962.13 7,931.30 7,939.24 7,833.75 7,910.58 7,908.89 7,991.25 7,920.24 8,009.92 8,061.54 8,070.89 8,100.30 8,058.45 8,069.48 8,144.16 8,007.48 7,979.95 8,050.82 8,053.92 8,053.20 8,064.90 7,989.65 8,008.67 8,007.46 8,047.12 7,140.29

CLOSE

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Security Name Geograce Resources Philippines, Inc. ATN Holdings, Inc. “A�

Filipino Fund, Inc. ATN Holdings, Inc. “B�

Sta. Lucia Land, Inc. Abacore Capital Holdings, Inc. Rockwell Land Corp.

PH Resorts Group Holdings, Inc. Dizon Copper Silver Mines, Inc. Millennium Global Holdings, Inc. Lodestar Investment Holdings Corp.

LT Group, Inc. San Miguel Corp. Series “2� Preferred Shares Subseries “2-D�

Zeus Holdings, Inc. )RUXP 3DFLÂżF ,QF Cebu Holdings, Inc. Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. Primex Corp.

Sun Life Financial, Inc. Golden Bria Holdings, Inc.

Volume 36,950,000.00 49,549,000.00 1,200.00 8,256,000.00 14,484,000.00 31,141,000.00 1,108,000.00 270,000.00 300.00 1,280,000.00 67,000.00 1,396,200.00

Value 10,673,820 74,318,700 10,200 12,273,480 21,656,540 23,254,040 2,273,920 1,371,750 2,391 260,180 39,320 20,806,278

Last Price 0.285 1.52 8.24 1.51 1.54 0.75 2.07 5.18 8.09 0.206 0.61 15.24

Chg 0.04 0.09 0.46 0.08 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.2 0.3 0.007 0.02 0.44

%Chg 16.33% 6.29% 5.91% 5.59% 5.48% 4.17% 4.02% 4.02% 3.85% 3.52% 3.39% 2.97%

10.00

734

73.4

2

2.80%

32,820,000.00 1,020,000.00 19,900.00 406,200.00 264,000.00 15.00 5,050.00

12,169,000 257,470 134,791 10,946,375 756,840 27,600 1,823,334

0.37 0.24 6.85 26.95 2.89 1,840.00 366.8

0.01 0.006 0.15 0.55 0.05 30 5.8

2.78% 2.56% 2.24% 2.08% 1.76% 1.66% 1.61%

Value Last Price Chg 75,700.00 0.012 -0.001 92,870.00 1.85 -0.13 29,896,060.00 1.39 -0.09 5,725.00 114.5 -6.5 9,460.00 2.36 -0.13 197,739.00 6.04 -0.31 35,803,604.00 11.16 -0.52 45,639,430.00 3.35 -0.15 3,329,240.00 0.5 -0.02 50,705,146.50 100 -4 1,270,040.00 4.72 -0.18 20,479,198.00 81 -3.05 342,940.00 1.34 -0.05 92,000.00 0.0082 -0.0003 39,476,870.00 21.75 -0.75 15,143,528.00 12.12 -0.4 2,358,890.00 1.84 -0.06 689,794,823.00 123.7 -3.9 5,549,390.00 1.27 -0.04 4,816,210.00 2.87 -0.09

%Chg -7.69% -6.57% -6.08% -5.37% -5.22% -4.88% -4.45% -4.29% -3.85% -3.85% -3.67% -3.63% -3.60% -3.53% -3.33% -3.19% -3.16% -3.06% -3.05% -3.04%

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP LOSERS

HIGH

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Security Name Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corp. “A�

Araneta Properties, Inc. Xurpas Inc. Philippine Trust Co. Seafront Resources Corp.

Da Vinci Capital Holdings, Inc. D&L Industries, Inc. Greenergy Holdings, Inc. Empire East Land Holdings, Inc. San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc. Manila Jockey Club, Inc. Cebu Air, Inc. Bright Kindle Resources & Investments Inc. United Paragon Mining Corp.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp.

East West Banking Corp.

Roxas and Company, Inc. BDO Unibank, Inc. Vulcan Industrial & Mining Prime Orion Philippines, Inc.

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

Volume 6,300,000 49,000 21,385,000 50 4,000 32,700 3,128,200 13,454,000 6,605,000 506,410 269,000 250,060 253,000 11,000,000 1,818,600 1,232,500 1,292,000 5,501,340 4,401,000 1,668,000

Corporate News PAL to spend around Medical City ‘not for sale’ $650M this year – CEO amid Pangilinan’s interest T B4

˜ The Manila Times

MONDAY March 4, 2019

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

HE -EDICAL #ITY 4-# IS NOT FOR SALE OPERATOR 0ROFESSIONAL 3ERVICES )NC 03) SAID IN RESPONSE to reports that businessman Manuel “Manny�

0ANGILINAN WAS INTERESTED IN ADDING THE HEALTHCARE COMPLEX AND ITS UNITS TO HIS STABLE OF HOSPITALS

g!LTHOUGH 4-# IS DEkNITELY NOT FOR sale, we appreciate that several investors, local and foreign, are interested,�

PSI said in statement on Friday.

It denied that it was in talks with -ETRO 0ACIkC )NVESTMENTS #ORP

which is chaired by Pangilinan who last Tuesday said he “remained interested� in purchasing a stake in TMC pending resolution of an intracorporate ownership row.

TMC’s former president and

w w w.manilatimes.net

CEO, Alfredo Bengzon, is contestING THE ACQUISITION OF A PERCENT stake in PSI by a group of stakeholders led by his nephew, Jose Xavier Gonzales, and Singaporebased Clermont Group.

Bengzon, a former Health secRETARY kLED A COMPLAINT WITH THE Securities and Exchange Commisssion (SEC).

In November last year, a special panel formed by the SEC ruled that Gonzales and his foreign partners violated three sections of the Securities Regulation Code, which

included the failure to tender shares to stakeholders.

Gonzales, who is contesting the decision, said in the statement that he hoped the case would soon be settled.

He said that Bengzon only owned 0.11 percent of TMC shares but wanted “the majority of shareholders ‌ [to] follow his wishesâ€?. “In the long term, we believe the best interests of TMC stakeholders will be realized if we can get more members of the public to enjoy the BENEkTS OF OWNING 4-# SHARES u Gonzalez added.

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) could spend “more or less $650 million� this year, its top official said, an amount lower than last year’s $2 billion.

Jaime Bautista, PAL president and chief operating officer, told reporters last week that 2018 spending had been higher as the flag carrier took delivered of 15 airplanes. For 2019, the Lucio Tan-led airline is boosting its operations with six brand-new aircraft. Bautista said PAL would also be increasing its frequencies to Osaka and Nagoya in Japan and to Toronto this year.

In January, the company said it would continue to expand its global network via new flights from Manila to Hanoi in Vietnam, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, and India’s New Delhi within the first six months of 2019 The carrier expects to record 19 million passengers this year, up from last year’s 17 million. Last week, Japan’s ANA Holdings Inc. completed its $95-million buyout deal with PAL, translating to 1.1 billion acquired shares from Trustmark Holdings Corp., via a block sale.

LISBET K. ESMAEL

Q DoF FROM B1

Delinquency tax take and free the time of BIR employees to proceed against really errant taxpayers and involving more recent cases,� Joven added.

Amid Duterte’s veto of the general amnesty provisions of RA 11213, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd has encouraged delinquent tax payers

to avail of a pardon. “We hope that in availing of this amnesty — a very, very generous reprieve from the state — taxpayers would feel more encouraged to pay the right taxes, and be more empowered to be good taxpayers in the future,� he said.

MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Q MARKET FROM B1

Feb inflation news over the next three days, on Thursday alone finishing down 2.33 percent. In a separate comment, online brokerage firm 2tradeasia.com said fund managers could remain in wait-and-see mode ahead of fresh news about the likelihood of a US-China trade agreement.

US President Donald Trump, who decided to drop a March 1 deadline for the imposition of new tariff

hikes, on Saturday urged China to drop tariffs on US farm goods and reiterated that negotiations were “moving along nicely�.

Wall Street closed higher on Friday although the Dow finished with a slight loss for week, ending a nine-week win streak, while European markets also ended the week on a positive note.

ANGELICA BALLESTEROS WITH A REPORT FROM AFP

Q PEREZ FROM B1

Conflict of interest In addition, the issuance of non-voting preferred shares c o u l d a l s o b e a way t o g o around the 10-percent minimum public ownership rule.

The question public investors may want to ask but may be afraid to do so centers on “why.� Why are non-voting preferred shares issued to the public while those with voting rights are mostly the exclusive domain of company owners and their trusted executives?

The answers may vary depending on whose side one is.

If he/she is among the public, he/she should seek the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As insiders, who are mostly the executives and employees, they, understandably, will side with the business owners. After all, they should be loyal to the employers who mostly depend on them for favorable arguments.

Of course, a few among the public may want to take the side of the majority. As business owners themselves, they are actively participating in the stock market as investors in certain stocks which may not belong to them. If anyone among the public will be interested, he/ she is welcome to observe how one becomes a member of the board if he/she has not bought his/her common shares in the open market.

Outsiders as insiders As directors of listed companies, a few if not all business owners become insiders too. However,

they don’t cease being public.

Here is the possible scenario: Being rich and at the same time business owners too, they could be the majority stockholders – owners - of certain listed companies. As directors, they are insiders and are members of the boards of other listed companies that they own but are working for the publics’ interest too. Of course, their priority will be as business owners.

In other words, being business owners, they become insiders as directors of other listed companies. Their presence in the board can be interpreted as spying on their follow insiders.

They could be insiders who can possibly be scouting for potential recruits to help chart the growth of their own business or businesses.

The possibilities are limitless.

One is “conflict of interest� that may go with being outsiders who find themselves inside the boardrooms of other listed companies. “Conflict of interest� is only one of these possibilities. As regular directors, their presence in the board becomes suspect.

The situation, though, does not change the scenario: as business owners too, they cannot evade the suspicion that they may indulge themselves in “conflict of interest�.

By the way, should independent directors be entitled to the same pays and perks received by their regular counterparts?

Just asking.

Email: esdperez@gmail.com

Classified Ads

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

DEED OF EXTRA-JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF PARTITION

Section I. Invitation to Bid Republic of the Philippines Philippine Rural Development Project Invitation to Bid for the

March 04, 2019 1.

The Government of the Philippines (GoP) has received a Loan from the World Bank towards the cost of Philippine Rural Development Project and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this Loan to payments under the contract for the subproject VCO Processing Plant ZLWK VXESURMHFW ,GHQWLÂżFDWLRQ 1R PRDP-IR-R04A-QUE-001000-000-2015-R1.

2.

The Provincial Government of Quezon, implementing partner of the Department of Agriculture, now invites bids for the above subprojects. Completion of the Works required by 253 Calendar days. Bidders should have FRPSOHWHG ZLWKLQ WKH ODVW ÂżYH \HDUV D FRQWUDFW VLPLODU WR WKH 3URMHFW 7KH GHVFULSWLRQ RI DQ HOLJLEOH ELGGHU LV contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3.

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%LGGLQJ ZLOO EH FRQGXFWHG LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK UHOHYDQW SURFHGXUHV IRU RSHQ FRPSHWLWLYH ELGGLQJ DV VSHFLÂżHG LQ the IRR of RA 9184 (R.A. 9184), with some amendments, as stated in these bidding documents and is open to DOO ELGGHUV IURP HOLJLEOH VRXUFH FRXQWULHV DV GHÂżQHG LQ WKH DSSOLFDEOH SURFXUHPHQW JXLGHOLQHV RI WKH :RUOG %DQN The contract shall be awarded to the Lowest Calculated Responsive Bidder (LCRB) who was determined as such GXULQJ SRVW TXDOLÂżFDWLRQ The Estimated Project Cost for this subproject is Twenty-Five Million Three Thousand Pesos (Php25,003,000.00).

Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Bids and Awards Committee of the Provincial Government of Quezon and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below also at PRDP 5HJLRQDO 3URMHFW &RRUGLQDWLRQ 2IÂżFH &$/$%$5=21 53&2 ,9 $ with address at Department of Agriculture, 5HJLRQDO )LHOG 2IÂżFH ,9 $ 50,& %OGJ %3, &RPSRXQG 9LVD\DV $YHQXH 'LOLPDQ 4XH]RQ &LW\ DQG RU DW PRDP 6RXWK /X]RQ 3URMHFW 6XSSRUW 2IÂżFH 362 /X]RQ % at 2nd Floor ITCAF Building, Department of Agriculture Compound, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City from 8:30am to 5:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.

A complete set of Bidding Documents may be purchased by interested Bidders starting March 4, 2019 from the address below, PRDP RPCO IV-A or PRDP PSO Luzon B and upon payment or depositing to the Provincial Government of Quezon, LANDBANK Trust Fund Account Number 0212-1034-46 a non-refundable fee for the bidding documents in the amount of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) 7KH /*8œV 7UHDVXUHU RI¿FLDO receipt or the bank teller’s validated deposit slip serves as your proof of payment.

It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the PRDP website prdp.da.gov.ph provided that bidders shall pay to the LGU’s Treasurer or deposit to the LGU’s bank account the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids.

As part of the transparency measures being instituted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) the bidders can virtually visit the site of the above-described subproject at prdp.da.gov.ph where geotagged base photographs RQ PHWHU LQWHUYDO DQG WUDFN DUH YLHZDEOH 7KH '$ KRZHYHU UHTXLUHV WKDW DOO SRWHQWLDO FRQWUDFWRUV ZKR ZLOO be awarded contract under the project shall have undergone geotagging training provided by the PRDP Project 6XSSRUW 2IÂżFH

6.

The Provincial Government of Quezon will hold a Pre-Bid Conference on March 20, 2019, 10:00 AM at the 2nd )ORRU %$& 2IÂżFH )LQDQFH %OGJ &DSLWRO &RPSRXQG /XFHQD &LW\ which shall be open to all interested parties.

7.

Bids must be duly received by the BAC Secretariat at the address below on or before April 08, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Securing Declaration.

Bids will be opened on April 08, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at the 2nd )ORRU %$& 2I¿FH )LQDQFH %OGJ &DSLWRO Compound, Lucena City. Bids will be opened in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend at the address below. Late bids shall not be accepted.

8.

Provincial Government of Quezon reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

9.

For further information,

DIEGO M. SALAS Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee QG )ORRU %$& 2IÂżFH )LQDQFH %XLOGLQJ Capitol Compound, Lucena City Telephone No.: (042) 719-1130

Please refer to:

DIEGO M. SALAS Chairman, Bids and Awards Committee MT - March 4, 2019

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T-278164 (M) T-278204 (M) 7 7 0

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040-2010007101

Area (SQM) 134 238 237 244 207 207 210 448 371

400

1000

Location Amungan, Iba, Province of Zambales Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Sapang Palay, San Jose Del Monte Bulacan Lolomboy Estate, Santa Maria Bulacan Lolomboy Estate, Santa Maria Bulacan Lolomboy Estate, Santa Maria Bulacan Lolomboy Estate Bagbaguin Santa Maria Bulacan Lolomboy Estate Santa Maria Bulacan Bo. of Dulong Bayan San Jose Del Monte Bulacan

Name of Bank Metrobank RCBC PSBANK HIYAS BANK PSBANK BPI BPI BPI BPI BPI RCBC UNIONBANK Total:

Account Number 7LPH 'HSRVLW 7LPH 'HSRVLW 7LPH 'HSRVLW 12002-0003929/Time Deposit 6DYLQJV 4733-1076-72/Savings 6DYLQJV 4733-1160-43/Savings 6DYLQJV 6DYLQJV 7LPH 'HSRVLW 102-690008920/Savings

Amount 399,836.82

263,008.13

92,629.12 91,931.09

6,912.29

103,030.03 4,639,581.07

The above list of properties and bank accounts are subject of the DEED OF EXTRA JUDICIAL PARTITION, made and entered among the following heirs: Gallardo S. Talastas with conformity of Maria Luisa Cabigao Talastas; Benedicto S. Talastas with conformity of Estella Domingo Talastas, Gerardo S. Talastas and Rosalie Talastas Oca with conformity of Dennis Anthony Oca under the notary public, Atty. Rafael Madrid, per Doc. No. 164, Page No. 34, Book No. XXIX dated 21 December 2017.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late GUILLERMO C. CORPUS has been extrajudicially settled among his heirs as per Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement Among Heirs H[HFXWHG RQ 6HSWHPEHU DQG HQWHUHG DV Doc. No. 299, Page No. 61, Book No. IV, Series of 2018 of the notarial registry of Atty. Jose Luiz Z. Aliling, notary public for and in Pasig City.

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION

Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of OMNIBEST FEEDS TRADING CORPORATION shortening the term of its existence up to January 1, 2016 thereby dissolving the said corporation on said date have been approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY to be naturalized as Filipino citizen pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139 X––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––X SCN CASE NO. 000718

Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and respectfully declares: 1. My full name is CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY but I have also been known since childhood as N.A or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N.A. 2. My present place of residence is 8 ) 5R[DV 6W City/Municipality of Caloocan City, Province of N.A., and all my former places of residence are:

1R /DXUD 6W 6DQ -XDQ &LW\ 1992-1997 No. 38 Ilang Ilang Sy. Bahayang Pagasa Subdivision, Maysan Road, Valenzuela City

3. I was born on December 9, 1988 in Manila, Philippines. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

4. My father’s name is Choy Cheung Chung and he was born on 6HSWHPEHU in Fujian China. He is a citizen or subject of China. My mother’s name is Juanita Yu and she was born on 6HSWHPEHU in Manila. She is a citizen or subject of Taiwan.

0\ WUDGH EXVLQHVV SURIHVVLRQ RU ODZIXO RFFXSDWLRQ LV Salesman and from which I derive an average annual income of P 192,000.00 inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife’s/husband’s trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an average annual income of P N/A. (Where the above does not apply): I am exempt from the requirement of lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting income tax returns for the past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) degree obtained: N/A (2) name of school: N/A and (3) year graduated: N/A who cannot practice my profession (the practice of which requires a government licensure examination) by reason of my citizenship.

6. My civil status is Single. I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife’s name is N/A and she/he was born on N/A. She is citizen or subject of N/A and presently resides at N/A. 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A (please indicate the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my spouse died on N/A in N/A 8.

I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and residences are as follows: Name

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Residence

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

9. I received my primary and secondary education from the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of School Grace Christian High School Grace Christian High School University of Santo Tomas

Place of School Sto. Domingo, Quezon City Sto. Domingo, Quezon City EspaĂąa Manila

Dates of Study

Highest Grade Completed Grade 6 4th Year High School 4th Year College

10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following dialects of the Philippines: Tagalog 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: Name of Child

Name and Place of School

Date of Enrollment

N/A

N/A

N/A

12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in the principles underlying the Philippine Constitution. I have conducted myself in a proper and irreproachable manner during the entire period of my residence in the Philippines in my relations with the constituted government as well as with the community in which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under Republic Act No. 9139.

I am not opposed to organized government or affiliated with any association or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized governments. I am not defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance of one’s ideas. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I have not been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering from mental alienation or from any incurable contagious disease. The country of which I am a citizen or subject is not at war with the Philippines and grants to Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof.

13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines and to renounce absolutely and forever all DOOHJLDQFH DQG ÂżGHOLW\ WR DQ\ IRUHLJQ SULQFH SRWHQWDWH VWDWH RU VRYHUHLJQW\ DQG SDUWLFXODUO\ WR Taiwan of which all this time I DP D FLWL]HQ RU VXEMHFW , ZLOO UHVLGH FRQWLQXRXVO\ LQ WKH 3KLOLSSLQHV IURP WKH GDWH RI WKH ÂżOLQJ RI WKLV SHWLWLRQ XS WR WKH WLPH RI P\ admission to Philippine citizenship.

14. My character witnesses are Kevin Hui and Erwin Wang both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at 222 U 602 F. Roxas St. Caloocan and 222 U 603 F. Roxas St. Caloocan, respectively, who have executed sworn statements attached hereto in support of my instant petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about themselves; (b) detailed statements on WKH GDWHV WKH\ ÂżUVW FDPH WR NQRZ PH WKH FLUFXPVWDQFHV RI RXU LQLWLDO DFTXDLQWDQFH DQG WKH UHDVRQV DQG H[WHQW RI RXU FRQWLQXLQJ familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other petitions for naturalization.

$WWDFKHG KHUHWR DV DQQH[HV DQG PDGH SDUW RI WKLV SHWLWLRQ DUH WKH GXSOLFDWH RULJLQDOV RU FHUWLÂżHG SKRWRFRSLHV of the following documents (please check the appropriate box):

This announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid corporation.

MA. LUISA K. POSADAS President

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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NTC Building BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Email: ntc@ntc.gov.ph; website: http://www.ntc.gov.ph

08 February 2019 MR. ANTHONY LOUEN R. FERNANDEZ Legal & Regulatory Dept.

Smart Communications, Inc. 6799 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Dear Mr. Fernandez: This refers to your letter dated 08 February 2019 regarding the Surfsaya FB+IG Promo. ,Q OLQH ZLWK WKH WKUXVW RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR ORZHU WHOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV VHUYLFH UDWHV IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH )LOLSLQR consumers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), the Commission hereby approves Surfsaya FB+IG Promo nationwide to be implemented not later than 25 February 2019 until 31 May 2019. The approval is subject to the condition that SMART shall publish the mechanics in a newspaper of general circulation three (3) days prior to the implementation. Should SMART decide not to extend the promo, it shall seek approval of the Commission within ten (10) days prior to the date of discontinuance and notice to the public shall be published in a newspaper of general FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH 7KH QRWLFH VKRXOG EH SRVWHG LQ DOO EXVLQHVV FHQWHUV of SMART. The Surfsaya FB+IG promo offers TNT Subscribers unlimited calls to Smart/TNT/Sun, unlimited SMS to all networks, open access data and data access to Facebook, and Instagram. There are four denominations of this Promo.

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DOLHQDWLRQ RU D XVHU RI SURKLELWHG GUXJV RU RWKHUZLVH D GUXJ GHSHQGHQW DQG WKDW KH VKH LV QRW DIĂ€LFWHG

ZLWK DFTXLUHG LPPXQH GH¿FLHQF\ V\QGURPH $,'6 RU DQ\ LQFXUDEOH FRQWDJLRXV GLVHDVH [ ] m. School diploma and transcript of records of the petitioner from the school/s he or she attended in the Philippines [ @ Q &HUWL¿FDWLRQV VWDWLQJ WKDW SHWLWLRQHUœV PLQRU FKLOGUHQ DUH HQUROOHG LQ SXEOLF VFKRROV RU SULYDWH educational institutions duly recognize by the DECS, where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality [ ] o. Petitioner’s income tax returns for the past three years [ ] p. Petitioner’s receipts of payment of income tax for the past three years

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested to present the same at RM. 306 P. Delos Reyes Bldg., 232 Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila for immediate settlement.

This announcement will serve as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid corporation.

MARY ANN HERNANDEZ MT - Mar. 1, 4 & 11, 2019

NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT WITH DEED OF ABSOLUTE SALE

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ZENAIDA G. LORIA, ABELARDO G. LORIA and MARIA TERESA G. LORIA was the subject of a Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate executed by and among WKHLU KHLUV RQ )HE DQG entered as Doc. No. 03 on Page No. 01 of Book No. XIII Series of 2019 before Atty. Rickee Gerald D. Brieva, a notary public for and in the City of Manila.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late BIENVENIDO BALLESTEROS was extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs on December DV SHU DIÂżGDYLW RI extrajudicial settlement with deed of absolute sale and DFNQRZOHGJHG DV 'RF 1R RQ 3DJH 1R RI %RRN 1R XII Series of 2018 before Atty.

Rodolfo Lopez, a notary public for and in Quezon City.

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NOTICE OF LOSS Notice is hereby given of the loss of 6WRFN &HUWLÂżFDWH 1R covering one (1) Class “Dâ€? No Par Value Redeemable Share of stock of SLMC Bonifacio Global City Mab. Corp. in the name of Dr. MARTIN MANAHAN. If no contest regarding the above VWRFN FHUWLÂżFDWH LV SUHVHQWHG WR 6/0& Bonifacio Global City MAB Corp. within one year from the last date of publication RI WKLV QRWLFH D QHZ VWRFN FHUWLÂżFDWH VKDOO be issued as replacement thereof.

February 27, 2019 at Makati City.

MT – March 1, 4 & 11, 2019

16. Other documents submitted by the petitioner in support of his petition: N.A.

SURFSAYA SURFSAYA FB+IG 50 FB+IG 139 3 P139.00 3 days 7 days 300 MB 0% 100 MB/day 100 MB/day 100 MB/day 100 MB/day Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited USSD (*121#)

SURFSAYA FB+IG 289 P289.00 30 days 2000 MB 200 MB/day 200 MB/day Unlimited Unlimited

The maximum speed is up to 42Mbps for broadband and non-broadband connections. Minimum speed for broadband connection is 256 kbps and 48 kbps for non-broadband connection. Network reliability is 80%. The actual speed H[SHULHQFH ZLOO GHSHQG RQ WKH GHYLFH XVHG QHWZRUN VLJQDO GHWHFWHG FXUUHQW VXEVFULEHU WUDIÂżF SUHYDLOLQJ HQYLURQPHQWDO conditions and the geography of the area where the subscriber is located.

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SURFSAYA FB+IG is open to all TNT Subscribers nationwide.

SURFSAYA FB+IG SURPRV ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH QR ODWHU WKDQ )HEUXDU\ DQG ZLOO UXQ XQWLO 0D\ To register, subscribers need to dial *121# and choose any SURFSAYA FB+IG package.

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Usage 1.

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The Open Access Data allocation may be used to access any site and app.

Additional data dedicated for Facebook, Messenger and Instagram included in the components will not stack up if two SURFSAYA FB+IG promos were registered within their validity date.

Example: If SURFSAYA FB+IG 35 and SURFSAYA FB+IG 50 were registered simultaneously, the additional data dedicated for Facebook & Messenger would still be 100 MB/day and Instagram would be another 100MB/ day. In the case of SURFSAYA FB+IG 289, it will follow the 200MB/day allocation.

Additionally, concurrent availment is allowed but will follow the longest validity.

Data dedicated for Facebook/Messenger/Instagram will refresh every 12 midnight as long as the offer availed is not expired or fully consumed.

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Offer is not available to roaming and international subscribers.

All complaints or questions that may arise from these offers shall be attended to by hotline number : (02) 8881111 or *888 (toll-free from TNT mobile number).

The promo is intended for peer-to-peer and non-commercial use only.

Subject further, to the condition that SMART shall comply with the NTC Memorandum Circulars and Order, as follows: • • • •

Memorandum Order No. 07-07-2011, Minimum Speed of Broadband Connections.

0HPRUDQGXP &LUFXODU 1R 5XOHV RQ WKH 0HDVXUHPHQW RI )L[HG %URDGEDQG ,QWHUQHW $FFHVV Service Memorandum Circular No. 10-12-2016, Rules on the Measurement of Mobile Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Order No. 03-06-2009, Service Performance Standards for the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service.

Very truly yours, (SGD.) EDGARDO V. CABARIOS Deputy Commissioner MT – March 4, 2019

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NTC Building, BIR Road, East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Email: ntc@ntc.gov.ph; website: http://www.ntc.gov.ph

08 February 2019 MR. ANTHONY LOUEN R. FERNANDEZ Legal & Regulatory Dept.

Smart Communications Inc. 6799 Ayala Avenue, Makati City Dear Mr. Fernandez: This refers to your letter dated 08 February 2019 regarding the Smart Prepaid Giga IG+FB Allnet Promo. ,Q OLQH ZLWK WKH WKUXVW RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW WR ORZHU WHOHFRPPXQLFDWLRQV VHUYLFH UDWHV IRU WKH EHQHÂżW RI WKH )LOLSLQR consumers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), the Commission hereby approves Smart Prepaid Giga IG+FB Allnet Promo nationwide to be implemented not later than 25 February 2019 until 30 April 2019. The approval is subject to the condition that SMART shall publish the mechanics in a newspaper of general circulation three (3) days prior to the implementation. Should SMART decide not to extend the promo, it shall seek approval of the Commission within ten (10) days prior to the date of discontinuance and notice to the public shall be published in a newspaper of JHQHUDO FLUFXODWLRQ DW OHDVW ÂżYH GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI GLVFRQWLQXDQFH 7KH QRWLFH VKRXOG EH SRVWHG LQ DOO EXVLQHVV centers of SMART. The Giga IG+FB Allnet offers Smart Prepaid subscribers unlimited calls and SMS to all networks, open access data, daily data allocation for Instagram + Facebook.

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Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late ADONIS D. CRUZ has been extrajudicially settled by and among his heirs as per Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate executed on December 13, 2018 and entered as per Doc. No. 281; 3DJH 1R %RRN 1R 9,, Series of 2018 of the notarial registry of Atty. Florimond C. Rous notary public for and in Quezon City.

All persons having claims against said corporation are requested WR SUHVHQW WKH VDPH DW 2URTXLHWD 6W 6WD &UX] 0DQLOD IRU immediate settlement.

Likewise, CONCEPCION S. TALASTAS left Deposit Accounts with the following banks:

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Notice is hereby given that the Amended Articles of Incorporation of Juan M. Keyser Corporation shortening the term of its existence up to December 31, 2017 thereby dissolving the said corporation on said date have been approved by the Board of Directors and stockholders.

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NOTICE OF EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the intestate of the late FELIPE L. TALASTAS, who died on November 7, 2009 in Sta. Maria Bulacan and CONCEPCION S. TALASTAS, who died on October 19, 2017 in Quezon City left the following properties:

VCO Processing Plant Subproject ID No. PRDP-IR-R04A-QUE-001-000-000-2015-R1 Loan No. 8421-PH

MONDAY March 4, 2019

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1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook 1GB/Day for Instagram and Facebook

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Concurrent availment of GIGA IG+FB ALLNET offers is allowed, following the longest validity. Example: If GIGA IG+FB ALLNET 100 and GIGA IG+FB ALLNET 199 were registered simultaneously, promo validity will be valid for 7 days The Instagram and Facebook allocation will not stack up if two GIGA IG+FB ALLNET packages were availed concurrently within their validity date.

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Calls may be used to call any local mobile network (Smart, TNT, Sun, Globe, TM).

SMS may be sent to any local mobile network (Smart, TNT, Sun, Globe, TM).

Others

PRAYER WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139.

Dated at Makati City, Metro Manila, this 21st day of December, 2018.

CHRISTOPHER REAGAN YU CHOY Name and Signature of Petitioner Address: 8 ) 5R[DV 6W &DORRFDQ &LW\

07 Âą )HE 0DU

The Manila Times DOES NOT ask for money to stop news articles from being published. This paper does not condone any form of blackmail.

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P1.00 maintaining balance is not required to avail and use the offers. $OO LQYDOLG VFHQDULRV L H LQVXIÂżFLHQW EDODQFH LQYDOLG QXPEHUV HWF ZLOO WULJJHU DQ 606 QRWLÂżFDWLRQ WR WKH subscriber and shall be charged prevailing rates.

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The promo is intended for peer-to-peer and non-commercial use only.

Subject further, to the condition that SMART shall comply with the NTC Memorandum Circulars and Order, as follows: â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

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0HPRUDQGXP &LUFXODU 1R 5XOHV RQ WKH 0HDVXUHPHQW RI )L[HG %URDGEDQG ,QWHUQHW $FFHVV Service Memorandum Circular No. 10-12-2016, Rules on the Measurement of Mobile Broadband/Internet Access Service Memorandum Order No. 03-06-2009, Service Performance Standards for the Cellular Mobile Telephone Service.

Very truly yours, (SGD.) EDGARDO V. CABARIOS Deputy Commissioner MT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 4, 2019

World India, Pakistan exchange heavy fire N B6

Monday

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

March 4, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

EW DELHI: Tensions between India and 0AKISTAN RAGED 3ATURDAY AS HEAVY kRING by their armies killed at least seven PEOPLE ON EITHER SIDE OF THEIR kERCELY DISPUTED Kashmir border.

4HE NUCLEAR ARMED RIVALS kRED mortars and artillery at each other despite the release of an Indian pilot who had been shot down by Pakistan but then sent back as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodwill gesture.â&#x20AC;?

In a fearsome 24-hour spell, two soldiers and two civilians died on the Pakistan side, its military said. On the Indian side, a woman and her two children died after their house was pulverised by a mortar shell.

Indian army chief Bipin Rawat dashed to Udhampur in his countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sector of Kashmir on Saturday to review border security.

Across the region, villagers huddled in makeshift bunkers, while POLICE ORDERED NON ESSENTIAL TRAFkC off roads, an AFP reporter said.

At least 12 civilians have been killed on either side of the frontier since the start of the week.

The release of Wing Commander

Abhinandan Varthaman to Indian authorities late Friday, following 60 hours in Pakistani custody boosted hopes of a de-escalation.

But a furious backlash erupted in India over a video in which Abhinandan can be seen praising his captors and criticizing Indian media.

Abhinandan was shot down in HIS -I' kGHTER 7EDNESDAY AS HE chased Pakistani jets over disputed Kashmir. His capture had become the centrepiece of hostilities between the arch-rivals after a February 14 suicide bombing in Kashmir killed 40 Indian paramilitaries.

Abhinandan, who ejected to safety, but was set upon by a crowd on the Pakistani side of the Kash-

MIR CEASEkRE LINE HAD A NOTICEABLE black eye when he returned and was immediately taken for a mediCAL CHECKUP BEFORE A DEBRIEkNG BY military and intelligence agencies.

Media reports said Abhinandanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return was held up because he was forced to make the video before being freed.

In the heavily edited video distributed by the Pakistani military just before his release, he praised the professionalism of the Pakistani army and criticised Indian media for creating war hysteria.

Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir state, said the video tainted Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gesture to return the pilot

so quickly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sadly the image you paint for us is marred terribly by the video heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forced to record just before you sent him back,â&#x20AC;? Abdullah said on Twitter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That high moral ground you had bequeathed to yourselves slipped at the end.â&#x20AC;?

Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feverish social media also slammed the video, which was tweeted by the Pakistan governMENT BUT LATER TAKEN OFF ITS OFkCIAL account.

There was no let-up in war rhetoric with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying no-one could â&#x20AC;&#x153;dare threatenâ&#x20AC;? a â&#x20AC;&#x153;new, fearless and decisiveâ&#x20AC;? India.

Modi also told an India Today media group conference the counTRY NEEDED THE 2AFALE kGHTER JETS IT wanted to buy from France. The deal has been embroiled in corruption allegations levelled by the opposition Congress party. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If India had the procured the Rafale on time then the result of the recent skirmish with Pakistan could have been different,â&#x20AC;?

Modi said.

In a bid to defuse the tensions, Adel al-Jubeir, minister of state for foreign affairs for Saudi Arabia, a key Pakistan ally, was to arrive in Islamabad Sunday, underlining global concern over the showdown.

AFP

China lawmakers ban Trump slashes Dems in GOP conference foreign tech stealing BEIJING: In an unusual step, Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ceremonial legislature is due to endorse a law meant to help end a bruising tariff war with Washington by discouraging officials from pressuring foreign companies to hand over technology.

The battle with Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest trading partner is overshadowing the National Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Congress, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highestprofile event of the year. It brings 3,000 plus delegates to the ornate Great Hall of the People in Beijing for two weeks of speeches, meetings with senior leaders and political ritual to endorse the ruling Communist Partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic and social welfare plans.

A gathering of noncommunist groups held at the same time brightens Beijingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drab winter, drawing tech billionaires, movie stars and ethnic minorities in distinctive traditional dress.

That gives President Xi Jinpingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government a platform for advertising changes aimed at ending the fight with US President Donald Trump that has disrupted trade in goods from soybeans to medical equipment.

The technology measure is part of a proposed law on foreign investment that aims to address complaints by Washing-

ton, Europe and other trading partners that Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s system is rigged against foreign companies.

Trump cited complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology when he slapped punitive tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese imports in July. Europe, Japan and other trading partners disapprove of the tariff hikes but echo US complaints.

China has balked at changing its strategy for nurturing technologies that American officials worry might challenge US industrial dominance. But communist leaders face pressure to reach a settlement after economic growth sagged to a threedecade low of 6.6 percent last year.

On the domestic front, companies and investors are hoping officials announce details of how Beijing will carry out promises to curb the dominance of state industry and support entrepreneurs who generate much of Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new jobs and wealth. They are looking for details of a promised cut of up to 1.3 trillion yuan ($200 billion) in valueadded and other taxes.

The congress opens Tuesday with an annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;work reportâ&#x20AC;? on government plans

by Premier Li Keqiang, the number 2 ruling party leader behind Xi and Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top economic official.

AP

OXON HILL, Maryland: In a slashing speech packed with braggadocio and grievance, President Donald Trump denounced Democrats as the party of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the socialist nightmare,â&#x20AC;? relitigated his crowd sizes back to the inauguration and took on â&#x20AC;&#x153;sick,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;lunaticâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;dirtyâ&#x20AC;? foes at every turn, earning him the unvarnished adoration of cheering grand old party (GOP) conservatives Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

After a trying week of tumult and setbacks, Trump delivered a stemwinder that extended beyond two hours and hardly left him winded.

Trump let loose against House Democrats, who were broadening their investigations of him, predicted he would win reelection by a greater margin than his 2016 victory, taunted his potential White House challengers and sounded themes that were staples of his rallies. He complained often of getting â&#x20AC;&#x153;no creditâ&#x20AC;? for his achievements as he proudly drifted â&#x20AC;&#x153;off scriptâ&#x20AC;? at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

PATRIOTIC

US President Donald Trump hugs the US flag as he arrives to speak at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). AFP PHOTO His remarks capped a week that saw his nuclear summit with North Koreaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader collapse without an agreement, his former lawyer deliver damaging congressional testimony about his

French city protesters march for 16th week PARIS: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yellow vestâ&#x20AC;? protesters marched in cities across France for a 16th straight week on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in a bid to keep up pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron in demonstrations again marred by vandalism and violence.

In Paris, a man was reportedly hit in the face

BY A RUBBER BULLET kRED BY A CONTROVERSIAL RIOT control weapon, while in the southwestern city of Bordeaux a member of Parliament (MP) accused police of assaulting him.

About 39,300 people protested nationwide, including 4,000 in Paris, according to the interior ministry â&#x20AC;&#x201D; down on the 46,600 turnout announced the previous weekend.

4HE OFkCIAL kGURES ARE REGULARLY DISPUTED BY protest organisers, who argue the government was trying to portray the movement as losing support.

But at least one demonstrator in the capital appeared to acknowledge their numbers were falling. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are less numerous than usual, but we are there anyway and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential,â&#x20AC;? said pensioner Murielle, adding: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up because the situation is not going to improve, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for sure.â&#x20AC;?

Regarding the possible police shooting of a man with a so-called defence ball launcher, known by the French abbreviation LBDs, Paris police chief Michel Delpuech said â&#x20AC;&#x153;an internal administrative investigation has been opened.â&#x20AC;?

4HE WEAPONS kRE MILLIMETRE RUBBER PROjectiles, considered non-lethal, but have been blamed for serious injuries to a number of demonstrators.

Macron last week rejected a call from rights watchdog the Council of Europe to suspend

their use.

Elsewhere in the country, in Bordeaux, an MP from the far-left France Unbowed party, Loic Prudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;homme, said police had assaulted him with batons on the edges of a march and that HE HAD kLED A FORMAL COMPLAINT The local regional governor insisted police had intervened to stop protesters taking an unauthorised route and had done their job correctly. )N THE WESTERN CITY OF .ANTES POLICE kRED rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators, some of whom hurled projectiles including petrol bombs and bottles containing acid. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There has been a lot of damage... bus shelters, a bank branch, a travel agency, a business,â&#x20AC;? said Claude dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Harcourt, a regional governor for the Nantes area.

AFP

US churches tackle abuse, LGBT issues

IT has been a wrenching season for three of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest religious denominations, as sex abuse scandals and a schism over lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion fuel anguish within the Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist and United Methodist churches.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising concern that the crises will boost the ranks of young people disillusioned by organized religion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every denomination is tremendously worried about retaining or attracting young people,â&#x20AC;? said Stephen Schneck, a political science professor at Catholic University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sex abuse scandals will have a spillover effect on attitudes toward religion in general.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think any denomination is going to not take a hit.â&#x20AC;?

For the US Catholic church, the clergy sex abuse scandal that has unfolded over two decades expanded dramatically in recent months. Many dioceses have become targets of investigations since a Pennsylvania grand jury report in August detailed hundreds of cases of alleged abuse.

In mid-February, former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was expelled from the priesthood for sexually abusing minors and seminarians.

The Southern Baptist Convention, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Protestant denomination, confronted its own sex-abuse crisis three weeks ago in the form of an

investigation by the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News.

The newspapers reported that hundreds of Southern Baptist clergy and staff had been accused of sexual misconduct over the past 20 years, including dozens who returned to church duties, while leaving more than 700 victims with little in the way of justice or apologies.

For both denominations, allegaTIONS OF COVER UPS AND INSUFkCIENT sympathy for victims have been as damaging in the public eye as the abuse itself.

The United Methodist Church (UMC), the largest mainline Protestant denomination, ended a pivotal

conference Tuesday in a seemingly irreconcilable split over same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBT clergy. About 53 percent of the delegates voted to maintain bans on those practices and strengthen enforcement, dismaying centrists and liberals who favored LGBT inclusion and now are faced with the choice of leaving the UMC or considering acts of DEkANCE FROM WITHIN The Rev. Adam Hamilton, whose Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest UMC congregation, said the outcome would push youthful pastors and other young adults away.

AP

character and business practices and Congress take action to nullify his emergency declaration to secure money for the border wall that lawmakers have denied him.

On the stage, he was a prideful

AND AT TIMES PROFANE kGURE AS HE complained that past political appointments had allowed a situation where political foes were trying to take him out with â&#x20AC;&#x153;bullshit.â&#x20AC;?

Trump reached back to old criticisms of his ex-attorney general, mocking Jeff Sessionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Southern accent and calling him â&#x20AC;&#x153;weak and ineffective.â&#x20AC;?

It took him more than an hour to get to the message that Republicans and members of his administration have been emphasizing in recent weeks as they try to brand Democratic policy ideas as socialism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;America will never be a socialist country,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Socialism is not about the environment, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about justice, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not about virtue.â&#x20AC;? He said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about â&#x20AC;&#x153;power for the ruling class.â&#x20AC;?

For every prepared line like that, there were multiple improvisations from a president on policy and personality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how I got elected â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by being off script,â&#x20AC;? Trump said early in his speech as the crowd roared its approval.

AP

Worldinbrief JIHADIST GROUP KILLS 21 REGIME, ALLIED TROOPS IN SYRIA BEIRUT: A Syrian jihadist group linked to Al-Qaeda killed 21 regime and allied forces Sunday near Idlib province, in one of the deadliest breaches of a six-month-old truce deal, a monitor said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At dawn, 21 fighters from the regime forces or allied militia were killed in an attack by Ansar al-Tawhid jihadists,â&#x20AC;? the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five jihadists were also killed,â&#x20AC;? Rami Abdel Rahman, the director of the Britain-based monitoring group, said. Ansar al-Tawhid has ties to the larger Hurras al-Deen group, which is also active in the area. Both are considered semi-officials franchises of Al-Qaeda in Syria. On the other hand, nearly 300 Syrians suspected of belonging to the Islamic State jihadist group have been freed because they have â&#x20AC;&#x153;no blood on their hands,â&#x20AC;? Kurdish authorities who were holding them said. Their release was announced late Saturday by the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration of northern Syria, which said in a statement that 283 Syrians had been set free. AFP

ENVOY SLAMS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SMEAR CAMPAIGNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; VS US AGRICULTURE LONDON: The US ambassador to Britain on Saturday denounced a â&#x20AC;&#x153;smear campaignâ&#x20AC;? against American agriculture as Washington and London try to pave the way to a post-Brexit trade deal. Woody Johnson said Britons were being fed â&#x20AC;&#x153;inflammatory and misleading terms,â&#x20AC;? such as chlorinated chicken and hormone beef to cast US agriculture in â&#x20AC;&#x153;the worst possible light.â&#x20AC;? Britain is due to leave the European Union on March 29 and will be free to strike its own trade deals afterwards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Americans are now ready to negotiate the most ambitious and comprehensive trade deal in the history of our special relationship,â&#x20AC;? Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph newspaper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, of course, we want agriculture to be part of those negotiations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it is a great opportunity for both of us. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the British public has been led to believe otherwise.â&#x20AC;?

AFP

SANDERS BEGINS 2020 CAMPAIGN IN NY NEW YORK: Bernie Sanders kicked off his presidential campaign Saturday (Sunday in Manila), miles from the rent-controlled apartment where he grew up in Brooklyn and forcefully made the case that he is nothing like fellow New Yorker Donald Trump, proclaiming himself the Democrat best prepared to beat the incumbent in 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My experience as a child, living in a family that struggled economically, powerfully influenced my life and my values. I know where I came from,â&#x20AC;? Sanders boomed in his unmistakable Brooklyn accent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And that is something I will never forget.â&#x20AC;? The Democrats in the 2020 race have taken varied approaches to Trump, with some avoiding saying his name entirely, while others make implicit critiques of his presidency. Sanders has never shied from jabbing Trump in stark terms, and during his speech at Brooklyn College, he called Trump â&#x20AC;&#x153;the most dangerous president in modern American historyâ&#x20AC;? and said the president wants to â&#x20AC;&#x153;divide us up.â&#x20AC;?

AP

BOOKER: DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BE DISTRACTED

BY TRUMP RHETORIC

SURVIVOR

Sex abuse survivor Peter Isely, of the US-founded Ending Clergy Abuse organization, speaks during a twilight vigil prayer near Castle Santâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Angelo in Rome. A wrenching season for three of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest religious denominations as sex abuse scandals and a schism over LGBT inclusion fuel anguish within the Roman Catholic, Southern Baptist and United Methodist churches. AP PHOTO

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Cory Booker on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) urged fellow Democrats not to be distracted by vitriol directed at the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s candidates by the man whom they seek to replace. Asked during a Charleston, South Carolina town hall meeting how best to oppose President Donald Trump without running an overly negative campaign, the New Jersey senator said Democrats needed to look inward and focus on issues important to many of them, such as health care and education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have got to understand this is not about him, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about us, and we should not be motivated by what we are against, but by what we are for as a country,â&#x20AC;? Booker said. As other Democratic hopefuls campaigned in early voting states, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont made Brooklyn the official launch site of his second run for the White House, telling supporters that his campaign was tailor-made to defeat Trump.

AP

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Bioessence opens in Binondo

BIOESSENCE, a premium skin and body wellness center designed to provide complete non-invasive services that rejuvenates the skin, the body and the mind, continues to improve all aspects of their customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey by opening the much improved branch inside the Lucky Chinatown Mall, right in the heart of Binondo, Manila.

The newly opened branch boasts of state of art facilities, treatments and machines of the latest technology and a highly professional, well-trained staff that will ensure that each and every client who visits will be properly taken care of â&#x20AC;&#x201C; making Bioessence a formidable brand in professionalizing the beauty and wellness industry.

For Skin Wellness, Bioessenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin TREATMENTS ARE SCIENTIkCALLY PROVEN and have gone through rigorous research and studies to customize procedures with the unique Filipino skin.

For Body Wellness, Bioessence takes pampering to a higher level as it takes relaxation seriously and PERSONALLY WITH SCIENTIkC METHODS

of testing before every massage and body wellness treatment. With Bioessence, body wellness takes on a different new meaning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one that TRULY NOURISHES AND DETOXIkES For a complete skin and body wellness experience, Bioessence offers a wide range of products from beauty to relaxation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; skin cleansers, serums, soaps, aromatherapy, to name a few -making Bioessenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total wellness treatments more than an experience, but a lifestyle.

Dr. Emma Beleno-Guerrero, the founding president of Bioessence, takes pride in her native Davao roots AS RElECTED IN THE INTERIORS OF EVERY Bioessence branch. The intricate interior design speaks of the rich Mindanaoan heritage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its art and its culture, giving clients and guests a taste of class that is uniquely our own Bioessence also upholds a philosophy of Caring Beyond Beauty as it continuously uplift the lives of many Filipinos through its special brand of personal care that is incomparable in the business.

Make shopping a lot lighter with DFPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travelite program DUTY Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC), the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only duty and tax-free travel retailer, gives travellers the convenience to shop through its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shop-NowPick-Laterâ&#x20AC;? program.

DFPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Travelite Program allows Regular Filipino Travelers (RFT) and Foreign International Travelers (FIT) to shop before they depart and claim the merchandise upon return, making shopping a lot lighter. The program also comes with a 7 percent discount on major items.

According to DFPC Chief Operating Officer (COO) Vicente Pelagio Angala, travelers who have a confirmed departure ticket for an international flight and

returning to the country within 30 days are allowed to avail the program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By â&#x20AC;&#x153;liteâ&#x20AC;? we mean no more extra baggage on the trip and no more excess baggage fees to pay plus we give you a 7 percent discount,â&#x20AC;? said Angala. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The purchases made are packed at most three days before expected date of return,â&#x20AC;? Angala added.

To avail the program, international travellers need to show their return ticket information at participating DFPC departure outlets at Ninoy Aquino International Aiporort (NAIA) Terminal 1, 2, 3, and Mactan Cebu International Airport Pre-departure and Departure Area.

MONDAY March 4, 2019

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Members save record high P40.27B in Pag-IBIG Fund in 2018, up 11%; MP2 Savings surpass P4B mark, up 242% P

AG-IBIG Fund members saved over P40 billion in the staterun fund in 2018 setting a new record for the highest amount saved by members in a single year.

Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Savings in 2018 reached P40.27 billion, 11 percent higher than the P36.27 billion collected in 2017.

The double-digit increase is attributed to Pag-IBIGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustained membership growth and members saving more than the P100 monthly mandatory savings. Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; upgraded savings amounted to more than P1 billion in 2018 while MP2 Savings reached a record high of P4.47 billion.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pag-IBIG Fund members showed a great deal of trust in the Fund in 2018. As a result of their trust, Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Savings collections breached the P40-billion mark. This shall allow the Fund to grow even stronger and have funds TO UTILIZE FOR ITS HOME kNANCING programs, in line with President Rodrigo Duterteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive to provide social services to more Filipinos.â&#x20AC;? said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees.

The MP2 Savings, the Fundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voluntary high-yield savings program showed a phenomenal 242% INCREASE FROM kGURES 4HE P4.47 billion saved by members in the program in 2018 is the highest IN HISTORY AND MARKS THE kRST TIME that it surpassed the P 4 billion level. The savings program, which also has a shorter 5-year maturity period compared to the regular Pag-IBIG Savings program, also now allows retirees and pensioners who were former Pag-IBIG Fund members to save. It also carries an enhanced feature that provides an-

nual payout of dividend earnings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trust has been a salient ingredient in the growth of the Fund. While we have a mandated savings program, it is a show of trust if the savings are paid consistently and on time. It also speaks volumes if the savings remitted to us come from our voluntary savings program MP2 and from upgraded savings. We thank our members for their continuous support and enduring trust. The amount of Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Saving we collected is proof of their wider appreciation of THE BENEkTS OF SAVING WITH 0AG )")' Fund,â&#x20AC;? CEO Moti said.

dent Mario Deriquito, sign a memorandum of agreement to improve the financial literacy of overseas Filipino workers

through the â&#x20AC;&#x153;PiTaKa, or the Pinansyal na Talino at Kaalaman Program,â&#x20AC;? at the BSP Hall, Malate, Manila on February 19.

Pitaka program for OFWs

OFFICIALS of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) led by Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac,

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, and Banco De Oro (BDO) Foundation Presi-

Muntinlupa beefs up local security measures

Sky ushers in summer at 26th Travel Tour Expo SKY partnered with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) in bringing the 26th Travel Tour Expo on February 8 to 10at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Attractive travel deals, promos, and special tour packages were featured by 400 exhibitors and sponsors this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a wider engagement from accredited and reputable travel agencies this year,â&#x20AC;? shared PTAA president Ritchie TuaĂąo.

Other than the convenience of kNDING AND BOOKING TOURS lIGHTS

accommodations, and other travel activities all in one venue, entertainment, fun games, and exciting RAFlE PRIZES HIGHLIGHTED THE EVENT 3+9 THE OFkCIAL CABLE 46 PARTNER of the travel expo, provided a comfortable spot for expo attendees featuring channel programs and other highlights of SKY. For more information, visit www.ptaa.org.ph and www. abscbnpr.com.

QC equips Brgy. Tanod with arnis, traning TO FULkL ITS AIM TO IMPROVE THE SECUrity capabilities of barangay tanods (village watchmen), the local government of Quezon City provided A FREE kVE DAY TRAINING COURSE ON THE national sport, Arnis, to 81 Barangay 0UBLIC 3AFETY /FkCERS "03/ FROM 25 barangays in the city.

Together with the Rotary Club of New Manila and Arnis Philippines, Inc., Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte launched the program as she personally supports the advocacy of teaching the Filipino martial arts, especially to tanods since they are prohibited OF POSSESSING kREARMS â&#x20AC;&#x153;I support this program because I believe that Arnis is an effective tool to protect yourself and other people, especially for our barangay tanods,â&#x20AC;? said Belmonte. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, this is a great project because since our tanods cannot

CARRY THEIR OWN kREARMS SOME PERpetrators think that our watchmen cannot harm them. But if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll teach them these martial arts, they will still be equipped with skills that make them capable of seizing offenders,â&#x20AC;? she added.

At the completion ceremony at Amoranto Sports Complex, the GRADUATES WERE AWARDED CERTIkCATES and their own pair of Arnis sticks which they can already use during foot patrols especially at night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This way, we are also teaching our watchmen to provide proper responses during attacks and ways to take down the perpetrators through the use of Arnis so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not promoting violence,â&#x20AC;? said the vice mayor.

Belmonte added that she is planning to conduct more free training courses on Arnis to more public SAFETY OFkCERS TO ENSURE PEACE AND order in barangays in the city.

The local government of Muntinlupa trains its local security forces on counter-terrorism and public safety amid imminent threats. Muntinlupa Mayor

Jaime Fresnedi (left) visits Security Orientation and Counter-Terrorism Measures Workshop organized by the local Peace and Order Council

on February 26. Members of the 0UBLIC /RDER AND 3AFETY /FkCE AND other secturiy personnel participated in the said trainings. Also joining the

workshop are MMDA resource person Nestor Maligsay and Drug Abuse 0REVENTION AND #ONTROL /FkCE CHIEF Col. Florocito Ragudo (Ret.).

Sandoz PH hosts first Heart, Mind and Brain Summit RESEARCH shows that many individuals with cardiovascular disease have increased levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, while those who suffer from mental illness are at a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. This indicates a clear need for heightened screening and preventative care for patients with cardiovascular and neurological illnesses.

To help shed light on this important issue, Sandoz Philippines Corporation gathered Filipino cardiologists, neurologists and psychiatrists for its first ever Heart, Mind and Brain Summit.

Held on recently at the Ascott Hotel Makati, the summit served as a venue for local specialists in cardiology, neurology and psychiatry to discuss the intimate, intricate and underestimated relationship between the heart, the mind, and the brain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In line with the Sandoz mission to improve and extend peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives, we are honored to collaborate with Filipino cardiologists, neurologists and psychiatrists in unraveling the interaction between

Q During the Summit from left: Vina Lourdes Jurado, Sandoz Philippines Corporation Cardio product manager; Dr. Antonio Sison, St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center and Medical Towers Medical City consultant psychiatrist, and Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc. consultant dermatologist; Noel delos Reyes, SPC marketing head; Eleanor Lopez, SPC country head; Dr. Epifania Collantes, consultant neurologist and stroke specialist at the Manila Doctors Hospital and UP-PGH; Dr. Gerardo Carmelo Salazar, consultant neuro-psychiatrist at the Lucena United Doctors Hospital and Medical Center; Dr. Don Robespierre Reyes, consultant cardiologist and editor-in-chief of The Heart News and Views, the official magazine of the Philippine Heart Association; and Amy Rose Arugay, SPC CNS product manager. the heart, mind and brain and the most basic risk factor, which is stress,â&#x20AC;? said Eleanor Lopez, country head of Sandoz Philippines Corporation, the local subsidiary of generics global leader Sandoz.

Featuring an interactive discussion format, the summit centered on an expert panel discussion of a hypothetical case study involving a doctor, which highlighted the interrelation between hy-

pertension, stroke, depression and dementia. Cardiologists, neurologists and psychiatrists in the audience asked questions from the panel and shared their insights during the open forum.

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26th NRCE slated at SMX Convention Center Manila

Q NRCE 2019 Overall Chair Frederick D. Go

Q PRA President Rosemarie Bosch Ong

P

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the continuous emergence of new digital innovations and e-commerce businesses, the retail SECTOR SHOULD BE ABLE TO kND WAYS ON how to adapt and utilize these new platforms for the customers, who WANT FAST AND EFkCIENT SERVICE AND AT the same time, crave for human and genuine interactions from brands,â&#x20AC;?

NRCE 2019 Overall Chair Fredrick Go, president and CEO of Robinsons Recreation Corp. emphasized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;While last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NRCE had a

REPARATIONS for the 26th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo (NRCE) slated at the SMX Convention Center - Manila on August 15 to16 are now underway after another successful turnout of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest retail conference and exhibition last year.

Global and local experts in the industry are expected to grace the 26th NRCE to give insights and provide updates on the latest developments and trends in the retail industry in-

cluding sustainability, disruptions in retail, cashless payments, market segments and consumer behavior, and customer experience, among others.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NRCE - organized by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) - the national organization of retailers and suppliers in the country - will have the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retail Reimaginedâ&#x20AC;? to help retailers and the industry as a whole seek strategies on how to make retailing relevant amidst disruptions and changes in the digital age.

successful turnout, we want this year to be bigger, more advanced and of course, it should cater to the total needs of the time,â&#x20AC;? PRA President Rosemarie Ong stressed.

Aside from the main conference, there will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Retail Spotlightsâ&#x20AC;? or more focused discussions on Supermarket and Digital transformation niches for Day 1 and 2.

For more information, email marketing@philretailers.com/ specialprojects@philretailers.com.

Usman victims receive blankets, mattresses from RWM TROPICAL Depression Usman swept into the Philippines as 2018 came to a close, leaving hundreds of casualties across the Bicol and Samar regions. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, many from marginalized families, survived THE CALAMITY BUT RETURNED TO kND their homes devastated.

One of the hardest hit towns was Lope de Vega in the province of Northern Samar. With limited resources, widespread destruction, and a desperate populace, the provincial government of Northern Samar reached out to the private sector for assistance. Upon receiving the request for help, Resorts World Manila (RWM) responded.

After coordinating with the proVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS TO IDENtify the needs of the victims and to see what the company can immedi-

ately provide, Resorts World Manila gathered mattresses, blankets, and other beddings that were used, but still in good condition and prepared them for donation.

Families whose houses were totally damaged were given priority in the distribution of mattresses. Families whose homes sustained partial damage were each given one mattress pad and one blanket or two pillows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep should be a right, not a luxury,â&#x20AC;? said Stephen Reilly, chief operating officer for RWM. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the victims of Tropical Depression Usman went through is just terrible, especially since it happened during the holiday season. We hope the small bit of assistance we provided helps them recover from the calamity and we look forward to seeing their community win.â&#x20AC;?

RWM regularly provides assistance to calamity victims in the Philippines through its League of Volunteer Employees (LOVE) program. In addition to the one-time donation to the Usman victims, RWM works with the Tzu Chi

Foundation to provide blankets and relief goods made from recycled materials to help such victims.

RWM also provides food packs to disaster victims when necessary.

For more information, visit www.rwmanila.com/csr.

Tanduayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots is PHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first economic history museum THE countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Museum of Philippine Economic History has recently opened in what was once the Ynchausti Commercial House in Calle Real in Iloilo, home of the company that started what will eventually become the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one rhum, Tanduay.

Before the National Historical Commission restored the building into an economic history museum, IT WAS USED AS THE PROVINCIAL OFkCES of the Commission on Audit. For the longest time, however, it was known as the Elizalde building.

In 1854, according to local historians, the building was home to a conglomerate Ynchausti y Compania (also Ynchausti y Cia), whose founders were the basques JosĂŠ Joaquin Ynchausti, Joaquin

Q Lucio Tan Jr., Tanduay Distillers, Inc. president and chief operating officer

Q The first Museum of Philippine Economic History Elizalde and Valentin Teus. They consolidated their companiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; assets including Tanduay. When the Elizaldes bought the Ynchausti

shares in 1934, they renamed the company to Elizalde Y Cia. Tanduay has a rich history that started in the island of Negros.

Infinitus: The Chinese way of wellness INFINITUS, one of the leading companies in the global health industry today, was established in 1992, over a century after its mother company, Lee Kum Kee, was founded in 1888.

3INCE THEN )NkNITUS PASSIONATELY embraced its mission of advocating the premium Chinese Health regimen and nurture healthier lives with BALANCE AFlUENCE AND HARMONYu )NkNITUS BRINGS THE ANCIENT #HInese Health formulation using modern technology and hand-picked authentic herbal materials of highest quality to be used and applied to modern day fast paced living, which has developed over 100 products worldwide in health supplements, skin care, personal care, and home care categories, many of which are award-winning.

Today, the said products are available in the Philippines; more FilipiNOS NEEDED THESE BENEkTS OF NATURAL health and wellness methods that have been proven to be effective

throughout the centuries.

For more information, check Facebook : Infinitus Jesusa or send an email to INkNITUS JESUsacorazon@gmail.com.

As we celebrate the 165th year of Tanduay Distillers this year, we would like to ensure that Tanduay will always be remembered, especially by the next of generations of Filipinos,â&#x20AC;? said Lucio Tan, Jr., Tanduay Distillers, Inc. president AND CHIEF OPERATING OFkCER

Chinese lauriat, dimsum delights and themed night at Diamond Hotel DISCOVER the culinary treasures of China at the Corniche restaurant of Diamond Hotel Philippines that features the masterpieces of the h o t e l â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s C h i n e s e S o u s C h e f Ya n g Yong and his team.

Chinese food lovers who enjoy dining at the Corniche buffet may now relish Chinese Lauriat, oriental a la carte choices and dimsum delights. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like having a restaurant within a restaurant. The Chinese dining area is at the preferred portion of Corniche with tables covered in vibrant red cloth that can accommodate from two to ten guests.

Offerings include five Chinese Lauriat set menus that are truly abundant feasts using only the freshest and finest ingredients.

Among the must-try dishes are Triple Cooked Crab Beehon,

Wok Fried Kung Pao Prawns with Dried Chili and Cashew Nuts, and Roasted Suckling Pig with Spicy Cucumber. The Chinese Lauriat is ideal for family get-togethers, reunion with friends and special celebrations.

Come for lunch on Saturday or Sunday and experience pure happiness with Dimsum Delights. Moreover, the new themed dinner buffet â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flavors of Chinaâ&#x20AC;? awaits you every Thursday night at Corniche with a spread of fantastic dishes creatively prepared

by Chef Yang Yong.

For more information, www. diamondhotel.com.

SkyJet to launch direct flights to Camiguin MANILAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S No.1 Leisure Airline 3KYJET !IRLINES WILL BE lYING DIRECT TO Camiguin island starting this May 2019.

Travelers can now easily reach this island paradise known as the ISLAND BORN OF kRE VIA DIRECT lIGHTS from Manila Domestic Airport in NAIA Terminal 4 in Pasay City Camiguin is best known for its famous sand bar called white island and pristine white sand beaches and clear waters. It is also famous for its underwater cemetery and ruins caused by a volcanic explosion hundreds of years ago.

0EOPLE ALSO lOCKS TO #AMIGUIN during Lanzones Festival and at the same time visit their wonderful falls and hotsprings.

*â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all excited! Because THIS IS THE kRST EVER DIRECT lIGHT TO Camiguin island. It will be just 1 hour away from Manila,â&#x20AC;? said Dino ReyesChua, Skyjet Airline president.

We welcome this good news!

Because other airlines operating here needs to do a stop over in #EBU 9OU HAVE TO lY FROM -Anila to Cebu then ride another plane from Cebu to Camiguin,â&#x20AC;? said Congressman XJ Romualdo of Camiguin Province.

Reasons to choose wooden furniture ARCHITECTURALLY, wood is having a resurgence in popularity with more and more people opting to use it as a primary construction material. A growing number of houses and buildings opt to use wood in unconventional applications, lending warmth and personality to these structures. This interest in wood also comes with a growing consciousness for the environment, as wood is, hands down, the most ecologically-viable of all construction materials.

Though wood is making headWAY OUTSIDE OUR HOMES AND OFkCES

the interior is an altogether different subject. The predominant aesthetic trend favors materials such as steel, glass, marble, and ceramic products.

But what many fail to see is the fact that wood is charming, functional, and most importantly, timeless.

Longevity and stability are two of the main components of wooden furniture, which means that you get excellent value for your money.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy and simple to maintain wooden furniture; all you have to do to clean dirt or stains is to simply wipe them away with a cloth.

While wooden furniture may cost a bit higher than furniture made from other materials, it also promises uncompromised quality.

Wood can be dressed up for any purpose. Be it modern or rustic, wood can blend in well indoors or outdoors.

With the right set-up, a simple piece of wooden furniture can add charm and even opulence to your home.

There is no more ecologically sound way to furnish your home than acquiring wooden furniture.

Phoenix Super LPG forges partnership with Grainsmart PHOENIX Super LPG will soon be available in Grainsmart stores nationwide.

In a memorandum of agreement signed between Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. (PLPI) and Grainsmart Corporation on February 20, 2019 at Enderun Colleges, PLPI has authorized Grainsmart as AN OFkCIAL CHANNEL PARTNER THAT WILL exclusively market, distribute, and sell Phoenix Super LPG products and equipment in its stores. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aside from our continuous aim to provide quality LPG products and services, I believe the best news about our partnership with Grainsmart is the convenience we will be able to provide for our customers. Our combined network WILL BENEkT THE MOST THOSE WHO

Q During the signing from left: Grainsmart Corp. Corporate Secretary Leticia Batac, Grainsmart Corp. chief executive officer; Benjamin Batac, Phoenix Petroleum chief operating officer; Henry Albert Fadullon, and Phoenix LPG Philippines, Inc. General Manager for Luzon Julgin Anthony Villanueva. are already using and those who LPG closer to your homes,â&#x20AC;? PLPI would like to try our brand but General Manager for Luzon Julgin do not have easy access to it yet. Anthony Villanueva said.

For more information, visit Through Grainsmart, we will now be able to bring Phoenix Super www.phoenixfuels.ph/lpg.

Sports

MONDAY MARCH 4, 2019

C1

SHE'S GOT GAME CHARMAINE CRUZ

www.manilatimes.net

Experiencing football as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant to be (Part 1)

I

Q Golden State Warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stephen Curry (center) goes up for a shot between Philadelphia 76ersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tobias Harris (left) and Jonathon Simmons during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday in Philadelphia. AP PHOTO

Curry comes up clutch to lead Warriors past 76ers L

OS ANGELES: Stephen Curry sank a late tiebreaking jump shot en route to 28 points as the Golden State Warriors beat the Philadelphia ERS IN A POTENTIAL ."! kNALS MATCHUP ON Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Curry also added two late free throws and a layup for the two-time defending league champion Warriors, who wanted to get their March SCHEDULE OFF TO A lYING START AFTER A STAGNANT &EBRUARY +EVIN $URANT DELIVERED A GAME HIGH POINTS AND $E-ARCUS Cousins had his highest-scoring game since joining Golden State WITH AS THE 7ARRIORS SNAPPED A TWO GAME LOSING STREAK â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both teams are trying to get ready for the playoffs so the intensity was

UP u SAID $URANT Curryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tie-breaking jumper made IT WITH TO GO AFTER ERS backup Mike Scott had hit two free THROWS TO PRODUCE THE THIRD AND kNAL TIE OF THE FOURTH QUARTER First place Golden State, who went IN &EBRUARY HAVE NEVER HAD A LOSing trip of four or more games in the COACH 3TEVE +ERR ERA "EN 3IMMONS kNISHED WITH A TRIPLE DOUBLE WITH POINTS REBOUNDS and 11 assists for the second place ERS WHO CAME INTO THE GAME OFF A

two-game road sweep of New Orleans AND /KLAHOMA #ITY 4HE 7ARRIORS HAD ALMOST EVERYBODY AVAILABLE ON 3ATURDAY AFTER resting key players in their recent LOSSES BUT THE ERS WERE WITHOUT STAR BIG MAN *OEL %MBIID The all-star center has missed the past four games with tendinitis in his left knee and coach Brett Brown isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure EXACTLY WHEN HE WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN %MBIID AVERAGING POINTS AND REBOUNDS IN GAMES FOR THE 3IXERS SAID HE EXPECTS TO PLAY AGAIN NEXT WEEK Klay Thompson did not play for 'OLDEN 3TATE BECAUSE OF A SORE RIGHT KNEE Curry picked up his fourth foul with LEFT IN THE THIRD AND SAT THE REST OF THE QUARTER "UT WITH #URRY BACK IN the lineup in the fourth, the Warriors THWARTED THE ERS COMEBACK BID g(E TOOK OVER THE GAME FOR US u

$URANT SAID OF #URRY g7E NEED THAT FROM HIM u %LSEWHERE $ONOVAN -ITCHELL scored a career-high 46 points as the 5TAH *AZZ OVERCAME 'IANNIS !NTETOKOUNMPO S POINTS AND A POINT FOURTH QUARTER DEkCIT TO BEAT THE -ILWAUKEE "UCKS Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Antetokounmpo also kNISHED WITH REBOUNDS IN MINutes, but missed three free throws in THE kNAL SECONDS $ERRICK &AVORS HAD POINTS AND TIED A CAREER BEST WITH REBOUNDS Joe Ingles had 14 points and eight assists for the red-hot Jazz, who won THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT CONTEST +HRIS -IDDLETON SCORED POINTS and Brook Lopez had 16 points, EIGHT REBOUNDS AND SEVEN BLOCKS FOR THE "UCKS WHO HAD THEIR SEVEN GAME WINNING STREAK SNAPPED AFP

Iloilo City rules BPinoy Visayas Qualifying Leg ILOILO CITY: Host Iloilo City captured its first overall championship in the Batang Pinoy Visayas Qualifying Leg since competing in the Philippine Sports Commis sionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national grassroots program in 2012.

The Ilonggo capital copped 57 gold, 49 silver and 44 bronze medals, improving its fifth-place finish in the 2017 edition of Batang Pinoy Visayas in Dumaguete City.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good news and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overwhelming for the city. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really preparing for this. We started recruiting in December,â&#x20AC;? said Moises Salomon Jr., head of the Iloilo City youth and sports development office. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a positive response on the training of the players that we emerged as overall champion, which means the training was good because the result was also good,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Iloilo City dethroned Cebu City that finished second with a 42-55-63 medal haul.

Cebu Province finished third with 38-38-52.

Completing the top five were Negros Occidental with 30-18-17 and Lapu-Lapu City with 28-14-25.

Salomon was grateful to the 311 Ilonggo athletes for delivering a brilliant performance as well as to the coaches

and parents for their full support. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank all the coaches. Actually, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only the city that is supporting this.

The parents are giving one hundred percent support and the athletes also,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Iloilo City is now bracing for the national championships either in Tagbilaran City, Bohol or Ormoc City, Leyte late this year.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE had the pleasure of joining the Bundesliga Media Experience in Germany recently, along with 10 other sports journalists from countries and territories, such as United Kingdom, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, and Hong +ONG WHO EMBARKED ON THE kVE DAY JOURNEY 4HE TRIP BEGAN WITH ACTIVITIES IN -UNICH

Germany, which had a temperature swaying BETWEEN NEGATIVE ONE DEGREES UP TO TWELVE DEGREES CENTIGRADE DURING OUR STAY 4HE ACTIVITIES DURING THE kRST DAY INVOLVED THE "UNDESLIGA 7ORKSHOP WHICH PROVIDED AN OVERVIEW OF 'ERMAN FOOTBALL THE YOUTH ACADemies and structure in German football, the LEAGUE S MARKETING ACTIVITIES AMONG OTHERS "UT THE HIGHLIGHT FOR THE kRST DAY WAS BEING able to come face-to-face with FC Bayern legENDS ,UCA 4ONI ,OTHAR -ATTHAUS AND 'IOVANE Elber, who all shared their wonderful experiENCES WHILE PLAYING FOR THE -UNICH BASED SIDE ,UCA 4ONI SPENT THREE SEASONS with Bayern Munich, where he helped the CLUB IN THEIR VARIOUS SUCCESSES INCLUDING reaching the UEFA Cup semis; he also repRESENTED THE )TALIAN NATIONAL TEAM ON OCCASIONS SCORING GOALS (E ALSO MOST NOTABLY CONTRIBUTED TO )TALY S 7ORLD #UP VICTORY AS HE SCORED TWICE AND WAS ELECTED TO THE TOURNAMENT S !LL STAR TEAM Lothar Matthaus, who is part of the Bundesliga Legend Network and Captain of FC Bayern Legends, played for Bayern -UNICH FROM AND FROM (E ALSO MADE APPEARANCES FOR THE 'ERMAN NATIONAL TEAM

with half of those coming in as captain; he IS ALSO THE MOST CAPPED 'ERMAN PLAYER (E IS World Champion, European Champion, has WON THE 'ERMAN CHAMPIONSHIP SEVEN TIMES with Bayern Munich and can count three DFBCup championships, as well as the UEFA-Cup championship with Bayern Munich and Inter -ILAN AMONG HIS MANY SUCCESSES 'IOVANE %LBER ON THE OTHER HAND IS CONsidered the most successful foreign scorer IN "UNDESLIGA HISTORY UNTIL /CTOBER

HAVING SCORED GOALS IN GAMES of them in 169 matches for Bayern, where HE WON FOUR LEAGUE TITLES

FOUR 'ERMAN #UPS

THE #HAMPIONS ,EAGUE AND kNALLY THE 7ORLD #UP The club, represented by Jorg Wacker, Board Member for internationalization and strategy for &# "AYERN AND MEMBER OF THE ADVISORY BOARD for DFL Bundesliga International, along with Jochen Sauer, Director of FC Bayern Campus YOUTH ACADEMY ALSO GAVE THE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA AN OVERVIEW OF THEIR BUSINESS MODEL FOR THE )NTERNATIONAL AND !SIAN BUSINESS OF THE CLUB 4HE ACTIVITIES FOR THE SECOND DAY ON THE other hand, began with a tour of the new FC Bayern Campus, wherein we saw the pitch, where matches for the youth teams take place, and we also witnessed the Under-16 team TRAINING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHILLY DAY After which, we toured the FC Bayern Erlebniswelt, or museum, which was located at the !LLIANZ !RENA 4HE MUSEUM WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE

and exhibited the rich history of the club, its TRADITION THE VARIOUS TROPHIES AND meisterschale IT HAS COLLECTED OVER THE PAST CENTURY THE CLUB IS YEARS OLD BY THE WAY ALONG WITH ITS PLAYERS AND LEGENDS WHO HAVE TRULY MADE A MARK ON THE CLUB AND ITS CITY -UNICH But I guess, the best part of the day was beING ABLE TO SEE THE MATCH OF &# "AYERN VERSUS (ERTHA "3# LIVE AFTERWARDS AT THE !LLIANZ !RENA WHICH WAS INDEED A VERY EXCITING AND AMAZING EXPERIENCE To be able to witness the energy, and the passion of the more than 40,000 crowd, listening to the chants of the fans, sent chills down my spine, not only because of the below zero weather, but because of the incredible passion of the fans OF "AYERN -UNICH )N FACT IN A DOCUMENTARY ) saw on YouTube, which discussed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mia San Miaâ&#x20AC;? phenomenon, it described their chants as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A powerful message of togetherness, back then, LIKE TODAY IT WAS MADNESS u 7ATCHING THE MATCH LIVE WAS AN AMAZING experience, and ended with a result of 1-0, WITH A GOAL ON THE ND MINUTE IN FAVOR OF THE HOME TEAM COURTESY OF -ARTINEZ

C2

Sports

The Manila Times MONDAY March 4, 2019

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Lady Eagles rout UE to snatch share of lead A

BY JOSEF T. RAMOS

TENEO de Manila University swept University of the East (UE), 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, for its third victory in Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Eagles improved to 3-1 win-loss record, earning a share of the top spot with defending champion De La Salle University

and University of the Philippines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were challenged to post a convincing win today,â&#x20AC;? said Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro adding that it is still

a long way to go for the Lady Eagles. g7E SACRIkCED A LOT BUT WE STILL need to improve in all aspects especially in volleyball fundamentals.â&#x20AC;?

Veteran Kat Tolentino, Maddie Madayag and Bea De Leon orchestrated the Lady Eaglesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offensive, particularly in second set where UE narrowed the gap, 20-22.

But a 3-1 spurt highlighted by Tolentinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attack allowed Ateneo to win the set. The Lady Eagles sealed the win after breaking free of the 11-all score in the third set.

Tolentino finished with 13 points highlighted by three blocks,

Madayag had 11 points while Bea De Leon notched eight kills to lead Ateneo.

The Lady Warriors, who drew 14 points from Judith Abil, fell to 1-3.

In the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s class, Bryan Bagunas fired 24 points as National University (NU) crushed Adamson University, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, for its third win while Tony Koyfman scored 13 points to tow Ateneo to a 25-22, 25-19, 25-11 victory over UE. NU tied Adamson University at No. 2 with an identical 3-1 winloss record while Ateneo improved to 2-2 and UE fell to 1-3.

Q Jon Jones (left) attempts to kick Anthony Smith during their light heavyweight title bout in UFC 235 at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP PHOTO

Jones beats Smith, Usman claims welterweight belt at UFC 235 LAS VEGAS: Jon Jones defended his light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Anthony Smith at UFC 235 on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila), overcoming a twopoint deduction for an illegal knee to Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head in the fourth round.

Kamaru Usman claimed the UFC welter-

weight title in the penultimate bout at TMobile Arena, dominating Tyron Woodley in a one-sided unanimous decision victory.

Ben Askren, Woodleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close friend and training partner, survived an opening-minute beating and rallied to choke out Robbie Lawler midway THROUGH THE kRST ROUND OF HIS OWN 5&# DEBUT

Jones (24-1) had little trouble in an expert display of his all-around brilliance against the overmatched Smith (31-14), who had no answers for the likely pound-for-pound champion of mixed martial arts.

Jones dominated on his feet, against the cage and on the ground until he got in trouble in the fourth round when his knee struck Smithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head while the challenger was in a downed position. Referee Herb Dean deducted two points from Jones, who apologized to Smith after the bell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This MMA thing is really hard,â&#x20AC;?

Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some days youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to look amazing, and some days at work youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to perform at the level you hold yourself to.â&#x20AC;?

Jones finished uneventfully and remained unbeaten since 2009, winning a decision for the fifth time in his last seven fights.

Jones won 48-44 on all three scorecards.

Jones has been the UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 205-pound champ for long stretches of the past eight years, but also has been stripped of his belt twice. After doping suspensions and other woes limited Jones to JUST TWO kGHTS IN A NEARLY FOUR YEAR stretch of his prime, he returned to the cage at UFC 235 just nine weeks after beating Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 last December to reclaim his belt.

3MITH A TOUGH VETERAN kGHTER FROM Texas, got a title shot when Jones decided to make a quick return to the

Q The Most Outstanding Swimmer awardees show their trophies and medals during the awarding ceremonies of the 154th Philippine Swimming League Class AB Swim Challenge held in Imus, Cavite. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

37 cop MOS plum in PSL Imus tilt THIRT Y-seven tankers bagged the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) award in the 154th Philippine Swimming League (PSL) Class AB Swim Challenge held in Imus, Cavite.

Heading the MOS awardees in Class AB were Marc Bryan Dula of Masville Elementary School-ParaĂąaque (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12-year), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh of Immaculate Heart of Mary College- ParaĂąaque (girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 12-year), and Julia Basa and Triza Haileyana Tabamo, who shared the top honors in the girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11-year category in the tournament supported by The Manila Times and MX3. â&#x20AC;&#x153; The program continues for these young swimmers. Some of these swimmers are preparing for big international competitions this month and the 2019 Palarong Pambansa in Davao,â&#x20AC;? said PSL president Susan Papa.

In Class C, Susan Papa Swim Academy standouts Behrouz Mojdeh (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 7-year), Patricia Milla (girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11-year), France Alecs Rivera (girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 13-year), Yule Catindig (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 14-year) and Miguel Valles (boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 15over) were the top recipients

cage. Although Smith had won three CONSECUTIVE kGHTS HE WAS A HEAVY underdog at the Vegas sports books, but Jones emerged with respect for 3MITH S kGHTING SPIRIT â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never had anyone talk to me while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hitting them,â&#x20AC;? Jones said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(Smith was) saying like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;That was nice,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Was that all youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Woodley (19-4-1) had been the UFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 170-pound champ since July 2016 and defended the belt four times, but Usman (15-1) got off to a QUICK START AND NEVER LET UP IN HIS kRST career title shot. Usman celebrated in the cage with his daughter before his hand was raised in victory.

The 31-year-old Usman, a Nigerianborn Texan and former NCAA Division II wrestler, broke into the UFC in 2015 on its long-running competition REALITY SHOW (E WON HIS kRST EIGHT UFC bouts and battered ex-champ Rafael Dos Anjos last November to earn his shot at Woodleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s belt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nobody handle me,â&#x20AC;? Usman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been wanting this kGHT AND ) LL BE HONEST ) MIGHT not be the best striker in the world.

I might not be the best wrestler in the world. But when it comes to mixing this (stuff) up, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the best in the world right now.â&#x20AC;?

After a close opening round, Usman dominated the second with top control on Woodley, who couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t escape or avoid Usmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elbows. Usman peppered Woodley

of MOS trophies along with Diliman Preparatory School bets Erin Carbo (girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 11-year) and Sophia Garra (girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 6-under).

The other MOS awardees were Sophia Beatrice (8), Angelina Gole (9), Genelle Macaspac (10), Mika Trinidad (13), Althea Gem Villapena (14), Francine Rimini Valero (15-over), Jude Austin Gapultos (8), Geric Aarod Beredo (9), Zahjeed Isaad Sarmiento (10), Julian Dekam (11), Yohan Mikhail Cabana (13), Albert Sermonia II (14), Mervien Jules Mirandilla (15-over), Elize Cahigan (7), Yoanna Ysabell Bersamin (8), Alaina Beatriz Perez (9), Ayeles Mirandilla (12), Arianne Bernaldez (14), Kelsie Cabangon (15-over), Matt Ramirez (6-under), Alex Ocampo (8), Kyle Sibayan (9), Jamen Bersamin (10), Frank Preagola (11), Cyrus Boletche (12) and Alexander Marasigan (13). â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to thank The Manila Times and MX3 for always supporting our grassroots development program. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our goal to identify talents from different parts of the country and hone them for international competitions,â&#x20AC;? added Papa.

WITH BODY SHOTS IN THE kRST THREE rounds, and he appeared to be close TO kNISHING 7OODLEY IN THE FOURTH with punches.

Usman won 50-44 on two cards and 50-45 on the third.

The 34-year-old Askrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UFC debut and unbeaten record almost ended abruptly when Lawler picked him up, slammed him down on his head and battered him with punches that left Askren badly bloodied.

Askren survived and eventually gained position on Lawler with a bulldog choke. Lawler was furious when Dean stopped the bout, INSISTING HE WAS kNE IN THE CHOKE Some cage side observers thought Lawler was unconscious, but he sprung out of the stoppage.

The outspoken Ascran (19-0), a former U.S. Olympic wrestler, joined the UFC late last year after a DECADE kGHTING IN OTHER PROMOTIONS and sparring with UFC President Dana White on social media. The UFC surprisingly added him to its roster last year, trading former flyweight champion Demetrious â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mighty Mouseâ&#x20AC;? Johnson to the One Championship promotion.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt took his third straight loss in the PPV opener, getting stopped by Pedro -UNHOZ IN THE kNAL SECONDS OF THE kRST ROUND AFTER THEIR kGHT TURNED into an all-out brawl.

AP

Panamanian boxing legend Pedroza dead at 62

PANAMA CITY: Panamanian boxing great Eusebio Pedroza died Saturday after battling pancreatic cancer. He was 62.

The Hall of Famer ruled boxingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s featherweight division for almost a decade starting in the late 1970s, holding the WBA featherweight crown between 1978 and 1985.

Pedroza lost his title in a classic bout against Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barry McGuigan in London in 1985, with McGuigan

winning a bruising 15-round battle at Loftus Road.

Pedroza had previously defended his title on 19 occasions, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in boxing history.

4HE 7"! CONkRMED IN A STATEment that Pedroza had recently returned home from hospital where he passed away early Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The WBA sends its most sincere words and condolences to the family and friends of

the Panamanian legend, who was a worthy World Champion and above all a great human being,â&#x20AC;? the WBA said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;May the Hall of Famer and legend Rest In Peace.â&#x20AC;?

Pedrozaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rival McGuigan also paid tribute on Twitter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A sad day for me as my rival and outstanding world featherweight champion Eusebio Pedroza passes away,â&#x20AC;? McGuigan wrote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a pleasure to share the ring with him.â&#x20AC;?

AFP

Ë&#x153;

Ë&#x153; The Manila Times

MONDAY March 4, 2019

w w w.manilatimes.net

Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Singh could become PGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest champion at 56 M IAMI: Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vijay Singh moved into contention to become the oldest champion in US PGA Tour history BY kRING A kVE UNDER IN 3ATURDAY S 3UNDAY in Manila) third round of the Honda Classic.

The 56-year-old former world number one made six birdies against a lone bogey to stand on six-under 204 after 54 holes at PGA National to share second place, one stroke behind US leader Wyndham Clark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played really well,â&#x20AC;? Singh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I played like I know how. I just let it go and the swing was a lot more freer. If I did what I did today, this is how I used to play. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what I found, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to see if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still there tomorrow.â&#x20AC;?

Three-time major champion Singh, who turned 56 on February 22, would shatter the US PGA oldest winner mark set by Sam Snead when he cap-

tured the 1965 Greater Greensboro Open at 52 years, 10 months, 8 days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m physically quite capable of doing it,â&#x20AC;? Singh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mentally, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to go out there and see how my mind works. If I just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anything interfere, I think I can do it.â&#x20AC;?

Only six other players have won PGA events in their 50s, the most recent of those being Davis Love in 2015 at Greensboro.

Singh owns 34 US PGA titles but has not won one since September 2008 at the Deutsche Bank Championship on his way to capturing the US playoff crown.

Singh, now ranked 938th in the

world, has enjoyed success on the 50-and-over PGA Champions circuit, taking three titles last year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Playing the Champions Tour, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to make a lot of birdies. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about making a lot of putts,â&#x20AC;? Singh said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That brings, I guess, aggression out of you and you go out there and you know you have to make birdies.â&#x20AC;?

In 2016, Singh shared sixth at the Honda Classic and was second at the National, but he has not cracked the top-10 in a PGA event since, making 36 starts with 22 of them ending in missed cuts, including both prior starts in 2019.

Singh could end the PGA win drought of more than 3,800 days in his 621st career start.

Clark seeks first title "UT IN ADDITION TO kGHTING OFF LEADER Clark, making only his 19th tour START IN SEARCH OF HIS kRST 0'! CROWN

Q Fijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vijay Singh.

AFP PHOTO

Singh must contend with those alongside him in secOND kRST WIN HOPEFULS ,EE Kyoung-hoon of South Korea and American Keith Mitchell, with US star Rickie Fowler another shot back on 205.

3INGH WON HIS kRST 0'! TITLE at the Buick Classic in June 1993â&#x20AC;&#x201D;six months before Clark was born.

Singh ran off four birdies in six holes starting at the par-5 third, his longest holed putt in the run from 18 feet at the par-4 sixth. After closing the front nine with his lone bogey, Singh sank a six-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th and a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 18th.

Clarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best career PGA kNISH WAS A SHARE OF TH last week at Puerto Rico that earned him a spot in THIS WEEK S kELD AFP

Cadag shines as UST tops UP in UAAP football

Survival of the fittest up in TCC Ladies

THE Country Club gears up for three days of top-notch shot making from a world-class TCC Ladies Invitational field but it could also turn into a torture chamber for the competing cast for its length and wind factor that put stern options on precision and mental toughness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The wind had been unpredictable the past few days and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expecting it to whip up during the TCC Ladies week,â&#x20AC;? said TCC general manager Colo Ventosa, who also heads the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. Meanwhile, for details and reservations for tickets to the TCC Ladies, contact Jocelyn Duque at 09157974751 or email lpgtinvitational@gmail.com.

The event, featuring world No. 2 Sung Hyun Park of Korea, the leading campaigners on the LPGA of Taiwan (TLPGA) and the cream of the local pro crop, unwraps on Wednesday (March 6) and there is no better course to hold the richest, biggest event on the seven-year Ladies Philippine Golf Tour than the Tom Weiskoph layout, which boasts of one of the toughest finishing holes in the region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the 365-yard dogleg No. 18 with a big pond on the right and menacing bunkers guarding the green.

It could actually play longer than its 6461 yardage in the presence of the wind and with the increase in yardage comes a significant change in individual hole strategies to take better advantage of the wind as well as the old and new bunkers, lakes and streams.

It could also boil down to bucking the subtle terrors lurking on its sleek putting surface that all but guarantees a wild finish from among the would-be contenders.

A select pro cast from the huge 126-player field, including 10 local amateurs, will test the layout one last time in tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Tuesday) pro-am tournament where they would be paired with guests and officials of the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief backers, including ICTSI, Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT, Empire Golf and Sports and M.Y. Shokai Technology.

Bannering the localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign in the 54-hole championship are Dottie Ardina, Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario, Cyna Rodriguez and Chihiro Ikeda while Babe Liu, Hsin Lee, Tzu-Chi Lin, Ching Huang and Chia Pei Lee headline the TLPGA cast along with former LPGT winners from Thailand, led by multi-titled Yupaporn Kawinpakorn, Ploychompoo Wilairungrueng, Saruttaya Ngam-usawan, Q Princess Superal Renuka Suksukont and Wannasiri Sirisampant.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SHELA HELA MAE CADAG blasted a brace as University of Santo Tomas (UST) kicked off its campaign with a comeback 2-1 victory over University of the Philippines (UP) in Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football on Saturday at the Circulo Verde Football Field in Quezon City.

National team stalwart Cadag struck twice in the second half, towing the Lady Golden Booters to a winning start in their redemption mission this season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The players are now showing a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;never give upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spirit until the last minute,â&#x20AC;? said UST head coach Aging Rubio

markably straightforward affair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just chucked in a lot of drop shots, tried to keep him guessing, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all you can do,â&#x20AC;? said Kyrgios, a former world number 13 who has slipped to 72nd in the world. g(E S SUPER kT SO HE S GOING to grind you down so I tried to keep the points short when I could,â&#x20AC;? added Kyrgios, who spent more than nine hours on court over his four prior matches but needed just an hour and a half to dispatch Zverev. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, I lack on the physical side a little bit,â&#x20AC;? Kyrgios admitted with a smile. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But today I served well and just played the clutch points pretty well.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed it was Zverev whose nerves were frayed after Kyrgios broke him at love in the fourth game of the opening set then held

for a 4-1 lead, prompting the German to smash his racquet in frustration.

Ky r g i o s b r o k e a g a i n t o open the second set, but double-faulted on break point in the next game.

He broke Zverev again in THE kFTH GAME AND HELD WITH CONkDENCE THE REST OF THE WAY TO CAPTURE HIS kRST TITLE SINCE Brisbane in January of 2018.

While Kyrgios had come to embrace the role of tournament villain in which pro-Nadal fans had cast him, Zverev said fans should appreciate what they had seen from him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Really, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one who deserves to win it,â&#x20AC;? Zverev said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the real champion this week,â&#x20AC;? and the fans, finally

in an interview with The Varsitarian, THE SCHOOL S OFkCIAL PUBLICATION Last season, Rubioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s squad topped the elimination round but fell short against De La Salle University in the kNALS FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT TIME This year, Rubio wants her wards to display a dogged determination as they aim to take home the crown this time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mindset is as long as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time LEFT WE LL kGHT UNTIL THE END u SHE SAID Cadag immediately embodied USTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battlecry as the reigning Best Striker netted an equalizer in the 64th minute, nullifying Andrea Montillaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early opening goal for UP.

The Malditasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hat-trick heroine in THE /LYMPIC QUALIkERS THEN STRUCK the game-winning chip shot past goalkeeper Nicole Adlawan with nine minutes left in the regulation.

In the other match, Far Eastern University seized the early lead after thrashing Ateneo De Manila University, 3-0.

Joyce Onrubia and Jovelle Sudaria SCORED IN THE kRST HALF BEFORE -ARIE ,ECERA punctuated the Lady Tamaraw Bootersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blowout win in the stoppage time.

Meanwhile, two-time defending champion La Salle will begin its three-peat bid against archrival Ateneo on Wednesday.

JEREMIAH M. SEVILLAÂ

ADAMSON SWEEPS FIRST ROUND IN UAAP SOFTBALL TILT  NINE-peat NINE peat seeking Adamson University merely went into the motion of sweeping the first round of eliminations in an 11-0 shutout of De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 81 softball tournament the Rizal Memorial Ballpark.

With the leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No. 1 pitcher Lyca Basa presiding over the contest at he the mound and Janet Russia leading the assault at bat, the Lady Falcons had the Lady Archers at the palm of their hands needing only five innings to pickup their sixth straight victory, the best in the seven-team field.

Basa, only 22 and in her last year wearing the Lady Falconsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blue and white uniform, manned the hill for four frames, throwing out the 12 Lady Archers that

Kyrgios beats Zverev to win Acapulco ATP crown ACAPULCO, Mexico: Au s t r a l i a n Nick Kyrgioscapped a scintillating run in Acapulco with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over world number three Alexander Zverev on Saturday (Sunday IN -ANILA TO CLAIM HIS kRST ATP title in more than a year.

Kyrgios defeated three top10 players on the way to the title, saving three match points in a second-round victory over second-ranked Rafael Nadal -owner of 17 Grand Slam titles -- and beating No. 9 John Isner in the semis.

He also beat three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals of a drama-filled week that saw him shake off hostile crowds, illness, injuries and moments of malaise -not to mention a post-match scolding from Nadal.

His win over Zverev was a re-

Sports C3

won over, cheered.

In womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wang Yafan rallied from a set and a break down to CAPTURE HER kRST 74! TITLE

defeating American Sofia Kenin 2-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Wo r l d n u m b e r 6 5 Wang, playing in her first WTA singles final, outlasted the 35thranked American to claim her breakthrough title a f t e r t wo hours and 10 minutes.

AFP

crossed the path either swinging or standing before coach Ana Santiago relieved her for Arlene Bautista.

Bautista took over where Basa left and, likewise, never allowed any La Salle batter to step on base.

And as Basa and Bautista kept themselves busy manning Adamsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first line of defense, hardhitting Russia started doing the job assigned her in the second inning by tagging La Salleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s losing hurler with to-base hit that led to an Adamsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-run salvo.

Renely Herrero did even better by sending Russia home with single before Analyn Gabriel ended the frame with a single that drove the former hand the Lady Falcons a commanding 3-0 lead.

The San Marcelino-based clout-

ers didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there, there though, though scoring three more runs in the third on three hits, one marker in the fourth on a pair of connections and five in the fifth on two hits aided by three La Salle errors.

A triple bill is set to be played on Monday starting at 9 a.m. with National University facing Ateneo, last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s runner-up University of Santo Tomas battling University of the East, and La Salle opposing University of the Philippines. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â After the first round of hostilities, NU occupied second place at 4-win, 2-loss card, and UST, La Sale and UP tied in third to fifth positions at identical 3-3. Â Rounding out the standing were UE at 2-4 and Ateneo at 0-6. Â EDDIE ALINEA

Q Nick Kyrgios AFP PHOTO

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Riding the Tailwinds: Pursuing Growth and Value Amid Rising Global Risksâ&#x20AC;?

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MONDAY M OOND N DAYY MARC MARCH C H 44,, 2019

Expats&Diplomats www.manilatimes.net

US, PH launch strategy for innovation and growth

T

HE US Agency for International Development (USAid) and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (Pasuc) launched a strategy to build innovation capacity among public higher education institutions throughout the country.

The strategy recognizes the critical role of university systems in preparing Filipino students for the workforce by conducting industry-relevant research and integrating innovation into all asPECTS OF EDUCATION )T IDENTIkES WAYS FOR university leaders, faculty and students to collaborate with local and global partners and harness technology for innovation-led economic growth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building upon our years of partnership with the Filipino people, USAid continues to support Philippine aspirations for inclusive growth,â&#x20AC;? said USAid Acting Mission Director Denny Robertson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This strategy cultivates Filipino talent and expands opportunities for science, technology, and innovation to advance, broaden and sustain growth.â&#x20AC;?

More than 100 university presidents representing nearly half of the

Philippinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; college student population attended the launch, joined by officials from the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other advocates for enhancing the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovation ecosystem.

The strategy was developed under USAidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (Stride) project in partnership with Pasuc. Since 2013, USAidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stride project has invested more than P1.9 billion in Philippine higher education. In the last six years, Stride has forged partnerships with 383 industry partners, 110 Philippine academic institutions and 25 US universities. Through these partnerships, Stride has developed a network of researchers and entrepreneurs, established career centers at

Q Iran Embassy Cultural Counselor Mohammad Jafarimalak (second from right) leads the cultural event with calligraphist and Vice President of Friendships Society Filipino-Iranian Women Inc. Tandis Taghavi.

Iran celebrates National Day in Manila THE Celebration of the Islamic Republic of Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Day at Dusit Thani Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Manila on February 8 was launched with the presence of the political, cultural and religious luminaries of the Philippines among them Secretary of Finance Carlos Dominguez 3rd and foreign diplomats from other nations.

The celebration was done alongside the Iranian handicrafts and calligraphy exhibitions and workshops.

In his message to the participants, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Philippines Mohammad Tanhaei emphasized that Iran continues to pursue its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look Eastâ&#x20AC;? strategy following its cooperative policy with the international system.

Accordingly, last year, Iran has ofkCIALLY ADOPTED THE 4REATY OF !MITY and Cooperation (TAC) as a step further in its close cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iran is keen to strengthen ties with the East Asia and to give a hand to solve regional problems SUCH AS TERRORISM DRUG TRAFkCKING and piracy. Also, Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in confronting ISIL in the Middle East region, as well as Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons is known to everybody.

Our assistance to the Iraqi government and International Community in defeating ISIL as well as Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adherence to JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) are just some examples,â&#x20AC;? Tanhaei declared in his speech.

According to him, the relationship between Iran and the Philippines have always been stable and very friendly, as it has been based on a people-to-people and mutual understanding. He added that the basis of Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foreign policy toward the Philippines is built on the idea that both nations want to

live in peace and security. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would like to strengthen our economic ties and cultural engagement as well. In this way, we will provide more opportunities for economic development and friendship for both nations.

4HERE ARE GREAT SCIENTIkC LITERARY and artistic capacities to be considered, such as cooperation among artists, musicians, athletes, scholARS MEMBERS OF SCIENTIkC BOARDS

students and those who actively participate in an interfaith dialogue. Those are being addressed as a huge source of inspiration and friendly relations,â&#x20AC;? he pointed out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We share similar concepts and experiences in contemporary culture. Concepts such as democracy, self-reliance, independence, freedom, denial of colonialism, make up the common ground of our social and political understanding,â&#x20AC;? Tanhaei continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Islamic Republic of Iran cherishes 55 years of friendly diplomatic relations with the Republic of the Philippines and welcomes the expansion and promotion of bilateral political, economic and cultural connections, in close collaboration with the Filipino Government. I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to the Iranian community, Iranian businessmen and students for their active contribution on promoting friendship between the two nations and countries,â&#x20AC;? he concluded.

In the end, Tanhaei with the other dignitaries cut a friendship cake symbolizing the friendship and cooperation between the two great Asian nations of Iran and the Philippines.

Various personalities, including Dominguez, took part to the calligraphy workshop facilitated by Dr. Tandis Taghavi, an Iranian artist and vice president of the Friendships Society Filipino-Iranian Women Inc., which exercised this ancient Iranian manuscript.

Q (From left) Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba, Stride Chief of Party Richard Abendan, Pasuc President Tirso Ronquillo, Singapore Polytechnic International General Manager Goh Siak Koon and USAid Acting Mission Director Denny Robertson.

40 Philippine universities, and advanced high-growth sectors, including electronics, chemical industries, alternative energy, agribusiness and information technology, with crosscutting themes of manufacturing and new product development.

In 2018, USAid extended the project

for an additional three years to build on this momentum. The newly launched strategy is one important component of Strideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued efforts to expand collaboration between government, industry and academia to promote innovation, further boosting inclusive, resilient growth in the Philippines.

D1 Instituto Cervantes' Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Month

Film Festival

INSTITUTO Cervantes, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, Intramuros Administration and the Film Development Council of the Philippines will be holding â&#x20AC;&#x153;Espacio Femenino: Spanish and Filipino Female Filmmakersâ&#x20AC;? this March, a film cycle featuring works of female directors, with the aim of highlighting the contribution of women to the film industry.

Starting on March 9, the films will be screened every Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Instituto Cervantes Intramuros, located at Plaza San Luis Complex, Intramuros. The film cycle will open with Spanish film â&#x20AC;&#x153;Los Amores Cobardes â&#x20AC;?

(2018) by Carmen Blanco. Eva, a strong and independent woman, returns to her hometown to spend the summer holidays with her mother and Gema, her only true friend.

She least expects to meet Ruben, her ex-boyfriend, who broke off with her unexpectedly years ago for no apparent reason without even saying goodbye.

Galician film â&#x20AC;&#x153; A Palabra Xusta â&#x20AC;? (2016), whose protagonist is a 92-year-old teacher who returns to a house that has seemingly stood still in time, will be shown on March 16. There, she starts a conversation with her memories, reflections of a life trapped in old photographs, and the memory of the love of her life, Antonio Beiras.

Short films by female directors will be featured on March 23. These include â&#x20AC;&#x153; CafĂŠ Para Llevar â&#x20AC;?

(2014), â&#x20AC;&#x153; Una Vez â&#x20AC;? (2015), â&#x20AC;&#x153; Camino De Agua Para Un Pez â&#x20AC;? (2016), â&#x20AC;&#x153; Einstein-Rosenâ&#x20AC;? (2016), â&#x20AC;&#x153; Lucrecia â&#x20AC;?

(2016), â&#x20AC;&#x153; Conservas â&#x20AC;? (2017), and Filipino short film â&#x20AC;&#x153; Gikan sa Ngitngit nga Kinaidlaman â&#x20AC;? (2017), to be presented by its director, Kiri Dalena.

The film cycle will close on March 30 with Meritxell Colellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153; Con El Viento â&#x20AC;? (2017), which is about a dancer and choreographer, MĂłnica, who receives a call informing that her father is seriously ill. Unfortunately, he dies before she gets to see him. Her mother asks her to stay and help her sell the house. However, they are like two strangers who will have to know more about each other and learn to live together.

Free admission to all screenings is on a first-come, first-served basis.

D2

Funtimes

MONDAY March 4, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (03/04/19). Your career hits a growth spurt this year. Practice with your team for tight coordination. Fall into a fine summer romance, before a team challenge requires attention. Support your crew to victory this winter, before a romantic obstacle or test. Trust your heart to lead.

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Relax, and enjoy the view. Celebrate with people you love. Do something nice for someone. Stay frugal. Savor simple pleasures like a shared sunset.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23-NOV. 21) -- Today is a 6 -- Home and family have your attention. Stay objective, and listen to more than one view. Avoid passing judgment. Make needed repairs, and feed your worker bees.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is an 8 -- You have more friends than you realized. Expand territory together. Diversity provides greater strength. Share your contributions. Thank people for their gifts. Make a delightful discovery.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Practice \RXU FUHDWLYH DUWV DQG VNLOOV ,VVXH SXEOLF FRPPHQWV DQG SURPRtions. Your greatest strength is love. Find interesting ways to articulate your passion.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Career opportunities tempt. Review the options. Wait for developments, and hold out for the best deal. Consider the consequences before choosing. Sort out your resources.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Your work is in demand. Can you raise your rates? Do the market research. Your morale gets a boost with increased cash flow. Monitor closely.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Slow to enjoy the scenHU\ $YRLG WUDႈF E\ OLQJHULQJ ZLWK D VFHQLF GHWRXU ,QYHVWLJDWH D WHPSWLQJ possibility. Make sure the numbers balance before compromising.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Reaffirm financial commitments and partnerships. Stick to practical priorities. Review plans carefully before making your move. Everything seems possible.

Patiently wait for developments.

LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Rely on support from a strong partner. Share resources, talents and experiences. Revise plans to suit current circumstances. Find a hidden treasure.

VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Your practice is paying off. Focus on the details, and refine your technique. Avoid distractions, and put your heart into your work. Expand your boundaries.

» SUDOKU

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20-FEB. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Smile and wave for the cameras. Step into the spotlight and shine. Keep high standards. You can find what you need. Friends provide a boost.

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 6 -- Contemplate your next move. There’s always more to learn. A beautiful transformation is within reach. Make harmony a goal. Peace and quiet soothe your spirit.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack. For more astrological interpretations like today’s Gemini horoscope, visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes, or go to www.nancyblack.com.)

NANCY BLACK. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

BY ROGER SEVILLA

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9 with no repeats.

Solution from yesterday’s puzzle.

PAGE FROM THE PAST

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.)

MONDAY M O N DAY MARC MARCH C H 4, 20 2019

Entertainment

D4

www.manilatimes.net

Catriona Gray:â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Studying is key to unlocking your dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PLUS: Filipinos sweep Golden Buzzers on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Season 3

A

VISIT to four charities in one day!

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of schedule Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray takes on these days especially when it comes to her advocacies.

While there is no denying her sincerity, the Fil-Aussie nevertheless surprised those who went with her on the ground by just how much she has already helped certain organizations even before winning beauty titles.

Scheduled to fly out to New York this week, Catriona wasted no time as soon as her grand homecoming events and courtesy calls were done and headed out to her favorite charity, Young Focus in Tondo, last Wednesday to bond with the chil-

IN THE KNOW MJ MARFORI dren whom she knows by name.

Many of the little ones were brought to tears at the sight of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ate Catriona,â&#x20AC;? whom they had sorely missed since she got busy with her Miss Universe reign. So touched by the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pureness

Q Twenty-year-old hand shadow artist Shadow Ace scores the first Golden Buzzer for the Philippines in the third season of 'Asias Got Talent.'

Âťglobalspotlight

John Mayer launches foundation focused on veterans

NEW YORK: Mayer is launching a foundation focused on improving the health of veterans through scientific research.

The Grammy-winning singer on Friday announced The Heart and Armor Foundation, n, which plans to focus on veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and meeting ng the emerging needs of women veterans.

Though he publicly announced the foundation on Friday, Mayer has been working on the organization since 2012 alongside veterans, scientists and clinicians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to the public with things like published research papers and having raised enough money to really build Q Singer-songwriter, guitarist, some pilot programs. We have some really great data and ... we want it to be and record producer John Mayer AP PHOTO working first so that a lot of the questions were answered before we brought things ngs to people by way of awareness,â&#x20AC;? Mayer said in an interview with The Associated Press. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it just makes it that much more compelling and much more concise to bring it to people with the message being, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hey, this is not taking something that is zero to try to get it to five. This is something that is at 50 and we want to get it to 100.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Mayer, whose father was a World War 2 veteran, said part of the reason he started The Heart and Armor Foundation came after he visited the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 2008. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now this was with a friend of mine, so I was just plus one and nobody knew that the musician-guy was going. That gave me a really fluorescent look at what was going on in the barracks. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like they rolled out the red carpet for a celebrity, it was kind of a normal day,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was going to the wounded warrior barracks that I think changed me forever. It immediately showed me that my notion of what I think [are] the wounds of war are completely wrong. The way in which I was proven wrong was so compelling and fascinating and nuanced.â&#x20AC;?

The foundation has released 10 publications in peer-reviewed journals, developed an exercise-based intervention for PTSD and created a screening tool for nutrition in women veterans, among other accomplishments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in meeting after meeting where people ask, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Where did you get the money to do this exercise study? Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d you get the money?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Well Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll tell you.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; People are excited about it before I tell them John Mayer did it,â&#x20AC;? said Gerard Choucroun, executive director of The Heart and Armor Foundation.

The foundation also has a goal of bringing the military and veteran communities closer together with outreach, events and conversation. An event will be held Friday night called â&#x20AC;&#x153;How War Changes Women, How Women Change Warâ&#x20AC;? that will stream live at Facebook.com/JohnMayer and Facebook.com/HeartAndArmor at 7 p.m. Eastern. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We think that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something in here for everybody. This is not a quick black-and-white conversation. This is a very nuanced conversation. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of an American identity going on in our relationship to vets. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a relationship between the citizenry and the people who absorb and commit violence for that citizenry is such a rich, cultural ground dating back to the ancient Greeks that for us now, we want to be a part of that conversation. It goes much deeper than this set of wars that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in now,â&#x20AC;? Choucroun said.

AP

of heart, she asked them to sing her hit song, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re In This Together,â&#x20AC;? with her, after which she gamely taught them the lava walk!

The eldest female teener at Young Focus, however, felt the full Miss U experience when Ate Cat gave her the chance to wear her sash. Indeed, our Miss Universe knows how to inspire others to reach for their dreams, which she actually verbalized with her parting words for the children: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Study hard, listen to your teachers and keep dreaming, okay? Because you need to enrich your mind to be able to speak well.â&#x20AC;&#x153; Catriona then proceeded to visit persons living with HIV at Love Yourself PH, children born with cleft palates at Smile Train, and Father Tony Labiaoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity in Commonwealth, Quezon City where children

whose parents were victims of the drug war are taken in.

NNN Will it be another exciting season for Filipinos in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent 3?â&#x20AC;?

After winning 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title, courtesy of the amazing dance group El Gamma Penumbra, a promising edition seems to be on the horizon for the hit region-wide talent show based in Singapore.

Just two Thursdays ago, Shadow Ace from the Philippines scored the hostsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coveted Golden Buzzer.

The 20-year-old hand shadow artist, together with his parents, were overwhelmed with joy.

A p p a r e n t l y, S h a d ow Ac e found inspiration in the constant blackouts their neighborhood experienced during his younger years that he enter-

Q Judge David Foster gives 10-year-old singer Eleana Gabunada a standing ovation and his Golden Buzzer.

Q Scheduled to fly out to New York this week, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wasted no time as soon as her grand homecoming events were done and headed out to her favorite charity, Young Focus in Tondo, Manila, to bond with the children. PHOTOS BY RUSSELL PALMA tained himself with candlelight by making images on the walls.

Eventually, it became his passion, and now fast becoming his career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shadow Ace, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a silly little thing I guess, just to say that you play with your hands and make kGURES LIKE THAT BUT ) LL LET YOU know, I forget they were hands.

They were people to me,â&#x20AC;? David Foster said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am so glad that you are on this show. I really love that performance,â&#x20AC;? Anggun added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brilliant and amazing!â&#x20AC;?

Alan and Justin said, before running to the judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; table and pressing the Golden Buzzer.

But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more! The following week on the February 28 episode, David Foster gave 10-year-old Eleana Gabunada a standing ovation and his Golden Buzzer after she wowed the judges with Barbara Streisandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Don't Rain on My Parade.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of people much older than you that could sing that song, but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand the genre. Somehow at age

10, you understand your mission, and you understand your job and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt in my mind that if you want to be on Broadway one day, you will,â&#x20AC;? Foster, who is hard to please, lavished his praises on the little Filipina.

Since her big moment, Eleana has been dubbed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby Streisand,â&#x20AC;? thanks to Anggun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the only act that made David stand up,â&#x20AC;? Jay Park jokingly added.

Impressively, Eleana already had listened to David Fosterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic hits and mastered them at a TENDER AGE SO THAT ON THE lIP SIDE

SHE WAS JUST AS lOORED AS HER IDOL to get his approval.

Meanwhile, Shadow Ace and Eleana are going straight to the SEMI kNALS THIS -ARCH WHERE THEY will have a shot at the $100,000 grand prize and the winning title.

New episodes of Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talent airs every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on cable channel AXN. NNN Until next week, ta-ta!

BEA BINENE, DERRICK MONASTERIO AND KRISTOFFER MARTIN

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Reel Loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; top trio ushers in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dragon Ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; today yari IN kVE TO YEARS Basta ang gusto ko showbiz, tapos! Ngayon, ALL grown up now, six years since na-realize ko na thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much AL THEY SENT YOUNG HEARTS AlUTTER IN life can offer kasi gusto kong TH â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts,â&#x20AC;? tapusin yung school ko, gusto â&#x20AC;&#x153;R Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio kong mag-business. Mas nakikita Be and Kristoffer Martin reunite anew mo yung priorities mo.â&#x20AC;? an

BY IZA IGLESIAS

on the small screen for their special roles in the Afternoon Prime cia series "Dragon Lady." se The three GMA Network talents ARE SET TO PORTRAY SIGNIkCANT CHARACARE ters in the highly-intriguing fantasy ter drama whose leads stars are Janine dr Gutierrez and Tom Rodriguez.

According to the trio, a lot has changed in each of them since STARRING IN THEIR kRST SOAP 7HILE they were only thinking then about showbiz as a way to earn money for their whims or to help their families, they have come to be serious and passionate about their craft as they matured into adulthood. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Actually noong mga bata pa

kami, wala talaga kaming plano.

Unang show ko kasi ang Tween Hearts. Gusto ko lang kumita noon, gusto ko lang ng bagong shoes, ng car pero ngayon, iba na yung priorities. Iba na yung outlook and hindi ko talaga naenvision na ganito aabot ang career ko ,â&#x20AC;? Monasterio looked

Meanwhile Martin enthused, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ma-

pa umarte, kung hanggang saan ko masasagad yung sarili ko,â&#x20AC;?

niyang sinasabi na magdasal ako at galingan ko together with her

Martin elaborated.

unwavering support. Eventually I see na tama siya dahil may ibibigay sayong blessing na project.â&#x20AC;?

For now, they are ever thankful to have active TV careers and feel honored to be premiering Dragon Lady as the young versions of the key cast.

Binene is the young Almira (Gutierrez), a beautiful and smart girl, who, missing out on college, IS DETERMINED TO FULkL HER DREAMS of having her own business. She works as a cashier in a chain of supermarkets owned by a rich Chinese businessman, but when HE TRIES TO RAPE HER SHE kNDS AN ancient dragon statue to hit him with and defend herself.

3HE RUNS AWAY WITH THE kGURE

which becomes her lucky charm as she grows up and makes her every dream come true.

Dragon Lady is directed by Paul Sta. Ana and begins this afternoon on GMA.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ako naman, talagang dadating at dadating ka diyan kasi syempre minsan napapagod ka, tapos ang daming bago. Naisip ko paano ko sila mabibigyan ng reason to keep supporting me, or ano ding reason ang nabibigay nila for me to stay. And then nangingibabaw yung totoo na gusto ko ang ginagawa ko, kahit na minsan pagod ako, puyat. Pero kapag nakita mo yung mga taong sumusuporta saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yo, nagpapagod para makita ka, ma-tweet ka, wala na akong ibang iisipin pa but to be here for them

Âťtvlandia'slatest

saya ako pag may trabaho. Naging

mature lang ang outlook namin sa life, pero thankful ako na nandito pa rin ako sa showbiz, na may

trabaho kami at nagtitiwala sila na for 10 years nandito pa rin ako.â&#x20AC;?

They also revealed that there were times they almost wanted to quit showbiz and pursue other goals but luckily, with the support of family, friends and fans, they stayed on and thrived in their careers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Na-realize ko din na hindi ka

nila nilagay dito para wala lang.

Kumbaga may purpose ka kaya nandito and you just have to wait lang and be patient. Gusto ko pa kasi magka-pelikula, gusto ko

too,â&#x20AC;? Binene chimed in.

Finally, Monasterio divulged, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dumating ako sa highest point ng career ko, at sa lowest point

din. Doon ko ko naramdaman na gusto mag quit. Pero may guidance ako from my mom (former actress Tina Monasterio). Lagi

back on his time in showbiz thus far. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi ako nga alam na maghuhubad ako sa screen kasi dati conservative ako. Yung hindi natin alam, IN THE NEXT kVE YEARS iba naman ang character ko.â&#x20AC;?

Binene, on the other hand said in agreement, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nagbago din ang pananaw ko sa buhay kasi before, parang puro career and showbiz

lang ang iniisip ko. Gusto ko tumagal dito pero walang SPECIkC goal kung anong gustong mang-

Q Six years after 'Tween Hearts,' Kristoffer Martin, Bea Binene and Derrick Monasterio reunite anew in the small screen for 'Dragon Lady.'