THE MANILA TIMES | APRIL 05, 2019

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Q4 2018 growth revised to 6.3%

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•• 4 SECTIONS PAGES • VOL. 120 NO. 174 28

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

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Chinese presence near island ‘illegal’ Analyst: Military has no capability to confront Beijing BY BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO

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HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday declared the presence of Chinese vessels near Pagasa (Thitu) Island in the Kalayaan Island Group “illegal.�

BOMB DRILL

People take cover outside the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila during a bomb drill within the walled city on Thursday. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

³’Illegal’A2

Carpio is ignorant, or lying about loan terms in his anti-Chinese rants

I

N the course of his campaign to paint China as an evil empire, Supreme Court Senior Justice Antonio Carpio has claimed that the Philippines had defaulted on its loans in 1983.

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What’s inside TRILLANES BEHIND VIDEO, DUTERTE’S NewsA2 SON CLAIMS DUTERTE TO SACK ANOTHER OFFICIAL NewsA3

Sara Duterte victim of Facebook purge DAVAO City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, was one of the “casualties� of a “Facebook purge,� a Davao City OFkCER HAS SAID The statement came a week after Facebook shut down hundreds of accounts

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THE Supreme Court (SC) was urged by a group of militant petitioners on Thursday to cancel the Philippine government’s $62-million loan agreement with China for the Chico River Irrigation Pump Project in the Cordillera region. In a 67-page petition for certiorari and prohibition, the group of partylist legislators from the Makabayan bloc sought to nullify the loan agreement for being unconstitutional. The group is led by Senate candidate Neri Colmenares. Named respondents to the case were President Rodrigo Duterte, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra and National Irrigation Administration Administrator Ricardo Visaya. The Colmenares group sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the deal, where the Philippines stands to lose natural-gas deposits in the Recto Bank or Reed Bank in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) in case of loan default. Associate Justice Antonio Carpio had said China would ravish the natural gas in the area if the Philippines

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NUGGETS ROUT SPURS AS ‘POP’ TOSSED, ROCKETS THUMP CLIPPERS

Void China loan deal, SC urged

DELIGHTFUL SUMMER ESCAPADES

LifestyleD1

HOPEFULS

Duterte ‘frustrated’ with entry of prohibited drugs MALACAĂ‘ANG on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte was “frustratedâ€? that even if he ordered a harsher drug war, illegal drugs continue to enter the country. The President on Wednesday admitted that his anti-illegal drug war was a “failureâ€? and the drug menace was “worsening.â€? Lawmakers from the opposi-

tion said the admission was “long overdue.â€? “Duterte’s drug war has long been a failure‌ body count was the main indicator of success and reign of terror was the main strategy, without addressing the root causes,â€? Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao told The Manila Times.

³’Frustrated’A8

Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates are presented to media at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center. From the 40 bets, six will be chosen to represent the country to the Miss Universe, Miss International, Miss Supranational, Miss Intercontinental, Miss Globe and Miss Grand International pageants. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

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˜ The Manila Times

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FRIDAY April 5, 2019

Trillanes behind video, Duterte’s son claims P BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s son and former Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte on Thursday tagged Sen. Antonio Trillanes 4th as behind an online video that linked him to the illegal drug trade in the country.

“If there’s anything admirable about Mr. Antonio Trillanes, it is his relentlessness and talent to turn the absurd into something ridiculous, if not bizarrely entertaining,� Paolo said in a Facebook post. “He may deny it, but the video supposedly showing my involvement in the illegal drug trade in the country has been clearly stamped with the indelible Trillanes signature of being a desperate mercenary, one who has done nothing good but attack the government,� he added.

The younger Duterte also threatENED TO kLE ANOTHER STRING OF CASES against Trillanes for his “continued attempts to destroy my reputation.â€? “And no, I will not show the tattoo on my back and make things easier for Mr. Trillanes. Instead, I dare him and everyone behind the stupid and empty video exposĂŠ to back their claims against me,â€? he added. Paolo, who is running unopposed as Davao’s first district representative, and his brother in law Manases “Mansâ€? Carpio had

kLED LIBEL CASES AGAINST 4RILLANES Paolo made the statement after a YouTube video showed a listing of “tara� or grease money allegedly deposited in the accounts of drug lords with the code names “POLODELTA-TSG01� and “ALPHA TIERRA-0029.� The six-minute clip’s narrator claimed that the bank accounts belonged to Carpio, who allegedly transferred P170 million and P210 million in separate instances last year to Paolo’s purported account under an international bank. Information on the tara supposedly came from a certain “Bikoy,� who claimed he was a member responsible for recording the kNANCES OF THE DRUG RING THAT ALLEGedly operates in Southern Luzon and the Visayas. The video also resurrected Trillanes’ claim that Paolo Duterte has a dragon-like tattoo on his back — supposedly proof of his

TIES TO A DRUG TRAFkCKING TRIAD Paolo had rejected Trillanes’ challenge for him to show his back to disprove the allegations in A 3EPTEMBER 3ENATE INQUIRY MalacaĂąang dismissed the video exposĂŠ as mere “black propaganda.â€? “But, just like the other false narratives against the President, it will not succeed as the overwhelming majority of the Filipino people TRUST HIS SINCERITY AND kDELITY TO his duty as President in serving and protecting the citizenry, as well as believe in his incorruptibility,â€? Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. The Palace official said the President’s enemies and detractors would “always try to discredit him but they are doomed to fail,â€? citing how the Chief Executive won the presidential race and had remained popular nearly three years into his term.

Q LOAN FROM A1

SC asked to void failed to pay the $62-million loan. The 20-year deal for the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project was signed by Dominguez and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China Zhao Jianhua on April 10, 2018. The petitioners asked the respondents to produce procurement documents in granting civil works to the Chinese contractor and other relevant documents in connection with the case. They wanted the high tribunal to order all concerned agencies of the government to produce certikED TRUE COPIES UPON REQUEST OF all loan agreements executed by and between Manila and Beijing. Meanwhile, two of Colmenares’ fellow candidates for senator opposed Duterte’s order to review the loan deal with China and all other government contracts, saying the power to investigate these agreements might be “weaponized.� In a forum at Adamson University in Manila, former solicitor general Florin “Pilo� Hilbay and Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano likened the review to a “narcolist,� saying it might be

STOP CHICO LOAN

Senate candidate Neri Colmenares files a petition questioning a loan agreement with China before the Supreme Court in Manila on Thursday. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA used as a means to run after enemies of the government. The government has entered into what Hilbay said were hundreds of thousands of contracts. MalacaĂąang also on Thursday assured the public that the President was “seriousâ€? in his order to review all existing contracts entered into by the Philippine government with private entities, multilateral agencies or foreign countries.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo made the assurance in an interview with radio dzMM after some senators urged the government to exercise caution in implementing the order. Sen. Franklin Drilon said the government should carefully assess existing and binding contracts as these could not simply be classikED AS ONEROUS AND CANCELED Drilon said the review of the

Q ‘ILLEGAL’ FROM A1

Chinese The DFA said Pag-asa Island is part of the Kalayaan or Spratly group, “an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.� Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez stressed this in a statement amid the reported huge number of Chinese vessels circling Pag-asa Island in the contested West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). “Such actions are a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights AND JURISDICTION AS DEkNED UNDER INTERnational law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos),� Fernandez said. “Moreover, it has been observed that Chinese vessels have been present in large numbers and for sustained and recurring periods — what is commonly referred to AS gSWARMINGu TACTICS ‡ RAISING QUESTIONS about their intent as well as concerns over their role in support of coercive objectives,� he said. Fernandez added that “such actions when not repudiated by the Chinese government are deemed to have been adopted by it.� “The presence of Chinese vessels within the [Kalayaan Island group or KIG in 0ALAWAN= WHETHER MILITARY kSHING OR other vessels, will thus continue to be the subject of appropriate action by the Philippines,� he said. He said that “for the record, the Philippines has consistently manifested its position on the Pag-asa Islands and on the KIG, and its objections or concerns over illegal, tension-raising or coercive

contracts “must not be used to harass� and should be brought to the Ombudsman if proven to have violated the anti-graft law. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian agreed, saying the assessment should not be meant to scrap contracts as it could tarnish the reputation of the country in attracting potential investors. JOMAR CANLAS, CATHERINE A. MODESTO AND CATHERINE S. VALENTE

activities, through diplomatic actions, including notes verbales and in meetings with the Chinese side, including the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM).� “We call on concerned parties to desist from any action and activity that contravenes the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), as these generate tension, mistrust and uncertainty, and threatens regional peace and stability,� he said. Fernandez said that while negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea were ongoing, the Philippines wanted full and effective implementation of the DOC. He recalled that the joint statement issued by the Philippines and China in 2018 during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Philippines included an agreement by both sides to exercise self-restraint with respect to activities in the South China Sea that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. “We call on the Chinese government to adhere to this consensus reached at the highest levels, down to its agencies and its military,� Fernandez said.

Panatag, too Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said the Philippine government must also kLE A DIPLOMATIC PROTEST AGAINST #HINA FOR the reported increasing number of Chinese vessels in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. “I believe that we should file a protest‌because the continued assertion of our rights over that territory is critical to our continuous claim over the

JV wants specialty hospitals in regions SEN. JOSEPH Victor “JV� Ejercito on Thursday called for the establishment of a specialty hospital in every region, similar to those in Metro Manila. Ejercito, chairman of the Senate health committee, said if HE WAS REELECTED HE WOULD kLE a bill for the construction and operation of regional specialty hospitals like the Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), which are all located in Metro Manila. “Not just a hospital. What I want is for all regions to have a specialty hospital,� he said in Filipino. Ejercito, principal sponsor of the Universal Health Care

(UHC) Law, said these regional specialty hospitals would spare patients and their families of huge expenses, as well as relieve them of inconveniences involved in traveling from the provinces where they live to seek medication or check-ups in the Manila-based hospitals. “They don’t have to travel to Manila to get treatment from the Philippine Heart Center, Lung Center or NKTI,� Ejercito said. Aside from the UHC, Ejercito also pushed for other health laws, including the Mental Health Act, Philippine HIV/AIDS (Human )MMUNODEkCIENCY 6IRUS !CQUIRED Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Policy Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act.

Jinggoy seeks dismissal of ‘pork barrel’ case FORMER senator Jose “Jinggoy� Estrada is asking the Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division to dismiss the P183-million plunder case he is facing in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel� scam. The court had given him permission to file a demurrer to evidence, which is a motion to DISMISS BECAUSE OF INSUFkCIENCY of the evidence presented by the prosecution during trial. If a court denies the demurrer, Estrada may present evidence in his defense. “Accordingly, as the prosecution’s evidence adduced during trial do not amount to proof beyond reasonable doubt, [former senator] Estrada is by law entitled TO AN ACQUITTAL AND IT IS THIS HONORable court’s constitutional duty to ACQUIT HIM u THE DEFENSE SAID IN ITS demurrer to evidence. It argued that the prosecution failed to establish that he received the amount alleged in the charge sheet or that he had amassed, accumulated and acQUIRED ILL GOTTEN WEALTH “Otherwise put, the prosecution failed to establish that any of the supposed rebates, commissions or kickbacks, or any of the funds arising from the PDAF projects, were actually delivered to or received by [former senator] Estrada,� the defense said. The defense also argued that the charge sheet did not allege that he was the mastermind or main plunderer. )T QUOTED A 3UPREME #OURT RUL-

Panatag Shoal,� he said. “Remember that in today’s diplomatic practices, the ability of a country to provide economic assistance is an effective tool of diplomacy,� Drilon said in a media forum. He added, “It’s no longer you invade one territory but you extend loans. Remember that the extension of loan is part of a foreign policy.� Former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday sought a peaceful resolution to the reported harassment of &ILIPINO kSHERMEN BY #HINESE MILITIA NEAR Pag-asa Island. “We have to deal with China this way, because we do not have any force to challenge China. This is why I’m advocating a closer relationship with China,� he said at the sidelines of his campaign sortie in Bicol. Enrile also expressed concern that, if left unresolved, “the possible intervention OF #HINESE VESSELS IN THE 0AG ASA kSHING grounds will deplete the supply in the area.�

‘Military not designed to confront China’ A maritime expert said on Thursday the Philippine defense and military establishments have no capabilities to confront China with its “tactics� in waging a “guerilla war at sea.� Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines’ Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, also stressed China had been watching the Philippines in repairing the runway at Pag-asa Island. “The message, really, is that ‘you can only do these things because we are allowing you to do so,’ I think that is the overall message really, by maintaining their presence near the [islands],� Batong-

ing which states that, “[S]urely, THE LAW REQUIRES IN THE CRIMINAL charge for plunder against several individuals that there must be a main plunderer...� Further, the defense said there was no proof that Estrada had any participation “in any such supposed conspiracy� from 2004 to 2007, and also from 2011 to 2012. Estrada was one of three senaTORS CHARGED BY THE /FkCE OF THE Ombudsman, along with alleged brains Janet Lim Napoles and other individuals before the Sandiganbayan in 2014 in connection with the PDAF scam. )N THE /MBUDSMAN kLED before the Sandiganbayan a P224million plunder case and 16 counts of graft against former senator Ramon “Bong� Revilla Jr.; a P183-million plunder case and 11 counts of graft against Estrada; and a P172-million plunder case and 15 counts of graft against former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, whose bail petition the Supreme Court granted on humanitarian grounds in 2015. Revilla was released from detention in December 2018 after the Sandiganbayan’s Special First $IVISION ACQUITTED HIM OF PLUNder and after he posted bail for his provisional liberty over the graft charges. Estrada was released from detention in September 2017 after the Sandiganbayan’s Special Fifth Division, voting 3-2, allowed him to post bail over the plunder case. REINA C. TOLENTINO

bacal said in an interview over ABS-CBN News Channel. He cited China’s tactics when pursuing territory, such as what happened in the Paracel Islands with Vietnam, engaging Hanoi in warfare and taking over islands violently. “Usually, what would happen would be that you have these militia vessels involved near the islands‌[then there’s a clash], a provocation [wherein] someBODY kRED UPON SOMEBODY ELSE ANDw that became a pretext to send in more lethal forces,â€? he added. For Batongbacal, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were “not designedâ€? to face the tactics being employed by Beijing. “We have never had that situation ever and they are now confronted by this kind of possibility. I believe that this is one reason why the Defense department has also initiated this possible review of the MDT (mutual defense treaty), because the MDT is not designed for this kind of situation either,â€? he explained. Lorenzana, on the other hand, admitted that China had been keeping an eye on the construction of the runway at Pag-asa. “Oh, they have been watching us for a long time, but our projects are proceeding and will continue until completed. They are not interfering,â€? Lorenzana told reporters in a message. Last year, he called for a review of the mutual defense treaty with Washington, pushing for the inclusion of the Philippine-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea. Lorenzana met with acting US Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan last month, hoping to discuss the treaty.

WITH DEMPSEY REYES

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Lawmakers seek help for drought-hit farmers AS El NiĂąo continues to scorch farms in many regions, lawmakers sought solutions to cushion the effects of drought, especially on farmers and fisherfolk. Leyte Rep. Henry Ong appealed to banks and other lenders to offer condonation and debt restructuring to farmers and fishers. “Droughts bring financial hardships to farmers and fisherfolk. Last year, [they] suffered from elevated inflation and now, if their crops wither in the heat and if the fish die from the red tide and elevated water temperatures, they will not even have money to tide them over for months,â€? Ong said. Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo urged President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by drought. “Now would also be a good time to tap the $500-million disaster relief fund of the World Bank, which the Department of Finance said is available when needed,â€? Salo said. Meanwhile, Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrara-Dy reminded the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS) and water concessionaires of their duty to implement the Irrigation Water Replacement Program, with its collection of up to P7.5 billion supposedly allotted for infrastructures and other irrigation water

replacement facilities. “Livestock growers, farmers and fisherfolk need the coordinated response measures of the local water districts, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Irrigation Authority and National Water Resources Board,â€? Herrera-Dy said. Quirino Province Rep. Dakila Cua, who heads the House committee on ecology, said long-term solutions were needed, such as the creation of the Department of Water, Irrigation, Sewage, Flood Control and Sanitation Resource Management. “We have some catching up to do when it comes to investment in water-related facilities. We need continuous investments until our capacity can sufficiently handle present and forthcoming requirements,â€? he said. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier forecast 41 to 80 percent below normal rainfall for all of Leyte, including much of Samar Island, and Mindanao. The Department of Agriculture had said damage to agriculture bought by El NiĂąo had reached P5.05 billion, affecting 164,672 farmers in 14 regions of the country. GLEE JALEA

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

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Duterte to sack another official P

BY CATHERINE S. VALENTE

RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte will fire ANOTHER GOVERNMENT OFkCIAL NEXT WEEK MalacaĂąang said on Thursday.

0ALACE SPOKESMAN 3ALVADOR 0ANELO SAID $UTERTE MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT DURING A MEETING WITH BUSINESSMEN ON 7EDNESDAY gIa ANNOUNCE NIYA NEXT WEEK "INANGGIT NIYA RIN @YUN KAGABI (E WILL ANNOUNCE IT NEXT WEEK (E ALSO MENTIONED IT LAST NIGHT DURING THE MEETING WITH SOME BUSINESSMEN NA THAT HE WILL BE FIRING ANOTHER OFFICIAL NEXT WEEK u 0ANELO SAID IN A RADIO

INTERVIEW 0ANELO DID NOT CITE ANY REASON FOR THE IMPENDING DISMISSAL OF THE UNNAMED GOVERNMENT OFkCIAL (IS STATEMENT CAME MORE THAN A WEEK AFTER THE 0RESIDENT REVEALED THAT HE WOULD BE kRING gMOREu GOVERNMENT OFkCIALS !SKED IF ONLY ONE OFkCIAL WOULD BE SACKED 0ANELO SAID g0ARANG @YUN @YUNG NARINIG KO SA KANYA KAGABI 4HAT S WHAT ) HEARD FROM

HIM LAST NIGHT u !MID HIS RELENTLESS CRACKDOWN ON CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT $UTERTE THREATENED ON -ARCH TO FIRE ANOTHER SET OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS 4HE 0RESIDENT DID NOT NAME THEM ALTHOUGH HE RECENTLY ISSUED A SIMILAR WARNING TO OFkCIALS OF THE -ETROPOLITAN 7ATERWORKS AND 3EWERAGE 3YSTEM -733 OVER THEIR FAILURE TO PREVENT THE WATER CRISIS THAT DOGGED PARTS OF -ETRO -ANILA AND 2IZAL 0ROVINCE ,AST WEEK $UTERTE REQUIRED THE -733 OFkCIALS TO SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE WATER SHORTAGE IN -ETRO -ANILA AND NEARBY AREAS AFTER WHICH HE WOULD gDECIDE WHETHER HEADS WILL

ROLL OR WHETHER THE CONTRACTS OF THE CONCESSIONAIRES WILL BE TERMINATED u g) WILL NOT MAKE A PREJUDGMENT ) ASKED THEM ‡ EVERYBODY CONCERNED ‡ TO SUBMIT A REPORT BY !PRIL AND ) WILL DECIDE BEFORE !PRIL u HE SAID 4HE 0RESIDENT HAD DECRIED CORRUPTION AND RED TAPE IN GOVERNMENT SAYING THE PROBLEM COULD LEAD TO A gFAILED GOVERNMENT u 4HE LATEST TO LEAVE AMONG HIS APPOINTEES WAS FORMER 0HILIPPINE #HARITY 3WEEPSTAKES /FkCE GENERAL MANAGER !LEXANDER "ALUTAN 4HE 0ALACE INITIALLY SAID HE WAS kRED gDUE TO SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION u BUT LATER BACKTRACKED SAYING HE RESIGNED

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QUAKE DRILL

A nurse attends to an ‘injured’ man during an earthquake drill at the Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital in Caloocan City. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

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LENGTH PLAY IN %NGLISH IN (E CONTINUED TO JOIN THE CONTEST AFTER HIS INDUCTION (E LATER CLINCHED THE TOP AWARD FOR HIS (ILIGAYNON SHORT STORIES g$UTA 0ARA SA MGA )SKOLAR SANG "ANWAu IN AND g!NG 0AGBALIK 3ANG "ABAYLANu IN AND THIRD PRIZE FOR THE #EBUANO SHORT STORY g$ILI "AYA KO "UGOYu LAST YEAR )N THE kELD OF THEATER $ULAANG 5NIBERSIDAD NG 0ILIPINAS MOUNTED THREE OF HIS ONE ACT PLAYS ‡ 4RES (ERMANAS DE -OLO

Atlas de Molo AND 6ENUS de Molo ‡ UNDER THE COLLECTIVE TITLE Distrito de Molo AT THE 5NIVERSITY OF THE 0HILIPPINES IN $ILIMAN 1UEZON #ITY AND LATER IN )LOILO #ITY IN $ERIADA RECEIVED THE 'AWAD ##0 #ULTURAL #ENTER OF THE 0HILIPPINES 0ARA SA 3INING FOR LITERATURE +AMPEON NG 7IKA PRIZE FROM THE +OMISYON SA 7IKANG &ILIPINO AND A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM THE .ATIONAL #OMMISSION FOR #ULTURE AND THE !RTS )N A 3EPTEMBER ##0 VIDEO HE ADVISED ASPIRING WRITERS g4HE kRST THING YOU DO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE IS DECIDE IN WHAT LANGUAGE YOU LIKE TO WRITE )F YOU DECIDE TO WRITE IN %NGLISH YOUR NEXT RESPONSIBILITY IS TO MASTER THE %NGLISH LANGUAGE .O LESS THAN MASTER u

No brownouts in Luzon — DoE 4(% $EPARTMENT OF %NERGY $O% GAVE ASSURANCES THAT THE ENTIRE ,UZON WOULD NOT BE HIT BY BROWNOUTS DURING THE DRY MONTHS DESPITE THE SUCCESSIVE YELLOW ALERT NOTICES ISSUED THIS WEEK DUE TO THINNING OF POWER RESERVES g7ALA PO TAYONG NAKIKITANG POWER INTERRUPTION base sa SUPPLY KAHIT MAY YELLOW ALERT 4HE DEPARTMENT SEES NO POWER INTERRUPTION BASED ON THE SUPPLY SITUATION DESPITE YELLOW ALERTS u %NERGY 5NDERSECRETARY &ELIX 7ILLIAM &UENTEBELLA SAID IN A PRESS BRIEkNG ON 4HURSDAY g-AGKAKAROON TAYO NG SAPAT NA SUPPLY NG KURYENTE 7E WILL HAVE ENOUGH SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY u HE TOLD REPORTERS 4HE .ATIONAL 'RID #ORP OF THE 0HILIPPINES DEkNES YELLOW ALERT AS A SYSTEM CONDITION IN WHICH RESERVES ARE LESS THAN THE CAPACITY OF THE BIGGEST PLANT ONLINE WHICH IS MEGAWATT FOR ,UZON 9ELLOW ALERT HOWEVER DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THIN RESERVES WOULD RESULT IN OUTAGES "UT HISTORICALLY LOW RESERVE LEVEL TRIGGERS A SPIKE IN PRICES AT THE 7HOLESALE %LECTRICITY 3POT -ARKET !NDREA -AY #AGUETE OF THE )NDEPENDENT %LECTRICITY -ARKET /PERATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES SAID HIGHER SPOT MARKET PRICES DO NOT NECESSARILY TRANSLATE TO HIGHER ELECTRICITY BILLS -ANILA %LECTRIC #O SAID IT WOULD BE TOO SOON TO DETERMINE IF THESE YELLOW ALERTS COULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE OVERALL POWER RATES THIS MONTH JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Divorce obtained by Filipino couples Dear PAO, My husband and I have been separated for three years. We are planning to file a petition for annulment, but it doesn’t seem like we qualify under any of the grounds mentioned in the law. Also, we are a bit apprehensive TO kLE A PETITION FOR ANNULMENT because we have been advised that the annulment process takes a long time without any guarantee that the court will approve our petition. We are currently considering going to the United States to obtain a quick divorce in Nevada. However, we are uncertain if the divorce decree would be recognized in the Philippines, considering that neither of

DEAR PAO

PERSIDA ACOSTA us is an American citizen. Will the divorce decree obtained abroad by Filipino spouses be recognized in the Philippines? *OSEkNA $EAR *OSEkNA

! DIVORCE DECREE OBTAINED ABROAD BY &ILIPINO SPOUSES IS NEITHER VALID NOR RECOGNIZED IN THE 0HILIPPINES !RTICLE OF THE #IVIL #ODE OF THE 0HILIPPINES is very CLEAR THAT gLAWS RELATING TO FAMILY

RIGHTS AND DUTIES OR TO THE status CONDITION AND LEGAL CAPACITY OF PERSONS ARE BINDING UPON CITIZENS OF THE 0HILIPPINES EVEN THOUGH LIVING ABROADu %MPHASIS AND UNDERSCORING SUPPLIED &URTHER g;4=HE STATUS OF A PERSON IN CIVIL LAW INCLUDES PERSONAL QUALITIES AND RELATIONS MORE OR LESS PERMANENT IN NATURE AND NOT ORDINARILY TERMINABLE AT HIS OWN WILL AS HIS BEING MARRIED OR NOTwu #IVIL #ODE OF THE 0HILIPPINES !NNOTATED ED %DUARDO 0ARAS P 4HUS THE LAW GOVERNING THE MARITAL STATUS OF &ILIPINO SPOUSES IS 0HILIPPINE LAW 4HE &AMILY #ODE OF THE 0HILIPPINES DOES NOT ADMIT ABSOLUTE

DIVORCE AS A MODE OF DISSOLVING MARRIAGES 4HUS ANY DIVORCE OBTAINED ABROAD BY &ILIPINO SPOUSES HAS NO EFFECT TO THEIR MARITAL STATUS AND WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED IN THE 0HILIPPINES )N THE CASE OF 4ENCHAVEZ VS %SCAĂ„O '2 , .OV 0ONENte: !SSOCIATE *USTICE *OSE "ENEDICTO ,UNA 2EYES THE 3UPREME #OURT said: g&OR THE 0HILIPPINES COURTS TO RECOGNIZE AND GIVE RECOGNITION OR EFFECT TO A FOREIGN DECREE OF ABSOLUTE DIVORCE BETWEEN &ILIPINO CITIZENS COULD BE A PATENT VIOLATION OF THE DECLARED PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE THIRD PARAGRAPH OF !RTICLE OF THE #IVIL #ODE THAT PRESCRIBES

THE FOLLOWING g0ROHIBITIVE LAWS CONCERNING PERSONS THEIR ACTS OR PROPERTY AND THOSE WHICH HAVE FOR THEIR OBJECT PUBLIC ORDER POLICY AND GOOD CUSTOMS SHALL NOT BE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE BY LAWS OR JUDGMENTS PROMULGATED OR BY DETERMINATIONS OR CONVENTIONS AGREED UPON IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY g%VEN MORE THE GRANT OF EFFECTIVITY IN THIS JURISDICTION TO SUCH FOREIGN DIVORCE DECREES WOULD IN EFFECT GIVE RISE TO AN IRRITATING AND SCANDALOUS DISCRIMINATION IN FAVOR OF WEALTHY CITIZENS TO THE DETRIMENT OF THOSE MEMBERS OF OUR POLITY WHOSE MEANS DO NOT PERMIT THEM TO SOJOURN ABROAD AND OBTAIN ABSOLUTE DIVORCES

OUTSIDE THE 0HILIPPINES u 4HUS WE HIGHLY DISCOURAGE YOU FROM OBTAINING A DIVORCE DECREE ABROAD 9OU WILL ONLY BE SPENDING MONEY FOR A DIVORCE DECREE WHICH WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED IN OUR COUNTRY 4HIS OPINION IS SOLELY BASED ON THE FACTS YOU HAVE NARRATED AND OUR APPRECIATION OF THE SAME 4HE OPINION MAY VARY WHEN THE FACTS ARE CHANGED OR FURTHER ELABORATED 7E HOPE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO ENLIGHTEN YOU ON THE MATTER

%DITOR S NOTE $EAR 0!/ IS A DAILY COLUMN OF THE 0UBLIC !TTORNEY S /FkCE 1UESTIONS FOR CHIEF !COSTA MAY BE SENT TO DEARPAO MANILATIMES NET

A4

Opinion

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

E d i to r i a l Public money finances our public officials’ election

P

2%3)$%.4 2ODRIGO $UTERTE MAY HAVE SPOKEN THE TRUEST words yet in the current election campaign when he deCLARED AT A RALLY IN -ALABON THAT ELECTED PUBLIC OFkCIALS ARE RUNNING FOR REELECTION ON THE STRENGTH OF PUBLIC MONEY It is public money that finances the public projects paraded by officials as accomplishments and ON WHICH THEY PASTE THEIR NAMES It is public money inside the pork barrel that ofFICIALS USE TO FINANCE THEIR ELECTION CAMPAIGN It is public money that finances their campaign ORGANIZATIONS AND PROPAGANDA )T IS PUBLIC MONEY THAT GIVES THEM ENERGY AT THE HUSTINGS )N ESSENCE WHAT $UTERTE IS SAYING IS THIS THE public, or the people, are paying for the election CAMPAIGN OF OUR ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS (OORAY -R 0RESIDENTĂœ 9OU HAVE HIT THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM IN OUR ELECTORAL POLITICS 4HIS IS WHY SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES HAVE INSISTED ON THE APPROVAL OF THEIR PORK BARREL BEFORE THEY WOULD CONSENT TO SIGNING THE 'ENERAL !PPROPRIATIONS "ILL IN #ONGRESS This is why elected local officials demand projects FROM THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AS A CONDITION FOR SUPPORTING THEM AT ELECTION TIME 4HIS IS WHY THE CONTRACTORS OF EXPENSIVE INFRAstructure and public works projects pay kickbacks TO LEGISLATORS AS A CONDITION FOR GETTING PROJECTS 0UBLIC MONEY FUELS THE ELECTION ECONOMY 7E THE TAXPAYERS FOOT THE BILL 4HE PRIVATE SECTOR PAYS NEXT TO NOTHING IN EXPENSE The existence of politicians relies entirely on public FUNDS 7ITHOUT PUBLIC MONEY THERE WOULD BE NO POLITICIANS 7ITHOUT THE PROSPECT OF GETTING PUBLIC MONEY MOVIE ACTORS ENTERTAINERS AND CELEBRITIES WOULD NOT TAKE A CHANCE ON RUNNING FOR PUBLIC OFkCE $UTERTE WENT ON TO SAY DURING HIS CAMPAIGN SPEECH THAT VOTERS SHOULD BE WARY OF POLITICIANS BEARING GIFTS BECAUSE NONE OF THEM SPENDS FROM HIS OWN POCKET Filipinos do not owe anything to politicians, least OF ALL FOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS ADVERTISING THEIR NAMES 3ERVICES PROVIDED PROJECTS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED AND PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED BY PUBLIC OFkCIALS ARE NOT FAVORS THEY ARE SIMPLY A WAY OF MAKING THE PEOPLE S MONEY WORK FOR THEM HE STRESSED g9OU DON T OWE THEM ANYTHING !LL OF THAT INCLUDING THEIR SALARIES COME FROM TAXES YOU VE PAID u So, don’t listen when somebody says this or that CANDIDATE IS GENEROUS g9OU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW THOSE GUYS RECOVER THE MONEY THEY SPEND u The President went into this tirade to underscore his CAMPAIGN AGAINST CORRUPTION IN GOVERNMENT (E ASSURED HIS AUDIENCE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ROOM FOR CORRUPTION IN THE %XECUTIVE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT !S President, he functions through his Cabinet secretaries OVER WHOM HE HAS DIRECT CONTROL )T IS A DIFFERENT STORY WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTED OFkCIALS (E ADMITTED THAT WITH ELECTED OFkCIALS ALL HE CAN DO IS SUPERVISE THEM AND TRUST THAT THEY WILL gDO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY u We think the President can do a great deal in stopping the misuse of public money, starting with his current REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL BUDGET "Y EXERCISING THE PRESIDENTIAL LINE ITEM VETO POWER to strike out the pork barrel and insertions in the budget of legislators, the President and the nation will gain a headstart in enforcing fiscal prudence IN THE GOVERNMENT AND SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC MONEY -AYBE THEN SANITY WILL BEGIN TO RETURN TO OUR NATIONAL ELECTIONS ~

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

The Manila Times

VOLUME 120 NUMBER 174

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

PCGG, Otso Dorobo and cybercrime bill

W

(%. CLASS SUIT SPECIALIST "OB 3WIFT ASSISTED BY (AROLD +OHN 3HERRY "RODER AND *OSE -ARI 6ELEZ SUED THE -ARCOSES FOR GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN !PRIL IN (ONOLULU THEY DIDN T SEEK GOVERNMENT S IMPRIMATUR 4HEY HAD NO NEED TO 4HEIR LONELY PRIVATE COSTLY judicial crusade, dismissed by some as QUIXOTIC ENDED SUCCESSFULLY IN Bob’s Philadelphia law firm answered and continues to answer for all expenses, including bringing MANY WITNESSES FROM -ANILA TO (ONOLULU FOR THE TRIAL I am not certain how many Pinoy lawyers can tell a class suit from a hole IN THE GROUND .O PLAINTIFF IS ASKED TO ADVANCE EVEN A single singkong duling &ROM THE TIME *OE -ARI PASSED AWAY IN 2OD $OMINGO AND 2UBEN &RUTO HAVE ASSISTED "OB ) THEN SEEN AS #ORY !QUINO *R GOT THEM ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT RECORDS As salimpusa, I once appeared in (ONOLULU TO SPECTATE AT THE EXPENSE OF "OB S kRM AND THE JURY AWARDED BILLION IN ONE FORM OF DAMAGES ‡ WOWĂœ ‡ CAUSING ME TO NEARLY FALL OFF MY SEAT 5NCLE *OVY 3ALONGA WHO WE WOULD CONSULT FORESAW DIFkCULties in enforcing the judgment here, as we are seeing again now The VICTIMS ARE BEING VICTIMIZED AGAIN OR SO IT SEEMS

T.G.I.F. RENE SAGUISAG

FORUMS *OKER !RROYO %TTA 2OSALES and others doggedly pushed for WHAT BECAME 2! THE �(UMAN 2IGHTS 6ICTIMS 2EPARATIONS AND 2ECOGNITION !CT OF � WHEN 0.OY WAS 0REZ *0% ASKED LAST YEAR WHAT GROSS HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS ‡ FORGETTING AT WHAT HE SIGNED IN AT WHEN HE WAS 3ENATE 0REZ /N &EB ALONE OUR military razed Jolo to the ground AND KILLED INHABITANTS *0% WAS DEFENSE MINISTER Bob I last met in Philadelphia in WHEN HE TREATED ME TO LUNCH (E ordered tilapia ) ATTENDED THE GRADUation of daughter Lara, who had just obtained her doctorate from RutGERS AND NOW TEACHES IN .EW 9ORK In a related case against the -ARCOSES FOR THE MURDER OF 3ILME $OMINGO AND 'ENE 6IERNES ) WENT to the sala of Judge Barbara RothSTEIN IN 3EATTLE IN LATE 4HE JURY ALSO FOUND AGAINST THE -ARCOSES FOR THE DOUBLE MURDER OF THE two militant unionists and awarded MORE THAN MILLION IN DAMAGES I met her again when she came to -ANILA IN $ECEMBER AT 3HANG At no cost to taxpayers -AKATI COURTESY OF Chief Justice !RT 0ANGANIBAN -ICHAEL 7HITEY "OB S RECOVERIES HAVE BEEN IN FOREIGN as tenacious as Bob, lawyered for

F

OR the coming Easter season beginning with Palm Sunday and the Christian saga of Christ’s passion at the forefront, we all pause TO RElECT ON OURSELVES AND OUR TIMES This is what makes us human beings, thinking creatures with memoRIES DREAMS AND PHILOSOPHIES OF LIFE %VERY HUMAN BEING FROM WHATEVER RELIGION FROM WHATEVER WALK OF LIFE should come to contemplate his end AT SOME POINT IN HIS LIFE As we go into this pause cum RElECTION ‡ MEDITATION YOU MIGHT ALSO SAY ‡ IN THE COMING (OLY Week, I recommend a book about death, When Breath Becomes Air BY 0AUL +ALANITHI 2ANDOM (OUSE .EW 9ORK -ORE CORRECTLY IT IS a book about death catching a person in the ascendancy of his LIFE $EATH IS CONSIDERED UNTIMELY The specter of death brings on what is called in the book by the thoughtful oncologist of the dying neurosurgeon who is the principal, THE DEkNITION OF ONE S gVALUES u What are one’s sacred beliefs, what are one’s priorities, what are one’s RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS (OW IMPORTANT IS ALL OF THAT VIS š VIS one’s promising future and past ACCOMPLISHMENTS !ND ABOVE ALL how does one take impending DEATH ACCORDING TO ONE S gVALUESu Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon, born in the US of Indian parents, CAME TO HIS VOCATION IN MEDICINE after earning a college degree in literature, furthered by a master’s

THE TWO VICTIMS HIS PERSONAL FRIENDS ) HAVE HELPED AS A HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE IN THESE PRIVATE EFFORTS COSTING THE TAXPAYER NOTHING ) CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE /FkCE OF THE 3OLICITOR 'ENERAL /3' NOW REPORTEDLY BLOCKS THE DIRECT gFUND DISTRIBUTION TO -ARCOS VICTIMS u With all due respect, such has WORKED EFkCIENTLY MORE THAN ONCE BEFORE WITH THE CLAIMANTS AVOIDING meandering through the bowels of OUR LABYRINTHINE BUREAUCRACY )F IT AIN T BROKE WHY kX IT I, as a member of the inconsequential human rights community, which the administration discredits, HAVE NO PROBLEM SUPPORTING /TSO $IRETSO OF WHICH ) AM REMINDED by the seeming differences between "OB 3WIFT AND THE 0#'' NOT Puro #HICKS 'ABI 'ABI HA, but PresidenTIAL #OMMISSION ON 'OOD 'OVERNMENT IN FAIRNESS

‘Confirmed kleptocrat’ And I campaign in my own little WAY AGAINST THE g/TSO $OROBOu LED ) REGRET TO HAVE TO SAY BY CONkRMED KLEPTOCRAT )MEE -ARCOS ORDERED TO return billions of ill-gotten wealth ON *ULY BY OUR 3UPREME Court, which strangely didn’t order HER INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION DONE IN THE CASE OF LESSER LIGHTS 4HE SCUTTLEBUTT IS THAT WE HAVE THE kNEST JUSTICE PURVEYORS MONEY can buy, with all due respect to those with integrity, of whom there

REMAIN MANY )MEE S DEFINITELY a sweet CHARMER MAKING HER EVEN more dangerous, a likely senatorial winner, mocking the Constitution’s state policy of honesty and integrity IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE 3HE MAY HAVE designer genes from a criminal geNIUS WHO MAY HAVE FORCED HER TO GO TO LAW SCHOOL EVEN APPARENTLY WITH incomplete Princeton credentials (as IN THE CASE OF GURU +A 0EPE $IOKNO WHO HOWEVER CO TOPPED THE BAR EXAMS WITH 5NCLE *OVY )MEE OCCASIONED THE SALVAGing of Archimedes Trajano, while )MELDA CAUSED THE DEATH OF many workers in the Film Palace (another candidate to house the Bigger (OUSE AND THE "ETTER (OUSE TOGETHER 4HE VOTER HAS A WIDE RANGE TO CHOOSE FROM AS TO THE OTHER SEVEN $OROBOS ‡ ALSO POSSIBLE INDEED PROBABLE WINNERS ‡ FROM MORE than one party, but with no one FROM /TSO $IRETSO !LL ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT OF COURSE 6OTE BUYERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR MASSIVE POVERTY 7E DON T HAVE A MATURE ELECTORATE AND WE HAVE LONG lost the awesome SHORT LIVED %$3! SPIRIT WHEN PEOPLE RICH and poor alike, asked what they could do for the country, and not VICE VERSA Entire families were READY TO GIVE THEIR ALL I did attend a proclamation LAST 3ATURDAY IN .AVOTAS AND WAS pleasantly astounded when a dazzling song-and-dance and sound-

ÂłSaguisagA5

How to die AMBIENT VOICES MA. ISABEL ONGPIN DEGREE IN THE SAME kELD 5NTIL through relationships with his family (his father and brothers are medical doctors), and through his VOLUNTEER WORK AND HIS INNATE IDEalism, he comes to realize that his LIFE S FULkLLMENT LAY IN THE MEDICAL kELD (E EMBARKS ON THIS MISSION with all the idealism, hard work AND HOPES FOR A FUTURE OF SERVICE AND CONTENTMENT THAT HE ENVISIONS (E STRIVES AND HE SUCCEEDS Then a terminal cancer strikes him, and he has to take stock, face THE LIFE CHANGING AND IRREVERSIBLE EVENT THAT &ATE OR THE $IVINE HE comes back to his faith in the proCESS HAS DECREED FOR HIM Being a literature major and a good writer through a lifetime of reading great authors, particularly poets, Paul Kalanithi writes his life story and confronts his destiny IN THIS EXQUISITE BOOK ABOUT LIVING AND DYING LOVING AND CARING THINKING AND UNDERSTANDING I once asked a brilliant doctor if he did surgery, the answer was a PUT AWAY LINE gSURGERY IS FOR TECHNICIANS u 4ECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE may be referred to in that reply but surgeons, particularly neurosurgeons like Paul Kalanithi, who deal

with the brain which is considered the core of one’s personhood and being, deal with something that DEMANDS MORE THAN TECHNOLOGY 4HEY MEET A MORE SPIRITUAL LEVEL BEYOND HEALING AND MENDING PATIENTS Neurosurgeons accompany their patients into the life and death situATIONS THAT THESE PATIENTS CONFRONT These instances transcend their techniques and edge inexorably into the meaning of life, how it should be LIVED WHAT ITS gVALUESu ARE And that is what Paul Kalanithi does as a patient who is a neuroSURGEON (E GOES OVER HIS LIFE SO AS TO UNDERSTAND HIS gVALUESu AND HOW HE CAME BY THEM 4HIS IS HIS reflection/meditation on where HE IS AND WHERE HE IS HEADED (E not only speaks of himself but of HIS MANY PATIENTS THOSE WHO LIVE and those who died, those who

TAUGHT HIM SOMETHING OF VALUE and those whose illness made their LIFE IMPOSSIBLE TO GO ON 4HEY BEcome the layer through which he understands himself, his life, their LIFE (E RElECTS ON THE CONCEPT OF life, its reality, its transition into its INEVITABLE END !LL LIVING CREATURES will experience the end of life, no matter who they are, how indispensable they may seem, or how INCONSEQUENTIAL THEY ARE REGARDED $EATH IS PART OF LIFE !S A CONCEPT IT IS GENERALLY UNDERSTOOD !S A REALITY FOR AN INDIVIDUAL IT IS A STRUGGLE TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT We are all mortal and we will all DIE 7E KNOW THAT BUT WE PUT OFF thinking about it because either we cannot accept it, are afraid of IT ARE UNCONkDENT OF HOW WE WILL HANDLE OUR COMING END )T IS ALL VERY HUMAN AND UNDERSTANDABLE Until we come to the crossroads THAT +ALANITHI CAME TO And that is why we need an example like Paul Kalanithi, who does not regard himself a hero OR A GENIUS JUST A HUMAN BEING Reading his book is a reality check AS WELL AS A COMFORT /NE MAN S ATTITUDE AS HE COMES TO HIS END And he shows us in beautiful prose AND LUCID RElECTION THAT WE CAN BE BRAVE KIND LOVING AND UNDERSTANDING EVEN AS WE DIE 4HAT WE CAN DEkNE OUR WORTHWHILE VALUES AND LIVE BY THEM AS HE DID EVEN AS HE CAME TO HIS END !ND THAT WE CAN LET GO GRACEFULLY WHEN IT IS OUR TIME

˜ The Manila Times

Opinion

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FRIDAY April 5, 2019

Q TIGLAO FROM A1

Whither ye goest, SHS graduates?

Carpio is ignorant, or lying about loan terms in his anti-Chinese rants He said this is a precedent that if government defaults on its borrowings from China for the Chico River dam project, the Chinese can seize Philippine assets, probably even the gas-rich Reed Bank. That is so absurd. Carpio is so totally ignorant of international loan agreements, and what happened in 1983, that bankers are laughing at him. More likely, he is deliberately lying for his agenda that is becoming clearer every time he opens his mouth. This is to stoke the embers of the centuriesold anti-Chinese racism among Filipinos so as to force President Duterte to move away from China and instead, as his predecessor did, be a vassal of the US. I know in detail what happened in 1983 because I covered daily for two years as a senior reporter of the Business Day newspaper the unraveling of the debt crisis at the time, when Carpio claimed the Philippines “defaulted� on its loans. It is astonishing that for a former corporate lawyer, and Supreme Court justice, Carpio doesn’t seem to know that in international loans, “default� is a precise legal term. It is an event that occurs when the lender declares that the creditor has failed to pay its interest payments (or the loan principal) on time, and beyond a grace period stipulated in the loan agreement.

invented in the 1970s to make sure that countries pay for their loans — since banks can’t really foreclose on properties of a sovereign nation that doesn’t pay is debts, except by having its government invade it militarily. (This happened in 1902 when Britain, Germany, and Italy imposed a blockade on Venezuela when it refused to pay on its foreign obligations.) This is the so-called “cross-default� provision contained in most foreign banks’ and institutions’ loan agreement with a debtor country. This means that if a country defaults on its debt to one bank, it automatically puts it in default in all its other loans. That means obviously a kNANCIAL MELTDOWN FOR THE COUNTRY

Bad loans

A bank would hesitate to declare a country in default for another serious reason: It would have to book that debt as a bad loan, and its forgone interest income booked as losses. Because of this, while there have been a few cases in the post-war era when countries missed their debt payments, the most recent being Greece in its IMF loans in 2015, creditors prefer not to declare a country in default, and instead refer to it as “delays� in payments, and negotiate for the rescheduling of the debts. Anyone with a modicum of knowledge on the features of interDefault national loans would see that his story of China garnishing Reed Bank There is a precise meaning for if the Philippines “defaults� on its “default� because it’s a finan- loans is Carpio’s pure horror scare. The only extremely unlikely scecially catastrophic event for a country for even a single bank, nario if we are unable to service this to declare a government or any China loan (and for whatever allegedly onerous default loan provision of its entities in default. It means such things as other to take effect) is when the country banks refusing to extend any more is in such deep foreign-exchange loans and bank advances, even crisis, government cannot get the letters of credit to that country, foreign exchange to service all of its the raising of interest rates on its loans. In that scenario, we will have long-term instruments, and the fall much, much bigger problems then in the yield of its bonds. what Carpio supposedly fears as the Obviously, Carpio’s idea of a de- garnishment of the Reed Bank. fault is based on his experience as a If ever we are declared in default corporate lawyer running after a de- by China, the Chinese wouldn’t faulting company’s assets for a bank. even have time to do the papers There is even a formal feature in garnishing Reed Bank. All global INTERNATIONAL LOANS THAT RElECTS THE banks would have stopped its trade global banks’ wiliness, which they credits, short-term loans, and other

T

Q Why is Carpio picking on China? agreement� (to push back the maturity dates) was being negotiated. Of course, the “moratorium� led to our worst economic crisis, as foreign banks naturally refused to give additional short-term credit to service our loans, and to even open letters of credit. Our GDP plunged by 7 percent for each year in 1984 and then in 1985 — which loss in Instability the economy was recovered only During that period when we could after 10 years. Surprisingly though, but at a not service our foreign exchange loans because we run out of dollars huge cost to ordinary Filipinos, the for various reasons: the 1979 oil cri- economy started to recover in the sis that bled our foreign exchange re- second half of 1985 that Marcos was serves to pay for petroleum imports; CONkDENT ENOUGH TO AGREE TO THE 53 the outbreak of the global debt demand that he call for a snap eleccrisis of 1982 when Latin American tion in December that year. It was a countries couldn’t pay their loans brilliant US machination. It is astonishing that Carpio is igwhich raised global interest rates to unheard-of rates; mismanagement norant of these facts. Or he is merely by Marcos technocrats of our foreign taking advantage of his credibility as debt build-up; and of course the a Supreme Court justice and fooling worsening political instability due to Filipinos into suspecting and hatthe assassination on Aug. 21, 1983 ing the Chinese. He has also been falsely claiming that the Chinese of Ninoy Aquino. The central bank at the time loan for the Chico Dam project even fudged our foreign exchange has “onerous sovereign immunity� RESERVES TO FOOL THE GLOBAL kNANCIAL clauses when these are standard community that we could service clauses that lawyers require in loan our loans — which, however, was documents. (See table.) What has happened to the uncovered by media, making things quality and integrity of our Suworse for the country. The country averted a declaration preme Court justices? of default by banks after Marcos’ Email: tiglao.manilatimes@ technocrats got our foreign creditors gmail.com to instead agree to a 90-day “moraFacebook: Rigoberto Tiglao torium,� also called a “standstill Twitter: @bobitiglao agreement,� that allowed the PhilipOrder my Debunked book at pines to temporarily stop servicing rigobertotiglao.com/debunked its loans, while a “rescheduling

foreign exchange remittances to the Philippines that we would be in TOTAL kNANCIAL !RMAGEDDON Contrary to Carpio’s claims, NO FOREIGN BANK OR STATE kNANCIAL institution has ever declared the Philippines in default, even during the debt crisis in 1983.

Q SAGUISAG FROM A4

PCGG, Otso Dorobo and cybercrime bill and not vice versa. Entire families were ready to give their all. I did attend a proclamation last Saturday in Navotas and was pleasantly astounded when a dazzling song-and-dance and sound-and-light (son et lumiere) number featured a stirring “Bayan Ko� rendition. Rendered in today’s dictatorship, transporting me/us back to the time of Marcos. Is Freddie Aguilar belting it out in his campaign? The Otso Dorobo may come from various “aggrupations,� another quaint Filipinism like “senatoriable,� not found in my different dictionaries, along with gkSCALIZE u !ND WE DO HAVE THE exalted presumption of innocence. As well as common sense. The concept should make it a priority for lawmakers to craft a statute that if one is ordered to restore billions of ill-gotten gains, the ill-gottener should not qualify

to run even for barangay dogcatcher. The minimum may be P50 million, or even less, much less, so the world won’t look askance at us. Also, for the new Congress to observe the constitutional requirement that a bill “shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in [its] title,â€? such as by increasing the penalty for libel, reversing the humane libertarian trend in recent Supreme Court decisions of no jail time for defamers, ONLY kNES AND DAMAGES 2! g!N !CT $EkNING #Ybercrime, Providing for the Prevention, Investigation, Suppression and the Imposition of Penalties, therefor,‌â€? to me did not alert the COMMUNITY THAT WAS MERELY kNED before, as a practical matter, could now mean a nonprobationable penalty of at least six years and one day. The bill’s title should have included language on imposing a more severe punishment for libel.

Part 2 – Career readiness

our Kodakan society. We are in decay, which Digong In the case of Maria Ressa, the rider should arrest by being more liberal is weaponized TO STIlE EFFECTIVE CRITI- with critics who all share his love cism or dissent. Had Rappler been in of country, with that kind of paspraise of the regime, the law would sion that whips the blood. Good not have been applied with an evil THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS kNALLY eye and an unequal hand against listening and protesting China’s one not brown-nosing the regime. irredentism in the West Philippine The new law repudiated the hu- Sea. But, better is obstaa principiis! mane trend in Supreme Court rul- 2ESIST THE kRST ENCROACHMENTS FAR ings not to impose jail time, which better than mas vale tarde que is as it should be. Speech is not nunca . Better late than never. criminalized in many advanced /PTIMIST 0.OY PROTESTED BY kLjurisdictions. And cyberspace, mil- ing for arbitration, and winning lions of us do not stay or stray in, against a super-bully. Defeatist unlike radio-TV and the printed Digong says wala naman tayong media. So, why treat cybercrime magagawa, at sa America naman defamation more harshly when nakatutok ang mga missiles. much of the community at large Do we now speak with a single may not know of it? Or fewer than voice? Hindi yung “kung saan those who get their news from nadapa, duon tumihaya ,� perradio-TV and the printed media. ceived to be the current adminisMany are busy scratching for a tration’s posture. Sexist Confucius living, battling through our horrid advised that if rape is inevitable, TRAFkC kNDING SOLACE IN SELkES IN just lie back and enjoy it.

‘Applied with an evil eye’

HE much-awaited sheepskin has been framed and is now displayed on a wall in the senior high school (SHS) graduate’s house where anyone can easily notice it. This diploma is the silent witness of a successful culmination of the two-year extended SHS in the K-12 system. So, what’s next? DepEd reports that the anticipated first batch of junior high school (JHS) completers expected to enroll in SHS in June 2016, numbered 1, 252,357. Of these, 765,588 SHS enrollees, or 61.13 percent, took the academic track which means these learners enrolled in basic courses related to accountancy, business management, humanities and social science, and science, technology, engineering, mathematics. The 479,866, or 38. 32 percent, chose the TVL track, with 4,758, or 0. 38 percent, opting for the arts and design track and 145, or 0.17 percent, for the sports track. <https://news. mb.com.ph/2018 /04/03/brionesCONkDENT A SIGNIkCANT NUMBER OF shs-graduates-will-be-employed/>. Career readiness. As experts say, in today’s global economy, the link between one’s education and success in one’s career has grown stronger. This trend is expected “to intensify, adding pressure onto education systems to teach students rigorous academics and skills that match the demands of the 21st century.� <https://blogs.edweek. org/.../what_does_it_mean_to_be_ career_ready_states _essa _ plan...>. The choices “are much more complex and interconnected, and the fork in the road has been replaced by numerous paths, all of which require a rigorous and rich high school experience that prepares all students—not just some—for college and a career.�<http://blogs.edweek. org /.../what_does_it_mean_to_be_ career_ready_states_essa_plan...>. The career readiness subject in the SHS curriculum aims to prepare students with the information and essential skills, including soft skills, THEY gNEED TO kND ACQUIRE u RELEVANT knowledge and skills, “maintain� and improve these skills and “succeed in entering the job market.� The goal of career readiness is “the attainment and demonstration of requisite competencies that broadly prepare SHS graduates for a successful transition into the workplace.� Sound career readiness skills “can apply to any job at any company and at any level.� Hence this career readiness subject in SHS should encompass everything “that a student needs to know to launch a successful occupational life, along with all of the accomplishment, pride, stability and progression that entails.�<https:// www.aeseducation.com/ careercenter21/what-is-career-readiness>. It aims to enable a SHS graduate to “effectively navigate pathways that connect education and employment TO ACHIEVE A FULkLLING kNANCIALLY secure and successful career.� Since a career is more than just a job, “career READINESS HAS NO DEkNED ENDPOINT u Our ever-changing global economy requires “adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning, along with mastery of key knowledge, skills and dispositions that vary from one career to another and change over time as a person progresses along a developmental continuum.� Not only are “knowledge, skills and dispositions interdependent,� these too,

A5

FLASHBACKS/ INSIGHTS TERESITA TANHUECOTUMAPON are “mutually reinforcing.� <https:// CTE CAREERTECH ORG SITES DEFAULT kLES CRPC_4pager.pdf> The ‘skills gap.’ Ever since the onset of information technology, education in all levels has “shifted its focus away from skills and more toward theory.� Particularly, that the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has required all undergraduate degree students to have as capstones some form of research—be this a research project/project paper or thesis. In fact, even graduating SHS students are prescribed a research paper as a culminating requirement. Hence, seeking out theories to anchor research reports has somehow preoccupied cognition of both teachers and students. So much of theories and very minimal or none at all of applying “thinking,� that is, theory and its practice, has widely drawn apart “learning and doing.� Experts note that this has led to a “strange problem in modern high school and college graduates — the ‘skills gap.'� The skills gap refers to the “disparity between the knowledge that companies want from job applicants and what those job applicants actually know.� Labor market literature state that “companies are not interested in teaching new employees all of the skills they need to succeed via on-the-job experience.� However, the teaching of those skills to students before students graduate have selDOM BEEN TIED TO A SIGNIkCANT LEARNing outcome of many a curriculum. “The result is this strange difference in what business owners want and what recent graduates offer.� Career readiness aims to close this gap. Career readiness goes beyond the classroom, to include “apprenticeships, internships, externships, co-ops and more.� So, while students undergo their initial experience in the workforce, they learn the skills that will take them further in their respective careers — “to live the lives they want to pursue.� Transitioning into the world of work, career readiness closes the skills gap. It makes students “ready for the workforce, and it gives them actionable information to use in their careers.� This is much unlike in earlier years when companies taught such career readiness skills to their new hires. Nowadays, especially so in the SHS of the K-12, such career readiness skills are taught in classrooms and transitioning into practice in companies linked with academia. How much transitioning and useful is this link? Choose: college or career/work after SHS. The data reported in the web and in other media show that the preferred choice is the academic track — where very much less than 50 percent of SHS students chose to enroll in the tech-voc track, arts and design and sports. What are the underlying cultural mindsets as to why this is so? There are a number of recent research papers that dwell on why Philippine SHS students prefer to take the academic track rather than the tech-voc track. We shall explore several of these investigations in next week’s column.

Email; ttumapon@liceo.edu.ph

The West cannot drive a wedge between China, Indonesia BY YU JINCUI

A

S Indonesia’s general election looms, some Western media outlets have made an issue of Chinese investments. Bloomberg said, “Indonesia may be the next Asian country to spurn China in elections,� citing concerns over transparency of a China-invested infrastructure project as well as promises made by Indonesian presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto in January to review the project and also to get a fairer trade deal with Beijing. The project in question is the

Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway that Indonesia signed up for in 2015 as part of the Chinaproposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Despite controversies, the project, part of President Joko Widodo’s ambition to upgrade Indonesia’s lagging infrastructure, will cut travel time between the two cities in western Java from more than four hours to about 40 minutes, if completed. Rabble-rousing rhetoric that fuels suspicion about the prospect of the project is irresponsible and is aimed at driving a wedge in China-Indonesia

relations. Subianto pledged to review the BRI project. But it’s too early to say whether he could be elected or whether he would really dump it if elected. China’s growing economic clout has increasingly become a key election topic in Asia and around the world. The past few years have witnessed a brouhaha over some Chinese investment projects in an election year in some countries, including Pakistan, Malaysia and the Maldives. This is not an abnormal phenomenon but an indication of their close ties with China.

Many Southeast Asian countries WERE INlUENCED BY MAJOR POWERS such as Japan, the US and some European countries, both economically and politically. However, with these countries deepening economic engagement with China, Beijing now is wielding a greater INlUENCE ON THEM 4HEY CANNOT afford shunning China as they have BENEkTED GREATLY FROM ECONOMIC and trade cooperation with China. Their development has been closely tied with that of China. Influenced by the so-called China threat theory and debt trap hyped by Western countries

and media outlets, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries might have misgivings over ChiNESE INlUENCE ON THEM 3OME OF them have also suffered bouts of anti-Chinese sentiment in their history. Their perception of China has been negatively influenced. This is a challenge China must face up to in order to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and build a community of common destiny. We should not passively respond to rabble-rousing rhetoric directed at China-invested projects or Chinese influence, but WORK MORE PROACTIVELY TO INlU-

ence public opinion in Southeast Asian countries. One way is to promote all-round people-topeople exchanges. No matter how Western media outlets attempt to drive wedges, #HINA S CONkDENCE IN PROMOTING cooperation with surrounding countries won’t be affected. China’s continued stable deVELOPMENT WILL INEVITABLY BENEkT more neighboring countries. The deepening economic engagement between China and relevant countries and the reconstruction of the Asian order are irreversible. GLOBAL TIMES

A6

Opinion

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

FOCUS

Crime and punishment: Ghosn case puts spotlight on Japan justice TOKYO: The high-profile case of former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn, with its multiple twists and turns, has thrown a spotlight on the Japanese justice system, criticized by some as overly harsh and reliant on confessions. Ghosn was dramatically rearrested at dawn on Thursday over fresh allegations of financial misconduct, less than a month after winning bail to fight three formal charges.

What next for Ghosn? Following his dawn arrest on Thursday, prosecutors now have 48 hours to question him. At the end of this initial period, they can apply to the court for a further 10-day period of questioning. After this, they can request another 10 days, bringing the total time in initial custody without formal charges to 22 days. Over this time, no lawyers are present during questioning. At this point, prosecutors have three choices. They can release the suspect without charge. They can press formal charges, which kick-starts a two-month period of pre-trial detention, renewable by one month at a time by appeal to the court. Or they could decide to re-arrest him over further allegations, effectively restarting the clock. Japanese prosecutors often “hold back” allegations to give themselves more options. In this latest case, the initial allegations relate to funds allegedly transferred between 2015 and 2018, but authorities are reportedly also looking at funds from 2012. This suggests they may be reserving further allegations for a possible fifth rearrest.

Q Tokyo : Former Nissan Chairman Carlos Ghosn (R) leaves his lawyer’s office in Tokyo on April 3, 2019. AFP / KAZUHIRO NOGI

What about his bail? On March 6, Ghosn won bail of 1 billion yen (around $9m). This surprised many observers as most suspects in Japan do not win bail unless they have confessed to the alleged crime. But with the fourth rearrest, prosecutors have effectively returned the case to square one and his lawyers will be able to apply for bail only when formal charges have been pressed — most likely in 22 days. The money from his first bail will not be returned to him yet

and he would have to stump up additional cash if he sought a second bail. The funds are returned only at the end of a trial. Questions were raised over his bail conditions when an account in his name tweeted an announcement of a news conference, despite Ghosn being forbidden from using the internet. His lawyer Junichiro Hironaka insisted he was within his rights.

When can we expect a trial? Ghosn’s former lawyer said it

would take at least six months for the case to come to trial, given the complexity and multi-national nature of the accusations, as well as the need to translate all evidence and documents. Hironaka, however, gave an even longer timescale, predicting his client “will be remaining in Japan for a year or a very long time.” Hironaka has also said that any further arrest — which has now happened — would further delay any trial. Trials are often drawn-out af-

fairs in Japan. Two years passed between the initial arrest and the trial of Mark Karpeles, head of the failed cryptocurrency exchange MtGox. A final decision in Ghosn’s case could take even longer, as appeals can be pursued all the way up to the Supreme Court.

How are charges investigated? A key part of Japanese prosecutorial strategy involves extensive interrogation of suspects that

experts say is intended to extract a confession. Great weight is still put on confessions in Japan, while many parts of the world have reassessed how valuable the tool is. They are a key weapon in the arsenal of prosecutors, who enjoy a 99.9 percent success rate at trial. Critics sometimes describe the Japanese justice sys t e m a s “ h i t o jichi shiho,” or a “hostage-based justice system.” Amnesty International has accused Japan’s justice system of creating an environment of “aggressive interrogations” that “risk producing forced confessions and false convictions.” Ghosn’s former lawyer denied reports that his client has been pressured to sign a confession in Japanese, a language Ghosn does not speak. A justice ministry official told AFP that seeking a confession was not the focus of an investigation and intense questioning was one of the only tools at their disposal. In other countries, authorities have recourse to wiretaps, subpoenas or undercover investigations, the official said. “Generally speaking, Western or other countries have more means of investigation than we do.” AFP

Smart cities hold key to sustainable development BY ARMIDA SALSIAH ALISJAHBANA BANGKOK, Thailand: Asia and the Pacific’s phenomenal development has been a story of rapid urbanization. As centers of innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunity, cities have drawn talent from across our region and driven economic growth which has transformed our societies. In Southeast Asia alone, cities generate 65 percent of the region’s GDP. Yet the ongoing scale of urbanization is a considerable challenge, one which puts huge pressure on essential public services, housing availability and the environment.

How we respond to this pressure, how we manage our urban centers and plan for their future expansion in Asia and the Pacific, is likely to decide whether recent development gains can be made sustainable. It is of primordial importance to Malaysia as its economy powers towards high income status. In Asean countries, 90 million more persons are expected to move to cities by 2030. Accommodating this influx sustainably will determine whether the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can be achieved, and the climate targets of the Paris Climate Agreement can be met.

An effective response calls for integrated planning across all levels of government. Greater consideration needs to be given to demographic and land use trends to anticipate their impacts and minimize environmental damage. These trends should inform our investments in infrastructure but also in water, energy and transport services. Closing the infrastructure gap in the region will alone require an additional $200 billion of investment a year until 2030. We know local government revenues are mostly insufficient and fiscal decentralization inadequate to respond to this need. Intelligent fiscal reforms to

improve local revenues are likely to be necessary and we will need to consider how we can capture land value and use Public-Private Partnerships. In the most disaster-prone region in the world, it is incumbent on us to reduce the risk of natural disasters to which millions of urban dwellers are exposed. By 2030, vulnerable populations living in extreme risk areas — along river banks, canals and slopes — are expected to have grown by 50 percent since 2015 in many of region’s major cities. Some cities, including Melaka, are participating in initiatives such as the 100 Resilient Cities, focused on community-

based disaster risk reduction. Yet this effort needs to be given even greater scale if we are to achieve risk resilient cities in our region. Accelerating our multilateral cooperation and best practice sharing could make a valuable contribution to doing so. New technologies hold great promise for more effective urban solutions. From smart grids and district energy solutions, or real-time traffic management, to waste management and water systems, smart technologies will enable our future cities to operate more effectively. They could also make them more inclusive and accessible for

persons with disabilities. We have an opportunity to incorporate universal design standards and systems such as automated access to audio-based communications to improve accessibility to cities for persons with disabilities. We must encourage smart city developers to use standards which would give persons with diverse disabilities full access to the physical infrastructure and information others enjoy. As we look to overcome all these challenges, the Asean Smart Cities Network designed to mobilize smart solutions throughout southeast Asia, is a welcome development on which we must build. The implementation of this network is something the organization I represent, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, has worked to support. Combined with the Asean’s broader Sustainable Urbanization Strategy, it is helping provide much needed resource in the region to manage urbanization better. Twenty-six cities, including Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, are developing visions for their cities to apply technologies for smart and sustainable urban development. The expertise being acquired is invaluable to the broader region’s effort. Malaysia has a leading role to play. At the 9th World Urban Forum Malaysia hosed last year, experts came from the world over to focus on cities for all and the New Urban Agenda. In October 2019, the 7th Asia Pacific Urban Forum will be held in Penang. My hope is that this can focus minds and galvanize support for best practice to be shared and sustainable urban development to be prioritized in Asia and the Pacific. IPS

Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana is UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Regions

˜ The Manila Times

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FRIDAY April 5, 2019

A7

FAMILY OF 3 SLAIN IN BULACAN BOTCHED ROBBERY

TWO garbage collectors were arrested on Thursday after the bodies of a 28-year-old single mother and her two young sons were found in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds on Wednesday night inside their house in San Jose del -ONTE #ITY "ULACAN Police Lt. Col. Orlando Castil *R IDENTIkED THE VICTIMS AS *AYMEE Casabuena, 28; and sons Anton Gabriel, 8, and Joaquin Mateo, 4. He said the family’s pet dog was also killed. The gruesome murder was un-

COVERED AT ABOUT P M WHEN THE VICTIMS RELATIVES WENT TO THEIR HOUSE AT "LOCK ,OT #ARISA Phase 2A in San Jose del Monte after Jaymee did not respond to text messages. 4HEIR RELATIVES SAID THEY WERE supposed to pick up Jaymee’s parents at the airport on Wednesday, but she could not be contacted. 4HE BODIES OF THE VICTIMS WERE found in different places of the house. Joaquin Mateo was found in the kitchen with their dog lying BESIDE HIM *AYMEE IN THE LIVING

Halili’s former top aide, companion abducted BATANGAS: A leader of slain Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili and his companion were reportedly abDUCTED BY UNIDENTIkED MEN WHILE inside a restaurant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, on Wednesday night. 0OLICE IDENTIkED THE VICTIMS AS Allan Lumbres Fajardo, former head of the disbanded Mayor’s Action Group (MAC-G) of Tanauan #ITY SERVING UNDER (ALILI AND A certain Ricky Atienza. 4HE VICTIMS WERE HAVING DINNER AT Misto Restaurant at SEDA Hotel in .UVALI AT "ARANGAY 3ANTO $OMINGO Santa Rosa City when a group of UNIDENTIkED SUSPECTS ARRIVED AND abducted the two at about 7:50 p.m. Witnesses said the abductors SHOVED THE VICTIMS INSIDE A WHITE VAN AND SPED AWAY Halili’s MAC group became conTROVERSIAL DURING HIS TERM WHEN IT was allegedly used in apprehending suspects and subjecting them to the “Walk of Shame.� Fajardo’s house was also raided by the police last year for unlicensed kREARMS BUT HE WAS LATER CLEARED In August 2018, a month after Halili was assassinated while atTENDING A lAG RAISING CEREMONY AT Tanauan City Hall, Fajardo asked the Philippine National Police

0.0 TO INVESTIGATE HIM ON ALLEGATIONS THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES IN #ALABARZON #AVITE ,AGUNA "ATANGAS 2IZAL and Quezon) region. In a letter addressed to PNP chief Oscar Abayalde, he said he was a LEGITIMATE BUSINESSMAN IN "ATANGAS AND THIS COULD BE VERIkED BY REPUTABLE CITIZENS OF THE PROVINCE In the letter, lawyers Ferdinand Topacio and Joselito Lomangaya, Fajardo’s counsels, said their client WAS A VICTIM OF A DISINFORMATION campaign where Fajardo was named as the leader of a criminal syndicate allegedly called the ‘Fajardo Group,’ SUPPOSEDLY INVOLVED IN GUN FOR HIRE AND ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITIES Fajardo alleged that certain POLICE OFkCIALS HAVE FORMULATED A matrix that appears to show members of his alleged group. Worse, he said, two members whose names appear in the matrix had been killed under mysterious circumstances. &AJARDO DENIED INVOLVEMENT IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES !S HEAD OF MAC-G in Tanauan he was directly responsible for the arrest of many criminals, including drug pushers. TINA GANZON-OZAETA AND ROSELLE R. AQUINO

Irrigation water reduced in Bulacan, Pampanga WATER being allocated to farmLANDS IN THE PROVINCES OF "ULACAN and Pampanga had been reduced FURTHER AS WATER LEVEL IN !NGAT $AM continued to drop, according to National Irrigation Administration (NIA) authorities in Central Luzon. .)! "ULACAN $IRECTOR &ELIX 2OBLES said the water allocation for irrigation had been reduced to 35 cubic meters per second from 40 m3/s, affecting water supply to thousands of hectares of rice farms in the two PROVINCES He pointed out though that the water allocation was still enough to irrigate some 27,000 hectares of farmlands. Robles warned that should the dry spell continue, they would be forced to completely stop the allocation for

IRRIGATION IN THE TWO PROVINCES The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier said the El NiĂąo phenomenon had already affected some 164,000 farmers across the country. Hit hardest were the farmers IN THE #ORDILLERA !DMINISTRATIVE Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, #ENTRAL #ALABARZON #AVITE ,AGUNA "ATANGAS 2IZAL AND 1UEZON Mimaropa (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), Western and Eastern Visayas, Western and .ORTHERN -INDANAO $AVAO 2EGION AND THE "ANGSAMORO !UTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao. Latest estimate on damage to property was pegged at P5 billion. FRANCIS EARL CUETO

DA allots P300M for onion farmers IN response to a drop in onion prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has committed P300 million in loans for farmers associations in Occidental Mindoro to buy their members’ produce of at least P15 per kilo amid alleged price manipulation by traders. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol said during his speech at the TH .ATIONAL (OG #ONVENTION and Trade Exhibit in Pasay City on Thursday that the fund would be released through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council. “DA Mimaropa Regional Director Antonio Gerundio said the P300-million loan facility would BE ENOUGH TO COVER THE REMAINING onion production of farmers in the PROVINCE DUE FOR HARVEST STARTING next week,â€? PiĂąol added. Mimaropa refers to the group of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan. PiĂąol said the department would shoulder the storage fees payment estimated at P65 per bag FOR EVERY MONTH OF STORAGE

He noted that loaning facilities OF UP TO 0 WERE AVAILABLE to onion farmers in Mindoro Occidental and other onion-growing PROVINCES INCLUDING .UEVA %CIJA Tarlac and Iloilo. 4O PREVENT A SPIKE IN ONION PRICES PiĂąol said his department, with the HELP OF COOPERATIVES IN THE PROVINCE WOULD MONITOR THE PRICE MOVEMENTS and assured to “release the supply as soon as there is an upward trend.â€? (E ADDED THAT THE $! S INITIATIVE came in the wake of complaints from Mindoro onion farmers that prices had dropped to as low as P8 to P12 per kilo from a high of P30 per kilo last year, amid bountiful HARVEST OF TO METRIC TONS PER HECTARE IN THE PROVINCE According to PiĂąol, they were planning to construct four cold storage facilities in Mindoro Occidental, included in the agency’s 2020 budget proposal to be submitted TO THE $EPARTMENT OF "UDGET AND Management, in an effort to boost the local onion industry. EIREENE JAIREE GOMEZ

room and Anton Gabriel in the bedroom. Suspects Wilson Nosal, 23, of "ARANGAY -ALARIA #ALOOCAN City and Joselito Cortez, 48, of " "ARANGAY 4ERONA IN #AVITE were arrested in a manhunt in Caloocan City. Castil said a text message of Jaymee to her cousin led to the identity of the suspects. It was learned that on the night of April 2, Jaymee texted her cousin asking why Nosal (her cousin’s LIVE IN PARTNER WAS IN THEIR HOUSE

with a male companion and both were drunk. She mentioned that she was worried the two might do bad things. 4HE VICTIM S NEIGHBOR CONkRMED that two male persons knocked at the house of the Casabuenas on Tuesday night. A few minutes later, a dog was heard loudly barking, then silence followed. Castil said Nosal admitted to the crime and pointed to Cortez’s INVOLVEMENT IN IT The suspects said they only INTENDED TO ROB THE VICTIMS BUT

Jaymee resisted, forcing them to kill all of them, including the dog as it was making noise. They added that before commitTING THE CRIME THEY kRST ASKED FOR water to drink from Jaymee as they were thirsty coming from work as garbage collectors. 4HE KNIFE BELIEVED USED TO KILL THE VICTIMS WAS RECOVERED AT THE crime scene, while the suspects’ bloodied clothes were found in a nearby creek. It was the second massacre in San Jose del Monte City. On June

kVE MEMBERS OF THE $Izon family — three children aged 11, 7 and one-year old baby, their mother and grandmother — were also found dead inside their house by the head of the family. The suspects were notorious drug users, according to the police. The prime suspect, Carmelito Ibanez, remains in detention at THE "ULACAN 0ROVINCIAL *AIL WHILE four other suspects were killed AND BELIEVED TO BE VICTIMS OF extrajudicial killing. FREDERICK SILVERIO

‘Dalwah Islamiya could be behind Kudarat blast’ BY ROY D.R. NARRA AND JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL

T

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military on Thursday said the Dawlah Islamiya Philippines could be responsible for the bombing of a restaurant in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that wounded 18 people. 0OLICE "RIG 'ENERAL %LISEO 2ASCO Police Regional Office (PRO)12 regional director, confirmed in a text message to The Manila Times that they were looking at the possibility that the Dawlah Islamiya Philippines was the group behind THE EXPLOSION OF AN IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE )%$ OUTSIDE Carlito's Chicken House. Rasco said based on their initial findings, the IED carries the signature of the Dawlah Islamiya, a group led by Abu Toraife and Salahudin Hassan. g4HOSE WERE THE INITIAL kNDINGS OF INVESTIGATORS 4HEY FOUND similarities in the signature of the IED that exploded last year in )SULAN OVER WHICH !BU 4ORAIFE AND his group were charged,� he added. )N AN INTERVIEW WITH REPORTERS Rasco said the owner of the RESTAURANT HAD BEEN RECEIVING TEXT messages demanding money from the latter. g;4HE OWNER= RECEIVED TWO TEXT messages last week, then after the

EXPLOSION HE ALLEGEDLY RECEIVED A TEXT SAYING @$ID YOU RECEIVE OUR DELIVERY TO YOU u HE ADDED )NVESTIGATION ALSO SHOWED THAT before the blast, a person entered the restaurant with a bag then left it under a table. The waiter noticed the bag and tried to call the person, BUT HE COULD NO LONGER kND THE latter. He then left the bag outside the restaurant. After a few minutes, a loud explosion was heard. In a statement, Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th Infantry $IVISION th ID) and Joint Task Force Central commander, said the bombing in Isulan could be meant to intimidate Central Mindanao’s business community AND TO AVENGE THE DEATHS OF bomb makers, among them a foreigner, in Abu Toraife’s group during a series of clashes with soldiers in nearby towns along the Liguasan Marsh last month. He added that the attack was perpetrated by followers of Esmael Abdulmalik alias Abu Toraife,

LEADER OF "ANGSAMORO )SLAMIC &REEDOM &IGHTERS ")&& %IGHTEEN CIVILIANS INCLUDING SIX minors and a pregnant woman, WERE STILL CONFINED IN VARIOUS hospitals after sustaining wounds from the explosion. “We expressed our sympathy TO THE VICTIMS OF THIS BARBARIC ACT perpetuated by the peace spoilers who are sowing terror and fear in the community. Rest assured of our best efforts to apprehend the PERPETRATORS AND GIVE JUSTICE TO THE VICTIMS u 3OBEJANA SAID - E A NW H I L E - A J O R ! R V I N Encinas, 6th ID spokesman, said an Army Mechanized Team proceeded to the area to secure and cordoned off the explosion site. (E ADDED THAT THE %XPLOSIVE Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team of the Army had been sent to Isulan and military checkpoints had been put in place.

“The Palace deplores yesterday afternoon’s explosion in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, which wounded SCORES OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING MEDICAL treatment,� Panelo said. "While we commit to bring the perpetrators to justice, we ALSO CONTINUE TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC TO REMAIN VIGILANT IN THEIR surroundings and not be hesitant IN REPORTING ANY UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR THEY MAY OBSERVE TO PROPER authorities,� he added.

Turaife brother killed

Also on Thursday, troops killed Ali Abdulmalik, a brother of !BU 4URAIFE IN kERCE kGHTING IN Liguasan Marsh. “Early this morning, 6th Infantry $IVISION TROOPS ENGAGED IN A HEAVY kREkGHT AGAINST THE ")&& IN ,IGUASAN Marsh, which resulted in the death of Ali Abdulmalik, brother of Abu Palace condemns act Turaifei, commander of Dawlah Islamiya,â€? Sobejana said in a M a l a c a Ăą a n g a l s o o n statement. Thursday denounced the recent He did not say if there were EXPLOSION AS IT VOWED gTO BRING THE MILITARY CASUALTIES IN THE kGHTING perpetrators to justice.â€? BUT THE ")&& OWNED UP TO THE In a statement, Palace spokesman motorcycle bombing also in 3ALVADOR 0ANELO SAID INVESTIGATION Isulan on Aug. 28, 2018 that left two dead and at least 35 was ongoing. According to the PNP, he add- wounded. WITH REPORTS FROM AL JACINTO ed, “extortion was behind this AND CATHERINE S. VALENTE dastardly act.â€?

Go backs northern Luzon development THE people of Pangasinan warmly welcomed its adopted son, former special assistant to the President and 2019 Senate bet Christopher Lawrence g"ONGu 'O WHO ASSURED THEM OF HIS SUPPORT TO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR THE PROVINCE AND THE entire northern Luzon. Going around the town of Calasiao in a motorCADE RECENTLY 'O WAS GREETED BY RESIDENTS WAVING BACK AND CHEERING FOR HIM AS HIS CONVOY PASSED BY (E WAS ACCOMPANIED BY 0ANGASINAN 'OV Amado Espino 3rd and Calasiao Mayor Joseph !RMAN "AUZON PASSING THROUGH 3AN 6ICENTE and portions of Mangaldan, culminating at the Calasiao Sports Complex. g*UST LIKE MY kRST VISIT HERE ) AM SO HAPPY TO BE WARMLY RECEIVED BY THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS HERE in Pangasinan. I am thankful to all of you. It is my honor to be the son of Pangasinan,� Go said. (E ASSURED LOCAL OFkCIALS THAT IF ELECTED TO THE Q Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go

Senate, he would make sure that there would be appropriate funding and proper implementation of the projects for Pangasinan and the entire NORTHERN ,UZON THROUGH THE g"UILD "UILD "UILDu program of President Rodrigo Duterte. Among others, Go cited the construction of the P3.5-billion Philippine Sports Training Center IN 2OSALES TOWN NEXT YEAR THAT WOULD PROVIDE national athletes and their trainors a world class, state of the art facilities. The bill establishing the PSTC was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 19. He also cited the ongoing construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Unino Expressway project 40,%8 AS WELL AS THE PLANNED ,OWER !GNO 2IVER Irrigation System Extension Plan that would not ONLY IMPROVE DELIVERY OF WATER SUPPLY BUT ALSO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY OF THE FARMERS IN THE AREA 'O SAID THE lOOD CONTROL PROJECTS IN DIFFERENT

barangay VILLAGES IN 0ANGASINAN WERE BEING IMPLEMENTED TO MINIMIZED lOODING In December 2018, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan passed a resolution, which WAS APPROVED BY %SPINO ADOPTING 'O AS A SON OF THE PROVINCE CITING HIS ROLE IN THE PROGRAMS THAT IMPROVED THE gDELIVERY OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE BENEkT OF THE NEEDY PATIENTS AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION SPORTS AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT among others.� g4HE PROVINCE OF 0ANGASINAN IS HONORED FOR HAVING A STAUNCH PARTNER WHOSE EFFORTS DESERVE acknowledgement from Pangasinenses in the form of being embraced into the roster of adopted sons of Pangasinan and to consider him as our own by wholeheartedly supporting him in all HIS ENDEAVORS ADVOCACIES AND ASPIRATIONS u THE resolution reads.

News MMDA to enforce new traffic schemes T A8

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

BY NEIL JAYSON N. SERVALLOS

HE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority --$! WILL IMPLEMENT NEXT WEEK THREE TRAFkC REDUCTION MEASURES SIGNED BY THE -ETRO -ANILA #OUNCIL --# The MMC, the governing board of the MMDA composed of all 17 Metro Manila mayors, signed on March 26 the resolutions imposing a speed limit on EDSA, revoking business permits of bus operators who refuse to vacate their terminals, and deputizing MMDA enforcers in local government units (LGUs). The MMDA on Thursday had these resolutions published in newspapers of general circulation, including The Manila Times, which means they will take effect

IN kVE DAYS MMDA Command Center chief Edison “Bong� Nebrija said the implementation of a 60-kilometers per hour speed limit on EDSA was made in a bid to reduce the number of road accidents on the busy thoroughfare. “Vehicular accidents cause needless loss of innocent lives and damage to property which necessitate the immediate adoption of a speed limit for all motor vehicles, except buses and

trucks,� the resolution read. Data from the MMDA showed that there were 110,025 road crash incidents in 2017, which translates to at least 299 vehicular accidents daily. MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said the resolution on the revocation of permits of erring bus operators was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to close down all bus terminals along the major artery. “Our direction is to remove all bus terminals along EDSA and relocate them in the outskirts of the metro to minimize TRAFkC CONGESTION u ,IM SAID With the regulation, provincial buses would no longer be allowed to enter Metro Manila to load and unload passengers.

Instead, terminals will be installed outside the metropolis where commuters can take city buses, jeepneys and taxis, among others, to enter Metro Manila. Three bus terminals are scheduled to be operational within the year — the VGC in Valenzuela City, the Paraùaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and the bus terminal in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The Paraùaque and Laguna terminals are set to begin operations in October and December, respectively. --$! 'ENERAL -ANAGER *OSE !RTURO g*OJOu 'ARCIA *R SAID THE AGENCY WOULD conduct a dry run during the Holy Week before completely closing down all EDSA TERMINALS IN *UNE Meanwhile, the third resolution directs the Metro Manila LGUs to defer the en-

Q ‘FRUSTRATED’ FROM A1

Duterte ‘frustrated’ with entry of prohibited Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and Rep. Antonio Tinio agreed, saying the campaign was “bound to fail� right from the start as the Duterte administration did not address poverty and unemployment, which, they added, were the top causes of the drug problem.

The three congressmen said the government did not give due process to alleged victims of extrajudicial killings, but chose to protect big-time personalities such as Peter Lim and MalacaĂąang adviser Michael Yang. In a radio interview aired over dzMM on Thursday,

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte was exasperated with how the drug situation in the country panned out. “He is frustrated because in spite of all he has done, there are still drugs entering the country,� he added. Senate President Vicente “Tito� Sotto 3rd also

FORCEMENT OF TRAFkC AND ANTI JAYWALKING ordinances to set a uniform road safety rules in the capital region. The deputization means MMDA anti-jaywalking teams can apprehend violators not just on major roads in the metropolis, but also on roads listed as “Mabuhay Lanes.� “By way of mutual aid and cooperation, it is advantageous for LGUs to deputize the MMDA in the implemenTATION OF SAID TRAFkC MANAGEMENT CODE or ordinance regarding anti-jaywalking,� the MMC wrote. The MMDA has its own anti-jaywalking policy. Violators are issued citation tickets WITH A CORRESPONDING 0 kNE *AYWALKERS HAVE AN OPTION TO PAY THE kNE OR RENDER community service.

on Thursday empathized with the President’s frustration that he said was caused by “the people in charge [of] the war against drugs [who were] not giving enough attention to the FOUR MAJOR CONCERNS OF kGHTING ILLEGAL drugs.� “These [concerns] are enforcement, prosecution, prevention and rehabilitation. Absence of one will CRIPPLE THE kGHT AGAINST DRUGS /R they simply don’t know these priorities,� Sotto, former Dangerous Drugs Board chairman, said. The Senate chief deplored that the campaign against drugs was focused mainly on enforcement. “I keep on saying for years: The day we stop buying [illegal drugs] is the day they stop selling [illegal drugs].� Panelo said while law enforcement agencies were successful in stopping the entry of illegal drugs, the President was still unhappy with how the drugs were still able to land on Philippine shores. “It is like, the idiots (drug traders) are not being discouraged. That is the point of the President,� he added. In a speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan campaign rally in Malabon City on Tuesday, Duterte, whose promise of eradicating illegal drugs in the country in three to six months virtually slung him to the presidency in 2016, said the illegal-drug situation was “swallowing� the country. He added that he could not clear the country of illegal drugs even if he had ordered the killing of drug suspects. Duterte admitted that the drug war was a failure because it was a “worldwide problem.� The President said some police OFkCERS WERE PROTECTING DRUGS Panelo said such participation

of rogue policemen in illegal drugs could not be addressed. “Well, [the link between rogue policemen and illegal drugs] cannot be removed. If you remember, there were members of the Philippine National Police that are involved in the illegal drug industry. The President knows that, he already released the list [in the past],� he added. “How many generals did he remove from [their] position because they were involved [in the illegal drug trade]?� Panelo said.

Questionable Meanwhile, the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) also on Thursday said initial documents for 2018 that had been released to them showed that anti-illegal drug operations in some areas were questionable and that subsequent investigations of suspects “leave much to be desired.� FLAG lawyer Ted Teh said the documents showed that incident reports were similar in content, there was lack of witnesses, and there was failure to turn over seized drugs to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The documents involved 29 cases and 37 victims. The lawyers’ group expects to receive other documents, this time on 20,322 reported killings involving the police and unknown assailants. The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted FLAG’s petition for the release of the documents. FLAG Chairman and Senate canDIDATE *OSE -ANUEL g#HELu $IOKNO said they have not received a copy of the High Court’s decision. BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO, GLEE JALEA AND DIVINA NOVA JOY DELA CRUZ

Rahma Joe Ismael, 94 Hja. Rahma Joe Ismael, the mother of The Manila Times reporter Javier ‘Jojo’ Ismael, passed away on Thursday, April 4 at the age of 94. She was buried on the same day in accordance with Islamic custom. The third day prayer will be held on Wednesday, April 10. The seventh day prayer will be on Sunday, April 14 at the Ismael residence in Taguig City. At least 200 Facebook pages, accounts and groups were taken down by the social media giant for “coordinated inauthentic behavior.â€? and pages supposedly supporting “Today we removed 200 pages, Duterte and his administration. groups and accounts that engaged In a Facebook post, Davao City in coordinated inauthentic behav)NFORMATION /FkCER *EFRY 4UPAS SAID ior on Facebook and Instagram in the Davao City mayor was locked out the Philippines, misleading others of her account. about who they were and what they The lockout was caused by her page were doing,â€? Nathaniel Gleicher, being “heavily reported.â€? Facebook head of Cybersecurity “Did you know, guys, that Mayor Policy, said in a statement on Thurs“Indayâ€? Sara Zimmerman Duterte is day (Friday in Manila). one of the casualties of the Facebook The social media activities, Facepurge? She’s locked out after her accout book said, were linked to a network was heavily reported,â€? Tupas said. organized by public relations expert “It is not doubtful,â€? he added. Nic Gabanuda. Inday is a term of endearment Gabunada was the manager of among Visayan folk in Davao and the social media group of Duterte’s other areas in southern Mindanao. campaign in 2016. Sara, however, denied that her According to Facebook’s invesFacebook account was “purged.â€? tigation, the 200 pages that were In a chance interview on Thursday, taken down consisted of 67 pages, 68 she told reporters that she had not accounts and 40 groups, while 25 acbeen using her Facebook page for counts belonged to its photo-sharing quite a time now. app Instagram. “Even before [the purge] of 200 It also detected that there was a accounts that were helping the ad- following of 3.6 million of at least ministration of President Duterte, of one of the pages, groups and my account was already locked. It accounts, and 5,300 followed those always tells me that it is tempo- on Instagram. rarily locked out,â€? the mayor said. MalacaĂąang earlier said Duterte “I am not complaining because I had nothing to do with the Facebook do not have enough time for Face- accounts and that he did not know book. What I am doing is posting on anything about it. RALPH U. VILLANUEVA Instagram,â€? she added.

Q PURGE FROM A1

Sara

PSEi

P52.18 TO $1

7,854.13 DOWN 0.52%

Business Times www.manilatimes.net

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019 ASIAN STOCKS: V S h a n g h a i 0 . 9 4 %

V S i n g a p o re 0 . 1 5 %

V Seoul 0.15%

V To k yo 0 . 0 5 %

V Jakarta 0.29%

FINEX FILES

W H o n g Ko n g 0 . 1 7 %

B2

W

CURRENCY RATE

B1

W B a n g ko k 0 . 2 9 %

Q4 2018 growth revised to 6.3% BY ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES

S

TATE statisticians on Thursday raised the OFkCIAL FOURTH QUARTER GROWTH kGURE BUT THE ADJUSTMENT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO AFFECT THE FULL YEAR RESULT

The revision, to 6.3 percent from 6.1 percent previously, was attributed by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to data changes related to trade and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, personal and household goods and public

administration and defense, and compulsory social security. Gross national income (GNI) and net primary income (NPI) were also REVISED UPWARD TO PERCENT AND PERCENT RESPECTIVELY FROM percent and 0.9 percent.

Full-year gross domestic product growth stayed at 6.2 percent, below the government’s downwardlyREVISED TARGET FOR AND also slower than the previous year’s PERCENT WITH INlATION HAVING taken its toll on consumer spending.

The government was initially aiming for a rebound to 7.0-8.0 percent this year but trimmed this to 6.0-7.0 percent last month due to delays in the approval of the 2019 national budget.

ÂłRevised B2

PSEi dips ahead of inflation data THE stock market retreated on Thursday with investors said to have belatedly reacted to the latest Philippine growth forecast downgrade. The bellwether Philippine Stock %XCHANGE INDEX 03%I FELL BY percent or 40.93 points to close AT WHILE THE WIDER !LL Shares slipped by 0.13 percent or POINTS TO kNISH AT First Grade Finance Inc. President Astro del Castillo blamed sell-offs on the Asian Development Bank’s move to slash its 2019 Philippine growth forecast to 6.4 percent from 6.7 percent. The downgrade, revealed on Wednesday, followed Monday’s World Bank announcement that it now expected the Philippines to grow by 6.4 percent this year, DOWN FROM PERCENT PREVIOUSLY Regina Capital Development Corp. President Marita Limlingan said market players were also

staying on the sidelines ahead of INlATION DATA DUE TODAY !PRIL Another factor, she said, was a drop in Bank of the Philippine Islands’ share price due to the Ayala-led firm’s announcement that electronic banking services would be unavailable starting P M TODAY !PRIL UNTIL A M ON 3UNDAY !PRIL DUE to a major systems upgrade. Shares of BPI finished down PERCENT OR 0 TO 0 each. The PSEi ignored overnight gains on Wall Street in a mixed day for other Asian markets. Hong Kong fell 0.2 percent after a seven-day rally while Sydney was off 0.8 percent and Wellington DROPPED PERCENT However, Tokyo ended 0.1 percent higher and Shanghai jumped 0.9 percent, while Singapore and Seoul each added 0.2 percent.

ÂłInflation B2

EARLY ADOPTERS

This picture taken on April 3, 2019 shows Hwang Hyun-sik (R), executive director of LG Uplus’ PS Division, posing with the company’s first 5G smartphone subscribers, model Kim Min-young (C) and car racer Seo Joo-won (L), during a 5G launching ceremony in Seoul. South Korea launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile networks two days early, its top mobile carriers said on April 4, in a late-night scramble to be the first providers of the super-fast wireless technology. Three top telecom providers — SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus — began their 5G services at 11 pm local time on April 3, despite previously announcing the launch date would be April 5. AFP PHOTO

China sets TransCo rejects NGCP IPO extension Uber invests $1.5M fresh tax for second PH facility cuts to lift economy BEIJING: China has unveiled tens of billions of dollars worth of tax and fee cuts as part of a drive to kickstart the stuttering economy, extending pledges worth $300 billion announced last month. With growth at a near three-decade low and the economy struggling under the weight of the US trade row and a soft global outlook, leaders are looking to grease the cogs by getting the country’s vast army of consumers to start spending. The State Council, or cabinet, said late Wednesday it would reduce electricity and internet costs, port and railway charges and a variety of fees for individuals and businesses to cut their annual burdens by about 300 billion yuan ($45 billion). For businesses, the government will lower average electricity fees by 10 percent and cut

ÂłEconomy B2

NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has no reason to continue delaying a mandated initial public offering (IPO), the National Transmission Co. (TransCo) chief said as firm defended its failure to list in the Philippine Stock Exchange. In a Senate energy committee hearing on Wednesday, TransCo President and Chief Executive Officer Melvin Matibag said “we maintain that NGCP has no basis to ask for an extension for the period of 10 years because they have [had] a period of 10 years to comply.� “I think the 10-year period is more than enough and probably the legislators have a reason why they put a period of 10 years,� Matibag added. The NGCP is mandated

under its 25-year concession agreement with the government to sell at least 20 percent of its outstanding capital stock within 10 years from the start of operations. The 10-year period has already lapsed the the firm last year asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for an extension. During the Senate hearing, an NGCP official said the firm was seeking a reasonable extension because market conditions were not suitable for an IPO. “Consistent with the performance of its obligations under its franchise and the concession agreement, NGCP intends to comply with the requirement of listing of shares,� NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said. Other reasons for the

delay, it added, are the absence of the final determination of price control arrangements from the ERC for the 2016-2020 regulatory period; pending disputes between NGCP, TransCo and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. that are now in arbitration; and public threats made by Matibag. The TransCo chief said he was merely doing his job. “I’ve been given a mandate by the President and by the Republic and by the people to protect the interest of the consumers in the country because my position was the transmission facilities is owned by the people,� he claimed. It is in the best interests of Transco and NGCP to ensure that the listing pro-

ÂłIPO B2

CLARK, PAMPANGA: Uber Technologies Inc. may have exited the ride-sharing business in the Philippines but it continues to maintain a presence in the country and is actually expanding its operations. A second “center of excellence� (COE) was inaugurated on Thursday to handle support services WORLDWIDE ADDING TO AN OFkCE IN Metro Manila that was established IN 4HE MILLION INVESTMENT Clark COE program leader Ricco Gamboa said, is expected to create over 300 jobs by the end of the year. The Manila COE, which is located at the SM Aura mall in Taguig, employs 1,000 workers and handles 12,000 interactions daily. The Clark facility — smaller at 2,919 square meters compared to THE 4AGUIG OFFICE S SQUARE meters — is designed to provide specialized support for critical incidents

What’s inside

BDO Unibank owns 88.54% of leasing unit

A

GENERAL information sheet (GIS) as of April.13, 2018 showed BDO Leasing and Finance Inc. (BLFI) having authorized capital stock (ACS) of 3,400,200,200 shares divided into 3.4 billion common shares with par value of P1 and 200,000 preferred shares with par value of P100. BLFI also reported it had, as of date OF kLING STOCKHOLDERS AS OWNERS OF COMMON SHARES /F its stockholders, 1,109 were Filipinos and six of them foreigners. As BLFI’s top stockholder, BDO 5NIBANK )NC OWNED BILLION ",&) COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT OF 2.162 billion outstanding BLFI common shares. As record stockholder, 0#$ .OMINEE #ORP HELD common shares, or 7.91 percent. A footnote in the GIS described BDO 5NIBANK AS gRECORD AND BENEkCIAL parent co. and its subsidiary�. In a public ownership report (POR) as of Feb. 28, 2019 but dated March 18, 2019, BLFI also listed BDO Unibank as

principal stockholder owning the same number of BLFI common shares shown in the GIS. The public stockholders held 247.611 million BLFI common SHARES OR PERCENT OF OUTSTANDING Like other listed but not public companies, BDO Leasing will elect on April 12, 2019 the 11 members of the board when the company’s stockholders meet for their annual meeting. On April 2, 2019, BLFI common shares opened trading at P2.26 and closed at its high of P2.27. The stock dropped to a low of P2.26.

University Inc. (CEU) reported the school’s public stockholders as ownERS OF MILLION #%5 COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT OF million outstanding common shares. As of given date, it had three prinCIPAL SUBSTANTIAL STOCKHOLDERS WITH combined ownership of 212.271 milLION #%5 COMMON SHARES OR percent. These were U.S. Automotive #O )NC MILLION #%5 COMMON SHARES OR PERCENT 53!54/#/ Inc., 126.621 million CEU common SHARES OR PERCENT AND 3OUTHVILLE Commercial Corp., 29.986 million CEU common shares, or 7.97, which it indirectly owned. On April 1, 2019, CEU common shares opened trading at its high of P7.62. Trading on its common shares closed at its session’s low of P7.60.

APC Group Centro Escolar As of March 31, 2019, Centro Escolar

The public stockholders were portrayed as the majority stockholders of APC

that require immediate attention, Uber said in a statement. It will cater to Uber customers in Australia, New Zealand and North Asia including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. “We need to expand beyond Manila, so we looked at Davao, Cebu, )LOILO AND WE FOUND 0AMPANGA kTS our needs now and for the long haul,� Gamboa told reporters. Wen-Szu Lin, director of AsiaPacific community operations, said in a statement that “it was an easy decision to deepen our investment in the Philippines and open a second center of excellence in Clark, complementing our existing Manila team.� Uber, as a transport network company, lost its connection in Southeast Asia in April 2018, after it agreed to sell its regional operations TO RIVAL RIDE HAILING kRM 'RAB LISBET K. ESMAEL

Group Inc. (AGI). They owned 3.836 billion AGI common shares, which WERE EQUIVALENT TO PERCENT OF BILLION OUTSTANDING !') COMmon shares as of March 31, 2019, according to a POR. As APC Group’s principal stockholdER "ELLE #ORP OWNED BILLION !') common shares, or 46.64 percent. The company’s seven-person board held MILLION !') COMMON SHARES or 0.03 percent, which equals 0.0327 percent when recomputed. As chairman of the board, Willy N. Ocier directly owned 310,001 AGI common shares and indirectly held 1.897 million AGI common shares, for total ownership of 2.207 million AGI common shares, or 0.03 percent. A computation resulted in 0.0327 percent. On April 2, 2019, APC Group’s common shares traded at an opening price of P0.430, the stock’s high. The stock closed trading at its session’s low OF 0

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PH NATIONAL ID SYSTEM DRAWS ESTONIAN INTEREST BusinessB2

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PH, HUNGARY EYE MORE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPS

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STRONG SALES BOOST EMPERADOR PROFIT

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METROBANK RAISES P17.5B FROM BOND OFFERING Corporate NewsB3

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GHOSN REARRESTED IN TOKYO, VOWS WON’T BE ‘BROKEN’ Foreign BusinessB4

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FRANCE TO CAP BOSSES’ GOLDEN HANDSHAKES

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Business Times

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

PH national ID system draws Estonian interest BY MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

F

IRMS FROM %STONIA ONE OF THE WORLD S MOST DEVELOPED DIGITAL SOCIETIES HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST TO TAKE PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY S NATIONAL IDENTIkCATION )$ SYSTEM THE &INANCE DEPARTMENT SAID ON 4HURSDAY

“We are aware that the Philippines is about to implement the digital ID and provide their citizens with this,� Estonia’s ambassadordesignate to the Philippines Vaino Reinart was quoted as saying during a recent meeting with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd. “It is indeed a good time to come

here and demonstrate what you could possibly be able to implement provided the digital ID is properly secured in place,� Reinart added. Dominguez, for his part, welcomed Estonia’s interest in the Philippines and invited Estonian companies to participate in the bidding for the national ID sys-

tem contract. “Our number one interest right now is the national ID, and we are going to be putting out the international tender documents pretty soon,� he said. The Finance chief said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was assisting the Philippine government through a policy-based loan program to provide support for the implementation of the national ID system. The national ID system was mandated under the Republic Act OR THE 0HILIPPINE )DENTIkCAtion System (PhilSys) Act, which was signed into law on August 6 last year. The PhilSys provides for a NATIONAL IDENTIkCATION SYSTEM THAT seeks to unify all government IDs

INTO ONE )T WILL PROVIDE IDENTIkCAtion to both citizens and resident aliens of the country to facilitate public and private transactions. Earlier, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government is on track on the roll out of the National ID, with mass registration expected next year. “We are on-track as regards the roll-out of PhilSys. We hope to open up registration to targeted comMUNITIES AND RELEASE THE kRST BATCH of IDs late this year. By 2020, we expect the registration system to be more established allowing for more Filipinos to avail of the service,� Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto said in a recent statement.

PH, Hungary eye more economic partnerships sports was signed between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Human Capacities of Hungary, it added. During the JCEC gatherings, THE TRADE OFkCIALS ALSO TACKLED ways to set up partnerships on manufacturing, water treatment and management, agriculture and food industry, information and communication technologies (ICT), transport, education, culture, tourism and health. Rodolfo said he is looking forward to an envigorated two-way trade between the Philippines and Hungary where “members of our respective private sectors [can] explore opportunities in each other’s markets and establish business to business part-

nerships.â€? In response, JoĂł said, “Our relationship with the Philippines is driven by the desire to enhance our bilateral economic cooperation based on common interests and values. Hungary is dedicated to strengthening and improving the bilateral trade relations between our countries, and to promoting Hungarian investment opportunities.â€? The Philippines has been granted the Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus (GSP+), which outlines the trade incentives of the countries exporting to the EU region. It has been enjoying zeroduty perks on over 6,000 products being exported to EU since 2014. TYRONE C. PIAD

THE Philippines and Hungary have expressed mutual understanding to develop key sectors and boost trade and investment BETWEEN THEM DURING THEIR kRST Joint Commission on Economic Commission (JCEC) engagement. In Budapest, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) pushed for the agency’s interest for more economic partnerships with members of the European Union. From April 2 to 3, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo led the Philippine delegation to discuss trade matters with Istvån Joó, Deputy State Secretary for Export Development of Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the DTI said.

“Consistent with Philippine DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez’s thrust for increased engagement with bilateral partners in the European Union, we are pleased to meet our government and business counterparts through this inaugural JCEC,â€? Rodolfo said in a statement Wednesday night. Both Rodolfo and JoĂł welcomed the signing of the memorandum of intent between the Philippine Board of Investments and the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency. The DTI said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency. Another MoU on cooperation in the field of

Q PEREZ FROM B1

PH to review progress on UN goals

BDO Unibank owns Due Diligencer’s take Listed companies should allow their public stockholders to nominate their own director or directors, especially this annual meeting season. The suggestion is not intended to take away the initiative of owners in managing their businesses. Rather, if they want their companies to be truly public, they should allow outsiders to have a say inside their boardrooms. After all, it would be useless to have common shares listed on PSE if the public investors, who make businesses listed, are denied representation in the board. If business owners want their companies to become listed and at the same time public, they should welcome outsiders into their boards. By the way, the following is an email from a reader of The Manila Times: â€œâ€ŚListed companies should be required to state their announcements in plain and simple LANGUAGE THEY SHOULD NOT BURDEN the public with the task of separating the chaff from the grain. Only lawyers would relish their legalese.â€? The email inside a pair of quotation marks came from Ben Hur Ong, a regular reader of The Manila Times. He was correct in his observation that listed companies tend to be “legaleseâ€? in disclosing the results of their board meetings. Is it because they employ lawyers? This is true, not only with Transpacific Broadband Group International Inc. but also with other listed but not necessarily public companies. Will companies that had their common and preferred shares listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) avoid being “legaleseâ€? and instead translate their kLINGS INTO THE MORE UNDERSTANDable language? Just asking.

Email:esdperez@gmail.com

THE government is reviewing anew the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to track the country’s progress. In a statement on Thursday, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said the government’s second Voluntary National Review (VNR) will be presented at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City in July this year. The VNR, led by the NEDA in partnership with the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), intends to share the country’s experiences, including successes, challenges and lessons learned in line with its goal of accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The review also aims to strengthen

policies and institutions of governments and to mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the realization of the SDGs. “In conducting this review, the government is taking a whole-of-society approach. We are enlisting the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs), academe and the private sector apart from the national and local government units in crafting the report to UN,â€? NEDA Officer-inCharge Adoracion M. Navarro said. The initial VNR said the government, through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), was improving its monitoring of the SDGs. To better gauge the country’s progress, the government has identified 103 SDG global indicators as well as 28 proxy and 25 supplementary indicators—a total of 156 indicators readily available from the entire Philippine statistical system. However, the report said monitoring the SDGs presents huge challenges for

funded), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (PPP or public-private partnership), LRT-1 extension (PPP), 3rd bridge in Cebu-Mactan (PPP) and the three bridges over the Pasig The budget delay, along with river (China grants) have all bethe impact of an ongoing El NiĂąo gun and should drive investment and the US-China trade war, were spending,â€? they noted. cited by both the World Bank and FMIC and the UA&P, in keeping the Asian Development Bank as their 2019 GDP growth forecast they also cut the 2019 Philippine at 6.8-7.2 percent, also said that growth forecasts — to 6.4 percent CONSUMER SPENDING WOULD BENEkT FROM PERCENT AND PERCENT from easing inflation and prerespectively — earlier this week. election spending. First Metro Investment Corp. “We also see infusion of liquid(FMIC) and the University of Asia ity into the banking system by the AND THE 0ACIkC 5! 0 HOWEVER Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in their latest “Market Callâ€? in the near term, given the rapid report that the budget row was decline in inflation, low money UNLIKELY TO SIGNIkCANTLY AFFECT growth, the need to rebuild BSP’s ingrowth given big-ticket infrastruc- ternational reserves, and the global ture projects. economic slowdown,â€? they said. “Despite the 2019 budget still )NlATION EASED TO PERCENT IN unapproved, work on large infra- &EBRUARY kNALLY RETURNING TO THE structure projects like the Metro BSP’s 2.0-4.0 percent goal after Manila subway (Japanese-aid nearly a year of above-target results.

Q REVISED FROM B1

Q4 2018

Q ECONOMY FROM B1

China sets broadband fees for small- and medium-sized businesses by 15 percent, the official Xinhua news agency reported. It will also cut trademark registration fees, the State Council said.

For individuals, China will cut a variety of bureaucratic red tape, like fees on postal imports, real estate registration, passport issuance and mobile internet rates. “Tax and fee cuts are our key measures to tackle the downward economic pressure this year,� said Premier Li Keqiang, according to Xinhua. The announcement follows promises last month to cut company taxes and

the entire statistical system, as well as its respective counterparts in UN member states. It said the government must address data gaps for it to effectively monitor progress in reaching the SDGs. “The process of achieving the SDGs should be carried forward by succeeding administrations as if in a relay. Every administration should build on the actions done by previous administrations in order to reach the goals in the end,� Navarro said. In crafting the VNR, NEDA, with PIDS and UNICEF, conducted three regional consultation workshops in Pampanga, Davao, and Cebu on March 11, 13 and 15 to discuss the factors needed to meet the SDGs. The NEDA said it is scheduled to initiate a series of consultations with other major groups and stakeholders, such as children, youth, labor tripartite bodies and CSOs. ANNA LEAH E. GONZALES g7E THINK THAT HEADLINE INlATION will continue ts downtrend to below PERCENT IN 1 kRST QUARTER AND below 3 percent by Q3 (third quarter) due to softer prices in crude oil and key food commodities (especially rice), among others,� FMIC and the UA&P said. They expect the BSP to cut the reSERVE REQUIREMENT RATIO THE kRST HALF and move to reducing policy rates in the second semester due to the “slow MONETARY EXPANSION AND INlATION falling well within its target.� “These should help boost further growth in the economy via investments and to a lesser extent consumer spending,� they added. The peso, meanwhile is expected TO TRADE WITHIN 0 VERSUS THE dollar in the second quarter as BSP rebuilds its dollar reserves. g4HE COUNTRY S HUGE TRADE DEkcits should also put pressure on the peso in the medium-term,� they noted. employer social insurance contributions by nearly two trillion yuan ($298 billion), with the first batch of cuts kicking in April 1. The meeting Wednesday also outlined new draft amendments to beef up the foreign investment law passed last month, with a provision for “non-discrimination� in administrative licensing as well as measures to improve the protection of trademarks. AFP

C

Transformational leadership in the digital age

HANGE has never been as pronounced as it is now and more so in the coming years. The 4th Industrial Revolution, which is bringing forth technological DEVELOPMENTS IN ARTIkCIAL INTELligence, big data, cloud computing and others are disrupting all facets of work and life. A new cohort of consumers and workers, the Generation Z, those born after ARE COMING INTO THE FORE AS the true digital native, veraciously purchasing online which further spurs ecommerce. In this digital age, organizations need a new breed of leaders, transformational leaders, those who can champion all stakeholders through the tidal wave of transformation that’s happening all over. The term transformational leadership was coined by James V. Downton. It was further developed by leadership expert James MacGregor Burns in 2004. According to Burns, transformational leadership is visible when “leaders and followers make each other advance to a higher level of morality and motivationâ€?. Later, researcher Bernard M. Bass expanded Burns’ original ideas to develop what is today referred to as Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory. According to Bass, transformational leadership can BE DEkNED BASED ON THE IMPACT IT has on followers, with facets such as moral standards, authenticity, harmony and persuasive appeals. While these are still necessary traits and actions of a transformational leader, they are not enough today when many are struggling with what to do in the midst of digital chaos. This is evidenced by the increasing mortality rate of companies, heralded by the demise of corporate giants Nokia, Toys R’ Us, Sears among others. Leaders in these organizations, who are contemporaries of the original concept of transformational leadership, proclaimed they didn’t do anything wrong, but admitted they lost. The ‘soft’ side of transformational leadership--vision, inspiration and motivation--are patently DEkCIENT -AKING SENSE OF WHAT S happening in the environment, putting together digital transformation strategies for sustainability and growth, innovating the business model, bias for relentless and well-integrated execution and drive for organization culture change are the new facets of transformational leadership in the digital age. • Sense-making. This is a key transformational leadership capability for today’s complex and dynamic world. According to Professor Deborah Ancona of the MIT Sloan School of Management, ‘it refers to how we structure the unknown so as to be able to act in it. Sense-making involves coming up with a plausible understanding—a map—of A SHIFTING WORLD TESTING THIS MAP with others through data collecTION ACTION AND CONVERSATION AND THEN REkNING OR ABANDONING the map depending on how credible it is. Sense-making enables leaders to have a better grasp of what is going on in their environments, thus facilitating other leadership activities such as visioning, relating and inventing.â€? • Digital transformation strategy. To respond to the fast-changing environment, transformational

Q IPO FROM B1

TransCo ceeds, Matibag continued. “Just imagine if we will

Q INFLATION FROM B1

PSEi dips In Manila, sectoral results were also mixed with the mining and oil and the industrial indices the

FINEX FILES

REYNALDO LUGTU, JR. leaders need to understand and employ digital transformation strategies. This involves the acceleration of business activities, processes and competencies to fully leverage the changes and opportunities of digital technologies and their impact in a strategic and prioritized fashion. These leaders not only understand digital transformation. They also know where and how to do it. • Business model innovation. A transformational leader spearheads the development of new, unique concepts on how a company delivers value to its customers, whether that’s through the development of new revenue streams, distribution channels or taking advantage of digital technologies in bringing those concepts to fruition. • Well-integrated execution. What separates transformational leaders from the rest is their ability to execute in a well-integrated manner. In a holistic and systematic way, they implement strategies across operations, product and service platforms, customer engagement and employees. These leaders optimize business operations, innovates and transforms product offerings, enhances customer experience and enables and empowers employees. They identify and put the right people to appropriate roles. For example, implementing an ecommerce platform should include considering its impact to operational processes, employee skills and product offerings. • Drive for culture change. Transformational leaders not only inspire change, they also mandate change. A strong message of change from a transformational CEO like, “use only cloud computing across our companyâ€?, or “I will not tolerate toxic behavior among my direct reportsâ€? sends it across in a way that drives employees to change their behavior. They understand and appreciate the importance of organization development in effecting culture change, i.e. implementing sustained intervention programs and activities to ensure culture change. They understand generational differences among employees and how they learn and adapt to changes. They also break down organization silos across departments that slow down business operations and affect service delivery to customers. But how does one become a transformational leader and acquire these aforementioned capabilities? One needs to have a growth mindset and should be open to the external world. He should be willing to take risks and embrace technological drivers.

The author is President & CEO of Hungry Workhorse Consulting, a digital and culture transformaTION kRM (E IS THE #HAIRMAN OF the Information and Communications Technology Committee of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines. He teaches strategic management in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. The author may be emailed at rey.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com be involved in a protracted litigation. Maybe by the end of the concession hindi na tayo nakapag-IPO (we would not have been able to stage the IPO),� he said. only gainers, up 0.27 percent and 0.29 percent, respectively. More than 1.29 billion shares VALUED AT 0 BILLION WERE TRADED Losers led winners, 109 to 87, while 46 issues remained unchanged. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS AND AFP

Corporate News Strong sales boost Emperador profit ˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

S

BY ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

TRONG brandy and whisky sales bolstered Emperador Inc.’s net income by 8 percent to P6.8 billion last year from P6.3 billion in 2017. The listed liquor company told the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday that revenues grew by 10

B3

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

percent to P47 billion from P42.6 billion year-on-year. According to Emperador Presi-

dent Winston Co, its brandy and whisky products, particularly Whyte and Mackay, served as the catalyst for growth and long-term value enhancement. Business was exceptional, particularly in Asia, with revenues more than doubling, he noted. Foreign brandy Fundador had a successful 2018 as the company raked in awards in international competitions, Co

said. Locally, the Emperador brand continued to lead in the industry, he added. A company under tycoon Andrew Tan’s holding firm Alliance Global Group Inc., Emperador manufactures, bottles and distributes distilled spirits and other alcoholic beverages. Through its subsidiary Emperador Distiller’s Inc., it has a product portfolio made up

of its own brands and licensed products and a global reach to at least 102 countries. Emperador owns the United Kingdom-based Scotch whiskey manufacturer Whyte and Mackay Group, and brandy makers Bodegas Fundador S.L.U. in Spain and Domecq Bodega Las Copas, S.L. Other products it offers include The BaR, Smirnoff Mule, Valdivar

Vodka, Andy Player Whisky, Fettercairn and Harveys, among others. Emperador is conducting a P5billion, 24-month share buyback program that began in May 2017. About P1.86 billion covering 259 million shares were already repurchased. Despite its improved profit, shares of Emperador slid by 4 centavos or 0.55 percent to close at P7.26 apiece on Thursday.

Businessinbriefs

Metrobank raises P17.5B from bond offering

METRO RETAIL PROFIT DOWN TO P965M IN 2018

LISTED Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) has generated P17.5 billion in fresh funds from its latest bond issuance. In a disclosure on Thursday, the Ty-led lender said the three-year bonds were upsized from an initial target of P10 billion “to accommodate increased demand from institutional, high net worth and retail clients.�

METRO Retail Stores Group Inc. reported on Thursday that its net income dipped by 1.2 percent to P965.4 million last year, which it attributed to a fire that hit its businesses at the Ayala Center mall in Cebu province. The Gaisano-led company told the Philippine Stock Exchange that, despite the blaze that destroyed its supermarket and department store, the profit decline was minimal. It said the rest of its stores were strong and even exceeded their 2017 performance, given the steady same store sales growth of 5.1 percent. Total sales also decreased by 5.6 percent to P33.05 billion in 2018, but gross profit margins (GPM) increased by 60 basis points (bps)Â year-on-year, bringing its GPM to 200 bps over the last two years on the back of improvements in inventory and margin productivity, price competitiveness and merchandise assortment. Metro Retail shares fell by 13 centavos or 4 percent to end at 3.12 apiece on Thursday. ANGELICA BALLESTEROS

MERALCO-LED GROUP, BCDA INK NEW CLARK CITY POWER DEAL A CONSORTIUM led by the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has signed a joint venture agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to establish power distribution facilities in New Clark City. In a disclosure, the listed power giant said that under the accord signed on Wednesday, the Meralco Marubeni Consortium — composed of Meralco, Kansai Electric Power Co. Inc. and Chubu Electric Power Co. Inc. — will put up the special-purpose company that shall “undertake the financing, design and engineering, establishment, construction, development, and operation and maintenance of the electric power distribution system in New Clark City.� Meralco will hold an equity stake equivalent to 90 percent in the planned firm. The deal comes after Meralco received from the BCDA on January 18 the notice of award for power distribution in New Clark City. Meralco shares rose by 80 centavos or 0.21 percent to end at P376 apiece on Thursday. JORDEENE B. LAGARE

Value

Chg

%Chg

PSEi

7,854.13

-40.93

Ĺş

All Shares

4,832.62

-7.72

Ĺş

Financials

1,732.35

-19.01

Ĺş

Industrial

11,734.78

33.61

Ÿ

Holding Firms

7,698.36

-44.36

Ĺş

Services

1,586.47

-13.21

Ĺş

Mining and Oil

7,725.18

20.58

Ÿ

Property

4,081.27

-2.59

Ĺş

LISTED China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) said on Thursday it planned to issue debt papers worth P75 billion. In a disclosure, the lender said its board of directors had approved this fundraising exercise, which involves issuing these papers in several tranches for the next three years. These may be in the form of retail bonds and/or commercial papers, it added.

ALL SHARES

They were also the selling agents, together with Metrobank and its subsidiary First Metro Investment Corp. Last year, Metrobank’s net income soared by 20.8 percent to P22 billion from P18.2 billion in 2017. Metrobank shares shed 25 centavos or 0.32 percent to close at P79 each on Thursday. MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Proceeds shall be used to support Chinabank’s strategic initiatives and expansion programs. “This is in line with the bank’s intention to be an active participant in the ongoing economic expansion of the country and the government’s infrastructure initiatives,� the bank said. Debt paper issuances are subject to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ approval.

Last year, the central bank relaxed its rules on banks’ bond issuances to help develop the local capital market. Under the enhanced rules, eligible banks would no longer need prior regulatory approval to issue bonds and commercial papers. Chinabank’s net profit increased by 9.4 percent to P8.1 billion last year from P7.4 billion in 2017, which it attributed

to sustained growth in its core business. Total capital stood at P87.8 billion, up 5 percent, while its capital adequacy ratios remained healthy, with common equity tier 1 ratio at 12.2 percent and total capital adequacy ratio at 13.1 percent. Chinabank shares added 5 centavos or 0.19 percent to close at P26.85 each on Thursday. MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO

Higher revenues allow PhilWeb to trim net loss LISTED PhilWeb Corp. saw its net loss decrease by 73 percent last year to P78.066 million from P294.425 million in 2017 on higher revenues. In a disclosure on Thursday, the technology services provider said revenues surged by 132 percent to P366 million in 2018 from P158 million the year before, buoyed by the increase in its electronic gaming outlets. According to PhilWeb President Dennis Valdes, there are 63 gaming locations using the firm’s electronic gaming system, including two outlets

SERVICES

Stock indices as of April 4, 2019

PSEi

out of Metrobank’s P100-billion bond program as approved by its board of directors last year, and brings the bank’s aggregate issue size to P45.5 billion,� the bank said. Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. Ltd. (HSBC) and Standard Chartered Bank-Philippine Branch (SCB) acted as the joint lead managers and bookrunners for the transaction.

Chinabank to issue P75-B debt papers

HOLDING FIRMS

Index

The bonds’ oversubscription also allowed the bank to price at the tighter end of the indicative price guidance, it added. The bonds carried a coupon of 6.30 percent and will have quarterly coupon payments. These will be issued and listed on the Philippine Dealing Exchange on April 11. “This is the third bond issuance

MINING AND OIL

dedicated to e-bingo. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization stood at P9 million, against 2017’s NEGATIVE 0 MILLION CASH lOW “We have to thank the entire PhilWeb team... as they have increased revenue every quarter for the past two years, while decreasing expenses over the same period, which is always a powerful generator OF CASH lOW u 0HIL7EB #HAIRMAN 'REGORIO -A Araneta 3rd said in the disclosure.

“I am deeply committed to getting PhilWeb back to its former profitability levels, during which times we were able to pay out high diviDENDS TO STOCKHOLDERS AND GENERATE SIGNIkCANT share price increases, as well,� he added. PhilWeb is an accredited service provider of the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. for its network of electronic gaming outlets. PhilWeb shares grew by 8 centavos or 3.02 percent to close at P2.73 apiece on Thursday. LISBET K. ESMAEL

TOP ACTIVE STOCKS No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Security Name Ayala Land, Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. Ayala Corporation Security Bank Corporation

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. 0HWUR 3DFLÂżF ,QYHVWPHQWV &RUSRUDWLRQ Bloomberry Resorts Corporation LT Group, Inc. BDO Unibank, Inc. Jollibee Foods Corporation SM Investments Corporation SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Universal Robina Corporation GT Capital Holdings, Inc.

17 18

PLDT Inc. Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company

19 20

Alliance Global Group, Inc. Megaworld Corporation

Last Price Chg %Chg 44.5 -0.1 -0.22% 81 -3 -3.57% 60.25 0.25 0.42% 2.02 -0.24 -10.62% 905.5 -20.5 -2.21% 177 2 1.14%

ź ź Ÿ ź ź Ÿ

Volume 11,193,000.00 3,823,890.00 5,169,190.00 135,441,000.00 298,040.00 1,451,410.00

Value(P) 498,113,400.00 312,488,915.50 309,171,376.00 279,429,910.00 271,649,765.00 257,853,068.00 213,625,284.00 206,461,300.00 200,899,218.00 183,883,874.00 178,126,077.00 167,851,596.00 159,260,480.00 156,830,800.00 143,135,352.00 138,795,970.00

123.8 4.55 12.58 16.04 130.5 318.8 945 39.5 153.4 891.5

-5.6 -0.12 0.38 0.04 -1.2 0 0 0.15 0.4 -8.5

-4.33% -2.57% 3.11% 0.25% -0.91% 0% 0% 0.38% 0.26% -0.94%

ź ź Ÿ Ÿ ź

Ÿ Ÿ ź

1,721,900.00 45,158,000.00 16,039,200.00 11,483,200.00 1,366,920.00 526,570.00 168,580.00 3,970,300 935,280 155,690

1,146.00 79

15 -0.25

1.33% -0.32%

Ÿ ź

102,115 1,237,620

116,594,995.00 97,819,281.00

16 5.65

-0.16 -0.04

-0.99% -0.70%

Ĺş Ĺş

4,753,600 13,364,900

75,372,070.00 75,079,050.00

*amounts in peso, except for volume, %chg

TOP GAINERS

FINANCIALS

INDUSTRIAL

PROPERTY

INDEX HISTORY Date Apr 4, 2019 Apr 3, 2019 Apr 2, 2019 Apr 1, 2019 Mar 29, 2019 Mar 28, 2019 Mar 27, 2019 Mar 26, 2019 Mar 25, 2019 Mar 22, 2019 Mar 21, 2019 Mar 20, 2019 Mar 19, 2019 Mar 18, 2019 Mar 15, 2019 Mar 14, 2019 Mar 13, 2019 Mar 12, 2019 Mar 11, 2019 Mar 8, 2019 Mar 7, 2019 Mar 6, 2019 Mar 5, 2019 Mar 4, 2019 Mar 1, 2019 Feb 28, 2019 Feb 27, 2019 Feb 26, 2019 Feb 22, 2019 Feb 21, 2019

Open 7,893 7,880 7,854 7,923 7,891 7,898 7,916 7,875 7,994 7,957 7,876 7,848 7,864 7,795 7,748 7,742 7,726 7,728 7,815 7,869 7,807 7,675 7,700 7,632 7,712 7,920 7,962 7,996 7,940 7,947

High 7,898 7,895 7,894 7,924 7,921 7,898 7,916 7,911 7,994 8,032 7,955 7,876 7,879 7,873 7,798 7,764 7,766 7,774 7,824 7,884 7,882 7,821 7,735 7,698 7,754 7,920 7,973 7,996 7,962 7,947

Low 7,836 7,861 7,854 7,810 7,887 7,856 7,841 7,869 7,808 7,951 7,869 7,824 7,843 7,761 7,702 7,719 7,725 7,728 7,709 7,797 7,795 7,675 7,667 7,596 7,588 7,705 7,878 7,945 7,895 7,893

Close 7,854 7,895 7,879 7,840 7,921 7,876 7,861 7,907 7,863 8,013 7,955 7,858 7,843 7,873 7,798 7,750 7,766 7,748 7,709 7,797 7,882 7,821 7,671 7,675 7,642 7,705 7,889 7,988 7,962 7,931

CLOSE

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

Security Name Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. “B� Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation Swift Foods, Inc. - Convertible Preferred TKC Metals Corporation Asian Terminals, Inc. Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company “B� Da Vinci Capital Holdings, Inc. Omico Corporation Metro Alliance Holdings & Equities Corp. “A� Abra Mining & Industrial Corporation Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation Golden Bria Holdings, Inc. Vulcan Industrial & Mining Dizon Copper Silver Mines, Inc. Atok-Big Wedge Company, Inc. “A� Asiabest Group International Inc. Central Azucarera de Tarlac Max’s Group, Inc. Lorenzo Shipping Corporation Bloomberry Resorts Corporation

Volume 60,000.00 129,600.00 8,000.00 14,831,000.00 7,300.00 320,000.00 150,100.00 103,000.00 562,000.00 400,000,000.00 20,757,000.00 6,970.00 3,007,000.00 63,700.00 100.00 45,400.00 6,000.00 3,553,400.00 2,562,000.00 16,039,200.00

Value Last Price 119,100.00 1.95 832,376.00 7.1 12,000.00 1.5 17,094,070.00 1.09 113,310.00 16 37,920.00 0.13 795,750.00 5.9 60,810.00 0.63 1,036,240.00 1.83 800,100.00 0.0021 13,760,660.00 0.64 2,698,736.00 392.8 3,209,210.00 1.07 511,103.00 8.11 1,294.00 12.94 903,342.00 19.98 87,186.00 15 53,312,356.00 15.1 2,477,260.00 0.97 200,899,218.00 12.58

Chg 0.54 1.14 0.2 0.12 1.48 0.012 0.4 0.04 0.09 0.0001 0.03 15.8 0.04 0.3 0.46 0.7 0.48 0.48 0.03 0.38

%Chg 38.30% 19.13% 15.38% 12.37% 10.19% 10.17% 7.27% 6.78% 5.17% 5.00% 4.92% 4.19% 3.88% 3.84% 3.69% 3.63% 3.31% 3.28% 3.19% 3.11%

*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 Grand Plaza Hotel Corporation Benguet Corporation “A� Benguet Corporation “B� Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. The Philodrill Corporation Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation “B� Philippine Estates Corporation Arthaland Corporation Premiere Horizon Alliance Corporation Concepcion Industrial Corporation D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Incorporated International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Berjaya Philippines, Inc. Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. Geograce Resources Philippines, Inc. Atlas Consolidated Mining & Development Corporation Marcventures Holdings, Inc. Easycall Communications Phils., Inc. Bank of the Philippine Islands Philippine Infradev Holdings, Inc.

*amounts in peso except for volume, %chg

Volume 400.00 148,000.00 110,000.00 135,441,000.00 1,200,000.00 99,000,000.00 41,445,000.00 2,550,000.00 35,545,000.00 100.00 2,520,800.00 1,721,900.00 930,000.00 4,051,000.00 6,890,000.00 9,000.00 40,000.00 46,600.00 3,823,890.00 1,193,000.00

Value Last Price Chg 3,932.00 9.83 -2.03 215,560.00 1.48 -0.22 169,250.00 1.47 -0.19 279,429,910.00 2.02 -0.24 13,300.00 0.011 -0.001 1,188,000.00 0.012 -0.001 21,755,030.00 0.5 -0.04 1,982,780.00 0.77 -0.05 35,240,990.00 0.96 -0.06 4,105.00 41.05 -2.45 29,036,842.00 11.42 -0.58 213,625,284.00 123.8 -5.6 2,358,730.00 2.49 -0.11 12,682,750.00 3.12 -0.13 1,767,750.00 0.26 -0.01 26,440.00 2.94 -0.11 42,800.00 1.07 -0.04 515,528.00 10.7 -0.4 312,488,915.50 81 -3 1,944,720.00 1.63 -0.06

%Chg -17.12% -12.94% -11.45% -10.62% -8.33% -7.69% -7.41% -6.10% -5.88% -5.63% -4.83% -4.33% -4.23% -4.00% -3.70% -3.61% -3.60% -3.60% -3.57% -3.55%

B4

Foreign Business

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

France to cap bosses’ golden handshakes

Q A car believed to be carrying former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn enters the Tokyo Detention House in Tokyo on April 4, 2019. Former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn was rearrested on April 4 in Tokyo on fresh financial misconduct allegations, with the auto tycoon slamming his detention as “outrageous and arbitraryâ€?. AFP PHOTO

PARIS: The French government plans to cap executive “golden handshakes� at 30 percent of their salary, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said Thursday, calling the multi-million-euro exit package planned for Airbus boss Tom Enders “excessive�. “I will limit the amount of bosses’ golden handshakes to 30 percent of their salary,� Le Maire told the BFM news channel, adding: “It will be written in stone in the law. On Tuesday, it emerged that the chief executive of European aerospace giant Airbus stands to receive a nearly 37 million euro ($41 million) severance package when he steps down next week, according to calculations by an INVESTOR ADVISORY kRM Airbus acknowledged the “soundness� of the calculations made by Proxinvest, which were BASED ON kNANCIAL kLINGS UNDER German CEO Enders. “These amounts are excessive and belong in the past,� Le Maire said, announcing plans to limit them in a bill currently before

parliament. According to Proxinvest, Enders will receive a total of 26.3 million euros in retirement pay over the next 20 years, along with stock and performance bonuses valued at 7.3 million. (E WILL ALSO BENEkT FROM A ONE year non-compete clause worth 3.2 million, bringing the total to 36.8 million euros. The huge exit packages paid to the departing bosses of big companies and executive pay have long been controversial subjects in France and other Western countries. France’s previous Socialist government had introduced a nonbinding code of conduct for companies which recommended that THEY CAP THE EXIT PACKAGES AT percent of the executive’s salary. Le Maire said legislation was needed “because clearly good practises are not enough�. The French state owns an 11 percent stake in Airbus, while Germany has 11 percent and Spain 4.2 percent. AFP

MUMBAI: India’s central bank cut interest rates on Thursday, delivering a shot in the arm to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s poll hopes a week before the start of a marathon general election. The second snip in borrowing costs this year comes as central banks around the world take a softer line on monetary policy in the face of a slowdown in the global economy. Modi swept to power in 2014 on a business-friendly manifesto that promised to shake up Asia’s third-largest economy and boost JOBS SECURING )NDIA S kRST MAJORITY government in three decades. But with growth stuttering and unemployment recently reported to be at a decades-long high, 68-yearold Modi is vulnerable to attack as questions are asked about his economic competence. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the benchmark repo rate -- the level at which it lends to commercial BANKS WOULD BE REDUCED BY basis points to 6.00 percent. It was the second consecutive reduction under governor Shaktikanta Das, a Modi ally who was appointed in December after his predecessor quit following a spat with the government over alleged interference. The bank said the time was ripe FOR A CUT WITH INlATION WELL BELOW its target of four percent. The move is expected to boost consumer sentiment going into the polls. “The output gap remains negative and the domestic economy is facing headwinds, especially on the global front,� the bank said in a statement. “The need is to strengthen domestic growth impulses by spurring private investment, which has remained sluggish,� it added. The decision was predicted by all but two of 47 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News.

Urjit Patel last year. The government was believed to be unhappy with the RBI under Patel’s tenure over its apparent reluctance to cut rates to stimulate the economy. He quit at the end of last year, reportedly owing to pressure from THE kNANCE MINISTRY TO ENACT POLICIES that would help spur growth ahead of the mammoth elections, which run from April 11 to May 19. The opposition Congress Party accuses Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led administration of trying to INlUENCE THE BANK AND HAS PLEDGED in its manifesto to “reverse the unwarranted and illegal interference� in its functioning. Modi has announced a number of HIGH PROkLE ECONOMIC POLICIES DURING his tenure, including the introduction of a new single tax on goods and a controversial currency ban. But the economy is stuttering, with growth slowing to 6.6 percent in October-December, from 7.1 percent in the previous three months and well off the 8.2 percent seen a year ago. Central banks around the world are adopting a more dovish tone as they reassess their monetary policies TO ADDRESS lAGGING GROWTH The US Federal Reserve raised its key rate four times in 2018 but has said it will not increase this year with some observers are even tipping a cut. The European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of England and Reserve Bank of Australia are also looking sounding more cautious as the global economic outlook looks less certain. Modi’s pledge to create millions of jobs has also come under scrutiny. A government report leaked in February showed unemployment AT A YEAR HIGH OF PERCENT IN 2017-18. India’s general election will be the largest democratic exercise of its kind ever held with around 900 million voters eligible to cast ballots. Results are expected on May 23. AFP

Ghosn rearrested in Tokyo, vows won’t be ‘broken’ India central bank cuts rates a week before polls T

/+9/ *APANESE PROSECUTORS 4HURSDAY RE ARRESTED #ARLOS 'HOSN ON FRESH ALLEGATIONS OF kNANCIAL MISCONDUCT AS THE FORMER AUTO TYCOON SLAMMED AN gOUTRAGEOUS AND ARBITRARYu DETENTION AND VOWED HE WOULD gNOT BE BROKEN u )N THE EARLY HOURS OFkCIALS RAIDed the central Tokyo apartment THE YEAR OLD 'HOSN HAS CALLED home since winning bail last month after more than 100 days of detention on different charges. It was the latest twist in a rollercoaster drama that has gripped Japan and the rest of the world since his shock arrest at a Tokyo Airport on November 19. Prosecutors said Ghosn had been detained over transfers of Nissan FUNDS TOTALLING MILLION BETWEEN LATE AND THE MIDDLE OF 4HEY SUSPECT 'HOSN USED MILLION of that for personal expenditure. “The suspect... was responsible for overseeing the whole of Nissan’s operations and performing his duty loyally so as not to cause losses to Nissan, but he betrayed THAT DUTY IN ORDER TO BENEkT HIMself,� they said in a statement. Ghosn released a statement through his representatives attacking what he called the “outrageous and arbitrary� detention. “Why arrest me except to try to break me? I will not be broken,� said THE FORMER HIGH lYING EXECUTIVE He has denied any wrongdoing AND TOOK TO 4WITTER FOR THE kRST TIME Wednesday to announce plans to “tell the truth� at an April 11 news

conference that now looks unlikely. Prosecutors can hold Ghosn for up to 22 days while they investigate the new claims and may re-arrest him yet again after that period or seek to hold him in pretrial detention. His lawyer Junichiro Hironaka, known as the “Razor� for his mental sharpness, told reporters the fresh arrest was “against the spirit of the law� and “should not be tolerated in a civilised nation.� He added that his client had expected prosecutors would rearrest him and had therefore prepared a video that they were preparing to release, without specifying exactly when or what was in it. 6ISIBLY ANGRY HE VOWED TO kGHT likely attempts by the prosecutor to extend the detention, claiming the arrest was “not necessary� and designed merely to pile pressure ON HIS HIGH PROkLE CLIENT He added that prosecutors had CONkSCATED NOT ONLY DIARIES AND documents belonging to Ghosn, but also the passport and phone of the tycoon’s wife Carole.

‘Combative and innocent’ Ghosn already faces three separate

CHARGES 4HE kRST TWO RELATE TO THE alleged deferring of around $80 million in income and concealING THIS IN OFkCIAL DOCUMENTS TO shareholders. The third, more complex, charge is that he attempted to transfer personal losses to Nissan and paid a Saudi contact who provided collateral from the company funds. Ghosn denies all wrongdoing. In an interview with French television to be aired later Thursday, he said he was “combative and innocent� but acknowledged “it’s hard.� “A lot of lies have been told and these lies have come one after another... there has not been a day or a week when there have not been new accusations, new rumours or facts taken out of context,� he said. Ghosn, who holds French, Brazilian and Lebanese nationalities, appealed to the French government to “defend� him and his “rights as a citizen.� French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire stressed Ghosn “should BENEkT FROM THE PRESUMPTION OF innocence and consular protection� in an interview with BFMTV French television station. Thursday’s arrest came after French car firm Renault, which Ghosn also once headed, handed French prosecutors documents showing the auto tycoon had authorised suspicious transfers worth million of euros. A Nissan spokesman said the firm’s own internal probe had

uncovered “substantial evidence of blatantly unethical conduct� and that their focus was on “addressing weaknesses in governance that enabled this misconduct.�

‘Tell the truth’ Ghosn had maintained his silence since paying around $9 million to win bail on March 6 when he walked out of his detention centre dressed in a workman’s uniform in a bizarre attempt to evade the world’s media. Reports emerged early Wednesday that prosecutors were considering further charges against him whereupon Ghosn suddenly popped up on Twitter to announce he would “tell the truth� about his case at a news conference on April 11. His tweet, which his represenTATIVES CONkRMED WAS AUTHENTIC sparked questions about his bail conditions, which were thought to include a ban on internet use. However, Hironaka insisted his client was acting within his rights, telling reporters: “My understanding is that he’s not banned from using the internet.� Ghosn was largely credited with saving Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy by tying its fortunes to Mitsubishi Motors and Renault. He has frequently denounced his downfall as a “plot� by Nissan insiders worried he planned to push them into a full partnership WITH THE &RENCH kRM AFP

German industrial orders tumble further in Feb FRANKFURT AM MAIN: Industrial orders in Europe’s powerhouse Germany saw a sharp fall in February, OFkCIAL DATA SHOWED 4HURSDAY THE second month in a row as signs of slowing growth multiply in the eurozone. New orders fell 4.2 percent month-on-month, federal statistics authority Destatis said in prelimiNARY kGURES ADJUSTED FOR PRICE SEAsonal and calendar effects. The reading disappointed expec-

TATIONS FOR A PERCENT REBOUND from analysts surveyed by Factset. “Lower orders could be observed in most economic sectors, from at home as well as abroad,� the economy ministry in Berlin said in a statement. Looking to different areas of the economy, capital goods makers were the worst hit in February with a 6.0-percent drop in orders -- including a 9.2-percent fall in contracts from non-eurozone

countries. The picture of a strong fall in demand from nations outside the 19-country single currency bloc was repeated at consumer goods kRMS WHICH SAW ORDERS FALL percent overall. Meanwhile makers of producer goods were the most resilient with a drop of only 0.9 percent. Industry is currently “almost in freefall�, economist Jens-Oliver Niklasch of LBBW bank com-

mented. “Much of this can likely be traced back to elevated uncertainty related to Brexit� given the plunge in noneurozone orders, he argued. With high stocks of existing orders, “for now there don’t seem to be any effects on the labour market,� Niklasch noted. “Things can’t stay that way forever though. Let’s hope that London gives the green light for a deal with the EU soon.� AFP

Dovish tone Das has now reversed two rate hikes brought in by previous governor

US federal court to hear contempt case against Tesla’s Musk NEW YORK: Elon Musk’s messy Twitter habit will get a once-over on Thursday when a federal court weighs whether the controversial Tesla chief executive should be held in contempt of court. His attorneys and the US Securities and Exchange Commission are scheduled to appear before US District Judge Alison Nathan, who will hear arguments on the agency’s request to crack down on Musk for allegedly violating the terms of a settlement Nathan approved in October. Musk’s removal as CEO is not seen as a very likely result of the latest fight, although a finding of contempt could make such an outcome more likely down the road, analysts said.

Tesla’s press office did not respond to queries on whether Musk would attend the hearing. The October agreement required Musk to step down as chairman and pay $20 million to settle charges he defrauded investors with false claims on Twitter in August about a possible go-private transaction that was quickly aborted. Tesla was also fined $20 million. The settlement, which allowed Musk to remain as CEO, required the CEO and other senior officers to obtain pre-approval from Tesla counsel before making written communications “that contain, or reasonably could contain, information material to Tesla

or its stockholders.â€? The hearing is the latest event in Musk’s running battle with the SEC, which he derided on Twitter as the “Shortseller Enrichment Commissionâ€? on October 4, days after the SEC settlement was signed but before it was finalized in court. Musk also blasted the agency in a December “60 Minutesâ€? interview where he acknowledged his tweets were not being reviewed. “I guess we might make some mistakes. Who knows?â€? Musk said. “Nobody’s perfect.â€? “I want to be clear. I do not respect the SEC,â€? he said. “I do not respect them.â€? The agency took action af-

ter Musk tweeted on February 19 that Tesla would make 500,000 cars in 2019 — up from the 400,000 that the company had estimated until then, an apparent increase on a benchmark tied to profitability. Musk corrected himself four hours later, saying that Tesla would indeed produce about 400,000 cars this year: “Meant to say annualized production rate at end of 2019 probably around 500k.â€? Six days later, the SEC asked Nathan to hold Musk in contempt for violating the settlement, arguing that Musk had not made “a diligent or good-faith effortâ€? to honor the commitment to seek review for a statement that could be “material,â€? or consequential to investors.

Musk â€œonce again published inaccurate and material information about Tesla to his over 24 million Twitter followers, including members of the press, and made this inaccurate information available to anyone with Internet access,â€? the agency said. In response, Musk’s lawyers argued that the production figures were not material and that Musk had shown “diligenceâ€? in following the order, cutting his average monthly Tesla-related tweets “nearly in half.â€? Musk’s attorneys also accused the SEC of an “unconstitutional power grabâ€? that flouted Musk’s free speech rights and “smacks of retaliation and censorshipâ€? over

the executive’s remarks on “60 Minutes.â€? Erik Gordon, a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan who has also taught at its law school, expects Musk’s arguments on freedom of speech to be discounted because they concern remarks that were governed by the settlement Musk and Tesla signed. Gordon said the argument on whether the tweet was material may be taken more seriously, although Tesla production figures are closely watched by investors. He said the court could impose a sanction short of the CEO’s removal but that a contempt finding could be used later to oust him if Musk continues to act out. AFP

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

NZ mosques shooter to face 50 murder raps WELLINGTON, New Zealand: The man accused of carrying out the Christchurch mosque attacks would face 50 murder charges and 39 attempted murder charges when he makes his second court appearance, New Zealand police said Thursday. 0OLICE HAD EARLIER kLED A SINGLE representative murder charge against 28-year-old Australian Brenton Harrison Tarrant. He is due to appear via video link during a brief hearing on Friday, and will not be required to enter a plea. Fifty people died in the March 15 attacks on two mosques and another 50 were injured. Police said in a brief statement THAT THEY WERE CONSIDERING kLING more charges against Tarrant, but couldn’t comment further as the case was before the court. 4ARRANT S kRST APPEARANCE WAS on the day after the attacks in the Christchurch District Court. His case has now been moved to the High Court due to the seriousness of the charges. Tarrant has reportedly been moved to a high-security prison in Auckland, which is why he’ll appear via video link.

During the scheduled court hearing, media photographs will not be allowed and reporting on the proceedings will be severely restricted under New Zealand law. The intent of the law is to avoid the possibility the reporting and images would taint the views of potential jurors before they hear evidence in court. Judge Cameron Mander said in a note that the brief hearing would mainly be about the accused gunman’s legal representation. Tarrant earlier dismissed lawyer Richard Peters, who was assigned to represent him during his district court appearance. Peters said Tarrant told him that he wanted to represent himself. Many worry that Tarrant would try to use his trial as a soapbox to push his white supremacist views. The judge said he had received applications from 25 media orGANIZATIONS TO TAKE kLM PHOTOgraphs or audio recordings of Friday’s hearing, but had denied all of them. He said reporters could remain throughout and take notes, although would be restricted in what they could report. AP

World Japan’s 126th emperor ready for enthronement T FRIDAY April 5, 2019

OKYO: When Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito ascends the Chrysanthemum Throne, he will be taking on a role that has changed almost beyond recognition from its mythological origins. Naruhito will be Japan’s 126th emperor, in a line said to stretch back more than 2,600 years. Recent decades have seen the emperor’s role recast, as Naruhito’s father — Akihito — stepped beyond his religious remit to offer not just prayers, but also comfort to survivors of Japan’s natural disasters. He stunned the nation in 1991 when he rolled up his sleeves and took off his shoes in a shelter to kneel before survivors of a volcanic eruption — drawing outcry from some nationalist zealots. His more modern approach was once seen as risky, said Yuji Otabe, history professor at Shizuoka University of Welfare. “It was a sort of gamble,� Otabe

told AFP. “Such an act would have been impossible in the past because the Emperor was regarded as god.� But the changes have helped cement Akihito’s popularity, with the vast majority of Japanese saying they had “positive feelings� or “respect� for him. “In one era, emperors were like popes and in another they were like czars. Now the Emperor’s role can be said to be similar to kings,� said Asao Kure, associate professor at Kyoto Sangyo University. “The roles of the emperor have mirrored each era of the country,� Kure added. Tradition holds that Japanese emperors are descended from legendary sun goddess Amaterasu, who imparted the “three treasures� of a

mirror, sword and jewels that are a key part of the imperial regalia. In keeping with their mythological status, the “treasures� are kept from public sight and will remain hidden even when handed to Naruhito as he takes the throne. In the early years of Japan’s imperial history, emperors were military commanders from powerful families who controlled wealthy settlements. Regarded as descendants of Amaterasu, emperors have always played a key role in performing the rites of Japan’s native Shinto religion, which venerates deities found in nature. The role of the emperor in governing, however, has varied. Some, like Emperor Tenmu in the seventh century, wielded enormous power. Dubbed “king of kings� by imperial enthusiasts, Tenmu shaped the political system based on ancient law and cemented imperial power. But many other emperors served as little more than puppets or rubber stamps for samurai warriors or ambiTIOUS OFkCIALS FROM LEADING FAMILIES

B5

Q Crown Prince Naruhito In the late 1860s, reformists brought in an era of rapid change that turned Japan from a rural backwater into a world power. Compared to the titular heads of state that had come before, the new emperor Meiji — great-grandfather of outgoing Emperor Akihito — WIELDED SIGNIkCANT POWER Defined as “sacred and inviolable�, the emperor was now a father kGURE TO BE SERVED AND OBEYED BY HIS family--the state. AFP

Compromise for Brexit eyed LONDON: Britain’s Brexit drama went into overtime Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) as Prime Minister Theresa May and the country’s main opposition sought a compromise deal to prevent an abrupt British departure from the European Union (EU) at the end of next week. In an about-face that left proBrexit members of May’s Conservative Party howling with outrage, the Prime Minister sought to forge an agreement with left-wing Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn after failing three times to win Parliament’s backing for her Brexit deal. May also said she would ask the EU for a further delay to Britain’s departure date — postponed once already — to avert a chaotic and economically damaging no-deal Brexit on April 12. Skeptical lawmakers, reluctant to take her word for it, approved a hastily crafted law that compels May to ask for

an extension to the Brexit deadline if a no-deal departure is looming. “The country needs a solution, the country deserves a solution, and that’s what I’m working to kND u -AY TOLD LAWMAKERS BEFORE meeting with Corbyn for about two hours. Afterward, both the government and Labour called the meeting “constructive� and said their teams would hold more in-depth talks Thursday. -AY S OFkCE SAID BOTH SIDES HAD SHOWN glEXIBILITY AND A COMMITment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close.� Corbyn, more muted, said “the meeting was useful but inconclusive.� “There hasn’t been as much change as I expected,� he said. May’s change of direction left her caught between angry Conservatives who accuse her of throwing away Brexit, and Labour opponents mistrustful of her sudden

change of heart. Labor lawmaker Paul Sweeney said May’s outreach to his party “shows the desperation that she’s in.� Pro-Brexit Conservatives, meanwhile, expressed outrage. Two junior ministers quit, and other lawmakers angrily accused May of putting the socialist Corbyn in the Brexit driver’s seat. Her cross-party talks — after almost three years of seeking to push through her own version of a Brexit divorce deal — came amid EU warnings that a damaging withdrawal without a plan was growing more likely by the day. AP

ENDANGERED

A Komodo dragon searching the shore area of Komodo Island for prey. Indonesia is mulling to temporarily shut down the popular island for a year to prevent mass tourism and smuggling attempts that threaten the endangered species. AFP PHOTO

Worldinbriefs

NATO hounded by differences, says chief

HACKERS HIT CHEMICAL GIANT BAYER

WASHINGTON D.C.: )N THE kRST ADDRESS TO Congress by a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) head, Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged serious divisions within the alliance and called for bigger defense budgets to cope with global challenges such as Russian assertiveness, the core reason NATO was created in Washington 70 years ago this week. “We have to be frank,� Stoltenberg said before a joint meeting of Congress. “Questions are being asked on both sides of the Atlantic about the strength of our partnership. And, yes, there are differences.� The NATO secretary general credited President Donald Trump with compelling

BERLIN: German chemicals giant Bayer was the victim of a cyber-attack for more than a year, but there has been no evidence of data leaks so far, German media reported Thursday. A group of hackers known as “Winnti� gained access to Bayer’s network in early 2018 by using malware to spy on the company until the end of March, radio stations Bayerischer Rundfunk and Norddeutscher Rundfunk said. “Signs of infection by Winnti were detected at the start of 2018 and important analysis was carried out,� they said. Bayer confirmed “a significative hacking attempt� had taken place but said no data leaks had been found. AFP

FLAMBOYANT FUNERAL FOR MYANMAR MONK MUDON, Myanmar: Thousands of devotees flocked to a mock palace of kaleidoscopic colours in Myanmar this week to dance, sing and pay their final respects at the lavish cremation of a local celebrity monk. Abbot Kay Lar Tha was just 48 when he died last year from leukaemia in Mudon village, in the country’s southeast. It took his faithful followers nine months to raise the $80,000 needed for the extravagant cremation--a fortune in one of Asia’s poorest countries, where a third of people live in poverty. Pilgrims dressed up in their finest clothes to pay homage at a palace constructed for the occasion out of wood and bamboo, costing around $33,000. AFP

DIVORCE COURSE STARTS IN DENMARK COPENHAGEN: Gone are the days in Denmark when parents could get a divorce with a simple online click — now they have to complete a course before their marriage can be dissolved. As part of a new divorce law that entered into force on April 1, parents with children under the age of 18, who want to end their marriage must take a 30-minute online course designed to help them and their children adapt as smoothly as possible to their new situation. There is also a new three-month reflection period before a divorce is finalised. With almost half of all marriages ending in divorce in Denmark, the course has been designed as an aid to improve communication and avoid some of the most common pitfalls that can arise when a family breaks up. AFP

EXPLOSION KILLS 7 IN CHINA SEVEN people died and two others were injured in an explosion in an expressway tunnel under construction in southwest China’s Yunnan Province Monday evening, local authorities said Thursday. The blast happened at around 8 p.m. on Monday in the tunnel near Weixin County, which is a section of the expressway linking Yibin City in Sichuan Province and Bijie City in neighboring Guizhou Province. High concentration of gas inside the tunnel is suspected of having caused the blast. Initially two people were found dead with five others unaccounted for. Rescuers searched for over 40 hours and found the bodies of the missing people on Wednesday. GLOBAL TIMES

COMMANDO COMMITS SUICIDE AT PM’S PALACE COLOMBO: An elite police commando committed suicide on Thursday by shooting himself at Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe’s palace in Colombo, officials said. The Special Task Force member used his officially issued automatic assault rifle to shoot himself at the gate of the Temple Trees residence, while the premier was inside the sprawling complex. It was not immediately clear why the commando took his life, but police officials said an investigation was underway. An opposition legislator raised Thursday’s suicide in parliament during a debate on the budgets of the military and the police, but there was no immediate comment from the government. Sri Lanka’s leaders and visiting dignitaries are given protection by the Special Task Force, which is trained for security as well as urban guerrilla warfare. AFP

allies to spend more on defense, without noting that Trump also had questioned the value of the alliance and suggested that some members were freeloaders. Trump’s criticisms have upset a delicate balance within an alliance that has long counted on Washington to be its leader. Stoltenberg’s speech provided a diplomatic counterpoint to Trump’s sometimes derisive rhetoric, and the enthusiastic reception he received from both parties in the House was testament to an enduring pro-NATO consensus in Congress. “The secretary general delivered to #ONGRESS A POWERFUL AFkRMATION OF THE value of the NATO alliance,� said Rep.

Mac Thornberry, a Texas Republican. James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral who was NATO’s top commander from 2009 to 2013, called the Stoltenberg address a high point in recent US-European relations. “Given the President’s evident and frequently vocalized skepticism of the alliance, it is clear that Congress — on a bipartisan basis — wants to put the full weight of the legislative branch behind NATO,� Stavridis said. “We will never kND A BETTER POOL OF ALLIES IN THE WORLD than the Europeans, and this address underscores the importance of the trans-Atlantic bridge, which has been creaking a bit lately.� AP

Trump urged to submit tax returns WASHINGTON D.C.: A House committee chairman formally asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide six years of President Donald Trump’s personal tax returns and the returns for some of his businesses as Democrats try to SHED LIGHT ON HIS COMPLEX kNANCIAL DEALINGS AND POTENTIAL CONlICTS OF INTEREST The request by Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, who heads the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, is THE kRST SUCH DEMAND FOR A SITTING PRESIDENT S TAX INFORMATION in 45 years. The unprecedented move is likely to set off a huge legal battle between Democrats controlling the House and the Trump administration. Neal made the request Wednesday in a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, asking for Trump’s personal and business returns for 2013 through 2018. He asked for the documents in seven days, setting an April 10 deadline. Trump told reporters on Wednesday he “would not be inclined� to provide his tax returns to the committee. An IRS spokesman said the agency had no immediate comment on Neal’s request. $EMOCRATS INSIST THAT OBTAINING 4RUMP S TAX kLINGS FALLS within their mandate of congressional oversight. Republicans have denounced it as a political witch hunt and invoked privacy concerns. “We have completed the necessary groundwork for a request of this magnitude, and I am certain we are within our legitimate legislative, legal and oversight rights,� Neal said

in a statement Wednesday evening. Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the senior Republican on the Ways and Means panel, denounced the move as “an abuse of the tax-writing committees’ statutory authority.� “Weaponizing our nation’s tax code by targeting political foes sets a dangerous precedent and weakens Americans’ privacy rights,� Brady wrote in a letter Wednesday to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who oversees the IRS. “As you know, by law all Americans have a fundamental right to the privacy of the personal information found in their tax returns.� The legal battle set to ensue could take years to resolve, possibly stretching beyond the 2020 presidential election. Trump broke with decades of tradition for presidential CANDIDATES BY REFUSING TO RELEASE HIS INCOME TAX kLINGS DURING his 2016 campaign. He has said he would not release them BECAUSE HE WAS BEING AUDITED EVEN THOUGH )23 OFkCIALS HAVE said taxpayers under audit were free to release their returns. Trump claimed during the November 2016 election that the kLINGS WERE TOO COMPLEX FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND The IRS has a policy of auditing the tax returns of all sitting presidents and vice presidents, “yet little is known about the effectiveness of this program,� Neal said in the statement. “On behalf of the American people, the Ways and Means Committee must determine if that policy is being followed, and if so, whether these audits are conducted fully and appropriately.� AP

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IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF ITS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROGRAM FOR REGULATORY YEAR (RY) 2019

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ANGELES ELECTRIC CORP. (AEC), Applicant. x----------------------------------------x

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201,076,385.12

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Sub-Total 83,632,071.29

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Sub-Total 11,718,512.78

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296,426,969.19

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HILARIO SOLIVEN DE LEON doing business under the name & style of (CARAGA CABLE TV) Applicant BMC CASE NO. 2019-038 [ [

HILARIO SOLIVEN DE LEON doing business under the name & style of (CARAGA CABLE TV) Applicant BMC CASE NO. 2019-039 [ [

HILARIO SOLIVEN DE LEON doing business under the name & style of (CARAGA CABLE TV) Applicant BMC CASE NO. 2019-040 [ [

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˜ The Manila Times

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B7

˜ The Manila Times

w w w. m a n i l a t i m e s . n e t

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

Q MYLA C .VILLANUEVA FROM B8

The Transformer is already fast in itself. But if every day, you’re thinking, ‘Oh, what should I do NEXT WITHOUT EVEN GETTING DEEPLY INvolved in developing what you are doing now, then that can be a problem.� Villanueva cites the need to be fast but deliberate, and to always understand one’s purpose in order to give direction and meaning to what one does. Despite the swirl of activities and meetINGS THAT kLL HER DAY 6ILLANUEVA REMAINS A calming force. She credits this to learning how to disconnect: “[Managing numerous roles] requires a lot of energy, but I’ve been able to stay involved in many things, because I concentrate on one thing at a time. g"URNOUT DOES OCCUR 7HEN ) M TIRED especially after accomplishing a certain goal, I take a break. Three to four days, no talk, I just read and breathe. I think it’s IMPORTANT TO PAUSE RElECT AND RECALIBRATE things before jumping back in.�

Clean elections Aside from occupying the post of chief EXECUTIVE OFkCER OF THE -$) 'ROUP AND being a longtime trustee of GoNegosyo, SHE ALSO SERVES THE !SIA 3OCIETY AND 7ORLD 7ILDLIFE &UND 77& 0HILIPPINES AS A TRUSTEE )N ADDITION SHE IS THE !SIA 0ACIkC PRESIDENT FOR 'LOBAL 4ELECOM 7OMEN S Network, a nonprofit that encourages YOUNG WOMEN TO ENTER THE kELDS OF INTERnet, technology and telecommunications. As if those activities do not pack an already hectic schedule, Villanueva is involved with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) which she heads as chairman. Leading the nonpartisan, NONSECTARIAN AND NONPROkT ORGANIZATION she is tasked with ensuring the Philippines experiences “Champ (Clean, Honest, Accurate and Peaceful) Elections)� during this year’s midterm elections on May 13. Villanueva has been involved with the group since 2009, assisting in the technical side. But as its current Big Boss, she aims to mobilize the youth and inspire them to take a more active role in nationbuilding through volunteerism. She has launched numerous initiatives, including a campaign that is focused on volunteer mobilization, creating a digital platform where volunteers can get their ONLINE CERTIkCATION AND THE RECENT 9OUTH Ambassador campaign, headlined by RECOGNIZED INlUENCERS SUCH AS #HRIS 4IU Gretchen Ho and Alyssa Valdez, which aims to educate the youth on proper values and

Many young ones are so impatient. Their attention span is everywhere. They want to achieve big and fast. This poses a problem when you want to hone your skills and profession raise their political awareness. The volunteer-powered organization’s primary roles revolve around voter’s education, poll-watching and CONDUCTING UNOFkCIAL PARALLEL COUNTS Villanueva reports: “As you know, a big majority of our population is considered the youth, and there are MANY kRST TIME VOTERS THAT ARE COMING out in these May elections.� According to recent bulletins, the coming polls are expected to see an estimated 2.1 million debutante voters across the

country casting their votes. Villanueva counsels: “I encourage young people to come out and vote, and to think and appreciate deeply about their right to vote. If you cannot vote, we invite you to become a PPCRV volunteer and lend your time and talents to ensuring a Champ elections. “You are part of this vibrant democracy, so let us guard it very strongly.� Villanueva — brought up in a country whose roots were not her own — shows that it is indeed possible to come home.

MEMO FOR MILLENNIALS Tech pioneer Myla Villanueva shares some bytes of wisdom learned during her odyssey from Valley Girl to Woman on Top.

Q Patience is vital. Many young people are so impatient, and their attention span is short and scattered. They want to achieve everything, big and fast. This poses a problem if you want to develop the skills in your profession. In our company, we’ve tried to address it by increasing the phases of learning. Q Juggling roles effectively. It requires a lot of energy, but I’ve been able to manage staying involved in many things because I concentrate on one thing at a time.

Q MYLA’S WORLD. (top to bottom) The Boss Woman by the MDI logo that stands for years of stress and eventual success; with her management team to whom she generously attributes the company’s reputation as a game changer; spending the day with the students of the MDI-Philippine Hobie Challenge Donsol Outreach program; and promoting the ‘say no to plastics’ campaign launched last year.

Q Mentor memories. One of my great mentors was the CEO of a very large company. I valued him because he gave me the courage to speak about my own weaknesses and limitations, and he taught me how to deal with them. I learned much about humility during that process. Q Purposeful leadership. You don’t have to be feared in order for you to lead. There is no conflict between servant leadership and corporate leadership. You can really serve your people and still meet the needs of the corporate team.

~

The Manila Times FRIDAY April 5, 2019

B 8

MYLA C. VILLANUEVA

Chief Executive Officer MDI Group and Novare Technologies

The Transformer A Valley Girl finds her pot of gold in the Philippines

BY KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA PHOTOS BY HERMES SINGSON For most Filipinos, searching for greener pastures means heading for the United States. For Myla Villanueva, greener pastures meant returning to her roots in an the Philippines and carving out an exciting path in uncharted territory. As a fresh, ambitious B.S. Economics graduate of the prestigious Santa Clara University, California, the then-21-yearold dreamt of ruling a tech empire.

Reality bites Villanueva arrived in the Philippines in late 1980s to a country just settling down to rebuilding a long-battered economy. “I felt compelled to come home,� she says, explaining why she chose to leave her family and a life of comfort and convenience. Her only companion on the journey back was her Siamese cat, Sammy. She continues: “I studied at Santa Clara University, which is a Jesuit college right in the center of Silicon Valley, and Steve Jobs was my rock star. I was fascinated by him and how he grew Apple.� She harbored great plans for her own tech company and the tech industry in the Philippines, which was at the time still in its infancy. “I just felt that there was new technology that could serve the country well. “It was a hard thing to decide [to move here] because my life in the Valley was fantastic. I think you could have called me a Valley Girl really because life was easy.� It wasn’t long, however, that reality kicked in, and the challenges of a start-up reared their head. g4HERE WERE THE COUP ATTEMPTS THERE WAS lOODING there were blackouts of up to 12 hours a day. This was the situation in which I was to build my company,� she recalls. “It seemed crazy. How do you build a tech COMPANY WITH lUCTUATING ELECTRICITY "UT THIS WAS ACTUally ‘perfect timing.’ You just persisted. So, it was really the desire to build something and do something new that pulled me through those stressful days.� Villanueva started the business from a little room along Dian Street in Makati City, which she describes as “a really small hole-in-the-wall operation.� I reMEMBER EVERY TIME IT WOULD RAIN IT WOULD lOOD u 3HE had to put up platforms inside to protect her stocks from the rising, murky waters. This was just one of many headaches she had to face on a regular basis. &AST FORWARD THREE DECADES ‡ HER lEDGLING OUTkT has exploded into the prominent MDI Group, one of the leading systems integrator and technology innovators in the country. The MDI Group represents top US and top technology leaders like Dell, VMware, Juniper, IBM and Cloudera. MDI is known to help blue-chip corporations navigate their digital transformations and become better adapted to the interconnected world. Currently, MDI services the biggest names in industry such as Smart, Globe, Aboitiz, ABS CBN, PCHC, LandBank, Accenture, MetroBank, Air21, PHIC and many others.

How do you build a tech company with fluctuating electricity? It was wanting to build something new that pulled me through

Santa Clara grad

First Woman

Villanueva is a BS Economics graduate of the well-known Santa Clara University in California, a private school in Silicon Valley run by the Jesuits.

Sanity break

Ernst and Young named her its first Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003, and she was 2010’s Ten Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service for Science and Technology.

Destressing for the digital pioneer means no talk for a few days with large doses of “reading and breathing.� She believes in reflection before jumping back in.

A CEO’S SPECIAL ADVOCACY

CHAMP

The Clean, Honest, Accurate and Peaceful Elections experience is being promoted by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), which Villanueva chairs.

2009

The year MDI and Novare Technologies helped PPRCV in the first-ever automated election process. MDI donated time, security and software engineering skills.

Customer experiences Villanueva’s achievements put her squarely in that space inhabited by individuals, whom we regard as “visionaries.� She launched one of the country’s earliest broadband wireless companies, which provided access to underserved educational institutions and rural areas in the early millennium years. Villanueva also founded a mobile value-added software development company in 2003, which enabled mobile phones a low-cost way to access consumer, corporate and government contents. Both of these pioneering concerns — the MDI Group and the software development company — were acquired by Smart Communications in 2003 and 2006 (said to be one of the largest mergers and acquisitions that year for technology start-ups). “Essentially, what we do is take a look at our clients, their physical assets, their digital assets and then combine that with their brand aspirations to create powerful customer experiences. That’s very much what we love to do — transform their ways of doing work,� Villanueva says. To her hardworking team, she generously attributes much of the MDI Group’s success. Though undoubtedly still young and energetic, Villanueva is already mulling over succession issues. “It’s important for me to plan also who will be the next in the leadership of the company. “Of course, I will always be here. But a good leader ALWAYS PLANS WHO WILL LEAD NEXT RIGHT u

3

Tasks that fall under the responsibility of PPRCV: voters’ education, poll watching and unofficial parallel counting.

JOIN

PPCRV as a volunteer. Go to your parish representative or message PPRCV on Facebook: @PPRCV

!S A TRUSTEE OF 'O.EGOSYO A NONPROkT PROMOTING the entrepreneurship culture among the youth and broader sectors of society, Villanueva strongly believes in the importance of mentorship, a cornerstone philosophy of the organization. “I think one should not be hesitant about searching for a mentor or mentoring others. In my own life, I’ve had many and until this day, I always seek their advice,� she says. “I think it is very important in one’s career to have a mentor,� she says. “Your mentor gets to know your strengths and your weaknesses, and so, you need not be shy about expressing problems or things that are bothering or disturbing you. I would also like to provide that particular service because it has given me so much,� she adds. !ND NOTHING GIVES 6ILLANUEVA GREATER FULkLLMENT than discovering and honing fresh talent. Proof is the buzz at the headquarters of MDI in Bonifacio Global City, generated by her young and spirited staff. “How DO ) SPOT TALENT ) LOOK FOR PASSION THE DESIRE TO LEARN the desire to try new things, not being afraid to fail and the humility to admit if one has made a mistake,� she says of the qualities that capture her attention. “In our company, I think we allow ‘failing fast,’ but one must always remember to learn from these instances.�

All about timing The “failing fast� concept, according to Villanueva, is knowing when to keep trying, and knowing when to

LEARN

Become a certified volunteer by signing up and taking the module available on the Digital Learning Paltform: https// pprcv.aptitude.xyz

admit that it’s not the proper time or the proper product. As a high innovation company, the right decisions made quickly are essential. She observes: “Some people just fall in love with their innovation that it consumes them. I don’t think that’s correct, especially if it’s not the right timing [for the product].� Fortunately, because of the fast-paced momentum of the tech industry and continuous pursuit of innovation, people are trained to think on their feet and BECOME lEXIBLE IN DECISION MAKING Villanueva also makes sure to teach her team the importance of self-control and discernment. “For many of the young ones, they’re so impatient, and their attention span is short, it’s everywhere. They want to achieve everything, big and fast. And this poses a problem if you want to develop your skills and your profession. “In our company, we’ve tried to address it by increasing the phases of learning,� says Villanueva, WHO WAS AWARDED THE kRST %RNST AND 9OUNG 7OMAN Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. “It’s a particularly fascinating notion, advocating ‘slowing down’ despite working in a fast-paced inDUSTRY 6ILLANUEVA SAYS g7ELL THERE IS @FAST IN TERMS of addressing what the clients need. But there’s also too fast that talents don’t have the patience to learn or discover themselves, and that’s not a good thing FOR A PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RIGHT “So, those are two different things, the speed with which we have to adapt to our clients’ need, which

ÂłMyla C. Villanueva B7

˜ The Manila Times

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Special Feature

FRIDAY | April 5, 2019

B9

TAX CONSCIOUSNESS WEEK

Easy payments of taxes Implementing tax reforms for hassle-free transactions and improved economy

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BY MAYLENE STEPHANIE S. VIRAY

LL over the Philippines, the month of April is often linked to the commemoration of Holy Week among Catholic devotees, who make up more than 80 percent of the country’s religious population, according to the Center for Global Education at Asia Society. But to the corporate world, April is deemed as tax month. Each year, corporations and individuals are expected to file and settle their income tax returns (ITR) with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) by April 15. This duty of paying taxes has been given so much importance during the Marcos Administration of the 1970’s, when President Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 960, declaring the first week of April as “Tax Consciousness Week,â€? on Feb. 4, 1972. The proclamation stresses the civic obligation and patriotic duty of every citizen to pay his just taxes promptly, as well as instill consciousness of the obligation and underscoring the taxpayer’s role in economic progress and nation-building. Under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, the Department of Finance (DoF) has introduced and implemented massive tax reforms, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law and the Tax Amnesty Act, in a bid to transform the country into an upper middleincome economy. The BIR has likewise embraced the online method of paying taxes by welcoming credit, debit and prepaid card payments as additional modes of paying taxes, as well as introducing eServices, a web-based application for tax payments and other electronic BIR forms. Understanding tax payments Taxes are mandatory financial charges collected by the government to be used as funds for various public expenditures, including educational institutions and health facilities, among others. It is often dubbed as the “lifeline of the governmentâ€? owing to its ability to fund government projects. Individuals and corporations who fail to settle payments or deliberately evade and resist taxation are subject to punishment under the law. Prior to the Train Law, the country’s taxation system followed the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (Tax Code), which originated from Republic Act 8424 or the “Tax Reform Act of 1997â€? that was enacted on Dec. 11, 1997. Under the Tax Code, major classifications of taxes were grouped into two, namely national taxes and local taxes. Specifically, taxes classified under national taxes include what Filipinos often encounter, which are all paid through the BIR: Capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, donor’s tax, estate tax, income tax , percentage tax, value-added tax (VAT), withholding tax on compensation, and expanded withholding tax and final withholding tax Income Tax withheld constitutes the full and final payment of the Income Tax due from the payee on the said income. ]withholding tax on government money payments – the withholding tax withheld by government offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and local government units, before making any payments to private individuals, corporations, partnerships and/or associations. On the other hand, local taxes are revenues collected by local government units from local and external resources. These types of taxes include: Tax on Transfer of Real Property Ownership; Tax on Business of Printing and Publication; Franchise Tax on Sand, Gravel and Other Quarry Resources; Professional Tax; Amusement Tax; Annual Fixed Tax For Every Delivery Truck or Van of Manufacturers or Producers; Wholesalers of, Dealers, or Retailers in, Certain Products; Tax on Business; Fees for Sealing and Licensing of Weights and Measures; Fishery Rentals; Fees and Charges; Community Tax; Service Fees or Charges; and Barangay Clearance  Now with the Train Law being enacted, most of the listed taxes are undergoing massive amendments to be in line with the reformed law.  Current tax reforms  President Duterte has been notable for passing a number of landmark laws since he took office in 2016. In regards to taxes, he has approved the gradual passage of all the packages under his administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP).  â€œWe are redesigning our tax system to be simpler, fairer and more efficient for all while also raising the resources needed to invest in our infrastructure and our people,â€? the Finance Department said in a statement posted on its website. “With the tax reform, we can further strengthen our macroeconomic position to create an environment more conducive to high growth and investment, good job creation and faster poverty reduction.  The CTRP has a total of six packages under its portfolio, which includes (Train) Law, Tax Amnesty, Tax Reform for Attracting Better and Higher Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) Bill, Universal Health Care Law, Property Valuation and Taxes, and Capital Income and Financial Taxes.  Package 1 of the program is the Train Law, which was signed into law in December 2017 and became effective on Jan. 1, 2018.  The Train Law was enacted to address several weaknesses of the current tax system by lowering and simplifying personal income taxes, simplifying estate and donor’s taxes, expanding the VAT base, adjusting oil and automobile excise taxes, and introducing excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.  During the first half of 2018, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd told legislators that revenues collected under the Train Law amounted P33.7 billion, surpassing its initial target by P3.6 million.

However, by the end of September 2018, Dominguez told reporters that the outcome of the Train Law revenues for the first three quarters hit lower-than-expected results, amounting only to P41.9 billion from January to September.  For the nine-month period, revenue target was set at P44.3 billion, however, it fell 5.4 percent short, owing to the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and VAT as shown on Department of Finance data. The finance chief explained that the former collected P31.2billion, 27.9 percent below the target revenue while the latter amounted to P3.6 billion, a pity miss for the nine-month target of P24.8 million by 85.4 percent.  Meanwhile, as a complementary package to the Train Law, the Tax Amnesty Act (package 1B) includes the lifting of bank secrecy laws and automatic exchange of information and three types of amnesties (on estate tax, all unpaid internal revenue taxes with the corresponding waiver of bank secrecy laws in the availment thereof, and delinquencies). The act was partly vetoed by Duterte owing to the absence of measures that would lift bank secrecy, Dominguez told reporters in February. On the bright side, he added that Duterte retained provisions on estate tax amnesty and amnesty on delinquency taxes. CTRP’s package 2 is dubbed as Trabaho, which seeks to make the corporate tax system simpler, fairer, and more transparent by lowering the corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30 percent to 25 percent for a large majority of businesses and modernize fiscal incentives, to be given to investors who make positive contributions to society. This will correct some of the most glaring inequities and inefficiencies in the country’s corporate tax system.  As a sub-package, Train Package 2+, proposes to further increase the excise tax on both alcohol and tobacco products for implementation in 2020. Likewise, Package 2+ will provide additional fund the Universal Health Care (UHC) which was signed into law in February. Package 3 of the program, Property valuation and taxes, aims to introduce vital reforms to promote the development of a just, equitable and efficient real property valuation system. The reforms will broaden the tax base used for property and property-related taxes of the national and local governments, thereby increasing government revenues without increasing the existing tax rates or devising new tax impositions. Lastly, Package 4, or Capital income and financial taxes, seeks reforming on capital income and financial services taxation, which aims to make the taxation of the sector simpler, fairer and more efficient. Specifically, it reviews the taxes imposed on financial intermediaries and the products they offer: On savings and investments; and debt and equity instruments. All together, the CTRP aims to primarily fund the country’s education, health services and infrastructure programs, yet as of January 2019, provisions of packages 1B, 2, 3 and 4 remain pending at the Congress and for the President’s passage. Going digital In light of the digital age, the BIR and other banking institutions have been keeping up with the pace by introducing online payment methods to settle taxes. On Mar. 23, 2016, the BIR issued Revenue Regulations 3-2016 introducing credit, debit and prepaid cards as additional modes of payment in paying taxes. Under its provision, the card payment method is only voluntary on the part of the taxpayer and will likewise bear convenience fee and other additional fees charged by banks and credit card companies for using its payment facility. When paying through this mode, the taxpayer can choose from the available payment facilities provided by the electronic payment service provider for processing of tax payments. Meanwhile, the authority to accept payments made through credit, debit or prepaid cards and act as “acquirersâ€? shall be limited to authorized agent bank only. Moreover, BIR had also introduced eServices, which provides links for electronic channels of the bureau that taxpayers can access for electronic payment, processing and filing of tax dues and liabilities. Main eServices include the eRegistration System for taxpayer registration services; Electronic Filing and Payment System for electronic processing and transmission of tax return information; eBIRForms for alternative mode of preparing and filing tax returns; ePay for the electronic payment of tax dues and liabilities through the use of online, credit /debit /prepaid cards and mobile payments; and the Electronic Tax Software Provider Certification for Tax Software Providers for the application and processing of certification of tax solution for the electronic tax return filing and/or payment. Likewise, LandBank introduced its Link.BizPortal as an alternative payment facility that allows clients to pay for products and services via the Internet from both the government and private institutions or sectors. The bank’s portal can handle small and large value payments; generate and issue online payment confirmation that can be printed or sent via email; and is available throughout the week, including holidays except for system maintenance. Put together, the combined efforts of the government and private sectors would enhance the taxpaying system of the country which would in turn, fund necessary needs to promote better lives for all Filipinos.

Making your business less busy

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T’S a busy season for most companies and businesses particularly those operating in a calendar year. This is the accounting period that ends December 31, and whose tax returns are often due on April 15.

4HE kRST WEEK OF !PRIL WAS DECLARED 4AX #ONSCIOUSNESS 7EEK UNDER 0ROCLAMATION .O SIGNED &EBRUARY )T STRESSES THE CIVIC OBLIGATION AND PATRIOTIC DUTY OF EVERY CITIZEN TO PAY JUST TAXES PROMPTLY AND WITH IT THE NEED TO INSTILL AND UNDERSCORE EVERY TAXPAYER S ROLE IN ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND NATION BUILDING CAVALLI BUSINESS CENTER IS A COMPANY SERVICE PROVIDER THAT ENABLES ENTREPRENEURS TO CONkDENTLY FOCUS ON THE GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF THEIR CORE BUSINESS )T IS AN ALL IN ONE SOLUTION AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR ENTREPRENEURS SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS LOOKING TO EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS IN THE 0HILIPPINES !SIDE FROM TAXATION SUPPORT THEY ALSO OFFER VIRTUAL AND SERVICED OFkCES FULLY EQUIPPED WITH AMENITIES FOR CLIENTS TO CARRY OUT THEIR PROFESSIONAL OR PERSONAL BUSINESS IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER HUMAN RESOURCE OUTSOURCING SERVICES INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS SUPPORT AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION -ANAGED BY A GROUP OF &ILIPINO PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE EXTENSIVE WORK EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS IN THE AREAS OF 4AXATION -ANAGEMENT (2 !CCOUNTING ,AW AND )NFORMATION 4ECHNOLOGY AND FOUNDED BY A &ILIPINO ENTREPRENEUR WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE WITH THE SYSTEM OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE 0HILIPPINES #AVALLI "USINESS #ENTER IS A RELIABLE GO TO COMPANY SERVICE PROVIDER OF INDUSTRIES NOT ONLY FOR INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEURS BUT ALSO FOR ALL TYPES OF ENTITIES WITH BUSINESS SERVICING NEEDS

!SIDE FROM ITS OWN OPERATIONS #!6!,,) "53).%33 #%.4%2 IS ALSO LOOKING AFTER ITS CLIENTS RECORDS AND TAX RETURNS (ARNESSED OVER YEARS OF EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND EXEMPLARY CREDENTIALS WITH LOCAL AND MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS ALLOWED THE COMPANY TO CREATE CUSTOMIZED AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR EACH CLIENT 7ITH ITS PRIMARY MISSION TO BECOME THE PREFERRED COMPANY SERVICE PROVIDER OF INDUSTRIES NOT ONLY FOR INDIVIDUAL ENTREPRENEURS BUT FOR ALL TYPES OF ENTITIES WITH BUSINESS SERVICING NEEDS

CAVALLI BUSINESS CENTER CONTINUES TO AIM TO BE A NICHE PLAYER WITHIN THE MARKET IN WHICH IT OPERATES )TS PRIMARY GOAL REMAINS TO MAKE BUSINESS EASIER FOR YOU. ----------#!6!,,) "53).%33 #%.4%2 g#!6!,,)u IS A REGISTERED $ESIGNATED .ON &INANCIAL "USINESS AND 0ROFESSIONS $.&"0 BY THE !-,# !NTI -ONEY ,AUNDERING #OUNCIL AND ACCREDITED MARKETER OF THE 0(),)00).% 2%4)2%-%.4 !54(/2)49 FOR THE PROCCESSING OF 3PECIAL 2ETIREES 2ESIDENT 6ISAS 4HEY ALSO HAVE ARRANGEMENTS WITH VARIOUS LAWYERS CERTIkED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS FOR VARIOUS CLIENT NEEDS &OR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW CAVALLIBUSINESSCENTER COM OR EMAIL SALES CAVALLIBUSINESSCENTER COM OR CALL #AVALLI "USINESS #ENTER HOLDS OFkCE AT RD &LOOR #ORINTHIAN 0LAZA 0ASEO $E 2OXAS ,EGASPI 6ILLAGE -AKATI #ITY 0HILIPPINES

B10

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

Special Feature

˜ The Manila Times

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PAGCOR

Entertainment with a cause Under the watch of Gaming Corp Chairman Andrea Domingo, Pagcor contributions to nation-building reaches P58.96B BY CYNTHIA U. SANTIAGO

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HE numbers are staggering: The year 2018 was a record-breaking year with 104.12 billion in total income, contributing P32.17 billion to the Bureau of Treasury and remitting P3.39 billion franchise tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. In a span of only three years — from 2016 to 2018 — allocating P25.5 billion for socio-civic projects — much higher compared to the contributions in 25 years — from 1989 to 2014 — of only P24.12 billion. Total contributions to nation-building reaching P58.95 billion. Such has the performance of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) under the watch of a woman administrator. But Pagcor Chairman Andrea Domingo brushes aside the notion that the agency’s success depended solely on the gender of the person at its helm. She says, “The gaming industry, by its very nature, is a male-dominated industry, but I have also learned that the Pagcor employees are not just driven by their machismo.� She adds that Pagcorians, as she calls the corporation’s personnel, are driven by their pride for what Pagcor had been contributing to the nation. “I am a woman but that does not have [sole] impact in my job. I share a lot of traits with my fellow Pagcorians. Pagcorians have the focus, passion and the heart to serve the people,� Domingo says. With such focus, Pagcor has consistently increased revenues and contributions to the government coffers. In 2018, Pagcor’s gross revenues amounted to P104.12 billion — 73.96 percent or P44.27 billion higher than the P59.85 billion revenues in 2017. Of the P104.12 billion gross revenues in 2018, P32.71 billion came from the sale of a lot at the Entertainment City. Pagcor has well contributed to the National Treasury. In 2018, Pagcor remitted a total of P32.17 billion to the Bureau of Treasury, which receives 50 percent share of Pagcor’s revenues. This amount is P4.99 billion or 18.40 percent higher than the P27.17 billion remittances to the Bureau of Treasury in 2017. As for taxes, in 2018, Pagcor remitted P3.39 billion franchise tax to the Bureau of Internal Revenue. This amount is P525.90 million or 18.53 percent higher than 2017 franchise taxes paid by the agency. Pagcor’s total contributions to nation-building in 2018 reached P58.95 billion, surpassing the 2017 total contributions of

P41.36 billion by P17.59 billion or 42.53 percent.

New policies Domingo brought to Pagcor her long experience in governance — as a congressman representing the third district of Pampanga, before that as head of the Bureau of Immigration and as chief exECUTIVE OFkCER OF THE 0HILIPPINE Reclamation Authority, a branch of the Public Works Department. Domingo, who helped in the campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte for the presidency, was the lone woman on Duterte’s initial list of appointees. She told The Manila Times the policies the President set to improve the services of Pagcor. “President Duterte has been very vocal about his stand on the dangers of gambling,â€? Domingo says. Thus, she says Duterte’s instructions are: • Non-proliferation of gaming particularly among the low-income sectors of Philippine society. • To always obey the law. • 4O LEVEL THE PLAYING kELD AND OBserve fairness in all the agency’s dealings and transactions. • Actions and decisions must always uphold public interest. Domingo says that to fulfill these mandates, Pagcor had been firm with its mission: Creating an environment that propels the development of the Philippine gaming and entertainment industry; being a responsible and responsive partner of the Philippine government in its nation-building programs; and establishing and enforcing a regulatory framework that preserves the integrity of the Philippine gaming industry.

cater to foreign players only. The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator scheme provides additional revenue from a previously unregulated segment of the gaming industry. Since it is a new and developing product, there are birth pains but these are immediately addressed and corrected through the issuance and updating of the Offshore Gaming Regulatory Manual. Domingo points out, “From September 2016 to December 2017, we were on an experimental basis with this type of gaming. It became a full-blown program for Pagcor only in 2018 when we had completed our Regulatory Manual BASED ON kNDINGS FROM THE EXPERImental period and we were able to procure a Third Party Auditor and Probity Checkers.� She adds, “Illegal gambling, particularly offshore gaming, is also a serious problem in the industry which is why the government, spearheaded by President Duterte, has stepped up in rallying against illegal gambling across the country.� Executive Order 13, otherwise known as “Philippines Fight Against Illegal Gambling,� signed on Feb. 2, 2017, took immediate effect as Philippine’s primordial policy on online gaming and allowed for the reorganization and restructuring of governing agencies to tackle the issue of illegal gaming head-on. “We also recently signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with the Bureau of Immigration, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice and Philippine National Police for concerted drive against illegal online gambling, last March 21, 2019,� Domingo adds.

Q Gaming Corp. Chairman Andrea Domingo says, ‘We will continue to be one of the major partners of Philippine government for its nation-building programs. We will ensure that gaming will be used as a means to help our countrymen.’ PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

Following the issue about the hacking of Bangladeshi Central Bank, where some $80 million reportedly found its way through the Philippine casino industry, Pagcor has strictly implemented anti-money laundering laws, closely watching its casino licensees.

and Casino Filipino Tagaytay. During the 2018 audit, SGS cerTIkED 0AGCOR S CHANGE OF SITE FOR ITS -AIN #ORPORATE /FkCE FROM Roxas Boulevard, Manila to iMET BPO Tower in Metropolitan Park, 0ASAY #ITY 4HE CERTIkCATE IS VALID up to Jan.11, 2020. The ISO 9001:2015, which is an upgraded version of the ISO 9001:2008, includes the adoption of risk-based thinking in management and business processes, involvement of top management, assessment and measurement of inputs and outputs of a business process. Pagcor ensures that it maintains ISO 9001:2015 through the conduct of regular audits both by internal and third-party auditors. Also, preparations of other Casino Filipino branches to gain ISO CERTIkCATION ARE UNDERWAY

ISO certification

Judicious management

Pagcor has maintained its status AS AN )3/ CERTIkED AGENCY %ARLIER in 2016, the International Organization for Standardization )3/ CONkRMED 0AGCOR AS )3/ CERTIkED WHICH MEANS the agency was at par with other countries in terms of international standard quality management systems and practices. On Dec. 12, 2018, the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) REAFkRMED 0AGCOR S )3/ CERTIkCATE FOLLOWING THE AGENCY S compliance to the annual surveilLANCE AUDIT OF ITS #ORPORATE OFkCES

As an organization, Pagcor continues to provide world-class and personalized service to its customers and its management ensures that resources are managed judiciously. “We earn more while we spend less,� Domingo says. “I conduct meetings only in MY OFkCE AND ) DO NOT DO DINNER meetings,� she points out. “This is not only safe and appropriate. It also renders futile any attempt to INlUENCE MY DECISIONS u She says the benefit of female leadership in Pagcor was “balanced leadership.�

Strict implementation of regulations

2018 performance For 2018, Pagcor implemented the following: • 24-hour real-time monitoring to ensure proper monitoring of revenues. • Perfect score from Good Corporate Governance on transparency. • Streamlining of marketing activities to expand the agency’s market base in other countries which are not focused on low-income market. • Development of a new product — the Offshore Gaming — to

Q During the inter-agency councils formal signing of the mutual cooperation agreement for a Concerted Drive Against Illegal Online Gambling, from left: National Capital Region Police Office Director Guillermo Eleazar, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Gaming Corp. Andrea Domingo, Office of the President Undersecretary Jesus Melchor Quitain, Office of Cyber Crime Officer in Charge Charito Zamora and National Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran. PHOTO BY DJ DIOSINA

She explains, “Having a female lead in Pagcor allows a different view of the industry. Aside from the gaming perspective, the socio-civic projects of Pagcor and the welfare of its employees have been given appropriate attention.�

Responsible gaming Gaming is still gambling with its ill effects on the individual, the family and the society in general. Thus, Pagcor has taken steps to address the issues against gambling and prevent its ill effects. Domingo says, “Pagcor, being a pioneer in the Philippine gaming industry, already intensified its campaign for responsible gaming.� She adds, “Even without legislation, Pagcor took the initiative of preventing problem gambling in the country in 2013.� Pagcor crafted the Responsible Gaming Code of Practice (RG CoP) based on best global practices to be complied with as minimum standards by all gaming operators under its jurisdiction. The CoP is made available to the public through the link www.pagcor.ph/regulatory/cop.php. Domingo points out that without exception, all gaming operators in the country must comply with the RG Cop. Provisions include limited access to gaming facilities, embarkation on an awareness campaign, tie-up with life coaches and implementation of the player exclusion program. In March 2018, Pagcor signed Memoranda of Agreement with Bridges of Hope and Life Change Recovery Center (LCRC) to strengthen the agency’s responsible gaming campaign. The agreements include setting up responsible gaming programs with a referral system for professional assistance and services for clients who acknowledge the need for support in dealing with addiction to gaming. Bridges of Hope and LCRC are centers providing life coaching, counseling, wellness and in-house rehabilitation services. PAGCOR refers clients to these centers. Apart from such partnership, Pagcor also set up other services and support facilities to help prevent the ill-effects of gambling addiction. These services include a 24/7 hotline for casino clients and their families who want to seek help. There is also

an exclusion program for customers and their families. Anyone who needs assistance may call the Casino Filipino RG Helpline at (02) 5210957 or send an email keepitfun@ pagcor.ph. Pagcor also requires its licensees to establish their own gambling-related complaint resolution mechanisms to address gambling concerns.

Socio-civic projects In line with upholding the public interest, majority of Pagcor’s contribution to the President’s Socio-Civic Projects Fund (PSCPF) is being used TO kNANCE HEALTHCARE PROGRAMS AND construction of hospitals. Most of Pagcor’s projects are related to the improvement of the healthcare services and facilities available for the Filipino people and in support to the recently approved Universal Healthcare Law, which guarantees equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all Filipinos. Total fund allocation to the PSCPF from 2016 to 2018 amounted to P25.5 billion. This is higher compared to the contributions from 1989 to 2014 of only P24.12 billion.

The future Following the President’s mandated policies, Pagcor sees a bright future for the gaming industry. For 2019, Pagcor’s revenue projection — based on Corporate Operating Budget — is P68.93 billion. “We plan to continue and improve the programs and measures we have set, as well as the judicious AND EFkCIENT MANAGEMENT OF 0AGCOR resources to achieve or even surpass our target income,� Domingo says. “We will continue to be one of the major partners of Philippine government for its nation-building programs. We will ensure that gaming will be used as a means to help our countrymen.� Domingo emphasized: “The Philippine gaming industry is a well-regulated industry that is compliant to the laws of the Philippine government including the coverage by Anti-Money Laundering Council.� “We have a positive outlook for the Philippine gaming industry in the coming years,� Domingo says. “We will continue to regulate and promote the idea of playing for entertainment.� That is, with a cause.

B12

Special Feature

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

˜ The Manila Times w w w.manilatimes.net

RAMON ANG

From working student to nation builder S BY THE MANILA TIMES

AN Miguel Corp. (SMC), the country’s largest corporation, which many of the populace identify with a lot of lifestyle consumer goods that have become a staple of their lives, is breaking new ground on a lot of economic frontiers.

One of them is literal and physical: The construction of a gamechanging expressway that will link the provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Quezon, cutting down the tiring, usual three-hour commute time to 45 minutes. Another project is the Bulacan Airport, which has been designed with six runways and can accommodate 200 million people at any given time. Just recently, SMC’s water business might be streaming into a few more million households, although this decision seems to be guided more by reasons of PHILANTHROPY RATHER THAN PROkT 4O date, as 6million residents of the National Capital Region are raising an outcry against the crippling water shortage, SMC has offered to deliver more than 100 million liters of the precious liquid from its Bulacan Bulk Water Treatment Plant to the affected areas. In a statement released to the press about this crisis, SMC President Ramon Ang spoke of the need for the nation and each Filipino

to “pull together and help each other,� acknowledging vital institutions such as “households, hospitals, schools, and businesses.� The 65-year-old self-made billionaire, who Forbes Philippines estimated to be worth $2.9 billion, is likewise known for his privacy. But the theme of nation-building and giving back to the less fortunate, as well as the next generation echoes throughout his public messages. Once it is functional and working, the Bulacan Airport is calculated to give 40 million jobs to Filipinos, while boosting tourism significantly by attracting 20 million tourists. Education is also close to his heart. Last year, Ang endowed his alma mater, the Far Eastern University (FEU), with funding for a scholarship program that will empower at least 300 talented yet UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS TO kNISH a college education over four years. While the SMC president graduated with a degree of mechanical

engineering from the FEU, he also credits it with the hard-earned “life lessons� that served him well in life and propelled him to success. More than 40 years ago, he was a working student who did odd jobs after classes to support himself, help his family and fund his schooling. In a speech before the university’s 2018 graduating class, he acknowledged that it was those years where he learned how to do business from the ground up that formed his skills, and set a proper foundation for long-term success. He developed the abilities to deal with people from all walks of life, read and understand individuals and their motivations and abilities, adapt to any situation no matter how challenging, and “make tough decisions based on gut instincts.� Building long-lasting business relationships and standing by valued partners, allies and friends were also a key to his success. After college, Ang went a few steps further down the road taken by his father who owned a shop that repaired motor vehicles in Tondo, Manila. He ventured into the trading of luxury automobiles and the sale OF THEIR HARD TO kND PARTS (IS passion for top-of-the-line cars connected him to the taipan and industry mogul, SMC owner Eduardo Cojuangco, who made him handle his cement enter-

Q San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang prise in the north. The rest, as they say, is history. !NG MADE A PROkTABLE BUSINESS out of what was known then as Northern Cement. His loyalty, as well as his entrepreneurial genius, also shone during both the bright and dark days. He ran the business Cojuangco entrusted him with honesty and diligence during the shaky moments when the taipan left for overseas following the

EDSA Revolution. Years later, upon his return, Cojuangco rewarded Ang’s integrity and leadership by making him his successor in SMC and selling him a majority of his shares. SMC transformed under the helm of Ang. It has diversified from its solid footing in food and retail to venture into infrastructure, oil, transport, property, cement and banking, among others.

Asked by the FEU students the keys to his unceasing success, Ang voiced the elements of his own code of honor, which others who want to follow in his footsteps would do well to heed: “Be a man of your word. Work harder than anybody else. Be decisive. Be a risk-taker. Nothing is impossible.� This article is based on previously published reports on Ramon Ang.

Sports

www.manilatimes.net

BOXER SHORTS ED TOLENTINO

FRIDAY C1 APRIL 5, 2019

Nuggets rout Spurs as ‘Pop’ tossed, Rockets thump Clippers

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OS ANGELES: Nikola Jokic was just one assist shy of a triple-double on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) as he led the Denver Nuggets to a 113-85 NBA blowout of the San Antonio Spurs—who saw coach Gregg Popovich tossed just 63 seconds into the contest.

What a journey, Ronnie A

MAN’S true worth is measured not by the size of his bank account but by the number of lives he touched or INlUENCED ALONG THE WAY Former broadcast journalist Ronnie Nathanielsz lived in the Philippines FOR OVER kVE DECADES AND IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE INlUENCED THE LIVES OF MANY ,AST 3ATURDAY IN THE OFkCIAL LAUNCH OF hismemoir (Ronnie Nathanielsz: My 2ElECTIONS ON 9EARS IN THE 0HILIPpines), some of the illustrious names in Philippine sports gathered to share heart-warming stories about Ronnie. Basketball legends Robert Jaworski and Freddie Webb, coaches Norman Black and Tim Cone, and the widow of boxing legend Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde, Laura Elorde, all had a story to share about Ronnie. This writer, along with fellow scribes/analysts Mike Ochosa and Ron De Los Reyes, also offered a testimonial to Ronnie. The book chronicles Ronnie’s story starting from his birth in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) until his demise in 2016. Ronnie found his way to the Philippines in December 1962 after he married a Filipina, Remigia Abrenica, in Sri Lanka in 1960. Ronnie was a jack-of-all-trades, working as a T-shirt model, a news/sports reporter, a jingle composer, and a singer on radio. He became Filipino citizen by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 192issued in May 1973 by then President Ferdinand Marcos. This writer’s association with Ronnie traces its roots from the world of sportswriting. Ronnie was a colleague in Champ magazine back in 1987. I vividly REMEMBER OUR kRST MEETING )T WAS IN A WORLD TITLE kGHT AT THE !RANETA #OLISEUM and I was instructed by my editor to secure the opinions of the boxing experts at ringside. Then a newbie in sportswriting, I was ignor ed by just about every “expert� I tried to interview. I was bracing for the worst when I approached Ronnie, but he instead welcomed me with a smile and OFFERED OPINIONS ON THE kGHT THAT kLLED up my tape recorder. Ronnie and I ended up being broadcast partners for ABS-CBN Sports. We COVERED COUNTLESS kGHTS AND ALONG THE way shared numerous stories. He wanted ME TO JOIN HIM IN COVERING kGHTS IN THE United States, but I repeatedly begged off BECAUSE WELL ) REALLY HATE lYING The conversations we had in-between coverages varied, but they were all fun. We were able to talk about politics despite the differences in our ideologies. Oh, sports dominated our conversations. We had a sort of trivia challenge and just when I thought I had Ronnie pinned in the corner with a totally unheard of Philippine sports trivia, he would rebut the same by saying: “Remember, I was there when that story happened.� )N ONE kGHT TELECAST ) REFERRED TO 2ONnie as “Sugar Ray Ronnie,� a moniker I lifted from one of the greatest champions of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson. Ronnie loved it and told me, “Partner, I love the nickname even though I am monitoring my sugar count.� The nickname stuck and I always made it a point to introduce Ronnie as the one and only “Sugar Ray Ronnie!� Ronnie often regaled me with stories about the athletes he extensively covered: Elorde, Jaworski, Muhammad Ali, and Manny Pacquiao. Ronnie called Elorde a “great champion and an even greater human being� and noted the numerous charitable deeds of the former junior lightweight king. Elorde died of lung cancer on January 2, 1985 and according to his widow Laura, Ronnie was with the family throughout the ordeal. Just how good a writer was Ronnie? According to Black, a former PBA import and now one of the respected coaches in local basketball, Ronnie’s stories were thorough and diligently researched. Writing was as natural as breathing for Ronnie and he always made it a point to talk directly to the source before coming up with a piece. On November 11, 2016, Ronald Fredrick William Nathanielsz, aged 81, passed away some eight days after going into cardiac arrest. Unknown to many, Ronnie was diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 75 and given six years to live. He refused to undergo aggressive treatment because he wanted to continue covering sports. Ironically, before he complained of severe chest pains, Ronnie was on his way to cover the Manny Pacquiao-Jessie 6ARGAS WELTERWEIGHT TITLE kGHT IN ,AS 6EGAS Life is not just about the journey you take, it is also about the trail you leave behind. After 81 summers, Ronnie left a trail that kGURES TO STILL TOUCH AND INlUENCE LIVES *** 2ONNIE .ATHANIELSZ BOOK g-Y 2ElECtionson50YearsinthePhilippines,�isavailable in all National Bookstore branches att Php 295.00.

“Pop� called a timeout with the Spurs trailing 5-0 and promptly start-

Q Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (No. 25) dunks next to San Antonio Spurs forward Drew Eubanks during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Denver.Â

AP PHOTO

Q Stephen Curry AFP FILE PHOTO

ed jawing with a game official who called him for a technical foul. Popovich didn’t let up, and was hit with a quick second technical AND EJECTED AT OF THE kRST quarter, in what the Elias Sports Bureau said was the quickest ejection of a coach since Flip Saunders of the Wizards was tossed 1:46 into a game at Boston in 2012. Popovich had some fun with it when he crashed Nuggets head coach Mike Malone’s post-game press conference, feigning surprise at Malone’s report that “Somebody got thrown out in 63 seconds.� Otherwise there wasn’t much for the Spurs to smile about as the Nuggets, second in the West behind the Golden State Warriors, dominated. Jokic scored 20 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and handed out nine assists. *AMAL -URRAY kNISHED WITH POINTS ASSISTS

and six rebounds and Monte Morris and Malik Beasley scored 19 points apiece as the Nuggets snapped a two-game skid. Western Conference contenders Houston and Portland also won. The Rockets crushed the Los Angeles Clippers 135-103 in what could have been a preview of A kRST ROUND PLAYOFF MATCHUP James Harden and Chris Paul combined for 60 points, making 19 of 34 shots with 14 assists. Clint Capela added 24 points with 15 rebounds as the Rockets stayed a half-game in front of the Trail Blazers for third place. The Trail Blazers, heading for the playoffs without Jusuf Nurkic after the star center’s catastrophic leg injury earlier this month, notched their 50th win of the season, 116-89 over the Memphis Grizzlies. In the East, Gordon Hayward scored 25 points to pace the Boston Celtics in a 112-102 victory over Miami that saw the Heat drop out of playoff position. Kyrie Irving added 23 points and Al Horford chipped in 21 for the Celtics. Boston remained in fourth place ahead of the Indiana Pacers, who beat the Detroit Pistons 108-89. The defeat left the Pistons in sixth place in the East, heading a quartet of teams separated by just one game AS THEY kGHT FOR THE THREE REMAINING PLAYOFF BERTHS The Brooklyn Nets’ hopes took a hit with their 115-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors. The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, did themselves a world of good with a 114-100 victory over the New York Knicks that saw them leapfrog over Miami into eighth. AFP

ALASKA, NLEX DISPUTE LAST QF BERTH TONIGHT ALASKA And Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will meet in a sudden-death game for the eighth QUARTERkNAL SLOT TONIGHT IN 3EASON 44 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The winner of the 7 p.m. knockout game will face top seed and twice-tobeat Phoenix Pulse in the quarters. The Aces got another chance for the playoff via Magnolia’s 102-74 win over NLEX on Wednesday after BOTH TEAMS kNISHED WITH A SIMILAR 4-7 win-loss records. “We’re alive and breathing, still with a chance to battle and honor the game. We’re grateful to have this

chance in spite of the crazy conference we have had and we look forward to bringing our best on Friday,� Alaska coach Alex Compton told The Manila Times via text message. “A chance is all we could have hoped for and a chance is all we’ve got.� Added Compton who will be counting on Simon Enciso, Jeron Teng and Chris Banchero, among others, to get the job done. It is now or never for coach Yeng Guiao’s Road Warriors. “As long as we have a chance to make it to the next round, that’s okay with me. We will keep our hopes high and we will try our best to make it to the next round,� Guiao said.

NLEX blasted Alaska, 91-70, in their last elimination round meeting on March 13. behind Bong Galanza and Jay-R QuiĂąahan who scored 14 points apiece. -EANWHILE .ORTHPORT kNISHED the elimination round at No. 7 after beating No. 3 Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (100-97) also on Wednesday. But the Batang Pier need to win twice against No. 2 Rain or Shine in THEIR QUARTERkNAL DUEL IN ORDER TO MOVE TO THE SEMIkNALS Ginebra will face No. 6 Magnolia while No. 4 TNT KaTropa will battle defending champion and No. 5 San Miguel Beer in a best-of-three quarTERkNAL ROUND JOSEF T. RAMOS

Curry credits contact lenses for shooting surge OAKLAND, US: US: Golden Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry said on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) that a decision to start wearing contact lenses has helped him reverse a dip in his shooting numbers. Curry told The Athletic in an interview he had started wearing contact lenses to offset problems caused by a condition of the cornea called Keratoconus. “I started wearing contacts,â€? Curry said. “It’s like the whole world has opened up.â€? Keratoconus is a disease, which causes the cornea to gradually deteriorate over time, changing it to a cone shape rather than a circular shape. The condition can also lead to blurred vision.

Curry,31,hassufferedfromthecondition Curry, 31, has suffered from the condition for his whole life and told The Athletic he had long had problems with his eyes. “I had gotten so used to squinting for so long,â€? Curry said. “It was just normal.â€? Before Curry began wearing contact lenses, his three-point shooting numbers had started to slump. He made only 51 of 135 three-point efforts in February, or 0.378%, compared to 0.411% a year earlier. However Curry’s percentage spiked in March, rising to 0.433%. His improved form included a nine-game streak where he successfully drained at least five threepointers in each game. AFP

Q Jeron Teng of Alaska (No. 10) passes the ball as Moala Tautuaa of Northport and Alaska’s Noy Baclao (No. 9) are jockey for position during a Season 44 PBA Philippine Cup game at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA MEDIA

BUREAU PHOTO

Light-filled stadium creates complex Final Four conversion MINNEAPOLIS: The losses last weekend by Duke, Gonzaga, Kentucky and Purdue pulled the curtains on their seasons, one painful game short of the Final Four. Those teams that made it to Minneapolis? The guys from Michigan State, Texas Tech, Auburn and Virginia will be greeted, literally, by giant drapes inside the building where the 2019 champion will be determined. Yes, the bigger and fancier the site, the more complicated the conversion. From the extra speakers to the special cente r-hung scoreboard to the temporary blinds at U.S.

Bank Stadium, turning a football-sized venue into a basketball-friendly facility has become quite the project. That’s fitting, of course, because the Final Four has become quite the event. “People have said, ‘It’s a game for an arena,’ but trying to go back at this point on the opportunities? Instead of giving approximately 5,000 tickets to each school, they’d be receiving far less than that, and then you’ve got all of the membership, the other schools that want access and the general public,� said L.J. Wright, the NCAA’s

director of men’s basketball championships. “The demand is still here, and so we want to expose and help grow the game through that exposure.� When the NCAA first began using an “inthe-round� seating configuration at Ford Field in Detroit in 2009, where the court is placed on the middle of the turf instead of in one of the corners and the entire bowl is used, the minimum-capacity requirement for a Final Four was raised to 60,000 seats. That whittled the candidate pool to the 10 climate-controlled NFL-level venues,

which had been sprinkled into the rotation throughout the 1980s and 1990s until the last NBA-sized host was used in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in 1996. There are currently only 10 covered stadiums big enough in the entire country to bid. Nestled into a compact downtown, filled with state-of-the-art amenities and fresh from holding the Super Bowl 14 months ago, U.S. Bank Stadium fits the bill. The not-quite-3-year-old facility’s defining feature, though, created an additional challenge for the host. The skyline-facing

front of the building is essentially one big picture window, including five of the world’s largest pivoting glass doors ranging from 75 to 95 feet high. Then there is the roof, about 60% of which is composed of a lightweight translucent plastic called ETFE . Even on some of the coldest afternoons, like the 2-degree outside temperature at kickoff of the Super Bowl, enough sunlight can stream in to make a television viewer do a double-take and wonder for a second if the game is actually being played in Arizona or Florida. AP

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Sports

The Manila Times

FRIDAY April 5, 2019

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McGregor hints at retirement U-turn after Khabib feud L

OS ANGELES: Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor hinted he may not be retiring after all on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) after a raciallycharged exchange of insults with rival Khabib Nurmagomedov.

In a cryptic post on Twitter which came a week after he had vowed to hang up his gloves, the trash-talking Irishman INDICATED HE WAS NOT DONE WITH kGHTING “I want to move forward, with my fans of all faiths and all backgrounds,� -C'REGOR WROTE g!LL FAITHS CHALLENGE US TO BE OUR BEST SELVES )T IS ONE WORLD AND ONE FOR ALL .OW SEE YOU IN THE /CTAGON u McGregor’s tweet appeared to be a response to criticism directed towards him after an earlier post in which he insulted .URMAGOMEDOV S WIFE AND THE COUPLE S -USLIM FAITH -C'REGOR SWIFTLY DELETED THE POST MADE LATE 4UESDAY .URMAGOMEDOV HOWEVER REACTED FURIously to the insult, raising reported sexual assault allegations which McGregor faces in )RELAND ACCORDING TO THE .EW 9ORK 4IMES g9OU ARE A HYPOCRITE WHO IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS u .URMAGOMEDOV WROTE g*USTICE WILL kND YOU 7E WILL SEE u The vitriolic exchange prompted an interVENTION FROM 5&# CHIEF $ANA 7HITE WHO URGED BOTH CAMPS TO DIAL BACK THEIR RHETORIC “I am aware of the recent social

Q Conor McGregor walks out of the arena after he was defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov in a lightweight title mixed martial arts bout on October 6, 2018 at UFC 229 in Las Vegas. AP PHOTO MEDIA EXCHANGE BETWEEN +HABIB .URmagomedov and Conor McGregor,� 7HITE SAID IN A STATEMENT “The ongoing situation has escalated to A LEVEL THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE !S SUCH WE ARE

taking the necessary steps to reach out to both athlete camps and this situation is BEING ADDRESSED BY ALL PARTIES INTERNALLY u .URMAGOMEDOV DEFEATED -C'REGOR IN A BOUT LAST /CTOBER IN ,AS 6EGAS IN A CONTEST

THAT WAS MARRED BY A MASSIVE BRAWL AT RINGSIDE )N *ANUARY THE .EVADA 3TATE !THLETIC Commission handed McGregor a sixmonth suspension for his role in the postkGHT MELEE BACKDATED TO /CTOBER AFP

Apl. de. Ap to perform in 30th SEAG opening ceremony FILIPINO-born American rapper, singer and record producer Apl. de. Ap of the Black Eyed Peas fame will perform in the opening ceremony of 30th Coutheast Asian Games (SEAG)that the Philippines will be hosting late this year. The opening rites of the biennial meet is on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The announcement was made by Philippine

Southeast Asian Games Committee (PHISGOC) Chairman Alan Peter Cayetano in a news conference on Thursday at the SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. “Apl. de. Ap has started to make a promo. Actually he wants to do more than performance. He wants to be a real part of the SEA Games and Para Games,� Cayetano told the media.

“We didn’t talk about his talent fee yet, which is the good thing with Apl. de. Ap and his band Black Eyed Peas. He is also from Sapangbato, Pampanga, so it just makes real sense. I never knew that from birth he had a disability so that’s why he also wants to help the Para Games,� he said. Cayetano and Philippine Olympic Committee President Ricky Vargas had already met with Apl. de Ap.

Cayetano also said that preparations for the hosting of the 30th SEA Games is on track. Around 17,000 athletes, coaches, spectators officials and media personnel are expected to visit the country for the SEA Games to be held in various venues in Subic, Clark, Manila and Cavite on November 30 to December 11. JOSEF T. RAMOS

Blue Eagles rip Petron-Letran CIGNAL-Ateneo De Manila University trounced Petron-Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 83-64, to emerge solo third in their group in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League) on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The Blue Eagles came alive in the second half as they bag their second straight win for an overall 4-1 record. “Our discipline wasn’t good in the first half and that’s not the right recipe to play successful basketball. But we sorted some things out, hit some shots

Ivorian center Angelo Kouame tallied a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds while Matthew Daves added 10 markers and and that got us on the right track,� said nine boards in the win. Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin. Andrade sparked a 25-7 run that helped BJ Andrade poured 10 of his Ateneo turn a 38-45 deficit into a 63-52 lead team-high 13 points in the third late in the third frame. quarter to power the Eagles’ strong The Eagles led with 20 points, 82-62, with second half performance. barely two minutes left in the game. Mike Nieto chipped in 12 points, Jerrick Balanza led Petron-Letran with 16 points even as Alvin Pasaol and Jeo Ambohot had 15 and 10 markers, respectively, to go with a combined 14 rebounds. The Knights saw their three-game winning streak snapped as they skidded to 3-2.

Earlier, Go For Gold-College of St. Benilde (CSB) bounced back at the expense of BatangasEmilio Aguinaldo College (EAC), 102-87. Justin Gutang fired 20 points to lead a balanced offense as the Scratchers rebounded from an 82-94 loss to leading University of Sto. Tomas and improved to 2-3. Roosevelt Adams added 18 points, Yankie Haruna and Jeremiah Pangalangan chipped in 13 markers apiece while Prince Carlos and Rob Nayve contributed 10 each in the victory. Allan Martin topscored with 17 points even as Clark Derige had 13 markers for the Generals, who slid to 1-4. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

Archers, Eagles in Game 3 winner-take-all collision ARCHRIVALS Ateneo and La Salle battle each other for fifth time this season today with everything at stake—the UAAP baseball championship—in the winnertake-all Game 3 of their first-to-win-two series at the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium. All roads leads to the 85-year-old first baseball field in Asia. most of them students of the two schools, whose long, pierce rivalry has been in basketball, for the 12 noon “you or me� confrontation to determine who between the Green Archers and the Blue Eagles earn the right to be called the UAAP “Kings of the Diamond� for the fifth time. Both the Eagles and the Archers have won the jewel earlier since transferring from the NCAA to the varsity league, in mid-70s for Ateneo and early 80s for La Salle. The Archers reigned supreme in the sport in seasons 1995-1996; 1990-2000; 20022003; and2015-2016. The Eagle, on the other hand, were baseball UAAP baseball kingpins consecutively in seasons 2012-2013; 2013-2014; 2014-2015 before losing the plum the following year, only to recapture it in season 2016-2017. That the Archers and the Eagles have, indeed, found a new venue to extend their storied feud from basketball was borne by the fact that in this baseball season, the Katipunan Road-based batters and the Taft Ave. clouters have split their four meetings. Ateneo beat La Salle in the first round of eliminations on the way to topping that phase of the tournament. The former returned the compliment in the second round to emerge the No. 1 seed heading to the the best-of-three gold medal play. The Archers showed why they’re the No. 1 team in the elims by taking Game 1 of the best-of-three gold medal play only to lose the momentum, 3-3-7 the next time round. “We’re even as far as our head-do-head records this season is concerned, Ateneo team manager Randy Dizer said on the eve of the winner-take-all rematch. “It’s now a matter of who between us are hungrier.� Dizer added, though, the momentum has shifted in the Eagles’ favor on the strength of their Game 2 win only two day ago. “It’ll be heart. whoever has the big heart tomorrow gets all the marbles,� Pepe Munoz, the Archer’ team manager, for his part, said. Dizer said he will start with Jam Macasaet, the Eagles’ No. 1 pitcher, with Game 2 winner Miggy Angeles on standby in case he’ needed. Munoz, on the other hand, said he will give members of his coaching staff who to start among the Archers’ top mound man – Luis Miniana, Arvin Herrera and Diego Lozano. EDDIE G. ALINEA

Hong Kong dethrones Alab Pilipinas SAN Miguel Alab Pilipinas was dethroned by Hong Kong Eastern Sports Club, 84-102, in Game Two of Season 9 Asean Basketball League (ABL) quarterfinal on Wednesday night at the Southorn Stadium in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. The Filipino squad had a strong start but lost steam in the second quarter. Alab seized an early 18-6 lead on PJ Ramos’ triple before Eastern unleashed a 19-5 run resulting in a slim 25-23 advantage in the first quarter. The home side broke away en route to leading by as high as 25 points late in the third frame. Puerto Rican center Ramos led Alab

with a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds while two-time Local MVP Ray Parks Jr. contributed 19 markers, five boards and two assists. Renaldo Balkman was limited to 16 points—below his scoring average of 25.6 markers—and 11 rebounds. American imports Marcus Elliott and O’Darien Bassett paced the Long Lions with 29 and 28 points, respectively, on top of a combined 13 boards. Michael Holyfield had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double effort. Eastern drew big contributions from its locals, with Ki Lee chipping in 18 points and

Tangub, Denopol seek to sustain PPS run !#4)/. IN THE LONG RUNNING 003 PEPP age group tennis circuit shifts TO -OLAVE :AMBOANGA DEL 3UR BEGINNING TODAY &RIDAY !PRIL WITH LOCAL ACE %RIC 4ANGUB AND !NGEL $ENOPOL shooting for another pair of two-title FEATS AT THE ,'5 -OLTEC COURTS Tangub stamped his class in the top two boys’ categories in Misamis /CCIDENTAL LAST WEEK MAKING HIM THE marked player in the 16- and 18-andunder divisions of the3 Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop AND DUBBED AS THE *.9 #UP But the leading player form Tucuran will have his hands full

AGAINST THE LIKES OF .ASH !GUSTINES !SHTON 6ILLANUEVA AND 3EBASTIAN ,AGAMON IN THE FULL PACKED 5 kELD AND VERSUS .ILO ,EDAMA ,EX %STILLORE AND 3IEGRED 0EPITO IN the premier 18-U division of the four-day event put up by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala headed by president and #%/ "OBBY #ASTRO ,IKE 4ANGUB $ENOPOL WILL BE hard-pressed to score a repeat in the girls’ 12- and 14-U sides with Cielo Gonzales and Zelah Toribio LOOMING AS HER BIGGEST RIVALS 4HE RISING STAR FROM +OLAMBUGAN ,A-

Lai Lau adding 12 markers. Alab narrowly lost in the series opener, 88-90, last Friday night at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. The Filipino ball club finished the eliminations as the second seed with an 18-8 record while the Hong Kong outfit wound up seventh with a 13-13 slate. Head coach Jimmy Alapag and his squad got a taste of their own medicine after sweeping the Edu Torres-mentored team in the semifinals last season. Alab then went on to become the third Filipino team to rule the regional tilt. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA NAO DEL .ORTE WILL ALSO SEE ACTION IN the 16-U section headlined by Carmel Padilla, also the top seeded bet in the 18-U category that includes Toribio, Rose Cuizon, Marge dela #ERNA AND %RICA $UYONGAN Fierce duel is also seen in the other classes with Heinz Carbonilla, Zarc $ENOPOL 2* #AGATAN AND !GUSTINES tipped to dispute the 14-U crown and 3EAN %SICK .ICHOLAS 4AN 0ETE "ANDALA AND 7YN 3ANCHEZ HEADING THE 5 ROSTER WITH "ANDALA !XI %STILLORE #IELO 'ONZALES AND 6INCENT .ADAL LEADING THE CHASE FOR THE 5 DIADEM !LSO ON TAP IN THE EVENT SPONSORED BY .ATHANIEL 9UTEEKIONG ARE kVE DOUBLES COMPETITIONS AND THE ,EGENDS DIVISION -EANWHILE +APATAGAN ,ANAO DEL .ORTE WILL HOST THE NEXT STOP ON !PRIL ,ISTUP IS ONGOING &OR DETAILS CALL

The Manila Times

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FRIDAY April 5, 2019

Kupcho shares first-round lead at inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur

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ASHINGTON: The world’s top top-ranked ranked amateur Jennifer Kupcho and 16-year-old Zoe Campos shared the lead Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) as the inaugural edition of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur teed off. The tournament, announced to great fanfare last year by organizers of the Masters, will see WOMEN COMPETE FOR THE kRST TIME FOR A TROPHY AT !UGUSTA .ATIONAL ON 3ATURDAY AFTER THE kELD IS WINNOWED FROM TO FOR THE kNAL ROUND It’s a landmark move for the club that didn’t admit any women members UNTIL On Wednesday, Kupcho and Campos LED THE kELD AT #HAMPIONS 2ETREAT 'OLF #LUB VENUE FOR THE kRST TWO ROUNDS US collegiate champion Kupcho WAS FIRST ON THE FIRST TEE AT A M conquering her nerves to drill

her drive and launch what she CALLED A gPERFECTu DAY “It was very official,� Kupcho SAID g) WALKED UP EVERYONE was very quiet, like no talking TO EACH OTHER AT ALL ) WAS LIKE @/H MY GOSH THIS IS CRAZY u With Augusta National and Masters Tournament Chairman &RED 2IDLEY IN ATTENDANCE +UPCHO ADMITTED SHE WAS gA LITTLE NERVOUSu It didn’t show as she hit every green in regulation in her bogeyFREE FOUR UNDER ROUND “No three-putts and hit all of the GREENS ) THINK THAT IS THE kRST PERFECT round I’ve ever played,� Kupcho SAID g) WAS JUST PLAYING REALLY WELL u Campos birdied the last tie for the lead and said she was pleased with the chance to see where her game stacks

UP gAT THE HIGHEST AMATEUR LEVELu “It is a really good experiENCE u SHE SAID Creation of the event has been hailed by women golfers past and PRESENT AS A WAY OF kNALLY GIVING girls and young women the chance to dream of competing at Augusta National that aspiring male golfERS HAVE NURSED FOR DECADES )N ADDITION TO THE kNAL ROUND on Saturday, all 72 entrants will play a practice round at Augusta .ATIONAL ON &RIDAY “This championship is fantastic for women’s golf,� said Swedish TIME MAJOR CHAMPION !NNIKA 3ORENSTAM g9OUNG GIRLS ARE GOING to be energized and motivated by seeing this event unfold for years TO COME u AFP

Q Jennifer Kupcho tees off the 11th hole during the first round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur golf tournament at Champions Retreat in Evans, Ga. On Thursday. AP PHOTO

Q Late birdies keep Tawit Polthai in the hunt PHOTO BY ROGER RAĂ‘ADA

POLTHAI HANGS ON BUT JUVIC MISSES CUT RC Cola 3-on-3 league goes full throttle THE RC Cola Liga ng Bayan 3-on-3 basketball will soon fire off in select barangay throughout Luzon. The tourney is open to junior high school students aged 12 to 16. The first leg of the tilt started on March 23 at the Carangalan Covered court in Dagupan City. The Northern Luzon leg elimination round will take place in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Bulacan on April 13 to 14. The Southern Luzon leg, meanwhile, will be held in Laguna on April 27 to 28 and Batangas on May 4. The NCR leg will be held in Cavite and Las Pinas (May 18), Caloocan and Manila

(May 19) and Makati, Mandaluyong and San Juan (May 18 to 19). Winning teams will represent their respective city/province in the national finals to be held at Market! Market! in Taguig City on May 26. On top of the P50,000 cash prize, the champion in the national finals will able to provide their barangay a basketball court or a complete make-over of an existing one courtesy of ARC Refreshments Corporation, maker of RC Cola. For details, visit https://www.facebook.com/RCColaOfficial. ARIC JOHN SY CUA Q Some of the student participants of the RC Cola Liga ng Bayan in action CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Fil-Australian to compete in Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2%452.).' to her homeland after seven years, Filipino-Australian diver Xantheia 0ENNISI WILL SEE ACTION IN THE TH 2ED "ULL Cliff Diving World Series in Miniloc Island, %L .IDO 0ALAWAN ON !PRIL The 20-year old Pennisi, who traces HER ROOTS IN 4ARLAC WAS THE kRST &ILIPINA TO COMPETE IN 2ED "ULL S PRESTIGIOUS CLIFF DIVING COMPETITION 3HE JOINED the tilt’s sixth stop in Mostar, Bosnia AND (ERZEGOVINA LAST YEAR “Now that the competition is here in the Philippines, it’s pretty crazy that my whole family is going to be here watching me,� said Pennisi during the media gathering and workshop on Thursday MORNING AT THE 2IZAL -EMORIAL 3PORTS #OMPLEX IN 0ASAY #ITY “I’m glad I’m able to represent !USTRALIA AND THE 0HILIPPINES ) M JUST REALLY EXCITED THAT ) M THE kRST &ILIPINA TO JOIN THE 7ORLD 3ERIES u added the Brisbane-born diver who LAST CAME TO THE 0HILIPPINES IN 0ENNISI SAID SHE IS JUST AIMING TO show her skills as she is set to dive for THE kRST TIME IN 0ALAWAN

“My game plan will be to dive safe because I’ve never been to El Nido BEFORE u SHE SAID A newbie in cliff diving, the former gymNAST IS HOPING TO LEARN FROM THE VETERANS g) M STILL IN THE LEARNING STAGE ) M JUST LEARNING THE SKILLS TO DIVE FROM METERS WOMEN S CATEGORY u 0ENNISI WILL JOIN THREE TIME DEFENDING CHAMPION 2HIANNAN )FlAND of Australia in the women’s division while the 44-year old nine-time titlist Orlando Duque of Colombia will HEADLINE THE METER MEN S SIDE A total of 24 professional male and FEMALE CLIFF DIVERS FROM COUNTRIES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE 2ED "ULL #LIFF $IVING 7ORLD 3ERIES kRST AND ONLY STOP IN !SIA THIS YEAR After the El Nido leg, the World Series will head to Dublin, Ireland on May 11 followed by Polignano a Mare, Italy on June 2; SĂŁo Miguel, Azores, Portugal on Junes 22; Beirut, Lebanon on July 14; Mostar on August 24; and Bilbao, Spain on SepTEMBER JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

TAW I T P O LT H A I checked an alarming skid with birdies in the last two holes to salvage a four-over 76 and barely hang on to the clubhouse lead after 36 holes of the Solaire Philippine Open at The Country Club in 3TA 2OSA ,AGUNA Shocking was Juvic Pagunsan’s second round perforMANCE 4HE COUNTRY S BEST BET here, hard-pressed to come up with a big rebound after an opening 77 Wednesday, dropped six strokes right on his first hole at the par-5 10th and bowed out in the race for even a spot in the last 36 holes OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP He bogeyed three of the next kVE DROPPED TWO STROKES ON THE PAR TH DOUBLE BOGEYED .O 1 and made two more bogeys against a lone birdie in the next kVE TO kNISH WITH AN ATROCIOUS for a 19-over 163 in an unlikely stint for a player who came into THE EVENT OOZING WITH CONkDENCE following a seven-stroke romp in )#43) 2IVIERA #HALLENGE After bucking tough conditions in a late start for a solid 67 in the first round, Polthai oddly groped for form while playing in one of the early flights yesterday, bogeying the first two holes at the back and spending the rest of the round either scrambling to save par or trying TO SAVE HIS SPOT AT THE TOP The Bangkok native failed on THE kRST BUT HIS CLOSING BACK TO BACK BIRDIES FROM .O ENABLED him to keep his hold of the lead at one-under 143 albeit provisionally with half of the starting PLAYER kELD STILL TO COMPLETE PLAY AT PRESSTIME Keanu Jahns, who hit a late EAGLE ON .O TO RESCUE A IN

the first round, crowded Polthai with four birdies against two birdies after 13 HOLES "UT THE &IL 'ERMAN shotmaker still in pursuit of a breakthrough win, bogeyed three OF THE LAST kVE TO END UP WITH A SECOND ONE OVER CARD FOR A Thai Nirun Sae Ueng likewise produced a four-over total after another 73 with 0ETER 3TOJANOVSKI OF -ACEDONIA also matching that output with A GUTSY WHILE 0'4 !SIA #!4 /PEN CHAMPION *AMES 2YAN Lam fought back from a tripleBOGEY MISHAP ON .O WITH three straight birdies from .O BUT HOLED OUT WITH a bogey for a 73 and A IN A TIE WITH Thai Chonlatit Chuenboonngam, who fumbled with a 76 and England’s J o s h u a 'RENVILLE 7OOD WHO kRED A Others with completed 36-hole rounds were Aussie Nathan Park (77-152), Thai Chawalit Plahpol AND $UTCH 'UIDO 6AN DER 6ALK WHILE #OOKIE La’O, who put in an impressive 72 IN THE kRST ROUND SKIED TO AN TO DROP TO THE GROUP Only the top 65 plus will adVANCE TO THE kNAL HOLES OF THE $500,000 event sponsored by SoLAIRE 2ESORT #ASINO FOR THE THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR WITH THE PROJECTED CUT pegged at nine-over, guaranteeing a wild, wooly chase for spots in the weekend play of the country’s premier championship and Asia’s oldest National Open sanctioned BY THE .ATIONAL 'OLF !SSOCIATION OF THE 0HILIPPINES

Malditas run over Iran THE Philippine women’s national football team kicked off its campaign in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics second qualifying round with a 2-0 win over Iran at the Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday night (early Thursday in Manila). 19-year old strikers Joyce Semacio

and Alisha Del Campo struck in opposite halves as the Malditas bagged their first maximum points in the second round of the qualifiers organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The No. 74 Philippines took the second spot in Group C behind No. 40 Chinese Taipei, which earlier

American Brett Munson also FALTERED WITH AN TO SLIP TO in a tie with Aussie Nathan Park, WHO ALSO FUMBLED WITH A WHILE teetering on the brink are Thai Poosit Supupramai (77-154), Jay "AYRON %NGLAND S 'RANT *ACKSON 4HAI 2ATCHAPOL *ANTAVARA 0HANUCH /NCHU ALSO OF 4HAILAND 0'4 !SIA ,UISITA LEG WINNER $AVID 'LEESON OF !USTRALIA BOWED OUT WITH AN FOR A Brimming with confidence after churning out a bogey-free, EAGLE AIDED kVE UNDER CARD THAT netted him a huge four-stroke blanked Palestine, 3-0. Only the top finishers from the three groups will advance to the third round where powerhouse teams Australia, China, North Korea, South Korea and Thailand are already seeded. Two teams will join Japan as AFC’s representatives in the Olympics. Miriam College standout Semacio broke the scoreless deadlock in the 47th minute with a stunning

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Chan, Ramos forge ahead; Nocum clings on AIDRIC CHAN finally hit his stride and fired a one-under 71, forcing a tie with an equally charging Sean Ramos even as Kayla Nocum held on to the girls’ lead despite an 80 in the third round of the Philippine Junior Amateur Open Golf Championships at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite on Thursday. Chan, the pre-tournament favorite who groped for form with 78 and 75 in the first two days in tough conditions, broke a par-game with a birdie on the par-5 15th then parred the rest to turn in the first under-par card in hot, blustery conditions after 54 holes of the third leg of this year’s PLDT Group National Amateur Tour. But out to foil Chan’s title drive is Ramos, who bucked a double-bogey mishap on No. 10 and a bogey on the 13th with three straight birdies from No. 15 as he saved a 72 to match the former’s three-hole aggregate of 224 heading to the final 18 holes of the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT Group, Cignal and Metro Pacific. Halfway leader Paolo Barro cracked under pressure and shot himself in the foot with an 82 to tumble to third at 229, virtually leaving the fight for the crown in the Albatross division (15-18) to Chan and Ramos with Carl Corpus coming through with a 77 for a 230 and Josh Jorge and Paolo Wong scoring 232s after 76 and 79, respectively. A tight finish also loomed in the distaff side with Nocum surviving a poor game after sizzling a 69 in the second round of the event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines. She hobbled with a 39 after nine holes then dropped two strokes on the par-4 10th and holed out with a triple bogey on the 18th. Still, her 80 kept her on top at 226, one stroke ahead of Korean Kang Da Yun, who birdied the 18th to card a 76 and assume the challenger’s role at 227 as first round leader Junia Gabasa fumbled with an 82 to drop to joint third at 229 with Maria Tee, who shot a 77. Wiggam Tapdasan all but wrapped up the Ace division (19-and-above) diadem with a 245 after a 79 with Gerrard Park falling 19 shots behind at 264 after an 83. Korean Kim Tae Soo, on the other hand, shot a second 78 in three days to pool a 235 and keep a two-stroke lead in the Eagle (12-14) divison over Miguel Ilas and Jet Hernandez, who assembled identical 237s after a pair of 78s while Rianne Malixi matched par 72 for a 224 to remain two shots ahead of a rallying Eagle Ace Superal, who fired a 71 for a 226 with Sam Dizon way behind at 236 after a 77. Kim Tae Won turned in an 81 to post a huge six-shot lead over Shinichi Suzuki and Zach Villaroman, who carded similar 87s, in the 36-hole Birdie (11-and-below) category with Celine Abalos grabbing the girls’ lead with an 80, 15 strokes ahead of Stevie Umali. Meanwhile, listup for the MVPSF Visayas Regional Golf Championship is ongoing with another huge field expected to clash for top honors in the fourth staging of the event on April 8-12 at Cebu Country Club. Fees are pegged at P3,000 (men’s and ladies division) for local players and P4,000 for foreign entries and P2,500 (local) and P3,500 (foreign) for those competing in the Mid-Amateur Open category. Fee for club members is P1,500, according to NGAP.

lead over Clyde Mondilla and Aussie Jack Sullivan, Polthai instead came out cold in the fourth lIGHT AT THE BACK BOGEYING THE FIRST TWO HOLES (E DID BIRDIE the par-5 14th for the second straight time but bogeyed two of THE NEXT FOUR FOR A (E BIRDIED THE kRST BUT DROPPED four strokes in the next six holes to lose grip of the lead but reboundED WITH THOSE CLOSING BIRDIES !FTER MISSING kVE FAIRWAYS AND eight greens Wednesday, Polthai actually went 11-of-14 off the mound but struggled with his irons, failing to hit regulation 11 times though he had a decent stint on the greens with 29 putts, four MORE THAN IN THE kRST DAY OF THE 72-hole championship organized BY 0ILIPINAS 'OLF 4OURNAMENTS )NC AND BACKED BY )#43) 0,$4 Enterprise, Meralco, BDO and 0'4 !SIA OFkCIAL APPAREL 0IN (IGH volley inside the box. Del Campo, the star forward of De La Salle University, made it a two-goal cushion as she converted off fellow La Sallian booter Sara Castaùeda’s assist in the 52nd. The Let Dimzon-coached Malditas will next tackle group leader Chinese Taipei on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the same venue. JEREMIAH M. SEVILLA

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

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w w w.manilatimes.net Q Hop on board one of Adventure International Tours Inc.’s week-long Crystal Cruises.

Q Bring along a pair of Zoggs goggles to your next water adventure.

Delightul escapades await adventurers at Rustan’s Summer Travel Fair N BY IZA IGLESIAS

OTHING is more exciting than summer in the Philippines. The warmth of the sun, the salty air and the irresistible call of the beach all means it’s time to relish a much-needed escapade in any of the 7,641 islands of this blessed archipelago. And right as summer settles in, prime shopping destination Rustan’s celebrates the sunny season with its much-awaited annual Travel Fair. In partnership with HSBC, Rustan’s is out to equip shoppers not only with the essentials needed for getaways, but with the opportunity to travel and experience the world. To start with, shoppers will get an exclusive travel pouch from homegrown brand Gouache for a minimum P15,000 single-receipt transaction. Specializing in waxed-canvas bags that grow finer with age, Gouache supports displaced craftsmen from Marikina and Cogeo, Rizal. And until May 31, shoppers can earn raffle entries for every P3,000-spend and stand a chance to win

some of the best summer getaway packages on the market with select items from fashion and beauty brands on discounts.

Making memories For getaway cruises, adults and children can make poolside memories best with bathing suits from Banz, hooded toddler towels from Zoochini, Stephen Joseph pool toys and Zoggs goggles. Get help for formal nights and dressed-up dinners on board from Aidan Mattox, Bari Jay, Josie Natori, and Keepsake, and foolproof lace-up brogues from Tricker’s. Hikes, treks and unexpected encounters make the outdoor adventure memorable with casual wear from

Adidas d d and d athletic hl jackets k from f New Balance. l Kids d get the comfort with Mamas & Papas strollers. For those who prefer staycations in the city, the perfect complement to shoes and bags are from Aquazzura, Danse Lente, or Sergio Rossi with festive fine jewelry from Swarovski. Kids look perfect in darling dresses and polished button-downs from Rustan’s Jr. and Neck and Neck, with cool bags from Okiedog.

Summer foodscapes An exciting addition to the Rustan’s summer festivities is Foodscapes, a gastronomic experience designed to give customers a first-hand taste of the world’s finest flavors. (IGHLIGHTING kVE COUNTRIES VIA BOOTHS AND HAND picked concessionaires, Rustan’s Summer Foodscapes is a foodie’s dream come to life until April 30. Enjoy rich burrata and mozzarella from the countrysides of Italy, delectable tapas from Spain, French crepes and rosé, or the complex flavors of Moroccan and Turkish cuisine.

»what'sonwhere Davao Oriental stages biggest music fest IN its bid to promote Davao Oriental as a progressive, traveler friendly destination, the Davao Oriental provincial government and the City of Mati, along with Orca Promotions mounts what is touted as the biggest concert in the province on April 6 and 7. Dubbed the Bonfire Music Festival, the two-day event at the Provincial Sports Complex will promote different genres of music for an estimated 7,000 attendees. Performers lined up on A p r i l 6 a r e D e c e m b e r Av e n u e, N a i r u d , H a r m o n i a x , Broken Chords of May, Orient Rocks, Muzza Band and Mark & Sid. The next day, April 7, features top rave deejays Tom Taus, Stefan Lan, Ron Poe, Jet Boado, Cathy Frey, Cassie D and Jack Ripper. A two-day pass, with information on www.facebook.com/ bonfiremusicfest/, grants access to all these performances.

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FRIDAY April 5, 2019

˜ The Manila Times

w w w.manilatimes.net

Solution to puzzle

» CROSSWORD

BY EUGENE SHEFFER

»HOROSCOPE Today’s Birthday (04/05/19). Set off for the territory ahead this year. Your career grows with disciplined efforts. Reap unplanned bounty. Summer family fun inspires you to shift professional directions. Your career flowers next winter, motivating domestic reorganization. Widen your view, and expand your perspective.

BY NANCY BLACK LIBRA (SEPT. 23-OCT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- A partnership blossoms under this Aries New Moon. Discover and create new collaborative possibilities. It could get romantic. Start a new chapter together.

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 9 -- Fresh New Moon energy floods your work, health and vitality. Nurture yourself to better care for others. Power into physical routines and practice your moves.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19) -- Today is a 9 -- A new personal phase dawns with this New Moon in your sign. Take charge. Take your talents, capacities and skills to new levels.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22-DEC. 21) -- Today is a 9 -- This New Moon sparks a family, fun and passion phase. A romantic relationship blossoms. Enjoy each other. It’s all for love and love for all.

TAURUS (APRIL 20-MAY 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle under this Aries New Moon. Dreams seem within reach during a two-week philosophical, spiritual and mindful phase. Make long-term plans.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22-JAN. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- Wrap your love around home and family. A new two-week domestic phase arises with this New Moon. Seeds planted long ago flower. Share comfort food.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Take a group endeavor to new heights. Breakthroughs in friendship, social networks and community provide cause for celebration under the New Moon.

A Q U A R I U S ( J A N . 20- F E B . 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Breakthroughs arise in conversation under this New Moon. Creative ventures flourish. Network and share opportunities, resources and possibilities. Profit through communications. Express your appreciation.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Professional opportunities shine under this New Moon. Accept new responsibilities as you prepare. Develop your project from idea to reality over the next few weeks. LEO (JULY 23-AUG. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Study with a master. Education, travel and exploration provide exciting discoveries over the next two weeks. Try new cultural views, ideas and flavors. VIRGO (AUG. 23-SEPT. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Find creative ways to grow your family’s nest egg. A lucrative two-week phase dawns with this New Moon. Launch a profitable initiative together.

» SUDOKU

PISCES (FEB. 19-MARCH 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Rake in a fat harvest under this New Moon. Rising prosperity beckons. Begin a profitable two-week phase. Keep your promises and deadlines.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black’s legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @lindablack. For more astrological interpretations visit Linda Black Horoscopes and 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.)

FFRIDAY R I DAY APRIL 5, 2019

Entertainment

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www.manilatimes.net

D E R E K R A M S AY O N S I G N I N G W I T H G M A N E T W O R K :

‘They’re safe with me as I’m safe with them’ I

F anyone dares to roll their eyes at the news that multitalented and sought-after leading man Derek Ramsay has signed with GMA Network after going from ABSCBN to TV5 over the last decade and a half, they better think again. Because really, if the question of loyalty and commitment should ever be raised when it comes to Derek Ramsay, his track record will show that he has fulkLLED EVERY SINGLE CONTRACT HE S MADE IN HIS almost 20-year career in showbusiness. (E DEkNITELY HAD A GOOD RUN with the Kapamilya Network [2005 to 2010] which made him the Derek Ramsay we know today, but when his contract ended, it was simply fair game that he— along with so many other major celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, Ogie Alcasid and even Superstar Nora Aunor — signed up with television’s erstwhile “next-big-thing� with tycoon Manny Pangilinan’s buyout of TV5. But among the major celebrities who jumped ship to TV5 when it was still the hot ticket, everyone knows it was Derek who stayed with them to the very end even as the network’s promising plans went south. In fact, he even renewed his contract for another three years [from 2012 to 2015 and then 2015 to 2018] and stuck with them as their only remaining bignamed artist, when everyone else had already moved on. In fact, it took one of the sexiest male actors — if not the sexiest — in tinseltown a good year before even signing up with GMA to restart his TV career. And on Wednesday, at his grand Kapuso welcome, Derek candidly talked

THE T-ZONE TESSA MAURICIO -ARRIOLA about the events that led him to where his heart and talent feels safe today.

How does it feel to be here at GMA Network today?

I’m on a high that’s really, really high. The secret’s been with me for a few months now and I’m so happy that I can actually get it out now and share it with everyone. I don’t know if a lot of people know this but GMA is really where I started when I hosted a segment for “Eat Bulaga� in the early 2000s. It was called “Pool Watch� and you can probably only call it “parttime hosting� but just that short STINT WAS WHAT GAVE ME THE CONkdence to be in front of the camera and be in front of so many people, and it made me who I am today. Can you describe the Derek Ramsay you are today? Naging mature na ako [laughs]. I’m still the same Derek from 15 to 20 years ago na naka sando,

board shorts but I’ve become more mature in a sense that I’ve really fallen in love with my craft and I really want to better myself in everything that I do. I’ve come a long way with acting, hosting but I’m still a sponge trying to absorb so much more to better myself.

here in the Philippines and then getting to represent our country in Cleveland, Ohio and meeting the greatest golfer of all time, Jack Nicklaus, and winning that competition too. But I guess medyo too late na to pursue yung pagiging pro-golfer How did signing up with GMA so after giving my hundred percent to that, I realized it was time to go Network come about? 7E HAD A GREAT TIME ON OUR kRST back to my other passion in acting. And GMA was patient enough meeting [with the GMA excutives]. My parents and I had dinner with to give me the time to think about them and it was all positive con- it, and prepare [for a comeback] versations about who I am, what mentally kasi hindi biro yung plans they had for me if I agreed bumalik sa ganitong klaseng trato join them and so on. It was baho na kahit pagod ka you have really about getting to know me to be fully prepared to give the and family and they understood best of you. How did you eventually decide how signing up would be a big transition for me because at that to say yes to their offer? 9OU KNOW RIGHT AFTER THAT kRST time, it had been six or seven months that hinahabol ko yung meeting ang gaan ng pakiramdam, dream ko to become a profes- but I still had to sit down and sional golfer. That’s why I wasn’t think about it. And usually, lumain the [showbiz] scene for some lapit ako sa parents ko for advice time and my heart my mind was but this time the advice came right focused on that. away. It was my mom who came John [Estrada] and I were going to me and said, “Anak, you should for it after winning competitions DO IT )T S A PERFECT kT FOR YOU u

HE now familiar “Tekla bun� has been temporarily put away to give comedian Super Tekla a new look for his movie debut titled “Kiko and Lala.� While almost done with the shoot, Tekla still can’t believe he’s been given the lead role in a big screen project and describes the experience AS BOTH NERVE WRACKING AND FULkLLING With one day left on the set, Tekla told Showbuzz, “I really enjoyed our shooting. Ang gaan-gaan kasi enjoy lahat. Even our on cam scenes are really funny. May kanya-kanya kasing ad lib kaya sobrang nakakatawa at very natural.� He is very grateful to start with his supporting cast with no less than the Comedy Queen, Ai Ai delas Alas, leading the pack. “Of course, I take my hats off to Mama Ai-Ai for agreeing to be in this movie. Talagang I can feel her support.

Ang sarap nga ng mga batuhan namin ng linya. Si Tetay, isa pang sobrang masarap kakulitan sa mga eksena namin. Tapos si Kim Domingo, si Kiray Celis, ang babait nila at ang gagaling. At si Derrick Monasterio, nagulat ako. Mahusay siyang mag-comedy. May mga hirit siya na natatawa ako. I’m sure pag napanood nila ‘yung movie, talagang tatawa sila.� With his emotions constantly shifting from excitement to nervousness, Tekla talks about the latter again:

“Nakakatakot talaga kasi parang

launching movie ko ito. ‘Yung panlaban ko lang dito is I know I gave my all. Ibinigay ko ang husay. Ibinuhos ko na lahat ng pwede. I am still new in the industry, sobrang Totoy ko pa but the break has come so I decided to take on this very big challenge.� Tekla plays a dual role in the movie as Kiko and Lala — twins with very

SHOWBUZZ

Matalino siya and siya rin ang number one fan ko.

Whenever I post something, she will like it and share it agad-agad. And she understands my job. Minsan sa school, may nambu-bully sa kanya because her schoolmates see me on TV and sumasagot siya

LHAR SANTIAGO

talaga. Alam niya kung ano sasabihin to defend me,� Tekla beamed.

ng tatawa sa mga eksena namin. Ang saya talaga,� Tekla promised.

NNN At Glaiza de Castro’s contract signing as the newest ambassador of Symply G hair and skin products, the actress admitted that her Irish suitor $AVID IS NOW OFkCIALLY HER BOYFRIEND Showbuzz admits we have been

Q Comedian Super Tekla

Q Boxer Floyd Mayweather

As he spends most of the summer busy promoting the movie, Tekla doesn’t see any time to go on vacation since there are plans for a new TV series right after. This is on top of the hit talk show The Boobay and Tekla show which he co-hosts.

privy to the early stages of their courtship before they decided to take the next step in September. It can be recalled that this column was THE kRST TO WRITE ABOUT THE STORY OF Glaiza and David. You read it here kRST AND 3HOWBUZZ IS TRULY HAPPY for the couple. 4ELLING US MORE 'LAIZA QUIETLY lEW to the UK last month to surprise David along with his sisters for his birthday. The boyfriend was very touched and happy indeed, especially since he found the opportunity to introduce Glaiza to his parents.

“Sige lang, tanggap lang tayo ng tanggap ng trabaho. Strike while the iron is hot. Hindi naman forever na may dadating na trabaho. Bago man lang tayo lumaylay, at least I will have

saved enough already.� Tekla is actually saving for the future of his 10-year-old daughter Aira.

In turn, when you gave them your decision what did you promise them from your end?

It wasn’t so much a promise as making them feel that they’re safe with me and assuring them I’m going to give them everything I can — my 200 percent in everything that I do — and it’s really just returning what they’ve made me feel from the beginning that’

Q Derek Ramsay gets a big welcome from GMA executives EVP and CFO Felipe Yalong, President and COO Gilberto Duavit, Jr., Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe Gozon and SVP for EG Lilybeth Rasonable with his talent manager Jojie Dingcong.

“I’m so proud of her.

different personalities. “As Kiko, I am the macho type. GGSS ako dito — ’guwapong-guapo sa sarili.’ Si Kim ang love interest ko as Kiko. My character naman as Lala is the typical gay na sobrang makulit pero may pangarap. Ang love naman ni Lala is Derrick. Ay, panoorin n’yo kami ni Derrick. I’m sure tatawa kayo

and with mistakes in the past I’ve learned that you should always listen to your mom. [Laughs]. And yon din yung iniisip ko with konting pakipot but when they all said they think it’ll be good for me, I said yes, and I feel really good about this decision.

I’ll also be safe with them.

Do you already have projects lined up for your TV come back? Meron na! I’m starting a project on April 10 and this is one I really like because it's very risky and different and I always like a challenge. When it comes to acting projects, ayoko yung naman safe na material so this one’s quite darING AND kLLED WITH DRAMA ) ALSO get to work with somebody new and very excited about it. I’m working with Andrea Torres in a series called “The Better Woman� and the executives were actually surprised that when we kRST MET ABOUT IT AT 4HE -ANILA Pen, I said to them on the same day, “I’m in!� because that’s how much I like the material.

What else do you look forward to with this new beginning at GMA Network?

A new look for Super Tekla; Mayweather's 'beauty treatment' T

Q 'I like challenging projects and that’s what I found here at the Kapuso Network.'

She’s actually taking a course in London in July and looks forward to seeing David more often. Although he’s based in Northern Ireland, Glaiza said, “Sweet ‘yun so I will not be surprised if he shows-up suddenly in the campus or at my place. Siyempre matutuwa ako,� Glaiza enthused. In the meantime, while Glaiza is waiting for the date of her departure to London, she will continue to accept TV projects, such as the one she’s doing now as guest artist in “Sahaya.� She plays teacher to the character of Bianca Umali. “I will also be shooting a commercial for Symply G as their new endorser together with Kyline Alcantara,� Glaiza related. “This endorsement actually came at the perfect time when nasira ang buhok ko. My manager, who’s also the manager of Kyline gave me Symply G shampoo and conditioner and when I used it, aba OK. As you can see, I’m now sporting longer and healthier hair, which is why I agreed to the endorsement because their products really work.� NNN SHORTS... Undefeated boxing champ Floyd Mayweather had a great time in his short vacation in the Philippines this week. Besides spending time in Boracay, however, he also lEW TO -ANILA SPECIkCALLY TO GET A Thermage treatment from the Belo Clinic in Makati. “I chose to have Thermage because it makes me look more manly,� he said after his session. The famous boxer also said, “This is my second time in the Philippines I always enjoy my stay. It’s a great country with great people.�

“What I noticed sa Kapuso, they always take risks. They don’t just serve the same thing on the table all the time. And that’s the way that I am, I like taking risks. The bigger the risk, the bigger the possible success. It’s gotten me to where I am now. I like challenging projects and that’s what I found here at GMA, plus the fact that they’re starting to produce movies again, which just makes all this the perfect time to happen.

Âťcheers! Ging Reyes returns to New York Festivals FROM being a previous winner news personality in the Filipino at the New York Festivals (NYF), community in the US, she exABS-CBN executive Ging Reyes is panded the news operations of taking on a new role in the pres- ABS-CBN in the US and Canada, tigious contest as a member of contributing to the global content the 2019 Grand Jury for the NYF needs of ABS-CBN. Meanwhile, after taking home Television & Film Competition. Joining Reyes who is presently a gold, silver and bronze medal head of ABS-CBN Integrated News at the NYF in 2018, ABS-CBN and Current Affairs, is fellow is up for three more awards executive and past NYF winner, this year with its current affairs Robert Labayen, head of ABS-CBN program “Mission Possibleâ€? Integrated Creative Communica- [episode “Kapit Lang Anakâ€?] a kNALIST IN THE "EST 0UBLIC !FFAIRS tions Management (CCM). Reyes also sits in the 2019 NYF Program Category. The television plug for the same Advisory Board with 18 other esepisode titled “Elsa and Sarah,â€? teemed leaders in media. produced by ABS-CBN CCM, A seasoned news execualso earned a nomination tive, Reyes has more than in the Station/Image Pro30 years’ experience as motion category, while, a broadcast journalist. ABS-CBN DocuCenShe joined ABS-CBN tral’s “Local Legendsâ€? in 1986 as a producfurther made it to the tion assistant, rose from kNAL ROUND OF JUDGthe ranks to become ing in the Biogexecutive producer raphy/Profiles and head writer of category. the award-winning The New “The World ToYork Festival’s nightâ€? and other World’s Best special events, TV and Films and eventucompetition ally director honors profor news programming in all duction. Prior lengths and forms to her appointfrom over 50 counment as the news chief of ABS-CBN, tries with categories she also headed that mirror today’s ABS-CBN’S North global trends, and America News Buencourage the next reau from 2002 to Q Veteran news executive generation of story2010. A premier Ging Reyes. tellers and talents.

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